morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-04-05
From: Mile 117.2

To: Cold Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.0

I spent the night in a shelter with Luke Walker, his trail name comes from the fact that he has terminal Leukemia. He decided it was better to be on the trail verses sitting around home or being in a hospital bed. I enjoyed his company. Retired Air Force and General Contractor, raised five great kids, all college grads, a good life. You can follow his journal at Mountiansthatremain.com.
Date: 2019-04-06
From: Cold Mountain Shelter

To: A. Rufus Shelter
Miles today: 10.7

I had company for a while in the shelter. A wonderful couple, Cricket and Redwood. They had settle in for the night when they spotted two huge spiders. They quickly decided to set up their tent. I have to admit the spiders were scary big and had situated themselves were it would have been hard to kill them. The spiders and I had a uneventful night together.
Date: 2019-04-09
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

About a 6 mile climb out of Nantahala Outdoor Center, very steep at times. The picture is of hikers coming and going at the Center. I didn't leave until about 1:00 PM but made good time. Felt strong today, the couple days rest did me some good.
Date: 2019-04-10
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: scattered clouds

A lot of steep uphills today, the steepest and hardest were the last few miles. Thankfully just before before the last hard push, there was trail magic, soft drinks, cookies and chips. It helped so much, I was thirsty and tired, cookies and Pepsi made the last of the miles easier.
Date: 2019-04-11
To: Fontana resivor, just before the Great Smokeys Mountains National Park.
Miles today: 11.8

11.8 miles is my longest day so far, I got to Fontana Village and had a couple beers and a huge burger! I am sharing a room at the Fontana Lodge with fellow hiker Mr. Nice Guy. A zero day tomorrow before heading into the Great Smokeys Mountains National Park.
Date: 2019-04-14
To: Zero due to weather
Miles today: 0.0

Lots of rain today, high wind warning, 35 to 45 miles per hour, as much as 60 miles per hour on the ridglines which you hike on a great deal in the Smokeys. Mr. Nice Guy and I hunkered down in our tents for the day. Decided not to take the risk of getting hit by a falling tree or branch.
Date: 2019-04-19
To: Zero due to weather
Miles today: 0.0

Cold temperatures, high winds, violent thunderstorms on and off all day were the forecast today. I don't know about you but walking with aluminum trekking poles in both hands during multiple thunderstorms is not my thing. A few other hikers and myself took a zero day inside the shelter. As my Grandfather use to say, sometimes a good retreat is better than a bad stand.
Date: 2019-04-20
To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: light rain

I woke up to more cold and the addition of snow, not a lot of snow just enough to make the footing more of a challenge. I made it to Cosby Knob Shelter. I am sleeping inside the shelter shoulder to shoulder with 14 other hikers, it's very cold and snowing,one poor soul had to pitch his tent outside.
Date: 2019-04-21
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel, Tennessee
Miles today: 10.7

I am finally out of the Smokeys, 71.6 miles, 8 nights, 9 days. I could have made it out two days sooner if it had not been for the extreme weather. I am exhausted and have made it to Standing Bear Hostel in Tennessee for some much needed relaxation. The Smokeys threw everything it had at me but I made it!
Date: 2019-05-09
To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

I found the campsite I planned to stay full, so I decided to move on and camp at the next flat spot. The problem was no flat spots, hiked almost another 4 miles made it to Bald Mountain Shelter. The good news now I am approximately 17 miles from Erwin, TN, which is mostly down hill.
Date: 2019-05-10
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 16.8

I made it to Erwin, TN! Today was the longest distance I ever hiked in one day,16.8 miles. On flat ground or gradual grades this would be no big deal but on the Appalachian Trail with the extreme elevation changes 16.8 miles in one day is a challenge. Some of the down hill grades are so steep, going downhill can be challenging. Nothing comes easy on the AT.
Date: 2019-05-12
From: Zero day

To: Zero day
Miles today: 0.0

Mothers day was marred by the news report that two appalachian trail hikers were viciously attacked by a man using a machete. The female played dead and later hike 6 miles to get help but the male victim died of his wounds. The attacker has been terrorising the trail community for weeks, threatening hikers. What an evil monster. I am back on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2019-05-21
From: Ponds Flat campsite

To: Boots Off Hostel
Miles today: 3.2

I am back on trail today heading approximately 42 miles to Damascus, VA. Big crowd at the hostel last night. A Retired corporate Executive conducted a team building exercise which was very interesting. Within about 45 minutes he transformed about a dozen strangers to folks excitedly talking to each other, folks from all different walks of life finding common ground. It was fascinating to be part of the group.
Date: 2019-05-23
From: Mile 441.4

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Nick Grindstaff lived as a hermit for 40 years on Iron Mountain, in Johnson County TN. He died in July 1923. His tombstone reads, Lived alone, Suffered alone, Died alone. His tombstone is just feet from the trail.
Date: 2019-06-02
From: Marion, VA

To: Mile. 547.7
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: few clouds

This old one room school house is right next to the Trail. The inside is completely intack,desk , blackboard , wood burning stove. A local Methodists church leaves trail magic inside for the hikers, snacks, soft drinks, etc. Set my tent up in the dark while it was pouring rain.
Date: 2019-06-08
From: Mileage 612.2

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 23.7

I did 23.7 miles today in the rain, a new record for me! I came off the mountain in the dark using my headlamp, rain ,wind, plus dense fog. Not a smart move, I could only see about 15 foot ahead of me, 2.5 miles down a steep rocky mountain. It was very hairy but I survived. I did 100 miles this week, Sunday through Saturday.
Date: 2019-06-14
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

I ran across Longhorn today, he thru hiked in the 90s. He was living in New Zealand a few years ago but when he learned he was going to be a Grandfather he moved back to the US. He now lives near the trail and does trail magic. He gave two other hikers and me a ride to Giles County community Center which has a free lunch every Friday. The community library was close however he is one of the librarians so he opened the library so we could charge our cell phones. Then he drove us to a store so we could get a food resupply, then drove us back to the trail. Thanks Longhorn.
Date: 2019-06-22
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: State Route 501 near Glasgow , VA
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Wonderful trail magic today, chicken quesadillas, beer, soft drinks, snack cakes. These guys came from North Carolina to do this for us. I hitched into Glasgow for a quick resupply and am staying at Stanimal Hostel. I will be back on trail tomorrow.
Date: 2019-06-29
From: Zero day

To: Zero day
Miles today: 0.0

I am enjoying a few zero days in Waynesboro. I will be here until Monday. Then renting a car, skipping 160 miles up to Harper's Ferry, WV. This will buy me a couple weeks, I need to get to Katahdin before October 15th. That's when Baxter State Park closes the trail for the winter. I will then come back to Harper's Ferry and do the 160 miles I Skipped.
Date: 2019-07-03
To: Boonsboro, MD
Miles today: 7.0

I have heard you should never quit on a rainy day, going uphill or in town. None of those apply regarding my decision to call it quits. I have had a great adventure and hiking 881 miles truly makes me admire those who do the entire 2190 miles even more. I have lost over 40 pounds and I am devoted to not to gaining that weight back! My hike ended near Boonsboro, MD. To all those still on trail, be safe and have a great time! Thankyou to all who have followed me and for your words of encouragement.
Date: 2019-05-09
From: Bedford VA.

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 432.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After two years of planning, buying, packing, hiking sections, aches and pains, and dreaming; tomorrow we fight. We have 432 miles to drive to get to Amicalola Falls State Park, where we stay the night and then a 8 mile hike to the actual start. It is supposed to be 100% chance of thunderstorms and rain. 100% chance sounds like an oxymoron. There is no chance in 100%. One hundred percent means that the chance is gone and it is gonna rain. I think this is a fitting start. Better to start in horrible weather and then have your first sunny day on Monday.
Date: 2019-05-12
From: Stover

To: woody Gap
Miles today: 18.3

"Christ is seated in heavenly places, and I am seated in Him. He is above all powers and all things are under his feet." Eph. 1:20-22It rained all day and night the first day. Everyone was thankful for dry clothes at night. "Yes..." Joshua said when I reminded him he hadn't wanted to bring his dry pajamas... Setting up a tent in a rainstorm is like putting on dry clothes outside in the rain. You almost wonder, "What's the point?" Unfortunately, we spent a lot of money getting started. Moriah was so awesome to bring us down here. We plan on getting to Jackson, NC on Friday. That's 109 miles in.
Date: 2019-05-13
From: Woody Gap

To: Hogpen Gap
Miles today: 17.5

We've met many people on the trail. (Sarah, we met the JO video man- the one we prayed for his toe.) He asked, "Where's Sarah?!" He was excited to see us again. Another guy walked a long time with us. I talked at length about the Lord. He politely listened. Met a last night who very much enjoyed the boys laughter- Joshua is very funny! He was not open to hearing about Jesus. He said he believed in Buddhist philosophy. I think our attitude spoke more to him. He complemented the boys several times.It's now Monday morning. Yesterday was really and good and really bad. Around 11am, I felt the Holy Spirit come on me and I started weeping while walking. I had to stop between, I couldn't see through the tears. I felt the Lord's love. I also felt so selfish. So self oriented. "Lord, give me a love for others that overflows!"This morning I prayed for a young man, Arrow, who is struggling because all his life he wanted to be an ASL interpreter. His last semester in college, he was told he couldn't do the internship because he had a complaint against him. One of his students had a hard time understanding him. He has a lisp and a slight stutter. Joshua and I prayed over him for God's purpose and I felt the Holy Spirit speak through me as I prayed. He was very encouraged.
Date: 2019-05-15
From: Tray Mountain 

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 21.9

Well, now. Had a ¢come to Jesus¢ moment the second day. Part of this was just being tired and cranky and part was justified. Joshua and Caleb had gone ahead and Ethan and I couldn¢t keep up. We didn¢t see them for 3-4 hours. We were still walking @7:30pm. I texted Caleb and told him we were just going to set up camp. It turned out we were only 12 mile away. I had a lecture set up.. I was going to offer Caleb a choice of hiking with us or going home, and I was very serious.We had a very good talk- I had prayed a lot. Resupplied in Hiawasee and finished at Sassafras Gap.
Date: 2019-05-18
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Albert Mountain 
Miles today: 19.6

I¢m on top of Wayah Tower (Wayah Bald, North Carolina). Beautiful 360° views of the Smokey and Black Mountain Ranges. However, my nausea is back. Giardia. Definitely. I need Flagyl. I sent the boys ahead to the shelter. A nice guy offered to drive me to Franklin, but I spent 2 hours trying to use Centra¢s telemedicine without much success. I kept getting cut off. I walked on. Joshua came back to see if I was alive. There was a very shaky, steel tower and old rotten, wood steps. I wasn¢t afraid of the heights- but I was surely afraid when I got to the top and the plaque said ¢built in 1965!¢
Date: 2019-05-20
From: Rufus Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 8.9

...found out my friend, Gary Giles, just died. Gary and Charee are one of the most godly and wonderful couples in the Kingdom. He was wise, kind, full of grace, and allowed the Spirit to work through Him without hindrance. After I found this out, I passed a sign on the trail. I have decided to carry a rock in Gary's honor. Heading to the Nantahala Outdoor Center
Date: 2019-05-23
From: Spence

To: Collins shelter
Miles today: 19.6

I had a surreal experience. Joshua and I piped out at Clingmans Dome. This is a tourist spot that has a large tower that people can walk up. Everyone looked like they were dressed so nice and the smell of perfume wafted through the air. People stared at Joshua and me like we were to be pitied. Our clothes stink. Our hands and face have that permanent grime of creek washing without the benefit of soap. I looked down and my legs looked like someone attacked me with a weed whacker (or trimmer, for you southerners.) We smiled at two little girls and they withdrew to their mothers legs. And, this is entirely true- three Japanese men surrounded us and started photographing us. All we wanted was food. We thought there was a gift store but it was all tourist trinkets. We were going to have to retreat back into the woods. Then a man asked, "Are you thru-hikers?!"  I was very tempted to say, "No... just homeless," but he looked so sincere that I replied, "Yes."He pointed up the trail and said that there was a young lady who was looking to do some trail magic for hikers. Her name was Emily (I think?!! Sorry, Emily) Two sodas later and a whole bag of chips and snacks galore, we headed back to the trail. Emily and her dad were a delightful surprise and wonderful to visit with. Turns out they are a brother and sister in Christ so the fellowship was heavenly!
Date: 2019-05-26
From: Icewater Shelter

To: Davenport Gap
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: broken clouds

Yesterday, we hiked 26 miles from Icewater Shelter to Davenport Gap. This was our longest hike yet. Much of it was downhill, although this sounds nice, the downhills are the hardest punishment on the joints and quad muscles. Our calves are strong enough now to keep up a good pace uphill and we have learned to use the hiking poles more effectively to carry us up the hills. We hitchhiked into Gatlinburg, TN to restock on food. I looked for shoes, but there were no wide pairs in stock at the NOC. The best part of the day was lunch at Cici's Pizza! This is a pizza buffet, AYCE: "All You Can Eat." Hiker hunger has set in. The boys are living off of the calories they take in. I, however, have some reserve fat. Thank God!(My apologies to those who have experienced real hunger from lack of food, because I am sure it is worse than "Hiker Hunger.")It is as if we can't eat enough. We entered Cici's at 11:30am, right after opening bell. The cook was stepping out to take a break. There was one lady that rang us up. The buffet line had whole pizzas. There was sausage and mushroom, cheese, pepperoni, spinach and feta, and BBQ, and a white sauce pizza and pineapple bacon. We ate ALL of them. The cook came back in from his break when I was up at the salad bar. He exclaimed, "What the (Bleep!!)"More pizza came to the line. Pepperoni; we ate it. Cheese; we at it. Sausage? Gone. Spinach and feta (my favorite), gone. A pound of cheese bread and marina sauce; gone. A pan of brownies: gone. We ate the spaghetti and noodles. We ate the cinnamon desert pizza, and the lemon bars.  Two hours later.. we staggered out of the restaurant. The lady at the cash register stared at us... I think it was in admiration, but could have been disdain. My counselor daughter, Rebekah, says that anger, joy, and disgust are all the same emotion but our brains process the emotion interpretation. I'm hoping her limbic system interpreted happiness. I tried to guide her by smiling at her, but I am unsure of my success. Later that day, as hunger returned, I thought about Jesus' words, "Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness' sake, shall be filled." This slight, gnawing hunger is a physical experience of what should be happening spiritually. Someday, we will feast at the Lord's Table and be satisfied. Until then, we eat, we hunger and return to eat with the Lord. "Please keep me hungry, until the day I am before my Savior's face, then I will be satisfied forever in His presence."
Date: 2019-05-27
From: Ice water shelter

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 62.8
Weather: moderate rain

I combined three days into one entry. We did a 26.9, 18.9, 18.0. We were motivated because MOM/WIFE/BEST FRIEND! Was meeting us in Hot Springs. She over-filled the car with food and treats and more food. Salad, cheese, some kind of bean - hamburger - rice - veggie thing. We stayed the night at the campground. The next morning we ate more. I had my first REAL coffee sitting on the porch beside my wife. We then had a great prayer time. We said our goodbyes at 430pm and trudged up the trail. We were so full and sad to say goodbye that we only did 10 miles. That night we slept on top of a firetower. It was the best sleep yet...
Date: 2019-06-01
From: Big Bald Shelter

To: Erwin
Miles today: 18.0

We needed resupply in Erwin. We planned on doing 22 miles but there was a hostel "Uncle Johnny's". We are counting pennies and have been told we don't have enough money to make it... Charlotte owns the hostel and her husband "Johnny" died last year. She has a  warm personality. I approached her and asked if we could stay in exchange for chores. Normally, it is 20 dollars a person. That would be 80 for us.She said we could camp out back for free in exchange for chores. This includes SHOWERS, real flush toilets, and a shuttle to town. We cleaned the place up in 45 minutes - many hands make light work!"One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." Proverbs 11:24,25
Date: 2019-06-01
From: Bald mtn

To: Bald
Miles today: 21.8

Ethan and I were walking down the Bald. The sunlight was glittering through the mist. The forest ground was covered with a kelly-green sea. The trail was smooth and I was humming praises. Suddenly, we came upon a bright bluebird in the middle of the trail. That would have been wonderful except that it was lying on its side, dead. We both stared at it. Our meandering thoughts stopped at the sight of sadness in such a place of beauty.I thought of that verse, "Not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it." Matthew 10:29There is death and suffering in this world. Yet, death has been defeated - even though temporarily it seems that death is sure."We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,groan inwardly..." Romans 8:22,23Even though we know death and suffering exist, this is not the end. We trust the character of God. We look to the Lord because we know that the redemption of all things is near. We lifted the bluebird and placed it among the green forest floor. Birds wake up the morning in praise. We do too.
Date: 2019-06-02
From: Curley Gap 2 day entry

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 37.2
Weather: light rain

One of the reasons we wanted to take this hike was to have the opportunity to spend time together before Caleb and Ethan leave for college and then our home will only have Joshua at home. Our sons and daughters have always gotten along well. But, selfishly, I wish all my daughters were back home. I don't understand when I hear parents talk eagerly about their children leaving. This may sound weird but I actually like my kids. Parents always say, I love my child." That's right and good. I love my children too. But, more than that, I like them. I like to hang out with them. Forgive me as I highlight those most important to me...Rebekah is wise and understanding. Counseling fits her like a glove. Moriah is my news-hound. Intelligent - able to take a problem and develop a system to fix it. Hannah makes me laugh. And laugh. She is our Pied Piper. No wonder she is a Lead Camp Counselor. I would love to be at her camp! Who wouldn't?! Hosannah just texted me and they moved the date of her Sergeant promotion because she is jumping out of an airplane. Why not? Sarah's love for horses and dogs and her care-taking love - someday she will own her own farm or business or just continue to be her super capable self. Havilah is our special-needs child. However, she is now 20 years old. Her smile brings joy. Even though she doesn't talk much she loves music and dancing and giggles when she thinks she pulled one over on you. Then my serious Caleb - helpful, diligent and responsible. Ethan, sincere and loving and compassionate; Joshua - funny and smart and the Alex Trebek of the family.When we get together everyone interrupts and talks and laughs and you have to be quick to get a word in. This drives my wise, listener Beka nuts. It's hard to actually listen when no one lets anyone finish a sentence. I love it.But here I am at the end of a 26 mile hike. I noticed that we are working better together now as we set up camp and start our day. Little irritants that gnaw at our unity are addressed and we are more careful with our words. The bonds I hoped for are occurring. We admitted some of our vulnerabilities today. Yup. It's not really a man thing. But it happened."Behold, how good and pleasant it is    when brothers dwell in unity!2 It is like the precious oil on the head,    running down on the beard,on the beard of Aaron,    running down on the collar of his robes!3 It is like the dew of Hermon,    which falls on the mountains of Zion!For there the Lord has commanded the blessing,    life forevermore."
Date: 2019-06-03
From: Curley Gap

To: Campsite
Miles today: 16.9

I've been waking early to spend time with the Lord. It has become the highlight of this journey. This morning at campsite, the pre-Dawn light gave a reddish glow. I found a log above the field where the tents lay. The mist was just lifting above the tents. I turned and faced the start of the rising sun. For those who have never experienced being in the presence of the Lord, it is hard to describe. I begin with praise and worship. I listen. I am aware of my own presence. I worship. The Lord's presence will start to come and it is like someone coming and sitting next to you. You lose the sense of your own presence and your spirit and the Holy Spirit commune. It's not some transcendental experience, or weird out of body experience. But, again, it is hard to describe to those who don't know the Lord. The Lord's love is so strong that I often question, "Why, do you love me?" Which brings me to this experience. Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. Peter exclaimed, "O no Lord! You will never wash my feet! The Lord replied that if Peter did not let him wash his feet then Peter would have no part in the Lord. Peter then rightly says, "Then not just my feet but my head and body as well!"The Lord explains that Peter only needs his feet washed. We, as those cleansed by Jesus, are finished. We need no more body washing. But, we need our feet washed.Today, as I communed with the Lord, His presence came. I was undone. The Lord, through my tears, came and washed my feet.