morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-06-14
From: rich mountain camp

To: laughing heart hostel
Miles today: 8.5

Was up early and highly motivated to get into town. My gear was wet, the temperature was hot, and my feet needed some rest. I always like the hike into towns, typically they are downhill, and this was no exception. I made it into town around noon and looked for the first watering hole I could find. Found a nice lace called the iron horse and had a quick lunch and a couple beers. Went next door to do laundry and started my way out of town. Stopped by the laughing heart hostel to see if red beard had been by, he was, and we reconnected. With the heat, I decided a shower and good nights rest would be best, plus my battery pack needed a charge. Got cleaned up, went for dinner and a few beers and back to the hostel for a good night sleep.
Date: 2015-06-15
From: laughing heart hostel

To: laughing heart hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Well I had planned on leaving first thing in the morning, however, an interesting thing happened late last night. A hiker came in late, well he was a thru hiker but decided to buy a boat an go to the Gulf of Mexico, which is another story. The boat was stolen in hot springs, so he came back to the hostel where he knew some of the other hikers. We decided to help him find his boat and get hm on his way, and seeing how the weather was brutally hot, seemed like a good idea to spend the hot part of the day off the trail. We proceeded to canvas the town looking for clues and finding suspects. Without going into too much detail, the local sheriff asked us to cease our investigation, but we still have our theories. By the end of the day we decided a few beers and a campfire was the best way to end the day.
Date: 2015-06-16
From: laughing heart hostel

To: trail
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Red beard met his uncle at laughing heart hostel, they were going to hike a few days together. I decided to walk part of the way with them. Red beard and I hiked ahead and made good time to the first shelter, but we waited for his uncle for quite a while. When he got there we moved on, but I knew that I couldn't take that much time. I had booked my flight two days ago, leaving from Atlanta on Sunday the 28th. Taking a zero in hot springs just added miles each day to my average. I needed to get moving so I said godbye to red beard after we stopped again and made my way towards my next challenge, the smokies.
Date: 2015-06-17
From: trail

To: davenport shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Excited today to get into the smokey mountains but first, needed a small resupply at standing bear hostel. However, on my way there, I ran into a few hikers telling me of shelter closures in the smokies, not a great start to my afternoon. Turns out the second shelter is closed due to aggressive bear activity. This means I have to stop at the first shelter, or push another 14 miles to the third one. Having done 15 already and it being 1 pm, I didn't feel comfortable with a 12 mile climb at the end of the day through "bear infested" woods. So far I've seen at least 10 bears, all of which ran as soon as they saw or smelled me. The problem in the smokies is that the Bears have become used to associating people with food. Several hikers had stories of having to chase bears off the trail, this made me a little nervous hiking by myself. So I stayed at the first shelter, davenport, known for having a chain link cage to keep the Bears out, and the hikers in. Needless to say, sleeping in a cage is going to be different.
Date: 2015-06-18
From: davenport shelter

To: icewater springs shelter
Miles today: 27.4
Weather: scattered clouds

I was up early and hit the trail running, felt great, the rest probably helped. I climbed all morning at a good pace. At one point yesterday I was going to keep hiking and "stealth camp" somewhere along the trail. Good thing I didn't, there wasn't one spot along the trail where I could have set up a tent, the smokies definitely are unique. The weather cooled off at the higher elevations, and that felt great, however, in the mountains the weather can change quickly. Lots of little showers passed throughout the day, just enough to be annoying. Just kept going, trying to do as many miles as I could to get through the mountains. Rolled into the shelter to find a good number of people there. In the smoky mountains, thru hikers must give up their spot in a shelter if someone comes in with reservations, regardless of the time. I have heard a few stories of hikers getting kicked out, late in the evening, and one time into the rain. Hope that doesn't happen to me.
Date: 2015-06-19
From: icewater springs shelter

To: russel field shelter
Miles today: 30.5

Wow, what a day. Longest one I've had so far. Still pushing hard to get out of the mountains. In typical fashion the morning is my biggest push, trying hard to get miles in before the heat of the day and while I have the most energy. Crossed over clingmans dome, highest point in the AT, and was going to get water just a little ways down the mountain. Still had about a liter and the next shelter was only 1.7 miles, so instead of getting water there, I pushed on, which proved to be a bad decision. When I got to the next shelter, the water supply was really bad, sort of an off brown. Filter or not, I would rather press on than drink that, and I still had about a half liter left. The next water was 5 miles, 5 very long miles it would turn out. Although mostly downhill, the descent was filled with lots of short steep uphills, and the temperature went up as I went down. But I made it and used on with sheer determination arriving at an empty shelter around 7:45. The reason it was empty was probably due to the sign about aggressive bears in the area, unfortunately after the day I had, could not go on, so I ate, hung my food and waited till morning to finally get out of the park.
Date: 2015-06-20
From: russel field shelter

To: trail
Miles today: 26.5

So I am on another big day, need to put in the miles so that I can keep on my schedule. Trying to put in the miles on the front end so that if I need to, I can cut back later or arrive earlier to get some rest. Weather has been hot with rain chances in the afternoon, and I'm hearing thunder most days. However, the mountains are very difficult in predicting where and when the rain will hit, so I just keep walking. Worst case scenario, I can get my tent up in just a few minutes provided I have a spot for it. Made it to Fontana dam just after noon and had some ice cream and a Gatorade. Went past the shelter that they call the Fontana Hilton, which had, albeit filthy, a shower. No towel, no soap, no problem. Felt good to just wash away some grime. Pushed on, trying to set myself up for the NOC the next day which is my next resupply. Along the way, slipped on a rock and landed solely on my arm leaving a nasty bruise, fortunately that was the only damage. Made camp and dreamed of hot food and a cold beer the next day.
Date: 2015-06-21
From: trail

To: rufus morgan shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Relatively short day today, glad for the resupply. I've been eating more and more, to the point where I'm always hungry even after dinner. Got into town, the Nantahala Outdoor Center(NOC) and went to the outfitters for meals, general store for snacks, quick change of clothes into something that only smelled half awful and went in for late lunch. Had a large Greek salad because I found that most people carb up in towns, but I feel better eating the leafy greens and vegetables, really gives me more energy on the trail. I mean I also had a whole pizza, but I still got my greens! A couple of beers topped it off and into the woods I went. With the temps and humidity, didn't feel a 4 mile climb was in the cards for me, so stopped a mile or so into woods at the first shelter, gathered some wood and built a nice fire. I was by myself so I called Kristena and we had a nice long conversation.
Date: 2015-06-22
From: rufus morgan shelter

To: trail
Miles today: 25.5

Up later than normal, not good after a shorter day, and a long climb up to start. Very peaceful day with nice weather, although hot, there was a nice breeze. Had a goal of about 25 miles, and riding heavy with my resupply even though I only got enough food to get me to Neel's Gap. Important to manage food and water weight, especially in the heat. Was stopped at a road crossing by a guy that wanted to hike with me while I told him stories of my trail experience. Seemed odd at first, but then this is the Appalachian trail. He hiked with me for a little less than a mile and I related all I could think of, not knowing that in the moment, he had created another story for me, thanks Barry. Walked as far as I could and set camp, knowing the next days would be long ones.
Date: 2015-06-23
From: trail

To: muskrat creek shelter
Miles today: 29.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Kind of a boring day, head down, feet moving, mind racing, you know typical day in the life. Really focused on my next milestone which is Neel's Gap, not only for food, but rest and a shower. Drinking up to 10 liters of water per day, hot weather down here. Imagine that, Georgia hot in the summer, who would have thought! I'm really moving at this point, miles are flying by, and I got into the shelter somewhat early for the miles I did, and of course it was full. Fortunately there were Plenty of tentsites and I set up, ate, and crawled into the sack. The group that was there had a large fire, and was making a little more noise than I would have liked, but wrapped up around 9:45, then quiet. I mean quiet, where you could here your own heartbeat. This happens every now and then, and I still haven't gotten used to it.
Date: 2015-06-24
From: muskrat creek shelter

To: cheese factory tent site
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Was up and out before the people in the shelter, was 50 miles from Neel's Gap and needed 25 today to split up the hike. Lots of ups and downs, and my body is starting to get tired, and I'm eating much more than I had planned. Was breezy today which helped keep the temps from being too oppressive, but there was energy in the air and I got the feeling storms were a brewin'. About 3 pm the thunder started, and the sky grew darker. To my left blue sky and sun, to my right dark sky and thunder. I quickened my pace, ever ready to drop tent when the rains came. No cell signal, couldn't check radar, so I stuck with my gut and continued on. The miles tacked on as my heart pounded, not only from the impending storm but also from the strenuous hiking and the fact that I was unable, more like unwilling, to stop and eat. Before I knew it the storm was at my back and the skies were blue again. Around 7 I had hit the 25 mile mark, ego told me to go, reason told me to stay. Good water source, flat tent sites, and an abundant supply of firewood. Made camp, got water and wood, started a fire and had dinner. Winds were getting a little stronger, and I didn't feel comfortable with the fire, so whomever came across a large pile of firewood, your welcome. As I went to go to bed, realized my external battery was dead, my phone did not charge. Had no maps, ate two meals so I'm out of food, need to get to Neel's Gap tomorrow, not going to be a good nights sleep.
Date: 2015-06-25
From: cheese factory tent site

To: Neel's Gap hostel
Miles today: 25.0

Im feeling hot, hot, hot. Not want I need on the trail. Woke up with no more meals, little in the way of snacks, phone and battery pack are dead, which means no maps, broke a strap on my boot, ants got into my clothes, and the wind had picked up to the point my tent was blowing away. I woke to the sound of the birds, still somewhat dark, and I gathered my stuff only to realize that the shirt I had drying on a tree was covered in ants, yeah me! So I pounded the miles early, only to find out around 9:30 when I passed a couple NoBos that the hostel closed at 5, great, time to go to "beast mode". It's amazing what a person can do given the motivation. It was so hot and I was exhausted, but I made it, and a shower and laundry never felt so good. It was also nice to see some hikers who had started from springer and give them some advice for the trail over the next couple days. I realized how much I appreciated the help when I had first started, it's nice to be able to pass that advice on.
Date: 2015-06-26
From: Neel's Gap hostel

To: springer mountain
Miles today: 31.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Did not sleep well at all in the hostel, and the frozen hamburger just didn't do enough to satiate my appetite. Up several times throughout the night to snack and talk a quick walk outside to cool off. I'm sure the excitement of being able to get to springer in the mountain didn't help me sleep. I had a great start to the day, but the heat and just being tired in general from the previous long days slowed me down quite a bit. I was dragging most of the afternoon, taking frequent breaks including one where I met a family from middleburg, right in my own backyard! Around 2 I stopped for water and a snack and to check the map. Realized at that point that I hadn't done the miles that I thought I had, not good. But I was bound and determined to summit the mountain hat I had so longed for to see, and I reached down deep knowing that tomorrow promised rest. Reached the base of the last climb to springer around 4:30 and still had 8.5 miles to go, not good. Had a few bags of sugary candy to give me some immediate energy and set to it. Did great for the first 5 miles of climbing then the feet, body and mind began to give out and I considered stopping, but after 1000 miles who could stop? Summited around 8 pm ate two dinners and laid down to a very hot sleeping bag and a very active forest
Date: 2015-06-27
From: springer mountain

To: amicalola falls (approach trail) lodge
Miles today: 10.0

Well this is it, last day on the southern end of the trail! Took my time walking down the approach trail as I was in no hurry, couldn't check in until 4, and my feet were hurting pretty bad. Met a few nice section hikers along the way and talked whenever I could. Dropped my pack off at the lodge and found I could do an early check in so turned down the a/c in the room, had a celebratory beer and proceeded to do the last mile of the approach. 625 steps down the amicalola falls with another quarter mile of walking, seemed like a good idea until I realized that I had to walk back up! But after a shower and a change of clothes had a good lunch and watched the clouds roll in, thankful that I was not on the trail for the storms rolling in. Kristena will be here to get me tomorrow, heading up to Maine on Sunday and will be heading back towards harpers ferry either Monday or Tuesday. Not sure how the my days got all mixed up but will try to keep better records on the flip. Psychology I'm halfway done, even though I have 1200 miles left
Date: 2015-06-28
From: amicalola falls (approach trail) lodge

To: atantla airport
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Kristena picked me up and we headed to Atlanta, long ride for the both of us, had a snack and checked in to the room, was fortunate to watch a thunderstorm roll in. Room service and a few drinks later it was way too late and morning came way too early. I spend so much time on the trail thinking I have so much time, except when it matters.
Date: 2015-06-29
From: atantla airport

To: caribou, me
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Up at 3:30 to catch a shuttle for the 5:30 flight out of Atlanta. Chris grabbed me at presque isle airport and back to the house to kind of relax, and by that I mean fall asleep on the couch. Picked up a couple of pizzas on the way home, turned out to be just right for dinner. Then sleep, and some more, wish I could have been a better guest, I think the trail got the better of me. Up he next morning and off to resupply (yes there are two days together, not sure how I got off track). Great breakfast and immediately to Walmart where I purchased waaaaayyy too much food, about 18 pounds worth. Guess the hiker stomach got the better of me. Then searching for a tent cause the TSA lost my tent poles, unfortunately no luck there. So dinner again and off to bed, another early rise in the morning and katahdin.
Date: 2015-06-30
From: caribou, me

To: katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: broken clouds

Chris and I got u early and headed to katahdin around 3:00 am, arrived in millinocket a little after five and stopped for a restroom break at mcd's. Little strange since it had been light outside for more than an hour, going to be tough getting used to the early light, hope the birds are still on Georgia time! Made the summit in 3 hours, really proud of my brother, it was a bitch of a climb, but he was like a ring-tailed lemur on those rocks. Took a lot longer to descend, then a quick bite to eat and check into a hostel, Chris's first experience at one. Early dinner and a few beers, in bed by 10 for another early rise.
Date: 2015-07-01
From: katahdin

To: hurd brook lean-to
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

Chris dropped me off first thing in the morning from katahdin stream campground. Within the first few miles I started meeting hikers heading northbound that I had met back in Shenandoah when I first started. Probably one of the coolest things I've experienced on this journey being that it's been almost two months since I've seen them and countless trail miles. Made it out of Baxter park and came across a little store where I checked in to see the hikers. All heading southbound and stopping at the next shelter. Was going to push through, but reason got the better of me, as well as the ensuing rain, and finished the day with a small fire that the rain put out and a full shelter. Really can't wait to get my tent, wish I would have sent it to monson.
Date: 2015-07-02
From: hurd brook lean-to

To: wadleigh stream lean-to
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: light rain

Hikes with thunder cat and Jamie at different points throughout the day, both had blisters and didn't look good in general. At one point, I decided to push forward, I didn't mean for them to try and keep up with me. Pack still real heavy and trying to eat as much as possible. At the shelter I met jeff(allegedly), swampfoot, brenna and banjo. Had a bunch of laughs and told some stories. One of the nicest privies that I have seen on the trail so far, almost wanted to take a zero there!
Date: 2015-07-03
From: wadleigh stream lean-to

To: antlers campsite
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Hiked the whole day with Jeff, good company and good conversation. We decided to push past the shelter and head to a campsite, even though I had no tent. It would be my first time cowboy camping and I was a little nervous but I figure it has to happen at some point. When we got to the site we met up with Hubble, brenna, swamp foot, banjo, haiku, thundercat and had a nice meal and a fire watching the sunset and the moonrise
Date: 2015-07-04
From: antlers campsite

To: east branch
Miles today: 16.1

Left with banjo, brenna, swampfootand hiked to Jo-Mary rd where banjo left and they got resupply. Stopped at cooper brook shelter where we took a nice swim in an ice cold stream then laid on the rocks in the sun to dry out and allegedly caught up with us. Allegedly and I left together but I walked on my own for the second half of the day. Arrived at the shelter to find haiku and a brown water source, I mean BROWN. We filtered Twice and used a steri-pen, because we had no options.   Went 1/2 mile down the trail only to find same water. Met Apollo and stretch and stayed in the shelter, had a fire to keep the bugs down. Aside from the water we had a good time and many laughs were had by all.
Date: 2015-07-05
From: east branch

To: carl newhall lean-to
Miles today: 10.8

Started out the day with the five of us hiking together, but halfway through the day we lost allegedly to something. We think he was going to hitch a ride into town, how he joins up with us later. Stopes in at Logan brook leanto which has one of the worst privies I've ever seen, seriously, this is coming from a guy that poops in the woods!. Starting to lose some weight from my food bag. Got into the shelter really early so I collected a bunch of wood and had swampfoot "start a fire". We had group yoga and laughed intensely all day and into the night. Great breeze, nice temps, and a wonderful privy.
Date: 2015-07-06
From: carl newhall lean-to

To: cloud pond lan-to
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Just out of the shelter, Brenna put both her feet into the water and got stung by a bee soon after, not a great start to the day. Needless to say, she was not in a great mood the rest of the afternoon, but she pulled through. Lots of climbing, lots of ups and downs over some tough roots and rocks. Was really happy to get to the shelter at the end of the day. Unfortunately, the shelter was .4 off trail, over some ugly trail at that. We were hoping to swim in the pond but not the kind of place that you really want to jump into. We had a fire and did yoga, including Catch-up in the process. Finally getting some catching up of my own in my journal, who knows when im going to get it online(obviously it took a while ) Heard from steve in hot springs about the stolen boat, still not found, he his heading north, should be a crazy story when we pass each other. Saw a NoBo who recognized my hockey stick from the Shenendoah, but he said I was much older than the guy he saw in the south. Only two more days till were out of the hundred mile wilderness, and I officially passed the halfway point on my journey.
Date: 2015-07-07
From: cloud pond lan-to

To: Leeman Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: few clouds

We all hiked together for the first part of the day but morale was pretty low after the first few hours. Found out the Scott Jurek is almost 250 miles away, I has thought we would pass each other already. I think the mountains are starting to wear on him, but then again, when you're hiking 50 miles a day, you're bound to get a little tired. Ran into regular John and the milkman at the shelter, and saw the hiking vikings at a ford in the river who remmbered me from the shenendoah. Still really cool seeeing all the people that I passed so long ago. Stopped about 3 miles outside of Monson, ME, and ate all the food we had left in our bags. Will be in tomorrow for breakfast at Shaw's and looking forward to the Nero and some cold beers. Still no Scott Jurek, not much reception so I can't track his progress. Did I mention that I'm looking forward to a hot meal and cold beer?
Date: 2015-07-08
From: Leeman Brook Lean-to

To: Lakeshore House (Monson, ME)
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: broken clouds

Nice day for a Nero, woke up with the threat of rain, hiked the three miles into town, and actually got the poncho out,mostly to ward off the impending rain. Got into town and Shaw's through Rebekah, who owns the Lakeshore house and just happened to be dropping someone off at the trailhead and gave us a ride into town, now that is trail magic. We had an incredible breakfast at Shaw's as the rain moved in, and was grateful to be warm and dry as well as fed. Went to Lakeshore to check in, showered, and laundry, and a quick bite to eat. The front pushed through and the sun came out along with some wind. Had a really nice day, lunch with the crew, couple of beers, dodging the local "weird guy" Zach, resupplied at least three times, and tried to get caught up a little on trail journals. I know it would be easier not having to log three weeks at a time. Would definitely have stayed another night if I could, and would certainly stay again. Maybe when my brother and I hike the 100-mile wilderness we can meet again.