morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-10
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Great night, really comfortable in my tent. Cooked a hot breakfast and made coffee before the short hike to Hot Springs. Arriving at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn, I retrieved my mail drop but found there was no room to stay there. I phoned the Alpine Motel just down the street and secured their last room for myself, Hoosier and Hodge Podge. Clean and tidy and there was a laundry next door, not to mention a good restaurant down the street.On the way into town we were caught in a thunderstorm, but soon dried out. Life is good. Tomorrow it's back into the woods.
Date: 2009-04-11
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Pretty big storm roared thru last night and the sky was cloudy this morning, Walked down to the "Smoky Mountain Diner" for a huge breakfast (Couldn't eat it all) and on the trail by 9 a.m. Today had a steep climb out of the French Broad River gorge with a good view of Hot Springs below. As elevation was gained we found ourselves hiking in a cold cloud pretty much all day. As we arrived at the shelter we noted a good number of hikers (some just out for the weekend). I elected to tent (much warmer than the shelter) and since the shelter was full it was the only option. After a hot dinner I retreated to my little home away from home for the night. Cold, 39 degrees. Forcast is for sun and 60's tomorrow. We'll see.
Date: 2009-04-12
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Day started cold but clear. Sun was coming up with a clear blue sky. Temperature soon warmed up until I was in short sleeves. Stopped for lunch at Little Laurel Shelter. Soon after lunch we climbed to an exposed ridge at 4400 feet. This was a traverse across pretty much a knife edge, climbing over huge bolders. My legs got a little rubbery as I looked down, so, I quit looking down and just consentrated on where I placed each foot. Finally, after about a mile we once again descended to a more normal trail. It became a plesant hike to the shelter. Decided to use the shelter tonight as the forcast is for rain overnight and all day tomorrow. Might as well start out dry. The shelter is crowded. Oh, well.
Date: 2009-04-13
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

During the night the wind howled and rain beat down on the tin roof of the shelter. When I awoke in the morning, the wind was still blowing 30+ mph. But no rain. Today's hike took me through some really pretty mountain views with streams and waterfalls. The rain started again as I approached the shelter. There were 3 spaces left in the shelter so Hoosier, Hodge Podge and I grabbed them. Some other hikers came in later and tented in the rain. Tomorrow's forcast is for more of the same...40's and rain. Bah, humbug. I feel as if I'm being tested every day.
Date: 2009-04-14
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

Another cold damp night squeezed in the shelter. Up and at 'em and on the trail by 8 a.m. Today's short 10 miles had a lot of climbing up to 5500 feet to "Big Bald". As I crossed this really large mountain bald there was still some snow here and there. Within minutes of arriving at the Bald Mountain Shelter it began to really pour. I am so sick of all this cold rain. The trail is muddy and slick and everything I have is just wet or damp and won't dry out. I long for a sunny warm day! As I write this at 3 p.m. it's raining and the fog is rolling in. Forcast for tomorrow is rain. It least I'm in a shelter. Things could be worse. Every day is a new test.
Date: 2009-04-15
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke to another damp cold, foggy morning. My fingers were frozen by the time I got packed up. Didn't sleep well (much snoring). I miss my quiet tent. I hate this weather. Today's hike was pretty easy but I don't seem to have much energy. Will make Erwin, Tenessee tomorrow. Town food! Yea! I hope my energy will return. A little sun would help.
Date: 2009-04-16
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin, Tennessee
Miles today: 6.3

Wow! What a difference a sunny day makes on my mood! Awoke to a blue sky and warm sun. As I hiked down the mountain the warmer it became (general rule is that you lose 3-4 degrees for every 1000 feet in elevation). By 11 a.m. I was in shorts and a T-shirt. Checked in at "Uncle Johnnie's" and will be sharing a little cabin with Hoosier and Hodge Podge. The hostel ran a shuttle to town (2 miles) where we ate lunch at a all you can eat pizza joint (included a salad bar) all for $5.95. Did laundry, picked up my maildrop and will be going back to town for dinner. Tomorrow it'll be a long difficult hike back out of the river gorge. But...that's tomorrow.
Date: 2009-04-17
From: Erwin, Tennessee

To: Deep Gap campsite
Miles today: 12.1

Got an early start today. Weather was beautiful with a high of 73. Long climb out of the river gorge. Seemed like I climbed all day. My pack was really heavy with 5 days of food. I'm trying to eat more each day as I am losing quite a bit of weight. I weighed 197 when I left Springer Mountain and yesterday I weighed 178. It's hard to eat more calories than you expend each day. The campsite tonight is nice with a good spring close by as the water source.It's good to be back in my little tent. Tomorrow the first part of the day will be a climb over Unaka Mountain at 5180 ft. Supposed to be another great weather day. Rain expected Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Oh, well.
Date: 2009-04-18
From: Deep Gap campsite

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow! Yet another perfect day! Today I decided to hike solo. I have been struggling to keep up with Hoosier and Hodge Podge in the climbs. It turned out to be a good decision. The 14 miles was a joy.   Just going my own pace. I arrived about 1/2 hour behind them at the shelter, feeling pretty fresh. You've got to hike your own hike and everybody out here understands that. I also really enjoyed the solitude. I saw quite a few weekend hikers out today enjoying the great weather. Forcast calls for thunder showers tomorrow. I'm in my tent again tonight. Tomorrow I'll go over Roan Mountain at 6285 feet, a big climb. Hoping for a clear day for the views. I plan to stay at the Overmountain Shelter tomorrow night. It's an old barn converted to a shelter and is supposed to be pretty neat. Another good day today. Life is good.
Date: 2009-04-19
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day started out nice but as I started to climb over Roan Mountain the rain started and so did the wind. Got worse and worse. Just miserable. Fell once on the slick trail. I ate lunch at the Roan High Shelter (highest on the AT at 6285 feet). It was so cold I didn't stay long. Finally, I arrived at the Overmountain Shelter. Cold and wet. Found a spot in the loft of the converted old barn. It was very drafty in the high wind, so I set up my tent on the floor and crawled in. You could actually feel the building shake in the wind. I finally got warm. Forcast is for more rain and cold temperatures tomorrow but I'm only going 9 miles to the Mountain Harbor Hostel. Hopefully, I'll do laundry, dry out and get a maildrop that will take me to Damascus, VA. Looking forward to meeting Becky there and taking a couple of days off the trail. I'll also be shopping for a new pack as mine is falling apart.
Date: 2009-04-20
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountain Harbor Hostel
Miles today: 9.2

Putting up my tent in the loft of the barn was a good idea. I stayed warm in the drafty loft. The wind howled all night. Day broke with a little sun and no rain. Yea! Todays's hike began with two pretty tough climbs, the some rock hopping and finally some really great trail that I could speed along on. Made it to the Mountain Harbor Hostel and B&B. I secured a room in a B&B (really nice) Hoosier and Hodge Podge grabbed the last two beds in the hostel (also really nice). After a shower, laundry and a trip to town for a huge hamburger I'm settled in for the night. Life is good. This is a great place to stay. Tomorrow starts a 5-day leg to Damascus, VA. Another goal in sight.
Date: 2009-04-21
From: Mountain Harbor Hostel

To: Mountianeer Shelter
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: moderate rain

Had a fabulous breakfast this morning at Mountain Harbor. This is one of the best hostel/B&B's on the trail so far.The hike today was only 8.7 miles but it was just beautiful. I took my time and really enjoyed it. Tomorrow the hike will be much longer (17.5 miles). Hoping for good weather. My right shoulder was really hurting today. I think I've aggravated an old ski injury. I'm only using one hiking pole and that seems to help. It's always something...the pain of the day.
Date: 2009-04-22
From: Mountianeer Shelter

To: Laurel Fork Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

Woke up to snow on the ground again. Cold, temperature in the 30's but the sun is out. Long hike today, 17.5 miles and another record for me. The scenery today was fabulous. Some pretty exciting rock climbing and very narrow ledges to negotiate. All in all a great day on the AT. Weather tomorrow is supposed to be fine. I'm really piling up some miles on this section to Damascus. Tonight me, Hodge Podge and Hoosier have the shelter all to ourselves. It's a neat shelter perched on a high cliff, overlooking the Laurel Fork River.
Date: 2009-04-23
From: Laurel Fork Shelter

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

Beautiful day today. 75 degrees. Hike was much more difficult than I had expected. I think my legs had not recovered the long day yesterday. The shelter here was packed and lots of people camping but I found a good spot to set up my tent that had a killer view. Everybody is looking forward to Damascus. It'll be early to bed for me.
Date: 2009-04-24
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Up early and had a great sunrise to view. On the trail by 7:45 a.m. Today's hike was relatively easy compared to yesterday. Tonight I thought I was the only person at Double Springs Shelter, but "Truck'n" came in later. I had a nice campsite right by a good spring. Everyone else wanted to get closer to Damascus to get there early tomorrow. I had planned to hike the 18.5 miles in one oush and make it my longest day so far. Becky is going to hike south from Damascus so we'll meet on the trail. Pretty cool. I'm really looking forward to seeing her.
Date: 2009-04-25
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

Today was my longest day so far. It was wonderful to see Becky "Basecamp" Hoover who hiked 4 miles out of town to meet me on the trail and it was fun to hike back to Damascus together. The trail goes right through the center of town. We caught up with Hoosier and Hodge Podge at the hostel where they planned to spend the night. We sat on the porch and shared a few beers and some baked treats Becky had brought from home. We then motored off to nearby Abington to our motel. The rooms were a gift from our friends Tom and Kathy McAllister. They live in closeby North Carolina and plan to meet us for lunch tomorrow.I'm so looking forward to two rest days here. I'm lightening up my pack by sending several items I haven't used at all. Also, my pack is falling apart, so I'll be shopping for a new one. It's great to be here!
Date: 2009-04-28
From: Damascus, VA

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: clear sky

Short hike today from Damascus. Wanted to test my new Gregory pack that was loaded with a fresh supply of food. It was great. It isn't any lighter, but the suspension is designed to carry the weight and it fits me very well. I have a strange new pain in my right hip and I hope it goes away. The pain of the day.Tenting tonight in perfect weather. Thunderstorms forcast for tomorrow. The shelter is filling up. Hoosier and Hodge Podge left town yesterday so It's doubtful if I'll see them again. They are hiking pretty fast. I miss Becky already. No cell service either.
Date: 2009-04-29
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Whitetop Mountain Road
Miles today: 12.1

Todays hike went thru some interesting countryside and a challenging climb to 5100 feet. I decided that I'd just find a place to camp near Whitetop Road at the top of the mountain as there appeared to be a storm forming. Luck was on my side as I got to a good spot right next to a good spring. The storm was headed my way and fast.   I hurredly got the tent up in the nick of time and jumped inside just as it hit with a fury. Life is good! I wanted so bad to call Becky, but no cell service up here. Bummer. My new pack is working out just fine, and the sun is coming back out, so I'll fix so dinner before bed. I'll be alone up here tonight.
Date: 2009-04-30
From: Whitetop Mountain Road

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Wild night last night. Wind began blowing very hard and the rain continued all night. Thunder and lightning. Didn't get much sleep with all the noise. The rain let up about 6 a.m. so i got up and fixed some breakfast in the tent vestibule. Once I went outside, it was so foggy I could only see a few feet.Today's hike was over Mt. Rogers, Virginia's highest peak at 5729 feet. After Mt. Rogers I entered the Grayson Highlands and was lucky enough to see some of the famous wild ponies that live up here.I was glad to get down off the high elevation and the cold rain that persisted all day. Desending to the shelter where I got stuff dryed out a little. Forcast is for rain everyday thru the weekend. Darn.
Date: 2009-05-01
From: Wise Shelter

To: Hurricane Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Another milestone day, I hit the 500 mile mark! All in all a pleasant hike even if it started in the rain. Sky cleared up in the afternoon and I shed all my rain gear. So nice.I've not been feeling really well since the hike into Damascus. Some kind of intestinal issue. No appitite and just feeling not quite well. But today things seemed to be picking up and my energy level is improving as well.Tonight the shelter is full, but a nice group including a couple from Columbus who are thru hiking. The shelter is really nice. New and well built.
Date: 2009-05-02
From: Hurricane Mountain Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light rain

Great nights sleep in a very nice shelter. Got up early and was the second one out on the trail. About 5 miles down the trail I came to a road and 5 of us hitched a ride in a pickup truck to Troutville, VA for lunch at Jerry's Restaurant. What a good choice. So far this was the very best lunch on the trail, plus the owner shuttled us all back to the trail. A really good day!
Date: 2009-05-03
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Marion, VA
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: moderate rain

Today's hike was pretty smooth and I arrived at the Partnership Shelter by 11:30 a.m. I'm not staying there tonight, but hitching into Marion, VA. I need to re-supply, do laundry and eat some town food.I secured a room at the Virginia Inn (nice place)and arranged for a shuttle back to the trail tomorrow. Still raining every day.
Date: 2009-05-04
From: Marion, VA

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke to more rain. Just pouring down. I decided to delay my return to the trail for an hour. Hoping it might stop and it did. The hike today was an easy 11.5 miles to Atkins, VA and another motel. Two in a row. Wow, I'm living life large. A early hiking companion, "Slagline" caught up with me today and I was really glad to see him. Had a nice dinner with him and "Swift". There's a lot of really interesting folks out here. "Slagline", a retired project manager for GE and "Swift" a retired lawyer and Sr. Vice President of the nations largest lumber company. Out here, we're all just hikers. Two nights ago I spent an evening in a shelter with "Skyking", a pilot who owns a collection of vintage airplanes and operates a chain of bowling alleys. Virginia is a beautiful state to hike in (even in the rain).
Date: 2009-05-05
From: Atkins, VA

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Another rainy day. Had a good breakfast at the "Barn Restaurant" and chatted with Slagline. He was going to 0 today. I headed out.Hiked in the rain pretty much all day. Was first into the shelter, but it soon filled up. Fixed dinner and was in for the night. Tomorrow I want to do a 19 mile day if possible. Forcast is for more rain.
Date: 2009-05-06
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: moderate rain

Today was another record day, 19 miles. Fairly difficult and made more difficult because of the heavy rain. Bah, humbug. I'm sick of rain. Nine straight days of rain. It really starts to wear on you. Everything is wet or damp. My stuff is muddy. I want some sunshine. Only four of us in the shelter tonight. Hung stuff up, but it won't dry out.
Date: 2009-05-07
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Last night we had the worst storm so far. The rain was sheeting down against the shelter and on the tin roof. During the night there was a terrific boom of thunder and a flash of light and the four of us in the shelter sat bolt upright! It struck very close,By morning the rain had stopped but the trail was very muddy and slick. Stream crossings were difficult as they were full and swift.Arriving at the shelter there was only one other hiker, "Almond Joy", an Israeli. He is an interesting guy. Young and just out of the army. I keep meeting some very interesting folks out here.
Date: 2009-05-08
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: VA 606 (Trent's Store)
Miles today: 16.3

Had a great hike today. Felt great and it was a beautiful day. Camped tonight behind "Trent's Store". Good food and a wonderful group of hikers here tonight. "Rehab" from Pennsylvania, "Skyking" from Mississippi and the 3 "Smith Brothers" from New Jersey. Excellent companions, good conversation, some beer and a campfire made a swell evening. Oh, and the daily thunderstorm sent us all racing for our tents! 10 straight days of rain!!!
Date: 2009-05-09
From: VA 606 (Trent's Store)

To: Doc's Nob Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: light rain

It stormed all night long. Thunder and lightening and sheeting rain. I had to pack up in the rain. Went to the store for a good breakfast and waited until about 8:30 when the rain finally stopped. Didn't rain during my hike, but, it had rained so much during the night that the trail was like walking in a river. There were many, many stream crossings this morning that had to be waded because of flooding, The streams were extremely swift and much care was needed to keep your feet from being swept out from under you. Needless to say, I had wet feet all day. Ugh!The hike was just darn hard and I didn't get to the shelter until 5:30 p.m. and I was wiped. Got the whole shelter to myself. Oh, as I'm writing this it's pouring rain again. Twelve straight days of rain. Going to Perisburg, VA tomorrow and getting a motel room to dry out.   Think I'll take a 0 day on Monday. I need it.
Date: 2009-05-10
From: Doc's Nob Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: scattered clouds

The day broke with a blue sky and a chilly temperature, 48 degrees. Slept well and had and absoutely great hike into Pearisburg. Temperature rose to 72 degrees and sunny as I walked into town. Caught a ride to the motel with "Samwise's" mom as she was dropping him off at the trail after he had spent a couple of 0 days in town with her. "Samwise" was one of the people that I shared the first night on the trail with at Stover Creek Shelter back in Georgia. What luck! Life is good. Tomorrow will be my 4th 0 day and I'm really looking forward to just hanging out and eating good food. Let my body recouperate a little. Got some big miles in the next section.
Date: 2009-05-12
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a great 0 day yesterday, one that had some surprises. I heard a knock on my door around noon. Opened it and found 3 of my best friends from North Carolina. Tom McAllister, Andy Michael and his dad, Bud. They were returning home after spending the weekend at my home in Columbus, Ohio, where they had ridden the annual Tour of The Scioto River Valley (TOSRV) bicycle tour. I have ridden this event for the past 35 years (most of them with these guys) but was missing it this year because of my hike. They treated me to lunch and we all had some stories to tell.Got on the trail early today and was treated to perfect weather. Not a cloud in the sky. There was a pretty tough climb out of the New River Valley to over 3000 feet and then a long run across the ridge. A long day but nice.
Date: 2009-05-13
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

Another tough day. Weather was again beautiful. Two challenging climbs and a very rocky trail. Very difficult to hike on and one misstep could result in a trip-ending injury. Made for slow progress. Did not arrive at the shelter until 6 p.m. and was very tired.
Date: 2009-05-14
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up really early. Not on purpose. Seems as there was this hiker (someone I'd not seen or met prior to last night) who announced as we we were settling down for the night, that "he was an early riser." Well, most of us were.   Usually up by 6-6:30 a.m. But he says "I get up at 4:30 a.m." OK, we all assumed he'd be quiet and not disturb the rest of us. Ha! He rattled his pots and pans, dropped stuff and just generally made a ton of noise. And...to top it off, he jumped back into the shelter and grunted thru 30 or so push ups before taking off. What a jerk! I for one was delighted he didn't show up at the shelter tonight. One night was enough for me.Today the route took me over a really cool ridge with great views and some exciting rock climbing.
Date: 2009-05-15
From: Niday Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night the shelter filled up and a lot of people were in tents. Heavy thunder storm last night.Today's short hike took me up to the mountain top where Audie Murphy's monument was placed. It marked the spot where he was killed in a plane crash in 1971. He was the most decorated soldier in World War Two. It was wonderful to see the Laurel in bloom. Shelter will be full again tonight. Tomorrow I'm going to stop in Catawba, VA to visit the "Home Place" Restaurant. An all you can eat (AYCE) restaurant that is pretty famous for the quality and quantity of food.
Date: 2009-05-16
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Catawba Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: few clouds

Today was a really interesting day. The hike took me over "Dragon's Tooth" and the descent down the backside was pretty challenging. It was extremely steep and required sliding over huge rocks on my butt, hoping my butt would get a grip before I catapulted over the edge. In other spots it was hand over hand. While fun and interesting, it was also dangerous and I was glad to be down in one piece.I got off the trail at a road crossing and hiked a quarter mile to a store that served great cheeseburgers. At 12 miles I again got off the trail and hitched a ride into Catawba, VA and had dinner at the "Homeplace". A wonderful homestyle AYCE restaurant. But here's the best...the folks that picked me and 3 other hikers up, not only delivered us to the restaurant but handed up $40 to pay for our dinners! The food was fabulous. Upon leaving the restaurant, another couple offered to take me back to the trail. What a great day and what nice people. Hiked on to the shelter where it was just me and two other hikers in for the night. Truly one of my best days on the trail.