morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-04-25
To: Planes, Trains, Automobiles
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day zero: Travel day - Earthday, Thrimidge 5. (4/25)Up around 4 something. Sleep is overrated.  Found I had two right Injinji socks to put on.  Had to get to clothes bag to find the left.  A large storm is below us, moving in a strange Northwesterly direction.  The plane may need to avoid.  Notice we messed up the state on our maildrop that I sent out yesterday. Says MD not NC.  Oh well the zip is correct.  All travel went well.  There was a lady on the plane that was super upset about flying and she chickened out.  Got our bags after a long walk in the airport. Mine had been inspected. Train ride was pleasant.  Not too crowded and we got the  box ready to send home.  Found Richard no problem, dropped off box and hit the Chic fil a for lunch.  After a long ride, we arrived at Amicalola, weighed the packs and checked in. I'm 32 lbs and hiker number 1942. Lisa is 31 lbs and 1943.  We made our way to the Hike Inn and checked in.  A very cool tour, awesome dinner and my work for stay presentation completed the day.  Now we sleep. Tomorrow we hike.
Date: 2017-04-26
From: Len Foote Hike Inn

To: Long Creek Falls
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: clear sky

1.  Date: Starsday, Thrimidge 6. (4/26)2.  Day 13.  Morning temp:51 degrees4.  Weather: calm, clear, pleasant5.  Time start: 08406.  Time stop and miles: 1550/9.7 (5.2)7.  End point: Long Creek Falls8.  Events: Sunrise, FallsLog:Beautiful sunrise followed by an awesome breakfast by Jacob.  We headed out at 0840. Debbie came with us to Springer. She is volunteering at the Hi. After Springer we ate lunch at Big Stamp.  We would hike and rest.  Soaked our feet in creek Lisa did 4 years ago after twisting her ankle.  All the trail was new to us after that. We kept leap frogging two guys.  One is Bush Master.  We stopped at Stover Creek for a break. It was early, someone was sleeping in the shelter and we felt good so we continued on.  Got to Three Forks and rested again. This was possible camp #2.  It was next to a road, with cars parked there from people walking to the falls.  We decided to try our luck at the falls.  We got there at 1550 found some sites for our hammocks and set up.  Thunder storms are due in at 3 am.  Very pleasant here.  Washed up, had dinner and now relaxing in the hammock.  Tomorrow might be 7 or another 9 miles.Flora: Mayapples, Poison IvyFauna: chipmunk, birdsVOD: Sunrise from Hike InnSmell: bacon, perfume smell in woods from wildflowersSound: peleated woodpecker, the roar of the falls. The sunrise drumHigh: Making it to the fallsLow: tired coming down SpringerHope: to feel ready to hike in am
Date: 2017-04-27
From: Long Creek Falls

To: Devil's Kitchen camp (Justus Creek)
Miles today: 9.2

1.  Date: Sunsday, Thrimidge 7. (4/27)2.  Day 23.  Morning temp: 554.  Weather: Rain5.  Time start: 07266.  Time stop and miles: 1450/9.27.  End point: Devil's Kitchen Camp8.  Events: Rain, more rainLog:Up at 0615 after a decent night.  There was a light mist falling.  We decided to pack up and eat vreakfast down the trail. We got to the cemetery and LoGear didnt want to do the .2 to the pavilion.  It was actually more like .1.  I did my business and caught up at the next water source (near Hawk Mtn) we ate bfast in the drizzle.  I started using my umbrella, but was already pretty wet.  At Cooper gap we had to set up a tarp to get out of the rain for lunch. I brole my umbrella (but I can probably still use it), ripped my rain kilt (now I call them rain chaps) and ripped a hole in my trash compactor bag with the zipper on the packs lower compartment. This was after we had climbed Sassafras which was long and steep.  It kicked my ass properly.  With one more mountain to climb befor camp, we soldiered on.  We crossed Justus Creek and found the tent platforms.  The rain stopped long enough for us to set up our hammocks, then gave one last dose of heavy rain.  A lot of my stuff is pretty wet, but after the last downpour, the sun came out for awhile and it got rather pleasant.  We ate dinner and I got the bearbag rope up in one toss.  Tomorrow we should get to Lance Creek, but we can't drink that water.Flora: lots of different flowersFauna: salamander, millipede, squirrelVOD: the foggy forestSmell: pit toilet at the cemeterySound: rain on the tarpHigh: brown blazing to the cemeteryLow: climbing SassafrasHope: less (or no) rain tomorrow
Date: 2017-04-28
From: Devil's Kitchen camp (Justus Creek)

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: overcast clouds

1.  Date: Moonsday, Thrimidge 8. (4/28)2.  Day 33.  Morning temp: 504.  Weather: foggy morn, then beautiful5.  Time start: 08036.  Time stop and miles: 1443/9.87.  End point: Lance Creek8.  Events: turn the pageLog:Awake before 6. Out at 0803.  Bfast at Gooch Mtn shelter and used the privy. Met a couple characters there. One has a cat.  Met Eileen there and leaped frogged with her some.  We turned our first page at Ramrock Mtn.  We ate lunch at Woody Gap.  It was perfect.  Trash cans, outhouse and Signal.  We connected to the matrix and read emails amd texts from the kids. We headed up Big Cedar Mtn and had a nice view.  After resting at a spring and filling up 3 liters a piece, we headed to Lance Creek for the night. Word is not to drink from the creek.  Potentially contaminated. So we are considering it a dry camp. It was a pleasant day. The day was nice and our clothes dried somewhat.  Flora: PI everywhere, pink lady slipperFauna: cat, squirrels, Red EftVOD: Big Cedar MountainSmell: meSound: motorcycle playing highway songHigh: connecting to the matrixLow: putting on cold wet clothesHope: to get a bunk at Mountain Crossings tomorrow. Shower, laundry, food.
Date: 2017-04-29
From: Lance Creek

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

1.  Date: Treesday, Thrimidge 9 (4/29)2.  Day 43.  Morning temp: high 50s 4.  Weather: fair with a nice breeze5.  Time start: 06356.  Time stop and miles: 1141/7.67.  End point: Neels Gap8.  Events: Blood MountainLog:We got up early so we could get to Neels early and get a bunk.  I was up around 5 and hit the trail at 0635. I left ahead of Lisa as she finished up, but she caught me quickly.  We moved along and passed most of the hikers that had stayed at Jarred Gap and no one caught us during the day.  It was going to be a short day, but we had Blood Mountain to climb first. It was a tough climb but not too bad.  The mountain top was socked in with fog, so we continued down the other side.  The bottoms of my feet started to feel funny, my first real problem with them so far.  We got to Neels Gap and got two bunks.  We were the first to come in, but eventually we filled the place.  We are getting to know the hikers we have been seeing since we started.  All are good people.We had Pizza for lunch and cheese steak for dinner. We did a resupply at the store too. They have a pretty good selection.We had good wifi in the hostel and I was going to update my journal, but it disappeared at 1830.  Right after the store closed.  I asked a guy who worked there and he says it just cuts out every so often and should come back.  It came back.Flora: trilliums, PI of courseFauna: chipmunk, lots of dogsVOD: view from Mountain CrossingsSmell: day hikersSound: morning birdsong, road noise as we approached NeelsHigh: pizza and a showerLow: having to do laundry in sink and line dryHope: that my feet hold out for 11.5 tomorrow.
Date: 2017-04-30
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

1.  Date: Skysday, Thrimidge 10. (4/30)2.  Day 53.  Morning temp: 654.  Weather: drippy, foggy and windy, then beautiful5.  Time start: 08486.  Time stop and miles: 1600/11.57.  End point: Low Gap Shelter8.  Events: 29th AnniversaryLog:I didn't sleep well in the hostel.  Those thin mattresses don't compare to the hammock.  We all slowly got up and got ready for the day. We picked up a couple sandwiches for lunch and headed out into the drippy, windy morning.  It had rained pretty hard the night before.  I was glad we had been inside.  I think we were the first of the group to leave.  Before too long, Brad caught up and passed me when we stopped to talk to Rachel and James.  Rachel is the local Ridge Runner.  She gave us some water info.  The morning was wet and windy with thick fog.  The track was pretty good with nothing too difficult.  We came to Cowrock Mtn where a group of hikers were looking off into the fog and would cheer if it cleared enough to see the next mountain. Three minutes after they left, it cleared completely, like magic. We ate lunch at Tesnatee Gap. Dave, who had passed us shortly before was there resting.  The girls (Kristina, Maggie and Eileen) showed up. We all headed out at about the same time and climbed up Wildcat Mtn which gave us another great view.  Soon the girls moved off and we continued to hike through a spectacular day.  We would leap frog with Dave a couple times the rest of the day.After about 10 miles my energy started flagging.  I found that 3 motrin, a half of a cosmic brownie and some music gives me what I need to finish the day. We came into the shelter area about 1/2 hour behind the girls.  Dave was in the shelter (also a French guy).  Soon others arrived.  Care Bear, Jose (who I had talked to on Facebook) and Barb.  We all had our dinners and some good conversation.  Barb ask how long we had been married and I said "today is 29 years". Congratulations were offered alm around and Jose gave us (well me since Lisa doesn't like Yingling) a beer he had packed in.  It was awesome.  I got the oyzo I had in my pack and passed around to anyone who wanted and enjoyed the beer.Soon we all headed to our tents and hammock, hoping the coming storm misses us.Flora: more cool flowers.  I wish i knew there name.Fauna: signs of hog rootingVOD: Wildcat MountainSmell: oyzoSound: Dave snoringHigh: the sudden clearing on Cowrock MtnLow: downhill foot pain near the end of the day.Hope: that tonight's storm doesn't hit us hard.
Date: 2017-05-01
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Rocky Mtn Top camp
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: light rain

1.  Date: Seasday, Thrimidge 11. (5/1)2.  Day 6 3.  Morning temp: mid 50s4.  Weather: rain and wind. Heavy at times, then beautiful5.  Time start: 08356.  Time stop and miles: 1705/11.17.  End point: Rocky Mtn camp8.  Events: heavy rainLog:The wind raged high in the trees most of the night, leaving us alone below.  The expected rain finally started around 0530.  At breakfast I received my first Quest trailname, Half Crocked.  It is in referemce to my cut out crocks.  Barb suggested something close and a quick brain storming with Brad and Jose came up with the finished priduct. I like it and will wear it for awhile. We slowly got our stuff together, ate and headed out.  At first it was rather pleasant hiking.  The wind and rain was steady, but light.  I maintained a good temperature as we hiked. Not too hot or cold. After awhile the storm intensified and we became drenched. We needed a break and arrived at Blue Mtn shelter just as the rain stopped, but it is real windy up there.  We ate lunch and I became pretty chilled.  I started thinking of going down to Unicoi Gap and getting a ride to tiwn to warm up and dry out.  We started down and things improved 100%.  The sun came out, the wind calmed. My clothes started to dry. I was warm again.  By the time we got to the gap, I was feeling great and ready to complete todays mission, which was climbing 1000 feet to the Rocky Mtn camp.  There was a hiker there, Smiley, who had some water and beer as magic.  I indulged in a beer of course. I also noticed my first blister when I was changing my socks.  It was on my outer heel and not painful at all. Once again, we slowly made our way up and I used musical motivation to finish again. We arrived at camp and Brad, Eileen and Maggie were there setting up.  We found some good trees, set up, ate dinner and made a fire.  I showed the others the PCT method of bear bagging and Lisa showed them what poison Ivy looks like as they had tied their rope to a tree that had it growing on it.  We watched the sun set, put out the fire and went to our perspective beds, feeling happy to be out here.Flora: Unopened Tulip tree bud on groundFauna: None.  They don't come out in this crap.VOD: sunset from rocky mountainSmell: Me again.  The scent is maturingSound: thunderHigh: our awesome camp with the fire and great company.Low: wet and shivering in Blue Mtn shelter.Hope: that this group sticks together for awhile.
Date: 2017-05-02
From: Rocky Mtn Top camp

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

1.  Date: Earthday, Thrimidge 12. (5/2)2.  Day 73.  Morning temp: low 40s4.  Weather: perfect. Sun, breezes, warm5.  Time start: 08376.  Time stop and miles: 17207.  End point: Deep Gap Shelter8.  Events: Tray MtnLog:Boom! Rattle, rattle, rattle. Boom! Rattle, rattle, rattle.  That was the sound my tarp was making as the winds roared through the camp.  After such a peaceful sunset, the winds had arrived right around the time I had falllen into a pleasant slumber.  The temp had also dropped quite a bit.  I got out once to make sure my stakes were holding and to chase down my clothes which had blown down and again when LoGear suggested that we should strike the tarps since it was clear out.  We slid the tarps into their snake skins and that helped some, but most of the night was restless with the still roaring wind and the cold.  My underquilt didn't seem to be doing its job and even though I wasnt cold per se, I could feel the cold clawing at me.Morning arrived and we all slowly crawled out of our beds, made bfast, packed up and headed out.  Today was going to be challenging, but not impossible. We were trying to get to thw shelter close to Dicks Creek Gap, where we hope to be whisked back to the matrix for some rest and resupply.  There were several ups and downs, as usual, with an 800 foot climb and descent at the end of the day.The five of us would leap frog each other all day along with Yves, an older frenchman who speaks little to no english, but is a nice guy.  We mostly communicate with hand gestures and the few words I remember from freshman French and his few words of English.Tray Mtn was our highest peak of the day, with some decent views.  I was able to try out my app, Viewranger the superimposes markers of mountains and other landmarks. It was cool.  I was slow today.  My feet are unhappy that I am pounding them each day, all day.  The down hills are more painful than the ups, but by the end of the day, they are screaming for to just stop already.We arrived at the shelter after five.  Happy to be done for the day.  We set up then ate dinner at the table.  A man and his several kids came in for an overnight.  They are a very efficient unit. Each doing a job as they set up, prepared dinner and gathered wood for a fire. Two other hikers came in later that we had met at Blue Mtn yesterday.  I went to my hammock after eating to rest and read some and pretty much just passed out. My body had had enough.It's now 0530 on day 8 and I have just had the best night's sleep of the Quest. The wind stayed away last night and the deep gap is calm and silent. I'm ready for a nero day and a Hostel stay.We have just 3.6 to walk to the Gap and the Hostel is just .5 down the road.Flora: Mointain LaurelFauna: SquirrelVOD: Tray MtnSmell: Me again.  That is all I smellSound: Barred owlHigh: relaxing at dinner after a hard dayLow: final descentHope: tomorrow a bunk, a shower, some laundry, rest, resupply and food.
Date: 2017-05-03
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap - Top of Georgia Hostel
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: clear sky

1.  Date: Starsday, Thrimidge 13 (5/03)2.  Day 83.  Morning temp: 50s4.  Weather: Clear, calm.  Beautiful day.5.  Time start: 08436.  Time stop and miles: 1054/3.67.  End point: Dicks Creek Gap - Top of Georgia Hostel8.  Events: HiawasseeLog:We all got up and ate our bfast.  Today was going to be an easy one. I had an intersting conversation with Pocahontas, one of the kids from the family. She told me all her brothers and sisters trailnames.We were first out again.  We took the short side trail to the vista on Powell Mtn and had a nice view.  By the time we got to Dicks Creek Gap, the five of us were together.  Honeybuns, Cheesie and Nimeria were headed to Hiawassee for a zero and we were headed to the Top of Georgia Hostel.  The TOG van showed up quick and Odometer, the driver said they had a couple of bunks left but they were filling up fast.  We checked in and met Bob and Carrie, got our showers, changed into provided scrubs and turned in our laundry for cleaning.We took the shuttle into Haiwassee and ate lunch at the mexican restaurant with Ken, Cool Breeze and Mike.  Cool Breeze amazed us by picking up the check.  We next walked about .6 to the Ingles to shop for resupply.  We probably got too much food, but it isn't too bad.We hung out until the shuttle picked us up and then finished sorting our food and repacking our clean clothes.  There were lots of hikers there.  Barb (now trailname Life) showed up as did Emily and Kasie. We talked and laughed and ate until about 8 when I realized I was tired.Tomorrow we expect rain amd some cold temps.  We take each day as given.Flora: the usualFauna: dogsVOD: Powell MtnSmell: fresh laundered clothesSound: lots of hikers talkingHigh: The nice warm showerLow: noticing I got some more sunburn in townHope: that the rain isn't too bad tomorrow
Date: 2017-05-05
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: moderate rain

1.  Date: Moonsday, Thrimidge 15 (5/05)2.  Day 103.  Morning temp: 40s4.  Weather: Rain5.  Time start: 08206.  Time stop and miles: 1625/12.57.  End point: Carter Gap8.  Events: bird nestsLog:It rained most of the night, but was mostly stopped in the morning. We all got up and got ready for the days work.  A possible 12.5 miles to Carter Gap shelter. LoGear and I headed out after Jack and Morgan.  We moved along well in the light sprinkle. We made our way past Chunky Girl trail and started up Standing Indian Mtn. We came quickly to the shelter and sat for a rest and lunch.  Fia and Life stopped too.We had to get moving to keep warm.  The rain has stopped and the sun actually came out for about 30 seconds.  We got a quick view on Standing Indian Mtn and then we were socked in.  We made our way down and continued the days hike.  It wasn't too bad, but more sun would have been nice.  During the last leg of the day, I was hiking alone behind LoGear.  A bird flew out near my feet and moved into the underbrush on the other side of the trail.  I looked to my right and there was a nest of eggs in a stump.  I saw this two more times before arriving in camp. It was a small grey bird that I didn't recognize. This was in one of the burned areas.We arrived at the shelter as the rain was starting again and a hunting dog with radio collars on was hanging out.  LoGear has been fussing with her all evening.  They even tried to call the Vet listed on her collar. We gave her some of our food.Dinner, drying, etc. The usual camp chores.  LoGear is in the shelter with about 5 others and I'm out in the yard again.  It supposed to get cold again tonight.Flora: ferns in burned areasFauna: 3 bird nestsVOD: Standing Indian Mtn for about 5 secondsSound: owlHigh: seeing the bird nestsLow: cold hands after lunchHope: that tomorrow's weather is clearer, warmer and dryer.
Date: 2017-05-06
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

1.  Date: Treesday, Thrimidge 16 (5/06)2.  Day 113.  Morning temp: high 30s4.  Weather: clear, cold5.  Time start: 08156.  Time stop and miles: 1540/12.17.  End point: Rock Gap shelter8.  Events: tears, 100 milesLog:I got up after 6 after a cold night.  I stayed warm enough, but getting ready in the cold is always a challenge.One by one we headed out.  The coon hound was still there and LoGear gave her more of her food. LoGear left before me and I followed after finishing my business.  I found her at a view, crying. She was upset about the dog, which I dubbed Lucy. She seems like a Lucy.  I expressed my hope that her owners will find her and she will be ok.  She would be upset for a couple more miles, but would soldier on.  In my mind, Lucy will be ok.  I think she knows she can get fed there and visits regularly.  I know I have read about these dogs hanging out at shelters before.We made our way up Albert Mtn. Very near the 100 mile mark.  We ate lunch. Sat in the sun.  Waited for Life and Bruno to catch up.  We talked to a nice Sobo who was finishing up his hike after taking off the winter.We worked through the next six miles pretty easily and soon were weaving our way down a valley to the shelter site. Life and Bruno had continued on to the road to get a ride into town.  Life has to stay until Monday when the post office opens again.The shelter area is ok.  There isn't a covered area at this shelter. I think it was damaged by a tree. It is also on a slope with a few tent pads leveled out.  We found some good trees up the hill and set up.  Of course the rain had arrived.We both laid in our hammocks and I am trying out an emergency blanket burrito and I'm actually hot now, after shivering a little when the rain was coming down. There is a group of weekenders hiking along with us and now there are tents everywhere. I decided I didn't feel like cooking, so I just ate some salami and fritos.  Ahh, Saturdays on the AT.Tomorrow concludes this section.  We head into Franklin for the usual. Showers, laundry, resupply, food and beer.Fauna: Baltimore Oriole on Albert MtnVOD: Albert MtnSmell: all I smell is me. So this keyword will only appear if something distinctive is noted by my olfactory sense.Sound: dry dead Rhody leaves rattling in a breeze. Souned very insectoid.High: Albert Mtn view and sun after a very hard climb.Low: seeing LoGear sad over LucyHope: An easy ride into town tomorrow.