morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-04-01
From: Rte 19, Newland, NC

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Moreland Gap ShelterToday was the first day it felt truly hot. The temp wasn't that high but the humidity was. I got dropped off by Justin from the motel around 10 am and Quick was walking up the road from the Hostel. While we started together I quickly had to layer off due to the heat. Today's hike was in stark contrast to yesterday's. High winds, rain and above treeline hiking transitioned quickly to pastoral scenes and a rolling trail. Today's elevation stayed in the 3000 foot range. At lunch I caught up with Large, White Rabbit and Magic who had camped by the road last night. Large and I hiked together awhile then I finished the day hiking with Quick. Lots of good conversation made the miles go by. There are about 10 people here tonight. Today completed one month on the trail for me. I also passed the 400 mile mark midday. Two notable milestones. In some ways it feels like I have been doing this forever and in others like I started yesterday. I have definitely settled into a groove of my life being about walking. That's true for me and most everyone else on the trail I come on contact with. It's our own little world. A straw poll of my shelter mates who have also been on a month today indicate that many of us are just glad we didn't flame out in a week! Some debate ensued about percentages of success based on getting to Virginia. While one person said you have a 50% chance of finishing if you get to Harpers Ferry, I believe we have to have a decent chance for making it to Damascus. Anyone have any input? .
Date: 2016-04-02
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Wautauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: light rain

When I was a kid , I really liked McDonald's food. It was no problem to polish off two big macs and the usual sides. While I haven't been a big fan in recent years, my loyalty was renewed today. Two in our group needed some resupply food so the idea was hatched to stop by the Kincora hostel and see if we could get a ride into Hampton, TN for resupply, and of course, lunch! The first treat of the day was meeting Bob Peoples, the proprietor. Bob was working on his woodpile when we arrived. I quickly noted his Boston accent and conversation flowed quickly from there. Turns out Bob is a retired professor from Norwich University. He has grandchildren that go to a rival high school of Mt. Abe, and we knew at least one person from Vermont in common. A very nice small world experience! Bob happily brought us to town where five of us easily polished off almost 20 McDouble sandwiches. "Do you want fries with that?" "Well yes please, and one of those little apple pies and a large coffee too please." This was a great change from the usual trail lunch and whether it was good for me or not, it was good!It was also a good lesson for me that is ok to divert from simply making miles. Amazing what pleasure you can get from a ride on the car and fast food lunch.Despite the detour, we still managed to cover more than 17 miles today. Apparently there is some sort of hiker feed on Wautauga Lake tomorrow so we may stick around for that for part of the day. Well see in the morning. Final revelation of the day, you can download an app to watch NCAA basketball in your tent of you have cell service. Guess what happens next. Go Heels! Again, sorry Saw.
Date: 2016-04-03
From: Wautauga Lake Shelter

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well today I attended my first picnic of the year. Quick had met a woman hiking back at Indian Grave Gap who, with her family, set up a very nice picnic for us near the Watauga Lake Dam. Since they wouldn't arrive until nearly 11:00am, we had a leisurely morning and a slow short hike to the spot. What a treat it was. We had grilled burgers, brats, some awesome baked beans and lots of cookies and juice. We easily spent an hour and a half there enjoying good food and company. Many thanks to Sarah and her family for taking the time to do that for us. What kindness! After a half day that actually felt like a weekend, we were back on the trail where we covered 14 miles to the shelter area were sleeping at tonight. You would think those would have been easy miles but they really weren't for me. This section has been described as the Tennessee turnpike since it is basically a cruise around 4000 feet for more than 25 miles. Hopefully tomorrow will be more as advertised than today! Today was a good lesson in not sweating making miles in favor of having a different kind of fun. It didn't really matter that I fell one mile short of my daily goal of 15 miles. I'm sure it will all work out. Tomorrow will be my last full day in Tennessee. If things go really well, I may even step into Virginia before sunset. Today I also passed mile 438 which means I have now completed 20% of the trail but who's counting. Go Heels!
Date: 2016-04-04
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 26.3

Well the draw of town can be strong. At 26 miles out there was much talk about hiking all the way in to Damascus but I didn't think I would consider it. As Bob Peoples said, the Tennessee turnpike, the last 25 miles in TN, was easy ups and downs and a lot of flats in between. Bob did not lie and while any up became annoying, it was a boring and less than challenging section. I covered the first 12 miles by the 12 o'clock hour and sat for some lunch by a roadside. I considered the next 4 miles the crux of the day and was able to cover them by about 2:30pm. It was really Large who motivated me to go the distance by telling me that he knew I would want to see the basketball game in town. With that thought, Dave Matthews playing, and a snickers bar, the thought grew and the plan became clear with each step. Let me tell you, music really picks me up during the afternoon! My thoughts turned to being in Virginia by dark and at the state line sign, there were Magic and White Rabbit. They were easily convinced to go all the way in. (I'm sure it was on White Rabbits mind all along).We arrived in town about 6pm which was the good news. The bad news was that there wasn't a restaurant or bar in town that would show the game on a Monday night. Is this town really in the United States?? I got settled in the Hikers Inn, and after a much needed shower, found beer, food, and friends at a local restaurant. As for the game? I watched on my phone in the doorway of the local outfitter, they had chairs, using the town free WiFi. Not ideal, and not an ideal outcome for UNC, but at least I got to see most of it. Zero day today and the temp isn't much higher this morning. In the 30s. Isn't this the south? And by the way, did I tell you... I AM IN VIRGINIA!!
Date: 2016-04-05
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Resupply, eating, a stop at the outdoor store pretty much took up today. The weather was beautiful but really chilly. There is talk of potential winter weather in the next couple days and of course we are headed back up to 5000 plus feet. I really hope I have seen the last of the snow for this season already but time will tell. As with all zero days, I am witnessing an influx of hikers who are behind me. This leads me to feel that it is time to go. We have been in a nice slot with nice people and ample shelter and campsite space. Hopefully this will continue to be the case as we progress.
Date: 2016-04-06
From: Damascus, VA

To: Lost Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 15.8

As always, leaving town after a day off is hard. I have decided that heading out with a full resupply is one of the harder things to do in trail life. I have also decided that the saddest sound a thru hiker can hear is the hissing of the air escaping from the valve on the sleeping pad in the morning. It mandates an exit from the warmth of the bag and the perceived safety of the tent or shelter. The transitions seem to be the most challenging. Warm to cold, dry to wet, town to trail. But all of those create opportunity for new adventures and meeting new people.After a good diner breakfast this morning, we climbed out of the valley and back into the hills. Being in Virginia seems different. Frankly the woods seem more alive and varied. The hardwood forests in East Tennessee and North Carolina were often quiet and empty feeling. Perhaps it is the promise of spring, more bird activity and buds on the trees? I hiked with Mantis this afternoon. He is an engaging young man with passion for life. He is thoughtful, appreciates the outdoors and I appreciated the opportunity to talk and share with him. He is also a very solid hiker. We arrived at the shelter early today after almost 16 miles. As it is supposed to rain and be cold for the next few days, all were hoping for shelter space but it was full of section hikers before we got here. We ate early and I actually had a chance to learn how to play Euker with Magic, White Rabbit, and Brandon, a section hiker from NC. He gave us the deck so hopefully we will play more. It is a great game for thru hikers as you only use half the deck. As such you only have to carry half! It is crowded here tonight. Our little group seems to have lost our sweet spot in terms of no competition for camping space. There are around 20 hikers here tonight. Sadly, the hiking viking passed by the shelter this afternoon without stopping in so I have missed my chance to meet him. Alas. Tomorrow on to Mt. Rogers and the Grayson Highlands. I hope the weather is better than forecasted so we can enjoy the area.
Date: 2016-04-07
From: Lost Mountain Shelter 

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Wise shelter What a day in contrasts, highs, and lows in quick succession. The day began wet with rain having fallen overnight. I packed, ate, and was off around 8am. I left well ahead of most of the shelter crowd with only a couple ahead of me. I hiked alone most of the morning climbing up towards Mt. Rogers and the Grayson Highlands. I didn't realize how cold it was until it began snowing. I stopped to put on full rain gear. The next several miles it snowed on and off. There was a road crossing coming up and my mind wandered to the possibility that someone might have hot coffee for trail magic. It would have been perfect. When I was coming down the hill I could see a truck parked and believe it or not, a guy named John was actually serving hot coffee!! ... and other snacks too. It was well timed and awesome!I continued on with Thor off and on to the Grayson Highlands. We took a short break with Santa and Wonder at a shelter then headed out in what became a wicked snow squall. The Highlands are effectively above treeline. The wind was heavy and it drove the snow. Thor and I were truly pelted by snow which was sticking to the ground at that point. The trail became difficult to follow as the blazes were hidden by snow and there were no cairns to follow. Hiking above treeline in the wind driven snow, without goggles, in sneakers, with the prospect of losing my way, really put me on the far margin of my comfort zone. I was ready to drop below treeline for some shelter but it did not come. Shortly thereafter the sun began to break through and in a matter of minutes was shining brightly! It is rare to shift from the low point of the day to the high point so quickly but that is just what happened. Once I could see, it was absolutely gorgeous. The light was brilliant giving luster to the landscape. It was the best bald view I have had on the trip so far!After a couple more miles, a quick look at two wild ponies, and passing the 500 mile mark (WOW!), I arrived at the shelter where I chose to spend the night. The next shelter was 6 plus miles away and while I would have liked to continue on, I am having some tightness in my left quad and I thought it better to lay up. I am hopeful it will feel better tomorrow. What a day!
Date: 2016-04-08
From: Wise Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: light rain

Well suddenly my body is in some pain. Yesterday and today I dealt with some noticeable quadricep pain on the left side. It was worse today and did slow me down despite covering 20 miles. I am somewhat worried about it because I don't know how it can heal if I keep walking. In addition, the weather has been very cold. While the lower temperature is manageable, the wind has been relentless! It was very cold overnight in the shelter last night to the point where I put on my down jacket in my bag during the middle of the night. An early morning walk through the remaining miles of the Grayson Highlands would have been very pleasant were it not for a consistent breeze at 20mph plus. I would like to go back there in warmer weather. Ann always tells me how much she hates the wind. I think I am coming around to that. It seems like the wind had been consistent since I left Springer Mtn.Tomorrow's forecast calls for higher winds, even colder temps, and snow so after three days of this, several of us are going into Marion, VA to stay inside and resupply. There are options to get off at both 10 and 20 miles. I will see how I feel before I choose where to get off and hope I can do the 20 but would probably be prudent to stick to 10.Met a guy named Osgood in the shelter tonight who thru hiked in 1997. There is a nice little fireplace in this shelter. Many thanks to him for building a fire. The warmth was appreciated by all! Thanks also to trail angel John who met us at a road crossing again today with more hot coffee, cheeseburgers, and more sugary treats. Another fine pick me up. I am grateful to him as well. Hope my leg feels OK in the morning.
Date: 2016-04-09
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Marion, VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Once again the morning dawned well below freezing and windy. I had already decided to come into town tonight. The only question was whether I would hike 10 or 20 miles before I did. I did the cold packing up routine and headed off in a dusting of new snow. The trail climbed a long ridge with many small summits. The wind up there was relentless and drifted the small amount of snow into some pockets that were almost a foot deep. While my quad pain seemed somewhat better, the foot pain from my shoe laces led me to call the day at 10 miles and head into town in hopes of solving that. The outfitter in Marion, VA, listed in the AWOL guide, was worthless. He had a very sparse inventory and shoes of any variety were not part of it. DO NOT depend on that store if you need any real gear. With the shoe issue unresolved, I walked across town, had lunch at McDonalds, and got a room for the night. As always the shower was welcome as was a meal out which i had at a very reasonably priced Mexican restaurant. They even had a frozen Margarita special for $1.25 each. Pretty good for a Saturday night. Got caught up on phone calls, got more trail food, posted to this and now off to sleep and back to work tomorrow. It is supposed to be warmer and the wind is due to subside. Let's hope!
Date: 2016-04-10
From: Marion, VA

To: Campsite at 550
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

I have begun to think of the AT as my home. I live here. I work here, if you call hiking work. Day after day there is an element of that. I have a strange family here. Based on various ages it seems as if I have brothers and sisters and even some children. Not many parents. All of them I consider my friends. They pass in and out of my trail life. I may not see someone for a week or more. Our paths cross and it is as if we were together all along. The conversation is suspended. It begins once and never really ends. We are all bound by this common experience that only we know. Outsiders all ask us if we are thru hiking. We answer yes. They think we are crazy. They think we are awesome. They have no idea what it means to do this. It's a crazy life with a singular focus. A distant goal that binds us together in a solemn pact. We will not quit. We are determined. We will succeed.Today marks a notable milestone for the seven of us camped here tonight. We have completed 25% of the trail. We are awesome! We are crazy. We walk for a living. We will succeed. We are family. We are home.
Date: 2016-04-11
From: Campsite at 550

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night was a very pleasant night to camp. Seven of us shared a nice tenting area and had a fire. Perfect tree for bear bagging and warmer temperatures and no wind. After the cold windy weekend I had forgotten that camping could be fun and not strictly an endurance challenge!Pleasant hiking day today with some hotter temps. I will go to bed sticky from sweat which I don't like. Some very pretty countryside with pastoral views. One significant climb at the end of the day up to this shelter which is at 4400 feet. Had to pack water in here from almost two miles back. Nine of us in the shelter tonight. We are in for a rainy night and morning tomorrow. This shelter is made of stone and has four sides and a door so we are well protected. I've become a trail orphan again but know most of the people here tonight. It is fine traveling solo. Walked with a guy named Stakes today who had been to my home town of Lincoln. He actually went to college with Dan Thompson who graduated from Mt. Abe. Small world! Nothing too exciting on the horizon except for Pearisburg which I hope to arrive in on Friday. May stop into Bland, VA tomorrow or the next day. First things first, get through the rain tomorrow. The current forecast calls for five days of sun afterwards. Time will tell.
Date: 2016-04-12
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Stealth camp above Bland, VA
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I had no intention of hiking 20 miles today. In fact, I considered stopping at 10 but it was way too early. I wound up leaving Chestnut Knob after nine since it was raining and the four sided shelter was nice and dry. Met a section hiker named Pacman a few miles in who was camping in a gap and had a fire going. That was a nice break on a misty foggy morning. Pushed thru to the Jenkins shelter for lunch at about 1:30. By this time the weather had cleared and it was sunny. The next 4.4 miles were easy despite one climb and I arrived at another possible camp at 3:30. Again too early to stop. I decided to pack water for the night as the ridges today were very dry. Passing up a campsite a mile and a half later proved to be a mistake. I should have stopped there since I have had some leg pain as mentioned earlier. Thinking I would easily find more places, I suddenly found myself on the "Appalachian Contour Trail" which I have joked about many times. While the grade was mostly flat on the trail, the land was steep for the next four miles so I couldn't find a flat spot to pitch a tent that wasn't right on the trail! Finally I found an old logging road that provided me a little flat real estate so I could pitch. Total miles came in over 20. While I'm glad to have done them, I hope I don't pay in pain tomorrow. So why did I push on? I am totally motivated by the prospect of having breakfast in the town of Bland in the morning. It should be an easy three mile hitch in after a now easy 2 mile hike out. A good breakfast and a little resupply shoud easily allow me to reach Pearisburg by Friday sometime. Food is a great motivator and I guess, in this case, easily outweighed prudence!I am getting better at waiting to see what develops before making plans. It just seems to work better instead of having a plan and feeling as if I have to follow it. Just walk, see what develops, make a decision. Pretty easy. Is this what life is all about?
Date: 2016-04-13
From: Stealth camp above Bland, VA

To: Camp on ridge near mile 605
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

Well despite the fact that there was frost on the ground this morning, the days are getting warmer in addition to longer. It is 8:30pm and I'm sitting out comfortably by a nice little campfire I built. Once again I am camped alone tonight. It is quite pleasant. I have more room to move tonight and the fire tops things off nicely. As long as a bear doesn't come along, all should be well. I don't really mind if one does but I would prefer someone else around if one came in. So far this evening I can hear cows in the fields below, peepers in a distant farm pond, and a few woodpeckers. I saw a nice pileated tonight. They seem very common down south. I am camped on a ridge about 600 feet above the valley floor. This ridge is particularly rocky so I feel fortunate to have a decent site. There is ledge on the western side which drops of sharply. It is nice to see the fading orange light of sunset blend into the blue, purple, then black of the night sky. The trees are silhouetted against this backdrop of color. Outside of a passing car on the valley, it is quiet and peaceful! My breakfast plan came off without a hitch this morning. I was awake at 645 and sitting in the diner before 830. While the food wasn't the best, it was good and plentiful. I got two eggs on hash browns, country ham steak, and two biscuits with gravy for six bucks. Pretty good deal! I got a ride in with the third car that went by. A quick trip to my new favorite store, the Dollar General, for a few extra food items, and I was back to the trail around 11am. The hiking was pretty boring, following low wooded ridges all day. I stopped in at the Jenny Knob shelter around 330 where Cocoa Ken was in for the night. I also met Ghost today. He is the other Vermonter on the trail. He is from Rutland. We had both heard of each other but had not met until today. Ghost started one day ahead of me on March 1.I should now be able to arrive in Pearisburg by Friday in time to get to the PO. I appear to be roughly 29 miles away. Ann will be down here on Sunday if all goes well so I am thinking how to hike a solid day on Saturday and wind up back in Pearisburg to meet her. I have some ideas which I will research tomorrow. While nothing earth shattering happened today, I enjoyed it and had fun. What more could one ask from a day in the woods!