morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-01
From: Low Gap - Tent site

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

Starting my second month today. Hard to believe I've been out here for a month already. Didn't sleep at all last night, due to setting up my tent on uneven ground. Was up and hiking by 0830. The four of us left at different times this morning so I hiked by myself all day. Other than meeting up for lunch we weren't together again until the end of the day, when we all got to the shelter. It was a beautiful day for hiking, sunny skies and it didn't get to hot. The terrain want bad either. Took several pictures today and stopped frequently to filter water. A hiker that I've never seen before past me and I later found out that a few hundred yards of him passing me he had a bear run across the trail in front of him, just my luck. I really want to see a bear, but I know my time will come. The only thing I saw today was a large group of butterflies. Several of us at the shelter tonight and since there is no rain expected I set my tent up on a nice flat spot, besides the shelter was very small. I would much prefer to sleep in my tent rather than the shelters, but it's such a pain to pack up a wet tent in the morning. I hiked today with my earphones in, listening to music. I was in a zone, just hiking and having a good time. It was a good day today and I'm looking forward to getting some sleep tonight. Tomorrow will be a Nero hiking about 7 miles into Erwin, TN for resupply.
Date: 2015-04-02
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostil - Erwin, Tennessee
Miles today: 6.2

Slept great last night in my tent, which happened to be on flat ground. We all got up pretty early, as we wanted to get into Erwin, Tennessee which was just over 6 miles away. We figured if we could get there and checked into the hostile, it would be pretty much like a zero. We would have most of the day to get our stuff done and just relax and then head back out to the trail in the morning. We started hiking around 0730. The sun was coming up and it looked like the start to another good hiking day. Most of our hike was downhill, as it usually is when your coming into a town. Took some nice pictures from the mountains of Erwin and the Nolichucky River. We got to the Hostil around 1030 and the 4 of us got a cabin for the same price as a bunk in the bunkhouse $20. We did our laundry, got showers and another friend of "Fbomb's", a retired Master Sergrant from the Marine Corp, drove 2 hours from South Carolina and took us all out to lunch at an AYCE salad and pizza buffet at the Pizza Plus in town, where we also did our resupply at the Dollar General Store. We will be catching the shuttle around 1600 to go back in town for dinner. We're a little over a hundred miles from Damascus, Virginia and are pushing to be there in about 7-9 days where we will zero
Date: 2015-04-03
From: Uncle Johnny's Hostil - Erwin, Tennessee

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Left the hostile and started hiking at 0830. Good hike for most of the day. Rain on and off. We had trail magic at Indian Grave Gap. I grabbed a couple pieces of fresh fruit, which is something I don't get much of out on the trail. Reached Cherry Gap Shelter about 1700. Had a Mountain House Beef Stew for dinner, it was pretty tasty. I also will be keeping the bag and will be cooking out of that instead of my pot because it is easier to clean. Looking at another 17 plus mile day tomorrow. Overall it was a great day. Crossed a bridge that was built by the Boy Scouts as an Eagle Project in 1999
Date: 2015-04-04
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

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

Hiked 17.5 miles today. Today was pretty uneventful. Hiked to and stayed the night at Roan High Knob Shelter. This is the highest shelter on the entire AT sitting at 6194'. Today's hike was very windy and cold. It got colder the higher we went. There were ice cycles hanging off the trees and rocks. No pictures taken today. By the time we got to the shelter, everyone was so cold, we ate and everyone was in their sleeping bags by 7pm. I'm glad by bag is rated to -15. I was warm all night.
Date: 2015-04-05
From: Roan Knob Shelter

To: Mountain Harbour Hostile 
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a very cold night in the shelter, the coldest night so far on the trail. There was ice on the trail for about 2 miles after we left the shelter. The sun came out by 1000 and warmed things up. Great pictures today as we crossed Round Bald and Jane Bald. Beautiful panoramic 360 views of the mountains. Absolutely breath taking. We ate lunch today at Overmountain Shelter, one of the most popular shelters on the entire trail. It is a Big 2 story barn in a field setting. We left North Carolina for good today at mile marker 390.8 at Doll Flatts. We stopped for the night at Mountain Harbor Hostile bed and breakfast. Since it was Easter, the home owner fed us dinner for free. This was a feast to die for, the best meal I've had on the trail so far. Breakfast buffet in the morning then back to the trail. This is a fantastic place and I'm seriously thinking about bringing my wife down here when I'm done hiking for a long weekend. I think she would like it!
Date: 2015-04-06
From: Mountain Harbour Hostile 

To: Black Bear Resort
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: broken clouds

Left the hostel at around 0830. Walked the .3 miles back to the trail and started our hike for the day. The plan was to hike about 12.5 miles to the Vango/Abby Memorial Hostel. We crossed the 400 mile mark today. Hard to believe I've gone that far. Never was in a position today for much of a view from anywhere. Mau hurt his foot about a mile before our scheduled hostile stop, so we kind of hurried to the hostel only to find it closed. After about 30-45 minutes I finally got signal on my cell phone and made a call to the Black Bear Resort and Hostel and they drove 30 minutes to pick us up. Once back at the hostel Mau took his boot off and his foot was swollen and red. We're hoping it's not that bad of an injury. For the first time since I started I decided not to wear my sock liners because they make my feet sweat big time which causes them not to smell the greatest. While going today I could feel a blister growing on my left foot. Lesson learned, I guess I will deal with the sweaty stinky feet if it means I stay blister free.
Date: 2015-04-07
From: Black Bear Resort

To: USFS 293
Miles today: 11.0

To give Mau's foot time to heal a little and since there was a thunderstorm headed into the area we decided that we would stay another night at the hostel, but didn't want to zero, so we did a 11 mile slack pack. We got a ride from the owners of the hostel back to where they picked us up yesterday and hiked back to the hostile. The terrain itself wasn't that bad today, which was good for Mau. What was bad, was the rain and thunderstorms. Walking the ridge line of a mountain with torrential downpours during a thunderstorm holding onto 2 metal hiking poles is not my idea of a good time, I got pretty nervous a couple of times and just prayed that today was not my day! I had both rain pants and parka on and still got absolutely soaked. We didn't do bad tho, we hiked 11 miles in 4 hours on a very muddy and slippery trail. We never took a break. I think everyone just wanted to get back to the hostile for a hot shower. We're going to have 3 long days of hiking ahead of us to make it into Damascus by Friday since we didn't hike many miles today, but we're all enjoying a warm and dry bunk tonight!
Date: 2015-04-08
From: USFS 293

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: overcast clouds

On trail by 0710. Sunny and mid 70's. Hiked 17.7 miles to Vandeventer Shelter. Us four plus Biscuit, Chef, Drifter and Werewolf here at the shelter. Had great pictures at Laurel Falls. And Watuaga Lake. Terrain was pretty good today. Still no Bears, although the terrain we were in today had warnings out for high bear activity. I ran out of water today about an hour before we reached the shelter. It was hot and I was dying of thirst. The first thing I did was filter water and re-hydrated. I enjoyed today greatly.
Date: 2015-04-09
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Damascus, Virginia
Miles today: 33.6

Woke up and moving at 0755. Was a great day for hiking. Was sunny and warm. We were stopping at every water source we came across and made sure we drank plenty of water today. The plan for today was to hike to Abingdon Gap Shelter. There was a chance for Thunderstorms tonight and we wanted to get big mileage in today, leaving for a short day into Damascus tomorrow. By the time we hit the shelter there was already 4 people there and the shelter only holds 6. We were all feeling pretty good and with thunder in the distance we all decided to make the push into Damascus tonight. It was just before 6pm when we got yo the shelter, so we new we would be going in the dark go make it into town. Those 10 miles into town took their toll on us. We were totally exhausted and sore by the time we reached the edge of town. I did reach several goals today. I got my first 20 and 30 mile days today, plus 2 hours of night hiking.
Date: 2015-04-10
From: Damascus, Virginia

To: Damascus, Virginia - Dancing Bear Bed and Breakfas
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is a Zero Day. Mau and I are splitting a nice room at a very nice bed and breakfast. I had to get a new set of shoes today because my Keen's started to come apart. I called customer service today and was informed that there was nothing they could do. I was very disappointed. I will never buy another Keen product, they apparently don't stand behind their shoes! I've got 2 blisters, 1 on each heel from yesterday's long hike, so I'm glad we are taking a couple days to rest up. I also have to get a haircut while in town, I can't deal with this long hair. My hair hasn't been this long since high school.
Date: 2015-04-11
From: Damascus, Virginia - Dancing Bear Bed and Breakfas

To: Damascus, Virginia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another zero. Slept pretty good last night, something I'm not used to on the trail. Cleaned my equipment and resupplied, all set to hit the trail again. We ate lunch today at an AYCE pizza and salad buffet, and Dirt time picked up the tab......thank you very much and Happy Anniversary. Pretty much just relaxed today and letting the blisters heal. I would like to thank everyone following my journal for your comments and advice. I read everyone of them when I get signal. I feel blessed and honored to have so many people following me, thanks again!
Date: 2015-04-12
From: Damascus, Virginia

To: Damascus, Virginia
Miles today: 0.0

Today is our last zero. Will be headed back to the trail tomorrow. The rest has done me good. My legs feel strong, I still have blisters, but they are healing. I hope the new shoes will hold up on the trail and keep me blister free. After several long mileage days it always feels good to take a day or two off, but I have the itch to start hiking again. You can't make it to Maine unless your on the trail. I'm looking forward to hiking the fourth state. The forecast for the next week is.........you guessed it, RAIN! We had lunch today provided by the VFW in Abingdon. Fbomb and Mau were interviewed by the news in regards to their fund raiser for their friend killed in Afghanistan. Please check out their website at karellahikeat.org
Date: 2015-04-13
From: Damascus, Virginia

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

Had breakfast this morning at Dancing Bear. Really enjoyed staying here. Melissa is a great host and I would highly recommend this place to future hikers. After breakfast we grabbed our packs and we're back on the trail, we had to walk about 1/2 mile of the trail thru the north end of town before it cut back into the woods. Fbomb had another one of his Marine buddies he served with (Opey) come out for about 4-5 days. The last time we saw him was as we entered the woods. He never made it to the shelter. Hopefully he figured out this wasn't going to be his thing and called for someone to come pick him up. We hiked 15.6 miles today to the Lost Mountain Shelter. Several people were already at this small (sleeps 8) shelter. So I pitched my tent and did my usual nightly duties of getting water and fixing dinner then I crawled in my tent. I'm hoping the rain their calling for holds off till the morning. I hate packing up a wet tent. My pack is already heavy from re supplying and I don't need to carry extra rain water tomorrow. On a good note, my new shoes felt great! So did my new hip belt on my pack. I felt like a well oiled machine. Even my blisters didn't bother me today. I've been studying the AT Guide and I'm hoping I can be in Daleville on May 1st. So my wife and son can come down. I haven't seen them since March 1st and really miss them. That's been the hardest part about this hike so far.
Date: 2015-04-14
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: moderate rain

Had a good night sleep in tent, usually do, because I don't have to listen to all the snoring. It started to rain about 3am. I know this because that's about the time I had to use the bathroom. I must be getting old or have a prostate problem because I'm finding that lately I have to get up at least once during the night. I got up and started packing around 7am. Packed up everything inside tent then moved my pack to the shelter and then packed up a very wet tent. Had a honey bun for breakfast then headed out. I've been hiking in shorts for past 3 days as I stay a little cooler while hiking. Today was no different, shorts and t-shirt, no rain gear. It didn't take long before I was soaked, but it was in low 60's so I wasn't cold. I crossed the 500 mile mark today. Only have to do that 4 more times. Entered the Grayson Highland State Park today where the wild ponies are and it didn't take very long before I had 9 of them within a few feet of me. One of them came right up to me and sniffed my camera as I was taking pictures. Only paused a few minutes there, just long enough to take pictures because it started raining hard and at times appeared to be raining sideways. About a mile before my destination at Wise Shelter the wind really picked up and the temps started to fall, making it chilly. By the time I got to the shelter I was cold. Shelter was full so I set my still wet tent up and climbed inside. I ate in my tent tonight. Long day hiking due to all the rocks! You really have to take your time when walking on them. Mau and Fbomb apparently stopped for the night about 5 miles back due to the weather. They should catch up tomorrow at some point. Rumor has it that Freshgrounds is going to be at Fox Creek tommorow about 8 miles north. Can't wait to get there for some great food!
Date: 2015-04-15
From: Wise Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to rain at 6am. Had no motivation to get up and start packing in the rain. I just laid there in my sleeping bag. About 7 I heard others start to leave. I finally got up around 730 and packed everything up while still in my tent. I moved my pack to the shelter and noticed I was the only one here. I grabbed my tent and moved the hole thing into the shelter and shook as much water off as possible and then broke it down and packed it. I started hiking by 0910. Within minutes after leaving the shelter I took a hard fall on my right side, hurt like crazy, but no blood or broken bones. Probably some real pretty bruises tomorrow. The trail was a real mess today. Mud, rocks, roots, and rain. Everything was slippery and to top it off water was running right down the trail, so it was like walking in 2inches of water all day. Stopped at Old Orchard Shelter and had lunch around 1230. Saw Dirt time at Hurricane Mnt. Shelter and he said he was staying there. Haven't seen Fbomb or Mau since yesterday morning. Came across some trail magic at Dickey Gap. There was a guy there that had all kinds of junk food on the back of his van. I grabbed a yahoo chocolate milk and a moon pie, thanked him and went in my way. Made it to Trimpi Shelter and set my tent up in the rain. Everything was soaked, but once inside I made the best of the situation. I skipped dinner tonight and just climbed in my bag because I was cold. I will be making my way into Marion,VA. Tomorrow to resupply and hopefully dry out a little. Today was just one of those days where you just hike since there was nothing to see.
Date: 2015-04-16
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Mt. Rogers Visitor Center
Miles today: 9.9

Rain stopped at some point during the night. Packed up a very wet and muddy tent and was on the trail by 0815. I only had 9.9 miles to go today to get to the Mt. Rogers Visitor Center and catch a ride into Marion for resupply, (thanks for the info Slowpoke). The terrain into the visitor center wasn't bad, but my hands were getting cold, I could tell the temps. were falling. I only saw 4 guys today on the trail, they all appeared to be just out on a short section hike. My thoughts today were on my family and home and how much I missed them, I kept wondering if I was doing the right thing by being out on the trail instead of being at home. I know I've put a tremendous burden on my family by hiking the AT. I called/text my wife several times today over the short 9.9 miles telling her that maybe I should come home and that I missed her. When I reached the visitor center I caught the shuttle into Marion,VA. for .50 and got a room at the Econolodge. I spent most of the night talking to my wife, listening to her telling me to stay on the trail. It ended with her telling me that she was coming down for the weekend. I can't wait to see her.
Date: 2015-04-17
From: Mt. Rogers Visitor Center

To: Econolodge- Marion,VA.
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a zero. My wife drove down from Michigan to spend the weekend with me. She pulled into town shortly after 3pm and I was one happy hiker, it was the first time I've seen her since she dropped me off at Springer on March 1st. We spent the night catching up and her convincing me to stay on the trail. Had dinner at an Italian restaurant and introduced her to Fbomb, Mau and Dirt time. I was so happy to see her and it was exactly what I needed!
Date: 2015-04-18
From: Econolodge- Marion,VA.

To: Econolodge- Marion,VA.
Miles today: 0.0

Today was another day. We gave Noname and MacGyver a ride back to the trail this morning along with Fbomb, Mau and Dirt time. I took Jody up to the Mt. Rogers visitor center and she got to walk about 100 yards of the AT to the Partnership Shelter. Houdini and his girlfriend were there and we gave them a ride back into town. Spent the rest of the day getting my resupply for the next 5-6 days, which should get me into Perisburg. Then it was just spending time with my wife, it will be the last time I see her until she brings my son out to hike sometime in June. She will drive me back to the trail head at the Mt. Rogers visitor center first thing in the morning before beginning her 9 hour drive back home. I'm so thankful I got to see my wife and spend the last 2 days with her, I wish my son could have come. I will be fully energized tomorrow when I hit the trail. After taking so many zeros between Damascus and here it will be time to get back to some serious hiking. My new goal is to be in a position to summit Katadin around the middle of August so my son can be with me.
Date: 2015-04-19
From: Econolodge- Marion,VA.

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: moderate rain

Jody dropped me off at the trail head at Mt. Rogers Visitor Center at 0730. We said our goodby's which was very hard, I didn't want her to leave yet, but I knew she had a 9 hour drive back home and didn't want her driving all day. I enjoyed the time I had with her and was very appreciative of her driving down. I watched her drive away and then headed north. It almost immediately started to rain as I started hiking. My plan was to hike about 17 miles and pitch my tent somewhere, but watching the weather this morning I knew it was going to rain all day and night with thunderstorms in the afternoon. The weather forecast was for up to an inch of rain. I hiked to the Chatfield Shelter only 6.7 miles from where jody dropped me off. The shelter was empty and it was pouring rain. I sat in the shelter for a few minutes trying to decide what to do. I finally decided that I was just going to stay here for the night. My other option was to hike another 4 miles into Atkins and get a hotel room, which I wasn't going to do, or hike close to another 20 miles to the next shelter, and I didn't feel like hiking all day in the pouring rain. I felt real guilty stopping for the day so early and only hiking 6 miles, but sometimes common sense out weighs trying to do big mile days. Shortly after getting to the shelter a group of college kids stopped and immediately lit up a joint. I hate the smell of that stuff. Thankfully, they moved on after about 15 miles headed into town. Tribute and his girlfriend also showed up and decided to stay. I'll get my miles tomorrow, but for the time being i am dry.
Date: 2015-04-20
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 18.9

It rained most of the night and hard. Up and hiking by 0745. Trail was muddy and slippery and all the streams, creeks and rivers are so swollen and flooded from all the rain water, making them difficult and challenging to cross. My boots and socks were completely soaked in about 20 minutes. I came up to a power line and was hesitant to go underneath it like the trail did because it was buzzing. I stopped at the Lindamood school. It was unlocked and there was a sign on the door telling hikers there was trail magic inside. I found a cooler full of coke and lots of fresh fruit. I grabbed a coke and banana, took some pictures and moved on. I wanted to go through the museum that was next door, but they were closed. Came across a river today that I had to cross. I could tell from the rapids that the water was moving with a lot of force. I took my boots/socks off and put on my camp shoes and very carefully moved across the river. I unbuckled my waist belt and loosened my shoulder straps just in case I fell in, I wouldn't drown. The water was freezing cold, but I made it to the other side, changed back into my boots and kept on going. I reached the Knot Maul Branch Shelter around 1730. I wanted to go another 2 miles to a tent site, but I had some pretty good chin splints and decided that I've gone far enough today. 5 other hikers here tonight. Had mashed potatoes with bacon bits and a salami and cheese tortilla wrap for dinner. Time for bed. Overall it was a good day.........NO RAIN!