morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Dicks Creek

To: Standing Indian 
Miles today: 16.7

Today was a personal milestone for myself; I crossed the border into the second state along the trail, North Carolina. It is much easier to set sights on small achievements along the way. It was a very uplifting and motivating experience to see, touch and yes, kiss the small wooden signed on the side of a tree that welcomed us to North Carolina. It would be very discouraging to think I have close to 2,080 miles to go. I have been hiking with a gentleman named Walking Home from Brunswick, Maine over the past 10 days or so. He is recently retired from his 30+ year Naval career and a great guy. I enjoy hiking with him. He is unfortunately flying home this week for a few doctor's appointments but with the stride of a 6'6" 250lb beast, he will likely catch right back up to me in the Smokies (which I intend on entering by next Friday morning. Walking Home and I started a tradition today that I hope we can follow through the remainder of our journey. At every state border we cross, we celebrate with a local beer from the state we left behind. It was a short but fabulous celebration on the border today and I look forward to 13 more delicious celebratory brews along the way!
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Standing Indian 

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

Today turned out to be a gorgeous day. The cold snapped me awake this morning regardless of my 20 degree rated tent and ALL of my clothes to try to avoid the chill. The temperature was in the 20's in the town nearest us about 2000' lower in elevation so I could only assume it was in the "I dont want to move out of my sleeping bag" Temperature up in the mountains. After a few minutes, I braved the cold and packed up in a hurry. What seemed like 3 hours and 10 frozen fingers later, I hit the trail planning on meeting Walking Home at a shelter/camping area 16 miles away to finish our day. At around 3pm, while enjoying the best view on the trail so far from Albert Mt, I realized I was only about 1 trail mile from our target destination. A few of the fellow hikers I had been hiking with some of the day agreed we should push past the nearest camping area and shoot for the next one which would put us at "20 miles". We did so. It was a great feeling to have done my first "20 miler" of this trip, that is until I checked my fellow hiker's math and came to the sobering conclusion it was only 19.7 mile day. Oh well. Many 20 milers lay ahead. At least we passed the 100 mile mark today!
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Rock Gap

To: Franklin 
Miles today: 3.7

I suppose golf ball sized lumps under my arches on both feet is not ideal. Time to switch out some gear. Luckily the trail crosses a major highway only a few miles from a town with an AT Thru-hiker friendly outfitters. My plan is to get my feet taken care of. Get some very high calorie foods in me and take advantage of the rest of this beautiful day. I'd like to take a second to say thank you to the state of Georgia. Thank you for your welcoming weather, your hardening, rocky hills, your bright eyed thru-hikers, your rhododendron tunnels, your trillium and mayapple flowers, and your warm, welcoming yet gritty, earthly natives.
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Cold Spring 

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: clear sky

I woke this morning and stood up out of my tent to see the most powerful sunrise I have ever seen. I could see into forever. I could see mountains that I have conquered and ones that have been standing for millions of years waiting for me, just me. I gathered myself after a few moments and started to pack up my camp... my life. I only had 12 miles to go today and most was downhill. Unfortunately, downhill for more than 30 seconds is very painful. Momentum tends to carry objects downward and when that object has another 40 pound object attached to it, momentum works even better. Today was the longest continuous downhill I have faced thus far, just shy of 7 miles. This could bode disaster for my already aching feet and knees. 11.9 miles and 4 hours later, the Nantahala Outdoor Center was a gorgeous oasis for my body and mind. Knees and feet intact, I have created an artist rendition of the day. Please see attached photo. Photo of this morning's sunrise will be up as well in the photo section. Hustling to Fontana Dam, hopefully in less than three days to beat the cold rain headed this way. I think I can make 30 miles in two days. The only reason I am unsure is because I now stand in the shadow of the 7 mile downhill trek's evil twin, an 8 mile continuous uphill. Another video blog. Copy and paste into youtube. http://youtu.be/5Sy4ZSmstok
Date: 2014-04-13
From: NOC

To: Brown Fork
Miles today: 15.8

I started off this morning energized and optimistic. I enjoyed the thought of a change of terrain, for my feet and knees' sake at least. It is interesting to look back on the previous day's hike and to be able to judge what the hiking was like solely by which muscles ache. The day was very hot with no wind and very few clouds. The elevation climb did not alleviate the heat either as I had hoped it would. About 8 miles up I passed the first shelter and tent area. I had to hold myself back from collapsing into it. It was still early but I was ready to stop. I stood staring at the sign that read "Brown Fork Shelter 9.1) miles >" for no less than 37 minutes. I decided to push on. Unfortunately the intense sun and heat mixed with the lack of rain had dried up the seasonal spring and streams. 6 miles on a few sips of water had me kissing the feet of the trail angels at Stecoah Gap. Trail Magic! That was truly a miracle! Bruce, Connie and family (hopefully I recall and spell correctly) took a 6 hour round trip on a Sunday to spend their day handing out pulled pork sandwiches, ice cold drinks, ibuprofen and countless other wonders to thru-hikers. They truly saved my life today, and if you all are reading this, thank you again and I will see you all at Trail Days!2 ice cold cokes and a few dirty handfuls of chips later, I was ready to tackle the infamous Jacob's Ladder, one of the steepest parts of the trail so far. A few hours later I dragged my beaten body into the shelter and tenting area only slightly weeping and set up camp for the night. The company around the fire that night washed away all my troubles from the day. I slept like a baby. http://youtu.be/tMhiRC5h-x0
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Brown Fork

To: Fontana
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I rose with the sun and the birds early so I could beat the rain to Fontana. I had 11.6 miles to hike before the skies opened up. Dark clouds rolled in early as I was packing up. I put my pack cover on before I left the tenting area so I wouldn't need to stop later on. I started out with a friend I had met the day before hiking a very fast pace. The wind was picking up and stints of spitting rain taunted me all day. When I started my long, final decent into Fontana it started to rain. In less than a minute I was completely drenched and could immediately tell the difference on my feet. The extra weight that every piece of clothing and equipment soaked up from the rain was more than noticeable, it was shocking. As the trail grew increasingly more hazardous, I slowed my pace and enjoyed my view as I witnessed spring. As I descended thousands of feet the woods came alive. I saw trees budding, flowers blooming, leaves sprouting brilliantly green. I saw the last three weeks' worth of changes the ecosystem around me had undergone in 3 hours. Suddenly the rain was not annoying. I welcomed it. I welcomed it just shy of almost every other living thing on the planet that craves it. It brought life.I made it to the road and started to walk toward the village. Steady rain turned to a torrential downpour and my content smirk morphed into an ear-to-ear grin. The first 30 minutes of walking/hitch-hiking were unproductive as only 3 vehicles whizzed past. 2 of the license plates reading "LV-GOD" and simply "JESUS". The fourth vehicle coming from the opposite direction with AT Hiker stickers covering the majority of the rear and side windows pulled over. A rough looking gentlemen opened his window and yelled across the road over the sound of rain, "You need a ride?" I appreciated his attempt greatly, "Ya, thanks a lot man but I'm headed the other way into town. thanks a bunch though!" He scoffed. "Hop in brotha".In order to save his mid '90's Ford Ranger interior, I opted for the truck bed. The stinging rain and crisp wind had never felt so invigorating as it did whipping through the curves on that mountain road.
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Fontana

To: Mollies Rodge
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park was the start of the second section of the Appalachian Trail. It is the highest part of the trail as well and one of the most bio diverse places on Earth. 4 miles up into the smokies I, with my head down deep in thought, was startled by a crash just ahead of me. I looked up to see two does, deer, female deer not 20 feet from me in the rays, drops of golden sun. Me, standing frozen, with still so far, a long long way to hike. I watched the deer as they did I. When they realized I was not an immediate threat, they carried on their business grazing. Growing up in NH where hunting deer in the fall is the norm, something I have done my whole life, I had an immediate instinctual rush of adrenaline of a hunter. After several minutes of watching the deer relax and actually wander closer to me, I experienced a feeling I never had before. A feeling of symbiosis. We were living together in these woods now. Together as equals.
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Mollies Rodge

To: Derrick Knob
Miles today: 12.0

After living through, what I can only describe as gale force winds the night prior, the trail was just as welcoming today. Snow and mud enveloped my shoes and socks as soon as I set foot on it. It made for a miserable day of hiking, still ascending mind you to elevations near 6,000'. Pushed through and had a nice warm dinner and an early retirement for the night, for I will need my strength for tomorrow. I will drag myself, wet and cold, up and over the highest point on the AT, Clingman's Dome. http://youtu.be/fpEJ7Vh0nts
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Derrick Knob

To: Clingman's Dome
Miles today: 10.3

Dragging my aching body from my warm comfortable sleeping bag into icy winds and misty air is growing ever more difficult by the day. I knew I had a long day ahead of me today so I forced myself up to shock my system awake. I immediately donned my hiking clothes for the day when, usually, I meander about slowly completing my morning duties in my warm clothing. I forced down a few extra breakfast bars and granola this morning as I knew I would need the extra calories. As daunting as the reputation of Clingman's Dome was, the actual hike proved to be less challenging than I had feared. I quite enjoyed ascending into the higher elevations that carried a nostalgic feeling for me. For the last few miles I imagined myself hiking in New England. The tight conifer forest of firs and spruce keeping from growing too tall in the wind, the bright green floor carpeted in moss and smell of rich earthiness was the highlight of my day. I also climbed to the highest elevation on the AT as well.
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Clingman's Dome

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 7.7

Walk About, Chispa, my hiking companions for the last week or so, and I went into Gatlinburg for the night last night for several reasons. I desperately needed as close to professional care for my feet as possible. We had also heard a varying degree of reputations that Gatlinburg supposedly possesses, so naturally, we needed to make our own assessments. The verdict was very much the opposite of what I had heard. I experienced a very welcoming, friendly yet modern main street community with excellent local brews. We joined the trail at Clingman's Dome, where we had left the trail the day prior. The weather had not seemed to change save maybe for even more precipitation and wind. We suited up with our range of rain protection gear and headed out planning on a short day because of the trail conditions. When your footing is affected on the trail it most obviously affects your hiking speed. The effect: shorter hiking days, in distance rather than time. After only slipping and falling directly onto my tailbone 4 or 5 times. We made it to Newfound Gap and were warmed by some absolutely wonderful people and stories. I'd like to share one with you now. Mark and his wife Wendy were up for the day warming wet and cold hikers with wonderful treats, I got to hear their story. Several years ago Mark and his son set out to thru-hike the AT during the summer before Mark's son was to start college. A few hundred miles into their journey, Mark contracted a bacterial infection from some contaminated water and could not continue. As he urged his son to finish the journey without him, his son refused and returned home with him with the thought, "We started together and that is how we will finish". A few weeks later, Mark's son was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor with less than 10% chance of survival. After years of unimaginable fighting, Mark's son survived. Mark and his son picked up the trail where they had left off and finished together, celebrating life, love and courage on the top of Mt. Katahdin. More info on their remarkable journey www.at-miracle.com I'm sure my tiny synopsis of such a touching tale does not even come close to scratching the surface but a short conversation with them had me wide-eyed and truly inspired. Mark, Wendy and the family; Thank you so much for all you do and for sharing your amazing story!
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tri-Corner Knob
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

The trail has a way of challenging you greatly followed by truly awesome rewards. These rewards however are not handed out willy nilly especially to the undeserving. After meeting Mark and Wendy last night, I had a new found appreciation for not only the trail itself but the intrinsic community and warmth felt all over, from campsites, shelters, views, hideouts and busy road crossings. From large cities to small hiking towns, this is a community, a symbiotic relationship like no other I have ever experienced that I am so blessed to have discovered. Hope in it's basic form. Still a small piece of hope thrives sustainably in this hectic, unsustainable society the majority call everyday life. I hiked with the sun at my back and a breeze that nudged me forward into my new home, further into my immersion of this captivating culture.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 33.1
Weather: overcast clouds

While lying in a hand built bunkhouse in the very rustic Standing Bear Farm in East Tennessee last night I planned my next few days in my head, per my usual nightly routine. In 33 miles the trail travels through Hot Springs, NC directly down Main St. Hot Springs is known as a quaint, hiker driven mountain town and a must visit, especially since you must walk through the center of it all to follow the trail. The stretch of trail covering the 33 miles looked challenging with 3 larger elevation gains around 5000' including the pictureque Max Patch. Standing Bear Farm and Hot Springs both below 2000'. Planning on a 3 day push to Hot Springs, I wondered if I had what it took this early on in my trek to accomplish a 33.1 mile day. I laughed at my passing thought, rolled over and got some much needed rest for my next three days. 2 miles into the next day, my friend Dayman had jokingly said between a huff and a puff how nice it would be to snap our fingers and skip the expected long day of rain and wind and appear in Hot Springs dry and 33 miles ahead of the game. I responded with a wise jab saying that it is in fact possible to trudge all the way. 30 seconds of silence. "So let's think about this..."16 hours and 33.1 miles later our paced had slowed to less than 1 mile per hour, downhill. Dayman, Two-Sticks and I huddled in front of the sign proclaiming "Welcome to Hot Springs." We all congratulated each other on an amazing feat, finished setting up our tents alongside the trail, changed out of our clothing that had been soaked since 8am the morning prior and let our bodies finally give in.
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: moderate rain

A hard push ahead of us out of Hot Springs had Two Styx and I dragging our feet as Dayman had left about an hour earlier than us this morning. Forecasts of rain had us cursing our day of rest on Hot Springs when the weather was gorgeous. But seeing how none of us could very well walk properly without sideways looks, it didnt matter much; our bodies craved water, calories and rest. The day started hot, muggy and buggy. This was the day I had been dreading. It was the start or the black fly season. The warm, moist weather had hatched swarms of pesky, gnawing swarms on every exposed piece of skin, burrowing their tiny heads deep into you body. Stopping and swatting every 30 seconds made for a very tedious day, that is until the wind and rain came. I may have welcomed back the bugs and dry weather if I had a choice over the windy, cold end to my day. Luckily the rain had stopped just around the time we arrived at the shelter. I immediately changed into dry clothes and got some warm food into my system. My tent went up in no time and I had the tail end of a small storm's wind to rock me to sleep before 9pm.
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Spring Mountain

To: Chestnut Log Gap
Miles today: 15.4

I was sprung awake last night sometime between 10pm and 4am by the calm. The world was completely still, utterly tranquil. It was like nothing I had known. Indescribable peace. I was wide awake, so I exited my tent with my headlamp in hand. After witnessing the moon and starlight dancing on the treetops, I did not need my light. I took 200 steps ten feet into the wood line, tripping over every obstacle in my path without once breaking my gaze into the immense clear sky. I relieved myself in the wood line as I was almost startled by the sound I made. No sirens, horns, doors, cars, trains, televisions, text alerts, planes, rain, wind, birds, insects within ten thousand miles. I was alone, it was dark but if ever I was completely content, it was then. Hours later I awoke to the breeze rippling my tent, rays pouring over the mountain top and birds welcoming the day. It was warm. I had more clothing and gear strung to the outside of my pack than in the cavity. It made me question my trusty Maytag dryer at home. The hiking was fair with a few short but steep pitches. Dayman, Two Styx and I passed the time with riddles and logic puzzles most of the day, challenging each other to think and laugh; sparking long conversations or debates (still haven't decided which) after every single one. We set up camp and started a fire to take the battlefield back from the bugs. We laughed and ate, relived our day and planned the next. We lived simply and loved every second.
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Chestnut Log Gap

To: Hogback Ridge
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Heat. Hot, muggy, hot heat. It was getting to us. I noticed it in my own body and pace. It was almost impossible for me to stay hydrated. With plenty of water all day, I must have drank over 8 liters of water. No luck. Dehydrated still. Head and body aches all day while pouring sweat and a belly full of water is no fun. Must keep climbing. I wish it would rain. I am sick of complaining of the heat and would rather complain about the rain.
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Hogback Ridge

To: Spivy Gap
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Whether it was the last few days of heat, the impending rain, or the hard push of inclines for us today, Two Styx and I were the least motivated to hike the trail this morning than we had been since the start. A few hours of complaining turning into a few hours of verbal daydreaming of food we would eat in Erwin in a few days. That turned into a few laughs and a few comments on the "R-word" holding off. A beautiful view on top of Big Bald put the finishing touches on completely turning our spirits from sour and pouty in the morning to excited and appreciative.
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Spivy Gap

To: Erwin
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Two Styx and I were awake as the bleak grey morning tried to break up the storms that kept us up all night. We had agreed, from our tents, that we would pack our gear completely from the safety of our dry tents. After we had finished and with no break in the pelting, heavy rain, we had decided to give the rain another 5 minutes before we must brave the elements and have to pack our tents in the rain. No luck. We counted down from 5 and bolted out of our tents. The cold and wet wind took no time at all to soak us. In under ten minutes we packed our now twice as heavy tents into our bags and hit the trail. 5 minutes later it stopped raining completely for the rest of the day. We were very impressed with our pace as we finished our almost 11 miles in exactly 4 hours. We were more impressed when we came out of the woods on the banks of the roaring Nolichucky River. But we were most impressed with the thought of how close we were to town and the luring rumor of an all you can eat buffet at the local KFC for under $10.
Date: 2014-05-02
From: Erwin

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

This morning, unfortunately, I was forced to say my farewells to Two Styx and Dayman. I had been hiking off and on with these two gents for about the last 180 miles and it has been my great pleasure. Two Styx has a promising opportunity in Washington D.C. and had wanted to spend the time leading up to it on the trail. Dayman is moving ahead to Virginia to hike the last few weeks of his trip in a different landscape and trail type before he goes on to medical school. I wish them both the absolute best and cant wait to see them again off the trail.
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Stealth Camp

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: light rain

My pace was brisk today. I rose early out of my tent after a chilly clear night of the best sleep I have had in my tent to date. I was out of the camp before the rest of the hikers were even out of their bags. The sun warmed me in the morning between gusts of wind. I was deep in thought for most of the day with my head down trudging along. By noon I had completed 9 miles. I had stopped for an unusually long lunch break, for I only rest for less than 15 minutes when I do stop. I noticed a difference in my body. My joints and muscles had stiffened and my feet began to ache earlier than usual today. I never did fully loosen up after my longer mid-day break. My aching feet won the battle over my mind today and I stopped earlier than I had planned. I sat in the sun on my camping site quite still for the better part of an hour. I focussed on listening to the sounds around me. Often ones I took for granted on the trail. The slight differences in bird songs, the chattering of two distant squirrels, the pitter patter of two chipmunks playing not a score of feet from my grassy afternoon bed. I had opened my eyes after an hour being fully alert for the duration. The commodities of everyday life, for once, never once possessed my thoughts the entire time.