morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-05-24
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up this morning in my tent at Iron Mountain Shelter around 6:30am. It took about an hour and a half to get breakfast, then break down camp and hit the trail. Myself, Hugs, and Big Kahuna were a few hundred yards north when I realized I had left my Spot locator at camp.  I hiked back, and they hiked on.  I decided to go ahead and drop pack when I got back there because I had also forgotten to take my vitamins. After about 10 minutes, I put my backpack back on feeling like everything was done and I re-started my hike.  Not much more than 100 yards later, I had to potty. Once again I dropped pack. Finally when I picked that thing up and put it back on for the 3rd time, I was truly good to go!  That¢s about the time Lorax showed up. He and I commenced to hiking for pretty much the rest of the day. We caught up to Big Kahuna and Hugs at a foot bridge.  We all took a break together. Even though myself and Lorax had just stopped for a candy bar a few minutes before. The water was clear, and it was a cool place to sit. Big Kahuna caught a Salamander while we were there. I took a photo and he released him back into the wild.  The four of us hiked mostly together the rest of the day. Our meanderings took us to and through some livestock pastures. We were prepared for cows and horses, but didn¢t see a single one. There were plenty of remnants though! It was fun to see the A.T. symbol painted on the barn.  Our campsite is nice and we were able to get all 4 of our tents in the same general area. After my supper of Chicken and Noodles it was time for a highly competitive game of Euchre. Me and Big Kahuna took home the win!  Until Next Time Blue Raccoon (2018)Where¢s your faith?
Date: 2018-05-25
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter 

To: Damascus 
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: few clouds

Another beautiful morning on the A.T.! I was awakened around 6:30am by my morning birds alarm. I continued to lay there and listen to them chirp until Big Kahuna¢s voice came through...¢are you up?¢ He¢s clearly the responsible one of the group! Hugs and I are always last up.  I had my morning routine over with by 8am. Hugs, myself, and Big Kahuna hit the trail early. Lorax had a hole to dig. He would have to catch up. We ended up separated, so I mostly hiked alone the first couple of hours. We all caught each other and stopped at some ruins. I was highly disappointed. I still don¢t exactly know what they are calling ruins. I took no photos. Lorax took the lead. About 1.5 miles up the trail from the ruins we reached the Virginia state line. We all stood side by side and on the count of 3 took one giant step. Adios Tennessee!  Three states down and 11 states to go.  Virginia has the most miles in one state on the A.T.  It¢s a little over 500 miles. That¢s 1/4 of the whole trail! Because Virginia is so long and sometimes mundane it is said that thru-hikers get the Virginia blues. I don¢t see myself having that problem because I¢m loving every step.  As a group we hiked into Damascus. Yes, the same town that hosts Trail Days. I¢m here because I walked here this time. We all rented a bed at the Woodchuck Hostel. Tomorrow Woodchuck himself will drive us 12.5 miles north and we will hike south right back to Damascus for one more night at the Woodchuck Hostel.  We¢re getting cleaned up(in our best hiker attire) to go out for dinner, drinks,and more cards!  Until Next Time Blue Raccoon (2018)Where¢s your faith?
Date: 2018-05-28
From: Tent Site @MM 498.8

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The rain had stopped some time during my sleep.  That was nice for breaking down camp,  though packing up a wet tent is never fun.  Very quickly this morning I found myself in Grayson Highland State Park.  It¢s a beautiful state park here in Virginia known for wild ponies. Turns out the ponies I saw yesterday had gone rogue and should have been in the park.  The park also offers trails ranging from easy to difficult.  There were lots of rocks!  Lots and lots of rocks! I thought Virginia was suppose to be easier?  It was there amongst the ponies where I completed 500 miles of my journey!  Myself , Hugs, and Big Kahuna had a celebratory moment!   I made it to a shelter for lunch around 11:30am just as the rain began to fall.  It continued to rain for 5 hours.  My boots are soaked, and my feet and hands remain pruney.  This rain is becoming demoralizing.  5 others arrived during my lunch break, so I left lunch early to hurry to the next shelter.  I already had it in my head that I was sleeping in that shelter tonight.  I just had to get there before it was full.  By the grace of God I made it there first. Others came and went, then Hugs and Big Kahuna arrived.  We are all 3 sleeping in the shelter tonight!  Kiwi chose to continue on.  This is a 6 person shelter and we are currently sleeping 5.  I hope it stays that way.   At the moment I¢m snug in my sleeping bag, and for now the rain has stopped.  Until Next Time Blue Raccoon (2018)Where¢s your faith?
Date: 2018-05-29
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Main Road to Troutdale
Miles today: 10.0

I woke up dry and snug in the shelter, but I laid there watching the rain fall through the open wall.  The Eagle Scouts  who built this shelter kindly put a tin roof on it.  I love the sound of rain on a tin roof. Nonetheless, I know what¢s to come.  Not sure how many more days I can take being soaking wet.   The day started DOWN. We all three set out together with our rain gear on.  Surprisingly our moods weren¢t dampened by the weather and we had great conversation.  After about a mile we drifted apart with plans to meet at the next shelter for lunch. The rain continued off and on all day.  Sometimes I think it was just falling from the trees when the wind blew, and sometimes it just rained.  It¢s exhausting hiking in the rain. Every single step must be taken cautiously and deliberately or you will fall.  Yesterday Big Kahuna took a hard fall, and another hiker fell slicing her knee open pretty bad. This morning her bandage had blood all the way through it.  I bet she needed stitches.  So when I came to the trail for our lunch shelter I really didn¢t want to go.  There were several steps up and it was way off trail. I had arrived first though so I went ahead up there.  I¢m glad I did because the shelter had a little awning of sorts with a picnic table under it. Yay, a dry place to eat!! After lunch we really didn¢t take anymore breaks.  I usually like to drop pack every two hours or so for just a few minutes, but this rain makes it difficult to do that. Probably another reason I¢m exhausted.  As usual we sort of separated when hiking.  We all hike at different speeds, but we end up in the same place.  I was in front again, and alone.  I actually enjoy hiking alone.  I spent a lot of time today thinking about my mom and how I miss her chocolate cake.  I wish I had learned how to make that cake.  My sauntering brought me to a beautiful waterfall. Comers Creek Falls was a breath of fresh air!  Even though it had been raining I was sweaty and hot.  The rain had stopped so I took off my plastic poncho and enjoyed the cool mist.  The sun never came out today, but there were moments with no rain. The no rain moments were lovely.  There was a beautiful mixture of rhododendrons and Mountain Laurel.  I think the Mountain Laurel only blooms for a few weeks, so I¢m glad I get to see so much of it.  After 10 miles I popped out on a main road. Once the whole tramily arrived we decided to hitchhike into Troutdale.  A produce delivery guy picked us up and drove us to Sufi Lodge.  The funniest thing...all 5 hikers here tonight are the same 5 of us who stayed in the shelter last night!  We enjoyed a delicious dinner together.  Until Next Time Blue Raccoon (2018)Where¢s your faith?
Date: 2018-06-01
From: Marion

To: Marion
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

My zero day here in Marion Virginia started early. I was up at 6am. The three of us met for breakfast downstairs at 7am.  I had waffles and scrambled eggs.  Our favorite shuttle folks were at the hotel by 7:30am for Hugs¢ trip to the doctor. I jumped in for a ride to the laundromat. I was able to get all of our laundry done while she was at the doc. The timing worked out perfectly.  I have loved the folks here in Marion...except the folks who frequent the laundromat. I¢ll leave it at that. Overall this is a lovely community filled with wonderful people.  Back at the hotel I spent time preparing my pack. I had set up my tent last night to dry it out. So that came down and got packed away. I sorted through my belongings and organized my food. Papa Big Swig had shipped a resupply box to me here. Going through that was a little like Christmas. I even got some love notes in with my meals. He¢s so sweet! I ate a Mountain House meal right here in my hotel room for lunch. We had BBQ for dinner and it may very well have been the best brisket I¢ve ever eaten! Deliciousness! My photo is of the county courthouse located in Marion. There are hundreds of crosses with an American flag spreading over a couple of blocks. I thought this was a beautiful display for Memorial Day. One of those crosses bares the name of Carrie Sparks father.  Until Next Time Blue Raccoon (2018)Where¢s your faith?
Date: 2018-06-05
From: 590.6

To: Tent Site 604.8
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up for what will be my last morning at Appalachian Dreamer Hiker Hostel. Mack was the very best host ever again this morning.  We had bacon and sausage with cheesey scrambled eggs, toast and as always a fresh pot of coffee.  After breakfast we got our big packs ready and loaded up for our last shuttle into Bland. We took a few photos with Mack first then hit the road. Mack had to avoid 5 different animals during the drive.  A deer, a chipmunk , a bunny, a bird, and a groundhog.  The bird was a bird of prey and all white.  We think maybe it was an owl.  After a stop at Dollar General and the Post Office Mack delivered us to our starting point. Today¢s hike started on the road at a little store.  After walking about a 1/4 mile I entered the woods on the wrong side of the road.  My  tramily followed me for a bit, but it didn¢t feel right.  Hugs checked her Guthook app and we all did an about face.  Hugs was now in the lead.  My ascent into the mountains started with a climb of 3200 ft.  I know I¢ve climbed higher, but this climb felt eternal.  It was a very slow up.  Once that was under my belt and I was on the ridges everything was pleasant... even with a full pack. I took the lead after our lunch break.  We all ate a sandwich brought from Mack¢s place.  Mine was fried bologna with mayo. Mmmmm good!  I managed to get a good distance ahead.  So I was all alone when I reached the rocks on the trail marking 600 miles.  I waited for the tramily so we could enjoy that milestone together.  I can¢t believe that I¢ve walked 600 miles!  I was down to about 400ml of water at that point.  Big Kahuna didn¢t have much left either. There was suppose to be a water source about 0.3miles ahead but when I got there it was dry.  The next source was over 3 miles away.  There were several climbs in that 3+ miles and I was super thirsty.  Thankfully when I arrived there was water. It was a very shallow creek and took some creativity with a leaf to be able to collect the water. Big Kahuna and I filled bags while Hugs filtered.  I left there with 2 liters of filtered water plus 3 liters of unfiltered water.  We had a little over a mile to get to our planned tentsite.  Again it was UP.  I could feel every ounce of that 5 liters as I put one foot in front of the other. I had to bring that much water because it¢s many miles before the next source tomorrow. Today there was a dry water source and yesterday I had a dry source too.  I¢m really surprised by that since it recently rained every day for a week.  Right now I¢m comfy in my tent. I left the rain-fly up on one side to help catch a breeze.  It¢s fun being able to look outside. Hopefully I¢ll see some night animals.  Until Next Time Blue Raccoon (2018)Where¢s your faith?
Date: 2018-06-07
From: Tentsite 620

To: Cross Avenue
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: broken clouds

I took the lead early this morning and found myself alone in a short while. The terrain continued to be rocky which is painful on these poor feet.  Myself and Big Kahuna both say our feet feel like they are bruised.  Nonetheless I love hiking alone in the mornings. I was serenaded with lots of different tweets and whistles by all the birdies in the woods.  Morning birds are one of my favorite things.  Not only was it rocky, but much of the woods I hiked through this morning had been burned.  It¢s hard to tell if these were controlled burns, or remnants of a forest fire. The area affected was quite large.   Once I made it out of the burned area things changed for a bit.  The trail temporarily became much less rocky, and I found myself in a tunnel of Mountain Laurel.  The Mountain Laurel is just soooo beautiful right now!  We all came together again about 5 miles in.  I continued to lead as the trail took us to some views.  Our first place had a view on both sides.  Both sides were of towns below.  One of them was of Pearisburg( pronounced Paris-Burg) the town we¢re planning to visit today.  I¢m not sure if the other side was more of Pearisburg or not.  It didn¢t matter anyway because the only thing I really saw was a small patch of beautiful flowers. The color just popped with a background of greens. They are today¢s photo.  We were all 3 pretty much together the rest of the day but I was slightly ahead.  Just enough ahead that I was alone when I looked up at a deer close enough to count how many times she blinked her eyes.  We both just stood there for what felt like a long time. I was hoping the others would arrive in time to see her.  That didn¢t happen.  When I reached for my phone she trotted away and took cover in the rhododendrons.  That was my favorite moment of the day.  Everything was in slow motion.  I stood there until Hugs arrived. She was first to show. She took the lead, and took us all the way down to our end point.  It was Cross Ave.  waiting for us there was a shuttle driver named Tom.  Tom could use a lesson in politeness. But he took us to the Post Office, Rite Aid, and finally the Holiday Inn Express.  Tomorrow will be a zero day. My body needs a rest.  Right now I¢m comfy cozy in a fancy hotel bed.  It¢s heavenly!  Until Next Time Blue Raccoon(2018)Where¢s your faith?
Date: 2018-06-08
From: Holiday Inn Express

To: Holiday Inn Express
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Here I am in a lovely hotel with a comfy bed and still no sleep.  The pain from my back is bad. It won¢t let me sleep.  I will be going to an urgent care this afternoon.  I¢ve also decided to take one more zero day.  I hate that, but my body is the boss.  I¢m fortunate that my tramily is sticking with me.  They will double 0 too.  This is a good time for me to thank everybody who leaves messages on my guest book. I appreciate your words of encouragement more than you will ever know!  I¢ll update my situation tomorrow.  Until Next Time Blue Raccoon (2018)Where¢s your faith?
Date: 2018-06-09
From: Holiday Inn Express

To: Holiday Inn Express 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

My Urgent Care visit went well. I received two shots. One was toradol a strong anti-inflammatory drug, and a steroid. I was also given steroids to take by mouth for 5 days.  I woke up this morning feeling about 50% better. I think one more zero will get me back on the trail tomorrow. Of course I¢ll still need to be cautious, and I will.  I¢m stubborn...Katahdin or bust!  Until Next Time Blue Raccoon (2018)Where¢s your faith?
Date: 2018-06-17
From: Paducah Ky

To: Paducah Ky
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

My morning started at the Drury Inn, Paducah Kentucky. Me and Papa Big Swig were in one bed, and my grandsons Gavin and Dawson were in the other. We all had a quick hotel breakfast and rushed to the theater. We saw the morning matinee of Incredibles 2. Dawson had it figured out before the movie was halfway over. He¢s a smart kid! I only have two more days before I get back on trail, so Papa Big Swig and I are enjoying the rest of Fathers Day/date day on our own. Tomorrow all of the kids and grands will be in Paducah, so we¢ll celebrate with them then.  However, our ¢date day¢ consists of purchasing my food resupply, readying my pack, and doing laundry. I¢m also planning my next food shipment location etc. Logistics logistics logistics...Papa Big Swig surprised me with a mani/pedi AND a massage! He wanted me to have a good Father¢s Day.  Ha!! Since its Father¢s Day, I¢m going to hi-light my dad. After all, he¢s why I¢m doing this. He was the one who always said ¢ I have faith in you sis¢, ¢You can do it sis¢, or any other words of confirmation I ever needed. He made me strong and gave me confidence. He taught me about nature, animals, the land, and so much more. I have far better pictures of him, but today¢s photo is how I love to remember him! I was blessed with the best dad a girl could ask for! Blue Raccoon¢s guest book question of the day:  Hi Blue Raccoon! How's your back holding up? You mentioned that you had a steroid injection a little while back, so I hope that is helping. I'm sure the slips & falls don't help your lower back. If I was still on the trail, I would have been more than happy to try and give you some help with it. Sounds like, overall, you are doing great though. Keep on trekking! - DocSunday, June 17, 2018Hi Doc!  Thanks for your concern. I definitely would have taken you up on some help with my back. I totally agree, if I could stay on my feet that would help a lot! Lucky for me, it¢s much improved. Always a battle, but improved. I¢m seeing a chiropractor tomorrow just for good measure. On a side note, Papa Big Swig and I are hoping we can meet up with you and your wife for dinner sometime after I¢ve finished my hike. I¢ll email my phone number to you. Hope all is wellHappy Father¢s Day to all you dads out there! Until Next Time Blue Raccoon (2018)Where¢s your faith?
Date: 2018-06-18
From: Paducah Ky

To: Paducah Ky
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Another morning at the Drury Inn. All kids and grands will be here tonight so I had to get moving fast. First was a visit to the chiropractor. He¢s new to me, but he¢s a hiker! He¢ll be my guy when I¢m in Paducah from now on. Papa Big Swig did more laundry. My hiking shorts came out with something red all over them.(hotel laundry facilities) I¢m not buying new ones so red splotches on my shorts will be the new hiker fashion.  Speaking of shorts. They need taken in. I bought a size up because they were a little snug. That was not the right thing to do because they literally fall off when I¢m hiking now. At 2:15 I¢ll be seeing the seamstress to put a dart in the waist of my red splotchy shorts. Pretty sure she¢s going to wonder why I don¢t just buy new ones. They were $50 each...I¢m choosing to wear the red splotches. All of my resupply is purchased. This includes food, a new phone charger, and replacement T.P. from the bee incident. One hotel bed is now covered with hiking supplies. Once my clothing gets a new permethrin treatment I¢ll be repacking my backpack and clearing the extra bed for my son. I¢m so excited that he can get away to stay the night with us tonight! My photo today is of Stokes and his dog Melvin. They completed the trail the day I took that photo. While I¢m sure plenty of dogs have done it, Melvin is the only dog I personally know who has hiked the whole trail. He¢s really a great dog!  Blue Raccoon ¢s guest book question of the day: Vernon Savannah Ga.I'm curious as to how the larger shoe / boot size is working out for you? ..... The only set-back I've found is that your regular shoes of the non-hiking variety start to feel waaay to small.Monday, June 18, 2018First I want to say that Vernon has been offering advice, answers, and support since I started this adventure. His advice is ALWAYS solid. I usually wear a size 9 shoe but my trail runners and boots are a 91/2. I did this based on Vernon¢s advice and it was the best thing. After battling horrible blisters since week 2 I have no blisters at all! And Vernon, I wore my regular gym shoes today for the first time in 3 months. They do feel small.  The kids are rolling in, so I¢m ending here. Tomorrow is a big day for us. I can¢t wait to share it! Until Next Time Blue Raccoon (2018)Where¢s your faith?
Date: 2018-06-19
From: Paducah Ky

To: Catawba Virginia 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Myself, Papa Big Swig, and my son Kyle woke up early. We all rushed around to get ready for the big day. We were at the courthouse by 8:15 this morning wearing our rainbow colored shirts.  Why? Because today my daughter Lisa and her husband Alan adopted the cutest little curly haired blonde I¢ve ever seen! She¢s been with our family for a good while but today it¢s official! Introducing Lucie Mae Francis Sullivan!  We couldn¢t be happier! She requested everyone to wear a color of the rainbow for her adoption and party! She¢s a kid who loves colors, sparkles, and princesses! She wanted to take a sassy photo with me for the journal. As you can see, I obliged. There it is, the Nama and Lucie sassy pose! The party was wonderful! We are always happy when all of the kids and grands can be in the same place at one time. It doesn¢t happen often enough.  I got lots of hugs and well wishes regarding the A.T.  We¢re back in the SUV and 10 hours from 4 Pines Hostel. The mountains are calling and I must go! Dragons tooth tomorrow! Until Next Time Blue Raccoon (2018)Where¢s your faith?
Date: 2018-06-20
From: VA 311

To: VA 624
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: broken clouds

Not sure where I woke up at this morning, but it was about a 2.5 hours drive to 4 pines hostel. An hour after my arrival Hugs and Big Kahuna arrived! Back together again! In my best Big Kahuna voice I was singing WE ARE TRAMILY!  Off to a late start, we did a Nero flip flop slack pack. It was a hot one today, so taking it slow my first day back was a good plan for me. Tomorrow we will do Dragons tooth and hopefully beat the heat.  Today¢s hike was fairly uneventful. A few ups, a few downs, a couple of pastures. No rock or root problems. We did see some pretty cool rock formations. A rock wall is my photo of the day.  Coming down to a pasture we passed some wild raspberries. Only a few were ripe enough to eat...so we ate those! A little tart, but yummy.  Shortly after the pasture we hiked along a stream that is fed by a boiling mountain spring. It was a cool thing to see. The hostel owner says he gets all of his water there and never filters it.  We did a SOBO so our hike ended on the road where the hostel is located. We walked 0.3 miles up the hill and ended where we started.  It¢s official I¢ve hiked 700 miles!  Until Next Time Blue Raccoon (2018)Where¢s your faith?