morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-03-07
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

Came out today with dry boots, dry gear, and a full stomach. The trail, which was previously a river, has now frozen over and has turned to ice, but with shoe spikes it was not a problem. It was a beautiful day, beautiful weather, and amazing views. Hiked with Gator all day and we had an awesome pace. Got 15.6 miles done in just over 6 hours. We plan to stick together as long as possible and really start to kick up our miles after tomorrow when we leave the Smokies. The first half of the Smokies were wet, foggy, and crappy conditions. Now after starting the second half at Newfound Gap the trail has changed from dead hardwoods to dark green softwoods. The trail took us across the ridge line with spectacular views. We got in shelter early and were the first ones here. Claimed out sleeping quarters, cooked, and in bed early.
Date: 2015-03-08
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: broken clouds

I awoke early this morning with Gator and we tried to get an early start and really take advantage of daylight savings. We set out with a good pace and could not have asked for any better weather. It was 68 degrees today and our last day in the Smokies. We had beautiful views and awesome trail conditions all day long. There were numerous college students on spring break that decided to come out and do a little trail maintenance. It really does make all the difference in the world. We made Davenport Gap(end of the Smokies) at around 14:20. We thought it was Green corner Rd. We walked about quarter mile to the west looking for Standing Bear hostel, only to find out we had about 3 more miles to go. So we lazily thumbed it a quarter mile back to the trail head and also received some trail magic from the family who gave us a lift. An apple and a few granola bars. We continued on to Standing Bear hostel where I picked up my re supply box. We would have stayed there but it was early and we didn't want to spend the 20$pp. We walked just a little ways down the river from Standing Bear and pitched our hammocks. Not long after, a car stopped and a man walked over with 2 Gatorades. He turned out to be a former thru hiker himself. His name is, Ox. Ox sat and talked with us for awhile, left, and then came back with tuna and salmon! Our best trail magic yet. We are ourselves full and are now resting comfortably in our hammocks with the sound of the running river just a few feet to our right. It was a great day and we plan on having another tomorrow!
Date: 2015-03-09
From: Standing Bear

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Standing Bear to Walnut Mountain Shelter. 20.0I awoke to the sound of raindrops landing on my undersized rainfly. I yelled to Gator to wake him as well. It was 06:08. I got out of my hammock and started packing up my things in the rain. It's a miracle my sleeping bag wasn't soaked due to the extremely small rainfly that comes with the Hennessy Hammock. After our things were packed and we put on our rain clothes we started moving at 08:12. Extremely hard climbs today coming out of standing bear. All day was uphill and very few downhills. We got to Max Patch around 13:00 and had awesome views. We continued on and passed Roaring Fork Shelter at 15:30 and decided to push 5 more miles to Walnut Mtn Shelter. The last 1.5 miles were straight up and sucked, but we finally got here. Our first 20 mile day and it feels good. Pitched my hammock, ate some food, and now in my hammock getting rained on again due to this undersized rainfly.
Date: 2015-03-10
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 13.1

Well last night after trying to readjust the rainfly on my hammock about 7 times, I gave up and took refuge on a slanted flat in the shelter. Gator woke me about 06:30 this morning and we made our oatmeal, brewed our coffee, packed our things and were on our way. Mostly downhill today and fairly easy hiking. Made it into Hot Springs at around 13:15 and it wasn't until I checked my phone I realized it was my birthday today. My girlfriend reminded me of a package she sent to Elmers Sunnybank Inn, so I stopped by and retrieved it. Inside was an awesome wristwatch, food, and cute little notes she left. We then went to the nearest restaurant and both ordered a bacon cheeseburger. After eating and airing out feet out in the restaurant (sorry to anyone around us), we walked over to Bluff Mountain Outfitters and I purchased a new rainfly for my hammock. Maybe I'll actually stay dry now. Taking the rest of the day off here at the Laughing Heart Hostel in Hot Springs. I just met Elf, and we have spent the last few hours talking about our love for Tolkien's books. Plan on doing some laundry and heading out early tomorrow morning.
Date: 2015-03-11
From: Hot Springs

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: light rain

On the topographical map, today's hike out of Hot Springs looked brutal. Surprisingly, it was not all that bad. We made Springer Mountain Shelter right before 13:00 and had lunch. We then decided to push the extra 8.7 miles to Little Laurel Shelter. I got there around 16:30 and Gator was not there. He was in front of me so I thought that he pushed ANOTHER 6.5 miles to the next shelter. I was too tired so I just stayed there with Wayfarer, who I had met coming into the shelter. Gator showed up about an hour later. Turns out he stopped by Mom's Place, a small hole in the wall store off of a road crossing. I hadn't bothered walking the .2 miles to the store and passed him without knowing it. We all got good rest at Little Laurel shelter. Heading for Hogback Ridge Shelter tomorrow!
Date: 2015-03-12
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was my longest day on the trail so far. Had some pretty steep climbs as well. Climbed 1100 feet over 1.3 miles right out of the gate today. It wasn't too bad with fresh legs but the climbing continued all day long. About 3.5 miles after passing Jerry Cabin Shelter we came across a dried pond with hundreds of Spring Peepers(frogs) jumping around everywhere. Gator and I caught as many as we could hold and then killed them quickly and humanely before severing the legs. Needless to say it was frog legs and trail mix for lunch at Flint Mountain Shelter. After an hour lunch break, we had 8.6 more miles to Hogback Ridge Shelter, and we decided to push. We got to Devil's Fork gap just past 16:00 and had 6 miles to go. The first 3 were straight up almost and has proven to be the most challenging climb on the AT I've come across so far. Gator and I, named that mountain. What we named it I will not say. We finally arrived at Hogback Ridge Shelter at 18:30. Ate until we were stuffed and now in our bags getting some rest. Just Gator and myself at Hogback for the night. Plan on hitting a 20 tomorrow into No Business Knob Shelter!
Date: 2015-03-13
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: light rain

Today's hike up to Big Bald was rainy, cold, and windy. After crossing over the bald we stopped at Big Bald Shelter for about 10 minutes before continuing on until we reached No Business Knob. We have some good company here. Six section hikers and one former thru hiker. Been a cold and wet day, but only a six mile hike into Erwin tomorrow where we will grab a bite to eat then push to Curly Maple Shelter.
Date: 2015-03-14
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin TN, then Curly Maple Shelter
Miles today: 10.4

A rainy hike into Erwin this morning. Broke camp early and we were moving at 07:30. We got into Uncly Johnny's Hostel at around 10:00 where I grabbed my drop boxes and hung my wet gear and clothes to dry. Gator's dropbox has not yet arrived so we decided to come into town for a few hours and wait for his box. To kill time we stopped in a cofee shop and enjoyed a few cups of coffee and a nice sandwich. We are now at the library, where I am updating my trail journals and charging my phone, while Gator, is uploading his youtube channel with new videos he has made since being on the trail. We will be here for a few hours before heading back to Uncle Johnny's to retrieve Gator's box and then push 5 more miles to Curley Maple Gap Shelter for the night to avoid the costs of staying in a hostel. We plan to get into Damascus in just 6 short days from now, which is 121.6 miles from here! We will be pushing 20+ miles everyday to achieve this. Excited to be in VA!
Date: 2015-03-15
From: Erwin TN, then Curly Maple Shelter

To: Campsite at Abandoned Apple Orchard
Miles today: 21.5

Had some pretty good climbs today out of Erwin. Last night, Gator and I, made a pact that we would do nothing less than 20 miles a day, unless we are going into town and taking a nero or have a planned zero. We pushed right past Curley Maple within the first 2 hours then climbed over 3000 ft elevation over the duration of the day. When we summited Unaka Mtn, the hardwoods vanished and soon our surroundings were replaced with a dense spruce forest. It was absolutely beautiful. The forest floor was no longer grass, but a thick layer of springy lush moss. We took a quick break for some cheese and summer sausage and were on our way down the mountain. We arrived at an old abandoned apple orchard with a very good water source and decided to throw up the hammocks. Shortly after arriving, our friend Chris (trail name 0311) showed up and pitched his tent and made camp with us. 0311 has decided to push the 20+ mile days with us, and the new Trail Trio plans to be in Damascus (127 miles away) in just 6 short days.
Date: 2015-03-16
From: Campsite at Abandoned Apple Orchard

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: overcast clouds

We made our second to last 6000ft ascent of the entire AT. Today we went through the Roan Highlands. The climb today was an absolute bear. Too many false summits to count, and even though temps went up into the 70's there was still a mile of pure ice on top of Roan Mtn. I got lost about a total of 4 times on top of Roan Mtn, due to the dense spruce trees. After a long day, we arrived at Overmountain Shelter. The coolest shelter I've come across so far on the trail. Overmountain Shelter is an old abandoned barn that has been donated to the use of a shelter for hikers. Gator and I were able to throw our hammocks up between some support beams and have an incredible view over the valley. We awoke to an awesome sunset coming over the mountains the next morning and had some awesome company there at the shelter.
Date: 2015-03-17
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Vango/Abby Memorial Hostel
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: scattered clouds

A lot of downhill hiking today with some awesome wide open balds out of the gate. Winds must have been over 50mph up on top of Hump Mountain with complete exposure. Got some cool pics and videos up there. After coming off of Hump Mtn, we walked across the Doll Flats and then out of NC for good. Had a lot of grassy meadows and easy hiking but at the end of the day my stash started to bother me. We had 4 miles to go and I didn't think I could walk 4 more feet before having to take a dump. Somehow, I made it the 4 miles, and we took a side trail to an old cabin in the woods. It was a guy named, Scotty, who lived completely off the land. Awesome place tucked way back in the pines. Only 5 dollars for a hostel. Unfortunately I was in the privy all night with an upset stomach. I felt like complete crap. I thought I had contracted a parasite called, Giardia. I went to bed with no intentions to move the next day.
Date: 2015-03-18
From: Vango/Abby Memorial Hostel

To: Shook Branch Recreation Area
Miles today: 20.6

As you already know, last night I was a slave to the privy, with the runs. I awoke and felt somewhat in better health so I decided to hike on. Only 6 miles into the day I felt extremely fatigued. I figured it was from all the water and nutrients lost the night before from the excessive diarrhea (sorry). I stopped at Moreland Gap Shelter to cook up some powdered eggs and have some tuna and salmon packets. About 20 minutes after eating, my stomach turned for the worst. For the next 16.5 miles I had to stop every half mile to do a little brown blazing (for those who aren't familiar, look it up or take an obvious guess). Somehow I was able to make it the 16.5 miles more to meet Gator and 0311 at the recreation area, where we planned on camping in the bathrooms for the night. Turned out the rec area was not opened for the season yet, and the surrounding area was extremely active with 2 male bears fresh out of hibernation. Hampton, TN, was just 2.5 miles west from us, so we tried hitching in. Ironically, Bob People's turned out to be our ride. An extremely active trail maintainer in the TN area and owner of Kincora Hostel. We took refuge in his hostel for the night and miraculously, I felt much better. Turns out I just had a stomach bug and was just getting over it. Feeling better, I scarfed down about 5000+ calories from McD's, that Bob, generously took us too first.
Date: 2015-03-19
From: Shook Branch Recreation Area

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: light rain

Our longest day yet, and one of our most miserable. Not much to say about today other than I'm freezing, soaked, and uncomfortable. Stripped down when arriving at Double Springs then put on the driest clothes I had available before getting in my bag, cooking supper, now trying to get some rest. Reading this, wet cold clothes in the morning may not sound bad. Well waking up at 5:30, getting out of a warm, dry bag and putting on freezing sopping wet clothes is my reality. It is not fun. At least I will be in Damascus, VA tomorrow.
Date: 2015-03-20
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Damascus
Miles today: 18.0

Damascus, here we come! Well, I was right! The cold, sopping wet clothes sucked. It's okay though, I had signal on my cell phone, put on bluegrass radio, and cranked out those short sweet 18 miles into Damascus in just 4.5 hours! We crossed into VA today after 15 miles and have officially completed the southern section of the AT. We are staying at the Lazy Fox B&B, supposedly the best breakfast on the entire trail... we will see tomorrow morning. My things are drying out, I recieved my supply boxes, and am taking a well deserved zero tomorrow here in Damascus. I'm sorry for the long delay of my journals but 9 times out of 10 I don't have enough cell service to post.
Date: 2015-03-21
From: Damascus

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today we took a well deserved zero here in Damascus. All those rumors about the Lazy Fox Inn having the best breakfast on the trail... well I contest. They were true. She made eggs, bacon, sausage, baked cheesy grits, hot cakes, baked apples, fruit platters, home made biscuits with Apple butter, candied plums, and much more. I ate and ate and then I continued to eat. Keep in mind, Ms. Jenny, the owner, is 91 years old and is still not only able to cook a breakfast like this for us, but still very lively. Her house is right on the river running through the town, so after breakfast I strung up the hammock by the river for a mid afternoon nap with my girlfriend, Leah, who came to visit me here in Damascus. We wil stay one more night, pig out in the morning, then be off once again.
Date: 2015-03-22
From: Damascus

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

To hell with whoever said Virginia was flat. After eating Ms Ginny's amazing breakfast once again, Gator, 0311 and I headed out at about 10:00 this morning. I said bye to Leah, hopefully for not too long. Long 3 mile climb up out of Damascus with a fresh food bag on our backs. My pack is currently the heaviest it's ever been from all the "beef jerky" my mom said she was sending. Turned out to be more like a 20lb care package! After the climb up it was pretty easy going for the most part with a few more good climbs spaced throughout the day. Got here to Lost Mtn before 16:00. Gator and I said we wouldn't do anything less than a 20 but with a late start today, we made for an exception. The "Dirty Thirty" came about today. Gator and I agreed that for the next 30 days we will not take a shower. We invited 0311 into our new idea but he told us he did "The Dirty 150" in the Corps, so he did not want to partake. The only exception is we are allowed to hop in a river or stream, just no soap. Anyways big day tomorrow with 23.6 to do, so I'm gonna get some rest.
Date: 2015-03-23
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: clear sky

Broke camp a little late this morning at 08:00. Slow start this morning but I started to feel good about 4 miles in, on Whitetop Mtn. The climbs weren't terrible today but the rocks were. All day long it was hopping from one stone to the next. Not very nice on the feet. Though, I will admit it was absolutely beautiful today. After climbing Mt Rogers, which is the highest peak in VA, the terrain really opened up. The trail went through wide open balds with huge rocks rising right out of the ground. We saw wild herds on ponies roaming around in the Grayson Highlands. Actually I was able to get within just a few feet of them! We stopped for lunch at Thomas Knob shelter and then pushed the remaining 11.6 here to Old Orchard shelter. Had a good bit of light left so we cooked a few dinners each and talked for a bit before getting ready for bed. I'm currently in my hammock reviewing tomorrow on my map. It's gonna be a big day with 23 miles to go to Partnership Shelter.
Date: 2015-03-24
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

Off with an early start today. We broke camp before the spring breakers even woke up. 0311 got a head start, but Gator and I caught him within the first 2.5 miles. Then Gator took off and I hiked with 0311 for a good part of the day. I pushed ahead on the uphills then 0311 caught right back up on the downhills and flats. About 10 miles out from Partnership, my achilles started to hurt so I slowed a bit. Two more miles passed and I just couldn't hang with 0311's pace, especially with the way my foot was feeling. I fell behind and came into camp last with two very swollen achilles tendons. There was trail magic waiting for me at the shelter, a coke and candy bar. A trail angel, Stan, had came through the shelter and left enough for everyone. Unfortunately, we have a 25+ mile day planned for tomorrow. I can only hope my feet are better in the morning.
Date: 2015-03-25
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 25.6
Weather: clear sky

Today sucked. My left Achilles started to bother me from the very first step I took today, to the very last. It was my biggest day yet, with 25.6 miles. I limped through every single one of them. I'm 75 miles out from the next town, Pearisburg, and there is only one way to get there...walk. If my tendons are still swollen by the time I get there, I won't have much choice but to take either a big nero or zero and ice the crap out of them before continuing on. The only dilemma is, Gator and 0311 do not want to stick around Pearisburg. I don't blame them though, I wouldn't either. I'd want to be on the trail. I may have to part ways with my hiking companions if it turns out I need a day of rest for my feet. I've hiked over 350 miles with Gator now and over 200 with 0311. It will be upsetting to see them press on while I have to stay behind, but I'd rather take the day off to heal than press on and obtain a much more serious injury. I will play it day by day and see how things turn out, hopefully my feet will be better by Pearisburg!
Date: 2015-03-26
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

Never thought sleeping in until 06:45 would feel so good. Got a late start this morning and a slow start but we made good time. The first 10 miles were pretty rough but after passing Chestnut Knob Shelter the rest was a series of puds. My Achilles' tendons are both pretty swollen and still hurt but I will admit they didn't hurt quite as bad as yesterday. Got to Jenkins at good time today so I soaked my feet in the creek behind the shelter; hopefully that helps. Stretch and Littlefoot showed up and made a fire! A fire is a hikers television, but we are all too lazy to make one. Thunder and lightning right now, hope it doesn't get too bad tonight!
Date: 2015-03-27
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Jenny Knob Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: broken clouds

Got another late start today at about 08:30. I was the last one to break camp. I caught up with 0311 about five miles in. Just past Laurel Creek, there had been a wildfire only three days ago. The entire ground was black with ash for a good mile or two. Later on, 0311 and I spotted Gator up the trail enjoying some trail magic. Someone had put 4 grocery bags full of sodas and water on the trail for hikers. I drank a Mountain Dew and a Coke. It was pretty cold and windy today and a little wet but it cleared up for a bit. Now it's freezing here at the shelter, supposed to drop down to 21 tonight. 5 degrees tomorrow with windchill. In my bag now attempting to get some rest but there is a pack of noisy coyotes that won't shut up nearby :/. P.S. Sorry I've been late on posting these once again. It is due to the lack of cell service on the trail. Taking advantage of the cell service I am receiving tonight at shelter and getting these journals caught up.
Date: 2015-03-28
From: Jenny Knob Shelter

To: Woods Hole Hostel
Miles today: 23.6

I was the first one out of camp this morning. Only because my hands and toes were numb and the only way to get warm is to get moving. So I scarfed down my oatmeal, skipped coffee, threw on my bag and was moving. After a cold 6 miles, we came to a road crossing. Only half mile down the road was Trent's Grocery store. We decided to make the short trek off trail, seeking junk food and shelter from the freezing wind. After stuffing our faces, we geared back up and got back on trail with over 16 more miles to go. Gator got a head start on us, so 0311 and I hiked with each other for the remainder of the day until we finally arrived at the Woods Hole Hostel. The place was gorgeous. The owners, Michael and Neville, lived completely off the land for the most part. A few exceptions, but after about a week in the woods, those exceptions were greatly appreciated. Gator and I wimped out on "The Dirty Thirty". The first thing that I did was take a hot shower. Gator, 0311, and myself are all now in a nice warm bed getting good rest before tomorrow's hike into Pearisburg.
Date: 2015-03-29
From: Woods Hole Hostel

To: Pearisburg
Miles today: 10.0

Late start today. We didn't get on the trail until almost 09:30. Pretty easy hiking today with relatively flat ground after ascending to the ridge line. Only a short 10 miles into Pearisburg. We arrived at Pearisburg at about 12:30 and my girlfriend, Leah, was waiting there for me. Both of my trekking poles gave out on me and my pack was getting too big on me due to the amount of weight I'm losing. She was kind enough to take me to the REI in Greensboro so I could swap out my gear. I also plan on taking a zero tomorrow for my feet. My Achilles are still swollen and I need to ice them. It's sad to watch Gator and 0311 hike on without me, but I am confident I will catch back up.I got to REI at about 16:30 and was out of there within a half hour with all new gear. The service there is awesome.Now I'm back at Leah's dorm, icing my feet, and watching Friends.