morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Big Butt Mountain

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

4/17Woke up early this morning to the sound of rain on my tent and rolling thunder. Me and Double Take were a little worried since we were camped in an open field on top of a mountain so we checked the weather report which said the thunderstorm was going to get worse in the next couple hours. We decided it would be best to hike down off the mountain before it got worse so we packed up camp during a lull in the rain and headed out around 6 am. Still dark and very wet the trail was somewhat difficult to navigate with a dim headlamp (I need to invest in a new and brighter one). On our way down the mountain we were pretty creeped out by the lightning which seemed to be getting closer until one flash in particular made us both jump and yell a little out of fear. It got better shortly after and as the sun came up the rain let up, but not for long. It rained off and on the rest of the day until we got to Sam's Gap where we waited the remainder of the storm out under the I-26 overpass in true homeless fashion.There was someone doing trail magic at the gap but we decided to be cautious and steer clear of it in order to minimize exposure to the virus going around. It was a tough decision since trail magic is so great and this one in particular involved scrambled eggs and hash-browns but we figured it would attract a lot of hikers and sharing food with all of them might not be such and good idea given the circumstances. We got to low gap and decided to camp there for the night after completing 18.9 miles. There we found out that Cyclops, another hiker from FL, was beginning to feel flu-like symptoms which worsened as the night progressed. He did a good job of keeping himself separate from the group though. Later we heard the sound of retching over the ridge at another campsite. The bug is definitely beginning to claim some victims in this pack and as other hikers worried about the shared food at the trail magic as a source of exposure we were glad we made the decision not to partake even though some thought we were being a little overly cautious at the time. We were able to start a fire and dry some of our wet gear out. I set my shoes next to the fire while I roasted my socks, but was disappointed when I picked up my shoes and found a hole burned into the side of one of the soles. Guess I put them a little too close. It's still functional but I'm worried as to how it will hold up. Other than that just hoping to make it a couple more days and get into Erwin without getting sick and staying dry wouldn't be such a bad thing either. Fingers Crossed.
Date: 2003-04-26
From: Daleville, VA

To: Bobblets Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: moderate rain

Enjoyed the complimentary Krispy Kreme donuts for breakfast at the Econo. so good I ate three. Got walking at 10 through the fog and rain. The weather channel expected rain with showers in the afternoon. The day got clearer and clearer and by afternoon it was beautiful out. Grunt and I stopped for lunch at Wilson Creek Shelter. Was gonna stay but we got there at 1:30. Journeyman was there eating lunch. We finally caught him, but as I write this he has gone ahead. He moves for an old man! We crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway for the first time, but certainly not the last. Go to the shelter at 4:30. Three section hikers are here. Thunder started crackling and we could call this place home for the night. Chiquita came in as it was about to pour. Caddis came in at about 6 p.m. Fixy pulled in but just for water.
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Low Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: overcast clouds

4/18Hiked a long 20.3 mile day today into Erwin, TN in good weather in hopes of avoiding the forecasted rain tomorrow. Coach, from the goat heard, caught up to us and updated us on their status. Turns out they had camped just a couple miles behind us the last two nights. Solo got sick though and went into town. Sticks and Mellow had stayed behind in hopes of avoiding the rain but haven't caught back up to them yet. Coach stopped to wait for the rest of the Goat Herd at another gap and we went on. We were hoping to find a campsite just before town to avoid paying for a room someplace. There wasn't one coming into town but we went to the other side of the trail and there were a couple on the way out of town. We set up camp there, ate dinner, planned for the next few days, and hit the hay.
Date: 2003-04-27
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: clear sky

Today was my longest day on the AT, excluding the 25 mile slack pack. The new pack seems to be dong the trick. I was moving well today. Tomorrow I will send my tent home, and use Grunt's tent which weighs 2 pounds less. He just got a hammock. Once I send some extra clothes I'm gonna be light as a feather. It was beautiful out all day, and very warm. I think it hit close to 75. The bugs are out and pretty bad around the shelters. Grunt and I took lunch at Bryant Ridge with Chiquita, Caddis and Fixy. The shelter is three stories and really nice. It ws only 1 or 2 o'clock so more miles to do. We planned to stop at Cornelius Creek shelte but both felt good so we pushed it. Its tough because we usually finish a 16-18 mile day by about 4 o'clock. It seems foolish to stop that early with four hours of daylight left to hike, but you've already put in a full day's work. Today was work for sure. 1000 feet climb up Fork Mountain, 2000 foot climb up Floyd Mountain, and 1200 up apple Orchard. It was a shame that there was a FAA transmitter tower because it is a pretty peak with a great view. As we were nearing the shelter we ran into an elder couple who asked if we were through hiking. They told not only was there a shelter nearby but that they had left lots of fresh fruit and Gatorades at the shelter. We almost ran to the shelter. Journeyman was the only through-hiker there, and a section hiking couple. I had been dreaming about fresh fruit and there sat a sack of oranges, bananas, strawberries and grapes. this trip is really starting to restore my faith in humankind. It's amazing the number of generous people who do these acts of kindness. Many times people leave stuff at road crossings and don't want credit or kudos for doing so. Tomorrow into Glasgow to resupply for the stretch to Waynesboro.
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Erwin, TN

To: Erwin,TN
Miles today: 0.0

4/19Woke up from a night filled with train noise from the tracks we camped next to. Fortunately it wasn't raining yet so we packed up camp and hitched a ride into town to eat breakfast at the Huddle House. From there we headed to the library to charge our phones and relax a bit. We found out that Mellow Johnny and Sticks had gotten sick and had gone into town the day before with Solo. The three of them are staying at a local hotel with another sick hiker named wiki. The rest of the Goat Herd got into town later in the day while we were getting lunch. We ended up deciding to take a zero and getting a room at the Holiday Inn Express with Mountain Goat and Peanut, two members of the Goat Herd. The rest of the Goat Herd got into town later and were staying at what was deemed by Bamboo as Uncle Johnny's Noro Emporium after the virus that's been going around (actual name Uncle Johnny's Hostel). We were able to get a ride from the restaurant to the hotel from a famous trail angel named Ms. Janet. She's got a massive van and was happy to haul hikers around town all day. At the hotel we got cleaned up. Ordered pizzas and relaxed the rest of the night. Tomorrow we will hit the trail well rested.
Date: 2003-04-28
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: Johns Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

I woke up at 5:55 this morning to find Journeyman packing up. That guys is up early! Went back to bed/lay in the bag until 7 when Grunt told me to get up. Packed up reasonably fast. Got my earliest start of the trip - 7:40. It really pays to get an early start. We were able to put in 12.4 miles before noon which was nice since today was hot. Was said to have hit 81 today. Grunt and I had lunch at Matt's Creek Shelter and then hiked the 2.2 miles down to US 501. When we got to the road Chiquita and Tree were trying to hitch a ride. I know that was trouble. They told me they had been there for an hour. Supposedly Fixy and Journeyman had tried and given up and headed back to the Trail. When a female goes that long without getting a ride something is wrong. We certainly didn't help by adding two more people. We tried our luck, to no avail. After 45 minutes of baking on the pavement ready to give up our savior showed up. A guy in a jeep picked us up and dropped us at the Post Office. Grunt gave me his 2 pound Kelty tent and I sent my 4 pound tent home. He is now using a hammock. I also sent home an extra shirt and my neck gaitor. I am doing all I can to lighten my load. I love my new pack but it is worthless if its filled with too much. I resupplied for the next four days which should cover me until Waynesboro. I weighted my food bag - 8.5 pounds! I am sure I have carried heavier but it feels like a lot. My appetite is huge now and I will eat pretty much anything. The four of us had lunch at this little deli/market place. I had a turky sub with the works and a bag of chips and a liter and half of Gatorade. It was good because I was hungry but it is no New York sandwich. Can't wait to hit the all the delis near the Trail in NY and of course make a pit stop or two in the city. Forecast is callilng for warm temps the rest of the week with sun but chance of afternoon T-storms everyday. We have a 3000 climb tomorrow. Wish me luck!
Date: 2013-04-20
From: Erwin,TN

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

4/20Grabbed breakfast this morning at the Holiday Inn and headed out for the day. Got a later start than expected. Town has a way of sucking you in and making you feel a little lazier so things always seem to get started a little later or take longer than you think when you're trying to get back to the trail. A hiker we met earlier on the trail named Starman described the phenomenon as "The Vortex," which I think is a pretty appropriate name for it. Before hitting the trail we met up with some of the Goat Herd at Uncle Johnny's. Mellow Johnny, Solo, and I think Sticks were planning to slack pack the section they missed from being sick so Monk and Coach ended up taking another zero to wait for them. The rest of the Goat Herd jumped back on the trail in the same place that we did. This may be the beginning of the Goat Herd splitting up.The first 7 miles flew by and we stopped for lunch with some other hikers at a campsite along the trail. Afterwards we hiked with Dino DNA, Bamboo, and Morning Kid to another campsite a little less than 6 miles further which was strangely fast also, so fast we actually passed the site at first because I thought it had to be further and had to turn around to go back. It was a short 12.7 mile day with great weather and a great view from the top of a bald. Everyone around camp pitched in to make a fire, then we set up our tents and cooked some dinner. After some conversation around the fire me and Double Take planned out the next few days of hiking and resupply then got some sleep.
Date: 2003-04-29
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Brown Mtn Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Was feeling very lazy this morning and really didn't wanna get up. I slept very poorly since it was so warm and the mosquitos were out. I now have several bites over my body. Grunt and I finally got going at 8:40. As we hiked up the Trail, Afterburner came in for a break. He had done 4 miles by the time we started walking. Caddis and Chiquita were still in their sleeping bags when we left. A nice 2300 foot climb awaited us. It was actually easy to get going straight uphill. I ususally take time in the morning to get in gear but it was instantaneous this time. We had heard rumour of afternoon T-storms. By 9 am.m. the sky darkened and that all-too-familiar wind blew - the kind that comes before a storm. The sky was patchy all morning as parts were sunny and blue and others were nasty. It started drizzling at about 10 a.m. and then it came down. Luckily it only lasted for 10 minues or so. A nie little cooling rain. Grunt and I had lunch at Punchbowl shelter and Afterburner joined us. The shelter is situated near a nice pond an I was able to snap a picture of both. The afternoon cleared up and made for some pretty walking. Walking through the green forest everday has become very therapeutic for me. I spend most of the my time thinking of friends and fammily adn school. walking also triggers a lot of random thoughts and memories. People from way in the past pop into my head often. Today I started thinking about the first travelling baseball team I played for an everyone who was on my team. The nine miles this afternoon were relatively easy but both Grunt and I were about worn out. When we got to little Irish Creek we both poured water on our heads to cool down. We walked right next to Pedlar Dam and crossed the dam on a footbridge. We could see a big frog sunning himself on the rock below. Yesterday we saw a box turtle, a couple of snakes and some deer. The woods are alive. Tonight at the shelter are Afterburner, Caddis, Guy, Grunt and I. Guy is a section hiker from Israle who just started. He is a real nice kid. Chiquita stayed back at Punchbowl and wasn't feeling well. Caddis also told us Subman and Flick were staying for the night. Still no sign of Java and Dimples. Don't know what's up with those crazy kids.
Date: 2013-04-21
From: Deep Gap

To: Hughes Gap
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

4/21Woke up from a cold nights sleep. Luckily Spider (a hiker we just met last night) had started a fire, which made it a little easier to crawl out of the warmth of my sleeping bag. Unfortunately the fire didn't make it any easier to leave camp. At the top of the first climb, Unaka Mountain, there was a beautiful spruce Forrest which was the highlight of the days hike. We ran into CB-Dubs and Roadrunner when we got down and found out that we had actually camped 0.5 miles short of where we thought. Guess that explains why yesterday felt so short. For the sake of the mileage count on here I'm going to leave it as is and count today's mileage from the same spot to make up the difference. We took a poorly marked side trail 0.6 miles to a hostel for resupply. The selection was underwhelming to say the least and we were short on cash at a cash only resupply. In hind sight I would have resupplied for an extra day in Erwin, TN rather than hike 1.2 round trip to keep from packing 1 days worth of food. It was a mistake that hopefully I won't make again. The highlight of the detour was the hostile neighbor who yelled obscenities at hikers as they walked past his property.We ended the day a little over 17 miles further up the trail at a nice little camping spot just short of Hughes Gap. We camped with a couple from Kansas named Betterman and Smothers that we've been hiking near for the past week. We had a fire and got to know each other a little better it just being the four of us. It was really nice. They are some very good people. Afterward we hunkered down in our tents for another cool night.
Date: 2003-04-30
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

Grunt and I both woke up feeling tired and lazy. Layed in our bags too long and didn't get hiking till 9:30. Caddis didn't leave the shelter until close to 1:00! it was a lazy day for me. The sky was overcast all day. The day was quite black. We had a 3000 foot climb up Bald Knob and then climbed up Cold Mountain. Cold Mountain was a cool bald that reminded me of Tennessee. Before climbing Tar Jacket Ridge we noticed a swing about 30 yards left of the Trail. We took turns swinging on it and ended up breaking for an hour. We got to the shelter at 4:30, our usual early arrival. I would have tried to push to the next shelter but was feeling unmotivated. Afterburner, Donkey, Chiquita and Caddis came in later. At about 7:30 the thunder and lighting rolled in and the skies opened up. It has been pouring for the last hour and a half. I have to say, a full shelter is quite cozy during a storm. The plan is to hike two 21 mile days into Waynesboro. I'm definitely gonna take a day off before hitting the Shenadoahs. I really need it. It will be 380 miles since Damascus and boy I am beat! It'll be nice to let some people catch up too. Passed the 800 mile mark today. Quite exciting.
Date: 2013-04-22
From: Hughes Gap

To: Doll Flats
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: clear sky

4/22Today we hiked a section that included Roan Mountain and Carvers Gap. We had great weather for a day filled with phenomenal scenery. Hiking was difficult but the forest and views from the balds made it worth it. While hiking we reunited with some of the Goat Herd (CB-Dubs, Roadrunner, Peanut, and Mountain Goat) at Overmountain Shelter which is a barn that had been converted into a shelter for hikers. On the way down we ran into a deer that was walking the trail about 40 yards ahead of us. We finished the day at Doll Flats with the guys we ran into at Overmountain Shelter and are officially done with NC. Tomorrow we will get an early start to catch the hiker breakfast at Mountain Harbor B&B. Rumor has it's the best breakfast on the trail so hopefully it doesn't disappoint.
Date: 2003-05-01
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night at 9:30 during the storm two guys came into the shelter. One of them asked, "Is Deborah Alder here?" Well, that's Chiquita's name and she said, "Yeah, right here." The guy came over and gave her a big kiss. It was AKA, her boyfriend. He started March 16 and has been pulling big miles to catch her. They planned their hikes independently and figured he'd catch up eventually. She knew he was close but didn't know when he would catch up. He did 32 miles in the rain to see her. That's love! Turns out AKA lived in Park Slope, Brooklyn, for a year, right near my house. The other guy was Subman, who just decided to come along for the ride. Luckily we had room for them, but it was a filled house with Donkey, Grunt, Caddis, Afterurner, Chiquita, myself and now the other two. Seems the love birds had a lot of chatting and catching up to do. Despite his long day, both AKA and Chiquita were up at 6:00 a.m. talking Grunt and I got an early start and were hiking by 8:00. today was a tough day! We cruised the first 7 miles to the Priest shelter, took a break, and started the 3000 foot descent off the Priest. Hardly any switchbacks. My knees were screamin'. We got down to the Tye River, which is about 900 feet. Gurnt and I soaked our feet and watched as five or six frogs played in the water. Had a hellacious climb up the three ridges. We gained back that 3000 feet we lost going up this time. The second and third ridges seemed to go on forever. Unfortunately, not much of a view, up there. We called it a day when we got here. Just Grunt, Afterburner and I are here and it's 7:30. Expecting some more to roll in soon. I watched a couple of rabbits hop around the shelter this evening and got a good picture. As always, we arrived a the shelter at 4:30. I've felt so guilty for stopping early almost everyday which others hike till 7 or so. But I've decided it doesn't boher me much anymore. It can put in a full day, especially like today (20 +) and still have the afternoon to sit around, relax, read and enjoy myself. There are advantages to hiking fast. It'll be 21 miles into town tomorrow. It's been 7 days and 135 miles in between real town stops and I am surely ready for a day of rest and lots of greasy, unhealthy food. Today is the first day of May, two months since I was on Springer Mountain. It's sad to think that so much time has elapsed, but its exciting to know I can carry on this lifestyle for another three months.
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Doll Flats

To: Campsite After Hardcore Cascades
Miles today: 19.7

4/23Woke up at 5:45 to get out of camp in time to hike a couple miles for Mountain Harbor's hiker breakfast at 8:00. It lived up to every bit of the hype. Mary and Terry were very accommodating and the food was phenomenal. There were hash browns with poached eggs, sausage and bacon, coconut danishes with homemade whipped topping, fruit salad, baked pears, strawberry banana smoothie shots, pancakes, carrot cake muffins with cream cheese icing, strawberries stuffed with pineapple and cream, eggs, coffee, tea, and juice. Hands down the best meal I've had on the trail so far and probably one of the best breakfasts I've had in my life. We picked up a few things from their resupply to get us through the next couple of days and left with full stomachs. We hiked the whole day with Roadrunner, CB-Dubs, Mountain Goat, and Peanut, who has been renamed TK (Tiny Klutz) to avoid confusion since there are a couple of other Peanuts on the trail. We passed several waterfalls and took a long break when we came to a river. There was a fallen tree over the water so we ditched our packs and sat on the trunk, taking in the suns warmth and dipping our feet in the cold water. We ended the day at a campsite just past some cascades 19.7 more miles complete.
Date: 2003-05-02
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I made it to Waynesboro. I'm taking tomorrow off before hitting the Shenendoahs sunday morning. I m a tired hiker right now, havent had a day off since Damascus 388 miles back. I'm most of the way through Virginia and feeling real good. Been hiking with Grunt everyday. We both got new packs and lightened our loads so we can really move. We are sharing a room with Afterburner and have been hiking on and off with Caddis, Tree, Chiquita, Journyman, Subman and a couple others occasionally. We some how got in a pocket and its been really nice. I relied on the social aspect early on to acclimate me to trail life. Now its more enjoyable to just have a few people around and not to have crowded shelters every night. Java and DImples somehow fell behind. We havent seen them in 8 days but i hear they're not too far behind. They were going to Charlottsville tonight to hang with Javas bro. Dimples has a friend hiking with her in the shenendoahs..so I may not see her for a LONG time. But hopefully our paths will cross again. Its gotten hot out and the bugs are out in force. My legs are getting chewed to pieces. My beard is fully in and I ve lost about 20 pounds. I just CANT get enough to eat. I can only carry so much food on the Trail. No one is gonna be able to recognize me when I come home in a month or so.    We hiked 21 miles today by 230 and were sitting at the road to town when a man pulled over and offered us a ride to town. Trail Magic! he drove us everywhere we needed to go and then bought 3 of us dinner at Shoneys! What a treat that was. 4 plates of food later and a ride to the library, we said our goodbyes. Its people like this gentelman who make the trip worthwhile. We ve been doing big miles and ive been dragging the last couple days, but im excited for a day off. Kindness like that really rejuvinates you.    I will update tomorrow and fill in some of the holes. Thanks so much to all reading and signing the guestbook. I will get back to all of you eventually...t really means a lot to know people are supporting me.