morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-02
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: snow

Day 35:   The worst day of my life to this point.The rain changed to very wetsnow around lunch. This stretch of trail has 18.2 miles between shelters with very few places to get out of the moutains.   The trail became almost impassable because of trees weighed down withsnow and the miles slowed way down. Conditions: heavy snow,high winds, temps high was 20 degrees. Had trouble staying on the trail because of Heavy snow and white blazes. Got to the shelter, put on my last dry layer and got into my sleeping bag. The high winds blew snow in on me. My sleeping bag got wet during the night so I was very wet and cold all night. The next morning we had 3 inches of snow in the shelter and everything was frozen. My boots, the clothes I had to put on, and everything that had gotten wet the day before was frozen solid. All of this had to go in my pack. We made it down the mountain to Kincora Hostel to warm up and dry out. We survived but were in trouble! I plan to watch the weather and give myself options in the future! Paladin GA-ME-05       0 degree                                                                  s'Hadtroubl e staying on the trail because of blazes
Date: 2005-04-03
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 6.1

DAY 36:   We made it to the Kincora Hostel and spent the rest of the day recovering from our ordeal. Love this place and Bob is a super person. Shopping-- clothes--and shower! Also drying all my gear.       Much better day than yesterday.                                    Paladin GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-04-04
From: Kincora Hostel

To: US-321 Hostel
Miles today: 8.9

Day 37:   Did from Kincora to Watauga lake road (US-321) then spending onemore night at the hostel.   Played spades and Trivial Pursuit with the guys. Tomorrow back towork. The trail is supposed to be pretty easy on into Damascus,VA.            Paladin GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-04-05
From: US-321 Hostel

To: Iron Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 38:   What a difference a couple of days make! Todays temp was in the high 70's with sunshine.   Stopped at the Watauga Dam for a while then made my way on to thethe top. Caught up with Four Cheese again at Iron Mountain shelter.He was in his hammock and I had the shelter to myself.            Paladin   GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-04-06
From: Iron Mountain Shelter 

To:  (The Place) Damascus,VA.
Miles today: 25.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 39:Long miles into town but great trails, smooth, level, and easy tofollow. Stopped for lunch at Abingdon Gap Shelter then made my waydown to the TN/VA line. One more state gone by the wayside.Hiked into town at about 1800 hrs. Then I went to the Baha formexican food.About twelve hikers at the Hostel tonight:Four Cheese, Scarecrow,Lizard, Cat, and a lot I don't know. Tomorrow- ready early,then on outof town.         Paladin GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-04-07
From:  (The Place) Damascus,VA.

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

DAY 40:   Did not leave town until after lunch because of errands, post office,phone calls, and etc...   I made it to the shelter and finally got to meet Coredump. I havebeen following him for awhile and finally caught up with him.Great stories!               Paladin GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-04-08
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: moderate rain

DAY 41:I decided to do a long day today. Weather was rainy and stormy so the two mountains (White Top and Mt Rogers) were no views and cold. I just walkedall day. I got to the shelter about 5:00 pm and found Four Cheese again.I have caught up again!!Looks like another cold night with temps around 30 degrees with the windblowing, but we are above 5000 feet elevation.Tomorrow we cross the Grayson Highlands, so I hope we have good weather.               Paladin   GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-04-09
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Hurricane Shelter
Miles today: 14.9

DAY 42:   One of my best days so far. It started out cold but thefog lifted and it was a beautiful day. I had to rescue Four Cheese from the ponies. He made the mistake of giving them food and they wouldn't let him leave.Fairly easy day and tonight we are in a new shelter built last year. No one has written on the walls yet and it has a privy.So far the Virginia shelters have been the best. I hope this continues.My boots may be about done for. I am feeling a lot more rocks, so the middle sole may be worn out.Tonight in the shelter: just Four Cheese and me again so far. Very quiet up here at the front of the pack.   Paladin GA-ME-05P.S. Went over 500 mile mark today!
Date: 2005-04-10
From: Hurricane Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: clear sky

DAY 43:   Good day hiking, but the best thing was when we caught up with Senor Nobsand the newlyweds, who are going by the names:Blazing Joy and Wonderlust.It was great seeing them again.The shelter is very nice with a hot shower and we had pizza! Good placeto stay.            Paladin      GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-04-11
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Davis Path Shelter 
Miles today: 14.3

DAY 44:Very nice day. Hot weather, 80 degrees.   I stopped in Atkins and tried to call home but did not get to talkto anyone. Bought a few things at the truck stop(expensive)and ate lunchat the Dairy Queen. Then I hiked the last few miles to the shelter.   At the shelter tonight:Senor Nobs,the Newlyweds,Four Cheese and myself.                                       Paladin   GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-04-13
From: Chrstnut Knob Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

DAY 46:   Another rainy day. It rained on us all morning, so we decided to stay atthis shelter. Not much to say about this day except-- Four Cheese caught backup with us.   At the shelter tonight: Senor Nobs, Blazing Joy, Wonderlust, Four Cheese,Scarecrow, and myself,   Several people came inside the shelter later.                                 Paladin   GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-04-14
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helvey's Mill Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

DAY 47:   We had to get up and start hiking in heavy fog. Difficult morning with 12 stream crossings within two miles. --Cold and wet feet for the first two hours--The sun finally came out and it warmed up.    Later in the afternoon Four Cheese and I gathered wood for a fire. SenorNobs, Blazing Ivy, and Wonderlust brought 32 hotdogs and buns. We had a wiener roast over the fire that Four Cheese and I built. We each had 6 hotdogs with all the trimmings. Then Four Cheese and Wonderlust arm-wrestled for the last hotdog. Great fun for this day!                                    Paladin GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-04-15
From: Helvey's Mill Shelter

To: Campsite By Trail 
Miles today: 35.4

day 48:   The longest day so far. Started hiking at 7:00 am and hiked until 11:30.I needed to get to the post office to mail Melissa ,my daughter, a birthdaygift. Tomorrow is Saturday so I had to go...I would not recommend this because I was so tired. I stopped by the trail and slept,(cowboy style)without a tent or tarp.   This is the place for a "Tater Tot" for my buddy Tater from Charlotte.Don't try this at home kids, those kind of days can kill you.                                    Paladin   GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-04-16
From: Campsite By Trail

To: Perisburg Va.
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: clear sky

day 49:      I woke up about 6:30, still tired, and walked into town. I went to the Rite Aid and got a birthday card, then to the post office.      I managed to get a taxi to the hotel and took a nap before my trip to Walmart.                              Paladin GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-04-17
From: Perisburg Va.

To: Stony Creek
Miles today: 22.0

day 50:                                                                     I got a ride back to spend another night in Perisburg. I had to make phonecalls. I ate at Pizza Hut for dinner and went to bed early.   The walk back to the Hostel is a long one,I would suggest staying at theMotel if someone can afford it!Paladin Ga-Me-05
Date: 2005-04-20
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: few clouds

Day 53:   Beautiful trail today and we walked by the Audie Murphy monumentwhere he died in a plane crash in 1971.-- Very interesting place.   I hiked with Pine Tree most of the day but,I am still sluggish.   We have eleven people at the shelter tonight. Planning on dinner at theHomeplace...We may eat them out of food in the first hour!! Can't wait.                                                                                                               Paladin-GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-04-21
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Catawba Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 14.6

Day 54:   Some of the best scenery with the roughest trail in Va. We passed Dragon's Tooth and several other views. On the way into town, we hitched a ride on the back of a pickup with no tailgate going seventy miles an hour. That will wake you up!!    Had a great meal at the Homeplace, made a few phone calls, and mailed all my Winter gear home. I had to walk the mile back to the trail, then hiked to the second shelter because of the crowds. We had 14 thru-hikers at the restaurant.                                    Paladin Ga-Me-05
Date: 2005-04-22
From: Catawba Mt. Shelter

To: Daleville VA. HOJO
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: mist

Day-55-   It was foggy most of the morning so there were no views from atop McafeeKnob or Tinker Cliffs. We just hiked on into town and checked into the HowardJohnson Hotel. Senior Nobs and I decided to share a room.   After showers and doing laundry, we went to the Mexican Restaurant for dinner.After dinner, back to the Hotel to sleep in a real bed! Love the HOJO!                                                                  Paladin GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-04-23
From: Daleville VA. HOJO

To: Daleville Va. Howard Johnson
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day-56-   I enjoyed a good zero day. My second in fifty-six days and I needed it,I just hung out all day and took it easy, I bought a new pack.A granite gearvapor trail.I think that will help my back pain. I sent my old one home by U.P.S. Then I headed back to the room for more rest.                                    Paladin GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-04-24
From: Daleville Va. Howard Johnson

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day-57   I finally left the motel at 0900 and started hiking.The trail was great.The best section of trail since I started, well maintained, smooth and a lot oflevel sections.   I made it up to and hiked beside the Blueridge Parkway for a few miles,then on to the shelter for the night. Senior Nobs, Pinetree, Chino and a couple more here tonight.                                    Paladin GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-04-25
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Cornelious Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: broken clouds

Day-58-   It was very cold last night,30 degrees. Some great views along the Parkway.The trail was a little rougher than yesterday. The first ten miles were easybut the last part had some pretty steep climbs. I took some good picturesthen on to the shelter.   In the shelter tonight; Four Cheese, Senor Nobs,Chino, and myself.                              Paladin   GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-04-26
From: Cornelious Creek Shelter

To: Glasgow Va.
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: broken clouds

Day=59=   It is still cool in the early morning and I sent all my wintergear home.Needless to say, I have been a little chilly.   I hiked some very nice trail today.We were lucky enough to get ahitch into town pretty quick too.   We are staying at the Mom and Pop motel and it's not worth the money!I would advise other hikers to skip this town if possible.I had to come intotown to pick up my shoes,summer gear,bug netting and etc.Thats the onlyreason I was here.   Tomorrow, back to the trail.                                 Paladin GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-04-27
From: Glasgow Va.

To: Little Irish Creek Camping
Miles today: 14.9

Day=60=   We got a shuttle back to the trail about 9:20 AM. I have my newshoes,socks,and a new shirt   Not a lot of interesting things on this section. Just some average climbs, up and down. It started to rain, so we decided toset up camp by the creekand make dinner. Later that night Wazoo andHeadlamp, Hippy and Tripod and Grunt joined us at the campsite.                                       Paladin-GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-04-28
From: Little Irish Creek Camping

To: Hog Camp Gap Camping
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: broken clouds

Day = 61   Senor Nobs and I decided to do another short day so we camped with Hippy and the gang again. We borrowed Tripod's truck and went into town for Chinese food.   Rain again so the tarp will be wet again tomorrow!      HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATTHEW!!!                                    Paladin-GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-04-29
From: Hog Camp Gap Camping

To: Dutch Haus B and B
Miles today: 10.0

Day = 62    It was rainning when I got up this morning. I packed up in therain,hiked in the cold rain for ten miles, then I decided to go to a warm and dry place.   The Dutch Haus of Montebello,VA. is one of the best stops on the trail. Lois and Earl are great people,the food is four star and they are veryhiker friendly. I love the place!   I am taking some shorter miles because of rain.                              Paladin-   GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-05-01
From: VA. 56 Tye River

To: Rusty's Hardtime Hollow
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

Day=64=   I started hiking about 8:30 after a fine breakfast at the B+B.Then it wasup and over the three ridges. After that it was kind of easy on in to Rusty'sGap where I managed to get a ride with some very nice people back to Rusty's.Then I waited for other people to show up. Later we played Horseshoes and talked with a family from New Zealand,here, hiking part of the A.T.    Gunther and Pigpen walked in about 7:00 with Easy we all chatted until11:00. That's late for me!                                    Paladin   GA=ME=05                                                                                    P.S. Happy Birthday Hayleigh!!
Date: 2005-05-02
From: Rusty's Hardtime Hollow

To: Waynesboro Va.
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day-65- We got a ride back to Reeds Gap with Greenman and hit the trail about 9:00am. About 12:30 we realized that we had to get to the visitor center before 5:00to call for a ride,so we picked up the pace. By doing that I did 19.4 miles in eight hours.When we got to the visitor center,Senor NOBS had set us up for a ride witha trail angel named Bill Gallagher. He gave us a ride to the Quality Motel andtold us to call him the next morning and he would take us back up. He gave us some cookies that he had gotten from Ma Denton.another trail angel!Super nice people!!Paladin GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-05-03
From: Waynesboro Va.

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Day-66-   I got up had a big breakfast and then to the post office to mail a Mothers Day card.I bought a few supplies and then we called Mr.Gallagher who came and carried us back to the trail.    Our first day in the Shenandoah National Park.Its not flat,by the way, but the trails are okay.   I am excited because tomorrow at 10:00 I am meeting my son, David and his girlfriend Allison. They wii be here for a few days and I am ready to see some of my family!! I have been homesick lately!! Its very hard to sleep tonight.                        Paladin GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-05-04
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: broken clouds

Day-67-   What a great day! David and Allison met me at the Skyline Drive and Daviddecided to hike with me a couple of days. His first day, we hiked into the Pinefield Hut and there was Gunther,Pigpen and Pinetree so he got to meet someof my hiking friends.We built a good fire and ate dinner. Dave was a little tired after the 12.5 miles but he recovers fast. Tomorrow a short day, then into town!   P.S. When David and Allison pulled in to meet me, Mr.Gallagher was rightbehind them. He brought my breakfast all the way out there. A super nice manand trail angel!                     Paladin   GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-05-05
From: Pinefield Hut

To:  Motel
Miles today: 7.0

Day-68-   A short hiking day.After a breakfast of bacon,eggs and grits with coffeewe hiked to the road,met Allison and then into town. We had dinner at Red Lobster,played putt putt golf then out to celebrate(Cinco De Mayo) Stayed at the Holiday Inn. Good food,soft bed and loved ones around. I so needed this.Life is good!                                 Paladin GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-05-06
From:  Motel

To: Lewis Mountain Campground
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day-69-   Got back to the Park and we all hiked over Hightop Mountain and did somemiles. That night we stayed in a nice cabin my son rented, Grunt showed up andwe cooked hotdogs,made smores and roasted marshmellows. Allison liked this part of camping. Not so much hiking but a good time was had by all!! It will be hard to go back to real trail life.                                 Paladin   GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-05-07
From: Lewis Mountain Campground

To: Big Meadows Ridge
Miles today: 8.7

Day-70-   David and I hiked up to the Big Meadows and Allison had us set up at the Lodge for the night. When we came off the trail into the picnic area, there they were with cheeseburgers,hotdogs,chips and drinks.Back for a hot shower,then down to the tap room to hang out. Grunt,Hippie,Tripod and the three of us hung out until the place closed at 10:30? Sadly tomorrow, the visit ends. The kids go home and I go back to work!                              Paladin GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-05-08
From: Big Meadows Ridge

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

Day-71-   A nice day for hiking. David and Allison drove me to the trail about 8:30 after I called and wished mom a happy mothers day(Happy Mothers Day) We said goodbye and I was kind of sad. It was hard to see them go.   I now have to try to refocus on the job at hand and start hiking again.I am almost half way so its time to crank up the miles.   Grunt showed up late at the shelter, that makes about seven of us here tonight. A lot of snorers!!                           Paladin   GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-05-09
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Day-72-   I decided to hike with Grunt today because he was meeting Mrs. Gorp and Happy Trails and I wanted to meet both of them. Mrs.Gorp is another trail legend of sorts,and I enjoyed the time I spent with her.I hiked the last six miles with Happy Trails and he pointed out different birds for me that I did not know.   Its just Plodder and me at the shelter tonight. Maybe the bears wont get us. We had a deer about ten feet away from us just before dark.   Tomorrow I leave the Shenandoah Park and I have to do at least twenty miles.                              Paladin GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-05-10
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 28.5
Weather: clear sky

Day-73-   I got off with a 0720 start and walked pretty fast.I left the park about 10:30 and had a snack at the Tom Floyd Shelter. Not much to say,fair trails.long day and I raced a train in Manassas Gap, How could this happen?Well,I am walking right but I got there and the train was about 100 yards up the track.I didn't want to wait for it to pass so I sprinted across in front of it, no mom, I didn't know better!!   The trail from Manassas Gap to Snickers Gap is along the Western edge of Mosby's confederacy in the civil war time. I learn something new every day!   Just me, myself and I at the shelter tonight. Hope the bears dont eat me!!!! hiked until dark, note the long miles.                     Paladin GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-05-11
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To:  Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: broken clouds

Day-74-   The first half of the day was very nice.Smooth trails, sunny weather and lots of water along the trail.The last half I hit the famous Roller Coaster part of the trail. Its a good thing the PATC doesn't have any real mountainsbecause they would be nasty!   I was completely beat down by the time I got to the Bear's Den Hostel at about 17:45. The people there were great. I had dinner with the staff and it was not only delicious but free! Must stop here on your hike.Its to good to pass up. Tomorrow Harper's Ferry.                              Paladin   GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-05-12
From:  Bear's Den Hostel

To:  Harper's Ferry Va. motel
Miles today: 20.5

Day-75-   I got started about 8:00. After a pop-tart breakfast I picked up a resupply and then on to the rest of the Roller Coaster.   Nice day and I was excited about getting to Harper's Ferry,going over a thousand miles and getting past the the symbolic half-way point!   I got to the A.T.C. office about 5:30 so I went on up the hill to the Hilltop Motel. The Motel was full but while I was at the desk a group of people started a conversation about my hike and offered to let me share a room with two of the guys. I said great! free room. A great group of people,the members of "Free the Slaves". Its an organization working to free people around the world from slavery. Check out their website. www.freetheslaves.net I talked with them quite awhile aand was very impressed. Thanks to- Kevin Balo, pres. and author of the book"Disposable People" and the rest of the guys Jolene Smith,Steve Lizz,Austin Fitzpatrick,Peggy Callahan,Marc Levin.and a very nice yoong lady from India,Supriya Awasthy. I have photos of the group. I hope to get them on line soon.   Paladin GA-ME-05P.S. I missed a few of the names guys. forgive me.
Date: 2005-05-13
From:  Harper's Ferry Va. motel

To:  Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day-76-   I slept late because the ATC office doesn't open until 9:00 o'clock.I hadthe breakfast buffet then strolled down to the ATC.I had my picture made and I was number 48 North bound this yeat. I was number 66 at Neels Gap. I have moved up 18 spots in 970 miles.   It took me until 10:30 to get out of Harper's Ferry because of all the sights.So much history here , I loved it. Great trails and an easy 15 miles for the day. I met some hikers just starting OH-62.They were from Ohio, A mother-daughter team from NH but I have forgotten their names.SOrry!                        Paladin GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-05-14
From:  Rocky Run Shelter

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: haze

Day-77-   I had trouble getting started today Maybe a little lazy,and weary from walking 131.0 miles in seven days. I walked slow and read all the civil war stuff again. I walked up to the Washington Monument to read all about that and to see the view.   There are a lot of people on the trail for the week-end. I was going on to the next shelter but a thunderstorm came up just as I was leaving so I just decided to stay here tonight.   Tomorrow I cross the Mason-Dixon Line and go into PA.Somehow it seems possible to walk to Maine now. So far, I am by myself in the shelter,but, I am real close to a road, who knows?                           Paladin   GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-05-15
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter

To:  Tumbling Run Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day-78-   What a great day! Good hiking, and my day for trail magic! I met a verynice family at Pen Mar Park,on the Penn.state line.Mr.Hayes and Janis Yorksfrom Pa.Their daughters,J.J, Cindy and their families. They treated me to sandwiches and fruit and were so nice. I talked with them for about an hour.   About an hour later, I ran up on Cheesehead who thru-hiked in 2000 and he gave me a ride into town, bought me dinner and then drove me back to the trail. Thanks to all of you great people for being so good to me.   After all this, I still got in a good days walking. As my friend, the late Bruce English, used to say, "Life is Good"                                             Paladin GA-ME-05