morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2022-06-02
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

My day started with the most beautiful choral rendition of "Happy Birthday" via text from all my chickadees. The text banter cracked me up, and really made me feel special.  I'm a really blessed mom to be able to call these amazing young adults my children.Then, at the Woods Hole hostel, where I was staying, all of the hikers sang happy birthday, and Neville, the proprietor, brought me a peach cobbler with a bday candle!At the end of the day, when I was reconciling my account to check out in the morning, I learned that "Tumbles," a worker there, used her trail magic for me, meaning my stay at the hostel would not cost me a dime!!I couldn't have asked for a better bday on the trail.Unfortunately, Judy's day was not quite as good. The reason we stayed at the hostel when we did was so that Judy could get a medical consultation. The hospital doctors confirmed it would be better if Judy deferred further hiking until she is completely healed. Judy will be heading home tomorrow.
Date: 2022-06-03
From: Us 52

To: Jenny's knob shelter 
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Judy dropped off Stallspeed where he left the trail to resupply before coming to rest at the Woods Hole Hostel. She then dropped me off where i left the trail, some 20 miles behind Stallspeed. She and I said our good-byes, and she left for home; I left for the trail. I waved to the cars below as I crossed the bridge over I-77, hoping Judy would notice. A few hundred yards after the bridge, the city road took me to the parking area where the trailhead was located. Waiting there, with a buffet of trail magic for hikers, was "Coffee Grounds." Hot breakfast--eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes, coffee, juice, fresh fruit, you name it. I was still full from the breakfast I had gotten a few miles earlier. I hated passing up this free gift, but hiked on by. I later learned Coffee Grounds would be providing dinner- time trail magic at a road crossing a mile past the shelter, which was my destination for the day. I would be lucky to make the nearly 12 mi hike to the shelter, much less the extra mile beyond. Another missed freebie. The hike went well, partly due to the backpack. I swapped my REI Flash 55 for the Gregory Jade that Judy brought for herself in case she had problems with the her own Flash 55. Though the Gregory is heavier, the pack felt better on my shoulders. I passed the 600-mile mark. Of course, i completed the first 534 miles in 2017, when Judy and I first attempted to be thru hikers. Not much has changed since then. The trail will still beat you up yet leave you awestruck at the majesty of God's creation. I reached Jenny's Knob Shelter with sufficient daylight to do everything I needed before bedding down. While making dinner, I got to know "Striker" and another tenter who was from Canada. Undoubtedly, many other hikers kept going on for the free food at the next road crossing a mile ahead.  Not sure I'll see Striker or the Canadian again, but enjoyed their company, if but for the evening. It was a good day.
Date: 2022-06-04
From: Jenny knob shelter 

To: Weary Feet Hostel
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: broken clouds

I was oacked out and on the trail by 7:35!!! A new record.  I'm sure Judy and Stallspeed are both shocked and impressed. I had every intention to hike the 14.5 mi to the next shelter. It didnt happen. About 4 miles into the hike, I felt a twinge in my left inner thigh. I pulled a muscle. Soon after that, my left ankle started scrrming while navigating one of the rock scrambles. What was that? Did I roll it? Did I jam it? I had no clue--it seemed a sudden pain. Still, the ankle seemed more of a nuisance injury--not terribly painful--just subtle reminders that it wasnt quite right when my foot was in certain positions.  The muscle pull, on the other hand, stopped me in my tracks in several of the downhill sections. A return visit to Weary Feet Hostel seemed warranted in order to give my injury a break. I was bummed.
Date: 2022-06-05
From: US 606

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I was on the trail at 8:35 a.m. after a protein and carb-packed breakfast. It was a good hike. Long stretches of this section seemed surreal, as if I were hiking in some magical, fairy tale-like kingdom. A picture could not have captured the peaceful, calm sense that overcame me. I looked up, and the branches of the tall oaks filtered the sun's rays conjuring an image of God's arms reaching from the heavens in a welcoming gesture. My heart smiled, and I felt a new pep in my step. I reached the shelter by 3. It was really too early to call it a day, but the alternative seemed a bit risky to me: a 2.5 mi climb to what my reference guide described as an "unofficial" tentsite, with space for only 2 or 3 tents. If I get there, and there were no space for me, I'd have to extend my hike by a few miles. I stayed.  I ate an early dinner, set up my sleeping space, hung my bear bag, and prayed for company.Three hikers dropped in for a break, including Stefan, who was from Germany, Switchfoot, and Navigator. Before resuming their hike, they assured me other hikers were coming who planned to stay at the shelter. Sure enough, at about 7:30 pm, in comes my company: Ten-Year, Diesel, and Maverick. Thank you. Jesus!!I slept well.
Date: 2022-06-06
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Doc's Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: few clouds

I was glad i waited to tackle the 2.5 mi climb with fresh legs. It wasn't the worst climb, but it took a full 2.5 hours to summit. At least I was rewarded with a beautiful view. However, I was delusional to think the climb was the worst part of today's hike. I made up some time in the midsection, but as I began my descent, it became increasingly apparent that trail conditions would be far more rugged and challenging than what I had experienced to date. Steep drops with tight turns, rocks and more rocks. In one section. It took me one full hour to go a half mile. I literally wanted to cry. I considered taking a side road to go to the Woods Hole Hostel instead of going the extra 2 miles to the shelter, but, thankfully, i saw a sign that said the Hostel was booked to capacity, so i had no choice but to continue. I reached Docs Knob Shelter, totally exhausted in body and in spirit,, with no one to keep me company in the night but the fierce howling winds.I did not sleep well.
Date: 2022-06-07
From: Doc's Knob Shelter 

To: Cross Avenue 
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: overcast clouds

High winds continued through the night, and a storm was looming. I ate, was packed, and hit the trail by 7:25 am. My goal was to reach Angel's Rest Hostel before the storm. I prayed for better trail conditions today. My prayers were answered! I was treated to smooth trails, mild ups and downs, absolutely stunning views, vibrant colors even in the shade-darkened corridors, and good cell service to share amazing pics! The "storm" hit in two places--once, at the ridgeline--a five minute, gentle, refreshing shower, and once toward the end of the day's journey, where the canopy protected me from becoming drenched. I reached the road and called for the Histel shuttle, which arrived 5 minutes later.Did I mention this hike took me past the 100 mi mark for this 2022 outing?!God's mercies are new every morning.
Date: 2022-06-08
From: Angel's Rest Hostel

To: Angel's Rest Hostel 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

I took a zero today for two reasons: 1) to have my ankle checked to make sure it is nothing more than a sprain, and 2) to resupply and plan for the upcoming 70 mi food "desert."I shuttled to the hospital to have an Xray of my foot. No fractures!  The doctor suggested resting until swelling and pain level go down. I will play it by ear whether I take another zero or resume hiking tomorrow. An Interesting coincidence: The patient registrar's name was Cheryl; the triage nurse's name was Judy. I got a kick out of that.Planning for the food desert was not as easy as the hospital trip, but I ultimately decided to resupply with enough food to carry me through the next 70 miles. This adds weight to my pack, but there were too many "what if's" with the other option; namely, pack a box and pay the hostel to drop off the resupply box at a road 40 miles uptrail. The issue I had with that option is I had to predict when I would be at that point. I don't trust my predictions, and I don't trust there would be cell service to update the person delivering my food. I do, however, trust in God. I know he will get me through.While contemplating dinner plans, Splinter asked whether anyone had seen Stallspeed. My ears perked. Stallspeed?? Splinter seemed to think Stallspeed had come here to recuperate from an injury. He was right!! Though sad about the circumstance, I was ecstatic to see my trail angel friend again. We ordered dinner to be delivered and enjoyed catching up with each other. His plans to return to the trail are up in the air.Oh, and Striker is taking a break here, too!! A "tramily" reunion!
Date: 2022-06-09
From: Angel's Rest Hostel 

To: Angel's Rest Hostel 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Another zero day. I was on the fence about whether to head out on the trail or rest one more day. I was able to get my boot on over the ankle wrap, and it felt pretty good. I walked around the hostel grounds with only minimal pain. Do I push through? A few more steps convinced me to stay.  It was a cool day, quite perfect for hiking, and I hated being idle, but I really felt the extra day of rest would make a world of difference.  I guess we'll find out tomorrow.  I enjoyed lunch with Stallspeed at the Mexican restaurant at the top of the hill, maybe .2 mi from the hostel.  He made the difficult decision to return home tomorrow in order to get medical attention for his bum knee.Sitting Bear was plotting her exit from the trail, weary from the weight of her backpack and the trails assault on her body.There were several other hikers facing a similar dilemma--stay on or go home.The trail is beautiful, yet brutal; rewarding, yet oh so challenging.  It is also addictive. See ya tomorrow, AT.
Date: 2022-06-10
From: Cross Avenue 

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: broken clouds

I decided to try out the ankle today with an 8.1 mi trek to Rice Field Shelter. The hike started with a usual long uphill climb and eventually leveled out. I took a break on a perfect rock by a water source about .6 mi from the shelter. This would be the closest water to the shelter, so I "cameled up" and carried enough water to get me through dinner and breakfast. I felt the extra weight of that water, but it was worth it. I was encouraged that my ankle did well and, though early, I did not want to ppushmy luck.A few drop-in visitors came early, but a section hiking couple, River Runner and his wife Blisters came for the night, followed by Tortoise and Cinderella. We all sheltered.A family who was out horseback riding, stopped to picnic at the area overlooking the town in the valley below, about 100 yards in front of the shelter, hoping to catch a glimpse of a colorful sunset. The sun did set, but without the spectacular color for which this site is apparently known. It was fun chatting with the family, and watching their adorable 2 y.o. girl interact with the dogs and horses. She rides with grandma who holds her in a front carrier while they ride. I Went to bed early, knowing a longer hike was in store for me tomorrow.  I slept well and barely niticed when Key Lime squeezed into the shelter at about 10 pm.
Date: 2022-06-11
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Pine Swamp Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: broken clouds

I was glad to get an early start, because i did not know what to expect along the 12.5 mi hike to the next shelter. The trail was not particularly memorable for good, bad, easy, or challenging stretches, but it was long for me. About eight mi in, my ankle started reminding me that it was still not 100%, and I had to take more breaks and slow my pace (not that I was speeding along anyway). About two mi before the shelter, a group of four hikers passed me and told me about the two bears their dog had chased away within the previous mile. As the gap between the hikers and me widened, I couldn't help but wonder if I had passed those bears. I did recall hearing a dog barking. I hobbled into the shelter to find the hikers and their bear-chasing dog, who was dubbed with the trail name of "lifesaver." It was an unusual shelter, made of stone, with a fireplace inside and space for four on the bottom level and two in an upper level. Though already set up on the bottom level, one of the hikers, Stacey (I didn't get his trail name), moved to the upper level so I could bed down on the lower level. That is what I call trail magic. He had every right to stay where he set up, yet he gave that up to make it easier for me. What a gift!We all talked about their bear encounter. They had only just rescued their dog four days earlier; their dog, in turn, rescued them. We all slept well that night, confident that Lifesaver was on a 24hr guard shift.
Date: 2022-06-12
From: Pine Swamp Shelter

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The next shelter was just four mi away. That was far enough. It was not a particularly difficult four mi, but i managed to take a big spill. It was on a downward turn on gravel-like trail surface. My pole slipped out and down i went--hard. My water bottle escaped its plocket on my backpack and continued rolling down trail and over the side edge. I was so concerned about retrieving my water bottle, i didnt immediately notice the painful swollen scrape on the back of my calf or the feeling like someone had just punched me in the ribs. At least my bad ankle was spared further damage. And, I recovered my water bottle.About .2 mi from the shelter I off loaded my backpack to follow the blue blaze down a steep hill to the water source, but I couldn't find the water. I was not going to risk hopping the rocks on a bad ankle to find it, trusting that i was carrying enough to get me through the night and morning and to the next source that was 2.5 miles after the nearby shelter. I was greeted at the shelter by the fierce sounding barks of a skittish dog that was pretending to be mean. The dog's owner, Tish, introduced the pup as Remy. Remy greeted all guests the same and, ultimately, welcomed all with a snuggle. Tish made the same offer to all who came-- Grommet, Square Pie, and Just Rick--that she would put Remy on a leash if anyone objected to his overly friendly mannerisms. No one objected; hence, Remy had full reign- no one's food was safe from his nose, no one's sleeping pad was safe from his paws, no one's trip to the privy was unaccompanied, and no one's sleep was uninterrupted by the furry, four legged shelter mascot. I woke up in the middle of the night to Remy's nose in my hair. I must have startled him when I shot straight up with a rather loud "What's that" because he ended up curling up with Just Rick for the night.  Tish slept through it all.
Date: 2022-06-14
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: War Spur Shelter 
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: broken clouds

Morning reminded me of the previous day's fall. A large bruise was forming on my calf, and my ribs ached with every cough, hiccup, burp or stretch. I felt like I had been hit by a truck. Thank goodness for Ibuprofen. I was glad I left camp early, because it took me three hours to go the first 2.5 mi. I was slow to navigate the solid rocky trail, and there were a couple of spots where the trail seemed to disappear, only to reappear on the other side of a major obstacle. I took a quick break by the spring and refilled my water bottles before continuing. Expecting more of the same rocky terrain, i was pleasantly surprised to find that the trail smoothed out, allowing me to pick up my pace. I stopped for a break at the cross road and chatted with Tortoise, then again .3 mi later at the overlook where one could see into both VA and WV; the trail straddled both states for quite a long stretch.It felt good to finally get to the War Spur Shelter. And even nicer that a plentiful supply of wTer was actually nearby and easily accessible.  The shelter area was probably one of the nicest for tenters so far, with a lot of level, root-free space to set up, and many tenters took advantage of that space. I was alone in the shelter. At around 9:30 pm. I was awakened by flashes of heat lightening. Then I heard the distant thunder, and soon, the deluge. I was glad to be dry in the shelter, and i was glad the tenters who debated whether to set up their rain flies, did. Despite the loud rumbles and pounding rain, I was able to settle in and fall asleep. Then at about 12:30 a.m. a crowd of hikers and their two dogs rushed under the cover of the shelter. With no predictions for rain, they started their night hike with the thought of experiencing a peaceful trek led by the light of a full moon. After consolidating my things and scooting over, six of the hikers and one dog were able to cram into the shelter built for six; one hiker had to pitch a tent for her and her dog. It could not have been five minutes after the group settled in before a huge sonic boom-like crack shook the shelter. There was a collective gasp, even from the tenters. It continued to pour throughout the night. I thought about my bear bag hanging in a tree about 50 yards away--would it even still be hanging when I get up in a few hours. It was.
Date: 2022-06-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I returned home last week to recover. It was a bittersweet homecoming.  While I knew that I could not continue hiking and actually looked forward yo seeing my family again, leaving the trail, even if only temporarily, feels like an insurmountable setback. Time will tell if I am able to return this year, but in the interim, life goes on. There are birthdays to celebrate, grandkids to love on, yard work to do (after healing), and memories to make. While reflecting on this, as well as on my previous AT experience, I am grateful for the lessons I have learned and share them now as a sort of afterword to this account of my brief AT adventure, and as a reminder to me that there is purpose in everything:1. All ridgelines are not created equal. Some are open and filled with amazing overlooks, some are buried in the shadows of the forest. Just enjoy the level hike.2. There is beauty everywhere on the trail--sometimes you have to look a little harder to find it.3. Trail magic doesn't always have to be a banquet in a parking lot.  It could be the person who gives you his last drop of water, someone who gives up his shelter space for you, or someone who hangs your bear bag when it's too dark to see. Be someone 's trail magic.4. Expect the unexpected. 5. Not reaching your goal does not mean you failed. Maybe you need to reset your goals.6. Regardless of your conditioning or training, it is nearly impossible to undertake such a physically and mentally demanding challenge without the support of family, friends, and fellow hikers past and present. To all those who have rooted Judy and me on--thank you!! You have no idea what a huge role you all played in making our return to the AT a reality. 7. God is good--all the time!!So, with this, I close this chapter of my trail journal. Will there be a sequel? Stay tuned!
Date: 2022-07-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

2 days left to go. I found today that I have some wonderful helpers to be guardians of the garden. Thirdhalf and Bittersweet. Thanks ahead . I also heard from shuttle driver Mark today. He will take me to Waynesboro which is my most northern point of completion. Things are coming together. That's about all for now.... I'll see you on up the trail.....WILLI
Date: 2022-07-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

1 to go   It's definitely going to happen. Tomorrow morning I leave for Harper's ferry West Virginia. I'm going to go through Columbus and pick up my daughter Mary and Drop her off in Canton Ohio . I'm feeling very fortunate to be able to take this trip And I'm very excited.  Quick shout out to my buddy fiddy in West Carrollton.He got very good news today from his oncologist and he is remaining very optimistic. Awesome..   So the pack weight came out to be 27 lbs. This seems to be too good to be true. That includes 4 days of food and 2 liters water . I guess the differences is in this heat I'm not really carrying much In the way of clothes.  So the next time you hear from me I will be headed for the trail actually on Thursday morning . I'll try to make an entry tomorrow night from the road ode if I have a signa That's about all for now.... I'll see you on up the trail.....WILLI
Date: 2022-07-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

7 20 22   It's been a good day of travel today. I picked up Mary This morning and then we went on to Canton. She's going to stay with her aunt Kathy and see her grandma Smith I wanna give a shout To Mary Lou and all The Smiths. You all have been very good to me thank you.  I'm all set for this evening got supper on andGoing to make camp right here in the Van tonight.I've been in contact with strings for my shuttle tomorrow to Waynesboro Pennsylvania. I am tooI'm to meet him at the National Park and Harper's ferry in the morning.. I'm about to half an hour out so you'll have plenty of time in the morning.  I really want to give a thanks to everybody that helped me get out on this trip . Carol Bob Jeannie mom And Katie . Thank you thank you thank you . A special shout out to Kathy Joe at Asbury in Otterbien. The hiking will start tomorrow morning . That's about all for now.... I'll see you on up the trail.....WILLI
Date: 2022-07-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Finally hit the trail today. Got into the National Park at 9 o'clock did my paperwork and strings pick me up 9 15 and I hit the trail at 10:30. He's a very interesting character and had a good ride . We talk the whole way. Seem to have a lot in common. He remembered me from past shuttles and also remembered Bob when he was a ridge runner.So the walking today was pretty slow going I stopped quite a bitAs soon as I would get going I had the issues with where my next water was going to be. So I wasn't sure how far I was gonna go where I was gonna get water anyway I stopped and stealth camped at 4:30 took a nice nap and here I am it's been an awesome day it's beautiful Out here.  I did receive a call while I was having a snack it was from Hannah in Sheffield England.She was over at her Nonnie ,and I also got to tell her hello. She look great and next time I'm there I definitely look forward to that spaghetti. Hannah is pretty excited about going to University of Liverpool in September. I can't say that I blame her . It will be awesome.       Well I've had my dinner I had my coffee I've got my food bag hung up in the tree and It's about time to wrap things up here I plan on getting up very early 430 to be exact and get some miles in before it gets too hot out here. So that's all for now thank you folks. That's about all for now.... I'll see you on up the trail.....WILLI