morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-04
From:  Amicolala Falls State Park

To: Franklin, N.C.
Miles today: 116.5
Weather: clear sky

I left Amicolala Falls state park on the 27 of March, and summit Springer Mtn., which is the start of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. The approach trail from Amicolala Falls is another 9 miles to Springer Mtn. I camped with Photon and Stumpy his dog at Three Forks on my first night on the trail. We had a stormy night. I met Mounain Squid at USFS 42 doing trail magic. Trail magic is a stranger doing something nice for the hikers. It has been raining a lot with low visibility. I stayed at Gooch Mtn. Shelter. The Rangers were doing night games. There was lots of explosions, giving the hikers a sleepless night. Got to Neel's Gap on Mar. 29. A bear took some hikers food bag on Blood Mtn. at Slaughter Creek Campsite. I shared my food with them. Got my first mail drop at the Walashi Center. I will wash clothes and shower at the Walashi Center. Also I will take my first 0 day. A 0 day is when a hiker does no hiking. At the Walashi Center a Church fed the thru-hikers. I met Miss Janet at the Center, also I sent post cards home. Miss Janet is well known on the A.T. She has helped other hikers and is much respected. On April 2, I crossed the Ga>NC border. I have not seen any wild boars or pigs on the A.T. In my research it was said that a hiker might encounter a wild boar. Have been running into Bible Ben, a ridgerunner who is handing out small bibles. I took one but plan to leave it in a shelter, because of the weight. A hiker needs to carry as little weight as possible to be successful. This is one thing that can drive a hiker off of the trail. The rule is, if you don't use it everyday, then you need to mail it home. In GA I was hiking through the Chatahoochee National Forest. At Bly Gap in North Carolina you are in Nantahala National Forest. At Tray Mtn Gap in GA. the boy scouts were doing trail magic. They had hamburgers, hot dogs, soda, water, and chips. What a nice thing to do. I feel that with such help, I will make it to Katahdin in Maine. I arrived in Franklin, N.C. on 4/04/11. There was a storm last night, so I came off the mountain at Winding Stair Gap and hitched into Franklin. This was my first hitch into town off of the trail. I'm staying at the Sapphire Inn. I will re-supply at the Dollar General store before leaving town. I can supply myself for $40 at the Dollar General. There is internet here at the Sapphire Inn. Ron Haver will give me a ride back to the trail when I leave town. The journey has been amazing. I still feel I am so fortunate to be doing this. My wife, Sheila has been so much help. DreamWalker
Date: 2011-04-14
From: Franklin, N.C.

To: Hot Springs, N.C.
Miles today: 155.3
Weather: overcast clouds

At Wayah Bald I show the John B. Byrne Memorial Tower. At Wesser Bald I saw a firetower. There are many firetowers on the A.T. I have fallen on the trail but have not gotten hurt. They say you fall often on the A.T. At the Rufus Morgan Shelter I met Buffalo, Chop Sticks, and Blue Duck. We were all staying at the shelter. Arrived at the N.O.C. (Nantahala Outdoor Center) on Apr. 7. When I got to Fontana Dam, I picked up my maildrop and stayed at the shelter, also known as the Fontana Hilton. I took a shower, got my permit for the Smoky Mtn. In the Smoky Mtn. I hiked off and on with Gummy, Bear Bait, Bat, Rainbow, and Kayak. You are required to stay at the shelters in the Smoky National Park. On Apr. 10 I arrived at Clingsman Dome. It is the highest point on the A.T. at 6,643 ft. At US 441/Newfound Gap I received trail magic from Mountain Momma. Many of the hikers I hiked with went into Gatlinburg, TN. at Newfound Gap. At Charles Bunion I saw a mule train coming up the trail. Arrived at Standing Bear Farm on Apr. 12. The hostel is at Davenport Gap TN. Here I cleaned up and bought some supplies to get me to Hot Springs. At Max Patch I had some awesome views from the summit. I am in Hot Springs, N.C. I have gone 272 miles from Amicalola Falls State Park. So far the mice have been my biggest prolem. They damaged my pack. I used duck tape for repairs. I have also used the duck tape on my blisters and feet. Duck tape is a must have item on the A.T. The hike has been amazing. I have met many wonderful people. I am excited about all the beauty and what awaits me. Don't forget the homeless. They need a hand up not a hand down. I will need to get 4 days of food to reach Erwin, TN. I stayed with Ugly Coyote in a cabin in Hot Springs. I met him on the trail. He had to go home cause his knees were bothering him. A medical condition can drive a person off of the trail. It is said that a person should start their hike slow until they get their trail legs. He said to call him when I get to Pennsylvania. That was really nice. You meet a lot of nice people on the trail. I also will need to get some alcohol for my stove. The weather is Sunny but going to change to a storm tonight, if the report is accurate. Well don't forget to pray for me because God hears our prayers. Got to do some town shores. Sending home about 2 lbs of gear that is not needed. Keep following me and I will try to keep you posted. I am at the Library.
Date: 2011-04-19
From: Hot Springs, N.C.

To: Erwin, T.N.
Miles today: 68.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I left Hot Springs to Spring Mtn Shelter. The shelter was full so I put my poncho/tarp up against the side of the shelter. It was raining. I stayed dry all night under the tarp. The next day I made it to Jerry Cabin Shelter. It is still raining. At Big Bald I tented and made a fire. The full moon was out. I have never felt so close to nature than that night. You hear a lot of strange noises at night, but after awhile you realize that is only nature talking. I have encountered a lot of rain so far. My grandson says if you can make it through the rain, then you can make it to the Sun, so hold on. I guess I'll hold on. Rain is one thing that can drive a thru-hiker off of the trail. It is said that of all the hikers that start the A.T. only 1 in 4 will complete the hike. I am in Erwin, T.N. I am staying at Nolichucky Hostel and Outfitter, tenting in their yard. I will take a 0 day to wash, re-supply, shower, and contact home. The weather is nice today, but there is a chance of rain tomorrow when I plan to leave. I ate at Subway today. Dollar General is my favorite place to re-supply. They are reasonable and have everything that I need. My next stop will be Kincora Hostel about 70 miles North. Remember the homeless, and if you want to make a pledge or donation, then call Rev. Larry Rice 314 421-3020. God puts the gold and silver where he wants to. Keep me in your prayers, and know that you are in mine. I hope you will follow me on my way to Katahdin. I have gone 340 miles since 3/27/11.
Date: 2011-04-26
From: Erwin, TN. 

To: Damascus, Va.
Miles today: 124.5
Weather: broken clouds

Left Erwin and hiked to the Cherry Gap Shelter where I stayed the night. There are more than 250 shelters on the A.T. The A.T. was completed in 1937 with the help of 31 trail-maintaining clubs whose members volunteer to maintain the A.T. At Roan Mtn. I met Mango handing out snacks and drinks. Stayed at the Stan Murray Shelter. It was raining. Going up Hump Mtn. I developed a case of hypothermia. The cold wind and rain was brutal on the mountain. When I got to the Mounaineer Shelter, I got into my sleeping bag. It took me 2 hrs. to warm up. This was my worst day on the A.T. so far. On April 23 I found a dog on the mountain. The dog's name was Georcia. At Walnut Mtn. Rd. the owners posted a flyer of Georcia. I enticed him with some food and put my bear bag rope on him, and took him to the Kincora Hostel. At the Moreland Gap Shelter Sweet Pea took a picture of us. See Georcia on the photo section. The owner was so happy to get Georcia back, that he brought me food and drink at the hostel. I had a maildrop here so I gave the food to the hikers here. Bob Peoples and his friend Sage called the owner of the dog for me, from the flyer that I had. Bob Peoples took me and other hikers to church to celebrate Easter. I could stay longer at Kincora Hostel but I know I must stay focus to get to Katahdin by Oct. 15, which is when they close Baxter State Park. Went to Watauga Lake Sheter. Met Hawk, Blue eyes, and Sweet Pea. I lost my trail shoes on the trail and Blue Eyes picked them up for me. Stayed at Double Springs Shelter with Hawk, Blue Eyes, and Sweet Pea. Many thru-hikers use trail names. I made it to Damascus, Va. (464 miles from Springer Mtn.) I had planned to stay at the Place, a hikers hostel for $4, but met Larry and Sally his dog. They offered to let me stay with them. Well I need to get some business done, so remember the homeless and pray for me. DreamWalker
Date: 2011-05-05
From: Damascus, Va.

To: Pearisburg, Va.
Miles today: 162.8
Weather: clear sky

I stayed 2 days with Larry and Sally in Damascus. Larry has a second hand store in Damascus. I took Larry to Subway to eat. Damascus is the start of Va. This is the longest state on the A.T. It is 550 miles. Many hikers refer to this part of the trail as the Virginia blues because it takes a long time to hike through Va. Leaving Damascus is the Creeper Trail. It is a popular downhill trail. I saw lots of bicycles on the Creeper Trail. I tented my first night out at a spring on the A.T. The next day I went up White Top Mtn. to Hurricane Shelter, passing through Grayson Highland State Park and Mt. Rogers. Here I saw the wild ponies at the Thomas Knob Shelter. On April 30 I hiked to the Partnership Shelter. It is also known as the pizza shelter, because you can call in a pizza at the Mt. Rogers NRA. At the shelter is Timber, Deva, Kayak, Bear, Porter, Pace, and River Rat. Porter and Pace bought everybody pizza. I went to Atkin,Va. where I got supplies, then on to the Knot Maul Shelter. I have new hiking partners. Although I hike solo, you are never alone because of other hikers. Went from the Jenkins Shelter to the Jenny Knob Shelter. Trail magic at I-77 crossing. There was Coke and snacks. Missionary a thru hiker let me use his phone to call home. May 4 stayed at the Doc's Knob Shelter. There was rain,sleet,hail, and snow. Porter and Pace are at the shelter with me. I had to sew my socks. I left Doc's Knob Shelter this morning and came the 8 miles into Pearisburg, Va. I got here at 10 A.M. I will be staying at the Holy Family Hostel. It is 3 miles across town. I switched out my winter bag for a summer one. Weight reduction on bags is 2 lbs. 2oz. Yeah! I bought my summer bag in Damascus and mailed it here in Pearisburg. I have been to the Post Office and now the Library. I still need to register at the Hostel. Then I will need to re-supply for the next leg of the journey. They have a Wal-Mart here that I plan to go to. I hope to shower, and wash my clothes. I'm looking for something good to eat. Town Food. Yeah! I already had a breakfast at Hardee. It was on the way into town. My spirit is still high and I am looking forward to tomorrow. So far I have had very few problems. All of them have been very small. I've gotten 3 blisters but I treat them immediately and that has been helpful. I know that God has walked every step of the way with me. It is a blessing that I am able to do this. I've gone 627 miles over mountains and that is an awesome thing. I've met many people who only hope to see you succeed. Well I need to go and see about some sleeping arrangement other than my tent or a shelter. Take care and know that you are in my prayers. Please keep those that are less fortunate in your prayers. DreamWalker
Date: 2011-05-10
From:  Pearisburg, Va.

To:  U.S. 220 at Dalevile, Va.
Miles today: 92.7

At the Holy Church Hostel a thru hiker let me use his phone to call home. His female hiking partner had a large lump on her back where her backpack set. He said they have been here for 4 days. They are hoping to continue their hike. Hacket in Damascus had 2 large lumps on his back. I have not seen him are Red Squirrel since Damascus. I heard from other hikers, that he got off the trail. This is how hikers stay informed on the trail. I notice some pressure on my back and have decided to repack by pack. So far it has helped. Left Holy Church Hostel to Bailey Gap Shelter. It is raining. The next day I hiked to Sarver Hollow Shelter. Met Orange Blaze, Missionary, and two other hikers. On my way to the John Spring Shelter where I stay the night by myself, I passed the Audie Murphy Monument on the trail. This is the area where Audie Murphy's plane crashed in 1971. I arrived at U.S. 220 on May 10. Before I got here I passed the Keffer Oak Tree, McAfee Knob, and Dragon's Tooth at Cove Mtn. McAfee Knob is one of the most photograph spots on the A.T. I saw Pace and Porter in town. In town a hiker eats everything he can get. You burn 5000-6000 calories hiking per day. An average person will take 5 million steps to complete the A.T. Hiking poles save your knees. The A.T. is well marked by the 2 inch by 6 inch White Blaze. I have gotten lost but always found my way back to the trail before too long. It has alway been my fault for not paying attention. There are many privies on the A.T., but I have used my digging tool a number of times. This is Mrs. Dreamwalker. Dreamwalker called and said he did not have access to a computer, so I am making a post for him. He is doing well and still enjoying the journey. He has walked 719 miles and has worn out his first pair of boots and two pair of socks. He was going to the Kroger store in town and resupply his food. He stayed at the TA truckstop. He has met alot of very nice people on the trail and received trail magic many times. Hiking has gotten much easier. He is now walking 20 to 30 miles each day. Thank You to everyone who has prayed for Dreamwalker on his journey. Please continue to pray for him in his journey.May God Bless All Of You,Mrs. Dreamwalker
Date: 2011-05-13
From:  U.S. 220 at Daleville, Va.

To: Glasgow, Va.
Miles today: 65.7
Weather: overcast clouds

From Daleville I hiked to the Bobblets Gap Shelter. There I stayed with Mother Earth, her dog, Clutch, Happy, and 2 other hikers. I got there early and decided I needed to eat down my food bag since I was hiking faster than I had planned. I am now entering the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP). The A.T. parallels the BRP and later Skyline Drive for about 200 miles. On May 12 I hiked to Thunder Hill Shelter. I passed the Guilliotine on the trail. It rained most of the day. I have been checking myself daily for ticks, in hope of not getting Lyme Disease. Virginia is a very lovely state. I arrived in Glasgow,Va. on 5/13. I crossed the James River using the James River Foot Bridge. It is the longest foot bridge on the A.T. It is 5/14 and I am in the library. From here I will go back to the A.T. It is a 6 mile hitch to town. I haven't had any problems getting a ride to a town so far. I picked up my new boots and mail drop at the Post Office yesterday. The library was closed on Friday. I stayed in a shelter in town with Twigg and Possum. The shelter is free, provided by the town of Glasgow. It had a cold shower, but it was nice to get clean. The grocery store is located across from the shelter. I am doing well and looking forward to the Shenandoah Park. That will come after I re-supply in Waynesboro,Va. I am so excited! My summer bag and silk liner is working out great. I fixed my boots with shoes glue that worked really well, but since my wife sent new Walmart boots I had to change them out. Yes, I have been hiking in Walmart hikers. If you keep the receipt you can exchange them down the trail. So far that has worked well for me. I am so blessed to have a wonderful wife. Everyday I get so excited about the A.T. I don't think I will get the Virgina blues that they talk about. Pray for me, as I you. I know that Jehovah has been walking with me since Georgia. I have seen his miracles along the way. Hiking the A.T. really comes down to 3 basics. Were am I to get water, what will I eat, and where will I sleep. How simple is life for me. Don't forget the homeless and know that God loves you.
Date: 2011-05-17
From: Glasgow, Va.

To: Waynesboro, Va.
Miles today: 77.3
Weather: moderate rain

I left Glasgow on May 14. It was an easy hitch back to the trail. I hiked to the Punchbowl Shelter where I will be staying the night. My new boots did fine. Went from the Punchbowl Shelter to the Seeley-Woodworth Shelter. It has been raining most of the day. Ben is here with me. As I get farther down the A.T., I fine that the shelters are not very full of hikers. They say most thru-hikers drop out by Damascus. It is said that only one out of four thru-hikers will complete the A.T. because of different reasons. That seems to be true. I am wet and hope to keep warm tonight in the shelter. I am in Waynesboro, Va. From Glasgow to Waynesboro, I went over Bluff Mtn, Punchbowl Mtn, Rice Mtn, Bald Knob, the Piney River, Spy Rock, The Priest, Chimney Rocks, Humpback Mtn. and other wonderful spots along the A.T. I am doing well. It has been raining for the last week. I am in a church hostel that is really nice. It is called the Lutheran Church Hostel. There are 12 other hikers here with me. The hostel has food for the hikers. I will re-supply before I go into the Shenendoah Park. I was really wet by the time I got to town. I hope the Sun comes out soon. Everything is getting really damp. If you can make it through the rain, then you can make it to the Sun. That's what my grandson, Jake says.
Date: 2011-05-24
From: Waynesboro, Va.

To: Bears' Den Hostel Va.
Miles today: 140.6
Weather: broken clouds

I left Waynesboro, Va. at Rockfish Gap and hiked into the Shenandoah National Park after getting my permit at the kiosk on the A.T. Skyline Drive follows the park, so you cross Skyline Drive on the A.T. many times. I hiked to Calf Mtn. Shelter where I met Bean, Brain Fog, and Solo Drummer. It has been raining. The next day I tented after Simmons Gap. The next day I went to Milam Gap and tented. I have seen a lot of deer here in the park. I have met section hikers in the park whose have given me their food, because they are done with the trail. This happens a lot on the A.T., however, a thru-hikers needs to not count on such generosity. I have not seen any bears but did note bear activity at Bearfence Mtn. Shelter. I have gone by Big Meadows Lodge. I hiked the next day to Pass Mtn Hut. Passed the Elkwallow Wayside & Grill were I had ice cream. There is a lot of hikers here, but Kayak is the only one I know. He has been hiking with me off and on since Ga. ON May 22 I got out of the Shenandoah Park. It took me 5 days. I stayed at Tom Floyd Wayside Shelter. Kayak is here with other hikers. It rained at the shelter and the roof leaked. Hiked to Linden, Va. where I picked up my maildrop at the post office and hiked to Dick's Dome Shelter. Kayak is here with me. Left the Dome to the Bears Den. I have encountered the famous "Roller Coaster" on the A.T. that starts after Northbounders leave the Rod Hollow Shelter. It is a term for going up and down on the A.T. The rollcoaster is about 14 miles. I am at Bears Den Hostel in Va.about 20 miles from Harpers Ferry. It rained today and that is why I decided to stay here. Kayak has went on. He is in a hurry to get to Harpers Ferry, WV. He is meeting his family. I got the hikers special. Bunk, laundry, pizza, soda, shower, and ice cream for $27.50. When it rains,the A.T. is like a creek. I am doing well and looking forward to the next day. At the Bears Den I am able to use the internet and phone to call home. Spoke to Sheila for a long time. Keep me in your prayers and know that God has walked with me. Remember the homeless need a hand up. We are bound by our fears, but when we lose that fear we can go far. So live everyday to its fullest. The road least traveled, is always the most rewarding. So go far, for only by going far, will we know how far, we can go. DreamWalker
Date: 2011-05-25
From: Bears' Den Hostel Va.

To: Harpers Ferry, W. Va.
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: broken clouds

After leaving Bears Den Hostel, I hiked to Wilson Gap where the 1000 mile marker is displayed on a tree. Went to the Blackburn Trail Center where the caretaker gave me a soda. If you stay the night they will fix hikers a dinner. I tented about 2 miles from Harpers Ferry at the Va./WVa. line since it was too late to go into Harpers Ferry. I found some ramps for by dinner. Ramps are like onions and garlic. On May 26 I crossed the Shenandoah River Bridge into Harpers Ferry, W.Va. At the A.T.C. I got my maildrop,sent post cards, talked to Sheila and Ugly Coyote, bought souvieners and mailed them home, did internet, signed in, ate, and bounced a food box up to Duncannon, PA. to the Doyle Hotel. Ugly Coyote said to call him when I get to Caledonia State Park on the A.T. I will be looking forward to that. The A.T.C. was very helpful. I bounced a box up the trail cause I was hiking faster than I had plan. On the A.T. a hiker needs to learn to adjust, adjust, and then adjust some more. Things never go as planned. I signed in as #182 thru-hiker going through Harpers Ferry. In Georgia at the Amicalola Falls Visitors Center I was hiker #497. I visited a lot of museums at Harpers Ferry. At the A.T.C. is MacKaye's typewriter and Avery's measuring wheel. MacKaye and Avery where planners of the A.T. The first successful thru-hike was by Earl Shaffer and first thru-hike by a woman was Grandma Gatewood. She was 67 years old when she hiked the A.T. Harpers Ferry is the hikers' "psychological midpoint" on the A.T. I left out of Harpers Ferry crossing the Potomac River on the Goodloe Byron Memorial Bridge into Maryland. Here is where you will fine the C&O Canal Towpath, at the confluences of the Shenadoah River and Potomac River. There is so much history at Harpers Ferry. I could stay longer but need to keep focus. I hiked to the Ed Garvey Shelter where I stayed the night. Here I met Charlie. He is a hiker from England. So far I have not gotten poison ivy, or lyme disease from ticks, which is all along the A.T. Looking forward to tomorrow! DreamWalker