morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-06-04
To: Petites gap
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Beauty and danger. Experienced both today. And by the way, hiked 19 miles also. The beauty manifested itself as we continued to walk the Blue Ridge. As we walk this knife ridge we can see for dozens of miles off both sides. The valleys are populated by sparsely spaced homes and the occasional small town. Further into the distance I can see blue mountain ranges rising to the sky. The beauty also showed itself in the flowers. I saw a columbine flower today for only the second time on the trail. The Native American Indians used the seeds of the columbine to smoke in their peace pipes. They thought the fragrant seeds would help to bring about peace in the council meetings. Maybe we could learn a thing or two from them. The danger manifested itself today at guillotine rock. A massive boulder sits hanging fifteen feet in the air between two large rock formations. It is on the trail; you must walk under it to continue on the trail. Fortunately no one has ever been injured by falling rock here. The danger also showed itself as a rattlesnake today. Ten and I went to get water this afternoon down a blue blazed side trail. After we got our water, we started back up the trail when Ten, who was on the front, suddenly stopped. Two more steps and she would have stepped on it. It wasn't even rattling at that point. It kind of shook Ten up. When the snake realized we were there, it curled up and began to rattle, loudly. That rattle is an eerie and unmistakable sound. I recorded a real cool video clip of it. We left it alone. We saw three more snakes today, a big black rat snake, a tiny ring-necked snake, and another snake that hurried across the trail so fast I couldn't identify it. I'm grateful for both the beauty of the trail and the safety from the dangers.
Date: 2017-06-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Walked in the rain all day. Saw snakes, deer, frogs, millipedes, and salamanders. The rain didn't seem to bother them, so I tried to not let it bother me either. Walking in the rain is not so bad as long as it's not real cold, and it was a warm day. The only thing that really bothers me is that my shoes fill up with water and that makes it harder to walk. I think we had great views of the James River, but all we could see was rain and fog until we were right at the river. We walked across the Foot Bridge, a bridge dedicated to foot traffic only. We all decided to get a motel for the night so we could shower and dry out. We then ate out with Ten's Mom in Lexington and did laundry and resupplied. When I put the clothes in the washing machine I also accidentally added the entire gallon baggie of dryer sheets. Yuck.
Date: 2017-06-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

In the early eighties Dick Feller wrote a song that John Denver covered. The words said, "Some days are diamonds, some days are stone." The walk for me this morning was not a diamond. We decided to walk 21 miles today. After the first mile I had no energy. The first 2 1/2 miles were up over a mountain. I usually do pretty well going up, but not today. I haven't had to stop and rest going up a mountain in over 500 miles. I had to stop three times going over that first mountain. The mountain wasn't that hard; I just had no energy. I began to think I needed to turn around and go back, but I trusted that eventually my body would catch up and my lungs and legs would start working together. Finally after about five miles I began to feel better. We finished at 5 pm. Passed the 800 mile mark today!!! We had a good evening visiting with Carol, AJ, Ten, and Goalie. The day started like a stone and finished like a diamond.
Date: 2017-06-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Why do people hike the Appalachian Trail? People give a lot of different answers to that question. Some say they are running from something in their everyday life. Maybe so. Some say they are out here for the beauty. If so, then it would be easier to find it in their own town or see it here from a car. You can drive to most of the best spots on the AT. Some say they are out here for the solitude. There's entirely too many people on the trail for that to be legitimate. Some say they are out here to accomplish something unique or special. Tens of thousands of hikers have already finished the trail, so finishing will not be unique. Some say they are out here for the fun. What's fun about walking all day in the cold and rain, walking on infected blisters, or climbing for miles when there is no water?I think most people hike the AT for the challenge of overcoming adversity. It's hard to get out of your sleeping bag when it's 20 degrees or pouring rain. It's hard to climb another mountain when your legs are cramping. It's hard to carry your pack when you are coming out of town with a full food resupply and your pack is at its heaviest. It's hard when you get hurt but you decide to keep on walking. Why do you do it? There is something In the human spirit that is satisfied when you conquer an obstacle that is difficult to overcome. That which comes easy does not satisfy. What you work hard for brings a contentment to the soul. Whether it's a hard-earned job promotion, a sports championship, or a good grade on a difficult test, we want to overcome almost insurmountable obstacles. It makes us feel good about ourselves. That need to succeed at something that is difficult is why I think most people hike the trail. Even if they won't admit it. That's why I hiked 21 miles today. To see if I could do it. Sure, I enjoyed the beauty of a magnificent bald at 4000 feet on Cold Mountain today. Sure, I enjoyed the company of friends and family today. But mostly, I did it to see if I could do it. And today I did. Tomorrow awaits. And I'm Grateful2.
Date: 2017-06-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today we hiked 17 miles down to the Tye River. I say my first Grays Lily. We stopped at the Priest Shelter to read the shelter journal. Hikers refer to this shelter journal as the confessional because it is at the Priest. Some of the entries were really funny because I knew the authors. People were confessing their trail habits - everything from sleeping habits to things they say to privy habits. Good stuff. I couldn't think of anything to confess. My mind was preoccupied with something else today. Today I say goodbye to the couple we have been slackpacking with the last two weeks, Ten and Goalie. They will be aquablazing down the Shenandoah River, and I will miss them for a couple of reasons. We have become friends first of all, and second of all I will now have no one to key swap with. My shoulders are bad enough that I don't think I can stay on the trail without the mattress in the back of the truck. So I will be missing them, and I am looking desperately for a new partner. By the time hikers have gotten this far, they are set in their ways and not willing to make a change. I will be going home if I can't find a new partner because my wife and son are going home tomorrow also. I have scheduled to drive back down tomorrow to Wytheville to get the rest of my transmission fixed. It will take all day. Today may be my last day on the trail.
Date: 2017-06-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Last night right at dark one of my trail friends, Sandals, walked into camp, got a trail magic soda, and decided to spend the night with our group. He heard that I was looking for a partner or else I was going to have to quit. This morning he offered to keyswap for nine days until he had to leave the trail for a church mission trip. I said that I was interested but needed the day to think about it because it would only be for a short time. Then I would be faced with the same dilemma all over again. We left for Wytheville to get my truck repaired. Got it fixed finally. Called Sandals later in the day and told him I was coming back to the trail. Met him late tonight at Devils Backbone.
Date: 2017-06-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was nauseous most of the night. Got up, ate breakfast, and went back to the trail where we walked 16 miles to Waynesboro. Had absolutely no energy today. Spent the night at a public park for hikers in Waynesboro. We decided to take a zero. Went to church and then to a hotel where I slept all afternoon. Still not feeling well. I did manage to visit the KFC buffet. They lost money on me.
Date: 2017-06-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Hiked 17 miles to Riprap parking area. We are now in the Shenandoah National Park. Things are different here. Everywhere there are park rangers. Lots of people and only one main road for 100 miles. Again I had no energy; I had to make myself walk today. I think I may be sick, maybe from an insect bite or something. After a full day's hike we set up the truck in a parking area like we always do and went to bed. At 11 pm we were rousted out of bed by the park police who told us we couldn't park and sleep anywhere except in the campground in the entire park! We packed up and went to the nearest campground 15 minutes away.
Date: 2017-06-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

Welcome to the jungle also known as Shenandoah national Park. Sweltering heat, stifling humidity, and a cacophony of ubiquitous bugs. The radio said tonight it was 94° today, And I'm a believer. Every stitch of clothing was soaking wet all day. The bugs were buzzing everywhere. They were up my nose, in my ears, and three committed suicide flying into my eyes. I swallowed two, and managed to cough up one insect exoskeleton. I guess the other one was for needed protein. I managed 17 miles today but the miles came with great difficulty because I still don't feel well. They were no good views today from the trail, only from the roadway. I'm not really enjoying the green tunnel of the Shanendoah national park.
Date: 2017-06-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I carried Sandals to the trailhead and took a zero today. I slept most of the day and then did some trail magic. I'm thinking about going home. I had a conversation a while back with a girl on the trail. One of the things she said has stayed with me. "There's no place else in the whole world I'd rather be than here on the trail." Ive thought about that a lot lately. I've realized that I don't feel that way anymore. I'd think I'd rather be home with my family. We love each other and I miss them. I like living in Chattanooga in our new home. I miss riding my motorcycle and fishing in a bass boat. I like being able to hike the Cumberland Trail in our backyard, and then being able to take a shower before I go to bed in our king-sized bed. I like the view to North Carolina from my yard. I miss my church family and playing the bass guitar. I think I've found what I was looking for, and it was right in my backyard the whole time. There are some things I will miss about being out here. I'll miss getting to do trail magic for hikers who are appreciative, knowing that I am meeting a real need in their life. I'll miss getting to eat anything and everything I want and still losing weight. I'll miss the endorphine rush of hiking hours on end. I'll miss the incredible vistas only a hiker can experience. I'll miss not being called a thru hiker. I'll miss the comraderie of fellow hikers. There's a bunch of other things I won't miss though! But mainly I think I'm leaving because "There's no place else in the whole world I'd rather be than at home with my family."
Date: 2017-06-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hung out at a trailhead and gave out trail magic most of the day today. It's good to see the hikers I know and good to meet a few new friends also. It's funny to see how the suffering of the trail seems to bring people together quickly. It's sort of like football camp in the summer. You suffer together and grow together and figure out that it's bigger than you can handle by yourselves, so you learn to lean on each other. Otherwise, you may not make it. I wish it was more like that in the real world. We seem to forget we can't make it by ourselves. So many of us keep trying to make it alone though. We try to be self-reliant instead of leaning on each other for the help we need. And we all need help, whether we admit it or not.
Date: 2017-06-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I'm staying on the trail until Monday. I committed to help Sandals get to his mission trip by way of Washington. I did trail magic again today for thirsty hikers. I've been staying at one of the National Park campgrounds at night. I befriended a park ranger who asked why I wasn't backcountry camping for free. I explained that my artificial shoulders made it difficult to sleep on the ground. She asked me some more about my shoulder problems. I explained, and she said I would qualify for an "access pass". "What's that?" I asked. I now have a pass that lets me get into all national parks for free! I'm now taking up donations for gas money to go visit all the national parks. Any takers?
Date: 2017-06-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I'm doing trail magic again today. Hikers are asking me why I'm doing trail magic instead of hiking. I tell them I am finished hiking. They ask me why and tell me they are so sorry. I'm not sorry. It's hard to explain to them. As soon as they hear I am through with the trail, they treat me differently. Suddenly it's like they don't want to catch what I have. I'm not a part of the group, the family, the cool crowd, anymore. I'm ok with that. I'm going home to people who know me and love me anyway. The trail has been a great experience and now it's time to get on with the rest of my life. Three months. 900 Miles. It was enough. And I'm Grateful2.
Date: 2017-02-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hey guys!My name is Briana, and I am planning to Hike the Appalachian Trail Southbound starting sometime around early June in 2017. I¢m so stoked to share my experience with you! I am currently a senior at Sweet Briar College working on a double major in music and French. I¢ve been in school my whole life. I¢m ready to step away from the books for awhile. I¢m a songwriter, and I am secretly hoping that by documenting my AT adventure, I will expand my fanbase for my music.A little bit about me, I mean there¢s lots of things about me that aren¢t me anymore, so when I say me, I mean me right now because I¢m always changing. I eat a plant based diet, and it makes me feel amazing. I am planning to continue with this on the trail. I am by no means a perfect vegan, I shy away from this label a little bit. I sometimes cheat and I make mistakes and I eat local honey, but dangit I give it a good go! It¢s a great way to live. I¢ll be talking about what it¢s like as a vegan on the trail throughout my blog, stay tuned!So why have I decided to spend 6 months in the woods? My shortest and favorite answer is that it¢s just something that I feel like I need to do. I don¢t think I can move onto the next chapter of my life until I complete this trail. It¢s been calling my name for four years, ever since the director of the outdoor program at Sweet Briar College in 2014 introduced me to the AT. I thought, wait a minute, there¢s a trail that goes all the way from Maine to Georgia? Ever since then it¢s been heavy on my mind and it¢s about to become a reality for me. Briamccall.combriamccallmusic@gmail.com~Briana
Date: 2017-03-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I'm starting to see a lot of NOBO hikers posting, and I am getting pretty anxious about starting my SOBO hike in a few months! I only have a few more pieces of gear to buy. I'm trying to go as ultralight as possible on a budget (which means I'm not going to be ultralight), and I'm thinking that I am going to sacrifice my bulky self inflating therm-o-rest for a z-pad. They are just so light weight and easy maintenance and CHEAP. I think my body will adapt quickly to the pad if I do make the switch. Other than that, I need to buy some rain pants and a few odds and ends and my pack will be ready! I went on a little climbing trip to the Red River Gorge in Kentucky last week over my school break. (An amazing...amazing place to climb!) Every time I'm outside, I get so hyped up about hiking the trail. I also got to try out my new sleeping bag on this trip. I bought a synthetic 30 degree quilt from Enlightened Equipment (I don't like buying and supporting down products). I'm super excited about it, however I might have to start with my heavier bag for the first bit. I'd rather be a little heavy than freezing at night. The quilt is going to be so awesome for most of the hike though, so lightweight, I'm pretty stoked about it. If you are in the market, check out their website. They custom make the bags for you. I even got to choose the colors. Purple and black for me :-) Also, I signed up for a 30 day free trial on thrive market. It's sort of like an online health food store. Normally there's an annual membership fee, like costco, but the first month is free. The products are discounted on this website, and if you buy enough, shipping is of course free. I've started buying some yummy vegan snack foods! My closet is slowly filling up. If you decide to try their membership, make sure to cancel it before the trial is over. The company is not very willing to help you cancel the membership. I hope all the NOBO hikers are staying warm and dry. I can't wait to get on the trail!!! ~Briabriamccall.comhttps://www.youtube.com/user/B...
Date: 2017-03-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

It's odd to be a senior in college and instead of trying to get into a masters program or find a job, I'm preparing to hike in the woods for six months. Sometimes I feel a little bit judged by my advisors and mentors in my life. I imagine that I am not the only one feeling this way. I don't see anything wrong with taking some time off to get to know myself. I look at this journey as time to check in and slow everything down. Way down. I want simplicity. One trail, white blazes, one foot and then another. That's all it is. I get asked all of the time why I am doing this hike, but I also get asked about my experience. I'd like to address this for other hikers who get asked the same thing and maybe feel a little off guard from the question. You don't need to have experience doing something in order to do it. I am all for experiential learning and highly encourage it! The trail is a great place for learning. That being said, I have worked for my school's outdoor program throughout college and I feel plenty prepared and knowledgable for my thru-hike. If I can lead a group of peers on a backpacking trip, I think I can take care of myself out there just fine. I also receive comments about how girls shouldn't hike alone, this is also absurd and makes me so angry. Any females who get told this, just tell them where to shove it. Seriously, this is the 21st century. I do understand where people are coming from. It's a long and slightly dangerous journey. But if you feel the need to thru-hike, or whatever else moves you, you should do it. ~Bria briamccall.com
Date: 2017-05-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up this morning starfished in a strange bed with a golden retriever on my right leg. I heard Red making coffee outside the bedroom and I realized the day had finally come. Today am starting my SOBO flop starting from NOC in North Carolina, hiking down to Springer, flying up to Maine and coming back to NOC. This bed is comfortable but my nerves pull me out of it. I cant help but think about how if I were a Dude, my friend Red would have probably not offered his bed for me. Before NOC, I make Red take me by ERA (Endless River Adventures). Conveniently he works there and my friends from Sweet Briar outdoor program are all there. My previous boss gives me a big hug and insists on going with Red and I to the drop off. I don't mind, We go to NOC, take pictures, exchange hugs and I fight back tears. Then suddenly I am hiking, just like that. I've felt the alone-ness many different ways today- I like the isolation, but I've never taken it to this extreme before. Many doubts about the adventure have crossed my mind today. I've came across quite a few people, but they are all strangers to me and my introverted-ness is coming through headstrong. I ate lunch at a shelter with some hikers, but felt out of place. I set up camp at a campsite three miles from the next shelter to avoid people. Now that I'm set up, I think I should have hiked the extra three miles.
Date: 2017-05-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I wake up to rain, it rained all night as well. When I used to lead backpacking trips with Sweet Briar, I did everything I could to keep participants happy in bad weather. I now play those games with myself and they work pretty well. I feel good and the temperature is nice. I pack snacks on top and I'm extra careful to toll up my trash bag lining in my pack so no water gets in. Rain is in the forecast for the next 3 days. I'm thankful that I filtered water the night before as I head out, planning to go 14 miles. I stop at a shelter for lunch to get out of the rain and I run into a guy I met yesterday who is finishing his SOBO from last year. My feet, hips and shoulder are hurting as I pick up after lunch. Lancelot and I pass each other several times and I hike with him for a few miles. We pass some of his friends and he introduces me as on of the first 2017 SOBO's. I eventually lose sight of him in front of me. The last two miles of my planned 14 were difficult. My body hurts. I finally reach the shelter, unpack, eat dinner, change, filter water, etc. I turn on my phone and text my friend Red. I ask if he can pick me up tomorrow night so I can get out of this rain. He recommends that I hike to Franklin, four miles away, tonight. I dont hesitate, I change back into my wet clothes, pack up and I hike. The easiest and fastest four miles yet. I reach the parking lot by eight to find my car waiting for me. I feel a little less guilty knowing its my gas he's using to pick me up. Back at his place, the golden retriever is now back on the bed with me. This place no longer feels strange to me.
Date: 2017-05-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I took my first zero day! Figured it wont hurt to give my body a day off while I have a house to hang out in. The dog snuggled with me all night. She's amazing. So thankful for Red and how helpful he's been. He took me to buy a new stove today. I love my popcorn stove dearly, but I made a switch to a pocket-rocket style stove. It's made by Jetboil, a bit heavier but a lot lower maintenance. I also dropped a pair of pants in my car that I dont think I'll need. My gear is almost all dry. The lactic acid in my calves is insane! Definitely a little tender bodied today. I'm really looking forward to getting to Maine, we will all be new to the trail and going the same direction. Making friends will be easier. I'm trying to keep the dog from slobbering all over this paper right now, but she's so adorable. I've napped , watched movies, took a walk and did some yoga today. Ready to get back on the trail. Eric D- I swear.. If you say I told you so about the stove... ;)Mom and Dad- I'm still alive and Mom, so thankful for that nice rain jacket you got me a few years back.