morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-03-27
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 16.5

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:In a Brilliant move of Calculated Strategy, Scout and Tumbles have managed to make it to the NOC and get home for the weekend. A few Zero days to recuperate, get damaged gear to REI, resupply, relax, and hopefully add some content to the Journal. We should have new pictures and video soon. Take time to comment, ask questions, etc, since they will have access to their PCs. Scout is wanting to swap tents for the Six Moons Designs Duo, to give himself more room. Tumbles plans on getting better knee braces and reapplying some water proofing on the tent. They expect to be back on the Trail Tuesday.
Date: 2015-03-28
From: NOC

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day number 1: Drying gear, enjoying family, but ready to get back at it. We did get our Smokies Permit. Hope to replace some gear, resupply, and be back in the Wilderness soon. Tempted to stay in town till Wednesday to get a chance to see our Scouts at the meeting Tuesday. Worried that this may be the slippery slope that pulls us from the Trail, so we might just shoot for Monday to avoid the temptations. Missing the Trail Family. See you all soon.
Date: 2015-04-01
From: NOC

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: clear sky

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Dropped Scout and Tumbles off at the NOC this morning about 9 am. They made a few changes to their gear, and are ready for the Smokies in a few days. Bug came with us, and helped navigate to Fontana to drop off the next resupply box. We had an awesome day, met a ton of folks. Those that stand out are Bison, Spider, and Blackout. I gave Blackout a ride to Bryson and he told Bug and me the story about his trail name. I hope he does not mind me sharing the story:Blackout hopped on a bus from St. Lewis to Atlanta. In Nashville the bus had a layover for about an hour. As he got off the bus he verified they would be back on the same bus and received conformation that he did not need to get his bag out of the luggage compartment. Upon arrival in Atlanta, he went to claim his baggage, and it was nowhere to be found. In Nashville the bus company had offloaded the baggage and loaded it back up. As the tension grew, he blacked out at the counter, falling to the ground and hitting his head, receiving a black eye (still has a trace of the black eye!). When he came too, the folks at the bus depot began to understand how important his luggage was. He missed his ride to the Hostel, but managed to talk to someone in Nashville who put his gear on the next bus. It arrived late in the day and he got a late ride to the Hostel. Imagine how you would respond if you just had everything disappear on your journey. Gotta be at least $1000 in gear, if not more. He is doing well on the Trail, having arrived at the NOC this morning. Best of luck and prayers going out to Blackout and all the hikers.Bug and I also had the fortune of meeting a few other mentionable folks. We met many of the Warrior Hike folks, to include Diesel and Trail Pilgrim (he is a celebrity in our house, I hope he takes his Journal and writes a book, still serving as a Chaplain on the Trail). We also had the great fortune to meet and chat with I Believe and her awesome husband Jimmy. They were providing Trail Magic at the Marina in Fontana. We followed I Believe on her hike last year. Also, we met Beancounter. He started on the Approach Trail the same day Scout and Tumbles started. Enough about Bug and I, back to the Thru Hikers:We got a call this evening, they are safe and sound at Sassafras Gap Shelter. They are both excited, because they get to meet new folks. The bubble they were hiking with has moved into the Smokies, so they are two or three days behind most of the folks they know. This is exciting for them, because they get to make new friends and meet new people. As we suspected, cell service will be terribly spotty for the next few days, so we will most likely not have daily updates from our intrepid duo. They changed the plan at the last minute and will leave Fontana with four/ five days food, in hopes they can get into Gatlinburg for a resupply. Thank you all for your support and encouragement.
Date: 2015-04-02
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout and Tumbles are doing good. Tumbles sent an interesting photo to us today of a heart on a tree. They mentioned that Wistful, Relentless and Baby are camping with them tonight. They plan on hitting Fontana tomorrow. Even with the rain blowing through tonight they are in high spirits.
Date: 2015-04-03
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: moderate rain

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Arrived at Fontana! Scout and Tumbles look at this as a mile stone. Next, the Smokies! Due to all the rules and policies in the Smokies, they do not view them in the way they probably should. No doubt that will change as they discover the beauty. The resupply box that Bug and I stashed at the front desk of the Lodge was picked up. Scout advised they were going to scrounge around for some dinner and head to the Shelter for the night. Tumbles was excited to be hiking with Seeker and Conductor from TJ. No doubt there are others they mentioned, but the phone was going in and out. The Lodge has a booster installed on the back deck, so it was nice to hear from them, we did not expect a call or text till Gatlinburg. Intense storms headed through there tonight, so we are glad they are not trying to tent.
Date: 2015-04-04
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: broken clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Posting in the blind, as I am sure there will be many more to come. I did hear from Scout this morning before they crossed the Dam. He sent a text that said: "Last night was Awesome, made it ok. Also forgot saw a black rat snake yesterday."So they weathered the storm, and appeared to enjoy it. Like many that enter the Smokies, they are shooting for Mollies Ridge. I expect to hear from them again in a few days when they reach Gatlinburg. Happy Easter weekend folks, God Bless.
Date: 2015-04-05
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Got a call this afternoon. Scout and Tumbles were at Thunderhead Mountain. They said the views are insane. They are planning on stopping at Derrick Knob Shelter. Thank you Jackie and Philip for taking time during your Gatlinburg vacation to agree to pick them up and get them back to the Trail. You folks are awesome.
Date: 2015-04-07
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 4.5

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout and Tumbles linked up with old family friends Phillip and Jackie at Newfound Gap this morning. What was going to be a into town, resupply and back to the Trail turned into showers, pizza, laundry, hottub, and relaxation. They are spending the night in town at the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort and Spa. They spent a few hours down at the huge indoor water park. Scout said he did not think his feet could wrinkle up any more than they were, but the hottub was awesome. Tumbles was excited that she could take a shower again in the morning. They plan on being back on the Trail in the morning. Thank you again Jackie, Phillip and family for sharing your vacation with Scout and Tumbles.Scout asked me to make sure and mention Neon and Buffy the Mountain Slayer. It also appears that Conductor and Buffy the Mountain Slayer have got him thinking about the Navy! He also mentioned Papa Al, and how he hopes they get to hike with him and Conductor again soon. They both are enjoying the views and forests in the Smokies and are talking about taking the Scout Troop through a protion this Fall when they get home. So far the foot wear is holding up well enough for them both. They think they can make it to Virginia and Grandmas house before needing new shoes. When I asked if they wanted to dump any gear they both felt like they are doing good with what they have and would not make any changes. Scout did mention he may get rid of his gaters, since he rarely wears them. I hope they can make a detailed gear list some time, since I know how much peoples gear lists helped them with planning. I know Wildcat has a good detailed list, and he took time to chat with them evey time they went into Little River Trading Co in Maryville. Not much more to it, thank you following along.
Date: 2015-04-08
From: Newfound Gap

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:They hit the Trail again this morning with beautiful hiking weather. Scout and Tumbles wanted to extend words of encouragement to Spirit, one of the lash hikers getting off Trail early. They both hope to hike with you again, and they might see you at Trail Days. Tumbles wanted to shout out to Sputnik and Fair Enough, who should be ahead of them, she advised you were good company. Tonight at Pecks Corner they are hanging out with LunchLady, Fireball and Lightning. Tumbles' popcorn attempt did not work out well tonight. Spirits are high and they both think the Smokies are worth the rules... Even in the rain and mist, the Forrests are beautiful, not to mention the views.
Date: 2015-04-09
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:We know they made Cosby Knob Shelter. We expect to hear they are out of the Smokies tomorrow. Hoping they fair well in the coming Storms. Will let you all know when we hear more.
Date: 2015-04-10
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 10.7

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Out of the Smokies chilling at the Standing Bear Farm. Got some Pizza, and a bunk for the night. Weathered the storms ok. Both kids wanted to give a "Shout Out" to Cane's Family. Also, they offer words of encouragement to Lunch Lady, best wishes with your healing and they hope you make it back to the Trail to follow your Dream. For anyone dreading the Smokies, they said Don't. Ya the Rules are not always fun, but the views are epic. Even on the dreary rainy days, the forest scenery is fairy book. I enjoy the positive attitude they both present whenever we talk to them. Makes me wonder if they have those moments on the uphill climbs. One of Tumbles favorite sayings on family and Scout backpacking trips was always, "Hey, did you know they just built a Pizza Hut at the top of this Mountain?" Everyone laughs, but they keep moving with a grin on their face and renewed energy. Anyone that knows her knows she will make you smile if you are down. As always they have a lot of positive things to say about their fellow hikers.I had to ask Scout about something Conductor passed on concerning a Fire. Scout laughed and said that it was one of those moments when everyone is looking at you as you build a fire, and you just can't get it going. Naturally everyone knows he is an Eagle Scout, surely he can get it going. Finally, Conductor (also an Eagle) stepped in and got it going. Like Conductor said, he has had a few more years of experience. Scout seemed to take it well.Tumbles was saying her knees are giving her a bunch of trouble. I hope they get better when they lighten their packs for Summer. She has some braces and is taking a Glucosamine type supplement. They also decide to pick up multivitamins in Gatlinburg. Scout can't seem to keep rain gear serviceable. He has gone through one set of Frogg Toggs and a pair of vinyl pants. We are hoping to find a good deal on some better quality gear to send him. In the mean time he is going to find another cheap rain suit. Plenty of rain out there this time of year.
Date: 2015-04-11
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Max Patch Bald
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: broken clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Got a call first thing in the morning from Scout. He was worried about Tumbles knees and was thinking about taking a Zero Day at Standing Bear Farm. As we were talking I heard Tumbles in the background walk up and say, "Alright, Let's do this!" in a tone that says I am gonna take Names. Scout just kinda paused, then said "well, I guess we are going to hike today." I had to chuckle. Physically, Scout has the advantage, mentally I believe Tumbles has him beat. She has a way on seeing everything in Sunshine. So I talked to her and she said she was doing ok, her knees just hurt going up stairs and walking down Mountains, and sometimes going up Mountains, heh. I advised them to take it easy and get a few miles. Later in the evening I got a call, they were setting up camp on Top of Max Patch Bald. Not a word about knees! Just complete excitement. They planned on watching the sun go down and rise in the morning. Fire Bull's brother carried Trail Magic up for the hikers. I did the best I could deciphering who was who in the photo. If I messed it up or you know who the Unknown's are, please drop a note in the guest book. Camping on top of Max Patch Bald, Check.
Date: 2015-04-13
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.2

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Made it to Hot Springs this morning and got bunks at Laughing Heart. Picked up some rain gear for Scout, he is going to try a poncho this time. Resupplying, doing laundry, and letting the blisters and sore knees heal. Tumbles was super excited that she was catching up to Chewbacca and As They Say in Mexico. Scout got to experience his bank account running short on funds. He says it is hard to keep track of the money while out on the Trail. Of course, that is our job back home; I guess we will be watching the account a little closer, and replenishing as needed. They headed out to eat with a large group of Thru hikers for Supper. That's about 275 miles down, so about 1,915 to go. Note: If you get off on the miles, I have discovered that you will just have to delete entries back to the point that you messed up and re-enter everything. Too bad you can not just edit the miles and have the total adjust. Hey it works. Thanks for following.
Date: 2015-04-14
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:After a late night 'Thru Hiker' Dinner in town and a movie in the common room at the Hostel, Scout and Tumbles woke early to get breakfast and then face the daunting task of walking into the RAIN! Dry feet are nice, but they both say they did not come to the Trail to spend time in Town. They arrived at Spring Mountain Shelter too late for a spot in the shelter so they set up the Tents. Tomorrow they will push for 15 miles to Jerry Cabin Shelter.
Date: 2015-04-15
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: moderate rain

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:So the lure of a Free 'Coke' will make a hiker walk over a mile off the Trail. In an excellent marketing strategy, Hemlock Hollow Inn and Paint Creek Cafe offered a Free 'Coke' (Soda, Pop, etc) to Thru Hikers. Scout and Tumbles decided to walk the .7 miles there to claim the prize. Upon arrival, Tumbles found an excellent veggie burger. They ate Lunch, then decided they had walked far enough in the rain. Many other hikers had the same idea, so when they checked on a work for stay, they were turned away. (Already six hikers doing a work for stay!) Deciding they were stronger than the lure of dry feet and bed, Scout and Tumbles headed back to the Trail. At Little Laurel Shelter they decided to stop, since it was early enough to get a spot in the Shelter out of the RAIN! Lessons learned: If you open a Hostel/ Cafe offer free stuff to attract business.
Date: 2015-04-16
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Stealth Camp 
Miles today: 15.1

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:So we got a call from the Epic Thru Hikers this afternoon. They were at Flint Mountain Shelter and planning on pushing to Hogback Ridge Shelter. That would make it a 22 mile day. Later in the evening, Scout called to let us know they fell short and are stealth camping. His wet shoes gave him blisters on both feet, the first since Gooch down in Georgia. They are both tired and heading to bed.
Date: 2015-04-17
From: Stealth Camp 

To: Low Gap Camp Site
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Maybe it is the hiker hunger, or maybe just poor planning. Tumbles ran out of peanut butter yesterday, and the food bags were looking thin. In a fabulous stoke of blessing, Ms Janet happened by when they reached I-26 crossing and she gave Scout and Tumbles a ride to a convience store down the road where they were able to put on more supplies for the trek into Erwin. Not sure who the person was that bought Tumbles an Ice Cream while we were chatting on the phone, but thank you. Also, Ms Janet, Thank you for what you do. You are an amazing person.After the fast resupply, Scout and Tumbles continued on to the Low Gap Campsite (another night in the rain). Tumbles mentioned that at some point today she had to step off the Trail to take care of Nature, when she came upon a Copperhead. This particular Copperhead did not know it was not suposed to be aggresive and actually came after her. Using her Country Girl skills, she was able to avoid the snake, while calling for Scout. Naturally, when Scout got there the Copperhead had already realized it had not found a New Yorker to scare, and just a good old Tennessee Country girl, and it had disappeared into the leaf bed. Nothing like an aggresive Copperhead to get you blood pumping.
Date: 2015-04-18
From: Low Gap Camp Site

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Scout and Tumbles plan an in and out for town tomorrow. We shall see. Sometimes the draw of new friends is strong. Back home we are all very proud of the progress they are making. Being one that works with youth in my Community, I have to admit that I do not know very many that would think to attempt such a thing. That, of course may be good, since the Wilderness (coridor of the AT) could not handle the Traffic. I told Scout and Tumbles both tonight that I might be their biggest fan. Thank you all for following along. We are expecting to pick Scout and Tumbles up in a week or so to visit Grandma in Virginia, so I hope they take time to get on here and correct my mistakes and provide better insight into their journey. God Bless all.
Date: 2015-04-19
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin
Miles today: 6.2

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:Made it into Erwin, TN this morning. When they went to resupply Tumbles discovered her wallet gone! After they got done they made arrangements to stay at Ms Janets place. It turns out Ms Janet had found Tumbles wallet in her van from where she had taken them to the Gas station to resupply. Thru Hiker Electric Blue was slackpacking today and had carried it just in case she met up with Tumbles. She is one of Tumbles' Trail friends and knew who she was. Thru Hiker mail. The hiker community can really appear crazy to those of us on the outside, but I think it makes sense to them. Scout and Tumbles are toying with the idea of slack packing for a day or two. Not sure this early in the hike what benefit that would provide, but I guess it can give their bodies a break while still making miles. No doubt it is all part of the "Journey".
Date: 2015-04-21
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: broken clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:As I am sure you could guess, I am not a fan of Slackpacking. Granted, the hike to the top of Springer, that makes sense. But Scout and Tumbles thought it would benefit them. By 3 pm they were still stuck in town. They decided to take the second trip out to the Trail where they started yesterday. Something about hanging out with hikers till Real Midnight. One thing led to another and the second ride to the Trail was delayed 4 hours. By the time they were able to get to the Trail, it was already late in the afternoon. They had a 12 mile goal, which changed to a 6 mile, get to the next Shelter, pitch a tent and get some rest. Seems like this just negated the purpose of the Slackpacking, all the "extra" miles really did not add up. But then, this did give them a chance to rest up a little more physically and mentally, and hang out with new hiker friends. Ultimately, this is their hike, and if I think I can do better, well, then I would need to go take a shot at it. Since Real Life is in the way, I will continue to enjoy the Adventures of Scout and Tumbles. I know they are happy for the beautiful weather.
Date: 2015-04-22
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Master Yoda for Scout and Tumbles:So one of the bucket list items for this hike was to spend the night at Overmountain Shelter. Check that one off. Scout and Tumbles have caught up with Bean Counter, and finally had the chance to meet him. Bean Counter started the same day, but took the Approach Trail. Along the way he passed Scout and Tumbles. Now they finally get a chance to get acquainted. Also, Tumbles is excited to hang out with Voyager. She says "She is Awesome!" It is possible that the five honey buns and mountain dew that Tumbles acquired from three different Trail Magic providers today is what has her so excited. Or, it could be that her knees are not hurting for the first day on the Trail (thank you Ms Janet for the IT band braces). Maybe it is the Shelter they are staying in tonight. That girl is wound up! They both want to say Thank you to 2014-Gray Ghost, and the other Trail Angels for the Trail Magic today. It appears that tomorrow they will leave North Carolina for good. Spirits are high and they are doing well.
Date: 2015-04-23
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountaineer Falls campsite
Miles today: 17.9

Hey y¢all, this is Scout. Just thought I would get on, since I am at Grandmas and update this journal.On this day, April 23, woke up at 07:00am packed and ate pop-tarts and honey buns. We started walking about 08:30am. We climbed Little Hump Mountain, then Hump Mountain. The wind was crazy and it was very cold. At 19E trailhead we got a ride from Little Engine, who was taking a few days off to spend with family; into Roan Mountain, TN for resupply. Mountaineer Fall¢s, at the end of the day was awesome. Good day all around. Shout out to BeanCounter, we will see you up the trail.
Date: 2015-04-24
From: Mountaineer Falls campsite

To: Dennis Cove Road
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Scout again, giving dad a break. Woke up at 08:00am, ate breakfast; we had pop-tarts. (During the morning hike, we snack on trail mix and granola bars). Six miles later I got in contact with Master Yoda, he said that they were going to camp at Roan Mountain State Park tonight. We talked about linking up that night instead of Saturday. Tumbles was feeling good today, she left me in the dust! I found her waiting at a water source because her filter bag was busted. Sawyer Mini is a good filter, but it does not have a decent volume. Also, the bag does not last. I recommend the larger version of the Sawyer Squeeze, as it has a better flow and volume. Tumbles and I decided to hike to Dennis Cove Rd and meet our family at the Black Bear Resort. We got there 30 minutes before our family. (Dennis Cove Road is not very wide and is really winding.) Black Bear Resort has RV sites with utilities, which worked well for our camper. When the family got there we decided to camp here, rather than go to the State Park. The folks at the resort are friendly people, and prices seemed reasonable. I am going to attempt to talk about my gear on one of these zero¢s, in hopes it help¢s with someone¢s planning. Tumbles and I have made some changes to our gear, and thought we should share what we have learned. Thank you everyone for your support. Thank you Grandma for checking on us every day!