morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-05-30
From: Apple Orchard campsite

To: Stan Murray Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: light rain

1.  Date: Earthsday, Forelithe 10 (5-30)2.  Day 353.  Morning temp: 604.  Weather: Calm, overcast. Later beautiful.5.  Time start: 07006.  Time stop and miles: 1647/18.47.  End point: Stan Murray Shelter8.  Events: Log:I awoke with the bird alarms after a good nights sleep. I rolled out at 06 and was on the trail at 07. I have a process now and just do one thing after another until I'm ready to hike.The morning was overcast, but the day felt like it was going to be a good one.I moved along good towards the first shelter for a break. I followed deer prints on the trail for miles. I guess they use it too.After the shelter I went up to Little Rock Knob that had a decent view. Next I passed General Hendrix getting water.I started climbing towards Roan High Knob, the longest climb of the day and stopped most of the way up for lunch at a campsite.  I felt like I was having the Day Two Blues during the climb. The DTBs are from my section hike days. I would be all hyped up and ready to go on day one, but on day two, I would always ask why I was out there doing this.  It usually passes, but I was really missing my baby during that climb I finally reached the top and checked out the place where a large hotel used to be back in the late 1800s.I started down and didn't bother climbing the .1 to the Shelter, since I figured I could get water along the way.  I did fill in a bit and continued down.I came out at Carvers Gap where it opened out into a very pretty and large Bald. I climbed over Round Bald, then Jane Bald.I had some signal on the bald, so I texted LoGear and checked my email.After another short climb, I headed down hill to the shelter.  I set up and rested a bit. Coach, a guy I passed up on the Bald came in and we had dinner together.A few other hikers came through, but were headed to Over Mountain Shelter just 1.9 away.Tomorrow, it's just 11.1 to the Hostel. I think I'm gonna stay the night there tomorrow.Flora: Old apple treesFauna: Red EftsVOD: So many today. Little Rock Knob, Round Bald, Jane BaldSmell: MugglesSound: A bird that sounds like a video game.High: Walking through the balds.Low: Missing my babyHope: That my funk is temporary.
Date: 2017-05-31
From: Stan Murray Shelter

To: Mountain Harbour Hostel
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: clear sky

1.  Date: Starsday, Forelithe 12 (5-31)2.  Day 363.  Morning temp: 554.  Weather: Clear, calm.  5.  Time start: 06506.  Time stop and miles: 1242/11.17.  End point: Mountain Harbour Hostel8.  Events: Log:I was up before 06 and on the trail before 07. It's an easy system and I can get it done fairly quick. Today promised to be a nice one and it did deliver.  I headed down hill for awhile until I saw the turnoff for Over Mountain Shelter. It is a large barn with plenty if space. I didn't go check it out, but got a good view of it as I climbed out of the gap. I came along and saw I was going to be entering an open space, so I applied some sunscreen.  I was at the Hump Mtns.  Little Hump was first.  It is completely open and you could see forever.  I saw a couple deer grazing up there. Hump Mtn was also open and I rested at the top of each to take it all in. I had some signal, so I texted LoGear Happy Birthday and downloaded my email. It was a perfect day up there.It was all downhill after that and some of it was pretty rocky, so my feet weren't too happy. On the way down, I left North Carolina for the last time. Two states done, 12 to go, but TN will be done in about five more days.Eventually, I came to US19 amd walked down the road to the Hostel. It is very nice, but the bunkhouse was full (some hiking group), so I'm camping by the creek. It was cheaper. I got a shower and did some cowboy laundry, while I was in there. Supposedly their Bfast is a great deal. I will confirm in the morning.Tomorrow, 16.7 planned.Fauna: DeerVOD: The HumpsSmell: CheesesteakSound: Creek next to my hammockHigh: Sitting on Hump Mtn having an early lunch.Low: The long, rocky down hill from Hump MtnHope: That tomorrow's breakfast is good.
Date: 2017-06-01
From: Mountain Harbour Hostel

To: Campsite by Streams
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: light rain

1.  Date: Sunsday, Forelithe 12 (6-1)2.  Day 373.  Morning temp: 584.  Weather: Clear, calm. Beautiful day.5.  Time start: 08496.  Time stop and miles: 1706/16.77.  End point: Campsite by streams8.  Events: BfastLog:I was up at my usual 06 or so and broke camp to prepare for the famous Bfast they serve here.It truly lives up to its hype.  Very good and plenty if it. I ate up and hit the trail before 09.The track was pretty nice today, with no long or steep climbs.  There were some open meadows I walked through, but the day was mostly a walk in the woods.The terrain generally rolled up and down with lots of water crossings.After checking out the impressive Jones Falls, I stopped for lunch when the trail started running beside the Elk River. It was a very pleasant and shady site.  A couple of hikers came by and said they just passed a sign on the ground made of sticks saying it was the 400 mile mark.  I said "that's funny, I just passed one a couple tenths back." I would see one more reference to 400 miles on a blaze another tenth north.  (And they say there are a lot of Halfway markers up in PA.) The afternoon would be basically the same and at just past 1700 I crossed a stream at the campsite.  I found a spot, set up, gathered some wood in case I wanted to have a fire (I didn't. Too lazy/tired) and made dinner. A couple came down the trail asking if there were any more sites south and I said no.  They are camping nearby.This campsite must get used a lot on weekends. There is evidence of poor potty habits here and lots of broken string on all the potential hanging trees, along with foil in the firepit.  I had to hang my food the old way as the tree doesn't look high enough to do a proper pct method hang, but it will do.Tomorrow I finish this section with another 16.6 to the Boots Off Hostel.Flora: Holly treeFauna: Golden winged warblerVOD: Bench at 405.8Smell: HoneysuckleSound: Waterfall from far offHigh: BreakfastLow: Seeing tp flowers in the Rhody and burnt foil in the firepit where I'm camped.Hope: That I get to Hostel early tomorrow.
Date: 2017-06-02
From: Campsite by Streams

To: Boots Off Hostel - Hampton, TN
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

1.  Date: Moonsday, Forelithe 13 (6-2)2.  Day 383.  Morning temp: 584.  Weather: Clear, calm5.  Time start: 06526.  Time stop and miles: 1525/16.67.  End point: Boots Off Hostel8.  Events: FireLog:Was up and out early after a good nights sleep.  The first 10 miles were very nice. Lots of short ups and downs.  I saw the guys from Mass at a road crossing. They are Early Bird and Worm. Great guys.Along the way I came to an old rundown cabin. In the distance, there was a sound I couldn't place. As I came closer, I saw there was a pond and the noise was a bunch of bull frogs.After having lunch at Laurel Falls, I continued on to the challenge of the day. The last six miles was climbing and descending Pond Mountain.  There were lots of switchbacks, but it was still a bitch.Eventually I was done for the day and walking up the road to the Hostel. The boys were here and staying the night. Also here were Tripp and Tiger, a dog and her woman, who I had been seeing in the registers for awhile.I ate a pizza, set up amd got ready for a 1800 shuttle into town. We all went in, hit the Dollar General, then the beer store, then McDs for second dinner.Back at the Hostel, they started a bonfire and we enjoyed the night. I stayed up way too late.They have a thing here. It's a five pound Gnome that if you carry it to Damascus and present it to the Broken Fiddle Hostel, you get a night free. Early Bird has accepted the challenge.Tomorrow should be a little later start for a 15.9 mile day.Flora: Indian PaintbrushFauna: RabbitVOD: Laurel FallsSmell: Fire smokeSound: bull frogs, whipoorwillHigh: Sitting by the fallsLow: Pond MtnHope: Good hikes with the boys
Date: 2017-06-03
From: Boots Off Hostel - Hampton, TN

To: Iron Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

1.  Date: Treesday, Forelithe 14 (6-3)2.  Day 393.  Morning temp: 594.  Weather: clear, calm5.  Time start: 08256.  Time stop and miles: 1650/15.97.  End point: Iron Mtn Shelter8.  Events: Log:We were all up pretty late last night with the fire and I didn't sleep much it seemed.The Hostel serves a light bfast, so I headed out after indulging in some of that. The trail makes its way up from Watauga Lake and you keep seeing this very long lake almost all day. It was fairly pleasant as I made my way up.I ate lunch at a small overlook that had a decent view of the lake. I also stopped at a shelter to rest and there was a very good view behind the shelterIn the afternoon, the trail seemed to get a little harder. There was one hill that was steeper and longer than I had thought, but you just keep putting one foot in front of the other and eventually, you get to the top.The end of the day was the same. My feet were hurting and I just wanted to het to the shelter.  I powered through the last two miles and soon I was at the water source near rhe shelter. I massaged my feet even though I was almost done, then headed to the shelter.I found a nice spot, set up, then made dinner. Worm and Early Bird showed up shortly after.  Thomas, from Canada came in too. He is low on food, so we gave him some of our extras.Gazelle also came in and ate, then headed out again. I'm ready to catch up on some sleep tonight and get closer to town tomorrow with another 15.9 mile day.Flora: SpiderwortFauna: ToadVOD: Behind Vandeventer shelterHigh: Walking through clouds of butterflies.Low: That last long climb in the afternoon.Hope: That my feet don't hurt too much tomorrow.
Date: 2017-06-04
From: Iron Mtn Shelter

To: Abingdon Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

1.  Date: Skysday, Forelithe 15 (6-4)2.  Day 403.  Morning temp: 574.  Weather: clear, calm5.  Time start: 07006.  Time stop and miles: 1458/15.97.  End point: Abingdon Shelter8.  Events: CowsLog:I was up before 06 and out at 07. Rain was in the forecast, so I wanted to beat it to the shelter if I could.The morning terrain was good and I moved along well. I came to some fields. They had cow proof gates. As I came to rhe second gate, I could see a small herd of cows. They were right on the trail.I moved through them. The young ones would come towards me like they thought I was going to give them something and then would shy away. It was cool.I continued on to the first shelter and had an early lunch. After that it was just walking up and down a bunch of short hills until I was at the shelter.As I walked, my mind continued to harrass me. It kept asking if I really wanted to do this all summer. I was coming to the realization that the answer might be no.I'm headed to Damasucus tomorrow, where I will take a zero and see how I feel, but right now I'm about 80% sure that it might be time to get off trail.Flora: Fauna: CowsVOD: From the PasturesSound: Red winged black bird, Red tailed hawkHigh: Walking through a herd of cows.Low: Most up hills today.Hope: A good bunk, shower, laundry, food.
Date: 2017-06-05
From: Abingdon Shelter

To: Damascus, VA - Crazy Larry's Hostel
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

1.  Date: Seasday, Forelithe 16 (6-5)2.  Day 413.  Morning temp: 624.  Weather: Rain5.  Time start: 07146.  Time stop and miles: 1150/10.47.  End point: Damascus8.  Events: RainLog:There were only sprinkles from time to time during the night and I was up at 06. The rain increased as I made my morning coffee and packed up.  I got out a little after 07 and the track was good, even with the rain. After awhile I removed my jacket as the rain had almost stopped.  As I approached the VA border, I heard the boys from Mass behind me.  We took pics and moved on. I kept pace with them for awhile, and then they moved on as I got some water at the last source.I came down into the edge of town with a light drizzle falling.  I continued along towards the Post office to pick up my package. I called Crazy Larrys to see if he had room and he did. I headed over and checked in. There was some drama with General Hendrix that was some bullshit accusations about him stiffing Hostels or something. It got all straightened out and the General was real cool about the whole thing, but the guy who blew up Facebook with the crap was wrong and had to apologize. I went to dinner with the Boys at Bo Bo's and when we came out, it was pouring down rain. I had my rain jacket, but still got soaked coming back. My laundry was ready when I got back, so I quickly got into toasty warm and dry clothes.After it stopped raining, I picked up a six pack and went and hung out at the Broken Fiddle where the Boys were staying.  Phase I of the Quest for Pamola is complete. It is now time to get off trail, head home and recharge my mental batteries. There are still a lot of different things to do this summer.The Quest will continue. It has no time limit. I just need to walk the trail from Springer to Katahdin (I'm pretty sure I will connect all my sections together now) then after climbing to Baxter Peak, proceed across the Knifes Edge to Pamola Peak. There I will present the Talisman of the Storm and my Quest will end.Tomorrow, I will shuttle to Marion, VA, spend another night in another EconoLodge and then take the same bus home LoGear took a little over a week ago.The Adventure continues. The Quest remains.Flora: NettlesVOD: Damascus signSmell: Dryer sheetsSound: Pleated WoodpeckersHigh: Hanging out at Broken FiddleLow: None today. It's all good.Hope: That the Boys From Mass make it all the way.
Date: 2017-06-06
From: Damascus, VA - Crazy Larry's Hostel

To: Marion, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

1. Date: Earthsday, Forelithe 17 (6-6)2. Day 423. Morning temp: 654. Weather: Overcast, calm5. Time start: 6. Time stop and miles: 0  (4 miles of town walking)7. End point: Marion, VA (by shuttle)8. Events: Going off trailLog:I slept decently on the lower bed in the front room of the house and was up around 06 as usual.  Blitz and I had a nice breakfast made by Larry.  I also had some good talks with Blitz.  He is a real cool guy from Germany who is hiking fast, so I'm glad I got to meet him. We sat around on the porch talking and I saw Grade School again, who now has shorter hair. I headed down to the local coffee shop for a cup and sat with her and Arackne and Yard Sale.  On the way back, I saw the Boys from Mass heading out and said bye once again.  Even though I was done hiking for a time, I still felt the need to walk.  It was much easier walking through town without any weight on my back and it felt good.  I walked all the way out to the Food City, just to buy some deodorant, pretzels and chocolate milk.  It was mainly just to walk, but them having my favorite pretzel pieces was a pure bonus.  My underarms were a little shocked that I tried to spruce them up a bit, but I was preparing my body to sit by strangers for several hours.  I didn't want to be annoying them with my natural smell. Around Noon, I once again set out to walk to the local Mexican Restaurant and had a decent lunch with a beer.  My shuttle was scheduled for around 1400, so I had time to kill.  I went back to the Hostel and sat on the porch until Barb the driver showed up.  We headed out early and in about 30 minutes, I was in Marion, VA outside the Econo Lodge.  I checked in and settled into the room, preparing my pack for a bus ride instead of a walk in the woods.  I went over to the nearby Walmart and McDonalds to get some beer and the ingredients to make a McGangBang, which Early Bird had taught me to make.  I watched a couple of episodes of Better Call Saul on my phone with the spotty wifi and went to sleep, content that my Adventure had turned to this and I felt good about it.  Tomorrow, I walk to the bus station and spend 11 or so hours sitting still as I cover the miles that would have taken me over a month to walk.  VOD: The smiling faces of all the wonderful hikersHigh: Talking to Yard Sale, The General, Cindy Lou Hoo, Arackne and Grade School.Low: Knowing that I will be missing all of these filthy animals.  Hope: That all who are able to, make as far as their Adventure needs to.
Date: 2017-06-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I was up at the usual time and got ready to walk to the bus stop. I partook of the Motel's continental breakfast and then checked out.  As I headed down the sidewalk, I could see another hiker in front of me a few hundred yards.  He disappeared into the McDs and I continued on.  I found the bus stop, which was just the back of a heating and AC repair shop.  I was early, so I took a seat outside.  The other hiker came walking up a few minutes later.  His name was Poco, and he was heading off trail to attend a wedding.  We had some nice conversation, comparing who we knew from the trail.  The bus arrived basically on time and we were off.  Poco transferred at the next stop and I settled in for the long ride home.  When I had first got on, the bus was mostly full.  At least there were no rows that didn't have at least one person sitting in it.  I grabbed a seat and noticed too late that this was one that didn't have an outlet.At the first stop, I didn't leave anything to mark my seat and when I came back, some lady was sitting in it.  I found another seat, this one with an outlet and settled in.  The dude who was next to me was cool and we continued on.  I spent the time listening to some book on tape that I found and checked out from my local library.  It helped make the long drive tolerable.  We transferred to a different bus in Charlottesville, VA and continued on.  This bus was less filled and we pretty much each had our own row to sit in for the rest of the trip.  In DC, we had to exit the bus again for the layover and it was a little cool out.  I stood in the ticket area to keep warm until it was time to reboard.  We arrived in Baltimore on time and LoGear was waiting for me in the parking lot.  I threw my pack in the back and was home in about 20 minutes.  I jumped in the shower (because I could) and headed to bed.  I wondered how my back would appreciate the move from the hammock, but it wasn't bad at all.Precious welcomed me home, by perching on my belly to suck my warmth from me.  The next morning I weighed myself on the same scale I had before the hike and I had lost around 31 lbs.  Not too bad.  The trail still calls and I will answer.  I just need some time to do some other things, but we'll be back before too long.EarthTone and LoGear (back together again)
Date: 2017-07-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Just as we suspected. LoGear and I will be heading back to the Trail after about 30 zero days or so.  The focus of the Quest has evolved.  We will be jumping up to northern VA, skipping about 400 miles of the state.  For now...  We will return and hike VA.  Maybe in the Fall.  Maybe next year.  We will be heading to Rockfish Gap on July 6th and continue hiking north through Shenandoah National Park.  Once we finish that part, we will take a couple more weeks of zeros, then head up to PA at Lehigh Gap to continue north from there.  Most likely into CT or MA.  Then back home for stuff before most likely doing a few more Pushes into the Fall.The requirement of the Quest is still the same.  To walk the whole trail, then go to Pamola Peak on Katahdin and present the Talisman of the Storm to Pamola.  I still have many pieces to add to the Talisman as it grows in power.I have been hiking sections of the Trail for several years now.  I am going to incorporate those miles hiked into this Quest.  LoGear hasn't hiked all that I have, so we will be doing what we can to get her miles in where we can.  The Quest continues.  Come along with us.Peace,EarthTone and LoGear
Date: 2017-07-06
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Calf Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: light rain

1.  Date: Starsday, Afterlithe 14 (7-6)2.  Day 723.  Morning temp: 70s4.  Weather: Rain at home and on road, but beautiful and humid at hike start5.  Time start: 12046.  Time stop and miles: 1630/7.77.  End point: Calf Mtn Shelter8.  Events: Back on trailLog:We are back on the AT!  The day started early at home. We headed out into a rainy day.  It pretty much rained the whole drive to Front Royal.  The shuttle arrived on time and another couple were there waiting for the same shuttle.  Ray and Chris, Hermit and Turbo.  We had a good ride down and the weather was sunny and humid when we arrived at Rockfish Gap.  We ate our Sheetz sandwiches in the parking lot then headed out.  We took our time along the way, but the terrain was not too bad.  Gentle inclines on good track. The rocks were a little slick, so caution and vigilance was needed to avoid falls.  There were a few other hikers making their way north with us and we would leapfrog all day.We took plenty of breaks as our bodies were saying, "What the fuck? Not again!" After the first few miles, we started feeling the old pains that we are so familiar with.  The fading of the memory of the pain is part of why we came back out, but it didn't take long for the memories to come back. We are both stiff and sore, but also happy to be back on the trail.The only water today was on the approach to the shelter and I was low when we arrived. Tomorrow looks similar and we hope to do 13 miles.There are a lot of hikers here tonight, both north and south bounders. Sectioners and long distance hikers. A good mix.We were hit hard by the difference 30 days make.  The heat and humidity had us soaked through with sweat within the first mile.  We kinda wished it would rain some more.We are all settled in as the sun sinks in the sky. The bear pole is full and the conversation is centered around the shelter.Let's see how tomorrow goes.Flora: Berries (most still not ripe)Fauna: Black snakeVOD: Little Calf MtnSmell: Perfumy flowersSound: my favorite bird (but I don't know its name)High: Laying in the hammock after the day's hike.Low: Getting soaked through in the humidity.Hope: That we can do the 13 tomorrow
Date: 2017-07-07
From: Calf Mtn Shelter

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

1. Date: Sunsday, Afterlithe 15 (7-7)2. Day 733. Morning temp: 704. Weather: breezy, overcast5. Time start: 07176. Time stop and miles: 1512/13.07. End point: Blackrock Hut8. Events: Log:I was up around six after a decent night's sleep. We slowly did our morning chores and were out after 07. The trail today was pretty nice. No long or steep climbs until the end of the day. There was a nice breeze blowing about and enough clouds to keep the sun hidden a lot of the time.We still got soaked with sweat during the day, but that is expected in Summer in the mid-atlantic. The pain of yesterday had faded and we started out fresh. We once again took lots of breaks. We were in no hurry and the miles did their thing. I saw a toad on the trail and not much else during the day. As we were starting to get near the shelter, our water was low. I saw on the map that a stream crossed the fire road where we were resting and I headed down to get some water for the final push of the day. I also cleaned up a little and felt refreshed. We finished the day and arrived in camp. I felt better today. My body still needs to get back into the groove, but there was improvement today. We prepared dinner and hung out for awhile at the shelter with the group that we have clustered around. All good people. Tomorrow is another 13.2 planned with a stop at Loft Mtn Campground for some food and maybe a shower. Flora: HuckleberriesFauna: ToadVOD: PowerlineSmell: MeSound: someones alarm clockHigh: Freshening up at creek before shelterLow: That last climbHope: For some good food tomorrow and maybe a shower.