morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-13
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day Thirty Six - Hot Springs Melkie came back today! We were just about to go out for breakfast when someone said do you have a big golden dog. Melkie was here! We invited Bryan and Leigha to come for breakfast with us and headed down to the diner. Melkie sat at the table with us and Hobo and his wife joined us as well. Good times! When we got back to the hostel Tigger offered to slack pack (drive me ahead to the next trailhead so I could walk back without a backpack) me six miles. It was perfect because Melkie was so wound up that I needed a way to calm him down. The trail was perfect and I think Melkie loved it even more than me! He zoomed down the trail and we did six miles in two hours. When we got to the French Broad River Melkie jumped in and I freaked out thinking that there was no way he could handle the current. Fortunately he swam back ashore and tired himself out at the same time. Mission accomplished! Walking back through town I saw Masseuse and Karma and stopped to say hello. I even made it back in time to meet Quakers wife and made plans to see them tomorrow. The rest of the day was very leisurely I almost wish I had hiked farther today. Almost! Stuart (a section hiker who had thruhiked in 1983) offered to give me a ride anywhere so off I went to dinner along with Turtletracks (we were later joined by Dreamer who I had met weeks ago). It was interesting talking to Stuart about the differences between the trail then compared to now and listen to his advise. Thank you Stuart! Mark came in to check on me before he went to bed. He is so sweet! He is here on his vacation helping to take care of the shelter and all of us hikers. It's pretty much a 24 hour job and yet you can tell he is enjoying himself. Thank you Mark!Confessions of a thruhiker:"I use ramen noodles as bread and make a peanut butter sandwich. It's good you should try it."Trouble"I found my heart upon a mountain I did not know I could climb, and I wonder how many other pieces of myself are secreted away in places I judge I cannot go."Laurel Bleadon Maffei
Date: 2013-04-14
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0

Day Thirty Seven - Hot SpringsAnother beautiful day in Hot Springs! Mark and I went out for breakfast (thank you Mark) while there Bubblegum joined us and then Hobo an Anita joined us as well. Hobo is going to wait for me to catch up to him (I am ten miles behind him) on Sunday so I've decided to slack pack those ten miles and catch him faster. Hopefully I can get there by lunch time so I'm not wasting a day for him. Back at the hostel I tried to tire Melkie out before leaving with Quaker and his wife Cindy to go to a larger town to look for a pair of convertible pants. We didn't find any and we ended up at the outfitter at Hot Springs and buying a few things there. It wasn't a wasted trip, I did but a few things! I had a quick shower and then we were all off to dinner at the tavern. It was good and the company was great! After dinner Mark took me to see the Mountain Magnolia Inn. It's a beautifully restored Victorian estate. The first thing I noticed as we walked up from the river was a huge live oak (the kind of tree that was in the Harry Potter movie and attacked them). It was amazing! I was about to take a picture when I noticed people on the veranda. It turned out to be the owners having dinner and they invited us to sit and have a glass of wine and said I could tour the house. How cool is that! In the sitting room there were pictures of weddings that took place there, one took place between the boughs of the tree. I wish I could have seen the tree in full bloom. Pete and Karen told me about the other places they owned in town and when we left we walked around checking out the other places. It was a beautiful night! Back at the hostel I still had to repackage all my resupply (to make it lighter and to eliminate the garbage I would have to pack out). It was way after midnight by the time I finally got to bed. Hot Springs has been my favourite town stop so far and I will be a little sad to leave it in the morning.Confessions of a thruhiker:"I've hiked over mountains for more than three hundred miles and I still have fat on my legs."Trouble'We have only this moment sparkling like a star in our hand and melting like a snowflake'. Sir Francis Bacon ( Dreamtime 2012)
Date: 2013-04-16
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Big Flat Campsite
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: few clouds

Day Thirty Nine - Jerry Cabin Shelter to Big Flat campsiteI woke up in a cloud but it had stopped raining, we took our time packing up and I even worked on my journal for a bit before we left. Because we were in a cloud we didn't have any views and couldn't even see what was coming next. We went over anther rock scramble not as big as the one we saw last night but it's not the same when you know you won't be able to see anything at the top. We saw more graves again today. I forgot to mention the controlled burn areas we saw last night (and also this morning). There were several patches of burnt black ground where there should have been forest. After miles of up we came to one long steep down. I seriously needed to stop to rest my knees it was that bad. At Flint Gap we stopped for lunch and the first thing I did after taking my pack (and Melkies) off was just lay on the ground. It felt so good that after we ate we decided to nap In the sun while Hobo's tent dried. We saw another snake today but he was only a tiny one. The afternoon was hard. It was hot and I kept overheating. I had to stop constantly and I felt bad for making Hobo wait. Finally I couldn't take it anymore and we stopped and I ate something. I thought that would fix things but it didn't. So far on this trip I have hiked through rain, snow, hail, hypothermic temperatures...... But honestly today (which was a gorgeous sunny day) has been the hardest for me so far. I hope tomorrow is better. Good night world!Confessions of a thruhiker:Believe it or not a guy said this "A hot shower and a bath, it's as good a sex!"Trouble"Every step I take is a step closer to Maine. Every step I take is a step closer to Maine!" Jennifer Phar Davis
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Big Stamp/Dirt Road

To: No Business Shelter
Miles today: 10.9

Day Forty One - Big Stamp/Dirt road to No Business ShelterIt's a good thing we didn't sleep on the bald last night because there was a thunderstorm. I didn't set up my tarp last night so that I could see the stars, I had to get up and fix it when it started to rain. The storm also ruined our sunrise plans and we didn't get up until it stopped raining. I can't believe how many snails came out after the rain. there were four just on Melkie's pack and I don't know how but one was on top of my hiking pole. I saw lots of centipedes today, a salamander and two more deer that took off before Melkie spotted them. We thought we were in for an easier day and we were excited because we were planning on making it to Erwin tonight. This morning was beautiful the clouds were like mist around the tops of the mountain below us and it was so nice to hike in cooler weather. After some pretty hard ups we were rewarded with a view at High Rock. The place was cool and the rocks were huge! We headed down some rocky steps that were wet and slippery but we could handle it, we are thruhikers! It's so funny that we felt that way because soon it was raining and we were going up again and neither of us felt good about it. We kept looking at the guide and saying "we aren't supposed to have to go this high today." I had a pretty bad mud slide fall today, I thought for sure I had wrecked my ankle (it was definitely twisted in a position that it wasn't supposed to go) but when I got up and gingerly put some weight on it, I was so surprised that it was okay! Thank God! That could have ended my hike! We have noticed that the number of hikers are dwindling on the trail, people have got off due to injury, or the record bad weather or they have just had enough. Even though I might complain from time to time (ok fine everyday) I am having the time of my life out here and it would suck if a fall took me off the trail. Hobo still made me take ibuprofen, its the first one I've taken so far on the trail (ibuprofen is called vitamin I on the trail because so many people live off of it). Today wasn't a high energy day, I'm not sure what was wrong with us but it seemed to take forever to get anywhere. It started raining again on a big up and I think we were both miserable but we cheered up when the rain stopped and we could smell the pines (and we were going down). We were still exhausted though and when we arrived panting at a shelter it was time for a break. It was just supposed to be a pack off break but we had soon talked ourselves into staying even though it meant waiting another day for a shower and town food. I'm glad we stayed though, it gave me a chance to relax before going into town. Confessions of a thruhiker:Someone left a ziplock bag full of toilet paper, I was going to leave it at the shelter but then I noticed that it was softer than mine so I swapped."Trouble"There is no harm in being afraid. The only harm is in doing what Fear tells you. Fear is not your Master! Laugh in his face and he will run away."George MacDonald
Date: 2013-04-21
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Little Rock Knob
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

Day Forty Four - Iron Mountain Gap to Little Rock KnobToday was amazing! I was up early because I still had to pack up and I wasn't sure what time Miss Janet was picking me up. When I was ready to go Hobo and I went out for breakfast and again it was heavenly and again we ordered another meal to go for on the trail. It turns out that I didn't need to get up so early because Miss Janet had a few errands to run first, spare time! It was around 11am when we hit the trail and it was a gorgeous day. We had already decided to take it really easy and have a leisurely day, little did we know just how cushy today would be! We hiked as if we were just out for a stroll, we took breaks as if we had pushed hard since dawn. I actually fell asleep during one of the breaks that's how relaxing today was. There was a really high rock on the top of a mountain that looked so cool, turns out we had to hike up rock scrambles to get to it but it was so worth it! The views were amazing and we were giddy with laughter. We continued hiking for maybe five minutes and then Melkie found Pete a trail maintainer who was camping on top. He invited us to join him but seemed distracted. He had just lost his wedding ring on the ground and was searching. Hobo and I dropped our packs and began to search and within minutes I had found it. We decided to stay and it was the best decision we have made so far on this trip. Pete pulls out some red wine and offers it to us. Next (as we are setting up camp) he offers us cheese to go with the wine and by the time we had everything set up the steaks were ready for us. I'm not joking! This really happened! We sat around the campfire talking, eating, drinking wine and listening to music, it was perfect! When the steak was gone Pete pulled out a big sausage and put that on the grill. I think we found hiker heaven! Thank you Pete! Oh and he had also picked fresh ramps on the mountainside and brought green peppers to grill for us. It is totally unbelievable to me that someone would buy total strangers good wine, steaks and sausage and then hike with well over a fifty pound pack up to the top of a mountain to cook and serve them dinner. If there is anyone out there reading this who has lost faith in humanity you should seriously consider hiking this trail. I have had so many total strangers offer to help any way they could. Just before the sun set we headed back to the rock lookout and watched a spectacular sunset and took all kinds of pictures. Even Hobo who does not like cliffs was on the edge of the mountain. It was the perfect end to a perfect day!Confessions of a thruhiker:"Within minutes of waking up I had downed a banana and a quart of chocolate ice cream. All this before I went out for breakfast and ordered extra food to go." Okay, I will admit this was me this morning!TroubleLife is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ¢-Anonymous
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountain Harbour B&B
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: clear sky

Day Forty Six - Overmountain Shelter to Mountain Harbour B&BI am so glad I was in a shelter last night, it was so windy and cold. It was still cold in the morning but when you are going up you get overheated real fast. I actually started out with my mitts on this morning but was soon sporting just a tank top and have a new sunburn to prove it. Today was beautiful! Walking over the balds it felt like we were in the Scottish Highlands, we stopped for several breaks on rocks and at lunch I fell asleep on the grassy top of Hump Mountain. We were going down all afternoon which is normally way better than up but the trail was like a mini rock scramble that went on for miles and I had to pay attention to each step. It was just as exhausting as going up. As we went lower the trail eventually changed from big rocks to lots of tree roots to a nice beaten path. We couldn't wait to get to the hostel. It is a bed and breakfast in the house and they have renovated the upstairs of a barn into a really nice cabin. When we arrived Melkie made himself right at home with the farm dogs and started chasing the goats immediately. He was in heaven! After sorting out dirty laundry and a quick shower I took a quick walk around. This place is really nice there are horses here and they have thought of everything a hiker might want. We went into town to eat and to resupply and now there is a movie on down below (I am sleeping in the loft). As I was getting ready for bed Sparky and Orange Peel (Casey finally got a trail name) came in and we caught up on one another's adventure. It's funny how you can meet someone briefly on the trail but when you see them next it's like seeing a long lost friend. I love this life!Confessions of a thruhiker:"I was so mad when the restrooms were locked. I waited all morning for a real toilet."TroubleJust living is not enough. One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower. ¢¢Hans Christian Anderson
Date: 2013-04-24
From: Mountain Harbour B&B

To: Mountain Harbour B&B
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Day Forty Seven - Mountain Harbour B&BLast night I got sick, the norovirus finally got me! I managed to make it outside and threw up over the side of the deck. Gross! Thankfully Hobo had his wife send him a prescription for anti vomiting medication while we were in Erwin so after taking a pill I started feeling better. Today was a wash. Hobo thought we better take a zero in case he got sick too and it turns out that it was a very wise decision. I did get up first thing this morning but I slept most of the afternoon away. Hobo did the same. We both still went out for dinner though. It' hard for a hiker to pass up a good meal and we had both passed up on the legendary breakfast Mary makes here. There's always tomorrow! On the way into town there were eleven of us in the back of Terri's pick up and four more in the cab. I wish I had of taken a picture!Confessions of a thruhiker:"I mistakenly filled my water bottle with fuel and blew it up, then I couldn't cook for three days."Trouble"The best climber in the world is the one who is having the most fun."Alex Lowe
Date: 2013-04-25
From: Mountain Harbour B&B

To: Elk River Campsite
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: clear sky

Day Forty Eight - Mountain Harboyr B&B to Elk River Campsite I woke up this morning feeling better or so I thought. I showered, packed up and headed up to the house for Mary's legendary breakfast. It was amazing and most of the dishes I had never had before. I ate everything but the sweet stuff but that's to be expected after being sick. I think this would have been the perfect place to have a friend visit. The food was awesome and this place is so relaxing! I'm glad we stayed here (even Melkie was sad to leave). Ursa Major arrived as we left (I hope we meet up again) and then we were off to the wild! We didn't get very far up the trail before we realized that we weren't better yet. As long as I am sitting down I feel perfectly fine but walking zaps the energy from me. We decided to take it easy today and stopped for a pack off break every hour. It's sad because I think this is the easiest part of the trail so far and if we were feeling better we would have totally appreciated the gentle hills instead we were huffing and puffing on even the tiniest inclines. There was a short side trail to a waterfall just off the trail and I'm glad we decided to go because it was awesome! Of course we dropped our packs on the AT and floated to the falls (well with our packs off it felt like we were floating). After the photo shoot we returned to the AT where we met Wickie, he said that we had just missed trail magic back at that last road and that they were serving beaver burgers. I think I'm glad I missed that one! We continued to the next side trail where we found the perfect camping spot! There is the sound of rushing water from a stream on one side of us, a river in front of us, a little beach on the other side all enclosed by trees. It's beautiful and we had everything set up and a campfire going before the rain started. Now I am lying in my hammock listening to the rain and rereading Becoming Odyssa. I like her way of thinking! This is how she determined whether someone would finish the trail " I think most people would assess potential thruhikers based on their physique, experience, and pack weight, but I predicted their odds of success based on facial expressions. If a person could smile in the blustery snow flurries and bare forests of Northern Georgia while carrying a cumbersome pack on his back, I decided he could make it to Katahdin." According to Jennifer Pharr Davis I'm going to make it! Melkie is already sleeping and I will soon be too. Good night world!Confessions of a thruhiker:"Don't look if you don't want to!" Said just as he starts stripping in the bunk room right in front of me.Trouble"There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,There is a rapture on the lonely shore,There is society, where none intrudesBy the deep sea, and music on its roar: I love not man less, but nature more."Lord Byron
Date: 2013-04-26
From: Elk River Campsite

To: Meadow Campsite
Miles today: 14.4

Day Forty Nine- Elk River Campsite to Campsite by meadow This morning we hiked along Elk River and then over several mossy streams. It was beautiful and what made it even better was reaching a footbridge and knowing that we had passed the four hundred mile mark. I can't believe I've walked four hundred miles! Of course we stopped to take pictures and then continued up the trail. At one point Hobo ran down the trail racing Melkie for the lead position, it backfired on him when they rounded a corner and had a steep uphill. Melkie took the lead and Hobo was out of breath. We took a mini break at a stream where I refilled my water and Hobo draped his wet tarp over his pack so that it would dry. City slicker, Scarecrow and Animal hiked passed us and we leapfrogged them several times later in the afternoon. At lunch we found a sunny spot and Hobo hung all his stuff to dry while I flopped down and stared at the sky doing nothing useful just relaxing. All part of living the dream! While there we met Pom a thruhiker from England. Later in the afternoon we met a SOBO (southbounder) named Principal who only has 406 miles to go! The day dragged on, it felt like the movie Groundhog Day. We saw the same things over and over again. The terrain was the same for most of the day and we never went up huge mountains just smaller ups and downs all day long. You would think that it would be a break for us but when we stopped at a shelter to make dinner we heard several other people complaining about the monotony and the PUD's (pointless ups and downs). It was pretty and I did get to walk on my favourite pine needle covered trails and see some cool waterfalls but whether its because I'm still not feeling 100% or not I just wasn't into it today and just wanted to get the miles in. I was disappointed at how slow I was going and felt bad that Hobo always waits for me.   After dinner (which I didn't feel like eating yet again) we headed up the trail to take advantage of the last few hours of sunshine. As the sun was beginning to set we found the perfect campsite by a meadow. It is a beautiful spot but for some reason I feel uneasy about it, I hope I am just being silly.Confessions of a thruhiker:"Peanut butter is great on anything! You can make peanut butter sandwiches with uncooked ramen noodles or with pop tarts."TroubleKeep going....Each step may get harder But don't stop!The view is beautiful at the top!
Date: 2013-04-28
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Vandeventer Shelter
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: clear sky

Day Fifty One - Kincora Hostel to Vandeventer Shelter It rained during the night and we stayed warm and dry in a cabin! It's amazing how things just work out! Bob took us to the market this morning before dropping us off at Shook Branch Recreation Centre where we finished off yesterday. Even as he was dropping us off he was checking the water level for a current trail relocation. Thank you Bob for all of the work you do for the trail and its hikers! So we got out of his truck with every intention on hiking but I wanted to go over to the real restroom and Hobo wanted to update journals while he still had cell reception so we hung out at the lake for awhile. A biplane took off right in front of us and went right over our heads. It flew around for hours over the lake, as he hiked we continued to watch it. After hiking around the lake the up began and continued for most of the day. It wasn't bad though, the switchbacks were gentle and it was overcast so it was nice and cool. It didn't start raining until after lunch and it was just a gentle on and off rain all afternoon. We made the mistake of stopping at a shelter for a break around 4pm and when it started raining again decided to stay here for the night. It was way too early to stop for the day but I justified it by saying I was keeping my gear dry for one more night because it's supposed to rain all day tomorrow and I didn't want to set up camp with wet gear. It still feels like a lazy day though, we started late, stopped and talked to everyone we met and ended early but maybe that's how trail life should be!Confessions of a thruhiker:"While cowboy camping a skunk walked right over me! I swear it had a white stripe down his balls!"Trouble¢The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively¢ ? Bob Marley