morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-05-21
From: Plum Orchard Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

First day of really hiking. Trail legs seemed to come back. Lots of uphill and we're doing ok. Ran into a youth group who warned us not to spend the night in the shelter. Bears had been very active and stolen food from them the night before. Come to find out that a pair of bears had stolen food a couple nights in a row. We hung our food PCT style hoping to foil them but they still managed to steal one bag. A shot in the air chased them off for the rest of the night. They at least can recognize the report of a gun. Can't believe how many NOBOs there are this late in the season.
Date: 2018-05-22
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Made good progress even after a bear raid during the night. Decent miles after a sleepless night. Lots of thunder during the day but managed to stay out of the rain. Passed Standing Indian Mountain with great views. Pretty much a slow day. Getting our trail legs back up. Decided to camp and ride out the rain instead of stopping at another shelter. Decent water and plenty of NOBOs at campsite.
Date: 2018-05-23
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Tough day today. Third day out is always the toughest. Legs hurt, feet hurt, rain etc. Ran into Tulsa many times today. The "Town Tug" was strong as we passed many views from Mount Albert and started thinking about great food and beer in Franklin. Tony decided he had enough fun for awhile and decided to get off of the Trail in Franklin. We made a call to Gooders Grove Hostel and got the pick up. Just enough time for a cold beer and shopping but were left with only one restaurant left for supper as we were too late for anything else. Tonys bought us dinner and beers as a goodbye gift. The usual crowd at Gooders Grove: NOBOs Sections and LASHs. Everybody had a tale and a name after 150 miles on the trail. It was good to be back in the hiker world.
Date: 2018-05-24
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Cold Spring Shelter 
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

We made good time and headed to Cold Spring Shelter along with a bunch of folks. We spent a lot of time at the Wayah Tower enjoying the views. We were pushing hard. When we got to the shelter there was no surprise when we found it full. So we set our tents atop a ridge and rode out one heck of a thunderstorm. A five year old was accompanying her mom from California on her NOBO trip. She was startled at the first sound of thunder but settled in great after that. They both beat us out of camp in the morning. That little girl was tough and so was mom. Tulsa was with us for the night
Date: 2018-05-25
From: Cold Spring Shelter 

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

Arrived at the Nantahala Outdoor Center around 4:00 pm. There was a pretty good hiker crowd assembled along with a Memorial Day crowd that came in to ride the rafts down the Nantahala River. We got checked in to the bunkhouse and came back to the restaurant. Wow what a great meal! After showers and well fed we did a load of laundry. Its funny how hikers stood in the rain while others scampered for shelter. There were cars from every state in the southeast. Florida was well represented. The atmosphere was like that of a resort or cruise ship. People hanging out in the bars, stores or restaurants was a sensory overload even after only a week on the trail.
Date: 2018-05-26
From: NOC

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 13.0

We never had much of a plan for today. Mark and I joined up with Tulsa and 2017 flipper, Bangles, for the long hike to Sassafras Gap Shelter. As we hiked we were joined by a bunch of folks with the same idea. After hearing of how much rain was on the way the four of us decided to head four miles further to Stecoah Gap and call for a hostel. Buffalo made a the call and even though the hostel in the book was full he sent us on to Wolfe Creek Hostel. We stopped at Cheoah for some awesome views. We ran into a small group that had a hiker down with beaver fever. He had drank untreated water from a spring and got very sick. They called 911 and the Robbinsville Emergency folks were on the way. We felt bad for the poor guy and thought how many times we were tempted to drink from the many pipes that brought water from the hillsides untreated. Now I'm glad we fought the urge.It was an awesome choice to go to Wolfe Creek. It was the childhood home of the owner, Lonnie, and right next to a restaurant. We ate well and enjoyed the shower and private rooms. On the Trail it always amazes me how fast you can put a plan together with people you just met. The four of us settled in for the night with our laundry done, clean and with full bellies. The Trail provides.
Date: 2018-05-27
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 15.0

The four of us headed north towards Fontana Dam with different destinations in mind.  Bangles got off at Yellow Creek for an extended few days in a hostel she enjoyed on her flip flop last year. Tulsa was to finish his hike at Fontana Dam. He was looking forward to spending the night at the famous Fontana Hilton Shelter. We knew we had to shuttle our vehicles the next day. Buffalo's car was waiting for us at the Dam. We dropped off Bangles at the trailhead around 1:00 and walked on to Fontana. After a cold soda at Cable Gap boat launch we got to Fontana Hilton. Tulsa met us there and it didn't take much to get him to go back to Lonnie's place at Wolfe Creek. Hard to beat a hot meal, laundry, cable and a free shuttle.
Date: 2018-05-29
From: Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We got up the next morning, had breakfast and then dropped Tulsa off at the NOC to his rental car. Hated to say goodbye to this young guy. A devout Christian he had kept us grounded for 75 miles. Then we headed to Dicks Creek Gap to get my truck. The weather was so crappy we got lost on the way back to Lonnie's and didn't get our car to Davenport Gap. Mark got a call from work to see if he could accompany his co-workers to visit an operation in Tennessee while there. So the next day he met his colleagues at Davenport Gap and dropped off another hiker that was staying with us at Lonnie's named Bandaid. I met them on their way back and picked up Mark after a great supper. All was good. We missed a bunch of rain in the process.
Date: 2018-05-30
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollie's Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: few clouds

It was a little daunting entering the Great Smoky Mountain National Park again. I had broke my ankle there in 2017. It was dry and cold when I left for Thanksgiving 2016 and on fire when we returned in December 3 2016. The place has been my nemesis. But I was ready despite the floods being described on TV and the bad weather on the way. We were ready to get this place knocked out. Funny how so many folks plan their vacations around a trip here, ...and we just wanted to knock it out.It was almost a 3000' climb out of Fontana to Mollie's Ridge. The views from Shuckstack were great despite the storm clouds gathering. On the way up Buffalo stopped me to ask if the log rolled over was evidence of bear activity. About the time I swung around to see what he was talking about when a bear 20 feet away stood up on his hind quarters to look at Buffalo. It was like a scene from a Benny Hill show. The bear just lumbered off. He was a pretty bear as black as coal with a shiny coat.We hung all of our equipment on the bear cables just as I had been taught by Kurtis and LB four years before and settled into Mollies Ridge Shelter for the night. Then a section hiker came in around dusk and cooked his dinner in the bunk over me. He wanted to know what all the fuss was about with bears? With 3 Shelters closed for bear activity and our close sighting all I could say was "Yikes!".
Date: 2018-05-31
From: Mollie's Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A long day in the rain. There was a good crowd in the shelter. My feet are blistered pretty bad. The Solomon Shoes are not making it. Way too soft. I just continue to push through and Buffalo is patient with my less than stellar miles. Fortunately there are many shelters so far.
Date: 2018-06-01
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Still nursing bad feet. Many of the trails in the GSMNP are bridal trails too. This leads to a very rocky surface that is making its way through the bottom of my shoes and hurts pretty good. Not big miles today but I thought we did pretty good. We managed to beat the rain to the Shelter. There we met many new folks that were Northbound and had kept together somewhat. I love when the young people get together and what they come up with. Some of the crew is: Mary Poppins ( a graduate student who is a LASH), Sherpa (a very recent high school graduate NOBO), Mikey ( a very recent college graduate NOBO), and Narnar (a recent college graduate NOBO). A gal came in and did foot massages as trail magic. Mine were so beat up I let it go but she gave me some Lukor Tape which helped.Later in the evening a group of ladies came in like a bunch of giggly school girls. They held reservations so we thought we'd get booted but we managed to find a place for everybody. They were a bunch of fun and a few had never hiked before. As usual there were the jokes about farts and bears or getting lost on the way to the privy. I put in my headphones and pulled my hat over my eyes around 8:00 and when I awoke around 9:30 everybody was fast asleep. Shelters are like that most of the time. Folks tend to respect "Hiker Midnight".
Date: 2018-06-02
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We busted out as early as we can to get to Newfound Gap. Highway 441 is the only route that intersects with the Trail while on the AT so its the only re-supply area if you don't want to carry 6-7 days worth of food. Buffalo reached his son Joshua who was working as an intern in Johnson City and he joined us on Clingmans Dome and hiked with us some as well. Clingmans Dome is the highest point on the AT but all views were obstructed by fog. Joshua drove down to Newfound Gap and then walked up to meet us on the Trail to hike along with us. The bottom dropped out when we made it to Newfound Gap. It amazes me how dry it was in 2016 when we were set to cross the Smokies. There were fires everywhere on the road coming up from Gatlinburg. The food we packed was that Mountain House stuff that used little water. Now we have been rained on each day while here.Joshua brought us into town for a motel stay. All of our stuff was wet. Our room smelled like a wet dog. He took us to a grocery store, laundry and then we went out for dinner. The town of Gatlinburg was nuts. It was like Myrtle Beach on a Saturday night. The streets were crowded and people were cruising the T-shirt shops, bars and restaurants. They came from everywhere. Talk about sensory overload!
Date: 2018-06-03
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Josh hiked with us to Charlys Bunion and then headed back to Newfound Gap. Joshua hiked with us through a bunch of Vermont when he was with us in 2016. It was great to have him around again. Once again the rain held off until we got close to our destination. Charlys Bunion was awesome and we had great views all the way to Newport and beyond. We continued on to Tri Corner Knob Shelter only to find a bunch of the same NOBOs and Sections we left at Double Spring Shelter. Bear activity had closed the next shelter on and the constant rain had forced us all together. There were even Flip Flop hikers on their southbound hike. The place was packed so we set our tents up in the rain. The company was great but we knew that we were going to get kicked out anyway so into the rain we went. It kept raining into the night. My tent still leaked. The young hikers were great. I miss those kind of folks. I feel a little young when they are around. I wished them luck and we dumped what food we could on them with their short budgets.
Date: 2018-06-04
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter

To: Chestnut Trail and Big Creek Ranger Station
Miles today: 15.0

Last day on the trail to finish our Thru/Fire Miles. Today was bittersweet. It was a long hike to Mount Camerrer. The Trail was beat up due to horses and my feet took a beating. But almost like on cue the sun was out and the sky blue. I found the place where a year before I tripped and broke my ankle. It amazed us both how far I had to walk out with a broken ankle. Still can't believe I did it.It was a little melancholy to look back at Max Patch. This was the place we made the decision to get off the Trail in 2016. It took us two years to see every blaze. It was worth the wait. Instead of going to Davenport Gap we took the long cut to Big Creek Ranger Station to get Buffalo's car. We high fived and left. We had a long drive back to Wolfe Creek Hostel and then on to Fontana Dam to pick up my truck. It was over and we were glad it was over.
Date: 2016-03-13
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Hello World,We took "the leap" on leap year and tied the knot on February 29th, 2016.   That makes us a pair of "hitched hikers". We had a fantastic pre-honeymoon in Costa Rica following our wedding but are looking forward to starting our real honeymoon on the Appalachian Trail in about two weeks. For our first post, we wanted to share some of the humorous advice and responses we have gotten from our family and friends. The range of emotions we have encountered fills the spectrum from curious, to shocked, to disinterested. Here are our favorites so far:* After hearing our plans, a friend from church said, "my idea of an adventure is a nap!"* When we asked one of our nieces, 10 years old, if she wanted to do some of the trail with us, she said, "I've got school..." So basically she would rather go to school then walk outside- yikes!* One family member told us, "Maybe you should go on the hike first, and then decide if you still want to marry her."* Another friend asked how often we would be showering, to which we replied "at least once a week." That evoked a very loud "disgusting!!!" with the sarcastic comment, "at least the smell will be effective for birth control."* Our pastor wasn't so convinced, knowing it was a six month hike, quipped, "see you guys in nine months!"We look forward to sharing our journey with all who are interested.
Date: 2016-03-19
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

With a little over one week to go, we have been busy making final preparations. So exactly how does someone prepare for a 6 month hike? For us, it started several months ago. If you are married, you probably remember how busy it was just before your wedding arranging photographers, sending invitations, tasting delicious overpriced cake, etc.   The constant whizzing sound of a food dehydrator was probably not part of your story...So what is a food dehydrator? Basically it is a noisy device that you put food in to make your whole house smell like whatever you are dehydrating. No more air fresheners folks! Just cut up some strawberries. You can even go organic if that's your thing. Sure there are a few limitations. For instance, you cannot put anything containing fat in it because it will go rancid (i.e. The whole American diet). Beyond that, you just cut up food, place it on trays, and a little fan blows warm air over the food until it is lifeless, dry, and the wonderful aroma has filled your house. Which brings us to the title of this post. I think we inadvertently discovered a new way to torture cats. Just try dehydrating tuna! Im pretty sure the aroma would drive them nuts, especially if you threw in a little cat nip. It certainly seems to have brought out our dog's inner feline. If you are skeptical, it was definitely a human torture instrument. Wow. Overpowering.
Date: 2016-03-22
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

In just one week, sleet or shine, we will begin what for some would be the trip of a lifetime! For us, the journey of a lifetime really began when we gave our lives to the Lord and it will continue forever. The bible says to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all of these things will be added to you." God had added so much, giving us great jobs, a beautiful home, he brought us together, and now he has given us this special time to spend together enjoying each other and worshipping him while exploring his creation. Wow! As this part of the great adventure begins to take shape, we have begun to say our "goodbyes.". Really they are " see you laters". Farewells at church, farewells to friends. This morning, for example, he said "see you later" to shaving! His job for the last nine years has been in a manufacturing environment which requires a clean shaven face. Today was his last shave for seven months! Unfortunately, she likes his nice smooth face. In an effort to influence his decision, she threatened, "I'm not shaving until you do!" Which one will last the longest? Probably more blog posts on this later.
Date: 2016-03-25
To: Florida for Resurrection Sunday
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

With this new chapter in our lives come many changes...one of them being change in occupation. We are now aspiring "Thru-Hikers" instead of our previous occupations. We have both completed our final day of work before we start our new adventure! Her last day was Thursday. She put away her nursing badge. She hung up her scrubs. She used a stethoscope for the last time for at least 6 months. She has bittersweet feelings about her last days of work. She's leaving behind a wonderful work family of doctors, nurse practitioners, and fellow nurses. She's leaving behind the precious babies she's been caring for since she began her nursing career. She continues her prayers for the sweet families she's met along the way. She looks forward to the adventure that lies ahead with her husband. His last day was Friday. His work group threw him an epic farewell party complete with an embarrassing poster signed by all of them, a cake reading "Take a Hike", gifts for the trail, and a sympathy card for his wife for what she is about to endure. His work coveralls are now all put away, his hard hat is in the closet on the floor, and his cell phone is no longer on call. He loves the responsibilities, being part of a team and the sense of purpose that his job gives him, but a brief break is welcome. He is looking forward, not looking back. He is looking forward to the new pages that will be added to their story.On our first honeymoon in Costa Rica, we heard the saying "Pura Vida", which translates to "Pure Life". Over the next six months we are looking forward to discovering what "Pura Vida" really means. And just like that, we're off. We're starting the 15 hour drive from our home in Texas to his family's home in Florida to celebrate the Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. They will be driving us to Georgia where we will begin our journey on Tuesday!
Date: 2016-03-27
To: Florida on Resurrection Sunday
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

So after nine years of discussing weekly safety topics on the job, he can't help but continue the tradition on the trail. On the trail, the worst insect born illnesses are Lyme disease and West Nile virus. In this picture, you can see him holding a yellow spray bottle and decorating a bush with hiking gear like a Christmas tree with ornaments. What he is doing is applying Permethrin to their gear. It is a mosquito and tick killer. You can spray it on your tent, backpack, socks, pants, etc. if you do outdoor activity, we highly recommend picking up a bottle. Sawyer sells a 12oz and a 24oz bottle, and both come with a sprayer. It can also be used to kill a bee infestation if you buy it in dust form (he knows this from personal experience). Along those lines, when he got it to kill bees, it was labeled as a dust for garden insects... Do you really want to kill your pollinators? Speaking of killing things, it is safe to use on dogs to kill fleas and ticks but is fatal to cats...
Date: 2016-03-29
From: Springer Mountain

To: GA, High Tower Gap, 8.6
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: clear sky

Our first day on the trail! His older brother (aka Keith Urban) and dad drove us up to Cummings, Georgia last night where we stayed with one of his first cousins. Thanks guys! This morning, we thoroughly enjoyed sleeping in, taking long showers, giving it time to warm up a little. His brother and cousin walked with us to the top of Springer mountain, and we are off!Apparently some people come out here to find themselves. We are definitely not in that category. We joked with our coworkers before leaving that if we started posting poetry they should be worried. But right at the start of the trail on a plaque there was this fabulous gem:* "A footpath for those who seek fellowship with the wilderness." We seek fellowship with each other and our creator, not his creation, but it is a nice sentiment. Along those lines, here are a few other gems that we will have time to ponder while on our journey:* "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation." Thoreau* "The mountains are calling, and I must go." John Muir* "Once in a lifetime a man ought to concentrate his mind upon the remembered earth. He ought to give himself up to a particular landscape in his experience; to look at it from as many angles as he can, to wonder upon it, to dwell upon it." N Scott Momaday* "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully." Psalm 24:1-4
Date: 2016-03-30
To: Friends
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Thanks to all of the friends who have visited us along the way. If you haven't come out yet, join us for a stroll in the woods (or shuttle us to a hotel and a restaurant!)3/29/16 (mile 0): Bill and Karen3/29/16 (mile .9): Bob3/31/16 (mile 30.7): Julia and Craig5/08/16 (mile 331): Michael