morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-07-20
From: Campbell Shelter

To: 4 Pines Hostel
Miles today: 10.4

Day 40 4 pines Hostel 10.4 miAscent: 2118 ftDescent: 2933 ftWe left Campbell Shelter and began to climb the last 3/4 mi up to McAfee Knob. When we got to the top we found a beautiful Overlook and thought it was the main one. I went to get a photo, and learned that it was further south about 0.1 mi. We went there and found a dozen or more hikers. We took some pictures and then went over to a spot further away from the edge and looked at the view. We had learned that a man had fallen the day before and we had been perplexed as to how that happened. The ledge looks scary, but when you walk out into it, it is easy to stay away from the edge. However, we saw no less than 4 people who could have died just then. People doing handstands and cartwheels on the edge. Kids running around and not being careful. I had to leave because I started getting very anxious and panicky watching the people.On the way down we met the McAfee Knob Task Force voulenteer. He hiked up and down the trail making sure people have enough water and are prepared for the hike. It is an 8 mi round trip hike and many day hikers are not prepared enough. They often run out of water, run out of snacks, or take too long and get stuck in the dark. We had filled up with 4L of water each at Campbell Shelter so we were fine. I¢m glad we did, because we didn¢t see any more water until the last mile of the day. We met a family that were dayhiking. One of their kids had fallen and it felt good to help them by giving them some bandaids. We got to the hostel by 4 pm. It is an interesting place. There are several bunks with mattresses which was nice. There are no linens, sheets or towels, but that was fine. We had our own towels and sleeping bags. There are 2 fridges, a stove/oven, microwave, couches, and bathroom with shower. It is not very clean, but there are cleaning supplies if you feel like cleaning something. It is also donation based. The owners, Joe and Donna, are very friendly and make you feel welcome. Donna brought up veggies from the garden each day we were there. One night she even brought us some Bear Stew she had made. Joe provides shuttles as well. Joe, the owner, let us borrow his van to go to the Catawba Grocery and get food and resupply. He only does this for short trips.We met some more hikers here. We met the Dr and Mary Jane from Kentucky/Maine, 8 Mile, Prospector, the Hiking Viking from Sweden, and two others from Germany.
Date: 2018-07-21
From: 4 Pines Hostel

To: Dragon Tooth Slackpack
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: thunderstorm with rain

Day 41 Dragon tooth slackpackDistance: 7.8 miAscent: 2100 FTCDescent: 1802 ftToday we got a shuttle to the VA rte 620 trailhead. This will enable us to do a 8 mile slackpack over Dragons Tooth. We borrowed a couple of daypacks from Joe, the hostel owner, so we could carry less equipment and this less weight over the rocks. The climb up the mo matin was more difficult than I thought it should be. We were going faster, only a little though, and it was easier, but not by much. We ate lunch at the view and called Michael. Dragon¢s Tooth was impressive. There were other visitors there as well. It is a large granite formation shaped like a jagged tooth. It is surrounded by other granite cliffs. We began our descent and that is when the real challenge started. The trail is a series of boulders and rock faces that you need to climb down. This area reminds me of the Kinsman area of the White Mountains. We have to be very careful on the rocks. So many people have traveled the trail that the stone is polished like a gem, thus slick and treacherous. We descended about 700 vertical feet in a half mile like this. When we reached the end of the trail, we walked back to the hostel. One of the other hikers who had zeroed there, Amber, had made a vegetable lasagne out of fresh vegetables that the hostel owner¢s wife brought us. So we sat and ate and talked with Amber, her husband Chet, Lars a Swedish hiker, and two German hikers. The bunkbed is very comfortable. (The next day, the owner¢s wife Donna brought us Bear stew and zucchini bread for dinner.)
Date: 2018-07-24
From: Pearisburg

To: Grayson Highlands
Miles today: 5.2

Day 43 Grayson HighlandsDistance: 5.2 miAscent: 904 ftDescent: 852 ftToday we got up and had the eggs and croissants we bought at the grocery store for breakfast. Pop lounged in the hostel¢s air conditioned room while I was picked up by the Enterprise agent and went and got the rental car. We are not going to make the distance hiking, so we decided on a two day car rental so that we could go down to Grayson Highlands to see the wild ponies. The drive down was very beautiful and we stopped at Chick-fil-a for lunch. Pop has been craving a chicken sandwich since we started in June. We hiked into the park and got to the shelter just in time for a rain shower to pass. We continued on to the ¢Scales¢. This is the area where they roundup the horses in the fall to thin the herds. We camped inside the corral area. At first we were excited because we saw animals in the distance, but they ended up being longhorn steer. Pop was disappointed that we hadn¢t seen the ponies yet. We met two older men, David and Carl, who were camping in the corral too. They were picking blueberries over the weekend. We talked with them for an hour. They gave us some good tips on where to look in the morning. They also let us borrow their binoculars and we could see a few ponies on the mountain.
Date: 2018-07-25
From: Grayson Highlands

To: Pearisburg - Angels Rest Hiker Haven
Miles today: 7.0

7/25 Day 44 Angels rest after highlandsDistance: 7 miAscent: 1150 ftDescent: 1200 ftThis morning, David and Carl, invited us over for coffee and bacon sandwiches. We ate and talked another 4 hours, then headed out to hunt for ponies. We enjoyed hiking across country following the old pony trails and forest roads. Blackberries as well as blueberries were in season so we ate a lot of those. Then we finally found the ponies. We spent an hour watching them and took lots of photos and videos. We were happy when we left and headed back to the car. It was a beautiful hike and as we got to the day hike area, we saw more ponies and more people. We saw some really stupid people. There are signs all over saying ¢Don¢t touch or feed the ponies.¢ So what do they do? I saw a group where the Dad told his kids to go pet the foals. Guess what the Mom ponies did. Tried to head butt the kids. When that didn¢t work, the stallion charged the group. Smart. We got back to the car and drove back to Pearisburg. We stayed at the Angel¢s Rest Hiker Haven again. This time we camped out on the lawn. It is half the price and you still get the same amenities.
Date: 2018-07-28
From: Campsite on Sinking Creek Branch

To: Warspur Shelter
Miles today: 3.6

Day 46 Warspur Sh Distance: 3.6 miAscent: 140 ftDescent: 1750 ftWhen we woke up this morning, the water I collected from the spring puddle had settled and was clear. I started the water filter and began breakfast while Pop packed up the tent.  We started downhill and walked 3.6 miles to Warspur Shelter. We ate lunch and decided to stay here today. There was plenty of water and it is beautiful here. I spend time journaling. Pop makes a business plan for her art work.
Date: 2017-12-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It is getting close! I retired from my job of 38 years.Time to pursue my dream of thru hiking the A.T.My planned start date of February 15 is approaching very quickly.I look forward to meeting a lot of great people on my journey.It is only by God's grace that I am able to do this.I am very thankful for that.
Date: 2018-02-17
From: Springer Mountain 

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 31.0

Finally have cell signal.Spending the night at Neels Gap at the hostel in the bunkhouse.I had the pleasure of hiking with my son Cory for this first section! One of my highlights was meeting Greeter at Stover Creek shelter.It rained and was overcast the first three days.Nothing nasty though. It will help me appreciate the sunny days.It is not snowing or freezing cold. That is a blessing.I pray my sweetheart and families are doing well. Headed north.Bamadog
Date: 2018-02-17
From: Springer Mountain 

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Finally have cell signal.Spending the night at Neels Gap at the hostel in the bunkhouse.I had the pleasure of hiking with my son Cory for this first section! One of my highlights was meeting Greeter at Stover Creek shelter.It rained and was overcast the first three days.Nothing nasty though. It will help me appreciate the sunny days.It is not snowing or freezing cold. That is a blessing.I pray my sweetheart and families are doing well. Headed north.Bamadog
Date: 2018-02-18
From: Neels Gap

To: Stealth site
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a glorious day today after three dreary days.Raining now but thankfully I am in my tent.It was good to meet Jimmy yesterday at Neels Gap. He is a trail angel. He had signed my guest book. Today I met another trail angel. Didn't get your name Sir but it was good to meet you. He knew who I was when he saw me! He has been following me on here.That was neat.Time to get warm.Good night sweetie. I love you. Forever.
Date: 2018-02-20
From: Stealth site

To: Stealth site 66.5 in the guide.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I think I met an Angel yesterday. I was climbing Rocky Mountain. I looked up and she was standing there. She smiled and told me to be careful. She wasn't dressed for walking in the woods and had no water or anything and was coming down that mountain as far as I could tell.Want to give a shout out to all of you trail maintenance people. Yall have done an incredible job clearing those trees and all the other work you have done. It is greatly appreciated. Gonna do a short day tomorrow and stay at Top of Georgia hostel.Thank you to all who have signed my guest book .It is very much appreciated and very encouraging. Have a Blessed evening. Thank you to my Church family that is keeping me in your prayers. Good night sweetie. I love you. Forever.
Date: 2018-02-23
From: Top of Georgia hostel.

To: Stealth site
Miles today: 26.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The miles total is for the last two days.Didn't have signal yesterday. I finished Georgia yesterday! I could see the Smokies for the first time this afternoon! Met Grits on the trail today. Saw Zulu and her mom again today. Two days in a row without rain!In my tent now.Hope everyone has a great evening.
Date: 2018-02-24
From: Stealth site

To: Gooders Grove hostel 
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

It was pouring rain at 5:30 this morning. After that eventually the sun came out!Three days in a row of sunshine! Weather man says 100% chance of rain tomorrow. Suppose to cool down too.That will be a good thing.Albert Mountain was a challenge. After that the section today was relatively easy. Beautiful too.Met Fresh Ground today.He was doing trail magic when I came out of the woods at Winding Stairs Gap.He cooked me two hamburgers!They were wonderful. Staying at Gooders Grove hostel. Heading towards the N.O.C.in the morning. Met Okie today.He is from Oklahoma. Met Freak.He is from Belgium. I appreciate everyone following me.Please sign my guest book if you haven't. I need all the inspiration I can get.Thank you all so much. If you know places I need to stay or see or eat let me know. I appreciate it.It's past hiker midnight. Headed north.
Date: 2018-02-26
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Stealth site
Miles today: 28.5
Weather: overcast clouds

The mileage is for two days.I did not have signal yesterday. Hear some owls cutting up right up the hill.I am just north of the NOC at Wesser. Left Winding Stair Gap yesterday in the pouring rain. It didn't last too long.Hiked some with Okie.Fresh Ground was doing trail magic there.Climbed Solar Silars Bald And Wayah Bald yesterday. It was cold on top of Wayah.Had a few snow flurries last night. It rained all night last night. Got a late start this morning. The sun finally came out about 2:30.Thanks to Sunshine and Pickle for trail magic they left for us today at Tellico Gap.The views from the jump off were good.That is treacherous coming down from there.Went to the NOC and got a burger and scurried up this hill to find a tent site before it got too dark.Gotta get in my bag.Gonna be a cold night.Headed north.
Date: 2018-02-27
From: Stealth site

To: Wolf Creek Hostel 
Miles today: 12.6

It was a long climb out of the NOC.It was cold this morning. The condensation in the tent had frozen. It was hard to get going.It was a beautiful day. I met Vagabond Jack on the trail today. Also met Acadius.He thru hiked last year. Really nice guy.Staying at Wolf Creek Hostel tonight. Lonnie is a super guy.I would recommend staying here. Headed to Fontana in the morning. Suppose to rain a lot tomorrow. Pray for everyone's safety on the trails.It is treacherous enough when it is dry.Everyone have a great evening. Headed north.
Date: 2018-03-04
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Gatlinburg 
Miles today: 57.0
Weather: clear sky

It's been 5 days with out signal on my at&t phone. The mileage is for 5 days.Stayed in a shelter my first time on February 28.Cable Gap Shelter. Walked in rain all day.Didn't start till 12 noon though. Went up Jacobs Ladder first thing. Didn't see anyone all day.Made it to Birch Spring campsite. March 1 hiked in rain all day.Wind was blowing me sideways. Set up tent in the rain.March 2 hiked to Spence Field shelter. 7 people in the shelter.I stopped for a break at a prior shelter and heard something that made me think of the hound of the Baskervilles.Didn't stay there long.It was 20 degrees that morning. Had ice on the tent again. March 3.Looked out of my tent and saw blue sky! Met my first SOBO today.He is in the home stretch! He started June 15.He took off November and December because of the weather. Hie name is Rip Van Winkle. Met Special Agent today. Former thru hiker.Very nice guy.Went over Rocky Top.Stayed at Silars Bald shelter by myself. March 4.Hiked to Newfound Gap.My sweetie picked me up there! Taking my first zero tomorrow. It was a long day with lots of ice on the trail when I passed Cling man's Dome.It doesn't look like there has been any trail maintenance since the trail opened in the park.They need to put those crews from Georgia on it.They would make it look like something we could be proud of instead of an embarrassment to our country. Under 2000 to go! Pushing north.
Date: 2018-03-08
From: Newfound Gap

To: Standing Bear hostel 
Miles today: 34.1
Weather: clear sky

The mileage is for three days.Have not had signal. The northern section of the park has a lot better trail than the southern part.Woke up to snow yesterday morning. 6 to 8 inches with drifts around 14 inches. It was glorious .It wasn't bad hiking in if someone had gone ahead of you to pack it down a little. It was treacherous today because where people had stepped yesterday had turned to ice.I fell once today. That makes 3 times so far.Heading to Hot Springs tomorrow. I pray everyone is doing well. I want to thank my Church family for your prayers. I love you all.Thanks to Fresh Ground for the great trail magic today. I needed that.Pray for God's healing touch on my leg.It has been bothering me since before I left Georgia. Headed north.
Date: 2018-03-11
From: Standing Bear hostel 

To: Hot Springs! 
Miles today: 33.1

The mileage is for 3 days. Didn't have cell reception. Left Standing Bear hostel. Hiked over Snowbird mountain and Max Patch. Knee deep snow in places.Stayed at Roaring Fork shelter. Lotus and T.P. were there.Great guys.. Next day hiked in snow and ice most of the day.Had a 2300 foot descent. Met Turtle today.Great guy.Also met Copper Man.Good guy.Spent the night last night at Deer Park Mountain Shelter with Stalking Tortoise and his daughter. They are from Pennsylvania. Very nice people. Taking a Nero today in Hot Springs. Gonna resupply and take a nap and check out the weather. Thank you all for your prayers. Headed north.
Date: 2018-03-12
From: Hot Springs 

To: Spring Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

As I climbed out of the valley where Hot Springs is it started snowing. Had light snow much of the day.Had about 3 inches on the ground and drifts around 10 inches. The wind is howling. This is a small and very old shelter. Very cold.I am warm now under my quilt.Thank you to the trail angel that left water at Tanyard Gap.Much appreciated. Saw two people today doing a six mile hike.No one else.It was beautiful in the woods today.Gonna check the weather and get some rest.I pray everyone is doing well. Headed north.
Date: 2018-03-15
From: Spring Mountain Shelter 

To: Hog Back Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 31.4
Weather: clear sky

The mileage is for several days. Finally have signal again. Been hiking in snow every day.Cold at night. The sun came out today and melted a lot of the snow.It was good to actually see the trail again.Met Mara yesterday. She is from Ashville. Very nice lady.Staying AT Hog back Ridge Shelter tonight with Hawk and Cody Coyote. Two nice guys.Not supposed to get under freezing tonight. That hasn't happened in a while.I met Nate the traveler a couple of days ago. Very interesting guy. I pray everyone is doing well. Good night sweetie. I love you. Headed north.
Date: 2018-03-16
From: Hog back Ridge Shelter 

To: Bald Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 10.1

It was a beautiful day! The trail was good until I got up to around 5000 feet elevation. Ran into more snow and slush.It was very slippery the last mile .Met a trail angel first thing this morning. He had fruit and granola bars!Thank you so much. Met Rocko todayHe was doing trail maintenance. Very much appreciated. Met two young guys here at the shelter. Maple and Flash.They are from Vermont and Connecticut. Gonna get under my quilt and get warm.Thank you for your prayers for my leg.It hurts off and on through out the day.Headed north.
Date: 2018-03-18
From: Bald Mountain Shelter 

To: Uncle Johnny's
Miles today: 16.8

The mileage is for two days.I am taking a Nero today in Erwin at Uncle Johnny's. When I started hiking yesterday I was hiking in snow. Then it started to rain.As I got into lower elevation the sun came out! Had shorts and t shirt at the end of the day.I met Footprint at the shelter. Very nice guy.He is from the Czech Republic. He has already done the PCT and CDT ! He is finishing his triple crown this year! Met Hummingbird and Blackbird on the trail. Blackbird is staying at Uncle Johnny's tonight to.Stayed at No Business Knob shelter last night. As I started down the hill into Erwin I heard Church bells ringing! Makes me homesick for my heavenly home.The lady here's family is from Warrior and Gardendale .Heading back up to 5000 ft tomorrow. At 1662 right now.Weather calling for rain and snow.Normal stuff.The country side is changing. Saw beautiful forests the last two days.Pictures do not do it justice. I pray everyone is doing well. Finished my first month on the trail! Headed north.
Date: 2018-03-19
From: Uncle Johnny's

To: Stealth site
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

It turned out to be a beautiful day! It is freezing cold now.I started at 1662 elevation. Climbed 2900 feet.I'm at 4564 in elevation now.Still another 600 feet higher to get to the top of Unaka Mountain. The weather is calling for storms with high winds and then changing to snow.I will figure out what to do in the morning. It is good to be in my tent. Went over Beauty Spot Bald just before I got to my campsite. It was a beautiful view. Saw a large deer just before I got here also.Heard a turkey gobbling this morning. Had three to fly up in front of me a couple of days ago. Pray the wind doesn't blow me away. Good night sweetie. I love you. Shout out to my sons Cory and Casey. I love you. I am proud of the Godly men you have become. You make me a proud dad.Jimmy and John. I wish you could be doing this with me.Good night everyone. Headed north.
Date: 2018-03-23
From: Stealth site

To: Doe River Hikers Rest
Miles today: 38.3

The mileage is for several days. I did not have signal until today. Tuesday morning. I slept in this morning. Best sleep I have had since I have been on the trail. Got a late start. Climbed over Unaka Mountain. The spruce forest on top is amazing. Just made it to my campsite as it started to rain.It poured rain with thunder and lightning. When I woke up I was in an igloo. It had snowed 4 to 6 inches overnight.Made the decision to go to Greasy Creek Friendly to play it safe. It was 3 miles from where I camped.Met a really nice family from Ohio that was staying there.We had a good time together. We got to order food from a restaurant close by so I stuffed myself. Thursday I headed out and ended up at Roan High Knob shelter .Highest shelter on the A.T. at 6186 feet.It was too far to the next shelter so I stayed there. It was very cold.Fresh Ground had trail magic for us at Hughes Gap just before we climbed Roan Mountain. Hot dogs and soup and french fries with hot chocolate. That was very good. Thanks again Fresh Ground for all you do for us.It snowed more during the night. Left Roan High Knob shelter this morning and hiked 14.8 miles to hiway 19 east.The guy from the hostel picked me up at the trail head. Got something to eat and had a bath! I'm clean! Long day today walking in a foot of snow much of the day.Finally got low enough in elevation to get out of the snow.Gonna take a few days off and let my body rest.I have only taken 1 zero since I started. Me sweetie is coming to see me tomorrow! Hope everyone is doing well. Headed north.
Date: 2018-04-01
From: Highway 19E

To: Overlooking Watauga Lake
Miles today: 30.0
Weather: clear sky

Just got back on the trail yesterday. I took 7 days off and went home with my sweetheart. Went to the doctor and got my leg checked out.He said my hip belt was pushing in on a nerve that comes out from the front of my hip going to my leg.I adjusted my pack so I am good to go!The first two days back my leg is feeling much better. I did 16 miles yesterday and 14 today.Just climbed 1700 feet to get to this campsite. Met Bear Bait and Kloonie yesterday. They are from Maine.Good folks.Also met Zea Fox.He is from New Mexico. Nice guy.Saw a lot of people on the trail the last two days.Met a section hiker today called Silverback.Really nice guy.Happy Easter everyone! HE is risen!!! Headed north.
Date: 2018-04-02
From: Mile 424.8

To: Stealth site
Miles today: 16.3

Had a good day today. A lot of climbs.My leg is feeling better. Lot easier to hike with two good legs.Watauga lake is beautiful. I walked on both sides of it today. Did a lot of ridge walking with great views of the lake.Met Big Push and No Clue and Furry Small Creature all headed to Maine. Shout out to my friends I used to work with. Been gone a year now! Retirement is wonderful. God has blessed me so much. Hiker midnight. Headed north.
Date: 2018-04-03
From: MILE 441.1

To: Stealth site
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: light rain

Did my first 20 mile day today. Wasn't exactly by choice. It worked out though. Pushed it to get to Abington Gap Shelter because it is supposed to storm later tonight and in the morning. It was running over with people. Just kept on pushing. Found a flat spot just before dark.The terrain was really good today.Now I have a short day into Damascus tomorrow. Tomorrow is my 61st birthday. Met two section hikers who were camping I would have liked to camp with but they were 5 miles back so I kept going. I met Red Robin today.He is a thru hiker.Nice guy.Saw some really beautiful places today. Good night sweetie. I love you. Forever. I pray everyone is doing well. Hiker midnight. Headed north.