morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-03-16
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Woodchuck's Hostel
Miles today: 17.7

The section of trail that I have been walking for the past two days is sometimes known as the Tennessee Turnpike.  There are still many elevation changes but it is pretty much smooth sailing and there are not many towns at which to stop.  However, I am getting to a portion of the trail where there are reports of some deep snow on the trail.  So tomorrow I will let the weather decide whether or not I will be a walkin'
Date: 2018-03-17
From: Woodchuck's Hostel

To: Woodchuck's Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

With reports of 12"-18" in the mountains ahead, the weather dictated that I not press on today so I holed up here at the WoodChuck.  I have stayed in a number of hostels and I find that they range in both price and quality.  This one has the added bonus of being a work for stay establishment.  If you are willing to do some work around the hostel, you get a significantly discounted rate.  I made waffles and coffee and served breakfast and saved money in the process. This whole trail community and experience is an amazing thing.  For anyone who has dreamed of attempting this I would encourage you to give it a shot.  It seems the weather has become an over riding factor on the trail and this is no exception as it will again decide as to whether or not tomorrowI will be a walkin'
Date: 2018-03-18
From: Woodchuck's Hostel

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

The weather was clear enough for me to start fairly early and, with daylight saving time, I was able to walk 17 miles.  I will be trying to make some serious miles tomorrow because, believe it or not, I hear there may be another storm heading in soon and I would really rather not be caught in my tent or a shelter if I should have to hole up again for a couple of days.  Every hike is different and it seems that this years hike will be known for the weather.  But when preparing for a thru hike it is best to be prepared and I am so as long as the trail is passible, I will still be a walkin'
Date: 2018-03-19
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Dickie's Gap
Miles today: 17.0

Today I started walking relatively early and by noon I had walked 12 miles and made it to a shelter. However,with news of another impending snow storm I decided to try and get somewhere a little more warmer to ride out the storm. So I had lunch and started walking again. I made it to a crossroad at Dickie's Gap but seeing no town I got out my map and saw that the town of Troutdale was a couple of miles down the road. In true hiker fashion, I started walking in that direction a held out my thumb. I short order a nice fellow pulled over a gave me a ride into town, took me to a Dollar General for resupply and then took me to the local Baptist Church where hey have a basement room just for hikers no charge. It isn't exactly a hostel but it is warm and dry and there is a clothes line to dry out your clothes all for not charge. Another form of trail magic! I will keep my eye on the weather for right now it looks like it could be another day or so before I will again be wakin'
Date: 2018-03-22
From: Dickie's Gap

To: Chatfeld Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 20.0

I originally sat down to write this entry at Partnership Shelter. The weather has let up some as in, at least it is not snowing. There is some snow on the trail and the wind is pretty stiff but it is still passable. I made it 14 miles to Partnership Shelter and sat down for a rest and some lunch but then decided to head out for the next shelter which is about six miles away. One interesting thing about this shelter (Partnership) is that you can call for a pizza from a nearby visitor center and they will deliver it right here. Anyway, no pizza for me today as I headed for Chatfeld Memorial Shelter. I made it with plenty of daylight left so all is good. I hiked the whole day by myself and have the shelter to myself also. There were some footprints in the snow for me to walk in so that helped. Tomorrow I will try to make it to a town as it looks like there may be some big rain coming in on Saturday. We shall see, but for nowI'm a walkin'
Date: 2018-03-29
From: Garden Mountain Hostel

To: Lick Skillet Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 24.5

I was able to get back on the trail today and hike again.  On the one hand it is really a blessing to be able to put warm dry boots on in the morning and tie them with shoestrings that are not frozen popsicles, on the other hand they did not stay warm and dry for long.  All the rain and melting snow made the trail seem more like a fast moving creek than a trail.  My boots were soon soaked thru.  It is a funny thing about "water proof" boots....Once water gets inside the boots, it doesn't want to come out.  The only time I did not hear my feet squishing is when they were under water.
Date: 2018-03-30
To: Lick Skillet Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 9.6

Today was a relatively easy day.  I slack packed for 9.6 miles today on trails that are still wet but the water was not as deep as yesterday.  I am feeling good but I am a little anxious for better some actual Spring weather to i can hike more and think about the weather less.  But even with the weather challenges,I will still be a walkin'
Date: 2018-04-02
From: Angel's Rest Hiker Haven

To: Angel's Rest Hiker Haven
Miles today: 120.9

Today marks a return to making my journal entries.  I apologize to any who have been following along with me for my literary hiatus.  I slacked off originally because I was way laid by a couple of snowstorms.  Also, phone service was poor in a few places and it was hard to get information in or out.  But enough of the excuses as this journey is all about looking forward.  To start with, I really only slack packed about 24.5 miles today.  I say "only" because you will notice that the mileage entry attached shows considerably more.  We will call this a rounding error.  With today's entry I am making up for all the entries I missed and all the times I rounded milage of to my best guess.  I will try to fill in some of the blanks of the past couple of weeks and keep up better with the day to day journaling, but the important thing isI am still a walkin'
Date: 2018-04-03
From: Angel's Rest Hiker Haven

To: Wareburg Shelter
Miles today: 12.0

After walking for a while today I noticed that my left ankle was starting to get a little bit sore. And the day and miles wore on the soreness increased. The ground has been a little uneven (isn't it always on the trail?) but I don't remember twisting is at all. That being the case, I decided to call it a day after 12 miles and give it a rest. I am thinking that sometimes discretion is often a better route that trudging onward and, as the turtle once said to the hare, 'sometimes you have to go slow to go fast'. So, it may not be fast and it may not be far, butI am still a walkin'
Date: 2018-04-04
From: Wareburg Shelter

To: 4 Pines Hostel
Miles today: 4.0

The ankle was no better this morning when I started walking so I decided to make it a short day. I got to a fire road after about 4 miles and called the 4 Pines hostel and they sent a shuttle out to pick me up. What to do, What to do??Fortunately I have a niece that lives not too far away in Roanoke that I have been able to persuade to drive out here and give me a lift back to her place. After a great deal of thought, I have come to theorize that much of my foot/ankle problems are being caused by some wore out hiking boots. Tomorrow, I will see if Courtney and her boyfriend will drive me to an outfitter so that I might rectify this situation. I at not be tomorrow, but I will soon be a walkin'
Date: 2018-04-05
From: 4 Pines Hostel

To: Roanoke
Miles today: 0.0

My niece picked me up this morning. Thank you Courtney and Craig! We went to an outfitter where I was able to find some nice fitting size 13's. They are a little taller than my previous pair and seem to be well made. If they work out I be sure to write an enthusiastic review. I was also having some trouble with my pack but Osprey traded it out just like their warranty said. As far as the ankle goes, it is still sore so it is day to day as to when I am back on the trail.
Date: 2018-04-08
From: Roanoke

To: Lambert Meadows Shelter
Miles today: 10.0

My niece dropped me off at the trail this morning and I set off to test both my ankle and my new boots. I am happy to report that the both worked out well. Still, not wanting to tempt fate, I deliberately kept the mileage down today. Hopefully, this will pay off in the long run. The views on the trail are very nice. I saw McAfee's Knob. This is one of the most photographed spots on the trail. The view was good but I think it is so well known because hikers can get a nice picture of themselves sitting out on the rock outcropping. But the important thing is,I am once again a walkin'
Date: 2018-04-09
From: Lambert Meadows Shelter

To: Fulhardt Shelter
Miles today: 15.0

My plan these last couple of days has been to ease back into hiking to make sure my ankle does not flair up again. So far, so good. Actually, I had ten miles done by lunch time and decided to do another five. I am feeling pretty good so I sat down and argued with myself for a few minutes because myself was thinking about doing another five. I called it quits after 15 as a precautionary measure. I am still a walkin'.
Date: 2018-04-10
From: Fulhardt Shelter

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Things are looking up here on the trail. There is no snow on the ground and no snow storms are predicted. The temperatures are all together tolerable. The scenery along the trail is great. And my ankle is doing fairly well. With all that going for me, how could I not walk a little farther than I had originally planned? I got to my planned stopping point and it was still early afternoon so I meandered onward and ended up doing 20.5 miles. Leaves me with a short hike for tomorrow when I plan to take a nearo for some R & R & R (rest, recuperation, resupply). And since the place where I plan to stop is supposed to be pretty nice, I may even take a zero the next day. We shall see....But either way it is good to be able to be walkin'
Date: 2018-04-11
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Middle Creek Campground
Miles today: 3.2

Today was a nero. I called for a shuttle to the Middle Creek campground and they came right out to get me. It is listed as a campground but it has a bunkhouse that serves as a hostel for hikers as well. They have some resupply stock here or they will give you a ride into town if you prefer. That being said, I am feeling pretty good so I am thinking that today will be enough of a rest for a while and I will be back on the trail tomorrow. The weather is so much better than a couple of weeks ago it is hard to hold back. So, again tomorrow, I will be a walkin'
Date: 2018-04-12
From: Middle Creek Campground

To: Matt's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 26.4
Weather: few clouds

Today was anther day where I walked a little more than I had originally anticipated. Sometimes I find it best to just go until it feels right. Mostly by myself today except for the two section hikers that I talked to for a bit. But an altogether beautiful day for hiking. One of the things about starting so early in the year is that there is almost no "green" anywhere and your views are mostly unobstructed. Here in Virginia it is just starting to green up a little...not so much the trees yet but lots of the low lying rhododendrons and the like. With the coming of Spring also comes the coming of bugs and spider webs to welcome the first one to break trail in the morning. I have also been seeing more small wildlife as well as a momma bear and cubs off in the distance. A good thing to see and to be aware of. A lot of miles today so I think I will take a short day tomorrow. Whatever keeps me walkin'
Date: 2018-04-15
From: Stanimals 328 Hostel

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: few clouds

I met a couple of new hikers today (Grumpy and Grinder) and walked much of the day with them to Punchbowl Shelter. The shelter filled up tonight so I am thinking again that I will probably be doing more tenting than sheltering going forward.  Lots of up and downs today but I am feeling pretty good and the ankle gave me no problems either. So, I am still a walkin'
Date: 2018-04-16
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Cow Creek Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.1

The weather is always changing but I guess that is the way it is with weather. The day started off just being cold but then it mixed in the excitement of rain. And just to make the day complete we got a little bit of snow. Even with all of that, it was not that bad of a day. As long as the rain is not a storm and the snow is not 2' deep I will consider it a good day. We (myself, Grumpy, and Grinder) made it over 15 miles to Cow Creek Gap Shelter. A good day over all and a good day to be a walkin'
Date: 2018-04-17
From: Cow Creek Gap Shelter

To: Montebello Campground
Miles today: 13.8

I find that when you when you are hiking with others your plans have to be a little more fluid that when you are by yourself and that is not necessarily a bad thing. Today Grinder wanted to stop at the Montebello Campground and Grumpy and I followed along. It was a little off the trail but it turned out to be a pretty nice place and fairly inexpensive with the three of us splitting the cost.  The views are great, the weather is getting better and it is good to have company on the trail. A good day to be alive and walkin'!
Date: 2018-04-18
From: Montebello Campground

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: clear sky

A little bit of a longer day, some rock scrambles, three ridges to climb and walk along and some beautiful scenery. Another good day! The rocks were a little went and something of a challenge but I find that I really enjoy the rock scrambles. A little tired but feeling good. My signal is not always good so sometimes it is hard to get the info out to get my log entered in a timely manner but I am doing my best to keep up with the journal so if there is a lag in information, and unless you hear otherwise, be it known that I am still a walkin'
Date: 2018-04-19
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Stanimals 358 Hostel
Miles today: 21.1

Today we made it to Waynesboro. A slightly longer day but we plan to zero here tomorrow so it was definitely worth it. The day started off rocky again and there was lots of climbing but we crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway and it is just beautiful up here. There have been lots of challenges to date and I will say that you really don't know what you are getting into when you start this but it is totally worth it to do as much as you can because I am really loving this whole thing right now. Also, I would be remiss if I did not mention the trail magic/trail angels again. I will try to list some of them in a later post but they really do make this adventure more enjoyable and make the trail and hikers more of a community. Tomorrow is an off day but after that we will be back on the trail again!
Date: 2018-04-20
From: Stanimals 358 Hostel

To: Stanimals 358 Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Taking a break today. Stan runs a good hostel here. Very accommodating to all the hikers and always at the ready to give a ride into town. I went to the local out fitter today and got new inserts for my boots. My feet had been acting up so I am hoping that a little more arch support will do the trick. Also, I was having some trouble with my trekking poles and thought they might be shot but they helped me adjust them with a adjustment that I did not know about and now I am good to go.
Date: 2018-04-24
To: Big Meadow Wayside-Luray Virginia
Miles today: 7.5

This morning a group of us headed out with the intention of hiking about 13 miles depending on how we were feeling and how the weather held out.. About noon we stopped at the Big Meadow Wayside to take a quick break and eat some lunch. While there, it started to rain. As we watched it started to rain harder and the longer we watched, the harder it rained. Fortunately for us, there was a girl working at the wayside who volunteered to drive us into town. Five of us quickly accepted and found ourselves at the Cardinal Hotel in the town of Luray. It is a little older but a nice, well kept place. It turned out to be a good move because the storm got to be a little intense before it finally calmed down. The weather is supposed to be better tomorrow so, when the sun comes up, I will again be a walkin'
Date: 2018-04-25
From: Big Meadow Wayside-Luray Virginia

To: Bird's Nest #3
Miles today: 14.4

We got a bit of a slow start this morning due to the fact that we had to wait on our ride...a ride for which we are all very grateful. It is funny how one's surrounding cast of characters is always changing on the trail. Due to differing individuals and their differing situations, you are always running into different people but that is one of the great things about the experience. I have to say that even though I have crossed paths with many hikers, I have enjoyed almost all of their acquaintances, even more so than what I would expect out of the general population.  We walked a little over 14 miles today and stopped at Bird's Nest #3 Hut, which would be called a shelter on other parts of the trail. As it is getting more and more crowded at the shelters and as the spacing of the shelters seems to be fewer and farther between here in the Shenandoah Forest, I expect that I will start doing a little 'stealth' camping. This will allow me to walk what ever distance I feel without having to push farther on to a distant shelter or to lay up because I don't feel like pushing on. One of the truisms on the trail is that everyone must hike his (or her) own hike. Whatever you need to keep a walkin'HK
Date: 2018-04-26
From: Bird's Nest #3

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

Let's talk about hills. It seems everyone is different in what they like and don't like and in what they are good at and not good at, etc. What I am not especially fond of is the first hill of the day. It seems to take my cardiovascular system a few minutes to catch up with my feet. I find that early in the day everyone is passing me going up the first climb. After a while after I have warmed up some it is much better and I am passing others. Of course, it could just be a case of the tortoise and the hare too. But no matter as we are all doing it our own way. I did meet some hikers yesterday who are putting in some really long miles (28+/day). Their feet looked like hamburger with the blisters and all. I am hoping they heal up or it will be a long, painful hike for them. As for me, slower and steady as I continue walkin'
Date: 2018-04-28
From: Dan and Molly Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

The weather is getting nicer and the shelters are getting more crowded on the weekends but that just means you get to meet more people.  There has been some rain and the trail here is rockier than most places so far.  That just means that I have to be extra careful of my footing so as not to turn my ankle again.
Date: 2018-04-29
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bears End Hostel
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Started 'The Roller Coaster' today.  Continuous ups and downs and the ups seem to be steeper than most climbs.  i am not complaining as this type of terrain seems to suit me the best.  I am nearing the halfway point and, not that things will be any easier, but I am thinking that psychologically Things will get easier.  We shall see.  Either way, I will still be a walkin'
Date: 2018-04-30
From: Bears End Hostel

To: Stonybrook Hostel
Miles today: 11.0

Today I finished the 'Roller Coaster". It was a long stretch of steep ups and downs but I liked it as none of the up were more than 600' I think. Though there was a hostel closer to the trail, I had heard some good reports on the Stonybrook Organic Farm and Hostel. It is both of those things along with being a commune that is part of the Twelve Tribes network. That being said, it is a religiously based commune. It is a beautiful place and all of the people seem very nice all for the low price of Zero Dollars. All they ask is that you work a little (I mopped a floor tonight) or consider a donation before you leave. It is certainly nice enough for me to consider a zero day tomorrow before I make the hike to Harpers Ferry. If so, I will give more of a report on the hostel/commune. So, maybe arrest day tomorrow before I continue walking.
Date: 2018-05-01
From: Stonybrook Hostel

To: Stonybrook Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I decided to take my rest day here at the Stony brook Hostel. A really nice place with friendly people. It is a religious community but it was altogether a relaxing day. Tomorrow I will hit the trail relatively early and head into Harper's Ferry. This is the unofficial half way point on the trail.
Date: 2018-05-02
From: Stonybrook Hostel

To: Edward B. Garvey Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 12.6

After a good breakfast provided by the Stonybrook Organic Farm and Hostel, they were happy to give me a ride back to the trail and I was hiking by about 8:00am. There were some elevation changes but it was only about 5 miles into Harper's Ferry. I spent a couple of hours there looking around and visiting the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Funny Story: When I went into the office to sign in I noticed that there was some whispering and strange looks going on as the folks behind the desk saw me walk in. It turns out that there had been a disturbance and one of the hostels I had stayed in and apparently there had been a notice sent on up the trail. This hostel had a security camera that took your picture when you entered. The individual in question had since been apprehended but apparently, my picture had somehow been attached to his name! I quick look at my ID and Trail Journal cleared things up. It probably did not help that I have recently shaved my head and my family tells me it makes me look like a criminal! ha Anyway, I then hiked on up the trail for a few miles to this shelter. Now I will sit down and consider my options for tomorrow's hike.
Date: 2018-05-03
From: Edward B. Garvey Memorial Shelter

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: clear sky

 This was my worst day yet! The trail was not more difficult than usual but the temperature reached into the 90's and I am not acclimated to the heat yet. I know that it will probably always be a bit of a struggle carry a pack up hills when the temperature is over 90 but today my body was in full rebellion. At one point I had slowed to about .5 mph as I stopped to rest often. No need to worry about dehydration as I drank over 6 liters of water. However, until I get used to the heat I will be leaving earlier in the morning and moderating my speeds and distances. Depending on the heat tomorrow, I may try to make it a long day as I am in need of a re-supply but I may have to let the trail and conditions dictate my hike for a while. Either way, I am still a walkin'
Date: 2018-05-05
To: Fayetteville, PA
Miles today: 17.3

I guess you could say that I am now in the North since I have crossed the Mason-Dixon Line.  I hiked from 6:00 to 2:30 with three breaks will trying to beat the heat and conserve some energy. I am staying tonight at the Trail of Hope Hostel.  For $22 you get a bed to sleep in, laundry facilities, breakfast and a ride into town for resupply.....a pretty good deal.  I have been remiss in recording major milestones so I will make an effort to rectify that going forward.  For now it should be known that I have put both Virginia and West Virginia in my rear view mirror.  I am now in Pennsylvania and still walkin'
Date: 2018-05-06
From: Fayetteville, PA

To: Trail of Hope Hostel
Miles today: 11.3

Today was a slack pack back to the hostel and it was a introduction into 'Rocksylvania'.  Seeing as I have had a little trouble with my ankles I will be paying close attention to my footing for the next few weeks but so far so good.  Tomorrow, we will proceed onward.