morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-04
From: Elk Garden

To: East Fork of Big Wilson Creek
Miles today: 9.6

Didn't sleep much last night - my knees bothered me.Got up at 5:30 for the 7:00 shuttle back to Elk Garden. We were on the Trail by 7:45 - our earliest start.Damascus is a unique town and we enjoyed our time there, but not as mcu as Tom, our shuttle driver. He told us how he hiked the AT 14 years ago, but quit when he got to Damascus. He loved the town so much, he went home, quit his job, packed up, moved there, and has been there ever since.It's still raining and VERY foggy.Very rocky, too.Went a little over 4 miles and stopped at Thomas Knob Shelter for breakfast. The sun finally came out! About 2.5 miles further and we were in the Grayson Highlands, where we saw the wild ponies and a foal. It was beautiful, but very rocky. My knees and ankle hurt.Had lunch somewhere in the State Park in a rocky field. Lots of day hikers around and lots of dogs!It's a pretty nice day, but HOT - in the high 80's.All day I've been getting a whif of something that stinks and I finally figured out that it's my pack shoulder straps. Yech!   They're soaked and they stink! Yang's too.It is sooo rocky! Like Georgia again. And they say PA is worse!!We both got a bit overheated today andYang thinks we should quit at Atkins because of my knees ...That would give us 535 miles, about a quzrter of the way - not too bad for our first venture, I guess... but I don't want to quit.I don't want to, but may have to.The combination of rain and pain may mean no Maine The first campsite we had in mind had about a dozen tents already there and lots of kids. We went 2/10 of a mile more and found a nice spot just beyond Little Wilson Creek. It was secluded, surrounded by bushes, but we could hear the water. Setting up the tent I almost stepped on a snake, and there were LOTS of bugs!It's 6:00 - a long day and we didn't go as far as we thought we would - only 9.6 miles and we're both tired and sore. And, I lost a toenail.Feeling homesick, too ....
Date: 2005-06-05
From: East Fork of Big Wilson Creek

To: Dickey Gap
Miles today: 15.8

It was really quiet today. We only saw one other person all day. And the trail was better - not so rocky, and the elevations were much milder. It's really hot again, too.Had lunch at Old Orchard Shelter and decided that we are going to call it quits as soon as we can get to a road and into town. My knees are pretty sore and I don't want to risk a permanent injury.The hiking has been my favorite part of this adventure all along. I haven't enjoyed the camping, and now that I'm not able to enjoy the hiking due to the pain, it's not much fun... We had been thinking of stopping around the 10 mile mark, somewhere near Hurricane Mtn. Shelter. But, we decided to keep going and try for Dickey Gap - another 6.3 miles. The Trail in this part was pretty good and, according to the guide all downhill. And if we coudn't make it, then we'd just camp somewhere and go the rest of the way tomorrow.We were very surprised to make it to Dickey Gap by 6:00. We got onto VA16 to hitch a ride and got picked up by a couple and their six children on their way home from church. They drove us into Marion and we got a hotel room.We cleaned up and ordered a pizza, and while waiting for it, talked some more about our decision to leave the Trail. Neither of us want to, but agree that we need to because of my knees. Tomorrow we'll figure out the logistics of getting back to MA.I'm feeling bad about not being able to continue and that Yang is quitting because of me. We both really thought we could make it all the way. I've never had trouble with my kees before and this is a big let down. Very sad that instead of thru hiking,now we're through hiking The mind is willing, but the flesh is weak...
Date: 2005-06-06
From: Dickey Gap

To: Roanoke, VA
Miles today: 0.0

Neither of us slept much last night - both wrapped in our own thoughts. And we're both a bit somber today realising that this is it. We're done.There's an Enterprise just down the street and we're able to rent a car to get us to the airport in Roanoke, where we can get a one way, out of state, rental from National to get us home.On the way we stopped in Atkins to pick up our bounce box.Not yet mentally through hiking, we decide to drive to Harper's Ferry, the psychological half way point, to visit the ATC office.
Date: 2005-06-07
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Harper's Ferry is a quaint little town and the ATC office gave us a wonderful welcome and little tour, some town history, and suggestions of other places of interest to visit on our way north. We signed the hiker registry, had a picture taken of us standing in front of their sign, and watched a few hikers just coming off the Trail trickle in. In clean clothes and without our packs, (no longer thru hikers), we felt out of place and said goodbye - to the ATC and to our dream of hiking all the way to Katahdin this year.sIt's bittersweet time; while sad about our hike ending, we are very happy and excited about being back with family and friends - and especially the grandbaby!This has been the most wonderful time for both of us. We did over 500 miles - with no slackpacking! We tested ourselves mentally, physically and emotionally, and have come out stronger in all areas. We've both done things that we never would have imagined just a few months ago. We've seen breathtakingly beautiful sights, cried a litle, and laughed lots.For me, who has never been athletic, and who never enjoyed outdoor activity that wasn't in or on the water, it was a special joy to discover a physical activity that came easily to me and that I liked to do every day. There were days when felt like this was what my body was made for. And, I miss it alreadyWe also have a new appreciation for the South, and for the beauty and diversity of the US.We've been humbled by our phenomenal experiences of Trail Angels and Trail Magic. Southern Hospitality is alive and well!! and very generous.We now have a soft spot in our hearts for long distance hikers - some of the best and most interesting people we've ever met. We are very proud to have been a part of that community.A big THANK YOU!! to you all.And Good Hiking & Happy Trails to everyone still on the Trail - especially, Zen & Redbeard, Panoramic, Jorge, Tomato,Blisters, Footloose & Fancy Free, Alisson & Roy, Boston & co. Not sure yet what it will be, but we're looking ahead to the next adventure...
Date: 2005-06-22
From: Home

To: Home in Massachusetts
Miles today: 0.0

This will probably be our final entry. We've been back in MA for 2 weeks, and while it has been wonderful, there is not one day that has gone by that we have not missed being out on the Trail.It is the first thing that pops into mind in the morning - where would we be waking up? and what would lie ahead for us on the Trail today?And the last thing at night - what would the day have been like? where would our feet have brought us today?I can't believe I miss my pack! I keep feeling like I've forgotten something. And I really miss the hiking.Two weeks and we still miss it every day....But, two weeks and my knees still hurt...Our feet will be Nova Scotia until October, but our hearts will be on the AT.And who knows, maybe we'll visit Maine and hike up Katahdin
Date: 2006-01-26
To: Count Down... 39 Days
Miles today: 0.0

39 days till I begin my attempt to thru-hike the AT. I have spent the morning trying to figure out what I'm going to wear while I'm out there but got distracted by all the trail journals. My favorite part is reading the last day of everyone¢s hike. I always cry I have to admit that it's a little scary to create a journal not knowing if it will actually happen. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
Date: 2006-02-27
To: Count Down... 6 Days
Miles today: 0.0

Testing testing one two three. Here's the plan... tomorrow I leave for Nashville and meet with my friend to talk about/ cram/ and plan for our six month hike. Saturday we head out to Amicalola State Park and have a BBQ with whoever can meet us that afternoon at 4:00. Sunday we start the hike. We haven't yet decided if we will be hiking the 8 miles to the trail or starting higher up on the mountain. I still can't believe it's really happening. My father is even going to get to send us off because of a last minute business trip to Atlanta. Hurray! What I'm thinking... I wonder if I'll like hiking6 months is inconceivable How are Lizzie and I going to survive living 24/7 for the unconceivable six months I can't wait to be outside in weather above 30 degree'sHow is Lizzie's pack lighter than mine And... Do I bring a set of clothes for Lizzie's house? As well as how much I am going to miss and already miss my family and friends. I'm already looking forward to sharing to trail with people who can make it out!
Date: 2006-03-06
From: Stove Creek 

To: Gooch Mountain
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: broken clouds

Day 2: Still feeling good! Up and down up and down... My first time going to the bathroom outside. Yuck! Guess I'll have to get used to it. Best part of the day was when I made a bet with Lizzie that there would be people at the shelter we were going to stay at that night after not running into anyone all day. When we got there... there were 20 odd people there... I don't know where they came from
Date: 2006-03-07
From: Gooch Mountain

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

Ouch. I hurt. My knee is killing me and I'm duct taping blisters. The best part of the day was eating dinner on top of Blood Mountain and watching the sun set over purple mountains. Then Lizzie got creeped out about the story behind Blood Mountain and we hiked down 2 miles in the dark. It was the rockiest, scramble we had yet come across and we did it with head lamps. Stupidest thing so far. But we got to stay at the Hostel at Neels Gap and sleep in a bed!
Date: 2006-03-08
From: Neels Gap

To: Bull Gap 
Miles today: 1.1

Neels Gap sucked us in. We got to go into Blairsville Georgia and pick up groceries. It was my first hitch. On the way into town we were told more horror stories about the trail. We have decided to start writing them down. Stories not to tell your family before you go. Afterwards we had our packs looked at. Most of the time the outfitters average 12lbs that they take out of your pack. I added half a pound. Apparently I was going to die in the Smoky Mountains with a 35 degree bag. After showering and doing laundry we were set to stay another night but managed to tear ourselves away and sleep for the first time by ourselves at a campsite a mile out. We even managed to get our bear bag up a tree. (Ok in all honesty it was all Lizzie).
Date: 2006-03-09
From: Bull Gap 

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was the first day we got to a shelter early enough to be social. It was fun getting to know some of the people who were out walking with us. Two guys even brought a snake they found on the trail with them. The snake kept coming back to their tent and then they moved their tent next to us because a big storm was coming our way. I have to say that trees falling over on me during the night is my biggest fear. Bears are nothing compared to the creeking noises as the wind rips through the branches .
Date: 2006-03-10
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cheese Factory
Miles today: 13.0

The first night that the girls out-numbered the guys. It was 5 to 2. I was so tired that I got the giggles. Our dinner was absolutely atrocious. The rain had gotten into our food bag and made a mess of a four-cheese dinner. At least we think it was four cheeses. It was another nice day and we were lucky enough to air out our tent over lunch so that everything was dry.
Date: 2006-03-11
From: Cheese Factory

To: Blueberry Patch
Miles today: 12.5

After our hike we ran into a trail angel who took us into town in the back of his pickup truck. Earlier that day he had been grilling out hotdogs. Bummed to have missed them but glad for the ride. We had a great night in the hostel as the conversation got very serious into religion, politics, and social issues. The couple at the Blueberry Patch were wonderful and even did our laundry that night. AHH a shower and clean clothes - nothing better.
Date: 2006-03-12
From: Blueberry Patch

To: Bly Gap 
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up to Blueberry pancakes... sausage... eggs... biscuits... orange juice... and coffee... ahh... the life... we went into town and managed to get ice cream down after the huge breakfast. We even managed to get out of town in time to do an 8.8 mile hike into North Carolina Hurray one state down. Can't believe it.
Date: 2006-03-13
From: Bly Gap 

To: Standing Indian
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Just as we stopped for lunch a big storm blew in and kept us at the shelter, what luck. My body was ready for a break and refuel. I had been hungry since breakfast. For the rest of the day we watched drenched people come into the shelter and kept warm by eating hot food. We actually slept in the shelter that night. Our first one. Everyone was getting cabin fever by the end of the day but luckly no one died. There was a sign at the bottom of the hill warning about a bear being sighted that was unafraid of humans. So we all put our bags up in the trees. Randomly we had a really rough time getting ours and two other kids up. It must have taken a good 1/2 hour and we lost about 10 feet of our rope up a tree that we couldn't get down.
Date: 2006-03-14
From: Standing Indain

To: Big Spring 
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

What an absolutely gorgeous day! We walked through green tunnels of rhododendrons and mountain laurel all day. Most of it was on the mountain ridge with scenic views to our left and right. It was just cool enough not to get hot and we even got to go up an observation tower at Albert Mountain and have a look around. I thought for sure we were going to be blown over the mountain .I guess that's all for now. Thanks to everyone who wrote in the guest book. It was great hearing from you! I'm off to Fontana Dam and the Smokey's. Hopefully in Hot Springs around the 30th.
Date: 2006-03-15
From: Big Spring

To: Franklin/ Budget Inn
Miles today: 9.1

Today we woke up at 6:00 in the morning to get into town early and hopefully head out again after resupply. It was freezing cold and took a while for my muscles to warm up. The biggest suprise of the day was all the trail magic that happened. It started off with Crutch meeting us on the trail and handing out sandwhiches/pop/ and fruit. We got to see the second largest .... tree in the world. It took five of my arm spans and a hand to go around the trunk. Unfortunately it looked like it was on its way out. Later on down the road we ran into a guy named Uber Dude and his dog who were just getting back on the trail and they handed us a Paps Blue Ribbon beer. I have become a cheap date and was buzzing for the last hour of the trail before we reached the road . While waiting for a ride that Crutch had called for us into Franklin a guy pulled up and gave Lowkey and I two huge chocolate candy bars. In Franklin we found an internet cafe and got to update our journals. It was the cafe's first day and they let me on for free. By the time we finished it was late so we ended up staying at the Budget Inn and eating so much from an all-you-can eat steak house that we couldn't move. All in all it was a great day. Showered and fed we were happy hikers.
Date: 2006-03-16
From: Franklin/ Budget Inn

To: Campsite, NC
Miles today: 10.5

This morning we were dropped off at the Post Office by Ron's free shuttle and then taken to breakfast where we met a big group of hikers who needed to run a few errands before heading out on the trail. We ended up riding around on the bus with everyone for two hours. It was a long ride and we were thrilled to get off the bus and back on the trail by the time we got off but while we were on the bus we got to hear fabulous stories about Ron (the owner of the Budget/Saphire Inn in Franklin who was also the guy running the free shuttle for hikers) Ron told us that he used to be a pro-wrestler and that he usually played the bad guy and would get people so riled up sometimes that he would have to sneak out the back in order to get out without getting hurt. He was a medium sized stocky guy and he told us that the referees for pro-wrestling were small, only 5 feet or so to make the wrestlers look large. He told us that he could play any sting instrument except for a harp, because he had never known anyone who had had one. He speaks Spanish and has lived/been to New York/ Los Angelos and all over in his motor home. He'd been in Franklin longer than anywhere else and had been on the police force and worked for a while as a detective. He had lots of funny stories to tell. If you are ever in Franklin North Carolina you should definately look him up.
Date: 2006-03-17
From: Campsite, NC

To: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Dear Everyone,I'm really sorry I haven't been able to keep up this journal like I hoped. There aren't too many libraries open when we get to them (which is pretty rare) and there's a half hour limit on computer time if they are open which is about enough time to read the guestbook. Anyway, we have a couple days break in Harrisonville, Va. at the end of this month and I'm planning to catch up. 4-TodayMeanwhile: Take a hike.St. Patricks Day!
Date: 2006-06-11
From: Lehigh Gap Road

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

What a view! Today we walked through mining (hmm... not sure what was mined... I'll have to get back to you.) But everything was just starting to grow back. Notice the lack of backpacks! It made the scramble up the mountain lots of fun.
Date: 2006-06-25
From: Kent 

To: Pine Swamp Lean-To
Miles today: 17.0

The Lambe's finally got rid of us after a lovely breakfast in Kent. Thanks a million!!!! It was a very wet hike and we arrived first at a flooded out campsite and then to a full shelter. We ended up setting up camp in the rain and managing to find a dry spot in our sleeping bags.
Date: 2006-07-05
From: Bennington Vermont

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Crumbs is hung over... Just kidding... she actually was the first of us to get sick! But even so she hiked 21 miles. Goodness! (We all want to be residents at a nursing home with program directors like our hostess... who took her senior citizens bungee jumping!
Date: 2006-07-07
From: Spruce Shelter

To: Bromley Shelter
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: scattered clouds

It has finally happened. I had to split up with my hiking partner. A very sad day... but we sent her off with a fun group of people, wishing her the best of luck. Today for the first time in my life I brought groceries just for me. Laffy Taffy, cream pies, string cheese, and Ramen noodles. I don't think I have enough to last a week but we'll see. We decided to cut our day short and camped out on top of a fire tower with a father and son. It was one of the most beautiful nights on trail watching the sun set and the stars up above.
Date: 2006-07-08
From: Bromley Shelter

To: Little Rock Pond 
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: clear sky

Today was a fun day of hiking which included bathing in another waterfall. Speaking in French and other games. It ended with us sleeping in our tent illegally at a full site. NOT GOOD! I also got Crumbs to sleep with the food in our tent a small wonder. Luckily nothing came around to get into our food bags.
Date: 2006-07-09
From: Little Rock Pond 

To: Clarendon Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: broken clouds

Another one of those crazy days were things just keep happening. Today we started of the day by jumping of rocks into a huge beautiful lake and later ran into the Maine Train who gave us lunch at the side of the road and took our packs. We slack packed up over a mountian and Crumbs and I drank our first unfiltered water. It was the best tasting water I have ever had and frosted our water bottle!!! We met up with the supply car at a gorge and swam around in the whirl pools letting the water pound over our tired muscles. I also stupidly decided to follow the river down a bit and found myself holding on for dear life to a tiny rope as I bruised my hind quarters over a small water fall. That night I was supposed to be setting up a fort to sleep in but felt a little stupid doing it and ended up back in the tent.
Date: 2006-07-10
From: Clarendon Shelter

To: Churchill Scott Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Today we found a secret shelter and had trail magic cola's. Then we climbed to the top of Killington and got to ride the ski lift around with the Maine Train. We ended up at a shelter just short of town. At this point I have to be honest, I have eaten almost all of Crumbs's food. I originally laughed at the fact that she had the same amount of food for two people at the start of the week but stopped quickly when I found out that I'd barely make the week out on the little bit of food I had, needles to mention the unhealthy, unappealling after two/three days worth of the same things that I had packed. Along with that, when Lowkey left we gave her the stove and took an alcohol stove that a hiker had given us. It worked but unfortunately I never quite got the hang of it and tended to set fire to whatever I was working on. Sassperilla had brought her stove back and I know that all the shelters were better for it!
Date: 2006-07-11
From: Churchill Scott Shelter

To: Kent Pond
Miles today: 6.2

Today we got to meet up with Sassperilla again!!! Which meant that we also got to see Aunt Jan and her spiffy car that gets somthing like 70 miles to the gallon. I also got to meet Crumbs's friend Sobo and her brother. Coffee, ice cream, and hugs all around and we were back on trail.
Date: 2006-07-12
From: Kent Pond

To: Stony Creek Shelter
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The day started out with an early morning lake swim. I could not believe how quickly Crumbs got in with her friend when it takes me at least a half hour of pushing when we were together! Sobo is a fantastic swimmer and has convenced me to do the open water swim in San Francisco. It was a short day and I have never been so happy to have one. I thought that I was going to throw-up or pass out on trail after only a mile. The new hikers were doing better than I was, it was not a good sign. When Crumbs let us stay at the shelter it immediately started to down pour and I crawled into my sleeping bag and slept the rest of the day and night.
Date: 2006-07-13
From: Stony Creek Shelter

To: Winturti Shelter
Miles today: 9.9

Today I got to hike with Sassperilla and had a great time talking to her (feeling 100% better!) and eating the rest of the peanut butter cookies that came with her Aunt Jan. We ran into some of our first southbounders. They looked beaten up! Hiking up to a shelter we found a ladder up to the roof and watched the clouds roll over the mountain valley. Coming in early to the shelter we had time to bath in a waterfall and even shave my legs. (Who thought I'd do that on trail All in all a great day to be alive. The only downfall is that I have yet to manage to start a fire, even with a bunch of alcohol. I really need another lesson from Dr. Jones.