morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-03-24
From: NOC

To: NOC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today is a Zero day... I do not want to, but if I want to keep hiking I need to... but i shall make the best of it. The US Open for white water slalom racing is today, so that should be fun to watch. I will sit and soak my feet in the river. Also my bunk mates left two cases of PBR... so it should be a nice day! I will take this as a chance though to answer the most common question that I get of what is daily life like. Now that I have a computer to type on I can say a little more without wanting to destroy something out of frustration. Life on the trail is very simple and laid back. Everyone is really nice and welcoming and I have not seen any hostility yet by hikers or against thru hikers. Almost everyone is willing to help out thru hikers with a ride to town, or whatever else they have. Whether its a cold beverage, a candy bar, or simply warm wishes. Its a really cool community that I am proud to be part of. As for the daily routine:~0700 - wake up to the sound of the birds chirping just before sunrise and start packing up camp~0745 - get on the trail and get moving~0830 - stop to eat breakfast and drink 1L of water~0830 to 1600 - Hike, hike, and hike some more. I usually hike alone and pass people along the way. Sometimes we will hike together for a few and then carry on. ~1600 - I like to be in camp by 1600 as that is a good solid day of hiking and gives me time to clean up and have dinner before bed. ~1700 - DINNER!!! Yummy. As for dinners I keep them somewhat simple. Its usually a Pasta side (around $1.50 each) with a package of tuna or chicken. I mix up the type of pasta everynight. They have a solid variety so I don't get bored. ~1730 to 2000 - I relax and clean up myself and my gear. I administer any first aid needed and let my feet relax. I have a light pair or sandals that I put on as soon as I get to camp.~2000 - Bed time... it gets dark at this time so that means it is bedtime for hikers... as we say here its hikers midnight. I have not stayed up past 2200 yet on the trail. Most nights I am passed out at 2000. Yea I love the life. I have pretty much got my routine set pretty well. I sleep decently well each night, but tend to toss and turn a little due to being sore each night from hiking. hmmmm I don't think I left anything out, I eat any chance I can get, and I eat a lot! I snack throughout the day which helps keep me happy until dinner. Other than that.... simply living the thru-hikers life!! Time to go ice my foot again so i can get back on the trail tomorrow!!! Can't wait!
Date: 2012-03-25
From: NOC

To: Sassafras gap shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: broken clouds

Back on the trail! Swelling is down and I am ready to get rolling. Today was a easy day. Seven miles. All uphill. Got to camp around 1230 and wanted to keep moving. I knew I needed to not push it. So I swept out the shelter and gathered I ton of firewood. Shortly after my friends came on down. We are all sitting by the fire relaxing. Its great to be back on the trail with the A.T. family.
Date: 2012-03-26
From: Sassafras gap shelter

To: Fontana Dam shelter
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: clear sky

I'm BACK! BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN!!!! (Burst out singing) Today was a great day! I am feeling much better and my ankle feels great! There were a few big climbs today. Jacob's ladder was tuff and steep. I am staying at the Fontana Hilton tonight. A great free shelter with showers. We are at dinner at Fontana village lodge. The service is horrible. We have been waiting forever. The waitress made us pour our own water! Time to relax and sit around.
Date: 2012-03-27
From: Fontana Dam shelter

To: Spence field shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: few clouds

Howdy all! Today was a great day. I was hoping for some more miles but I am beat. The next shelter was seven miles away and it was going on 1630. The shelter was really nice, it even has a fireplace. We will not be using that as its hot here. I can say for a fact that the winter gear is not needed. The smokies are great. Some very pretty views. I would like to do a big day tomorrow. Now that we are up on the ridge its not to bad. I am excited for clingmans dome. It should be very pretty. Feeling great otherwise. My feet are getting stronger and my endurance is much better. Other than that just living the life. The hiking community is amazing and very nice it has quickly became somewhat of a family. Thats all for now!
Date: 2012-03-29
From: Double Spring shelter

To: Newfoundland gap
Miles today: 10.8

It poured like hell last night! Thankfully i was in the shelter, good ole smokie mountain rules. As we say, it pays to be a winner... Today was a easy 10 mile hike to Gatlinburg. I was going to skip the town but I decided it best to swing in for a package I had waiting, and to see off Rooster and Slayer as they were completing their section hike. Joe and I hauled butt and made the hike in under 4 hours. We did stop at Clingman's Gap which was a bust due to the whiteout view, o well. Some nice visitors did give joe and I some kettle popcorn and other snacks, that was great. We hitched into town and got a room with Rooster and Slayer. What a great evening with friends. We have spent the past few days at the shelters and know eachother pretty well. We spent the evening getting great food, laughing, drinking beer, and staying out of the rain! Tomorrow we will head back to the trail.
Date: 2012-03-30
From: Newfoundland gap

To: Tri-Corner Knob
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Long day today but beautiful day. We started in town at 0700. I gathered up my stuff and ate more of my snacks from my drop box. PS that was AMAZING! My mom had sent me my footprint for my tent, but there was also homemade cookies, candy, snickers bar. Cookies are gone... reeses is gone... the rest will be gone... The views today were great, the Charlies Bunion was really cool and the best view yet. I kept going to peck's shelter and the thunder and rain was rolling in. I decided it smart to keep going 5 more miles to the next shelter. So on I went, in the rain... on the ridge of the smokies.. with lightning and thunder. Great time! Soaked!!! Made it to the shelter around 1700 and got my gear hung to start drying (yea it was a joke since it was still raining and cold). We made a nice fire in the shelter and warmed it up well. Other than that, just a nice pretty day of hiking. Swedish fish are now also gone....
Date: 2012-03-31
From: Tri-Corner Knob

To: groundhog creek shelter
Miles today: 25.4
Weather: light rain

Long day today. Soaking my feet as we speak. I started off at 0800 with my wet gear strapped to the back of my pack. The day became very nice as we hiked out of the smokies. I hiked with Sticks and we hauled butt. We made it fifeteen miles in just over four hours. We stopped at the standing bear farm and it was fantastic. I got a drink, burger, and snacks for all of five bucks. After letting my socks dry for a bit I moved on for the final push of the day. The downfall it was up a 2500ft hill. I got to the top of snowbird mtn and enjoyed a break.   After my nice break I hiked the last two and a half miles and made it to my shelter. The shelter is full of mice. I should tent but I am to tired. Tomorrow I am planning a 23 mile day. We will see how it goes. Thats all for now!
Date: 2012-04-01
From: groundhog creek shelter

To: Elmers Sunnybank Inn (Hot Springs)
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I DID A MARATHON TODAY, with a pack, in the mountains, in the rain!!!! YEAAAAAAAAAA! 10 hours!! Longest day yet!!!! Miles, miles, and more miles! Today started off easy and a nice day. It was cloudy and not to hot which was great. I got started around 0800 which is my usual goal and Sticks and Salt Bomb had just left. We all planned to go 23 miles today and stop at a shelter just before Hot Springs. The hike started off quiet at easy as I was hiking alone. I came over a ridge and saw an access road with a SUV parked. Sure enough, there was Salt Bomb and Sticks sitting in camp chairs with a table of snacks next to them. TRAIL MAGIC!! WOOHOOO! I joined in and the Trail Angel introduced himself. We got a cold Coke, Honey bun, Oreos, and Chips!! All the needed health food of a thru hiker. Once I was done stuffing my face with calories we moved on in our day. I was not feeling so great so I took it easy and Salt bomb quickly caught up with me. Sticks is really fast and has only been on the trail for 12 days if I recall, there is no keeping up with him. Salt Bomb and I would hike together for the rest of the day. The hike had its PUDS and some big uphills but it was not all that bad. We all seem to prefer uphills much more these days as the downhill is irritating to the knees and legs. Max's Patch was really cool seeing the grassy fields on the mountaintop, the view was great. The day was looking great with clear skies but I am convinced that was a April Fools Joke... Soon enough around 1400 the skies became dark and it started to pour on us! It had taken nearly two days to get all my gear dry from the last rain, my boots had just finished drying that morning.... Wet... AGAIN! We hiked on through the rain and made it to the shelter... FULL. Figures. Salt bomb and I decided that a warm dinner, showers, a dry room were all reasons to hike the last 3 miles to Hot Springs. So on we went leaving the shelter around 1800. We made it down pretty quickly and got a room at Elmers Sunnybank Inn. As you can see the house is a old victorian style house from 1860. It is the oldest house in the town. What a beautiful place! He was extremely welcoming and made us feel like we were at home. However, it is a very interesting place. There are no computers, no internet, no real cell service, and he request that cell phones be off in the house. This was amazing. He wants it to simply be a place to relax and rest and get to know each other. There are plenty of places to sit and relax and socialize, along with a Music room, a common room, and many more. The house is simply beautiful! I must have spent two hours just walking around looking at the art and antiques that are all over. The woodworking would impress anyone. We went to dinner at the Smokey Mountain Diner across the street where I had a impressively large burger that tasted amazing! Great job ladies! Back to Elmers... I stayed the night in a really nice room with a great bed and aired out all my gear. After a nice evening shower, its time for bed.
Date: 2012-04-02
From: Elmers Sunnybank Inn (Hot Springs)

To: Spring mountain shelter 
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

This morning Salt Bomb and I stayed for breakfast which we had signed up for the night before. Elmer is a gourmet vegetarian chef who makes an amazing feast for a great price! At 0830 he rung a bell in the hallway signaling that breakfast was ready. We all gathered in a dining room and took a seat, there was 6 other hikers who had stayed the night who joined us. It was as if it was a large family gathering, Elmer and the other employee joined us at the table for breakfast also, after all it is their house to. We all introduced ourselves and had a great conversation while we ate an amazing platter of great food! I am full, showered, and laundry done. Hike was a easy eleven miles uphill today. Short but I left the town at 1400. Tomorrow should be a good day. The hot weather is a real pain though!!!! Sweating my butt off. Night.
Date: 2012-04-03
From: Spring mountain shelter 

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: broken clouds

Sorry I have not updated in a while, service is bad in the mountains in some areas. Lets recap though in what happened. This day started off a little gloomy but quickly cleared up. Dave and I were hiking together for the morning and passed each other a few times. I was low on water and Dave told me there was more ahead at the road crossing. I got there and it was a nasty swamp... blah. However, I then saw a sign that said "Trail Magic" It went on saying that it included wafffles, chili, pie, ice cream.... all only 250 yards down the road... on April 3rd... Guess what day it was?!?? I called for Dave and he came up to me... We immediately started rushing down the road and up this driveway. The house was beautiful and very outdoorsy. A couple and their dog greeted us and we were thrilled. They took us in and sat us at their table. Moments later they had fresh Belgian Waffles on our plates! And hot cider! I ate that quickly and before I knew it I had a bowl of Chili!! and after that Apple Cobbler with ice cream!!! and Cherry cake!! AMAZING!! These guys are so generous and extremely nice and welcoming! I could not ever thank them enough. We had to move on though with our full bellies... Dave left before me and I would soon pass him. I wanted to make a long day and so I had to haul now that I had lost out on over a hour. I saw a storm rolling in and tried to out run it.. I did... for a minute.. then it hailed really hard and that kinda hurt. But I made it to the shelter soon enough and made camp. Dry gear is over rated after all. Video then strolled in which was a great surprise, he is a really cool guy. He was a blast to talk to in the evening. Soon enough we were off to bed with the rain still coming down.
Date: 2012-04-04
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a nice foggy morning that slowly cleared up as time went on. I packed up at the usual time and said farewell to Video as I would likely not see him again. I made great pace and moved really quick. I was doing great until I saw a sign for more Trail Magic, it offered scrambled eggs and hashbrowns at the next gap... I passed a couple which was confused when I came running by them! I ran 2.5 miles to the nearest gap as quick as I could. Sure enough Quiet Paul was there cooking up breakfast. I made it at 1230. He served an amazing breakfast that was very filling. I cannot express my thanks to all those who put on this trail magic, its so amazing! I moved on and after a few hours made it to Bald Mtn, what a great sight! A little over a mile later I was at the shelter. Shockingly I was alone there, I was very excited. A few minutes later though people started to trickle in. So much for that theory. We made a camp fire and had dinner. To my surprise, Video came trumping in!!! I was very excited to see him come walking up. We sat around and talked for a bit and then as usual made for the bunks. I laughed when Video decided to tent it for the night when there was still room in the shelter. The forecast said it was going to rain and he did not believe it. Well... minutes later... it rained! hahahaha. Bed time!
Date: 2012-04-05
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Uncle Johnnys (Erwin, TN)
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a quick day. I got going on time and hiked alone for the day. I wanted to make a 21.5 mile day so I had to move quick, especially if I was going to swing into Erwin. I was not planning to stay there I just needed to charge my phone and grab one or two snacks.. and maybe a hot lunch. I nailed out the miles until I came to a halt... there was a huge Rat snake on the trail (Personally I thought it was some deadly devilish snake waiting to kill me). I jumped back and questioned what to do next. The snake was nearly six feet long and I laughed as it just chilled there on the trial... After tossing a few sticks I nicely moved to the side so I could continues on... I would live another day! I made it to Erwin at 1330. I stopped in at Uncle Johnny's and planned to move on, however, the storm clouds were not appetizing. Also the owner is putting on a bday party for his kid here tonight, which means hotdogs and burgers for us... How can I pass that down, along with a hot shower!!! SOLD! Staying here the night... Will make up the miles tomorrow. Adios for now...Oh and PS. Dont try drying your socks out next to a hot fire... The hot rocks will melt your nice smartwool socks... Yet another Check Mark on the Thru hikers learning curve.... Mom... can you please send me more socks?? Thats all for now!
Date: 2012-04-06
From: Uncle Johnnys (Erwin, TN)

To: Greasy Creek Friendly 
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Well last night was nice to have a dry bunk, it rained all night! I got up and moving this morning and it was still raining lightly. The view was bogged down with fog and the ground was soaked. I got moving on the trail... well river!! The water was flowing down the trail and as deep as could be. I hopped rocks for a while until I gave in and got my feet damp. I then came up to a stream crossing. It was about a 20ft wide crossing and well over 1ft deep and moving very quickly. Up above there was a log crossing over a fast moving part of the river. It was nearly 4ft deep here. I knew I was about to get myself into some trouble. I got out my camera and hooked it onto my trekking pole just in case the inevitable happened. I balenced up on the log and started to move across... well i got 5ft.. and then SPLASH!!! AWWW DANG!! Now im wet! I dried off and kept going. The day went quick and I was alone for all of it. It was nice to get some time to just walk and enjoy the nature and mountains. I was planning on moving to the next shelter but I got to the crossing for Greasy Creek Friendly and could not resist. It was a .6 mi walk down a easy old road to get here. This place is great. Connie who owns the home is incredibly friendly and welcoming! I could not feel more welcomed. It is in a very interesting place and I reconized it immediately as a place AWOL stayed (from his book). I just got a nice shower and am sitting down to eat some nachos and watch Dukes of Hazards! Any thru hikers should stay here for sure! It is well worth it and Connie is incredibly nice. Unfortunately her neighbor is a jerk and takes down her signs on the trail or makes fake signs saying she is closed... ignore them! Just when you get to Greasy Creek Gap, there is a campsite there, go through the site to the left if the firepit and make a right down the old dirt road. Follow it until you see her house on the right. Thats all for now! Night!
Date: 2012-04-07
From: Greasy Creek Friendly 

To: Apple orchard shelter (former)
Miles today: 25.6

This morning I woke up and loved the fact I was in a house. It was warm and comfy. It was below 20 degrees this morning with a nice frost. I ate some hard boiled eggs and had some amazing orange juice. We moved out around 0800 and headed up the hill. Connie was very nice to us gave us a hug goodbye. Our time was great. The trail started off steep but we made it to the ridge. Once I was there it was much easier. The views were the best yet. I went over a few bald peaks and could see forever in all directions. I made it the barn shelter but wanted to move on. So on I went at 1600 hours heading off for seven more miles. I went over little hump and then saw big hump. Wow. It was quite the climb I had in store. I made it up in about twenty minutes, I was hauling. The view was astonishing. Then came the down. It was Rocky but simple. I had some knee trouble but it cleared up. I made it to the former shelter site and made camp. A nice day hiking group shared some wine with me. That tasted so good! Now time to enjoy the fire.
Date: 2012-04-08
From: Apple orchard shelter (former)

To: clearing near fire road
Miles today: 21.6

Well I woke up this morning and began to search frantically I looked under my sleeping bag, in my clothes bag, in my pack... everywhere!! I searched my entire house aka my tent... sadly though no Easter basket. The Easter bunny must not like hikers. O well time to hike... HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE! I got started on time and was on my way, after all just maybe my basket was hidden on the trail. I called home on my first ridge and chatted for a few. Then I was off again. A few miles later I walked past a Baptist church. They invited me in to get fresh water and cleaned up. The mass started at ten and it was 0945. They said it was only a hour and they invited me to stay. So I did. It was nice but it lasted over two hours. So at 1215 I was back on the trail. The hike was boring today. I stopped at Mango memorial hostel for a snack. What a sweet place. I did manage to eat a entire large bag of lays chips though. Yummy sour cream and onion. Oh and a coke. And yes I was still hungry. Moving on I got to the 18 mile shelter close to 1900 hours. So much for my big day. I went a little further and made camp in this clearing . Some day hikers are here. They are nice. Its awesome to be past the 400 mile Mark finally. Damascus in two days!!!! Thats all for now. Oh p.s. still have not found my basket.... (pouts)
Date: 2012-04-09
From: clearing near fire road

To: Iron mountain shelter 
Miles today: 28.0
Weather: clear sky

Wowzers! That was a long day. I got started at my usual time and headed off. I got to laurel falls around 1030. They were very pretty and relaxing. I enjoyed some nutter butters there. Then came a big hike up. 2000 ft in two miles. Then back down of coarse . The day went on and so did the next hill. We would be going up hill for the rest of the day. Gradual for the most part. I am convinced that the makers of the AT hated hikers. I draw this conclusion because they find every bump, hill, rock hopping mess to go over! I spent five miles today with no water which was not comfortable. I knew a spring was ahead but its few and far between. Now I have ate dinner and laying in my tent. DAMASCUS TOMORROW!!!! I have not decided whether I am going in tomorrow or camping just outside we will see. Night everyone!
Date: 2012-04-10
From: Iron mountain shelter 

To: Damascus
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: broken clouds

FINALLY!! I have successfully made it to Damascus! I am very excited to be here. The hike today was much easier than yesterday as I finished in just under 8 hours. It feels great to be here. I just stopped at Quincy's Pizza and got a nice big pizza w/ everything on it along with some breadsticks... gone. I am a very happy hiker now. The hike was for the most part downhill today and very gradual. There were no real spectacular views but the motivation of Damascus was huge in helping me keep up my pace. I had a great sense of pride when I walked into the little town knowing how many people have already dropped out before this point. I called up a Warren at the Appalachia Folk School and he agreed to let me stay the night in return for a morning of work, I was more than happy to do that. He picked me up at the Food City after I finished my shopping. He and his wife are very accommodating and polite, I am very happy to be here. A warm shower was much needed, along with my laundry.. it was kinda stinky... that is a understatement. I must say that I love my trekking poles, they must have saved my butt at least a half dozen times today as I stumbled on rocks or roots hidden under the thick trail of leaves. If I did not have those poles I would be a bloody mess! ha.The trail is such a great place so far. So many people think that it is just a hike in the woods, yet it is so much more. I have been through towns, over mountains, around mountains, through fields, through farms, and every other place you can imagine. It is not at all uncommon to be climbing over fences to follow the trail, or walking through a half mile long field of grass. It is just breathtaking. A few days ago I went from walking on a rough mountain ridge to walking up the side of Big Hump mtn which is completely bald and just a grassy mountain, it is incredible. Pictures cannot possibly do it justice either, they just show a small portion of what the trail is truly like. So I have found myself taking less photos of the things I see because I just can't give it the respect it deserves. But I do have pictures of the most important part of this trail, and that is the people you meet. That being said I am going back to eating my cheesy fries that Warren gave me and enjoying a cold cup of fresh lemonade. Adios for now!