morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-26
From: Walnut Mountatin Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC (Duckett House Inn)
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

Mostly downhill today into town. So much so that I had to stop several times a day to empty my shoes of rocks and sticks. I developed a minor blister on my heel, but nothing to cry about. Town felt good. We saw Ken, Kirby, CJ, and a few others around this VERY small town. The town basically consists of a diner, outfitter, Post Office, grocer, pub, and Hot Springs Spa. This was my first real trail town. The trail goes down Main Street. Sam and I stopped at the Post Office and outfitter to pick up a new pair of socks, aquamira, and a few ziplocks. We checked into the Duckett House Inn, ate pulled pork at the diner, resupplied, and chilled back at the inn. We hit a great TV night. We watched Suns vs. Celtics and the all new South Park episode. Sam's aunt lives in nearby Ashville, NC. So, she took Sam out for dinner #2 and he brought us back beer, fudge, and Oreos. Even the hostel owners chilled and ate with us. I met Snoopy, who just took a few days off, and is taking one more. "Under all speech that is good for anything, there is a silence that is better. Silence is as deep as eternity, speech is as shallow as time." Thomas Carlyle
Date: 2008-03-27
From: Hot Springs, NC (Duckett House Inn)

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: few clouds

Today was a scorcher. Coming out of Hot Springs, just like leaving any town, is tough. Post town miles are always up hill, and the body isn't in hiking mode yet. Sam and I left Hot Springs around 0900. By 1030, we ran into CJ, Greg, Shepherd and one other! Hot Springs seemed to have brought everyone in at the same time. I hiked with Greg for an hour, who told me that he and he and Time Traveler split up around Clingman's Dome, and she is probably a day behind us. Cool story. When Greg and Time Traveler went drunk night hiking out of the NOC (on St. Patrick's Day), they were going to meet me at a campsite a few miles North. When I got there, it was a crappy campsite with no water, so I moved on to the shelter. Apparently, when they got to the campsite, there was a tent that looked like mine. So, they rustled the tent and whispered my name, and the kid inside started yelling, thinking it was a bear. haha. I was drenched in sweat by midday. It was hot (low 80s I think) and humid, and there were multiple uphills. There was some Belgian Waffle trail magic up at a house, which I decided to skip. I had just eaten lunch and I wanted to make it into camp before dark. And, I correctly identified them (by the Belgian Waffles) as a couple who feed you well, but essentially preach to you. I find it kind of sketchy that it is more than just trail magic. There is an ulterior motive. Anyways, there are mosquitos for the first time tonight, so I set up the tent. "The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind." ~ William James
Date: 2008-03-28
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Great day. I am officially in hunger mode. All I could think about is food. I ate TONS of calories today, but it is pretty much impossible to keep full. The morning was relatively flat, with some difficult rocky ridgelines. It was my first day of overcast hiking, which I enjoyed. No baking in the sun and no rain either. North Carolina is great at naming their landmarks. Today, I went over Big Butt Mountain, Big Firescald Mountain, and Devil Fork Gap. After 17 miles of hiking, I was tired, hungry, and my feet hurt. I had 4.5 miles to go, and a huge climb over Frozen Knob ahead of me. I was not looking forward to it. This called for desperate measures. Because it was a scorcher, I dug out my sweatband, dipped it in a stream, and started huffing it up Frozen Knob. The headband seemed to help. Sweat didn't drip down on my face and it kept my head cool. About 1/4 the way up, I looked down into a stream to rewet my headband, and I see 3 cokes in the water!! Thank you Trail Magic! Just a well placed coke in a stream that leaves no trash, no ulterior motives! I practically ran up the mountain. That's how simple life is out here. The simplest gesture gives such a huge boost. I'm at Hogback Ridge Shelter with Sam, CJ, Shepherd, Catfish, UsedToCould, and a friendly Boy Scout troop, who made too many noodles and gave us the rest. Awesome conversation. Everyone is talking about Sonic and a movie in Erwin. We should be there Sunday. "The birds have vanished from the sky. Now the last cloud drains away. We sit together, the mountain and me, until only the mountain remains." ~ Li Po
Date: 2008-03-29
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: light rain

It's been a long time since I hiked in some real rain. It rained all night last night. The Boy Scout troop, which was training for a Philmont trip (to the national jamboree), had to pack up all their wet tents, while the thrus (who got to the shelter first) were dry all night. I started hiking with full rain gear on, but shed my rainpants in the first mile. The pants were just too hot if I am going uphill. Rain turned to drizzle around 1000, so I took off my raincoat too. I would much rather get a little wet from the rain than be drenched in my own sweat. We went over Big Bald today, but visibility was maybe 40 yards, so no views. The rest of the day was downhill and pretty easy. Oh yeah, last night a mouse was kind enough to lighten my pack by chewing a hole in my $20 waterproof food bag. We hang our food bags on mouseproof lines in the shelter, but UsedToCould hung his backpack too close to my food bag. A mouse must have climbed onto his pack and jumped onto my food bag and chewed a hole (trying to get to a wrapper). Sweet. In other news, the knees feel fine. The feet get sore after 20-mile days, but nothing serious. I think they are looking forward to an easy 6 tomorrow and some R&R. "You can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have roses." ~ Tom Wilson
Date: 2008-03-30
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: overcast clouds

After some on and off rain throughout the night, the weather cleared for an easy 6.3 downhill into town. Uncle Johnny's (hostel) is a really cool place. It is the first building you can see when you emerge from the woods. There is a big sign that says "Uncle Johnny's Hiker Hostel ... 40 cent Snickers". I'm sold! We checked in and had an amazing shower. By amazing, I mean way too long and just cool enough not to burn flesh. Since it's Sunday, there is a Chinese buffet in town that everyone goes to after church. And, I mean everyone. Uncle Johnny, who shuttled us 4 in, said we had to go right when it opened or else we wouldn't get a table. Erwin's official population is under 5,000, but it is the only real town in the county, which has over 18,000 people. Apparently there are 62 churches in Erwin, most of them Baptist. Erwin also houses the manufacturing plant for a large majority of the Navy's fuel rods used in submarine and ship nuclear reactors. Pretty cool. Anyway, back to food. It was really good. It's hard to find bad food as a thru-hiker, but I'm pretty sure even if I was a "normal" person, this buffet would have been really good. Anyway, I concentrated on the Crab Rangoons, General Tso's, Lo Mein, cantelope, watermelon, and water. Our waitress probably had to refill my glass 7 or 8 times. No joke. We hobbled over to the grocery store and dollar store to resupply. I somehow overbought even immediately after a huge meal. Oh well. We were planning to catch a movie, but the theater had two lame movies showing. I'll save "21" for Damascus I guess. We got shuttled back to the hostel where we chilled, watched an awesome Davidson vs. Kansas March Madness game, and digested. For those who are not aware, the "Dynamite" family has never taken a liking to basketball. We tend to concentrate on soccer, football and hockey. Basketball is certainly growing on me though. I just didn't like the fact that the games are either a blowout, or the game is ALWAYS within a point or 2 with 2 minutes left to go. Even if they just played the last 2 minutes. the games would still take 2 hours. After enough digesting, we went out for more food. Sonic. I finally found a Sonic. Sonic likes to advertise in New England, EVEN THOUGH THERE AREN'T ANY. It was pretty good. We are heading out tomorrow up some big mountains, so I hope that the ridiculous amount of calories we ate today will help us rather than weigh us down. Oh yeah, COOL STORY! As I was getting out of the car with my Sonic food, I hear "Dynamite!" from across the road. I spin around, but do not recognize the car of guy or girl inside. The guy gets out, walks across the road, and begins "You don't know me but ..." It turns out this guy named Shaun is driving South to start his thru hike tomorrow, and recognized me. He's been reading my Trail Journal! Way cool! Good luck Shaun! "Never be afraid of throwing away what you have, if you CAN throw it away, it is not really yours." ~ R. H. Tawney
Date: 2008-03-31
From: Erwin, TN

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 25.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was tough, but very fulfilling. We were all groggy and didn't get much sleep. We all didn't feel good. Sam was up to 0200 thinking he might throw up. I seriously contemplated a zero or a "nero". I ate, which make me feel a little better, but I was still bloated all day. We planned a 16 to the shelter right over Unaka Mountain. Unaka was a really cool mountain. It was a steep climb to get there, but on top was a really dense pine forest. We arrived at the shelter by 1600, but had been contemplating pushing to the next shelter, which was 8.8 miles further. Our reasoning being that a high chance of rain is predicted with evening thunderstorms for tomorrow, so a long day today leaves a short day tomorrow. Shepherd, CJ, and I pulled the trigger, left Sam a note, and pushed on. (Sam felt ill and left later than us this morning). The elevation looked flat, but there were several bumps with steep inclines which were frustrating. However, I did get into "the zone" several times today so thoughts were flying. I even had to jot down several at lunch so I could write about them later. However, right now I am exhausted and need some ZZZs. "I love quotations because it is a joy to find thoughts one might have, beautifully expressed with much authority by someone recognized wiser that oneself." ~ Marlene Dietrich
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: light rain

I got up this morning, and I couldn't take it anymore. Too much hiking. Not enough TV. I was sore. We had a huge mountain to stumble up today. So I hiked to the first road, hitched into town, and am currently on the train home to New Hampshire. April Fools! I actually had a great day. We only had 13 today, but it included the last 6,000 footer until NH. After yesterday's marathon, we all slept in until 0900, and were on the trail by 0930. Roan was a bitch. The majority of the 2,200' climb was just dirt, which requires a full calf flex every step, and it takes a lot out of me. Sam is an absolute beast. He carrying a heavier pack, wearing heavier boots, and apparently never takes breaks while hiking. The rest of us stop several times up a mountain like Roan, but Sam just always keeps his legs moving. The views on Roan weren't that great, but the balds immediately after had awesome views. I am at Overmountain Shelter, which is a red barn with great views to the east. I'm hoping for a good sunrise tomorrow morning. When I was in "the zone" yesterday, I was thinking a lot about the trail community and why we are such a close knit group. Hikers can meet each other for a few days, and feel like they have been friends for a long time. Often, we don't even know each other's real names! But, that hardly matters. We really do look out for each other. We are independent beings out here, but we are all connected. I think the reason for that derives from sharing the same experience. We all know what each other is going through each day, and know what a difference a little caring can make. At the last shelter, "Willie Boy" (who we have been behind for a while) left a note saying he had found another hiker's wallet. He gave his number, telling the owner to contact him. Could he have easily stolen the cash and cards without getting caught? Yup. But he didn't. We are all doing something pretty damn hard and that tends to bring people together. Soldiers in the same military unit are together for maybe a few years, but still remain extremely close friends decades after a war. I even see it in fraternities too. After 9/11, we all felt like a united country again. The President had approval ratings through the roof. We had a common enemy. Another thing I love about trail life is the lack of politics regarding simple things. Things are simple and straightforward. For example, if someone offers you food, you take it. There is no polite declining even though you want it. You take it. Also, there is no hard feelings about leaving other hikers behind, or leting others go ahead. There is a common understanding out here that everyone accepts. We are all on our own journey, and coming and going is all part of that. I think that the "real world" fails to comprehend how "single serving friends" can still genuinely care and affect us. We don't need someone in our life for years to touch our soul. "We have no right to ask when sorrow comes, "Why did this happen to me?" unless we ask the same question for every moment of happiness that comes our way." ~ Unknown
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Laurel Fork
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: few clouds

I know I can't keep saying this, but this was probably the best day on trail yet. We were on trail by 09:00, and I was the first one out. We had a climb up Little Hump Mtn and Hump Mtn. Since it was still morning, the mist/clouds hadn¢t burned off yet. As I got near the summit of Hump, I was hiking directly into the sun that was semitransparent due to the clouds. I could see the rays shining right over the summit onto me. As I got to the summit, the clouds cleared. If I got there 5 minutes earlier, it would have been clouded in. The views were gorgeous. I actually said aloud to myself ¢Are you kidding me?¢ (By the way, talking to yourself is the cool thing to do if you weren¢t aware). Not only could I see some serious mountain views in the distance, but I could also see the trail follow a huge stretch of grassy highlands. Absolutely stunning.        The rest of the day was mostly downhill, but not steep enough to hurt the knees. The 4 of us met up for lunch, and decided to camp 5 miles past the shelter we were planning to stay at to make it into Kincora hostel a few hours earlier tomorrow. Later on we changed our minds, and decided to be wusses and stay at a $5 hostel tonight and then hostel tomorrow night at Kincora as well. I was excited so I ate a large portion of my remaining food because I could resupply at the hostel tonight. To confuse things even more, we later found out from a big sign in the next shelter that our intended hostel stay tonight (Abby¢s Place) was closed for the 2008 season. Awesome. I had very little food left and 5 more miles today and 12 tomorrow. Not to fret. I killed a bear with my bare hands and cooked him over the fire. Just kidding. Actually I borrowed a candy bar off Sam. One ¢life¢ skill we learn out here is how to adapt and go with the flow. We just shrugged it off and made our way. Sam & I camped at Laurel Fork, and CJ and Shep went another mile and camped. Great day overall. ¢None climbs so high as he who knows not whither he is going.¢ ¢ Oliver Cromwell
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Dennis Cove (Kincora Hostel)

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 24.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I lied about getting up at 0600. Apparently it doesn¢t exist. We were up by 0700 and out the door by 0800. We hit Laurel Falls, which was my first real waterfall of the trip. Sam and I hiked together up Pond Flats which is about as unflat as humanly possible. I purposely let CK go in front of me because I like the way he climbs hills. I tend to climb fast, then have to catch my breath. CK is a very consistent climber. We made it up to the ¢flats¢ then down to Watuga Lake and Watuga Dam. Not as cool as Fontana though. It was supposed to rain all day, but somehow held off until late afternoon. Our last 10 miles were uphill over a rolling ridgeline. I wanted to get in before the forecasted thunderstorms, so I hoofed it with the help of a can of Mountain Dew I saved for just such an occasion. Rain and thunderstorms tonight and all of tomorrow. We¢ve got 25 miles into Damascus tomorrow, where CJ¢s Dad is going to pick us up for our zero on Sunday. We want to be in town by 1700, so that means a 0600 wakeup in the rain. Fun fun.¢Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since there is less cleaning up to do afterward.¢ ¢ Kurt Vonnegut
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Damascus, VA (CJ's House)
Miles today: 25.9
Weather: light rain

Monster day today. It rained last night, but we were up by 0630 and hiking by 0710. The goal was Damascus by 1700. We were doing a 26 mile day, but my trusty Appalachian Pages guidebook said ¢for northbounders, the stretch leading into Damascus is mostly downhill and mildly sloping. Enjoy.¢ Although it wasn¢t tooooo bad, it wasn¢t a piece of cake either. Perhaps it was my expectations that led me to a false sense of ease, but I guess I thought it was going to be easier. A few miles before Damascus, we hit the TN/VA border. Speaking of borders, all 4 of us missed the NC/TN border a few days ago. I¢m not even sure there was a sign considering my left foot had been in TN since the Smokeys. We took our first ¢4 Horsemen¢ photo with a self timer on Shepherd¢s camera so I¢ll see if I can mooch a copy of that photo and post it on TJ¢s. Damascus is supposedly the best trail town on the trail. The trail goes right down Main Street, and all of us needed to go to the outfitter for odds and ends. The outfitter was amazing. All thruhiker gear with very helpful staff who know what they are talking about. CJ picked up a lighter pack, tarp, and a few other biggies. CJ¢s dad drove us back to Bristol, VA which is 20 minutes from Damascus. We showered (with an awesome shower radio), ate a huge pot roast dinner cooked wonderfully by Kaye, did laundry, and digested. We checked trail journals, weather, fixed bank accounts, and chilled.        The 4 of us had been wanting to see ¢21¢ for a few weeks, so we caught a 2150 showing of it at the Bristol theater. I liked it a lot. But I liked the book better. They are loosely related, but the book goes more into the math behind blackjack, and the sheer brilliance of their plan to take Vegas for millions. We hopped over to Wal-Mart for some odds and ends. There was a McDonald¢s inside (which I had been craving) but it was 0100 and closed for the evening. Perhaps another day.
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Damascus, VA (CJ's House)

To: Damascus, VA (CJ's House)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Zero days feel good. After 50 miles in 2 days, the feet were feeling it. Not so much blisters, but just aches. My heels feel really weird in the morning, and my toes had lost a bit of feeling. Bruised nerve! Anyway, everything was feeling better by afternoon. We were up at 0630 yesterday, and went to bed last night around 0200 -- with 25 miles, a massive dinner, and a movie in between. I was zonked out. I actually got up early to use CJ's computer to upload and tag Trail Journal pictures and entries. It takes a lot of time, but I think it's worth it. I went back to bed until noonish, where we all met up at Outback Steakhouse for lunch. Very good. The four of us then resupplied at Walmart. I love Walmart. I can't help it. It is just so damn cheap. Easiest resupply yet. They have everything, including the recently discovered and totally awesome Reeses Crispy Crunchy bar. It's basically a cross between a Butterfinger and a Reeses PB Cup. Phenomenal! I would highly recommend to all. We rented Hitman (the movie) and returned home for another amazing meal and some "Catch Phrase." What an amazing game! CJ, Kaye, and I were teamed against Shep, CK, and Joe Sr. CJ and I played off each other very well. For example, with 7 seconds left on the timer, I get this phrase. I rattle off (a clue) "QUOTE FROM DUMB & DUMBER ... KICK HIS ASS ___ ___." CJ got it immediately. By the way, "SEA BASS" is the correct answer. Good times. After a late night showing of Hitman (kinda lame), we were in bed by 0200. Shepherd is almost done reading "Bringing Down the House," the book that the movie "21" is based on, which he just bought last night. It is a really good book (and an easy read) and gets my full recommendation. Good night. "Never be in a hurry: do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset." ~ St. Francis de Sales
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Damascus, VA (CJ's House)

To: Saunder's Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: clear sky

UGH. That pretty much sums up the hiking part of my day. The morning was great. Woke up late, ate another amazing meal, and packed up. CJ had a morning massage appointment (haha), so we headed back to Damascus at 1430. I went to the Post Office to pick up my new pair of shoes. They looked so new compared to my old pair. (see photo) My old pair of shoes should be in the Shoe Hall of Fame. They took 1.5 years of Cornell hill walking and 460 miles on the AT. I couldn't throw them away so I mailed them home.I felt like crap coming out of Damascus. We had 9 miles to do, starting at 1600. It was pretty hot. My pack felt heavy, and my legs weren't feeling it. I stopped several times during the first hill. My feet, on the other hand, seem to relish their time in their new homes. My feet had earned it. A zero, a nero, and new shoes seem to have done away with the aches and pains. Camp shoes weren't necessary tonight.I'm cowboy camping (sleeping under the stars) for the first time tonight. Warm, no rain in the forecast, and a clear sky. Should be cool. Thanks again to CJ's family for their wonderful hospitality!"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" ~ FDR
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Saunder's Shelter

To: Random Ridge
Miles today: 22.7

Pretty awesome day. Cowboy camping was good last night. I slid off my pad a few too many times, but it was a great night. I was up at 0830. CJ was on the phone with his parents. Apparently, his newly switched summer sleeping bag wasn't warm enough, so his parents are meeting him this afternoon to switch it back. Virginia trail is pretty nice. We had a long climb up Whitetop Mountain, but it was all gentle sloping, which made it manageable. The AT goes up most of Mt. Rogers (the highest point in Virginia), but you need to take a half-mile side trail up to the summit. CJ told us that the summit has no views (due to trees), so I didn't bother going up. CK did though, while I took a nap and watched his pack. The 4 Horsemen have split up, at least for now. CJ decided that he wanted another night in a real bed, so he went back to Bristol for the night. Shepherd pushed on to Wise Shelter, and CK and I are tenting right before entering the Grayson Highlands. We picked an awesome spot (see photo) -- ideal for a sunset and sunrise, but right after we got situated, clouds rolled in. Oh well."Many a doctrine is like a window pane. We see truth through it but it divides us from truth." ~ Kahhil Gibran