morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-03-20
From: Springer mountain

To: Just past Stover creek shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 1! After another long day of driving we made it to Neel Gap where we dropped off Uncle Bobs truck and he uncle ray uncle walt aunt jenny and meghan joined me to Amicalola falls state park where i registered as thruhiker #489. i weighed my pack at the scale out front and with 1.5 liters of water and 4 days of food(more like 6) it weighed 34 lbs. After we hiked to the top of Springer I began the descent by myself and my journey had finally begun! uncle bob and i continued on and hiked from about 5-7. we made camp by a stream and my firstnight on the trail i didnt sleep that great but i was excited and ready to go the next day. by the way i am using my kindle and it is a pain to use caps and stuff so you are going to have to deal with it. Sorry!
Date: 2012-03-21
From: Just past Stover creek shelter

To: Justus Creek
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up off and on all night and wasn't sure if it was my Uncle Bob's dog Spirit or if it was a bear moving around outside. She tried to get into my tent a few times and at one point was barking like crazy in the direction of the food bags which were hung. We hiked to Hawk Mtn Shelter and met StreetSmarts who was with his cousin who was hiking with him the first few days. Today I also met two older guys from New Zealand who had hiked the PCT before- one in 09' and one in 10'. Also met one guy who was section hiking to NOC,who uncle bob called weatherman, and one guy sectioning to Harpers ferry. Hiking up Sasafras mountain was tough and after about 11 miles we started looking for a good place to camp. Nothing to eventful today, although I did see a snake in a tree and after we set up camp a few people passed us asking where the next shelter was. I am tired but feel good and am ready to hike tomorrow!
Date: 2012-03-22
From: Justus Creek

To: Dockery Lake Trail
Miles today: 8.8

I woke up to a light rain and tried to get Spirit in my tent since she couldn't fit in Uncle Bobs bivy. Luckily the rain stopped and she didn't want to come in. The weather report was for thunderstorms the next few days. We packed up, got water and hiked a mile or so to Gooch Mountain shelter where we met Deerpath a 68 year old from FL whose posts I had seen on whiteblaze.net. We also saw the guy hiking to NOC who uncle bob called weatherman. We had breakfast at the shelter and used The facilities (each shelter has a privy). Just as we were about to leave it started raining and we hiked in the rain for 5-6 miles to Woody gap. It was here that uncle bob caught a ride to neel gap and called it a trip. With the weather report not looking good he decided it would be better not to camp in the rain. Him and spirit got a ride with the first car he talked to and soon I was alone! Only 20 miles into the trip I realized that I would be on my own For the rest of the trip and I sat at the gap for a while and let it sink in. The weatherman came up later and decided to call his trip off too. Only one night of rain and he ended his 130 mile section after 20 miles, but there's always next year and he can pick up where he left off after making some adjustments. I called Kaitie and updated my journal and moved on. I bumped into Pippy and Peppy for the second time. They were former marathoners and canoe marothoners and I asked if they were father/daughter, but that's the last time I'll make assumptions cause they were engaged. Luckily they weren't upset and said they've gotten that before. I got water and camped at the next place to stop, just before lance creek and the 5 mile boundary where you can only camp if you have a bear canister. I setup camp by myself and soon saw Pippy and peppy think about stopping but decided to move on. I had the whole area to myself and watched the sun set over the mountains while I ate dinner. Day number 3 was over and I had no idea what would be next.
Date: 2012-03-23
From: Dockery Lake Trail

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: overcast clouds

FYI: This post is being updated from Hot Springs, NC. For quicker updates check Kaitie's website at www.kaitlinschell.com.The first night of camping by myself was great. I woke up dry and alive. It did rain very hard around 5am, but by the time I got up for good at 8am the rain had stopped, but a thick fog was in the air and I could barely see the trail some 15-20 feet away. Today's climb consisted of Blood Mountain which was the last mountain before Neel Gap. As I hiked the rain picked up again and the drops were the size of quarters. I was using my bandana to dry my glasses, but after some time I realized it wasn't helping and I took my glasses off in order to see through the fog better. I kicked it into high gear and once I reached the shelter at the top I met a bunch of other hikers who all seemed to know each other. They had camped at Lance Creek about a mile or two ahead of me and I introduced myself to the group. I met Bigfoot, Soho, Halfway, Brett, and Derick(no trail names yet). They asked where I was staying at Neel Gap and I told them I had no idea. The hostel was $17 without laundry, and there were cabins to be rented for $60 that fit 4 or more people and laundry was included. Derek quickly let me know that Soho, Halfway, and Brett were looking for a 4th roommate and I made a quick, but good decision to join them. I hiked down behind Soho and Halfway who are from Bavaria and got to know them a bit. Seeing the road in front of Neel Gap we cheered and hurried down to see what was in store. We checked into the cabin, Soho made cappuccino for all of us and we warmed up from the cold rain. I showered, got laundry done and then went to the store to resupply for 4 days until Hiawassee. I got a frozen pizza and root beer for dinner. I turned the TV on and the Sixers were playing the Celtics on ESPN. So, 4 days into the trail I am already being spoiled, but with two straight days of off and on rain, I enjoyed it while I could, because the next day I was moving on!
Date: 2012-03-24
From: Neel Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I slept well on the pullout couch and woke up at 7. I realized I wouldn't be ready to leave by 8 with Soho, Halfway, and Brett so I decided to hike my own hike and relax a bit while I could. Hike your own Hike is the motto of my hike. Kaitie even got it engraved on my iPod she got me and it doesn't just apply to this trip, but to life in general. I called Kaitie thinking she would be on her way to work, but of course it was Saturday and I woke her up. I've already lost track of the days. We chatted for a bit and I ate breakfast while watching Sportscenter and charging my phone. Even though Halfway reminded me that my titanium spork was on the counter, I left it there and am still mad about it. The view from the deck at Neel Gap was beautiful in the morning, and while hiking up the mountains that followed, there was great views after great views. There were a few rock faces looking out into the mountains, so I ate snacks and lunch when I passed these. My appetite is already starting to pick up. The forecast was for thunderstorms, but the weather was great all day and it was hotter than I expected. I remembered reading that there was little water after Neel Gap, but still only took 2 liters with me. After lunch, I realized I would need more water to get me to the shelter, and I had to take a half hour detour while I waited for a slow trickle to filter off the side of a mountain. Once I reached the shelter it was a tent city and the group from yesterday was eating. I set up my tent just next to the others, and soon realized that I was right next to some weekend warriors from the area. They introduced themselves as hillbillies, and I don't think I could describe them any better. I talked to Bigfoot, The Kid, Mr Fabulous, Overdrive, Downhill, Doc, and Three Week. Brett's new trail name is The Kid because he is only 19. Derick's trail name has become Mr. Fabulous because of how fabulous he is. He's 40 years old, but I wouldn't think he's more than 30. He's got 12 year old dreadlocks and is Italian and Puerto Rican. He's a hoot. Downhill and Overdrive are father and son. Doc and Three Week are brother and sister. After eating and chatting I tried to go to bed, but soon realized that I hung my earplugs in my bear bag and the hillbillies kept me up from 8:30 to 10:30, but it sure was entertaining. By the way, 9pm is hiker midnight, and most people go to sleep by 8pm, some as early as 6pm.
Date: 2012-03-25
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Rocky Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: light rain

When two of the guys finally convinced the drunkest of the hillbillies to go to sleep, he broke the line on his hammock while getting in. The other two fixed it for him while he complained about being cold. Turns out his sleeping bag was on the cold, wet ground underneath him and not in his hammock. Nice. Today's hike was more level than some of the past few days and I got an early start so was able to hike 7 miles before noon. I had lunch at Blue Mountain Shelter where a bear had been a few nights before. At the shelter were Bigfoot, Downhill, Overdrive, The Kid, Soho, Halfway, Doc, Three Week, Mr fabulous, and Trudger. Also met Tree Piper and Puddle Jumper. Apparently Tree Piper carries a flute and is a great climber of trees. I managed to stumble upon a wild turkey so that is the first wildlife I've seen bigger than a squirrel. Tonight, I camped at the top of Rocky Mountain. There were about ten to fifteen tents setup and we had a fire. It took us a while to get it going because everything was still wet, but eventually Scout got it going. I met him and Blues Clues today. I watched the sunset while talking to Kaitie and everyone was in their tents by 8pm. Tonight is the first time I've camped above 4000 feet in elevation. It was a windy and cold night, but I slept well.
Date: 2012-03-26
From: Rocky Mountain Campsite

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

I didn't sleep that great last night, probably due to the high winds on top of Rocky Mountain. I stayed in my bag while everyone else packed up and I was the last to leave just after Blues Clues and Scout. Halfway's knee and hip have been bothering her and she thought about trying to get into town to see a doctor, but the next road was too small so she continued on. Some of the group had helped carry some of her stuff, so I hope she starts feeling better soon. The views early on from Rocky Mtn were awesome and it was another great hiking day. I climbed Tray Mountain and Kelly Knob which were both 1000' inclines. I got to the shelter and learned that our group had earned it's name of the Moving Village. I should also mention that everyone is trying to figure out trail names for everyone and yesterday at lunch I was eating a bag of Bugles(low weight, high calories= perfect hiking food). Bigfoot declared that Bugles should be my trail name and I didn't want to accept it at first, but said that until something better comes along that I would take it. Most people are still calling me Kevin, but a few have decided to call me Bugles. The more I hear it the less I like it. Deep Gap Shelter is only 4 miles from Hiawassee which is the next place I will resupply(buy food). Tomorrow we will have an easy hike to the road crossing, and Bigfoot's dad will pick us up and take us into town!
Date: 2012-03-27
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Hiawassee Budget Inn
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: clear sky

I hiked to the road crossing with most of our group and waited for Bigfoot's dad to get there. When he arrived he had a batch of fudge covered brownies that we devoured. We somehow managed to squeeze 10 hikers and 10 packs into the Chevy Excursion or Expedition or whatever larger than normal car it was. I sat in the back w/ the packs, The Kid, Three Week, and Overdrive. It was a tight squeeze and luckily we kept the hatch open because the smell was horrendous. After hiking for a week and not being in a car the ride to town was exhilarating. Some of us were considering the Blueberry Patch Hostel, which was a donation based hostel with an incredible breakfast. The Budget Inn was right in town and much closer to the grocery store, post office, and all you can eat diner. The 11 of us split to rooms with two king sized beds and a pullout couch. The first stop in town around 10:30am was Dairy Queen for burgers and blizzards. Two burgers for two dollars. Can't pass that up. After breakfast we lazily headed over to resupply at the grocery store. When planning my trip I considered stopping in Franklin next(4 days away) or the Nantahala Outdoor Center-NOC(6 days away). The others planned to do the longer stretch, so I got food for 6 days and began to dread loading it all into my pack. I stopped at the Post Office on the way back and mailed home my Kindle. While hanging around the hotel, Scout offered me a rye IPA which was delicious. It was my first beer in 8 days! Afterwards, it was time for the all you can eat! 11 of us felt deprived of food and stuffed ourselves more than necessary. I had a big salad, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, pasta salad, potato salad, apples, peaches, pudding, and cheesecake and 3 or 4 sodas. It was 8 dollars. Ridiculous. After dinner we sat out in the sun and digested and had a few more beers that Mr Fabulous had been given by another hiker. We had a campfire out in front of the hotel and I sat and talked to Scout, Doc, Three Week, and Big Bear-a hiker I had seen a few times before. I called it a night and slept on the floor of the hotel on my pad. Kaitie opened a few of the presents I left in a pile for her since her birthday is tomorrow!
Date: 2012-03-28
From: Hiawassee Budget Inn

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up before everyone in the room and went outside to call Kaitie to wish her a happy birthday. Once everyone woke up I went inside and had a donut that Bigfoot's dad had gotten everyone and drank some coffee from the office. Although it wasn't the delicious breakfast from the Blueberry Patch, I was satisfied. I loaded up my pack and 2 liters of water and felt like it must weigh 40 lbs. I put a protein bar and snickers in my pocket and grabbed a spork from the outfitter before catching the shuttle to the trail. Three Week is hiking with his sister Doc for the first three weeks of her hike. He is having knee and ankle problems, so decided to stay another night or two in Hiawassee before meeting her back on the trail. She was having knee problems of her own and considered taking a day off too. When we started hiking I stuck with her to make sure she was doing alright. We talked for a while and her knee seemed to be good enough, so by the time we got close to the Georgia/North Carolina border I picked up the pace. I got there around 1:30pm and the rest of the Moving Village was there waiting. I knew Overdrive had mentioned that it would be cool if we all got our picture there, but I wasn't sure if they would wait for me, doc, and jolly. Jolly's trail name is Jolly Green Three Zero and he is a Vietnam vet with some wild stories. The beginning of North Carolina sucked! There were two large climbs right off the bat much steeper than anything we had done yet. I ran into Frederick and Ana, a German couple on their honeymoon(yeah, I know!), who I had seen off and on since Woody Gap. There were a few nice views before I reached the shelter and I stopped to enjoy them. It's funny how some people would just rather get to camp instead of walking a few yards off trail to look at a great view, but HYOH! I setup my tent by a fire pit right next to the Muskrat Creek and I hoped no muskrats emerged from the creek at night. When people started going to bed around 6 and 6:30 I decided to make a fire and Jolly helped out. Doc, Blues Clues, and Scout joined me and they tried to call me Beaver because I was so good at gathering wood. How about 'Buster the Bugling Beaver' I thought jokingly. I don't think any of these names will stick. There was a strong chance of thunderstorms after midnight, but there was no rain, and hasn't been any since the night I stayed at Neel Gap. It was another quiet and dry night, which is good.
Date: 2012-03-29
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

In the morning I snoozed past the zippers. This is what Mr Fabulous and I use as an alarm. We were the last two out of camp and this seems to be a developing trend. We're not in a hurry and I don't like getting to camp at 1pm. I hiked alone, but then met up with Blues Clues, Scout, and Doc and I met Gumpy and his daughter Peeper. They are planning to finish in five months before she goes to grad school in Scotland. I also passed two Aussie brothers in their 50s or 60s who are hilarious. The bigger one is little brother and the smaller one is big brother, so it's a bit confusing. I had lunch at the top of Standing Indian Mountain which was a .1 mile side trail. The only others to enjoy the view were Blues Clues, Scout, Gumpy and Peeper. I hiked on by myself to a spot where my guidebook said there was campsites and water. I needed to fill up before getting to camp, but what the book didn't mention was that the water was .3mile down a side trail. Oh well! I setup my tent, had dinner, and relaxed with the moving village while watching everyone hang their bear bags. Some shelters have bear cables, which is an easy way for us to hang our food bags. If a shelter doesn't have these, it can be entertaining to watch a large group of people trying to throw rocks and sticks over branches to hang their food. I got in my tent just after 8 after taking in the pink and blue pastels of the sunset.
Date: 2012-03-30
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up at 6:15 when I heard Downhill seeing if Bigfoot was awake. The two of them, Soho, Halfway, and the Kid all left very early while Me, Scout, Blues Clues and Doc left later with Mr Fabulous not far behind. Today's challenge was Albert Mountain which had a very steep climb before the top. It was the first time I couldn't use my poles as I had to pull myself up with rocks, roots, and branches. At the top of Albert Mountain was a firetower and I sat at the top taking in the first 360o view of the trip. The others ate lunch at the bottom while I ate at the top and they started calling me Fire Tower God. I told them that there was no way I could accept that as my trail name, but I didn't have a problem with Tower. Mr Fabulous insists on calling me Fire Tower God, but for everyone else, Tower is my trail name. I was taking my time for the last 5 miles of the day when it started to rain. It was a nice run while it lasted, but for the first time in a week it rained consistently and was supposed to that night and the next day. I caught up w/ Doc, Mr Fabulous and Scout who were looking at some empty trail magic. A former thru-hiker left an inspirational note and a bear bag type rig with a big blue storage container hanging in the tree. They lowered the container even though the sign said it was empty, and upon lowering it we realized it was previously filled w/ cake and cookies. Just our luck! Disappointed, we continued on to the shelter which was full and only had limited tenting around it. Down the hill from the shelter was a campsite that was a little close to the road, but good enough. It had a fire pit and a charcoal grill if only we had some burgers. The four of us set up our tents and Scout and I started a fire which wasn't too hard because the coals were still warm. Another hiker named Peter camped with us last night and ventured down the hill to setup his tent. He is originally from Vancouver, BC but has lived in Nova Scotia for 3 years. He seemed to have a very cool lifestyle, but wanted to chat about fishing a bit too much for my liking. It rained off and on and Scout and I stoked the fire. Downhill, Overdrive, and Trudger joined us around the fire for a bit and when they left we realized that Doc had water flowing under her tent from the top of the hill. Scout and I helped her move her tent to an area without a river running through it and it was a chaotic, but humorous situation. The rain picked up and we were forced to retreat to our tents around 7:30pm after dinner and hanging our bear bags. Blues Clues, who had been hiking with Scout since Day 1 pushed on with Gumpy and Peeper.
Date: 2012-03-31
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Wine Spring Campsite
Miles today: 12.0

It rained very heavy at night, but by morning it had stopped. The shelter folk left early and Scout, Doc and I left at 9:20 with Mr Fabulous far behind. He's never camped before this trip and still not used to packing up all of his belongings each day, but he's doing great considering. We walked at our own paces and met at Winding Stair Gap which is the road cutoff for Franklin, NC. Franklin is having April Fools Hiker Bash this weekend, so the town is crowded with drunk hikers and I am glad to be avoiding it. Today's climb was tough, but I was rewarded with a few nice views. The nicest was at the top of Silers Bald which was .2 up a steep hill, but the view was well worth it. Scout and I are the only in our group that went up and we met a former hiker Kenny AKA Homeward Bound. In 2010 he decided he wanted to hike the trail and 9 days later he was in Maine heading South. He made it to Virginia before switching from his Sawyer water filter to Aquamira(a chemical based solution supposed to kill organisms in water). After the switch he got Giardia and was forced to end his hike. His pack weighed 62 lbs when he started in Maine and once he realized what he was doing he got it down to 30-35. He's turned into an ultra-lighter(with a gallon of water and 3 days of food his pack weighs 23 lbs) and is taking a three day hike to prepare for what sounds like a crazy adventure. He is going to take 6 months to hike the full length of the Great Wall of China. Makes sense. All of his sentences began with, "and when you get to Maine...". It was exciting to listen to his enthusiasm. The panoramic views from Silers Bald were great and we had lunch up there for an hour. The Wine Spring campsite is the first time I'm camping above 5000' in elevation. A big guy with a big pack named Kazoo camped with us. He talked about how he was a quartermaster in scouts for years, but he couldn't get the fire started. He said he carries 5.5 liters of water and dehydrated all of his food for six months so he plans to spend less than $800 the whole way. Good luck!