morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-08
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After looking at the trail guide book it looked like the first 20 mile day was gonna happen. It was mostly downhill since the Smokys were coming to an end, and nero was on my list at Standing Bear Hostel the following day.The second half of the Smokys are my favorite. It's more remote, but the scenery and terrain are better in my opinion. At least when you go NOBO. Jesi left early, and Mark afterwards. I stayed behind to talk to the 3 guys we shared the shelter with the night before. They gave me some insight of the trail ahead and their favorite spots.The weather was decent but not as nice as before. It was starting to cloud up a bit but you can still see the views from to time. Being the fact that it was Saturday there were a lot of hikers out. It's actually the best way to know if its the weekend or not. If you see a bunch of people......then it's the most likely Saturday. You never know what to expect when you run into hikers. They might stop and talk to you for a while, or they might grunt as you walk by them. For the most part a friendly hello, a smile, and "Are you a thru-hiker?" comes out. More than anything I saw more bear poop than usual. Maybe we were at the right elevation during the right time of the year for them to come out. When I got to the shelter however I realized this place was crawling with bear activity. This was the only shelter that I have seen that was enclosed by a fence. Nothing was getting in. I felt uneasy at first, but then understood that with the fence I was probably as safe as I could be.I never saw Mark or Jesi the rest of the day. They both hiked the remaining 4 miles to get to the hostel. After a 20 I had enough and stayed in the shelter with 5 spring breakers from Jackson, Miss. I was not in a chatty mood for some reason even though they were nice and inquisitive. I cooked my dinner set up my bed and went to sleep about 6:30. This was the last night before the time change which I was looking forward to. I didn't like going to bed at around 7 or 7:30.Song of the day, Summer Wind, -Frank SinatraMovie of the day, Cincinnati Kid, "I guess that's what it's all about...making the wrong move at the right time. Your good kid, but as long as I'm around you will always be second best"
Date: 2014-03-10
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Paying for your stuff at Standing Bear is on the honor system, just write down what you bought and pay Rocket and the end. $15 for a bunk, can't beat that, and even though they could overcharge for supplies and stuff they don't. Jesi still had ankle issues and was debating on weather to hike on or get a ride to Hot Springs about 32 miles away and just rest. The trooper that she is she decided to hike on. She covered her foot with Moleskin and bandages and off she went. Mark's credit card was somehow not working so I spotted him $100 till we got to Hot Springs. Coming out of towns is always hard cause it's straight up for the most part. We caught up to each other and enjoyed lunch while basking in the sun on an exposed bald. Jesi said overlooking the bald she was reminded of a song by Sting called "Fields of Gold" so I happened to have enough signal to open Spotify and play it. So of course that song stuck in my head the rest of the day.We nailed out 15.1 miles to Roaring Fork Shelter, ate dinner and a Rummy game broke out again. There was no one at this shelter for once, (Monday) except for the mice that was running around underneath the structure. Even though I didn't see one I sure heard them. For some reason the way this shelter was situated with the landscape I felt a little uneasy that night. Just didn't feel right. But nothing happened and I lived to see another day without becoming a bear burrito.Song of the day, Fields of Gold -StingMovie of the day, Different Seinfeld Episodes. "Quon is definitely a word! You know....to quon something!
Date: 2014-03-11
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Kinda bothered me a bit that Mark or Jesi have not attached themselves to a trail name yet. Mark had "Boston" as a name for a while but he didn't like it too much. Jesi was trying to give herself one. Today it was J Legend. But nothing was really sticking. Yesterday Mark found a hat of the Grinch. Without washing it or anything he put it on...Boom. He's The Grinch now! Finally...a trail name!Mark took off and we actually didn't see him for the rest of the day. We guessed he went on to Hot Springs, NC. Jesi, J Legend, and I kept leap frogging each other as we hiked. Stopping at different times for water, a snack, or a nature call. We came across another bald which seems to be more and more of an occurrence. I like balds. Its different than the constant "green tunnel" you always see. If it's not windy it's a perfect stop for lunch and enjoy the sun, which Jesi and I did. It was probably near 65 degrees at this point.When we got to the shelter 3 other spring breakers were there. 2 girls and and guy from Montreat College right up the road past Asheville. Jesi connected with one of the girls cause she is a whitewater rafting guide same as her. They were not gonna stay in the shelter and opted to tent in the back. I was determined to get a fire going if the hair-lip the Governor. I was patient, allowed some help, and got it roaring in no time. Ya me! My second successful fire. The other 3 college students came over and we all enjoyed conversation over dinner next to the fire. Love the warmer nights. My sleeping bag made me sweat while trying to sleep so I barely had it on all night. Amazing how different the nights are from one day to the next.Song of the day, Life's been good to me so far, -Joe WalshMovie of the day, Raiders of the Lost Ark. Did you know Tom Selleck was supposed to play Indiana Jones?
Date: 2014-03-12
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: light rain

I really enjoy hiking small miles before going into an important town. For me a nero is better than a zero. Hiking 4 miles and getting into a town by 10:30 in the morning you can get everything you need to get done without the day off.Hot Springs is a great trail town as you have to walk down Main St cause it's part of the trail. You are not an odd ball or a stinky homeless hobo. The town loves hikers and counts on them for their businesses. It has a great outfitter with everything you need for the trail. Basically a mom and pop REI. A diner that supposedly has great burgers and other homemade food. A bar where you can get a beer, and the famous hot springs from natural mineral water to soak your weary bones in. Jesi booked a massage for later for herself, and I had a package from home to pick up.As soon as we get out of the woods Laughing Heart Hostel is right there. Another great place to stay run by Chuck Norris, and Tigger. I love to see all the different hiker hostels. Most seem to run between $15-$20 a bunk. Have showers and laundry capabilities. This place has 2 separate buildings one for sleeping and showers, the other has a hiker kitchen and a common area with couches, a fireplace, and a tv with movies everywhere. A very cool spot!Mark was there waiting for us as Jesi and I got off the trail. He looked well rested. We were all hungry and headed to the Mountain Diner for breakfast. I have been thinking about pancakes for a long time, and I was not disappointed in these. Coffee, bacon, eggs! Oh boy. Mark got pancakes as well with goopy apples and whip cream on them, and Jesi has to order coffee, hot chocolate, orange juice, and water. Every time! Kinda overkill for me but oh well.After breakfast we headed to Hot Springs Outfitters, and by far this is the best I've seen on the trail. They had everything (except Marks Jet Boil that he wanted)plus the best trail food selection. I bought me a brown redneck mesh back hat, another shirt for warmer weather, and another pair of socks. Mark bought a new backpack, and Jesi a new rain cover for the one she lost back in Cherokee.A stop at the brewery for a Sweet Josie and back to the hostel for take care of laundry and showers.Most of the day was just hanging, resupplying and organizing our packs. I later went back to the diner by myself cause I was determined to get the Hiker Burger. Very much recommended!The hot springs hot tub was very nice but not as hot as I would like it. It was also icing outside which made it nice except when we had to get out. Brrrrrr.A great time in a great trail town! Took a selfie, (pic above) to show my daughter. Slept like a baby, and was ready for the long stretch coming up to Erwin, TN.Song of the day, -Rock you like a Hurricane, -ScorpionsMovie, None..... Seems movies don't hit my brain on off days.
Date: 2014-03-13
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Unknown Campsite
Miles today: 14.2

I was ready and excited to hit the trail again. Jesi suggested to hit the diner for breakfast again. Mark declined and took off early, but I can't turn down pancakes! No way! With no real rush to get out of town I entered the diner for the 3rd time and ordered the same breakfast as the day before. Coffee, hot chocolate, orange juice, and water or Jess. Lol.The ice storm was done and the clouds turned into sun. As I went straight up hill for the next 5 miles I was sweating very quickly. You can get Hypothermia at temperatures as high as 55 degrees. It comes from sweating. I quickly dropped some clothes and hiked on. Erwin, Tennessee is the next stop and is over 68 miles away. This should be my longest stretch between stops.I got to Rich Mountain Lookout Tower around lunch time to find Jesi and the 3 spring breakers from Montreat we ran into the last shelter. All 5 of us went up the .5 mile side trail to the tower and enjoyed the fantastic views. I surprised Jesi with 2 Stella Artois that I brought with me, and drank them on top the windy tower. We took photos of the 5 of us knowing we would not see them again. They were only out here for one more day and back to school they go. I was itching to use my tent again. Jesi has the same tent as I do The Big Agnus Fly Creek, so she agreed to find a site to pitch camp. I personally think its warmer than the shelter if you have a good tent, plus the ground for the most part is a bit softer than a wooden plank. No rats can get in either! I love my choice I made in the tent.We found a campsite that was not in either of our guidebooks, which is common actually. The tricky part is having enough water to cook, clean and drink. Jesi seemed apprehensive at first cause this was only her second time sleeping in her tent, but come to find out in the morning that she slept real good and wanted to tent again. Song of the day, Fly like an Eagle -Steve Miller BandMovie of the day, Die Hard "I close million dollar deals before breakfast, I think I can handle this Eurotard"
Date: 2014-03-14
From: Unknown Campsite

To: Unknown Campsite
Miles today: 19.4

Haven't seen The Grinch in a couple days guess he is in a hurry to get to Erwin. Jesi, or J Legend has come up with a new trail name. "Emerald" She said it's her birthstone plus green is her favorite color. We will see how long that sticks.Today was big miles and even bigger rocks! A huge section of boulders where climbing was sometimes needed. Easy places to get hurt. Lots of weekend hikers out being a nice day on a Friday. A local gave me a grim weather forecast for Sunday into Monday. Possible sleet, ice, rain, and if lucky.....snow. Knowing we would not be able to make it to Erwin till Monday means we would have to deal with some sort of weather on Sunday. Oh well...... It's bound to happen.Caught up with Emerald at Interstate 26 connecting Asheville, NC to Johnson City, TN sunbathing and eating lunch. No wind and full sun meant warm temps near 70! I stopped, grabbed my block of sharp cheddar and peanut butter crackers and enjoyed the rare warmth myself. The roar of the trucks on the interstate is actually an oddly welcome sound. I could of sat there and watched the vehicles go by all day....it's was strangely comforting. However we have hills to climb before we rest.....and hills to climb before we rest.... I am starting to find myself dreading inclines. I really don't mind the descents even though more injuries happen downhill. Knees and joints take a pounding along with blisters more likely to happen. Uphill still gets to me even after almost 4 weeks. The Grinch and Emerald just go so much faster up the hills that it's starting to bother me. I should be used to this by now. It's not that I can't handle them, but I am comparing my climb to others. Maybe because I'm old and they are both 25? I keep telling myself to take what the trail gives you. I will be going up hills for the next 4 months so I better make the best of it. This trail is 90% mental.Pitched tents at another unknown site where water was abundant, and the wind was blocked. (Actually the site was in her guide book but not mine. I have AWOL's book and she has the ATC book) I devoured my Mountain House, and she made some mashed potato and ramen noodle concoction.Looks like another great night for sleeping. I'm exhausted! Song of the day, -Dirty Water, -StandellsMovie of the day, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, "9 times!"
Date: 2014-03-15
From: Unknown Campsite

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Emerald and I wanted to get in another big mile day due to the weather that is supposed to come in on Sunday. Our goal is Big Bald Shelter near 20 miles away. All I knew is that the forecast called for 100% chance of rain in Erwin, TN and 52 for the high. Erwin is at 1700' and the rule of thumb is to add 5 degrees for every thousand feet of elevation. Big Bald shelter is one of the highest shelters on the AT at 5100'. So your looking at a 15-20 degree difference depending on the elevation you are at. I'm not a meteorologist I just know something is coming and is good to be as ready as you can be when it comes. So if we get to the shelter of choice we would have less than 11 miles to get to the hostel in Erwin.Today started of windy and it rarely let up unless you were on the proper side of the mountain. But exposed, it was stiff and brutal. Taking on and off clothes because of this was the norm today and time wasting, but no rain. The terrain was very cool as it changed a lot in 20 miles. Green tunnels, some dirt road walking, and exposed balds which are turning out to be my favorite. Big Bald (pic above) was very cool. It would be nice if it was warmer and less windy to enjoy the views more. Emerald and I were getting cold, took a few pics and headed to the shelter.The shelter is one of the nicer ones we have seen since the Smokys. A rare 2 story structure. It is high elevation but is situated at a point where the wind was blocked. When we got there it was occupied by a father and daughter who is out for the weekend. The dad is a little older that me, and the girl is 12. The fire was already blazing as they were pretty much hunkered down. He used to live in Raleigh and went to NC State University so we had a little bit to chat about even though he didn't seem extremely happy that we were there. I bought a Chicken and white bean Chili Mountain House and didn't really like it when I tried it before. It was very bland and tasteless. It says "low sodium" on the package. I should have known. So I tried to kick it up a notch and mixed it with a package of Ramen noodles. The extra flavoring did it a world of good. Sometimes you have to be creative so can stomach the food and this thankfully worked.Emerald and I wanted to get up early so we can get to Erwin as early as possible, so we turned in right at dark. About 10pm we see a light bouncing from the distance getting closer to the shelter. When the light finally arrived it was a familiar face to the both of us. Her trail name is 5 Star, an older, maybe mid to late 50's solo female hiker that I passed yesterday. She is not very fast and seems to carry a whole bunch of weight, so it was a surprise to see her at this shelter. But when you hike till 10pm I guess you get in the miles. Everyone calmed down after a bit and I slept very well.Song of the day, Tennessee River, -AlabamaNo movie today...Thinking about other stuff.
Date: 2014-03-16
From: Big Bald Shelter

To: Uncle Johnnys Hostel
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: broken clouds

I miscalculated the miles as it's was a 17 mile day. Math isn't my best thing in the world, however when we got up it wasn't raining.....Yet.Emerald and I left the shelter just after 7:30, which is about an hour earlier than usual. We packed most of our stuff up in the dark. Most of the terrain is downhill which means the miles go by faster, but all I was thinking about was when the wet stuff was gonna come down.It was windy again and the temps were not getting any warmer. At about 10:30 the first drops came down. Rain. I put my red Columbia rain jacket on along with my REI backpack rain cover which I'm not very pleased with btw. It is not keeping my pack dry especially the brain part of the pack. At this point there is really nothing I can do about it other than just keep plugging away. Couldn't really call it a downpour, but it was just a consistent drenching rain, and with the chill it started getting nasty. I can't really complain to much however. The weather has just been fantastic since the beginning. This is the 1st rain while hiking. Some snow, and some sleet, but not rain. I think hiking in adverse weather makes you go faster anyways. There is really no views to see on days like this, and all your thinking about is the hostel and a nice hot shower. Plus, I'm really hungry at this point. The rain stopped about 2pm, and the big tease is seeing Erwin from the top of a mountain but knowing that it is still an hour and a half away. Grrrrrr. Got to the hostel around 3:15 which was better than expected. Emerald was there about 15 minutes before me and already bought a tacky, yet memorable Uncle Johnny's Hostel shirt. All I was looking at was that chocolate chip muffin that was sitting there waiting for me to buy. Yummy! I needed that. A shuttle into town was leaving at 5 so we got into our cabin, ran a load of laundry and showered before we left for a Mexican restaurant for dinner (pic above) and a Super Wal-Mart for resupply. I haven't been in a place that had real groceries in over a month and for some reason the vibe of the place made us both giddy. Surprised we didn't get kicked out... lol. $180 later we headed back to the hostel, and we ran into The Grinch, Pac Man, and Big Hungry! The cabin had a 13" tv with a whole bunch of VHS tapes. Emerald was set on watching Look Who's Talking while The Grinch and I play 2 man Rummy. This old man was tired, but these young whippersnappers wanted to stay up all night and drink. I didn't really sleep very well, or at all, but didn't want to stay up and drink beer either. I spent the night thinking of a lot of things and having tremendous self doubt about why I'm out here. This thinking came very quick and very sudden. Fear over took me for a while and thoughts of coming off the trail and going home were VERY real. I finally went to sleep about 4am after repackaging all my Wal-Mart food into baggies, convinced I was going home tomorrow.
Date: 2014-03-17
From: Uncle Johnnys Hostel

To: Cary, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The 3 AT books I read before I started this hike; Becoming Odyssa, Walk in the Woods, and A Road More or Less Traveled, all 3 of those hikers came off the trail for an extended time for one reason or another. I woke up this morning with the same feeling I had last night. I needed to go home. At least temporarily.... I hope.The suddenness of this decision is bothersome to me to say the least, but I had to go with my instincts. I can't really pinpoint why, but the push to do so was strong. I have my theories and thoughts on it, but those are not for blogging. The fact is I'm getting a ride to the Greyhound Station in Johnson City, TN and a long bus ride home.I have met a lot of awesome people in the 4 weeks I have been out here, but some people you just click with and become a huge part of your journey. 3 people stand out the most. Sunset was one that I could have hiked with all the way to Katahdin with no doubt. A great guy to latch onto and learn from. The attitude of the guy is contagious and welcoming. However leaving the other two people I met really hurts. The Grinch pushed me to hike stronger. He lightens up the tone with his smart ass comments and Boston attitude. He keeps finding ways to get off the trail and go home, but he pushes on for reasons he can't explain. He will definitely make it. Emerald is the hardest to leave. I fed off her attitude and smile. Very outgoing and personable which is the opposite of my stoic, logical, and business like approach to the trail. If there is anyone on the trail that I know will make it it's her. She is no doubt a much stronger hiker than myself. Her story is a lot like mine, and she enjoys life through risk, adventure, and challenges instead of chasing societal pressures of career, social status, and marriage. In 20 years you will be more disappointed in the things you didn't do, than the things you did do. So just go do it! At 25 she is way ahead of the game that is life. I secretly envy her, and wish I understood life like she does when I was 25. I'm gonna miss her tremendously.I told both of them my intentions, and neither understood nor took it too well. I couldn't really explain even if I had the time to. Emerald rode the 30 minute drive with me to the bus station............fast forward....I got to the station about 1pm, and the bus didn't leave till 9:30. The good thing is Johnson City had a very convenient and east transit system to get around the city to waist time. Stops at The Olive Garden for a $33 lunch, the mall, and the huge county library wasted the time away perfectly. Although I knew going home was correct for the moment there was a huge hole in my heart the entire day.The planned bus ride is a 13 hour trip. Stops in Bristol, Wytheville, VA, Charlotte, then Raleigh seemed crazy but what can you do. Unfortunately, due to ice in Raleigh there was a 5 hour delay in Charlotte, which made the whole ordeal 18 hours. Good ole Greyhound. I'm looking forward to surprise my daughter when I see her tomorrow. I miss her so much!Song of the day, City of New Orleans -Arlo Guthrie