morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-12-31
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Hawk Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: broken clouds

Sleeping was an adventure last night. We all went to bed around 7pm and the mice promptly awakened out upstairs neighbors. They had not brought anything in which to hang their food and the mice began their squeeky invasion. The father then proceeded to start a fire to burn their trash, the smoke billowing over our slumbering bodies. (Remember, smoking kills; burning plastic is A-OK). I awoke at 10:30 pm and spent at least 30 minutes arguing with my body that I didn't have to urinate. In the end, my body won, and I ran out in my undies to relive myself. I went back to bed and awoke at 4am to a dense fog. I did my best to sleep until 6:45, when I could no longer lay in my sleeping bag, no matter how comfy and warm it was. I got up and began the morning routine: toilet, water, coffee, food, pack, toilet. The father then spoke at length about the corruption of the food industry in American food industry, but I found it difficult to partake in the conversation after his sly comment about being woken up every time I woke up. I was particularly not fond of the smirk on his face when Annie informed him I was hiking to Maine. I was quite happy when they left and we began our 5.3 mi trek to Hawk Mtn Shelter. Along the way, we came across a campsite which looked as though it was the sc me of a gruesome event; an emergency blanket was thrown over a lump and a disheveled food bag was hanging from a tree. Upon further investigation, no mangled body found, so we cleaned up the sight and were gifted two Sea-to-Summit dry bags. We hiked on and took a rest at Long Creek Falls, where we spoke to several lovely people, including a local couple who took our photo and trash. Afterwards, we came to a curious and beautiful meadow on the top of a mountain before arriving at a road with a sign for Hickory Flatts Cemetary. We stopped for a poo, dried Annie's shoes, and played on a form of merry-go-round. We left and arrived at our home for the evening, where we met two genuine and bonafide southern gentlemen, Mike & Mike, from Atlanta, GA. We unpacked, chatted a bit, and explored the offbeat path, where we passed the time wit a smoke and a sip. Annie and I enjoyed a candlelit dinner (aren't I so romantic!) and a small fire before going to sleep holding hands.
Date: 2016-01-01
From: Hawk Mtn. Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to 32F. Annie made coffee and we met Pajamas, a section hiker and former thru hiker, who was amazingly animated for having just hiked 10 miles in 3 hours before 8:30am. Had a lovely day crossing Ass Kicker #1&2 (aptly named by Ron), Sassafras Mtn., and Justice Mtn. We forded 2 creeks, Along one of which I found Jack from Nightmare Before Christmas. We stayed up late chatting by the fireside with a horde of people and woke up to below freezing temps. Brrrr.
Date: 2016-01-04
From: Wolf Den Country Store

To: Whitley Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: clear sky

Woke up and had breakfast pizza and coffee with the yokles. Got a lift back to Neels Gap from the infamous Wes (who has been shuttling aspiring thru hikers, including Bill Bryson, for more than 30 years). I purchased a knee brace for my left knee (which I had killed on Blood Mtn.)and some aspirin and hit the trail. Knee hurt like hell, camp was cold as hell (it was well below 20F with windchill; my water immediately began to crystallize into ice once I filled it. I will need serious strength for another few nights. I slept with a group of firemen from AL who hiked in an ax and made a roaring fire. We head some sort of k9 (coyotes, dogs, ??) during the night.
Date: 2016-01-05
From: Whitley Gap Shelter

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: clear sky

Cold morning! I was prepared to walk out today in search of a doctor for my knee, on account as I couldn't straighten it last night without being in excruciating pain. Although it hurts, the pain is manageable and the walking has thus far been easy. I think I may have only 1 mtn. to go before my shelter. With any luck, I will get there early. I've found 2 poops so far today...one raccoon & 1 possible bear. I lost my hat, but found a wool glove. I had lunch in the sun and mostly out of the breeze with a temperature of about 35F. I arrived at the shelter solo, so I set uyp my tent in the shelter; I was so proud to have set it up with rocks! I was soon joined by a group of 6 NOBO guys (New Years, Froggy, Victor, Justin, Trey, & unknown dude in a tent on the hill) and we chilled by the fire. I ended up sleeping in my tent with New Years in order to stay warm, which was quite fortuitous because it was 16F the next morning.
Date: 2016-01-06
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

Walked from Low Gap Shelter to Blue Mtn. Shelter and did well until lunch, after which my knee started hurting. I ran into Justin, then Victor and Trey. We chatted for a bit and I thought they would be at Blue Mtn, but when I got there, Merple (a SOBO) said they had gone into Helen. Merple was cool and we chatted for a bit before he departed for a night hike to Low Gap Shelter =-0 He shared much advice about towns and hostels along the route as well as terrifying trail tails: Bears, freezing temps, endless days of monsoon rains, oh my! I though I was going to be alone for the night and got a bit scared when Steve showed up. He came to the trail to get away from people. Although I felt slightly reassured for that evening, I began to worry about my next two days before reaching the town. The miles would be long, the mountains steep, water scarce in some areas, and winds and rain would be an issue at the next shelter. Leaving for town crossed my mind, but I felt that would be cheating. I will push through. I will be okay. Two days. PS. I got a hit list on the trail today when I misjudged how close inward to the shelter. I hiked back and forth along the same .5mi of tail for about 30 minutes before saying "f*ck it" and pushing forward. The sight of the shelter nearly brought me to tears.
Date: 2016-01-07
From: Blue Mtn Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Long day. Didn't sleep much last night on account of the mice scurrying past me, above me, and rummaging through my pack. I slept for approximately 4 hours with my headlamp on and George Lopez on my iPhone. I awoke at 6:15 and was greeted by a mouse peering up at me though the floorboards. I got up and out of that shelter in record time. I walked 12.8 miles to Sassafras Gap, where there was no shelter (only tenting). Along the way, I began to reconnect with my stomach and ate all my snacks for the day (a first!). Despite the extra intake of calories, they in no way made up for the cumulative deficit I had been experiencing. My body was weak, my knee was raging, my feet were aching, and I didn't know if I would have the energy to make it to my predetermined destination. On the verge or tears, I put on some tunes (21 pilots) to carry me the last 2 miles to the gap. When I finally arrived at the site, I set off first for the water down a steep mountain side to a fresh spring. I collected and purified my water before soaking my tired feet in the cool, crisp spring. I also attempted to wash my hands, by I believe dirt has a super power while hiking on the trail which makes all attempts to remove it entirely futile. Afterwards, I set up my tent and made dinner (one of those hiker add water meals). Despite the gnawing in my stomach earlier, I was unable to eat more than a few bites of what the manufacturers claimed to be chicken nachos. I was completely grubby and looking forward to town. I noticed today how hypersensitive my senses had become. I could sense the upcoming storm from the eerie stillness in the air (no wind or birds today). I could also smell a road I had crossed earlier in the day.
Date: 2016-01-08
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Henson Cove BnB
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: clear sky

I had a great night's rest in the storm (all scurrying sounds could be attributed to the wind) but woke up with everything damp. It was still raining and dark when I ventured from my wet abode and a dense fog made it difficult to see by my headlamp. I made breakfast in the tent, packed, pooed in a hole in the rain, and was on the trail by 8:20. I cleared my first mile in 20 minutes, surprising myself, particularly since I was laboring over every uphill step. I surprised myself again when I arrived at Deep Gap Shelter at 9:50. I took a 30-40 minute reprieve in the shelter, which actually had 4 walls (whaaaaat?!?!?), an opening for a door, and a chair, where I stuffed my face with a protein bar & trail mix. I could feel the extreme fatigue from not consuming enough calories, but I had yet to develop an appetite to match my energy output. I set off from the shelter with renewed vigor, be it from the sugar rush or the anticipation of staying in a bed with sheets and pillows. I had decided I would be spending the night at a Bed and Breakfast. I called from Powell Mountain to get a ride and spoke with Moriah, who informed me her husband, Dave, would be picking me up at Dick's Creek Gap at 12:30. I flew down the mountain at an amazing 2 miles an hour (my top speed at this point, which is significant considering going downhill tends to make my knee scream louder) and was at the rendezvous point by 12:20. When I arrived at the BnB, Dave showed me around and I hauled my pack into my very own 6ft claw-foot tub to unpack my mucky gear. After a shower (the first bathing experience of many during my stay), Dave drive me into town where I procured some much needed first aid supplies. We then went to Ingles grocery store, where I almost cried at the sight of fried chicken. I ordered a ready-made meal from the deli: fried chicken tenders, mashed potatoes with gravy, green bean casserole, and cornbread. I also loaded my basket with a salad kit, 2 bread rolls, brie, and an avocado. When we arrived at the house, I immediately gorged myself on my meal while attempting to watch a movie on TV. I found myself unable to sit still and relax, always needing to get up and perform menial tasks. Afterwards, I socialized a bit with the other BnB inhabitants and had an Epson soak in the tub while Skyping with Annie. At the end of the evening, I crawled into my king sized bed and at a half a bag of popcorn (oh yeah...I bought that too) before crashing. Some differences I noticed/ reflected on today:- Trail food makes me nauseous- My toes take turns feeling tingly/numb- My toes look like Jimmy Dean Sausages- I answer the question "Do you have any dietary restrictions?" with "No, but I want fruit and vegetables."
Date: 2016-01-10
From: Henson Cove BnB

To: top of GA hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After a delicious breakfast which nearly brought me to tears, I collected by things, took yet another shower, and paid for my room. I said bye to Moriah and Dave drove me to the Top of GA Hostel. I was greeted by Buttercup, who explained the hostel rules, then drove a group of us (including Steve, who I had met at the mouse-infested shelter and Matt, who was doing a work-for-stay) into town, where I decided beer would suffice for lunch. After my 2nd, I was drunk. Matt showed up and we chatted a bit before I walked to the grocery store and raided it for more sustenance which did not require re-hydration. Back at the hostel, I fried up some garlic chicken to eat with my salad kit, but was only able to stomach a few bites of meat. Since the other NOBO guys (Victor, Trey, Frogs, and Justin) had showed up, I offered them my leftover chicken. (I'm not sure what my aversion to meat is, but I hope it passes as my muscles surely need proper protein to repair and grow stronger and what not.)
Date: 2016-01-11
From: top of GA hostel

To: Plumorchard Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: clear sky

After resting my knee for almost 2 days, I had an opportunity to go to a local doctor, who had a flat fee of $60 and did not accept insurance. I enjoyed my doctor's visit. She told me I had not torn or broken anything, but that my Iliotibial band was the source of my pain and suggested stretches and isometric activities to strengthen the inside of my thigh. She also recommended I not hike more than 10 miles a day, which I was more than happy to abide by. Afterwards, I was dropped off at Dick's Creek Gap and made it to Plumorchard Shelter by 3:00. I was able to somehow get a fire started with frozen wood and a large helping of determination, during which I heard what was most likely a dog, but I will swear to this day was a wolf.
Date: 2016-01-12
From: Plumorchard Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

I had a long day with long miles...12.2 would round down to 10, right? There weren't many mice at the shelter last night, but I slept in my tent just as a precaution. As I crossed into North Carolina and into 4" of snow, I didn't pass a soul until arriving at my shelter. Two young men were SOBO section hikers and were planning to make it to Muskratt Shelter, where I had stopped for lunch. Today was very windy, at times nearly tearing my poles from my hands, and tonight's wind chills are supposed to be near freezing. I gagged down my dinner, forcing myself to eat the calories I knew I needed, and hoped for no indigestion, no mice, and no bears. Tonight I'm sleeping at a shelter in bear sanctuary which has no bear hangs...WTF?
Date: 2016-01-13
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

I slept until 8:30 this morning! That's a good 2-2.5 hours later than normal. I didn't leave the shelter until 11:15, but still made it to the shelter by 3:00. I didn't hike through as much snow and had the sun warming me the whole day. My knee did great and my only trouble hiking were the frozen and sinking mud holes. I shared the shelter with an 18 y/o SOBO (Nat Geo), who took on the trail after graduating high school, and his dog (a stray which he had adopted earlier in the day). I'm feeling in much better spirits today. Lonely nights suck, but sunny days make everything okay.
Date: 2016-01-14
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

A bit more reflection on Nat Geo: he had ADD (no biggy to me) and felt the need to share perhaps a bit too much. He told me of an event in which he caught and ate a shelter mouse for a roll of toilet paper. He also informed me he caught and ate grouse and a garter snake when he ran out of food. He also took a selfie with Trump (there was photo evidence of this) in NY and walked the Great Wall of China. I found these tales tall, alarming, and disturbing...but hey, at least I had some company for the evening. He did also share useful information on hanging packs and food using the "PCT method." It was successful last night, so I 'll give it a go again tonight. Summiting Albert Mountain has been the highlight of my week. The hike before and after were both fairly easy, but the mountain had me hiking over ice rocks and rock climbing. I nearly cried (I feel this is more common than it should be, but whatever...I'm a sensitive and emotional being) when I reached the top due to the breathtaking beauty and enormous sense of accomplishment. Not only had I climbed the mountain (quite literally at times), I completed over 100 trail miles! After arriving at the shelter, I began my "nesting" process and set up my tent in the shelter since it appeared I'd be the only one in for the night. After eating dinner, I was just about to smoke my first (and always best) cigarrette of the day when a man walked around the shelter carrying two sticks and no pack (there is a road within view of this shelter). My "oh shit" alarm immediately began to blare, but I kept my cool as this random and armed stranger asked if I had seen Steve. My heart rate immediately began to decelerate as I realized the mountain ninja was not a serial rapist, but the owner of the hostel in Franklin I was planning on contacting the next day. He convinced me to head in a night early and chatted with me while I packed my things. We arrived at he hostel, where the other NOBO boys were also staying, and Colin (aka mountain ninja) asked if Steve had found a way to the hostel. Justin informed him Steve was eating at a place in town, so we went to meet him. First, I was unable to open the door...a problem that will prove to persist every time I encounter civilization with doors...then, I was nearly knocked off my feet from the plethora of perfumes...the food...the deodorant...the cologne...the after shave...the mouthwash...the detergent...everything hit me at once and I was not certain I wouldn't vomit, develop a migraine, or both. We sat with Steve, who declined the invitation to the hostel, then headed to the bar to find the other NOBO boys. I was greeted with hugs, smiles, and beers, and had a great time catching up with them before heading back to the hostel, where I was given my own room thanks to Justin.
Date: 2016-01-15
From: Goodard Grove

Miles today: 0.0

After a hearty breakfast at Kountry Kitchen, I was fitted for some new shoes which promised not to further aggravate my partially numb toes. Bought new pants (dropped 2 pant sizes), hemmed by base layer pants, and did a few other errands before eating pizza and going to bed.ALSO, for pics, look me up on Instagram- sassysfreeIt's too complicated attempting to put them on here.
Date: 2016-01-17
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to snow this morning. I was glad I set up my tent as a tarp over the shelter or else the snow would have fallen on me throughout the night. Today's hiking was easier and my knee did much better. I hope to stay warm tonight by setting up my tent in the shelter, which pretty much takes up most of the shelter's square footage.
Date: 2016-01-18
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to 5F and more snow! I slept in an extra hour in hopes it would be warmer, but no such luck! Taking a poo at 5F is an interesting experience I think everyone should have at some point in their life...or not, I mean to each his/her own. I hiked to the NOC and the 5 miles downhill really wasn't that bad. I smiled the entire last 1/2 mile knowing I would have heat and the potential for drying my gear. Again, I ran into the NOBO boys and then spend the evening snug as a bug in a rug with the thermostat set to 60F.
Date: 2016-01-19
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

Hiked with the boys today. Listened to some tuned while hiking out of the NOC (Miley Cirus- The Climb was my theme song). The 6 miles out was definitely worse than the 5 miles in. Too cold to write. It's only 6, but we are all heading to bed.
Date: 2016-01-20
From: Sassafras Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter/ Fontana Dam Resort
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The plan was to hike 15.2 miles to Cable Gap Shelter. 6.7 miles into the journey, I was gifted a 6" bologna Subway sandwich from Brad, the snow plow driver at Stecoah Gap. After thanking him, I inhaled the sandwich and crossed the road, where I ran into Trey and Justin, who were backtracking along the trail. Confused, I asked for clarification. With a somber tone and downcast eyes, they told me they were heading to the parking lot (where there had been an abandoned red car covered in a layer of snow) to file a police report; they had come across the bodies of a frozen man and a child, presumably his son, along the trail. I could feel the tears begin to swell behind my eyelids and though I tried desperately to avoid crying in front of these two men I barely knew, but there was no controlling the empathy I felt for those two lost souls, and the salty water crested beyond my control. Justin then lost his composure and admitted they were complete assholes. Apparently, Trey had lost Froggy's footsteps in the snow and called him. Frogs had decided to hitch a ride instead of forging the remaining 8.5 miles in the heavy snow. After regaining my sensibility and smacking both of the boys, we decided to follow suit and stood shaking by the road as it became whiter by the minute with fat flakes of snow. Several people passed us by, but a couple of older men in a rusted out pick-up took turns shuttling us in the beds of their trucks to Fontana Dam Lodge, where the accumulation was 3-4". We unloaded, got a room, and feasted on burgers and beers at the restaurant. The plan is to hunker down until the 2nd snow storm passes.
Date: 2016-01-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

More food, more snowballs, more beer, and more games today. We decided it would be safe enough to venture back into the woods the next day. After a simple argument gone sour with one of the NOBO boys (who had to be right and felt my 7 years of schooling were secondary to the information which could have been obtained via Google), I am anxious to place some distance between myself and everything else. Once I'm through with the Smokies, I may have to part ways. While I have learned much about "hanging with the guys," there's only so much cockiness I can tolerate. I don't know if its the fact we've been stuck in this place for 4 days/5 nights, the impact of my period on my emotions, my extreme sensitivity to bullshit (among other things), missing my wife greatly, or the fact that this guys is actually a complete ass, but I can't seem to shake the feeling I should revert back to my SOLO ways. I knew the Smokies were going to be a challenge, but damn...
Date: 2016-01-25
From: Fontana Dam Resort

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: clear sky

Victor and I hit the trail again. It was difficult, but manageable until the footprints Secret Squirrel had gifted departed the trail at the first campsite, only 6 miles into our journey. During the last 5 miles I stepped into Victor's snow shoes prints, but still sunk to my knees in time. We saw a bear (which seemed small, but we later discovered bears in the Smokies rarely breached 150 lbs) scrambling down the mountain side at 20 miles an hour despite the snow, but this did not provide enough motivation for enduring the 1mile/hour posthole escapade. We arrived at the shelter well after dark and after having lost the trail a few times since it had not yet been broken. I cried and high-fived Victor. These were the first of many floods of my "healing waters" Victor would bear witness to over the upcoming 4 days. Poor Victor (aka Bill Nye the Frosty Guy). We were too tired to walk down the hill in search for water, so we opted to melt snow, which was obviously in abundance. Long day, warm night.P.S. This was the only night on which we were able to see the brilliant night lights of Gatlinburg from the trail. While Victor tried to use them as an encouragement for me when I had nearly reached empty in my motivation tank, nothing brought me more joy on that cloudless starry night than the sight of a 2"x6" splotch of white paint on a tree...well...except the shelter, of course!
Date: 2016-01-26
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Russle Field Shelter
Miles today: 2.9

Due to the rain, Vic and I decided to stop at Russell Field Shelter after hiking only 2.9 miles. We (I) got a nice fire roaring despite having only damp rhododendron with which to work. After the fire "matured," I allowed Vic to take over the tending. Shortly thereafter, my shoe and his waterproof sock had been burned. Oh well. Steve (Santiago) came in just as the fire was dying, so he and Vic collected more wet wood and I was able to keep it alive until we bedded down for the evening. My question of the day: If there are no footprints or animal prints of any kind, how is there yellow snow? Do squirrels pee from trees?