morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-03-29
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Doll Flats; out of NC. 
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

I hiked with Yogi and boo-boo for a lot of the day today. I left the shelter at about 1030 and made my way down Roan mountain. I made pretty good time and it was looking like a decent mile day until the bright sunshine and the great views slowed my progress and I laid in the sun for a while instead of hiking. I did make a late day push and Yogi boo-boo and their two dogs were on my heels most of the day through some very beautiful Highland to rain. I was absolutely committed to getting out of North Carolina and I pushed on until I reach the doll flats and the sign indicating that I was leaving north Carolina for the last time. I was just passed mile marker 39 day and met a section hiker in his 60s with very sore feet. He showed me where the water path was and I got water for my meal. I decided to cowboy camp because it had been a beautiful sunny day and I'm looking at the stars now. It has however gotten extremely windy and I am using my pack as a windshield for my face and of course I am against a large tree. I hope the sucker doesn't fall down in this wind. Anyway I guess my body feels OK. I know I am fatigued and I am trying to figure out a path to Damascus in the least possible days without pushing myself too much. It will be nice to wrap up this section of the AT and to relax in Damascus I probably sound like a broken record but these short term goals and temporary way points are important mentally. I certainly don't want to think about all the hills mountains valleys rocks and difficult terrain I have to cross between now and the finish. My meals have been tasty although I need to stock up on more snacks as my hunger is becoming in satiable. I also have to wrap up this message and get on Amazon and order a new headlamp so that I have one when I leave Damascus. Peace all
Date: 2017-03-31
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Laurel Fork Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: light rain

What can I say? I slacked off today. It rained this morning ad I slept in. Then the next shelter after Laurel Fork was closed due to bear activity. bs if u ask me. So I walked for a few hours and rested. The falls here are beautiful. Saw Cyrilia and doe other trai friends. Didn't work hard but had a good day.
Date: 2017-04-01
From: Laurel Fork Shelter

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I said good bye to Dino and Quick and Easy who I spent 2 nights in shelters with Section hikers from Illinois. Nice people. Set me up with snacks ad good wishes. Good trail people. I hiked my hike and got to the shelter around 630 but it was full. No threat of rain so I'm cowboy camping again. Hands are cold so I'm off. Peace all.
Date: 2017-04-02
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

I got a good start today and put some miles then I got to double Springs shelter at about 5 o'clock and was going to hike on try to get a 20 mile day in but a fellow there had started a fire and him and his mom were tent camping by the spring and there was only one other person in the shelter and she wanted to fire to keep going so I stayed we had a nice fire . I slept pretty well I was a good night brother hiker was southbound her name was CV. She didn't have a a wall guide so I gave her my copy since I'm getting a new one when I get to Damascus. The water at the spring here was excellent. But I have to admit it will be nice to be at shelters that have a privy.
Date: 2017-04-05
From: AT and Virginia Creeper Trail after Saunders 

To: Wise shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

So today was a little different from most of my days. I woke up at 5 AM and decided to cook breakfast and coffee. I soon realized that I was wide-awake and I pack my things up for my cowboy camp and started hiking. By the time I reached The shelter that was warmed up and most people had still not left the shelter. I decided I was going to have a long day and try to push for wise shelter a 20 mile stretch. Because I'm not a very fast Taiper soon many people were passing me . I kept liking the weather was nice I felt good and I came into the shelter at a reasonable hour of about 530. Unfortunately why shelter was full. I should mention that I hiked out into Graceland Highlands and so many ponies and many interesting rock formations on the large balds. It was a good day and I was sorry that I did not have a spot in the shelter. I considered sleeping on the picnic table because rain was expected. I told the people in the shelter I was going to do that but later change my mind as it was very windy and I envisioned wind driven rain forcing me to have a bad night sleep. So I pulled out big Agnes for the second time in this whole journey. That is correct I have only use my tent twice and I have logged 500+ miles in this journey. That's correct I had a 20 mile day reached a total of 502.3 miles on the Appalachian Trail and I saw ponies. In fact the ponies came right into our camp by the shelter. It ended up raining quite a bit but I had a very good night sleep nevertheless
Date: 2017-04-07
From: Hurricane Mtn Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

I feel pretty good today. I started late about 10:45 and walked fast on a fairly flat trail. I kept going strong with out of break until I reached the shelter between mine and my destination. I ate a little lunch and pushed on and before I knew it the day it was practically over and I was approaching partnership shelter at about 630. Not bad 19 miles in that many hours. I'm going to try to have another good day tomorrow. There were two guys at the shelter and it was a double level shelter so I took the top loft cooked my dinner and went right to sleep. I slept great. Thanks to all you folks who are thinking about me I appreciate it over and out
Date: 2017-04-08
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 26.3
Weather: light snow

So today was a real good day. A day of milestones. My personal best America on distance of 26.3 miles completed. I also stopped in at the barn and had to hike or burger pound of ground beef . It did a good job fueling the rest of my day. I also crossed the 550 mile mile stone and I'm now one quarter done the entire Appalachian trail. That's pretty significant. I saw some sublime beautiful parts of Virginia right at sunset the beauty I can't even describe. I tried to take pictures and realized that I should just sit and enjoy the moment. Right at a river crossing I met a guy named Papa fish it was from Pennsylvania actually from Delaware County. Small world. It was great to get to the shelter and see familiar faces and new old friends. I slept after enjoying my dinner and a fire and would've slept peacefully but for a restless hiker next to me who just couldn't seem to get to sleep. If that wasn't enough he decided to restart the fire at 4:15 in the morning cracking sticks loudly until the entire shelter rebelled against that idea. All in all one of my best days. I certainly enjoyed lunch with some section hikers from Chicago turtle and I can't remember the other fellas name. Unfortunately one of them left his hiking poles in the vestibule at the restaurant and got into an Uber before I could catch them. Oh well. Maybe they'll go back for them maybe not. One of the sayings on the trail is "the trail provides ". I guess is that true actually I said I guess that is true. Well I have to admit that right now I'm just still laying completing a 2000 foot climb and it's easier to sit here then it is to saddle up my pack and finish this walk but I think I better do that. Peace all
Date: 2017-04-09
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: few clouds

I followed up my marathon hike of yesterday with a 20 mile hike today. I hope to the first shelter and I was pretty easy even though it was a 2000 foot incline. I stopped at the shelter which was made of stone and enjoy the sun. I also stopped on the way up and talk to my cousin and my son for about an hour and a half. So by the time I was ready to do the last 10 miles it was already 5 o'clock. Man key we figured we would crunch and out in good time but unfortunately which showed as a level trail on the map turned out to be very rocky. I was glad to have someone to hike with and Keewee being 18 years old pushed me pretty well. We got to the shelter at 9:30 PM. I cooked my dinner got in my bag and promptly fell asleep exhausted
Date: 2017-04-10
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Bland Va rt 52
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

So my great parents came to see me today! I walked my miles and saw a forest fire on the adjoining mountain. I walked slow because I was tired and it was hot. They were waiting with a 2016 thru hiker named pidgeon toe who was giving out trail magic. They had already given Acorn a ride into Bland and my Dad ended up giving the kids (corn, water boy, Lynda and ?) a ride into Bland too. Mom was with Cyrilia, Potato and Acorn back from town when I arrived. Then Kiwi came up. I'm glad they got to meet my parents and my parents met my trail family. I hoe I can catch them again. They are all good walkers. We went to hotel. I showed them my bag of tricks, got a Shower, did wash, had an excellent steak and I'm drying my sleeping bag now waiting to go to bed. A good day. Thanks for visiting Mama and Pop. Love you both.
Date: 2017-04-11
From: Bland Va rt 52

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I wrapped up a very nice visit with my parents today with a trip to Walmart and too much food in my pack. They were almost home at 930 when I called them and I was celebrating 600 miles done with a cigar and the rest of my hoagie and Tang. Jenny knob makes me think of my kids Aunt Jenny and seeing her on the balance beam and the uneven bars with big Jim in a long ago time and place. A good time. A good place. Like Bramtengarten (Herman Hesse Journey to the East). Make new friends but keep the old; one is silver and the other gold. Boy we really did go off the gold standard didn't we... and not just with our monetary system. Nothing but worthless coins and junk paper now. Except the nickel. The forgotten virtue; loyalty. I hope she is doing well, nevertheless. I'd trade all my facebook friends for one real one.But then again.....I don't have facebook friends. I love this trail. And it's warm tonight. And the El Rey del Mundo is delicious.I'm meeting so many new friends. Bramtengarten.
Date: 2017-04-12
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: scattered clouds

The trail today was really flat and nice. I probably could've hiked some more miles but I took it easy because I'm carrying too much food. I got my base way down but I obviously over packed on food. The good part about that is that I can resolve it by eating it. When I got to the shelter there was a guy in a Hamic section hiker and Dr. Jay the through hiker no I'm sorry he is also a section hiker. He tented so I had the shelter to myself. I finished smoking the cigar I got in my dropbox which was delicious I cooked my meal ate it and promptly fell asleep. I'm going to try to have a good day today maybe push out some miles we'll see. I'm breaking in new shoes which are slowing me somewhat although they are breaking in and feel all right. The weather is nice it was about 46 this morning and will probably get into the mid 60s today. Overall a nice day.
Date: 2017-04-13
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 25.2
Weather: broken clouds

I've walked for miles. My feet are hurting. I skipped Prearisburg. I'm eating my food down slowly. Only me and Super Mario in the shelter. I got in at 1030. I passed Crazy Horse coming up the hill. Haven't seen him since Hot Springs. No bubble here I'm not sure where everyone went. I know the speed walkers are further down the line asario passed them. I love my coffee and my sleep. What to do today? Another 25? Probably not. But we'll see.
Date: 2017-04-14
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: The Captains
Miles today: 13.8

So after the 25 mile day I was tired. I had good intentions but ended up not making it to the belly Shelter instead I swung across the river to the Captains Place. It was pretty cool the guy leave sodas for hikers and you can camp in his yard by the stream. You use a zip line to cross the creek. I slept well there were four other hikers with me and I needed the rest. I'm trying to keep my miles up and trying to do a 20+ Mile day every third day. Perhaps I will cut that back to every other day when I feel up to it. I'm happy to say I'm eating my way out of an overweight food bag. Funny how that works
Date: 2017-04-15
From: The Captains

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

I had a good day of hiking today the weather was nice. I kept pushing myself and I ended up covering 17+ miles with time to spare. I got to the shelter at plenty of time and light to cook my meal and lay out my things. There was tons of firewood Cut and split and we made an awesome fire. I smoked some of my cigar relaxed and thought about my trip so far. I enjoy it out here it is very physical and in some ways it is demanding. But in other ways it is relaxing and easy. It's very simple to know that you need to sleep eat and walk. That's it. It makes me realize how much we over complicate our lives and the essence of living. I've done very well not worrying about things I can't control. That is just about everything except my own actions. And may all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen
Date: 2017-04-17
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Catawba Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I can't remember if today was Easter or yesterday. But happy Easter! There is hope for the dead. I had a. Wry slow start and vouldnt seem to make good headway. The dragon tooth was cool but getting down was like getting out of the dragons mouth! Not fun! First time I've seen metal hand wrungs in the rock. I was almost to the shelter when 16 oz PBR's started showing up behind trees. 4 in all. I was thirsty but I don't drink. Thankfully a 2 liter or coke was waiting by the road. Well, half a 2 liter. I drank it. It gave me so much energy I fast hiked to the shelter.
Date: 2017-04-19
From: Daleville Howard Johnsons

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

So this will give you an idea of what a through hike or does on his day off. First of all I got in today I'll Ville at about 6 PM and I checked into my hotel and I got my laundry together and my six dollars in quarters. Realizing I would be washing almost all of my clothing I decided the best thing to do would be to shower. My shower takes about 25 minutes just to get my body clean. I pay particular attention to my feet as they are doing well and I don't want any problems after my shower I headed to the laundry and put my sleeping bag in the dryer scrounging a dryer sheet from the trash actually two dryer sheets from a box in the trash to freshen up my sleeping bag and I tossed my laundry in the wash and started them both. Then I headed across the street to the Sup©rate where my dropbox was located. I should add that I was wearing a button up shirt for town longjohns and boxers over the long johns with a rain hat. I got some strange looks for sure . I got my box from the super eight and headed across to the Pizza Hut where I had a large pepperoni pizza waiting for me and I bought a 2 L of Pepsi and headed back to the room with my dropbox pizza and soda. By the time I polished off three quarters of the pizza and three quarters of the 2 L my wash was done . I brought my fluffy sleeping bag back to the room and put my laundry in the dryer and through the TV on and caught the end of half an episode of criminal minds. Yes I admit I like that show. Not sure why. They certainly have some interesting quotes on it from time to time. The last thing I did was shuffle back to the laundry and get my clean dry clothes. I opened my dropbox and packed half of it into my food back. Boy did I sleep well in that bed. I had organized or arranged with the front desk that I would check out at noon so I got up at 6:30 went to breakfast ate eggs muffins bagels orange juice coffee cream cheese anything else I could scrounge and then I headed back to bed for more sleep. I woke up at 11 I quickly packed everything into my bag and took one more shower and then headed to check out. After I checked out I walked a half a mile to the grocery store and bought Ramen's oatmeal cheese salami and they were closing out the Easter candy for a dollar a bag so I bought a lot of candy. I also went to the outfitter and bought gas for my camp stove. Then I went to the UPS store where I shipped half my food midpoint between Daleville in Afton Virginia to a half to a hostile where they will deliver the food to me at the Trailside for five dollars. Not a bad deal. It sure beats carrying it an extra 100 miles. I also bought a cooked chicken in the grocery store so I walked back to the hotel that is that for Johnstons Howard Johnston and I ate the chicken and I packed the rest of the food in my bag and the gas got rid of my trash and somewhere around 3:45 PM I headed out to do 11.2 miles to the next shelter actually two shelters in. So that's what a day off is 48 through hiker.
Date: 2017-04-20
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: scattered clouds

So I didn't mention it but when I got into the shelter last night or the night before I met for the first time wonder woman who I have seen her entries in the trail journal trail log in the shelter many times. It is always in red ink so it was nice to meet her. I also met a father and daughter hiking at section. They were from Maine which seems strange because I'm walking to Maine. Anyway I had a slow start to the day and I ended up at the shelter 14 miles in at about 6 PM. I decided to push on and I made it to 20 miles to a shelter brand brand Ridge shelter which sleeps 20 people. There was one guy there. His trail name is negotiator. He was glad to have the company it seemed and we talked even though I got to the shelter at 10:30 PM. He was an interesting guy and he told me that his wife told him that he would meet me as she is travel as she is following my progress on trail journals. He told me her name but I forgot it I apologize. But I would like to give a shout out to her. Everybody likes fans and I certainly like people from Alabama. You made some meet some very nice people on the trail. I slept great and the truth is I did not want to get up and I started my day today around 12 noon. And now here I am sitting in the woods talking into my iPhone keeping you guys posted on my progress when what I should be doing is walking as many miles as I can . There is a very good reason most people don't make daily journal entries. On top of everything else we have to do it is a royal pain in the butt. But, I try. I have to also say that I've been thinking a lot about the reading in the Bible where Peter and John heal the cripple sitting outside the temple. I mean it was one thing when Jesus was healing people . But when is follower started healing people in His name I mean that Musta really blown peoples minds. I suspected that powers still available today. Why don't we tap into it? We are afraid. I also have to comment on the part in the reading where they say that they looked at the man intently. What does that mean? Do we ever really look at another person intently?especially a person in need? Could we heal them with the power of Jesus? Why are we afraid to try?
Date: 2017-04-21
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Petites Gap; just past
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

So as usual after a 20 mile day I got off to a late start. It felt great to just lay there. Then I had to face the fact that I had a 3000 foot climb. I was back at 4200 feet a mountain. Anyway I drug my feet and I ended up having dinner at the shelter and then made the plan of trying to get to marble spring campsite. Unfortunately it started raining and I decided to set up big Agnes at four just passed the gap where I'm staying now. It's raining and I'm in my tent. I'm not much for tent camping but it beats cowboy camping in the rain. I was in a weird situation today because the second shelter was only 10 miles in and the third shelter was 22 1/2 miles in too far for me today. I'm eating a lot of Easter candy. Hersheys chocolate is good
Date: 2017-04-23
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Brown's Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

So the rain held off today. Well it held off until I made it to the shelter at about 6 PM. The walking was easy we crossed the James River. It was very wide and had a cool foot bridge over it. I also saw a train loaded with Cole. I did call. Of course there were a lot of locals in the area and I caught a couple pictures with some of them. They were all very nice people. I hiked a lot of the day with purge. He's a good hike or from Cleveland Ohio. Like I said when we got to the shelter and busted out with rain and it rained from 7 PM to 7 AM stopped for an hour and then start started and rained until about 12 at which time I got out of the shelter and got to where there's a signal to leave this journal entry. I'm hoping to make 15 today I'm out of food I have a dropbox midway up the trail up at the top of a 3000 foot climb. A guy gave me a fig bar and I'm hoping that that can power my climb up this hill. The rain had stopped but now that I'm standing here putting this journal entry together I see that it has resumed in earnest. There's gonna be no avoiding getting wet today. I tried. I hope you all are doing well I passed another mile mark 800 miles. Hooray! I smoked and L Ray Del Mondo cigar in celebration. Anyway hiking is no fun in the rain as you can imagine. Hoping to get today's end soon. Peace all
Date: 2017-04-24
From: Brown's Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Seeley Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

A cold rainy slog to get 15. I was in pretty serious trouble at 400 feet with the wind and being soaking wet. Oma from the nearby hostel met me with my resupply box and was kind enough to let me get warm and change clothes in her car. I was too wet and too cold to continue otherwise. I was able to push on to the shelter where I meet 3 guys in the same condition. 39 degree rain and 25 mph wind is a bad combination. Not the most fun day I've had. It was a workmanlike 15 miles and I have lots of food. I was down to a dozen walnuts. That's it. I also met some day hikers who took my picture. Called me Mr Willdabeast. Beautiful girls with beautiful eyes. Like beauty and the beast.
Date: 2017-04-25
From: Seeley Woodworth Shelter

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: light rain

Thank God it seems like this will be the last day of rain for a while. I started the day and rain and I passed the priest and I could see nothing but dance fog. I continued a downhill track for sometime and as I dissented from 4000 feet it got warmer and warmer.   I continued a downhill track for sometime and as I descended from 4000 feet it got warmer and warmer. Then going to big wind blew up and I noticed that the fog was breaking apart in the air felt warmer. By the time I got to the bottom it was warm. I took off my jacket and I began to dry off and warm up. The next 7 miles was an easy walk but before I got to the shelter I encountered of swollen creek that I could only cross by white waiting through. Unfortunately I had to recross the creek to get to the shelter. But how great to get dry clothes on and eat!