morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-03-19
From: Route 624

To: Route 621
Miles today: 15.4

I slept very well indeed. Finally! River and I got up and ready and had breakfast before departing to drop her car at the end of a 15 mile stretch of trail that would take us up and over dragon's tooth. At the parking lot we were met by Pepper Jack who drove us to the starting point of our hike. It was really great to see him and I bet he never thought he'd see me again. I was so sick when he drove me to acupuncture and finally to Richmond to fly home back in October. We said goodbye at the trailhead and wished him the best and then started our 2.5 mile ascent to the famed tooth. It was sunny but chilly for the climb but as the temps warmed we stopped to adjust our layers. We had the tooth to ourselves when we arrived and took the time to climb around on the rocks and snap some pictures. It was good fun. Just as we were leaving some day hikers with dogs reached the top and River and I headed south over the ridge. As we walked along the ridge we met flip flop thru hikers Mountain man and Michelle Gypsy mccann and we had a nice conversation with them before moving on and meeting Topo. (Tali Hunt) In women's face book group. As it turns out Topo is a backpacking instructor with a group called Adventures in Good Company which is where River's Appalachian Trail dream was born. After the ridge walk we had a 4 mile climb. It was a long slow burn up the 4 miles to a memorial for a WWII veteran named Audie Murphy. At the top there were 2 random benches spaced about 200' apart. We sat on them and laughed together. So strange to see them and we could have used them to rest along the climb but here they were at the top just at the descent. Finally it was down hill to the car. It was a gorgeous sunny afternoon and when we finished we headed back towards Daleville stopping first at Kroger for a few items and then for dinner at Pancho's before getting to the room. After a shower and some logistics on the hike and planning when to move and where it was 10pm. A late night for me. It'll be a short sleep and almost 17 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2019-03-22
To: Pearisburg 
Miles today: 0.0

I slept very well in my own private room with no TV or lights to distract me. My alarm went off at 6am and I got up and got ready to bring River to the trailhead. The wind was howling outside and I was glad I would be resting today. We headed out to McDonald's but as we were about to turn in River and I decided we deserved a better breakfast and so she pulled a quick turn in the opposite direction and we landed at Friends and Family restaurant. We enjoyed fresh omelets and coffee before I finally left her at the trailhead for Peter's mountain and watched her hike away bundled from head to toe against the piercing wind. I returned to town and stopped at the Food Lion (which I think is a really weird name for a grocery store) where I bought a kale salad, fresh broccoli and asparagus, a pork roast, sweet potato, eggs, bacon, bread and butter along with a few other items. I unpacked them all at the hostel which is conveniently located right behind the store, soaked my feet and I worked on my journal. I had lunch around 1 and then laid down for a nap. At 3pm my phone woke me up so I got up and worked on what the next couple of weeks might look like in my AWOL guide until I just couldn't see anymore. I don't have my glasses with me and sometimes that's really difficult. The house was quiet all day and I left to get River before 5pm. I waited about 10 minutes for her at the trailhead, perfect timing. When we got back to the hostel River showered and relaxed while I made dinner. It was a treat to have a fresh home cooked meal. After dinner I went to Rite Aid and bought a pair of reading glasses and now my life is much better! We shared 2 beers and visited with our house mate Carolyn. She's section hiking with her friend Saffire and they're both from TN. Very nice ladies and Carolyn is 68, such an inspiration. After a little more work in my AWOL I was too tired to think and around 9pm I retreated to my bedroom for a dose of melatonin and my pillow. I'm looking forward to getting back on trail tomorrow and my blisters are looking nice and dry now.
Date: 2019-03-23
From: Clendennon and Pocahontas Rd

To: Peters mountain trailhead Big Stoney Creek Rd
Miles today: 15.5

It was really good to have a day off and I felt energized and fresh this morning. We made omelets at the house for breakfast with some leftover veggies from last night and River cooked some of the bacon. Carolyn asked me to help her stretch so I did that after I ate. River dropped me off at Clendennon and Pocahontas and I was off and running. Well not really running, that's just a figure of speech. The hike was really nice in the beginning with lots of rhododendron and just kind of bumping along. It was very cold and windy today and early in I wore my hat and gloves. I stopped at Rice mountain shelter and used the privy. The shelter and campsite in front of it share the nicest view of the day but the cold wind had me snapping a quick picture and moving on. 5 miles later I stopped for lunch at a campsite by a meadow and I saw Carolyn and Saffire walking towards me hiking this section sobo. They called home and then joined me for lunch. Their company was really nice. Before we could all get too cold we finished up and hiked off. The rest of my hike today was up and down, finally down. I passed by a couple of day hikers looking for the Allegheny Trail and I let them know they were almost there. When I made it down to the Peter's mountain trailhead parking area I sat in the sun on a stump and worked on my journal. Within a few minutes I was joined by Hobbit, a nobo thru hiker. He was headed to the next shelter on the trail via the road which he said he finds more scenic. He said he's a thru hiker. At the end of the day I want to be considered a thru hiker and know that I passed by every white blaze, by the rules. A few minutes after Hobbit hit the road the day hikers I'd met earlier came down to the parking area and asked if I needed a ride. They were Lynn and Sammy and we had a great chat which continued when River arrived. My 45 minute wait for her flew by! We decided to have dinner at Friends and Family restaurant and it was just okay. We even had dessert and when my slice of butterscotch pie showed up in a bowl looking like it had been dumped on the floor and then scooped up it made me feel terrible about ordering dessert. I looked at River's perfect slice of lemon meringue pie and wanted to steal it from her. She had just asked me which was more stressful, owning restaurants or being a real estate broker. Looking at this thing called dessert in front of me I realized I would never have allowed that to be served in my restaurants. Yes, I ate it but I didn't enjoy it. Presentation is more than 50% of how something tastes. We returned to the hostel and went to the office to stamp our passports and get our vortex patches before showering. I stretched Carolyn again before retreating to the peaceful sanctuary of my private room around 9. I was really tired after today's cold and wind. Tomorrow we leave here and head to Bland.
Date: 2019-03-28
From: Jenkins shelter

To: Route 615
Miles today: 4.4

I felt refreshed this morning even after getting up and going to the privy at 12:40. I'm so thankful to be inside and warm for these past 2 nights. It's been in the 20's. It all differs from my plan but I know God's hearing my prayers to keep me safe on trail and he brought me here. Ironically yesterday about 2 miles into my hike I saw where I'd planned to camp at the junction of the Big Boss trail. It was a nice site but fairly exposed. I think I'd have been cold there or likely not slept well. I woke up at 6:07 and stayed warm in my quilt until 6:50 when I got dressed and wandered to the privy. Then I sat by the electric heater waiting for Mongo so we could go to breakfast. He told me yesterday of a place down the street with a $4 breakfast and I told him I'd treat if he drove me. He's been fasting but that ended last night so he claimed an instant deal upon my suggestion. We also realized when he was showing me how to light the gas heater that both stayed at Stanimals in Glasgow on October 3rd. I thought when he first picked me up that he looked familiar but I disregarded it and so did he. He was doing a couple days of hiking then. Small world. My hike was short, just 4.4 miles. I climbed up less than 1,000' and then walked a Ridgeline before coming down to the shelter. Immediately I saw a 60's man sitting on the edge of the shelter and I introduced myself. He's Bird Nut and mentioned that he's glad to be there. He hiked from Chestnut Knob Shelter and he's doing a section but his feet are soft and he's not been on trail for a while. He's thru hiked the AT twice and section hiked it and also completed the pct. And yes, he's a bird watcher. Nice man. I mentioned my nice stay at Lickskillet hostel and texted Mongo to pick him up at route 615 in the morning since his phone didn't have a signal. Fancy pants and her husband arrived and also wanted to take advantage of Lickskillet hostel and Fancy pants needed to get to the Urgent Care for some help with her knee. I set up my tent for the first time this year and as I was doing so another section hiker arrived for dinner. He was a loud talker and he and Bird Nut kept in conversation while the man ate. When I was done getting myself set up I joined at the picnic table and made my dinner. The loud talker left and Fancy pants, her husband and I ate at the picnic table while Bird Nut ate dry food from a bag while sitting at the edge of the shelter. He set up inside but unfortunately the mosquitoes suddenly arrived and I was glad I'd be in my tent tonight! By 7pm I was ready for bed with my food bag hung. Bird Nut sleeps in the shelter with his making me feel even happier about sleeping in my tent.
Date: 2019-03-29
From: Jenkins shelter

To: Mile 1626.2
Miles today: 15.2

I got up at 11pm to pee and noticed Bird Nut had set up his tent behind the shelter I bet the mosquitoes drove him to it. I got cold during the night and put my puffy, hat and buff on. It was supposed to be a low of 42° but I don't know what it really was. I slept pretty well otherwise, much better than I do in the shelter. I woke at 6 but stayed snuggled in until just after 7. I packed everything up, got my food bag and sat at the picnic table for breakfast. Fancy pants joined me there while her husband packed up their tent. Bird Nut said goodbye as he left around 8:30 and the rest of us were 10 minutes behind him. I headed south while they headed north. And my 3 miles of climbing began right away. My pack felt like someone had added stones to it! When I finally reached the top it was 5 miles of camel humps that were steep and rocky wearing me down and making me grumpy. I met Billy goat, uncle Gramps and Several section hikers. Later I met Co-op and his hiking friend just before Walker Gap where I planned to stop for lunch. It was just over 9 miles into my hike. I rested for 45 minutes and ate lunch before taking on a 1.4 mile climb up to Chestnut Knob Shelter, elevation 4409'. No wonder I'm tired! From here it was much easier going and I stopped for water at a pond 2 miles down trail. I filled up my water and called Appalachian Dreamer hostel about a room tomorrow. Mack answered and explained that he's closed because his wife is in liver failure. That is terrible news. I will pray for them both tonight. I looked for a suitable campsite near the pond but finding none I continued on 2 more miles to an unofficial campsite listed in Guthooks. I met Mouse and her friends who were not enjoying the climb up the mountain I was enjoying descending. They were heading to Chestnut Knob Shelter and I hope they get a nice sunrise in the morning. I found the campsite listed to be pretty nice and I set up and settled in. I walked down the trail a bit a found a suitable branch and hung my bear line before making my dinner. It was delicious, penne pasta and sauce from Good to Go, compliments of River. I added some bacon jerky on the side and a little stroop waffle for dessert. I washed up, hung my bag and dove into my tent leaving the swarm of mosquitoes and other flying pest outside. For good measure I killed the scary looking spider near my door so I wouldn't have to dream of him getting in. Sorry! But I really wanted to sleep. I'm writing this journal and I can hear lots of leaf rustling outside. I looked out in the direction of my food bag but it's too far away from my tent to see it. It sounds like it's coming from that direction. I hung it well and PCT style. We'll see if I can get some sleep now!
Date: 2019-03-31
From: Bear Garden hostel

To: Atkins VA 683, US 11, I-81
Miles today: 10.1

I slept really well, having the hostel all to myself, a full belly and a clean body. At some points the wind and rain woke me up but being safe, warm and dry I drifted right back to sleep. I had cereal and toast for breakfast which was included in my stay and texted Bob to let him know I need a fuel can if he's got one. He arrived to pick me up at the agreed time and had the fuel can and passport stamp with him. After we took care of business Bob drove me back to the trail. It was gently misting so I wore my rain jacket which also kept me warm. I didn't see a lot of hikers on the trail today and I assumed many might take the day off. It was windy with periods of mist, snow and freezing rain all day. From a mountain top I called Brian to discuss my accommodation for the night. I couldn't make myself stay at the Relax Inn and I'd just tried the Long Neck Lair again with no success. We agreed I'd get a room at the Comfort Inn and a shuttle. We hung up and I looked up the number for the comfort inn and was about to hit "call" when I saw an incoming call. I picked up and it was Cynthia at the Long Neck Lair confirming I had the room for the night and she'd pick me up at the Barn Restaurant. It was about 9:30 and I think I floated all the way to town. I ran into Mad Tree, Catmando and Lucky who ate at the Barn and said it was good. Finally at 1pm I arrived there and ordered my feast. A large cheeseburger, fries and hot fresh decaf coffee. I let Cynthia know that I was there. I finished my meal and added a large slice of chocolate I with cream cheese frosting. Nearly in a food coma and sporting a large food baby I waddled outside to meet Cynthia and her husband Ken. Super nice people. They drove me to their farm just up the street and made me very comfortable. They shared their living space with me in addition to providing a fabulous private room with bath. Cynthia even warmed up some homemade corn chowder for me and after dinner I helped feed the Alpaca. Beautiful babies! I loved learning about them and hugging one particularly friendly one. Cynthia then gave me a tour of the home her sister in-law is building next door.I spent the rest of my time in my room carving out a schedule for the next 16 days and booking hostels and hotels and shuttles while Cynthia did my laundry. Exhausted I finally gave in to slumber at 10pm.
Date: 2019-04-06
From: Low Gap

To: Damascus
Miles today: 16.1

I had a good night of sleep and awoke to the smell of fresh coffee. Larry was in the kitchen making breakfast. We all sat at the table together and enjoyed chocolate chip pancakes, eggs, sausage, fruit, juice, milk and coffee. Finish Line and Ghost we're taking a zero so I was the only one hiking today. Larry the shuttle driver picked me up at 8am and I was hiking north from Low Gap into Damascus by 8:30. It was sunny and cool but not cold and I hiked in my skirt without leggings and a short sleeve shirt. I'm loving this weather! Before I left the hostel Ghost commented on the size of my calves. I feel a little like that bicycle rider in the insurance commercial who customized his calves. In all honesty they're quite large and muscular now and I won't be wearing any knee high boots anytime soon because I'm sure I couldn't zip them. I hadn't used my spot for 2 days but I changed the batteries this morning and turned it on. I get upset with myself when I forget to turn it on at the start of my hike, as I did again today. Much of today was a ridge walk with camel humps and views of Shady Valley. I passed by a rickety old log constructed shelter no longer maintained for use and found it to be a perfect place to pee. It was actually a creepy looking structure listing to one side and I couldn't imagine any emergency in which I'd enter it to stay in but it made a good picture. A way later I crossed the TN/VA border and sent the last Marco Polo of a state line to Brian. It was emotional for me. About a half mile later I stopped on a log to rest and snack when 2 trail runners stopped to tend to a hit spot. They were hoping to do 30 miles today in preparation for a trail run in May. I looked at them and their condition and totally thought I hope they have a bailout plan. The bird chatter today was the most I've heard so far and it's such a happy sound to me. As I started the descent into town I saw a group camped on the left and guessed they were boyscouts. They in fact were and I shared with them the birth of my hike being when I was getting my own son ready for his first overnight with scouts. It was a feel good day. I walked down between 2 homes and into town. It was emotional coming into town and seeing the arch knowing that I have finished VA. The park was filled with families playing and spending time together picnicing, playing ball, etc and it was good to see. It was 2:30 and I stopped at the diner for a burger and fries and it hit the spot! I stopped at the dollar general for melatonin and Advil before heading to Larry's. I showered and changed and went to the grocery store with Larry and Larry the shuttle driver where I picked up some raspberries and a protein shake and some pastry to share at the hostel. I met Mr Perfect who is deaf and checked in today, happy to have a pastry. When my hunger returned I went to Mojo's for salad and fried green tomatoes which were excellent and then I put my satisfied belly to bed. I have tomorrow off!
Date: 2019-04-07
From: Damascus VA

To: Sam's Gap NC, Nature's Inn hostel and cabins
Miles today: 0.0

I was so hot in the night I slipped out of my pajamas and just kept the covers on me. Before Finish Line woke up I had slipped back into them. Again I could smell something brewing in the kitchen and knew Larry was busy cooking for his house guests. I joined the other hikers and Larry's friend Willy at the table for biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, juice, milk and sliced tomatoes. Once again Larry made us all happy. I changed the bed linens and packed myself up, vacated the room and waited outside with Sally the hostel dog for Gungho to arrive. He's the shuttle driver who is delivering me to nature's Inn hostel where I'll be hiking out of for Sam's Gap to Allen Gap. Gungho arrived at 10:45 and by just after noon I was checking in at Nature's Inn. I met Taft and although I originally reserved a cabin I upgraded to a room in a 3 bedroom home on site. The cabins don't have plumbing and for an extra $10 I would avoid having to walk to the bathhouse in the middle of the night in the rain. As it turned out I had the house to myself. I bought food for lunch and dinner from the on-site resupply store and felt at home. It poured off and on all afternoon and evening. The weather forecast for tomorrow is severe weather with thunderstorms, wind and heavy rain at times. I'm concerned about making it over Big Butt and into Jerry Cabin shelter before the weather arrives after 1pm. I talked to Brian's Aunt Patti and then Brian before watching the ACM awards on TV. I tucked myself in at 10pm. The shuttle leaves at 8am. I hope I can sleep well with this weather weighing on me.
Date: 2019-04-13
From: Tri corner knob shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 15.5

I had taken 20 mg of melatonin at 7 and slept like a baby until 11pm. After trying to fall back asleep I finally struggled out from my sleeping area without kicking anyone in the face and went around the corner of the shelter to pee. I noticed that the Hiker to my left was closer to me than he was at 6pm and thought he might have been trying to stay away from the cold stone wall he was up against. It didn't matter because I still had plenty of room. I woke up at 6am under full dark and as quietly as possible packed up my bedding and took it outside along with my pack. I was at the picnic table with 2 other hikers treating my fresh liter of water and packing up when 3 trail runners came into camp by headlamp. One was wearing a rain poncho and all were wearing some kind of neoprene vest that carried their water and necessities. They looked like storm troopers to me and the 3 of us just watched as they filtered water and squeezed tubes of goo into their mouths before running off again. It was a strange few minutes. When I left camp at 7:35 after oatmeal and coffee it was under clouds and drizzle. I didn't bother with rain gear. The forest was dark and moss covered, beautiful but creepy at the same time. I hiked until 10 and took a quick snack break standing on trail. The path was up and down but nothing heavy and I put the miles behind me fairly quickly. I needed to go to the bathroom but for miles I was on a ledge with a steep drop off on either side. Finally just before Charlie's bunion I took a side Trail a couple of hundred feet and found a good spot. Apparently it was a popular one as there was lots of toilet paper already there, disappointing. At the next shelter I stopped for lunch and saw Pop Tart there drinking a 1lb beer and talking to another hiker. I'd met him in VA. I ate my lunch and left within 20 minutes. I was only 3 miles from Newfound Gap and I'd be there early but I didn't mind waiting. As I hiked thru hoards of day hikers heading to Charlie's Bunion I saw Christine my trail angel hiking towards me. I was completely surprised to see her on trail but so happy. We hiked out together and enjoyed some conversation. I'm so happy to have her helping me right now and to know she'll be with me at the finish. She stopped McDonald's for me on the way to her house and along the way we saw elk on the side of the road and stopped for pictures. It was very cool! I got settled in at her house, showered and did laundry before she drove me to Ingles for a resupply. My cousin Mike arrived around 8pm and Christine made a fabulous dinner of tilapia, sweet potato and salad. We shared some wine with dinner and then it was off to bed. I called Brian to say goodnight before updating my journal. I'm looking forward to tomorrow and Clingman's Dome. I don't know what the weather will be but we'll have to accept what we get.