morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

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

The night was mild and it was easy to crawl out of my bag and pack up. I headed out around 8:00 a.m. My goal was either Deer Park Mountain Shelter (14.8 miles) or Hot Springs, NC (18 miles).I walked alone for the first 4 miles. When I started ascending Walnut Mountain, hikers began to pass me even though I was maintaining a very respectable pace. I listened to an episode of Radio Lab about trust, and it was very entertaining.Caboose and I reached the Walnut Mountain Shelter at about the same time. We both perused the journal as she told me a story about a bear that had lived in the shelter four years ago. Normally I would have thought it a tall tale, but she had convincing details and pointed to a scratch on the roof of the shelter as evidence.Next I climbed Bluff Mountain, and the 1,000-foot ascent meant it was much more difficult. I still kept a great pace and had to stop only briefly, which was certainly an improvement over a few weeks ago. Bluff Mountain was full of wildflowers and interesting scenery and I couldn¢t help but gawk and take many pictures. Once on top, I stopped for lunch of a bagel with some block cheese. On the descent, I managed to pick up 3G service and a good cell signal. I took the opportunity to call my parents since I knew they had just finished a Carnival Cruise. They said the cruise was good except for a brief power outage and perhaps a fire that left them dead in the water for about 15 minutes. Go figure!As I continued down the 2,200-foot descent, the forest started to come alive in different ways. The trees at the bottom were leafy, compared to the barren trees at the top.Midway down, I ran in to Mother Theresa, Army Ant, Wilson, and two Aussies. They were slackpacking from Max Patch Bald back to Hot Springs. For those of you that do not know, slackpacking is when you dump everything from your pack except food and H2O and then get shuttled up or down the trail, at which point, you hike back to your gear. It¢s really hiking, not backpacking, and lately a lot of backpackers have taken advantage of the option.In the afternoon sun and at the lower elevation, the heat cranked up. It was perhaps 80 degrees, and I hiked the last few miles in a sweat. I made it the 14.8 miles to Deer Park Mountain Shelter by about 4:00 p.m. That was a record pace for me, and even though Hot Springs was just 3.2 miles further, my feet told me it was time to quit.The shelter was full (5-person capacity) with Slim Jim, ODAT, Sky Pilot, Chris, and his dad, so I decided to set up my tent despite the threat of rain. We all made dinner and were later joined by Rosy Eagle and two other hikers. As we sat around the campfire, we all talked about town and of what luxuries we would partake. I¢m planning a nearo to resupply, get some R&R, and enjoy Trail Fest activities, including their $5 spaghetti dinner!
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn

To: near Rich Mountain Lookout Tower
Miles today: 8.3

Imagine bounding down the trail. Imagine freedom. Time to Go by Wax Tailor.Song of the day: Wax Tailor - ¢Time To Go.¢Breakfast was served, once again, at 8:30 a.m. This time, Elmer, Zac, and Matt made scrambled eggs, yellow corn grits with garlic, melon, biscuits with brown gravy, and cereal. Drinks were apple juice, coffee, and milk. Today Elmer encouraged more interaction and asked all 14 or so people to identify themselves, say where they were from, and what they did prior to hiking. Those answers seeded the conversations for the rest of breakfast. At the end of breakfast, he asked if anyone was spending another night, and only Piper said yes.After breakfast, I packed up and paid Elmer $52 for two nights ($20 each) and two breakfasts ($6 each). I then signed the guest register and exited the back door.I stopped by the post office to mail two letters and then sat on the curb to utilize the free wi-fi. While sitting there, the Patriot and Steph showed up, also packed up and ready to head out. We said hello, and they stopped to take pictures of Patriot with his trademark U.S. flag. I hiked out of town and took pictures of the French Broad River. There I ran into Noodle and he said he was hitching on to Erwin today. He wanted to get there in time for this weekend¢s fiddle fest. I told him I was hiking and expected to get there Saturday or Sunday. He took the opportunity to say good-bye just in case we didn¢t see each other again.I crossed the river and continued upstream where many hikers had pitched their tents for free. I saw Flo and several of the Warrior Hikers.I started up the hill and paused at Lovers¢ Leap Rock to take in the overview of Hot Springs. It looked so small and compact and almost like a model toy town--seriously charming.I took my time today since I was recovering from a mild flu. I didn¢t expect or want to do big miles. I stopped for a break at a small man-made pond, one of the first we¢ve seen on the trail. There, I met Steady. He is a nobo about to complete his triple crown, since he¢s done the PCT and CDT. Even more spectacular is that he started in December in the Florida Keys and kayaked his was up the coast and then hiked to Springer Mountain. An impressive feat! While there, Wales showed up! He had been camped down by the river. We hiked together for a bit, but again his 4-foot legs meant he quickly outpaced me.I made it to the Rich Mountain Lookout Tower by 5:30 p.m. and climbed up for a view. It was a nice panoramic, but given that I¢m spoiled by all the terrific AT views, this one didn¢t seem that spectacular. I hiked down and pitched camp about 0.3 miles later. It turns out that Steph, the Patriot, and Wales were also there. Later, Spoon, a guy from Minneapolis, showed up, and we talked about the snowy April back home. As I cooked dinner, we also talked about the Boundary Waters, the SHT, and Isle Royale. Wales and the others mostly stayed in their tents to avoid the bugs, but my bug head-net did the trick. Really, it was a quiet night and we were all in bed by 8:00 p.m.I hope to hike more miles tomorrow!
Date: 2013-04-27
From: Sams Gap

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hotel checkout was noon so we weren't in a rush. I caught breakfast before the 9:30 cutoff and then did laundry for the group.After checkout we decided to relocate to Uncle Johnny's hostel to save a few dollars. The place was busy so we grabbed tent sites for $10 per night and signed up to slack pack tomorrow from Sams Gap back to the hostel. We then rented bicycles for $2 each so we could go to town for food and a movie. But, our first order of business was the free church sponsored trail magic across the river. We hit it up and it was amazing! They grilled burgers, hot dogs, and had plenty of sides and desserts. It was well advertised and there were at least 25 hikers when we there. We sat with Flo and she told us that Popeye had taken I'll the night before and was admitted to the hospital. The initial diagnosis was severe norovirus. Afterwards the others rode to town in the rain, but I returned to the hostel intent on joining them later. I wanted to make a grocery and gear list so I didn't buy too much. While making my list I saw Cutoff and Vulkening. They had been successful with their hitch to town and ended up staying with some friends at the Super 8. Mid-afternoon I hopped on my bike and rode 6 miles or so to the Food Lion. I picked up some fresh fruit for tomorrow's slackpacking and a few resupply items. I then headed back to the movie theater and joined the others for the 5pm showtime. Steph, the Patriot, and I ate popcorn and watched "Oblivion". Despite starring Tom Cruise, I thoroughly enjoyed it. After the movie we biked to the Mexican restaurant on the other side of town. Unfortunately my bike started to act up and the chain fell off several times. I kept rethreading the chain until it finally broke. I immediately called the hostel and they said they'd bring a replacement bike. I told them I was walking towards the restaurant and they could meet me there. Somewhere during the walk the bike's chain completely fell off.Once at the restaurant we ordered food. Steph said she wasn't feeling well and didn't order. When the hostel van showed up with my new bike she decided to get a ride back. The Patriot, Wales, and I enjoyed dinner. By then it was getting dark so I went next door to the Dollar General to buy illumination for the night ride back to the hostel. There I saw Wonka and Lickety Split. They had just eaten and resupplied after hiking all the way to town. I explained to them how we had arrived in town before them since they were confused.Around 9 the three of us began our rides back in light rain. Thankfully most of the route was lit. Wales nearly had a wipe out when he ran into a dark pothole, but otherwise we made it back safely by 9:30. We went to bed early since we needed to catch the slackpacking shuttle at 7am.
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Uncle Johnny's Hostel

To: Holiday Inn - Erwin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

My alarm went off at 6 am and my day began. Within minutes I needed to visit the privy and my stomach was unsettled. I passed it off as a temporary condition, crossed my fingers, and continued my preparations. Unfortunately it didn't pass and I soon realized the dreaded norovirus was upon me. I called Tom, literally while on the stool, and told him I was sick and needed to cancel. I met the Patriot and Wales at the hostel office. I informed them I was sick and had to cancel my planned hike. On the internet I searched for an inexpensive hotel to wait out my illness. Alas, Erwin is an expensive place to get sick. I took my chances and used hotwire.com to book a 2.5 star hotel. As suspected it turned out to be the Holiday Inn. I told Wales he was welcome to join me at no charge with the knowledge that it would be a virus den. They then departed for Sams Gap. I sat at the office for a bit to let my stomach settle and then packed up and hiked to the Holiday Inn. I checked in around 9am, initially to the consternation of the front desk clerk, but she softened when I told her I wasn't feeling well and just wanted to rest. I dropped my bag in my room and walked next door to the gas station for some Sprite and snacks. When I returned, the hotel staff invited me to grab some breakfast. My stomach was feeling slightly better so I pressed my luck and grabbed 2 cheese omelettes and some biscuits and gravy. I lounged in my room and felt slightly feverish. I took a short nap and awoke to a text from Wales saying they were making good time and expected to be back for dinner. I replied that was great and that I'd be glad to order pizza with them. As soon as I hit send I felt queasy, ran to the bathroom, and emptied my stomach of breakfast. Ack! The rest of the afternoon was spent napping and then napping some more.As promised, Wales and the Patriot showed up around 6:30 pm. I laid in bed and they ordered pizza. Despite my still queasy stomach, I ordered a veggie calzone. When it arrived I still wasn't hungry. They devoured their meal and we watched TV. The Patriot then retired to his room for the evening. I finally decided to take a bite of the calzone and it was delicious, but rich. My stomach immediately complained and within a minute I again lost its contents. Perhaps only then did Wales realize I was truly sick, and not just being lazy. He decided to sleep on the floor, rather than in the king bed, to give himself some distance from the bug. I couldn't stay awake long and was asleep for the night a short while later.
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Holiday Inn - Erwin

To: Holiday Inn - Erwin
Miles today: 0.0

I awoke, again, around 7am and went downstairs for breakfast. During breakfast I didn't see the Patriot and so returned to my room. Wales was still sleeping so I kept quiet, showered, and then played on my tablet. Wales awoke in time for breakfast and went downstairs. When he returned we both chilled and watched TV. I still wasn't 100% and reluctantly decided to take another zero to recover. This time I booked through priceline.com and was able to get the Holiday Inn for slightly less. Wales was planning to hike out with the Patriot around noon. I called his room around 11:30 and was very confused when a girl answered. I asked whether I had reached the front desk and she said no. I then apologized and said I had the wrong number. "No you don't", was the reply. "Steph!?!?" "Yup". "We're coming down."Steph had indeed been in the woods but had returned that morning because the Patriot awoke to a bum ankle. It was bad enough that he decided to return to California and she shuttled back in from Sams Gap to support him. They, along with Kevin (another warrior hiker), had arranged a Nettrans shuttle to Johnson City at 12:10. They were going to grab lunch and get the Patriot to the Greyhound station for a bus to the Knoxville airport. Of course, Wales and I decided to join them! Once on the Nettrans shuttle we quickly decided to get a rental car and split it 5 ways. Yay independence! The shuttle driver was kind enough to take us to Enterprise and Steph rented a car. Our first stop was the Olive Garden for a late lunch. They had a buy one take one home special and I ordered from that menu. I then filled up on appetizers, bread sticks, and chili. By the time my entree arrived I was too full to finish it. I was also tired and low on energy and realized I was still in recovery mode. After lunch the group decided to return to Erwin before going to Knoxville. They dropped me off at the hotel and then went to the hospital to visit their comrade Popeye who was recovering from an appendectomy. They quickly returned because Popeye had been released. I rested and watched TV while they hung out in Kevin's deluxe hot tub suite. Around 5:30pm Wales, Steph, and the Patriot departed for a movie in Johnson City followed by the trip to Knoxville. I knew they'd be back late and didn't have the energy to join them, so I said goodbye to the Patriot. He said he'd like to return to do some trail magic and I said it would be great to see him back on the trail.I spent the rest of the evening in bed watching TV and went to bed at a geriatric hour. Stupid bug, I hope you're gone for good.
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Holiday Inn - Erwin

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Wales got home at 2am. I happened to be awake and he said everything went fine. I promptly fell back to sleep and awoke around 8 am for breakfast. Downstairs I ran into Kevin and he asked what time they arrived home. I confirmed their arrival time and he was surprised.I showered and hung out in the room. Wales awoke around 9:30 but decided to skip breakfast. We watched crappy TV for several hours. While reading email I found out that my friends Mike and Jonathan, after years of trying to adopt a child, were blessed to welcome a baby girl into their lives. I was so very pleased that I nearly cried tears of joy! Welcome Jane Marie!!! Your dads are awesome and I cannot wait to meet you!!! Sometime around 10:30 Steph came in to our room and proclaimed she was staying another night. I tried to scheme scenarios in which we stayed also, but Wales rejected them all. Check out was at noon and we milked every last minute. Around noon we left our room and met Kevin and Steph outside. They had to return the rental car by 1pm, but agreed to give us a ride back to the trail head first.We started back on the trail around 12:30 after saying goodbye to Steph and Kevin. I weighed my pack at uncle Johnny's and with 2 Qts of water and 6 days of food it came in at 39.6 lbs, including newly acquired tablet. Not too bad.Within a mile we crossed a set of RR tracks, the first I recalled crossing on the trail. About 2 miles later I passed Wales as he sat on the side of the trail and studied maps. To my surprise I didn't see him the rest of the day, even though he is a faster and stronger hiker. He either stopped earlier than me or wasn't feeling well. The trail was fairly easy and by just after 5pm I made it to Indian Grave Gap, or 8.8 miles. The next marked camp site was 4 miles later, and since I didn't feel like hiking that much further, I decided to call it a day. I setup camp a slight distance from Ocho and a few others, but mostly kept to myself. I started a small fire to burn the junk mail my mother had mailed me in Erwin and enjoyed a dinner of red beans and rice. By 8pm I was journaling on my tablet in my tent. I must admit it's faster than hand writing and will allow for more frequent updates. The challenge will be keeping the tablet charged, and for that I may investigate solar panels.Good night y'all!
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Apple Orchard Campsite
Miles today: 13.1

I awoke around 6:30, but didn't want to get out of bed. I heeded that call and laid around for an hour before stirring. I retrieved my bear bag and visited the privy. By then I was the only one left in camp, which was fine by me. I wasn't in a rush and left just before 9am. I crossed the road and started up towards beauty spot gap. The climb was only about 600 feet so it was fairly easy going. Midway up the gap I heard loud hikers behind me. They were shouting something but I couldn't quite make it out. Half a mile later I could hear they were yelling, "fee, fie, foe, fum", in series. All I could think was be quiet so I can enjoy the woods. Over the next mile the shouting got louder and closer. I finally turned around and was surprised to see a group of about 20 middle schoolers climbing towards me. When they finally caught me they said they were on a field trip to see a bog and that they were from Bristol. They asked if I was a thru hiker and I said yes. They were actually very polite and well mannered and gave me a candy bar. I left them on a bald and every hiker that passed me afterwards asked whether the kids also gave me food. It seemed they were simply giving away their own food because each hiker got something different. Impromptu trail magic.During a water stop I met Mustard and Chili Dog, his egg head shaped dog. He was looking for another hiker whom I didn't recall having seen or met. He was also looking for Chris and his dad Walkman, whom I did know, but hadn't seen recently. Mustard told me Walkman had also been sick with norovirus. The hex of the trail keeps on giving.Soon after I started the ascent of Unaka Mountain. It was cold and windy and I had to add a layer to block the wind. As I ascended the forest changed from deciduous to dense spruce. It reminded me of Minnesota and I snapped a photo.Near the bottom of the mountain was Cherry Gap Shelter. I arrived at 3 pm and stopped for a break and water. I decided to fill my coke bottle with water, but first had to displace the shot of Maker's Mark Whisky stored in the bottle. In my stomach it went and I had immediate regrets, mainly that I didn't have more! It was tasty and I will admit I swayed down the unusually wide trail for a short bit. Thankfully the shot, the break, and some great tunes gave me some extra energy for the remaining 4 miles to camp. I made great time and was in camp before 6pm. The campsite was an old apple orchard. I'm not sure how it got there, but later this summer there will probably be some tasty fruit. I shared camp with about 8 other hikers including Harrison from San Antonio and Paul from Chicago. One of them started a fire and we all hung out until about 8 pm when it was time for me to go to bed.
Date: 2013-05-21
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Just before Grayson Highlands State Park
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: light rain

Dear reader: Thank you for your interest and for following my travels. Regrettably, I will no longer maintain this journal as it has become too cumbersome. I'm hiking 10-12 hours per day which simply doesn't leave time to write. I will continue to update photos and I hope you'll find those enjoyable.Sincerely,Woodstock
Date: 2013-05-22
From: Just before Grayson Highlands State Park

To: Trail Junction to USFS Hurrican Creek Campground
Miles today: 16.8

Dear reader: Thank you for your interest and for following my travels. Regrettably, I will no longer maintain this journal as it has become too cumbersome. I'm hiking 10-12 hours per day which simply doesn't leave time to write. I will continue to update photos and I hope you'll find those enjoyable.Sincerely,Woodstock
Date: 2013-05-24
From: Laurel Creek, VA 615

To: Walker Gap
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Dear reader: Thank you for your interest and for following my travels. Regrettably, I will no longer maintain this journal as it has become too cumbersome. I'm hiking 10-12 hours per day which simply doesn't leave time to write. I will continue to update photos and I hope you'll find those enjoyable.Sincerely,Woodstock
Date: 2013-05-25
From: Walker Gap

To: Crawfish Trail Junction
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Dear reader: Thank you for your interest and for following my travels. Regrettably, I will no longer maintain this journal as it has become too cumbersome. I'm hiking 10-12 hours per day which simply doesn't leave time to write. I will continue to update photos and I hope you'll find those enjoyable.Sincerely,Woodstock
Date: 2013-05-26
From: Crawfish Trail Junction

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Dear reader: Thank you for your interest and for following my travels. Regrettably, I will no longer maintain this journal as it has become too cumbersome. I'm hiking 10-12 hours per day which simply doesn't leave time to write. I will continue to update photos and I hope you'll find those enjoyable.Sincerely,Woodstock
Date: 2013-05-28
From: Laurel Creek, VA 615

To: Lickskillet Hollow, VA 608
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Dear reader: Thank you for your interest and for following my travels. Regrettably, I will no longer maintain this journal as it has become too cumbersome. I'm hiking 10-12 hours per day which simply doesn't leave time to write. I will continue to update photos and I hope you'll find those enjoyable.Sincerely,Woodstock
Date: 2013-05-29
From: Lickskillet Hollow, VA 608

To: Sugar Run Gap
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: broken clouds

Dear reader: Thank you for your interest and for following my travels. Regrettably, I will no longer maintain this journal as it has become too cumbersome. I'm hiking 10-12 hours per day which simply doesn't leave time to write. I will continue to update photos and I hope you'll find those enjoyable.Sincerely,Woodstock
Date: 2013-05-31
From: The Captain's 

To: Symms Gap
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: broken clouds

Dear reader: Thank you for your interest and for following my travels. Regrettably, I will no longer maintain this journal as it has become too cumbersome. I'm hiking 10-12 hours per day which simply doesn't leave time to write. I will continue to update photos and I hope you'll find those enjoyable.Sincerely,Woodstock
Date: 2013-06-03
From: The Captain's

To: Trout Creek, VA 620
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: few clouds

Dear reader: Thank you for your interest and for following my travels. Regrettably, I will no longer maintain this journal as it has become too cumbersome. I'm hiking 10-12 hours per day which simply doesn't leave time to write. I will continue to update photos and I hope you'll find those enjoyable.Sincerely,Woodstock
Date: 2013-06-05
From: Jennings Creek, VA 614

To: just south of Peaks of Otter Overlook
Miles today: 9.1

Dear reader: Thank you for your interest and for following my travels. Regrettably, I will no longer maintain this journal as it has become too cumbersome. I'm hiking 10-12 hours per day which simply doesn't leave time to write. I will continue to update photos and I hope you'll find those enjoyable.Sincerely,Woodstock
Date: 2013-06-06
From: just south of Peaks of Otter Overlook

To: Curry Creek
Miles today: 10.5

Dear reader: Thank you for your interest and for following my travels. Regrettably, I will no longer maintain this journal as it has become too cumbersome. I'm hiking 10-12 hours per day which simply doesn't leave time to write. I will continue to update photos and I hope you'll find those enjoyable.Sincerely,Woodstock