morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-09-24
From: South base of White Cap Mountain

To: stealth camp by river, past mary Jo Road
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: overcast clouds

The air was cold and a little foggy in the morning. My tent had some condensation on it. I packed up pretty quickly and made some coffee and oatmeal.The day started with a climb over white Cap Mountain. It was not as bad as I thought it would be. The view was pretty on top, but windy. I didnt linger and I forgot to check for a signal. What!!! The descent was not terrible either, and I later told Ted we could have easily hiked that and made the shelter before dark. He laughed and said he KNEW I would say that. Then he dusted me. He hikes faster but takes more breaks to smoke. I always pass him at his breaks since I dont take very many.Today seems to be the last day of elevation gains and losses. The trail seems smoother after this. I really enjoyed the hike today. Lots of ponds and brooks.When I got to Little Boardman Mountain, I got a signal. I called my husband and parents and they let me know where Katwalk was. She was 20 miles ahead at this point, so I will catch her in Millinocket.I got to a logging road crossing and had a very bad moment- bad as in- my devil came out. I saw a plastic bag hanging on a tree and two BIG cans of Rolling Rock were clearly visible in the bag. Half dead hydrangeas were threaded through the handles of the bag. At first I thought it was trail magic and grabbed the bag. Then I saw the note. For Beerman. A couple had driven out and left this beer in a transparent plastic bag for Beerman. I hesitated before I put the bag back on the tree. I wanted a beer. I thought about taking one and putting a $5 bill in the bag. The flowers were dead...maybe Beerman already hiked through! In the end I left both beers in the bag and walked away feeling very disappointed. Beerman- I hope you enjoyed your beers!!!!Tell your friends to put them in bags that are not see through next time and don't torture hikers!(just kidding....sort of)I kept hiking and the trail became so easy after the beer crossing. A steady and gentle trend down, smooth trail, and after a while it ran next to a river for a long way. I found a great campsite near the next road crossing and was about to scout out a spot when I saw my name written in the dirt. BON...and a squiggly arrow. I followed a series of squiggly arrows and they lead to a camper on the back of a truck in the woods. A woman was in the camper and came out to tell me the arrows were meant for someone else. Shades of Breaking Bad washed over me...I hiked back to where I saw my name and saw another arrow- pointing in another direction. I hiked ahead another mile and found Tedzilla already cooking his dinner, tent set up next to the river. I was a little grumpy and Tedzilla helped me clear a site while keeping a safe distance from me. I chilled out after a while and enjoyed a Ghost Chili Katwalk meal and some candy. This hike is too short now to devote any time to grumpiness.
Date: 2016-01-03
To: Shoulda woulda coulda
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

OK- last post. Then I am going to just read about the adventures of the class of 2016. This is my shoulda woulda coulda post. Things I wish I had done in preparation of my AT Thru. There are lots of gear things I changed along the way, but I was generally pretty well prepared-although WAY too heavy. Lightening up is the first and most important change I would make, and did make to the extent possible along the way. I wouldn't have a deadline. That was somewhat stressful. BUT- when I think about what I wish I knew on the trail, I keep going back to flowers, mushrooms, bird sounds etc. I WISH I could have identified more of the wild flowers. They were so beautiful and diverse. I think being able to name them would have been very satisfying. Same with bird sounds. One thing I will definitely do if I ever do this hike again, or any other hike- is learn about mushrooms, fungi, and edible plants. There were folks on the trail, D.No for one, who was very knowledgable about edible stuff in the woods. He was always popping this or that in his mouth or adding to his dinner. I met a chef in Maine who was very knowledgable about mushrooms and he cooked up the most amazing dinner using mushrooms he found next to the trail. He passed it around and we all were blown away by how fresh and delicious they were. Also, it adds an element of interest. As you are going through those long tedious days, like in Virginia, you can identify things in the woods and stimulate your brain a little.Of course, you really do have to be SURE when you eat anything- so learning about it in advance, maybe downloading an identification app into your smartphone (doh-why didn't I think of that on the trail?)Anyway- lighten up- don't have a deadline- learn about the wildlife. Those are my top 3 shoulda woulda couldas.
Date: 2016-01-10
To: Hanging out with hiker friends
Miles today: 0.0

What is better than getting together with your hiking family? Tedzilla was coming to Florida (from New York) to visit family, so we used that as an excuse to get together. Just Dave, who hiked with Ted much of the way, came down from Alabama. Katwalk, D.No and C. Shell live just a couple of hours away, and I invited Lil Mermaid too. She just finished her hiking for the year and is local- so what the hell! Also in the party was Truck and Overload- hikers we met through journaling. I was so happy to meet these three.We grilled out and my house became a hostel-every room full and mattresses on the floor. I told them it would be $5 if they wanted to do laundry. (ha ha!)We talked about our hikes-what we wish we had done differently, the things we loved. Those who left the trail before finishing are all struggling to some degree with their decisions, and it sounds like most will go back and finish. We talked about places on the trail-little views or where that path did this or that and we all knew what each other was talking about. My husband got more than an earful of trail talk and did not appear to be too bored, but my daughter cheerfully left to go work at my studioNext day we walked a few miles at Alafia River State Park, then we went to my shop and painted AT mugs. We passed them around and signed each mug-sealing our experience and our friendships. Everytime I drink coffee from that mug I will think about my special new family.We talked about the new crop of hikers- the class of 2016. Not many women journaling it seems- maybe that will change as the season gets closer.I am looking forward to following a few of the new class-I have not decided who yet- but I know how wonderful it was to hear form people who followed my journal and how the comments could really motivate me. I hope to be a cheerleader for one or two hikers-cant wait for the season to start!
Date: 2016-11-21
From: A new book! (you might be in it)

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

Here is the book! I'm in it! Hopefully ready by Christmas- A new book- a collection of short essays by a number of thru hikers, section hikers, hikers that didn't finish. It is a raw and real collection of experiences on that long transformational path- the Appalachian Trail. Not out yet- but should be in a couple of weeks.Some of the authors are (by trailname) The Troverts, Yukon, Left Turn, Katwalk, Red Panda, BonBon, 30 Pack, and Indiana Jean. Many more, including one by the main author, Funnybone. I have read a few of the essays, and one in particular is such a powerful story- I was sad when it ended. Published by Amazon and ready in a few weeks. If you have hiked the trail, these stories will resonate with you. If you have not but plan too, you will be inspired. These are stories that transcend hiking- they are stories about life. Everyone has a story- a few of them are in this book. Check it out!P.S. If you are a trail angel, you might be in it.
Date: 2016-12-07
To: New book about the AT
Miles today: 0.0

One Trail Many Paths- The Kindle version is available now on Amazon- the print version will be available in a few days. Lots of cool stories here. My favorite is Chapter 4, by Yukon- How I Met Myself. What a cool guy! There is also a beautiful chapter by Jean Deeds, author of There Are Mountains To Climb. Check it out! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7FQMLS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481163028&sr=8-1&keywords=one+trail+many+paths
Date: 2017-03-24
From: Springer Mountain

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I'm home sitting on my butt and my 27 year old son decided to try to hike the AT. I am so jealous! I have to really restrain myself because I want to hear about every detail of his experience, but he needs to just do the trail without his Mom calling everyday. :\He started at Springer on Monday and has mostly rain from the beginning. He seems very happy on the trail, but last I spoke to him he had not hit Sassafras yet. Rain will plague him for a few more days, then a cold front is coming through. Heh heh. He says he has another layer of pressure because if he gets off his friends will say -DUDE- you mother hiked it. I told him to just- of course- HYOH and take it all in. I'm so jealous. He does not yet have a trail name and does not plan to blog.Good luck to the 2017 hikers! We are with you in spirit!
Date: 2018-02-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My husband gave me the green-light for another long distance hike. I'll be doing the Florida Trail starting January 2019. It is during two slow months for my job, so I don't think I'll be missed very much,After hiking the AT in 2015, I think everyday about the experience of walking through woods, sleeping under the stars, thinking a thought through from beginning to end. I miss the solitude and the camaraderie and the morning coffee from my little beer can stove.Having this hike to look forward to has already re-energized me , it is a carrot dangling in front of me. I think I can do it in a couple of months and since I live in Florida, I'll be able to connect with my family more than I did on the AT.Counting down......
Date: 2019-12-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Gearing up for the Florida Trail for sure this year! I got so busy last year I couldn't do it, so this is the year. I did start a journal, it won't show up until I have 3 entries. I don't know if I will be as diligent with it as I was on the AT. I am going to attempt hammock camping this time around- I think that might mean I will be sleeping on the ground a lot. I am reusing most of my gear including clothes, so I will definitely be looking like a hobo. Starting at the kick-off and have to finish in 2 months. I am 100% committed to not shaving for the whole two months, If I learned anything on the AT- I learned how wonderful that is! Happy trails!!!-BonBon
Date: 2015-02-10
To: Introduction
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

   Hello everybody, my trail name is BONAFIDE and I am going to thru hike the AT this year. I have been talking about this for a long time and finally this is the year to do it. I tried in '05 and managed to do a little over half before my money ran out. This time I have the proper budget and gear to get it done. I made it happen by biting the bullet and got a job driving a big rig cross country. It turned out that they pay long haul truckers really good money now so it worked out good for me. I was even able to buy all the things I have had on my wish list for a long time.
Date: 2015-02-10
To: Gear
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

      I have now replaced nearly all my gear with lighter and better stuff. It all started with that I needed a new tent and then I figured what the heck I'll get a new pack. The old one had a few thousand miles on it and you never know when a seam might let go. Before I knew it I was going hog wild on the Montbell web site buying new clothing and a sleeping bag. I have all ready hiked a little with my new clothes and I am so happy with what I got. Its like they all work together in harmony with each other to make me comfy. Even if the temps get down in the single digits I will be OK. I hiked last winter in those polar vortexes and learned all I needed to know about cold.If anyone would like to see my gear list they can go to http://www.geargrams.com/list?id=21218 you will have to change the grams to pounds.
Date: 2015-02-14
To: The journey begins
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

      I caught a really bad case of cabin fever and the only way to cure it is to start my odyssey early. So I called up Amtrak got my tickets changed and off I went. The ride down was long and crowded but I was really lucky that I was able to sit with some good people and have great conversations which really helps make the trip go by quicker. The train from New York had a dining car and I was able to have a beer and a burger while watching a beautiful sunset.      Now that I am down here sitting at the Hiker Hostile I can confidently say I am cured of cabin fever. I will start my hike tomorrow February 15, 2015 can't wait.
Date: 2015-02-20
From: Springer Mountain

To: Woody gap
Miles today: 20.0

      On my first day the weather was beautiful and it was very pleasant hike to the shelter. That night I had a couple other northbound hikers there with me. We had a good time getting to know one another and what each other's got for gear. Come morning the weather was pretty good so I hiked out and about an hour later it started to rain. Wasn't too bad but I knew I was in trouble because it was freezing cold and it was raining. Soon everything started to slowly gets icy but wait it gets better because it started to sleet. It sleeted for a couple hours making for about an inch of sleet which was fun to walk on. I did make it to the shelter in good enough time to have a relaxing dinner and get set for the night with my new hiking friends. It pretty much rained all night long as far as I could tell in the morning everything had at least three quarters of an inch of ice on it. The rain was not to heavy it was light enough that it just coated everything with ice and all that sleet that was on the trail the day before was now a sheet of ice making it very hard to walk on. A lot of the branches could not support that type of ice so they came crashing down. On their way down they broke up their icy coating so the trail had about 2 inches of the type of ice you would put in your cooler. The best way I can describe how it felt to walk on the ice would be like to walk on railroad ballast all day long. Between all the mountain laurel and Rhododendrum's being bent into the trail from ice and down branches that broke from the weight of the ice I was making my own trail most of the day. Six miles from Gooch gap shelter is a road and I just went ahead and got off and went back to the great people at the Hiker Hostel. It's a good thing I did the next two nights the temperature was down below zero.
Date: 2015-02-23
From: Woody gap

To: Helen, GA
Miles today: 53.0
Weather: clear sky

   As much as I would love to live at the Hiker Hostel I had to get back out on the trail. It wasn't much different than when I left the trail it was still like walking on railroad ballast and still lots of branches down but the weather was much better. They were calling for 2 to 3 inches of snow overnight so I went ahead and pushed into Neels gap for the night. The hike up and out of Neels gap wasn't too bad it was cold but the two inches of snow covered all those ice cubes making it much easier to hike. Just as we all got to bed it began to rain and really warm up. Well you should've hearded what it sounded like when all that ice started to break up and come down. It was very loud all throughout the woods and the chunks that hit the shelter roof sounded like gunfire. That night we all decided that we needed a break from the trail and that we were going to go to Hiawassee GA to take a night off. I was in such a rush to get to town I didn't check to see which direction on the road to thumb and ended up going the wrong direction. I literally came out of the woods and got a ride from the first vehicle that went by. I jumped in and was so happy that the first car stopped that I didn't find out I was going to wrong direction until about a mile down the road. Lucky for me there is also cheap hotels in Helen GA. I do miss the guys that I was hiking with. I'm sure we'll bump into each other again down the trail. I see that there is some very yucky weather coming so I will take a zero day and waited out. I have now look twice through my bag desperately looking for something that I could ship home but unfortunately there is nothing. I got to say the trail really sucks right now but I'm loving it.
Date: 2015-03-02
From: Helen, GA

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 69.0
Weather: overcast clouds

   I finally left Helen, GA after a couple snow storms went by leaving about six inches of snow behind. I had to climb over a couple of four thousand foot mountains and didn't think it was a good ideal to head out hiking with snow coming. Lucky for me the hotel was cheep only $40.00. The morning after the last storm I decided it was time to go. It took a while to get a ride because no body was out and about. Finally a guy with a pickup truck passed me and then came back to pick me up. He said he had to know where was I going. It was kind of funny when we got to the trail he was like your really going up there in this snow. I said yes I shoud be ok but really I was thinking this sucks. I started to break trail on up the first of the four thousand foot mountain and it wasn't that bad it was really quite beautiful with all the fresh snow. As soon as I started to go down I met the ATC ridge runner who I hiked with last year and he remembered me. His trail name was Sisu( I think that's how you spell it). When I met him he was on his thru hike and he wasn't a ridge runner yet so I was happy to see he was a ridge runner now. I gave him a run down on things that I saw that where a problem. He said he pass it on to the local trail club. It was a lot easier to hike after that because he broke trail for me and then a group of five young guys passed me making it even easier. I made it to camp in good time and was able to relax before bed. The next day was hard because the snow got rock hard over night and the wind chill was really bad and kept trying to freeze my eyes. Well when I got to the next road I said I'm going to town again until this crapy weather blows over and the snow melts. I going to admit starting early may not have been a good idea.
Date: 2015-03-08
From: Hiawassee, GA

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

   Life is back to normal down here in the south. The snow is gone and the trail is back to normal. I did really well picking up my mileage and my legs are finally coming back to normal. I was a little concerned because they took so long to come back to normal that maybe I had done some damage to them driving a truck. I sure have met some great thru hikers who are attempting to hike the trail and having a good time making friends. There is one thing that I've noticed that is different this year than other years in the past is everybody seems to be wanting to do huge miles right off the bat. They're already going 20+ miles a day which to me just seems a little crazy. The injuries have people already going home. The knee braces and the blisters are huge. I am doing fine I have no blisters or knee pain all I have is muscles that don't want to keep walking all day. Lucky for me Advil keeps them quiet. Now that I am here in Franklin NC I went to the outfitter so I could buy a lightweight 35° down sleeping bag to help me sleep warmer at night. The sleeping bag that I have just isn't quite warm enough. It was cheaper to buy a 35° down bag then it is to buy a 0° down bag. I'm just a little worried that the Smoky national Park will be colder than what my sleeping bag will keep me warm. The two bags together only weigh about 3 pounds so it's not really a big deal about weight but it does take up a lot of real estate in my backpack. Well it looks like this week isn't going to be any fun they're saying it's going to rain every day.
Date: 2015-03-16
From: Franklin, NC

To: Fontana Village, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

      Well I made it to Fontana Village which is 165 miles from the start. It did rain for me every single day of last week which was really hard to deal with. Lucky for me my gear did what it was supposed to do keeping me warm and dry. I was real happy to see that some of the people I started hiking with where here when I got here. I thought they were way ahead of me but it turned out they were just a day or two ahead. It has made me feel pretty good being 100 pounds overweight that I could still keep up. I'm doing really well no blisters or sore knees or anything everything is going good body wise. I can't say that about everybody because there is a Lotta hikers here with pretty good injuries that they got from hiking in the mud and rain. I hope it's not the end of the line for them. It's time to go hike in the Smoky National Park. The weather looks really good especially for the Smokies.The reason that it can be bad is they are over 5000 feet and you stay there the whole time. Being that high up makes for some really cold windy hiking. Well that's it for now.
Date: 2015-03-21
From: Fontana Village, NC

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

   I'm in Gatlinburg Tennessee the white trash mecca of the world. This place is simply amazing and the best way I can describe it is it's like Disney World that you can drive through. All you see is lots of big American cars and fancy smelling people. My hike in the park started on a very beautiful day with the sun and warm temperatures in the 70s. The group of guys that I managed to hike out of Fontana with have been X military and wounded warriors. They have been so much better than the last group I was hiking with because they make realistic miles for the day and just really enjoy being out here. They do have some stories that it be much better off not knowing. Unfortunately it is still spring break so there's a lot of college groups out here which is not the biggest of the deals but they do take up a lot of space. Because of this I've been able to stay in my tent which is normally against the rules. The park rules is that everybody has to stay in a shelter but when the shelters full thru hikers are the ones that have to tent. Well it's time to go eat at the house of pancakes and get back on the trail. Until next time.
Date: 2015-03-29
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To:  Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0

      Well Gatlinburg got me I came out of there with what I call kiddie cough. Runny nose and a cough just a lot of misery. Even with that I still really enjoyed the park. Sunny days and really long views. I'm very happy with my progress and have no blisters or sore spots. I'm just about 275 miles in. I have to keep this short because I still don't have phone service but I did find some free slow wifi. That's all for now.