morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-06-28
From: Tom Floyd Shelter

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: light rain

I woke up at 4:30 to the sounds of Cruzer and Dozer packing up. I was impressed that they were going to get such an early start. Then they just sat there. I asked them later why they didn't get going after they packed up, they said they were waiting for enough daylight - well then why did you get up so early??I got up around 5:30 and went and ate breakfast and packed up. I talked to Morning Song and Towhee as they were up as well and got more of their story. They had started section hiking the AT when they were 60 and were trying to finish by the time they were 75. They are 74 now and have about 300 miles left. They just hiked Mount Katahdin and the 100 mile wilderness with the friends they started doing this with 14 years ago. Their friends were done now, but they still had this section in Virginia and sections in Vermont and southern Maine to do. I think they'll make it! They are truly young at heart!I left the shelter at 6:30 and made good time down to the road that went to Front Royal. I didn't need to stop so continued on back up a small 800 foot climb to Mosby Camp. For the next few days the terrain will undulate between 1000 and 2000 feet, much lower, and hotter, than the 3000 to 4000 foot elevations of the Shenandoah.The highlight of the day was lunch at the Jim and Molly Denton shelter. The shelter is beautiful with a big deck with an "Adirondack-style" couch on the deck. It also had a solar shower that wasn't getting much solar under the trees. But it was cool and refreshing being spring water fed, and I was able to wash away some of the sweat from the morning's hike. Afterwards I sat on the deck's "couch" and soaked up the sunshine and dried off using solar power.It was just three more miles to I-66 underpass and then 1.2 miles on the road to a restaurant in Linden, VA. I decided to go the extra miles and get an early dinner, air conditioning and cold drinks during the heat of the afternoon. I justified that by saying I wouldn't have to cook dinner and could walk later into the evening. I walked part of it and managed to get rides for part of it so the extra walking wasn't too bad. I've noticed that the further north you go it has gotten harder to get a ride by hitchhiking.When I got back to the trailhead, Sunset and several other hikers were camped there and they were doing trail magic. I guzzled down one more soda and set off for the shelter 2.5 miles away. When I got there it was quite crowded but I managed to snag the last good tent site. I camped next to Poodle and Hyrax from Iowa. It was good to have Midwesterners to talk to. I was also glad to see that Morning Song and Towhee and their crew made it in. They have just 9 more miles to finish their Virginia section. I hope they can finish the New England sections as planned. I'll look forward to seeing their names in the A.T. Journeys list of 2000 milers for 2017! What an inspiration!
Date: 2016-01-14
To: pre hike 1 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Less than 2 month to go.... yeah! This hike has been on my 'really want to do' list for about 10 years, being the proud owner of an Appalachian Trail Data Book from 2006. Hope that my training will suffice to get me through the first few weeks, until my body has settled into it's new routine.
Date: 2016-01-19
To: Pre-hike 2
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

My AT passport arrived in the mail today,yoohoo! Test packed the backpack, unpacked it after standing on the scale, then repacked with a few items less. Still not what I would consider ideal weight, but as good as it will get for now. On the weekend made the mail drop list up to the halfway point and a preliminary list for the second half. Part of me cannot wait to finally start, the other part is enjoying the comfort of home. Time spent with family becomes more precious, moments to carry with me in heart and mind, especially when the going gets tough!
Date: 2016-01-20
To: pre hike 3
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

It is wonderful to read the first journal entries of hikers already on the AT. Followed a few of them last year and got into the habit again. When I wake up in the middle of the night worried if this thru hike is really meant for me, I start (re-)reading those journal entries. This erases all worries and reaffirms that yes, this is something I really want/need to do. I am looking forward to the challenges, as well as the many wonderful moments/ people I shall encounter along the way. I am mind boggled by the support I get from my friends. From encouraging words to maps, videos, books, equipment, all the way to offers of transferring dividends and to hiking sections with me. Awesome!!! I am humbled and immensely grateful!
Date: 2016-01-28
To: pre hike 4
Miles today: 0.0

Less than 40 days ...Got some samples of protein shakes from the store last week. Tried the first last night, testing its claim to be a meal replacement. Well, even though my regular evening meals usually consist of a sandwich or salad and not a big meal, my stomach started complaining halfway thru the night. The sweetener taste would also be something I would have to get used to. Let's see how the other samples fare. I did like that I could get all in individual portion sized packages. If anyone out there has any favorites .... suggestions are welcome.
Date: 2016-02-12
To: my Zach Davis inspired list
Miles today: 0.0

I am thru hiking the AT because:- I need to remind myself what a small part I play in this world (puts my own, at times perceived, problems into perspective)- links me to the grandfather I never knew/met (WWII),who also loved the outdoors- it is time- it is a gift to myself- to fulfill the need I have to do something on my own - yes, with mega support from my husband, daughter and friends, and hopefully some not yet known, but oh so valuable, trail angels along the wayWhen I successfully thru hike the AT I will:- feel great about my accomplishment- will have made new friends along the way- have seen/ experienced nature that might not be in existence in the future- given myself a great/unique 50th birthday present, standing on top of Mt. Katahdin- tick one off the bucket list ( might create the need to add some new ones)If I give up on the AT I will:- have to try again to get it right- will not celebrate my B-day on Mt. Katahdin- will have let myself down Please feel free to remind me of this list once I am on the go and start questioning the 'why'.
Date: 2016-03-07
From: my Zach Davis inspired list

To: Stover creek shelter
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Made it up the approach trail, yippee! Then hiked on to Stover Creek Shelter, as there were signs up not to camp on Springer. Slept like a baby in my tent. Got my trail name this morning birthday hiker. I will shorten that to B-hiker.
Date: 2016-03-08
From: Stover Creek shelter

To: Justus Creek
Miles today: 11.6

Spent the night at Justus creek in the company of Dan and Wes, two very nice section hikers. Had a great day hiking! As a flight attendant we had a saying: What goes up, must come down. For the AT I would reverse that to : what goes down, must go up again.
Date: 2016-03-09
From: Justus Creek

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 9.9

Day 3 is done, made it to Lance Creek. Another beautiful day on the trail with spectacular views! Living in a little tent city tonight, all of us starting up Blood Mountain in the morning. 1600 feet up. I guess one step at a time will do it. Looking forward to my first maildrop. A section hiker, Bambi, will be my trail angel in Massachusetts. Get this he will drive 3 hours to bring me homemade clamshowder soup. I got goosebumps when he offered! Had my first trail angel yesterday, he gave me a big bottle of Gatorade. The sugar rush was welcome!
Date: 2016-03-10
From: Lance Creek

To: Bull Gap
Miles today: 8.5

Another great day. The trek up Blood mountain was a shuffle,the fog gave it a special flair. On the way down I felt like a little kid scrambling over rocks. Made me laugh out loud! Then total clean up at Neel Gap. After pizza and coke and smelling spiffy again, headed out to Camp at Bull Gap.
Date: 2016-03-11
From: Bull Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a little rain last night, which made for packing up a wet tent. But the day turned out beautiful. Some great sights of Wolf Laurel Gap, Cow rock and Wildcat Mountain. Moving in a nice bubble of fellow hikers, Sam squared, Dimples, Dough and Richard, just to name a few. Everybody is hiking their own pace and then we meet up again at the next campsite/ shelter. Still pretty slow moving up, but improved from the 100 steps/ 20 deep breaths to a continuous shuffle. Definitely still room for improvement.
Date: 2016-03-12
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cheese factory site
Miles today: 13.4

Today was a long day. Hiked the most miles so far. Started at 7 am and finished at 4 pm. But we were treated to some awesome trail magic at Unicoi Gap. A church youth group on spring break surprised us with burgers, chips, fruit,gatorade..... What an amazing treat. Needless to say, my burger and banana were gone within seconds. Gave me energy to make it up the next hill, or as locals informed me, 'we call them mountains'. Sam squared, Dimples, John and about 10 others all made it to this camping spot. The rain held off again. We have been so lucky! Time to snuggle down in the sleeping bag.
Date: 2016-03-13
From: Cheese factory site

To: TOG
Miles today: 13.0

Today was another 'long' haul. It started raining middle of the night and did not stop until 9:30am. Got going with rainwear on around 8:30 am as I really wanted to make it to the hostel before the advertised thunderstorm in the afternoon. But when angels travel... the sun came out around midday and the thunderstorm did not materialize. Hit Dick's creek by 4 pm, where I got welcome by more trail angels. From there I got a ride to TOG. What a great place to stay!!
Date: 2016-03-14
From: TOG

To: TOG
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Took a zero at the hostel to give my slightly banged up feet a break. Baking lemon bars this afternoon for all hikers/staff, who want some. Had delicious BBQ at the Rib Country in Hiawassee. Tonight broccoli salad. Hiking is all about the food! Right my pink sisters?!
Date: 2016-03-15
From: TOG

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Great to be back on the trail. Crossed the GA/NC border. Yeah! Sun was out, and by the time I hit the shelter I had white stripes on the back of my hands from the pole straps. Made me chuckle. 'Hey Everybody' and 'Ghost Rider' are my hiking buddies for now. One ret. Navy, one ret. Marine. Feeling safe!
Date: 2016-03-16
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

Another great day for hiking. Started a bit colder with chance of showers, but we stayed dry. Went over Standing Indian Mountain, first elevation over 5000 ft. I will dub him the 'gentle giant', as the climb was easy and steady. To quote 3D, 'nowhere I'd rather be'.
Date: 2016-03-18
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Today I felt good hiking. Had planned to stop at 8 miles in, but went past that shelter before 11am, so I pushed on to the next shelter. Another gorgeous hiking day. Started out around 38* but warmed up quickly. Had some delicious trail magic, gumbo on chips,.... Thanks to the two couples providing the home cooked meal. Staying inside a shelter for the first time, as the forecast calls for rain. If I can avoid packing a wet tent I am all for it!
Date: 2016-03-19
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Today we had a threat of showers in the forecast. Left the shelter around 8:30 am. Hummed the 'Mr. Sun' kids song most of the day to keep the rain away. Did end up in rain gear at some point, but had a moment of great weather at the top of Wesser Bald. I think these are the hills ahead of us in the picture. Made it into camp and set up the tent in record time, as a new shower moved in. Threw my pack and myself in just in the nick of time, before the soak. It stayed dry for the rest of the night, though. I do prefer tent over shelter.
Date: 2016-03-20
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

A short day, which my knees needed. There was some frost on the bear bag this morning when i pulled it down from the cable. After 6 days without a shower, it was time to stop and get cleaned up. Rolled into NOC around 11:30am. Got my supply package from home, did laundry and then headed up to the hostel for a nice looooong shower and got settled in my bunk space. Met up with Hey Everybody to get some lunch. Was only able to eat half of my Sherpa rice dish, but had no problem finishing off one nice cold highland ale! Repacked my pack and am drying out my tent at the moment. Getting everything ready to hike out of here in the morning. Just a few short hikes to Fontana and then into the Smokies.
Date: 2016-03-21
From: NOC

To: Sassafras Shelter
Miles today: 6.7

Winter wonderland. Air crisp, snow crunchy under my boots. A great day for a hike!The 6 mile uphill out of NOC was steady. Got to the shelter early and could have moved on, but wanted to give my knees some rest. Met some new hikers around the camp fire tonight. After trying to hang my bear bag and breaking off a tree branch in the process, another hiker rescued me and I could hang my bag with theirs. I guess more practice is needed on my throwing technique! Good thing I have a warm sleeping bag, coldest night so far!
Date: 2016-03-22
From: Sassafras Shelter

To: Cody Gap
Miles today: 12.0

Did not get out of camp til about 9 am, as it was tough leaving the warm and cosy sleepingbag. Did hike with an extra layer today, but once you warm up, you start shedding clothes. Makes for interesting trail fashion! The view up from Cheoah Bald was spectacular. Counted 6 shades of green/ blue. Had some trail magic at Stecoah gap in form of apple and banana. Also got offered a ride into town for cheeseburger and fries, which I declined as I wanted to get more milage in. Whoever Jacob was, he must have been a straightforward kind of guy! Only 3 of us at Cody Gap tonight. The full moon fills my tent with light. James Taylor sings me to sleep.
Date: 2016-03-23
From: Cody Gap

To: Fontana Lodge
Miles today: 8.7

Got greeted by this beautiful sunrise this morning. The gifts nature gives us never ceases to amaze me! Even from far up the trail you get to see glimpses of the Fontana dam. Looking forward to cross tomorrow. Once I got to the Marina, anot her trail angel, Bluebird thru hiker '14, offered 3 guys and me a ride to Fontana village. She dropped us at the laundromat, hint, hint... Sadly my supply package did not make it here, yet. I am hoping it will arrive by tomorrow morning. Sharing the hotel room with two other hikers, 4 Years and Quasimodo. On the trail most everybody watches their budget. So keep your fingers crossed my package arrives and then I am off to see/hike the smoky mountains tomorrow.
Date: 2016-03-24
From: Fontana Lodge

To: Birch Spring Gap
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: few clouds

Care package did not make it in yesterday, so I had to wait til 11:45 for the post office to open. Used the morning to slack pack southbound the 1.6 miles I missed yesterday. What a difference it makes not to carry a 32 ish pound pack. Literally flew down the trail! Reaching the marina, Sam squared hiked in at the same time. What a nice surprise! We nt back to the lodge, packed up and headed to the post office. Yeah, package had arrived. Milkman, fellow thru hiker, thought I might need a sherpa. Quickly stashed all the food and headed up the mountain. Got a nice send off from 3 deer as I passed that starting point of the smoky mountains. I moved my tush up that hill I record time as rain was coming in. First drops fell as I put the fly on . Lucked out! Stayed dry and had a feast n some of my resupply food. Yum!
Date: 2016-03-26
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

The first 6.1 miles today were the toughest so far for me on the trail. I think it has to do with my body needing more food now than at the beginning to put in the miles. North Carolina/Tennessee make us work for it more as well. The trail did get easier, though,so the 13.5 miles felt good. Was able to pitch my tent as the shelter was full. The rule in the SMNP is, only when shelter is full are you allowed to pitch your tent as thru hiker.
Date: 2016-03-27
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Easter Sunday. It is a wet one. Started raining as soon as I left the shelter. I am great full for the raingear, which kept me dry and warm. The trail was muddy interspersed with puddles. Brought back the kid in me stepping right in! Got to the highest point on the AT, Clingmans Dome, sadly no view. As it was a holiday, there were lots of day hikers. Some wearing flip flops!?! Had a short break at Newfound Gap. Lots of cars, people hopping out and in quickly to take pictures. Made it to the next shelter, where some wonderful thru hikers already had a fire going insidea the hut. Then Teatime came in with some Easter trail magic of gummy bears. Gotta love your fellow thru hikers!!!!
Date: 2016-03-28
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tried Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

As announced it poured during the night, which made me glad I was tucked in the shelter. The day started out quite foggy, but the sun cut through around lunchtime. Which also meant shedding some clothing. Trying to take your leggings off, putting your other pants back on, without getting your socks wet was quite a feat. (And I am sure comical to watch, if someone would have seen me!)Finally had 4G reception on Eagle Rocks, and was able to check in at home. Standing still makes you cool off fast, so no updating the journal then. Sorry! T- mobile commercials with all them pink balls showing off their coverage across the US, well, there is a lot of room for improvement all along the AT! Just saying... I feel bad that some of you following me on this site started worrying, as I had not updated for such a long while. Sadly this might be the case again down the road, as most days I can barely squeeze out a text message home. Working on improving this! Thank you all for your caring and support!
Date: 2016-03-29
From: Tried Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Well, we had a snorer amongst us in the shelter last night, who then announced to all of us in the morning, he had not slept a wink that night, go figure.... Woke up (?) to some frost on the ground, Temps around 30 degrees with some windchill. Gorgeous frozen landscape with ice glistening in the sun. It warmed up nicely, so i repeated the stiptease , this time from double layers into shorts. Davenport Gap Shelter is the last shelter left with a chain link fence, meant for bear safety. Other shelters had these fences as well, but people feeling safe inside the shelters started feeding the bears through the fence. In turn a lot of bears died needlessly. Felt kind of weird sleeping behind a chain link fence.
Date: 2016-03-30
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 3.6

Had a wonderfully short hike into Standing Bear. Was greeted by Lumpy, a 2 time thru hiker. After a nice hot shower and washing (on a wash board) my laundry, choosing to line dry over the dryer, had a relaxing day hanging out with other hikers. Hey Everybody showed up, got picked up by family for a zero day, and in the afternoon Sam Squared walked in! They had pushed hard to get there. Did some snack resupply to get me to Hot Springs. I loved my stay at standing bear, as it reinforces the broad spectrum of people connected with the AT.Completely different setting than TOG or NOV. (When you do stop to resupply, check expiration dates )
Date: 2016-03-31
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Standing Bear at 7 am, as rain and thunderstorms were in the forecast. Just wanted to make it up the 5 mile climb/ next shelter. That was the plan. But the lug up the hill (approx. 2500ft elevation change) went way quicker than expected and I reached the turn off to the shelter by 10:45 am. Way to early to quit for the day! Just as I was writing a note to Sam Squared, they came down the trail as well. We decided to push on to the next shelter, or in case weather turned bad set up camp. So off we went over Max Patch. Beautiful views from the bald! The strong winds held off the rain. I was glad for my pack, as the extra weight kept me grounded. I am sure I said it before, but I love nature! Being able to lean into the wind and being held by it, or being pushed around like a leaf. Made it to the shelter. Just 6 of us there for the night. Nice!
Date: 2016-04-01
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Had the best sleep! Well rested we took off for the day, hoping to make it into Hot Springs for 12 oz burgers for dinner. Some of us surely dreamed about it last night. Passed a group of boy scouts and met up again with some weekend hikers, friends of Milkman, we met the day before. Had two decent climbs today. But by the time we reached the shelter my body was done for the day. Could not see myself hiking another 3 miles into town for dinner. Agreed to meet up with Sam Squared for breakfast the next morning in town, as they moved on. Listening to my body, I set up my tent around 3:30 pm and had a huge dinner, eating all I had left in my food bag. Then crawled in my tent and fell asleep smiling, as tomorrow I would get to see my man, rest and resupply.
Date: 2016-04-02
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: broken clouds

A quick Nero day into town. What yesterday afternoon felt endless, was a quick morning hike today. Uphills were easy, compared to insurmountable, and the downhill was gradual. Plus I had a lot to look forward to. Left the shelter area at 7:15am, and reached the diner at 9am. I did stop quickly on the last downhill stretch to at least change into a clean shirt and shorts. Sam Squared were waiting for me. And then there was delicious breakfast food !!! Did not quite finish it all, but came close! We all moved on to the hiker's ridge ministries, where 3 volunteers from Virginia Beach trail magiced us with snickers bars, coffee, tea,... and most important to me wifi, so I could start updating here. This, and socializing with other hikers is how I spent my time waiting for my husband to arrive. It was good seeing him and for him to start meeting fellow hikers. Cleaned up, did laundry and walked holding hands down main street meeting more fellow hikers. Everybody seemed to have stopped in town. It felt good to wear "non hiking" clothes for the first time in just about a month. Even though I do not see my body changing, those clothes fit more comfortable than last month at home.