morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-04
From: Atkins VA

To: Atkins VA
Miles today: 0.0

May 4Atkins VA Zero DayI was up early and went up to the Barn for breakfast. Saw 5 Star, Pops, Sunny and Gypsy. Then went back to hotel to start drying out gear and cleaning up. I had my tent out to dry out and was ordering some online supplies. I wasn't paying too much attention to my surroundings, when the owners son came and pointed out that it was raining on my tent.   In my 2009 hike I stayed at a hostel run by Rambunny and Aqua. I called Rambunny and had nice talk, but learned that Aqua has serious health challenges.   I had nice lunch at the Mexican restaurant and saw Mama Bear, Moose and Raw. And on the way back to the hotel ran into Bean and hub who had trail magic for Berk. I bummed a ride into "town", 3 miles away to visit PO and Dollar General   Got all my business done and yogied a ride back to motel. Tried to pay for the hitch but guy refused and seemed miffed I even suggested paying. I checked my drying work and noticed shoes and insoles need a lot more attention. Most everything else will be ok tonite. I got Berk a hog bone but she really wasn't all that interested in it. I've had the heat on at highest setting to speed up the equipment drying, slammed a good number of vitamin C and have been chugging Tylenol cold medicine most of the day. I'm tired and we're going to bedLife is Good!
Date: 2016-05-06
From: Atkins VA

To: Atkins VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

I thought I was getting better Thurs and was looking to get back on the trail today.... NOT. Last night was a terrible night. Still coughing and expelling gunk, still slamming Vit C and OTC cough syrup. But what was most disturbing was problems with GI and urinary tract. Fearing a UTI infection, I decided to go see a doctor. I called the pharmacyies in Marion to see if they had a "doc in a box". No, butt there was an Urgent Care Center at the county hospital, but it didn't open until 4 pm. That was okay as there was a 2:45 metro shuttle to town; but the last ride back left at 6:00 pm. I got there early and completed all the paperwork. I was soon seen by a NP. No strep, but BP and glucosewas over the top. Key suspect is all the corn syrup in the cough medicine I got an Rx for cough pills and just made the 6:00 metro. Had dinner with Queen Sweeper and Ungawa and now getting ready for bed<
Date: 2016-05-07
From: Atkins VA

To: Greenville SC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

If I thought Thurs nite was bad, it was a cakewalk compared to Fri nite. I had been chugging OTC cough and flu syrup and water to flush out all the toxins. Unfortunately, none of the water was being voided. I was in immense pain all night and finally tapped out at about 0600, calling B2 to come pick me up. I said goodbye to Ungawa and Sweeper Queen (she wanted to accompany me to hospital and I was touched, but declined her offer) Got a ride to the hospital ER from motel staff and the first order of business was to try to insert a catheter. After two attempts with two different catheters by the on duty nurse, Nurse Bruno was called in and he succeeded, Immediately drained 1200 cc's (that's 1.2 L!) The doc suggested the flu syrup as the likely culprit that caused my prostate to shut down all my plumbing. I'll be wearing a catheter for 3 more days and monitoring for 3 more after that. I'm at B2"s home and will be seriously resting over the next few days. Right now I'm about 50/50 on a decision to continue hiking or call it a yearSo please hold off on mail drops for now. Thank you for all the positive thoughts and stay tuned for updatesLife is Good!
Date: 2016-05-11
From: Greenville SC

To: Greenville, SC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Went and got catheter removed Tuesday   During my down time I did a lot of thinking about future. Being the good engineer, I even prepared a decision tree. I won¢t go thru all the options and factors, but let me summarize them as follows:Option 1: continue AT hike, with BerkeleyOption 1A: continue AT hike, without BerkeleyOption 2: discontinue AT hikeAfter downselecting to these three options, I then decided to eliminate one. And I was surprised at the one that was eliminated.   I decided to take Berkeley off the trail¢¦Yes my pack was heavier because of her. And yes I had to make special arrangements for places that accommodated dogs. These weren¢t factors at all in the decision. The first factor was her getting overheated. I wasn¢t watching closely enough the first time she got hot, but soon learned to pay much closer attention. She has a thick, black coat, and undercoat, and was feeling the heat. And this was barely May. I¢m certain July and August months would be very difficult for her at best. My biggest fear of the entire hike was her getting bit by a rattlesnake. I asked my vet 3 different times about how to treat this scenario (hoping to get a different answer) and her answer was consistent: get immediate anti-venom treatment at a vet. Her idea of ¢immediate¢ is probably along the order of a couple of hours or less. Realistic times on the AT for ¢immediate¢ is of the order of 1-3 days to get to a town, and since most of these towns do not have vet services, add another day to find a vet. And finally, if I was to become incapacitated on the trail and couldn¢t take care of myself, Berk would be left on her own. However, having been raised feral this is probably not as big a concern as it would be for most other animals.So, my heart sides with Option 1A, get back on the AT, But my head says to get off the trail. I was going to wait until over this week end to make a final decision, but nobody consulted with Mr. Prostate. He didn¢t step up after the catheter removal as expected and I¢m now planning to return home to see a urologist.I¢m sad and happy in many ways.   The sad part is not being able to complete something I started   LL says I¢m stubborn as all get out, a natural Taurus. I prefer the term mental toughness. But on the positive side, I¢ll get to take the granddarlings to camp at my ranch Segundo in June, hike and fish my third year with a group of friends on the CDT in July, maybe a trip to Big Bend in August and then footballs starts in Sept.   Another factor is the tremendous amount of support I¢ve received from the home team. They have fully supported my efforts and have graciously offered to continue to do so. Also my ranch neighbors, Malo Hombre and PinkLady38Spcl, for watching over and caring for my property while I have been away. I¢ll have another post, but right now it looks like my 2016 AT hike is over.Life is Great!
Date: 2014-11-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I moved to Virginia in 2008 from Indiana. Prior to the move I was by no means a hiker. I participated in various sports, i.e., racquetball and running and always looked forward to a challenge, i.e., can I do it. This led me to run marathons, half marathons, 10k, 5K, racquetball tournaments, etc.. My move to Virginia kindled a greater appreciation of outdoor activities. I live within easy driving distance of the AT and proceeded to tackle an ever increasing number of AT day hikes in the Roanoke VA and Southwest VA areas. It didn't hurt that I see McAfee Knob everyday from my deck. This lit the "spark" and the commitment to thru hike the AT, i.e., another challenge. I can honestly say I feel a "calling" to take on this challenge. I hope to have completed a successful career in corporate America by the end of 2016. I am blessed to have a wife of 35+ years who fully supports my dream. I read everything available regarding the AT, absorb all I can through Trail Journal entries, White Blaze and personal contacts. There is much to learn, but with a two year head start I am confident in my commitment and preparation. I only wish I could start sooner.
Date: 2014-11-24
To: Dragon's Tooth to VA 620
Miles today: 0.0

My 2017 AT thru hiking partner and I took advantage of a day off and great weather to hike Dragon's Tooth to VA 620 on November 24, 2014. A distance of approximately 8.5 miles. Great views from Dragon's Tooth back toward McAfee Knob. Felt great to get out and push ourselves. The route to Dragon's Tooth involves hand over hand rock climbing the usage of rebar drilled into the rock, but well worth the effort at the top. Nothing like mountain air to recharge and get us ready for the full AT.
Date: 2014-11-25
To: Cascade Falls
Miles today: 0.0

Another day with great weather. Hiked up to Cascade Falls to Barney's Wall in SW Virginia, near Pembroke VA. Mild weather and virtually no one on the trail. The solitude and scenery are invigorating. Total distance 8 miles, felt great. Picture is stream leading up to Cascade Falls, which has drop off of approximately 60 ft, very impressive.
Date: 2014-12-26
To: AT - Hay Rock
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Everything is in preparation for 2017 thru hike. Today we did an 8 mile hike with 2017 hiking partner ShipShape from Dalevile VA 220 Park and Ride Lot to Hay Rock. It is an 8 mile out and back with climbing early and then ridge walking with views of Carvins Cove. We had a little exitement when we met a gentleman who askedus help him find his dog who had encountered a bear along the AT. One of his dogs had a substantial wound on its neck inflicted by the bear. We found the lost dog and returned him and fortunately did not encounter the bear. Overall a great day to hike.
Date: 2015-01-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

Preparation for 2017 thru hike is alwyas on my mind. I took a major step this week by registering for Appalachian Trail Institute conducted by Warren Doyle. It is scheduled for April 13 -17, 2015. Warren Doyle has sixteen thru hikes under his belt and should have valuable information to share. I am a big believer in tapping into someone else's experience as a learning tool. Looking forward to learning more about myself and the AT.
Date: 2015-01-24
To: Fullhardt Knob Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Preparation hike on January 24, 2015 from Troutville VA to Fullhardt Knob Shelter. Significant temperature and wind change as we gained elevation, along with ice. Out and back hike of 8 miles with approximately 2000 ft elevation change. Hands and fingers got cold on descent - lesson learned use mittens and not gloves. Beautiful blue sky with ice droping from trees as we reached summit and Fullhardt Knob Shelter. Great solitude. All in all a good hike with eye toward 2017!
Date: 2015-03-29
To: North Mountain - March 29, 2014
Miles today: 0.0

Hike with Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club. 12 miles following old AT trail between Dragon's Tooth and Tinker Cliffs. Great views of McAfee Knob. Cold temperature to begin, i.e., 20 but warmed up to 50's by mid afternoon. Lessons learned - I need to utilize mittens on cold mornings as fingers got cold using smartwool liners.
Date: 2015-04-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Participated in Warren Doyle's Appalachian Trail Institute April 13 - 17, 2015, along with 12 other future AT hikers. Located in Mountain City, TN the course consisted of classroom instruction/advice along with three (3) AT hikes in the Damascus/Mt Rogers area. Hikes ranged from 6 - 9 miles. Warren has an immense amount of AT knowledge, i.e., 9 thru hikes and 7 section hikes. I gained valuable information about, hiking poles ( 1 vs. 2), descents, i.e., short steps - palm your hiking pole, tent vs. tarp, clothing, food on trail, etc. He has strong opinions and is not hesitant to share, but great information and I will take it all in and decide what to use, i.e., "hike your own hike." Great group of hikers with three (3) dropping out on the first day. We plan to keep in touch and share our experiences.
Date: 2015-05-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Returned to Mills Run Creek trail on Saturday, May 2, 2015 with my wife Jill. 8 mile round trip hike with 3 waterfalls, long rhododendron tunnels and connection to AT. This hike would be particularly beautiful when rhododendron are in bloom, i.e., early to mid June. Connection to AT is about 2 1/2 miles from Angels Rest. Overall good hike!
Date: 2015-07-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

My plans have changed. I originally planned to wind up my corporate career in late 2016/early 2017 and NOBO 2017. As a result of the acquisition of my employer and the elimination of my position, my plans changed. I am now planning a NOBO 2016 thru hike. Let the plans and preparation begin.
Date: 2015-12-07
To: Preparation Update
Miles today: 0.0

It has been several months since my last journal entry. Since July I have been gearing up both mentally and physically for my 2016 NOBO thru hike. Nothing beats getting out on the trails and I have taken this advice to heart. Preparation hikes include;Carvers Gap TN to Dennis Cove RdBland VA to Pearisburg VATN 91 to Damascus VAVA 603 Fox Creek to Damascus VADragons Tooth VA to Daleville VA, i.e., Virgina AT Triple CrownThese hikes were beneficial to sort out gear, mental preparation and build up hiking legs. Special shout out to "Mountain Dew" for his invaluable advice during many of these hikes. We have developed a special friendship.The Roan Highlands, i.e., Little Hump and Big Hump Mountains are a special place. I look forward to visiting again next spring.Regarding equipment - Big Agnes UL Fly Creek 2 works well, changed sleeping pad to a ThermaRest self inflating with 25 inch width. Osprey Atmos 65 AG is a little heavy, but fits me great and can handle a load, especially with cold weather gear. I may switch to a lighter Osprey as weather warms in 2016.Next hikes are Dennis Cove RD TN to TN 91 planned for mid December.
Date: 2015-12-16
To: Night Hike - Sunrise McAfee Knob
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

As part of a section hike from Dragons Tooth to Andy Layne Trail on December 11 & 12 I had my first night hike and use of headlamp. I stayed at Catawba Shelter on December 11. I got up at 5:30 AM on December 12 and decided to hike the 1.9 miles to McAfee Knob to view sunrise. This was a first for me, i.e., hiking using headlamp. I left the shelter at 6 AM. Fortunately, I had some familiarity with the trail, but you must may close attention to every step to prevent a fall. I made it to McAfee Knob about 6:45 AM for a 7:15 AM sunrise. Was I surprised when I arrived. There must have been 30 -40 people at McAfee Knob, mostly Virginia Tech students. Camping is not permitted on McAfee Knob, but my guess is that this was ignored by a significant number of hikers. Sunrise was good, but not spectacular, but I felt good that I made it for sunrise and did it with headlamp, i.e., another lesson learned for 2016 NOBO.
Date: 2015-12-21
To: Dennis Cove Rd - TN 91
Miles today: 0.0

This hike was all about cold weather hiking. We camped at Pond Flats campsite on top of Pond Mountain after a 5 mile hike up from Dennis Cove Road. Beautiful area around Laurel Falls, including a steep descent down a series of rock steps. I am always amazed and impressed with the work that AT trail maintainers perform. There must have been a 100 hand placed/positioned rock steps leading you to Laurel Falls. It would be a great swimming hole in warmer weather. The wind started to pick up and snow flurries started as we begin ascent up Pond Mountain. Big Agnes UL Fly Creek 2 and REI Igneo sleeping bag performed well with the exception of my feet. I wore 2 pair of socks, but feet were cold during the night.It was snowing, windy and a low of 20 degrees. Lesson learned - best thing to do on a cold morning is to get packed as quickly as possible and start hiking as a means to warm up. We descended to Watauga Lake and hiked all day (12.5 miles) with the lake in view on our way to Vandeventer Shelter including a few climbs with many outstanding views.Temperatures in the 40's. Highly recommend Vandeventer Shelter for great cliff views behind the shelter of Watauga Lake. "Mountain Dew" and "Checker" even had Christmas lights for their tent and presents, including a cold beer. We awoke on December 20 to an outstanding sunrise and on to TN 91 a distance of 11.7 miles. This section of the AT was relatively flat and passed Iron Mountain shelter (lunch) and the Nick Grandstaff Memorial.All in all a great hike with "Mountain Dew", "Checker" and "Red Card". Good experience with colder weather conditions.Special shout out to "Sheep Dog" for her shuttle and outstanding assistance in going above and beyond."Onward & Upward"
Date: 2016-01-05
To: 2015 Reflections
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

My original plan was a 2017 NOBO thru hike. However, the acquisition of my employer impacted my position and created the opportunity to plan and prepare for a 2016 NOBO thru hike. I turned 60 in August 2015 and do not want to miss this opportunity to life my dream. I do not want to look back and wish I did a thru hike, now is the time!In terms of planning and preparation I attended Warren Doyle's Appalachian Trail Institute in April 2015. It was a learning experience with Doyle stressing that the AT is difficult and a successful hiker must adapt to the trail, i.e., the AT is the AT and it will not change, I have to change and adapt to be successful.My preparation hikes included; Carvers Gap TN to Damascus VA., Bland VA to Pearisburg VA, Dragons Tooth to Daleville Va and numerous overnight and day hikes in and around Roanoke Va. Great opportunity to test myself on various terrain, distances, along with weather variations, including snow. Also several lessons learned regarding gear. I changed my sleeping pad to a Thermarest Evo Lite and my cook system to MSR Pocket Rocket. Very happy with Big Agnes UL Fly Creek 2 and Osprey Atmos 65 AG pack. On all hikes I was able to keep pack weight including food and water under 30 lbs.In addition to regular hikes I maintain a regular cardio and weight training regimen at my local YMCA, taking full advantage of an Incline Treadmill, which allows me to adjust it to a 30 degree incline. I believe this has helped with uphill sections and is a big contributor to me losing 20 lbs since August. I feel great and my knees notice the difference.My current plan is to commence my NOBO from Springer Mountain on March 23, 2016. I registered with the ATC for this date. However, I am considering moving my departure date to the March 7 - 11 time frame.I plan to continue preparation hikes with the Roanoke ATC and maintain my YMCA workouts.Honestly, I am anxious to start.
Date: 2016-01-07
To: Audie Murphy
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Participated in a 8 mile preparation hike on January 6 with Roanoke ATC up to Audie Murphy Memorial. Audie Murphy was the most decorated US soldier during WWII and a Medal of Honor recipient. He died in a plane crash near this site in 1971. Good preparation hike with a cold start, i.e., 11 degrees when we started.Seriously considering moving my NOBO start date up to March 7 - 11 time frame
Date: 2016-01-11
To: Trail Maintenance
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I performed trail maintenance with 6 members of the Roanoke ATC. I believe anyone who utilizes the AT should periodically perform trail maintenance. Without the dedicated volunteers from local AT clubs the AT hiking experience would not be what we have come to expect. Kudos to the multitude of volunteers who maintain the AT with little recognition.We worked on a section of the AT leading to McAfee Knob, working on drainage issues and repairing steps. It was low 20's when we started at 8:30 AM, but with the sun out and minimal wind it was a pleasant day to work.I continue to rethink my start date, i.e., move from March 23 to March 9. Countdown continues with less than 2 months to go. I cannot wait to get started!
Date: 2016-01-15
To: Barbour Creek Wilderness Area
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Participated in a hike with Roanoke ATC on Janaury 15, 2016. Hike was in the Barbour Creek Wilderness Area on a trail built in the 1980's, but not maintained. It gives you a greater appreciation for all the work that the local AT clubs perform to maintain the AT. This hike while not difficult from a mileage standpoint, i.e., 8 miles had significant bushwacking and rock scrambling and was tough. Beautiful creek flowing through the area. It took us almost 6 hours to cover the distance with an experienced group of hikers.
Date: 2016-01-18
To: Winter Preparation
Miles today: 0.0

I did a 13 mile hike on Sunday, January 17 between Daleville VA and Tinker Cliffs. Temperature was high 20's/low 30's with snow the first 2 hours of the hike. I carried a full pack with approximately 28 lbs, including food and water to simulate thru hike conditions. Good preparation in that I encountered snow, ice and mud over the course of the 13 mile hike. Osprey Atmos 65 AG continues to feel great even though it is a heavier pack. I love the feel and the weight is well distributed on my hips. I may take the detachable top off to shave some weight, but am confident this is the right pack for 2016 AT thru hike.Also officially changed my start date from March 23 to March 9. I am anxious to start and want to build in a little extra time cushion. Registered my new start date with ATC.Utilized Guthooks AT guide on my Android phone and it worked great. Nice combination to use with AWOL's AT Guide
Date: 2016-01-23
To: James River Face Wilderness Area
Miles today: 0.0

Hiked with Roanoke and Potomac ATC groups in the James River Face Wilderness Area. It was an 8 mile hike that included sections of current AT and original AT plotted by Myron Avery that is no longer used. Beautiful day to hike in anticipation of a significant snow storm approaching. Outstanding overlook and view.
Date: 2016-02-04
To: Medic SOLO Wilderness First Aid Course
Miles today: 0.0

Registered for Medic SOLO Wilderness First Aid Course - February 27 & 28, 2016 in Charlottesville, VA, Course came highly recommended from experienced thru hikes. I strongly recommend attendance in order to be fully prepared for what we may encounter on the trail.Additional information at www.solowfa.com and future courses;> Feb. 27-28 ... Charlottesville, VA> Mar. 5 - 6 ... Knoxville, TN> Mar. 12-13 ... Washington, DC> Mar. 19-20 ... Virginia Beach, VA> Apr. 9 - 10 ... Blacksburg, VAwww.solowfa.com
Date: 2016-02-04
To: Preparation Hikes
Miles today: 0.0

After Roanoke VA received 12 -14 inches of snow January 23 & 240 it was difficult to get out and hike. However, I had a serious case of "cabin fever" and ventured out on January 30 to hike Chestnut Ridge trail. It is a 5.5 mile loop near my home. I hiked 1 mile from my home with a pack to the trail head. It was a difficult hike with mud and snow covering much of the trail. This is usually an easy hike for me, but the snow and mud created conditions that made it a tougher than normal hike. Good preparation for the conditions I may encounter with a March 9 departure. It felt great to get out of the house and on a trail
Date: 2016-02-04
To: Preparation Hike
Miles today: 0.0

Joined the Roanoke ATC on February 2 for a 9 mile hike to Sarver Hollow Shelter and following the AT to VA 620. We began with a significant ascent up a blue blaze trail to Sarver Hollow Shelter, just off the AT. Always good to get a climb done first. Once we reached the Shelter we walked the AT on a ridge line and encountered snow drifts of 3 -4 feet in areas with a cold mist. Once again, I waited too long to put gloves or mittens on and once again experienced cold fingers. I purchased a pair of waterproof gloves, along with liners and also will carry mittens. I do not like to have cold hands. Hiking through snow drifts is tiring and works a different set of muscles as I was sore after this hike. Again, great preparation for March 9 departure and conditions I may encounter.