morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-04-20
From: whistling gap 

To: Erwin, TN day 27
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: clear sky

Wednesday, day 27. Miles covered 13.3. Current location mile marker 342.1, Erwin, TN.I was asleep by 8:30 last night. It was a quite night as there were only 5 others camping in the same area. I woke around 5 and decided to get moving as I wanted to watch the sun rise about a mile up the trail. I had one small issue... As it was still dark out I was having a hard time finding the tree I hung my food bag!!! I had my headlight shining in every tree looking for my food. Finally after 15 minutes I found it!! Dang all those trees look alike !!I was hiking at 6...walked quickly to High Rocks where I sat, ate my breakfast bar and watched the sun rise. Perfect!! And I had a cell signal so I was able to call Chrissy ??I also contacted CH. He and I worked together and he is a very dear friend. He has been trying to meet me for several days so he could, not only see me, but provide any type of assistance he could. He has decided today is the day and he plans on driving 190 miles (one way)to meet me in Erwin, TN !! Wow! He is definitely a true trail Angel. I made it to Erwin at 11:45. Secured my room and relaxed a bit. As I was sitting on the front deck... Up walked Trail Angel CH!! Oh my goodness it was great to see a familiar face. He immediately asked what he could help me with and what I wanted to do. Guess what my response was?? You got it ... Let's go eat !! So, off we went to a local Mexican restaurant .. It was super good and I ate enough for two. Then he took me to Walmart so I could resupply (food, sunscreen, candy). From there I asked him to take me to a little diner where I could order a burger to eat later tonight. As we were driving back to the hostel he saw a Bojangles restaurant and asked if I ever had their biscuits. Nope.. But I'll try one. A box of 6 biscuits later... They are now my favorite. Yummmmmy . Now I am so stuffed... But it was all so delicious. I cannot express how much the visit from CH meant to me. It really made my heart happy and again such an example of genuine kindness. Yes, this time from someone I know ... Which even make it so sweet to know a friend of mine would do that for me. CH ... You are the best. Catching up on things and chatting about everything from his home projects, my walk, life, good food, life lessons... All good conversation with a dear friend. What a perfect day. I watched the sunrise. I walked in nature. I took a shower. I have a bed tonight. I shared the sunrise with Chrissy. I had a wonderful wonderful visit from CH. I received.. And gave.. Some wonderful hugs. On Thursday I will do what is call a flip flop. I'll hitch a ride north to Iron Mountain Gap and walk south.. Back to Erwin. This gives me a chance to see other hikers heading North and I'll be back at the hostel for another night. Then on Friday I'll catch a hitch again back to iron mountain and continue north. I am also hoping that Trotter will make it to the hostel tomorrow night so I will have an opportunity to see her again. If she does not make it here tomorrow she will definitely be here by Friday.
Date: 2016-04-22
From: iron mountain

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This is just an update to start the day. Today makes 4 weeks that both Trotter and I have been in the trail. We chatted this morning about: is it what we thought it would be, how are we physically, mentally, do we miss home, do we think of finishing in Maine or where?, when will we reconnect, etc..Both of us agree that it has been exciting but a bit harder then expected. Not just the physical but also all the logistics that go into making this journey happen and continue. I miss home as does Trotter but I think she does not miss it as much as me. We both are thinking of the journey in segments. To think of Maine is too overwhelming. So, Trotter has decided to take a well deserved, overdue zero day today. I will march on so my go lite umbrella will be put to the test over the next few days. As I mentioned earlier my miles will be less due to the weather. And I also have a 6000 foot climb coming up. I weighed my pack this morning and it is 27 lbs which also includes my food (3 days worth) plus my water. Trotter will keep in touch with her family via emails while we hike separately. For anyone reading this and thinking of doing the trail.... If you do not have Verizon service it is quite difficult to use your phone...
Date: 2016-04-23
From: iron mountain

To: roan mountain 
Miles today: 14.5

Day 28, Friday covered 14.5. At roan mountain shelter, mile marker 376.8. Rained 80% of day. Quite cold as I type this. At 6193 elevation. Even though I was getting pounded with rain today I made pretty good time and distance. Yes, I used my hiker umbrella .. And loved it. Not much to say about the hike since it rained so much. I left Trotter at Uncle Johnny's this morning. She was going to zero (no hiking) and take care of all her chores and errands. I made it to the Roan Shelter around 3 and immediately changed out of wet cold clothes into several layers of my winter clothing. I ate, hung my best bag, got my water, purified it and it is now 5:30!! I'm in my sleeping bag blogging and chatting with Bambi, who I have seen over the past week or so. She is 19 and doing this before she starts college in New Jersey. Also in the shelter is periwinkle ... He is a triple crowner ( he has completed, the AT, PCT and CDT). He is out now just doing sections of the trail for fun. Bambi asked how old I was.. And when I said 55, she said--- oh my Mom is 55. Wow all of a sudden I felt old. Back to this shelter... It actually has 4 walls , a second floor and a DOOR!! Most shelters only have 3 walls. There are 3 of us in the bottom floor and 3 upstairs. The three upstairs are section hikers. Speedy is an older gentleman who walked up to me and said, "do you drink?" I said yes... And he pulled a small bottle of whiskey out of his pocket. He poured a shot for me. Now, for those of you who know me... I enjoy certain drinks but whiskey is not one of them. I tried sipping on it but I could not do it. So when he was not looking I tossed the rest into the forest. Sorry to all my whiskey drinking friends. Oh another funny that happened the other night. One of the hikers walked by me while I was sitting at my tent the other night and he said... Hey Bunkie have you seen my weed. I looked at him and said.. I don't think so but what does it look like? As he stared at me I said, maybe your dog ate it. He looked down at his dog (web) and said... Naw, he would be asleep if he did that. Ok now two more people have arrived at the shelter. Easy E.. I also know him from the last week or so. I don't know the other hiker. I warned all of them that I am a early riser so I hope not to bother them.
Date: 2016-04-24
From: roan mountain 

To: mountain harbor 
Miles today: 16.3

Day 30, Saturday. I am at mile marker 393.1. I did 16.3 miles today. I am currently at mountain harbor hostel. Where to begin!!! So last night there were 4 of us in the bottom floor of the shelter and 4 on the top floor. It was raining so hard and I was very happy to be in the shelter. It was cold but DRY! Everyone was in their sleeping bag by 7:30. At around 8:30 I heard some more hikers arrive but they did not come into the shelter. Instead they all hung their hammocks and slept outside. Glad it was not me!!And then it happened!! A lot of you will be grossed out... As was I ... But oh well!! At 4:30 a.m. I was half awake.. Remember it was cold so I was sleeping with my skull cap on (thank goodness) .... A mouse ran across my head! It took me half a second to realize what was happening and I jumped up as I was swatting my head. I got back in my sleeping bag and pulled it completely over my head. Yuck! But after a few minutes I was laughing and thinking... Ok if I can make it 16+ miles today my butt is staying somewhere that I KNOW I will not have a mouse on my head. I was up and out of the shelter at 7:30. It was still very cold and wet. It rained and even though I was walking through an area know for beautiful views... I saw NONE. I could only see 20 yards in front of me.. I was walking through rain clouds. The wind was so strong when I was on top of the mountains that, at one point, it almost blew me over (literally). I covered my miles and as soon as I arrived at the hostel I threw a pizza in the oven (yes I am tired of pizza but all hostels have it). I am now clean.. Washing my clothes and testing my feet. The fires have caused a lot of damage to the forest. In fact, the trail that I need to jump on tomorrow just reopened today. I will be walking through charred woods. Everything is going well so far. My feet are good. My hip is giving me a little bit of an issue but nothing major at this point. The forecast for the next few days seems to be clear so I am looking forward to that. Thanks again for following along.
Date: 2016-04-25
From: mountain harbor 

To: moreland gap shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

Today is Sunday and it is day 31. I covered 18.4 miles today and I am currently at mile marker 411.5 (Moreland Gap). I had a wonderful breakfast at the Harbor Hostel. All the hikers (about 15) ate together. This place is known for their breakfast. Everyone pays $12.50 and you eat all that you can!! I packed up my belongs and was on the trail at 9 a.m. I was one of the first to leave. The weather was beautiful and I could see for miles. I could see the mountain range I came from ... Sure looked high!! I walked alone all day and the first people I saw were firefighters. They were on a gravel road (fire road) in the mountains. They said everything was clear and that none of the trail was burned but they were using the trail as their "breaking spot" if necessary. They took my name and said they were trying to keep track of thru hikers just In case there were others fires. I ran across one southbound hiker who started the trail last year... Did the northern section and this year he will complete the southern half. I had plans of walking about 15 miles today but I was never satisfied with locations for my tent. So I kept walking and I am glad I did. I made it to the shelter around 5:45 and there are three guys here. I put up my tent, ate a summer sausage and cheese sandwich and a cookie that I grabbed from the hostel this morning. I found a good tree to hang my bear bag and I have it marked in my head where it is!! I think it is strange how I see very few people when I hike. Those that I do come across we always chat for a minute but then move on. I do enjoy having other campers in the same area when I sleep in my tent. 4 is a good number. Two of the guys that are here tonight are sleeping in the shelter and myself and Tall Guy are sleeping in our tents. I also love when I have cell service so I can give Chrissy a call. I should be seeing Chrissy this weekend if all goes well. I am roughly 60 miles from where we will me. I might have to have some strange mileage days as one of the shelters and several miles before and after the shelter are currently restricting any camping due to bear activity. Yikes.
Date: 2016-04-27
From: US 321, Hampton, TN

To: mile marker 446.9
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Today is day 33 (Tuesday). I covered 20.1 miles today and I am currently at mile marker 446.9. Today was a beautiful day. I had views of wayanga lake for 6 miles of my hike. First I walked on a trail skirting the lake and then I climbed to 3589 feet and had wonderful views from afar. I thought of my friend CH and how much he enjoys being out on the water. I also thought of my brothers and how much they would enjoy fishing the lake. Kelsie and I leapfrogged each other all day. She was doing higher mileage then me so we said our goodbyes when I stopped to set up my tent. She was trying to cover 30 miles today/---oh, to be so young (28). I met a few new people today at various shelters. All of the younger crowd. They all talk about the hikers in their bubble. A hiker bubble is: people that you see over and over again.. They have roughly the same pace and try to camp in the same areas. I find the younger crowd likes to hike that way. I, on the other hand, am not in a bubble. I like hiking my own pace and stopping whenever and wherever fits me best. I am currently camped in a spot by myself. My chores are complete and they are calling for rain tonight and tomorrow morning. Today while hiking , two other hikers were standing on the trail and they advised that they saw a rattlesnake. So, I took extra precaution when stepping over logs. Yikes! I also talked to two hikers who night hiked and they told me that a bob cat followed them for about 300 yards! Double yikes. All I saw were two deer ??One and a half days and I see Chrissy and Sammi!! Can't wait. I have received so many nice notes, emails, etc from my friends, family and strangers. I am blown away by the interest. Thank you all !!
Date: 2016-04-28
From: mile marker 446.9

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: light rain

Today is Wednesday, day 34. I covered 23 miles today and I am currently in Damascus, VA at mile marker 469.9. Last night I was the only one camping in my area. It was actually very nice since being alone meant I did not have to worry about making any noise early in the morning. I usually get up earlier then most. The only sleeping issue was... There was some very angry bird last night. And she talked about her anger ALL night. It could have been that I was in her space and she did not approve. So, what does one sleeping in the middle of the woods think about at 3 a.m.? Well let me tell you::I really wanted some cookies that were hanging in my bear bag.. In the tree. Do I get up.. Lower my bear bag just for cookies?? Noooo. Suck it up and go back to sleep. And then I thought.. What a great diet plan. Hang all your tempting food items in your back yard.. Making it a pain to go get it. And, I'll even sell you a bear bag... But wait, there is more... For $9.99 I'll send you an instructional video on how to hang your bear bag! Not sold yet... Wait, I'll even throw in some reflective tape to put on the outside of your bag so you can find it in the middle of the night with your flashlight !! Hey... I just retired.. I need to have a second job lined up. Anyway, I was up and out of my campsite at 7:05. I walked .5 mile and came upon stationary trail magic. I know , a new term for you guys! Well, that means people leave ice chest , usually close to a road crossing, filled with drinks and snacks. Mine was an ice chest placed by a group of 9 and 10 year old girls--- as a church project. Sweet. Then I hiked through private property (see photo link)... It was a cow pasture. The owners work with the AT and allow hikers to utilize their property. Gates and fence crossing are placed at the beginning and end of the pastures. Very cool. I was not sure how far I was going to hike today but knew that I need to arrive in Damascus no later then 11 on Thursday. That is when Chrissy is due to arrive. When I was 6 miles out...I figured.. What the heck. Get into town, wash clothes, take a shower and rest till she arrives. I crossed several hikers that I saw yesterday. It is actually the first time I have seen several familiar faces two days in a row. All very nice guys and gals. My plans are to zero on Thursday. Chrissy and I will do 13 miles on Friday. I'll zero again on Saturday. And start out again on Sunday when Chrissy goes home. I am so happy that she will be able to spend a couple of days with me. And, Trotter called! She is scheduled to arrive into Damascus on Saturday. So, she will meet Chrissy. I am glad she is getting closer.. That woman is amazing. I am staying at a hostel in Damascus... Woodchuck hostel. Pretty cool place. . I wanted to add... All hostels are on the honor system. There is food, extra things.. Washing clothes, etc. and when you leave you simply say... I had; two cokes, washed clothes and slept in a bunk. And you square up with the owner before you leave. I love that fact that given the chance .. People will do the right thing.
Date: 2016-04-29
From: Damascus, VA

To: zero
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today is Thursday, day 35. Today is a zero day. I'm super excited because Chrissy and Sammi will be here in about 4 hours. I thought I would take this time to talk about a few things that people have asked about:Food: I started my hike with a pocket rocket stove. I decided to "go cold" (no stove) around the beginning of NC. I have not missed it. But I did ask Chrissy to bring it in case I decide to carry it again. So, my cold food consist of: peanut butter, tuna fish, summer sausage , spam, bread, lots of high protein bars, cheese , almonds and candy bars. I usually carry CheeseIts ... When I am leaving a trail town as a treat for the day. If there is a subway, I'll buy a sandwich on the way out as well... And that will serve as my lunch. I always try to eat extra when I am "in town". As for my weight.. I have lost a few pounds but nothing drastic. They (not sure who "they" is but..) say a hiker should try to consume at least 4000 calories a day. Clothes: as you have noticed I am always in the same shirt and shorts. I have one hiking "outfit" and one clean outfit to sleep in. Two pairs of hiking socks, one pair to sleep in (3 total). One pair of hiking shorts.. But, I'll switch to running shorts... My rain pants and jacket serve as my clothes when I am washing everything else. But sometimes the hostels have loaner clothes that hikers use when washing your own. I have a very light weight wind breaker. First aid: Tape for my feet!! Ibuprofen .. Or as hikers call it... Vitamin I. Mild sleeping pills, neosporin, band aids, gold bond powder.Water purification : sawyer system. Pack: ULA circuit. Shoes: salomon ... I started with the boots but now (since warmer and easier climbs) I am switching to my low cut ones. Sleeping bag: zpack bag. I am sending home ( because now it is warmer) my down jacket, my fleece shirt, down booties, long underware. Tent: Big Agnus (2 person tent). I like putting all of my stuff inside my tent at night. So I like the extra room a 2 person tent provides. Hiking polls: leki. Love them. I think that is about it...
Date: 2016-04-29
From: Damascus, VA

To: Mile marker 487.2
Miles today: 17.2

Today is day 36, Friday. Milage today was 17.2 and my current mile marker is 487.2. Today was GREAT. Chrissy arrived yesterday afternoon. We had a wonderful dinner in Abingdon, VA which is 15 miles from Damascus. We were up early this morning as we had to drive back to Damascus and catch a shuttle ride to mile marker 487.2. Then Chrissy, Sammi and I walked the AT back to Damascus. That means we walked southbound and NOT northbound. This makes it easier to return to our original location where we had Chrissy's car. Chrissy was a true trooper.... we started out thinking we were going to walk 13 miles but as we drove to the drop off point we decided to "add a few miles" - - yikes!!! For her to do 17.2 miles in 7.5 hours was outstanding. And Sammi...she never slowed .. I loved having Chrissy on the trail with me. She learned a lot about what my days are like, she met a lot of hikers that I both knew and some that I did not. It made the day so enjoyable. THANKS CHRISSY!!Chrissy has now said, she wants a zero day tomorrow!! LOL... I said...OK, you definitely earned it!! So tomorrow will be a zero for BOTH of us. She will leave for home on Sunday morning and I will start at mile marker 487.2 heading north. I heard from Trotter and she is 6 miles away from Damascus and is due to arrive on Saturday. That will be nice as maybe the three of us can go out to dinner.Being in the trail towns is nice - - I see so many hikers, we all talk about the trail, who we are, what we are looking forward to, etc... and sometimes we just nod to each other - - kind of like "hello fellow thru hiker".It is also obvious that a lot of plans have changed.... some folks need to leave the trail due to injuries, things happening at home, taking extra days off to rest, spend time with loved ones, wait on packages from home... and to be honest.... Making it to Virginia is a big deal. NOW.... Virginia has roughly 500+ miles of the AT passing through it. So, hikers spend a lot of time walking through Virginia. Virginia has more miles of the AT then any other state. Someone asked me about my base pack weight... It is roughly 25 lbs... then I add food and water. And that weigh varies depending on how many days I need to prepare for before I can resupply (food).
Date: 2016-05-01
From: Mile marker 487.2

To: wise mountain shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

Today is day #38, Sunday. I covered 15.1 miles and I am currently at mile marker 502.3. (Wise shelter). It was a tough day for me. A tad emotional. I said goodbye to Chrissy and Sammi. We had a great visit and I am lucky that she was able to take two days off! When I started hiked... It was raining and I had a pretty big climb to make in the first 3 miles. I think the combination of having to say goodbye to Chrissy, hiking in rain, uphill and my pack felt heavy.... I started felling sorry for myself . Not a good thing when you are in the middle of the woods walking over rocks and roots. I was able to call Chrissy and she helped clear my head and my negative thoughts. I walked into the Grayson Highland State Park area and was disappointed as I did not see any wild ponies. For those of you not familiar with this area it is a really cool park that has hundreds of wild ponies roaming its boundaries. Anyway... Just when I thought, where are all the ponies? They appeared. It made my heart smile as I am a big horse lover. I took my pack off snapped a few pictures and moved on. My attitude continued to improve. Then I crested an area and I hear... Hey Bunkie!! There was Forest. He was with me about a week ago in the shelter when the mouse was on my head. He was standing there with his parents who came to visit him from Atlanta. They also brought trail magic!! So, two brownies, two oranges and one sandwich to go...later, I was off walking again. The trail became a bit more relaxed as did my mental state ). I planned on doing 15 miles today. After making it to the shelter I thought, briefly, about walking 7 more miles but I decided to STOP and enjoy the company of 4 guys who are at the shelter. Two are section hikers and two are thru hikers. I will not use my tent tonight as the weather is calling for big rain. So, I'll be on the shelter platform. I have already seen one mouse so I am hoping he does not bother me tonight. Yuck!Oh... And a big day. I hit the 500 mile marker. Sweet.