morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-04-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well we were supposed to be on the trail today but had some delays. Eventually we will get to Springer Mountain; hopefully tomorrow morning. I will admit that I am not to disappointed as I am really sick. I¢m guessing it happened when I decided to play airplane with Cam propping him up on my legs and flying him over me; when the drool reached my face I figured his sickness might rub off on me. We really didn¢t have the best planning for the start of our hike because of other stressors before leaving.  Things worked out just the way they should have, giving me an extra night to get well. We also met the nices people today, folks in Georgia are really friendly and kind. We had a great start sharing our love for Cam with our waitress Paige who decide to give us a coupon for our breakfast. We then got an offer from Jim who had a training at the hotel to join in the lunch buffet. We struggled with finding a ride to a hotel 1 1/2 hours from our location in Atlanta. A few rides fell through and when we were about to give up we got a ride from a very nice man named Robert. We had many different interesting conversations with Robert who charged us a very reasonable price especially compared to the prices we were expecting to pay. All in all it was a good day, with plenty of sunshine and the mountains in view. Time to get some much needed rest.
Date: 2018-04-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 31.1

We finally made it onto the trail on Springer Mountain where we ran into Scrapbook the first thru-hiker I have met off trail. I met scrapbook at the bus station where he was waiting for his shuttle. At only 20 y.o. he as hiked the PCT and the CDT. He has this spirit that makes me smile. We ran into him again at Neels Gap last night after hiking down in the rain. Ge was staying at the hostel and hiking out this morning. We decided to take a zero day to avoid hiking in the rain giving me more time to get over this sickness and to hopefully prevent Stacy from getting sick. We head back on the trail in the a.m. Pot will be our shuttle back. It¢s not what you think or what I thought when he first told me his trail name. He actually carries a POT up the trails to cook real food for thru-hikers when he is not shuttling. We will be dropped off at the trail head we left off at which is also an outfitter. I am going to have a (shakedown) in which they will go through my bag and help me lighten the load. My pack is 16 lbs without food and water and 26 lbs with water and 4 days of food. That¢s pretty good but I do think I have more than I need. I will not let them take my trolls, which I take pictures of to send to Cam. That is how I got my trail name Nana Troll. I think it is fitting. Georgia has been smooth like rolling hills compared to the mountains our way. Blood mountain which is named after two Native American tribes battle was a little difficult in the rain. What I love the most so far are the little wild flowers growing along side the trail, the huge Rhododendron Forrest we walked through, and a field of what I believe were some form of Lilies growing in large numbers covering the mountain floor. Also the huge owl that was perched on a tree at the campsite we stayed at last night. She lived by the campsite picking off the mice that overtake the shelters. We believe it is a female because it seems she carries the mice to a nest that we believe may hold babies. I know gross but less mice for us and food for baby owls, hmmm. Off to get some rest and hoping to feel even better for tomorrow morning. Happy trails
Date: 2018-04-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 37.9

Georgia has been beautiful. Yesterday was a tough 14 mile hike up a couple miles with hard down hikes with not many switchbacks. Ouch on the knees. Today we hiked 10 miles to town made it into town at 1:30 which was great timing. Enough time to do our laundry, eat Mexican, and resupply. I have been icing my knee and taking care of my sore feet. Penguin ( a new trail friend from the U.K.) came in with speedy and then a few other thru-hikers joined. I was happily surprised to spend some time with these people you chat with for a little on the trail. This was nice because we tend to avoid the shelters. I was especially happy to run into scrapbook again who I met at the train station. This section has been refreshing as there was plenty of water with all these cool waterfalls. Looking up you had the waterfalls coming down right over the trail and downward. It felt somewhat like walking through a waterfall. There was also a lot of rock walls with water trickling down along the switchbacks. It was like a meditation trail. I saw this really cool white bird flying through the cloud mist.  I have no idea what kind of bird it was but I only saw that one. The cold and rain continues and last night was quite windy yet I wasn¢t very cold. The forcast is calling for a number of warm nice days ahead of us. Yay! Tomorrow we will leave Georgia and enter the N.C. section. I am very excited to see what this section will bring. We will hit Franklin our first N.C. town in a few days to re-supply. Till then Happy Trails!
Date: 2018-05-04
From: Fontana N.C.

To: Great Smoky Mountains
Miles today: 94.9

N.C. has been a little challenging but I¢m looking forward to The Smoky Mountains which is a few miles into the next section. We are in Fontana a nice little hiker town with a bed, restaurant, laundromat and store. These are the all the amenities needed for a hiker. It¢s like heaven when coming off the trail. How simple life has become. We hiked our butts off to get here. We hiked 27 and 1/2 miles in 1 and 1/2 days of tough terrain, which started with an 8 mile hike up a mountain that was brutal. Needless to say, we were thrilled when we finally got here. I was literally delirious, laughing uncontrollably after the first day of hiking 16.4 miles when we couldn¢t find flat ground to hang out hammocks. The start of N.C was beautiful, breathtaking vistas and areas of beautiful smelling wildflowers, which was a much needed relief from the smell of us. Lol. There have been countless really cool butterflies all along the way. Although we  have seen plenty of bear scat, still no bears. Our friends had a close encounter with a bear which turned out to be a funny story for another time. The bear came back and stole a bear bag which later was found scattered in a grave of trail food wrappers. I stayed at a hostel three nights ago which was a first for me. That day was a long trek but the most interesting and inspiring day of the trail so far. We spent three miles helping Pathfinder get to camp. Pathfinder is a 76 year old woman hiking her way to Maine. She hopes to be the oldest woman thru-hiked. She was in dire straights when we ran into her on a cliff area of the trail. She took a picture thinking she was going to die there, which she was perfectly fine with. She has some family support but others have called her crazy. We fell in love with her. Stacy and I along with another tail friend Braveheart were taking turns carrying her pack. Another hiker came along and took her pack down to camp as we helped her get there safely. I think of Pathfinder everyday since we met. It may take a long while and help from others for her to make it but I am behind her all the way. Today, we are going to get our passport to enter the Smokies and get back on the trail. The Smokies border N.C and Tenesssee. At some points we are in N.C. and others we are in Tennessee. So, off to eat a very big breakfast. Hikers hunger has finally kicked in. Hoping for some grits and Sweet tea. I have enjoyed the southern food. Yum! Happy trails till next time. Nana T
Date: 2018-05-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 43.1

Yesterday we hiked 18 miles which included Clingmans Dome at 6,643 feet in the Smoky Mountains, which is the highest point on the AT as well as just about the 200 mile marker. We hiked our butts off and got to Gatlinburg T.N. a day early, honestly out of hunger and exhaustion. We took a (zero) hikers lingo meaning 0 miles, a day off the trail. We usually hike through town to re-supply or take a (Nero) hikers lingo for hiking 10 or so miles a short day and then either staying in a hostel/hotel and back on the trail the next morning or just going right back out. We are back on the trail in the morning for a 16 mile hike which is needed as we need to skip a shelter, the second of which we needed to skip due to ( moms don¢t read this part) ¢aggressive bear activity.¢The Smoky Mountains are beautiful. We have seen more wildlife here than anywhere on the trail so far. We saw a bear the first day. Stacy says it wasn¢t close but as far as I¢m concerned it came bolting down a tree I believe what looked as though right towards me, however it fled down the ravine. Then we woke to two deers visiting the shelter. We also ran right into a baby deer who just looked up at us and continued eating. We also saw rabbits and a fat salamander. There are so many birds. Also, this baby blue stone everywhere that looks like slate. The wildflowers are everywhere and smell so good. The most amazing are the Mountain View¢s that you just can¢t capture in pictures. Layers upon layers with puffy clouds above and sometimes we actually were walking through them. We decided to take a zero because speaking for myself, I was tired and my hunger was out of control. I¢m going back on the trail with more food this time. It¢s hard to keep the high amount of calories needed for the energy. If you don¢t eat enough you eventually hit a wall. Also, my knees, ankles and feet were begging me to take a break. I feel healthy, healed and ready to hit the trail again. Gatlinburg T.N. has been quite the experience. I¢m not sure how to explain it. It¢s like a big carnival in the middle of the Mountains. Dolly Parton shows, moonshine, old fashion photos, pancake houses, circus stuff. etc. What I liked best was the BBQ ribs and pulled pork with slaw and baked beans, best I will probably ever have. Of course the sweet tea and grits are still on the top of my list. The next town we hit is Hot Springs N.C. The AT borders N.C. and T.N. You never know which state you are in. I¢m looking forward to Hot Springs, for what else but the hot springs. It is a hikers town that the AT runs right through. I¢m sure I¢ll be hungry by then.Happy trails until then....Nana T
Date: 2018-05-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 67.2

Said good bye to the Smokies a couple days ago. I really loved the Smokies, it is a beautiful and wild mountain range. I could feel the wild life all around at all times. We entered the Blue Ridge Mountains which has been absolutely covered with wildflowers. We spotted a brilliantly red small bird, not sure what kind but not a cardinal. In a small area there were three snakes, two small and one large black snake. A mouse did nibble through my pack holder on my pack and tried to steal my almonds in the middle of the night. We also spotted a black newt which was unusual and cool. Again, we hiked 18 miles to town for food, rather than camping then hiking in a few miles in the morning. This seems to be a pattern, thanks to my belly. We made it to Hot Springs N.C. almost 300 miles into the hike and took 2 zero days. The Hot springs are very healing. My body has needed a rest as my feet have been bothering me. This is an interesting hikers town. It¢s been a little challenging finding a place that has WiFi, laundry facilities and a T.V. in one place, however we made the best of it. Tonight we had a nice meal with two trail friends that has proved to be exactly what I didn¢t expect from this hike. I thought I was leaving people to be with nature and spirit only to find my journey includes people. Who would have thunk. I¢m learning about myself and healing along the way with others. I feel blessed to have met a lot of new friends, mostly Braveheart and Penguin. We are all on this journey for a reason and I¢m discovering that some of those reasons have yet to be revailed. It¢s way past hikers midnight and I¢m back on the trail in the morning. Heading towards Erwin T.N. Happy trails.....
Date: 2018-05-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 69.4

This section has been interesting. We have seen many snakes including a very large rattle snake. There have also been different lizard type creatures. Also, many different wild flowers than we have seen. My favorite hike came in this section when we hiked with our trail friends. It was a beautiful day. We usually hike alone and meet up at the shelter or town. We hike similarly so we run into each other often. So on this day when we hiked together we encountered the rattle snake. We saw three black snakes and many lizards. The best sighting was a cub that climbed a tree then pulled his body along a fallen tree. We only stayed to watch him play briefly as we had no idea where mama bear was. The last few days have not been ideal hiking as there continued to be scattered thunder storms. It¢s quite an experience hiking with loud thunder and lightening overhead. Sleeping with the sound of rain drops on the rain fly and thunder in the background is actually a cool experience. I¢m getting use to hiking in the rain, it¢s just not fun setting up or taking down camp. Carrying water logged rain fly adds weight and everything is just damp. The worst is the blisters I continue to battle as hours and miles of walking in puddles do damage. We came off trail to dry our stuff in a cabin on a awesome farm. The family are bee keepers and have chickens that wander the property. It¢s on a rushing river that we took a dip in as we waited for our clothes to dry. I lay in a hammock overlooking the river after a day of Mexican food and food shopping. We have full bellies and fresh food for our return to the trail in the morning. Tonight we watched so many fire flies dancing in trees. They put on a spectacular show. It was a great end of a very productive and beautiful stay on this farm. Happy trails until next time......
Date: 2018-05-23
To: Damascus V.A.
Miles today: 50.9

We said goodbye to N.C. two days ago and hiked into Roan T.N. The trail follows the border of N.C. and T.N. for a while but we are now in T.N. completely until we enter Damascus V.A. in 75 miles. We plan to be there in 5 days. We are taking this section easy as my spirits are low because of the rain. People say to embrace the rain but no matter how are I try I just can¢t do it. I hate the rain. I hate hiking in it and setting up in it and taking down in it. I got my first blister because of hiking in wet boots and I have chafe under my armpit area from my wet shirt from the constant contact. I fell for the first time but nothing major. I¢m trying to change my attitude but we start our hike today again in the rain. We had a day off so I should be happy. We ate lots of food and let our bodies rest. We stayed in a tree house room in a hostel which was cool.  The last section was beautiful with lots of bolds at high elevations. We were being chased by a cloud that we out hiked only to have another cloud around the corner. We are going to try to out-hike the thunderstorm heading this way, I think we are going to lose. Lol. Anyway, we shall be in V.A. and almost 500 miles into the hike in 5 days. Until then, happy rainy trails.
Date: 2018-05-29
To: Marion V.A.
Miles today: 63.6

We crossed over into V.A. and past the 400 mile mark. We will be in V.A. for a while, over 500 miles. The Southern part has been interesting. The first section had lots of waterfalls falling down large rock outcropping. Laurel Falls was amazing and part of the trail went around a gorge. There were lots of raspberries flowering but no fruit yet. The rhododondrons and Azaleas are in bloom and spill colors along side the trail along with new wild flowers. We continue to meet interesting people. Two of which forage for most of their food. I was adventurous and tried the snake that they caught and some oyster mushrooms. I suppose I took a chance but the snake was great and I¢m still kicking.  We took a zero in this hiker town of Damascus. Spent time with our trail family and other hikers. We are headed to Marion V.A. next where we will make lodging arrangements for Mimi, Dom and Cams visit in Pearisburg. I am so excited to see everyone and to hold Cam, it¢s all I think about.
Date: 2018-06-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 56.8
Weather: light rain

The last few days have been the most enjoyable. Hiking more my style lately. Hiked 13.5 miles to a campground the other day, ate real food, showered and swam in a pool. We spent 3 hours there relaxing. We got back on trail and hiked an additional 4 miles reaching our average 17.5 these days. We chose an awesome camp site without even knowing it until the sun went down and hundreds maybe more fire flies put on an amazing light show. It was totally indescribable. I just soaked in the awe! The following day we took a long lunch break about 1 hour at a shelter in which we patiently waited for the thunderstorm to pass. As we hiked on I realized that although I hate the rain it serves many purposes and it is quite pleasant to hike in after it has passed. It intensifies the meadows fragrance and it cools the humid air. I even wrote a poem about the it. Lol As the day before we still hiked our 17+. That night while looking at the trees in my hammock I saw two woodpeckers in clear view after seeking out a woodpecker during this whole hike. We also had a visitor. A very chill deer that was perfectly happy sharing his space with us. Today we hiked to this hostel and met some more very interesting people. Although I continue to enjoy my alone time with my higher power, I am learning so much from the people on this trail. To be fair anyone hiking this trail is just as crazy as I am. I am really loving the trail. I love the good, the hard, the struggles, the ups and downs. I love it all. I feel connect to the mountains, woods, meadows and surrounding land. I can now identify the difference between the sound of a snake, squirrel, bear, or deer. Stacy is happy because I have stopped asking her ¢what was that¢. I can tell the time by the sun. I listen to the birds while I get ready to sleep and I know they will be sleeping soon when I hear the whip-poor-will start chirping. It makes a distinct sound and it is the last bird to sing before it becomes silent. Then I know the birds will awake in the morning when the whip-poor-will starts the morning with his song. The birds are my alarm clock. I try to ignore them but eventually I give in and get my butt ready for what ever the day holds for us. Mostly,  I have a better concept of things not being in my control. It¢s easier to turn your will over to your higher power when your higher power is all you have to depend on. The day is totally in my higher powers hands. I just go with the flow. Hiker tidbits: Spider web duty belongs to the first hiker to hike the trail that morning. It¢s no fun but someone has to go through the spiderwebs created over night on the path. Keep your mouth closed or you will be snacking on spider webs. Good thing I¢m not an early bird.
Date: 2018-07-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 94.4
Weather: few clouds

The Shenandoah National Park is beautiful. My new favorite. It smells beautiful through-out, berries, wild flowers and sporadic pine sections. It¢s like aromatherapy all day. The terrain is so much easier than what we are used to and  most the trail is rock free. I¢m loving it! Plus there is more access to food, camp stores and waysides almost every day. Then there are the bears. We have seen a bear everyday for four days straight. It¢s totally crazy. I mostly feel at peace hiking the Shenandoah. The sunlight shines down on the forrest in a magical way.I was wrong about the rocks but still my favorite, I have fallen in love with the Shenandoahs. I feel so happy and alive in this park. It truly is a spiritual haven. Today¢s hike brought this beautiful smell for miles. I can¢t even begin to describe it. I¢m not sure what plant, flower or fern is responsible but I¢m on a mission to find out. I have discovered a beautiful smelling flower similar to lilacs called Asclepias (milkweed) native to Virginia. It is everywhere which is great since us hikers smell really bad. The black berries are everywhere. We only steal a few every once in a while as it is the bears food and we don¢t share our food with the bears. The mom and her cubs where the last bears we have seen, ending our 5 day streak. In that day alone we saw 6 bears. Although it was scary to witness the mama bear in protective mode it was interesting. When it comes to our children, us mamas are nothing to be messed with. As a result of the crazy amount of  blackberries, there are so many blackberry treats. We had the famous blackberry shakes at the waysides which were to die for. The best was the blackberry cobbler, I swear it has been the best dessert I have ever had in my entire life. Stacy¢s homemade blackberry ice cream was not so bad either. What made the dessert more interesting was the Shenandoah Valley Cloggers that preformed in the next room. It is something so unique and cool that I couldn¢t break away. Similar to tap dancing but with a different flair. Again, made some tentative plans, some of which have worked out and others not.  I have given up with spending to much time planning. I find it more enjoyable and peaceful letting the trail lead me. My higher power has better plans for me every time! Hikers tid-bits: Look before you pee. There could be a snake learking about, possibly a rattle or copperhead, both of which can be life threatening. As I witnessed, fleeing from the snake could also be dangerous when falling over from fright. There could also be poison ivy, which take it from our friend is very uncomfortable on the tushy.
Date: 2018-07-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

West Virginia and Maryland although short miles in each state had their own beauty. West Virginia makes up 4 miles and was emersed in civil war history. Coming out of Harpers Ferry W.V. was a wide path making for a nice stroll with wine berries on both sides. You could smell the berries aroma for at least a mile. I picked my share and maybe too much as I encountered some stinging nettles which immediately showed up in the form of rashes on my legs. It wasn¢t as bad as I thought it would be and subsided quickly (2hours) but now I know what stinging nettles look like. The most memorable time in W.V. occurred right before entering Maryland when a fawn came hopping in the woods, running circles around the trees as his/her mama watched in the distance. It reminded me of Cam with his energy and I could imagine the mama thinking of allowing her baby to run off that energy before nap time. Maryland had a similar feel with its young forrest and the civil war historical sites, as well as the many walnut trees. The two camps we set up in this state had us surrounded by Walnut trees making for interesting night time walnut showers. Surprisingly no walnuts hit our hammocks but I was often awoken through the night with thoughts of hoping the noise was just the walnuts. We spotted a lot of burnt orange colored baby toads that leaped through the trail. It was the first time I saw two butterflies attached together, which I believe were in the act of mating. Moving on to Pennsylvania (aka Rocksylvania) say a prayer we make it through the rock scramble.