morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-05-20
From: On trail up Gillian (Little Bushy) Mtn.

To: VA Rt 52
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Rained quite a bit overnight. I had left my rain fly half off the tent for better ventilation and to look up at sky. Had to get up and put that on when I heard the storm coming. Not a big deal to do. About time I was ready to start hiking, White Beard came along! Good to see him. We hiked together most of day until I met John and Paula. Meet up worked just right. They hiked 1 mile south and met white beard and I coming north. Not as pretty a stretch of trail as normal. Through some pasture part of the time. Not very strenuous at least. Still got a good workout as it was warm. Back at their car had some of the great cookies that Nancy O sent. I'll eat some more of these and take some on the trail. don't have room for all but they sure are good. I may give a few to other hikers if I don't eat them all first. We drove down to Atkins. got a hotel and John took me to do laundry and get some groceries. We went to a Mexican restaurant for supper. Got my pack organized and hung out in room. Tomorrow they are going on to Pigeon Forge and then back through Nashville. Nice trip. They will drop me off back at the trail first.
Date: 2017-05-21
To: St. Francis Hostel
Miles today: 17.8

For all the relatives on my mothers side, drove through Nebo, Virginia on our way to drop me off on the trail. Just a few houses that all looked pretty good and a community center sign. Might be a mountain called Nebo nearby. We drove across it.Rained on me the first couple miles, but then let up and now just kind of hot and humid. Hiked on to Chestnut Shelter and it started raining again. Called St.Francis Hostel and got a bunk. Hiked 6 more miles through steady rain with Bananas and Addicus.  Some heavy rain. Hostel picked me up at mile 574. Quite a place down in Burkes Garden. White beard here and Orville and Trish.Had spaghetti from hostel. Tired and ready for bed.  Hope weather is better tomorrow, will be hiking out regardless. Probably can make it to Bland if necessary.
Date: 2017-05-22
From: St. Francis Hostel

To: VA 612. Near Bland Va. 
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: light rain

You never know how hostels will be. The one last night was had out of necessity because the weather was so bad. Bunk room in what I think was an old milking parlor. The room itself was decent. Just plywood bed. Use own mattress and sleep bag. No bath. Had to go to main house,b ut did get a shower and laundry to dry wet clothes. It was homey and hikers all had a good time together in house and good supper. Just could be so much better with more organization. People running it seemed to want the hiker life instead of running a service/business. And there often are 'work for stay' people who really don't work, just stay. Enough of that.Did get to see Burkes Garden which is highest valley in VA. I was told it is a giant sink hole about 5 x 8 miles. Mainly cattle grazing. School and church seem to be only thing else. Just one paved road in. And one gravel road that goes over mountains but long and steep.Got shuttled to top of mountain and on trail about 9:30. In the clouds and wet, but not raining. Just dripping. Mostly cloudy and comfortable all day. Easier terrain after getting down off mountain and rocks about noon.  Hiked with white beard all day. He had bailed to hostel yesterday also. Crossed I-77 and are camped along a creek within ear shot, so not a quiet night as usual. Rain is in forecast next 72 hours, so will be ready. On to Pearisburg by Thursday.
Date: 2017-05-23
From: VA 612. Near Bland Va. 

To: VA 606. Lickskillet Hostel 
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Went past 600 miles today. They say it takes about 5 million steps to complete the AT. So since I'm over one fourth complete, I've walked over 1.25 million steps. How's that on a Fitbit?Rained a little early this AM. Packed up a wet tent. Hiked in clouds in higher elevations and fog lower. Never really rained until later. Really happy to be in hostel. Just White Beard and I, and Mongo the owner. Low key place in an old church. Mongo is just getting started. He's living here and making hostel out of the church. Interesting, as most hostels are.  Made us burgers and we watched a movie.Food today: Pop tart, 2 granola bar, tuna salad packet on Ritz, some pepperoni, 2 fun size Snickers cheese & pepperoni on tortilla, 2 more Snickers, cheese burger and onion rings at a store, 2 burgers at hostel and another granola bar.
Date: 2017-05-24
From: VA 606. Lickskillet Hostel 

To: Sugar Run Gap Rd
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

At breakfast we reviewed weather and hiking options for today. Decided on a slack pack and to stay here again. Rain expected again, heavy later in day and evening. We did a SOBO slack pack for 15 miles ending where we finished yesterday going north. Tomorrow Mongo will take us back to where we started today and we'll hike north to Pearisburg.Easy hike today. Getting easier in VA, except the constant rainy days. Cooler too, which could really be miserable.Went by Dismal falls near end of day. Looked like a good swimming hole if warmer.Lots of water and mud on trail. At one point about 6 inches running down trail. The result of an overflowing pond.Mongo made us supper and watching another movie. Scoobie, another hiker here tonight too. Raining hard throughout evening.
Date: 2017-05-25
From: Sugar Run Gap Rd

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: light rain

Yesterday stopped at Wapiti shelter where a young hiker couple were murdered in early 80's. Murderer was a local. No worry about that type of danger by me. Not even much fear of theft, but I don't leave my wallet or phone out in open,etc.Today Mongo dropped us off at Sugar Run Gap about 8:00. Stopped into Docs Knob shelter for a snack and I wrote in register for Juan Gone to call me. Uncle Puck got me a smaller pack hip belt from Granite Gear at trail days, that Juan is bringing north. My belt is becoming too small. If I miss Juan, I'll call GG and see if they can send me one.Hiked on to Pearisburg arriving at Plaza Motel. Fine place. Shower and bought fruit at store. And a fleece at Goodwill. May have sent home too much warm cloth. Now gearing up to go eat at China Buffet! Motel is no vacancy. Full of hikers. Another motel nearby same. All are tired of rain and cold.Hiked in more running water on trail but never a torrent like picture from yesterday. Just steady water flowing an inch or so deep. Feet stayed mostly dry thanks to shoes.Rained some more later in day. Forecast is better. We will see.
Date: 2017-05-26
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Nice lady at motel did our laundry,even folded it!  I really took it easy today. Finally got going about 9:00 and walked to downtown area.  Found a place to cut my hair and a coffee and pastries at another. Wandered around courthouse of Giles Co. Va and got a little southern history. Love my new doo and don't have to buy a comb that I was thinking about.Back at the Plaza hung out w Hot Sauce and ZipLock. They sold house in Jackson, TN and moving back to Carolinas after trail. A fire in house on hillside across way got our attention. Was fully engulfed before firemen got there. Later learned started by a mower and everyone safe.Trail Magic from a couple staying here. Their son hiked a few years ago and they are moving north w Magic. Got rest of what I needed at Food Lion and now ready for next section.Talked to Becky H and set up meet with she and Matt in Glasgow, TN. Nice to have them look me up while traveling. Really appreciate these connections w family and friends.A few beers and some Mexican food topped day. Great Zero. Hope weather is decent.  Looks to be better. Going on regardless. No Rain, No Pain, No Maine.
Date: 2017-05-27
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Across creek from Captain's Place
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: broken clouds

Ate breakfast at Hardee's then all the mile back to the trail. Bonus miles are when you walk off the trail extra miles.  I have been having a lot more bonus miles lately such as this into town and back out. Had about 3 miles of the up to get to a ridge this morning. And I leveled out for most of the day. We were going to camp at about 15 miles, but it was early and there was trail magic a road crossing, so we decided to go on. Never did find the trail magic.Ran into Weather Girl late this morning at a shelter. We've been seeing her most every day for the last couple of weeks. She is a former Air Force weather specialist and is always predicting weather for the AT. She's a little bit doom and gloom in her predictions. Maybe she is a TV forecaster. Today she said it was going to storm at about 3 o'clock and she was staying there for the night. It never did rain.I found a campsite but did not know where White Beard was. He finally came into camp about seven. He had gone back to look for his tent poles which he had lost. It was a real problem. We rigged up his tent as best we could.  About that Time the hiker name Skallywag came along and had found his poles. What a great thing that he had brought them along.So today was the longest day I have hiked with the full pack. Actually pack is heavier than normal with re-supply from Pearisburg. Tired. Lesson learned today is to not change plans based on potential for trail magic. I ended up pushing myself a little too hard and White Beard nearly had to turn around and go south today looking for his poles.
Date: 2017-05-28
From: Across creek from Captain's Place

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Up and going by 7:00. A steep uphill climb and I could never get my pace going. Yesterday took it out of me and I only did 4 miles in first 3 hours. Terrain was either up or very rocky so that is part of the problem. Stopped about 11:00 and ate first lunch. Got going pretty good then. Decided to stop short of a big climb of 2000 ft and 3 miles.  Stopped for another lunch at War Spur shelter and hung out cause it was still early. Started raining so moved into shelter with a couple ladies who were day hiking. Ended up just staying here for night. Several other thru hikers here now. My first shelter stay since Smokies.  For a while we were out numbered by Germans here, but some more hillbillies (of which I count myself) have now arrived.Saw my first rattler today. Heard him ahead and stopped. He was about 10 ft up trail. BIG in my book for rattle snakes.  Coiled up so don't know how long. Would say 2.5 inch diameter.  Took pics and gave him plenty of room.I stayed dry today and looks goods for tomorrow. Have enough food for 3 more days. Planning for Catawba for small resupply and then on to Daleville/Troutville.  Looks like will time it right for their hiker celebration this weekend.
Date: 2017-05-29
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: few clouds

Slept ok in shelter last night. No mice that I knew of. Had a couple of tricky creek crossings first thing, then long climb up Johns Creek Mtn. First part not bad, but then it got steep. Walked ridge to Kelly Knob then back down to a road crossing and some pasture walking. On to Keefer Oak. Largest on southern AT. 18 ft diameter. Impressive white oak. Rest of day was tough with climbs and rocks. White Beard got lucky again with a steak cooked by section hikers along trail. If I had not been moving fast I would have gotten it because they saw me, but not in time to stop me. WB came a couple minutes later and scored the steak! Good time at picnic table cooking supper. Some of same hikers as last night. HotSauce and ZipLock. Like them. And a new couple, but don't remember names. Slog is young guy and Molasses is older than me. Had not met them. Everybody thru hiking. Another rattler sighting today, but by someone else here in camp. I did see a small black snake. For a stretch on a ridge there were rock piles. Maybe 100 or so. Must have farmed up there. At least the trail was rock free. Nice camp site and weather is dry. It has been very damp the last couple nights.
Date: 2017-05-30
From: Niday Shelter

To: Lost Spectacles Gap
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I like the name of this gap. Just had to work really hard to get here today.Got a candy bar from the people that gave a steak to White Beard. Nice of them, but I would rather have a steak. Hiked with Molasses for a little while this morning. He is doing the stretch from Hot Springs to Daleville. So he is almost done.Water is kind of scarce on the stretch. Filled up early this morning and then again when we ate lunch. There is no more water ahead so we made sure we have enough to camp.The afternoon was about the toughest five hours that I've had on the trail. First one up for about 2 miles. I thought that would be the hard part, but in fact, the hard part really just began when we got to the top. Had to navigate all the short ups and downs of the ridge over huge rocks. It was 3 miles to Dragon's Tooth but seemed like twice that. Thought we would never get there. Finally did make it and rested for a while. Then the fun really began when I had to climb down. It was really dangerous holding on to rocks and trying to slide down with packs on. I lived to tell the tale.Finally got to the campsite. Set up, ate and went to bed. Just a couple other people came to this campsite but that was after I had already gotten in to the tent. Some of those went on awhile because they did not have enough water.Speaking of falling, I did fall a second time several days ago. Landed on my back but the pack was a soft landing.
Date: 2017-05-31
From: Niday Shelter

To: Lambert Meadow Campground
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Another long day. I thought I was down off Dragon Tooth, but still had a few tricky technical drops this morning. Got off that and walked 0.4 bonus miles each way to a store down a road. Had hoped for a good breakfast there but they only had some biscuit sandwiches. Had some milk and a banana with that. I think that is first milk I've had on trail. Will have milk more when I can. Got a few other food items.Then it was about 10 miles to McAfee Knob. Beautiful view and picture taking on the edge. Looks more precarious than it was. Everybody wants a pic here. Decided to get to Daleville tomorrow instead of Friday so hiked on to this camp about 9 from town. On the way was Tinker Cliffs.  Another beauty place. Dragon Tooth, McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs are 3 of the highlights of the trail. They did not disappoint.Rained just as going to bed. Listening to that now. Should clear by morning. If not oh well. Going to town and a hotel !I was getting bit by something a few nights.  Lot of itching. Trying to make sure my tent is kept closed and a few other precautions. Used some Off and hydrocortisone.
Date: 2017-06-01
From: Lambert Meadow Campground

To: Daleville
Miles today: 9.0

Out of camp early. Nice and quiet hiking. Saw a white tail and a box turtle. Walked with Bushy and Sparks who camped next to me last night. Retired Navy couple about my age. Some nice views to NE.Anticipated an easy 9 miles to town and a shower an lunch. But as VA has proven, the ridges are hard. Lots of small rocky ups and downs that wear you out. Near end I was on the last long down hill with my music turned up and walking fast. Heard a 'hey' in my ear and a couple guys were trying to pass me. Surprised me. Normally no one would go that fast but they were trotting. Lucky and Habanero. Lucky has an Iron man tattoo. Now doing ATWhite Beard beat me to hotel. He went to urgent care. Has a bladder infection and will rest for 3 days here. Feeling ok but better follow docs orders.Mostly hikers here. Went to supper with some and then to grocery store.Talked to cousin Matt and Becky. Set plans for meet up in Glasgow.
Date: 2017-06-02
From: Daleville

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: few clouds

Took my time this morning at motel. Did some cleaning of gear and back flushed water filter. Repackaged food as needed. Put my new hip belt on pack that Juan Gone brought to me from Damascus. Uncle Puck got it for me and has Juan bring north. Thank you Juan and Puck. This is a smaller size that I now need.Found first tick on me when putting on socks. It was on side of a toe. Not firmly attached and not any blood when I crushed. I have been more aware and looking for ticks last week or so. Will up that action more and use DEET and more frequent and thorough checks. And putting on my treated long pants when get to camp. Also called my doc and asked for anything they might recommend for Lymn disease prevention. An antibiotic script is wait for me to get at a Walgreens when I can get to one in a few days. Thanks doc J and nurse C.Hiked out about noon. Walked with Tingo Hombre (man is hungry?) most of afternoon. He is my age from Long Island. Also Honey Bee and Dove.  All are here tonight. Talked to mom on phone while walking earlier. My headphones with microphone allow hands free. Can keep on going and talking.Left White Beard in Daleville to recover. Hope to see him later. Uncle Puck is gaining. Will be less than 2 days behind unless he zeros in Daleville. Next 4 days for me will be less miles. Need that for a change and will give me time to meet Matt and Becky.Hiked Midnight now. Sun set but still light. Hiker bedtime.
Date: 2017-06-03
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Cove Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Hiked near the Blue Ridge Parkway for about half the day. Crossed it several times. Nice views for the motorists. Not really much traffic on it. Lots of motorcycles. I'd like to ride on this road sometime.I'm now one third of the way along the AT and also crossed 750 miles. Milestones.Left knee hurting today. First joint issue. Hope I can heal. Don't know what caused this. But sure don't like it.Got to shelter by 4:00. There is no water source here, but brought enough for the stay. Supper around the picnic table w Tango Hombre, Honey Bee, Dove and Chicken Man. Chicken Man is going south.  He left April 1 from New Jersey. He will hike to GA and flip back north amd complete.
Date: 2017-06-04
From: Cove Mtn Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: broken clouds

Dale reports his knee is feeling better. He was a few miles down the trail when I spoke to him this morning. Had a leaky air mattress, so may need to have a second one sent to him(don't worry, we have that here at home in the "trail needs re-stock and supply" zone.  This area includes things like pre-packed boxes filled with oatmeal, snack bars, coffee, band-aids. The first two boxes were taken to him by Knights,Jerabeks and Matt and Becky Henry(who are meeting him this week) Thanks to all of these couples who traveled east to meet with him and get him important things like gorilla tape, more contact lens solution, change out the heavier sleeping bag for the lighter sleeping bag , bring home the puffy winter jacket....yada,yada. Thanks also for toting him around the area to help him get shower, laundry done, and give him a chance to eat with friends and share his stories. For those of you at home following his journal/blog, your words and encouragement keep him motivated and moving northward. Keep them coming,  he's 1/3 of the way!Continuing from Dale.......Cool start this morning. Wore a second layer for a mile or two. There have been deer around the shelters last couple nights who are not too scared of people. Took pic of one on trail as I got started. Also had to deal with spiderwebs early today.Hiked about 3 miles down to Jennings Creek and got water. I was completely out after dry camping last night. This creek is at 950 feet elevation. I think this is the lowest I've been on the trail. Then started the first of two big climbs for the day. Second climb was over 2500 feet. I have not had one this high in quite some time.  First one was Fork Mountain. Thought it would be nice to have something to eat at the top with the name Fork. Second Mountain is Floyd. Camped just below the top. Had a visit from the national park ranger while we were eating dinner. He had hiked in from a nearby road. Just making his rounds.I think my knee is better today. For sure it is not worse. I wrapped it with an ace bandage that I had, and I upped my dose of vitamin I.Rain in the forecast for tonight and tomorrow. Nice to know that I'll be in town on Tuesday.
Date: 2017-06-05
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Petites Gap, Lynchburg VA
Miles today: 10.0

Rained overnight. Got a break about 6:30 and packed up. Moved to shelter and had breakfast. Started raining soon after and did not quit. Hiked 5 miles in heavy rain. Stopped at Thunder Hill shelter and got out of rain but got cold. Contacted Matt and Becky. We worked out a place for them to rescue me a day early.Matt picked me up at 2:30. Drove to Lynchburg. Got hotel, went to Walgreens and did laundry. Becky came and we went to dinner and to friends house.This was the wettest day I have had on the trail. Shoes and socks soaked along with rest of me. Really appreciate having Matt and Becky to call and help me. It would have been a wet rest of the day.
Date: 2017-06-06
From: Petites Gap, Lynchburg VA

To: US Rt501. James river foot bridge. Glasgow VA.
Miles today: 9.9

Great day today with cousin Matt and Becky. Matt and I stayed in hotel and picked up Becky at her friends this morning. Drove out to Blue Ridge parkway at yesterday's point. Matt and I slack packed and Becky visited Appomattox nearby.Matt got a good feel for the AT today. A good uphill to start out with some rocks thrown in. Then quite a bit of downhill. Hiking no problem for Matt. About like a round of golf. Stopped a couple times for food and water. Including Matt's Creek shelter. A typical shelter and matching name too. Matts trail name is now 'Nine Mile'. (Roughly distance today). I thought 'Polo' would be a good name since he had a golf shirt on and you don't see many of those on trail. He liked Nine Mile better, so in trail tradition the hiker accepts their name, so Nine Mile it is.  Saw several hikers I knew and a few day hikers. Becky picked us up middle of afternoon.Found a hotel in Lexington. Old historical town.  Home of VA military institution and Washington and Lee colleges. Got some groceries and had great dinner downtown.Matt and Becky sure treated me great and helped me out. Fun to be with them. They will drop me back at trail tomorrow morning.
Date: 2017-06-07
From: US Rt501. James river foot bridge. Glasgow VA.

To: Pedlar River Bridge
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Matt and Becky dropped me off at the 501 trailhead. Fun to be with them the last two days. I hiked up over 2000 feet out of the James River Valley. Not too bad a climb. Back down a little bit then to the highest point of the day at Bluff Mtn. This is also the place that Ottie Powell body was found in 1891.  He was five years old and had strayed from his school.Had not seen any other through hikers until this point. Easy-going and Tango Hombre caught up with me and we had lunch together. They had seen Matt and Becky at the parking lot. Matt gave Tango a bottle of water. Also Bird came along.  He started the same day as me. Saw him quite a bit the first few weeks but not lately.Hiked on. Ran into Amtrak. She was going south, but is a northbound through hiker. Long story. She's from Boise, didn't know Jeff though.Got to camp about 6:00. This is almost exactly the 800 mile mark. My left knee hurt quite a bit today. Hope some rest will improve it.