morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-07-01
From: Cheshire, MA

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

The night at the Harbor house was great. I don't think I have ever slept in softer sheets. I'll have to look the company up when I get home. Breakfast was homemade everything, delicious and filling, and I got to meet the other guests, 3 couples, that had also stayed last night. We all got talking and it became a long extended pleasant time. Because of all the talking it was late morning and hot by the time I got back on the trail. Eva dropped me right where she had picked me up, and I still had half the town roadwalk to complete. It was hot in the full sun, and uphill of course. By the time I reached the shade of the woods I was ready for a cool down break. The first mile of the trail was uphill to a geologic feature called the Cobbles. There was a nice view back down to Cheshire from the rocks, and I hung out a while enjoying the view and drying out in the breeze. The remainder of the day went smooth and quite quickly. I passed only 3 NOBO hikers today, one brushed by with barely a word, and I came across the other two at a side trail to a tenting area. I had just stocked up on water so did not need to go in to the main area. I stopped to chat a while and the NOBOs told me they had headed out of town late as they had done some kind of food challenge that involved a 12 egg omelet, so were moving kind of slow! They had stayed last night at the Bird Cage, a hostel that is not listed in my book. They said it was a good safe place to stay and gave me a cell number to call when I got to town. I decided to make the Bird Cage my goal for the night and hustle a little so I wouldn't arrive too late. It was decent downhill trail, and not too steep, and I must have been flying. I got here in about half the time I expected. They were right about this place. I arrived hot and sweat soaked again, and was ushered into a shower and loaner clothes while mine were laundered, and even neatly folded for me. That's 3 showers and laundry in 5 days if anyone is counting! When I was clean and comfortable again Rob the owner here took us to Walmart for food and resupply.I'm now tucked into bed on the front porch. Another great trail day and I met some really nice people.
Date: 2012-07-02
From: Dalton, MA

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Zero miles today. Hung out at the Birdcage to give some swelling in my right knee a chance to subside. There is a new bruise on the inside of that knee, probably from my fall on the way into Cheshire the other day, and the swelling is most likely related. Helped Rob out around the house a little with some cleaning and, making up beds. Had a big crowd of NOBOs come in to stay the evening. It's a lot different to last night when there was just 2 of us, now there are 20. The beer cooler is right by the head of my bed, and I think it's going to be a long night!
Date: 2012-07-03
From: Dalton, MA

To: October Mountain shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: few clouds

I was right, last night was a late one. Not rowdy, but a lot of people still up playing guitar and singing until midnight. I'm usually in bed asleep by 9, so it was way past my bedtime. I still woke up at 5am though.I was all packed up ready to leave, so I got out of the hostel fairly early before most were up. I stopped at a convenience store in town and had a breakfast sandwich. It was made to order, and on a nice soft fresh bread roll, I think it was the best bacon, egg and cheese I have had in several years.After the initial couple of miles up out of the town the trail was remarkably smooth today. It was a hot day again though. Early afternoon I climbed a tiny hill to a rock outcrop with a view back to Mt. Greylock. I spent a couple of hoours lazing in the sun on the rocks letting everything dry out in the sun. I think it was the only time I felt a breeze all day.The trail passed through some swampy areas today. It was buggy, and none of the water looked particularly appetizing. Fortunately I came to some trailside trail magic: a cooler of cold sodas and bottled water. I downed a orange soda and topped my water bottles up with cold bottled water. That was a nice treat this hot afternoon.The shelter area here is very buggy, worse than I saw all day, and probably the worst for a shelter so far. They swarmed around me when I was collecting my evening's water, and again when I took my cleanup shower. I opted to put up my tent for some bug relief, but the forecast tonight is for thunderstorms. I guess this is when I'll find out how good a job I did resealing my tent seams. I realized as I was getting my tent set up that I left my little photon flashlight at the hostel this morning. I had it clipped onto the loaner t-shirt that I was wearing while I did my laundry the other night. If I do start to leak in the rain I'll be in the dark trying to deal with it. am set up within sight of the shelter, so if I start leaking again I guess I can run for cover if needed. Hopefully the weather will clear out by tomorrow morning. I have been hearing from the NOBOs about a campground on a really nice lake about 9 miles south of here. That's going to be my goal for the day. A short one, but I should be able to get there in time to have a splash about in the water and set my clothes out to dry if the sun is shining. It seems like as good a way as any to spend Independence Day.
Date: 2012-07-05
From: Upper Goose Pond

To: Off Trail
Miles today: 0.0

At first I had assumed that the firework sounds last night were just individuals on Lower Goose Pond setting off their own, like I had previously experienced at Siesta Key beach for July 4th. Eventually I realized that these sounds were from a bigger display. I ventured out of the tent, reapplied bug spray, and found a spot where I could just see some of the larger explosions through the trees.Shortly after I returned to the tent and had drifted off to sleep there was another loud crash in the woods behind me. Not having a light, I wasn't in a position to investigate, but I could see from under my tent wall that one of the other hikers was out looking. A tree had fallen just behind our tents. Fortunately it had not fallen on anyone. The remainder of my night was restless. It was warm and muggy, no breeze, and my right knee kept seizing up in whatever position I was in. I'm not going to blame the knee for my next decision, but it was a factor among many. As I lay awake considering the last couple of days and this hike in general I came to the decision that I'm not enjoying this. The humidity and heat are also a factor: The first time I was in a place with breeze and sunshine was at the interstate overpass, not particularly conducive to a restful break area on a forest hike. The day before there was a brief respite from the humidity on a rock outcrop, but only one, the last hiking day before that I'd struggled to dry out all day. The trail itself now I'm out of the mountains is just not stimulating me. It's just rocks and roots and mud. The grand vistas are very infrequent, if there at all. In places where there is a natural feature like a mountain lake, pond or stream, it seems like the trail travels just close enough that I get a glimpse through the trees, but never clear enough to get a full view, or close enough to enjoy it. In effect, I'm bored while I'm hiking. I'm hot and sweat soaked, and struggling to get miles in. I'm bug food from sun up until I'm safely ensconced in my little silnylon palace at night. I spent the restless hours of the night trying to think of what it giving me pleasure on the trail. When I couldn't list even a handful of things I made a decision: It's not fun, I'm outta here!The few things I have enjoyed were the crystal clear cool water swims, the mountaintop views, and the sections of actual hiking trail (not rocky, rooty scrambling). I know several places where I can find all of the above. Not necessarily in one place, but I can spend my summer off doing some traveling around and enjoy myself much more than I am right now.By 7am the decision was made. By 7pm I had hiked, hitched, and bussed myself back to Charles and Mary's house. I'm only 30' from my car loaded with camping and travel gear. I'll sleep in 'my' bed tonight, and make onward plans tomorrow.The End.
Date: 2012-04-06
To: Hike plan
Miles today: 0.0

Hello everyone. Call me Meriadoc. Trail Journals is going to be the home of my daily updates whilst I hike the Appalachian Trail, updates which will probably occur weekly - go figure. I fully expect to bore you with drudgery like 'I walked up a hill today and it was fun' so you might want to check out my blog instead. That can be found at http://meriadocthehalfling.blogspot.com/ and will have more polished posts and articles.Right now I am house sitting somewhere in New Jersey. For the next week I will be amusing the cats, walking the dog, and applying the finishing touches to my through hike plan.Today's task is finalizing my tentative hiking schedule and figuring out the locations for my mail drops. My goal is to completely finish this stack of books today.Until next time, Au revoir,Meriadoc
Date: 2012-04-16
From: Approach Trail

To: Black Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I thought the Appalachian Trail would start tomorrow. I was wrong.I had it all planned out. Tonight I would stay just beneath Springer Mountain and experience the lifestyle. Then early on day two I would summit Springer and savor the moment properly.My father and uncle hiked the first part of the approach trail with me. And then came the moment. All along we had been joshing each other and generally having a ball. When it was time to bid au revoir to my Dad, all I could stammer out was "I love you." And that's all I needed to say.This one's for you, Mom and Dad. Thank you for being awesome and being supportive, no matter what you really think of this trek of mine.My through hike began in that moment.
Date: 2012-04-17
From: Black Gap Shelter

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: light rain

Jamil and I, having met last night at the shelter, topped Springer together. There we met Sweet & Sour, 2/3, Banjo, and various folks who were just up for the day. We spent some time swapping names and histories and taking pictures. We hit it off pretty well and spent much of the day together. From Springer, the going was pretty easy for a while and I don't remember too much of this section because I was busy talking with my new best friends. 2/3 was right: I would meet 20 best friends in short order. I met Deeg, Scott, Forever Sunrise, Steve, a duo from Indiana, some folks formerly from Florida, a guy in jeans, Matt, and more. I am terrible with names so this is by far an incomplete list. My phone battery is getting low so I'll finish this up later. I'm having the time of my life! Rain and all!
Date: 2012-04-18
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Ramrock Mountain
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Good morning! Early morning journal entry here. I can't find my pen at the moment so I'm burning some battery.Last night the storms rolled in. I'm in my hammock as usual. Sweet & Sour and Jemiel elected to stay in the shelter. 2/3 is testing his tent for water tightness. Essentially, I am doing the same since in my 20 or so nights with this tarp it has never rained hard. Well, the grade is in. It gets a B. For the most part it keeps everything dry but hard rain beads through. And if I touch the inside it wets the contact area. I'm online picking a new tarp. From my hammock. In the middle of the AT. Life is funny sometimes.A few more friends are tented nearby. To put it indelicately, they're snoring. The first snore I heard was normal and not unexpected. But then a low growl joined in, somewhat rhythmically. I gave consideration to a bear coming in for a duet before I placed it as another sleeper. A while later another performer joined the chorus but off tempo. Every once in a while I listen again to see if it's a rooting animal.I'm sure I'll have more to write for today later on, after all, it's only 3 AM. I have entries for the past two days that I'll upload when I get to town. Started out in the rain today. Jamil struggled tog et up Sassafras Mountain but he didn't quit. Kudos to him. Our hiking party was Sweet 'n Sour, Jamil, and myself. 2/3 was sleeping in and we knew he would catch us. Sure enough, all four of us strolled into Gooch Gap shelter together. There we met a couple from Michigan: Nicholas and Katie and their dog Dasher - like the reindeer. They were out for a week and getting into the swing of things. All day they were the only other people we saw. Jamil decided to stay at Gooch Shelter so we said our goodbyes. I had talked 2/3 and Sweet 'n Sour into attempting a mad night hike all the way up to Blood Mountain. The goal was to get as far as we can today, sleep until midnight, and then take on a ten mile night hike to arrive at Blood Mountain's summit for sunrise. But this was too much. My energy was flagging and Sweet n' Sour developed a blister. We took the first decent campsite and prepped for rain. We're poised for Neel Gap tomorrow: eleven miles and hopefully a short hostel stay. It's been two days and I really like our little group. I think we click well on multiple levels. I hope we can at least stay close on the trail.
Date: 2012-04-19
From: Ramrock Mountain

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We're at Mountain Crossings! Those four words say a lot. They say we had showers. We had a hot meal of hot dogs, hamburgers, and beans. Our clothes are in the laundry. They say we passed the pack shakedown. They say we did 30 trail miles in three days. They also say the three amigos are still together.We met more through hikers today than any previous day. Steve of the blue button down shirt is here! He's been keeping the same pace so I hope we see more of each other. We keep trying to name him for his snazzy dress.Tomorrow brings another day of hiking and I couldn't be happier. Now, just to wait for the laundry and it's off to sleep for me.
Date: 2012-04-20
From: Neel Gap

To: Poor Mountain
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: broken clouds

Hester has joined the party!Sweet 'n Sour came into the bunk room this morning to ask what I thought about taking a dog with us to Maine. This lovely puppy, maybe about a year old, was found at Hester Gap. Lumpy has been taking care of her temporarily but she needed a home. She's about 25 lbs with golden fur and floppy ears. Sweet 'n Sour's guess is a Golden Retriever and Spaniel mix of some sort. She is a very sweet dog and adores people.She has tags but the owners haven't responded to any phone calls. The pound was full so Hester, named after the gap at which she was found, was in limbo. Until Sweet 'n Sour came along that is. I'm not exactly sure what I said, but I was enthiusiastic.Half the morning was spent resupplying and adopting Hester. Sweet'n Sour did most of the latter work.Then we took a group photograph, said our goodbyes tot he awesome folks at Mountain Crossings and set off for Maine: 2/3, Steve, Sweet'n Sour, myself, and Hester. Steve and 2/3 quickly outstripped us. We were pacing Hester, making sure that she didn't get too tired or go too far. Even as we checked her pads and took breaks, Hester was raring to go..Right now we are camped roughly seven miles from Neel Gap. Hester is tied to teh ridgeline of my hammock so she can move around at night. We're set up so Hester can see that Sweet'n Sour is in her tent. Hester has some separation anxiety.I never expected to a dopt a dog this year, much less while hiking on the AT. But I'm glad we did.Thanks to Lumpy, Freestyle, Baltimore Jack, Squirrel, and Pirate for all they did at Mountain Crossings. I'm happy I got to meet Old Ridge Runner. Signing off.
Date: 2012-04-21
From: Poor Mountain

To: Rocky Mountain
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

A coyote howled last night. It woke both Sweet'n Sour and me and set Hester to barking. Her first night out was otherwise unremarkable, although she was a little bit restless. Come morning, she was itching to go. We stopped at Low Gap Shelter for water and met Joe and Detroit. They were the last two to leave the shelter that morning - apparently it had been packed the night before. In the trail log we found a message addressed to us from 2/3. He thought we'd make Low Gap the night before. Since we hadn't, he passed a long that he'd be skipping ahead to Tray Mountain and he'd see us in Hiaswassee.By the time we hit Blue Mountain Shleter the sky had cleared after a fairly wet morning. We stopped, aired out all of our clothing and equipment, and had a sloid lunch. Numerous friendlies populated the shelter and Hester did not lack for attention.When the skies threatened to undo our newly dry equipment we packed up and heaed on. Down into Unicoi Gap and up half of Rocky Mountain we made it before the weather stopped us again. We had just greeted the Walking Sticks and shouldered our packs when an onset of showers convinced us to stay the night.So far Hester has been sleeping on a blue foam pad beneath my tarp.
Date: 2012-04-22
From: Rocky Mountain

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Hester slept well last night. She practically dragged Sweet'n Sour and I up the rest of Rocky Mountain. We found a phenomenal camp site at the top - which we would have reached but for the rain. Later we would find out that Joe and Detroit spent the night there and froze their fingers off packing up in the cold wind. Joe hurt his knee and is taking it easy but still seems to move well.Near out stopping point for the night our hardy team met up with Ree and his dog Pearl. She and Hester performed the traditional dog greeting but Pearl gave a sharp warning against borrowing any of her water or getting too friendly with Ree. Ree gave us some tips on how to hike with Hester - tips which were greatly welcomed.Before we left, I inadvertently bestowed a trail name. Two hikers approached one of whom introduced himself as "Phil, nothing fancy." It's not uncommon for people to let you know they don't have trail names. But Phil said it so matter-of-factly and in such an unassuming and amusing manner that when parting I said "goodbye Phil Nothing Fancy" and he replied: "just Nothing Fancy, I think I'll shorten it."Kelly Knob was next and it was a doozy. Almost 900 feet vertical climb over one mile with a strong cold wind at our flanks greeted us on our ascent. It was almost seven or after seven and I pushed pretty hard. Basically, I let Hester go at her own pace and did the best to follow. Her pace is ~3 mph regardless of whether there is a such a niggling factor as a mountain. Then, in the full teeth of the wind, Hester stopped. Worried about the oncoming dark, beset by winds, and cold, I paniced. Had I let Hester push herself too hard? Did we put in too many miles? Had I missed thirst or hunger signs? No, no, no, and no. Hester was just taking a break and soon resumed her breakneck speed. On the lee of the mountain as were were descending, the lack of wind negated all the urgency I had felt and now made me feel foolish for worrying.Even now, we weren't done. The wind was so strong and cold that Sweet'n Sour kept telling me "no hypothermia!" (I had declined to put on more than my summer clothing.) Fortunately, we arrived safely at Deep Gap Shelter. The gap is aptly named, for I, having forgotten where we were, exclaimed "wow that's a deep gap" as soon as we sighted it. This night I elected to join Sweet'n Sour in the shelter. My sleeping system worked - sort of. It's kind of hard on my sit bones. But the highlight was again Hester. Everyone loved her and really wanted her inside the shelter. She slept on Sweet'n Sour's feet.
Date: 2012-05-13
From: Standing Bear

To: Max Patch
Miles today: 12.9

EDITOR's NOTE: The missing journal entries will be added in later.We left Standing Bear Inn this morning. Yoda's taking a zero and Jess is leaving the trail for family reasons. Mr. Bigglesworth left yesterday.Tonight we camp free! [Note: In the Smokies you are required to camp in the shelter if there is any space.] The plan was to pass two balds today, Snowbird and Max Patch. Snowbird was lovely - foggy, rainy, and romantic as it kept disappearing from view only a few feet away. When we reached Max Patch it was still raining and getting late in the day so we backtracked to 0.4 miles before the bald to the last campsite we had seen. Here is hoping for a sunny day tomorrow.
Date: 2012-05-14
From: Max Patch

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Lazy lazy day. I convinced Sweetn'Sour to sleep in and then we (I) was so slow packing up that departure didn't occur until after 10. But we summited with perfect weather. The land was beautiful and the weather was sunny - as were our dispositions. We took many different photographs with all sorts of poses. And then we held a yoga session on the summit. Best yoga ever!A few friends then walked by near 1300 hours. They had already covered almost 7 miles. So we decided to start our hiking day. Eight hours of beautiful scenery later we rolled into Deer Park Mountain Shelter having covered 17 miles. We also used our trademark, arriving at Walnut Mountain Shelter for lunch just as the skies opened up.
Date: 2012-05-20
From: Devil Fork Gap

To: Big Stamp
Miles today: 15.3

[Missing entries will be uploaded later.]Back on the trail! I feel pretty good today for having a town day yesterday. Strangely my right foot is going slightly numb. Anyhow, Sarge drove us up to the gap. We got a picture with him before leaving.Right from the get-go Sweetn'Sour went for it and left me far behind. I pushed along and settled into a fast cruise. Some boy scouts I met were amazed at how far I have hiked.I was a bit concerned about my slow speed since I thought I was moving well but couldn't even catch sight of Sweetn'Sour and I spent more than two hours going the 3.5 miles to the shelter. Maybe I feel good but my body is just really off?I finally arrived and found out it had been more than 6 miles to the shelter. Feeling better about my condition, I made the half mile trek from the shelter down to get water. Soon after I returned Sweetn'Sour walked up. I had unknowingly passed her earlier when she went off the trail to get water. So all my hiking reckonings were off! That's good though. From now on, I'll assume she's behind me no matter where I think her to be.We spent the night stargazing on Big Stamp and woke up to watch the dawn too. I can't describe how wonderful it was so I simply urge you to try it.
Date: 2012-05-21
From: Big Stamp

To: Erwin
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: scattered clouds

We're at Uncle Johnny's again!After a beautiful morning on Big Stamp we moseyed along and met a couple section hikers at the first shelter. Last night two hikers came by and stood near our campsite for a while. It was a bit strange, but they were out there to see the stars too. We think our visitors from last night came here, but these folks never saw us. The tent must be difficult to see at night: good camouflage.Atop one rock we found space and time for some sun. Someone had brought a deck chair up which gave us the idea. We had to pay for our leisure time though. Seventeen miles away lay our destination and we were bound to get there. Fortunately, the climbs weren't too difficult and we kept a fast pace. Still, towards the end of the day on the long descent into the gap body parts started to hurt. The hostel was a welcome sight today. A quick resupply tomorrow morning and we'll be off again - to Hampton TN where we'll visit Kincora.