morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-29
From: Laughing Heart Hostel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Afternoon 4/25/15We came off trail around 2:30 p.m. as I walked off I saw Baltimore Jack sitting at a picnic table so I headed that way and was told they had 5 bunks left and I said we need 3.So here we are for a few day and One Step and Decaf headed out of town to go see family. So I am here for a few more day as I am waiting on a package from home and a package from Big Angus a new tent and it looks like it will be Friday when it get here. Now for the hostel, I am staying at laughing Heart Hostel now it is the best we had a semi private room for the three of us.Now that was great great beds and clean sheets. As for today I moved into a private room. About the staff Tie and Tom they are the best they go out of there way to help you any way they can. The place is very clean and the best bathrooms as far as clean and Towls and always stocked with soap and paper. The place has all you can ask for tables and chairs outside to sit and relax. Very pleased with the location as you can walk to any of the stores or restaurant in town with in 15 minutes. Best of all world's. I am now having lunch at Smokey Mountain Diner . Great service and the best food burgers and sandwiches and home cooking.Well time to move on and check the post office. Missing being on the traill, need to start moving more miles.   Hot Springs NC is just a great hiker town.So till Sunday                           Hike On.......
Date: 2015-04-30
From: Hot springs NC

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Saturday 5/2/15Today is my last day in Hot Springs NCGot my last mail drop and my new tent.Today was just a lazy day stop at the river and watched a guy fly fishing. In about 10 he had hooked about 5 trout. A really nice day should be out on the trail. Today marks 7 days off trail for resupply and new equipment and rest from what I hope is my last kidney stone. Night before last was my 6th kidney stones since I left Springer Mt. Hot Springs NC is one friendly hiker town nothing but nice people.And a few nice places to eat.Hate to see it come to an end but the mountains are calling "Hay Beep"Hike On.....
Date: 2015-05-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

6/2/15We started the last part of the Smokey Mountains that we had skipped.The day started well we hiked from 10:30 to 7:00 p.m. For a total of 10.4 miles.The day started off dry then around 3:00 it started raining and severe thunder and lightning then we got hit by pea to 3/4 inch hail, at that time I tried to take cover under a spruce tree when I slipped and I think I hyper extended my knee.We hiked about 4 more hours in the rain. We stayed at Pecks Corner shelter.6/3/15Before leaving the shelter we hung our clothes on the line to dry and got back on the trail around 11:15 and hiked 5.2 miles.The day started out good but by mid-afternoon we got hammered by another storm two times with severe thunder and lightning and pea size hail. I hiked most of the day with severe knee pain.We stayed at Tri-Corner Shelter6/4/15We decided to take a zero day and let all our clothes dry out again and let the knee rest for a day. Had beautiful weather that day.Night two at Tri-Corner Shelter6/5/15Today we got a good start at 7 AM and I to about 12 PM.We hiked approximately 7.7 miles, again today the knee was hurting real bad.We got into Cosby Knob Shelter for the night.6/6/15Today started off right with nice weather we had planned on hiking 7.1 miles and staying the night at Davenport Gap Shelter but we decided to hide the additional 3+ miles for a total of 10.7 miles. We rested after eating lunch around 12 PM at Davenport Gap Shelter (that shelter was a very depressing site it was gated in the bear safety) that is when we decided to continue to hide out and shuttle back to Fontana Dam Village.I had already taken many ibuprofen and took three more before we started to hike, did not think I was going to make it out. That is the point I decided to come off of the trail. I will try to continue my journey next year.
Date: 2017-03-23
From: mile 298

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

To all my family and friends I am getting ready to head back to The Appalachian trail on May 1 for a 190+ mile hike and I am trying to raise some money for "Hike for Mental Health" please look at the post and if you can donate a few buck it all goes to mental health and a small portion to the A.T.If I raise $100. Or more I will receive a T-shirt and I will give the shirt to one of the people that take part and help me raise money for this great Organization .Thanks in advance.Ray / Beephttps://secure.hikeformentalhealth.org/eventRegistration.jsp?campaign=81&fundraiser=6221&event=199& https://secure.hikeformentalhealth.org/campaign.jsp?campaign=81&fundraiser=6221&
Date: 2015-03-09
To: Anticipation and Anxiety
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

In less than a week I will be once again taking up my pack and heading to Springer Mountain to begin the 5,000,000 steps that will take me to Baxter State Park and Katahdin. My mind goes back to April 13,2013 when my wife and I set out from the Hiker Hostel with high hopes and a spirit of adventure. It soon became apparent that we were nubes and were in over our heads. I started my hike with a 65lb pack which included of all things, a folding toilet!:O ! (which broke after only one use) and we were not fit enough to carry our 65 and 45lb packs respectively. My wife hurt her knee within the first week and was miserable for the rest of the time although she desperately tried to keep it to herself and soldier on. She left the trail at Gatlinburg, TN and I made it to Erwin before having to return to deal with the tenant who was renting out our house. The tenant decided to buy drugs instead of paying the rent and so needed to be evicted which took quite a bit of time and money. Also she damaged our house during her stay which needed repair. So while we have a lot of good memories from our first trip it has been overshadowed by the surrounding events. This year my wife- Sassypants will be sitting this one out as she is helping a friend of the family who is suffering from pulmonary fibrosis after recovering from cancer. Erin will be helping around the house and taking care of 2 children. So I am sad and excited. Sad because she won't be coming with me and excited that I will finally get to accomplish this dream of mine. I know that I am going to miss Erin and that loneliness is going to be a big issue for both of us. I am as ready as I can be, I have lightened my gear, have my bag packed and am enjoying what time remains with my wife. Counting the days to depart. - Squarepeg
Date: 2015-03-09
To: Dejavu
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

As I work through my trailjournal account and add gear I am transported back to when I first was going through this process back in 2013. So much anticipation mixed with apprehension about our past thru-hike attempt and failure. This time however I have the funds for the trip set aside so that will not be an issue that will trip me up again. I am ready and rearing to go, reading and posting on Facebook and the forums.
Date: 2015-03-11
To: Trail Food
Miles today: 0.0

Food. This is one of the most talked about subjects among prospective and current hikers. In my 2013 hike of the AT I learned quite a bit about planning meals for the trail.Breakfast is an important meal so I came up with a good variety of breakfast options.Oatmeal comes in many flavors and you can add...* Olive or coconut oil* Honey* Powdered Milk* Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink* Protein Powder* Trail mix with dried fruit and nuts* Granola* Powdered butterGrits also come in many flavors and to spice it up you can add...# Real bacon pieces# Olive or coconut oil# Seasoning salts or other flavorings# Powdered milk# Protein Powder# Powdered butterCream Of Wheat Comes in many flavors to which you can add...@ Real Bacon pieces@ Powdered Milk@ Granola@ Trail Mix@ Olive oil or Coconut oil@ Seasonings@ Powdered butterCold cereal like granola mixed with...- Powdered Milk- Protein Powder- Trail Mix- HoneyCereals can even be hot if you make hot water for your powdered milk. Shreaded wheat would be a good exmple of a cereal that would be good hot.Lunches or walk and graze as I found it is better to eat snacks every few hours than to stop for a long lunch break. For snacks here are some of the items I grazed on along my hikes.+ Fruit snacks+ Granola+ Trail Mix - you can either buy prepackaged or mix your own. I love mine with plenty of fruits, nuts and dark chocolate! + Granola Bars such as the following...^ Clif Bars^ Kashi Go Lean bars^ Nature valley hard and soft bars^ Fruit bars^ Fiber One Bars+ Beef and Cheese sticks+ Beef and other kinds of jerky+ Pepperoni+ Combos ( I love taking a combo and wrapping it in pepperoni! )+ Snickers Bars of many flavors+ Summer sausage+ Crackers+ Tortillas+ Peanut butter+ NutellaDinner is the meal that will help your body replenish itself after a hard day of hiking and good solid food is important to help fuel your hike. Knorr Sides come in 2 varieties that I know of.. Pasta and Rice sides to which you can add...= Bacon piece= Pepperoni= Chicken foil packs= tuna foil packs= spam foil packs= fried onions = the cruncy ones= powdered milk for the ones that call for it= olive oil or coconut oil= nuts= powdered butter= Seasoning salts and other spices = Protein PowderMack & Cheese doctored up with= Bacon Bits and other meats= Olive oil or coconut oil= Protein PowderCouscous can get some help as well from adding...> Bacon or other meats> Powdered milk > Protein Powder> Nuts> Powdered butter> Olive or coconut oil> Fried Onions - crunchyThe list could go on and on but you get the idea. I hope that you find some of these interesting and packworthy for your next hike. Bon Appetite... Squarepeg
Date: 2015-03-11
To: Trail Hacks
Miles today: 0.0

Here are a couple of the hacks that I've learned in my hikes that may be of help to others out there. Rain Suit Hack - Hiking in the rain can be miserable in the heat. Heat is trapped inside the suit until you are not only wet but sweaty too. So either way your clothes are going to get wet. Right?? There is a solution that I found in my 300 mile section hike in 2013. I got up and it was raining and my clothes were all wet so the only thing dry was the rain suit. So I put on dry underwear and put my rain suit on. I discovered something really cool - literally! With just the rainsuit on the rain transferred it's coolness through the rainsuit and kept me cool. I just rolled up the sleeves and unzipped the armpits and hiked on. I found that I stayed at a good temperature by the cooling effect and my exertion. On the plus side your clothes will stay dry inside your pack if you follow a hack I learned at the Hiker Hostel from Leigh when we stayed there in 2013.The Backpack Hack - Start by completely emptying your pack's main compartment all the way to the bottom. Take a heavy duty trash bag with drawstring in the pack and then load up all of your gear starting with the stuff you need least often to the most often at the top. Once loaded cinch up the bag. Now put your pack cover on and your pack is super water tight. I have been through long torrential rains with this method and my pack stayed really dry.
Date: 2015-03-15
To: Amtrak Trains
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

After some thought and romantic notions I decided to take a train to Gainesville as my method of transportation. I dreaded the thought of another uncomfortable Grayhound Buss ride with some of the "Interesting" people which that would entail. I've always wanted to ride the train and the experience has lived up to my expectations. I boarded the train in El Paso, Texas which was a very simple process sans-serif all of the strip searches and body scans of the airports. I had no problems with my pack even though my non-collapseable poles were attached to the pack. The seats are comfortable with plenty of leg room and with the rocking motion I soon fell sound asleep. I soon found the observation car where I have spent most of the trip so far which is above the snack bar and connected to the dining car. There was a good variety of different things to eat although it's a little pricey and you can save by bringing your own food. Electric plugs are everywhere so you can stay charged but for some reason they have no WiFi. A major drawback as even many Greyhound busses have wifi. Aside from that one drawback this has been a good experience so far. I will close as I have many miles to go before I sleep.
Date: 2015-03-16
To: The Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

The train ride has been wonderful and I really enjoyed on the train. It was nice to ride through Birmingham, Alabama and Atlanta, Georgia where I had once lived. I had called the hiker hostel and told them the hour that I was supposed to arrive but earlier in the day I had been told that we would be late and so I called ahead and told them that I wouldn't be arriving at 9:00 as planned, but would be arriving at least an hour late. When I found from the conductor the hour that we would be arriving I called and let them know and they said that they would come and pick me up. I arrived at the station and didn't have long to wait before a van pulled up at a little after 10:00 and I was off to the hostel. On the way he stopped in at Walmart so that I could resupply for the trail. It was late and I was extremely tired when I arrived so, I quietly put my gear away and climbed into my bunk for a good night's sleep. Before I went to sleep I thought about the technology and after listening to some who carry and others who don't, I decided to write a little about the subject that can be divisive to some.There are many who eschew all trappings of technology on the trail and that works for some people. I on the other hand believe that technology has an important part of a successful thru-hike. Smart and dumb phones are a lifeline to loved ones behind at home who (ideally ) will be the cheerleaders who refuse to let hikers quit on a bad day and shower encouragement for the progress. Phones and GPS devices (in addition to planning and training ) are a reasonable, but failable lifeline in case of emergencies. I am using Guthook's AT GPS smartphone guide app but will also have as backup AWOL'S AT guide. Using an emergency beacon to call for help along with signing logbook and keeping loved ones abreast of your progress will help rescuers find you in the event of an emergency. Now for my take on technology and entertainment. During my 300 mile section hike I listened to lectures from thegreatcourses.com and music. This time I've added audio books to the mix to help pass the time when alone. I love adding Howard Shore's LOTR soundtracks along with Enya to accompany the awe inspiring Vistas that the trail has to offer. Music has motivated me during hard climbs (like "Welcome to North Carolina!") and cheered me up when discouraged or unmotivated. I personally think that many aspiring thru-hikers would have been helped to persevere psychologically with some music for the spirit and soul and audio books and lessons for the mind. With that being said technology is a enhancement and not a crutch to lean on too much. I love my tech but thrive on hanging out with fellow hikers. Shelter life was awesome as I participated with the trail family. My best memories are of the friend I made and the journey I traveled.
Date: 2015-03-17
From: Hiker Hostel

To: Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up and started organizing I soon realized that I was too tired and needed to have a day to recuperate from the long train ride. I ate the hearty breakfast provided by the hostel and hung out with the other hikers at the hostel including David and Seeker. I thinned out and organized my pack, loosing about 6lbs in weight during the process as well as inserting a heavy duty trashcan liner inside my pack for extra moisture protection. Later in the day I got a ride to the Walmart again and this time David and I grabbed a pizza at Little Caesars and ate while the others finished shopping. There were a lot of German cyclists also staying at the hostel at the time. I went to bed early in order to be ready when I hit the trail for a tough day of hiking.
Date: 2015-03-19
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: light rain

We woke up to pouring rain and sore muscles. Looking down from the loft I saw a hiker wearing a trashbag, loafers and was covered by 2 umbrellas laying on the floor at the edge of the shelter. He was a homeless man who was hiking the trail with $70.00 seeing how people would help or not on the trail. A few of us were worried about him and helped him out as we could. I stretched, put on my anti-chaffe, rain gear and pack and shuffled on down the trail. My idea was that by keeping my dry clothes in my pack and wearing only my socks and underwear under my rainsuit I could stay dry, but not overheat. First there was the descent from Hawk Mountain to Hightower Gap, where I made decent time on the trail. Then it was up and over some hills to Horse Gap. When I start n the morning I always huff and puff up a Storm when I start hiking, but after awhile it quiets down and I will hit my stride. At some point the rain had stopped and it was feeling colder. I snacked along the way instead of cooking breakfast and made decent progress. Along the way I felt a rash starting to develop on my inner thighs so I stopped and slathered on some Triple Antibiotic Ointment which burns at first, showing that it was worse than I thought. The ointment helps heal rashes very quickly, almost overnight in most cases and feels better once the burning sensation goes away. Sassafras Mountain was a challenge for me, not yet having tail legs yet and it had started raining steadily. Hiking down into Cooper gap and climb up Justus Mountains came and went and I was really feeling my calves scream from the incline and declines and I was wearing out. I arrived at the shelter which they claimed was full. It had also been full when my wife and I came thru back in '13 so we pitched a tent then with the help of some Germans as we couldn't figure out how in the dark.(We actually picked up the tent, last minute on our way to the trail and hadn't had time to set it up. The top loft was full with 7 hikers but the 5 hikers on the bottom wanted their space and refused to make room, giving lie to the saying "There's always room for one more in the shelter." I gave it some thought and got creative with a rock and scrapped a flat spot under the shelter which has about 3' tall clearance, rolled out my pad and bag and settled into my den under the shelter. A spot did open up in the shelter but I let Coed have it as his tent had become drenched the night before during the deluge, and was still wet. I applied more triple antibiotic ointment and was happy to see that the rash was almost gone and was feeling better. I made a Knorr side dish of chicken and rice to which I added real bacon pieces and olive oil. It was suggested that I have the trail name of Shelter Troll for my sleeping arrangements but I respectfully declined. I cleaned up and crawled into my sleeping bag and liner and went to sleep to the sound of on and off again rain.
Date: 2015-03-21
From: Neel Gap Hostel

To: Blood Mountain Cabins
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up still somewhat dazed and put my pack together after eating breakfast. I went outside to the store and got coffee, laundry soap and quarters to do my laundry. I waited outside as it is somewhat awkward having the laundry room in the same hallway as the women's restroom and shower. I would proclaim "Walking Through" before starting through to the washroom. Once I finished my laundry I went up for my pack shakedown where a lady told me to empty the pack and organize everything. I started pre pulling items to send home and when we were finished packed it all in a box weighing about 5lbs. While there I found myself buying a pack cover, (my old one was too small) rain pants, (my old one had delaminated and leaked) 2 new pairs of pants and smaller sunscreen and bug repellent containers. I then put everything together and my pack with, water and food weighed in at 32lbs. I then grabbed my gear and left word at the hostel and outfitter that I was looking for up to 3 others to split a cabin. I booked a cabin at the Blood Mountain Cabins, leaving a message that I was wanting to split the cabin before going to lay down for a while. Later that day I had to frantically rush back to the hostel, taking the shortcut trail, to find my poles that I had forgotten. I first searched the hostel and then the store to no avail and one of the employees helped me look as well. I looked everywhere and finally found them in the laundry room where they were behind the door and out of sight. I picked up lunch at the Blood Mountain Store and returned to the cabin, ate and laid down again and dozed off for a few hours on the couch. When I woke up I walked up the cabin store from the Mountain Lion cabin for resupply and dinner. I picked up a pizza and a large bottle of spicy v8, for Breakfast I picked up 2 breakfast sandwiches and orange juice. While I was buying snacks for lunches, Greenman and another hiker came to take me up on my offer to split the cost of the cabin. So we went to the cabin and they settled in and cranked up the stove to cook our pizzas. We Wolfed down our pizzas while we talked and watched TV. After awhile I noticed that was getting late and headed off to a soft and comfortable bed.