morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-03-25
From: Low Gap Campsite

To: Woodchuck Hostel in Damascus
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was hiking by 715 this morning as the sun came up. I was excited to make Damascus and cross into my 4th state. Once again the trail was void of any major climbs and I was in town before pm.I am staying at the Woodchuck hostel tonight and enjoying town food.
Date: 2017-03-26
From: Woodchuck Hostel in Damascus

To: Campsite on Whitetop Mtn.
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: broken clouds

I left Damascus with a great breakfast from Woodchuck Hostel in my belly. Woodchuck Hostel really rocks. The sun was just starting to come up and the threat of rain was obvious. I had thought about slack packing, but decided the cost was too prohibitive for just one person and I chose to hit the trail and see how many miles I could get. I saw Highliter and Sarlac who I have hiked off and on with since Hot Springs. With hiked about 4 morning hours in the rain, but it let up in the afternoon. It was a long 22 miles, ending with a brutally long ascent up Whitetop Mtn. that lasted forever, I mean forever. I was nearly blown off my feet at Buzzard Rock, but made it past there and camped with the aforementioned brothers near the summit of Whitetop, out of the wind. We ran into some section hikers, I had met at the hostel in Damascus up there also. We got some more rain that night, but it was a very productive day, considering the rain and the miles. I was glad I had some company at the campsite.
Date: 2017-03-27
From: Campsite on Whitetop Mtn.

To: Hurrican Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained on Sunday night, so I packed up a wet tent. Never a pleasant task. I was excited to get moving because Monday meant Mt. Rogers and Grayson Highlands. An area I have hiked in many times and feels like coming home for me. The weather was sketchy with a few sprinkles here and there, but mostly just cloudy, windy and cool. The climb up Virginia's highest mountain was not too bad, and the AT is excused from going to the lackluster summit of Mt. Rogers. The trail through the Mt. Rogers area and ridges of Grayson Highland are so rocky it is hard to make miles, even though the elevation change is not that great. I did see a few of the famous miniature horses that make the area so popular. I lunched with Highliter and Sarlac at Wise Shelter and we made a bold plan to go two more shelters and spend the night at Hurricane Mtn. It was a 22 mile day and we didn't pull into until about 630, but that shelter is great and it was a good move. Joe also joined us about dusk.
Date: 2017-03-28
From: Hurrican Mtn. Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: fog

The plan for two days was all about Pizza Night. The Partnership shelter is .2 miles from the Mt. Rogers visitor center and two different Pizza shops will deliver there. We mistakenly thought we had to get to the visitor center by the 4:30 close time to order, so there was a group order prepared in case someone made it and others did not (that is code for Highliter and Sarlac making it and me not). We fought rain off and on all day. That really sucks. Hiking in a rain jacket is like hiking in a sauna all day, especially on uphill climbs. I guarantee, there is more perspiration moisture on the inside than rain on the outside. Oh yea, our sweat is starting to get kind of pungent by now. Putting on and taking off rain gear slows down the progress and is very annoying. Remember the pack has to come off for all clothing changes. The biggest issue was making the Pizza cutoff. Well, the brothers got there just after 3:30 and I rolled in just after 4:00. Needless to say, pizzas were ordered and 2 liter sodas added. Slogoen also was at the shelter while we ate. He had one piece of my large meat lovers, but I took care of the rest. The brothers each had their own large. Not the typical trail meal. Later in the evening we were joined by 4 other thru hikers. Partnership is an outstanding shelter, with 2 levels, a world class privy and in season a hot shower. Virginia knows how to do shelters.
Date: 2017-03-29
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Interstate 81 exit at Atkins, VA
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: mist

I have planned to take a couple days of R&R at my home when I reach Atkins, VA since I started my hike, so I was jacked up today to knock out those 12 miles between me and the comforts of home. They were long miles, in part because of the annoying rocks that littered almost every step of the first 6-7 miles. You have to concentrate on every foot drop and cannot reach a favorable pace. It was mostly top of ridge hiking for the first half of the day, then twisty turny paths down to Atkins and I-81. As a transportation guy, I do not have any love for circuitous routes. While I was glad to be going home for a few days, I was saddened to know that I would probably not catch up to Highliter and Sarlac again. They are flyers and don't take a lot of zeros. They have been very good trail friends to me and have hiked off and on with me through some tough times and over 250 miles. I wish them well and know their journey will end in Maine. I got to Atkins early enough to eat the Hiker Burger at the Barn Restaurant with a couple other young thru hikers. Then I laid in the grass next to the highway exit and got some sun in true hiker trash style. My wife arrived in mid-afternoon and I am enjoying my time at home for now. She said I didn't smell as bad as she expected. She did not say I didn't stink, though.
Date: 2017-03-30
From: Interstate 81 exit at Atkins, VA

To: Charlotte
Miles today: 0.0

I am relaxing at home today and giving my feet a rest. I plan to take 3 days at home, which will give me some time to review my gear as the weather is improving and my trail knowledge has grown. In these days I will share some observations and thoughts. I have lost 22 lbs. so far. That is not too surprising, but I recognize that I need to find some better answers for my breakfast and lunch diet. At my age, it is nice to drop some weight, but I honestly think there was as much muscle as fat that got dropped. I haven't weighed this little since college. I want to continue to have cold breakfasts and lunches, but I need more value from my food intake. Almost every hiker on the trail is fighting some physical issues. Typically lower extremity. I saw one hiker in Damascus that had just finished a 25+ mile day on a lower leg that was purple from his toes to his mid-calf. Every day most hikers inspect their feet for new or enhanced blisters and go through the daily ritual of popping blisters and taping feet. It adds about 10 minutes to my morning routine each day. My feet are pretty banged up right now and I hope the 3 days at home will give them some time to heal. I do feel fortunate that at my age, my overall health on the trail has been very good. My knees are hanging in there, although the last week or so of high mileage days made them quite tender on the downhills. I have recognized that I need to make a philosophical shift in my hiking approach. I have been treating each 3-5 day section as a trip with a reward at the end. I have focused on the destination of each section. To make it the entire 2190 miles, I need to enjoy each and every day. I will reduce my mileage a bit going forward and increase my time with other hikers at shelters and hostels. It's really about the journey and not the destination.
Date: 2017-04-02
From: Atkins, VA

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After spending 3 full days in Charlotte, it was difficult to leave the comforts of home. I had the chance to catch up with several friends and lined up a fall weekend hike with Kevin and Smith. My wife was determined to fatten me back up, but despite eating like a fiend, I only gained half a pound. First day back was pretty easy. Some ridge top hiking and some pasture walking, also. I sheltered with Sunseeker and Scripts. Changed to trailrunners, which did fine so far.
Date: 2017-04-03
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: St. Lukes Hostel
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

The weather forecast for today was for morning mist, eventually turning into thunderstorms and up to an inch of rain by evening. I left about 730 and made my way up to Chestnut Knob Shelter at about 4200 feet by noon. I lunched inside while the wind howled. Not long after I returned to the trail the deluge came. I was on a high Ridgeline for about 3 hours and got a nasty dose of wind and rain. I got picked up after 15 miles by Bill from the hostel. I was cold and wet. They are constructing a really neat bunkhouse. I'm glad to be warm again and inside tonight.
Date: 2017-04-04
From: St. Lukes Hostel

To: Helveys Mill Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

I delayed my start today to let a rainstorm pass, before I got droped off at the trailhead. Within an hour the skies cleared and it was a wonderful day on the AT. After all my complaint about climbs, I posted a picture of a 2 mile flat section that I really enjoyed today. It was a pretty easy 18 miles, if there is such a thing. Took me right at 8 hours. I sheltered with Sparky and Mighty Mouse. Good company and a nice night.
Date: 2017-04-05
From: Helveys Mill Shelter

To: Trents Grocery
Miles today: 16.0

The forecast called for rain and storms starting late afternoon, so our goal was to get to Trents Grocery, 16 miles away, for a cheeseburger, then get settled in away from the rain. Mission accomplished. Sparky and I got to Trents by 3pm, then were able to score a 2 bunk room behind the grocery for the night. I Love This Country. We will be dry tonight and excited to hike into Woods Hole Hostel tomorrow night.
Date: 2017-04-06
From: Trents Grocery

To: Woods Hole Hostel 
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Thursday was one of those days when it drizzled, had moments of sun, included a downpour and eventually saw about an inch of snow accumulate. Sparky and I took a mid-morning break at Wapiti Shelter, but the morning mostly consisted of walking through the "green tunnel" of rhododendron trees in that section. There was one modest climb that ended the day with a few miles of ridge walking in a stiff breeze. You could tell cold weather was moving in.We arrived at Woods Hole Hostel about 2 pm. It is an old family estate with some structures from the 1880's. It is run by Neville and Michael, who try to source as much as possible from their farm. The meals are communal and guests pitch in with the preparation and cleanup. The food is all homemade, including the ice cream and bread. It is a great experience.
Date: 2017-04-07
From: Woods Hole Hostel 

To: Angels Rest Hostel in Pearisburg
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

I woke up to find a blanket of snow covering everything and temp around 30 degrees. I had planned for lousy weather on Friday and planned for a short day to get into Pearisburg as the temp dip into the low 30's, before it starts to warm up again over the next few days. It was walking through snow and howling winds for most of the day. A short day, but not very enjoyable. I hate to make mistakes, but I think I hate admitting I did, even more. Before my recent days at home, I had not been wearing my rain pants in the rain, and thought it a good time to swap the entire rain suit out for a light poncho. My rainstorm experience on Monday convinced me that was a premature equipment change. I purchased a set of Frog Toggs at Trents Grocery on Wednesday and they sure were appreciated the last two days.I also got a mail drop from home yesterday so my packweight is close to 30 lbs. again for a few days.
Date: 2017-04-08
From: Angels Rest hostel in Pearisburg

To: Captains backyard for tenting
Miles today: 22.0

I was hiking by 8am, and crossed the long bridge over the New River. As always, leaving town means a big climb first thing. The miles came pretty easily and I decided to tent in the backyard of a resident on the the creek that has been welcoming hikers for years with free cold drinks and a place to camp. To get to his property, you have to zip line across the creek. No problem getting over, getting back will be discussed tomorrow.
Date: 2017-04-09
From: Captains backyard for tenting

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

I woke up in my tent at Captains to frozen water bottles and chilly temps. I was the only one camping there, so I was on my own with the zip line. Let's say it was very sketchy going back and I was close to going into the creek several times. After an exhausting 15 minutes I jumped on solid ground and moved on. The first 4 hours were painfully rocky and quite slow. I sheltered at Laurel Creek and got some smores from a family tenting there from Richmond. Nice folks taking their young girls on a 3 day backpacking trip.
Date: 2017-04-10
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I planned to stay at Four Pines Hostel on Tuesday, so the way the shelters lined up, Monday would be a shorter mileage day. I passed the famous Keffer Oak, over 18 ft around and over 300 years old. Plenty of pasture walking also. I am seeing lots of whitetail deer, turkeys and saw a 4 ft black naked today. Sheltered with a mix of thrus and section hikers.
Date: 2017-04-11
From: Niday Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel
Miles today: 17.0

I was out before 7am today and had a good morning. On top of Brush Mtn there is a monument where the airplane carrying the most decorated US soldier in WWII, Audie Murphy, crashed. I had to navigate the challenging rocks and ledges at Dragons Tooth this afternoon in near 80 degree heat. It was slow going, but kind of fun. I am not wild about heights or exposures. Glad to be at Four Pines Hostel for the night. Needed a shower and hot meal. Four Pines is a converted three car garage that is filled with old couches, lounge chairs and some mattresses. We have 10 hikers in here tonight.
Date: 2017-04-12
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Lambert Meadows Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The day started around 730 from Four Pines Hostel. I have included a picture of the inside. It is filled with old couches, lounge chairs, mattresses, chaise lounge chairs and other furniture. There is shower, bathroom and table for eating. It is a little startling at first, but it works. Joe and the crew there are very service oriented and really take care of hikers. This day promised to be a big one. At the 10 mile mark I reached the top of the climb and got the incredible views from the rock outcropping at McAfee Knob (picture on the 4/13 entry). I lunched up there with Henry, while the clown that was sitting at the photo spot finished his lunch. Every person that makes the long ascent wants a photo there, but this Larry the Cable Guy look alike, decided he would just park his butt there and have lunch. After about 20 minutes he moved on and the rest of the folks up there lined up and went through the picture taking process. There are not very many rules in the backwoods, but common sense should not be left at home. As a bonus, the trail moved another four miles further down the ridge and after a nice 900 foot climb, the views at Tinker Cliffs were stunning. It is a half mile long cliff that the trail runs along with unobstructed views of the Virginia countryside for miles and miles. There was not another person up there the entire time I hiked along the edge. For my money, Tinker Cliffs is a notch above McAfee Knob. I headed down from Tinker about a mile and sheltered at Lambert Meadows with Downed Cow and Lone Ranger. They were great company. By the way, the mice at this shelter were the worst of the entire trip so far. Those devils were quite active all night.
Date: 2017-04-13
From: Lambert Meadows shelter

To: Daleville
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

After getting some of the best views the AT has to offer in the south on Wednesday, Thursday was all about getting to Daleville. I was out moving by 7am and the short 10 mile trip could not end soon enough. It took me over the ridge line that looks toward Roanoke on one side and Daleville on the other. It was quite scenic, but seemed to go on for ever. Once I got into Daleville, I had lunch with Lone Ranger at the Three Lil Pigs BBQ and then visited the outfitter. The tips on my 10 year old Black Diamond poles had both broken off and I decided it was probably time to go with some new poles. I think I got my money's worth from the old set. I will be spending a couple days with family in Lynchburg, VA and resting up. I may post some thoughts while I have some down time. By the way, thanks to all of the folks that have contributed to the guest book. I appreciate the support and it helps motivate me when the trail is challenging.
Date: 2017-04-16
From: Daleville

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

After enjoying family and food for a couple of days it was time to get back to the trail. It isn't going to hike itself. First day back is tough, missing family and the comforts of home. I started at 11am and did 11 miles. I sheltered with Skydiver, Doc and Tunes. I really spent a lot of time thinking about motivation and getting my "head right" for the rest of this hike. I set a goal to be in Wanesboro, 130 miles away, by Sunday.
Date: 2017-04-19
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Brown Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Wednesday started with a crossing on the AT's footbridge over the James River. It started raining as I crossed over. As usual, if you cross a large river on the AT, you better get ready for a climb and this one was over 2500 feet of elevation gain. It got very cold and windy near the top, mixed with the rain, it required me to keep moving to keep from getting very cold. On the way down. I ran into Gator, who I had last seen at Woods Hole Hostel. Stayed at the Brown Mtn Shelter with Apik, Gator and Skydiver.
Date: 2017-04-20
From: Brown Mtn Shelter

To: Priest Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Once again, I sheltered at 1400 feet and had a long morning climb up the ridge that would take me up The Priest by the end of the day. The last 500 feet of elevation were very challenging, as I was trying to get to the shelter before a thunderstorm hit. I sheltered with 5 others, including Lucky Charms, who I had not seen since the Smokies. A group of Boy Scouts had the shelter before we arrived, but gave it to us and tented instead. We appreciated their generosity.
Date: 2017-04-21
From: Priest shelter

To: Reed Gap
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

Friday was the kind of day that makes the AT special. We left the shelter and had to finish the last half mile to the summit of the 4000 ft. Priest. Then it was a steep, rocky descent down to the Tye River near 1000 ft and then back up the rocky and challenging Three Ridges Mtn. But we had some fun planned. We hiked a few more miles to Reed Gap and got a ride to the Devils Backbone Brewery where we had lunch, set up our tents, enjoyed some live music, and eventually had dinner. Oh, we also had a few beers. The brewery let us tent for the on their property.
Date: 2017-04-22
From: Reed Gap

To: Waynesboro - Stanimals Hostel
Miles today: 19.0

I will leave the good for the end.The bad - we tented Friday night in the rain, so I packed up and carried a wet tent all day. Our ride back to the trailhead was an hour late.The Ugly - it rained all day, was foggy and generally not much fun. The wet rocks were so slick, I took my third and fourth falls of the trip. I never sat down for eight straight hours of hiking.The good - the hiker breakfast at the Brewery was tasty. I hiked 19 miles in 8 hours. Stanimals is great. Adam is a past thru hiker and knows what we like. His wife, Dana, made AYCE spaghetti, bread, salad and brownies for us. AWESOME.
Date: 2017-04-23
From: Waynesboro - Stanimals hostel

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I am not hiking at all. I am hanging around Stanimals hostel with Penguin, Downward Cow, Apik and Lucky Charms. When I got back on the trail a week ago, I had a goal to reach this point by end of today. I hiked 130 miles this week and made it here a day early. I'm going to give myself a day off.Everyone says thru hiking the AT is mostly mental, but I am seeing more and more hikers, even this far along, having to get off the trail with lower extremity injuries. Three people I sheltered with this this week are now on the shelf, at least for a couple of days.The picture today is of my gaiters. They keep dirt and stones from getting into my shoes. The brand is Dirty Girl and Michelle picked the design. Maybe this is why I have not snuck up on a bear yet?
Date: 2017-04-25
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: clear sky

Tuesday proved to be a rainy repeat, with only a much appreciated stop into a Skyline Drive Wayside for a hot cheeseburger and fries to lift my spirits. Everything is wet or damp. Several days of rain have made the trail a stream and water crossings can be hazardous. Lucky Charms backtracked to help me get across one rushing creek. Thanks, LC. In the hut to dry clothes and hope for sunny skies on Wednesday.
Date: 2017-04-26
From: Hightop Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: light rain

The sun finally came out on Wednesday. Our gear was still wet and the trail resembled a stream in many places. We hiked about 19 miles and ate dinner at a Wayside before they closed and then headed to the next hut by dark. Long day, but things are looking up.
Date: 2017-04-27
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mtn Hut
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Thursday was a great hike day. We hiked 7 miles in and then had an AYCE buffet breakfast at the Skyland restaurant. Three plates of biscuits and gravy, pancakes, hash browns, bacon, sausage, juice and coffee, did not make for a comfortable hike the remainder of the day. We sheltered with two older guys from the U.K. we had lots of good views of the western valleys.
Date: 2017-04-28
From: Pass Mtn hut

To: Terrapin Sta. Hostel in Front Royal
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: broken clouds

Lucky Charms and I decided to do a big mile day, get out of SNP, and get cleaned up. We had a quick drop by breakfast at a wayside, but it was a hard 2.5 mph pace the entire day. The temps were close to 80 degrees, making some of the climbs tough. We finished just before 5 pm. Completing the 100 mile plus AT through SNP in 5 days was a solid achievment.
Date: 2017-04-29
From: Terrapin Sta. Hostel in Front Royal

To: Jim and Mollie Denton Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

I will add photos later on the next few days of entries. Lucky Charms and I did some town chores on Saturday morning in Front Royal then hit the trail for a short 9 mile day. Not an easy one because the temps hit 90 degrees. We stayed at the Denton Shelter, which was awesome. It had big front porch, with adirondack chairs, a shower, a cover over the picnic table and even a horseshoe pit. There were 12 people at the shelter.
Date: 2017-04-30
From: Jim and Mollie Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

We were out early and put in a full 18 mile day by 3:30. It was again hot, but our few climbs were in the morning and we dodged the severe heat. The trail was not too difficult and we felt pretty good. The shelter was full of SOBO, NOBO and section hikers. Not a bad shelter, but nothing like the Denton Shelter of the previous night. The trail feels like it is closing in as the undergrowth is in full force at the lower elevations and we are getting leaves to form a canopy above us. The shade is good, but the views are getting squeezed out.