morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-09-14
To: Sheffield 
Miles today: 0.0

I have been off trail for 1 week and I'm going to be off for one more week. I was in Boston last weekend for my nieces wedding. Last Sunday I flew to London with my brother, so as of now I am in Sheffield England with my son Craig and Granddaughter Hannah. Tomorrow we are headed to London to meet up with brother and his daughter Caeli's family. Should be an awesome day, they have a new baby Edith. I will be here until Friday and then I should be back on trail by the weekend heading south from the James river. Sounds like a lot of logistics because it is, but enjoying the trip. Retirement is a pretty good deal, keep those packages rollin!Charlie "Willi" Christianson
Date: 2019-09-22
From: James River

To: Marble Springs 
Miles today: 7.7

I will be getting back on the trail today after a wonderful two and a half weeks of travel. I've been to Boston for a wedding, saw lots of family and friends and I've been to England including Sheffield and London and all points in between to see more Friends and family, it has been an awesome time.      And so after lots of logistics, flying from London  on Friday, driving from New Hampshire to Virginia yesterday, Bob will be dropping me off at the trail this afternoon where I left off a little over two weeks ago, back to the James River.    I will be trying to keep my Daily Post on trailjournals.com at the link below. Trailjournal.com/willi2019    I am still hiking for the non-profit charity Hike For Mental Health which a donation can be made to them in my name on the trail journals website. If you click on the three bars to the right of my picture and go to ABOUT you can donate there. I appreciate any amount at any time. It's all for a good cause.  A special shout-out to Chris Lewis about how my Daily Post will be coming through. I will be posting daily on trail journals but at times I will be 3 or 4 days behind. That is because I'm trying to conserve battery or I do not have a strong enough cell signal. Thanks to everyone who is following me along the way. I appreciate your support.    Charlie "Willi" Christianson
Date: 2019-09-23
From: Marble Springs 

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 12.4

Yesterday afternoon turned into more of a walk than I had anticipated. A misscalculation reading the trail guide I didn't finish walking until 6:00. After all the travel time I wanted to stop earlier than that.   I only met a few people on the trail today and everyone seem to want to talk about water supply. It is very scarce. All of the creeks are dried up so you have to be very careful about staying hydrated and caring enough water. My pack is already have enough with this full food bag which probably wait 8 or 9 pounds maybe 10 and now I'm trying to carry 6/8 lb of water. The best thing I can figure to do is when I do find water drink about 1 1/2 liters and fill my bottles and move on.    The picture for the day is a large soccer ball. Ashley to Tower for the federal Aviation Administration. There's no telling what you might run into out here along the trail.    So today I pulled up much earlier than yesterday. It's really hard to get the motor going when I stop early in the afternoon. Especially if I take a nap. So here I am in Cornelius Creek shelter, looks like I'll be here for the nightCharlie "Willi" Christianson
Date: 2019-09-24
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter 

To: Cove Mt. Shelter 
Miles today: 11.9

Today's picture is of the lemon squeezer. I know it's been like this for a long long long time but I still felt like running underneath it. I only did 11 point nine miles today and seem like 18. But what I need to realize apparently is that play maybe jet lag and I have been off the trail for two and a half weeks. So hopefully the legs will kick in a little bit as the week progresses.    I don't have a whole lot to report today. The big news seems to be the Heat and the lack of water . Big issues when you trying to hike over mountains with 30 lb on your back. So that's all for now I'll catch you on the flip.Charlie "Willi" Christianson
Date: 2019-09-25
From: Cove Mt. Shelter 

To: Curry Creek 
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

Headed out this morning at 7:30 headed for Bobblet's Gap shelter. They were supposed to be water here at this spring which was just barely a trickle so we had to dip into the spring you're a few liters of water. Today's picture is of the last few drops running out of the pipe.   I'm starting to recognize some of these places. This shelter is where Bob and I stopped a few years back and there was only one tent pad which he had set his tent up. When he realize there was no other place for me to set up he packed it up and we went up on an old logging Road. I will always remember that he didn't do not even hesitate. I think we've learned a lot about each other out here.   So it was under black horse gap for lunch. As it would have it was another beautiful day. That's about it for now I'll catch you on the flip.Charlie "Willi" Christianson
Date: 2019-09-26
From: Curry Creek 

To: Lambert Meadow campsite 
Miles today: 17.7

Lambert Meadow campsite 17.7 Today was the day of Reese Supply in Daleville. I knew it was about 8 miles into town and I was looking forward not only to my resupply but also stopping at Wendy's. I knew it was right next door and I had ideas of getting a baked potato in a double cheese and Frosty which I did. I also visited and talked with a fellow hiker names Salty who has hike from Maine. I was having some negative self talk going on in my brain which he talk to me through. In spite of the 9 lb food bag and thousand ft climb in the heat I had a very good afternoon hiking in to Lambert Meadow campsite. It's amazing how much difference you can feel with a different attitude. I am very grateful to be out here. Especially to all those posted of help me and all supporting me thank you very much. that's about it for now I'll catch you on the flip.Charlie "Willi" Christianson
Date: 2019-09-27
From: Lambert Meadow campsite 

To: Catawba Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 8.7

Catawba Mt. shelter. 8.7 Took it easy on the mileage today, wanted to enjoy McAfee Knob. I would definitely be today's picture. Apparently is the most photograph spot on the entire Appalachian Trail. Rumor has it that Virginia Tech freshman as a requirement or to take this hike up to McAfee knob.  I talked to the ridge runner today at Campbell shelter where I had lunch. His Trail name is mr natural which is exactly who he looked like. I think it was the Grateful Dead Europe 72 tour they had a picture of mr natural on it.  I will put several extra photos of McAfee knob in the photo section.   I'm trying a little experiment tonight to see if I can be a little more comfortable. Apparently my air mattress is a 3 season air mattress. Normally 3 season means spring summer fall. But with this air mattress it apparently is Fall winter spring. This thing has this been cooking me In the Heat ever since I've had it. So tonight it's no air mattress maybe a little hard on the bones but at least I won't lay their sweating and then have a cool breeze get me cold. I swear this air mattress was designed by NASA, it reflects your body heat back to you, for the highest R value of any backpacking air mattress. I'll let you know how it goes. That's about it for now so I'll catch you on the flip. WILLI Charlie "Willi" Christianson
Date: 2019-09-28
From: Catawba Mountain Shelter 

To: 4 Pines Hostel
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: clear sky

Four Pines Hostel.    7.9YIKES! OUCH! NOT GOOD!    Well this morning I had kind of a tough time. About two miles and I turned my ankle pretty bad. Turning ankles and falling down on the Appalachian Trail actually is a pretty common event. But I knew this time I went pretty far over and from the swelling I think it shows. So I'm in here at four Pines hostel evaluating the situation. My car is in DC at Bob's and I probably should just figure out how to get there and drive back to Ohio. So I'm off Trail for now but it has been quite an adventure. I know I'm pulling up way short and definitely want to thank everybody that's been pulling for me especially those of you that have donated to hiking for mental health, a special shout-out to those of you that donated to this worthy cause.   I'm not sure when I'll be back on the trail, actually this could be a blessing in disguise and the fact that is so dry out here you never quite sure when you going to get your next water fill up. The heat can't last forever but we really need to get some rain out here, as in a lot of rain. A nice slow drizzle for about a week with suffice.   And so for now thanks again and I'll catch you on the flip. WILLI Charlie "Willi" Christianson
Date: 2018-12-03
To: Prairieville, LA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I injured my knee years ago hiking Mt. Si near Seattle. Every time I'd step down steeply I'd get a throb in the knee. I'm happy to say that after three months of work, Megan at Bougeois Physical Therapy has got my knee, and my core strength, in great shape. I still feel it a little when my form is poor, but it's world's better.I also picked up the book, Fixing Your Feet, which immediately fixed all kinds of stuff like my loping gait, crooked hip, and my stance. Highly recommended.
Date: 2019-02-16
To: Black Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

A shakedown hike is a hike you take to test out your gear and make sure you're otherwise prepared mentally and physically for the longer through hike. My sister Paula and I drove up to Georgia and hung out with Michael so I could hike near the AT approach trail.We visited the AT welcome center and we took my picture under 'the arch.' That was a bit of an emotional 'shit just got real' moment. I'm really doing this. And I am.We hiked up the Amicalola Falls steps and then Paula and Michael left me to fend for myself for a few days. I spent the night at the welcome center shelter site and headed up the approach trail late the next morning.It was a beautiful hike full of sunshine and clear skies. I thought it was unusually warm for mid-February, but I had no complaints.The hike was strenuous, but not beyond my ability. It gave me the confidence that I'll be able to get my trail legs by starting in W. Virginia without much more training beforehand. I met John on the trail and we hiked the last few hours together. I met Rooster at Black Gap shelter and we all failed together in making a fire from wet wood.I hadn't finished my real quilt yet so I brought my two Costco quilts instead. They worked amazingly well in the near freezing temperatures that decended over night, except for my big toe which I left poking out.The next morning was cold and foggy and I hiked back down the approach trail in hail, sleet, and 1000 yard visibility. I loved it - even when my gloves frosted over and I was being pelted in the head by pea-sized hail.Thank you Paula for taking me to Georgia and Michael for hosting us for the weekend. Beer and Monty Python was a great end to my hike.I'm ready.
Date: 2019-04-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Spent 33 pleasent hours on the train. Saw hundreds of cherry blossom trees in full bloom. Met Brent. He's section hiking, but what he really wants to do is hobo on the Chicago High Line train from the East coast all the way to West coast. He pointed out some of the hobo graffiti on the side of rail cars, but I couldn't tell the difference between them and regular tagging.I'm sleeping at a bus stop, which can happen when you just show up to town at 6 in the evening and you're all ready to ruff it. The bus stop is right next to the train tracks. This spot is neither comfortable or quiet, but it is somewhat dry.Tomorrow morning I climb the hill into town and register with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and take off.
Date: 2019-04-15
From: Harper's Ferry 

To: Ed Garvey
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: light rain

Checked in at the ATC as soon as they opened, got my picture taken, my hang tag, and saw Brett heading to the convience store.The AT out of Harper's Ferry starts on a pedestrian footbridge attached to a railroad bridge and onto a beautiful, wide, flat path out of town. Then the trail assumes it's normal form of up, down, mud, rocks, in a tunnel of brown and green. It's beautiful really.High winds all day. One large tree had fallen across the trail. I saw two more fall within a few hundred yards of me this morning.At the shelter Brent showed up and we said hello. He moved on and I considered making it as far as I could, but the wind was pretty bad. I never saw Brent again.
Date: 2019-04-16
From: Ed Garvey

To: Rocky Run
Miles today: 9.1

Met 'Little Steps'. We had signed in at the ATC at the same time.Stopped at a park that had a spiggot, power, a garbage can, and a bathroom. What more could I need? Garbage cans are actually few and far between on the trail.Boundless energy today. I hopped from rock to rock to avoid the mud.Some type of fungus or bacteria is killing all the trees here. It looked so sad I couldn't bare to take a picture. Like the black death for trees.
Date: 2019-04-17
From: Rocky Run

To: Pine Knob
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Saw the original Washington monument today. I was there for 30 minutes before they closed it for the rest of the summer. Outstanding views of Maryland from atop the hill. Left my water bottle here.Found a bathroom in the middle of the woods that had a hot shower and power.Met Anne and her dog on the trail today. Not the Appalachian Trail. I took a wrong turn and totally ignored all the small trees intentionally blocking the path. But it was nice to have a conversation about Louisiana and Missouri and how some dogs love to hike and some don't.Today's trail was a lot of rocks and a brown tunnel of dead trees, but I still loved it. There was one really nice view. I passed Little Steps on trail and I never saw her again.There's a bunch of people here tonight but I'm just too tired to socialize.
Date: 2019-04-18
From: Pine Knob

To: Annapolis Rocks
Miles today: 2.7

Pine Knob - Annapolis RocksToday I left behind my tarp ridgeline. I noticed this when I set up this afternoon in anticipation of a significant thunderstorm approaching. I improvised a new one from my bear bag hang kit. I started to feel bad about losing two things in two days until a child came to the site saying he lost his dad. In some way losing my tarp line didn't seem so bad, but I will do better in the future.I'm sitting on the Annapolis Rocks. It's a beautiful view, but similar to the last few views. I don't have any anxiety about the height until I look at one little patch of trees. They are just close enough that I can make out the detail of the limbs, but they are so small and so far below me. Now that I've 'studied' them I don't feel anxious about them. Maybe this trick will work when I'm climbing up a cliff face. I doubt it.I met Sarge who was heading to Harper's Ferry. He was hoping to make it all the way to Harper's Ferry and get a nice hotel room. He only gave me his trail name, which is the exact opposite of Brent. I only hiked a few miles today. My knee is beginning to hurt and I don't think I could have made it 8 miles to the next site.I have been told I have to have closure for the lost child... The ranger took the boy back to his shack and later his dad came around looking for him. I saw them all camping together later that night.And they all lived happily ever after.
Date: 2019-04-19
From: Annapolis Rocks

To: Ensign Cowell Shelter
Miles today: 5.6

Annapolis Rocks - Ensign CowellMet Lukedog and SAS (Slow and Steady) on the trail. A big storm was coming so I decided to stay in the shelter for the first time. Among the other 14 shelter-mates we're an older couple who really likes coffee, a family of 4 that were section hiking and doing 15-20 mile days, The Cigarette Smoking Man who had never hiked before and did all his cooking on a fire, 3 military-brother-machinists, and Sean.The storm didn't seem that bad to me, but I will need a pad if I spend too many nights on a floor.I washed my clothes in my opsack - totally worth it.
Date: 2019-04-20
From: Ensign Cowell

To: Raven Rock
Miles today: 4.8

Met Alex, who I've nicknamed "The welcoming committee" and gave him a virtual Ripple Pin for helping everyone. Met Stephan, from Chicago, via Switzerland, who speaks french. I hoped to hike with him the next day but haven't seen him again.Hiked with Sean into Smithsburg/Cavetown. Got rides everywhere. Beautiful town and nice people. Sean left his tent at the shelter and his poles on a picnic table in town. He had a bad day. I got my resupply, meds, my quilt repaired, pizza, and a charging cable. I had a good day.
Date: 2019-04-21
From: Raven Rock

To: Falls Creek
Miles today: 5.4

It's Easter. Called Mom and Dad. Left the shelter going fast. I waited for Sean at my first stop, but I had to press on. I never saw him again. There was a beautiful overlook with lots of graffiti. Made it to Penmar Park at midday, but it's closed until May. So no water, bathroom, power, or crowds. Beautiful park. Called the house again once everyone was together and talked to everyone.There was a big rock scramble that was poorly marked that I had to use some way finding skills to get back on the trail. There was a big guy up there too with a huge pack so that saved him from going down into the same hole I was in.Some guy wanted me to hang out at this campsite, but he kinda spooked me so I moved on.I tried to pick up all the broken glass I found on the trail today. I was successful until I came across an entire pane of broken glass right before the big park. The profound lesson here is to do what you can, but don't think you can do it all by yourself. And that's ok.
Date: 2019-04-22
From: Falls Creek

To: Deer Lick
Miles today: 4.2

Pathfinder picked me up and gave me a ride to Walmart in Waynesboro. He's throughhiked the AT twice and then moved to the area to help other hikers.I bought a family size rotisserie chicken and went all Sandor Clegane on it right there in Walmart. Actually ate it at the Subway in there, but still.I found the laundromat. Washing machine machine turned the entire load into a giant knot. The laundromat owner came by. I'm assuming he was watching me on the cameras and said "ohh a through-hike!". He talked for 3 hours. I did not take him up on offer to come clean his stable.I called Roger for a pickup and he was there in 5 minutes with a speedy delivery to the trail.I met Turtle at Dear Lick shelter. He's actually the big guy with the huge pack from before. He stayed at the campsite I was spooked from and said that guy was Auge, a local that likes helping hikers. My spidey-sense failed me that time.I pushed on again and glad I did. My knee feels a little better.
Date: 2019-04-23
From: Deer Lick

To: Tumbling Run
Miles today: 3.6

I hiked with Turtle today.  He's section hiking til Saturday.  Feeling like a real poser with these 3-4 mile days.  Going to shoot for 10 tomorrow.Met YouTuber StickmanwilmingtonNC at Tumbling Run shelter. Met Kirk (Caretaker) and his dog Mocha. They are the caretakers of the shelter. Nice place with a centerpiece on the picnic table.
Date: 2019-04-24
From: Tumbling Run

To: Caledonia State Park
Miles today: 10.0

9.5 miles in 6 hours.  It was a good day.  Saw sun coming over Chimney Rocks.  Not many views where I am but the hiking is nice.  Going to stay in a hostel tomorrow and get my food drop I mailed before I left and an Amazon package.  I'm sleeping in the woods tonight.  In the morning, I'm going to Timbers known for its big hiker breakfast and then to the hostel for packages and the longest shower possible.  I'll probably still sleep in my hammock there as it is better than a bunk IMO.Walking into Caledonia State Park, met Eric. He's a PATC volunteer and gave me my first trail magic (apple, bannana, two protein bars). His YouTube is "wildonthetrail".So many people associated with the PATC stopped and helped me this week. I really appreciate it. Thanks.
Date: 2019-04-25
From: Trail of Hope Hostel, Fayetteville, PA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ate the Trail Mix at Timbers (Hi Wanda). Stayed at the trail of Hope Hostel and did laundry and a shower.Met Kaitlin at the hostel. We talked Buddhism, weddings, Swami Vivekananda, and the 12 Tribes sect that runs the other hostel further south.Barry didnt have keys to the washing machine so had to get it working with a drill and a chisel.I biked to town and picked up my resupply at the post office. Came across a cool haunted house they are going to burn down next month.Met 3 Mile. Of all the bunks in the place he chose the one right on the other side of the wall from me. Sorry buddy for the snoring!Pack weight is down from 38 lbs fully loaded to 28 lbs.
Date: 2019-04-26
From: Caledonia State Park

To: Quarry Gap
Miles today: 2.2

Biked back to the post office in the rain to mail some things home. Had the burger at Timbers. Met Baskets, Garden State, and Nope. They started in Georgia March 1st. They fast. Baskets got an extra burger to go. That's a good idea.Trail of Hope Hostel was a nice place with kind people.
Date: 2019-04-27
From: Quarry Gap

To: Tom's Run
Miles today: 13.6

Met Papa Bear. He's doing a section I think and headed SOBO. Met Moses and her dog Cinnamon. She left her water filter at the shelter and this really fit Santa Claus guy raced down the trail to get it to her. That was really cool of him.Met Grinch on the trail.The wind is really chilly today. Petted 7 dogs.When I got to camp it was pretty full. 3 Mile had set up in the designated hammock area so he got treated to my snoring once again. Sorry guy!Today was my first 13+ mile day.
Date: 2019-04-28
From: Tom's Run

To: James Fry
Miles today: 10.9

Packed and hiked in the rain. There is a saying on the trail: Embrace the suck. That's what I'm doing and I'm still grateful to be here. At the Pine Grove Furnace store, NOBOs are doing the 1/2 gallon ice cream challenge to celebrate completing half the trail. There's a 50k race going on around me. And I thought they were cheering for me. Lol jk. It's going to frost tonight. My knees need a break.
Date: 2019-04-29
To: James Fry
Miles today: 0.0

A youtuber named Frozen and his entourage are passing me today.  Happy I can do multiple 10+ mile days in a row.  I'm resting my other knee today and then tomorrow will be a total of 100 miles!Guy named Bernie came and pitched his tent. He shared his chocolate-covered blueberries and I made a fire. Trotter and his dog Harper came by and we talked about camping methods until dark.
Date: 2018-12-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We took our first mini-shakedown hike today. We hiked about 3 miles in the rain. It was in the low 40s as well. All in all we made it through unscathed. I had my base layer, Patagonia hoodie, and Precip jacket on. I stayed dry and comfortable. I feel good about our choices. I think at least this gear is dialed in. Next we have an overnighter planned for an upcoming weekend at Wolf Gap in WV. We want to try out our sleeping gear in the cold so the colder the better.
Date: 2019-01-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Getting excited ... We¢re now one month out before our departure date. We leave on 2/20, arrive at the Bearfoot Hills Hostel, and start our hike on the 21st. We¢ve been testing out and dialing in our gear. We still need to do our shakedown hike, hopefully we can get that in in the next couple of weeks. I packed everything up yesterday and had a preliminary base weight of 20 pounds. I¢d like to shave a couple of pounds from that. I haven¢t finished with MJ¢s pack so we do have some wiggle room to redistribute our loads. Lots of work to do, but looking forward to all of it.
Date: 2019-01-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Mary Jane and I went on a 3.5 mile hike around the lake this afternoon with our full packs. Well, almost full. I only simulated a day or two of food. It was a beautiful day, temps in the low 30s. We both did fine, packs felt great, and no post hike aches or soreness. Next time we¢ll try to go around twice.