morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-04-10
From: Double Springs

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine
Miles today: 18.7

Broke camp this morning at 4:00 and headed out with my sights on Damascus, Virginia about 18 miles out. Crossed the Tennessee / Virginia line at mile 466.9 and this was a huge morale boost. There were times over the last couple of weeks when I noticed that my shadow was in the wrong place. Confirmed by my compass I¢d often be hiking in a southerly direction. The last couple of days, the trail direction has been primarily north/northeast, thus contributing to the ultimate goal of getting to Maine. I¢ve become trail wise in that if you¢re wondering where the trail will lead next, just look for the next highest mountain and that¢s where you¢re headed. I made it to Damascus at noon covering the 18.7 miles. This gave me time to eat and then go to a local outfitter to change my water filtration system from the pump I¢ve been using to a Sawyer system which will save some pack weight.Although my spirits are high after reaching Damascus, I know that to close the door on Virginia it will take at least a month of successfully hiking over 500+ miles. That will be a considerable accomplishment. Spending the night at the Woodchuck Hostel in Damascus and will head out a little later than usual as breakfast is included in my stay.Good night all!
Date: 2019-04-12
From: Mile 488

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 22.8

It rained last night and I woke up this morning to rain pelting my tent. Got packed up and hit the trail shortly after 4:30 and set out to climb Mount Rogers which is Virginia¢s highest peak at 5729 feet. The trail crossed a cow pasture and as my light illuminated the grass barren path, something translucent on the trail caught my eye. I noticed that there were thousands of earthworms on the trail and as my light illuminated them, they would slither into a hole. It seemed like something you might see in a science fiction movie. I didn¢t know earthworms could move so fast and it was fascinating to watch. I continued to climb and eventually began the ascend to Mount Rogers with visibility only about 15 feet due to rain, and the clouds, similar to driving with headlights in the fog. The rocky climb was tough, compounded by 50 degree temperatures on wet hands, and gale force winds. We remained in the clouds for most of the morning. Later in the morning and still on the way up, there were two wild ponies walking southbound at a steady pace. They approached, stopped and began to lick the salt off of my legs. I¢ve read about this and although not surprised, experiencing it is another story. After a little while, I moved on. Once summiting and stepping rock to rock and climbing others, the trail orbited the crest and the descent began with a similarly rocky trail. I¢d like to say I enjoyed Mount Rogers, but I didn¢t. The rocks on the trail never let up and the bottom of my feet felt it. All and all, it was another productive day of hiking crossing mile 500, totaling 22.8 miles and camping near Old Orchard. I learned at the campsite that I was not the only victim of taking the wrong trail the day before. Misery loves company, right?I will hike 9 miles to a Gap near Troutdale, VA and with a little luck meet a very special person who has owned my heart for the last 37 years.
Date: 2019-04-13
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 9.3

When arriving at the Old Orchard camp site yesterday evening I was spent after a hard hike and bad weather day. The sky had cleared, but I knew the chance of bad weather remained in the forecast. The shelter accommodates five people on a first come first serve basis and I opted to sleep in the shelter with two other hikers. I was in the twilight stage of going to sleep when just prior to dusk another two hikers came in and the shelter was now at capacity. I¢ve avoided sleeping in shelters to this point due to rodents, snoring and other hikers body odor, as I can barely stand my own. At about 10:30pm the skies opened and it began to pour with blinding lighting, loud thunder and strong wind. The rain continued for sometime, drowning out the snoring coming from the other end of the shelter and then later lightening to a drizzle on the metal roof. I laid there sleepless for over an hour once again counting my blessings that I had made another incredibly good decision. The night eventually passed and I awakened, packed up and hit the trail for about 4:30am. The trek was much easier than yesterday, but then again any terrain would have been better. By 9:15 I made it into Dickey Gap, covering 9.3 miles, where a guy by the name of Fresh Ground was granting trail magic. I was offered coffee and when I accepted, he replied Dunkin¢s or Starbucks? I replied, surprise me. I had small grilled link sausages, hash browns, and banana pancakes with real maple syrup. I learned through conversation with other hikers that I was not the only victim of being sucked onto the wrong trail a couple of days ago. Since then however, I have become vigilant at paying attention, especially at creek crossings.As I prepared to leave and walk down the road to the Baptist Church Hostel to seek a ride back to Damascus, I met an elderly couple who offered to bring me to Marion which was probably the quickest route to Damascus. I accepted and when they dropped me off, I was 12 miles from Damascus. I began to walk and was picked up shortly after by a guy going fishing in Damascus. These are hiker towns and it¢s common for local residents to pickup hikers, just like trail magic.When I arrived back in Damascus, I ate then walked the mile or so to the Mountain Laurel Bed & Breakfast then to the grocery store to pick up some essentials of beer, potato chips, baby carrots and cookie dough. I then got cleaned up, rested and was sitting on the front porch swing when Rachael drove up. I was incredibly happy to see her!We had dinner at a small restaurant in Damascus, then later sat on back porch of this beautiful place catching up. Life is good and I¢m extremely blessed.
Date: 2019-04-14
To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up this morning to occasional rain and gloomy skies. Rachael and I had an incredible breakfast of eggs Benedict and fruit. I was half finished when I noticed that my dish was a bit different. Kathleen, the Bed & Breakfast owner had prepared mine with a hefty serving of saut©ed mushrooms and saut©ed spinach. It was absolutely delicious along with fruit, coffee and juice. She said she understands the caloric needs of a hiker and did this especially for me. After breakfast we set out to attend mass in a neighboring town. I enjoyed mass, especially the beautiful music provided by the choir and pianist. After lunch at a small diner in Damascus, we had a much needed lazy day, as this is my third zero of the trek. The weather is expected to be severe tonight. I did some equipment maintenance of airing out my tent and down sleeping bag, then performed the hardest task of all. Making a final decisions on what to send home with Rachael and what to continue to carry. While I still expect cold temperatures, they have moderated somewhat and it¢s a need versus weight decision. I do look forward to the Shenandoah¢s where it¢ll flatten a little and I¢d like to be lean at this time. The final decision before moving on is food resupply. Rachael and I spent an hour in the grocery store while I used her expertise to evaluate nutrition and calorie values while I compared net weights.We returned back to the Mountain Laurel Bed & Breakfast and spent time on the front porch swing before supper. The weather was beautiful and I was having an internal tug of war going on thinking that I should be on the trail. The B & B owner Kathleen treated us to an incredible crawfish ©touff©e, salad and garlic bread for dinner, and yes she used Louisiana crawfish. She has Louisiana roots and her food reflects this as it¢s loaded with flavor. Rachael and I then sat on the back porch, and I felt better as the rain started.
Date: 2019-04-15
To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 0.0

Rachael and I ate another incredible breakfast then checked out of the Mountain Laurel Bed & Breakfast. The second zero was nice and the accommodations as well as the hospitality was remarkable. We then rented a couple of bicycles and biked a 17 mile section of the Virginia Creeper Trail from Whitetop Mountain back down to Damascus. The trail, named after an old steam powered locomotive, is an old railroad bed converted into a trail for pedestrian and bicycle use. The scenery was beautiful, despite the snow flurries and brisk wind. We then drove to Marion, VA where we have reservations for two nights.
Date: 2019-04-16
From: Dickey Gap

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 25.5

Rachael dropped me off this morning at Dickey Gap at 5:20 and I resumed my hike. It was clear and cold and I was taking advantage of the ability to slack pack a section of the trail. Slack packing is using a smaller pack to get through the day when someone will meet you on the other end. The challenge is ensuring that you have everything needed for the day. I carried food, a bottle of water, my water filter, and a few other essentials. It warmed up later and I shedded layers as necessary. At 4:00pm I reached Virginia Highway 683, completing 25.5 miles and landing in Atkins, VA.Although covering a good distance, I could tell that I had been off of my feet for two days, even with a small and light pack. It seemed as though my body suddenly became unconditioned.We are in the General Francis Marion hotel for our last night. The hotel was built in 1927, and once again Rachael selected another nice historic inn.
Date: 2019-04-17
To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 0.0

The day before Rachael and I met, I had developed a sinus issue which I wrote off to all of the pollen in the air. This had gotten worse and apparently developed into some sort of respiratory infection as I ran a low grade fever for a few days. It was a tough night as I apparently picked up Rachael¢s stomach bug. The signs were there as after the 25 miles on Tuesday, I made myself eat dinner and had been feeling weak. The effects became very real, and lasted throughout the night. My original plan was to hike out this morning, but just didn¢t have it in me. Rachael brought me a light breakfast to the the room which I was able to manage, as well as an antibiotic she secured to address my original illness. I then slept on and off until about 11:00 and recording another zero. Rachael then brought me to a small hotel, a stones throw from the trail, where I had hiked to the day before, and headed for the airport for her return flight home. Hopefully I¢ll get some strength back as this dual illness, combined with Rachael¢s departure and multiple zeros has been a real physical and mental curve ball.
Date: 2019-04-18
From: 545.6

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 10.1

Went to sleep yesterday evening at 5:00pm in the hotel room after eating a dry ham sandwich and a pack of peanut butter crackers for dinner. I awakened at about 8:00am, took stock of how I felt and although not hungry, ate a couple of cinnamon rolls that Rachael left with me. I then got myself together mentally and physically and hit the trail. About halfway to my destination and crossing a large pasture, I glanced up to see two buzzards circling. Not feeling well, I wondered for a minute if they were waiting on me. I made the 10 miles across the mountain where I reserved a room at the Halfway Hostel for tonight and Friday night, as there is a severe weather threat on Friday. Depending on the weather and my health, I may stay Saturday also, but I¢ll keep my options open. When I got to the hostel, the owners were away, but the house was open. I used the bathroom and although the sign said to make yourself at home, I spent a couple of hours in a hammock swing under a majestic old sycamore tree. The wind blew me and the swing about as I looked up through the branches at the deep blue sky. I ate a frozen pizza for dinner, visited with a couple other hikers and then went to bed.
Date: 2019-04-19
To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 0.0

The weather was remarkably bad today as I continued my recovery. I spent the day reading, watching a movie and later sitting around the table visiting with hikers who had filtered in occasionally throughout the day seeking refuge from the rain. Each of them showing up in their own miserable state, then eventually drying off, cleaning up, getting settled and looking human again.By dusk, the weather had broken, but as I went to bed I could once again hear heavy rain hitting the roof.I pray that my health continues to improve as I¢m hesitant to trek out with my strength comprised.
Date: 2019-04-20
To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 0.0

Spent another day at the hostel with rain outside, snow on the mountain top, and getting my strength back. I wouldn¢t mind hiking in the rain if I were 100 percent. Not much to say other than I look forward to getting back on the trail and making more progress towards my ultimate goal. Wishing my family, friends and followers a Happy Easter.
Date: 2019-04-21
From: The Halfway Hostel 

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 15.8

Set out this morning at 7:30 after a good breakfast. I wanted to attend an Easter service somewhere, but the logistics were nearly impossible. The trail was sloppy after the torrential rains, and all of the creeks, streams and rivers are angry as they are flowing briskly and over their banks. I had to remove my shoes and use my crocs to ford one of the streams.Other than an occasional cough, I¢m feeling really good and strong. I hiked a total of 15.8 miles today and am stealth camping near mile 571.5. I intended to accomplish more, but found this site at 4400 feet overlooking plush green pastures on one side of the ridge, and a mountain top on the other. The skies have cleared and I¢m waiting on the sunset. Can¢t wait to put it in gear tomorrow morning.
Date: 2019-04-22
From: Mile 571

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 27.4

Broke camp this cold morning and headed out at 5:00. The moon made it appear like daylight last night until early morning when it became cloudy. While hiking, daybreak occurred and the clouds gave way to a crystal clear sky. The birds were singing as the woodpeckers¢ work sounded like jackhammers throughout the forest. The trail was considerably dryer today which helps tremendously. At about 11:00, I crossed Laurel Creek and stepped on to a gravel road which is VA 615. An elderly gentleman there offered me breakfast on behalf of the Good News Church. After confirming that I wouldn¢t be off the trail long, I accepted and he shuttled me about a mile to the church basement where I ate scrambled eggs, an egg & sausage casserole, breakfast sausage, a biscuit, fruit, a cup of coffee and 3 glasses of chocolate milk. The congregation has been doing this for hikers for 18 years. I was happy to be treated once again, but more so to have my appetite back. Within 30 minutes, I was shuttled back and on the trail. Later at about 2:00pm, I cleared the woods and walked down a gravel road which would eventually take me to a crossing over US-52 and I-77. When I reached the base of the road there was the Brushy Mountain Outpost. I stopped there and ate a cheeseburger, fries and a soft drink. I then pressed on and made it to mile 598.9 where I will once again stealth camp after logging 27.4 miles. It was a good day, especially with my lungs back.
Date: 2019-04-23
From: Mile 598.9

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 21.6

Headed out at 6:30 this morning and hiked 11 miles to Trent¢s grocery store where I ate lunch and had ice cream. I then climbed the mountain for a couple of miles to make it to Dismal Falls and creek. Took advantage of the time to swim in the creek. The water was extremely cold, but it felt so good on my tired and aching muscles. After about and hour, I hiked on and set up camp near mile 620.5, earning a 21.6 mile day. This places me about 16 miles south of Pearisburg, Virginia.I enjoyed the hike as well as the playtime, and sang a lot. Apparently I¢m like the birds in that when the weather is nice, I¢ll be singing. And to my Godfather, of course I chime a couple of plucka-plucks daily with my Scioneaux sisters in mind.
Date: 2019-04-24
From: Mile 620.5

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 16.5

Headed out this morning at 5:00 and although the first 3 miles were a rock field, my spirits were good as I was headed into Pearisburg to shower, wash clothes, eat and rest after four days on the trail. The last time I did this was my recovery at the Quarter Way Hostel.When laying in bed last night, my tent was illuminated by the moon and the wind was blowing pretty hard. The wind is different in the mountains as you¢ll get a big gust then hear nothing for a while until the next big gust. Early on in the adventure I would try to camp at lower elevations to limit my exposure to wind and cold. Now that the temperatures have moderated, I like the upper elevations as they provide the best views, and I often get cell tower service which allows me to call home and journal. The only issue is you have to mule water up there because there are no water sources up high. This happened yesterday as I stooped down below for water, then had a 1.7 mile climb to the ridge. I stopped twice for breaks and when moving, called cadence to my half empty can of Pringle¢s rattling in my pack.  I arrived in Pearisburg at about 1:00pm and logged 16.5 miles. Tomorrow is a new day and I¢ll head out in the morning to continue this adventure.
Date: 2019-04-26
From: Mile 658.7

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 22.5

Was awakened at 3:00am by heavy rain and dozed on and off until 4:30 when the rain lightened up. I used this opportunity to pack up and move out, hitting the trail at 5:00. I hiked up the mountain for two miles to the next shelter where I downed my gear, used the privy and ate breakfast. There was only one person sleeping in this shelter and I used this time to catch up on my journal as I listened to a jake turkey gobble in the distance at first light. I soon moved on and the rain persisted until about 12:30pm making the trail slick and sloppy. This is when I refer to the AT as the Appalachian Creek. As you ascend, rain water is running downhill over the tops of your shoes and when descending it¢s not much better. My ankle was still bothering me so I paced myself accordingly and was careful not to fall. I soon came to a Gap where I met Super Dave cooking hotdogs and providing chips and soft drinks. Super Dave, who is a retired attorney and hiked the trail in 2002, approached me and said, ¢you¢ve got a decision to make.¢ He went on to explain that the residents of New Port where feeding hikers beef stew until 1:00pm and if I wanted to go, we¢d have to leave now. After a promise that he would bring me back to the trail, I agreed and we left. Super Dave left his ice chest and portable grill near the trail head commenting that hikers are resourceful and they¢ll figure it out and feed themselves. The beef stew over noodles was good along with buttered bread, a soft drink and a cup cake. We soon returned to the trail under sunny skies and I set out on the trail again. By 2:30 it began to rain again and this later turned to sleet in the upper elevations. The wind was gusting to 50-60 miles an hour and although videos never illustrate actual conditions, I¢ll post one. By 6:30 I made it to the Sarver Hollow Shelter on Sinking Creek Mountain and will be camping nearby after hiking 22.5 miles for the day.
Date: 2019-04-27
From: Sarver Hollow

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 24.4

Packed up this morning and hit the trail for about 5:00. It was cold again, making it down to 34 degrees. While hiking a few minutes later I saw a headlamp coming towards me. We approached each other, bumped knuckles as us thru hikers do and introduced ourselves. This was my first encounter with Ninja Mouse, and together we found the turn on the trail and continued northbound together. I immediately noticed that I liked mouse¢s pace. I later learned through conversation that he¢s 67 years old, lost his wife last November and is a retired farmer from southern Iowa. His wife Brenda, who sounds like a incredible woman, was his partner on the farm and best friend as she enjoyed all the things that Mouse did including hiking, kayaking and biking.Ninja Mouse is a country boy, I liked him and we hiked all day together, stopping occasionally to eat or for water. The weather warmed up to about 55 degrees and there was not a cloud in the sky. We stopped briefly to pay our respects at the Audie Murphy memorial, which was erected on the site where a plane crash ended his life. Audie Murphy was from Texas and is the most most highly decorated World War II soldiers. We eventually made it to Dragon¢s Tooth then hiked into Catawba, VA, logging 24.4 miles and crossing mile 700 on the AT. We downed our gear at the Four Pines Hostel and shuttled a mile or so down the road to the Home Place Restaurant. We immediately noticed that we were underdressed as we walked in to have our named placed on the waiting list to be seated. We didn¢t take time to shower or change clothes as we were anxious to get there knowing that it would be crowded as this was the only restaurant in the small town. My AT Guide book called the Home Place the best restaurant on The AT and I wasn¢t about to miss out on the opportunity. Ninja Mouse and I sat on the rockers on the front porch of this grand building and engaged the locals in conversation. We soon became a novelty as people began to ask us about our experiences on the trail. Shortly after 8:00pm we were called in and seated. The only choices to make were your drink selection and whether you wanted two or three meats. The vegetable were coming whether you wanted them or not. Soon there was a platter of fried chicken, a platter of roast beef, a platter of country ham, a bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy, a bowl of corn, a bowl of snap beans, a bowl of pinto beans and a basket of biscuits sitting on out table. This was an all you can eat experience and the only thing we had seconds on was the fried chicken and corn. For dessert we had peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream and all for 19 dollars and the experience lived up to our expectations. When finished, we summoned the hostel shuttle driver and made it to the little town grocery store before their 10:00 closing time. Upon returning to the hostel, I showered, went to bed and applied ice to my ailing ankle.
Date: 2019-04-28
From: Four Pines Hostel 

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 14.7

Woke up at 4:00 this morning and I was comforted that my ankle felt better as a result of icing it last night. Ninja Mouse had already put the two cans of biscuits I bought the night before in the oven. He then scrambled some yard eggs he acquired while I fried the ham I had been carrying in my food sack. I had chocolate milk and Mouse had his orange juice. It was a great breakfast and set us up for another great day of hiking.Today we made it the McAfee Knob with incredible views and later to Tinker¢s Cliffs. With hiking to the Dragon¢s Tooth yesterday, McAfee Knob and Tinker¢s Cliffs today, Ninja Mouse and I completed Virginia¢s Tripple Crown of hiking and logged 14.7 miles. I am camping tonight near Lambert¢s Meadow shelter and will soak my ankle in the stream to get some relief.