morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2022-08-10
From: Tent site. 1309.0

To: Brink shelter 1321.6
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: few clouds

Had a beautiful campsite last night for this morning's sunrise. A picture was taken at 6:05 I was hiking at 6:10. Relatively short hike today but wanted to get it in before it got too hot. It was the coolest morning so far overcast and wonderful hiking weather. Even had stretches of the trail that were on old roads which was pretty easy hiking. Got to rattlesnake Spring which I remembered from 4 years ago which was very nice Spring coming down off the hill. Just about the best water you can fin. Also later I got water from crater lake which had tons of little fish in it. I had my lunch there and made it to camp made it you can't appear at about 1:15.    I had a hiker back at Delaware Water Gap wanted to take my picture and ask me why I want to hike the trail. At 1st I told him some of the short sweet answers such asuch as because it's here or dear or because I can or or to see if I can do it . But really I think the answer is a little more in depth than. I think everybody in some way or other does whatever they need to do to get some peace of mind. So for me walking in the woods is pretty good Way to clear the mind. There are probably as many ways to clear the mind or to find peace of mind as there are people. It seems as if we're all chasing something. This isn't going to make the world go away but it's certainly going to help me deal with it in a better way. Maybe more on this later    So unfortunately I am starting to Figure out how I'm going to get back to my car and Harper's ferry. Through all my section hikes over the years there have been a lot of logistics, planes trains busses cars rides shuttles. So I did get an offer today that possibly Bob and Jeanine be in DC and I can train down to Meet Them and get a ride to Harper's ferry from DC. Sounds awesome to me.  So tomorrow the club's another 13 or 15 miles to a shelter same game plan I'll be up with the sun. That's about all for now.... I'll see you on up the trail.....WILLI
Date: 2022-08-11
From: Brink shelter 1321.6

To: Mashipacong Shelter 1334.3
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light rain

Upper early hacked quick done early . I guess the story of the day might be that I saw another bear here in Jersey. That is the 2nd one This trip for me. As with most bear encounters all you're really gonna see is the back end of that bear running away from you. This one was definitely spooked by me I've never seen a bear move that fastOne time down in Florida with Bob I saw a wild boar charged through the Marsh With complete disregard for what it was running over. This bear today was the same way     So as I do this voice to memo I'm eating my dinner of mashed potatoes with a fish pack stirredfish pack stir in also some cheese. I'm sitting By my tent some distance from the shelter and apparently some boy scouts have showed up over there. There is quite the racket. But I am remembering the kind of racket we used to make as boy scouts so maybe I should tolerate At least until hiker midnight That's about all for now.... I'll see you on up the trail.....WILLI
Date: 2022-08-12
From: Mashipacong Shelter 1334.3

To: Secret Shelter 1346.4
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Set as voice to memo as a daylight. Sometimes don't remember what happened a few hours ago let alone A-day ago. But yesterday was spent at The Secret shelter which is not so secret anymore since it's on the far out appThere is a small cabin with electric there's well water there are several buildings many areas for tents and also also a mule. Or a donkey or not quite sure his name is name is Jake mushroof Jake is a Jack or Jacob Eck or Jake is a mule so there was much discussion about jack's Jenny's mules and donkeys I'm not sure if I know any more about them now than I did before. Anyway Jake was kind of pesky when you got your food out so I tried to stay away.. Very nice day there are very convenient so thanks to the owner who used to be a thru he was a thru hiker. And this place is on his property  Also I went past the monument which is the highest point in the State of New Jersey . I've included a picture of it apparently a side trail went write past it but I did not catch that.    I got to talk to Craig today on WhatsApp hes doing well and apparently guy and Cathy have gone South which made me London or Bristol . But at the house instead road is Hannah and tash. Tasha's fresh back from a couple years in New Zealand and Hannah is getting ready to go to uni in Liverpool. That's about all for now.... I'll see you on up the trail.....WILLI
Date: 2022-08-13
From: Secret Shelter 1346.4

To: Pollock Mt. Shelter 1353.8
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: clear sky

I got a short day today planned on a resupply in Unionville New York Post Office opened at 9 o'clock I think we were there at 9:20 or so and without a hitch that my recent fmy recipe thanks to Bob and Jeannie.. They did a fun job I didn't need to buy anything extra thank you very much. Being that we were only going about 7 miles we were in no hurry whatsoever went very much however went through a wildlife preserve or shooter got lots of pictures of the birds. Took time and talk to some other hikers and and gotta appear to the poach Chuck mountain shelter shelter at 3 o'clock I believe.   Looking ahead at logistics of getting back to DC in 2 days I believe. It's almost dinner time 2nd dinner It's bad all for now That's about all for now.... I'll see you on up the trail.....WILLI
Date: 2022-08-14
From: Pochock Mt. Shelter 1353.8

To: Wawayanda Shelter 1365.4
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

So I made it to heaven hill farm How about noon. As it turned out I spent 3 hours therePutting off the hike up the stairway to heaven which is actually about a 1000' climb in a mileSort of tough but we've certainly been through that on this trail beforeI talked to a Bob for a few minutes from there to verify our plans for Tuesday which all look goodI'm at a guy here at the shelter tonight that is actually from New York that's gonna be on the same bus I'm gonna take to take hes actually gonna be on a date before meAnd I have his numberHe talks like it is no issue whatsoever we're going to Penn station and I can buy my ticket and get into Union station in DC Tuesday afternoon    So walk to cross the road to Mitchell's hot dog stand who I realized was a veteran and I just wanted to pay him a visit it wasn't really about the hot dog he was crazy was like the soup nazi on like the soup naughty on sign filledHe waited all minute and said OK thank you could you step aside there's a paying customer behind youAnyhow like I said it wasn't that true it wasn't about the hot dog and also he had some AAA signs hanging around 1 says 1 said still crazy after all these years of sobriety. He aint wrong it's just a little bit different    Onto the climb that I've been putting off all day and thinking about for a few days was a stairway to heaven likeI said it wasn't too bad because a 1000' climb in one mile and got into the shelter here about 4 o'clockSome well fed well talked out ready for bed tomorrow will be my last hiking dayWhich is kind of a drag but I'm ready to get home That's about all for now.... I'll see you on up the trail.....WILLI
Date: 2022-03-02
From: Springer Trailhead

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

My daughter Marah and I started at Springer trailhead. Beautiful day, I¢m really doing this. I have hiked about 250 miles of the AT previously but this year I hope to go 2190.Trail magic on day 1!Felt good after 16.7 miles. Marah started a fire and Eli and Guitarzan played a guitar and sang.  They were great. There was room in the shelter Great first day
Date: 2022-03-05
From: Blue Mountain Shelter 

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Up early and on the trail by 6:30. Assume trail magic at Unicoi Gap. Met Jim, Jill, John, and Kepler at Indian Grave Gap. They will hike with us for two days. Met I Believe and Jimmy-amazing trail angels. They spend months helping hikers in many waysKepler brought a great supper including fresh meat. We played cards and enjoyed each other
Date: 2022-03-07
From: Muskrat Gap Shelter

To: Betty Creek campground 
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Up early and hiking by 7:00. After 4 miles Kepler, Jim and Jill took the Kinsey Creek trail back to their car. John stayed with us. We hiked fast to beat the rain and got to camp at 2:00. We ate early. At 4:00 it rained hard so we played Rummy in our tent.
Date: 2022-03-08
From: Betty Creek campground 

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Up early and on the trail by 6:45. Climbed Albert Mountain which was not as bad as advertised. Great view from the fire tower. We hiked fast and got to the cars by 11:30. Drove to Franklin for a Mexican feast I have to leave the trail for work commitments until April 30. I plan to start in Damascus then and head north. If all goes well I will reach Katadin by mid August, headed home for some work commitments and finish the last 360 miles in September.
Date: 2022-04-30
From: Damascus

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Drove rental car from DC to Lynchburg. Robert Vasinko gave me a ride from Lynchburg to Damascus I started in Damascus because the Mountain Men will end there hike there in September Hiked with Goodwater 67. He walked away from me on the uphills. I need to get my trail legs Met Smokestack who smokes everything but pot. His girlfriend was joining him for a weekslept in the shelter
Date: 2022-05-01
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Thomas knob shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Left shelter at 6:00. Met Eor and Bullshit on the trail. Hiked with a section hiker from Louisville. 6 ponies including a little guy were licking the picnic table when I arrived. A couple from Charlotte came in later and tented. There were only 3 of us in a shelter that could hold 12. Heard from God and worked on the book. Felt good after 19 miles including some big climbs
Date: 2022-05-02
From: Thomas knob shelter

To: Triumpi Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Long day of hiking. Mornings are wonderful because I leave early and have the trail to myself. Praying out loud and singing as a walk is glorious Met a family of 4 from OKC. The daughter Puddles is middle school age and the son Mountain Goat is a bit younger. Parents Caboose and Queen Bee are homeschooling on the way to Maine. He is a doctor and the family is bilingual. Glad to hike with them for a few hoursI hiked until 7:30. The shelter was full of loud youngsters so I tented
Date: 2022-05-03
From: Triumpi Shelter

To: Atkins
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Left at 7:00. Heard from God again. Long hot hike. Met two ex-army section hikers. Nice stop at Partnership Shelter and the park visitor center. First water without filteringMet Cronos from San Antonio Derma from Middletown, CT and Ketchup from FinlandDerma is working on a combo of Catholicism and BuddhismI had been texting a trail angel Murray Ann who takes in thruhikers. The trail gossip highly recommended her. It looked like our schedules were not going to work but at the last minute she was available. I will get my first shower and a real bed
Date: 2022-05-04
From: Atkins

To: Knot Maul Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: moderate rain

Murray Ann picked me up last night and provided a nice bed, a laundry, breakfast, but mostly encouraging conversation. Her husband thru-hiked years ago and passed away in 2009. They and now she serve hikers with such commitment and grace. I am impressed Murray May dropped me at the trail at 10.  A day with nice weather and several conversations. Met Goatroper, a 78 yo guy from MN and Kevin and Leah, also from MN. Met Storyime and Taterpuff from AR. Only hiked 15 miles. Learned a new bear bag technique from Wiseacres
Date: 2022-05-05
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: clear sky

up early and on the trail by 6:00. Hiked most of the day on the rim of a limestone shift centuries ago that created a crater like bowl of thousands of fertile acres. Met a section hiker who was completing her final section in a few days. Almost stopped at a shelter but wanted to get more miles when it was cooler. Enjoyed a campfire with Freedom, Mus and Willow
Date: 2022-05-06
From: Campsite 19 miles south

To: Jenny Knob shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Rain started at 3:00 am and ended by 7:00. I laid in my tent until then and got on the trail by 8:00. Hiked 7 miles for lunch at Brushy Mountain store. Saw several hikers there including one couple hiking with a goat. A gal from South Africa recognized me as Marah¢s dad from our time in March. She fondly remembered Marah¢s testimony. Some were stopping early at a shelter. I pushed on and got soaked. The trail was following a ridge line and the lightning improved my prayer lifeMade it to Jenny Knob by 5:00. Rain had stopped, sun was shining. I dried my stuff and cooked dinner. Soon after the storms returned with a fury but I am nice and dry in the shelter. I am sharing the space with Sparks from Chattanooga and Wreckit from Cleveland Had good cell reception and made a few business calls
Date: 2022-05-07
From: Jenny Knob shelter

To: Docs Knob Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: moderate rain

Left shelter at 8:00 after oatmeal. Slight tragedy-a could not find my toilet paper. I still had an emergency supply but¢¦Walked 6 miles and decided to divert to the Weary Feet Hostel for bathroom needs and maybe a second breakfast. Both needs were met plus water and I met a young couple from Maine. She did not have a trail name so I suggested ¢The Maine Thing¢. They both liked it. I hiked with them for 8 miles with good conversation. I hope to see them again. We had lunch at the Wapiti Shelter- site of a famous double murder several years ago. So far a nice day. After lunch the trail started uphill steeply, I had diarrhea and it started to rain. For the next 4 hours the rain and temperature came down. I fell three times-the last two were doozies. I bright spot was walking with Don¢t Stop, a retired banker from Austin with some mutual friends. When we got to Doc¢s Knob shelter there was no room at the inn so we had to set up tents in the rain. After 24 miles, I was tired, bruised, wet, cold and wondering why
Date: 2022-05-08
From: Docs Knob Shelter

To: Pearisberg 
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

Rain stopped at midnight. Easy walk into Pearisberg. Stayed with a friend of a coworker. It was soooo nice. My clothes and I got clean and dry. We had a feast for dinner and the conversation was the high point. Mike and Drema are active followers of Jesus. God provided just what I needed after 3 days of rain. The forecast this week is for great weather. I¢m ready to get back on the trail
Date: 2022-05-09
From: Pearisberg 

To: Pine swamp branch shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

mike took me to Foodlion, the post office and Hardee¢s. 2 sausage biscuits have over 1200 calories. Perfect for the trail. Didn¢t get on the trail until 20ish but still made 20 miles
Date: 2022-05-11
To: Just past Pickle Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

Day started with Barking and f- bombsA young gal from SC had a dog in her tent. Another couple had a dog untethered who came over to say hi. Barks were exchanged and her tent got ripped. She would have made a sailor blush. I tried to comfort her with some repair tape to no avail. I saw her later on the trail and she was still upset. I gave her a hugwalked with Don¢t StopHad TRAIL MAGIC!!!  Hot dogs and fruit and lemonade from Allen
Date: 2022-05-13
From: Lamberts. Shelter

To: Fullhardt Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Great Day. Fast 10 miles into Daleville. BBQ with a free banana pudding for hikers. Brian Ward picked me up and took me to his house for laundry, shower and conversation with BeckyWent to an AYCE Mexican buffet and ate way too much Resupply at Food Lion and back to the trail clean, full and rested
Date: 2022-05-14
From: Fullhardt Shelter

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Long Day. Hiked from 6:15am to 6:30 pmHeard rumor of trail magic two miles ahead. I almost ran. When I got there they were still there!!  Fruit of all kinds and big muffins and good conversation with a couple that thrued in 2020Bryant Ridge is a great shelter. Met some former Boy Scouts and had a trivia contestwhat state has a postal abbreviation that is the same as the last two letters is the state name?
Date: 2022-05-15
To: MattÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Creek 
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: few clouds

Met Sqeaks in the morning. She was going the wrong way and had been walking for 3.5 miles. I felt so bad for her. Those 7 mikes were hard onesReview of my falls1.  Slight slip in hard rain. Just got one knee dirty2.  An hour later full sprawl in the rain. No damage3.  Same day, still raining hard.  Got to the shelter that was full. Slipped going down the steps (6 steps). Was embarrassed but not injured. Broke the tip of my trekking pole4 and 5 Similar, rolled and ankle and fell sideways but not hard6. Fell hard forward after tripping. Hit my head but no blood. My knee took the brunt. Some blood there. I am thankful that none of the falls caused major damage. I¢m walking a bit slower now
Date: 2022-05-17
From: Brown Mountain shelter

To: Priest Shelter
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: clear sky

Brown Mountain is tall. Tough climb but nice time at the top hanging out with 6 oz and Dreamer. 6 oz is sponsored by Texas Roadhouse. Dreamer is a blacksmith. I had planned to do 30 miles but ran out of gasSpent time reading my Bible and made a few phone calls
Date: 2022-05-18
From: Priest Shelter

To: Campsite at mile 852
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: broken clouds

Saw my first bear-a little guy who was walking the trail in front of me. He didn¢t see me for awhile so I was able to get a picture. I then had to wrestle him to get by¢actually he ran off when I started to whistle Another big climb early. Hiked late and stealth camped alone near an amazing overlook. Windy and rainy night but Big Agni¢s (my tent) did greatMy current list of animals:One bearOne deerTwo turkeys One snakeDozens of squirrels, chipmunks, birds, lizards, and newts (bright orange)
Date: 2022-05-19
From: Campsite at mile 852

To: Waynesboro 
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

Up early and on the trail at 6:30. Had 12 miles done by 10:30- faster than usual. Three reasons:  Mostly downhill, headed into town with a light pack, and An Uber- hiker pulled me along. We had a great faith conversation Arrived at the trailhead and tried unsuccessfully to hitchhike. Instead I walked up to a guy in a truck and John was happy to take me to town. I spent the next three hours at the Chinese buffet eating, charging my devices and catching up on calls and emails Walked to the post office and received my bounce box. I took out most of the stuff and forwarded it to Peter Greer in PANext to the YMCA for a shower and informal clothes washing then walked to a park where thru hikers are allowed to campAfter setting up my tent I headed to Kroger for resupply then back to the Chinese buffet- more for the power supply than for the food. I will head back to the trail in the morning with a full belly, full batteries and a full pack
Date: 2022-05-20
From: Waynesboro 

To: Black Rock Hut
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: few clouds

Left tent site at 7:00. Stopped by Kroger and tried to hitch back to the trail. No luck but a guy offered to come and take me back. On the trail a little after 8. Say Monkey and Fern. Met Last Call. Saw 2 deer. I was walking 30¢ behind Last Call when he almost got bit by a large timber rattler right next to the trail. I got a video of the agitated snake and gave it a wide berthHot day in the 90¢s
Date: 2022-05-21
From: Black Rock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Truck Stop advertised his trail magic on FarOut and He provided a great breakfast at one location and dinner at another. I was a double beneficiary. I only walked 13 miles and got to the shelter by 2:00. Really enjoyed Gandalf (he had the look) a southbound hiker. Also met an 80 year old originally from Arkansas. Dinner arrived with pizza, veggies, cokes, etc. He even brought music. 20 of us hung out for 2.5 hours. Great evening
Date: 2022-05-22
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Rock Springs Hut
Miles today: 32.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I needed to put in two big days to set up a conference call in Front Royal. Today was the biggest, 32.1 miles. I started at 5:40am and hiked until 7:40. It was hot¢I was praying for a thunder shower. The shower came later than I had hoped. It poured at 5:00 so I was wet when I got to the shelter. I was spent and slept well. I had never hiked more than 27 miles. it is amazing what the body can do if we will push ourselves
Date: 2022-05-23
From: Rock Springs Hut

To: Gravel Speings Hut
Miles today: 28.0
Weather: light rain

Pushed hard again. Much cooler today. That was nice until 3:30 when the rain started. It rained for the next 24 hours. I was pretty wet when I got to the shelter at 7:30. It was a 13 hour day but I took time to stop at Elkwallow Wayside for ice cream. I bought a replacement knife and a small gas bottle. Enjoyed Fancy Pants, Jimmy and Strider at the shelter
Date: 2022-05-24
From: Gravel Speings Hut

To: Front Royal 
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked for 14 miles in the rain to a hostel outside Front Royal. There was no room at the inn so I got a ride into town and stayed at Super 8¢my first time to pay for lodging after over 600 miles. I needed a hotel for a conference call with our Board of Trustees tomorrow. Nice to be in civilization. I charged by devices, ate two big meals, bought groceries, showered, washed clothes in the tub, dried out my gear and shoes, called several folks, caught up on email and journal and slept in climate-controlled comfort.
Date: 2022-05-25
To: Manasas Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 7 after a night with little sleepWebEx call with the KCG Board of Trustees from 9-1Walked to an outfitter and bought a replacement head light and socks. They gave me a pole section to fix my pole damaged a few weeks ago. I was still using the pole but without a hard tip it was wearing away. It was 8¢ shorter and losing a half inch per day. Now that problem is solved. Got a free ride on the local bus to the trail head and hiked 10 miles to Manassas shelterMet Sparky an electrician from FLDecided to tent because of an odd person in the shelter
Date: 2022-05-26
From: Manasas Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: light rain

Great day for hiking. No rain and cool weather. Met R&R on the trail¢a couple from NCThe last 9 miles were through the infamous roller coaster section. The trail has a series of steep ups and downs The reward was the hikers special at Bears Den hostel. A bed, a shower, laundry, a pizza, and a pint of ice cream all for $35. This is my first hostel stay. I may take a zero here (a day with no miles) because the forecast is for rain and thunderstorms all day tomorrow. Here there is cell service so I can catch up on non-trail stuff. My body can use the rest
Date: 2022-05-27
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Great day for hiking. No rain and cool weather. Met R&R on the trail¢a couple from NCThe last 9 miles were through the infamous roller coaster section. The trail has a series of steep ups and downs The reward was the hikers special at Bears Den hostel. A bed, a shower, laundry, a pizza, and a pint of ice cream all for $35. This is my first hostel stay. I may take a zero here (a day with no miles) because the forecast is for rain and thunderstorms all day tomorrow. Here there is cell service so I can catch up on non-trail stuff. My body can use the rest