morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-01
From: Iron Mt Shelter

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: clear sky

Longest day yet...27 miles...left the shelter 715...brisk but sunny...hiked with or near Goodnight all day...there was nice stuff today...some trail magic...sodas and cookies in a cooler...a portion of the AT that was WHEELCHAIR assessable for half mile...Huh?...then I crossed a road in a gap and climbed hard for 40 minutes...once I got out of the gap I stopped to grab my guide and water up..that's when I noticed a large bird through the bare trees...probably a crow...maybe a hawk...then I saw the white tail and eventually it's white head...BALD EAGLE...omg..it climbed and circled three times...for about 45 seconds...I tried with the. iPhone but with an eyepiece I was unsuccessful...anyway...made it to Virginia...and I hiked over 140 miles the past 7 days
Date: 2015-04-02
From: Damascus VA

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 0.0

Hung out all day. Was supposed to get packages from home and one from back down the trail that I "drifted" or sent to myself from another previous location....well the previous hostel did not forward the one from home...it had all my monthly bills and checks...and food i bought last year...so...not good...but i been getting ahead of schedule ...140 plus miles these past seven days...so a day off was warranted. ..and appreciated...I got a SHORT ass haircut...and a shave with a straight razor...by a barber that kept trying to save my soul...I was afraid to tell him I was an atheist while he had the blade to my neck...I was hoping he didn't sense it either...I did tell him I didn't ever want to get "dipped"...actually he was real nice...I look really different...having dropped 20 lbs in the past month...I'm trying for the lead singer of Metallica look...Yeah!!!!...hush little baby...don't say a word...never mind that noise you heard...exit light..enter night...etc.
Date: 2015-04-03
From: Damascus VA

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

So I leftDamascus T nine...hiked near the Virginia Creeper Trail got lost cuz of a bridge washout and subsequent detour. At exactly the same moment it started to rain. I hiked an hour when everything started to look really familiar. Omg. So pissed at myself. The rain really started to pour but mostly warm. Pulled a muscle in the right thigh cuz of all the added stress. Not good. Made the shelter around four. Lots of nice folks here
Date: 2015-04-04
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Old Ochard Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: clear sky

Rose early and hit the trail. Hiked to highest point inVirginia at Mt. Rogers. They have wild Grayson horses that run wild. Saw 11 of them. Hiked very hard on my strained leg muscle but it did okay. It's very cold. Glad to be in the shelter with Goodnight Bruins and Laurel
Date: 2015-04-05
From: Old Ochard Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Chilly to start. But sunny. Warmed quick. Had a massive day ahead of me so wanted to go hard. Right thigh increasingly troublesome. Made it to the shelter 6ish and was able to order pizza for dinner. Woohaaaa Woohaaaa!!! It was Easter
Date: 2015-04-06
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Crayfish Trail campsite
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

The shelter was great last night with the hikers and pizza. Today hiked into Adkin Va. At around two pm straight to the Barn restaurant for lunch then to the Sonoco Truckstop for a 5dollar shower. And coffee and Danish. All badly needed. The pushed another 6 miles to camp. 1st time I had my hammock back since the Smokies.
Date: 2015-04-07
From: Crayfish Trail campsite

To: Chestnut Knob shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: light rain

Woke to steady rain. It kept up all damn night. The trail went uphill all day too especially at the very beginning and very end. The shelter is at the very top of the mountain. It is totally made of stone and has a door. There are seven of us here tonight.
Date: 2015-04-08
From: Chestnut Knob shelter

To: Bland VA
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked hard today under favorable conditions. Leg feels much better too. I'm sharing the room with Goodnight and Spruce Lee. Apparently I am near the head of all AT Thru hikers. Been seeing section hikers and rare southbound thru hikers that tell us there ain't manny ahead. The reports are that there maybe as few as 20. I personally know there are hundreds on the trail behind us. And the locals tell me that there will be 20-30 per day for the next 6-8 weeks. 600 is the number of hikers that completed the AT last year. They are just numbers mixed with trail lore but it's something to ponder while I'm here. Good times
Date: 2015-04-09
From: Bland VA

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke 7ish. Headed to eat with Goodnight. Spruce was asleep on the floor he was the third man so he didn't get a bed last night. So we just stepped over him. When we got back he was watching tv and drinking beer. Lol. Then we got a lift to the trail via the post office for Spruce to get a resupply that he sent himself. At the trail he opened it and gave us tons of extra food. Plus he had a 12 pack of tall boys. We left him there. Later we heard he was drinking and hiking. Too funny
Date: 2015-04-10
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Woke early and hiked in the dark. Wanted to get to the hostel quick as possible. Also wanted to his a store that was right near the trail for breakfast. But when I got there I decided to skip it in favor of moving fast. So I pushed hard to Woods Hole arriving 4ish just before the rain hit   Really nice hostel. I helped cook dinner. Delicious.
Date: 2015-04-11
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Woods Hole again
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: broken clouds

Staying at Woods Hole again. Decided to shuttle to Pearisburg...go to Walmart...eat at Nagles Bagels...and slack pack back to the hostel...sort of a productive rest day...weather was spot on...views so nice...classic views of mountain valley with miniature town nestled in it ...back at Woods Hole it was packed with thru hikers...Hakuna Mutata and Sasto were there...I previously gave them their trail names...we ate tasty Mexican...not A Mexican...but Mexican food
Date: 2015-04-13
From: Balies Gap Shelter

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: broken clouds

Last nights shelter was cool...it had the Old Guys...J...Jingles...Slowman...and Snail Male...all fun to hang with...all older guy too...lol...I slept well...so I hiked hard...lots of elevation gain right at the end of today's hike...and I have this beautiful and huge shelter All to myself...saw the "second largest oak tree on the AT" today
Date: 2015-04-14
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: light rain

Heard a crazy bird this morning...maybe a whiporwheel....On Steroids!!!....sounded like a fire alarm...slept in...didn't know the time cause the iPhone battery is dead...hiked alone all day...was up high on rocky ledges...rained too...a lot...I finall cruised into the shelter about 630...figured to have it to myself but there were five section hikers there having dinner with all their gear strung everywhere...they are The Virginia Creepers...they fed me a ton of hot food...chicken and rice...also the made fresh bread too...then we all piled into the shelter and told stories...they hike together this time of year each of the last nine years...they've made it a third of the way on the AT...three fellows and two gals...about my age...they were really nice people...one was a newly retired dentist...he reassured me about my missing filling...thanks Rollong Thunder!!!!
Date: 2015-04-15
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke to a dreary 55 degree day...not too cold right?...but as I climbed "dragons tooth" it worsened...temps fell...as did the rain...I kinda find it unbelievable that it is this cold at times...probably made a faux pas today because it took me down a peg or two...zapped me mojo...so to speak...but I got past dragons tooth (huge rocks sticking upward out of the top of the mountain) and made it to 4 Pines Hostel...the owner loaned me his van so I drove to a store and bought food...ham sandwich for lunch...then back on the trail...lol...for another 10 miles...past McAfees Knob...georgeous overlook...famous really...could see to Roanoke...now into the shelter with Newfound...very tired
Date: 2015-04-16
From: Campbell Shelter

To: Daleville Va
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Nice hike into town today...cruised into town about 130...went straight to Three Lil Pigs BBQ...awesome...then got my but to the Howard and Johnsons...and out of the rain...I needed to dry out and use my phone for a change...right at about a third of the way to Katahdin...need new shoes...and other items...having Mike Caley send them...thanks Mike
Date: 2015-04-17
From: Daleville Va

To: Wilson Shelter
Miles today: 11.2

Hung out awhile at hotel. Ate too much breakfast. Paid for it later on the trail. Sluggish. Tired. Heavy pack leaving town. Missing the mattress. Town-arehea!!! Ugh!!! But got cheered up by Yankee Doodle and Mama Doodle on the trail finishing their section hiking. They wished me tons of luck and promised me trail magic if I got to New York where they live. Woohaa Woohaa. I. The shelter early to hit the sack hard. Had dindin with Bald Eagle. We rocked to songs on his iPhone. Boy does he stink though. Pugh!!!
Date: 2015-04-18
From: Wilson Shelter

To: Cornelious Creek
Miles today: 25.7
Weather: light rain

Haha!! Last night Bald Eagle officially became Squatch Poo. Told me he heard something. Got out the shelter and wanted me to join him as he sidled around in the dark. I told him that I really didn't care even if it was a bear but he insisted Sure enough there were multiple animals moving around out there. Hum. We couldn't see them. Just heard them. Then we saw a pair of glowing eyes gleaming back in the dark. He tells me bears eyes don't glow IN the dark. So I told him GHOST bear eyes do!!! When it finally turned we got a profile -- DEER!!!   B Eagle seemed really unnerved up til that point. That's when I told him he was going to be eaten by Sasquatch and then be crapped out on the trail. Hence forevermore he is to be known as Squatch Poo to me.
Date: 2015-04-19
From: Cornelious Creek

To: Glasgow Town Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: few clouds

Mouse hell night last night. They owned that shelter. I woke at 3am with splitting headache. Suspected it was a caffeine deficiency. So I made a snack of oatmeal and instant coffee. It worked!!! I slept in spite of the stink rodents. Although there were multiple Kung fu moves made periodically by me and my two roommates as we karate chopped around our sleeping areas. This morning it threatened to rain...but that was it...just threats...all day I kept thinking the skies would open and flood...instead I hiked dryly to the highway where Red Mad and I hitched into Glascow to their "town shelter". ..they had an outdoor hot shower...a forty foot long Brontosaurus ...a Dollar General...Lews Laundromat...a pizza joint...all good...Web buster gave us gge hit u and will take us to ghe trail in ghe morning. Woohaa Woohaa!!!
Date: 2015-04-21
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Seeley Woolworth Shelter
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke with the Yoga Club (as I came to refer to them) and lit out for the territories at 730....worked hard all damn day to get the 25 miles done...the shelter had a bunch of section hikers but I didn't want to interact with anyone but the Red Man.
Date: 2015-04-22
From: Seeley Woolworth Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Up early and out...hiking was nice...but skies were ominous ...looked like it was gonna rain like hell...then it'd clear off some...then it'd do it again...I was on and off with the rain coat several times...I started feeling paranoid...lol...the travel agents (affectionately known as Dr. Bob and Bill W) are being replaced tomorrow in Waynesboro (Excellent...party on Garth...whirr...whir)...my soles are worn thin...and seams coming apart...its translating to my knees cause of the tenderness...taking so much pounding...I feel each rock and root not...MY FEET HURT!!!
Date: 2015-04-23
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Stanimals Hostel in Waynesboro
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: few clouds

Huge effort on bad feet to Wayne's Boro...Excellent...Party on Garth...whirr...whirr...just before I got there...tripped and crushed already swollen left knee...freakishly painful...and horribly swollen now (don't tell my mom)...Dr. Bob and Bill W are shot...not good..ice and ibuprofen til the morning...then reevaluate...sniff...sniff
Date: 2015-04-24
From: Stanimals Hostel in Waynesboro

To: Stanimals
Miles today: 0.0

My third zero...dammit...knee better..still not good...had lunch at Mings all you can eat...overdid it...later had dinner with Dana and Emily (homeowner and her daughter)...spaghetti...Em and I told jokes all night long...it was nice...later sat up and had long discussion with Red Man and Wallace re hiking the AT..got to chat with my boy for a long while on the phone...says he'll come see me in May after school gets out...mike sent my new boots...Woohaa Woohaa
Date: 2015-04-26
From: Stanimals

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

A NERO...but I needed to hike...the weather looked horrible but it never rained...cold though...in the shelter early but the next is another14 miles...and I decided the weather and knee were sketching me out too much...so I took a nap...and had a dream...in it the AT went through Newport...so I hiked over the Newport bridge...through the 5th Ward...and over to the mansions...it was a nice warm day and I was joined by my old friend Walter Sullivan...as we approached Salve Regina (college) he pointed out that I had actually missed a section of White Blazes on the Newport bridge and that I had to go all the way back to Jamestown...which pissed me off when I first realized I had to go back and retrace my steps there...but right after that it made me laugh...then I woke up and felt really cheered up...it had been a miserable day til then...so I guess I owe Wally a heartfelt thank you!!!
Date: 2015-04-28
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Late start...had a rough night in that full shelter...massive headache all night and to start the day...but it cleared up and I did okay hiking...still babying the knee as much as possible ...had a cheeseburger and milkshake with OX at lunch...very nice...then hiked to shelter very early...did some reading...7Years in Tibet...I've also read Bill Bryson's ABrief History of the World...Cheryl Strayeds Wild...really girly...really chilly out...around 40...same the last few nights as well...hope to get back to my winning ways real soon
Date: 2015-04-29
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Hut
Miles today: 20.6

Out early.did my best work in the morning...in the afternoon the knee felt good but for some reason I really slowed...not the most energetic...in the shelter by five...goofed off with the other thru hikers...had a good meal...now I hope to sleep well and do 22 tomorrow...and resupply...it might rain...ugh
Date: 2015-04-30
From: Bearfence Hut

To: Byrds Nest no. 3
Miles today: 22.4

Felt the best I have in ten days...me and the knee are at least on cordial terms for now...I agreed to not go fast...or trot downhill...or bounce up and down...or look longingly at other peoples knees...and he will maybe quit with the yelling and name calling so much...so I have to mainly watch out for last minute rainstorms and such that jump up right before I get to the shelters...like today..it was nice out til 45 minutes before the end...before that I had breakfast with OX at Big Meadows Wayside
Date: 2015-05-01
From: Byrds Nest no. 3

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke to dreary sky...rained all night...the shelter was owned by the mice from hell...totally infested...no fear of us humans...hiked alone til I cought Papa Pnuema...the dad of Yellowbeard...we hiked to the wayside restarunt...he was awesome...we talked all day long...that never happens with thru hikers...better than TV...he bought me lunch...that's called "Yogi"-ing...as in Yogie Bear...stealing those picnic baskets...after I left Him to catch up with his kids I Yogied a cliff bar...orange...Apple Mountian dew...and a yogurt from two sets of dayhikers...lol...that was both lunch and dinner...haha...the shelter is full so I hung in my hammock...it has been awhile since I did this...tomorrow is my last day in the Shennendoahs...moving well but knee far from normal...I'm not a con man by the way...just got a lot of trail love today
Date: 2015-05-02
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal VA
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

Well...let's see..knee not good...now I think I favored it so much that I pulled a muscle in my ankle too...sheezzzee...so I did what I could and shared a hotel with OX in Front Royal...Papa Pneuma and his son Yellowbeard and daughterinlaw Little Goat were there with her family visiting...they bought us all Thia food...lol...so very nice...played some cards with them...got food...laundry...some healing too I hope
Date: 2015-05-04
From: Front Royal VA

To: Dicks Dome Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Had breakfast at quality Inn with OX. Got a ride to the trail with a worker from the hotel. At the first shelter (Molly and Jim Denton) I jumped in the solar shower. Didn't need it. Wanted it. Read two chapters from the book sitting on the Adirondack chairs in the buff till I heard someone coming. Then tipped off to the next shelter (Manasas) where I immediately fell asleep for a half hour. Chatted with some people there then pushed on to Dicks Dome. Lots of section hikers here but only one slept inside the geodesic dome with me.
Date: 2015-05-05
From: Dicks Dome Shelter

To: Bears Den hostel
Miles today: 18.3

Today was warm. The first ten miles were easy. The last eight were on the Roller Coaster. Whew. But I was able and willing to go all day long baby. Ankle still constantly cursing me out. Such foul language too. It called me an "ass bag" whatever that means. The hostel is georgeous. Like a castle. And comfy too
Date: 2015-05-06
From: Bears Den hostel

To: Blackburn AT Center
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

Dropped in for a look-see. Decided to stay. This place is excellent. It's a clubhouse for PATC members but they accommodate thru hikers. Had a cabin with four bunks. Only me and another guy were there. The caretaker made us spaghetti. It was very nice. Donation based. Also he is going to slack pack my bags to harpers ferry
Date: 2015-05-07
From: Blackburn AT Center

To: Harpers Ferry WV
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Got off to a good start. It's always nice to hike without the kitchen sink in your back. Not much to see. Weather was cool and dry. Made the ATC office about 1230. Got my picture in the book/record. And had my photo taken outside and made into postcards which I mailed to everyone. I hope Obama likes it. Not in the Teahorse Hostel and looking to rest the ankle. Eat. And be raring to go tomorrow. Talked to my boy ZZabout him coming to hike next. Everything looks good for now
Date: 2015-05-08
From: Harpers Ferry WV

To: Dalgren Campground
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: light rain

Had waffles at Teahorse Hostel. Strolled out of the loveliest town I've been through so far at 10ish with Bald a.Eagle. He caught up late last night after spending a week in New Orleans trying to find love. Great to see him again. I'm feeling so much healthier than since before Waynesboro it's nice and warm too
Date: 2015-05-09
From: Dalgren Campground

To: Ravens Rock Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

Woke from my sling and hit the AT in a light rain. No pain. No rain. No Maine. Right? It burned off after a few hours. Went past Geo. Washington spark and Monument. Was a good day. Bald Eagle didn't even piss me off.
Date: 2015-05-10
From: Ravens Rock Shelter

To: Tumbling Run Shelter
Miles today: 13.2

Was a good night. Made a huge shove to Pen-Mar Park. Called moms for Moms Day and hung at the park awhile   Earlier past a hang gliding outcrop. Lots of views. But I really wanted to hang glide. Past through Maryland to Pennsylvania   So four states in a few days. VA-WV-Maryland -Pennsylvania   Yogied a great meal from Jim and Judy at Old Forge StAte Park. They were pic icing and gave us salmon. Veggies. Curry sauce. Home made apple sauce. And salad. SCORE!!! Then in early to the shelter. Bald Eagle still hasn't pissed me off yet
Date: 2015-05-11
From: Tumbling Run Shelter

To: Quarry Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a beautiful day not sure if I've used that word yet. The shelter was beautiful. The trail was beautiful. The weather - Beautiful Hiking like it was meant to be.   Nice grade. Rocky summits. At times technical meaning I was totally I gaged. Rock hopped Needed good vision and dexterity. In many ways it was perfect. Joyous at Calcedinis State Park. Noonish. We hitched to the Dollar General for resupply and a cheeseburger back on the trail we made it to a sweet shelter. Held a Texas Holdem tourney with 6Pack. Bald Eagle. And the Safety Committee Three. The buy I. Was a snack each. Much fun. I lost though. Hozzle wan. Bald Eagle got second
Date: 2015-05-12
From: Quarry Shelter

To: Toms Run Shelter
Miles today: 13.6

Left a great shelter at 745 but I wore down for some reason and arrive at the next shelter 130ish and stopped. Just last the halfway point on the AT. From Springer To Katahdin at mile 1094.6 miles So I now got over 1100 on theses old ass legs. Lol. I've lost over 46 lbs. taken over 2.5 Million steps. Past 7 states. And been to one wedding. But who's counting. Yea I'm down a ton of weight. And I can eat the arse out of a low flyin duck. I feel good and strong but never refreshed cause we hike every stinking day and never really recover I'm grateful for all of this opportunity. Got to "keep on keeping on" every day. It's finally warming and the crowd seems to be stretching out. Let's see if I have any perspective. The first few weeks were green I was strict and disciplined. Trying to get I. Shape and figure things out. I was most concerned with - Trail Legs. Work Ethic. And Training. The. I transitioned to - Getting Ahead of Schedule. Humping now so I could coast in New England. Then came the inevitable "usage injuries" as I now hope to classify them. I ain't a kid and had to heal from over ambition   Hence no more "trotting" downhill or breaking into the occasional jog. Gotta listen to the knees and ankles. But slowing down allowed me to enjoy meeting people. Well we will see what comes next huh???
Date: 2015-05-13
From: Toms Run Shelter

To: ALEC Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

Half Gallon Challenge Day!!!! Bad idea!!! I should have bought the 500 milligrams or liters of raspberry and pint of chocolate ice cream and put it straight in the privy because it would have been better than where I left it near the trail. Dammit. This was one of the worst days I've had yet. I still made 19 miles. I have learned that life is tough. But that I'm tougher. Lol