morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-26
From: 19E

To: Moreland Gap
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

26 April. To Moreland Gap. 18 miles.            4/26/12 "Today there was thunder & lighting. We were about to leave and then it rained. So we choose to wait until it stopped but it did not. Then thunder & lighting started. Later it was gone for 2 min. After that we herd a incredibly loud 'BOOM!' and the whole house shook. Next the power went out. But everything was okay(except Mango had no power)."    ¢Sunshine:-)Wow, talk about timing!  Yesterday, I was the most exhausted I've been yet this trip.  I felt faint and fatigued the last several miles of the day.  The bad weather and slogging through the mud really took a toll on me mentally more than anything.  Sunshine has been doing better than ever however.  Mango's hospitality came exactly when it was most needed.  We don't believe in coincidence out here anymore.  Our every step has been carefully planned for us.  Even when something bad or unpleasant happens we almost immediately see that there was a greater purpose or reason that guided us for the best.  Perhaps we were able to be in the right place at the right time to help someone else or to avoid danger or problems.  Our lives are so easy to control ourselves in town, that it doesn't require much faith.  Out here in the wilderness or even in unknown towns far from home with no transportation, we are much more venerable which requires more faith.  There are just circumstances that we could never foresee.  This is where we can see the hand of God guiding us the most.  Thru-hiking has really increased our faith to the point that we just don't worry about what is going to happen next, because it always works out.  I'm not saying that we are reckless, we take the appropriate safety precautions.  We just don't stress it.  We also don't take these things for granted. We are so thankful for the help and kindness by strangers along our way.  We hope to return early enough this year to help support the PCT thru-hikers through Oregon.   We planned to hit the trail at 9:00am, but it began to rain profoundly at breakfast.  Then the thunder and lightning began.  One bolt was so close that the house shook and we lost power.  This is when we decided that we really didn't need to leave just yet.  The storm was fierce, but short.  The sever weather warning said the storm was moving across the state at 50mph.   We began our 18 mile day at 11:00am.  The topography was mostly flat so we made great time.  It drizzled lightly the last 2 hours, but not enough to saturate our clothes.  It really was perfect walking weather.  The trail wasn't even that muddy.  We do love our Darn Tough Socks.  I mentioned this before, but it is amazing how comfortable or feet are even when damp.  I wish I discovered them years ago.
Date: 2012-04-28
From: Hampton, TN

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

4/28/12   To Vandeventer Shelter. 9 miles. "Today we hiked 9 miles. We slept in. And hung out at the hostel until 11:00. Then we left and went to McDonalds. We bought many cheeseburgers, salad, ice cream, and soda. Then we watched my mom get her degree(she got a 'Master Degree in Arts of Teaching Early Childhood + ESOL Endorsement'). We listened to the long speeches(At McDonalds) by Streaming live Video on my Ipod. It was cool. Then we hiked to a shelter. We got to camp pretty early too".       ¢Sunshine:-)
Date: 2012-04-29
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Damascus,VA
Miles today: 33.0
Weather: overcast clouds

29 April. To Damascus, VA         4/29/12  "Today we Hiked 33 miles! We were going to do a 22(because we have plenty of time) but we thought it would be best to get into town tonight then take a zero the next day.  So we went on(we are now in VA!) to Damascus VA. We got here late and stayed in a Hostel!"      ¢Sunshine:-)  What is better than a nearO?  A zero of course!  Why camp in the woods when you can spend a full day in town and two nights on beds.  The Methodist church runs a hostel with a $6 a night per-person charge.  It would have been foolish to pass this up and zero at a motel later.  Sunshine's birthday is the second of May so I wanted to give her a zero that day.  Maybe a nice nearO now instead.  She turns 12 years old in just 3 days!  My little girl is really growing up.  She is quite tall for her age.  Most guess her at 13 or older.  It seems improbable to some that an 11 girl can do what she does.  Everyone keeps asking if we are hiking for the weekend or spring break.  Of course, our packs are half the size of most.  We hadn't done any 30 mile days this year so it felt good to stretch our legs and crank out some miles.  That particular section of trail is sometimes referred to as the Tennessee Turnpike because it's predominately flat nature.    Many people have been seeing bears for the past several days.  Even minutes before we pass through, but we haven't seen nary a one.  Last night I got up at 2:00am to pee and saw a pair of eyes watching me, but couldn't identify what animal it was.  I also heard another one walking around in the forest at the same time.  Sunshine really enjoys hiking and chatting with other ladies, but we really haven't had a chance yet.  She convinced HashBrown to wake up early this morning(she normaly leaves at 10:00 pm) and camp with us again tonight. We all hiked together for the morning while the girls chattered, but eventually we had to leave her behind if we wanted to achieve even the intended 22 miles.  We got to camp at 4:30pm and decided to make a run for town.  The town tug is a powerful force.   We are having beautiful weather again.  It is a touch muggy however.  The trees and flowers are beginning to bloom so it becomes more beautiful each day.
Date: 2012-04-30
From: Damascus,VA

To: Zero!
Miles today: 0.0

30 April.  Zero in Damascus, VAWe had a great day of much needed R&R in town.  We don't have any exciting tails of the trail today, so I wanted to mention our commitment to raising funds for Active Water because it is very important to us.  We have a lot of new readers that may not have heard this yet.    We are raising money to provide clean drinking water for villages in Zambia Africa.  Thousands die each year from water born diseases there.  More people in Zambia die each year from water born diseases than from war, car accidents, or even cancer.  Active Water is a non-profit organization that is committed to providing clean, safe drinking water to entire villages in Africa.  We committed to raising $4,362 which is enough for one village well and a few family water filters for their homes.  A very generous anonymous person has committed to matching all contributions up to our goal!  This means we can possibly provide two villages with wells!  Think of the lives we can save together with two wells!  That means two entire villages will never again have to worry about whether or not their children will become ill from that next glass of water.  Currently, we have raised almost $900 which is great but still far from our goal.  Please see our Active Water page at:www.active.com/donate/activewaterupick/sunshine2012at  This page better explains who Active Water is, their history, their mission and why we are involved.  Thank you so much.
Date: 2012-05-01
From: Zero!

To: White Top Mountian
Miles today: 21.0

01 May.  To White Top Mountain. 21 miles.            5/1/12  "Today we slept in and hiked 21 miles. We packed up and went to 'Cowboys' for breakfast. I ate blueberry pancakes. They were incredible!!! Then we left at 10:00. It was quite hot, but there was shade. We hiked with Gypsy Soul, we talked for a wile and I learned about her job(Vet assistant). Then we got to camp, there were 13 people there."       ¢Sunshine:-)  Damascus was a great trail town.  There is also an across America bicycle route that goes through town so it is completely about hiking and biking.  A cyclist suggested that Butterfly and I ride across the country on a tandem bike.  Brilliant!  I've been looking for a non-hiking adventure to do with Butterfly once Sunshine and I triple crown.  Butterfly loves nature and camping, just not walking.  The route actually starts in Astoria Oregon and ends in Virginia.     Cowboy, of Cowboy's store and Restaurant promised Sunshine a free breakfast if she came in today.  He bought her blueberry pancakes with berries that he picked himself.  He even gave her a to go bag of blueberries to put in her birthday oatmeal tomorrow.  Thanks Cowboy!  True to form of any good town stop, we got a late start.  It was past 10:00 am as we began our slog up that never ending hill.  It was very hot and muggy today, but we passed many ice cold streams to cool off in.  I soaked my buff ( www.buffusa.com ) in every stream ringing it down both our backs and heads. Then I soak it again just before putting it back on my head enjoying it's cooling drips over my face for the next 10 minutes.  Speaking of Buffs, Sunshine left her's at Mango's house and he will be passing us south bound on Thursday with it for a section hike.  She is really excited to get it back.  Sunshine convinced Gypsy Soul to hike with us this week since her hiking partner broke her foot and had to take a few weeks off.  Sunshine really admires her.  We all meet up tonight with Beacon here in camp.  We are planning a 23 then a 19 to Partnership Shelter on Thursday.  Beacon is determined to arrive there early because they deliver pizza there!
Date: 2012-05-02
From: White Top Mountian

To: Huricane Mountian
Miles today: 23.0

2 May. To Hurricane Mountain Shelter.  23 miles.  "Today we hiked 23 miles. We went through a place were there are wild ponies running around. They are friendly and walk right up to you. We took manny pics and looked at them. They were very pretty. But they also try to steal your food(they stole Beacon's candy bar). They are all different. Also today was rocky."                  ¢Sunshine:-)  My favorite hiking partner turned 12 today.  She looks even more grown up and beautiful than ever. We had a great day!  Nothing's to good for my little girl, so I rented ponies for her birthday party.  Well, not so much that I rented them as we walked through several large herds of wild ponies.  Yep, we walked through Grayson Highlands State Park. Great timing!  She had a blast. I think she had the most fun ever on trail today.  We stopped several times for her to enjoy them.  We weren't in any hurry today, but still made decent time.   The morning started overcast, cool and breezy.  Great for walking!  The afternoon did warm up, but not bad. Again, there were plenty of streams to collect fresh water and cool off in.    I watched Sunshine step right on a snake today.  I didn't see it until it was rolling under her foot.  It never tried to strike, it only wanted to get away.  Once it was at a safe distance for itself and us it stopped and held it's ground.  We identified it as a Copperhead. I put it in our photo album, check it out and tell me if you agree and if it is poisonous. Beacon is getting very excited about ordering pizza from the shelter tomorrow night.  We read that it also has a shower.  That's what is exciting to me.  We have a resupply package in the town after the shelter, but staying there will save on motel/hostel expenses. Also we can zip into town and still put in some miles the same day.
Date: 2012-05-03
From: Huricane Mountian

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

3 May. To Partnership Shelter. 20 miles.          5/3/12  "Today I met someone(her trail name is Sap because she uses sap to rosin her bow) who plays the Violin(so do I), she got it online. It is very tinny and thin. It had a hollow section, bridge, pegs, and the strings. We hiked 19 miles and ate pizza. The Pizza Hut near a shelter will deliver to the shelter!!! So we ate pizza and drank soda!"         ¢Sunshine:-) Reed:-)There is never a legitimate reason to stress out on the trail.  There has never been a problem on either thru-hike that hasn't immediately been fixed or something even better happen in it's place.  Sunshine left her Buff at Mango's house a week ago.  He happened to be section hiking south and said he would give it to her as we passed.  Well, we just missed him by 20 minutes today, but no need to stress.  He gave it to Austin, who jetted it up the trail and gave it to Gypsy Soul who later caught up with us while enjoying sodas at some trail magic.  Thank you Baptist church for the soda.  Thank you Mango for getting her Buff back to her.   First thing this morning, I left Sunshine with Gypsy Soul so I could hike out ahead to cook breakfast without wasting time.  When the girls caught up, I had a hot breakfast ready for Sunshine. I enjoyed opening up my pace a bit.  They saw a mother bear and her cub.  Figures, I usually miss the wildlife.  It was a very hot and muggy day, but everyone kept good attitudes knowing we would be enjoying pizza tonight. At one point, I sat in a stream with the water cascading over my shoulders.  It was wonderful!    With 9 miles left we all decided to send me ahead to order the pizza.  Again Sunshine hiked with Gypsy while I hiked ahead. I arrived to the shelter a hour and a half before them, claimed our space and ordered pizza.  Beacon, Sunshine, and Gypsy arrived just before it was delivered. Perfect!  We have been camping the past few nights with or near the same few people.  Finally, we have found others that hike similar distances. It makes town stops and camp more fun with joyous reunions. We are camped with a guy tonight that started February 23rd. He carries his food in a 5 gallon bucket and switches hands through out the day.  Yet this is not the strangest strategy we have heard of on this trail.
Date: 2012-05-04
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I shut off my guest book today because some of the unbelievably rude and inconsiderate hikers out here decided that bad behavior on the trail and in town wasn't enough for them. They now want to hijack my journal and lie to you in defense of their despicable behavior.   I stand by every word I said as 100% accurate. People who smell don't know they smell because they have gotten used to their own filth. If anything, I've suger coated and ignored much of their behavior. We came here to hike, not play "my daddy is stronger than yours". Please remember fellow hikers, this is also a little girl's journal as well. Be a man and talk to my face if you don't agree with me, not leave disparaging remarks on her journal on her birthday of all days. For shame on you! And while I'm pointing out the obvious, clean up your foul language around my daughter! I'm not going to put up with your filth anymore!
Date: 2012-05-05
From: Atkins, VA

To: Chestnut Knob
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: light rain

5/5/12 "Today we hiked 23 miles. We slept in and got out of town at 8:30. We ate breakfast at a gas station. It was very tasty(microwave hamburgers). Then we left.  We hiked all day, talked, ate, and listened to our iPods. It rained some but not for long. We dryed out fast. My Dad is working on his Backpacking Light article so I'll be doing the journal alone for a few days."                     ¢Sunshine:-)
Date: 2012-05-06
From: Chestnut Knob

To: Halvey's Mill Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: light rain

to Halveys Mill Shelter.  24 miles.   "Right now dad is working on a backpackinglight article. So I am taking over for a few days. Today we hiked 24 miles. We got up early and packed up quickly. It was still foggy from the night before. So we got a early start. It was nice and cool and not to humid. We made good time to a high-way, were we hitched into town and went to Dairy Queen. I had a chili-cheese dog combo (loved it!) and a Blizzard. Dad had French fries, and a cheese burger. Then we worked hard to get to the shelter. It is now raining and we bought Beacon a Soda and we are waiting for him to show up. This is the last night we see him till PA because we are bumping up the miles so we can take longer in Washington DC."              ¢Sunshine:-)Reed:-)
Date: 2012-05-07
From: Halvey's Mill Shelter

To: Doc's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 32.5
Weather: scattered clouds

5/7/12    to Doc's Knob Shelter.  32.5 miles.  "Today we got up early again and started walking. It rained last night till well after hiker midnight(But luckily dad and I slept in the shelter). So the ground was soft, and gladly not slick. We were both tired so we went slow and were VERY lazy. We went to a gas station and bought LOTS of sugar(not by itself but like candy.). We then packed out soda(for the walk). The next few miles we talked, and listened to our iPods. We talked about PCT Jeff. And about a person who's name is 'not sunshine'. She or he is ahead so we are going to try to catch up. So we can see how she or he got her or his name. I think it's a girl who looks like me that keeps getting asked if she is Sunshine. We already met a girl (young lady) with red hair that said many people had been asking her that. And we are going to hike bigger miles to get to Washington DC quicker. And go to Hershey Park in PA!"                     ¢Sunshine:-)
Date: 2012-05-08
From: Doc's Knob Shelter

To: The Captian's Place
Miles today: 28.0

Docs knob shelter  To the Captain's place. 28 miles  "Today we hiked 28 miles. We got up VERY early and hiked 8 miles before 9:00. And it Rained. We continued hiking and got to town(Parisberg). We first went to Dairy Queen. I had a #10 combo and it was INCREDIBLE!    Then we went to the Laundery Mat. We ate there, and took care of Laundery /charging devises. After that we went to a place and worked on our wifi. On tne way out of town, we went to a Mexican Grill and ate tacos. Then went another 20 miles. We slept at Captains. The zip line across the river to get to his place was lots of fun! We did it in the dark on the way there. Thank you Captain for letting us sleep on the porch on a rainy Night! And thanks for the soda!"                 ¢Sunshine:-)Reed:-)
Date: 2012-05-09
From: The Captian's Place

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: light rain

5/9/12 Capton's place to Sarver Hollow Shelter 24 miles  "Today we hiked 24 miles.  And it rained. We were both tired so we slept in. It was amazing. When I woke up I felt refreshed. Then we ate cold cereal. It was yummy!!   After that we met DK & Big Easy. We talked at a shelter after breckfast then by lunch they caught up. We walked and talked (time goes by so fast when I have another girl to talk to.  Then we ate a huge dinner." it has been raining all week, but we stay dry at night in shelters or our tents.                   ¢Sunshine:-)Reed:-)
Date: 2012-05-10
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: John's Spring Shelter
Miles today: 30.0
Weather: broken clouds

5/10/12   Sarver Hollow shelter to Johns spring shelter. 30 miles.   "Thank you everyone for identifying that snake as a gardner snake, we feel much more comfortable knowing this. The idea of stepping on a copper head freaked me out!  Another hiker identified it (incorrectly) as a copper head.    Today we woke and hurried to Niday shelter there we had some friends who slept there. So we wanted to hike with them. We got there at 9:00 am and had breakfast. It was DK's birthday so we sang happy birthday as she was getting out of "bed". We were slowed down by the rocks.  The rocks were slick but we managed. Also we met Dose(2 in Spanish, only telling you because of my spelling). We hiked with her for a wile and then she went to the four pines hostel. We went down the road(if north left) and went to a store. We had sodas, candy, and pizza. Then we hiked another 7 miles to the next shelter so we could resuply tomorrow."                  ¢Sunshine:-)  Reed:-)
Date: 2012-05-11
From: John's Spring Shelter

To: Dalesville
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

5/11/12 Johns spring shelter to Dalesville. 18 miles "Today went by fast. I do not remember most of today. We got up early and got to Mcafee Knob right after sunrise.  It would have been cooler at sunrise. So we got many pictures. There we ran into Cricket(he is a dude. There are many Crickets on the trail. I am spelling them a little different.). We hiked and talked all morning. We enjoyed hiking with him.  We saw many valley views. And it seemed to go by so fast. But 3 miles to town, it seemed to go SO slow. Then we got to town. We went straight to Wendy's and ate cheese burgers. We also had a frosty. Then we met up with Crickett(she is a Lady. She is cricket but there are many so she added a 't' to her name to tell the difference.) and her husband(Sweat Hog). And they drove us to their house. They let dad and I spend the night in REAL beds. And our own bedrooms!! Thank you, so much!!"                     ¢Sunshine:-)
Date: 2012-05-13
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Matt Creek Shelter
Miles today: 30.0
Weather: overcast clouds

13 May to Matt's Creek Shelter 30 miles. 5/13/12    "Today we hiked 30 miles. We woke early and started walking. When we were 6 miles into the day we heard a target shooter. It startled me at first because we were in the middle of the woods. And I was VERY distracted.  I was not expecting that. There was a 5 mile hill but I somehow zoned out so far I did not know I was going uphill.  It went by fast".             ¢ Sunshine:-)  We had another great day of hiking.  Sunshine kept up a great pace even during a considerably long up hill portion.  This was one of her fastest paces up hill today.  We even slept in till 6:00 am.  The last hour of our day, the sky began to look very ominous.  The wind picked up and occasional rain drops began to taunt us.  We began to walk faster until we were almost to a run.  This action paid off because we were able to stay dry and reached the shelter just before the monsoon like storm began.  There was plenty of room for us to sleep inside.  This area must be one of the prettiest we've seen so far.  This shelter is down inside a small shaded draw with a beautiful copper colored mountain stream running through it with purple Rodendrems in full bloom on both sides.  It kind of reminds me of Oregon but with deciduous trees instead of the ever present evergreens. We are still on pace with our 25 (on average) miles a day run to Harpers Ferry.  Cold wet days like this really make us appreciate a good hot meal. We eat Mountain House freeze dried meals every night. They are so quick and easy. The last thing we want to do at the end of a long wet day is spend a long time cooking complicated meals that won't be as tasty as one of Mountain Houses pre-made double serving packets. Tonight we had one of Sunshine's favorites, Mexican Style Chicken and rice. She Loved it and so did I! Dinner is always her favorite part of each day on the trail.