morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-08
From: Uncle Johnny's 

To: Day 24
Miles today: 12.2

Woke up hungover and used the internet until the 9:00 shuttle to Erwin. I got nasty biscuits/gravy then went to the PO and got my blackbird and mailed my Ethel home. Then went back to Uncle Johnny's and went swimming in the mighty Nolichucky. Chatted with Belle a bit. Finally left at 2:00 and did an easy 12 to Beauty spot to camp with Luke, Jude, and some scared day-hikers with whiskey lemonade.
Date: 2012-06-10
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Day 26
Miles today: 14.5

Decent climb up/over Roan Mt. No time to hang out due to cold rain so me and Luke hung out in the Roan High Knob shelter with some chipmunks ans squirrels for a while then hiked on to Overmountain shelter in the rain. I made cheesecake with Donut, Deltaforce, Indian Brave, Jude, and Luke.
Date: 2012-06-13
From: Kinkora Hiking Hostel

To: Day 29
Miles today: 10.5

Hung out with Bob Peoples for a spell then hiked into Hampton, TN where we got bad food, bad tobacco, bad beer, and bad, weed. Blue-blazed up to Watauga Lake Shelter and drank all night. Met the film crew and the Trail Boners.
Date: 2012-06-20
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Day 36
Miles today: 24.7

We heard that today is actually the Summer Solstice so we hikes naked for 20 out of 25 miles. Passed Pud'n Tang and her pups in the morning and a church group in the afternoon and some old ladies at night. We caught up to Luke and Evan and the weirdo Social Studies at Partnership Shelter.
Date: 2012-04-09
To: Preparedness
Miles today: 0.0

What's in a name? A hiker by any other name would smell as funky. I find myself thinking a lot about what I want my trail name to be. Should I choose one before I start? Should I wait til someone on the trail gives me one? I am inclined to wait at least until I've got a few days under my belt before declaring myself a part of the AT thru-hiking community.As I move under a week until my anticipated start date, I feel more mentally ready by the day. I am confident that the physical part will catch up, although I have a long way to go. I am starting somewhat late, but I'm ok with that, mostly because I don't care how far I walk. As long as I make progress and enjoy the journey, Im not gonna stress about the destination. I know I'm a slow hiker so mileage will not be a main concern. If I can pick up the pace with improved conditioning, that'll be great. If not, no big deal!
Date: 2012-04-10
To: Atlanta
Miles today: 0.0

Running into some travel trouble. Waited WAY too long to look for a plane ticket to Atlanta, and now they want over $400 on any day in the next two weeks! Options: wait til Apr. 23 to fly for $160 or take a train Apr. 17 for $160. I have to go with one of these cuz I just can't afford the four hundred.Right now I'm leaning toward taking the train a week earlier. I am not obsessing about schedule on this trip but I do want to get started!
Date: 2012-05-11
From: N O C

To: sassafras gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

So yesterday I dragged my feet and ended up stayin an extra night at the nantahala outdoor center. It is for the best because I've now had a full day and a half to rest my tired tootsies. And last night was a blast sittin in the dark besause the power was out. A jam session broke out with a banjo harmonica and dijiridoo player. They were all awesome but I have never seen or heard Nything like the guy with the dij. It was truly a breathtaking experience. Also made my first solo hitchhike into Bryson city to the store. Went very smoothly got rides almost immediately some people are so helpful it's a great feeling. Gonna eat a big breakfast and get goin up the next hill!
Date: 2012-05-15
From: fontana dam

To: mollies ridge shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Stayed at the "Fontana Hilton" last night. It is the biggest and nicest shelter so far. Spacious and comfortable, it can sleep 24 people and has running water and a shower nearby. What luxury! I hiked my longest day on Saturday fifteen miles. Then what felt like the longest five of my life on Sunday through the rain. I would like to say it was a peaceful and contemplative hike through a soft rain, but I can't. It was a miserable and frustrating hike through a drizzly downpour. Then I peed blood when i got to the bottom. A little scary! But a day and a half rest seems to have helped and the urine is clear again.Big day today as we leave the dam and head back up into the mountains, entering the great smoky mountains national park. Should be difficult but not without great views.
Date: 2012-06-01
From: a wrinkle in time

To: hot springs vortex
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

This is my third day in hot springs and I'm not goin anywhere fast. My buddies took off yesterday so hopefully I will catch up. No phone service so I can't contact people easily. Bu I am fine! They say hike your own hike and that's exactly what I'm doing. I got an offer to work for a place to stay so it looks like I'm here til Sunday. And resting my toe. And loving it. This is exactly what I wanted to do: hike, but also enjoy people and places along the way. I do miss the group but I feel this is what I should do. Enjoy the pictures y'all!
Date: 2012-06-05
From: hot springs vortex

To: next shelter
Miles today: 11.0

Finally breaking out of the vortex. This place really sucked me in. But I regret none of it I am having the time of my life. I even went to a wedding last night of two beautiful people I'd never met before. I love being in the right place at the right time and lately it's been happening continuously. Hopefully the yard work I've done kept my strenght up enought to make some headway over the next few days. I've had plenty of rest too so I should be good.
Date: 2012-06-20
From: Black Bear Hostel

To: Hampton
Miles today: 0.0

More rest today after hiking my longest day on monday. 19 miles in 12 hours; not too shabby, but I wouldn't want to do it every day! I know I couldn't have done it a month ago, legs are feelin strong. Only 50 miles to Damascus, the unofficial 1/4 mark of the trail. Should be there Sunday or Monday. Looking forward to Shenandoah and all 480 miles (!) of Virginia.
Date: 2012-06-26
From: damascus

To: rainbow
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Well I'm off to the national rainbow gathering for a short break from the trail. I have been somewhat disenchanted with hiking for the last week or so, and I figure it's better to take a break rather than get completely burnt out on it. I was in the middle of a 26 mile day yesterday when a nice couple offered me a ride the rest of the way to Damascus (with a stop for a hot dog and a coke along the way!). I did not pass it up The AT purists out there would disagree, but I'm glad I took the ride. 26 miles would have been very draining. So here's hoping this little stop will renew my motivation to hike. If not, I feel blessed with the experiences I've had so far and would t change a thing!
Date: 2012-03-17
From: home

To: Georgia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We leave today by GreyHound. Tomorrow we will be in GA starting our Journey. Wish us luck. We will update our trail journal when we can, usually at town libraries.Look for us, because I'm never know the next date we find a computer. So if we dont write for a while dont worry, we didn't get eaten by a bear. Just know that we aren't home anymore we are lost in the WILD....
Date: 2012-03-20
From: Georgia

To: springer Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

Up is not my friend but it didnt bother HighLife. The approach trail about killed me with 2000 ft of straight up. We walked 9 miles & tented at Springer Mtn Shelter. We got to the top of Springer right at sunset, made for a great view. 30 hikers shared the ground. 24 hr greyhound a 9 mile hike made for a long day.
Date: 2012-03-24
From: lance creek camp site

To: neels gap
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: few clouds

today we climbed the tallest mtn on the AT in georgia called blood mountain. it was a hell of a view when we got to the top but it wasnt easy work gettin there but sure am glad that the view was great we ate lunch there. heard owls on the way down... pretty cool. and found another salamander. and ended up staying at pirates hostel he's a pretty cool guy made us a good dinner and breakfest and now on our way to low gap shelter tomarrow.
Date: 2012-03-27
From: rocky mtn campsite

To: deep gap shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

another 1000 feet up to kelly knob, which really isn't a knob sucked ass... we hiked most the day with mr. incredible and elasta girl. they were really tryinto get us to go to town and split a room with them but we had our heads set on the blueberry patch hostel. during the day we layed on a great scenic cliff and layed there for an hour and a half, ate beef jerkey and listened to our solar powered radio.
Date: 2012-03-28
From: deep gap shelter

To: dicks creek gap/Blueberry patch hostel
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: overcast clouds

took a nero to dicks creek gap and hitched a ride to blueberry patch hostel from this nice old couple. Gary and Lennie were great, Gary took us into town and we ate at daniels all you can eat buffet. Highlife/Me literally ate so much i puked lol i ate so much to fast. then we walked through town for a bit talked to our group staying at the inn for a bit then went to ingles to shop around for a bit and bought some pop and fruit. couldnt wait for the amazing breakfest we heard about from steveo supremeo and ibs. it was nice to be able to take a shower and talk to our families back home.
Date: 2012-03-29
From: dicks creek gap/Blueberry patch hostel

To: muskrat creek shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

we now made it to North Carolina come on and raise up... lol 13 states to go but as soon as we came into NC we pretty much had to climb the mtn. of hell that went straight up. shortly after that mtn. we met our fist sobo thru-hikers, splash and cook. later that day Red Fury's leg started knotin up.
Date: 2012-03-30
From: muskrat creek shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

half way through our hike we got poured on. Red Fury's knot got worse this day. so we had to take it a little slower than normal. every quarter of a mile Highlife had to stop and wait for me to see if i was doin good. Eventually i told him to just go ahead and wait for me at the shelter. when i got there he had already set up the tent even though i had the stakes, he used sticks... i don't know if i could do this without him. so tomarrow we plan to take it easier and dry our stuff cuz it rained that day and more was coming that night. oh and we got some great trail magic at deep gap. former AT hikers had a whole shit ton of beer, dounuts, chips, egg and cheese muffins, bananas, which really made our day a great one.
Date: 2012-03-31
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: clear sky

well we took it easy decided to stop and stay with bunny and peach. Red Fury's leg is better. we took long breaks on some views. we had fun climbing mtns. today because of the little bit of rock climbing we did over albert mtn. and highlife learned the pct method of hanging bear bags.
Date: 2012-04-01
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: silers bald shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: overcast clouds

really we did 13.8 because of the .5 mile trail to the shelter but whose counting. with a days worth of dinner and snacks left after today. we are really thinking about doin a big day tomarrow so we can get to NOC to get our food box. we did get some strawberries from a girl near a road. we wanted cheeseburgers Really bad that day!!!
Date: 2012-04-02
From: silers bald shelter

To: Wesser bald shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

pretty much did 18+ miles this day with all the extra trails to views and to water. this morning we headed back to the trail to begin a long day and met the wolf back while going up to silers bald to check out the view. while we were up there a bush plane circled us it was cool... We passed a lot of observatories and firetowers today.Just when we started to get really hungry, we spotted another sports tent full of food for hungry hungry hikers! I'm starting to really love seeing sports tents. The trail Angel made us CHEESEBURGERS! Now all we got to do is walk into the Nantahala outdoor center and get our box tomorrow.
Date: 2012-04-03
From: Wesser bald shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: light rain

Today took forever, we were still sore from doing so many miles from yesterday. We weren't happy with being around the NOC the 1st day but after started buying things people there treated us better. The hostel was 40$ hurt to only see stupid plain bunks. We split the room with 3 other friends. Ultra Violet, N2O, and Naked Ninja. Showers were nice followed by restraunt food for lunch and breakfest. Two Large PIZZA's made even better for dinner.
Date: 2012-04-04
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To:  Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We went back to the restraunt with our friends and then parted ways. They got an early start on hiking and we headed to the outfitter. Highlife's arches of his feet were hurting and might collapse, and I forgot my camp shoes at Blueberry Patch Hostel. We walked out of there pretty happy. Highlife loved his neew inserts for his boots and I got shoes that were half off and, get this, they litterally smell like strawberries. I have strawberry scented shoes. When you go hiking you will understand, when you hike all you smell is sweat. Anyway, After our outfitter trip we decided to go white water rafting. We rented a 2-person ducky and headed out for our 3 hour trip down the river. The best part was we got to go over the best parts of the rapids because we were the only ones out there without a guide. It was a blast, Highlife took over as captain of the ship and I was his first mate. RRRRRRR! When we finished rafting we had to walk about 7 miles straight up the mnt to the shelter. 90 angle...
Date: 2012-04-05
To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

Today was possibly our worst day of the trip so far. We were so tired from all the miles that we've been doing, plus rafting. I guess we should of planned for that. We came to the conclusion that we need an actual zero day, just not yet. Hopefully when we get to Fontana. Physically overtired made our emotions run high as well. But I'm glad that when we did get stressed out and mad at the people who mapped out the trail over the damn mnt, we didn't take it out on eachother. He is one amazing guy, I think being stressed just made us closer. Finally when we got to the shelter our friends were there, we caught back up with them. They had 2 spots in the shelter for us. Also the Wayah Pack was there with a great bonfire. One of the pack member, Atlas, carries a guitar on the trail. So his comical and talented music made us feel much better. Finished the night standing next to the fire with Highlife watching the fire and listening to some Mnt. Folk. What could be better?
Date: 2012-04-06
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Lodge
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: broken clouds

Made the 5 miles into town. We split a room with the gang again. Did our laundry, took showers, and bought some snacks from the general store. We ate at the Grill for lunch and dinner. Highlife wanted cereal and milk for dinner as well but by the time we got back it was past hiker midnight and we were tired. Instead we found the hotels computer and got crackin. Since his phone broke and its a weekend so no chance of mailing it out, we better update the journal so people know we haven't died yet. lol. In the lobby with the computer there was a big crowd listening to a man on a microphone telling jokes and playing mnt folk. Tomorrow we plan on hiking a whole one mile to the Fontana "Hilton" Shelter is. Close enough to the zero we needed.
Date: 2012-04-07
From: Fontana Lodge

To: Fontana Hilton Shelter
Miles today: 1.1
Weather: clear sky

today was a real short but very great day. when we got to the "Hilton" We had the Shelter to ourselves most of the day. We walked down a crazy steep side-trail at the shelter that took us to the Lake. HighLife tried his luck with fishing and got a couple bites. On our way up I nearly stepped on a 3ft long black snake. Later we both went down to try our fishing luck again, but as soon as we made it down the Lake we heard a couple Hikers yell out after us "PIZZA!" and we sprinted back up the trail to the shelter. SUPREME PIZZA! YES! an older woman came and dropped it off. Trail Magic, sweet! Then later our past group that we hadn't seen in a long time made it to that shelter too. And they brought extra food from their Re-supply, SCORE more TrailMagic! Then two other hikers brought A ton of beer, easter candy, and more pizzas! TRIPLE TRAILMAGIC! over all a great Nero/zero day and our official first!
Date: 2012-04-09
From: Molly Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Hiked with Yeti, CV, Kentucky, Bunny, Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and Button. Had fun, but the hike hurt today. tough and fun trail.The Smokies certainly are beautiful but they are rediculously COLD. 2 fires helped keep us warm.
Date: 2012-04-10
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: few clouds

We climbed up clingmans dome, the highest point on the AT. Snowed a little bit today. We hiked 1/2 a day with coats. Wearing all my clothes tonight. We have been eating more food at lunch to keep warm. So we are heading to Gatlinburg for Re-supply tomorrow.
Date: 2012-04-11
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Grand Prix Inn
Miles today: 4.5

It was so cold walking over clingamans dome to New Found Gap. The water in our bottles froze. HighLife's water hose froze too, It was pretty funny to watch him try to drink out of it though. You can't suck ice through a straw. All the streams were turning to ice too. We might need to sit the trail out till ice thaws. We decided that we are gonna stay in Gatlinburg at the Grand Prix. My mom took us there a couple times, They have a pool that looks like a clover. My mom took all us kids on small sections of the trail every summer. So I've done this section before fun to see memories. We hitched a ride into town with 2 other hikers. If you've never been to gatlinburg here's what to expect: a carnival tourist trap on steroids. But Shonneys Buffet hit the spot just fine. We might take a zero.
Date: 2012-04-12
From: Grand Prix Inn

To: Grand Prix Inn
Miles today: 0.0

We are bad kids. We took a zero day ,HighLife's hip bothered him. But we kept cheap besides last night. Had McDonalds for lunch...yuck! rather eat Ramen. Nice warm rest though, Gonna have to get more food at the store though. Cold weather makes us more hungry I guess. Last night after we rested a bit, we went out for ICE CREAM! and HighLife couldn't resist Indiana Jones putput Golf. He won of course but I was close. Why does he like soft-serve crap icecream so much? lol
Date: 2012-04-13
From: Grand Prix Inn

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Ok we left town, we had to escape the carnival freak show. We hit some great trail today though. It was pretty much ridge walking all day. Also we got to hang out at Charlies Bunion (a huge lava rock boulder jutting out from the mountain with an amazing 360 view) We climbed out to the same spot my mom, me , and my twin sister did. Pretty dangerous stuff; But HighLife tried climbing to the tip-top of the MNT up a vertical edge, and I had to yell at him.
Date: 2012-04-14
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: broken clouds

Usually HighLife is way ahead of me when we hike, longer legs what-ever, but today he hiked behind me. He was being really cute about it. The trail was nice and easy too making it extra nice. I thought it was so nice of him, untill the next day when I brought it up and he said "I just didnt want to get caught by rangers without a permit, because you have it..." Sweet nice HighLife feelings gone... :/ figures. aw well on to Maine
Date: 2012-04-15
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostle
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Pizz for dinner..mmm They have a nice little store of goodies here. River full of beer, plus fun people like Rocket Man and Pilgrim makes for a good time. I learned how to shotgun a beer. But our bellies were to full from Pizza, no room to drink. We are very happy to escape the Smokies though. They are strict about camping there. Plus for some reason its just freezing there, it's much warmer now. Looking forward to Hiker Bash in Hot Springs.
Date: 2012-04-16
To: Family Trail Magic
Miles today: 0.0

Hey out on the trail, we pretty much eat ramen noodles and peanut butter. After a while we only are able to keep going on the thought of our next town stop for some greazy great real food. As you can imagine The idea of eating ramen isn't very plesent, so if anyone is bored or wants to be part of journey in some small way feel free to mail us any great goodies crowding your cabinet space . But if you are feeling extra giving and awesome there are some rules for food packages. 1. Please write above address "Hold for Hiker-Gavin Zaremba" or Michelle Roberts your pick. 2. At bottom of adress you must write our ETA (Expected Time of arrival) so the post offices see it. We will give you our ETA's below with locations. Here are some locations where we will be stopping for mail: closest to furthest1827 Greasy Creek Rd Bakerville, NC 28705ETA- 4/25/121278 Dennis Cove RD Hampton, TN 37658ETA- 4/28/12Damascus VA 24236ETA- 5/5/12More will be added later on as we go!
Date: 2012-04-16
From: Standing Bear Hostle

To: Standing Bear Hostle
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

HighLife really likes this Hostel so I guess we will stay another day. It is really fun here, its a nice rest from hiking. They have a tame squirel... what?! it jumped on my arm and climbed down my back. It is a pretty cool little animal. I'm not sure i can go squirel hunting after seeing this guy. jk just won't hunt grey squirels. & plus they have a puppy-girl's like puppies I'm sorry. We decided that this is a once in a lifetime trip and we should treat it as so, which means we dont want any regretts. We are just going with the flow and having fun with it. Only 1 rule, no blazing around the trail (yellow blazing is hitching around sections and blue blazing is taking shorter backcountry routes to save time)
Date: 2012-04-17
From: Standing Bear Hostle

To: couple miles south of Max Patch
Miles today: 12.5

We knew today that we would summit MAX PATCH, a big mtn top with a large bald on top, the MTN has an amazing view we have been there before. But a heavy Lightening storm ruined that chance. Instead of just hiking over it without any view we decicded to camp before it and hope that the storm would wear itself out. We took opportunity when the rain lightened up and set up camp. As soon as we got inside our tent, the storm got worse.
Date: 2012-04-18
From: couple miles south of Max Patch

To: Max Patch
Miles today: 2.0

It was a little better when we got up this morning but still dreary. On our way up the MNT HighLife handed me a beautiful flower that he picked for me. It was a white trillium. He is a pretty special guy. When we reached near the top all we could see was clouds. We didnt want to regret missing MAX PATCH later so we camped up on top and drank some hotchocolate in the foggy cover. The storm made it freezing up there but the weather bane says clear tomorrow.