morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2022-09-17
From: Long Pond Lean To

To: Pleasant river campground 
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

I am up at 6 in the half light. I follow my usual routine: go to the privy, get my food and wash bags down from the bear line, brush my teeth and make coffee.  I eat a giant honey bun for breakfast. I hit the trail at 7 and it¢s straight uphill to Barren Mountain (2670ft) and onto the ridge, where I¢ll be going over three more mountain summits before descending to tonight¢s campsite by the Pleasant River.  I am not making this up: the barren mountain is called Barren Mountain and the pleasant river is called Pleasant River.  This is Maine and folks like plain speaking!None of the mountains are that big but all together they provide over 4800ft of ascent and a bit more descent that that for me today.  It¢s a roller coaster of a 15 mile day. I am in a good mood: the sun is shining; my socks are dry; and Fulham beat Nottingham Forest last night.  Life doesn¢t get much better than this! To add to these joys, the forest is beautiful and is perhaps the most sensational section of the AT that I have hiked.  I feel like Frodo Baggins in Lord of the Rings, wandering though the forest of the Ents.  The forest floor is carpeted in thick green and sometimes silver moss and lichen, giving these ancient woods a magical air. It¢s a long and tiring day but perhaps one of the best of my adventure. At the last wide river before camp, I ford it in my crocs. There¢s a little gang of happy hikers putting their shoes and socks back on when I cross. And it¢s lovely to chat for half a mile or so before I turn off my campsite.I¢ve decided to end my hike on a high at the end of this fabulous wilderness.  If I return to complete the AT I have Georgia to Harpers Ferry, and the section in Maine I skipped to do.  So as I will need to come back to Maine it feels right to leave the famous ending and that photo at the summit until the very end of my adventure.
Date: 2022-09-18
From: Pleasant river campground 

To: Logan Pond Lean To
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

I wake up at 5.45 to rain on my tent.  I put my waterproof kilt and jacket on and head for the privy.  It is dry and it is tempting to stay there all day. I make coffee inside my tent and eat my breakfast honeybun.  I manage to pack my rucksack inside my tent, though this is a slow process.   This leaves just my tent to pack. As I step our of my tent, Sod¢s law dictates that the rain gets much heavier.  My tent gets soaked and I roll it up with puddles of water on it. It won¢t fit in its sack, so I stow it wet on top of my pack.  I have two rubbish sacks in the pack to keep my clothes and bedding dry and additional dry bags for my sleeping bag and clothes. I start hiking in a t shirt and shorts and my waterproofs. It¢s miserable  weather but the trail is forgiving and I gamble on being able to make 12.5 miles and 4000 ft elevation to get over the last mountains in the 100 mile wilderness.  It¢s 7.45 when I leave and I make good time climbing the 1000ft to the Carl Newhall Lean To, and make the 4 miles or so by 10.20.  It¢s cold and I am already soaked through. I take off my wet t shirt and put on a long sleeved hoodie.  I dry the inside f my rain jacket with my towel and set off again. The climb up Gulf Hagas (2683 ft) Mountain and then West Peak (3181ft) warms me up.  They are kind ascents with summits in trees so there¢s no view but more importantly no wind chill. I continue up Hay Mountain (3244ft) , where the rain stops and gives me a window to get up White Cap Mountain (3644 ft) and over it¢s exposed summit in the dry. At the summit, I text Shaw¢s hostel to confirm I am on schedule for my food drop tomorrow at noon.  And let Fiona know I am OK.  I get down the 1.4 miles to the Logan Brook Lean To at pace. I am first there and get my sleeping pad and bag set up in the corner. It¢s only a 6 person shelter and within an hour or so it is full. Other hikers arrive in yet more rain and have to look for tent spots. Everyone has soaking tents from last night so sleeping in a tent tonight will not be pleasant. More rain is forecast for the next few days so it seems I am going to have to suck up some wet and cold weather for my final days on the trail.  At least there are no more mountains and the trial will become fairly flat until Katahdin.
Date: 2022-09-19
From: Logan Pond Lean To

To: Antlers Campsite 
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

I wake about 5.50 in the crowded shelter.  Birthday Girl (who must be in her late 60s/early 70s)  has beaten me to the Privy so I lie in my sleeping bag pondering the day ahead.  I head to the privy as soon as she returns.  Thankfully it is not raining this am and another hiker says forecast is for heavy rain after 3pm but dry before that. I pack away my tent which I hung to dry out. It¢s much drier than it was but still wet.  I eat instant porridge and drink coffee, and set off a little after 7am. I hike 8.2 miles to Johnson Pond Road for my food pick up. It¢s mostly downhill except for the hump of Little Boardman mountain. I¢m almost an hour early for my food pick up. Poet arrives at 11.45 with my bucket of provisions, takes my trash and gives me a can of beer.  I check my new food - wishing I had bought more - and drink the beer.  I am celebrating hitting the 1000 mile mark for my hike, which has kept me going as a target these last few weeks.  The trail becomes flat or gently downhill for almost 12 miles.  There are some captivating waterfalls, streams and lakes along the way so I stop occasionally to take photos. It takes me less than 4 hours to cover the distance and I¢m in camp as it starts to rain jest before 4pm  I get my tent erected quickly whilst it¢s only spitting rain, drying the floor inside with my towel.  It starts to rain harder and I cook and eat my freeze dried mushroom risotto in my tent vestibule.  It¢s going to be a long night
Date: 2022-03-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Arranging to not be home for 4-5 months is quite an undertaking. Packing my backpack was the easy task. Setting up to be gone, now that's another story. My original start date was April 1st, but had to move it to the 7th so the friend taking me could hike a few days with me.
Date: 2022-04-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

I started my AT trek in 2011 when I turned 50. I have since been back twice and have hiked about 50 miles short of Damascus Virginia. This is my year to finish! I currently have an AT map on my refrigerator for inspiration. Tana and I will be driving to Black Bear Lodge for an overnight and start on the trail Friday April 8th. More later!
Date: 2022-04-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

The Drive! Tana was ar my house by 6:00 am. April 7th Thursday. We left shortly after. The drive was smooth with a little rain and some traffic in the hills. We stopped at Subway for subs to take to the Black Bear Lodge. We arrived there about 7:00pm. Once we got checked in, Linda (the owner) asked us if we knew it was going to thunderstorm and snow? Surprise! That will be a story for tomorrow or Saturday.
Date: 2022-04-08
From: Dennis cove road

To: Somewhere near Watauga dam
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

April 8thLeft Black Bear Lodge at 8:00am. We hiked about 11 miles today, stopped just past Watauga Lake. Beautiful views all day! Sizeable incline upto Pond Flats, I have to get used to the inclines. We had snow. Thunderstorms are predicted for tonight and tomorrow morning. About 4:00 I felt like we were pushing our luck with the weather we found a nice spot. As SOON as our tents were up it rained. Peanut butter and jelly for dinner with some almonds on the side.More tomorrowEdna (no trail name yet)
Date: 2022-04-09
From: Somewhere near Watauga dam

To: Near Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

April 9th Today we left camp a little late 9:00am. We had to clean snow off of our tents and then prepare for a wet and snowing day. It rained and snowed all night last night, very chilly. Today we hiked 9 miles, most in snow. I will say there were 3 blizzards. This is the first time that I was truly thankful that i had on rain gear! Most the time I just sweat, not today! Only saw a few people today. Met a young man and his dog Juniper. Talked with him awhile. While we took a long lunch at the Vandeventer shelter a mom and her 3 daughters came in. They were thru hiking also. Hope to see them again. We set up our tents about 5:00 pm very shortly after another blizzard. Hoping for warmer weather tomorrow.
Date: 2022-04-10
From: Near Vandeventer Shelter

To: TN 91
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light snow

Left our warm tents grudgingly about 8:30am to hike in the fresh fallen snow. I was afraid of falling. The views were amazing! We hiked about 10.5 miles today to TN 91. When we arrived there was a guy handing out power drinks. "Trail Magic" This is where Tana got pick up to go home. I got a shuttle to the "Rabbit Hole", this is a hostel. I was hoping for a shower but it was out of order. I am here with the mom and 3 kids. Mother goose, thumper, chopsticks and far out. Nice family from Texas. The hostel took us into town for burgers and fries and then to the Dollar General for resupply. He will be bringing coffee at 7:00am. Great hiking today!
Date: 2022-04-11
From: TN 91

To: Just past Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

Day 4 April 11First day by myself. It was an awesome day! I started my day with walking through 2 pastures ( no animals). Up, down, flat... repeat. Wildflowers are starting to come out. Spring beauties, yellow and purple violets, trout lilies and one of my favorites, Blood root. Had some trail magic again today. Right in time for lunch, fruit punch. 13.5 miles today. Camping with 3 other people, Sunshine, Daisy and Viking (from Aurora). Glad I'm not alone. 8 miles to Damascus tomorrow. Planning on purchasing new socks. I am still wearing my original backpacking socks. They are thread bare, what was I thinking? More tomorrow. I'm beat.
Date: 2022-04-11
From: TN 91

To: Just past Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: few clouds

Day 4 April 11First day by myself. It was an awesome day! I started my day with walking through 2 pastures ( no animals). Up, down, flat... repeat. Wildflowers are starting to come out. Spring beauties, yellow and purple violets, trout lilies and one of my favorites, Blood root. Had some trail magic again today. Right in time for lunch, fruit punch. 13.5 miles today. Camping with 3 other people, Sunshine, Daisy and Viking (from Aurora). Glad I'm not alone. 8 miles to Damascus tomorrow. Planning on purchasing new socks. I am still wearing my original backpacking socks. They are thread bare, what was I thinking? More tomorrow. I'm beat.
Date: 2022-04-12
From: Just past Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Just after Damascus 
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

Left TN today and entered the state with the most miles, VA with 544. I will be here awhile. I had a list of things I needed to get in Damascus (the trail goes right through town). I fell a little short. I purchased socks, new mattress pad, a hat (photo soon), and lunch at the diner. I also stopped at the Broken Fiddle hostel and took a shower and did my laundry. It was great hiking down into Damascus but what goes down on the trail must go back up. So much for the shower.
Date: 2022-04-13
From: Just after Damascus 

To: Just past lost mountain shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Left my camp at 7:30am. Ups and downs- ascent 3097' descent 2779'. If the whole trail was flat it would be boring. I like to see the views on top and when I'm winding on the trail looking across the expanse to where I'm going. It is awe inspiring and makes me a little dizzy. I fell today. No big deal, I tripped on a rock. Just mud on my knee. Walked on a bike trail for awhile. When she stopped to talk to me, she found that I was going to Maine and took my photo. Camping near a pine forrest tonight.
Date: 2022-04-14
From: Just past lost mountain shelter

To: Mile marker 496
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Climbed up to the top of Buzzard Rock. 3 1/2 miles up took me almost 3 hours.. Great views! Started with a fog, then mist, a drizzle, finished with a sprinkles. I put my rain jacket on but neglected to do the pants. Mistake. I pitched my tent about 1:00pm 8 miles. I am done today. In my tent, reading my book and eating almonds and m&m s.
Date: 2022-04-15
From: Mile marker 496

To: Old orchard shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Left camp at 7:30am. Views all day long. Not to hot, not to cold, perfect. If i would have walked here yesterday as planned, i would have missed it all. I truly believe that was the plan for me. Hiked through Grayson Highlands- I saw the wild Ponies! Best day ever! 15 Ponies spectacular! I also reached the 500 mile point today. I met so many people today including a university group that all had the same backpack as me. I took their photo. I am getting a shuttle tomorrow to resupply and to go to church on Sunday. I am staying at a hostel run by a Baptist church. I have so much to be thankful for.
Date: 2022-04-16
From: Old orchard shelter

To: Troutdale Baptist church hostel 
Miles today: 1.6
Weather: clear sky

Walked 1.6 miles to VA 603 to catch a shuttle with Cole to go to the Troutdale Baptist Church Hostel. Cole also took me to dollar general to resupply. After church tomorrow he will pick me up and take me back to the trail where I left off. Great to get dried out after the short rain this morning. Shower was wonderful! Also washed some clothes and put on the line to dry. There is a guy at the hostel that is riding his bike coast to coast round trip. He just started his trek 2 weeks ago. His wife is traveling in a camper ad doing hiking along the way.
Date: 2022-04-17
From: Va 603

To: Dickey gap
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy Easter! Went to Easter service at 11:00 at the Troutdale Baptist church. I'm not Baptist, but in God's eyes we are all his children. At 12:30pm the minister's wife took me back to the trail. I have been seeing foliage for the dog tooth violet/ Troutdale lily. Today they were blooming ! Surprise they are yellow!
Date: 2022-04-18
From: Dickey gap

To: Troutdale Baptist church hostel 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

0 miles. Terrible night! Rain, sleet and snow again. I have a small leak in my tent. When it started to sleep about 10:00am I took the chance to go to the bathroom and get my Bear bag down. I also decided to pack up and get a ride to the church hostel. Suppose to snow tonight with another storm. No reason to be miserable. I will be able to fix my tent. Mother goose and her kids also came.
Date: 2022-04-19
From: Dickey gap

To: Partnership shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: light snow

Left the hostel for the final time after a winter storm about 9:00am. A little late for me but still hiked 13.9 miles by 5:00. Snow was covering the ground. I am so over the snow photos so I am posting a photo I took from inside my hostel room. All license plates represent the states I will pass through. I am in Virginia.
Date: 2022-04-20
From: Partnership shelter

To: Settlers museum
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: broken clouds

8:30am Took the Marion free transit shuttle to Walmart and Ingles to get a few things. Sat at McDonald's for the wifi. The bus picked us up at 11:00 and brought us back. I left to hike at 11:30. Lots of inclines today. Staying at the Settlers museum and one room school house. Flush toilets, running water and cell service. Saw this gnome on the trail. POINT!
Date: 2022-04-21
From: Settlers museum

To: Quarter way inn
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Didn't sleep well last night. No idea why, but I was so tired hiking today. About 2500 ascent and 2500 descent. Walked through woods, pastures, a Meadow and even saw a train (75 cars)stopped at the Quarter Way Inn. (I'm a quarter of the way done). Shower felt great! It is nice to have clean clothes.
Date: 2022-04-22
From: Quarter way inn

To: Pond and stream
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Left the Inn at 8:00am I was unsure about spending the money for the Inn (40). It was well spent. Great Recharge! Happy Earth day! Good news, I have a trail name ( Gourmet). I normally don't eat typical trail dehydrated food. I usually eat ham cheese on a tortilla. I also purchase a few pieces of fresh fruit. Today reminded me of the book "Walking with Spring " by Earl Shaffer. I get to hike and see the foliage come to life. I had to climb over three of these ladder things today.
Date: 2022-04-23
From: Pond and stream

To: Hunting camp creek
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

I'm not complaining but it's been hot. Hiking in the low 80's is tough. I left camp about 7:30am. The hoped for perfect sunrise didn't rise where I thought it. Nice but not great. There will be more. Mid way through my hike today a trail angel left much needed hydration, 20 gallons of water. The best of all.... I saw a bear! Sorry no picture, they are fast.
Date: 2022-04-25
From:  Campsite

To: Trent's grocery
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

Hiking began at 6:45 am. Another hot day, high of 82. Decided early that I was going to hike a bit and then get a shuttle to Trent 's grocery. Trent's is a grocery, grill, general store, gas station, shuttle service and he has 1 room with a shower, tub, sink, flush toilet, washer and dryer, all for $30. I had a hamburger, fries, pint of ice cream and a ginger ale. Today I hit 600 miles. Sorry no picture. I didn't realize how recharged I would feel after a shower. Photo is of the patch I had to put on my pants after I fell.
Date: 2022-04-26
From: Trent's grocery

To: Campsite near Dismal Creek
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: clear sky

It is supposed to rain all day today. I have a campsite near water picked out. A wise man once told me "you always need to camp by water". I barely made it. My heels are killing me. When I get to Pearisburg I am going to look into slackpacking. That is where you hike without your pack and your pack meets you there. I am also going to send some things home. Saw a turtle on the trail today. I moved him off the trail so he wouldn't get stepped on.
Date: 2022-04-27
From: Campsite near Dismal Creek

To: Woods Hole Hostel 
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Started hiking at 7:00am. Absolutely a beautiful day to hike. It was in the 50's with a breeze. Decided to stay at the hostel today and tomorrow. I need to rest my feet. My heels are giving me trouble. I am also going to do a few days of slackpacking. That is where you hike with very little ( rain gear, water and food) and the shuttle your pack to your destination. I am also sending some things home to lighten my load. Woods Hile Hostel is one of the oldest Hostels on the AT and one of the favorites. Saw these wheels on the trail today and just wondered.
Date: 2022-04-28
From: Woods Hole Hostel 

To: Woods Hole Hostel 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today I spent relaxing at the Woods Hole Hostel. I went into town with Neville (the owner), she had a few stops to make and one of them was walmart. I needed to get some inserts in hopes that they will help my feet. We also made stops at the farm implement store, the hardware store, recycling place, dropped off some backpacks, dropped off a hiker at the grocery store, picked up eggs at a farm. At 4:00 she does a short yoga session. I did this. Busy lady! Saw a fantastic sunrise right from my tent. I knew it would happen! She has pigs, cows and goats here. She also grows the vegetables that she cooks the meals with. Excellent place to take a 0 day. I may not have hiked today but I am still on an adventure!
Date: 2022-04-29
From: Woods Hole Hostel 

To: Cross ave
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Breakfast at Wood's Hole Hostel is at 8. Great breakfast! I left hiking at 9:00. Saw some of the best views. Saw a deer. Lots of new wildflowers: yellow bellwort, white nodding trillium, jack in the pulpit, sweet williams and blooming May apples. I had high hopes that the zero day at the hostel, new inserts and slack packing today would turn my feet into feet I recognize and can hike with. Sad to say this wasn't the case. Hiking with achy heels did something to my right hip. By the time I got to Cross Ave I couldn't even walk. I called my daughter (driving home from Florida) and asked her to see where the closest train station was so I could come home. Her and her husband decided to come and pick me up. I booked a room at the MacArthur Inn.
Date: 2022-04-30
To: Home 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Matt, Hanna and the kids arrived at the MacArthur Inn about midnight. We left in the the morning and it rained most of the drive. I am extremely grateful that they made the diversion to pick me up. Evan and Harper both help me walk. I am not sure when I will be able to walk normally. I am hoping to see a chiropractor sometime next week. This journey on the Appalachian trail has been a dream of mine and I am sad to see it end. It just didn't have the ending I was hoping for, but it was an adventure.
Date: 2022-04-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

So we've finally had a day above 50 degrees and no wind where I can finish waterproofing the tent and rain cover. I can also debug my outer clothing and gear. I had started the waterproofing in the garage, but getting into a cold car, that had to sit outside the garage, on Sunday morning was no fun. I missed my warm car!To debug I spray it with Permethrin. Yes, I know. Bad chemicals!, but I don't want any insect travelers (mainly ticks and mosquitos) hanging onto me for a free ride and sharing whatever lovely diseases they might be carrying.We printed out our gear lists yesterday and began laying out gear and re-weighing things. An ounce doesn't sound like much but you sure think about it when you are dragging it up 4000 or more feet of mountain!
Date: 2022-04-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

So today has been spent packing, weighing, and adjusting. We laid out each day's meals. David determines his by calorie count. I determine mine by looking at the food and saying "Hm. That looks good. I'll eat that." We were able to split the meals out into our 3 waterproof Sea to Summit bags and keep each bag between 5-6 pounds. The first couple days on the trail are always murder when you have full food bags. Trying to hang them in the trees, to discourage the bears, is hard too. There have been a number of times where David had to push the bags up into the air while I pulled on the rope (slung over a high tree branch) to get them high enough. Knock on wood, we haven't lost a food bag to bears yet. Let's hope we can keep that record going.I weighed my pack and was thrilled when it came in at only 26.6 pounds! Then I realized that I didn't have my water bottles in it. Fully loaded it comes in at 29.7 pounds. Those uphill climbs tomorrow are going to be fun. (Note sarcasm) Will have to put David's pack weight in tomorrow. He is getting in his last fix of the old TV show "Dallas" before we hit the trail. Good thing I was able to finish "Bridgerton" before we left! :)