morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Whistling Gap 

To: Erwin Tenn.
Miles today: 12.9

There's a virus on the trail. Lots of people are getting sick. I have a cold but not the virus. Also have been bitten on the nose by a spider I think. At 4:00am lighting woke me up.Decided to pack up before the rain started. Blackhawk and I were on the trail at 5:08.When it started pouring. Before we left I put Diet Cokes bear bag in the side of her tent.She was a little upset that we hadn't woke her up.But she's a very strong hiker. She caught up to us by 10:00o o'clock when we stopped for breakfast. She made up over a hour. We got to Edwin at noon. I shutted to the P.O. to get the maps my son sent me. Then went to eat my chicken. Brought back some for Blackhawk. He flew them. A super nice friend.I really over ate.I completely forgot I'd told Diet Coke that I would take her out to dinner on me. She called and ask if I wanted to go to the grocery store. We went and got food for next 5 days. She made plans for next few days. We are gonna slack pack using her car and shuttle's I'm gonna slow down for a while and let the knee heal completely. Blackhawk is taking some time off with his girlfriend. Diet Coke and I are going out to eat tomorrow nite. All clean and rested in motel God is Great, Thinking of all the family & friends. Another good day on the AT.
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Indian Grave Gap 

To: Erwin Tenn
Miles today: 0.0

Had a good breakfast here at the Holiday inn express .Diet Coke Blackhawk and I took her car to the shuttle at Uncle Johnnys.They took us up to Indian Grave Gap where we hiked back to her car .Was back by 12:30.Diet Coke and I went to KFC for supper. She said that she enjoyed it.Blackhawk left with his girlfriend for a few days. We are gonna miss him. A good friend. Today I made a entry to this journal, but the only thing that updated was the mileage. We hiked 8.8 but to get it right today and tomorrow will be off. I probably made a mistake with the entry... Gonna slow down fora few days with Diet Coke. The knee is coming around slowly. Another good day on the AT...
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Iron Mountain Gap 

To: Indian Grave Gap 
Miles today: 2.0

Holiday inn express had a good breakfast. Diet Coke and I meet Mrs Janet at 8:00 and followed her up to Indian Grave Gap where we left Diet Cokes car. Then went back down to town and picked up 10 hikers and a dog. Then up to Iron Mountain Gap to start our hike of 11.8 .Miles should be correct tomorrow.Weather started out good but it poured the last couple of hours. We both got wet. Only one big hump, we were slack packing again. Back to motel and picked up big packs.Then to Mountain Harbor Bed & BreakfastIt's such a beautiful home.More wisdom from Mrs Janet. Half the hikers who make it to Va fall off the trail. She said to think of Va as 3 states not one thats over 500 + miles. Its 3 at 180 miles each.Through Id speak about a piece of gear each day. Today it's my Dirty Girl Gaiters .They are like a sock. You put it on after your sock then put on your shoe or boot. Then pull it down over shoe Or boot. Fasten to Velcro on heel and hook into shoestring on front with the small hook. It keeps leave ,rocks, sticks and things from getting in your shoes Will take a picture soon. Another good day on the AT.....
Date: 2013-04-20
From: Carvers Gap 

To: Iron Mountain 
Miles today: 18.4

What a spread for breakfast it looked like Thanksgiving dinner even had a whole sliced ham everything was delicious. it was 31 degrees when we started dont know temp at top but that was ice on the trees hiking with good because the mud hiking with good because the mud was frozen stayed cool all day a perfect day for hiking we came. Back to bed and breakfast tonight and tomorrow night we are staying in the loft. It's nice has a kitchen two bedrooms bath and loft and a nice woodburning stove. Looking forward to a another big breakfast in the morning .Plus leaving NC for the last time. Another good day on the AT.
Date: 2013-04-21
From: Carvers Gap

To: US 19 E
Miles today: 14.6

Mary the owner of Mt. Harbour B&B starts cooking every morning at 4:30.What a spread. Started hiking at 9:30 after the shuttle back up the mountain. The views were unbelievable Roan Mt. Was beautiful yesterday but Hump Mt. And little Hump were .5587ft.Diet Coke is amazing She's almost my age but still out hikes a lot of the men an women. She tripped on a rock today but got right up. Nose lip and face bleeding. Nothing serious. Today we left NC for the last time. Only about 75 miles to my home state of VA.I plan to be in Damascus Thursday if God is willing. Diet Coke leaves for home Wednesday. Stanford Conn. We are leaving this B&B early in the morning. I pray all had a blessed Sunday. The knee is not much better or worse. We've been slack packing the Last 4 days. Tomorrow its back to a full pack with 5 days food.We'll see what happens with the knee. Goodnight..
Date: 2013-04-22
From: US 19 E

To: Morland Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 18.6

Up at 6:00 hiking by 7:00.A long day. I think its to many miles for her with a full pack. She's strong. Had no complaints We ate then we built a fire. Later Giggle Fits & Pasily came in. Two very nice young couple from ME.We enjoy there company. Iam very tired. Gonna rest in Damascus Friday.
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Morland Gap Shelter 

To: Watauga Lake Shelter 
Miles today: 16.3

Last night my R knee lots of Advil with very little relief. Entertained the thought of getting a ride to Charlottesville with Diet Coke. Prayed about it and wokeup and hiked slow. Which I think is good for both of us. Both knees hurt today and the ball of left foot too. I think alls gonna be okay. Only take one day at a time.... Just KEEP walking. Diet Coke and I meet lovely ladies today from Iowa who gave us some trail magic. We answered a few questions for them. I think they want to hike the trail someday. Iam so happy this evening. My knees don't hurt as bad. Iam not quitting unless I absolutely of to.Keep me in your prayers. Another good day on the AT....
Date: 2013-04-24
From: Watauga Lake Shelter 

To: Double Springs 
Miles today: 21.6

I sleep good last nite because of the bath I took in the creek . Diet Coke and I ate and left early after she waited on me. Had to work on a blister hang wet clothes on back of pack and put knee brace on. I don't wear it every day. As we crossed the dam she was gone up the big mt the harder I went the worse the knee hurt till my right foot was turned in .I even turned around an walked backwards. The only thing different from yesterday and today was less weight (food) and the knee brace. Stopped and removed the brace. Few miles later the pain subsided. After she waited for me we hiked to highway 91 where the shuttle picked her up and brought her here to this hostel. She gave me a big hug when she left. It started pouring rain. I took cover in a old barn. Called and talked to my son for a few. Should ve sit tent up in barn but no I pushed on a another 3 miles to Double Springs shelter. But when I got there there wasn't enough room. Moved on a little further and set up my tent. Should have stayed in the barn. After I ate it started raining and boy did it rain. Was supposed to clear up but didn't. Rain splashed in on my feet. End of bag got wet. 1st time. Then the temp dropped. When I got up everything was frozen. Made breakfast and packed up all the wet and frozen gear. Knees felt pretty good today. Ball of left foot still hurts on and off. Will get third set of insoles in town tomorrow.
Date: 2013-04-25
From: Double Springs 

To: Damascus Va.
Miles today: 18.7

Well did I get a big surprise today. The knees feel a lot better but the biggest surprise was what Diet Coke did for me. At the edge of town she had left me a bag with of trail magic. Even brought tears to my eyes. There she had left me a can Pepsi and a bag of Cheez-its with my name taped on the bag.My favorite snack. But even more surprising was when I got to the Hikers Inn Hostel there was more magic .Two nights paid a dinner at a restaurant paid for a huge box of Cheez-its 4Pepsi's Bananas Oranges Sniker bars M*Ms battierys for my headlamp and radio some Motrin. She has been a true friend I'll never forget.I called and thanked her. This is the town that I brought my grandson to We rode a bicycle 17 miles down the Creeper Trail. Another great day on the AT.
Date: 2013-04-26
From: Damascus Va.

To: Damascus 
Miles today: 0.0

Rested body today. Its feeling good. This is a very nice hostel, I give it a 5 star. Got new insoles for shoes got pack sewed up so I don't keep losing things out of the sides.Eating and relaxing She also left me peanuts too.Sorry for taking so long to update but the service is very spotty in these Mts A nice day. May even take another zero for the body.Thanks for all of the prayers. God sure has blessed me.Another good day on the AT .
Date: 2013-04-27
From: Damascus 

To: Damascus 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

The body feels better. Today I resupplied my food, sent some winter gear to my son. He sure is helping me out. And so is Kim with her positive attitude. And I want to thank Diet Coke again too. Mostly took it easy and ate. Did buy a rain coat pack cover combo. But not till after I'd sent the winter gear home. P.O. was only open from 9-11am this morning. Thought about staying one more day since its gonna rain the next 212 days. 70 percent chance. They say if you don't walk in the rain you won't make it to Maine. Thanks everyone and God Bless....
Date: 2013-04-28
From: Damascus 

To: Lost Mt. Shelter 
Miles today: 15.6

Well it rained and rained. Didn't get on trail till after 10 .Some days its hard to get motivated. I bought a rain coat pack cover combo, but the sweat made me just as wet as the rain would have. Iam at a shelter with a nice couple from Maine named Paisley & Giggle Fits. It's getting dark.Hope to see wild ponies tomorrow and take some photos. Iam sure Kim amd everyone else will want to see them too.Night....
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Lost Mt. Shelter 

To: Old Orchard Shelter 
Miles today: 23.2

Was the first out this morning. Cloudy most of the day. Ball of left foot and right knee still hurt. The wild ponies were amazingly beautiful creatures .Check pics out and click to see little pony close up. He was very inquisitive. Amazing. Big miles, Iam worn out. Another good day on the AT.
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Old Orchard Shelter 

To: Partnership Shelter 
Miles today: 24.7

Latest day leaving 8:40 and the biggest miles so far. I woke up with a headache. But what a beautiful day. You wouldn't believe the aromor in the meadows from the flowers and bushes blooming. Spring is coming. Trees are just beginning to bloom. At about 19 miles I came to some trail magic. A church had left snacks drinks water and lots of food. I ate 2 grape jelly sandwiches which gave me the energy to hike my longest miles so far. Radio also helped with the miles.After 7 when O got to Partnership Shelter. Biggest shelter ever scene. Sleeps 18+.Even had a shower. Just another reason I made it. I don't like being dirty or smelly ,it won't let me sleep. Im tired and must rest. Not a 100 percent well but I think it will come if I don't over do it. Thanks everyone, Keep me in your prayers.. and May God Bless You..
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Partnership Shelter 

To: Partnership Shelter 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

This shelter is amazing. I took the shuttle to Marion. (.50 ).To P.O. then a good breakfast. Washed and dryed clothes and picked up big food supply. Then to AYCE KFC. Hitched back. Stopped by Hardee s an got a cheeseburger for a snack later. I've got to do something different. I've lost about 10 lbs.I eat all the time but still losing. Pack belt is now to big.I'm out of adjustments its pulling hard on the shoulders.Using foam on hips. There's a outfitter in Daleville. Gonna try to make it there 190 miles ,will make some changes there. This is the life on the trail. You just deal with each problem as best you can.Iam still having fun. Its getting dark got to rest. No miles today but a lot of smiles...
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Partnership Shelter 

To: I -81 underpass 
Miles today: 11.9

The day started out good. 1st out hiking at 7:15.Was very foggy and damp. E T & husband ,Shutterbug ,The 2 young Germans and Speckler a day hiker all me buy noon. I haven't said a lot about my pack. But it hasnt been fitting well at all. Won't stay tight and has been hurting shoulders quite a bit lately. I cut up a sleeping pad and put on hips.. Worked for a while then became loose again. The next time it started to rip. Called a lady hiker friend, Sawin Robinson who lives here in the area. Said she could help but not till tomorrow. Then Ken (Speckler) the day hiker offered to take me all the way to Damascus to repair the pack. When we got to Atkins I bought our lunch. In Damascus at Mt.Roger's Outfitters Jeff the owner said that my pack was a good pack. But he and the owner of the co had made a lot of improvements since mine was produced. Got the same pack only a newer improved model. Will probably be refunded for new one.Jeff also did some special work to it also at no charge. Ken brought me back to Atkins. He was a great trail angel. Ate two plates of food. Can't believe how well things keep working out. Even Diet Coke is still being a great friend.Thanks Everyone. Another good day on the AT...
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Knot Maul Shelter 

To: Jenkins Shelter 
Miles today: 19.1

A great day on the trail. I had the shelter all to myself last night. The mice didn't even bother me. Awake at 4 an up at 5 and on the trail at 6:15.Windy and cold most of the day. Was glad to meet Animal. A hiker who carriers a 5 gal bucket .In shelter with Shutterbug again a friendly young lady from Ind & 4 others plus a few in tents.Diet Coke has done it again. She wants me to stay at Woods Hole. One of the best hostels on the trail. I don't know what to say Shes such a wonderful person. I was a bit cold today but still enjoyed it. Nice to be in the beautiful rollinghills of our home state of VA.
Date: 2013-05-05
From: Jenkins Shelter 

To: Helveys Shelter 
Miles today: 14.0

Another good day. Left early with Shutterbug, She's 24 and carries a big camara. She made her own sleeping bag. Calling for rain tonight and tomorrow. We stopped early so we would be able to fit in shelter. That means we must do big miles tomorrow. Then short miles on Tue so we get to Woods Hole on time a gift from Diet Coke. Thanks for the prayers everyone.
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Helveys Shelter 

To: Wapiti Shelter 
Miles today: 24.0

It rained rained and rained. Got up at 5 .the shelter holds 6 but we got 8 in it. A fun group We started at 7:10 and got to Wapiti shelter at 4:00.24 miles in pouring rain. We were lucky to find room in the shelter. Will go to Woods Hole in the morning. All paid for by my friend Diet Coke. Got to wash and dry out. Got another blister but still a good day.
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Wapiti Shelter 

To: Wood's Hole hostel 
Miles today: 7.2

Hiked to Woods Hole hostel by 11:00 am.What a great gift from Diet Coke. It started pouring rainright when we got there. The room was very comfortable .Got all clothes and equipment clean and dry. Diet Coke had a surprise package sent to me. My favorite Cheeze-its plus candy bars cookies peanuts M&Ms and some how she found the hiker ties that I haven't been able to find. If I wash myclothes in a creek I can hang them on my pack to dry with the ties. She also paid for the room, a massage and a SaunaOne great friend. This home is heated by wood and the food is organic. Very nice.
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Wood's Hole hostel 

To: Woods Hole hostel 
Miles today: 0.0

Started raining at 5:00.Ask to stay another day but they were booked. Some how God worked it out so we didn't have to leave. Called Diet Coke she said it wasokay.She told Neville to give me the worksI had a Sauna for 40 min at 120° then a shower and then a hr massage. Then I fell asleep for 2 hrs.I helped prepar breakfast and both dinners. Would like to stay longer but Iam out here to hike. Called an thanked Diet Coke again. She's a wonderful person. May God Bless her. Its 9:00 hikers midnight. Thanks forall the prayers everyone. Back on the trail in the morning.
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Woods Hole hostel 

To: Pearisburg Va
Miles today: 10.4

Another good breakfast at Woods Hole hostel. Then Shutterbug and I left for Pearisburg.Got there at1:00 an picked up package from PO my son sent me. Lighter shoes and sleeping bag.Hope I don't get cold.Traded 35° for a. 50°.Resupplied at Walmart and staying at a real nice hostel called The Holy Family. They only take donationsSorry so long for update but I haven't had a signalLove All.
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Pearisburg Va

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter 
Miles today: 19.3

Left hostel about 7:10 but it was a2.5 miles road walk to the trail. Did stop my Hardees for a coffee & ham biscuit. Would be nice every morning. One long and steep 4 mile climb out of Pearisburg then a 14mi ridge walk up Peters Mt. where Jackieand Lee Coleman have a home in the valley. Shutterbug is having a program with her hip, a sharp pain in her hip every now and then. Its really hurting from the sounds she makes. Rained on us just before we got to shelter. Looking forward to a big spread on mothers day that Diet Coke told us about on Sunday. Also from a lady who signed my guest book. Also want to thank every one else whos signed itWe do get lonely out here at times.It's good to here from family and friends often.
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter 

To: Laurel Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 18.5

Started out in a drizzle then it turned to rain. The zip line across the river to the Captainswas to close to water, so we didn't try it.I turned my ankle once yesterday & once today. The rocks are very slick in the rain. Gonna eat big tomorrow Big miles the last couple days are gonna pay off. A normal day tomorrow will put me there at 2:00 on time to eat. Another good day on the AT.
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Laurel Creek Shelter 

To: Pickle Branch Shelter 
Miles today: 22.5

Happy Mother's day all Moms. Everyone sleep late this morning ,even myself. All was looking forward to the trail magic, and no one was disappointed. Biggest and best so far Thank you Anne and your friends.I think Shutterbug and I are hiking at a different pace now. Gonna miss the young lady. After the big feast I felt good & hiked another 9+ miles for 22.5 total .I need to slow down a bit. A excellent day on the AT.
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Pickle Branch Shelter 

To: John Spring Shelter 
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: few clouds

Was very tired today. Never did get up to speed. Part of the reason is my knee and Crow snored all night. The ear plugs didn't help. I may get cold tonight they are calling for record breaking low. Oh well at least its not raining. Diet Coke is gonna look out for me in town again. She said she loves doing it. Last weekend she went hiking in the Annorodocks (spelling) in NY.Another good day.... May see a old friend tomorrow.
Date: 2013-05-14
From: John Spring Shelter 

To: Daleville Va
Miles today: 18.8

Got to Daleville early. Another snoring hiker again last night, plus my right knee kept me awake. I'm gonna have to take some days off and rest this sore knee and body. Vit 1 isn't helping any more. It's starting to mess up my stomach .Looked up a young old friend in town. I helped him out his first yr of college at Longwood. Since then he's gotten has masters in mathematics. He's teaching calculus to jr & seniors at Lord Boteourt High School here in Daleville.Also coaching the girls softball team. He also flies to all the kart races and announces and races and wins when he drives.Him and his Dad have won more National races then anyone I know. A very bright and professional young man I'm proud to know. He even brought me some fruit took me by his home. I got on his scales. I've lost about 7 lbs. I might go watch a softball game tomorrow evening I hope. Sorry about the journal updateing but a lot of the battery is used to keep track of the weather radar. Lost my extra battery and a charger the first week out. Kim at Powhatan Physical Therapy is right. I need to slow down and listen to my body. Diet Coke is telling me the same thing and so is my body. Please keep me in your prayers I need this knee to heal.Gonna rest a few. Thanks Everyone & God Bless You......
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Daleville Va

To: Daleville Va
Miles today: 0.0

Today I rested caught my journal up,got a haircut, went to The 3 Little Pigs for lunch. What a nice meal. Thanks Diet Coke. Then to a Urgent Care center where the Dr said to rest it ice it and I could take 8 Advil a day. If that didn't work to see my Orthopedic surgeon. $84 wasted.still may be more billed to me later. I did enjoy the receptionists at the front desk. One with her husband was even giving trail magic somewhere. My teacher friend Brandon Taylor picked me up and took me to his High school softball game, then to Cracker Barrel with his beautiful girlfriend Ashley. I ate I of my favorite meals. Lemon Pepper Trout. Tried to pay for meal, But they wouldn't go for it. When I got back to the room I was gonna call Diet Coke to thank her for the lunch, but it was after 9:00.Most hikers are headed back to Damascus for Trail Days. Think I'll just rest.
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Daleville Va

To: Powhatan Va
Miles today: 0.0

Still no sleep or rest. Knee kept me awake, Vit 1 does very little good. I haven't told you'll this, but I had orthopedic surgery on my left knee 3 weeks before I started. If I could do it over I would have had a MRI taken of the right knee too. I called and made a appointment with my primary Dr.Dodd for tomorrow. Checked out of motel by 8:00.(Thanks Diet Coke) Son was working in Bedford only about 40 miles away. Hitched there in 2hrs and 2 rides. It was good to see him. A surprise when I got home. He had cut the grass down at the road. It looked good.Had a water leak but repaired it quickly with a new washer. My bed sure felt good. Knee woke me each hour. God has a plan. One day at a time.
Date: 2013-05-17
From: Powhatan Va

To: Powhatan Va
Miles today: 0.0

Up early. Washed all clothes and my truck, then to see my primary Dr Dodd. He's a good God fearing Doc.He checked me out and put in for a MRI. Said I may know something Mon. They will call. Back to the house I picked up sticks and limbs, ran the weedeater ,and rode the mower cutting more grass. Rested and loved my cat this afternoon. I miss the trail. There are very few on the trail this weekend because of Trail Days in Damascus I've heard that as many as 20- 30K may show up. Hikers from all the past yrs and this yr show up. This yrs hikers make up the parade that comes down Main street. They perform small skits ,sing & dance and mostly have a big party for 3 days then head back to where they left the trail. Its mostly a big party. I've heard whatever you want you can get it there. I may go next yr .The more rest I get, the sooner I'll be back. Please pray for a quick recovery. I will keep all informed of what's happening.
Date: 2013-05-18
From: Powhatan Va

To: Powhatan Va
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

God told me not to go to Trail Days in Damascus this weekend. I just got word from Diet Coke that 50 people have been hurt 4 serious in the parade by a automobile that was out of control. Possibly someone had a stroke that was behind the wheel. I was told it was reported on Fox news earlier. God is looking out for me Let's pray for them all. Iam sure I know quite a few of them. Thanks
Date: 2013-05-20
From: Powhatan Va

To: Powhatan Va
Miles today: 0.0

Thank the Lord, All is looking good. My primary Dr Jeffrey Dodd put in for a MRI on Friday after seeing me. Today (Mon) the hospital called and said to come today for the imaging. After the MRI I drove to the hospital to see (Carla) my orthopedic surgeons assistant.She's great. I'll see him at9:40 tomorrow morning to read the MRI. I don't think all this could have happened any faster. I also lined up rehab at Powhatan Physical Therapy today. All these people are looking out for me. May God Bless them all. Thanks Everyone.