morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Greasy Creek Hostel

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

It looks like it is going to clear off today. Headed out early this morning because I knew it was going to be a long day. Started climbing up Roan Mtn and it was a long long up hill climb. Got to the top finally and met up with Nooga. Start the downhill and had a lunch at the small parking lot. This is when the fun began. The Balds are one of those places on the trail that should not be missed and I got a beautiful day to cross them. If this place was up in New Hampshire it would make one of the best Tele ski areas around. I will have to check with the locals and see if the Balds get enough snow for skiing. Anyhow I made it to Overmountain shelter and was rewarded with a very beautiful camping spot. A very long day but wow what a place. Overmountain Pass was crossed by TN volunteers who marched to Kings Mountain to fight the British and they kicked their bu**s.
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountain Harbor Hostel
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: light rain

Was sorry to pack up and leave the Overmountain shelter area but we have more Balds to cross. Also a bunk and shower was waiting for me at Mountain Harbor Hostel. Now I don't want to give anyone a bad impression about the Mountain Harbor Hostel but I also want tell you about the place. The barn (Hostel) has three floors. The 3rd floor was bunk area, 2nd floor was the kitchen and and the ground floor was for the horses and goats. Let me be clear I am sure the horses and goats didn't mind the hiker smell. Another shower, clean cloths and a BBQ supper.
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Mountain Harbor Hostel

To: Upper Laural Fork camp site
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: light rain

Still on the cool side with periods of rain and fog. Had a very filling breakfast at the Hostel and started hiking around 0930. Made our way (with Nooga and Bandana) to the Upper Laura Fork campsite.Set up my tent in the rain and remained inside for the rest of the day/night.
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Upper Laural Fork camp site

To: Black Bear Resort
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Another rain soaked start this morning. At least its warmer and the wind has died down. We decided to stay at Black Bear Resort and I am so glad we did. We got a cabin for four and it was very clean and for once there was lots of room to roam. They have a very good re-supply and also offer a ride into town (Hampton TN).
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Black Bear Resort

To: Griffith Branch camp site
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Its clear and cool Yahoo. From Black Bear it was up and over Pond Flats almost a 2,000 ft climb and we could see Watauga lake on the back side of the flats. The trail follows the lake shore line but with all the rain the lake was over its banks and the trail in parts was under 1 to 2 feet of water. So after several detours we camped at Griffith Branch just south of the Watauga shelter.
Date: 2013-05-14
From: Griffith Branch camp site

To: Irom Mtn shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

Another nice day today. Lots of hikers are now showing up because we are so close to Damascus and trail days. Silver foot, Pap from PA, Old Sherpa, Sprout, Angel, Guardian, T2000, Nooga and Bandana and many more.
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Irom Mtn shelter

To: Abington Gap shelter
Miles today: 15.9

Wow three nice days in a row. This is it spend the night here and a downhill 10 mile hike into Damascus. Another nice tenting area and there is at least 30 hikers at this spot. Most of the people I know because we have be bumping into each other now for several weeks. We set up our tents or Hammocks eat our dinners and then mingle and talk until hiker midnight (9pm).
Date: 2013-05-17
From: Damascus VA

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

A nice relaxing day in Damascus. Blueberry pancakes at the Cowboy followed up by a relaxing foot wash and massage....life is very good. A Baptist church group from Virgina Beach drove 8 hours to be here and offer trail magic to the hikers. They gave away knit hats and food and best of all cleaned our feet and then massaged them.
Date: 2013-05-18
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Time for the Trail Days Parade some thing I have been looking forward to for a long time. We gathered together at the North end of town. Bandana and I got there just in time for free Hot Dogs.....my best and favorite food. Met up with several people I had hiked with last year: Tree Trunks and Manula, Count Chocula, Chatty Kathy and his bride. There were lots of people dressed up like clowns and other garb. Other had super soakers and water pistols to fend off the town folk who line main street. There must have been close to 1000 people and we were have a great time. 200 yards into the parade and very close to me and my friends a car driven by a 87 yo man plowed into the crowd. When I left on Sunday it was reported that all were stable and the driver must have suffered a medical problem. It really could have been a lot worse.
Date: 2013-05-29
From: Home

To: John Muir Trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

The compulsion for hiking the John Muir Trail has kicked in and I have begun getting ready for that hike. First thing we needed was the permits for B1, Lindsey Scooter and myself. Last February after submitting 6 or 7 fax requests we finally got our permit for 8-01-13. Next was the required Bear Keg and of course I needed to see if it fit in my ULA with all the other stuff. It all fit but it was very tight. So I just had to get the 3400 Hyperlite Mountain Gear pack and now I have 2 options,packing the keg inside the pack or outside. On my May section hike of the AT I talked to several hikers who had hiked the JMT. They all suggested using a 20deg bag and the BV500 bear keg. I may opt for my 35deg bag and use a bivy bag and down vest which should add an additional 15 deg to the bag rating. Also I need to keep hiking to keep my trail legs in shape so I will do a 30 mile section of the AT this Thursday.
Date: 2013-05-30
From: Liberty Springs parking area

To: Zealand Hut
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

For a while now I have been trying to fill in several sections of the AT in New Hampshire. So I started at Liberty Springs parking area and headed for Garfield shelter. This section crossed over Franconia ridge and Mt. Lafayette. It was a beautiful day for this hike but I have to say that for a 10 mile section this was some of the hardest hiking I have done on the AT. The next section was another 10+ section from Garfield shelter to Zealand Hut, another hard core hiking day. I was hoping to stay at Zealand Hut but it was closed. So I hiked another 6 miles to route 302 hoping to catch the shuttle but they were not operating until June 1st. Started hitching back to my car and got 2 rides in about 1 hour.
Date: 2013-07-02
From: Great Gulf Trail head

To: Mt. Madison
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Finally finished hiking the AT in New Hampshire. Todd and I hiked from the Great Gulf trail head on route 16 to Mt. Madison for a total of 12 miles round trip. All I needed to hike was the short section of the trail, 2.8 miles, from the Osgood tent platforms to the summit of Madison. Rain and fog was with us all day and we didn't get to see any of the views.
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Trail Prep

To: Damascus to Dalesville VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Just had a St Paddy's day dinner with Tree Trunks and Manula at the Old Salt Restaurant. Good to see them again and what a great reminder that I need to start getting in shape for this years section hiking. Looks like I will be hiking with Old Sherpa for some of my next section from Damascus to Dalesville VA. And this year I will have a new partner, my dog Molly who just turned 1 year old today. Hopefully she will have passed her Theraphy Dog test this April.
Date: 2014-06-06
From: Ridge camp between VA623 and Garden Mt.

To: Laural Creek Camp VA615
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: broken clouds

A southbound couple suggested this place and said it was a very nice campsite. We spent the night here and dried out out gear. Molly is holding up very well with no problems and best of all she has stopped barking at every hiker with a backpack.
Date: 2014-06-08
From: Stelth camp between Helveys Mill shelter and VA611

To: Wapiti Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Long day today. We planned to stay at Trents Grocery but decided to push for Wapiti Shelter. This place has some sad history. Two people were murdered near this shelter which is near a stream called Dismal Stream. Also 2 thru hikers named John and Jane Doe stayed here today and a Fisher cat kept screaming all night. Very spookie to say the least.
Date: 2013-01-09
To: 3 months
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

from personal journal...Three months ago today I began to seriously consider the option of thru hiking the Appalachian Trail. This is a messily 2,172 mi feat. I have zero experience in the world of backpacking, and thankfully none is required. The idea came when I was sitting in a college class in which we discussed major life transitions and the stages each individual goes through. On October 9th, 2012 I received what I to refer to as my 'God sign.' After a brief search of local hiking groups I stumbled across the Indianapolis Hiking website. Here I learned that two record mileage holders belonged to the names of Jill McFall and Tom Patterson. If you would like for me to spell it out for you, I will. My name is Jill Patterson. I thought this was more then a coincidence. Filled with the excitement of making the AT a reality I sent emails to friends and family important to me. Over the next several weeks I invested free time to this endeavor. In the back of my mind I anticipated the dream fading from reality into impossibility, and eventually never giving thought to it again. I may be impulsive at times, and often come up with these brilliant ideas which fail to last. I continued to take steps toward this trek. I set setting and accomplished short term goals, let others know and began reading trail journals and books. Amazon.com loves me! Looking back on the last 3 months a lot has happened, and a lot of changes have occurred. One thing that has remained the same is my desire to Thru hike the AT. My idea no longer a fad for me I have decided it is time to take another step and begin my trail journal. By making this public I hope to establish accountability for myself, as well as to share this journey with my family and friends. 3 months from today will be my start date, April 9th. This date is exactly six months from the day I got the AT call. More to come later how this opportunity unfolded at this time in my life. I am truly grateful.
Date: 2013-01-30
To: ...to journal or trail journal?
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I have been pondering whether or not to create a trail journal for a couple of weeks now. I like the idea and have enjoyed reading many others thoughts about their upcoming hike, and those that have already begun or completed their trek. I find it incredibly helpful and stress relieving to put thoughts onto paper, but to posting on a public domain raises some questions. Obviously I have decided to give it a go. For those that may read this you can expect nothing less then imperfection. When I write cards or letters I often close with a "P.S...card has not been re-read for grammatical errors or mistakes, I find this adds character." A justification of pure laziness is possible. I hope that through my entries I am able to help encourage someone else. It is also my hope that through the use of an online website I have developed some accountability for myself. Lastly, I hope to express myself without judgment from myself or concerns of what others may or may not be thinking. Happy Trails~
Date: 2013-01-30
To: Transitions
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Hiking the Appalachian Trail has not been a childhood dream of mine. Rather I stumbled across the idea just over three months ago when I was sitting in on a college class entitled 'Transitions'. The course uses William Bridges text, "Transitions, Making Sense of Life Changes", which takes readers through the three stages of any transition: The Ending, The Neutral Zone, and The New Beginning. In the American tradition there seem to be no tradition, no process to denote major life changes. At the same time other cultures have developed a 'Rite of Passage' or a ritual event that marks a person's transition from one status to another*. Thru hiking the Appalachian Trail will be serving as my 'Rite of passage.'...At the time of my course my professor's brother was finishing his thru hike...*I am not necessarily looking for a status change but an inward change, a change from the inside out. Personally, I am looking to do some soul searching, to be better connected with God's purpose for my life, and to possess the ability to be completely authentic. A struggle for me has been living in the moment. Mindfulness will be a skill I hope to practice with each mile I trudge toward Kkatahdin.
Date: 2013-01-30
To: Trail Name
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

One of my favorite things is learning what creative trail name one has adopted, or been given, and for what reason. As I become Springer bound I have not given much thought as to what my trail name would be. I knew or I thought I knew that I did not want to give myself my own name. However, after talking with others this may be a safer solution. My name is Jill and therefore I inherited the nicknames Jilly and Jilly Beans, or the not so famous, and less common, Jildo . The first two I prefer, and actually like. It somewhat describes the free spirited, happy-go-luck person that I like to be. These two options seemed like safe bets for me but I imagine them to be quite common to all the other Jill's or Jillian's out there. I recently moved back to Virginia, my home state after a hiatus in Indiana. A hiatus of about a decade. This decision made in an attempt to pursue my AT dreams, as well as to be closer to my family. Since moving back I have struggled with my breathing and to maintain control over my asthma. Due to a persistent need the use of an inhaler my sister cleverly suggested my trail name be, 'Huff and Puff'. I declined the suggestion.As silly as it sounds I am proposing my own trail name. The name Aviator and has no reference to air flight whatsoever. This name is a simple reference to the sunglasses I always wear, even when hiking. The dark large shades adequately protect my eyes from UV rays, are light in weight and fit snuggly. Hiking may be an inappropriate use for these glasses, but nevertheless they will accompany me on my trip. For now and unless someone comes up with a better name (this is very possible, as I am not particularly partial to it) Aviator it is!
Date: 2013-02-01
To: Me, myself and my aviator glasses
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I started an online trail journal a couple of days ago. I even decided to give myself the trail name Aviator and go with it. The name is a simple reference to the retro non-hiking sunglasses I always wear. I had an idea. Remember the 90's show, Home Improvement with Tim Allen. And remember the neighbor Wilson that never showed his entire face. In each episode and the many years the showed aired we never saw more then his upper nose and eyes. Most often his mouth was disguised by the backyard fence. What if in every picture I take along my AT journey I always have my aviator glasses on. Why? Well, why not. It may seem a little silly or plain stupid but it also could be fun, a mindless game I can play to distract thoughts of worry or concern. Let's face it, this is going to be tough and that is an understatement. In no way am I 100% confident that I will be able to complete my thru hike. Statistically speaking odds are not in my favor. But who cares about numbers. In my honest opinion their is only one thing that can defeat me, and that is my own mind. The power of thinking is an amazing tool but also a deadly one. It terrifies me. There have been many trials, tribulations and even celebrations that have led me to consider the AT. On of the biggest challenges of my past and present is depression. I do not want to disclose to much information, or become too personal in the public. However, I simply want to speak to the emotional challenge presented in this thru hike. This goes for anyone, depression or no depression. Physically, I can be in the best shape of my life and yet that is no match if my mind is ill equipped. So how do I become mentally fit? The answer is I do not know. At least I do not know the complete answer. What I do know is that I do not want to be defeated before I start. What I do know is that I do not want to look at this journey as a success or a failure. Life is not black and white, and it is not all or nothing. How do I accept this? How do I find the middle ground, the grey area, the space where I can show myself love and kindness. Love and kindness for just being. For now I will take things as they come. I will not worry about the future or fret about the past. Me, myself and my aviator glasses.
Date: 2013-02-04
To: Local hiking groups
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

When I came across the idea to hike the AT I was ignorant to ALL things hiking and backpacking. To this date I still have zero backpacking experience. Fret not, I have planned a couple overnight practice trips. One of the best ways for me to learn about this endeavor has been to join a local hiking group. This requires a fast trip with Google. Many groups are free to attend or ask for a small donation to join. Meetup is a great place to begin. The website happens is a large network of local groups. Here it easy for anyone to organize a local group (not just hiking) or find one already meeting face-to-face. This is also a great way to gain support for your trip.Among the different hiking groups I have joined I always feel welcomed. The people are diverse in personality, as well as in experience and ability. Individuals always seem enthusiast and willing to be of help. This past weekend I did a couple mini hikes. I completed a 7 mile up and back on Wintergreen mountain in Nelson County, Va. This was a beautiful hike with gorgeous scenery. The trail included stream crossings, rock hoping, waterfalls, icicles, and nice elevation gains. Sunday was a short 4 mile lope of Trimble mountain in Augusta County, Va. The small mountain included A narrow snowy path along the ridgeline with a steady climb. All and all the hikes were great! I do enjoy hiking alone for the solitude but it always great to be with good company. I believe that my AT experience will be enhanced by the relationships I form. Other then knee pain on the descent Saturday there were no problems. Knees are a source of concern as I approach the AT. Due to both overuse injuries and my inability to listen to my body my knees have been tortured. I believe the soreness this weekend was due to my lack of cardio activity during the previous week. Though my body may have needed rest, my IT band disagreed. I am trying not to stress over things that could prevent me from a thru hike. My knees will be an ongoing concern, but so will my ability to listen to my body. Thankfully their are many ways to prevent or decrease knee pain and/or discomfort. As they say, 'hike your own hike.'
Date: 2013-02-05
To: Books
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Here I will list recommended reading material which has fueled my Appalachian desires. Personally, I found the content educational, but even more so quite enjoyable. If you have other recommendations let me know in my guestbook. I will add to the list as the journey continues.'Appalachian Trials, A psychological and emotional guide to successfully thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail' by Zach Davis'AWOL on the Appalachian Trail' by David Miller'Becoming Odyssa: Adventures on the Appalachian Trail' by Jennifer Pharr Davis'46 Days' by Brew Davis'How to Hike the AT: The Nitty-Gritty Details of a Long-Distance Trek' by Michelle Ray'A Walk in the Woods' by Bill Bryson'WILD' by Cheryl Strayed (Pacific Crest Trail)I am eager to read the following, ones others have recommended; "A Walk For Sunshine" by Jeff Alt'Just Passin' Thru: A Vintage Store, the Appalachian Trail, and a Cast of Unforgettable Characters' by Winton Porter'Barefoot Sisters Southbound, The (Adventures on the Appalachian Trail)' by Lucy Letcher and Susan Letcher 'Barefoot Sisters Walking Home (Adventures on the Appalachian Trail') by Lucy Letcher and Susan Letcher
Date: 2013-02-07
To: Preparations
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

First, I would like to thank those who have read my journal and/or signed my guestbook. I appreciate the support, and for those that have left messages I will do my best to return them. Just over two months from my trail start date and I have a lot to do. I am feeling a little anxious at being so ill prepared. Thankfully, my credit card reset and I have a clean slate. Let the shopping begin. I still need to buy the big three items, pack, sleeping bag, tent or hammock. A couple of weeks ago I went to Rockfish Gap Outfitters here in Waynesboro and they were great. Me and my AT mentor, Knuckles (name I use for AT thru hiker Alumni) spent a couple of hours there. The staff are super friendly. We spent time asking questions, chatting about our hiking experiences, as well as, trying on and testing gear. I learned a lot in the short visit. I was fitted for packs and found the one that will be accompanying me on the AT. I also tested the sleeping bags to best determine my size and comfort. As for the sleeping bag and tent/hammock I am at a loss. With the first item I know what I want but I am having a hard time finding it in my price range. I am hoping to purchase a 0 degree down bag. However, I may have to settle for a 15 degree bag. I have come across the Kelty manufacture, does anyone have any feedback here? There prices are much lower, but as for the quality I am a bit skeptical. I am not comfortable being uncomfortable. And I hate being cold. I may have to break the bank, to ensure quality and comfort. When deciding on my new home I have been leaning towards a hammock. I was fortunate to try one out with a friend, 'Certain' who is also an AT alumni, class of 2008. These things are super comfortable and due to being suspended in the air there is little pressure on your joints. They are relatively easy to set up, though I have some apprehensions. I believe practice and more practice will ease these nerves. I am interested in what others think... Tent or hammock, and why? On a more positive note, I have a plan for getting to the trail. Thankfully, my twin sister is willing to drive me to Amicalola State Park in Dawsonville, GA. We plan to head south on the 7th. I will stay the night at the Len Foote Hike Inn followed by completion of the approach trail (8.4mi) on the 8th. On April 9th, the real journey will begin. This is a tentative plan as the lodging may change. It feels great to have a goal to focus on. It feels even better to be moving towards it. Again, thank you for reading and for your support. Time to do some more shopping.
Date: 2013-02-08
To: Hammock
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light intensity drizzle

I received a lot of great feedback from readers on my decision of hammock or tent? I think both have their advantages and disadvantages. After hours of my own research and taking the advice of others I made the purchase of a hammock. To be specific for all those gear enthusiast I bought the Warbonnet blackbird with the adjustable webbing suspension, and the Mamajamba w/panel pulls silnylontarp. I feel good about the purchase and have only heard good things about the Warbonnet. Thanks again for the great feedback I received via email and guestbook entries.