morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-08-16
From: Cloudland Pond Shelter

To: Winnturri Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

So so glad that I stayed at that shelter last night it started thunderstorming at 5 and lasted through the whole night. I kept hearing these really weird noises which freaked me out at first then this morning when I left I realized they were cows in a field about a half mile away. Today was hot. Really really hot and very humid. There were a ton of very steep ups and downs. I've decided I prefer a big long up compared to a bunch of hills. When you have a lot of hills it just wears you out so much quicker. I went into a town about 4 miles in and the town was about a mile off so I really did about 12 miles today. Anyways there was this really cute general store that had fresh baked goods so I bought a huge chunk of banana bread and a mango Peace Tea. Totally worth that extra 2 miles. I can feel my body adapting to the Trail again. When going uphill I have better control of my breath and have to take less little breaks. In through the nose out through the mouth...right Mama Sig!!! Was going to try to make it another 3 miles but the last steep climb and the heat really got me so I decided to stay here. Which I am glad because they are some really nice NOBO's here and Remington and Levi (his dog) showed up which was awesome because he was in the original group I started with!! So happy to see a familiar face. He told me Corey and Nina are just a few days behind so they will probably catch up to me soon. Super exhausted so I am going to bed. Night!!
Date: 2015-08-17
From: Winnturri Shelter

To: Gifford State Park
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

When I started today or didn't want to hike. The first little hill wore me out and it felt like it was 100 degrees at 8:30 in the morning so I planned on just going to the next shelter which was only 10 miles away. Well plans changed and then changed again hahaha!! Once I got over that little hill my pace started to get a lot better and then I was cruising the next two hills weren't so bad either I just had to take lots of water breaks because it was so darn hot! I got down a very steep incline and my feet were so sore and tired and I was sweating so much when I came upon this beautiful stream that I took a dip in and soaked my feet for about 20 minutes the shelter was less than a mile away and then an elevation gain over 800 feet straight up and it was only 3 o'clock so I said to myself get to the shelter see how you feel then try to make it up over that thing. Well the dip in the stream was just what I needed because not only did I make up I went an extra 4 miles after that. Got to my "stealth site" at Kent Pond around 8 and had everything set up and dinner ready when I realized my stealth spot wasn't so stealthy. Lots of cars driving by and when one pulled into the parking area I decided it wasn't safe. Soooo I had to repack all my stuff at 9 o'clock at night and hike the .8 miles to the state park which the AT goes right through. Then I couldn't find the ranger station or the AT and when I thought all was lost I finally found the Trail again and hiked a bit in and threw up my hammock about 50 feet off the trail and laid down. Didn't eat dinner just went right to sleep at this point it was 10:30. I was pooped. I am actually writing this journal entry the 18th because I couldn't keep my eyes open last night.
Date: 2015-08-18
From: Gifford State Park

To: Rutland, VT Hiker Hostel @ the Yellow Deli
Miles today: 3.1
Weather: light rain

This morning was rough. My feet hurt so bad because I have a few blisters so I decided to wear my crocs which was a good decision. My VERY bad decision was not getting more water before I left the park. I didn't realize how close I was to other campers when I woke up and saw how close they were I jetted out of there. Thinking there would be water close and not looking at the elevation gain that I was going up against. I realized all of this way too late. Had less than a half liter to get me to the road which was 3 miles away. So I had to ration my water out and of course it was a billion degrees (slight over exaggeration) again this morning and I didn't eat breakfast. I am dumb. Made for a very grumpy Her Dudeness. But I finally got to the stream right before the road and then to the road and within an hour was on a bus to take me to Rutland which is a bigger city than I expected! The place I am staying at is amazing! It's owned by a community of hippies who all live work and own this place together. Very much my vibe. Plus it's only 20 bucks for bunk, shower and laundry. Yeah buddy. If I want to do a work for stay tomorrow I can go to their huge organic farm and help out there so I can do a zero for FREE!! I love that word. Well I am off to gorge myself on food!
Date: 2015-08-19
From: Rutland, VT Hiker Hostel @ the Yellow Deli

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiker Hostel @ Yellow DeliZeroing today so I can let my blisters heal a bit before getting back out on the Trail. Plus there really cool people here and I am in need of some social interaction. Had a great day yesterday hanging out in town and eating pizza and drinking some really good beer at a local brewery called the Hop n Moose. Kinda of expensive but it was a great time. Then the movie theatre had a free showing of The Big Lebowski so of course I had to go see that what kind of Her Dudeness would I be if I didn't go. It was really cool to see it on the big screen and they served beer! I asked for a Caucasian and the lady had no idea what I was talking about....she's obviously never seen the movie. Two of the guys P-Funk and Antwerp are from Bloomington so we played some Euchre which was fun because I haven't played for so long! Just taking it easy tonight and getting to bed early cause I am pooped. Getting on the 10:15 bus in the morning to take me back to the Trail and going about 6 miles to the top of Killington. I hear the sunset and sunrise are awesome up there so I want to be there for that! Hope everybody is doing great back home. Love you all and miss you!!!
Date: 2015-08-20
From: Rutland, VT Hiker Hostel @ the Yellow Deli

To: Cooper Lodge Shelter
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: light rain

Today was a good day. Kinda rough coming out of town because every time come out of town is kinda rough because you get to like the comforts of "real life" but then you remember how great and simple life is in the woods. Today I walked some of the most beautiful views since Maine. The forest was so green and vivid. I was walking up a mountain that's around 4000 feet. I took my time and took lots of breaks. It was a hard but since I took it easy and didn't do a ton of miles the day was great! The only bummer of the day was as soon as I got to the top of the Mountain it started to rain so I didn't see a great view of the summit. I am going to try to go up in the morning and get a better view. Some cool NOBOs in the Shelter and I got to play Euchre again!!! I actually learned how to play 2 handed. It was a lot of fun and I won the game!
Date: 2015-08-21
From: Cooper Lodge Shelter

To: Minerva Hinchey Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

Last night was a cold and wet night. Thank goodness I was in a shelter with 4 walls. It rained well into the morning so everyone that was in the Shelter with me took a long time to get up and moving. One of the girls had checked the radar and it said that it was suppose to rain until noon so I think we were all waiting to see if it was going to continue. About 8:30 the rain had stopped and we could see that it was clearing up so I was out of there by 9:30. By 10 the sun was out and everything was so beautiful with the sun shining on the water droplets. The descent down from Killington took me over an hour because everything was soaked and very slippery. I stopped in at the next shelter to have lunch and saw a hummingbird around some flowers which was very neat to watch. The woods were so beautiful today with lush mossy floors and tall pines. I tried to take pictures but they don't do it justice. It was starting to get hotter so I was glad I was getting near the gorge because I'd heard there was a great swimming spot there. There was also a restaurant at the same road crossing about a half mile down the road so I had to make a serious decision when I got there because it was already 5 o'clock. Do I go get a burger or do I go swimming?? I decided swimming was the better option because it wouldn't cost any money and boy am I glad I did. It was the best swimming I've had on the whole trail. Then this family came down while I was there and the little girls name was Sophia which reminded me I needed to call my nugget. She sounds so grown up it scares me how fast time is going! She read off the words on her homework list to me which was so neat. Man do I miss her! The last 2 miles to the shelter were nice but I could've done without the ups because I got all sweaty again after my nice swim at the gorge but I got to the shelter in under an hour!!! Going to read a bit of GoT then call it a night.
Date: 2015-08-22
From: Minerva Hinchey Shelter

To: Big Branch Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

Another beautiful day on the Trail!! Started at 8 this morning so I could get my miles done and still have enough daylight to hang out at the shelter this evening. Got the two hardest climbs of my day done by 11:30. The first one was Bear Mountain which I didn't see any bear on...still not sure if I really want to see a bear but I think I want to, just not very close up. Haha! I did see two squirrels playing tag which was very entertaining! Stopped for lunch at a blue blaze trail which said it was only .2 off the trail. I am going to argue AWOL on this and say it's at least .5 and of course it was straight down so when I had to hike out it was straight up. It was a nice view though and I got to meet two sets of very nice day hikers. One had a chocolate lab with them which of course I loved on for about 10 minutes. They were a very nice couple who asked me lots of questions about my trip and if I had enough food. Then coming down that mountain seemed to take forever. I was waiting to get to the next stream because I was running low on water. It wasn't a super hot day but I knew I needed more because I hadn't drank very much in the morning. When I finally got to the stream I took my shoes off and sat for about 30 minutes. It's hard to start going again when you've taken your shoes off but I've started doing it because it feels like it gives my feet a second wind. After that it was very rocky which was frustrating me but I powered through it and got to this beautiful pond that had a really nice shelter by it. Since it was only 3 o'clock (and you had to pay $5) I just signed the log book and kept moving. Ran into about 20 day hikers after the pond. I didn't think about it being a Saturday. Day hikers are funny people. First off some of them have no idea what the AT is...but they are hiking on the AT. Then once they realize what you are doing they ask you a ton of questions. "You're carrying EVERYTHING you need in that bag?!?!" "What do you eat?!" "You're going to be in the woods for how long!" It was very entertaining for me. The great thing about day hikers is they all have dogs, so I got to love on about 10 dogs today! Made it the 3.3 miles to the shelter I am at by 4:30 which is pretty good timing for me. I can feel myself getting faster each day which is reassuring. I thought about going a couple more miles but once I sat down I knew I wasn't getting back up and there is a very big river right in front. I love the sound of rushing water to put me to sleep. There is a very nice couple in the shelter with me tonight they have been making me laugh quite a bit. I miss being in a group and having someone to hangout with at night. Until I catch up or the group behind me catches up to me I will have to suffice with hanging out with NOBO's at night. They're not so bad Tomorrow another mountain awaits with a ski shelter that I am going to sleep in I think it might be epic!! Much love to all!!!
Date: 2015-08-23
From: Big Branch Shelter

To: Bromley Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Started off my day kinda late this morning and in a pretty bad mood. My blisters were hurting badly and I ran out of the really good bandaids that help them. I hiked through it though! I had 3 very big climbs today. The first one was a nice steady slope which was good to start the day with. Seemed to take me forever but when I got to the top it was totally worth it. I had such a great view and I met a couple day hikers who had this super cute dog with them. There is just something about seeing a dog that can change your whole day around! I stopped for lunch at the edge of a pond and as soon as I got everything out of my pack and my shoes off a big dark cloud started to roll in. So I had to put everything back in my pack and head to the next shelter in case it stormed. Thank goodness the shelter was only a half mile away or I would have been a bit more disgruntled than I was. It was a great shelter with a really nice water source. The big cloud ended up being nothing but I was glad I was at the shelter. I stayed for too long like usual and was worried I wasn't going to make it up the next two climbs with enough daylight. The next climb which by far was the hardest of the day (with it being so steep) took me under an hour to finish. I am getting better at pushing myself farther and farther without taking little breaks. Didn't really have a good view once I got to the top but I did see more threatening clouds so I hiked down pretty fast. I was in the zone for that mountain. Once I got down I took my shoes off and gave myself a little break before the next big climb which ended up being the easiest of the day so I took my time and talked to several people on the way up and still made it up by 4:30! It sprinkled a bit but was slowing clearing up the whole time I was hiking up. That was an awesome view! It was a ski resort so there were the lifts and a ski warming hut that I could have stayed in. The only problem was there was no water up there and I only had a 1/2 liter left because the last water source was the shelter that I had lunch in which was about 8 miles back. That's one thing I really miss about Maine, there is water source like every mile. Wow. I am blabbering about water sources. Anyways still spent some great time up there before coming down the mile to the shelter that I am currently at. An easy 2 miles into town in the morning and a hot shower with a burrito!! Night everybody!
Date: 2015-03-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am finally in the count down mode. 10 days to go. We have so much snow in Maine that I had to go to our local and wonderful outdoor store, Maine Sport, to put up my new tent. I have 3 feet of snow in my backyard and was unable to stake my tent. At Maine Sport I use "carpet stakes" to put up my Protrail tent by Tarp Tent. Looks good.
Date: 2015-04-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Finally arriving in Georgia to begin hiking Apri 5th, Easter morning. I flew out of Rockland, connecting in Boston. In Atlanta my pack did not show up in baggage claim. I went to lost baggage to find it was re-routed to oversized baggage. I had packed my pack in a thick garbage bag. My hiking poles had broken thru the bag but somehow they stayed with my pack. Phew! Now I am at the Hiker Hostel for the night and in the morning will be dropped off at the trailhead. The AT starts at the top of Springer Mountain so I have to hike 8 miles to the top to begin the AT. I plan on hiking 10 ish miles tomorrow. Weather looks good for tomorrow but rain predicted for next week. All part of the experience. :-)
Date: 2015-04-05
From: Springer Mountian

To: three forks campground
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I am hiker 1003. My pack weighed in at 35.5 pds. Including the 8.8 mile approach trail to Springer Mnt I hiked 13 miles. Probably too much. It was a beautiful day. Enjoyed walking all the steps beside the Water Falls at Amicola State Park. Had trouble pitching my protrail Tarptent. Luckily it did not rain. Enjoyed the company of 2 section hikers, Lindsey and Kamani from NYC. Meet thru hiked Russ from Los Angeles.
Date: 2015-04-06
From: three forks campground

To: Gooch Mountian Shelter
Miles today: 12.0

I woke up 30 minutes before the rain started. I had a tough night with the back on my tarptent falling down. I think I need to adjust the "rigging" of the back part of my tent to the length of my collapsed hiking pole. Quickly packed up camp and began to hike in the rain. The plan was to meet section hikers Lindsey and Kamani at Gooch Shelter. Arrived there by 2:30. My feet were very sore today. I have the beginnings of 2 blisters on the soles on of my feet - same spot. I opted for Merrill day hikers for this trip but not sure they will be a good shoe for me to hike in. I found a spot in the shelter to sleep. Lots of people at this shelter tonight. I sang On Eagles Wings in memory of mother who passed on February 10th, 2015.
Date: 2015-04-07
From: Gooch Mountian Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We pushed thru to Neels gap - 16.9 miles - because we needed bear cannisters to camp on blood mountain. I only have rope to hang my food and hanging food is not allowed on blood Mountian. It was a long day but not difficult. I think hiking for many years in New England has prepared me for the trail in Georgia. I have been hiking about 2 miles/hour and unfortunately my feet are paying for it. I purchased superfeet for my dayhiker boots. I hope they help. When we arrived in Neels Gap 4 of us: Lindsey, Kamani, Mark and I stayed at Blood Mnt Cabins.Great place!There is also an outfitter who helped me pitch my tent and gave some advice with my alcohol stove. Thru hiker, Mark, discovered his trail name, "Audios". I am getting my laughs about my trail name, Jingle butt.
Date: 2015-04-08
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Said Goodbye to Lindsey and Kamani who are returning to NYC. Will miss their company. Pitched my tent at this shelter which seemed to work better. Camped next to a stream where I soaked my feet. Both big toe nails are swollen with the nail lifting up. Very painful when hiking downhill but superfeet inserts have helped. The cool water felt wonderful. Naproxen is helping. I broke open the blisters on the soles of my feet which also helped. I am thinking I may need another type of shoe to hike in. My first "zero" day (will hike no miles) is this Saturday in Hiwassee where I will have my first maildrop.
Date: 2015-04-09
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Monutain Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it to Tray Mnt shelter, (elevation 4200) by 3:30. I left Low gap at 7:15 am. Encountered my first "trail magic" at a road crossing. A local church was providing hamburgers, chips and gatorade. A wonderful break. I know I am hiking too many miles a day and my feet are paying for it. But despite sore big toes I am enjoying the trail and the cast of interesting and wonderful folks walking along the trail with me. The weather was warm with lots of bugs at the shelter. No one slept in the shelter. We all put up our tents to get some relief from the bugs. The wind during the night was incredbile. A great relief to me that it did not rain as I haven't figured out the correct pitching of my tent. Tomorrow hiking to Dick's creek with a ride to Hiawassee. Looking forward to my first "zero" day in Hiawassee, Georgia.
Date: 2015-04-10
From: Tray Monutain Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up early at Tray Mnt shelter and left by 7 am for the 11 mile hike to US 76/Dicks Creek Gap. It started to rain around 9 am stopped 2 hours later. Hiking in the rain is nice as it is cooler. I have ultra light rainwear which has worked well for me. Trail magic was waiting for me again at Dick Creeks Gap - soda and a high fat snack food, "Little Debbie"(brand name). I have never eaten a Little Debbie snack in my life. But of course yesterday I ate one. Due to the pain and swelling of both my big toes I went directly to the local hospital/Emergency room to have my toes evaluated. I was seen within an hour. The ED doctor burned tiny holes in the base of both toe nails. My left big toenail had so much liquid under the nail that the stream of liquid sprayed into the face of the doctor. The relief I felt was immediate. After the hospital visit I shared a room at the Budget Inn with 2 fellow hikers, "Audios" and "Chinese Rock". This is my first "Nero" day as I only hiked half a day and slept in a bed. Plus I had a hot shower!
Date: 2015-04-11
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

My first zero day! My feet are thanking me. I mailed a package back home in an attempt to lighten my pack. I also created and mailed a "bounce box" with supplies not needed until I reach Hot Springs, NC. My next stop will be Franklin, NC to visit a large outfitter to discuss new hiking shoes. My Merrill dayhikers are obviously not working for my feet. I will take 3 1/2 days to get to Franklin, NC and spend another night in a hotel. I am trying to slow down to allow my feet to recover. I have also decided to have my husband mail me my Big Agnes tent and send home my Tarptent. I realize my first week on the trail has been working out gear issues. No big surprise to me as I know I am on the long distance hiking learning curve. Despite hassels with feet, shoes and tent I am greatful to be here. Tonight I will enjoy sleeping in a bed then take the shuttle back to the trail.
Date: 2015-04-12
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

Spent a zero day in Hiawassee on April 11th to rest my big toes after being seen in the local ED. Glad to be back on the trail but big toes are very tender. I am eager to get to my next stop which is Franklin to buy new hiking shoes. The day before I had shown my aching toes to the local outfitter. The next day before boarding the shuttle this employee from the local outfitter, Three Eagles, gave me a free pair of toe socks to help me get to Franklin, my next stop. Greatful for the trail magic. The Budget Inn in Hiawassee dropped me off at Dick's Creek gap at 0930. Hiked 11.5 miles to Muskrat Shelter. I also slack packed 3 days of food to Franklin to lighten my pack and hopefully help my big toes. I will pick up the food when I arrive in Franklin.Still thinking and praying for my Aunt Elinor who is critically ill in a Boston Hospital.
Date: 2015-04-13
From: Muskrat Shelter

To: Carter Shelter
Miles today: 12.5

I left Muskrat at 0815. It rained ALL day. My feet feel better but still sore. Arrived at Carter shelter at 1430. I claimed the last spot in the shelter because it was raining. In the mist of afternoon conversation I spoke with "Rhythm" who was familar with TARP tents. He helped me pitch my tent more tightly and so I decided to give up my spot in the shelter and sleep in my tent. He also recommended purchasing Oboz hiking shoes when I arrive in Franklin. I learned that I can make it to Franklin in 2 instead of 3 nights if I am picked up at Rock Gap. I am excited to hike out to Franklin tomorrow, sleep in a bed, dry out my gear and purchase NEW hiking shoes. I am hiking 2 miles/hour and should make it to Rock Gap in 6 hours.