morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-04-29
From: Erwin 

To: Erwin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 38 - ZERO DAY! I decided to do another ZERO DAY to rest my ankle and also spend more time with my wife ,  we did our town stuff and hanged out with P Dub and Sundance at super 8 a little bit to discuss our plan to do  a 10 miles slack packing  at beauty spot .  We went to uncle johnny¢s Afterwards to make a reservation for tomorrow night  but we were told that the cabin is a first come first serve basis. we drove to beauty spot gap to check the roads so mrs. Cassidy won¢t have trouble finding her way out after she drop me off tomorrow, then we had lunch of fried chicken at Popeyes and a country dinner  of grilled pork chop , pinto beans and turnip greens and corn bread muffins at Cracker Barrel . Another great day with Mrs. Cassidy .-  Butch Cassidy
Date: 2018-04-30
From: Erwin

To: Beauty spot 
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 39 - We decided to slack pack back to Erwin today and go down the mountain.   Mrs. Cassidy dropped me off at beauty spot then drove off to catch her flight. We had such a great visit. I wanted to go with her.    Mia and P Dubs wife were up to see them off this morning also.   But back to the business at hand, the AT calls.   The trail was good but Rocky. Down hill most of the way. We stopped at the shelter for a break then on to Uncle Johnny for the night.  They run a shuttle at 5pm to the Mexican restaurant so we had that for dinner.  Tomorrow back to the woods for a few days after being spilled the Last few days. -Butch Cassidy
Date: 2018-05-01
From: Beauty spot 

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

Day 40 -  Our day started with a 9am shuttle from Uncle Johnnys to beauty spot. We got on the trail at 940 with beautiful weather for hiking.  The climb up Unaka Mtn was long but it's a beautiful place. It reminds me of the forest in New England.   Normal AT ups and downs after that until we reached the shelter.  Nice Camping area behind the shelter and I put my Hennessey Hammock up for the first time in ten years. I was a little rusty to say the least.    Sundance tried to convince a few people that if you skip parts of the trail you should not claim yourself  a thruhiker.  It¢s a Waste of time, you cannot talk people into integrity. - Butch Cassidy.
Date: 2018-05-02
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Stan Murray Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Day 41 - We woke up early after a good nights sleep and started moving. I got a little chilly because the wind blowing under the hammock and I will try something different tonight.  A little climb out of the shelter then down to Hughes gap. From there it was a long climb up roan Mtn. It was a days work let me tell u.  We stopped at the highest shelter for lunch then down to Carvers gap. Very Rocky section For sure. A couple of climbs over balds then down to Stan Murray shelter for the night.  A hard day for me but we were there by 3 pm. I set my hammock up again and used my pad this time. Cooked a rice side dish and in the hammock by 730. - Butch Cassidy.
Date: 2018-05-03
From: Stan Murray Shelter

To: Highway 19 E
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

Day 42 -  We left at 7 am to make a run for the hostel.We hiked hard all day. Over little hump mtn then on to big hump. Pretty place but lots of climbing , the open balds with the sun I got a little sunburned.   As a note the miles in the guide book shows .8 from Doll Flats To 19 E. It lies! Guthooks said 2.5 . probably more like 3 by our count. I will use the miles in the guide for consistency.  We got to the hostel at 12.30 pm and showered. Got a great lunch with the hiker burger at highlander barbeque and it was fabulous. This hostel is new this year and we like it . Free laundry cheap slack packing and shuttles to town all day. - Butch Cassidy.
Date: 2018-05-04
From: Highway 19 E

To: Forest service road 293
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 43 - We slacked back to the hostel today and started at 712 am. The trail was the best of the hike so far.  Very pretty with waterfalls , a river, and almost level. P Dub and Sundance saw snakes but I didn't. I hiked hard to be first to the road and did the hike in 5 hours. For the first time I was not last!    I got to the road and stuck out my thumb. The first car stopped and I was at the hostel in 5 minutes. The others came in about 45 minutes later. Weather today  is beautiful but rain forecast for tonight. Open Mic. night tonight hope its not too loud - Butch Cassidy.
Date: 2018-05-05
From: Forest service road 293

To: Dennis cove road
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: light rain

Day 44 - We caught the shuttle at 7 am and was on trail in 15 minutes hiking north. The trail was good and we made good time.   After a snack at Mooreland Gap Shelter we headed down hill to the road. Staying at Black Bear resort tonight and its very nice and reasonable so we will stay again tomorrow.   We have resupply at Kincora hostel but Bob is out of town so we might not get that one.   We are slacking tomorrow so maybe tomorrow we can pick it up. Rain tonight and maybe tomorrow - Butch Cassidy
Date: 2018-05-06
From: Dennis cove road

To: Wilber dam road
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 45 -  I left the hostel at 530 am hiking with my headlamp to get a start on the day. There was 7 of us slacking the 13 miles and I did not want to have the others waiting on me.  Got to the Laurel Falls at daylight and took a couple of pictures and then hiked along the stream for a couple miles. The climb over pond mountian was long and I took a quick break on top.  The down was easy and P Dub caught me before the road and we took a break by Watauga lake and watched the baby geese follow their mom around.  Then into the section closee for aggressive bears. We saw lots of sigh and scat but no bears.   Sundance caught up about the shelter and we hiked together to the pickup point.  While waiting Bob Peoples drove up and gave us a ride back and we picked up our supply boxes at his place. He is a true trail legend and the ATC just gave him a well deserved Hall Of Fame Award. Congratulations Mr. Peoples - Butch Cassidy.
Date: 2018-05-07
From: Wilber dam road

To: Campsite mile 447.8 
Miles today: 15.3

Day 46 - We had to wait until 9 for a shuttle so we had breakfast then paid the bill. Mine was 57 dollars for 2 nights in the 4 man cabin 2 shuttles and several food and drink items. Black Bear is very reasonable and nice place to stay.  We hit the trail at 930 and did the long climb up from the lake. We could see the lake for most of the day which made progress seem slow. But we actually made good time.  We had a snack at Vandeventer shelter and ran into Big League Chew. That is our name for this yellow blazing goofball pretending to be a thruhiker It is annoying to work so hard and watch people skip large parts of the trail and keep showing up ahead of us.   I had a burst of competitive energy and pushed 3 miles in less than an hour. It felt good to hike at a pace I used to hike at.  We hiked past the crowded Iron Mountain shelter and finished the day at a campsite by a stream it made for a cool damp night - Butch Cassidy..
Date: 2018-05-08
From: Campsite mile 447.8 

To: Damascus
Miles today: 22.1

Day 47 -  We got up early for the long day planned. I really wanted to get out of Tennessee and be done with that state.   So much humidity last night I had some condensation on the tarp this morning. I rigged it for rain and it did not rain.   The trail was great and the miles flew by. Past the handicapped section of the trail past Uncle Nicks monument to Abington gap shelter for lunch.   It was only 130 pm so we decided to go on in to Damascus for the night. We made it about 530 checked into the church hostel and went to Subway for dinner.   It was a great day 3 states down 11 to go. The longest day hiked yet for this hike and Damascus is a big milestone - Butch Cassidy.
Date: 2018-05-09
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 48 - We spent a quiet night at church hostel in town , Its clean  but with lots  of rules and the caretaker is strict and cranky. The bunks have no mattresses and the shower is weak and there is only one. It is cheap at 7 dollar suggested donation but we decided to move to Dancing Bear B & B. The day was town chores as always , food resupply, laundry and eating. Huge breakfast at the dinner then back 4 hours later for lunch.  Quick trip to Dollar General for snacks and then dinner at the old Mill. Food food food.  Nice bed with a pillow tonight! - Butch Cassidy.
Date: 2018-05-10
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 49 - Another zero day. We decided to rest another day and get a few more calories .We have to start doing more miles and build up our average. My feet seem to being better and I am starting to get stronger.   Tomorrow will be tough because we have 4 days food and its uphill. We are shooting for 16 and it will take all day for sure.   I slept very well last night in the quiet room and comfortable bed. Best in several days. We had lunch at the pizza place and it was bad. Slow service, tasteless and overpriced food. Skip it if you stop in Damascus.   I shipped a couple things home and a food supply ahead to Atkins where we will be in 4 days. Options are limited to resupply there and I had excess food -Butch Cassidy.
Date: 2018-05-11
From: Damascus

To: Campsite 483.7
Miles today: 13.6

Day 50 -  We must have got lazy taking 2 days off. No one was motivated leaving town. We stopped for breakfast at MoJo s coffee shop and I had the 2+2+2 which was 2 eggs 2 pancakes and 2 bacon. It was delicious.   We hiked beside the creeper trail for a few miles then it was up to Saunders shelter and over that mountain. Then down to the creeper trail again.   When we got to the Memorial bridge at the creeper trail Sundance wanted to camp there. It was probably the best campsite so far. I tied my hammock to the bridge supports and slept like a baby - Butch Cassidy
Date: 2018-05-12
From: Campsite 483.7

To: Thomas knob shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 51  - Today was a hard day. It seemed I was going up all day. The climb up Whitetop was long and steep. We had lunch and got water at the spring just before Whitetop road and it was flowing great.   Then the climb up Mt Rogers the highest point in Virginia. The rocks and roots were brutal and it slowed us down a lot.  We got to the shelter and Sundance and P Dub were already set up. I led Playmaker on a one mile trip for water just to find the spring not flowing, I was very upset shall we say.  Lots of Bear activity at this shelter mostly stealing food bags so Playmaker did a great hanging ours. My hammock was tied crossword and my tarp sounded like a drum all night. Very tired for the 15 miles but lots of up. The ponys stampeded up the trail just before dark to put on a show - Butch Cassidy.
Date: 2018-05-13
From: Thomas knob shelter

To: Dicky gap. Troutdale
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 52 - We started early, breakfast was cereal at daylight and cold coffee/cocoa mix. We did not hear the bear but he managed to steal a couple of food bags out of the trees.  I hiked hard through the Grayson highland state park and it was Rocky trail but beautiful. Ponys and long horn cattle everywhere. We ate lunch at the ten mile Mark and I decided to hike to the gap and go to the hostel for a bunk and shower.  The 21.2 miles was long but the trail got better after lunch and I pushed on. The others must have stopped at Hurricane Shelter and I will see them tomorrow. A hiker came in about 9 pm That had been camped just before the road and a bear scared him so he hiked to the hostel. The bears in this area are getting to be a pain!! . A real exciting hike but I could use less excitement myself - Butch Cassidy
Date: 2018-05-14
From: Dicky gap. Troutdale

To: Marion VA
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 53 - I got a good nights sleep in the hostel. It was clean quiet and well equipped.    The Church does a good job with this one. I tried to hitch to breakfast but no luck with a ride. I moved to the other side of the road and got a ride in 5 minutes back to the trail.  I started hiking at 840 and the miles flew by. Made it to Trimpi Shelter about 10 am and took a break. Had lunch on top of one of the puds and found out Sundance was ahead of me. I pushed hard from then on to catch up. I caught Playmaker about a mile from the Partnership shelter and got there at about 245. Good trail but hot today.  We decided to go to Marion to do laundry and showers . Resting in bed aircon on full of Mexican food. Good day - Butch Cassidy.
Date: 2018-05-15
From: Marion VA

To: Relax inn Atkins
Miles today: 11.7

Day 54 - We slack packed again today and it made for a short day. The trail was very Rocky for the first few miles with some normal AT ups and downs which slowed me down .  I tried to drink more water because of the heat and we found a great spring not in the book just off the trail.  After Chatfield shelter the trail improved and we made good time to the Lindermont School which was built in 1894 and received wonderful Trail magic from a local church. Sodas chips and cookies.  From there it was only 2.8 miles to the motel which only took 45 minutes. We checked in and took off to the barn for lunch.Its always about food out here.  We have made good miles the last 5 days and my left leg is hurting for some reason. Tomorrow is only ten miles so that will help - Butch Cassidy.
Date: 2018-05-16
From: Relax inn Atkins

To: Va. 610
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: moderate rain

Day 55 - We slacked again today. Rain forecast was for rain all day so we called the Quarter Way Hostel and they picked up our packs and reserved 4 bunks for us for the night.  We had breakfast at the barn and started hiking. It started raining and rained all day.  Trail was slippery and we just were head down and walking until about 1230 .  We crossed the 1/4 point and made a few pictures and then pushed on to the hostel.Warm, dry and comfortable we slept well - Butch Cassidy.
Date: 2018-05-17
From: Va. 610

To: Va. 623
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: light rain

Day 56 - We got a shuttle up to va 623 so we could slack back to the hostel. The Quarter way is a great hostel and very nice. We had very comfortable beds and the owner Tina made a delicious breakfast to fuel us for the long day. We got to the trail head and we met Pappy! He is 87 and trying to set a new record for the oldest thruhiker to hike the AT. We made pics and started hiking. The trail was wet and Rocky and dangerous. One hiker named Thai fell and hit his head on a rock. I hope he is ok.   We got to Chestnut Knob shelter and had a snack, it was 12 pm and we had 14 miles to go. It started raining hard at about 2 pm and the trail was flooded creeks were out of the banks and we were soaked with 10 miles to go.  We finally got to the hostel at 615 pm tired wet and hungry. A long miserable day - Butch Cassidy
Date: 2018-05-18
From: Va. 623

To: Bland
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Day 57 - Rain Rain and more rain. Tina shuttled us back to the trailhead and we started hiking at about 915.  We are slacking again and our packs are on the way to the motel. It was raining when we got of the van and rained all day. Our feet are getting soft from being wet all day and getting some blisters.  Good trail all day but I am pretty tired from 120 miles in 8 days. 46 of that in the rain.   We got to bland and had a great cheeseburger at the little eat joint next to the trail and it was amazing. Called Bubba for a shuttle and he took us to the Big Walker Motel for the night.   My shoes are ready for replacement and Mrs. Cassidy has a pair on the way to Perisburg with my summer bag . I will be so happy to get them. Thanks My Asawa - Butch Cassidy.
Date: 2018-05-19
From: Bland

To: Bland
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Day 58. - I was starting to get worn down with the miles so we decided to take a zero. Not a great place to zero because not much close by.   We did a subway breakfast and then Dollar General for a couple things. The rest of the day was spent in bed with my feet up for me. We did one Dairy Queen run and that was it.   I watched a few hours of old westerns and some news - Butch Cassidy.
Date: 2018-05-20
From: Bland

To: Va. 606
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 59 - Bubba picked us up at 7am and dropped us at the trail head. It's Sunday so no breakfast at the great food place next to the trail , just food from our bag.   We sent our packs ahead to Trents Store and slacked again today. Saves wear and tear on the old bones. Great trail on this section and we moved right along. We ran into another group doing the same section today and they were moving fast also.   We had lunch at Jenny Knob Shelter and finished the hike at 330 pm.   Went to Trents Store and had a cheeseburger and fries. I have lost about 25 pounds so far and eating all the time.  We had planned to camp at the store and we should have. Forecast was for storms so we went to the Zero day hostel. Owner is a nice guy and we stayed dry but not a great place . Dinner was from our food bag and I did sleep well -  Butch Cassidy
Date: 2018-05-21
From: Va. 606

To: Sugar run gap
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

Day 60 -  After breakfast we got on the trail at 830 and started walking in mud right away. So much rain there is mud everywhere. Walking along the creek we were in water over our shoes aLot of the time   This is a nice section of trail when its dry and we still made good time. A tiresome day for just 15 miles today .   Playmaker fell in the creek trying to cross a foot log and one older female hiker sprayed herself with bear spray and cried for a long time.   We are staying in Woods Hole hostel tonight. One of the top rated hostels on the AT . It cost 25 for a bunk and we have to change and make our bunks in the morning. There is also a chore jar that we are supposed to do one chore? I don't know about that one  Tomorrow Pearisburg and the post office - Butch Cassidy
Date: 2018-05-22
From: Woods hole hostel

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: fog

Day 61 - We left the hostel early because today is a town day. The trail was good but wet and slippery. My worn out shoes were a pain in the mud. They were wet and very heavy also.  We got to town around noon and did errands. Picked up my new shoes and summer bag at the post office. Mrs Cassidy sent a treat of home made brownies that were great!   We had Chinese for lunch and bought our resupply at food lion. Good town day and the hotel did our laundry for free.  Still rain off and on for another week and it's getting old! -Butch Cassidy.
Date: 2018-05-23
From: Stony creek valley 635

To: Va. 613
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 62 - We started the day planning to hike with packs for the next 3 days but after walking back almost to the trail we changed our minds.  Since we had family members coming for the weekend we decided to rent a car and slack for the next 3 days. It took a little while to get the car so we did a short section this afternoon.  Playmaker and I hiked up the hill and Sundance and P Dub hiked south. The trail was very Rocky and it was impossible to make good time. When we got to the car Pappy was waiting with the others. He rode to town with us and used the spare bed in P Dubs room. He had great stories and has had many adventures  My new shoes felt great even on the rocks - Butch Cassidy
Date: 2018-05-24
From: Stony creek valley

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 63 - Sundance and I hiked north and Playmaker and P Dub hiked South. We had a 6 mile uphill but it was not a bad climb. We were stopped by a forest service ranger and briefed about the pipeline protest going on and told to stay on the trail on our way by the area.   The views from the ridge were amazing and the weather was very nice. We met the others at the 12 mile point and swapped the keys for the car. The trail off the ridge passed by the pine swamp branch shelter which is closed for the season because of dead trees - Butch Cassidy
Date: 2018-05-25
From: Va. 613

To: Va.42
Miles today: 13.4

Day 64 - We dropped P Dub and Playmaker at 42 highway and then drove up to 613 to start hiking. We got on trail at 840 and the first 2 miles were great we then started the long down to War spur shelter where we had lunch.  P Dub and Playmaker were moving well and we met them just past the shelter.   Next was a long up to Johns creek mountain. The trail was steep and no switchbacks after crossing Va 601 to the top.   When we got to the road they were waiting on us to head to Daleville to meet Mrs P Dub - Butch Cassidy
Date: 2018-05-26
From: Va.42

To: Va. 621
Miles today: 11.3

Day 65 -  Mrs P Dub dropped us at Va 42 and we started at 0850. The first couple miles crossed the valley, pastures, cows and by the Keffer oak which is the largest oak along the southern AT.  Then its up hill to the top of the ridge. With the humidity at 100 percent and the steep uphill we were all soaked from sweat at the top.  Sundance and P Dub took off like rockets and left Playmaker and I like we were parked. The ridge had a lot of rock scrambles and exposed slanted rock face so I took my time.  The hard rain started just after we started down off the ridge and we got soaked again.Wet slick rocks mud and roots, just another fun day on the AT.  When we got to the road P Dub and Sundance were standing under a tree in the rain waiting for Mrs P Dub. She had been on a mission carrying Pappy to Town. He was worn out and needed shoes.   Not a long day but tiresome anyway-Butch Cassidy
Date: 2018-05-27
From: Va. 624

To: Va.311
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: light rain

Day 66 - Mia was in Daleville to meet Sundance when we finished yesterday so she drove us to the trail today.   We did a short section today so we would not have to do a 20 mile day over Dragons tooth which is a rough section ,and so Sundance and P Dub could have some time with family while they are here.  We did the 5.9 in just under 2 hours and was back to town by 1115.   I just rested in the motel while the others went to see the movie Solo. I am not a big star wars fan so I was happy watching westerns - Butch Cassidy.
Date: 2018-05-28
From: Va. 621

To: Va.624
Miles today: 15.4

Day 67 - We decided to hike this section southbound to climb up to Dragons Tooth from the north. Two reasons, one safer for me to go up and it was dry for the most part early.   It took an hour and a half to get to the top because it is a crazy climb. One of the more dangerous parts of the trail. We stopped at Va 620 for a snack after a long down from cove Mt .   We then had a 3.7 mile climb up to the Audie Murphy memorial. We had lunch there and took a break. He was the most decorated soldier of WW2 with the Medal of Honor , 3 Purple Hearts and other medals. He died in a plane crash 47 years ago today May 28 1971 near this spot.  It was great to be there for Memorial day lunch for sure. It was a little strange being there just as a small plane circled overhead.   After lunch we did the 3.7 miles down to the car in one hour. I was trying to slip past Sundance and be first to the car but he saw me and took off and I got there second - Butch Cassidy.