morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-10-01
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

They say never quit on a bad day... but I guess it's starting to get fuzzy in my mind about what qualifies as "bad". Similarly, which set of stars has to align in order to justify the decision to throw in the towel? All I know is the weather was perfect today and I was sitting on Pulpit Rock with incredible views... and STILL felt the urge to throw myself over the edge.Happiness.. peace with self.. love for the Whole Thing.. these were never meant to be fulfilled through external sources. I think the trail is teaching me this more than anything. Aka, it's being drilled into my mind - and my feet - and I don't think I'll ever believe otherwise ever again. Flowers, trees, ocean skies, clear mountaintops, chipmunks.. these are magic, and worthy of every bit of gratitude - but any answers I want regarding the questions of self? They gotta come from within, man.... Rainbow
Date: 2017-10-02
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

Late start (14:00) due to the Port Clinton post office not opening until 12:30, unbeknownst to me... but it's all good. Also some stress about having too much food, but sent a bounce box to Harpers Ferry which felt cool. Another milestone stop coming up! You gotta stay cool, you hot hothead...Got so frustrated during the 3rd consecutive mile of rocks that I punched a tree trunk after tripping one too many times. Sigh. Half of my hand was swollen for the next 12 hours. Idiot.Zeke crafted a fire at the shelter tonight. Ruled. Brilliant moon tonight - several owls seem to be singing to it, and maybe also to us. It's fun to believe things like that. I think October is the perfect month. How many people feel about christmas is how I feel about halloween. It is a nostalgic space reminding me of fall camping (glamping) trips with my family - memories revolving around smores and Mad Libs and lantern lights and Hallelujah acoustic sessions... Loved it.Rainbow
Date: 2017-10-17
To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Conclusion: I did my best. I made it 900 miles. I had enough. I¢ve been off the AT for about two weeks now & back in Oklahoma since Friday. For me, the trail ¢quickly- became one of those experiences where it¢s simply less about quantity and more about quality - you know? I saw and felt much wonder. I got stung 11 times by yellow jackets and tripped/fell down approximately 1,000,000. I learned about different tree bark and its relation to successful campfires. I met so many badass and warm humans. My feet felt pain they¢ve never felt before. (And still do currently¢¦). My tent once cocooned me for 16 hours straight because depression. I forgot how to breathe normally while watching a sunset from 6,289¢ above sea level. I collapsed into the fetal position directly on the fallen leaf littered ground. I finessed across rivers and streams and rock scrambles and bridges and highways and swamps and mud pits. Chipmunks talked to me. I ate infinite hummus wraps and Ben & Jerry¢s ice cream. I considered trying to help a spider re-assemble its web after walking through on accident. I accepted healing from certain darkness in me & found my mental game is the same in the wild as it is in society. I realized enlightenment could be embraced anywhere, not just whilst wandering around in the woods with 35lbs strapped to my back. I hoped to be surprised. I was.A knowledgeable friend once told me life, in all reality, is really simple. This annoyed me because no the fuck it¢s not. Everything is corrupt and everyone is sheep and money isn¢t even real and sometimes I can¢t stop binging on mini donuts and want to self-harm and most days I feel like an awkward idiot when attempting to interact with other humans and why is everyone so easily controlled by fear and what do I do about all the orphans and homelessness, etc.The thing is¢¦ I agree now. Life is really simple. It is one step at a time and there is weight we must carry but our bodies are stronger, bigger, capable of so much more than we want to credit them. There is no such thing as small love. Every piece of trash recycled.. every hug.. every victory with patience.. every encouragement.. every choice to be kind instead of mean.. every ¢me, too¢ and ¢take care¢ and ¢keep going¢ and ¢how are you really doing?¢.. every step forward.. It all powerfully contributes to the Whole Thing. Thank you all for going on this journey with me. Thank you for the big love. I will not forget it.I do not know what's next, but I do know I am okay with that.With hope,
Date: 2019-03-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

It's been a year and a half since I flew back to Oklahoma. I just read my own trail journal for the first time since tapping out at 900 miles or so in 2017. I've read several of my guestbook comments as well. Wow. What a beauty of a community - I had almost forgotten the magic of it all. Since being back I have healed my feet and knees, watched my trail friends complete their hikes via Instagram, attended & graduated massage school, passed the massage therapist licensing exam, found a new counselor specializing in eating disorders, checked into a psych ward, accepted a job at a chiropractic office as their onsite massage therapist, quit self-harm, developed a fulfilling love with Mark McKay, journeyed to places new to me: Minnesota, Kansas, Texas, and Belize, and am finally starting to respond in the affirmative when asked if i'd ever like to go back and finish the trail. BC has me convinced about going back and hiking the Shenandoahs this fall. So. I think I'm going to hike the Shenandoahs this fall. Hope all is well. I still revel in everything I learned from my hike and the humans who joined me there.
Date: 2013-12-09
To: Nasty out today
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Hi everybody. I'm Aleve. I'm a 54 year old retired air traffic controller.My old black lab Snap and I live just outside the SNP on the side of Old Rag Mtn. I've wanted to thru the AT since I was a kid, college and work always got in the way. So now I have no excuses. Time for me to hit my elliptical while Snap does what he does best. See you on the trail.
Date: 2014-04-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hi Folks. Thanks for visiting. Last summer I decided to start preparations for a 2014 NOBO thru of the AT. I had been retired for two years and it was time, bad knees or no. Soon after retiring I began racing vintage race cars, fulfilling a childhood dream. 82 Mazda RX7 and a 72 Datsun 240Z. Great fun.Last November during a race physical my Dr. advises that he didn't like the sounds my lungs were making. No problem we'll take steroids and antibiotics, thinking bronchitis. So now its April 7, 2014. Didn't make the hike. After months of x-rays, ct scans and finally a pet scan last Monday, I've been told I have lung cancer.Very early stage, and the prognosis looks good. Meet with my team at UVa tomorrow to decide on course of action.Going to try to go with surgery asap, because I would like to put in a new knee, and rehab, and get in trail shape before Feb. 2015.Thanks, Aleve
Date: 2014-04-10
To: Old Rag
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hi Folks, Beautiful day here in Etlan yesterday. Spring finally here. I hiked Old Rag yesterday as a training hike, knees hurt a bit but not too bad and my wind was great. Its hard to believe I've got lung cancer.I'm scheduled for surgery on the 14th to be followed by radiation treatments.Looks like the next few months will be a bear.I'm still confident about a February 2015 start as a nobo on the AT.
Date: 2014-04-26
To: Loft Mountain Wayside
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I took a short hike this morning and came to the conclusion that the road to recovery is going to be a pain. I'll get there.I bought a new pickup yesterday so Snap and I went for a drive down the Skyline drive today. Met Peace at the Loft Mtn wayside. She looks to be going strong.I haven't been able to find a journal.
Date: 2014-05-03
To: Gravel Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hi Folks, I dropped some friends at Gravel Springs Gap today. After they were off on their north bound section hike, I walked down to the Gravel Springs hut and was amazed how much trash there was along the trail. I'm gonna go back up tomorrow or Monday with a few large trash bags. It would be nice if these trailheads had trash cans.
Date: 2014-07-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hi Everybody, Have you ever done something most would think stupid? Saturday Ihad a great training hike. A ten mile loop on the local back roads with a 30 lb pack. Felt great.Got back home prepared a meal of homemade potato salad and steak. May have used mayo that was a bit off, smelled okay to me, and you know what followed. Pedialite is my friend.On a lighter note; I made my reservations this morning for Feb 16th 2015 at the Amicalola Lodge.See you on the trail.
Date: 2014-07-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hi Folks, Beautiful day here in Etlan. Did my normal 10 mile training loop with a 30 lb pack. Feeling good!! About 7 months to go before arriving at Springer Mtn. Still a lot of things to do, equipment to sort. I'm on the right track.See you on the trail.Aleve
Date: 2014-11-06
To: Training hike
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hi everybody, I had a great hike today before the rain came through. Ten miles with a 20 lb pack. Knees feeling pretty good. I hiked up Nicholson hollow which is right by Old Rag mtn. Tomorrow I drive up to REI at Fairfax. Spend my refund from last year. Yeah!!!!!I'm still looking at a Feb 17 start.See you on the trail.ALEVE
Date: 2014-12-22
To: Snap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hi everybody, I've been planning a Feb 17 NOBO for some time now and you most likely know about my old black Lab, Snap. The old boy will be 14 on April 1 and is to the point of having as many bad days as good. Months ago I was sure he wouldn't make it to the end of the year. However, I'm just not ready to put him down yet.At this point we just take it day to day and if Snap is still with me in February ; I'll probably switch to a SOBO in June or July.Hope all have a great Christmas.Aleve
Date: 2015-05-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I had to put Snap down on May 6th. He was an incredible friend and hiking partner. The fact that he had a really good life is not much consolation.Raise a toast to Snap, one fine dog.I've had to cancel thru hike start dates two times now, February 2014 and February 2015. Now I'm going to have to cancel once more. I've not been able to hike since mid February because of a pinched nerve. Trying to get this sorted out and get back in shape for a February 2016 NOBO. I envy all who are on the trail now, good luck to you all.
Date: 2015-07-23
To: Conditioning hike.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hi Everybody, I had to cancel my June 16 SOBO due to a pinched nerve in my back. Yesterdays hike was only about six miles but went well; I really do think that by February 17, 2016; I'll be ready for my NOBO. Yesterdays hike was up to Kennedy Peak in George Washington National Forest; beautiful day.
Date: 2016-01-31
To: Training hike on the A.T.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hi everybody. I've been a bit under the weather so todays hike was the first in about two weeks. I went to the A.T. in the Shenandoah National Park and hiked between Pinnacles and Skyland. Its been a week since the blizzard swept through here and there is a foot to two feet of snow on the trail. Makes for a really good workout! My thru hike is still on for February 17 and my brother Mike and I will leave here early on the 16th and spend the night at the Amicalola Lodge. On the 17th we'll have breakfast at the lodge with some friends then drive down to the ranger station, weigh my pack, sign the register then drive up to Big Stamp Gap.Looking forward to beginning the hike.
Date: 2016-02-17
To: Hawk Monday shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: light snow

Hi Everybody. I need to thank Tom and Danielle Howell and their daughter, David and Amber Coffee and my Brother Mike for sending me off at Springer today.   The hike went well and I decided to stay at Hawk Mtn shelter for the night. Gonna be a cold one but I,must equipped for it. Going to bed early.   Thanks for all the well wishes.
Date: 2016-02-19
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

It was a relatively short mileage day today but it was not an easy day. Sassafras and Justus Mountains were as expected, steep ups followed by steep downs. Knees and quads are doing some talking.   There are five of us here at Gooch Mountain Shelter and we are all in tents and I think the other four have crashed.   Tomorrow I plan on staying at Lance Creek and then onto Neel Gap and Mountain Crossings on Saturday.
Date: 2016-02-20
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: clear sky

A short hike today from Woods Hole to Neil's Gap. Decided to take a rest at Mountain Crossings, do laundry, shower, resupply and spend Saturday night at their hostel.I'm hiking with "Nobody" who is hiker 91. We hit the trail fairly early tomorrow with a watchful eye on this week's weather.   So far so good with the knees and no blisters as of yet.   Hello and best of luck to my fellow 2016 NOBO's.
Date: 2016-02-21
From: Neels Gap

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

Hi Everybody. We left Mountain Crossings at 8am this morning. Nobody, me, and two others whom I don't know the names of. All of the usual views were obstructed with cloud and fog, so not many pictures taken today. I was soaked early on from the heavy mist, and spent most of the day putting my rain jacket on and off. I came upon a pair of Asolo boots sitting by the trail, no sign of the owner, the boots looked to have much life left, mystery.   I knew that rain was expected around 4pm so I hustled to get to Low Gap Shelter before it's arrival. I made it just before the rain. I'v got the place to myself (and a bunch of fearless mice.)   For hikers who haven't started yet, just about all of the tent pads I've seen are muddy messes.   More tomorrow. Wish me luck with the mice.
Date: 2016-02-22
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: light rain

Hi Everybody, Ok, so I lost the battle with the mice. I hung my food bag, hung my pack so nothing for the little monsters to eat. They kept running over my sleeping bag and the final straw was when one ran across my head. I then got up, made coffee and packed up and was on the trail at 4am.   Night hiking with headlamp with about twenty yard visibility. I loved it.   I made it to Unicoi Gap before noon and the Budget Inn picked me up for $15, but I declined to stay there after a glance at the room. I decided to stay at Holiday Inn Express.   My plan is to spend two nights in town to give my knees a break.
Date: 2016-02-25
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Hi Everybody, I had a great shuttle to Unicoi Gap and hiked to Dicks Creek Gap. I started at 9am and thought I'd stay at Tray Mountain Shelter but as the day went on I decided that I needed to push the mileage a bit.Forcast for the day was for snow and ice and high wind. Some long climbs made for a long day.At Dicks Creek Gap I walked down to the Top of Georgia Hostel where I met the trio of Postal, Sooner or Later and Fresh Ground. Will be hiking with these guys tomorrow.
Date: 2016-02-26
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Hi Everybody, I left Top of Georgia Hostel and was on trail by 8am. A day of ups and downs. I now know what past hikers mean by PUDS or pointless ups and downs! I passed my first state line, hello North Carolina and goodbye Georgia.All for now.
Date: 2016-02-28
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

Hi Everybody, Today was a long day. We left Carter Gap Shelter at 6 am with Fresh Ground leading followed by me and then Sooner or Later. The climb of the day was Albert Mountain at 5250 feet. The climb was old school, meaning straight up. Knees are telling me it's time for a break, so breaking we are. Staying at Microtel in Franklin, NC.   I'm having issues with my pack and I need to see if I can get someone to do some heavy duty sewing. Or maybe buy a new pack. I'm really disappointed.   I plan on staying in town two nights so I should be able to rest the knee,do laundry and take care of the pack so I'll be behind my friends with little chance to catch them. Have a great hike fellas.
Date: 2016-03-01
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Hi Everybody, I had a great stay in Franklin. Today's hike was forever upward. Started raining about half way in. I got to the shelter and the storm hit. High wind, rain and sleet. Temp about 22 the next morning. Hard to get packed up.
Date: 2016-03-03
From: Wesser Bald Shelter 

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center 
Miles today: 5.9

Hi Everybody, I'm feeling great after two days of dealing with some kind of lung congestion. The hike down into the NOC was very steep but only 6 miles.The new trail runners I had ordered from REI were waiting for me at the outfitter. The restaurant is always great and didn't disappoint this time. After a night in the bunk room I hiked out by 7am.
Date: 2016-03-04
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center 

To: Locust Cover Gap
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Hi Everybody, I had always heard how hard the climb out of NOC was and I wasn't disappointed. Legs feel great. Big O is having problems with tendinitis and stopped at Sassafras Shelter for the night but it was too short a day for me so I kept moving another 3.7 miles to Locust Cover Gap. I met 8 other hikers there and had a great night camping.
Date: 2016-03-05
From: Locust Cover Gap

To: NC 28 AT&T Crossing
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Hi Everybody, My longest day so far. 17.0. I didn't leave Locust Grove Gap til 8am and didn't arrive at destination til after 8pm.Climb of the day was Jacob's Ladder and it was straight up. Wow.I had considered pushing on to the Fontana Hilton Shelter but decided to sit back at 28 instead.
Date: 2016-03-06
From: NC 28 AT&T Crossing

To: Zero
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Shuttle picked us up this morning and brought us to the Fontana Resort Lodge. What a great place. Even though some amenities are still closed I was able to do my laundry and the front desk had my resupply box and through the lobby guest computer I was able to purchase and print a back country pass for the Smokies.I'll shuttle back to the trail tomorrow morning.
Date: 2016-03-07
From: NC 28 AT&T Crossing

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

Hi Everybody, I had a great zero at the Fontana Resort. Spirit of 76 and I were dropped at the trail head and we're hiking by 9am. Fantastic weather. I might need my summer clothes sooner than Pearisberg.Stopped at Mollies Ridge Shelter. Three hikers were sick, so the rest of us crowded together at the other end of the shelter.CT
Date: 2016-03-08
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter 

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: moderate rain

Hi Everybody, A 12 mile day made long by some intense up and downs. The trail crosses Rocky Top, I think all Tennessee fans must visit at least once in their lives, and that's where the trail became difficult. It may sound like I'm whining but actually I'm having a blast.Question for you, I've come almost 200 miles through forest and I haven't seen a single squirrel, how can that be.Later.
Date: 2016-03-09
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Hi Everybody, My legs and lungs are getting a workout. The A.T. through the Smokies has been a challenge with big ups and downs. I had a rough time with the climb up to Clingmans Dome but made it and walked to the top of the observation tower. I arrived at the shelter after 7pm when everyone else was already bedded down. I was planning on sleeping on an outside bench when they realized I was there and squeezed in tighter to make room for me. Great people on the trail.
Date: 2016-03-11
From: Newfound Gap

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

Hi Everybody, To hikers behind me who plan on staying in Gatlinburg. The Grand Prix has very reasonable rates and 76 and I both enjoyed the rooms and this place has on site laundry, plus it's an easy walk to anything important. Pizza Hut delivers to your room.76 and I were able to get a ride back to the trail head and we're hiking by 10am. We stayed at Pecks Corner Shelter and met a really nice family from Atlanta, another example of some of the great people I've met along the trail
Date: 2016-03-12
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: snow

Hi Everybody, One more day in the Smokies. Views incredible. We talked to the Ridge Runner about tenting instead of sleeping in the shelter, as a rule thru hikers must stay in the shelters if space is available. Because of the Norovirus none of us wants to stay in the shelters.
Date: 2016-03-13
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel 
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Hi Everybody, 76 and I tented last night at the Cosby Knob Shelter. Rain moved in shortly after calling it a night, I love the sound of rain on my tent. This morning, the first 6 miles were hiked in steady rain before sunshine took over. Standing Bear Hostel is only about 200 yards off the trail and is a lovely funky place. Laundry is done the old fashioned way, by hand and then through an antique wringer before going to a modern dryer. I'm staying in the bunk room while 76 gets the tree house. I hope to do about 15 miles tomorrow, taking me across Max Patch and by the Snowbird VOR or is it a Vortac. I plan on being in Hot Springs, NC in three days.
Date: 2016-03-14
From: Standing Bear Hostel 

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: snow

Hi Everybody, The climb out of Standing Bear was a hard one for me, I haven't checked Trackleaders.com to see what my speed was, but I imagine it was a small fraction of a mph. The view from the summit of Snowbird was spectacular. The FAA's VOR, named Snowbird, is always neat to see close up.I had hoped to do a 15 mile day, but was just not up to it. I ended up camping at Brown Gap, by a Forest Service road after 9.8 miles. Shortly after erecting my tent the skies opened up. I slept well.
Date: 2016-03-15
From: Brown Gap

To: Old Roadbed
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: few clouds

Hi Everybody, Last nights storm was not nearly as bad as forcast and rain on my tent is as soothing as rain on a tin roof.I was on the trail by 7am and was approaching Max Patch by 9:30am. Max Patch is a bald that is maintained by grazing and mowing. To stand at the summit and gaze 360 is amazing. The visibility seemed to be endless. You don't have to be a hiker to experience Max Patch a road and parking lot are within 300 yards from the summit. I ended my day tenting on an old fire road. Life is good.
Date: 2016-03-16
From: Old Roadbed

To: Hot Springs 
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: clear sky

Hi Everybody, I got an early start from my tent site to get to Hot Springs, hiking the first hour with a headlamp.The temperatures on the trail the last week have been in the 70s and 80s, much too warm for my winter clothing. My lightest top is a moreno wool 150 wt zip neck. I've got a light wt button town shirt but have wanted to keep the hiking and town stuff separate. Some hikers don't have town clothes but I'm not big on hanging out in a laundromat washing clothes while wearing only a poncho.Anyway I'm in Hot Springs for two nights and will hit the trail again on Friday the 18th.