morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-11
From: Damascus

To: Appalachian folk school
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I stayed the night at Warren Doyle's house. He picked me up last night after I finished restocking. He was very welcoming and let me stay in a new bunkhouse that he built. Spider also stayed. This morning we got up and enjoyed hot chocolate which was amazing. We had agreed to work from nine to twelve in exchange for a free stay. So to work we went. Warren jumped right in and led the charge to what needed to get done. He is building his dream location which is so cool. He has a few cabins and a huge dance floor and a concert area being built now. Its very neat to hear him talk about it. We cleaned up the yard for a bit and then helped clean up a storage cabin. It was a good morning of work. I decided I would zero today instead of getting a late start on the trail. We had a Chinese buffet for lunch and cooked burgers for dinner. It was amazing to talk to Warren about the trail and hear his insight. I am so happy I came here. We watched a old film documentary from the trail. It was very true and meaningful. I feel so free here and have no stress at all. I am just here and get to simply live. Its hard to describe but I am happy i am out in the cold, wet weather. It does not bother me anymore. Its fun! Overall this is the best experience I have ever have. Time for bed though as I have to get up at 0545 to get back on the trail.
Date: 2012-04-12
From: Appalachian folk school

To: Elk Garden / VA 600
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: broken clouds

BBBRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Another cold morning. 20 degrees. Thankfully though I was still at Warren's house. I got up around 0545 and packed my bag and headed into the house to warm out. I had some hot chocolate and Warren came into the kitchen to take me back to the trail. He drove me back and dropped me off right back where I left off. What a great stay! I headed off but got distracted when I saw the breakfast joint... mhmmmm bacon and eggs and biscuits and gravy! Back to the trail... no more distractions. I had everything i owned on and got moving. I warmed up quickly and hiked on. The trail was not all that exciting, no crazy cool views. I hiked alone all day and made it to elk gardens. It was right next to the road but on the bright side there was a campsite and a bathroom!!! I sat in the bathroom to warm up for a few minutes and organize my gear.. thats right I have lost all of my dignity. I enjoyed a nice campfire and then it was off to bed.
Date: 2012-04-13
From: Elk Garden / VA 600

To: VA 672 / Trail Magic House
Miles today: 30.9

Today was a really cool day! I got up around 0600 and wanted to get on the trail within the hour. I got the fire started again from last night to give me some warmth. I made my goal and got going on time. The terrain was neat and there were very few trees. I was in the area where there are wild ponies running around supposedly but I do not see any... I hiked on and passed the first shelter early on. I then met up with a hiker who I had seen a few days back, Dave. He is a really nice guy, we have become friends. It is amazing how you keep running into the same people. We hiked on and all of a sudden.. CRIKIES (in the crodidile guys voice)!!! WILD PONIES!! THERE THEY ARE!! I rushed down and took some pictures. They were more than friendly and came up to me. I hiked on and moved quick as I was going big miles. It was great terrain and very different from where I have been. Heck, we also had a fighter jet fly just over us! Onwards I went, I hiked alone the rest of the day and made it to my last shelter. I was determined to do a little more though, so I did. I got to a gravel road and met a man walking. We talked for a minute and he had a cabin just up the road. He invited me to camp in his yard. Trail Magic!!! I set up my tent, but they they outdid themselves even more, they brought me two sandwiches which were amazing! With mountain dew! What a great couple, extremely generous. I am actually on their computer now because I do not have cell service. I am so glad to see there are still great people out there. As much as you see in the news all the bad, there is still good. I cannot express my thanks enough to them! Today was a great day and my biggest miles yet. What a great day to end the day! Adios All.
Date: 2012-04-14
From: VA 672 / Trail Magic House

To: Davis path campsite.
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was easy and short. I left early morning but waited for it to be light out due to opening turkey day. Last night was really great I enjoyed meeting the great couple, they were very kind. I moved quick heading to Atkins. When I got to town at 1430 I got my package from home. My new summer gear, with my amazing light sleeping bag. There were multiple great treats inside. The brownies were gone very quickly. The thru hiking team helped. I then went to the barn and got a burger. 16 oz Beef burger with onion rings. Ten minutes later the plate was clean . I smacked after still. I did not get back on the trail til after 1800. So I only went three miles to a site. Thru hikers had brought beer from town. Perfect! However, we ran out. Soooo.. BEER RUN. at 2000 two guys took off for town for more beer. Thats a true beer run. 5 miles. Waiting for it to return. Dinner for now. Adios.
Date: 2012-04-15
From: Davis path campsite.

To: VA 623
Miles today: 25.8

Today was a bad day for me, most likely one of the lowest on the trail so far. If I had a "instantly be at home button" I would have most likely pushed it. The morning started off easy, but the miles just did not seem to go by at all. I would hike for what felt like hours and have gone only a few miles. After realizing I did not make it as far as I thought I had I was let down. I came upon a Trail Magic cooler and got really excited that it was that moral boost I needed. I opened it up.. empty.. bummers. I moved on. I made the first shelter which meant I was 1/3 done with my day. I kept on going, not seeing anyone. I did get to see a small bear.. running off away from me. I hiked on singing at the top of my lungs because I was not sure where the bear went, i am sure I looked like a complete fool. I kept going and the terrain had a lot of uphill today. I finally saw a day hiker going up my biggest climb of the day of 2000ft. We spoke for a moment and I moved on. I got to the top marking the second shelter. The heat was very hot and dry. The biggest problem was that I had planned to get water at a spring on top that was marked as reliable, it was dry. The next spring was also. I was already thirsty and low on water, this did not help. I came down to Walkers Gap and saw a car parked there, finally a moral boost! Freak was waiting there with a fresh Pizza Hut pizza and a cold drink, I loved it! I thought that would turn my day around and make it all better. Once I had a few slices I moved on, hiking on the rocky ridge for 8 miles. I hit rock bottom there, I was out of water once again and had a bad dehydration headache. I was frustrated that the miles were very slow and I was really beat. I pleaded for the next landmark to come which was VA 623, that meant I only had 4 more miles until the shelter which had water. I finally got to the road and was beat. I found a note from a couple who were with Burke's Garden Central Lutheran Church. They had offered a free night stay with food, shower, laundry. I could not pass up such a great offer. I figured if my phone got service that it was a sign to call, it did and Peter answered. This was what I needed. He picked me up and brought me down and they made me feel right at home. I got cleaned up, and a full stomach and drank lots of fluids. I feel a ton better now. I am very thankful for such a generous couple to have volunteered to help hikers out. I will spend the night here on the couch and in the morning they are fixing me a big breakfast before hitting the trail again. Tomorrow looks like it should be much easier terrain, and now that my moral is back up I should be back on track! I am excited to get to my next town as a Trail Magic box is waiting there for me, yummy! Well its time to get a solid night sleep. Thank you everyone for the great support you have given me so far! Night.
Date: 2012-04-16
From: VA 623

To: Jenny knob shelter
Miles today: 27.8
Weather: clear sky

Yesterday was one of my hardest days so far on the trail. I wanted to throw my pack down and quit. Thankfully though I couldn't because I was in the middle of nowhere. The turning point came at VA 623 when I saw a card for a place to stay. That night was incredibly uplifting. When i got up this morning they had prepared a massive homemade breakfast. Waffles with fresh apples and a huge omlette. I was very full. I was brought back to the trail and set forth. About nine miles in I hit more trail magic. A all you can eat buffet offer. I was so full i declined. A church was hosting the program,amazing amounts of food I guess. I moved on cheerful and rested. I hit a few more trail magic boxes with water, they were huge since.   its so dry and hot out. I am feeling good but my new shoes are acting up a little. We will see if I can get those on board. I made it to the shelter and was going to press on but the threat of rain held me back, and of coarse low water. Beck just to get water here it was a .3 mile walk down a hill in thick woods. I am excited for tomorrow and plan decent miles. I will go into pearisburg early Wednesday. For now I shall sleep. Thank you all for the great support and kind messages. They keep me going on days like yesterday. Thank you.
Date: 2012-04-18
From: Wood's Hole Hostel

To: Pearisburg, VA 
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

Ok ok I give in easily.... today was very easy. I got up around seven from a warm bed. I could hear the rain pouring down all night on the roof. Nobody was moving quick. And besides, we had an amazing breakfast to eat at 0800. We helped prepare breakfast again and it was incredible. After feasting we got ready to hike out in the rain. Thankfully some nice guest gave us a ride back to the trail. The hike was wet and easy. It was great to have some rain so we can find water easily. The springs have been dried recently so that should now change. When I got to Pearisburg I picked up my magical box from bucketlist . Yummy! Snacks were amazing and nice to have after a cold hike. I went with metro North to his hotel, we got a short hitch. I resupplied and showered and checked the weather. More rain til the morning. I had a dry room and a shower.... hard choice. Staying. Ha. I have some miles to make up! But it is all about the experience anyways. However, now I going to enjoy a cold beer and watch tv.
Date: 2012-04-19
From: Pearisburg, VA 

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 32.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Sorry for the delay in my journal. Service has been sparce yet again... so I shall do my best to fill the voids here. I got up early and got headed off around 0700. I said farewell to Metro North before leaving as he would be hiking with his friends that came to see him last night. I got moving very quickly on the trail and was feeling great. The weather was very calm as it had rained the night before. I could not see more than a few feet in front of me which was really neat as I hiked through the thick woods. When I came to a open ridge I could only see the single ghostly white blaze in front of me, one by one they came into view. I made it to the shelter around 1900 after a nice solid day of hiking, nothing crazy happened. There were three others at the shelter, Swivel and Spiral came in later but I was already asleep so I would not see them until morning.Record day by the way!
Date: 2012-04-20
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 28.3
Weather: broken clouds

I got up and moving as quick as I could this morning as I knew it would be a long day, I have become used to getting up right at 0600 and packing up. The miles were slow today due to constant uphills getting in my way. My calves burned as I pushed up the long steep hills. It is uncommon these days that I find a hill that really makes me work, but it is most definatly not rare. I met up with a few section hikers and talked before moving on again at my pace. The last big hill of my day was a 1500ft elevation gain in just over a mile or so. It would top out at the Audie Murphy Memorial. I swore I would not stop until I got there, it was a huge challenge but well worth it. Audie Murphy is a American Hero. He was the most decorated American Soldier in World War 2. He was awarded 24 medals throughout his time in the war, including the Medal of Honor and many more. Sadly he was killed in a plane crash right near the site that I now stood. I sat at the bench for a moment and read his memorial, after a quick Thank You for his service, I moved on. I made it to my shelter and met some really cool section hikers, they are very nice to talk to. Sure enough, Swivel and Spiral showed up just before dark, they are great to hike with. They started a few days after me and have been hauling, I enjoy their company. We hung out for the evening and hung the worlds worst bear bag. I think if any bear came, even a cub it could have reached it while it was laying on his back laughing at us... o well. It was a trick, the bear would see it and laugh so hard it would just assume there is nothing good to eat in the bags. Night time.
Date: 2012-04-22
From: Daleville

To: Rocket's house
Miles today: 0.0

Today I took a zero day. I figure I earned it and the weather was nasty. Swivel and spiral were with me. We ate our cheap breakfast at the hotel, it was fair at best. After our breakfast we went back to the room and took a nap. It was great. We checked out on time and moved out into the rain. We headed off to Kroger's to stock up on food. It was a good supply but they would not give us a area to repack our stuff. Rocket called and told me he would be in town shortly. He soon after showed up and introduce d himself. He was cool, he invited us for a place to stay. He drove us around for a few errands and then to his place. We made ourselves a home and felt very welcomed. We decided on sub's for dinner. Now we are watching The Last Castle. Time tog Get back on the trail tomorrow. Today has been fun, this was a great surprise from rocket.
Date: 2012-04-23
From: Rocket's house

To: Bryant's ridge shelter 
Miles today: 32.2
Weather: light rain

This morning we woke up in the comforts of a warm house. Unfortunately we had to get back on the trail knowing the weather was poor. Rocket drove us back and dropped us off. It was a great stay. The trail started off easy, a little chilly but thats ok. I passed into a field of grazing cows where there was a sign saying to stay on trail. However, there were two cows partaking in adult activities on the trail right in front of me... I was baffled at what to do. I decided this was a legitimate reason to sway from the trail. Mooooing on I got into the mountains. It suddenly got much colder and started to snow!!! Not cool. I knew my shorts and tshirt would not cut it so I bundled up with what I had. A rain coat, glove liners, and converted the shorts to pants. Cant forget the trusty buff too. I got to the shelter around 1900 it was very fancy and two stories. Dinner was made and the bed was organized. Bedtime. Swivel and spiral also came in. We have been hiking together for a few days now.
Date: 2012-04-24
From: Bryant's ridge shelter 

To: Johns Hollow shelter
Miles today: 26.5
Weather: clear sky

(Wakes up) Well I am back in Rochester... no more trail. ... (looks around) wait a minute. The weather just sucks here to!!! Freaking cold night. My Hawaiian punch turned to blue crystals overnight while the cold weather stabbed through my summer bag and shot into me. I did not sleep well. However, overall I was ok. I got up and moving and quickly warmed up. There was this strange white stuff all over.... yes it snowed!!!! Not just a little. Nearly six inches in some spots. But it was a fun change of pace. I was cold, but as Mr. Wen would tell Owen and I in Argentina.."I be ok." I hiked the ridge and cowered from the hollowing wind blasting my side. Thankfully after 15 miles I started to drop elevation quickly. The weather quickly changed and the sun cast a very welcomed warmth on my face. Beautiful day now. We got to camp and got a nice fire going, what a great feeling. Time for bed, I am very excited for Harper's ferry coming up so I can see my family and dog.
Date: 2012-04-25
From: Johns Hollow shelter

To: Brierley Hill bed and breakfast
Miles today: 20.4

Well last night was a much warmer night, still not warm by any means but not freezing. We went to bed by a nice warm campfire which was nice. We got up at 0545 because it was to cold and pointless to stay in our bags. I got on the move and started up the 2000 foot hill that welcomed me today. It was a nice warm up with a pretty view. The rest of the miles today were simple. There is a new piece to my trip though. The views are not the only thing to see anymore. The ground and trees are becoming alive with color and beauty. Flowers are blanketing the forest floor while the trees create the all to well known green tunnel. Its a great change to see. I got a ride at route 60 today, but first enjoyed a cold soda from a trail magic box nearby. Mushroom picked me up and took me to Tue Brierley Hill bed and breakfast. You would be foolish not to stay here. I am enjoying a relaxing evening now, I will sleep very well tonight.
Date: 2012-04-26
From: Brierley Hill bed and breakfast

To: Brierley Hill B&B
Miles today: 0.0

Well... ummm... yea you caught me.. another zero. It was to good to pass up! But I have a perfectly logical excuse/reason for it! My family is coming to visit me at Harper's Ferry on May 4th. Due to my recent pace that is not very far away considering the ease of the terrain coming up. This limits me to much lower mileage than I have been used to recently. So a zero made perfect sense!Back to what I really want to talk about though.. well one of the many things.I had an incredible night here at the B&B, it is such an amazing place. What really blows me away is the generosity of the owners, Mushroom (aka Ken) and his wife. They have incredible hearts and really reach out to help hikers. I would tell anyone who wants a really great relaxing vacation to come here, there is a lot of history to see in town, and the stay here is simply unforgetable. I woke up this morning after the best night sleep I have had yet on the trail and headed down to breakfast. They served a meal that was out of control! They not only fed me until I was full but they fed me home cooked food that was outright amazing. That is when Mushroom offered me work for stay for the day to keep out of the rain, I could not pass it up. I was more than happy to help out and had a lot of fun doing it. Even with my zero here, I still will have to take it easy on getting to Harper's. That however, will allow me to completely heal up and be ready for the next half of my trip, which I plan to push through as quick as I can. I will not pass things up, but I will be hiking nice full days with a solid pace. This trip is quickly becoming the best experience of my life, I am very glad that I am able to be part of it. The trip is no longer just about the trail, but about the people you meet along the way. The level of generosity that I have encountered is overwhelming and gets me choked up every time someone else welcomes me. Working city ambulance really destroyed my hope in people, but this trail has proved that there is still plenty of good out there. People that I can trust, people that truly want to just help without anything in return... I thought that was lost. Thank you to everyone who has / or will help me or any other hiker along the way. As for my plans for the rest of the day... rest and relax.. and eat! Thank you! And feel free to give me grief about how many zero's I have taken and how I think I have spent more nights in hostel's then my tent... but hey its raining out!! lol. Don't be judging! Talk later everyone!
Date: 2012-04-28
From: next to bridge

To: behind YMCA waynesboro 
Miles today: 30.2

Today was a challenge. It was kicked off with a 3000 ft climb which kicked my butt early on. The weather was all over also which was great. I felt like got my moneys worth with it. I got rain, snow, hail, wind, thunder, and even lightening! It was a party. I wanted to make it to town to meet up with my friend Allen. I pushed hard over many hills and made it at 1830, wow what a day. We went out to dinner and enjoyed a few beers. It was a great end to a great day. After he dropped me off at the park behind the YMCA which would be my home for the night.
Date: 2012-04-29
From: behind YMCA waynesboro 

To: Loft mountain bathroom
Miles today: 26.4

I will explain later... ha. I have some catching up to do. But the end result was orange lightening and I sleeping in the loft mtn campground bathroom which was off season but left unlocked.Ok working my way back. Overnight it poured and the sky flashed with lightening. It was relaxing to hear the thunder and rain while I slept in my dry tent. I got up and it was still rainy so I got breakfast at a local diner. What a big meal that was so filling. By the time I was done it had stopped raining for the most part. The hike was simple and I met a great guy named Orange Lightening, he is a older man who is very similar to me. We hiked for the afternoon and moved quick... until we were stopped dead in our tracks. I looked up and there was a big mama bear with her cub not twenty yards away just off the trail. We were shocked, what a beautiful creature yet a dangerous situation. We tried everything to get them to move. Picture two hikers clapping and backing up, then screaming, throwing rocks, waiting.... they just huffed and watched us... what to do? We done want to just turn around, so after a minute they backed up a little. We decided to go for it. We turned on the camera and started bellowing "I know a song that gets on everybody's nerves". We were terrified and were waiting to be eaten. Well.... the bears simply sat down right there and watched us as we passed. Hilarious video. Well after our near death encounter we made it to a off season closed campsite. It was getting late and we were tired. We looked around and everything was closed and locked, except the mens bathroom. Being off season it was very clean and empty. Water was off and so was power, however it was a dry and secure place which was great. I figured it would make a great shelter. So after a few mintutes home was made and we were cooking on the floor. Home sweet home. What a hilarious crazy day, it it makes sense we end up in a bathroom as a shelter.
Date: 2012-04-30
From: Loft mountain bathroom

To: Lewis mtn campground 
Miles today: 26.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Back to keeping up on this with service. We woke up this morning and were very happy to have a good night sleep in a dry bathroom floor. I never thought I would have resorted to this, ha. We got a move on early in the morning and pounded out the miles. Orange Lightening is a very cool guy who has a lot of common with me. We hiked through the gloomy gray day and did not see much. No bears or other deadly beast today. We decided to shoot for the open campground which had a small cabin for cheap. We booked it at 1500 and still had over 8 miles. We hauled and even ran at times through the wet trails lined with wild flowers. We made it ti camp at 1730 the staff here was shocked. Our cabin is very simple. A light, a outlet, two bunk beds, a wood pot belly stove. Perfect. We got a fire going and warmed it quick. Jon joined in with us and we spent the evening talking and sharing thoughts about life and the trail. It is a night that I will remember for sure. We also made our 900 mile Mark!!!!! Very cool accomplishment. I will hit our half way point in a few days! For now I am enjoying being out of the rain and cold. Its a bitter night out, but our tiny cabin is very peaceful and warm.