morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-29
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

Another 15 mile day that, because we started so early, is done by 1300 this afternoon. It is nice to be done early so you can nap and relax while everyone else is running around trying to get their chores done. We have a really full shelter tonight but, instead of being frustrated by it, I am really starting to enjoy the community. Imagine thirty people in the middle of the woods, all different ages from 18 to 65(men and women), from all over the US, taking off 6 months to hike 2200 miles. Until now, the craziness of this group has been aggravating to me(how can you justify carrying an electric toothbrush?). How could you mistake Shuckstack Mountain for Clingman's Dome? How can you talk for 4 hours about chicken broth? How can you walk 25 miles without stretching your legs first? Why would you carry an axe and not a guidebook?      The bottom line is, I have been insecure in my own abilities, so much so, that I have not been allowing myself to have fun. I have been so scared that I'm going to screw up, that's all I think about all day long. I obsess over the smallest details- how many drops are in an Aqua mira water sanitizer bottle?-and chastise myself severely when I make a mistake(dropping that Aqua mira on my pants just cost me .79 cents and how can you make it to Maine being so clumsy and irresponsible?).      I am a very detail oriented person and it feels super to be so on top of every detail. What a great feeling it is to have people admire your organization. But now that this level of safety and organization is standard, it's time to start enjoying the fun parts of this trip and especially the fun people(no matter how crazy we all are!).      We are 3.2 miles south of Hot Springs, NC and are planning arrival there for breakfast at 0800. It will be nice to enjoy town! The picture today is of snake number 6, who was sunning himself in front of our shelter today. Until tomorrow...
Date: 2009-04-30
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Near Pump Gap
Miles today: 8.1

Everyone was up super early and practically ran the 3.2 miles into Hot Springs to get to the Smoky Mountain Diner for breakfast. Hot springs was a great change from days in the woods. The town had one street and I just sat at the Post Office for six hours and watched life happen here. Town chores got off to a bad start because my maildrop was not at the Post Office. Also, the new sleeping bag that Solar ordered was not there as well. My ground support team showed it's strength today and Uncle Charlie was able to track the package, which was actually delivered to the outfitters. Luckily, in a one road town, the outfitter is right across the street, and my food drop for the next week was found. Unfortunately, things didn't go as well for Solar and he has decided to cancel the order for a lighter bag and continue to carry my 25 degree synthetic one.      After hours of doing nothing in town, Bird, Scarecrow and I began to chug up the mountain to our campsite 5 miles away. The campsite is nice and not crowded(almost everyone zeroed in Hot Springs) but the water is absolutely foul. I am afraid to drink it after double purifying it. Scarecrow said he fished a dead turtle out of it. It's six days to Erwin, TN. 15 miles tomorrow and turtle soup for dinner!      Sadly, our section hiking buddy Kismet pulled ahead of us today. She is trying to rendezvous with her husband in Damascus two days before we are needing to be there. Already, the experience seems sadly empty without her. She fit in with us so well and will be missed. Until tomorrow...
Date: 2009-05-01
From: Near Pump Gap

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: light rain

 As we pass our 1 month anniversary and near our 300 mile mark tomorrow, I wish I had better news about our little group. Our buddy the Scarecrow isn't doing very well. On the way out of Davenport Gap three days ago he decided to push ahead and do 20.5 miles so he could be in Hot Springs a day early to stay in town for a night(we had not planned on staying there, just passing through for resupply and chores). Long story short, he is having big problems with his ankles and put into another hostel 3 miles short of our destination today. I wasn't hiking around him when he made this decision and haven't been able to reach him on the phone, so we'll see how this develops. Hopefully he'll wake up fixed tomorrow.Today was a miserable day, even if you weren't worried about your body falling apart(and we all are). Pouring down rain, dead turtle water, endless uphills, high temperatures and humidity, and a broken Scarecrow made for a tough day for this thru-hiker. Tomorrow is another day...
Date: 2009-05-02
From: Little Laura Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light rain

 Another rainy day on the Appalachian Trail. When we got underway it was not raining, which was nice because I was able to de-water the tent before striking it. However, soon it began to rain and our entire day was spent hiking in it. At one interesting juncture, the hiker is given a decision between an "exposed ridge trail"(white blaze) and a "bad weather trail"(blue blaze). Even though the weather was horrible, we took the exposed ridge trail and spent an hour playing tip toe through the tulips over big rocks at the top of the mountain. It was wet and windy but it was cool to see the weather whipping by.Early in the afternoon we got a text message from Scarcrow saying he did leave the Hostel this morning and was aiming for either Jerry's cabin shelter or Flint Mountain Shelter(which was our destination). We didn't think he'd make it all the way to Flint because the terrain was pretty tough. As hikers began to arrive here tonight, they reported that he had made it to Jerry's and planned to stay. Hopefull we will snyc up before Erwin.The shelter is once again Grand Central Station as there are probably about 15 people here. There are some cool new faces that we have been hiking with since the other giant group zeroed in Hot Springs. In addition to Solar, Bird and myself, there is Yardsale, Green Light, Buckeye, Banjoe, Blue Sky, Phoenix Rising, One Step, Spiceman, Dave, Legs and Gambie. Tomorrow is another 15 mile day with a fun 1500 foot obstacle to hurdle. Until then...
Date: 2009-05-03
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained all day and I am a really wet thru-hiker. At first it was just on and off, but as the day wore on it became a down pour. Between my wet tent and wet pack, I must be carrying an extra 10 pounds, which is bad news. I probably burned enough energy today to walk 25 miles normally.Since it's been raining for 4 days now, there has been no solar charging. This means no phone communication (it also means no picture taking so sorry to everyone for no pictures for a couple days!). For those of you wondering how I check in, I send three text messages a day to my dad containing a position report. Since I'm always moving, sometimes I have service and sometimes not. Regardless, he usually gets most of the reports. Also, once a day mostly in the evening, I send my uncle a position report to add redundancy in case for some reason Dad doesn't get his. These reports, however nice, are not the most reliable thing to base a safety plan on since service is so unpredictable. Therefore, each time I leave town on a leg of the trip, both Dad and Charlie know how many days I'm expected to be out. If I'm over due on that deadline, then they know to get concerned. Since this is the first time the phone isn't useable on the trip, it will be interesting to see if the police start looking for me before my due date in Erwin on Wednesday! Actually, I'm sure that won't happen because I mentioned the charging problem in yesterday's report.Well, tonight we live in the land of cold, wet, disgruntled hikers. Hopefully the weather will once again cooperate starting tomorrow. Until then..
Date: 2009-05-04
From: Low Gap

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

      It was another terrible day of rain. I couldn't believe how much it poured last night. The trail was a mess today. Every inch of clothing was saturated, covered in mud. Feet grind up like ground beef in this situation as you are dealing with an inch of water in your shoes as well. I stopped three or four times to put on some preventative chafe gear on my ankles. Unfortunately I have developed quite a spot on my left ankle which might turn into my first blister. This has been my only foot problem, which seems to annoy others. Tomorrow is six miles into Erwin where I couldn't decide to stay or leave ,but, given we have been getting kicked by the weather day after day on this leg, I have decided to stay in town to get some gear issues worked out. First problem is that all my gear is wet and muddy. It needs aired out. As luck would have it my fly zipper has broken and has not been keeping the rain out with just a safety pin. I need a better plastic bag for my sleeping bag as my old one is all in holes. Finally, I'm debating on a pack cover to try to keep the rain out. It is supposed to rain for the next 6 days! Can't hide in town that long!      In the all too rare good news department, the Scarecrow busted out a 20 mile day and caught up to us. I can always hear his voice 3/4 miles away before he arrives anywhere. What a great sound that was today! We will hang in Erwin together and eat a ton tomorrow. Till then...
Date: 2009-05-08
From: Erwin TN

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow does it feel great to be under way again! Against my better judgement, The Scarecrow and I said our goodbyes to Uncle Johnny and his staff this morning duriing an approaching thunderstorm. We really should have waited a couple hours to let it blow over but we were so anxious to get going again. There were so many hikers there nursing injuries--it felt like if we didn't leave, we might be there forever!As we pushed up the mountain, we passed several hikers hustling back down to the safety of the Hostel. Although the lightning and thunder was a little scary, we were never less than 3 miles from the lightning strikes as I could derive from counting the time in between lightning and thunder. We were, however, in the rain, and our new novel feeling of dryness was quickly replaced by that all-too-familiar feeling of saturation.Healthwise, it felt great to be out here again but I was quite weak and couldn't push at all. I even was light headed several times during the hike. I expected this having spent a day completely not eating. Unfortunately, my appetite hasn't returned yet and I've had to force myself to eat the day's usual amount. To make matters worse, I was reduced to tears when I realized that I accidentally picked up reduced fat peanut butter! How totally gross and unappetizing! Oh well, you gotta make due with what you got...Ten miles today felt like twenty five and I am really tired but hopeful that things will gradually return to normal. Tomorrow the plan is for 14 miles.I got a chance to check the website while in Erwin and was so excited to see some new people along for the ride. Welcome aboard everyone, especially Tammy and Rhonda, Clayton, Martina, Mary-Ruth, and Aunt Rose!
Date: 2009-05-09
From: Deep Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

Once again, its pouring rain! A big surprise these days. Actually, the rain held off most of the day and I was only walking in it for the last two hours or so. Unfortunately, I thought it was over and decided to tent instead of sleep in the shelter. Hopefully it will stop before morning.The biggest challenge of today was eating. I'm having really bad heartburn and I think that I may have burned my esophogus from throwing up so much a few days back. Consequently, every bite is like swallowing razors (every bite of reduced fat peanut butter, I might add--still not over this). Couple this with the fact that I'm not really that hungry yet, anyway, and you've got a problem with getting enough energy to get through a day safely. The Scarecrow gave me a roll of Tums but I'm not sure if he gave them to me to help my situation or to put something in my mouth so I would stop complaining...It is a refreshing new group at the shelter tonight--Dream Catcher, Butch, Improv, Freebird, Doc, Nanny Goat, Scarecrow and Sailor J. We're going up high again tomorrow and will be operating at high altitude for the next few days of the Roan Highlands. 6300 feet tomorrow and we're all praying for sunshine and great views. Until then!
Date: 2009-05-10
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overton Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Tonight we are staying in a giant old barn with the best views ever. It was converted into an AT shelter and it is big enough to accommodate any crowd!It was a tough day today terrain-wise, the toughest since at least the Smokies. One climb was 2200 feet. I am still getting back to normal from being sick and wish I had my usual 'horsepower!' The weather finally gave us a break and we had views for miles all around all day in the Roan Highlands. Hopefully more of the same tomorrow. Until then!
Date: 2009-05-11
From: Overton Mountain Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 26.9
Weather: light rain

As you can see by my 27 mile tally for today, it has been my biggest day yet! I arrived at Moreland under headlamp at midnight to a sleeping shelter. Night hiking is crazy--such a different experience. It is really easy to get scared since you can't see things the way you usually do. There was no moon tonight so it was the blackest black imaginable. I was aiming for a campsite about two miles prior to the shelter but never found it. To be honest, I didn't even know that I was at the shelter and was just pitching my tent on a flat clearing when I saw reflective tape from another tent. I was really happy to have made it that far! Please don't everyone be nervous about me night hiking. It is part of the experience out here and lots of folks are doing it right now trying to get to Damascus for the Trail Days Festival.In other news, my good old friend Suzy showed up for a visit today. We are friends from college. She and I had planned to hike the Hump Mountains together, but since the weather was so crappy and the trail is such a mess, we decided to just have lunch together which was great for me because I got to go to a restaurant! Suzy also became a trail angel and did my resupply for me, keeping me from having to hitch into Hamden. Thank you so much, Suzy!!My mail didn't make it to Mountain Harbor so I have probably lost my new zip pants. Although this stinks, the show must go on and there are far worse things that can happen out here. Believe me--I have seen them with my own eyes!! Tomorrow is another big mile day in the push to Damascus. Until then!
Date: 2009-05-12
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Vanderventer Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: few clouds

Another monster day and I am beat. So many hikers out here scrambling for Damascus--its like a super highway! I don't even know how many people are here at the shelter tonight but there are more than 12 tents pitched in less-than-ideal places--even pitched directly across the trail. It is now 23:00 and I see two headlights marching into camp. God only knows where they will set up.Sunshine was a welcome change today and I felt a little reminscent of my days at the beach as I basked in it next to Watauga Lake. Its easy to miss the beach when you're in the mountains. Another big day tomorrow to get to Damascus! Until then!
Date: 2009-05-13
From: Vanderventer Shelter

To: Abingdon Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: clear sky

Finally the conclusion of my monster hiking days to get to Damascus! Monday--27.5, Tuesday--23.5, Wednesday--23. These days are no joke and I'm glad to know that I'm capable of this kind of hiking. It is, however, pretty lonely, especially knowing that Sacarecrow, Bird, and Solar are so far behind. We all have so much fun together and I wish that we could all hike the whole trip together. We'll see what happens, but I imagine that we might all hike separately after Trail Days. That will make for a lonely Sailor J.The Superhighway to Damascus was packed today. I spent the whole hike tripping over other hikers. Most people are doing crazy days (32+ miles) or "marathon" days (26.5 miles) straight into town. I watched eight guys rig up with headlamps tonight to take on the last ten miles. Although the spirit is infectious and town food is a big temptation, what are you going to do when you get into town at 23:00 hours?? For me, tomorrows scheduled arrival about noon will be much more civilized... Until then!!
Date: 2009-05-14
From: Abingdon Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today went according to plan, for the most part. I had a leisurely morning with lots of coffee and stretching. At 08:30 I got underway for my descent into Damascus. It was an uneventful hike and it was a great feeling taking it easy in contrast to the last three days of maniac-mileage. Thank you to Trillium and Chomper who took my picture as I made the monumental state line crossing into Virginia late in the morning. Excitement built all morning until I finally popped out of the woods in Damascus a little after noon.Upon arrival, I walked directly to 'Tent City' which is where most of the hikers pitch their tents for the festival. Rumors had been flying around the trail for a few days that Tent City was at capacity so I was a little eager to get over there and see what the state of things was. Luckily, the rumor was just a rumor and there was plenty of room to tent. I ran into fellow hiker Muscles and she gave me the rundown of where everyone we knew was camping. I tried to pick a spot that would be a little on the quiet side and could accomodate Scarecrow, Bird, Solar, Scarecrow's Wife, and Birds Grandmother (quite a camp!). They were expected to arrive much later tonight, around nine or ten. After setting up camp, I was quick to get into town to get a head start on chores like laundry and supply shopping.While finishing up laundry, I developed a sharp cramp in my side which I couln't figure out how to make better. I left there and have decided to go right to sleep and I hope that the rest of the group can find me by the sight of my tent (one of about fifty Big Agnes I's out here now) or just catch up tomorrow. This sailor is shot!!
Date: 2009-05-20
From: Damascus

To: White Top Mountain
Miles today: 21.3

Bad cell reception. The AT and the Virginia Creeper Trail merge together and share this old railroad bridge.This entry needs to start with an explanation. I did not start in Damascus this morning but from a stealth campsite about 2 miles north of there. I had already created the entry for yesterday and forgot that I would be hiking later that day. Anyway, it was a nice 2 miles to get me back in the woods before it got dark(and before I decided that I would like to stay another day at the Hale's).Today was pretty uneventful. I didn't get out of camp until 1000 hours which is super late for me. The trail ran parallel with the Virginia Creeper trail for some time today and I was tempted to walk on it because it is flat and graveled and made for bikes. The trail was a virtual ghost town today as, the whole day, I only saw two or three south bounders and no north bounders. It's sort of surprising this close to Damascus right after Trail Days festival. Not that I'm complaining.From what I can tell by trail registers and text messages, there is not too many people in my general vicinity. Solar and Bird are about a day ahead and the Scarecrow is about 2 days behind. He says things are quiet back there as well. Such stark contrast!Other note worthy news: My spoon broke in half today which made me mad. You pay all this money for "outdoor gear". What a crock#!#*! The weather is beautiful during the day and freezing at night. I have replaced peanut butter with canned chicken salad for this leg and am loving it. There is some large animal walking outside my tent! Such impressive head lines- It's like when the nightly news does and entire story on Brittney Spears' latest melt down ,you know there is nothing important to talk about. Tormorrow is a mile 12 miles into the Grayson Highlands. Until then...
Date: 2009-05-21
From: White Top Mountain

To: Wise Shelter 
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I'm going to take this opportunity to be thankful for great weather because it has been so rainy in the last month. Today I awoke to dense fog that gradually cleared into a beautiful day. And thank goodness because the walk all day today was over gorgeous rolling hills with views for miles all around. The funniest thing was, every few miles, a bunch of ponies would be grazing all over the trail. They walk right up and started licking my leg or arm and poles. I was a little afraid one was going to start chewing on my shorts and my uncle and I were going to be having equipment replacement discussions! Luckily I made it away from these beasts unscathed and all's well that ends well!I am, for the second night in a row, camped all by myself. Although I saw considerably more people on the trail today, I didn't know any of them. Since today was an easy 12 miler, I am considering a 17 or 20 to thrust me back into hiker civilization again. I know I'm not too far behind a lot of folks because I see them on the registers at all the shelters. The vast majority of today was spent with no cell reception but I did manage to receive a text from Solar that said he started really late from Lost Mountain. It must be Damascus' influence because both yesterday and today I couldn't get out of camp before 1000 hours. Am going to bed early to give that another try!
Date: 2009-05-22
From: Wise Shelter 

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

This morning I was underway by 0800 and finishing up with the beautiful balds of Grayson Highlands. Once again the weather was perfect for a picturesque hike. About noon I re-entered the treeline and spent the rest of the day slugging through worse than usual rocks.There are all new faces at the shelter tonight and it is great to be around people again. The hikers tonight include Ziggy, Lucky, Green Hornet, Transition, Bonbon, Shameless and Goya. I had a great time from the moment I arrived.In the news today: no cell reception all day so no position reports. I have gained a day on Fidget but Bird and Solar suddenly fell off the trail registers which makes me think they went into the hostel from Dickey's Gap. It's a touch of a shame that I worked so hard to get to them and now I may be ahead of them. Tomorrow, the shelter I will be at for lunch gets pizza delivery as it is right next to a visitors center. This shelter seems to be a hiker magnet so we will see who turns up. Also, I super glued my spoon back together and it seems to be holding. Until tomorrow...