morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-22
To: Johnson Rock Ridge
Miles today: 3.4

Bodies still hurting, we got up at 7 and rode bikes into town. The food store was decent and fairly close, although the lack of hummus spoiled lunch plans. But the banana pudding doughnuts were tasty.After a further ride into town we straightened out all drugstore needs and headed back to the hostel. Last night we camped out again - the third time for this hostel. [Other nights are in the missing entries] Sadly, Sarge wasn't there this time. I guess he has to have some time off!Doing a partial shakedown, food depackaging and being social took until a bit after 1300. Since we're still tired and looking to get some chores accomplished (like patching holes in equipment) we are only three miles into the woods. All chores are complete and the fire is alternating between roaring and being ready to roar. Now I'm going to catch up on my journal until Sweetn'Sour says we need to eat.
Date: 2012-07-25
From: Millinocket

To: Millinocket
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today I am in Maine.From Harpers Ferry we decided to flip up to Maine and hike south. It was a wrenching decision because I had it cemented in my head that I was hiking straight north. I think Sweet n' Sour felt similarly. But she also felt incredibly pressured by the time constraints and couldn't continue hiking north. Because I like my hiking partner and hope to continue hiking together and because the weather is much cooler in Maine, (in the recent weeks I have experienced heat exhaustion three times, dehydration twice, and hyponatrema once), I agreed to flip up north with Sweet n' Sour.From Harpers Ferry my brother-in-law picked us up and drove us first to his family's house in Maryland and then up to New Jersey to visit my family. From there, we traveled to northwest New Jersey to visit Sweet n' Sour's family. Both visits were jam packed with activity and we were under more time constraints than ever. But it was good to visit family.Today is a zero day after spending all of yesterday traveling from New Jersey to Maine. During the exhausting trip north I wasn't sure that I would still have the drive to complete the entire trail. It feels very different to be going south without any time constraints, almost as if it were too open ended. But I want to hike. And whether I have the drive to complete the trail or not, I will complete the trail. Maybe that is called a pseudo drive. If I don't have the drive pushing me, I will manufacture the drive to push me. Maybe I'm just a masochist. Either way, I am excited to be in Maine among new territory with new experiences to treasure. Already we have watched cloud formations the like of which I have never before seen. The condensate is whirled and whorled and very active. The sky changes incredibly quickly and is beautiful to watch. The air is cooler and drier and quite pleasant after the hot mid-Atlantic summer. Mosquitoes have already found us, but only at night. Time will tell what they are like out in the woods.Tomorrow at 5 AM we get up and head to Katahdin to start the final 1167 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Wish us luck!
Date: 2012-11-10
From: Life

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I completed my thru-hike at Harpers Ferry on November 10, 2012. I finished in a slightly crazy fashion, hiking 97 miles in two and a half days. No slack packing. Here is the writeup: http://meriadocthehalfling.blogspot.com/I won't be updating the journal on this site any further. I am building my blog into a resource for future long distance hikers. I invite you to come back and check it out in a few weeks.Cheers,Merry
Date: 2012-05-25
To: Atlanta, Georgia
Miles today: 0.0

Today marks a great day... I am flying to Atlanta Georgia today to hang out with my Aunt, Uncle and Cousin. Then starting on Monday I will be taking my first steps on the Appalachian Trail. I guess this is Good Bye to facebook for awhile. My goal is to hike the trail in 4 months so I have my work cut out for me.
Date: 2012-05-25
To: Mt. Katahdin, Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I have created an online journal for those of you who would like to follow my experiences. It is on trailjournals.com. All you have to do is search my last name and it will pop up with my journals. If anybody would like to send me letters or anything, you can mail it to 261 Chilton Place, Langhorne PA 19047 and my parents will forward them on to me along the way.
Date: 2012-05-28
From: Appalachian Trail Approach

To: Hawk Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

My Uncle Randy and Aunt Lori dropped me off at the park and walked about one mile up the Appalachian Trail Approach with me, then we said our good byes. I proceeded to hike the rest of the Approach Trail to Springer Mtn. (8.5 miles) I took a couple of pics at the top of Springer Mtn., it was a great view. I also started a video log on my camera and am trying to take a video every night. We'll see how long the memory card lasts. (haha)I ended up hiking 17 miles today and am staying at Hawk Mtn. Shelter. I met two real nice guys who shared some of their dinner with me. I made Ramen Noodles and took my vitamins. I also allowed myself some beef jerky and some mixed nuts. They helped alot. I drank about 8 liters of water today but I'm still drinking water before I go to bed.Hawk Mtn. Shelter has two levels and is pretty sweet. The temperature is nice and cool, should make sleeping easy tonight. I had pretty good weather today, about 75 and breezy but I still sweat a ton. I'm going to try and sleep in the shelter tonight. According to the news its going to rain the next couple of days. Yeah (haha) not. My shoes are holding up OK. I just got a small blister on my right big toe. No service for my cell phone though.Special shout out to the West Chester Family. I miss you guys. I had a chance to do a lot of thinking today since I hiked by myself all day. I passed a couple of people though. I met some really nice people along the way.Good thing I slept in the Shelter, it poured last night. I also saw what I'm assuming to be a Coyote running around.P.S. Sarah, I could use that back massage now. (haha) My shoulders are kind of sore but I'm working with it. I can tell that I am already losing weight.
Date: 2012-05-29
From: Hawk Mtn. Shelter

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was really tough. I left Hawk Mtn. Shelter hoping hoping to make it to Jarrard Gap. I came up a little short. I started hiking at 8:30 this morning and went about 10 miles by lunch time, which I gave myself a half hour for. It's been lonely. I hiked 90% of today by myself again. I kinda like it but at the same time it would be cool to have someone to talk to and encourage me. It poured on me after lunch from about 3-6pm. I stopped at Woody's Gap and talked with two guys hiking. One just got back from town two miles away with a 6-pack of beer. The other one though is going to Harpers Ferry. I hiked with him for a little after the rain stoped but then I sped up. I ended up stopping at a campsite that I think is two miles short of Jerrard Gap, its hard to tell. I'm sleeping in my tent tonight. I love my tent but I barely fit in it length wise. Still no cell phone service. There is a guy sleeping in a hammock at this campsite. He is older, my guess is late 40's. He is only doing about 4 miles per day. I hiked about 17 miles again. I'm a little behind schedule but I'm still getting my hiking legs so to speak. I got a couple more small blisters today which I am taking care of. I drank about 9 liters of water today. This campsite does not have water so I'll have to get some in the morning. The views have been good. Took some more pics today. I'm starting to chafe a little bit, kind of a bummer. I am working on some new poems, esp Lexis for her bday on the 26th of June. I've had a lot of time to think today. I hit a couple of emotional and physical walls today but was able to push through them. For dinner tonight I had cold Ramen Noodles, nuts and beef jerky. I didn't want to have to clean the stove. I allowed myself to listen to my IPod at lunch and before I go to bed. I've listened mostly to Sidewalk Profits. They remind me of a couple people I miss. Mom, Dad and Ty. I miss you guys but don't worry, I'm still having fun. Just a series of day hikes. (haha) I saw my first snake today but it was little. I also saw a turtle sitting in the middle of the trail. I def miss a lot of people and the conversations we usually have. It feels like I've been gone forever. Thank you for those who are praying for me, it's helping. Hopefully I sleep better tonight and also hopefully I'm recovered enough for tomorrow.
Date: 2012-05-30
From: Lance Creek

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

Last night it poured again and I was sleeping in my tent. Luckily I stayed dry along with everything in my tent. There was a small flood so everything under the vestibule got wet. The thunder and lighting scared me, it was so loud and so close. It got a little cold but I used my sleeping bag sheet inside my sleeping bag and it is so nice. It kept me warm and I slept only with shorts on. I started hiking at 8:30am and passed Jarred Gap and Wood Hole Shelter and Slaughter Creek Camp Site. I went up and over Blood Mtn. The mountain goes up 1200ft in two miles, then goes down 1325ft over two miles. I met an older guy who's trail name is "Flatfoot". He called me "Freckles". Maybe that will be my trail name. I saw my first stone shelter on top of Blood Mtn. On the way down I met three other guys who live in Georgia and they said they think that I can make it to Maine,(haha) a vote of confidence. I stopped at Neel Gap because I tweaked my ankle a little coming down Blood Mtn., but I stopped at a camp store and had a real lunch. Two hot dogs a coke and a power aid. It was glorious. I'm staying in a cabin where I got free laundry, a shower and a chance to regroup. It' been a lonely night so far but I am staying busy. I treated my blisters and I making a huge dinner. I miss my friends and family but I am still having fun and enjoying the experience. Still no cell phone service but I did get a chance to check in with my parents and give them a couple of messages. I def behind schedule but I am not super concerned. There is still alot of days to go. Everyone I have met has been really nice. On a positive note, I slept great last night inspite of the hurricane weather. I should sleep well tonight too since I am staying in a cabin. My goal is to be out of Georgia by Saturday.
Date: 2012-05-31
From: Neel Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a great day today! I woke up in my cabin, made breakfast (oatmeal and 1 liter of water) and took a shower. I left at 8:30am and was feeling great. I ran into my buddy Joe (aka Tuxedo) waiting for the store to open to mail stuff home. I was cruising in the morning. About a hour into my hike I caught up with the people I met yesterday. I ended up hiking with them the rest of the day or more accurately, I hiked ahead of them and stopped and waited. I got a new trail name today. It is "Flash" because I apparently move so fast and don't get tired. I hiked with Tom (aka Amelia's Dad), Mike (aka Copper Head,)and Amelia (aka Song Bird). They are cool people and help with the loneliness. We went from Neel Gap to Low Gap Shelter 11.5 miles. I took a short day again but I am not worried. I am still working into it. I am going to make up miles in Virginia and Pennsylvania. I cooked dinner, Ramen and Oatmeal. My water purifier broke or instead a piece got lost when I was cleaning it. So now I am using water tablets. There are seven people at this shelter. (myself, Songbird, Tom, Copperhead, Tuxedo, Bob and Bob) I met a very knowledgeable guy (aka Left Field) who is hiking AT for the third time. He gets paid to hike, works for a camping store. His pack was 10 pounds plus food and water. So, 20 pounds overall, he is trail running. We were all telling stories and laughing it up. Tonight is the first night I am having a fire. My toes got a couple more blisters but I am taping them up so I will be good to go tomorrow. I got some great pics today. One tip from the speedy hiker "Left Field" was to get some Whiskey at night. I am trying to get to Tray Mtn. Shelter tomorrow and out of Georgia by Sunday.
Date: 2012-06-01
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 15.5

Last night it poured again so it was nice to be in a shelter. We had six people in a seven person shelter, it was cozy. I got up at 7am and cooked up some breakfast (oatmeal) then cleaned up and we got a nice group picture of myself, Beaker, Copperhead, Songbird, Tuxedo and Tom. We started hiking at 8:30am. We made good time before the rain. We went seven miles in three hours but we went really up and really down today. When we got to Unicoi Gap just outside of Helen, GA. Copperhead had to stop with an ankle injury. So he went to Helen, GA. for a couple of days. So I hiked in the rain for a couple of hours today which actually felt really nice. I was cruising today and Amelia (aka Songbird) and her Dad Tom pretty much kept up with me. I ended up staying with them. They are good people and I enjoy their company. Once the rain stopped and we got to the top of Tray Mtn. the views were amazing. We are staying at Tray Mtn. Shelter. We went about 15.5 miles today. I met more people, Charlie (aka Pourch Monkey) and Andrew (aka Spook) and an older guy named John. They are all pretty cool which makes for good stories. Tuxedo caught up to us tonight. I ate Ramen and two Oatmeal for dinner. I got to use my down jacket for the first time. It is so nice! It is kind of chilly up here tonight so I am looking forward to snuggling in my sleeping bag. My blisters are still healing. They are not 100% better yet. Songbird is thinking about trying to stay with me after here dad leaves next Friday. We are both trying to get to Maine. I have hiked about 67 miles so far and only have 2125 miles to go. I am still having an amazing time. I'm getting into a rhythm which helps. We have a tight group of people kinda going at the same pace. Some get in much later than me(haha). I got two bars of service, sent one message, then nothing. I will be in touch soon though. We had a nice card game going on tonight.
Date: 2012-06-02
From: Tray Mtn. Shelter

To: Dick Creek Gap (Hiawassee GA)
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: few clouds

It was freezing last night up in Tray Gap Shelter. We were so high on the mountain. I got to use my sleeping bag sheet inside my sleeping bag. I slept in just my shorts and I was warm. I ate a pack of Ramen and two packs of Oatmeal. We started hiking at 8:30am and went 11 miles to Dicks Creek Gap. I got there about 15 minutes before Tom and Songbird. They were hurting and I mentioned going to Hiawassee and then they sold me on it. We waited for Tuxedo to get to Dicks Creek cause we didn't want to leave him. We had some trail magic by a guy we met last night. John took three trips to Hiawassee and back to get all us down there. We stayed in a Budget Inn and I split a room with Tuxedo. We got settled, did our laundry, took a shower then we walked about a mile into town to go to Daniels Steakhouse and I got the buffet. Fried chicken, salad, mashed potatoes, corn and pudding. Then we stopped at a grocery store to stock up. I picked up alot of snack food. When we got back we had a couple of beers and sat by the fire. I laughed really hard with Pourch Monkey, Spook, Songbird, Tom and Tuxedo. I am really happy I got a chance to send out some texts and make some calls for the first time. We are getting up and going to breakfast in the morning then getting a taxi back to Dicks Creek to start up again. I cleaned out all of my blisters. They are getting better. Stay tuned folks there is more to come. We are exiting Georgia tomorrow.
Date: 2012-06-03
From: Dick Creek Gap (Hiawassee GA)

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: few clouds

YEAH BUDDY!!!!! We are out of Georgia and into North Carolina, one state down. We went to a Diner for breakfast, it was really good. I had french toast, scrambled eggs and sausage. It's nice having a little hiking family to hang out with. After breakfast we showered packed up and loaded all six of us into a taxi van. The taxi dropped us off and we were off. We hiked 12 miles today and ended up at Muskrat Creek Shelter. We started hiking at 11am, so made pretty good time. I spoiled myself with snack foods today. It was awesome! My pack is the heaviest it has been, but it's worth it. I feel pretty good, my feet are a little sore though but it is all part of the process. For dinner tonight I had Ramen and two Oatmeal and some Hot Chocolate. I also had some mini snicker bars, some beef jerky and peanuts. We started a pretty big fire. It helps keeps the bugs away. It feels awesome to have dry clean clothes to change into. We are fitting five or six people in the shelter tonight. It is going to be a tight fit. (haha can someone say cuddle session haha) Oh, by the way, Georgia was really up and down but North Carolina was brutally up for the first three miles. So far I have hiked about 90 miles and I still having the time of my life. But at least Georgia is done, now only 12 more states to go. So far the best part of the trip is the people I have met. Even though I am moving a little slower than I am capable of or even planned, it is nice to be hanging out enjoying these guys company. I've been taking tons of pictures though, stay tuned for whats coming next.
Date: 2012-06-04
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow!!! It was really raining last night, the thunder was so loud and the lightning was so bright. We even got sprayed laying in the shelter a couple of times. We decided to sleep in an extra hour this morning since it was raining. So we got up at 8:00 am , cooked some breakfast. I was the last to leave this morning and made it a game of how fast I could catch everyone. We ended up only hiking 13 miles today to Carter Gap Shelter. I hurt my knee a little bit today-nothing too serious. It should be good for tomorrow's hike. We are fixing to hike 16 miles. The high note of today was getting to the top of Standing Indian Mountain. I have a bunch of pictures. We got to the shelter at about 4:30 and played some Gin Rummy. Then we cooked dinner. I had Romen and 2 Mac and Cheese. I am loving my snack foods though. I am getting to know my trail buddies prety well. We found out tonight that Amelia has an amazing voice and wrote a bunch of songs. Today's hike was a little less up and down and a little more flat, it was an easy day. It's raining a little bit again but at least we are here. I have hiked 102.4 miles and it's still going well. Only 2090 miles to go. The beard is getting longer, I think I like it.
Date: 2012-06-05
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: moderate rain

We started hiking in the rain and it was super cold, but a least once I started hiking I warmed up a bit. We hiked 16 miles and went into the town of Franklin, NC. We had a guy in a small pick up truck pick up all six of us. I was in the bed of the truck with Tom (aka Doppler), Joe (aka Tuxedo), Skittles, Kit Kat and Charlie (aka Pourch Monkey). We stayed at a Budget Motel and I roomed with Joe. For dinner we went to a Road House Restaurant. I had wings as an appetizer, a burger for dinner and two 32 ounce beers, plus peanuts. Then we did laundry and played Gin Rummy and watched the Heat/Celtics game. I got a chance to catch up with some people.
Date: 2012-06-06
From: Franklin, NC

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: light rain

I slept great and we went to Ingles which is a grocery store and got breakfast. Then we went to an outfitter where I purchased a new water purifier, a dry sack and a bigger pot. The same guy drove us back to the trail. I lost my hat though, I am kind of pissed. Once we were back on the trail we had a short day and went to the Siler Bald Shelter. Tom and I went past the first trail of the Shelter because some kids had stuff hanging over the sign. Turned out we went into a second entrance a mile futher along and we still beat everyone else. We got there real early so we had a huge fire and cooked dinner, then played Gin Rummy. We had a real nice debate that night and when we tried to go to bed we saw a rat for the first time. It did not rain which was nice. I slept great.
Date: 2012-06-07
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

I woke up at 7:15am and made Oatmeal and Hot Chocolate for breakfast. Tested out my new pot which I love and my new water purifier, which I love. The only down side is I am carrying two pots and two purifiers. We left at 9:30am and we hiked 12 miles today. We made it to Walah Bald Mtn., elevation 5342ft. It was amazing and the view was unreal. We all took so many pictures, it was well worth it. Amelia and I were flying on the trail today. We made it to Cold Spring Shelter by 3:00pm. So now we are talking by the fire. I already ate dinner and cleaned everything. Tonight is the last night all six of us will be together. Tom is done hiking tomorrow. We are White Water Rafting on Saturday, then my hike gets serious. I am planning on flying over the next couple of weeks. I am going to make it at all costs. Miss everyone but am having the time of my life.
Date: 2012-06-08
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

We saw a lot of mice last night in our shelter and out front of the shelter. They kind of kept me up a little. Plus, the Cold Spring Shelter sloped down hill so we slid down all night. This morning came really fast.   We hiked about 12 miles to Bryson City, NC. It was intensely down hill. I felt like we were climbing down a mountain, literally. We stopped .8 miles outside of Bryson City, NC to get water and I didn't know it at the time but I dropped my favorite sunglasses. So... once we got to Bryson City I dropped my pack and ran back on the trail to get them. They were just where I thought I dropped them, then ran back to Bryson City. On the way back though, I was running and the side of the trail gave way and I fell about 5 - 8 feet down the side of the hill/mountain. Do not worry I am okay! Then I had the best BBQ pork sandwich in months. We are staying in an 8 bunk hostel at the Nantahal Outdoor Center. I feel like I am on a family vacation because I know these people so well and it blows my mind that I did not know any of them a week ago. After dinner we showered and I dried off with a pack towel, not fun. Then we went down to the bar/lounge area and listened to a live band. Everyone left from our group to play Rummy except Amelia and myself. We stayed and listen to the live music. We met a group of Christian singles, they were pretty cool. They asked how long Amelia and I had been married? (haha) We told them we had just met. I am staying in a top bunk, it is really comfy. I listened to my IPod for half an hour, it helped me to fall asleep. We are going White Water Rafting tomorrow. All 7 of us in an 8 person raft, unguided, should be fun.