morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-06-09
From: Stony Creek Valley

To: Laurel creek shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: mist

Lying in my sleeping bag at 10 amMy porch door wide openThe sun flickers through the gaps in the rododendron leavesReminding me of it's presence without being overbearingDrops from yesterday's rain storm cling to my tent flyBut I am talking to the sun nowI sip my hot tea and rehydrateMy organs that I'd depleted of water yesterdayThe sound of the river is accompanied by the melodic plucks of Andrew Bird's violinThe scent of lavender and incense fills the crisp airI could be anywhere else in the worldBut I am hereAlone, but not lonelyI'm exactly where I'm supposed to beAs you can tell from my morning poem, I had quite the relaxing start to my day. However, shortly after I finished writing, the members of the goon squad passed by one by one, informing me of there plan to hike 18 miles per day for the next week. Coach stuck around while I packed up because he wanted to hike with me for the day. He's been too paranoid about rattlesnakes to hike with headphones in his ears. Thus he's been looking for other ways to entertain himself while hiking, for example, talking to me all day. My slow morning made for a late departure. We were walking by 12:30 and neither of us were concerned about pace because we decided early in the day that we were going to end up hiking into the night. We hiked together all day which I was somewhat surprised with because I often hike alone out here. A few times now I've walked 6-8 miles with a partner, but never 18! The conversation was flowing all day though which was a good distraction from hiking. My favorite conversation was when we each listed the kitchen appliances we owned as well as the recipes we often create. We stopped for dinner at a shelter and it was tough to find the motivation to hike on after that. A section hiker mentioned that tonight's the full moon and that was enough to push us forward. I made myself some vegan hot chocolate with chai mix which was a wonderful treat that a lactose intolerant (and previously stoveless) Poppins was very excited to drink. The sun set as we climbed a steep climb to Kelly's Knob. The tread was deteriorating down the slope at a 45 degree angle after too many muddy days with high traffic from hikers. The corridor was overgrown with 6ft tall stinging nettles. Eventually the trail widened and became more manuverable but the climb was seemingly endless at this point. Eventually we topped out, decended and rolled into camp by 10:30, well after hiker midnight. We were pleased with our accomplishment and ready for bed. I expressed to Coach today my hesitancy to match their mileage plan for the week. I barely made it through 18 miles today and I know that this late evening will lead to another late departure tomorrow morning. I don't foresee their mileage plan being sustainable for me.
Date: 2017-06-10
From: Laurel creek shelter

To: Craig Creek
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

This stove life is amazing! New stove, new me. It's incredible how much I appreciate this added luxury. I passed the 2nd largest oak tree on the trail today, it was quite impressive. Today was hot! We spent a fair amount of time winding through exposed fields and ridgelines so the sun was beating down on us all day. I attempted to hike with my umbrella but this dollar store replacement has a short shaft and didn't seem worth it to use for the sun. The fields were full of birds and butterflies so there were flying creatures to be ovserved in all levels of the sky. I enjoyed tiptoeing across the beautiful ridgelines but the increased sun exposure and tedious walking was tiring. We decided this portion of the trail was brutiful: brutal but beautiful. I didn't think I was going to catch up with the goon squad tonight because I discovered the hostel I'm resupplying at tomorrow is closer than I originally expected. Turns out they were also closer than I'd expected so I was still able to camp with them. It was nice to make it to camp with plenty of day light hours left (or at least one hour left).The eyes of the spiders reflect the light from my headlamp, revealing their abundance nestled in the layers of leaves.
Date: 2017-06-12
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: Lambert's meadow shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

I was up late last night but was still woken up early by the roosters. Cooked up some fresh eggs from the hostel for breakfast. It was nice to catch up with my friends Calvin and Beth, from ski patrol. They are currently embarking on a thrupaddle from the Adirondacks to Maine and we got to share stories of our paralleled adventurous lifestyles. I was slow to hit the trail this morning, mainly because the shuttle ride back  to the trail had to make some pit stops along the way. I wound up skipping 14 miles today for a handful of reasons. I had decided yesterday when I bailed on my mileage plan that I was going to skip ahead to the hostel. Apparently the 6 miles north of here are flat and tedious rock walking without any views. I don't want to fall too far behind the goon squad because I'm hoping to aquablaze soon and I think this trip is going to be a large motivating force in my travels. I also haven't skipped many miles relatively speaking. I had thought about it way back near Partnership shelter but ended up walking. I believe us thru-hikers are also titled 2,000 milers, so as long as I skip less than 189 miles, I think I'm still an official thru-hiker. I'm not really sure how this works, or even who decides this.I had an amazing hiking day along ridges and rocky cliffs. I made it to McAfee Knob, took the perfect Poppins picture and then hiked along the ridge for the afternoon with Sharky. Its amazing how people appear in my life so unexpectedly out here and how quickly you can find yourself deep in an intriguing conversation with a stranger. I barely even noticed I was hiking this afternoon because I was so engrossed in conversation. We found some ripe raspberries today! Mmmm trail candy! We've also had several animal spotting today: turtle, deer, rabit and a crawfish that was trying to get in my tent.I called the aquablaze company today and also texted the goon squad with the information I'd received. Sharky recommended we set a date to meet in Waynesboro so that I can pace myself and know what's expected of me. The details are starting to come together and it seems that we are all excited and in need of this break from the trail. It's also a relief for me to have a plan and feel more in control of my pace. The boys are moving faster than me but they're also planning to take at least one zero, where I'd rather move slow and steady.
Date: 2017-06-14
From: Super 8 in Daleville

To: stealth camping near Daleville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I had lazy morning, lounging around the hotel room and enjoying the air conditioning. I left my pack at the super 8 when I checked out so I could return to run more errands. The goon squad was waiting for a ride north from another hiker who's renting a car and taking a week off of the trail. His rental troubles left them with an afternoon to relax and I was easily lured into joining. We played a boardgame at a coffee shop and I even got my nails done this afternoon (if that doesn't say ''treat yourself", I don't know what does). We watched a huge thunderstorm roll in and then grabbed some dinner at a Chinese restaurant. We have been meandering around a plaza today that has all the stores we could ever possibly want. I scored a pair of PJs shorts at Goodwill and grabbed some Kahlua to hike in and add to my chocolate soy milk! Eventually, I decided it was time to venture back to the trail. It was still raining but not hard. I packed up my backpack and got back to the trail by 6pm. About 50 ft in, I found a stealth campsite and decided to spend my night there. Surprise, a zero day! My pack is heavy with fresh food and it's late in the day and raining. I knew I wasn't going far, so I might as well stay close enough so I can still have access to town amenities in the morning. There are indicators that time is passing:organized ziplocks filled with precise numbers of condiment packets, band-aids or flossgapping holes in shoes and shorts orthe snap of an umbrella shaftscars, aches and painsand humans that I know well enough to truly be myself aroundwhich includes the bad moods and frustrationsthere are indicators that time is passingMy feet have carried me 700 milesthrough unknown territoryI have navigated through forests and woven through obstaclesin order to learn from my mistakesand carve out a home for myselfA sense of belonging.I am proud and impressed by my commitment to the trail thus farI am hopeful and enthused about the adventures that lie aheadI foresee changes on the horizonan alteration to my available resources andsubsequently my priorities will change as wellWhat I have now is beautifulyet fleetingso I place my mind in the present momentand appreciate all that it isI will be comfortable enough this week as I trot through rainy skiesbecause I am learning how to live my wood nymph lifeand live it well
Date: 2017-06-15
From: stealth camping near Daleville

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

It was nice to be able to make a final grocery store run before getting back on the trail. I always love access to a bathroom, a trash can and some vegetables to start off my day. Forecast called for thunderstorms early afternoon so I set up camp around 4pm at a shelter 11 miles out. I was excited to dance around in the rain and take a shower in it but the storm didn't hit until the evening and by then I had already cleaned up and gotten in my PJs. The thunder echoed throughout the mountains all night, making it hard to fall asleep. I haven't been sleeping well recently as a combination of my low mile days, the coffee drinks too late in the afternoon, the sounds of cars or thunder and the adequate cell service that lures me into using my phone often.I packed in ingredients for an arugula salad for dinner! I made a dressing with olive oil packets, mustard packets, salt, pepper, soy milk and a Bragg's seasoning blend. I also packed in chocolate soy milk and a single serving of Kahlua for a post hike drink.I was debating whether or not to hang my bear bag in the rain when I'm aware that so many hikers sleep with their food in their tent and get away with it. I haven't seen any bears yet this trip though so it's easy for me to wonder if they're even really out there.
Date: 2017-06-17
From: Jennings Creek

To: Campsite on Apple Orchard Mountain
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

My shorts were still soaked when I woke up and I had no interest in wearing them until they were dry. This spot by the river is also beautiful and worth hanging around for some time. A decent crowd of hikers formed throughout the day next to the main swimming hole. Seemed that most people were planning to stick around for the day and night hike out. I quickly hopped on board and went back to my tent for the day. I haven't been sleeping well so it was nice to get to rest up. I also took a chunk of my day catching up on writing blog posts (but I didn't have enough service to post them). My tent was pitched in a nook further upstream of the main swimming hole. I had the nook to myself for the day because everyone else how was camped there had departed early. I took two more dips throughout the day, making for 4 swims total. This is the deepest river I've been in this season. I could swim into the current and stay stationary as if I was on a treadmill. I'm used to spending my summers on a lake in the Adirondacks so the luxury of camping near a swimming hole was a much appreciated comfort.I started hiking at 4pm. I was intended to walk til it got dark but it started to drizzle and I'd heard thunder chasing me all afternoon so I stopped at a campsite around 7:30pm. Of course, it never actually rained though. The weather is deceiving in the mountains.
Date: 2017-06-18
From: Campsite on Apple Orchard Mountain

To: Marble Spring campsite
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

I guess I was camped near a bees nest last night. I was aware of this when I pitched my tent but didn't realize how much they would love me until morning time. At this point, the campsite had cleared out and the sun was high in the sky, so the bees were out for the day and I was the only target. It made for quite the adventure when packing up camp. Buzzing sounds filled my ears and made my stomach turn, an unexpected reaction. But before long, I had scurried away to my freedom and back onto the thin strip of Earth guiding my North. I had a big climb over Apple Orchard Mountain today but didn't notice the elevation change too much, seems I'm finally getting accustomed to this walking thing. I intentionally split off from my trail fam because these are my last days hiking in the Southern half and I wanted more alone time to reflect and exist. I'm still out of my element down here, I'm still far from home and friends and I intentionally wanted to isolate myself to see what happens. I felt the weight of my solitude today. I briefly talked to a few new faces throughout the day but I didn't see a single person I knew all day and for the most part, I was always alone. I found myself seeking human interaction because I wanted outside influences, I wanted food for thought. I discovered that I could still communicate with others even when I was alone through the lyrics of the music I was listening to. I also felt comforted listening to playlists that I've carefully crafted for myself over the years, as if I was receiving motivation from a past version of myself. A huge storm rolled in and caught me by surprise. I had learned not to trust the distant rumbles as indicators storms heading my way. I've learned to tune out these harbingers because I've been fooled by the boy who cried wolf. However, this time, the storm hit and it swept in fast. I tried to check my radar to see what was coming my way but the torrential downpour forced me to put my phone away and surrender to the storm. I usually avoid these things, I hop in my tent or walk under my umbrella. The rain was warm though and so strong that I sat on my pack and looked up at the sky and let it happen. I have wanted a shower recently anyway. I felt silly as I continued to walk along this ridge during the storm but I didn't see much of an alternative. I realized soon after that I was hiking along Thunder Hill Ridge, so I guess I should have expected this.Today, was a day of obstacles but as always, I return to the trail and walk past it all. I saw a lot of snakes today! There were 3-4 hanging out in the trail that I passed throughout the day.
Date: 2017-06-19
From: Marble Spring campsite

To: Glasgow shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I hiked a short day into town and crossed the longest footbridge on the AT. I felt lucky to find a ride so easily into town. Met someone doing surveying work in the area who thruhiked in 1999 and he offered to drive me in. Some hikers had to walk 6 miles into town because no one picked them up! There's a pavilion here that the town built for hikers. There are hot showers, outlets, a shelter and campsites! I didn't send a food drop here because I've been thrown off with my jumbled aquablaze plans. This means I'm going to be resupplying for 4 days at a convenience store and a dollar general. It almost feels like a cooking show where I have limited ingredients to create some elaborate (and somewhat healthy if I'm lucky) meals for myself. I was able to do laundry and sit out a huge storm inside a building. The streets were flooding and I could see the lightning bolts extended it's arms into the surrounding mountains. I was nervous about my tent, sitting unattended across town in the storm. However, I returned soon to find dry belongings to accompany my recently cleaned laundry. Good job tent!I bought another outfit at the dollar store so I don't have the wear the same sweaty shorts all the time!Went to a hiker feed and ate a salad at the church in town and then hung out by the fire for a bit before bed.If I'm going to make it to Waynesboro in time to aquablaze, I'm going to need to hike 20 mile days for the next 4 days in a row. That doesn't sound fun. Or at least, it's a commitment that I'm not sure I'm ready for (especially since I still have a few more town errands to run tomorrow morning). I guess I'll walk as much as I can and hitch hike the rest of the way? The friends that I'm meeting up with are all significantly ahead of me but they hitch hiked to get there, which is a bit frustrating for me. It leaves me feeling torn and over analyzing my priorities regarding trail miles and the intention of my hike.
Date: 2017-06-20
From: Glasgow shelter

To: Pedlar River Bridge 
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

When I was hitching into town, we wound up receiving a free opportunity to slackpack 10 miles. My pack is a monster right now so that was good timing. Hiked the last 5 miles with my pack and hit the 800 mile marker! pack monster:Until I found the right shorts,I wanted all the shorts.Until I had the right food,I wanted all the food.Appeasing desires, I let the luxury items buildAnd didn't notice the act of gravityUntil I reached my tipping pointI notice the result now with every stepMy feet alone carrying half the burdenMy pack is a monsterBut it hasn't consumed me yetSo I return to the trailAnd venture on
Date: 2017-06-23
From: The priest shelter

To: Devil's Backbone Brewery
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Every day's a new day. I'm learning how to motivate myself and how to independently work through mental struggles. It took a while to get out of my tent this morning but the day turned around once I got back on the trail and I wound up making it all the way to devil's backbone brewery (they let us camp on their property). Took the Mau-Har trail today for a few miles which took me near a series of waterfalls. Saw my second bear today.
Date: 2017-06-24
From: Devil's Backbone Brewery

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

It was a nice surprise to make it to the brewery last night. I got to eat local and delicious fresh food for dinner and breakfast and I reunited with a group of friends. I originally didn't think I'd have time to consider this visit but we've pushed the aquablaze trip back and I have plenty of time to make it to Waynesboro now. This also means I am able to make it to Waynesboro without any yellowblazing. It was a fairly flat day but tedious rock walking still slowed me down. Felt good to finally make it to Waynesboro and reunite with my trail fam.
Date: 2017-07-06
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

Made it to mile 1000 today.Pitched in a Puddle:As I settled into my home last nightAfter a long day of hikingThe rain began to fallI observed the tent platform beneath meAnd understood  it's potential to Become a containing poolBut it was bedtimeSo I packed my belongings into Organized pilesAnd fell asleepReady to battle the rain and test the durability of my gearSure enough, I awoke pitched in a puddleThe thin fabric walls remain strong, for nowProviding  dry home for me to hide away inI don't want to hike on until the rain stopsSo I sink deeper into my sleeping padAnd feel the water level rising0.5 inches by 8:30amForecast for heavy rain all dayI'm sick of being soakedI'm sick of the irritated skin and pungent smellsI lie in my tent alone, without cell serviceDebating my plans for the dayStill unsure whether or not to stay
Date: 2017-07-07
From: Sam Moore Shelter

To: 4 mile campsite
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Made some new friends today and saw a friend that I haven't seen since the Smokies. The nature of this community will never ceases to amaze me. Spent a lot of time picking berries along the trail today! Yummm. I also stopped and aired out my tent from swamp city two nights ago (because the sun is finally shining again). My pack is still heavy because of all my soaked clothing but at least the tent is dry.I'm 4 miles from Harpers ferry. That feels good. I'm going into DC to visit friends tomorrow. Things are happening.
Date: 2017-02-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I'm lying in my warm soft bed and relishing the comfort. I know it'll change soon. We'll be leaving home in 20 days to begin our journey. Our discussions after dinner these days seem to generally center on one subject. The Appalachian Trail has invaded our lives and is calling us daily. My wife and I are eager to begin but I'm a little fearful too. I turned 60 a few months ago and I wonder how my old body will hold up. I could lie and talk about my conditioning efforts to prepare for this adventure, but my truth is: I'm winging it. We have a three day hike in a week to sort out equipment, packing, food, and pack weight but that's it. See why I'm scared?If you could prepare by reading, I'd be set. I've read countless books about the AT, scrutinized gear reviews, engaged in lengthy conversations with sales people at outfitters, and have been obsessed with hiking. I just haven't done it yet.The details of leaving our home for six months are being crossed off daily. It's almost time to go and we're going to do this!I've never been sorry for being nice.
Date: 2017-02-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

The reality is beginning to set in. We've decided on trail names. Fatboy & Ginger will be starting from Georgia the first week of March on our adventure. We are so grateful for each other and our loving relationship. I'm honored every day with the blessing of my beautiful wife. We have reached out to friends for help and they all have responded with generosity and kindness. Our home and pets will be well cared for.I've never been sorry for being nice.
Date: 2017-02-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We spent the evening packaging food for our "shakedown" hike next week. It's intimidating trying to figure out what,how much, and how to pack this stuff. Food has always been a very important part of my life. Now I need to consider how much it weighs and how easily it's going to cook! Emotions come into play and differing perceptions of how to complete this surface.This may be a lot more complicated than I thought.I've never been sorry for being nice.
Date: 2017-02-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We're packed and ready for our shakedown hike to begin tomorrow. The Lone Star Hiking Trail is only a few hours away and we plan to be there by early afternoon tomorrow. We've packed as though we were ready for 3 days without resupply except water. We get to test our packaged meals and weight carrying comfort. My pack is ~45 pounds and Ginger is carrying ~30. Those are proportional to our size so we'll see if that's realistic. We're excited!I've never been sorry for being nice.