morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-17
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Hurricane Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Good night's sleep to the pitter patter of rain. It had mostly stopped this morning...foggy/misty and not too cold (50s). Got out of camp around 8:15 with one thing on my mind...time to see some wild ponies! That's right, this section of the AT has some wild horses that roam the country-side. They sometimes come up to the shelters and lick/eat the pack straps because they are covered with salt from all the sweat. Well, I didn't have to wait long. About 2 miles from the shelter at Wilbur Ridge, I ran into a group of ponies...2 moms and their foals and 3 young ponies playing. Still pretty foggy, but got some good pics...one close-up of one of the young ponies that came up to me. Cool to see them just running wild. Next up on my walk today was the Grayson Highlands...supposedly one of the best views/prettiest walks on the trail. I say supposedly because it was still very foggy/misty and visibility was only about 100 feet. Very disappointed about that...may have to come back here another time to check it out. At the end of the Highlands, there is actually a corral where they round up the wild ponies once a year to check their health and manage the population. Saw another mom and her foal close to the corral...the foal was sleeping and kicking its feet...very cute. The corral also marked another milestone...500 miles on the AT...giddyup! After that, it began to rain and there wasn't much to see. Stopped at Old Orchard Shelter to have lunch and get out of the rain. Actually stopped raining while I was there and the sun even showed itself. Just had 5 miles to go to the next shelter and my residence for the night. I took off all my rain gear because it looked so nice...and that, my friends, is a teaser. I made it about 4 miles before it started sprinkling again...thought about putting the rain gear on, but didn't think it would last very long or come down very hard...another teaser. I made it about 4.5 miles and the skies opened! I still could have put on the rain gear, but decided I needed to wash my clothes anyway. Arrived at the shelter 15 minutes later totally soaked! Luckily, it wasn't very cold. Needless to say, I was in my dry clothes and sleeping bag pretty quickly. Only 4 other people here tonight...all from last night's shelter: RL, Chef Glen, Scatters, and More To Do. Cheers.
Date: 2010-05-18
From: Hurricane Mountain Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: light rain

Wow, did it rain hard last night...especially around 2...came down in buckets! Woke up this morning with no rain, but it was pretty cloudy. Warm morning in the 50s with a high of about 70. Always difficult to put on the cold, wet clothes in the morning...nothing dried overnight due to the moisture in the air...bbbrrrr!   Got out of camp around 8:15 and the plan was to do 19.7 miles so I could get to Partnership Shelter. You can order pizza from this shelter and it has a propane heated shower...high living for us hikers. Can't believe I'm going to do ALMOST 20 miles with my pack on...how can I get that close and not go over 20!?! Maybe I'll run around the shelter 13 times and call it a 20 mile day. Nothing really jumped out at me on the hike today...basically the usual roller coaster of small hills and one pretty good climb. There was a pretty cool waterfall in the morning...even prettier because it was a bit foggy. Evidently this is what VA is supposed to be like...more rolling hills and ridge walks versus up and down mountains...easier mile days. I still think walking 20 miles or more in a day, no matter the terrain or conditions, is not a walk in the park. But I did finish my walk about an hour or and hour and a half earlier than I thought I would...no big mountains to go over makes things go a bit faster. Got in around 5 and there had already been one pizza delivery. So, those of us left called our order in. I met some guys earlier in the day who were at this shelter last night and they suggested asking the pizza delivery person for a ride to the gas station to buy some beers...excellent idea! So, I also took some beer orders and the pizza man gave me a lift...I love it when a plan comes together. Nice night at the shelter...quite a few people, but it had a loft and quite a few tent spaces. After dinner and beers, I decided it was time to try the shower...should have done that first when I was still hot...I was so hungry though! People kept telling me the water was "tepid", so I thought it wouldn't be too bad. Well, once the sun goes down and the concrete shower floor cools off, "tepid" becomes "ice frickin cold". Also, no towel...hikers don't carry a full size one...just bandanas and a small sham-wow the mice ate up last night. Wow...was I cold...especially my feet. I jumped right into my sleeping bag to warm back up. Some 2008 hikers had also left a trai magic cooler filled with ice cream, oranges (awesome), and cokes. Some of the shelter guests were: RL, Miles, Scatters, More To Do, Let It Be, Boomer, Doodlebug, Didgeradude, Chef Glen, etc. Cheers.
Date: 2010-05-19
From: Partnership Shelter

To: US 11/Marion
Miles today: 11.6

Pretty short day today because I need to go into Marion to pick up my summer gear and send home my winter gear...Thanks Heather and Todd! The main summer gear items are some lighter weight boots, short sleeve t-shirts, and another pair of shorts. Sending home the leather boots, the long underwear, stocking cap, gloves, and down jacket...may send the fleece home later, but the nights have still been a bit chilly and I also use it as a pillow. Looking forward to seeing how the lighter boots feel. Got out of camp about 8...had to slug back 2 of the trail magic Cokes with my breakfast...we don't get access to much soda on the trail, so I had to take advantage of it. Again, not much to talk about on the trail today...for me. Two other people saw their first bears today...I'm still a bear virgin. We did go by some early pioneer homesteads and a school house that were still standing...pretty cool. The trail goes right down to US 11 and a Shell gas station. Went in there and grabbed a couple more sodas before trying to hitch a ride into Marion (10 miles). I really wanted to stay at the Happy Hiker Hollow hostel near Marion, but they were already booked up...got to call earlier! It took me over a half hour to finally get a ride (nice young farmer), but it was only for 4 miles to Atkins...better than nothing. He dropped me off in front of another gas station, but this time it only took me about 5 minutes before a nice, older man picked me up and took me directly to the PO. Picked up my package and went to the Virginia House Inn...only $32/night for hikes...deal! Also has the most water pressure in a shower I have ever felt...had to peel myself off the back wall before I knew what was happening! Next, I had to go do laundry, go to the grocery store for re-supply, and find a place for dinner...wanted to do all this simultaneously and close so I only had to get one cab ride there and back. Mission accomplished...even ate at a sports bar where I could catch up on the sporting news and have a few beers. Got back to the hotel later than I was planning, so decided I would get up early to get all the packing and boxing finished up...also had to watch Criminal Minds. Hopefully I can get the stuff packed/boxed, get to the PO, and then a ride to the trail so I'm walking by 10...we'll see. Cheers.
Date: 2010-05-20
From: US 11/Marion

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Drum roll, please...as of today, I have now completed over 25% of the AT! Can you believe that?!? I have a hard time comprehending it because I literally think of my walk in week increments or zero days...6 days until I reach Damascus...7 days until Marion. I did get up early today, but kept getting dragged into a bad demon movie on HBO, so that slowed me down bit. Got all my stuff packed and the boxes to be mailed sorted. Only bad thing about where I stayed: they do a continental breakfast and had TWO waffle irons set out for use in the mornings. All night I was trying to decide if I should have 2 or 3 waffles...didn't want to be too full to hike. NO WAFFLES! I personally think the guy at the front desk just didn't want to make up the batter, so he said they don't do waffles anymore. So the table with the waffle irons, butter, and syrup is just for show?!? Anyway, stuffed my face with some bagels and donuts and was out of there by 9:30...half hour later than planned. Taxi was taking me to the PO, but I guess they do multiple fares, so we stopped and picked up a lady at her house and took her to Walmart before I got dropped off at the PO. Finally got all my stuff mailed and decided I would just take the taxi back to the trail instead of hitching...wanted to save some time. Of course, same thing, picked up someone else along the way to my destination, so I don't get to the Shell station until 10:45. Downed a quick Mountain Dew and hit the trail at 11. Quick side note: I always think of my paternal grandparents when I drink a Mountain Dew...good memories. Same thing for my maternal grandfather when I drink or see a Pepsi in the bottle. Weather was great...75/80 and partly sunny. Not too much to report from the hike. We did go through about 4-6 miles of pasture land today...needed to watch your step or you'd be in deep shit...literally. I wasn't a big fan of this section...I could do this back in Montana if I wanted to...never did. There were some pretty cool views from the pasture land though...lots of rolling hills with trees surrounding it on all sides. Not much else...not sure if I'm getting used to the scenic views or there aren't as many...I'll let you know. Fireball, Stick Walker, and I are in the shelter tonight, while Boomer, Chef Glen, Cage, Andy, and another couple are tenting. We're all dreading the thunderstorms that are supposed to hit tomorrow (70%)...we'll see what happens. Cheers.
Date: 2010-05-22
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: US 21/52 (Bland, VA)
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: moderate rain

Well, my day didn't go as planned. Evidently, I'm not as good at compartmentalizing as I thought. I wanted to get a nice easy 14 miles in to the next shelter, but instead I've gone into Bland, VA so I can take a zero day tomorrow. I woke up scrutinizing everything I did or felt under the microscope of "Can I do this for 4 more months?". For the past month, I've always woken up feelling like an 80 year old man...how do I get up off the floor when my legs are stiff, my knees ache, one foot is constantly numb, and the other is just plain sore? Once I get up, how do I get out of the shelter? I've actually laughed at myself and others when I've observed how we approach a 2 foot drop to the ground from the shelter. We look at it like it is a 10 foot jump...how do I get down that? Two months ago I would have just step off it and kept going. Now I look at it and go through all my options: start with the right leg or left leg...which knee feels stronger today; can I grab something and go down backwards; can I sit down and just scoot over the edge; are my trekking poles close by so I can use them for support? It's crazy, but I've seen others stare at that step too. As I said, scrutinizing everything, so I tried to shake it off and just get my walk started. Got out of camp around 9 as I knew it would be a shorter day even if I had gone with the original plan of 14 miles. Less than a mile in, my mind goes back to scrutinizing. I realize I spend 95% of my time looking at the next few steps I'm going to take on the trail...more if it is really rocky or rooty. I occasionally take quick peeks up to take in the scenery or stop to see if there is a view of anything. I need to know my footing is solid because I don't trust my knees to support me if my footing is unstable. Of course, you have to look at the trail quite a bit, but I don't think I was spending this much of my time when I first started. Anyway, I quickly decided I needed to make a pit stop in Bland to try to get my head straight.  The next 9-10 miles into Bland were my longest on the trail...seemed to take forever. I just wanted to get into Bland and think about something else for a while...get my mind off things and then try to figure it all out tomorrow. Finally, got into Bland and called the Big Walker Motel for a reservation and a ride. As I was going to my room, I ran into Restless Legs and More To Do in the room just down from me. They had a few beers on ice so I joined them for one and then headed to my room for a shower. Joined the fellas in their room for another beer or two and then RL and I headed down to Subway for dinner (not much in Bland...it was Subway, Dairy Queen, or Pizza). After dinner, basically vegged out in front of the tv...also ordered a second dinner of calzone later that evening. Good to just zone out for a while. Cheers.
Date: 2010-05-23
From: US 21/52 (Bland, VA)

To: US 21/52 (Bland, VA)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a great night's sleep and woke with a clear head. Need to really think about what I want to do today, but first I needed some breakfast. Unfortunately, the only real local breakfast place is closed on Sunday, so I had to go to Subway again. Not a great breakfast, but they did have french toast sticks, hash browns, and a couple of breakfast biscuits with ham, eggs, and cheese. Also decided I should treat this as a regular zero day and do my laundry/clean my equipment. No laundry facilties, so I had to wash my clothes in the bathtub and then hang them outside to dry. I originally planned my food to get to Pearisburg, so I didn't have to do a re-supply. More To Do was leaving around noon, so Restless Legs was moving in with me for the night as he wanted to give his shin splints another day to heal. Now the hard part...what do I want to do? I had some conversations with Restless Legs and More To Do last night and today, so I just wanted to say thanks for listening guys. At the end of the day, I just don't think I want to walk for 4 more months. There are a lot of things going into it, both physically and mentally...it's really hard for me to separate the two right now. Many questions run through my mind: Have I just been mentally tough so far and that is why all the aches and pains didn't bother me up until now? Or are the aches and pains actually getting worse? They can't be that bad if I can loosen up in the morning and still do 15-20 miles/day at a decent speed, right? If I stay, am I going to enjoy it? I don't want to stay if it is just to complete the AT, but not enjoy myself...what's the point of that? They say the reasons for quitting in the first month or so are mainly physical, whereas after that it is mainly mental. I don't know...I'm rambing. I do know I'm very disappointed I'm not going to be a 2010 thru hiker and I know I'll probably regret the decision even if it seems like the right one for me to make right now. I probably need some time to put what I accomplished and what I didn't accomplish into perspective...right now I just feel like I failed in my goal, but there were a lot of positives along the way. I'll write another entry to wrap this all up, but I do want to say the thru hiker community has been the best thing about my attempt. I met a lot of great people on the trail and I wish them the best of luck on their journey...you can do it! Cheers.
Date: 2010-07-30
From: Jacksonville, Florida

To: richmond virginia
Miles today: 600.0

Finally on the road after a retirement party, graduation celebration, and farewell gala which lasted into the wee hours of the early morn. We have a gps reading of 1446 miles to our destination and a stopover planned for richmond virginia. The soothing sounds of patrick snoring, colleen typing this entry, clancey navigating and larry driving are clear reminders of how far we've come yet how close we are to the big mountain...Katahdin!
Date: 2010-08-02
From: hartford, connecticut 

To: baxter state park
Miles today: 400.0

After spending a restful night in richmond we hit the road and contined our journey heading north to new jersey. The bumpy road and toll ridden highway slowed our progress but not our spirits. After a four hour jaunt we stopped in cinaminnson nj and spent the afternoon with family catching up and enjoying the delicious meal prepared for a leisurely afternoon lunch. Thank you Mimi, Tom, Suzanne, Barry and family! As the afternoon came to a close, we said our goodbyes and made it through the traffic in ny to end our day in hartford. Today is bringing new adventures and beautiful weather. Long gone are the days of instant sweat beads forming on the back of one's neck after walking 25 feet to collect the mail. Goodbye florida and thank you maine for your cool climate!
Date: 2010-02-26
From: Greenville, NC.

To: Dahlonega
Miles today: 0.0

So the journey has begun I know I am quite late in getting my first post up for my journal, but I have been busy saying my goodbyes and preparing for my vacation. Well the day is almost upon us I start the trail tomorrow morning only the short 8 hour trip to Ga. left then one last night in a nice bed and a hot shower and I am off. I can¢t wait to get started I have been looking forward to this for months now and it is finally here. Well I will try to do my best to keep you informed of my progress. I want to give a special thanks to my Mom and Alicia for all the support you have given me the past few weeks and the support to come in the next six months. Hope for an early spring and good weather.
Date: 2010-03-03
From: Neels Gap, Blood Mountain

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 38.0
Weather: broken clouds

On behalf of Justin, I am writing to give everyone an update- its Alicia. He has done a total of 38 miles so far, 30.5 of which have been on the Trail. Last night he slept in a Cabin in Neel's Gap due to the snow. He woke up on Tuesday morning to 3 inches of snow around him which he wasn't expecting. With the snow making it a little more difficult, he made it a shorter day only doing about 5 miles. His first day, Saturday, February 28th, he got started a little later than he had wanted- at about 12:30. He hiked the Approach Trail and then about .2 miles of the AT. So far the Approach Trail was the hardest for him. He made it in about 4 and a half hours. He hiked a total of 7.8 miles on his first day.Day 2 he woke up to it being the coldest so far and very windy; it had gotten to about 14 degrees without wind chill! He was on the top of Springer Mountain with Pine Trees frozen white. He was having a lot of difficulty with his pack- it wasn't sitting right causing a lot of pain and slowing him down. He also had more food and water than necessary. That's what its all about though- learning and he has made adjustments since. He hiked a total of 11.6 miles. On Day 3 it was beautiful and warm out. He was able to use his gloves as 'padding' to help with the straps on his pack and made it much more enjoyable. He hiked Big Cedar Mountain which is about a 600 foot climb in 1 mile! The views on this mountain especially were amazing he said and he has already gotten some great pictures. He did a total of 13.9 miles this day.I just got off the phone with him, he had a great night sleep in the cabin and was walking back to the trail. He is planning on doing about 10 miles today, 11 miles Thursday and then 10 miles on Friday, however, a lot will depend on the snow that is on the trail. Luckily, the forecast for the next few days is in his favor! That will put him about 2 miles from Hiawassee where he will hitch hike into on Saturday to resupply and then head back to the trail to camp that night at a nearby shelter. He has met some great people already, like Ice Pack, and is really enjoying himself. Let's pray for good weather and safe hiking!
Date: 2010-03-10
From: Franklin, NC

To: Bryson City- NOC
Miles today: 40.2
Weather: light rain

I talked to Justin last night- Tuesday, March 9th. He had gone into Franklin for the day to resupply. He didn't plan on going there, but he was running low on food and with the weather forecast of rain all week he thought it'd be a good idea. He was able to hitchhike a ride to and from. He still sounds great. He had called me when he was getting back to the trail from town and people he had been hiking with, they were only out there for a week, left him some trail magic-usually and in this case was some food- and a note. It is really neat how friendly and nice everyone is that he has met so far. When he was leaving town heading back to the trail a lady just offered to give him a ride- he didn't even have to ask!He's been hiking on and off with people, but likes having the freedom of going at his own pace. There are two (2) guys who he calls the 'camera crew' that he has been hiking with a lot the past week. He was heading to a shelter for the night and hoping to get an early start with the rain they're expecting. The forecast for the week is not too good unfortunately. His next planned stop was NOC- an outfitters- in Bryson City which is right on the trail. He was planning on getting there in 2 days, but wasn't 100% sure with the weather. I'll keep you posted!
Date: 2010-03-15
From: Bryson City- NOC

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Talked to Justin a few times over the weekend. He got into the NOC on Friday, March 5 and planned to stay the night at a hostel. It was raining and they were calling for lightning so he figured it would be better not to risk it. When he woke on Saturday he decided to take a zero day and stay over in the hostel one more night. He had to wait for a mail drop at Fontana Dam which wouldn't be there until Tuesday, so instead of being soaked for 3 days doing shorter days, he figured he'd do more of his regular longer days and do it in 2. He was alittle upset about already taking a zero day so early into the trip, but in the end it was for the better. Saturday on his zero day he ate lots of food, took a nice long nap and just relaxed. That night he and a few of the other guys made a nice dinner at the hostel which he enjoyed. Going into town and staying over adds up, because you're not just paying for the hostel/sleeping, but also having to go to restaurants and such. That is one of the reasons he is also trying to stay on the trail as much as possible. Sunday he was finishing up a nice breakfast before heading to the trail. It had rained a little when he first woke up, but was just cloudy when he was getting ready to head back out. He wasn't sure how big of a day he was going to do as it was mostly uphill, but luckily with daylight savings he will now be able to go longer at night! He is heading to Fontana Dam to pick up a package before heading into the Smoky Mountains. He is trying to shoot for getting in there by Tuesday afternoon, however, if he is unable to he'll camp on the trail right outside and head in Wednesday morning. He still sounds great and is now well rested. His boots were able to dry out which should help and the blister on his toe is all healed. He got some padding to put on his walking sticks to help with a better grip and is planning on dropping to stuff to send home which will help lighten his pack. Although the Smokies have been a challenge for most he isn't too worried about it, just another day he said. Hopefully with the rain and warm weather it wiped out alot of the snow, however, he did hear that there might have been snow as it is so high in elevation. The miles I think are pretty off, but I'll try to remember and ask for his miles the next time I talk to him. Icepack- Justin wanted me to give you a special 'shout out' and tell you that you aren't missing much. He's been walking in wet feet the past 2 weeks because of the snow! He hopes you're doing well though.