morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Stream near Lemon Gap

To: Hot Springs, NC 
Miles today: 14.8

Group planned to stay near Deer Park Shelter, however the weather looked like more rain was coming so they pushed on to Hot Springs today. Arriving late, and with the big hiker festival this weekend, there was no room at Elmer's hostel or anywhere else in town. Trail magic is a wonderful thing, and Adele was to receive much this night, just when things seemed bleak. That's the way it always is. The owner of a small grocery store the L&W let her and her friends tent on the lawn of the store. They were then directed to the Hot Springs community center where they were treated to a free dinner feast of Hot Dogs, Mac & Cheese, Salads, Pie and much more. Adele said she ate so much she almost got sick.   They all got showers at the center! Today she had a huge breakfast at the famous 'Smoky Mtn Dinner'   They all plan to take the day off (take a zero) today as the weather is going to be rain all day long, clearing up by tonight and clear for the weekend and most of next week.   They are heading over to Elmer's place right now to see if he will have a room for them to stay tonight. When they approached him earlier this morning, Elmer would not open the screen door, as he assessed if they were worthy hikers to stay at his place. She said she was not sure he liked her and Mouse, but I assured her, he did the same thing with me before he decided I was a long distance hiker, and worthy of his trust.
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Hot Springs, NC 

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0

First true Zero day on the trail for Adele! Spent Friday doing all the normal hiker town chores while it rained. Picking up supply boxes sent to the outfitters, doing laundry, and of course stuffing themselves with massive quantities of town food! Eating at the Smokey Mountain Dinner and of course the famous hot springs to rest in. The highlight was Adele's early birthday party complete with a fresh baked cake from the community center. Unfortunitly there was no room at 'Elmers Sunnybank Inn" Lisa and I sure enjoyed the ecentric old house and Elmer. Stayed further down Bridge Street (which is also the AT) at the Iron Horse Inn.
Date: 2013-04-22
From: tent near Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Mountain medow - 2 miles north of Sams Gap
Miles today: 18.8

Eat dinner at Hogback Ridge Shelter. Then hike an additional 4 miles after to a fab meadow on top of mountain(the sign of a true long distance thru hiker is to keep going even after dinner). Stayed up till midnight watching the stars and looking for asteroid showers with her friends Mouse and Blimey. Great night for a tent under the stars! I could tell from her description that this was the highlight of this weeks hike.
Date: 2013-04-24
From: near No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin TN - Best Southern Hotel
Miles today: 5.8

Easy Nero(almost Zero) day to Erwin TN. Hike is mostly downhill and easy. Got a ride into town from Uncle Jonnies hostel shuttle. Had McDonalds Big Mac on arrival! Adele sounded very pleased with this. She said it was her first of many on the trail. Not sure where she is going to get all these Big Macs from. Achilles tendon still bothering her. I told her to ice it tonight and do downward dog stretches every day to keep it loose. She said she would take it easy on the trail next week. Mouse and Blimey got a room with Adele at the Best Southern Hotel. Nick (Pretzel) took 2 zero days in Hot Springs, so he is a day behind at least. Told Adele when she called today that Sylvia (my sister) and Ed (her Grandfather) gave her sizeable cash birthday gifts that I deposited in her checking account for use on the trail. Thanks to Dad and Sylvia Stevens for there financial support of this hike. All others are welcome to contribute to the cause, as Adele is out of funds. just send check to Adele Whipps, 4241 Gavin Lane, Col, OH 43220. I'll deposit it for her! Her next trail town is Hampton, TN. You can send her a package to the Post Office at zip code 37658 where I am sending her next supply box. PS - Added some photos from Nicks long hike of Adele to earlier journal entries. Check them out. Good shots.
Date: 2013-04-26
From: Curley Maple Gap Shelter

To: Campsite 1 mile short of Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 20.9

Big 21 mile day after a few days of rest. Hiked over some of the best views of the AT today. Beauty Spot Bald, and Unaka Mountains dense spruce forest on summit. Camped at a great spot for watching the stars. Thanks to Trina from Paramus, New Jersey for your contribution to Adele's Hike. Best of luck with life and having your own adventure hiking the AT someday!
Date: 2013-04-28
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: B&B at Roan Mountain, TN
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: clear sky

This was Adeles first hard day on the trail. Adele did not feel like getting up today. She had a bad feeling about the weather turning ugly today, and considered staying the day at Overmountain. Her hiking friends would have none-of-it and encouraged her to push on. By the time she was ready her hiking buddy¢s had exploded up the trail. Adele got hot quickly as she was wearing down coat. She had to stop to stow, and by the time, she did, her hiking buddy¢s were well down the trail. The weather became ugly on Little Hump. Lots of drenching rain and high winds of 30 to 40 miles per hour that about knocked her over at times. She was drenched through her raincoat, and had to walk 8 miles without a break to avoid hypothermia and to reach the trail head at US19E. In another twist of trail magic, her hiker friends had stopped at US19E. Now there now worried about Adele. When she showed up, they hitched a ride with "Dreamer" who is from Columbus, OH and great friends with Redneck (Ryan) from Outdoor source at Kings dale shopping center in UA. Dreamer, made sure they got to the B&B in the town, and then took them all shopping and dining in town. The day was scary until being picked up.
Date: 2013-04-29
From: B&B at Roan Mountain, TN

To: Campsite one mile from Moreland Gap 
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night Adele stayed on the floor at a small B&B for 5 bucks. They normally charge $80. So it was a good deal. In the morning the gave all the hikers a lift over to Mountain Harbor Hostel which provided a fantastic breakfast that had been cooked from scratch starting at 4am, all for $10!!! She said they had Waffles, French Toast, Biscuits, Monkey Bread, Bagels, Fruit Salad, eggs, bacon, and on and on. So she was well fed for the long 17 mile hike today.
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Campsite one mile from Moreland Gap 

To: Hampton, TN stop - then Pond Flats Campsite
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Arrived in Hampton by 11 a 10 mile hike. Had lunch and picked up my care package of trail food. She reported that her back has been sore from the pack rubbing. I told her to look for a new pack in Damascus when she gets there this weekend. I think her crew decided to hike on to Pond Flats for the night. She also posted Facebook photos on 5/1 from Watuga lake by 9:30 AM. She is carrying lots of food weight from the supply box today. She should reach Damascus by Friday evening!
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Hampton, TN stop - then Pond Flats Campsite

To: Campsite past Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 16.6

Adele tried to carry an extra ten pounds of supplies with her from Hampton to Damascus. This proved to be a big mistake. I told her to ship it ahead, but she is so worried about her low cash situation, that she decided to carry. She started to limp on her right foot as she has a sharp pain between the ankle and the top of her foot.
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Campsite past Vandeventer Shelter

To: TN 91 - Emergency Shuttle to Damascus, VA
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Adele called today with the bad news that her foot is still in great pain. She limped all the miles today, but decided she needed to get off the trial for a few days and hopefully let her foot heal. I told her to get it checked out by a Doctor in town, or a nearby town.   She needs to have an x-ray to determine if she has a fracture or stress fracture to bone in the top of her foot. She was worried that she could not afford a doctor, but she has Honda health insurance, so it will cover any of the costs. She felt better once I reminded her of this, and she will seek medical attention when she gets to town. Thanks Honda!   6:00 PM UPDATE Adele called and said she just got back from Johnston City Hospital. The prognosis looks good as the Doctor took x-rays and examined at emergency room. He thinks it is just early tendonitis, and she needs to rest 2 or 3 days. To her that meant to start hiking again on Saturday. I talked her into resting the rest of today, Friday and Saturday, then getting a slack pack (carry just a small day pack - no weight) shuttle on Sunday from TN 91 back to Damascus. About a 20 mile hike, but easy trail and no pack! Then if all feels good, hike out toward Atkins on Monday! Hopefully, Mouse will catch up to her with her resting a few days. So this may all end up being a blessing in disguise. She received much trail magic today, getting the last private room at Dave's place, and getting a free ride to the hospital from a nice lady in town. She is happy to be taking a few days off. She now will get a shower, go to laundry mat then find a nice dinner place and load up again. She sounds good and in high spirits again. Thanks everyone for your support! Scott "TenYear" Whipps
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Damascus

To: Damascus (again)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Thank you so much for all of your kind words. My spirits are already one hundred times better today. I've embraced the town of Damascus and have become somewhat of a town expert; I've been helping the new hikers telling them what's what. I'm a little bored but with all the new people I'll find something to do. I'll update tomorrow after my slack-pack. Thank you again everyone!!
Date: 2013-05-05
From: TN 91 Road Crossing

To: Damascus, VA 
Miles today: 20.7

Report from TenYear: Talked to Adele tonight! She got a slack pack ride at 8:30 from LoneWolfs girlfriend for 5$. A super cheap shuttle ride! She hiked the 21 miles into Damascus for real this time, while carrying no weight. Said she was stiff to start, but then felt good. At one point, she walked through a cow pasture, and had to deal with a large herd of cattle, bulls, calves, and cows. She was scared when the cows acted aggressive with their calves. She was able to cross there path, but got lost as she was so worried she missed a blaze, and went to the next pasture. Eventually realizing she was lost, she retraced her steps back to the cow crossing and found the blaze she missed. All was good until near Damascus, she had to scramble over a large fallen tree, and when she landed, she hit her injured right foot which aggravated her tendinitis. Fortunately, she made it back to Damascus, by 3:30 just before the heavy rains. The forecast is for heavy rains again tomorrow, so she plans to take another zero day to rest the foot. She will leave Tuesday to head to Partnership shelter near Marion, VA by Saturday. Her mom Lisa, and sister Sarah, plan to meet her at Partnership or thereabouts on Saturday for a Mother¢s day celebration! She is excited to see everyone again!
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Pond near Beartree Gap

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: light rain

More good news from Sriracha. Hiked 16 miles in solid rain all day. Good thing I insisted on buying her some rain pants that actually fit her. She purchased in Damascus at the Mt Rogers Outfitters.   When she wore mine, as soon as they got weighted down with the rain, they would fall off he waste. Not very effective.   Hiked over Whitetop, Buzzards Rock, and and Elk Garden through rain and fog. Only place to stay was (Thomas Knob shelter which is near the summit of Mount Rogers. No tent spots are available anywhere near the shelter. This, and the rain lead to 19 hikers cramming in to stay dry for the night.   The shelter is larger than a normal shelter but it is only designed to hold 16. So they were packed together like Sardines.
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter Area (Planned)
Miles today: 11.0

Sriracha called me just after entering the Grayson Highlands area at about 11 am. The weather has turned near perfect today! Her foot is sore, but not painful. She is on track to make Partnership Shelter by Saturday afternoon, to meet her Mom and sister Sarah!
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Old Orchard Shelter Area (Planned)

To: Trimpi Shelter 
Miles today: 14.1

Sriracha hiked early, through the rain to Trimpi Shelter by 1:30 Got in before what looked like a big storm. Setup tent, however, other hikers told her they were moving on. She packed up and headed out, however, the other hikers had turned around and after seeing the bad weather conditions looming ahead. The big storm did come, and they all spent the night in the shelter.
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Marion, VA
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Sriracha here!!I'm not sure where Dad last updated but I wanted to put in a quick entry. I made it through the Grayson Highlands and saw some wild ponies. Two were at Thomas Knob shelter, and the rest were actually in the Highlands. One pony came up to me and was pretty persistant... it tried to eat my camera. The other hikers wanted me to get on one since I was the lightest hiker there. I did not go along with that plan. After the Highlands we celebrated our 500 mile mark at Wise Shelter by taking an extended three hour lunch to dry out all of our wet gear. Then we stayed at Old Orchard Shelter. I woke up early the next morning and hiked a really fast 14 to Trimpi. When I say fast I mean I was there by 1:30. It was supposed to rain hard so I just set up my tent thinking I was being smart and ahead of the game. It did rain... and then it stopped. Well now what? One hiker, Wolf Spider came in and moved on, and then my friend Pretzel came in and said that he and this group called The Fun Patrol were hiking 4 more to a camp site. AHHH what to do?!?So I pack my stuff back up again. And as I start leaving Wolf Spider has come back. He said it looked nasty and he was staying. I was pretty conflicted. In the end I decided to just stay and had a wonderful time with a bunch of other hikers in the shelter. Plus, I didn't have to deal with a wet tent.In the morning I practically ran the 10 miles in Partnership Shelter when my Mom and Sister met me. Right now I'm waiting while we perform some trail magic and shuttle some other hikers into town. I'm looking forward to a real bed tonight!!
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Marion, VA

To: Davis Path Campsite
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a big breakfast with Mom and sister Sarah in Marion. Adele ordered two large breakfasts. They dropped off Sriracha at trail-head next to Partnership shelter and said there good-byes. Sriracha felt good and hiked 15 miles to a campsite. She started out alone, but caught up to a few of her thru hiker friends after a few miles.
Date: 2013-05-14
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Laurel Creek - Bastian Hostel
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Sriracha called on 5/15 in the morning to say she was staying at a new Hostel known as Bastian Hostel run by 'True Grit'. She was very sad and upset upon hearing that a fellow hiker she had hiked with in the Smokies named 'Biscuit' had died suddenly on the trail. She hiked to day with 'Tumbleweed' and 'Foolhardy'
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Laurel Creek - Bastian Hostel

To: Damascus, VA - Trail Days! 
Miles today: 0.0

Sriracha had big breakfast at hostel and got a ride from 'Wolf Spider' to Damascus VA. She was able to set up her tent in the tent city area in the woods and felt at home again in this wonderful trail town. She is so excited about me joining her tomorrow night. Can't wait. The hiker festival party heats up tonight! I'll be bringing her summer sleeping bag, hammock, and more supplies. I'm also bringing water cannons to blast the hikers in the parade with! Apparently Biscuit died of natural causes, likely a heart attack. He was in his 40s. Very sad.
Date: 2013-05-18
From: Damascus, VA - Trail Days! 

To: Damascus, VA - Trail Days! 
Miles today: 0.0

Sriracha found us at the bathroom and showers on Saturday Morning. We all went to breakfast at the Bluebird Cafe. Shopped at Mt Rodgers Outfitters. Prepped supplies, tested her hammock and participated in the shortened hiker parade. Spent the evening with TruBrit Jamming with 5 other musicians, two fiddles, 3 guitarists, and a squeeze box and flute player.
Date: 2013-05-23
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: few clouds

Blue Bird left for home for a visit at Pearisburg. Sriracha and Spider hiked on, but stayed in town till 5 pm.   Late start, and then it rained. Hiked 7 miles in the rain and stayed at Rice Field Shelter.   I talked to Adele in Pearisburg and she is still not happy with the hammock and misses her hubba tent. She agreed to give it another week to see if she gets use to it.
Date: 2013-05-25
From: Wind Rock

To: Sinking Creek 
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Stopped for dinner and the night at a big hiker feed put on by the Good Mom's and Dad¢s of this year¢s thru-hikers that was near VA 42 crossing. Then spent the night near the feed. Photo: "Let¢s do the Time Warp Again" broke out in camp!
Date: 2013-05-26
From: Sinking Creek 

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: few clouds

Big Day as Spider and Sriracha started out early. After 12 miles, around dinner time, they reached VA 621. Spider decided to get a hitch to the famous Homeplace restaurant, a family style all-you-can eat buffet. According to Sriracha "there is endless fried chicken and everything else. They keep brining it to you until you puke"   After this they got ride back to trail head, but it was dark by now. The fearless hikers hiked on another 8.5 miles using their miner flashlights, and took on their first night hike of the year, which was awesome!
Date: 2013-05-28
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: few clouds

Perfect weather for McAfee Knob overlook and Tinker Cliffs! Slept in Lamberts Meadow Shelter, which was a mistake instead of using her hammock. Was eaten alive all night by the no-see-ems flees. Spend the night myself in this shelter a few years ago with Grandpa Moses, and Gideon after a 6 mile cold hike through rain and fog. We setup our hammocks right in the shelter as we were the only hikers in for the night. Tenyear
Date: 2013-05-29
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Daleville, VA - Super 8 Motel 
Miles today: 9.4

Perfect weather all week including today. Hiked the 9.4 easy miles by 10:30 into Daleville, VA where they dined at Cracker Barrel Sriracha¢s favorite restaurant. Adele reports that her foot is totally better! She also has made plans with Spider, to attend a wedding in Maryland in June. She also reports that the Hammock is working well now for her.
Date: 2013-05-31
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Bearswallow Gap - Buchanon, VA
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Sriracha and Spider got a hitch into Buchannon on Friday night on a whim to go see a movie. Photo is what she posted on Facebook. They ate at a small cafe and a trail angel approached them and offered a place to stay for the night. The trail angel and his wife hosted our hiking heroes at their home and cooked a big breakfast for them in the morning. The angel then gave them a tour of nearby historic Lexington, VA.    I'm sending her her sleeping pad and supplies to Waynesboro, VA, the entry to the Shenandoah Natl Park. We did not discuss any of her stops so I'm not including milage on this entry.
Date: 2013-06-01
From: Bearswallow Gap - Buchanon, VA

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 3.4
Weather: few clouds

Talked to Sriracha that Saturday. Had quite a nice stay near Buchanon and Lexington with the Trail Angel and his wife. They were given a tour of the town.   Sriracha admitted she and Spider were very happy now as a couple and that Mouse took it OK. Mouse tried to act like it was not a big deal, however he had just hiked double time to catch up with them over the last two weeks since the trail days fest in Damascus. She asked if I could overlook the fact that Spider was a U of Michigan grad. I said he seemed like a great guy when I met him in Damascus.   I must say, he has alot of personallity, funny, smart, and very polite. So he must not be all bad. They got on the trail late, so only hiked 3.4 miles.
Date: 2013-06-07
From: Rockfish Gap - Waynesboro, VA (Qaulity Inn)

To: Rockfish Gap - Waynesboro, VA (Hostel) 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Talked to Sriracha this morning. She and Spider, did 55 miles of slack packing from Buena Vista to Waynesboro in the last two days. Yesterday's 30 miler included the added challenge of doing it in pouring rain for the entire day and after dark, reaching Rockfish Gap and the Afton (ugh) hotel after 9PM.   Got a ride from quirky yet reliable Trail Angel (Debose Eggleton) to the Quality Inn. Sriracha said Debose saved their lives as they were cold, tired, and hungry. When they got to Waynesboro, they ate everything in site at the McDonald's!   The goal was to catch up with Tumbleweed and Foolhardy, which they did. They are all taking a well deserved Zero day today, eating lunch at my favorite place on the trail the Ming Garden, before hitting the Shenandoah's tomorrow!   She is so happy, and looking forward to hiking the famous Shennys! I will update the last weeks miles and details when I have more time this weekend. TenYear
Date: 2013-06-08
From: Rockfish Gap - Waynesboro, VA (Quality Inn) 

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: few clouds

Sriracha for real this time!! I wish I had more time to give you a proper update, but I'll try and do my best with the short amount of time that I have. Let's see, where to begin....I think the most important thing to mention is that I hiked 55 miles in two days. Spider and I made it to Buena Vista where we were picked up by the most incredible woman Sandie Greene. She took us out for dinner, shared her home and was incredible company. When we got to Buena Vista we arranged a two day slack-pack so that we could make it to Waynesboro in only 2 days. The first day we did 25 miles and ended our hike with an extremely slow, and rocky night hike that ended at 2 in the morning. The second day we hiked for 30 miles in the pouring rain. Needless to say we were exhausted and earned a zero here in Waynesboro. Our goal was to make up some miles and catch up to some friends who got ahead of us while we were at Trail Days. With everything accomplished it's time to enjoy the beautiful Shenandoah's. We will be stopping at every wayside I hope. I'm slowing making my way towards 1000 miles which is truly exciting. Every day that I'm out on the trail I feel an intense sense of pride and accomplishment; Don't expect me to quit anytime now. This is happening. Maine is happening.
Date: 2013-06-11
From: Ivy Creek area.

To: Bearfence Mtn Hut
Miles today: 30.7
Weather: broken clouds

Saw first Bear of this year hike prior to Lewis Mtn Campground, about 5 or 6 miles before the appropriately named, Bearfence Hut. It was full sized. Adele was leading the group and the Bear was right on the trail. It looked up, sized up Adele for a few minutes, then moved on
Date: 2013-06-13
From: Big Meadows Wayside - Luray, VA 

To: Luray, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Waiting out a major storm system in Luray prior to leaving on weekend trip to Cambridge, Maryland for a good friend of Spiders wedding.   Sent Sriracha's dresses and high heals to hotel on Cambirdge.   She posted on Facebook that she was concerned she might end her hike by falling off her high heals and breaking an ankle!