morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-16
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: few clouds

Started off the day by heading up Big Butt Mountain (bit of a letdown - no views) and by celebrating the 300 mile mark with a photo. Then proceeded to lose the trail with Fly Catcher for about a half mile before we decided to double back - oops!Morning went by really nice and stopped by a shelter 6 miles in for some lunch. We heard a rumor there was possible soda trail magic at the gap 2.7 miles away. THe Crusher got us all guessing how fast we could get there and I made it in 50 min! (to be fair tho the terrain was nice and easy and I had kicked it into gear thinking of that soda!) Former thruhikers Unemployed and Homeless were there to pick up (current hikers) Doodlebug and Didderdude and brought along fresh fruit and sodas for us. We lazed about in the field for a while enjoying the sun, chatting and watching the Crusher attempt to crush 6 cans at once (it's his thing) but the wind foiled the attempt and only 5 cans were crushed... better luck next time!After that thought I would only have a short 4 miles to walk to these campsites at the flats for the night. Walk up was beautiful (aside from old stoves and mattresses randomly scattered in the woods) with a gorgeous stream and nice waterfalls. At parts everything seemed to be blooming at once and it was like walking through a bouquet wit all the lovely smells. And then I kept walking... and walking... and walking. Never did end up finding tat campsite... could have been any number of places I walked by and ended up walking a couple extra miles than planned. It is such a mental thing at the end of the day where you think you are finished t start getting sore feet and fatigued. So adding a couple additional miles to that and I was pretty exhausted coming into camp. Pretty tired now really so off to bed!P.S. Forgot to write yesterday a bunch of us met a hiker named Swift at one of the overlooks or the ridgewalk yesterday. We all chatted for while and he read us a poem he had written on Wayah Bald. Was a really lovely moment with the mountains surrounding us and the nice day so just wanted to write it down so I will remember it!
Date: 2010-04-17
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

We woke up this morning to rain on our tents - another Sham-Wow morning. I have to say the Sham-Wow has been quite popular for clearing off wet tents. The Crusher and Fly Catcher took numbers for their turn. To be honest the rain an cooler, foggy morning was a really nice change from ll the heat we've been having. Plus it also seems to have temporarily driven the bugs back into hiding which I greatly appreciate!Actually had a delightful day of hiking. It was great to have a nice shorter day (who would have thought I'd consider 10 miles a short day!). Came to a road crossing (under the bridge of a highway) and was surprised at how strange it felt to see the big trucks and lots of cars. Felt like a slight culture shock so makes me wonder how my adventures off trail will go in a few days (more on that later...).Hiked the afternoon with Swift which was a lot of fun. We talked about the trail and life in general and he was kind enough to share with me the story of how he met his wife (which was up there with some of the best romances I've seen!). He also thru-hiked last year and is full of good advice. Later in the day met Crusher, Gear Bomb and Fly Catcher on Big Bald for some snacks and nice views. The after myself and Fly Catcher walked down and arrived at the shelter before we knew it. Was nice to arrive early again (around 4) and had some food, a good fire and great company. Sweet dreams!
Date: 2010-04-18
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Temple Hill Gap
Miles today: 13.0

Brrr... it was fricken freezing this morning (Mr. Biglesworth)! Seriously though, it did drop below freezing during the night and apparently the shelter we were staying at was at a high elevation. Was nice and toasty warm though inside my bag (have I mentioned how much I love my sleeping bag?) Was reluctant to crawl out of it but eventually sucked it up, cooked some breakfast, packed my stuff up and headed out about 9:30 or so. (A late-ish start but we only had about 10 miles planned again so was just chillin).Was bundled up when I headed out and it took a good half or full hour of walking for my fingers and toes to thaw out. But it did warm up and was another great day of hiking. Went up to High Rock Summit and had myself a little snack. Also got chatting to a lovely two of day hikers - one of the women was from near me in Rhode Island originally so that was cool. I love chatting to day hikers and people interested in the trail! They were also very kind and surprised me with a bag of dried apricots and pineapples which were delicious.Hiked a good portion of the afternoon with pebbles and Sweet Tea where we kicked it into high gear so we were at the shelter before we knew it. Everyone was feeling good (and it was only about 3) so we decided to go a couple extra miles and camp in order to have an easy 4 miles into Erwin tomorrow. It'll have been 6 days since my last shower and laundry (and in alot of heat!)so I'd say I'm due! Will be nice to rinse off the funk. A women passed me the other day and told me I smelled like the beach (due to my Coppertone) and I thought that was very nice of her because I'm sure that were other things she could have said!P.S. Had a really funny moment tonight when we all sat down to eat dinner next to our tents (set them up on an old road that intersects with the trail). As we sat there eating tatoo said something like "holy crap, there's a truck" and we laughed or ignored him thinking he was messing (cos we were in the middle of the woods) then low and behold a truck began driving up the road over branch barriers and all. We all just sat there in shock not knowing what to do with the truck coming at us from one side and our tents set up and staked to the ground on the other. As the truck drove right up to where we were sitting and stopped Tatoo said "does anyone find thisawkward?" Might not sound funny now but we all almost peed our pants from laughing so hard!! Turns out in the truck was a couple of good ole boys in camoflauge looking for some turkeys (guess turkeys wouldn't be put off by the sound of the approaching truck?).
Date: 2010-04-19
From: Temple Hill Gap

To: Uncle Johnny's Erwin, TN
Miles today: 3.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Was another poptart morning - eating and packing up quickly to make it into town earltish. Was a pleasant (and quick!) hike down to Erwin - partially because I managed to crush the Crusher! About 1-2 miles before town I heard him coming from the people behind me - and I kicked it into my high gear to see if I could beat him (he's fast...) and I made it to Uncle Johnny's before him! It the small victories...!So we spent a great nero here. The place is pretty full up so I'm tenting in the yard with a bunch of others (looks what I'd imagine a small-scale festival to look like). Did the usual town chores, went over to an AYCE (All You Can Eat) pizza place for lunch (I have a new appreciation for AYCE restaurants!), hung out, Mexican for dinner, few beers, some smores and good fire.It's a bittersweet nero for me today though. Had a great time but will be getting off the trail for a few days to attend a friend's wedding (been in the works the whole time but haven't mentioned it as it's a surprise for the bride!). I am very excited to see my friends and sad to fall behind my trail friends too. Hope to catch up with them eventually or at least see them at trail days. And I look forward to meeting those behind me who I will be hiking with in the coming weeks!
Date: 2010-04-20
From: Uncle Johnny's Erwin, TN

To: Uncle Johnny's Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

So here I am again back at Uncle Johnny's. Though it's only been a couple days, I'm begginning to feel like I'm taking up permanent residency! Was very sad to say goodbye to my vrew today (tho hopefully I will see some of them while slackpacking SOBO tomorrow!) and then the afternoon was a little bizarre because I literally did not know what to do with myself and was dying to go out hiking despite the rain. The day was also made a little odd by the fact that there were about 60 people here last nighjt and tonighjt there are maybe 10! I was the only person camping in the side of the field (which isslightly creepy) whereas last night it was like a festival! But I'm all set up and comfortab le, plus it's cheaper than the bunkhouse so will save a litle money over the next few days. Just missing my little pocket of hikers I've been in!The reason I am staying behind is because I'm headed to a wedding this weekend so have to get off the trail for a few days. Don't worry tho, this has been part of the plan the whole time just haven't mentioned it as it's a surprise for the bride-to-be and didn't want to spoil it in case she reads this journal! The plan has been slightly messed up by the fact the wedding is in London and apparently some volcanic dust cloud has settled over Europe shutting down all the airports (WAY behind on news out here...). So it's all a bit touch and go at the moment and hanging here hoping the flight will go off in a few days. Very excited to see my good friends and share in Vicki's special day(Vicccckkkiiii...) and also hopeful that I might be able to catch some of my hiking friends up the trail... After all, there is still a very long way to go. Day was good overall thoguh - going to the library, catching up on a few phone calls. Gonna head out slackpacking tomorrow (that is when you hike without your full pack) with Gear Bomb, Shorts and a few others to get dropped off 20 miles north of here and head south. First attempt of a 20 mile day - wish me luck!
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Uncle Johnny's Erwin, TN

To: Iron Man Gap
Miles today: 20.1

Well officially I am still at Uncle Johnny's but slackpacked SOBO today. It was my first day over 20 miles and it felt great! Well, it felt like cheating a little bit and I think it was a combination of light pack-weight and terrain that wasn't too difficult becuase it didn't feel like I walked 20 miles at all.It almost wasn't to be. This morning5 of us boarded the shuttle at 7 to get dropped off 20 miles north but the engine wouldn't turn over to start the car. Our shuttle driver James (aka DLR) was quite upset about this but Uncle Johnny's wife came to the rescue to jumpstart the car and we eventually got things going. Was pretty rainy in the morning but ended up clearing up to a beautiful day in the afternoon. Rain isn't so bad (particularly if you have a dry place to return to) so long as it's not downpouring or thunder and lightning and it kind of gives the forest a "Lord of the Rings" effect which is pretty cool. It actually surprised me how glad I was to be back on the trail even after one day off! I had a great day of hiking and it was cool to stop and chat with everyone I'd been hiking NOBO with as I came across them. And I have to admit, got a little misty eyed saying goodbye to my Gooch crew. I've got nothing but love for them and look forward to seeing them at trail days and hopefully up the trail!Had a good eve - went out for some chinese food with Gear Bomb, Licious, Barbed wire and Shorts and then onto the Dollar General for some ice cream. I've really come to have a new appreciation for Dollar stores on this trip as well!
Date: 2010-04-26
From: London

To: somewhere mid-Atlantic
Miles today: 0.0

Well on my way back to Tennessee now after a whirlwind wedding weekend. Had the most incredible time and I'll be eternally grateful to my great friends Kate and Annick for making it all possible! And of course to Vicki and Martyn for a fabulous celebration - was so happy to be there with you to share in your day!The whole weekend was like a dream (likely a partial result of a lack of sleep and time difference - haha!) and was like stepping into an entirely different like for a few days! Arrived Friday morning where we managed to completely surprise Vicki (by hiding behind a newspaper) and then we were off to the spa for the afternoon for some relaxation, spa treatments, lunch and champagne. Was great to wash off the mud and feel feminine again for a few days. And was wonderful to spend the afternoon with my lovely ladies! Then outside of London to where Vicki and Martyn live to prepare for the wedding.The wedding was at a place called Brockett Hall (actually Lord Borckett's hoe which is rented out for some private functions since he was put in jail for tax evasion) and to say it was fabulous is an understatement. As we arrived, I heard for the first (and last) time in my life "come this way and the butler will fetch your bags!"...Yes, there was an actual butler! Quite different accommodations than I am used to in my Hotel Hubba (still love my Hubba tho!). Well the whole day was wonderful and Vicki and Martyn certainly did things up in style with lawn games, opera singing waiters, singing piano man, harpist, DJ, an ice luge in the shape of the Sydney House, and even a private fireworks display set to music - it was just incredible! And those of us involved in the wedding ( was thrilled to be able to do the reading!) got to stayed in the house. Apparently the room Kate and I stayed in was 1/3 of the room Queen Victoria used to stay in when she visited the house... the whole thing blows my mind! The bride was gorgeous (as always!) and Vicki and Martyn were just so happy together. Was a real special day and night! (Apologies for so many details but have quite a few ppl who wanted details of the wedding).So now just on the long flight from London to Atlanta and then on to Uncle Johnny's in Tennessee. Just watched 3 movies (there are 4 on the flight) - two excellent (The Blind Side , The Young Victoria) and one crap film (Dear John) but think I'm all movied out. So since I can't sleep will stare out the window. It feels a little strange to be going back and to be honest I am slightly nervous because it will almost feel like starting from the beginning again not knowing anyone. Hope to meet some nice people who have been behind me!P.S>- Wished I had had the Goochie (the Gooch crew mascot) with me this morning cos had to walk by Buckingham Palace on m way to the airport - would have made a great photo! In lieu fo Goochie (and since I was in my lovely hiking attire), took a 'croc at Buckingham Palace" photo. Classy eh?! Gotta represent the hiker trash!!!
Date: 2010-04-27
From: Iron Man Gap

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Arrived back in Tennessee after a bumpy couple flights and few delays but in one piece. I'll be glad to stay on solid ground for a while but so happy I got to see Vicki and Martyn's wedding!Headed out this morning from Iron Mountain from the shuttle at Uncle Johnny's. There were abunch of others who did the same and I had a great day hiking with Bastard Catfish, Chef, Trooper, Gator, Olive Oil, and others. Felt great the first 6 miles but the last 6 miles were a pretty tough climb up Roan Mountain. It was also pretty rainy, snowy and cold. Got to the shelter about 3:30 straight into my sleeping bag and haven't moved too far since. It's probably in the 20's tonight. THis is the highest shelter on the AT with elevation over 6,000 ft. and have heard only crazy ppl stay here. Oh well, I wss pretty tired so decided to stay - hope that doesn't say anything about me!
Date: 2010-04-28
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up to a frigid (aka very slow morning out of the sleeping bag) morning, but it turned out to be a gorgeous day! The temps dropped last night and there was quite a bit of snow, so putting on wet and frozen hiking clothes wasn't too pleasant and boots were like a solid block of ice! As always though, once you get moving for a while it's not so bad and the scenery was like a winter wonderland outside.Hiked again with Bastard Catfish (aka Seth) and his dog Charlie which was alot of fun. And met some of the others from yesterday (those who didn't run to the hostel cos they were afraid of the snow) along the way. Was such a great day of hiking! After we dropped down in elevation slightly the snow started to disappear and there were blue skies and loads of views. Highlights of today was crossing the Roan Highlands - which was a stretch of many balds linked together. Was so beautiful and wide open! We also walked through a field full of longhorn bulls which was pretty cool. Luckily none of them appeared aggresive! And tonight I am basically camping in an apple orchard with wildflowers surrounding the tents. Lots of sweet smells to drift off to.. Sweet dreams!P.S. - Forgot to mention when we stopped for lunch at Oveermountain Shelter, a pack of beagles came around and Charlie (Seth's dog) ran after them and it sounded like they got in a fight. Turns out Charlie came running back with his bag of treats - the beagles had stolen them but Charlie reclaimed them!
Date: 2010-04-29
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Upper Laurel Fort Campsite
Miles today: 13.1

Another great day of hiking and passed the 400 mile mark today! Weather was nice and passed over many rolling hills and fields! Hiked the beginning of the day on my own but met up with Seth and Charlie and we are camped by a sweet mini-waterfall.At one point during the afternoon, I passed by one of the best climbing trees I've ever seen - on top of a grassy hill overlooking the mountains. It made me think of Powernap cos it looked like the kind f tree that would be great for climbing in and having a nap - which I wonder if he did when he came by. Heard from the Goochies today and they're about 65 miles ahead of me.For lunch we stopped by a river with a meadow next to it along with Chef and Gator. We dipped our feet in the (cold!) water which was pretty freezing but felt great at the same time. The landscape has definitely turned more scenic and rural and although the trail will obviously never give us flat sections to walk on (someone said hiking the AT is like climbing Mt. Everest 30-something times with elevations gain/loss), the ascents and descents seem to be a bit more rolling these days.Saw a couple of deer today as well which was cool! Charlie also saw one and chased off after it into the forest. Luckily only a doggy bowl (and not the entire doggy pack!) was the only casualty of that excursion.
Date: 2010-04-30
From: Upper Laurel Fort Campsite

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 11.8

Wow, didn't even open my eyes until 8 today which is very late for me. Sleeping next to a waterfall is like sleeping with one of those built-in sound machines! Was up to hike the 11 miles or so to the hostel.The morning went by much qicker than expected and I had reached the shelter 6 miles away after just 2 hours! Had a snack there and then kept on trucking. It was really hot today - probably close to 90 degrees - but luckily trees are starting to bloom so there are the occasional shady spots. Passed by a lot of cool meadows (which are always tempting to just lay around in for some nice breaks!) with trees blooming. Also decided to take the side trail to Coon Den Falls which was an interesting adventure. The trail was actually very long(1/2-1 mile... I didn't go all the way to the bottom) and steep up and down some rock climbs. It was obvious that not many people travel down it as I was breaking through a lot of spider webs, but the further down I got I figured that I had gone that far and I was gonna see those falls! So once I got a glimpse of the falls, I realized it very hot, I was nearly out of water and I still had a long climb up ahead of me so it was back to the safety of the AT.Stayed the night at the Kincora Hostel run by Bob Peoples (originally from Medford!) This place has a bunk room, kitchen,showers, laundry and is run on a donation basis. Did my camp chores and resupply and going to attempt to make it 50 miles to Damascus in 3 days. We'll see how that goes! There are a few ppl here attempting a 50 mile day (!!!) to Damascus so I wish them luck!
Date: 2010-05-01
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Vanderventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: clear sky

Whew, am I tired tonight. It's late and am gonna head to bed but will give you a brief overview of the day. Hiked most of the day with So Far. Saw a fabulous waterfall in the morning at Laurel Fork Falls and then the trail meandered along a river for a while until we came to the big climb of the day - which was tough! After that climb had an easy 4 miles downn where the trail went by Watauga Lake. There was a little picnic area we couldn't pass up and since the day was a scorcher (and I was covered in salt from the climb) had a nice swim in the lake and then some lunch. Had a good rest of the day as well really until the last 5 miles. Not sure what happened really, as the terrain was not too bad, but I seemed to hit "the wall" so to speak. Was so tired and literally covered in salt and sweat, and then a thunderstorm rolled in so I was just wet. And then the bugs arrived (they like to fly directly into your eyes and ears) so I was like Pigpen with my own personal swarm. All that combined with the fact the shelter never seemed to appear (geniunely thought I'd missed it!), there was no water sources and I was running low and the fact that I was just generally achy and tired made for a very grumpy hiker! I think at one stage I was even swearing at the bugs!Oh well, once I arrived at the shelter, of course all was fine. Am here tonight with So Far, Cheese and Fig. So Far was only a few minutes ahead of me and he saw about 3 bears right before the shelter! D'oh - would have been cool! Well off to bed - big day planned for tomorrow though after today not sure I'll be up for the miles... we'll see...!
Date: 2010-05-02
From: Vanderventer Shelter

To: Abington Gap
Miles today: 22.7

Boo-ya! I made it nearly 23 miles today! Feel pretty good but pretty wiped out-and my ankles are cut up and have a pretty decent sunburn but it's all good. I'm a badass who hiked over 20 miles. This is definitely not something I expected to do or plan to make a habit of, but I'm trying to catch my Goochies who are 4 days or so ahead. (Unfortunately following their progress in the registers and apparently they also did a 23 mile day here too - d'oh! Slow the heck down people or I'll never catch you!)Well, I'm tired so not goona write too much. In the shelter tonight with Cheese, Fig, Brooklyn, the Canadien Geese, Mary Beth and So Far. Saw a deer again today (have seen them the last three days - damn those animals can climb quick!) Well, I'm off to bed. Should hopefully be an easy 10 miles into Damascus tomorrow (and onto my 4th state!) where I hope to get my fill of ice cream, sodas and other delicious wonders... mmm.