morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-18
From: Whistling Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: moderate rain

It rained all night and into the morning. Everything was still wet, but I packed up in the rain and left just after 8. I had no snacks left once again, so I had 3 packs of oatmeal and not even a half liter of water and was hoping that would last me to Erwin. It was cool and rained most of the hike so I didn't need much water, but since I had now been wet for about a full day straight I was starting to have some chafing problems. I couldn't wait to get to town to eat, drink, and dry out. Got to Uncle Johnny's in Erwin at 12:30, but he would not shuttle us into town(3.5 miles away) because we weren't staying there, so we just kept walking. We walked w/ Frederick and Ana who are a German couple I first met at Woody Gap. Eventually, someone stopped to pick us up and she said,"If my husband knew I was doing this, he would kill me!" She said that she is allowed to pickup hikers when he is in the car, but not when she's alone. We thanked her and she dropped us off at the Pizza place around 1:15 and we made it in time for the buffet! We gorged ourselves on salad, soda and pizza paid 7.67. They even had cinnastix pizza, you just can't pass that up. We saw Blues Clues, Daystar, Tater Tot, Ranger Steve, Jolly Rancher who is now Lighthouse, Sir Towely, and Cheesewater. After lunch we headed towards the super8 where Hawk, Wiffle and I split a room. Another nice lady picked us up, but we could barely fit ourselves and packs in the car. I felt bad for her because it was close quarters and we all smelled. We checked in, showered, did laundry, and went to the store. I wanted to go somewhere to watch the Flyers close out the Penguins in game 4, but luckily I couldn't since they lost 10-3. We went to McD's for dinner and each had around 2,000 calories then went back to hotel and drank a few beers and watched the Senators beat the Rangers in OT w/ Hungus, Pace, and Watermelon who were staying at the Super8 too.
Date: 2012-04-19
From: Erwin, TN

To: Beauty Spot Gap
Miles today: 12.2

Today was Hawk's Birthday so after eating waffles in the lobby we finished our beers. I met Miss Janet this morning who was shuttling the Honeymoon Hikers. She was one of the more famous trail angels, although she is now referring to herself as a trail groupy. She shuttles hikers wherever they need to go and brings sodas and snacks to trailheads. It was nice to talk to her since I had heard a lot about her. After we finished our drinks(I also had to drink a smirnoff ice since Wiffle had Iced me the night before) we headed towards Walgreens and then the post office. Before hitting the trail we stopped at Hawg'n'Dawg which was really good, but not nearly enough food for us. Erwin was a very trail friendly town, right before we ate we were offered a ride and we got a ride back to Uncle Johnny's quickly. There we saw Overdrive, The Kid, Jessie, Sunkist, Fastback, Croc Hunter, Cheesewater, Sir Towely, and Hashbrown. Some were going into town, some were slackpacking. Mr Fabulous was biking into town, and I am not sure about the others. We soon ran into Mac and Snap who had skipped ahead from Sams Gap because they were worried about time and money. I'm fortunate enough not to have to worry too much about either of those, and that makes it much nicer. We headed up out of Erwin and ran into the slackpackers who had started a fire and were drinking beers. They followed Hawk and Wiffles generosity and had brought candy and snacks for us as trail magic. The reason they stopped was because one of the others had twisted his ankle and the only reason they knew was because his dog came running up from behind them barking. They said they heard yells, but thought that it was us messing around or something. Anyway, the hiker was able to get to a hospital, but the prognosis did not sound good as his ankle was popping with every step. Jessie and Sunkist helped him back to the road and we continued on. We took a break at Beauty Spot and waited for Mac and Snap. We then went to look for the campsite listed on the map, but did not find it and instead, filled our water and doubled back to Beauty Spot. I think this is the first time I walked more than .1 miles SOBO. The scenery at the top was great, and with a promising sunset and sunrise, we couldn't pass it up. Mac and Snap joined us and the five of us set up our tents, collected firewood, and made dinner. After we got the fire going, a hiker who had gotten off trail due to pneumonia came over and offered us bratwurst! It was a pleasant surprise and we sat around the fire and watched the sunset w/ our tents facing east so we can see the sunrise in the morning.
Date: 2012-04-20
From: Beauty Spot Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Anticipating a great sunrise, I woke up at 6:30 to a thick fog covering the bald. I snoozed for a bit and the five of us packed up together, had breakfast, and headed out. We hiked 1000 feet up Unaka mountain which had a dense spruce forest at the top. We took a break and enjoyed the beautiful scenery while having second breakfast. About 9 miles into today's hike was a road crossing that had a place called Mountain Grill 4 miles away. The only details for the place in AWOL's guide were: Large meals, Cash only, Closed Sundays. Days of the week were becoming difficult to keep track of, so after making sure that it was not Sunday(I've had way too many bad Chik-Fil-A experiences) we decided that we had to go. It was a winding mountain road, but there were a few cars and Hawk, Wiffleball and I got a ride pretty quick. We had burgers, sodas, and milkshakes and it was delicious. We started talking to a guy at the table next to us and he said that he made it to Delaware Water Gap in his thru-hike attempt. When we got up, he offered us a ride and when Hawk asked if this was on his way, he said "No, but I'd be happy to take you". There are so many friendly people I have met along the way. This was not as great of a hitch hiking experience, but only because of the winding roads and milkshake. Once we were back on the trail, we passed Firecracker and Don't Wait who we had met the day before. They had a mexican dinner in Erwin w/ Trog, Dreamtime, the Honeymooners, and Miss Janet. We then passed by Ranger Steve, Hollywood, and others who had chosen to take a zero in a picturesque field with a stream. Eventually, we came across Blues Clues and hiked to the shelter where we saw Frederick and Ana and Mac and Snap. We set up camp behind the shelter and started a fire. We sat around the fire discussing Grolar Bears and Mountain Panthers, before listening to Toto by Africa and calling it a night. We slept with our food and before I could even fall asleep there was a mouse than ran up the side of my tent and down the other. I thought it was inside for a second, but once I realized it wasn't I managed to fall asleep. It was supposed to rain the next day and we had to go over Roan Mountain so we had our fingers crossed.
Date: 2012-04-21
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light rain

We woke up to a beautiful day, but since the weather still had a chance to be nasty we started off quick. We all hiked together except for Wiffle who lagged behind and when we got to the road crossing 3 miles in we saw a beautiful sight. A large tent with coolers and tables! Trail Magic! It was Hashbrown and her parents from Ohio and it was the best trail magic so far. Coolers of beer and soda, boxes and boxes of girl scout cookies, cake, chips, apples and they were just setting up the burners to heat up some bologna and baked beans. They had fresh ciabatta rolls and giant things of cheese and condiments. I am so thankful to continue to meet great people like this who go so far out of their way to provide a lift of spirits for others. We even got to take as many girl scout cookies as we wanted. I took a ziploc full of them, Blues Clues took 2 or 3 boxes. I was jealous. After about two hours of eating and drinking we decided it was time to climb Roan. Our trail legs were coming into form and we pushed up the 2200 feet of elevation in 1.5 hours. We passed signs that were protecting the native species of Ginseng that grow in these woods. The bathrooms at the top were locked, so that was a let down, but we each sat in the parking lot and drank the beer that we had carried up. We then decided it was time to get a move on and bypassed the Roan High Knob Shelter which is the highest shelter on the AT at 6,194 feet. The view after Roan was nice, but before I knew it the clouds came across the mountain and I was in them. I hiked by myself for a while and listened to "the girl with the dragon tattoo" on my ipod. The other 5 met me at the next shelter and we hiked in the fog together the next 2 miles to Overmountain Shelter which is a big red barn. While we stopped to fill up water just before the shelter, we could hear hooting and hollering and we knew there was a crowd. It was Saturday night and there were weekenders who set up three tents in the shelter and made theirselves at home. Wiffle said that the weather looked clear and since we made it through the day with no rain we decided to avoid the annoying people and camp in the fog. They offered to move upstairs and thought it was crazy we tented, but we weren't going to be able to sleep with them carrying on like they were. We got a fire going even though everything was wet and hung out a bit before going to bed.
Date: 2012-04-22
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountain Harbor Hostel
Miles today: 9.2

I woke up around 1am to a light drizzle and had a hard time getting back to sleep. This was one of the few times I had trouble sleeping on the trail and I wondered whether it had to do with the sadness I was feeling for Kaitie, her mom, and her family. There was a light drizzle and more fog in the morning and as we packed up an anxious hiker and his wife were planning a flipflop bombarded us with questions. I usually like answering questions, but I must've still been ticked off about the tents in the shelter. I don't know if it was the weather, the fact that the trail is crowded on weekends, or what, but I was already thinking about how difficult adjusting to life after the trail might be. We were hiking in the cloud so there was a constant drizzle and I ate pop tarts, grabbed a snickers and kicked the crap out of the next 9 miles.I hiked over Little Hump Mountain and Big Hump Mountain which are beautiful in good weather. Big Hump had many false summits as the guide says, but the dense fog made it worse. I still killed it, but somehow didn't catch Hawk and Wiffle. I got to the road crossing and walked down to the hostel just in time to check in. We called the shuttle for the AYCE and got there in time to gorge ourselves at the 11-2 buffet. Both ways, we rode in the back of the truck at 60 mph in the pouring rain and wind. We had to warm up for a while afterwards, but it was worth it. Mac and Snap pushed on, but the weather report called for snow so we decided to stay overnight at Mountain Harbor Hostel. I got a shower and caught up on my journal while watching movies until the dinner shuttle left at 5. The only place for dinner in the town of Roan Mountain, TN was Bob's Dairyland. It's famous burger was called the Holy Cow with 3 5-oz. patties, 3 pieces of cheese, 6 pieces of bacon, deli ham, chili, lettuce, tomato, and 2 onion rings for 8.99! BC met up with us and finished his burger in less than ten minutes since he missed the lunch buffet. Wiffle took his time, but still managed to finish it and then had an entire 32 oz. milkshake. I got the fried chicken platter which wasn't that great, but I wasn't that hungry. After dinner, we resupplied at the store and I got double stuffed oreos and mac and cheese which will last me until Kincora Hostel. Then, we watched more movies, I caught up on my journal for the first time in two weeks and got to talk to kaitie. Hung out w/ Spools and Jolly Rancher who is now Lighthouse because he shined his headlight into shelters at night. Hawk and I shared a king size bed and I fell asleep thinking about the relatively easy miles tomorrow, but more importantly the delicious, photo-worthy breakfast that the Mountain Harbor Hostel is known for.
Date: 2012-04-23
From: Mountain Harbor Hostel

To: Just past Abby Memorial Hostel
Miles today: 16.7

I slept great in the king size bed, but woke up a little cold so I used the blanket that Hawk had set as a divider. There was snow on the ground when I looked outside and it was supposed to snow throughout the day. Breakfast was served at 7:30 and was as spectacular as advertised. There was china plates and silverware and an island full of food. I had shrimp grits, cinnamon buns, eggs, porkchops, two types of potatoes, coffee, OJ, and french toast. I topped my french toast with maple syrup, honey, almonds, pecans, strawberries, and whipped cream. The snow began to pickup during breakfast and afterwards, so we watched Rudy while we delayed the inevitable. Of course once we put on our pack covers even though we were inside, the snow began to stop. We left around 11:30. On the way back to the trail, Hawk showed me the large dead hog on the side of the road that I had missed yesterday. We bumped into Papa Bigfoot and soon after the majority of the moving village.  Soho had moved on and Jolly was still with them which I was happy to see. The hiking today was great as the ground was covered in snow, but there was no precipitation. We had great views of snowy mountains in the distance. We met Precious who is an older man who said he lost 60 pounds so far. He carries a freaky doll on the top of his pack that he calls the Observer. The Observer watches the universe unfold. After meeting Precious, Wiffle, Hawk, Blues Clues, and I did not see another hiker the rest of the day. We stopped near a waterfall with cascades for a break. Some of the other hikers from the hostel last night were Wall-E, a guy and girl with a dog, Sunkist, and Jessie's new name is Roller. We will reach Kincora Hostel tomorrow and hopefully meet Bob Peoples.
Date: 2012-04-24
From: Just past Abby Memorial Hostel

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 7.7

It was a cold morning, but we were used to it by now and we packed up and headed out. I hiked with Blues Clues in the morning until he stopped to take a few pictures and I kept going. Bob People's hostel at Kincora is a $5 donation which allows you a bunk and shuttle to town. Bob is as nice and generous as everyone has said he is. The hostel itself wasn't in great shape, but for the price you can't beat it. Hawk and Wiffle were there along with Lighthouse(formerly Jolly Rancher) from Scotland, Davy Jones who I had heard about, and Country who had just taken 3 days off. There was also a girl I had seen once before who carried a ton of candy and kept to herself. I claimed a bunk upstairs and had a cup of chicken noodle soup from a huge pot on the stove. It was delicious, but not as good as pizza buffet. We soon found out that the Pizza Plus closed last Thursday, great. The previous thru hikers must have put them out of business. Today was a lazy day as the dinner shuttle wasn't until 5, so I showered and just took it easy. Spools and some others showed up and at 5, we loaded into the van and Bob Peoples drove us to town. I rode shotgun with Bob and listening to him talk about trail maintenance was impressive. Even at his age, he is still on the ball and knew each person and their section and everything else that was going on. I resupplied for the next 50 miles until Damascus, ate at Arby's and got a pizza from Little Caesar's to go. We bumped into Hungus, Pace, Watermelon and Wall-E in the parking lot. They had just missed the shuttle, but Seico took them in...he is Bob's right hand man. Kincora is now a dry hostel because someone ruined it for everyone according to Bob. On the way home, I sat up front again and talked with Bob about the portion of the trail he maintains, ski mountains in Vermont, and the peaks we would be seeing soon. They would be the last 5,000 footers for a while. I slept well on the top bunk, but woke up in the middle of the night because the whole upstairs was smoky. Someone must have put some wet wood on the fire, and when nobody else seemed to concerned, I went back to bed. There were also a lot of ferile cats at Bob's house which seemed to multiply the longer we stayed.
Date: 2012-04-30
From: Just past the Creeper Trail

To: Just before Deep Gap
Miles today: 10.3

I had a great time in Damascus, but I found out some terrible news the day after I left. Kaitie's mom passed away today. She had been sick for a while and we knew that it might happen soon. It was her time and I am glad that she is now at peace, but that doesn't make it any easier. It is too difficult to write about, but I will be leaving the trail for her funeral and will stay at home with Kaitie for a while. Kaitie is closer to her mom than any other person I know and I feel so bad for her and her family. Gail(her and my mom both have the same name) was a truly incredible person who was so fun to be around and always positive and happy. I got sick this week and I am unable to do many miles. Luckily, the miles are relatively easy and the weather is beautiful. My dad will pick me up in Atkins, VA where I will go to my sister's graduation at James Madison on Saturday and head home on Sunday for the funeral. I have to talk with Kaitie and make a big decision, but we both know that her mom would want me to continue on this journey so I think that is what I will do.
Date: 2012-05-01
From: Just before Deep Gap

To: Stone Mountain
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

This morning was so peaceful. It was the perfect hiking weather for the first of May. I saw a doe who made her presence felt before hopping off into the wooded abyss. Yesterday, I saw more butterflies, chipmunks, little white flowers, and bees than ever before. One particularly large butterfly was colored differently than any I'd seen yet. It was mostly brown with yellow and white at the tips of its wings. It landed on the trail before me, stopped, and then slowly moved ahead of me up the trail for 15 or 20 feet.   Spring has most certainly sprung and I can't help but think that Kaitie's mom has something to do with it.The night was just as peaceful. There was a light breeze on top of the bald with a beautiful sunset and a nice big fire. I can hear ponies in the distance. I hope they don't get curious. I think they just did.
Date: 2012-05-15
From: Relax Inn, Atkins, VA

To: Walker Mountain
Miles today: 8.0

Today is my first day back on the trail after 11 zeros. I stayed at Erin's in Harrisonburg last night instead of hitting the trail yesterday and I am glad I did. There were bad storms and the trail was a river from what others were saying. I met Spot who must be an ultralighter since his pack was tiny. He started April 3rd. I also met Ron Paul and GlassMan, two younger guys. I camped at the top of Walker Mountain so that I would have service and be able to call Kaitie. It was a good first day back on the trail, but also very hard. I couldn't think clearly and wasn't sure if I had made the right decision to continue my hike. My knee feels good but I could tell it had been 11 days off. I am doing a lot more stretching than I was when I got off just to be careful. My new trail runners feel good so far, I even kept them on at camp. I was very tired so I made dinner, talked to Kaitie and went to bed.
Date: 2012-05-16
From: Walker Mountain

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today I saw my first bears of the trail. I was nearing Chestnut Knob Shelter around 6:30pm when a mother and two cubs that were about 30-40 yards off the trail began running away. I ran into Mr Breeze and Gimpy at the shelter. Gimpy likes to talk and sounds like he's hiked most of the trail before. This time he's just doing Damascus to Waynesboro. Today's hike consisted of blooming rhododendron which was new to me. They bloom huge purple flowers and are sometimes on either side of the trail and overhead. I ate lunch at Knob Maul shelter and hiked from around 9:15 to 7 today. I will continue to take it slow as I rebuild my strength and stamina I lost over the past week and a half. Chesnut Knob shelter is at the top of a 2200 ft climb and there are great views. There is a new privy, along with the old dilapidated one. I tented down the trail a bit and watched a brilliant sunset and woke up to some amazing stars in the middle of the night.
Date: 2012-05-17
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Just past Laurel Creek
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Yesterday I happened to feel something on my forehead, so I went to pick it off and it was a tick. This morning I got trail magic from Sparky who thru hiked in 2010 and knows Trog. I also met Alex and Last Out, and saw Glass Man and Ron Paul again. The younger guys went to a church hostel with food, shower, and stay all for free. I'm anxious to see how that went. I crossed over a bridge at a road crossing as I neared the end of my day and there was a cooler of soda and creamsicle oreos! Of course, it also started to rain, so I put on my pack cover and waited it out under the bridge. There were 5 or 6 other hikers camped at a campground across the street. The rain did not seem to be letting up, so instead of pitching my tent in the rain, I hiked another 2 miles to the ridge where I would likely have cell service. I setup my tent in between storms underneath some dense pine trees. The storms came very close last night and later there was heat lightning in the distance. I talked with Kaitie and I feel good about being out here. I made my dinner in a light rain and drank a soda that I had carried up.
Date: 2012-05-18
From: Just past Laurel Creek

To: Just before VA 611
Miles today: 12.8

There was an ant invasion this morning. I had left my wet clothes outside last night in hopes that they would dry a little. When I pulled them into the tent this morning to get dressed, a bunch of ants that had spent the night on my clothes began running around the tent. I threw everything back outside and had to remove about 20 ants by hand. Soon after heading out, I bumped into a guy headed south who had seen a bear this morning about 3 miles north. Around 3:20 this afternoon I saw a bear. It was only ten yards away. We both startled each other, and it decided to climb up the closest tree. It climbed up about 6 feet, turned and looked right at me, scrambled down, and sprinted away all in a matter of seconds. I could see its claws gripping the tree. It was probably just a couple years old. There are a lot more pine trees in this area and it smells great when the breeze blows. I only saw a few people today. Mr Breeze, Last Out, and Alex. I found a nice stealth campsite and had a fire and camped by myself.