morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-05-19
From: Erwin TN

To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up with my heel hurting more today.  It has been over a week now and I don't see it getting better any time soon.  I made the breakfast run to McDonald's for the ice again.  After I knew that Sharon would be done with her water aerobics class I made "The Call".  It is time to go home.  I just don't see it getting any better any time soon.  I have spent too much time at the hostel and was starting to feel like a resident.  I had enjoyed hanging out with Kayla and Russel who I had originally met at Laughing Heart Hostel in Hot Springs and have now been at Uncle Johnny's for a few days themselves.  I did receive the sympathy of several hikers acknowledging that I certainly don't want to push on risking further injury.  Hopefully taking a few more weeks rest at home will speed the recovery and perhaps get me back on the trail some time early into June.
Date: 2017-06-11
From: Pearisbirg VA

To: Symms Gap campsite
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: few clouds

I'm finally back on the trail.  My in-laws, Norm and Nancy drove me out yesterday and I started hiking this morning.  My achilles held up fine. I could still feel it a little but it did not bother me hiking.I did not think I would run into anyone I'd recognize thinking they would all be further ahead of me but I did run into four people. There was a couple and then two others I ran into separately.  One of the guys was a 20 year old called web. He was loading up his backpack when I came across his campsite about two miles into my hike. He mentioned that he had taken several zero days due to injuries and illness. He said he was moving pretty slow. I told him not to think he was moving so slow that I caught up to him. I had actually got back on the trail about 300 miles north of where I got off. My hopes are that I make it to the end (hope 1) and then go back and finish the section that I skipped (hope 2). At the end of the day I got to a site that was partially out in the open. Any shaded areas had too many rocks and I figured that it the tent would get to Hot with the sun still up so I just did not put the rain fly on. It was not supposed to rain anyway. That let me enjoy the sunset from inside where I could avoid the bugs. I also ended the day with very little water. I skipped cooking anything that would use water so I just had some granola bars for dinner. I then skipped brushing my teeth to save water.
Date: 2017-06-12
From: Symms Gap campsite

To: Wind Rock
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Without the rain fly I had a perfect view of the sunrise. I started hiking by 7:00 to try to get as many miles in while it was still cool out. The next water source was seven miles away. Those seven miles went pretty smooth. A good portion of it was downhill. After lunch there was an uphill to the next shelter where I took another break. It was only 4:45 so I figured it was too early to stop so I continued on to the next campsite about 4 miles away on level ground. Soon after starting out I was regretting the decision. The hike was a couple miles of hiking over jagged rocks. I finally got to the crowded campsite and found a spot and then went to enjoy the cliff view of another beautiful sunset before making my dinner in the dark.With the sunset view I was glad I continued on. Besides I'd probably just complain about hiking that section the next day.
Date: 2017-06-13
From: Wind Rock

To: Laurel Creek Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

First five miles were fairly easy, getting me to a shelter where others were hanging out for lunch. No one was anxious to get moving because there was an uphill waiting. After spending too much time there I strapped my pack on and started down the trail. Not far down was a good size creek where others hikers were rinsing off in the water so I dropped my pack and hopped in rinsing out my shirt and socks and wiping off the sweaty dirt I was covered in. I did not spend too much time there before starting the uphill climb to get a new layer of dirt and sweat. The last half mile was pretty steep and used up the last of my water. Just beyond the top was Kelly Knob which would have been a great spot for a snack but with no water I continued on the the shelter where I could get water. With the long day yesterday and feet hurting from more walking over rocks I decided to call it a day by 5:00.Perhaps tomorrow will be a better mileage day.
Date: 2017-06-14
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

The first three miles of the day were fairly easy. Perhaps I should have done them last night. The hike went through some farm land. Good thing it was not during the middle of the day since there was no shade. At the end of the pasture part of the hike was the Keffer Oak the largest Oak on the AT in the south measuring 18 feet around and over 300 yrs old. After that was the 1100 ft steep climb. While it was tough I still felt pretty good at the top. There was a nice spot overlooking the farm land that I passed through where I stopped for lunch, peanut butter Nutella and honey on a tortilla. Before I had started the climb I filled up two liters of water knowing that there was water at the shelter at the top. When I got there and was down to a half liter I realized that the shelter was 0.4 miles off the trail. I had six miles to go to the next shelter and at the time I was in the shade and it was all downhill to the next stop so I passed on the 0.8 round trip. The first part was a comfortable hike but then the trail led to a rock outcropping. It was a beautiful view from there but then the trail continued along those rocks for way too long. The hike was a little difficult and the sun was beating down. I finished my water and still had a couple miles to go. When I had got to the top of the climb I felt that I had another ten miles in me but this six mile portion was tougher than I thought it would be. I was very happy to get to the shelter and get some water.  This is the third day I ran out of water to soon. Actually the fourth if I include the first day back when I ended the day with only a quarter liter. I was still considering putting in some more miles but my feet were aching with possible blisters. I figured I'd eat dinner and then decide. Then soon to follow thunder helped make that decision. I claimed a spot in the shelter and called it a day.
Date: 2017-06-15
From: Niday Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I had a couple easy miles before starting an uphill 2 mile climb. At the top I got to a memorial for Audie Murphy. He was the most decorated World War II soldier. At the memorial five guys in their mid twenties that were at the shelter last night caught up to me.From there was a long down hill to a road with a creek running next to it. There was a couple hanging out in the water. Being hot and sweaty I took off my boots and waded into the water to rinse off. I told the southbound couple that I was debating stopping at next shelter or trying to go further. They said that rain was due to hit in the next few hours and the hike to Dragons Tooth would be difficult in the rain. In the meantime the hikers from Minnesota caught up to me and were considering camping near the stream because the next shelter was 0.3 off the trail.I continued on to the shelter and found it completely empty. After laying out my stuff in the shelter I saw three of the guys show up but stayed uphill to set up their tents. Soon after another Grant from the group showed up. Ten minutes later the storm hit. Five minutes later two of the guys came running down with their unasembled tents to get coverage in the shelter. Soon their whole group was in the shelter giving up on their tenting prospects. The rain eventually stopped. I cooked my dinner and was disappointed that I had eaten two protein bars for what I thought would be my dinner thinking that the rain would last longer.
Date: 2017-06-16
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Four Pines Hostel 
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a long four mile uphill hike to get to Dragons Tooth ( a stone monolith).  Being pretty tired, sore, and not very limber I decided not to try and climb it. There were nice views from there so I took a break there for lunch. I kept it short because it looked like rain was coming. The hike down the other side was worse than the long climb up. At the start of the downhill was a fairly tall stone wall with narrow edges to climb down which was quite difficult. I wonder how hikers with dogs dealt with that. While maneuvering on that wall the rain started up. From there was a lot more rock sections where I had to use all fours to get down. The rain did not help make for some very slippery rocks. I was so happy to finally have a clear trail for the last mile of the hike. After reaching Newport Road it was a 0.3 mile hike to Four Pines Hostel. There I ran into a few other hikers that I had seen on the trail from before my month long break. The hostel was a six car garage on a farm that was filled with old couches and some lawn furniture. After I was able to take a shower (no towel included) more hikers were showing up so I hurried up and claimed one of the lawn chaise lounges to sleep on. The bigger benefit of the hostel was the evening run to Homeplace Restaurant for a family style all you can eat dinner. Then a stop at the gas station for trail resupply and beers to drink back at the hostel.
Date: 2017-06-17
From: Four Pines Hostel 

To: Lambert Meadow Shelte
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's hike started out thru some farm lands for a couple of miles before hitting forest again. It was good to get that in before it got to hot out. Six miles in I got to the parking lot where day hikers start out to get to McAfee Knob, the most photographed spot on the trail. From there on up to the top I saw a lot of day hikers with it being the weekend.  When I got to the top I was surprised to see there was nobody up there. But soon enough more people started to show up. After spending some time there I continued to the next shelter to find no one there. It was almost 5:00 rain was coming and the next shelter was six miles away. I wanted to get into Roanoke the next day early in the afternoon and if I stayed at this shelter I would have to do 15 miles tomorrow. I had data access and radar showed the storm would only last 45 minutes so I continued on. The rain started about a half hour into the hike and I started to have regrets. But then it did stop as the radar suggested and I did have a nice view from the cliffs down into the valley for a good portion of the hike. My feet began to ache pretty bad as I descended down to the next shelter arriving around 8:30. Luckily there were only two others in the shelter so I did not have to set up my tent. One of the hikers was a Spaniard who Did not speak much English. I had met several times over the past week. Both of them were already in their sleeping bags. I did not feel like cooking so I just had a protein bar for dinner and went to sleep myself
Date: 2017-06-18
From: Lambert Meadow Shelte

To: Roanoke VA
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

In the morning I could see just how bad my feet looked they were pretty raw in spots and I was not looking forward to the nine miles I had to get into town. There was a little uphill to deal with which led to some nice views but with my feet hurting I was ready to start the downhill. Unfortunately the remaining part of the cliff portion and the first part of the downhill had a lot of rocks which hurt my feet with every step I took. I was so happy to get to just a dirt trail a little further down the hill. I was even happier when I made it to town around 1:30. My aunt and uncle, have some friends Brian and Lynn who live here and they invited me to stay with them. Brian picked me up and took me back to their home.I took my boots off outside, as they were covered in mud, to see that my feet were now in even worse shape. After I had taken a shower Brian got me something to soak my feet in and gave me a much needed beer. This was the first time I had met them and now they are taking care of this invalid who showed up at their door. They could not have been more welcoming. I enjoyed talking with them while watching golf and later Brian grilled some steaks for dinner. With my feet in bad shape they said I could stay over another night. It is supposed to rain tomorrow and having an extra day off my feet would be vey helpful
Date: 2017-06-19
From: Roanoke VA

To: Roanoke VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up with my feet still in bad shape after making an omelet and bacon breakfast Brian took me to the local urgent care facility. They told me to stay off my feet for a while. They gave me something to soak my feet in and gave me some antibiotics. Originally I thought I'd have to cover 70 miles before the next town. When the doctor told me the concern of getting stuck in the middle of nowhere with my feet getting worse I thought the hike may be over and I started to tear up. After getting back to Brian and Lynn's house I started to look into one way car rentals and Greyhound schedules. I took another look at the guide book to see that there is another town only 28 miles away. If I do that at five to seven miles a day versus trying to finish I two days I should be able to lessen the wear on my feet and give them time to dry out and rest each day and reassess in the next townAfter lounging around their house and visiting with Brian and Lynn we went to Ballast Point Brewing Company. It is a new brew pub in Daleville. A couple of beers are sure to help the healing process. We had a great dinner their and then went back to their house and watched a movie.Brian and Lynn have been so wonderful to me I cannot thank them enough for all they have done.
Date: 2017-06-20
From: Roanoke VA

To: Fullhardt Knob Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I got a late start because I was only planning to do five miles. Brian took me to Krogers to resupply food for the trail and there was an outfitter next door where I bought extra socks to try to keep my feet drier.I was on the trail before 1:00 and made it to the campsite by 4:00. I was the first there but others came along soon after. Along the hike I came across pine cones in the middle of the trail arranged to spell out "1/3" signifying how much of the trail Is behind us.  I wish I could have said it was how much of the trail I had completed but I had skipped forward almost 300 miles when I got back on.  I am kind of sad that each of those milestones that I come across will have a little less meaning to my progress.After setting up my tent and eating I was talking to another hiker at the picnic table by the shelter another hiker showed up that I had met at the Uncle Johnny's Hostel in Erwin. While the three of us were talking I said that I had been at that hostel for a week hoping to recover from my heel problem but he had topped me with a thee week stay there. He was doing a work for stay there and says he plans to go back there to work after the hike to help out as the southbounders go through Erwin.
Date: 2017-06-21
From: Fullhardt Knob Shelter

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: broken clouds

It was a very lazy day today. Knowing that I was only doing about six miles to go easy on my feet I took my time leaving the shelter site. I did not leave until about noon. The downside of that is now I am hiking during the hottest part of the day. There were a few streams along the way which made for nice rest stops.I got into the next shelter site just before 4:30. Other hikers would stop there for a break and then continue on. An older southbound guy showed up that was staying at the shelter. We talked while we each made our dinners. During that time a few others showed up including Flower Child who I had seen a few times along the trail. She was also part of the group at the all you can eat restaurant last week. She also had to get off the trail with some foot problems and would up buying new shoes. Also I forgot to mention that today was hike naked day. I did not participate nor did I see anyone. There was a couple leaving the shelter site this morning who said they were going to once they started hiking. Some southbounders that I ran into did confirm that she was hiking topless. Perhaps I should have left the campsite earlier than noon
Date: 2017-06-22
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Around midnight overnight I heard a lot of rustling. At first i figured someone got in way late. Occasionally some hikers do some night hiking. I got up to pee but there was no sign of anyone around. The rustling was coming from about twenty yards outside of the campsite area. In the morning I heard another hiker talking about the bear he had seen overnight. He was in a hammock tent with a view to the surrounding area. My feet are feeling better and it was time to add some miles today. I wound up doing almost 14 today I played leapfrog with a woman Hiker named Earlybird. I met up with her and Foxy, a male hiker, at an overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway for lunch. Probably half of the hike today ran along the parkway and crossed it several times. Foxy stayed at the lunch spot to wait for friends while Earlybird and I continued leapfrogging. She had some shin problems and got off the trail after ten miles today.I made it to the shelter around 6:30 and had the place all to myself for about an hour. After changing into my cleaner less sweaty camp clothes and eating, Foxy pulled into the shelter with his friends showing up with headlamps on after dark.
Date: 2017-06-23
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Jennings Creek
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: light rain

I did a vey short day to make it to Middle Creek Camp Ground so I could resupply there, shower, get a burger, and hang out by the pool. I thought there would be other hikers here but it is only families at the pool. While eating my burger Foxy and Hazmat showed up just to get a burger and recharge their phones. They are avoiding the heat of the afternoon and then are going four more miles to next shelter. Perhaps I should have done the same to get more miles in, but relaxing by pool is nice too. Just wish they sold beers here. Soon after I typed that last sentence, Cindy, a woman that I was talking to earlier at the pool came back from her RV with a grocery bag with a few beers in it for me. I had made a similar comment to her that the only thing missing about this place is that the store does not sell beer. For dinner I had another burger and sat and talked to an older woman whose husband is hiking the trail. She is following along in their RV and meets up with him every three or four days.Then I headed back to the pool and a large Pennsylvania Dutch family came to the pool. I had asked the dad where they were from because they had an accent. The dad was asking me about the hike and soon all the kids in the pool were gathered at the end of the pool listening.
Date: 2017-06-24
From: Jennings Creek

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

I got a ride back to the trail from the Middle Creek Campsite. There were a couple of hikers at the trail head. The woman  looked familiar and then realized she was at the hostel in Erwin. Her name is Pearl. We talked a bit then I hiked on. I took a break at the first shelter I got to and soon after Pearl showed up with a few others I met back in Erwin, (Songbird & Hoot) and Tunnel Rat who I had crossed paths with over a 100 mile stretch also showed up.I hiked on to the next shelter and saw my first rattlesnake along the way.  The  same group caught up again. I learned the Pearl was a recent grad of ASU so we talked about Tempe a bit. Everyone hit the trail again but they all got ahead of me. It has been mostly uphill all day and I've been moving slower and slower. The guide book said that the next shelters water source was unreliable so I filled up all four of the liter containers I had which added a lot of weight. The last part of the hike took me under a site call the guillotine. It was large rock suspended between two rock walls. I finally got into the shelter site where we would be camping for the night.  There was another woman Hiker the named Savage working on a fire to get rid of the bugs. I learned that one of the other woman hikers named Lake was a deadhead. She picked that up from here father. Why couldn't my kids have done the same.
Date: 2017-06-25
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: scattered clouds

I sat around talking to the others too long this morning and did not leave until 9:20. Some of the others had left already and the ones that did not passed me a mile into the hike. I did catch up to Lake and Pearl who had stopped for something to eat at a gravel road crossing. They were just leaving and commented only 9.9 until beer and food. They were all heading into Glasgow for the night. I had resupplied at the Middle Creek Campground so I am skipping the town visit. At that same gravel road I met Snake Eater who was part of the Green Beret charity AT relay team. I told him to say hi to Omar and Jen who I had met back in the Smokeys as part of that same relay.I reached the road that would have taken me into town after crossing the longest foot bridge on the AT which is actually named after William T Foot. If someone had drove up and said do you need a ride into town I would have taken them up on it. Since that did snot happen I pressed on th o the next shelter. It was a nice hike along a river for a while before starting uphill. When I got there around 7:30 there was just a a southbound couple at the site. Stay we're going to tent behind the shelter. After talking to them a bit while making dinner I had the shelter all to myself. I had a hard time falling asleep. My legs were very sore from back to back long days for me.
Date: 2017-06-26
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Camp site past Reservoir Rd
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Like most hikes after a town today was a long uphill to start. And I did not even have the benefit of the town visit. Once at the top however there were some beautiful views. Just before reaching the second outlook spot I came across Snake Eater who I met the day before. He was headed southbound.  He had gone into town the night before and then arranged a slack pack hike from a spot north of town back into town. So he got the benefit of covering the same section as me but hiking downhill. Plus he gets to spend another night in town and then they will drop him off at that same spot with his pack to continue north. As I hiked I ran into two others that were on that same slackpack hike. The second one was called Blue Hat. She was an older woman whose brother lives in Elmhurst.  We talked about restaurants we have eaten at there.I reached Punchbowl Shelter around 5:00 where I stopped for a break and talked to a couple hikers there for too long. I pushed on planning on going to a campsite 4.5 miles up trail. When I got to the gravel road where there was supposed to be camping I looked in the book again to see it was supposed to be 0.2 miles south. I backtracked beyond that distance to find nothing. I turned around again and headed back north. I crossed the road and finally found a stealth spot about half a mile further. I wound up eating and set I'd get up my tent in the dark.