morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-04-10
From: Erwin

To: Erwin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

After a great nights sleep we were still both up at 7 am for first breakfast which Super 8 spare no expense on, seriously no expense at all.Laundry is a priority but it transpires even though I had worn the same underwear for four days, El Vago had worn the same pair for all five days. Our mothers would be so proud.Erwin is a sprawling town so we worked out we walked about five miles doing the chores.As we walked out for dinner I also managed to find my first American geo cache , El Vago showed interest which is more than my lovely lady does any more, Whoosh would have been interested.I walked into the Chinese restaurant happy with my find and ordered a beer with my food but no it was an alcohol free restaurant....again! Great food. Would I like coke products, no a bottle of Pinot Noir as I'm an adult!So now for the last bit of packing and having looked at tomorrow's elevation I need all the sleep I can get.Life is good and refreshed
Date: 2017-04-11
From: Erwin

To: stealth camp
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: overcast clouds

After a productive zero it was time to hit the trail. Second breakfast at Huddle house was called for and a shuttle was needed. The shuttle from Uncle Johnnys arrived filled with all those wanting a breakfast from the hostel and they settled in for a long time. After waiting an hour and a half there was movement so we loaded up. But then hit all the shops and fast food emporiums enroute, it was like being back with Zen. We got there in the end.So a hike of pretty much 12 miles uphill started, we were aiming for a campsite with water but the mileage was out and got a campsite without water. Luckily Vago had some spare and we were left with enough for a cold dinner and the next morning.There was a fully decorated xmas tree at the site in memory of a hiker who passed away young. RIP MaxLife is good... with water
Date: 2017-04-12
From: stealth camp

To: Clyde Smith shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

We were up and off early, stopping at the first shelter we came to for water. Vago had his oatmeal and made use of the posh shovel to drop the kids off!We meet a south bounder who had been out since July and was nearly finished.We got to our shelter at about two which is an early stop for us. We had the place to our selves for the afternoon whilst setting up and eating. We were joined later by Scar and another hiker. The weather now is gorgeous warm with a breeze and the forest is coming alive with plants. I also saw my first chipmunk Life is good.... with Alvin around
Date: 2017-04-13
From: Clyde Smith shelter

To: Overmountain shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

Another early start and we were off by seven, Vago has loads of energy in the morning and he was quickly out of sight.A view point presented it's self so a photo was taken and I noticed I had signal and spent some time chatting to my lovely lady.A hard climb up to the summit of Hump mountain revealed some stunning views.Over mountain shelter is 0.4 off the trail which is a pain but I got there before five , the shelter is a beautiful red oak barn and a flat grass area for tents with a vista.I then played hunt the Vago as he had been ahead of me. I even ringed in the scout pack to help.What to do ? Call out international rescue as we arranged to meet there or guess he did more Mileage. Option two.I had a long chat with the scout leaders , one was a 26 year police officer from Charlotte. Top guy.It was a popular site for day hikers and there must have 40 people there.Life is good... but where is Vago?
Date: 2017-04-14
From: Overmountain shelter

To: Mountaineer shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I was packed up and off by seven again but first the job of 0.4 miles uphill to get back to the AT.My phone chirped at 0830 with a text from Vago from the day before explaining he had kept going. Mystery solved.The day had everything as I walked out of North Carolina and also across the 400 miles mark.At Dolls flats the water looked to inviting and off came my stinky clothes and into the river I went for a clean off. My legs were numb.After a big day I made the shelter and was joined by Good witch, Mr . Mud , Sunshine and others.I turned in early very tired.Life is good... asleep
Date: 2017-04-15
From: Mountaineer shelter

To: Hampton
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: broken clouds

Up and off early before anyone in the shelter was moving. I was aiming for Hampton so I kept up the pace. I got passed by Dead guy ale early on but meet him at the entry to the Laurel Falls area where Blue Deer was giving out beers, I got the last one and inhaled it. The falls were popular with day hikers and dog walkers although the path down to the falls was nearly vertical. I followed the path down the river to where I meet Eight track and his wife Cathy.A mile off the trail and I was in Hampton where I got a spot at the Braemar hostel which I can thoroughly recommend. Laundry, a resupply and then a nice meal with Da Vinci for company and all was good.Tried to sleep but the neighbourhood dogs were having none of it.Life is good......with earplugs
Date: 2017-04-16
From: Hampton

To: stealth camp
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: scattered clouds

I was in no hurry to start but got moving about eight, a mile back to where I left the trail and it was straight into a two hour climb up to pond flats. After a steep down hill I arrived at Watuaga lake which was beautiful and I was tempted to go for a swim after the hot climb. I noticed some trail magic and it turned out to be Eight Tracks lovely wife in their RV looking after hikers, I got loads of cold drinks from her.Da Vinci and Blue Deer seemed very happy sat on the roof of the RV.A nice flat walk around the lake followed and obviously more climbing. I stopped at the spring two miles before Ventilever shelter and set up there. Numerous hikers stopped for water but continued to the shelter so I had the spot to myself Life is good
Date: 2017-04-17
From: stealth camp

To: campsite
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: clear sky

I was back to an early start and was passing the first shelter about eight where Little cheese, Einstein, Cousin Eddy and more were just moving.I wanted to push out a big day to get into Damascus the next day. The rain started about ten and lasted a few hours. I came out of the forest to see an RV in the parking lot and yes it was Cathy doing trail magic again. A few more drinks and I was off again. At the RV was Hop a Long who I hadn't seen for a month, nice guy.I stopped at Low Gap to get water and cook food as there was a picnic table. There was also a lady there with a car breaking rocks to release anger. She was scary!A couple of miles more and I got to the campsite shattered.There were about 12 hikers there with Hot tea, Tin cup, Fedora and more in attendance.Time for bedThanks to all signing my Guest book, amazing offer Wonder. Great to hear from you Mike.Life is good... breaking your mileage record
Date: 2017-04-18
From: campsite

To: Damascus
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

Well I woke up a 50 yr old. Lots of nice messages from friends and family on the Delorme so I got moving early and started off for Damascus. I stopped half way and chatted to mother as I had good signal. The trek into town was easy and I made it by one. Montgomery homestead looked nice and I got a room from Susie the owner. I had the place to myself initially but was later joined by Einstein and Little cheese. Lunch at Mojos called and I bumped into hikers all over town including El Vago and his wife.About 14 of us met up in Hey Joes for dinner and I was suitably embarrassed as they all sung happy birthday. Four mason jars of margarita later and I was very chilled out. It was an excellent night. I miss everyone at home but this is my choice and a birthday present to me.Life is good as a 50 yr old
Date: 2017-04-19
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

A nice lay in and then off To Mojos for second breakfast with Little cheese and Einstein. I spotted El Vago and his wife heading out for an overnight hiking trip. Far to energetic!Chores were done and Susie dropped us off at food city for a resupply.Scar joined us at the homestead and we went back to Hey Joes for dinner. To say the staff were stressed is an understatement. A couple of beers and back for an early night, young hikers were having a late beer and BBQ but I just wanted a bit of Tv and bed.Life is good on a zero in Damascus
Date: 2017-04-20
From: Damascus

To: Damacus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

My first double zero of the hike so far. Lots of chores got done with a box mailed home, a haircut and a few journal entries and much more. I spent an hour with Cathy at Hey Joes whilst Eighttrack slack packed back to town. They were doing an open mike session but no I wasn't tempted. The evening was spent at Bobo McFarlanes for a steak and beer dinner with loads of familiar faces.A good night was had by all.Back on the trail tomorrow so an early night tonight.Life is good.. with steak, beer and good company
Date: 2017-04-21
From: Damacus

To: Lost mountain shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

It was time to leave Damascus after a great stay. I retired the boots which had handled the snow, ice and mud amazingly but were very heavy so a pair of Merrill Moabs were purchased. I also did a weigh in and the AT diet was up to a 32 lb loss, feeling good.I started from Mojos after second breakfast walking down the road as Mr / Mrs Vago drove past me enroute to his start point. It was up hill for the first part of the day and it rained obviously. The weather dried out letting me put up the tent in the dry. I chatted with C biscuit and dead guy ale for a while then it was time to hit the sleeping bag.Life is good
Date: 2017-04-22
From: Lost mountain shelter

To: Wise shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

Today had everything. It rained all night but stopped long enough to take down the tent. I set off with a long day ahead. We even got trail magic just before entering Grayson Highlands. Walkmans parents provided cookies, chips and soda. The Highlands were a challenge with all the rocks and had the Fatman Squeeze to deal with, 7 weeks ago it may have been more of a challenge.I also passed the 500 miles mark and someone had made a 500 sign ... out of pony poohs! Nice The Wise shelter area was very popular with section and day hikers, there must have been 50 people there. It started raining early and I jumped in the tent to read early.I heard Dead guy ale arrive in the rain and shouted a hello Life is good... out of the rain
Date: 2017-04-23
From: Wise shelter

To: Marion
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained all night but with earplugs in I slept pretty well . It was due to be long day of 20.1 miles to Trimpi shelter but it didn't go to plan. I had to take the tent down in the rain, got moving and was lost very quickly, I found the right route and got in behind Salty and her crew in time to se Caitlin take a fall just missing a boulder with her head. She was up and about straight away, gutsy kid!We had a visitor in camp of a pony and it's tiny foal which was lovely, sorry no photos did I mention it was raining.The rain was relentless and freezing cold, I passed the first and then second shelter afraid to stop for loosing body warmth. The terrain was nice just the weather hated us that day.I was over taken just before Dikey gap by C biscuit who waited at the gap for me. I think we said in unison "Town " and stuck out our thumbs.Another two drowned rat hikers emerged from the forest and soon after a fully loaded pickup stopped and we were off still with the rain and wind battering us. Frozen hands held firm to the sides of the truck. We got dropped at the Econo lodge and even though I had stripped and had a shower I couldn't stop shaking so into bed for a warm. El Vago was at the same house we all went for a Mexican meal. The photo is of the entry to Fat man squeeze from the day before.Life is good...warm again!
Date: 2017-04-24
From: Marion

To: Marion
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After a dry night sleep C biscuit and I hit the hotel breakfast where we bumped into El Vago, Little cheese and Einstein who had all escaped the rain.We spent the day doing chores and keeping dry, the river near the laundry was nearly breaking its banks , as shown by the photo. There is a flood warning for this areaAn evening meal at the Chinese AYCE buffet which was excellent and it's time for a dry bed again.Life is good....after Chinese food!
Date: 2017-05-06
From: Marion

To: UK
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

So for a number of weeks I have found the actual act of walking on the trail for around eight hours a day , mind numbingly boring. You have to focus on the ten feet of trail in front of you as the rocks and roots will jump up and get you the moment you look away. That ten feet looks exactly the same in GA, NC, TE or VA.I tried music, mind games and all manner of things but I was just bored solid. Once it creeps into your mind you have had enough it just grows and grows ( especially if your bored ) So phone calls were made and flights booked. Two Greyhound coachs and two flights later and I was home. That was a little over a week ago. I completed 518.5 AT miles and I'm pleased with that. Overcome mountains and every form of severe weather including a blizzard ( mild snow storm for Vago ) and meet some amazing people ( a few strange ones as well ) . To everyone that read this journal and signed the guestbook my thanks.I have already started planning to walk the Thames path but that's only 180 miles over very different terrainGood luck to everyone still walking from the Class of 2017 but especially Vago, CBiscuit,Eight track, Little Cheese, Einstein, Dead guy ale, Hondo, Salty and so many more.
Date: 2017-02-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I've been planning this hike for nearly a year like so many other fellow hikers. Following college graduation, I've taken the opportunity to travel and live without many responsibilities since it'l all change come August when I interview for medical schools. My goal for this hike is to live freely while exploring the best of appalachia. I look forward to meeting diverse hikers and trail angels who will ultimately influence my perspective. I'm a little nervous but more excited after hearing of all the experiences of my friends who are former thru hikers
Date: 2017-02-26
From: Amicalola State Park

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Olivia picked me up at 3pm at my place to take me to the airport. I arrived in Atlanta around 830 with no issues. Cody picked me up at the airport and took me back to his place to drop off my stuff before going to a local brewery for some food and beers. We got to catch up on everything at this point over some good beers before going to his favorite bar where he knew everyone. He has telling them all what I was doing and most everyone was super impressed and supportive. They were all pretty drunk tho so I didn't think too much of it. I slept on his couch and got a acceptable night of sleep. We woke up at 730 for breakfast and takeoff to amicalola state park. I officially started the trail as hiker 227 at 1045 with a 43 lb pack, which is a bit heavier than normal. Me and Cody hiked the first 5 miles of the approach trail together before he parted with me and so began my solo hike. I made it to springer Mountain early afternoon where I met a couple fellow thru hikers also. After a short stop and photo, I made the remaining 2.8 miles to the next shelter for the night. There was a decent sized group in the shelter and in tents. I decided to tent since it was supposed to rain the next 2 days. So I set up and prepared my meal of butter noodles. I hung out with the group of hikers around the fire and was relieved that almost everyone else was in the friendless, humble position like me. There were many awkward smiles over bad jokes all around. We went to bed at 8pm. I woke up several times to adjust my clothes bag I was using as a pillow and shielding myself from the cold with my +5 degree sleeping bag. I got up at 545 and packed and ate before my 715 departure.
Date: 2017-02-27
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After a night of tossing and turning and waiting for my watch to hit 6am, I exited my tent to prep for the day. First, the stars out were incredible! It was pitch dark around the campsite so I had to use the red light setting on my headlamp to guide my Oatmeal preparation and pack up. I was out at 715 and quickly caught up with a girl that I saw the night before. I passed her after a brief conversation(everyone on the trail is SUPER friendly) and put in earphones to jam to my music for the next 9 miles until lunch. The scenery of the Georgia landscape overlaid with mist was beautiful at the early hour. I was such at a high during my hike today! While eating my PB and trail mix tortillas, a trail angel (random Georgian) came up to me with sucker and water that he was giving hikers. I finished my day as early as noon at the Gooch Mountain shelter in time to avoid the rain. There were already about ten hikers there who were cracking me up with a friendly quarrel between a girl my age and a retired Navy guy. For 8 hours we socialized, ate two dinners, filtered water, used the privy, and set up camp. It was awesome getting to know about a dozen of the fifty hikers who stayed around that shelter that night. So many are early professionals or retired folks. One girl is nearly my twin as she is applying for med school on the trail also and majored in BME and is taking two gap years and worked as a medical scribe. At the end of the night, due to my early arrival, I got a spot in the shelter so I didn't have to get my tent wet.
Date: 2017-02-28
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter 

To: Neels gap
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

My night in the shelter wasn't much better than in my tent. I was shoulder to shoulder with a line of about 6 people on the floor of the shelter so I had to try to be considerate with a noisy sleeping pad. I got up at 6:07 after over 10 hours of being in my sleeping bag. I was ready to go at 7:10 and was the first out of the campsite. I had the tough goal of 16 miles to Neels gap which involved going over Blood mountain. I had lunch at the base of the mountain by myself in a very peaceful campsite then made it to the top after a 2.5 mile climb. The scenery was really different with its rocky, eerie feel. I quickly went over and down the mountain to Neels gap before 2pm to again avoid rain. This time I was able to book my first stay with Mountain Crossings in a bunk room filled with up to 12 other thru hikers. Nervous at first of my welcoming, they quickly considered me a bro and I settled in after resupplying on food and eating an entire pizza. I also bought rope to tie down the fly of my tent since I thoughtlessly threw it away at home. Just like every other day, I started to plan out my hike the next day. It was an easier 12 miles to Low Gap Shelter but my German friend wanted to meet up while he was in the country. So I thought about getting closer to the highway for a hitch into the town so we can hang. In the process of this decision making, I met this cyclist guy who turns out to be this big shot veterinarian/PhD consultant for pharmaceutical companies whom turns out to be pretty cool. He wanted to push forward to get to Dick Creek Gap in 2 days and wanted to do a 21 mile day with me to keep him company or some logic like that. He offered to pay for the hostel in town after hitching so I could resupply and rest then see my German friend. I thought about it and agreed.It was good to sleep in a real bed that night even tho it was only third night in the trail.
Date: 2017-03-01
From: Neels gap

To: Unicoa gap
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept great on the mattress and my sleeping bag. I got up around 6 after sleeping 10 hours so that I could get out around 7 with my new friend Clean. We went out into the foggy (always) outdoors and through the winds of the trail. We chatted about his former life in Finland (10 years), France (2) and all around the US. I was very impressed with how educated and well mannered this guy was at 47. Talking with him made the first 5 miles or so fly by. Then I put in my headphones that had been with me to find out only one bud worked. Irritated, I put them away after struggling to hear my podcast about emotional intelligence in Spanish. We met up with some other hikers (unplanned) at low gap shelter near the 12 mile point to have lunch. We powered out the next Incline to Blue Mountain and down to Unicoi gap to catch a hitch. After some time with out thumbs out(30min), we got a Jeep to pull over and hitch us to Helen. We arrived and Clean paid for the nice ass motel where we cleaned up and went out for dinner at Bigg Daddy's. We had the biggest burgers then went back for bed.
Date: 2017-03-02
From: Unicoa gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to Clean making coffee around 530. I laid in my luxury bed (seriously one of the softest I've ever slept in) until 6 then got ready for breakfast at 630 in the lobby. It consisted of biscuits and gravy, sausage, eggs, cereal, fruit, yogurt, ect. So many good options it was overwhelming. I definitely gorged myself guiltlessly while chatting with Clean as he was looking at a full day of hiking. He got picked up from the same guy who we hitched from the day before. At this point, I had the hotel room to myself until check out at 11am. I knew I had to resupply my food for the next 4 days so I went to dollar general and got everything for around $20. I went back to my room with a pint of butterfinger ice cream and another biscuit and ate it in my hotel room with a pop tart while watching Cops. I kept looking over my AT guide to strategize my next week or so. It was super nice to chill and let my chaffing heal... But I still felt a bit guilty as I looked outside at the nice day and I was sitting inside. I went to checkout at 11 and asked the receptionist to put my pack behind the desk but he was super awesome and told me to have the room for another 3 hours. So I chilled some more before my real checkout and walked to Wendy's to get a salad and frosty. I got to see the German architecture of the town along with their German names. I switched to our next hostel that I had reserved for my German friends and me. After waiting for the power to come back for the town, I got in my room and watched some documentary on an unknown guy who was obsessed with tickling and hired young guys thousands of dollars to be taped while tickled. Don't think I'll forget that. My German friends came around 630 finally. We caught up on the last month or so of our lives and went to Bigg Daddy's (my second time) for big burgers and $1 Pbr's! I love cheap beer! We went back to the hotel for a couple more beers then went to bed at a reasonable hour since I'm used to bedtime at 8pm and we were hiking the next morning.
Date: 2017-03-03
From: Unicoa gap

To: Low Gap shelter 
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

I woke up around 7 with my German friends and had breakfast at the hotel. We quickly set off for the trail which started off at a vertical up Rocky Mountain. The top gave us a priceless view (probably the best yet) of the surrounding mountains on a cold yet beautiful day. We continued for another 3.5 miles to the top of Tray mountain for another great view and their departure. They wanted to camp out with me at the shelter that was still another 8 miles out but were having difficulty with endurance and blisters. So we said our goodbyes and I put in my headphones to tackle the next part until low gap shelter. I made it there in good time and set up camp. With a quick dinner of ramen and mashed potatoes, I prepared for the coldest night yet. Syracuse and lasersnake who I met the first night were also there. We all went to bed before 7pm due to the freezing temperatures.