morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-11-10
From: Microtel, Franklin, North Carolina

To: Carter Gap Shelters
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

Waking up in a hotel room is vastly superior to waking up on the trail. Comforts abound. I woke up around 8:00 AM, got my breakfast from the hotel, took another shower (why not?), then leisurely got ready. The rest of my time in Franklin was spent doing chores -- laundry, getting my dog bite prescription filled, groceries, lunch, and etc. I got back on the highway [US Rte. 64 that runs all the way to the Outer Banks] around 1:00 PM with ten miles in front of me to the AT if I couldn't hitch a ride. I didn't even have my thumb out (I was at a weird intersection I was just trying to cross) when a station wagon with AT stickers plastered across the back stopped. A cute, older lady was the driver, and she gave me a ride all the way to Winding Stair Gap even though she hadn't been heading that way. We had a nice conversation about all of her section hiking as we climbed to the gap.The hiking today was smooth and, thankfully, uneventful. I had a great view from Albert Mountain, though for some reason the national forest has the hatch to the platform locked. At first, I thought I had simply lost too much upper body strength on my trip to open the hatch and was a bit relieved to debunk that thought by finding the lock. Just beyond Albert Mountain, I hit the 100-mile mark from Springer -- she's getting close. I arrived here a few minutes after dark using my headlamp. I didn't even see the old shelter and walked directly to the new(er) one. I am camped with a father / son team, the son of which is a marine home on a short leave. Georgia is on my mind tonight, the whole night through! Take me home, Ray Charles.
Date: 2012-11-11
From: Carter Gap Shelters

To: Non-designated campsite near US Rte. 76
Miles today: 23.2

Today started off with the last 5,000-footer on the AT, Standing Indian Mountain. Standing Indian can be seen a long way off, and the trail yesterday seemed to taunt me with the mountain as it loops all the way to the south then approaches going northwest. The trail, though, was well-graded and I stormed right up and over. Just shy of the summit, I had another dog rush at me excitedly from a campsite. The owner repeated the dog owner's mantra, "he won't bite you," but I shouted back, "oh yes he will!" I have the Augmentin in my pocket to prove it. Again, it's time to ban non-service dogs from the AT.After Standing Indian, it was a lot of small ups and downs to the Georgia border, with the exception of Courthouse Bald, which was a huffer. The border was marked by a small sign. I arrived at Plum Orchard Gap Shelter, the first in Georgia, but at that perfectly wrong time -- when it's too early quit and too late to make the next shelter. In the past I have tended to quit anyhow, but today I kept moving. A few ups and downs later, I find myself here at a rocky campsite on top of a windy ridge. The spring was way down the mountain and barely running, but I was able to get water. My only problem tonight is that I stubbed my big left toe for about the ten-thousandth time (for some reason, I have stubbed that toe repeatedly), and this time the pain didn't subside in a few minutes. But, I'll crawl, hobble, or whittle crutches at this point -- I'm going to Springer.
Date: 2012-11-12
From: Non-designated campsite near US Rte. 76

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: light rain

Last night turned extremely windy, especially where I was camped at the crest of a small ridge. I slept well, though. As last night was my last anticipated use of my rain-fly, tarp tent, I must say it worked well.My first stop of the day was at Dicks Gap, and I am glad I did not press on there last night as I did not see the supposed water source. The climb following Dicks Gap was tiring, not because of any one mountain, but because of the constant ups and downs. The fog settled in heavily along with a misty sort of rain that slowly absorbed into everything. I made it to Tray Mountain Shelter for lunch after a pretty stringent climb of that mountain. I had lunch with Starfish and Sherpa who, much to my surprise, were zeroing because of the rain. I couldn't imagine zeroing so close to Springer, but, as they explained, they had plenty of time to kill before their flight and bus ride, respectively. So, why hike on a crummy day?The challenge of the day was the roller coaster that followed Tray Mountain (another place more worthy of being called "The Roller Coaster" than the hills of Loudoun County in northern Virginia). It was down to Indian Grave Gap (-1,300'), up Rocky Mountain (+900'), down Rocky Mountain (-1,050'), and then back up here to Blue Mountain (+1,075'). I arrived here to find some section hikers had tarped-off the front of shelter, which turned out to be a great thing in the wind and rain this evening. The weather has been kicking, making it absolutely miserable outside of the shelter. Even just walking to the bear cables long enough to hang my food bag was a real chore.
Date: 2012-11-13
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Mountain Crossings Hostel, Neels Gap, Georgia
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: snow

After the rain last night, the temperature plummeted. By this morning it was downright frigid and the trees were filled with ice. I had trouble getting packed up as my hands kept losing dexterity. I am ashamed to say that I was on the verge of losing my composure. Fortunately, I warmed up as I walked, even if it took me all morning to truly get warm. The thick ice coating the trees, plants, and even spider webs started to fall in the wind as the temperature rebounded, which made it a lot like walking through the snow. The first several miles of the day were downhill or level. After Low Gap Shelter, however, the trail again became more typical up and down, even if pretty mild. There were nice views at Wildcat Mountain and at Cowrock Mountain. I arrived at this gap at around 3:40 PM. I could have easily made my original target, Blood Mountain Shelter, but my mind flashed back to the unpleasant start this morning. For $15, I was happy to stay, not to mention I could easily make-up the 2.4 miles tomorrow. Pirate, a trail legend and the man in charge of the hostel, made a great dinner consisting of salad, left-over spaghetti, and pork chop stew. I am the only guest, so I stuffed myself. I have been having a movie marathon tonight. Only 31 miles left! I am down to the thin miles, now.
Date: 2012-11-15
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Despite the excitement of today, I slept well last night. The rain on the shelter, the sound of which was exaggerated on the shelter's metal roof, lulled me off to sleep.This morning, the miles flew by. I guess I had a spring in my step, a light pack on my back (I was down to a bag of tropical mix dried fruit for food), and easy trail. The Army Rangers were at it again -- they had some of the gaps so chocked full of personnel and materiel that it was hard to find the trail amongst them. They were actually helpful in pointing the way, though. The trail bottomed out for the day near Three Forks, a scenic area with creeks lined with laurel. From there, it was a steady, fast-paced climb all the way to Springer's summit. The blazing is confusing in the area as the Benton MacKaye Trail is also blazed with white (even if diamonds) and the two trails intersect repeatedly. The fact that my trip was over really sunk in when I reached USFS 42, a road I had taken note of in my guidebook since the beginning of trip planning. I tried to take in every step as I walked the last mile south of USFS 42. It was all surreal. I really knew I was there when I hit the shelter trail, which I knew to be just 0.2 miles from the end. My last 1,000 or so feet. I had walked three times farther to get to springs. Then, there it was -- the famous rock with a plaque mounted on its front and a register holder on its side. Even though I was there by myself, I threw up my arms, threw my trekking pole, and shouted. I had several minutes on the summit alone to check out the view and write my thoughts in the register. A few minutes later, some day hikers came up from the Approach Trail, and a few minutes after them Anchor, who I had last seen at Mountain Harbour way back in Roan Mountain, finished his journey. We shared the moment, along with a 12-year-old bottle of Scotch he had carried from Helen, Georgia. Finally, my parents joined me on the summit, we took a few pictures, then headed back down to USFS 42. Anchor, who had planned to hike the Approach Trail, changed his mind and took my parents up on their offer for a ride to Amicalola Falls State Park. My parents are treating me to a night at the lodge.So, this is the end of my Southbound Appalachian Trail journey, and thereby this journal. There is a time and a season for everything under Heaven, and, fortunately and unfortunately, the season has passed for this adventure. It's been a great walk. I will never forget the past four months and however many days. I am very thankful to my fellow hikers, my trail angels, my supportive parents, my friends at home rooting me on, and to God for sustaining me over 2,184.2 miles. Until the next adventure....
Date: 2012-03-04
To: At it again...
Miles today: 0.0

Well here we go again, after four years of Springer Fever I am at it again. This time it won't be a full thru hike but a nice section. I know what is coming and I think that makes me even more excited. It all started as a simple ride for my two good friends to Springer. They are both going to attempt a thru hike this year, and I am so excited for them! But slowly the ride has turned into an overnight, a weekend, a week, and now I think it will be a Month long adventure. I mean what else do I have to do? So alas I am dropping my seasonal gig, and driving down to Springer with two amazing friends to once again begin the trek North. The AT experience never leaves you, it is always there, and you always want more. Here we go again...Sunbeam GA>ME 2008... GA>North 2012Living the Dream...again
Date: 2012-03-06
To: Why?
Miles today: 0.0

Why?Ever since I have graduated college I have tried to have at least one big adventure every year. Unlike our friends in Europe we like to work hard in the U.S. without giving ourselves enough time to relax. I would like to hope that if I died tomorrow I could say that I actually LIVED. So I choose to work hard, save up, and do really awesome stuff. So far I have lived in several new locations around the U.S., explored Africa, taught English in Southeast Asia, and of course hiked the AT. This year my calendar seemed a bit bare. So I asked myself "why not spend my "in between seasonal jobs" time hiking?"I will be a a budget for sure, using my tax refund to get me through. But I did fairly well on my thru hike so, I hope it will not be that much of an issue this time around. I have never been one for glitz and glamor, most of my gear is the same as last time. A few minor changes, but very little will be spent on new gear..I will be joining my friends Lisa and Michael. I met them both through our work as Environmental Educators and trip Leaders in the White Mountains. They are both solid folks who are easy going and love being outside. I really enjoy their company and will hopefully hike with them for as long as they will allow me to tag along. I know that this is their journey, I am just along for the ride. I am excited and fortunate to have such wonderful people to hike with. It is going to be a sweet adventure that is for sure!
Date: 2012-03-11
To: Four years ago...
Miles today: 0.0

¢One final paragraph of advice: do not burn yourselves out. Be as I am - a reluctant enthusiast....a part-time crusader, a half-hearted fanatic. Save the other half of yourselves and your lives for pleasure and adventure. It is not enough to fight for the land; it is even more important to enjoy it. While you can. While it¢s still here. So get out there and hunt and fish and mess around with your friends, ramble out yonder and explore the forests, climb the mountains, bag the peaks, run the rivers, breathe deep of that yet sweet and lucid air, sit quietly for a while and contemplate the precious stillness, the lovely, mysterious, and awesome space. Enjoy yourselves, keep your brain in your head and your head firmly attached to the body, the body active and alive, and I promise you this much; I promise you this one sweet victory over our enemies, over those desk-bound men and women with their hearts in a safe deposit box, and their eyes hypnotized by desk calculators. I promise you this; You will outlive the bastards.¢ Edward Abbey... and so I live by this, this day marking 4 years since I stood atop Springer Mountain... in a few weeks I will again be heading NorthI have slowly but surly been getting my things together, it should be easier the second time around right? Well now, here I go over thinking things again. Today my plan is to construct a rain skirt. I always find rain pants to warm, but the front of my legs always get wet, so here we go... will post a picture of how it turns out later.I talked to my mom the other day, while this plan has been brewing for a while... I still had not talked to her directly about it. She again is 100% supportive, she even added the same thought I have heard from many..."Well if you decide to keep going..." I am so blessed to have a supportive family, they have never second guessed my choices in life and for that I am very thankful.
Date: 2012-03-25
To: One Week...
Miles today: 0.0

So here I am a full week out from the kick off of this new adventure. I am excited, but at the same time I am not sure if it has really sunk in. While I gave work 3 weeks of notice, winter never really happened this year, so I was let go a whole week early. This should be good for getting my life in order, but of course the master of procrastination... I think I am going to go skiing instead. Haha, well that and hopefully head up to Lonesome Lake Hut, my old stomping grounds from last fall. I can't get enough of that place and the beautiful view of Franconia Ridge. I am once again going to let the trail put me into trail shape. There is something to be said for huffing up hills with 40lbs on your back.(that is if I can get my pack to stay under 40)Since this hike was kind of a spur of the moment decision, I am going to try to keep it as cheap as possible. I know what to expect and since my time frame is much shorter I hope to avoid excess zero and town days. Sure I will be lured into a big old bacon cheeseburger still a favorite even after all these years, but I hope to keep on keeping on as much as I can. I fear that this will separate me from Lisa and Michael, but I think that is okay too. I don't want to be a burden on their hike, after all I strongly believe in "Hiking Your Own Hike." I hope they have the best experience, I refuse to be one of those hikers who only talks about the glory days of their year. While all of those amazing folks will no doubt be on my mind, this is a new adventure and I am not better than anyone on that trail.As for my gear, I created a pretty sweet rain skirt. My first one is pretty long, but will be good for this time of year. I am going to make a new stove tomorrow. I tried to create a new can stove, but the tape I used to fix my error was actually more plastic than aluminum. Can you guess what happened? For new gear: I just need to buy a new bear rope*mine disappeared), aqua mira to treat my water, and some denatured alcohol for the stove and I am in business. I recently purchased some new bamboo hiking socks, I am not sure how they will be, but they are a brand I like a lot. I will keep you updated.So that is it, next Sunday Lisa and I will be on our way to Michael's house in NY. The following day we will begin our trek South. Hopefully putting us on Springer by April 4th. I am still not sure where I am hiking to, but I have no doubts this will be a memorable experience. The trail is home, and I am ready to return.
Date: 2012-04-04
To: Tomorrow...
Miles today: 0.0

After a slight delay (by way of exploring D.C. for an afternoon) we will be officially on the trail tomorrow. We had a great time for sure, got a little burned but we are all really excited to hit the trail tomorrow. I however packed my winter bag, unsure of the weather.... it is actually for realzy down right summer down here... eek. Charlotte--- AFSP tomorrow.
Date: 2012-04-05
From: Amicalola State Park

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Holy Cow, I've made it to the trail again. This whole adventure has been just that, an adventure. Lisa and I met in NH and continued on to NY to pick up Michael. From there we drove to Washington D.C. and stayed with Michael's friend Monica. After a tour of the city we were off to Charlotte, NC to stay with Lisa's friend Nate. We made it to Amicalola State park last night... we met up with Michael's god parents for a while, and eventually turned into the hiker shelter at the park.    This morning we got up fairly early, ran back to the car and started getting ourselves ready to hike. Finally after checking in and signing in we headed to the archway for some pictures. Around 9:45 we were finally on the trail. The weather was warm, but good for hiking. We all hiked the gazillion stairs on the approach trail and made it to the summit of Springer Mountain around 2:45. It was just as beautiful as I remembered. We saw a few families out for a day hike as well as several thru-hikers gearing up. John the ridgerunner was also there and gave us all little match books with the LNT principals on the back... our ticket to Maine Around 3ish we heard some thunder and decided it was time to head down. Since it was still early we decided to move on towards the next shelter... 2.8 official trail miles. We made it to Stover Creek Shelter, where we settled in. There were the usual hiker types there, the gear head, quiet folks, a group of women out drinking wine, soo fun but the atmosphere was full of excitement. I am so happy to be back in the woods, listening to all the random conversations around the campfire... there is no other place I'd rather be tonight.
Date: 2012-04-06
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

Well here we are again, another beautiful day on the trail. Today was long, but all in all okay. Compared to the last time out we have been cruising, it helps to have people around. Train hiking isn't al that bad. I got up around 7:30, as I heard lots of folks stirring. The moon was so bright, I didn't sleep so well, but felt well rested as I finally got up. Surprise, Surpise we were the last to leave the shelter. It was only 8:30, which was much better than my usual average. We made pretty good time to Hawk Mountain Shelter, after a quick snack break we were off. We passed my field where I got my name last time. Lisa took a photo, it was a little more foggy this time... but still just as beautiful. We ate lunch at Horse Gap in the rain, it started to get a little cold. I put my new rain skirt to use though. We kept on from there. We made it to the shelter around 4. The sun came out, and we hung out with a lot of the folks who were with us last night. I am excited for a good night sleep... and a full moon!
Date: 2012-04-07
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Lance Creek Campsite
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

Today was really chill, I found my hiking groove and kept on all day. After lolligaging at the shelter we left around 10:30... a bit late but that was okay too. We were headed to Lance Creek Campsite as the five miles after Jarrad Gap you need a bear can, due to a hungry bear. I people watched at Woody Gap, some fun cars and funny people made lunch really enjoyable. Big Cedar Mountain was a wonderful view, Lisa, Michael and I sat for a bit... Got to the campsite and found tent city... we've decided that this part of the trail is a bit like Occupy the AT... Good company tonight, and a stellar Bear Bagging by us... using the sweet PCT Method... I think I am a big fan.Sweet Dreams...
Date: 2012-04-08
From: Lance Creek Campsite

To: Bull Gap
Miles today: 8.6

Woke up fairly early, a few bard owls last night. Woke up to the Easter Bunny handing out candy this morning. We are not really sure if she was real or not... where did she come from? Such a wonderful thing she did for us.. Thank you Easter Bunny.On the run to Neel's gap to resupply.  Ate an ice cream sandwich and a mr. pibb for lunch... we moved on as everyone else seemed to stay at the hostel.We might have actually gone farther than this... but due to our full bellies from Neel's Gap we were unsure of where we ended up. Michael, Lisa, and I found a sweet spot to camp. Ate a nice meal in quiet... and ready for bed.Good News, our food bags are hung high... and hopefully we will still have food in the morning.
Date: 2012-04-10
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cheese Factory Campsite
Miles today: 13.4

Last night Michael got his trailname... I woke up to him turning on his headlamp looking up and saying.. "There is poop everywhere.." Needless to say a family of Bats set up shop above him in the shelter... his new name is Guano... haha. So goodToday's Highlights... -The windy lunch at Blue Mt. Shelter-Getting to Unicoi Gap as it started to rain.-Watching the sun and the rain clouds fight...-The sun finally winnning.- TRAIL MAGIC via Freedom, Carefree, and Bert... Hotdogs, chips, brownies... and beer... and it just so happened to be at my destination for the night... A huge thank you to them, it was a great way to end my day... and will not be forgotten. - X, Wild Bill, Guano, Lisa, Tall Oaf, Beer Grilz, and myself journaling in the middle of the trail.- Another amazing day on the trail.
Date: 2012-04-12
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel
Miles today: 3.6

Last night I woke up to someones alarm around midnight. I looked at my watch to make sure it wasn't mine... it wasn't so I rolled over and tried to go back to sleep. I tossed and turned for a while and heard Lisa moving stuff around as if she was looking for something. I continued to try to drift off back to sleep... a while later it hit me... I roll over and say.. "Lisa it's Midnight... go back to sleep." Here she was packing everything up and getting ready to leave for the hike to the road... eek. Glad I stopped her, but man it's still pretty funny.   We got up a little after 6:30 ate a quick granola bar and hit the trail as the sun was coming up. It was chilly, maybe more so than the night before but the shelter kept the wind at bay. The sun was rising, and the alpineglow was beautiful. We continued on... it was a nice up down kind of hike for about 3ish miles. I made it to the road about 8:30... an hour before I needed to be there for the shuttle pick up. I joined X, the Tall Oaf, Wild Bill, The Detective, at the road crossing. There was also the sketchy truck driver I had been warned about in the shelter log, who was trying to give folks a ride to town. None of us did, and eventually he left. Lisa and Guano came down a bit later, they had hit up the Vista and cascade on the way down. Around 9:30 Gary showed up and wisked us off to the Blueberry Patch Hostel. What a lovely place, it was warm, and inviting. After a hot shower (it had been about 10 days) and cleaning up my gear a bit we were all pretty excited to get into town for an AYCE Buffet! It's almost heaven that is for sure. We are running some errands and will hopefully be playing a few card games tonight. It's nice to smell of clean laundry rather than BO. Hopefully soon we will be in North Carolina... Still loving it... one happy Beam.