morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-21
From: Erwin, TN

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: moderate rain

I had my first hammock mishap last night! It was pretty minor and I almost expected it to happen. I was tired and the only good trees were pretty large - one of them was so big that I tied the hammock to a branch rather than the trunk. Luckily it was my feet at that end, because at 5am the branch broke! So it didn't hurt, it just scared me witless. I slept really poorly and felt tired all day. I had hoped my awful sleep habits would go away out here (I had visions of rising with the sun each day, and going to bed each night at the wholesome hour of 9 pm at the latest) but they haven't yet. I'm just not a morning person, I guess. It poured today for an hour but I waited it out at a shelter while eating lunch.I'm pretty sure I forgot to mention a few days ago that it's now been a month out here and I've hiked over 300 miles - at the time I was excited but it's often hard to remember everything when I'm journaling. Speaking of memory, I realized that I forgot a part of my hammock AGAIN. I was so angry and frustrated with myself. I only felt better when I rationalized that this was on property that got mowed and taken care of - someone would find it eventually. I've noticed that I am much more forgetful when I am overtired. I guess the only other notable events of today was the fact that at one point the trail was surrounded by wintergreen, and that Beauty Spot was just ok - it wasn't mind-blowingly beautiful. In fact, some day hikers walked right through it without even realizing they were there!
Date: 2010-05-22
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Stan Murray Shelter
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: light rain

You know you need more social interaction when you coo excitedly to a salamander "hellooo!". Yeah. That was me today, talking out loud to newts. There was a downpour around 11 that lasted for an hour or so and completely soaked my lower half. Right before the rain I startled a bear! It wasn't a cub but was fairly small. Watching it I realized that bears really are fast - and surprisingly quiet. After the rain came an extremely long climb up Roan Mountain and the trail was slick, clay-like mud so with every step you slid back down a little...for almost the entire duration of a 3 mile climb. The brothers and I decided to rename Roan Mountain Soggy Bitch Mountain after this delightful experience.The skies cleared as we reached the summit though, and it was nice to smell the spruce trees and see sunlight and blue sky. Jane Bald was beautiful and filled with people out for a nice evening stroll. Nice, clean, relaxed people peacefully walking along, in stark comparison to me: sweaty, dirty, smelly, covered in mud and hauling ass because it was already 7pm and I had 3-5 more miles to go. Some guys out for the weekend told me I was "more of a man than they were". I guess I'll take that as a compliment! I really wanted to make it to Overmountain Shelter 5 miles away since I had heard how scenic it was, but I'm getting pretty tired of setting up in the dark and Cameron and Alex convinced me it would be crowded with weekenders. It was an enjoyable day, today. Lots of moments when I was glad to be out here.
Date: 2010-05-23
From: Stan Murray Shelter

To: Roan Mountain, TN
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: broken clouds

The guys were right, apparently Overmountain really was crowded last night - multiple boy scout troops and lots of weekenders. I'm glad I stayed. The weather was perfect today - not too hot but nice and sunny and filled with breezes. There was beautiful scenery and great views but I felt tired and really low on energy and enthusiasm. I'm trying to eat better but a lot of my favorite foods (smoothies, salad, yogurt, and fresh fruit) are just not possible on a daily basis out here. I did see lots of people today and had an actual conversation and not just small talk, which was nice. It was a near perfect day, and I just wish I had more energy to enjoy it fully.I reached a road crossing with the guys and some of them were staying at the hostel to pick up a package and I had convinced the others that dinner in town would be easy - we'd get a ride in and then keep hiking. So we walked to the hostel and after hearing the breakfast menu we caved and decided to stay. So now I'm tenting on a lawn listening to dogs bark and cars whish past and I'm wondering why I paid to do this but really, I can't complain because it's a very nice place and the shower was beyond great. A guy named Bear gave me some amazing conditioner he got after staying at a fancy hotel - decadent. I'm exhausted and need sleep but first I wanted to document my meal: salad, a grilled cheese, a plate of chicken tenders, half a baked potato and two small pieces of cake...and then a pint of Ben and Jerry's and a taco later. Insane!
Date: 2010-06-29
To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Real time update! (Hi Loon!)My journal is far behind through nobody's fault but my own - I tend to procrastinate on mailing Loon updates until she gets a mountain of them dumped on her. So anyway, I am in Waynesboro Virgina... and I have the Virginia Blues, big time. Luckily there is a fantastic used bookstore/cafe here called Stone Soup, and I have basically been living here since yesterday, reading and eating. I'm lonely, frustrated with myself, and I'll admit it, bored. Virginia has some beautiful areas but they are currently broiling hot and I am burnt out. I keep wishing I was creating art, or gardening, or baking. I miss my family and friends. Waking up every day, shouldering a pack and walking through through the heat has begun to feel like work. Everyone out here seems to wake up early, plan their days around shelters (I will snack at this shelter, then lunch at this shlter, etc etc etc) and hike very methodically (I know not everyone is like this, but this is just how it feels right now). I try not to fall into the routine of shelter hopping but it is very easy to do. I am desperate for conversations that go deeper than details about water sources, where I am from, when I started hiking, or wildlife sightings. The joy and excitement I once felt every day has faded and only appears sporadically. I'm trying hard to find it again, and to appreciate this experience... I hope things change soon. I won't quit just because I'm currently not having fun. It will get better. I still love hiking, and i am trying so hard not to fall in a rut. I have met tons of awesome, friendly, generous people here in Waynesboro. In fact, this is one of the nicest towns, yet. Definitely one of the very friendliest. I think I'll have a different perspective once I reach Harper's Ferry. I hope so, at least.
Date: 2010-08-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

A quick update (written especially for my FAVORITE - and only - great aunt... Hi, Aunt Liz!). I am still hiking and am in New England now. My spirits are high and I feel good, minus the pain in the soles of my feet that come from wearing tattered, worn-down insoles. I obviously have failed to keep this journal even remotely current... I'm ok with that. At the end of a long day, I tend to either be to tired to write much or too busy cramming in a little socialization. Plus I was sending poor Loon stacks of entries that were months behind, and she has something way more important to focus on... her impending wedding (Loon, I know you didn't mind all the typing, but I was beginning to feel a little guilty!)! I think perhaps when I have more free time post-hike I will add my favorite moments to this journal, for any random readers who are curious. There are quite a few highlights... not to mention some epic low points as well. A little thing called... GIARDIA, for instance! But the gorey details of that can wait. Oh and I skipped a portion of the trail in order to cram in a Long Trail end to end hike after the AT. More details on that eventually. It's almost time for me to hit the Whites! My favorite trail sections are coming up... can't wait.
Date: 2010-03-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Leaving on Sunday for Gainesville Ga. The FS roads are a mess so it looks like I will Be hiking the approach trail to the start point on Springer mountain. Oh well! the first of many times this trip that the weather will be in charge. I hope that I have remembered everything and if not I guess I will deal with it later. Got all of my phone #'s and am ready to get going.
Date: 2010-03-15
From: Springer Montain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

Today I got off of the Crescent in Gainseville Ga. The train ride was nice considering it was dark out the whole trip and my seat was missing some foam. The conductor was nice enough to let me hangout in the dining car all night (bigger seats). Met T on thrain he was heading to Springer and didn't have a ride from Gainesville. Met up with Survivor Dave and worked some details out and off to Springer. The FS road was chewed up due to rain and such but we made it up and took of for the top. Not a bad day for the first day on the trail. Got to Hawk Mtn Shelter around 3 pm and it looked like Tent City. Met up with Gouda, Noodles and Abe from West VA , Cody from Tennessee, Stickwalker and Belle from Ga. and we jammed into our corner and tented.
Date: 2010-03-16
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Awoke to a flurry of activity as the 40 or so people camped at Hawk Mountain Shelter were scurrying about while getting ready for the day. StickWalker wanted to know who the mayor of the town was there was so many people camped up there. Ended up leaving at about 9:30 a.m and the hiking was tough but I loosened up after a while. Hiked on and off w/ Cody most of the day and I am not to proud to say that Sassafrass Mtn kicked my butt. My left knee is starting to really bother me on the downhills, hopefully the tendon will strengthen up. Made it to Gooch Mtn Shelter and camped with Cody and The boys from WVA. Lost stickwalker and Belle somewhere. I'm sure we will see them soon.
Date: 2010-03-17
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Slaughter Creek Campsite
Miles today: 12.5

Happy St. Patty's Day, Trying for 12.5 today and succeeded but with alot of pain in my left knee. The hike wasn't all that bad except for the last 2 miles or so, my knee stiffened up so I could hardly bend it but I made it to the campsite. Water was about 500 yards from the campsite and Cody said she would get my water while I set up my hammock. She set up my bucket and it promptly tipped over so I ended up walking down to get water anyway. Fog rolled in and the campsite was eerie. A little rain but was high and dry in the hammock.
Date: 2010-03-18
From: Slaughter Creek Campsite

To: Campsite past Neels Gap
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: broken clouds

Crossed Blood Mtn and hiked into Neels Gap. The climb up Blood Mtn wasn't as bad as I anticipated and the views were awesome. Dropped into Neels Gap at about 11:30 a.m. to the sight of free burgers cooking on the grill. I went into the outfitters and ressuplied. Also I sent my hammock home along with the underquilt. I am gouing to try tarping with my topquilt for a while. after Neels Gap we hiked up about a mile and camped. the gang was all there,Stickwalker and Belle the Weimeraner, Gouda, Abe and Noodles.
Date: 2010-03-19
From: Campsite past Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

I immediately regretted sending my hammock home as it was very cold and windy last night. the wind kept blowing my quilt off, it was very frustrating. I might have to buy a down bag. It was a beautiful day for hiking, sunny and 70, however, there aren't many switchbacks in Ga and there were some wicked climbs. I can feel myself really getting stronger on the trail.After a loooong down hill and lots of knee pain we reached low gap shelter. camped w/ cody, Stickwalker, Belle, and Wva guys tonite. Received my trail name today: "Buzz Saw". Evidently I snore.
Date: 2010-03-20
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: few clouds

Hiked today bathed in sunlight. It was a beautiful day. Hiked 8 miles to Blue Mtn Shelter but wanted to put some more miles in so we hiked on to Unicoi Gap where we realized that there was no where to camp. we decided to go into Helen as Gouda was short on food and I wanted to address my shelter (or lack thereof) issues. also bad weather is coming.
Date: 2010-03-23
From: Sassafrass Gap

To: Plum Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: few clouds

Hiked 10 Miles today. The first 5 were brutal with wind whipping Ice from the trees into our faces.We had to get to Dicks Creek Gap so Stickwalker could get a resupply from a friend. Also JB is ready for a zero day and will be catching a ride into Hiawassee. At about 5 miles into the day we went around a ridge and poof.. the wind dissapeared and there was no snow or ice. The sun came out and we finished our hike under sunny skies. Stickwalker got his ressupply and we were off to Plumorchard Shelter. We have lost the guys from WVA we think that they are somewhere behind us and Cody we think is just ahead of us. Plumorchard is Nice, and we should be in N.C. tomorrow.
Date: 2010-03-26
From: Beech Gap

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Stickwalker and I hiked to Beech Gap and set up camp. a nice place. We got a fire started and the it started to rain. it rained all night and the next morning. We hiked in the rain to Big spring shelter. Albert Mtn is no joke, but the rock scrambling was fun. I wanted to climb the fire tower but we were socked in so I just went down to the shelter. as soon as I got to the shelter the sun came out and it was a great evening. Saw Captain Slick at the shelter. My knee must be getting stronger because the pain is much less and we are pushing ourselves a little harder. Still doing 10 or 11 Miles a day but trying to do it faster. Great Night, Cold and Clear.
Date: 2010-03-27
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Franklin N.C.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Called a shuttle into Franklin got a room at the Haven Budget Inn.walked into the office and saw Cody typing in her journal good to catch up.went to the outfitter and resupplied and then on to the steakhouse for a 24 oz prime rib and some beer. good eats.hung out with Little Aspen and Peace tree and StickWalker and Cody. We also reconnected with the fallas from West Va.Ended up at the Rathskellar for some more beers. Thanks to Hanna, Heidi and George for a great time. Tomorrow resupply and wait for the PO to open on Monday.
Date: 2010-03-29
From: Franklin N.C.

To: Wine Spring
Miles today: 8.0

Hit the PO first thing and took the shuttle back to Winding stair Gap. StickWalker and I decided to hike to the top of Rocky Mtn and camp at Wine Spring. Probably one of our more questionable decisions, but at the time as usual, we thought we were brilliantly using the map. As we climbed it started to sleet, the it sleeted harder and then the wind blew, then the wind blew harder but onward we climbed confident in our ability to pick an awesome campsite.Finally reaching the top of the Mtn we set up camp and retrieved our water, little did we know; we were at the crest of the Mtn with no cover. It sleeted alllllll night an the wind blew and blew and in the morning the thermometer read 25. We beat feet and were rewarded with an ice shower all the way down the mountain. got pelted all day. It still beats work.
Date: 2010-03-30
From: Wine Spring

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

We wanted to do a big day so that the hike into the NOC would be a short one. We woke up early and were pelted with ice all day but hiked on. The balds are pretty cool and provide gread views. caught up with Cody again and there was a tower at wesser. The tower was full of people so I bypassed it and headed straight for the Shelter. Slept Well and looking foreward to the NOC.
Date: 2010-03-31
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

Hiked into NOC downhill for 7 miles.NOC is beautifull in the gorge with rafting and fly fishing. pang of regret not having the flyrod but the season doesn't open for a few days anyway. showers and laundry, hamburgers and beer. nuff said.
Date: 2010-04-04
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

Hiked into Fontana and rented a cabin with Stick Walker and the WVA boys. sad day Belle goes to the kennel until we get through the Smokies.I cooked about 2 gallons of spaghetti and had some beer. eggs and bacon for breakfast. Shuttled to the dam to start the long uphill into the Smokies. slept well in a warm bed.
Date: 2010-04-05
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

11 miles uphill rough day heat at 85 and no-one is acclimated, but sill upward.nice tower at shuckstack mtn. Stickwalker climbed it and even got on the roof. I did not.we saw a large black snake and got some pictures. rolled into the shelter at about 6 nice shelter met up with King Crawler and JB, AD, Boo Boo,and Grapevinebeautiful night no clouds.
Date: 2010-04-07
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mount Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Stickwalker and I decided to push on to miss the weather coming tomorrow. we hiked up Clingmans Dome (over 6000 feet) the hike up was ok but the hike down was tough. the north face of the mountain was still covered in 3 feet of snow in some plces. we saw a wild turkey and she came within 5 feet of me. If we weren't in a National Park I swear I would have snatched her up and had a hell of a dinner. Oh well. got down to Mt Collins shelter and passed out.
Date: 2010-04-08
From: Mount Collins Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter.
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

Passed 200 Miles yesterday. We got about 2 inches of rain today but the hike wasn't to bad. feet stayed coo because most of the day they were under water. got to the shelter and hung all wet clothes little did we know that the temp would get down to 25 that night and everything was frozen. well we survived the night and ......
Date: 2010-04-11
From: Cosby knob shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Finally out of the Smokies today. I really enjoyed the views and the last two days were really nice hikes. I won't miss the uphills and having to stay at the shelters but that is all behind us now. Stickwalker reclaimed Belle from the kennel which also happened to be the hostel. we ate really well, but decided to camp instead of getting a bed in the bunkhouse. Curtis and Maria really have a good set up and we enjoyed our stay. Reconnected with some friends and had a great breakfast. Good experience all around...for me anyway.
Date: 2010-04-12
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

We decided to do a short day today. the climb was pretty steep but all in a days work. we trucked along til we got to the shelter. G-Hippy was there drinking his PBR that he humped up the mountain, I mean I like beer but not enough to carry it up a mountain. then Cody, Stitch, Stickwalker and I found a great campsite below the shelter with good water and a nice fire pit. We really enjoyed that spot and had a great night sleep. In the morning I got up around six and a turkey hunter was standing near my tent with a look on his face of confusion as if he wasn't expecting to see six tents right in the spot where he hunts. He was fine though and said he knew another spot and since he knew the turkey weren't where we were it just made his guesswork easier.
Date: 2010-04-14
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs N.C.
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: few clouds

I left the shelter early, I wanted to get to town. Pretty easy hike mostly down hill Coming down the Mtn you see Hot Springs and wow what a cool little town. right on the French Broad River and nestled in a little bowl surrounded by Mtns. Found a cabin that would take Dogs and set off to eat. I had to buy a new pair of hiking shoes because my Vasques are falling apart. Got about a mile per dollar for those boots. there is a great little pub in town right next to the post office and the laundry mat. I had some guinness and a huge plate of pasta w/ broccoli and Alfredo. ate breakfast at the Diner and boy, I chowed down. The food was great and met some neat people. Maybe I should go back w/ my flyrod someday.
Date: 2009-11-01
To: Prep Entry #1
Miles today: 0.0

It's way early to start a journal but I can't get the trail off my mind.I've been section hiking since college. In 2002 I went on my first long section, taking a month off from work to do it. So far I have about 800 miles under my belt.Circumstances have allowed me to (I hope!) take off for long enough to do the whole trail in 2011. My husband will hold down the fort at home, and the boss is willing to let me take leave. So I'm going to attempt the whole trail. I'll rehike those 800 miles, which is fine with me.. there were only a few of them I didn't like. (The Jump Off comes to mind.)
Date: 2010-01-11
To: Prep Entry #4
Miles today: 0.0

I keep forgetting to take a backpack in to work to wear on my daily outings. It helps a lot when I get to the trail if I'm already used to carrying the weight, even on the flat. I've been reading about others' preparation and feeling like a slug. But on the other hand I'm not trying to win any races, just enjoy myself and not get hurt. So my daily walks and weekend hikes around the park will probably suffice. I'm going to try to have a backpack ready to take out to the park this weekend. The one for work will just have bottles of water for weight but the weekend pack I'm going to try to make realistic.My friend Emma has offered to make me woolen pot grabber, which is awesome. The handles on my pot have been the bane of my cooking for some time. I've singed more than one bandana trying to get the pot off the stove.In the next few weeks I'll have a variety of doctor appointments to try to get all my annual maintenance out of the way. I hope my GP will write me prescriptions for antibiotics to take with me in case I need them.
Date: 2010-01-12
To: Prep Entry #5
Miles today: 0.0

I remembered to bring my backpack to work today. I put in a couple of largish dictionaries and a bunch of bottled water. It weighed 30 lb but felt like more. Very awkward load. I took it out on my daily walk and felt tired enough that I cut it a little short. But that's okay. I have time to build up to trail strong. And given that until a couple of weeks ago I was expecting to go in 2011 I'm also okay with my amount of out of shapeness.I ordered a new dehydrator and it came today. This one is square (more drying room) and has a variable temperature. My old one is either on or off. However the old one is in use tonight because I need to wash the trays before I use the new one. Tonight I'm dehydrating ricotta cheese (on my one fruit rollup tray) and baby spinach. I love dehydrated spinach as trail food. It enriches a lot of dishes. I'll be looking for other yummy things to dehydrate before I leave. I tried Justin's Nut Butter honey almond flavor yesterday. I say "eh". Jiffy will do me fine for a fraction of the cost. Things to remember when I'm having a rough day on the trail:Nothing lasts forever. This includes being cold and wet.Going slower is fine. It's not a race.Blisters also pass.You're not alone. Call someone you love.The peak is up there somewhere. Turn on your music and stop paying attention.Six. Months. Off.