morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-21
From: Poplar Stamp Gap

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

It was cold and windy. On the way to camp, my hiking partner accidentally said that we had .1 miles to go, but it was actually 2 miles up a never-ending mountain. It was pretty funny. I was glad to finally get to the shelter and set up my tent. For dinner, I ate 1/2 of my Lipton meal even though I didn't feel like it. I want to have some energy for tomorrow.The privy at the shelter had no door, which I need to get use to. A little information: One shouldn't pee in the privy as liquid halts the decaying process. Instead, one should pee in the woods first, then go to the privy for pooping purposes only. There are usually instructions posted in the privies saying such information. After pooping in the privy, one takes a handful of leaves/soil and deposits it into the privy toilet to help with the decaying process. Then you should close the lid. It took me 500 miles before I got use to it and could thus use it regularly - 500 long miles!
Date: 2008-03-22
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap, Cloud 9 Hostel in Hiawassee
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: clear sky

We hiked 11 miles to Hiawassee and stayed at the Cloud 9 hostel. We went to town for a grocery resupply and Mexican food! I decided to buy foods that I enjoy rather than foods that I feel that I should eat. Otherwise, I don't feel like eating when I get to camp. It was weird going into a grocery store. Everything looked so bright. The labels on the food were so colorful. I was so overwhelmed with all the foodstuff that I couldn't focus on my shopping list. I finally got it together and purchased my goods. Survivor Dave gave me some first-aid for a blister on my toe. According to Stephanie, Cloud 9 is known as "the place where blisters die".
Date: 2008-03-23
From: Dicks Creek Gap, Cloud 9 Hostel in Hiawassee

To: Muskrat Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I forgot it was Easter until some day hikers wished us a Happy Easter. We crossed the GA/NC border today and took some pictures. Also, today I officially got my trail name of "Knuckles" from Dirty Harry. I'm not sure how I feel about it. It is not a very pretty name, but I figured it sounded tough.I was actually very cold today and at night. I need a new sleeping bag if it is going to be this cold.
Date: 2008-03-25
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap, Franklin, NC
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

We got up early to hike in to Franklin, NC. We climbed some steep rocks to a fantastic view. I didn't really want to climb up the rickety fire tower to look out, but Dirty Harry encouraged me. I'm glad he did because it was beautiful. Shiloh took our pictures. Then we were off. Along the way, we passed the 100 mile mark. It is strange to think that one can drive 2 hours and cover 100 miles and it has taken me over a week to do it.Today we experienced trail magic for the first time. We climbed a steep waterfall and at the top of the falls were some cold fruit juices. It was delicious and refreshing. Then when we got to the road, a couple was waiting for hikers and giving out sodas and snacks. It was so nice. Tomorrow will be a much needed zero day.
Date: 2008-03-26
From: Winding Stair Gap, Franklin, NC

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

We had our first zero day today. We are washing clothes and resupplying. We met a really nice thru-hiker named Tuna Bag that drove us to the grocery story and to the outfitters. He plays the banjo, and I showed him a small picture of these two people on top of Katahdin that I got off of whiteblaze.net, one fellow is playing the banjo and the other one is laughing. I keep it in my wallet to look at if I need a laugh. He told me the guy playing the banjo is Uncle Silly and that he climbed Katahdin just before he did.
Date: 2008-03-27
From: Sapphire Inn, Franklin, NC

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We hiked past the Wayah Bald stone observation tower. We climbed up it and could see the Smoky Mtns from there. They look so far away. I keep thinking, "I hope that it doesn't snow". I also don't want to stay in the shelters with mice. Apparently, you are required to stay in the shelters unless they are full.
Date: 2008-03-28
From: Wayah Shelter

To: Spring/Campsite
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was the longest mileage and physically hardest day for me. We got to NOC and got some drinks. Root Beer for me and beers for the others. We then decided to hike out of the NOC to a nearby campsite. It ended up being 2 miles uphill from the NOC. We got to camp late and it rained. Am tired.
Date: 2008-03-29
From: Spring/Campsite

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: moderate rain

We awoke at 4:30 to hooting owls. I don't think I've ever heard one in the wild before. Later on the trail, I saw a bobcat. It ran off as I turned the corner. The thunderstorms started in the morning but tapered off. We met a couple, Mosey and Sprite, at a shelter. I got water from a nearby spring without a filter since I sent it home at the NOC. The water tasted pretty good. We hiked up a few steep mountains and was met with some more trail magic later. We met Hopeful and Queen Diva and the rest of the gang who had a spread of food and drinks and shelter from the rain. We must have eaten for 30 minutes. It was so nice. It gave us energy for the next few miles to camp.
Date: 2008-03-30
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night was one of the worst nights of sleep I have had on the trail so far. I learned a lesson though. The problem was that I set up my tent on a slope and my sleeping bag kept slipping off of my thermarest pad. I woke up several times and I was touching the end of the tent which was wet and which got my sleeping bag wet. But lesson learned.We hiked to the luxurious Fontana Dam Shelter or Fontana Hilton. It has a beautiful view of the lake and the mountains. I slept well as there were no mice. We are taking 2 zero days to meet up with some people at the Fontana Dam Resort. The next few days will be spent resupplying and mentally preparing for the Smoky Mountains.
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Fontana Dam Resort

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

I hiked most of the day alone into the Smokys. It was a lovely, warm day for most of the day. It turned cold at night. There were mice in the shelter - crawling on the rock walls. I put in my earplugs and had a surprisingly good sleep.
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: light rain

It was a long 17 mile day. It rained most of the day today and will rain all day tomorrow according to the ridge runner we talked to. It's 7 pm in the shelter and everyone in our group is in their sleeping bags. Tomorrow will be a climb to Clingman's Dome.
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a rainy, miserable day. There was no view at Clingman's Dome, but I took a picture anyway. It was funny to notice that the birds still tweet even though it is cold and rainy. They are still doing their thing. I thought about how if I were back in Charlottesville, I would be at work, all warm and dry. And I could drink hot chocolate.I slept well though. I didn't even worry about the mice or bears.
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light rain

Drizzly today. We all feel cold and wet and we can't wait to go into town to resupply tomorrow. We were all in our sleeping bags by 5:30 pm. The rain has a way of zapping all of our energy. We realized too that our appetites have increased drastically over the last few days.
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

The last day in the Smokys was sunny and beautiful. The trails were very muddy and slick. I broke my perfect record today when I fell down for the first time. I stepped on a big rock that I thought was dry. It was a loud and hard fall on my tush and backpack. I was okay and no one saw as I was alone, so it might not even count.It was so clear and bright after all that rain. The views were spectacular. There was one area where we were above the clouds. I've never walked above the clouds before. It looked like an ocean.Jon and Stephanie invited us to stay with some friends overnight and to resupply. Their friend picked us up at the gap and gave us each a Snickers bar. We gobbled it down. Their friends cooked us a very nice dinner too and helped us to clean up and resupply.
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Walnut Mtn Shelter

To: Alpine Motel, Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up last night to heavy footsteps and breaking branches. I called out to Dirty Harry's tent so that he would wake up. It sounded heavy like a bear. He said that he could not hear anything and that it was probably just a small animal. I listened to it come into camp near the food bags that were hung and walk around. Everyone was in their tents asleep except for me in my tent. Moss was in the shelter down a ways. I finally went to sleep.I woke Moss up in the morning. He told me that a bear came into the shelter and was smelling around. It swatted at his pack but couldn't get to it. The bear then went to the privy. Someone had left a lot of trash near there and the bear went through it in search of food. Meanwhile, Moss moved his pack to the top of the shelter. He said that the bear came back and sniffed around for a little then left. At one point Moss joked that he wanted to fight a bear, but he said regretted ever saying such a thing.
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Alpine Motel, Hot Springs, NC

To: Alpine Motel, Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hot Springs is so nice, so we decided to take a zero day today. We will not have another zero day until we reach Damascus, VA. We hope that our friend, Trout Bum, will catch up to us today. I finally told my folks that I am hiking the AT. They were happy for me and wished me well. I feel better now that I told them.
Date: 2008-04-13
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

Dirty Harry wanted to do 26 miles today. I told him I would try. I got to the No Business Knob Shelter and met Hamburglar and Pippi. They told me that he had been here 45 minutes ago. It was 5:45 and I didn't think that I could do another 6 miles before it got dark so I tented. Jon and Stephanie came by which made me feel better. This was the first time that I was separated from Dirty Harry. I felt so sad and a little out of my comfort zone.
Date: 2008-04-14
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel
Miles today: 6.0

I woke up early and hiked into the hostel. I saw Dirty Harry who was hiking out. I said goodbye to him, Moss, and T-Bird. I felt so sad and lonely. I needed to resupply and take a break. I met the nicest people (Pearl, Trainwreck, and Nest). We shared a cabin together. Pearl got a box of Captain Crunch and milk and we broke out our pots and ate it on the floor. I had lunch with Hamburglar and Pippi. Later that day, Cabot, who I met at the GA/NC border, found me and said that he would hike out with me the next day. I felt better already.
Date: 2008-04-16
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Cabot and I hiked to one of the coldest shelters on the AT. Cabot introduced me to hot chocolate on the trail. I have not wanted to make it because I didn't want to have to wash out the pot again. However, drinking hot chocolate when you are cold is worth it. Jon and Stephanie soon joined us with two other hikers, Fire and Mouth.
Date: 2008-04-19
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Iron Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 24.3

Cabot and I are planning on doing 2 days into Damascus. Today was the longest hike yet. It rained the last 3 miles. We were soaked but dried off when we got to the shelter. We met two fellow hikers, Cool Breeze and To It (sp?). We ate, drank hot chocolate, and were asleep by 8:15.
Date: 2008-04-23
From: Whitetop Mountain Rd

To: Hurricane Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: broken clouds

We hiked up to the Thomas Knob Shelter and had lunch with Grey Ghost and Jenx. That is where we saw the wild ponies. There were dozens of them out in the field. It was amazing to see them. I didn't realize that there would be so many.We hit the 500 mile mark today. It seems like it took so long to get to 100 miles and now 500 miles is already here. I don't want this time to fly by.
Date: 2008-04-24
From: Hurricane Mtn Shelter

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 26.8
Weather: clear sky

We saw a bear this morning up behind some rocks. I couldn't see it that well, but it looked like someone in a gorilla suit hiding out behind the rhododendrons. It shuffled away quickly.Later, we saw an abandoned bus just off the trail. You can't help but to think of Chris McCandless. I had to go inside. There was a bed and stove and a shrub growing through the window. My friend, Kristen, texted me and told me she was nearby for work and wanted to try to visit tomorrow. It would be nice to see someone who knows me. It's sort of strange and freeing being on the trail where people don't really know who you are, but it is also sometimes nice to be with people who get you, like Kristen does.
Date: 2008-04-25
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: Knot Maul Branch Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: broken clouds

I saw my friend, Kristen, today. We got off the trail at a gas station in Atkins and she drove up. It was so much fun seeing her again. I felt bad because I was smelly and funky, but she didn't mind. She shuttled us around to the post office and to the grocery store to get resupplies. Otherwise, we would have had to get our food at the gas station. We said goodbye after 3 hours and I was back on the trail. I wish that she could join me.
Date: 2008-04-26
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Helvey's Mill Shelter
Miles today: 33.1
Weather: few clouds

Today was the longest day ever - 33 miles! I don't think that I want to do any more miles above 25 for some time. The last mile we had to use our headlamps. I told Cabot to stay close by because I couldn't see that well. We finally turned off on the blue blaze trail for the shelter. Then I looked up and I could not see Cabot's light. I got scared. I looked down and thought that I had lost the trail. What was I going to do? I might have to tent right there and wait for daylight. I screamed, "Cabot"! I heard a voice close by, "Over here, Knuckles." Cabot had just gone around the corner of the shelter. The shelter was right there and I just couldn't see it. I accidentally woke everyone up in the shelter with my scream. At the shelter was Dirty Harry, T-Bird, and Footloose. T-Bird said that he could hear my scream through his music on his iPod.
Date: 2008-04-27
From: Helvey's Mill Shelter

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It was beautiful for most of the day. After hiking 16 miles, I got to a crossroad and found the group waiting for me. They asked if I wanted to get ice cream and I said, "Sure!" We hid our backpacks in the bushes and walked down the road. After eating lots of snacks, we headed back. It started to rain and rained the last 7 miles to the shelter! We finally got there and dried off. It rained all night and into the morning.
Date: 2008-05-02
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a good day. My leg is starting to feel better and I saw lots of sights. First, I saw an old abandoned house in the woods. I had to go look. I ended up going inside and looking around. I thought it might be scary but it wasn't. It just felt like a nice family had lived there long ago. Someone had stamped black hand prints on the walls. I looked around upstairs. It was empty except for leaves and a pot. Later, I saw and got my picture taken next to the largest oak on the AT. It was about 300 years old. After a big climb, I passed the Audie Murphy Monument. Unfortunately, I was too exhausted to go up the blue blaze to see it up close.
Date: 2008-05-03
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Daleville/Troutville, VA
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: few clouds

On this day, I hiked a section of the AT that I had hiked with Jonathan and Stacy about 3 1/2 years ago. It was the first backpacking trip I had ever been on. Jonathan and Stacy had hiked the AT in 2000 and told me all about it. These two people inspired me the most to hike the AT. They were extremely helpful with my gear selection. That trip through this section took me 2 days to do then but only one day this time.
Date: 2008-06-20
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Dalton, MA (The Bird House)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

This is just a quick update. I haven't had time to update my journal and will probably not have time until I return home. The terrain has been getting harder since Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania had a lot of rocks, but it was flat. Now the steep ups and downs have started. I hiked through New Jersey and New York and took a day off in NYC with some hiking friends. The AT in New York was beautiful but there were 4 days of 90 degree temps. I had to take long breaks in the middle of the day near a water source. Connecticut was beautiful as well. I stopped briefly in two quaint towns, Kent and Salisbury. Massachusetts has been nice. However, the mosquitoes and ticks are ready to bite. My next stop might be Hanover, NH. I am currently taking a break in Dalton, Massachusetts. I'm at mile 1556.6 and have 598.4 miles to go. Dalton is a lovely town with nice folks. In a few days, I will be in Vermont and on the long awaited Long Trail.
Date: 2008-06-30
To: The Inn at Long Trail
Miles today: 0.0

I had to take some days off in Dalton because I got Lyme. I had been hiking for 3 days while feeling ill (chills, feverish, weakness, headache, joint pain). I was sure that I had Lyme because I had all the symptoms and I found a few deer ticks on me. I finally took a taxi to Dalton from the trail. I was misdiagnosed with a virus and was trying to rest up at the Bird Cage. Another hiker staying there, Marco Solo, insisted that I take my temperature and Mr. Bird made me call the doctor back. I ended up going to the emergency room. Thankfully, the doctor gave me the antibiotics that I needed and confirmed that I had gotten Lyme. Within a few days, I was feeling so much better. I'm grateful to both Marco Solo for driving me to the hospital and pharmacy and to Rob Bird for letting me stay in a quiet room in his house.The hike into Vermont has been beautiful so far. I would enjoy it a whole lot more without the major downpours but that is how it goes. I am excited to be getting so close to the Whites.
Date: 2013-08-28
To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 0.0

In 2008, I quit hiking the Appalachian Trail in Monson, Maine, just a hundred miles short of the end. It was an unusually rainy year in Maine. I was afraid of drowning in the deep rivers and had already endured fording several - some alone. The guidebook indicated that I still had many more to cross. I stayed at Shaw's Lodging to wait out the rain but saw countless hikers quit, both North and South Bounders. I couldn't take it anymore and decided to quit.Then I called my friend and mentor, Jonathan Hunt, and talked to him about what I was going through mentally. He told me that I could quit but that I would have the rest of my life to think about it. I needed to hear that. I took a few days to collect myself and got back on the trail and finished my journey. The 100-Mile Wilderness was extremely muddy but it was actually easy. I finished my thru-hike after 5 months on the trail on August 19, 2008.What I learned from that experience is that when I feel like I am all alone and can't make it, I should call a friend. Sometimes we think that something is impossible because we have built it up in our minds as such, when really it is ourselves and our own thinking that have become distorted. On September 7, 2013, I will be meeting my friend, Aviator (Jill Patterson), on her thru-hike in Monson, Maine. I am looking forward to being with her in the end and hearing her stories. I am also looking forward to seeing the beauty of Maine without the fear I once had.
Date: 2008-04-22
To: 4 days
Miles today: 0.0

So 4 days to go and we just sent out our first package which will arrive to Neels Gap before we even get to Georgia. Joey has secured us a ride which is key to starting our adventure.Most of our packages are packed we have 15 total...to Sam's Club we go for some more food. Please note if you will be wanting to send us a card or something please read at the bottom of the Mail Drop page for mailing instructions.We believe we pretty much are set to go, Joey has a few odds and ends to finish...and i am just here for moral support But seriously I think we are as ready as we can be.later...JB
Date: 2008-04-29
From: Neels Gap

To: ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hello everyone... we have completed our frist stint and made it to Neels Gap outfitters and hostel and everything else you can imagine. A day of rest for our weary bones! We have shed 12 pounds total between us both and Kovis(joey) insists on still carrying his guitar. We have had rain, wind, sun and winter like temps, nothing like cooking breakfast right outside you tent still in your sleeping bag Thats all for now, a large pizza awaits! later
Date: 2008-05-02
From: Neels Gap

To: Cloud 9
Miles today: 0.0

Started out from Neels Gap on 4/30 which was a great stay and made 11 miles to Low Gap...15miles to Tray Mtn 5/1...10.5 to Cloud 9 hostel 5/2. We have been keeping a pretty good pace...the first 7+ miles of our 15 mile day was so nice and the last 7+ miles was killer up hills but we pressed on and made it to a great camping area. We have meet some really great people and have heard a lot of trail wisdom. One man said just make it through the smokies injury free and then you'll be able to cruise and make up miles after that. Trail angels are people who do great and unexpected things for you...two quick stories after our 15 miles day Baby Carrots saved us a nice camping spot as the area was filling up really fast(thank you) and at the top of Kelly Knop a very long long long steep climb someone left a snickers bar...which seemed like winning a trophy Things have been really great, food is good, company is good, scenery is absolutely beautiful, and laughing while climbing up mountains helps you get to the top but not always in a quick manner.We are chilln' at cloud nine for two nights and taking a rest day which is greatly needed.thank you all for your continued prayers and support. till next stop