morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-03
From: near George Outerbridge Shelter

To: near the Allentown Shelter
Miles today: 18.0

up @ 0700H and off by 0800H it was already 50F so we started off with shorts. The hound started off with a limp but it seemed to disappear. I kept him leashed in the am until it was really rocky and hot to limit his activity. he pulled me like a mini bull. he negitiated Bear Rocks no problem and the Knife Edge. His limp is gone and he is back to normal. Today was filled with great views and easier rocks/trail. only 26 miles back to the car in Hamburg. We should be eating fudge at the Port Clinton Peanut shop on Monday am
Date: 2010-04-04
From: near the Allentown Shelter

To: Pocohontus Campsite
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

off @ 0740H another bright sunny day -50 last night and mid 70s all day. Fontana is almost back to normal he holds the paw upon ocassion but otherwise runs around as usual. Only 3.7 miles to town   and food. It has been ration city today. Only half a small bag of pumpkin seeds, a Probar and supper. I have one Probar left for am -maybe. Lots of view points today and lots of day hikers. Saw anothersnake today only a garter.I took lots of pix -everything is starting to bloom and turn green. I am cowboy camping tonightunder the stars. Fontand Liz are tenting it. Lots of buzzards today riding the thermals. Little to no gun fire today -it has been a constant during daylight hours. We almost got runover by a mountain biker who came flying around a corner andscared the dog leashed to me. We saw 5 horses today on the trails too. Today started off rock hopping but then it was double track city and easy going. We could have made it to town but it would have been after 1900H. Then we would have another 3 miles on the bikerail trail to the car. Chances are most things like the candy store would be closed anyway plus we didn't want to hike out with any food left. We visited the Windsor Furnance and got some really cool blue rocks. So we will be hiking out in the am and looking for a shower and maybe laundry but most importantly food. we will head to CT and stay over night and be home tuesday pm. we will have hiked around 425 miles total in 26 hiking days. see you soon.
Date: 2008-02-04
To: Day of the Adventurer
Miles today: 0.0

I thought the following would be a good way to start my Trail Journal. Here is what The Secret Language of Birthdays by Gary Goldschneider and Joost Elffers has to say about me based on my birthday... amusing.February 19: The Day of the AdventurerThe tough and determined individuals born on February 19 must fearlessly explore their environment and ultimately follow their inquisitive instincts to far-off worlds. Most born on this day generally overcome heir childhood sensitivities early and develop quickly into solid individuals capable of handling the stresses of everyday life. Although they can show an interest in mystical realms, February 19 people are usually practical enough to keep their feet on the ground and simply observe. Their more fanciful side can manifest in a love of travel, adventure and romance. The crucial point here is the challenge of pursuing goals which are distant and difficult to attain. February 19 people like to break new ground with their efforts. Giving their own personal stamp to ideas and activities appeals to them greatly. Their drive toward success is quite healthy and vital. They must, however, beware of growing insensitive or callous from years of overcoming resistance or knocking down barriers. Preserving their inner sensitivity is crucial, and indeed possible, but only when they allow it into their profession, making it part of what they do and who they are. Those born on this day who believe that their work life and personal life are somehow two unrelated and distinct entities with no bearing on each other may be deluding themselves. Although February 19 people do best on their own, they also make good team players and a good measure of their success is dies to their perceptiveness and awareness of those who are working with them, particularly in the area of sizing up strengths and weaknesses, and recognizing potential. February 19 people often have marked leadership abilities, though they rarely desire to be in charge. Others generally respect them for their talents and see them as steady, reliable and stable. However, when february 19 people feel the impulse to move, or make a major change, they must be free to follow their instincts. Those who follow them must be prepared for anything.Those born on february 19 are generally not the most nurturing of people. One way to develop this side of their character is to spend more time with children, not necessarily their own. In addition, social activities of all kinds can keep them in touch with the concerns and needs of others. Ultimately, however, February 19 people need to go off and do their own thing Most often their goals are not those of society at all, but pertain to self-development and matters of honor. When these impulsive, spontaneous people hear the call they cannot but follow it. Because they are so often driven to be reckless, they must avoid self-destructive activities Although we are all prone to be our own worst enemy from time to time, those born on this day are more prone than most.
Date: 2008-03-21
To: Amacalola Falls State Park
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

My bag has been packed and my hair has been cut... several times. Here's my pack with everything in it but the sleeping back (stuffing it should be avoided when possible... destroys feathers and makes you cold). My base weight (everything but food, water and clothes) is about 15 pounds give or take a half pound (I'm still messing around with it), which is quite light. I'm still packing up my house and making food. I've realized that, no matter how much time I have and how much advanced planning I do, I will always schedule myself so that I use up all the time i have until a deadline. This is not the same as procrastination. I've been prepping for 6+ months. If i ever do this again, I'll make myself stop a week ahead of time... which will probably be easier when not working 2 jobs.I read a quote in one of my backpacking cookbooks, "Every self respecting backpacker has a home dehydrator. They are worth their weight in gold." This was a valuable lesson learned. I've dehydrated everything from herbs to sauces, salsas, soups, vegetables, and even pad thai! It's actually been a lot more fun than I thought it would be. Don't be surprised if your favorite jerky shows up under the Christmas tree next year. (I know what you're thinking: 'Colleen, you're my favorite jerk! Please don't show up under my Christmas tree!'... you'll be sorry for thinking that if I'm eaten by a bear!). I've prepared about 110 pounds of food that will be sent to me on the trail (thank you Momma and Kenneth) in 10 different mail drops. By the way, if you're so inclined to send me mail, just click the "mail drops" link on the left and that will bring you to a list of addresses where I will be getting my food drops. Send it addressed as it is on the site, and send it a week before the ETA date on the list (which will be changing soon). Enough chatter for now... more packing. The next entry I write will be from the trail and is promising to be much more interesting. I'm starting in Georgia with Linda, a 59 year mom on Tuesday. My train leaves Monday at 3:55. Peace and love.
Date: 2008-03-26
From: Springer Mountain

To: Cooper Gap
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: broken clouds

This was a kind of funny night. I ended uo camping with Dave from Maine because both of us were pooped and couldn't make it to an official camp site. THe funny part is that we dry camped, meaning we camped with no water nearby. That's pretty unheard of on the AT. Today the knee pain started.
Date: 2008-03-27
From: Cooper Gap

To: Jarred Gap
Miles today: 13.9

Today serious knee pain kicked in to the point that I limped majorly for most of the day. It hurt to bend my left knee more than 5 degrees. Met Pat and Jeff today and camped with them... very good guys. Also did my first hitch in Suches and found out that I need to go back to VIllanova for a interview. I'm not so sad since I'm in such pain. Aiming on a short hike tomorrow into Neels, then will figure out how to get home.
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap, GA
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Days off didn't seem to help the knee much. Not a good day. Cold, windy, rainy and painful. GOt to shelter early and there was a great gaggle of fabulous people. Met Barefoot Sage, Bluebelle, Bull Dog, and Hot Sauce and Thunder Thighs were named. Good times at the shelter
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Low Gap, GA

To: HIawassee
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

Wow. More rain and pain, but Barefoot Sage worked on my leg last night which was great. I happen to stumble upon a masseuse! Lucky me. Got a shuttle to Hiawassee Inn and saw the rare and mysterious ANdrew Simpson, well equiped with his ukelele. He is the trail troubadour. SO grateful to be in a dry warm place! AYCE (all you can eat) for dinner!
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: moderate rain

Phew! I'm beat. We were considering taking a 0 day.. .weather has been chilly and rainy (hello Hypothermia!), but when we (Barefoot Sage and I) found out there were a few more charges at the Hiawassee Inn than we expected, we decided to slack pack. Slackpacking, to purists, is cheating. Slackpacking to Forest Gimp, is a life saver. Slackpacking is getting dropped off at one point sans backpack and gettign picked up at another point the same day. We hiked 17.2 miles without packs... it was GLORIOUS! It's amazing the difference without a pack! IT was rainy, muddy and chilly when we breaked, but the Trail Angels were in full force. I had my first burger in 6 or 7 years, thanks to boyscout troop??? but I'm greatful for each and evey one of their precious souls. I' already craving another burger. I"ve been missing out for a few years!WE're staying at the Cloud 9 Hostel tonight. They gave us a free shuttle for hanging ads for the hostel (there's some pretty heavy competition down here for hikers' patronism down here). Love it here, and kinda wish I stayed here last night. They have a jacuzzi!... speaking of which, time to jump in.Peace and love and keep up with signing the guest book!... love the entries! You have no idea how energizing they are.Peace and love,Forest Gimp
Date: 2008-04-05
From: HIawassee

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: moderate rain

First slack pack!~ which is hiking while your pack gets a break and louges by the hot tub at the hostel... well, at least at the Cloud 9 hostel. BS worked on my leg as we walked and it's making a hige difference. I'm learning to work on it myself, hallelujiah! Best hostel ever! They even have a trout farm out front so you can fish for you own dinner... i chose not to, but i definitely took advantage of the tub.
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: broken clouds

Big day... Crossed into North Carolina! Georgia gave us a nice bear hug good bye with some easy, rolling hills, and Carolina welcomed us with a big "screw You!" and 2 HUGE peaks to climb. Knee only gave out in the last mile. I can hear the ROcky theme now...,"getting stronger...."... Pacled shelter and camp ground.
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: scattered clouds

I'm writing from Franklin, NC, and wasn't originally planning to stop here at all, but I gave myself permission to stop whenever I wanted in the beginning before I started this trip... so, here I am. The other really good reason I am here is because my bounce box (a box full of stuff you will need along the way so you don't have to carry and instead send ahead of you) never came. I was supposed to get it in Hiawassee, but it wasn't there, despite the fact that it was sent priority with delivery confirmation. This is a small disaster. It has my camera and cell phone chargers as well as blank checks to each of my savings accounts... I only just remembered about the checks today, so I hoofed it in 16 miles to get here before the PO closed.I'm still meeting lots of terrific people here. There certainly isn't a lack of them. Yesterday Baltimore Jack shared his dinner with me. Baltimore Jack is famous on the AT... He's the record holder for the most thru-hikes from one person, now at 8, but he may make it 9 this year. He's not sure if he'll make it. Believe it or not, he has knee problems. Go figure?!?!? Funny enough, he didn't even finish his first attempt. He's prone to falling as he's pigeon toed (and he's currently bearing many many cuts to prove it if you missed his comical walk in the woods). Anyway, there is a reason that he is a legend: He's wonderful. From the outside is the complete antithesis of someone who's thru-hiked 8 times. He's a beefy, humble guy with glasses, a way too heavy pack (full of food that he dispenses to anyone around), and he only eats one time a day, and even then, he's happy to share whatever he has to who ever is around. He's fantastic.I'm going to have to cut this short since I'm getting kicked off the computer, but I hope this finds you all healthy and well.Peace and love,ForestPS--Ron Haven is an angel. He owns the BUdgett Inn and gives free shuttle rides to hikers. And he is an amazing story teller who favors telling tales of the local hillbillies.
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Franklin, NC

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

FOr whatever reason, I felt aweful hiking today. Was hoping to go farther, but there was no way. It worked out, thoguh because this was my favorite shelter. beautiful view of the sunrise and sunset. Nice gorup of folks. Team peace Train was out in full force.
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: clear sky

Felt much better today and it was a good thing since there was a LOT of steep down hill which can be rougher than uphill. Stayed at the NOC... what a rip off! $20 for a bunk! Geared more toward rafting tourists. But I had a little trail angel pay for me... Rookie talked me into coming into the NOC instead of camping alone on the condition that he paid for me. We stayed with Ref and BS. Good times. Trail magic for today: mysterious 1983 thru-hjiker showed up with Ice Creamn! Blessings Ice cream man!
Date: 2008-04-11
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

Was hoping to go farther today, but the weather forescast called for thunderstorms all day. Stopped before noon... rain didn't start until 7:30. As Twineman put it, :good thing we stopped huiknig in time!" IT was a great time... Twineman and Team Peace Train with Birdsong and Flute Walker. Lots of good fodder for conversation.
Date: 2008-04-12
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Biggest day of miles yet. BS and I were going to stay at the last shelter 6.5 miles back, but the sign there said that the shelter was only another 5.5 miles downhill, so we decided to go for it. I'm so glad we did because we had some of those deep, memorable, soul searching kind of conversations all the way down, so we didn't think about how sore our feet and knees were as much as we would have had we done it alone. BS is always good for those kinds of conversations. They seem to follow us sometimes. Anyway, when we arived at Fontana Dam we realized that is was another mile before we could get to the shelter. Good thing we didn't know that before hand, else we may not have gone... and clearly we had the ability to. THat shelter is called the Fontana Dam Hilton because it has showers... turned out they were .25 miles away from the shelter, so I spent another grimy night in my sleeping bag. I've realized that as long as my underwear is clean, then the rest of my body is happy being scuzzy. Lesson from the day: True happiness is clean underwear.
Date: 2008-04-13
From: Fontana Dam

To: Birch Spring Campsite
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we had to go into town, do laundry, resupply and the like. Since I lost my bounce box, this was a big day for me...hmm.... not really sure if I explained how far reaching and annoying losing my bounce box was. First, the bounce box is full of stuff that you will need in towns that you send to yourself from town to town along the trail. Mine had: phone and camera charges, personal checks for both of my savings accounts, duct tape (which no hiker is safe without), and a bunch of other little odds and ends. Reordering and canceling all of those things is more of a pain in the butt than you could ever believe when you are out here. So I did all that today.Because we had so much to do we didn't get out until 2:00. The wind started picking up and such so we set up camp at Birch Springs. The coolest part about the campsite: seeing a family of 5 wild hogs (which are invasive, as it turns out).
Date: 2008-04-17
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Since there were 4 of us, and we picked up a 5th, that needed to go back to Newfound Gap, we decided to call a shuttle. Besides, I had had enough adventure trying to thumb it the day before. It turned out that that was one of the best moves I made. They fellow who picked us up was from a tour company called A Walk in the Woods. He stepped out of the van dressed in REI Adventure gear from head to foot. That got me all excited because I knew that meant that he probably worked for REI in the same department I did. Turns out Eric (I think that was his name) leads the Smokey Mountain AT tours for REI Adventures. Anyhow, that man knew more about the Smokey Mountains then anyone. I learned so much in a 25 minute car trip... it made me sad that I hadn't done more research ahead of time. He told us about this worm known as the AT Worm because the only place it had been found in the world was on the ridge line of the AT in the Smokeys. This worm, he said, can grow to be up to 18 inches long!He also explained a bit about the plight of the hemlocks, which are being devastated by a European beetle. A lot is being done to help them, but we saw entire mountain sides covered in gray, dead hemlocks. It was so sad. One of the very special things about the Smokeys is that all of a sudden you find yourself in a grove of hemlocks. When you do you know it, even if you weren't paying attention, because the whole energy of the forest changes. When I'm hiking hour after hour day after day, sometimes I just forget to stop and look at the scenery. But that never happened when I came upon the hemlocks. Every single time I would literally fell something change in the air and I would stop and look around only to realize I had found another grove of hemlocks. It turns out that they are a very sacred tree to the Cherokee. During the time of the Trail of Tears, about 200 Cherokees escaped. They fled to higher elevation where their captures wouldn't bother to chase them. They escaped during the winter and had to stay in the higher altitudes until spring, when it was safe to come back down. It turns out the Cherokee literally lived off of the hemlocks that winter. The soft wood just under the bark was peeled off, boiled and eaten like spaghetti. The small green pine cones could be boiled and eaten and taste somewhat like sour brussell sprouts. I'm looking forward to doing some more research on that when I get home. Eric mentioned a book called 1491 if any readers are interested in finding out more.
Date: 2008-04-18
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was our last day in the Smokeys. I can't tell you how much I loved them, and was sad to leave them. It's amazing what a difference a few thousand feet can make. We came down to about 1800 feet and I was amazed and surprised to find out how green everything was. BS and I camped at a hostel called Standing Bear Farm. It's a pretty cool place. They have this little outside/inside kitchen which is perfect for dirty hikers. TOnight was THE BEST night on the trail yet. I had just been saying to BS yesterday about how I could really go for some live music. WHen we arrived at Standing Bear we were told we ahd about 20 minutes to get ready if we wanted to go into town for some Mexican, and it was rumored that there might be live bluegrass music. Live Bluegrass! I hopped in the van dirty and smelly as ever. It was a great crew of folks that went too: Married couple Sweet Potato and Brahma Bull, Muffin Paste, Blaze, Pixie Poo, and Holler, among other. What a fun crowd! You meet great folks out here. There is nothing better after the Smokeys then really good Mexican food and hillbilly Bluegrass. The band was a motley crew, but one thing they all had in common was a lack of teeth. But my oh my could those folks play. I thank them for introducing me to Rocky Top Tennessee... the song. Download it if you can. It's about one of the mountains I was on the day after the snow storm... and you'll probably love it. What a great day.Forgot to mention that I left my sleeping pad in the shelter last night. The shelter was crazy... there were about 35 people there and only 3 place to tent. We ended up staying on the floor of the shelter. I was sooooo infuriated about leaving the sleeping pad there. As luck would have it, there was one waiting in the free hiker box for me at Standing Bear Farm! Sweet! another $20 I don't have to spend! because of my own stupidity!
Date: 2008-04-20
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

Just catching up on Entries... You've read most of the good stuff.Oh, except for this. Today I lost my hat on the trail. This time I didn't worry at all since I knew Pod and Rhody (now the Pod Squad) was right behind me. I hung sign on a tree, that looked like this .This is what it looked like whence the Pod Squad came upon it. Soon I will write an entry dedicated solely to the Pod Squad... Hiked all the way into Hot Springs to avoid more bear incidences.
Date: 2008-04-21
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Heart Fire's House
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a 0 day! WooHOoooo! Next time I won't wait until I'm completely burnt out to take one.The great part about today is that BS has a friend who hikes in 2006 that came all the way from Asheville to pick us up and let us stay at her house. It was awesome! She and her husband were so very generous... they even took us out to dinner and paid for us! What a blessing.
Date: 2008-04-22
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Since Heart Fire wanted to hike with us for a bit, we slack packed from Allen Gap back to Hot Springs. It was great hiking with her... She had even gone running 3 miles in the morning before our hike and she had no problem keeping up. We stayed at her house again... I forgot to mention that she has a huge tub with jets in it. You have no idea what a treat these things are to hikers! The bad part about today is that my camera broke. I think it died of old age. But Lordy it was frustrating because I Just got the charger back and had Just bought a new 2 gig card for it. Oy... this means that I will have to spend more money on something that I didn't plan to spend it on. This is not good news.
Date: 2008-04-23
From: Allen Gap

To: Jerry's Cabin
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: scattered clouds

I was ready to be backpacking again today. I realized that too much time in town is not good for me. Too much chaos and running around every time I get to a town. There were wonderful views from the rocky ridge that we climbed today. The flat Tennessee Valley was on the west side of the ridge, while ridge after ridge after ridge of mountains were on the east side... it was a dramatic difference. Caught up with the Pod Squad again today!