morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-28
From: Helveys Mills Shelter.

To: Dismal Falls
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Pastoral Scenes, Trent's and Dismal FallsA beautiful day for hiking. The trail followed a ridge line for a very long way which provided views through the leafless trees where the richness of spring has not fully occurred. Virginia's green valleys between ridges provided a pastoral scene for most of my day. White farm houses, church steeples, barns and silos decorate the landscape. It was a peaceful and serine time to be in the forest. Each day I am blessed with walking through all of the transitions of Spring. At higher elevations the tree buds are swelling. At lower elevations the dogwood flowers are almost finished and the trees are leafing out. It is a gift to walk through the different phases of spring each day. To see the flowers unfold as they mature and decorate the landscape. The upper canopy ready to come alive. In contrast to the serenity is my growing appetite. A stop at Trent's Groceries for an early dinner. A small grocery, hardware store, diner and hostel combined into one. You can get anything from fresh milk to a gun case. The friendly people there were happy to serve. At Trent's I had an early dinner. A chili dog, cheeseburger, waffle Fries, two quarts of Gatorade, chocalote milk shake and an apple. Yes, my appetite is growing. I left happy that I made the 1/2 detour from the trail. Worth every extra step. My camp site was a special treat next to Dismal Falls. The water rushing, cascading down the rich falls was soothing as the sun set. I finished my hike early at 5pm, camp set up and I can enjoyed the serenading water. There is no internet or cell signal. I wish that you could share this with me. I'm relaxing, enjoying the view the sounds and crossing the 600 mile mark. Officially now at 610.8.
Date: 2015-04-29
From: Dismal Falls

To: Pesrisburg, VA
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: broken clouds

I left Dismal Falls energized by my dinner at Trent's Grocery, a good night sleep and the soothing sounds of water.If I could put in a 25 mile day I could catch Ox and Obsolete at Pearisburg, a shower, clean clothes, hot meal and a warm bed. I was motivated. My hike brought me through lower elevations surrounded by small streams, well constructed foot bridges and tunnels of rhododendrons. A late lunch lunch brought me to the turn off for Woods Hole Hostel. A well known and popular place for hikers for the caretakers nurturing and wholistic environment. To my surprise when I arrived at the turn off a large plastic bag filled with ice and Heineken awaited me. Trail Magic to go along with my lunch. I enjoyed an icecd beer and resisted staying at the hostel and pressed on. It was a long day with rewarding views and a difficult downhill into town. I was spent and exhausted. My feet were swollen and each step became more difficult. I was stumbling down the mountain but arrived safely. The owner at the Holiday Lodge was kind enough to pick me up at the trail head and drive me the one mile to the hotel. I couldn't go any further. When I arrived Obsolete had gotten an extra bed for me to stay in. A kind act for which I was grateful.   I was greeted with warm welcomes and a cold beer. Sitting down I tolok off my boots, let out a deep breath and enjoyed the beer and reunion with Ox and Obsolete. A great ending to a long day. We all must hike our own hikes. Circumstances bring us in and out of the bubble of different hikers. It is a part of the richness of the trail. It was a wonderful feeling to have caught up with Ox and Obsolete and share their "bubble" .
Date: 2015-04-30
From: Mike 657.8 Gravel Road

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: light rain

The most difficult part of the trail for me is getting out of a warm sleeping bag each morning. Normally I'm an early riser. Not on the trail. Cold and rainy days makes it more challenging to emerge from my cocoon. Not a problem on Thursday. In a warm bed my room mate Obsolete was up early and brought coffee and breakfast back to the room. A great way to start a day. Thanks Obsolete!We Slacked Packed from mile 657.8 back to Peasrisburg, a 23 mile day. Moxie, Map ( best friends who share adventures) and Why Not were kind enough to let us share a shuttle with them. A hike with a light pack was a joy after the previous day's long miles. Yet I found it challenging. The cumulative miles are taking a toll on my feet. I'm good until ~ mile 18 when my toes and feet remind me that they've had enough. This day was no exception. The gift of Slack Packing SoBo is running into many of the hikers in your bubble going NoBo. People who I may occasionally run into at shelters greeted us all day long. It was great to see so many people on the same day. We got an update on people I've met in the past and introduced to new hikers. We arrived late to town and joined Moxie, Map and Why Not for dinner and desert. They are a delightful trio who really look after one another. Why Not is legally blind and has recovered from a broken wrist on the trail. His courage is inspiring. It was a pleasure to see the long term friendship of Moxie and Map. You can see their history in their mannerisms and banter with one another. They are a reminder to me of the power of friendship and the special place my own friends have in my life. To all my friends, thank you for our friendship over the years. Thank you Moxie,Map and Why Not for sharing your shuttle and allowing us to be a part of your evening. A wonderful way to end the day. Your joy of hiking the AT was energizing. Off today were we started yesterday. I'm newly inspired by those I passed in my SoBo hike and our new friends Moxie, Map and Why Not.
Date: 2015-05-01
From: 657.8 gravel road

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Obsolete and I shared a shuttle with Moxie, Map and Why Not to the starting point of our 4/30 SoBo Slack Pack. Our intent was an easy ten miles to War Spur Shelter then determine if I could go another five miles. A short day. We missed the rain the night before by staying in town. Our 11:45 am start was met with an overcast sky and cool temperatures. My cumulative miles from the past five days caught up with me. I managed to keep my head down and push to our intended goal. The late start, good meals and rest in town were not enough to reenergize me and heal me. It began to rain when we stopped for lunch and continued when we arrived at War Spur. I was exhausted. Common sense told me to stop early but my heart wanted to go on. My body made the decision that I was to go no further. After putting my tent up in the rain the weather began to clear. An early dinner and to bed was what I needed. I'm hopeful that today's short miles and rest will strengthen me for tomorrow.This is the first time in 650 miles I questioned whether I could make it to Maine. The AT has a way of humbling you when you lest expect it. I was humbled today.
Date: 2015-05-02
From: War Spur Shelter

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

A good night sleep repairs many ailments. I fell asleep exhausted the night before and awoke refreshed with a brighter outlook for my day. A hearty breakfast of oatmeal, pop tarts ( haven't had them since I was a kid) and coffee gave me what I needed to get started. It was a difficult hike along a rock slab ridge line. The trail was at a steep angle and over rocks for much of the way. When we hit a stretch of pine or smooth trail it gave much needed relief. The extra calories and good night sleep gave me a pleasant day. Our camp site was busy. A Boy Scout Troop, Section Hikers and a number of Thru Hikers congregated. I had the pleasure of making a new friend, Isaiah, a fifth grader with Boy Scout Troop 800 from Aberdeen, NC. Isaiah is a bright young man filled with enthusiasm and chatter. He makes friends easily and quickly joined the Thru Hikers around the fire while Skipper played his violin, ( he plays very well). Isaiah joined me to filter water from a nearby stream. We quickly became friends as he shared his favorite things. KC Royals baseball ( Cardinals are 2nd , my favorite), Bible study class at school, Boy Scouts, his baseball team the Red Sox who are in first place, playing catcher and the lasagna he planned for dinner. Isaiah was enthusiastic about everything and excited to be on the weekend trip with the Scouts His joy and outlook were inspiring to me. Troop 800 are a fine group of young men being lead by dedicated leaders. It was a pleasure to have shared camp with them. My special thanks to Isaiah who rekindled the the little boy in me just when I needed it. Isaiah, hope that you had a great hike, safe return and that ice cream you wanted. Good luck for the rest of your baseball season. Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm with me. The evening ended comfortably with a dry sky and bright moon as I fell asleep listening to Skippers playing the violin. You never know where your inspiration will come from.
Date: 2015-05-03
From: Niday Shelter 

To: VA 624
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today I crossed the 700 mile mark. It was a challenging day of climbing with nice weather for hiking. During lunch I soaked my feet in an icy stream. It turned out to be great therapy. The swelling reduced my swelling feet were renewed for the climb to Dragon's Tooth. The ascent to Dragons Tooth was a long rocky climb, more like mountaineering than hiking. It was as difficult to get down as it was to get up. At the top was Dragon's tooth. I was too tired to go the extra blue trail to actually get on the rock. However I may have had one of the most memorable views. As I went down I had a clear view of the Dragon's Tooth. . On top of it was Skipper playing his violin. It was beautiful to see and to listen. The music filled the mountain top and was a real treat. Thank you Skipper. As I descended, the trail was filled with day hikers to Dragon's Tooth. I couldn't help but recognize the contrast of the fresh and clean hikers to me. Despite my appearance everyone was friendly and encouraging. Unfortunately I became distracted by two chatty hikers and I descended about 100 yards down the steep but wrong trail. I retraced my steps to the top. One of my goals is to stay "pure" on the AT. The day ended with a stay at Four Pines Hostel. Just as I stepped off the trail into the road a van stopped and drove me the 0.3 miles to the hostel. A welcome ride after my strenuous hike. When I arrived I was greeted by a pedi pop and cold soda to rehydrate. A unique and friendly place Four Pines accepts donations for a stay and shower. We were in luck as the Homeplace Resturant was open. An all you can eat family style resturant not far away. I went with nine other hungry hikers who consumed hikers portions of fried chicken, ham, roast beef, mash potatoes, biscuits and other delicious sides. We all left happy and full. We returned to the hostel for cold beer, music supplied by hikers (lots of talent on the trail) and rounds of corn hole with owner Joe.
Date: 2015-05-04
From: VA 624

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The morning was cool as I left Four Pines Hostel. The day quickly warmed as spring let go to higher temperatures. The climb to McAfee's Knob was strenuous, however the trail was more forgiving. Rather than boulders and rocks of the prior day, crushed gravel, leaves, dirt and small rocks carpeted the path. Much easier hiking yet challenging with long climbs. A pleasant transition that made the day more enjoyable. At the top of McAfee's Knob the view is terrific. We got our standard AT shot that you see in so many pictorials of the trail. It was an effort well rewarded. Another a long hike and challenging climb the trail took us to Tinker Cliffs. It is unfair to compare the views with McAfee Knob. Tinker Cliffs more provided an experience that I did not get at McAfee. At Tinker the AT shoulders steep rock cliffs that provide spectacular views all along the trail. Vultures were perched on the cliffs and would soar gracefully. It was a serene view and relaxing part of the trail. Tinker would be an ideal place to enjoy a glass of wine and watch the sunset. Both McAfee's and Tinker are accessible by a day hike. I'd recommend both if you get the chance. My hope is to do it again and to spend more time taking in the experience. We settled into camp early and set up by a lovely babbling creek. It provided water for dinner, a cold body wash, clean clothes, (cleaner anyway) and soothing sounds to relax. The weather was perfect for sleeping. Cool, low humidity and a slight breeze. The moon was full and bright. I woke at 2 am and stepped outside. The scene was quiet and peaceful. The moon glowed brightly lighting up portions of the forest casting shadows throughout. With the gently creek sounds it provided a soothing feeling. The night scene gave me a window into a place that I've rarely experienced. I crawled back in my tent and slept deeply. Song birds woke my around 5 am ready for a new day. It was the best night sleep that I've gotten on the AT. A short nine mile hike into town for result resupply awaited me.
Date: 2015-05-05
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

Waking up to a glorious morning after a pleasant nights sleep is a great way to start a short day.We hiked into Daleville, VA to resupply, get clean and recharge. The AT comes within a short walk of two hotels, good food and a shopping center that includes a good outfitter, Kroger , with friendly people. A perfect trail town. I take advantage of good meals in town to offset the deficit on the trail. I've yet to make up the shortage. I'm down 10 - 15 lbs. new pants that I tried on at the outfitter were two inches smaller in the waist. It's difficult to carry and prepare enough food in the trail. I'll be leaving today with 3 1/2 days of food. With my water supply my pack will weigh ~38 lbs...heavy.One of the joys of being in town is to get to know the hikers you see in your bubble. I had a fun dinner with Why Not, Map, Moxie and Tobasco. It's always fun to share company over dinner. Tonight was no exception. The AT's richness and character come from the long challenging trail, views and richness of the people who hike and support it.
Date: 2015-05-06
From: Daleville, VA

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Obsolete and I left Daleville well refreshed and revitalized. Our packs were heavy with 3+ days of food. You can feel the extra effort it requires to carry the increased weight. Our hike today had modest up and downs with relatively smooth terrain. A turkey to flight that we scared at the beginning of our day. A good start. It was a pleasant day with warmer temps and some cloud cover to block the sun. My favorite part of the day was lunch. There was a perfect little stream that flowed around large rocks. I sat on the rock eating lunch with my feet in the stream. Glorious!The forest has fully leafed out. New flowers are blooming, rhododendron and mountain laurel. It is a joy to walk in the forest each day to see the season unfold. I take pictures of everything new I see and at different stages of growth. I plan to identify them all after my hike. I'd enjoy knowing their names sooner.   I need the help of a botanist to identify them all. Are anyone of my readers able to help?The trail ended today following the Blue Ridge Parkway. I've driven and ridden it a number of times. It was nice to see it from another perspective. The BRP is really s National treasure. If you haven't been on it you owe it to yourself to make the trip. The day ended with a large thunderstorm coming through. It brought a lot of energy and cleansed the air. I was happy to have our camp set up well below the ridge. Overall it was just a pleasant day to be in the forest. I'm camped next to a babling brook to seranaid me to sleep. N
Date: 2015-05-07
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Cornelius Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: broken clouds

Spring is letting go. Warm temperatures in the afternoon are preparing us for hotter weather to come. Today's hike brought us to higher elevations. The canopy at the top has not yet fully leafed out. Windflowers were everywhere with many new ones. Pinks, purples, reds, yellow and whites. A bouquet was on the mountain. As I write this I'm enjoying a fire made by Fly Away and music by Beowulf on the harmonica. The fire is keeping the bugs away and the soulful sounds of the harmonica in an experts hands are soothing. Today I relieved a surprise from my daughter. She took a break from studying for her finals to send me a blessing. The blessing is touching and the timing perfect. I want to share it with you. May the sun bring you new energy by day, may the moon softly restore you by night, may the rain wash away your worries, may the breeze blow new strength into your being, may you walk gently through the world and know it's beauty all the days of your life. - Apache BlessingThe perfect sentiment and intent for my AT adventure. Thank you Christina. You made my day. I'll say the blessing to start each day on the AT.
Date: 2015-05-08
From: Cornelius Shelter

To: Glasgow, VA
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: light rain

An early start today with Obsolete and TJ with our goal to get to Glasgow, VA to resupply. This week we passed the 1/3 way point. It feels that we are making good progress and our sites are on Harpers Ferry, the halfway point. The trail was was smooth, plenty of water and enough climb to make it a strenuous day. At the higher elevations the wild fliers in full bloom. Trillium carpeted big sections of the forest. Obsolete scheduled a shuttle to pick us up at the trail head and take us the five miles into town. We were hot, dirty and tired when we arrived. To our pleasant surprise our shuttle had cold beers waiting for us. A perfect shuttle into town. Glasgow had an in town shelter, shower and privy for hikers. It was a welcome site. Obsolete was kind enough to buy TJ and I dinner at the one restaurant in town. The food was delicious and plentiful. Another great day to be thru hiking the AT.
Date: 2015-05-09
From: Glasgow, VA

To: To camping next to a stream
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: few clouds

A strenuous hike today and we crossed the 800-mile mark. My feet are a limiting factor. I'll need to take a zero day if they don't improve. That's unfortunate as I feel that I am now in condition to extend my miles if I can get enough calories in me. My sore feet are making me slow down. That¢s hard to do when I¢ve made so much progress. We crossed the 800 mile mark today.More Wildflowers at the higher elevations. Simply beautiful. It has been glorious to see spring on the AT. My pictures don¢t capture the essence of being there. It has been very special to experience.The long miles are taking a toll on both Obsolete and me. I'm getting sloppy on the trail. Obsolete had a misstep and fell. He is ok but his pack took the worst of it. We were fatigued. As we were going up a steep hill, tired, perspiring and moving slowly we saw a man walking south bound. He was tall, in his 70s, gray hair wearing dress slacks, long sleeve shirt, suspenders and trail shoes. He had no pack, water or hiking poles. He was not carrying anything except a mechanical pencil and piece of paper. The image was like the Divine walking towards us. I wondered for a moment that perhaps we had died earlier on the trail from exhaustion. The Divine image was God coming to take us to Hiker Heaven. It was a surreal moment. Who would be out here without any supplies?The Divine image was Chris a real person not a mirage. Chris welcomed us with a friendly creating. Chris was in fact doing trail maintenance using his bare hands as his only tool. He spoke with authority and confidence. With a slight Nordic accent he was a captivating storyteller. And indeed he told us stories. Chris shared advice and told us what to expect ahead on the trail. He went into detail about an explorer before Columbus who had been in this area. The early explorer would leave his mark in rocks, an X with a hook at the bottom. When we complained of our fatigue and soreness Chris offered a prescription that he gave himself. Slow down. You are moving too fast. Simple advice. Chris is a retired mechanical engineer. He happened to build textile machinery for now converted mill (shopping center) in Carrboro, NC over 40 yrs. ago. Carrboro is a few miles from my home. An interesting coincidence.   When Chris was done giving us his wisdom he excused us, wished us well and sent us on our way. Soon after we left Chris I found two beers next to a steam. More trail magic. We didn't know at the time but the beers were left by Ox.A Divine day on the trail.
Date: 2015-05-10
From: To camping next to a stream

To: Seeley Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 18.3

Happy Mothers Day!Happy Mothers Day to my Mother, Libby. Thanks for being such a great mother. Your support continues to inspire me. A special Mothers Day blessing to my wife Ingrid who has been a nurturing and loving mother to our children and the love of my life. To Black Bear and all of the Mothers on the trail, my best wishes on your special day. A long hike today, difficult because my feet hurt yet rewarding with views and flowers. PS. Happy Birthday to my Dad who passed away thirteen years ago. May you rest in peace?
Date: 2015-05-11
From: Seeley Woodworth Shelter

To: Harper Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: few clouds

It is 3pm Monday at Harper Creek shelter. We arrived early. The intention was a short day and to take it easy to help repair my sore feet. I¢m taking the Divine Chris¢s advice.Take it easy I did despite long climbs and warm temperatures. I slowed down by 20%, took frequent breaks and soaked my feet in the stream in the picture. My feet reduced a half a shoe size from the cold flowing water. Lunch was on a boulder overlooking two trout fisherman. Reenergizing.I arrived at camp by 2pm, set up and cleaned up. As I write this my feet are in a crystal clear cold running creek next to my tent. I'm sitting on a bolder being warmed by the midday sun with a cold Gatorade in my hand. The soothing sound of the creek is hypnotizing, washing away stress, refreshing me and energizing me for what is next in my life. I'm not sure what that is but this has been a great way to get ready.
Date: 2015-05-12
From: Harper Creek Shelter

To: Unmarked camp site close to a spring
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Our warmest day yet. An early start and a strong breeze helped with the long climbs and rocky terrain. It was a beautiful day with many flowers still in bloom. Heavy sweet fragrances from blooming trees along the trail fill my senses. Everyday there is something new to see, feel, smell and experience.The past few days I hike in some solitude as Obsolete's pace is faster than mine. I enjoy the solitude and opportunity to enjoy my own rhythm as I know Obsolete does as well. We connect at our destination and share our day. Ox has moved faster to for a family commitment. We look forward to reconnecting. It seems rare for thru hikers to connect and hike together as long as we have. I'm grateful for my new friendships that have endured the challenges of the trail.We have a short 8 mile hike into town tomorrow morning. I'm looking forward to seeing Ingrid and Christina, getting clean and eating a balanced meal. Oh, and having a cold draft beer. Our packs are light. Our food is almost empty and we will need a low amount of water for the hike in. I feel the difference of every ounce.The short day and family are energizing. I can't wait.