morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-06-19
From: Horseshoe Canyon lean to

To: Zero day
Miles today: 0.0

Day 18- The bubble left this morning for the next lean to about nine miles away. We most likely won't see any of them for a long time. I woke up at about noon. I don't know how that happened but I'm glad it did. Tonight's group consists of a young couple, 18 years old each. They're hiking till the fall semester of college begins. And then there's a French woman who teaches college level courses in Daytona, Florida.It's been virtually non-stop conversation all day, which really drives me batty. There comes a point at which it is okay to NOT talk and have some quiet time. Today we ate our pound of Cabot extra sharp cheddar cheese from Pete's Place. We ate that with our grass-fed beef summer sausage. It was pretty much awesomeness. And of course we hiked the 300 miles from the shelter down to the river today so that we could soak our feet in the water while the sun was shining. Our goal tomorrow is to stop before Bald Mountain. We're taking three and a half days from now to hike into Caratunk. We'll resupply at the Sterling Inn and then the following morning is the ferry across the Kennebec River. The ferry is only available across the 400 foot wide river from 9am-11am. After that the guide book starts to show more steep ups and downs with mountains. I do not want to do any of them. Crying......Zero day reflections- You know what? If it weren't for the injury to my heel, this trail is finally becoming doable. I looked online for information regarding Achilles tendon injuries, and apparently runners get that injury fairly often. It suggested that it takes up to six weeks to heal! I'd love to stay in Monson for the the next six weeks but it is just barely out of our budget. Darn! We both feel like the 100 mile wilderness chewed us up and spit us out. And then barfed on us a little bit. But then we showered off and continued on, which would have been perfect if we weren't already bruised up. I do have to say that I have enjoyed being out here in the woods, but those moments mostly happen when we're finally at a shelter, no longer on the move. It's almost been three weeks on the trail and we still have not found the ever elusive "trail legs." I miss Poppy
Date: 2016-06-20
From: Marble Brook Rd.

To: Monson, Maine
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 19- This morning it felt good to put some distance away from the lean to and get down that trail. I was feeling a little bit better but still had to go slowly. It took us four hours to go the first three miles, when it would normally only take an hour and a half. So we got to the first river Ford of the day. We took our shoes off to cross. But before we got there Holly scouted ahead to the crossing, laid her pack down and came back to get carry mine for me. Normally this would throw off my manliness, but since my pack is lighter than here it didn't matter. After crossing we soaked our feet and had a snack. Two nobos met up with us and we exchanged town information and hostel recommendations. Then we hit the trail again. Although I was feeling better, I had to take breaks more often because of the pain. My mood went south. I looked at the map and noticed an obscure gravel logging road in two miles. We decided to see if we could get cell reception and call out to the Sterling Inn in Caratunk. We got reception but I had to hike up the dirt road to get it. The guy answered the phone, I told him we wanted a shuttle out to town, he said he wasn't familiar with the roads we were on. So that sucked. Annoyed, we hiked on knowing that tomorrow had a nice two mile climb mountain for us. I told Holly that I didn't want to quit and that if we shuttled back to Monson that it was the end of the trail for me. She said that was okay with her. After about a mile we decided to turn around and call out to Shaw's in Monson. They were there within half an hour. We shuttled into town, got a room at Shaw's, and are returning to Florida so that my Achilles tendon can heal properly, without roots, without rocks or mountains or miles.I am actually content with my decision. I do not regret stopping because A) we gave it one heck of a try, B) we didn't quit when we originally wanted to. We gave it at least one more week, and C) if I keep hiking with this injury it will get worse and force us off the trail. So I'd rather stop hiking on my own terms instead of screwing up my leg instead. Quitting is cheaper than an ambulance ride if you know what I mean. So we fly out in four days and begin the next big adventure but on much more level terrain.Thanks to all of you who followed us and encouraged us. I am more let down by the idea of letting you guys down more than I am myself.
Date: 2016-07-01
From: Florida

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Well Holly and I have been up and down, back and forth, and inside out with our current feelings and future goals concerning the trail. But to make a short story even shorter, we have decided not to give up on hiking the Appalachian trail but to section hike it for now. So hopefully within a month I will be healed of my tendonitis, which is coming along nicely, and fly to Asheville North Carolina to be shuttled into Hot Springs to continue our southbound journey. Ending in Georgia, we will begin preparing our own shelter for the winter, and beekeeping equipment for next spring. I've been an apprentice of my father-in-law in the bees solidly for 3 1/2 years now, on and off for the last 14 years. Thanks to him and Frail Angel, Holly and I feel ready to step out on our own now. I'll update when I have dates and times for starting in Hot Springs in the Appalachian trail, the next generation.Oh! And though I hate the phrase 'shout out,' I'm going to use it here and give a shout out to our friends who are still on the trail going strong, or going weak but hey they're doing it. Anyways, in random order: Whisky, Acorn, Jolly Rancher, Bubbles/pancakes (depending on the day), Brightside, and of course, Karma. You guys are the part of the trail we miss the most.
To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 0.0

Hi,it's been 274 miles since starting theAT.I've hiked through snow,rain,wind and mud.Slept in freezing temps.in a tent.Seen some amazing scenery like Charles Bunion and Max Patch.Stayed in some really fun towns like Franklin and Hot Springs NC.and met so many nice and frigidly people hiking,in towns,and trailangels such as Cookie who along with two friends carried coolers up Max Patch to give hikers cold drinks and food on top of the mountain.Really cool stuff . unforgettable.Erwin Tennessee is the next goal at 4 days from now if weather holds up.It' calling for cold and chance of snow up here in mountains.Talk to you then.
Date: 2016-01-03
To: MAINE
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hi,my name is Billy,trail name "SIMPLE MAN".I live in Rochester,NY,was married 28 yrs.and have two daughters 22 and 26 yrs old.I've the same job for 34 yrs,which I'm about to leave to chase a dream.Originally from Long Island,big Mets,Jets,Rangers and Springsteen fan.My wife really pushin the Springsteen.Love the outdoors been camping and hiking for about 32 years.                                                                              My wife passed away 4 months ago after battle with cancer.Your perception of time and life really changes,"Live in the moment" she would tell me.She was the free spirited one ,socially always out there,not me.Not good with Facebook ,struggle just to use my phone thats me.I'm looking to the trail to change that.The adventure starts now.Planning is in the better late than never phase.
Date: 2016-01-04
To: Upstate New York
Miles today: 0.0

The first cold spell we had I tested tent and sleeping system in backyard.The wind picked up during the night and snapped a pole section.I sent back to manufacturer and waiting it's return.On New Years Day went for hike in snow .A few inches on ground.It was good to get out and break in a new pair of Merrel Mids.I'll be nervous until I get the tentpoles back.
Date: 2016-01-06
To: CHALLENGES AWAIT
Miles today: 0.0

Approximately 62 days till the journey begins.I still have a few hurdles to get   over to seal the deal.Once it begins there are a few challenges I going to have to live with already.I can't hear worth a darn.Two hearing aids help alot but wind and weather make it tough so I hope I can see the snakes cause I won't hear them.Then there's my diet.I have exercise induced food intolerences.Tough to say let alone explain.There's a long list of foods that when consumed before I move(increase body temperature)combined with the movement I breakout in ichy hives all over.Not a pretty sight.Very complicated with every type of food having different durations making it extremly hard to manage but benedril and an epipen are close by so I worry more about explaining it to people with strange looks on their faces when I tell them I can't eat pizza , hotdogs or drink that beer till I'm done for the day.So long as Dove Dark Chocolate stays off the list I'll be ok.
Date: 2016-03-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello ,this is Bodhi ,he's not hiking with me ,he'd ware me out.Total high energy all the time.7 days and counting before heading to Georgia.Done a few hikes in some pretty cold and snowy weather.Lotsa mud too.Pretty satified with gear.Mail drops ( way too many because of food allergies)are waiting to be mailed.Went to SPRINGSTEEN with my 2 girls and family friend Sue.Pretty emotional and amazin.My wife adored him.Very spiritual night.With all thats been happening in my life lately, this week I'm finally starting to feel some nerves for the adventure.I think I'll be ready physically as well as mentally.7 days and counting!
Date: 2016-03-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Finally made it to Georgia.Still feels too large for me to get my head around it.Here at the Hiker Hostel,several other hikers buzzing with their stories,everybody very excited.Tomorrow morning we'll all get dropped off at our trailhead either Springer Mt. or the 8 mile approach trail which I have chosen.Pretty amazing!I could use a goood nights rest after that bus trip but THE NERVES might say otherwise.I'm not the greatest at this blog stuff but I will do my best to keep you informed w/ pictures.Here we go.
Date: 2016-03-10
From: AMICOLA FALLS 

To: MAINE
Miles today: 0.0

Up one mountain,down and up the next. Hi everyone we started the Appalachian Trail thursday.Beautiful 70 degree weather.Very steep climb up the falls and then up the mountain.Started out with 8 others from Pittsburg,Michigan.Portland Ore.,Cooperstown NY ,Texas, Austrailia and Georgia.The trail is very good at the beginning easy on the feet.You go up one mountain ,down , and up the next.You go through long sections of Rhodedendrons that create a green tunnel.There are   sections of narrow ledges on the sides of steep mountains.Not too many flat parts yet. Meeting all the hikers from all over the world is a blast too.Everybodys determined to make to Maine.It's gonna be a long journey.Stay tuned.
Date: 2016-03-19
From: MAINE

To: FRANKLIN NC
Miles today: 117.0
Weather: clear sky

Yesterday we hiked into North Carolina.We climbed up Albert Mtn and went past the hundred mile mark on our journey.Funny we still have not seen a mammal.We hiked into the town of Franklin and got a room at the Budget Inn.We did some laundry ,took showers .I shaved.There's OutDoor Recreation Supply store down the street as well as a local brewery we'll be spending time at.The trail is a social jigsaw puzzle.During the days your hiking by yourself and greeting different hikers along the way and then at the shelters at night or town stays you get together for some conversation ,food and drink.Every stop is interesting and new.We have traveled 117 total miles now, ahead of my original schedule but I will be taking more zero days in future.I'll try to send as many pictures as possible.
Date: 2016-03-20
From: Along the trail

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The two older guys out in the picture are trail angels cooking hotdogs and coolers of cold drinks for hikers at roadcrossing.We received ham and eggs with pancakes one morning too.When we finished hiking yesterday there was a six-pack of Yuengling waiting in a spring.It is also a great way to meet local people and pasthe thruhikers.
Date: 2016-03-21
To: Siler Bald 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hi,this is Siler Bald.Many of the mountains in Georgia and North Carolina have been either treed or bald.A bald is a great big grassy field on top of a big mountain.This one was 5200 ft up.Sort of like that seen from Sound of Music.We claimed to it but it was pretty foggy.On the way down the sun came out.
Date: 2016-03-24
To: Fontana North Carolina
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Since we started the trail on the 10 of March we have gone 174 miles.We've been blessed we great weather.Rained one day,snowed one day,the rest pretty nice.We'very stayed at three places and tented the rest.We have taken 2 zero miles days.Spring is slowly coming out before us,wild flowers and trees starting to bloom.No wildlife spotted yet but I did talk to someone who photographed a black snake.If all goes well and my maildrop arrives with 7 days of food we should enter the Smokeys tomorrow.It takes about 6 days to cover to the next town stop of Hot Springs NC., I will try to get some pictures of Fontana Dam on the way out of town.
Date: 2016-04-07
To: Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

On Tuesday the 5th we hik.ed into Edwin Tenn.and stayed at Johnny's Hiker Hostel.Hostels are little Hiker motels offering private rooms,semi-private or bunkhouse beds for a cheap hiker rate.They usually offer free shuttles into towns and offer limited resupply items.They are a great place for hikers to get together ,talk about the trail and have a beer.They also are a good alternative from bad weather and to dry out from it.We are staying at Greasy Creek tonight and have the option to stay at 2 or 3 more before Damascus.Weather for the next week calls for cold,windy and snow.Nice to have options.
Date: 2016-04-08
From: Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Since I started the trail I've been amazed at how large the trail becomes in so many hikers lives.Some spend years hiking it in pcs.Some come back as trailangels.Some buy property or business on or near trail to assist future hikers.Some spend big chunks of time at hostels doing work for stay.Everyone connected with it seems to belong the Appalachian Trail family.I love meeting them and hearing the stories.   PS. Tomorrow morning we head out from Greasy Hostel and head over Roan Mtn.at 6212 ft.The weather calls for 1 to 3 inches of snow and nasty wind chills.It will be about 17 miles to the Overmountain Shelter.Might be toughest day on trail so far.
Date: 2016-04-09
To: Mountain House Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Yesterday morning we started out with the intent to do 17 miles over Roan Mtn.to the Overmountain Shelter.The weather report called for snow and high wind.We hiked over Roan at 6212 ft.It started to snow but when we got to the shelter it was sunny.We decided to hike over the Bald's, about 5 miles to another camp site.On the bald ,views amazing ,we could see the snow coming up behind us .The wind picked up and I had to do a fast change of clothes,standing in my underware on the open bald,to rain gear.We crossed Little Hump with snow coming down.The thought of setting up tents in snow and wind was not appealing so we went over Hump and continued to hike.We met a guy Coconut and agreed to spit a room three ways at hostel.It was all downhill from there to the hostel but we finished in the dark on slippery snow covered trail.27 miles total longest hike ever for me.We left NOrth Carolina for good.That was also last time over 6000 ft till the Whites in NH.Crazy ,fun,but crazy.Tennessee straight to Damascus VA.now.
Date: 2016-04-14
From: Kincora

To: Damascus Va.
Miles today: 0.0

Hiking the AT can get crazy at times.Your sense of direction is often tested.You go south to go north,east to go west and vice-a-versa.It's like your garland on a Christmas tree.Constantly switchbacking.Most of the trail is so rocky and rooty it's hard to take your eyes off it to look around.Anyways we spent the night at Kincora Hostel and got to meet at talk to Bob Peoples,trail legend.Loved his stories of trail maintenence and trails around the world.The next morning I hiked out in the rain.Booksmarts had to stay behind with sore knee.Hiked 3 days,17,23,10 miles to reach Damascus Va.on Thursday the 14thThe one shelter,Vanderventer,I stayed at had amazing views of the Watauga Lake area below and the sunset.Once we passed Watauga Lake,Tenn. the trail now starts heading pretty much in a straight northeastern line up through Virgina.'
Date: 2016-04-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

So yesterday was zero day in the town of Damascus VA.It has been 470 mi]les since March 10th.We spent a lot of money stayed at a hostel,Crazy Larry's,consumed large quantities of food,talk to other hikers ,and bought some gear at the Outfitters.I sent a package of stuff home,winter gear, and I sent a bounce box up the trail with my boots(going with trail runners now) ,some clothes,extra food and supplies in it.So long as I don't open it the shipping is free.I can bounce it as far as I want.This morning I5'll probably have breakfast and then head out into Virginia.Mount Rogers and the Grayson Highlands are two days away.The weather looks good next 4 days. I'm anxious to get on trail.
Date: 2016-04-19
From: Marion VA.

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Tuesday the 19th we hiked twenty or so miles into Marion VA.Me and T from Brussels split a room at the Econolog and went to Walmart and Ingels,bought lots of food because I screwed up my maildrop.Had a rotisserie chicken ,package of instant brown rice,an avacado,3 beers and 1/2 gal. of mint choc.chip ice cream for dinner.After this I think ice cream challenge at Pine Grove is doable if I want.Next day the 20th we hiked 20 or so to the Quarter Way Hostel.On the way we stop at old 1800'school house that had trail angel food and drink from a local Christian group.Really cool,took pictures.Quarter Way Hostel a great place.Tina (Chunky) the host is great cook and very nice person.Pasta first night,then did something I said I never do,slack packed twenty miles back to hostel so we could have venison stew.Amazing stuff,couldn'the stop eating.Slack packing is when someone drives you to a certain point and you hike the mileage back so you don'the need to carry all your gear.It was fun to try but I wouldn'do it again.Venison was impossible to turn down.We left there and hiked to Bland VA in rain today.Soaked.Splitting motel 4 ways tonight.
Date: 2016-04-25
To: Pearisburg VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we hiked into Pearisburg VA.,634 miles done,more than a quarter of the way.We've hiked in the snow,wind and pouring rain.Yesterday on the way to Woods Hole Hostel I slipped off a log into a very cold stream .Soaking wet I stripped naked on the spot ,dried off as best I could ,changed into dry clothes,put my wet trail runners back on and kept hiking.5 minutes later was laughing about it.Hiker resolve grows with each passing day.Woods Hole is a beautiful refinished 1880's farm house turned hostel.Host Michael and Neville practice sustainable farming and organic gardening making for a fun stopoff.They also make killer smoothies,I had two banana and blueberry ones.Pearisburg is the first location so far along the trail with some noted civil war history.I'm sure we will see more along the way.The Confederate army defeated the Union here in 1862.I might take a zero here to rest a sore shin.That's all for now.Talk to you up the trail.
Date: 2016-05-03
From: Pearisburg VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

On Tuesday 5/3 at the 727.5 mile mark I arrived in Daleville Va..Since Pearisburg I've been hiking with a guy named Pinky and his dog Levi.In the last 5 days we've seen the first Rhododendron bloom and stood under a tree,KefferOak, that's over 300 yrs.old and 18 ft.round.On a rainy,Foggy day we hiked up a mountain to a Monument honoring the spot where WW Two hero Audie Murphy crashed his plane.After a rainy night at shelter we hiked all morning in the rain to get to Dragons Tooth,a giant rock formation worth the climb.As,we arrived the rain stopped and sun came out,perfect.After some tough rocky climbing down we arrived at 4 Pines Hostel.After dinner at a place called The Homeplace we sat around with a few other hikers and Joe ,the host,watching T-storms roll through the mountains,talking about snakes,fishing,hellbenders,and his hens they have on the farm.Some funny stories and good info too.Next day was beautiful for hike up to McAfee Knob.Amazing views from rock ledges.Six miles later at Tinker Cliffs,more amazing views,the sky grew dark.Had to make a be line to shelter just before T-storm.ate dinner watching it.It was week of some wet weather,difficult climbs,fun people and amazing scenery.Oh and this weeks funny moment was when Pinky and Levi were chased by a bunch of cows after a photo session went arye.I wished I could've videod it but I was laughing to hard.Today starts journey up to Glasgow Va.
Date: 2016-05-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Rainy nights,foggy misty mornings with whip-o-wills calling at 5 am.A stop at Middle Creek Campgrounds for burgers and a shake.Large King Snake sitting on a stump.On the forth day we crossed the James River on a long foot bridge into Glasgow Va.We stopped at a Dollar General to resupply,then the post office.There's a town provided shelter there with a outdoor shower with hot water.Pinky decided to rest Levi a day so me and Quirk pushed on.It was hard to believe that at one time way back in this forest a community,Browns Mountain Creek,in late 1800s stood where now we're hiking over rocks and trees.Their land sold to the Forest Agency in early 1900s.There's a few plaques there to educate.After about 33 miles we came to The 3 Springs Hostel.We did laundry,showered,ate well,a really good stay.Then it was on to the Priest and 3 Ridges mountains.I really loved climbing up the first Ridge of rock.Really cool.We stayed at Maupin Field shelter.A guy named Tony and his friend shared his beer and food with us and a southbounder.It was a fun night.In the morning we hiked over Humpback Mtn.,stopped and had a great view of Wintergreen Resort in the distance.Got caught in a downpour just before reaching the Paul Wolfe shelter.Next morning it was into Waynesboro.We're at the southern entrance to the Shanendoahs.So far "Virginia rocks " literally.
Date: 2016-05-18
To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0

I'm amazed I've hiked 861 miles.I'm amazed at how many hikers there are out here.I'm amazed at the scenery everyday.I'm amazed I can get soaking wet and keep hiking.I'm amazed at how many Rhododendron tunnels there are.I'm amazed at how rocky the trail is in Virginia.I'm amazed by the Charles Bunion and Dragons Tooth.I'm amazed by how much I can eat.I'm amazed at how much of social melting pot the trail is.I'm amazed with how many ups and downs there are.I'm amazed with the community support for the trail where ever we go.I've stayed at some amazing hostels along the trail.I've had three amazing milkshakes on 3 consecutive days at the same place.I'm amazed by the generosity of strangers everywhere we've been along the trail.I'm amazed with my familie's encouragement and support along with their sacrifices so I could be here.I'm amazed at how much I love and miss them.