morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-05-22
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter 
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: light rain

Note: For some reason there was no text for this, so going back to recreate.I believe I woke up early to cloudy skies, but was one of the last ones out. The trail gradually ascended, I caught up with Rick and Medicine Man pretty quickly. I didn't camel up on water before I left, so needed it by the time I got to Ash Gap. Unfortunately, this was one of the worst water sources so far - steep and far away, and was only a trickle. They must have waited half an hour for me!It was probably a good break, because next was Roan Mountain. The summit was about 1,000 feet up over a mile. But we just took the switchbacks slow and steady and had some good conversation. Medicine Man is actually a dentist who attempted a thru hike a few years ago. He made it as far as New Jersey but took about a week off at home and psychologically couldn't come back. The dangers of taking too much time off!At the summit was the ruins of a former hotel and a bit of a view. There was also a parking lot with trash cans and restrooms. Unfortunately everything was locked, opening in a week after Memorial Day. So we had to cathole it which was hard because it was so open, and basically had to tell all of the hikers coming by that they were closed - the bearers of bad news.After passing the Roan Knob Shelter, which is actually the highest on the AT, it gradually descended to Carver's Gap, although the trail was super rocky and annoying. There was a parking lot and lots of people at the gap, so I went up to some people and they agreed to take my trash. Amazing how much I accumulated in just a couple days!We found a nice rock with a view to have lunch. I walked most of the rest of the day with Braino. He actually started a few weeks before me, but had some foot issues. Hopefully now he has the right shoe. He is an interesting guy - construction worker and dune buggy competitor from Perth who also was vegan for a while.The last few miles to the shelter seemed to drag on, but we finally made it to the turnoff. The Overmountain Shelter is unique on the AT as it is actually an old barn that overlooks a valley. The view is great, plus there is room for at least 20 people. The privy is not covered, but is a throne that is "bedazzled" with sequins. I've been here before and knew how awesome it was, so made sure to time accordingly.Not but 10 minutes after arriving, it started to thunderstorm. Braino still wanted to tent, but considering the nice dry view I was staying put. Last time it rained too, and you can see the clouds roll through the valley. It filled up pretty quickly, but there was room for everyone. Including some younger (maybe right out of high school) hikers from trail days like Sir Bags and Joan of Arc.Also, I started on April 22nd so happy "Monthiversary" to me!
Date: 2018-05-23
From: Overmountain Shelter 

To: Mountain Harbor Hostel
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: light rain

Woke up around 6 to rain. There was a bit of a view of the sunrise from the shelter before the fog rolled in. Most people were taking there time getting up, but I was actually out by 7:30. I had been thinking about making hot oatmeal, but it wasn¢t that cold so I did the usual cold soak.Little Hump and Big Hump mountains can have great views as they are exposed balds. Unfortunately, it was foggy and rainy so I could barely see ten feet in front of me. Glad we got the views yesterday. Braino passed me and I thought was way ahead, but when I got a clear look he was only feet away. I fell about four times on the mud or wet rocks, but usually backwards on my pack and nothing too serious.Finally once we got below the tree line the clouds parted and the sun came out! Of course once there were no views. Rick caught up and we hiked easily down to Hwy 19 east together. There is a hostel about a quarter mile down called Mountain Harbor that has a resupply, etc.Right at the road we saw Braino getting in a truck that said free shuttle, but we wanted to walk the quarter mile to the hostel. On the way a car stopped and asked us if we wanted a ride. The driver was the owner of another 2 properties... one a quiet hostel/b&b and the other more of a dirty party place. The quiet one was only 30 bucks for a private room and included laundry, but I wanted to see what was going on at the close one so took a card.We got to Mountain Harbor around noon, and were the first new arrivals there¢s except for Braino. He said he had a weird experience where the driver of the shuttle amd the hostel owner got into a big shouting argument. Sounds like there is some bad blood/rivalry between the hostels.Since it was early yet, I wpasn¢t sure if I wanted to stay and do a half day or go on. My feet weren¢t bad and the weather was good, but still wanted to air things out and not in a hurry. I got a few snacks and learned they didn¢t have any bunk rooms open, only tenting for $10 or fancy b&b for $150. I haven¢t been a big fan of camping at hostels since you can just go back to the trail and do it for free, but then they brought homemade pie and pastries and I ate so much. Think I¢m starting to get the hiker hunger!So I arranged for a tent spot, which are nice right on a creek but a bit of a walk from the barn. I quickly set up my tent, showered and started my laundry before anyone else came. They had two nice showers and the bunk rooms were really nice, almost wish I made a reservation!More and more people started coming in, including a bunch from the shelter last night like Medicine Man, Trail Dad (Jode), etc. The special was Rueben so had one of those and a really fun group showed up that have all been hiking together. We all put our feet in the creek and enjoyed the sun, which was nice. Around 5 we shuttled to the convenience store for beers and sat by the creek drinking them. I got a salad for dinner and finally got full! Overall it was a very relaxing day and even though it¢s been over a week straight of days that have rained, the afternoon was lovely.
Date: 2018-05-25
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Boots Off Hostel
Miles today: 16.0

Woke up around 6 and got out around 7:30 with Braino. The first few miles were pretty easy and knocked them out quickly. We then followed along the Laurel Fork River which had some cool narrow rock formations. After some steep up and down rock steps, we got to Laurel Falls which is one of the biggest on the trail.After early lunch and foot soak, we continued on the trail which was basically cut into the side of a big rock. It was nice to mix it up. The trail then split.., the AT went up and there was a side trail to Franklin. Some people take the blue blaze a half mile into town and then hitch to a later spot on the trail to skip the mountain. Even though I needed to go to town, we continued up the mountain. Raccoon joined us, have seen him a few times before and he is a bit chatty but made the time go quickly.We soon learned why many people skip this part. It was one of the steepest and longest climbs in a while and had no rewarding view at the top. However, it was a great feeling finishing it and the downhill wasn¢t too steep so easy on the knees.At the bottom of the hill was a road and a hostel right there. Considering I just stayed at Mountain Harbor and Erwin, wasn¢t necessarily looking to spend the night. But I needed to go to town, and there weren¢t really many campsites in the next few miles anyway. The next shelter was closed and apparently this is one of the highest areas of bear activity. I was hoping for a bunk room because it was supposed to rain and there bunkhouse is nice (each bed has private light, outlet, and curtain) but all were full. So Braino and I got tent sites and set up before the rain. Unfortunately the were on a hill and all dirt so will be messy if it does rain.The place overall was pretty cool, the showers were pipes that filled a bucket with holes above you. And they had kayaks to rent, Lake Watauga was only a few minutes away. Conor was sitting when I came in, he is hanging around the area because his girlfriend is driving down to meet him.The shuttle to town (Hampton, TN) left at 6. Unfortunately the grocery store was closed, so I went to Subway and got a sandwich with all the veggies! My plan was to get a foot long and save half for lunch, but ate it all right there. Picked up beer at the gas station and toiletries from the dollar store and the shuttle was ready to come back.We sat around drinking beers, it was Nikki¢s last day before going back to Australia so it was sad. One of the workers started a huge bonfire, which was weird to us since we usually have small fires. Then they said apparently still have to hang bear bags even though we are near a road and there are lots of people and a fence. But they let us put them in the kitchen which was nice. I was up until almost 11 that is even later than before the trail! Braino came back from the fire and said apparently our tent site had been visited by bears the last couple nights. I think the owners ended up walking around with flashlights and dogs pretty late.
Date: 2018-05-26
From: Boots Off Hostel

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up at 6 luckily to no bear visits and dry weather. But the sky looked threatening so I packed my tent as quickly as possible and just beat the rain.The hostel had continental breakfast of fruit, cereal, and donuts. Which doesn¢t sound much, but it¢s felt like so long since I¢ve had cereal with milk, one of my most common breakfasts in ¢normal life¢.When we finished getting ready the weather was still bad but Braino and I left anyway. First ones out except for Sir Bags/Joan of Arc. It sounded like people were waiting around for the rain to let up (which could take hours) or maybe even zeroing. I am no fan of the rain, but if I never hiked in bad weather I wouldn¢t get too far on the AT.The beginning of the trail was supposed to follow along Watauga Lake, but there was a reroute due to flooding. It sounds like some people tried the original trail anyway, but it was pretty bad and they had to bail.The trail then crossed the Watauga dam and followed a road. Which would have been great if we had views and weren¢t super exposed to the rain!It poured basically the next four hours, which were uphill and not easy. Since I was warm, I didn¢t put on my rain jacket or skirt.We finally got to a shelter around 11:30 for lunch. There were a couple families there, I forgot it was a holiday weekend. It started getting really cold, so finally put on my jacket.About an hour later the rain stopped and finally warmed up. We got to Iron Mountain Shelter pretty early, it was only 3pm. Had a snack and were talking about going on, but the campsites were really good and we had already done sixteen miles so just set up camp.Mike came by a bit later, as did a sectioner. We all set up our tents really far apart, but no one else really came so probably should have done closer given the recent bear activity. We heard someone got attacked around here last night, but doubt the story.Overall I was pretty miserable most of the day, but glad I did it and that the evening was clear.
Date: 2018-05-29
From: Woodchuck Hostel, Damascus

To: Hassinger Bridge 
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: light rain

Since I had eaten so much so late last night I had stomach issues in trouble falling asleep. Also woke up numerous times, so did not get a good nights sleep. Finally got up around 6:30 where Chuck and Critter were making breakfast. It was delicious blueberry waffles, fruit, eggs, and cereal. I had seconds of everything, plus some more fruit I picked up at the store!Cleaned up and took care of a bunch of errands in the morning- post office twice, dollar store, outfitter, and library. I was able to switch out some of my heavier winter gear, so my bag should be lighter and smaller. And the library actually had working computers which made uploading photos a breeze!I met Braino for lunch at a cafe, and Juice stopped by and joined us.It had been dry and partly sunny all morning, but as soon as we were ready to head out it started raining of course. Braino bought too much food so his pack was really heavy, and we were kind of slow getting out. We even talked about zeroing, but had rushed to get everything done and didn¢t want to be lame. Walking out of town we passed an ice cream place that sold Damascus Brewery beer. It was sooo tempting but we resisted. Later Braino said that if I hadn¢t been there, he probably would have stopped and end up zeroing.After a bit, the trail split; the AT went up the mountain and the Virginia Creeper Trail stayed straight. I am no purist (need to do every white blaze) and we had heard the Creeper was much prettier so we stayed on it. Peer pressure. Since it a bike trail, it was flat and smooth and followed along a river. It was like a dream not having to navigate over wet rocks and through six inches of mud. Even though we didn¢t start until one, did about ten miles in a few hours. There was a little sign for a cafe, so we stopped to check it out. Was a real hidden gem dive diner; their special was chocolate cake so I had to try it! We talked about how fun it would have been to zero and ride bikes on the Creeper Trail but oh well.The weather was only sprinkling, but was threatening more so we decided to look for spot for the night. There were dozens of campsites right along the river, but we read about one under a bridge that had a privy. I was skeptical, as most of the bridges we passed were only minimally off the ground. But we got to this huge memorial bridge that low and behold had lots of campsites. But the rain was starting to pick up, so we found less than flat sites that were protected right under the bridge! Unfortunately it was the other side of the river from the privy, but we set up anyway and were able to use the trestles as benches. The rain really picked up as we were finishing dinner, so rushed to our tents.
Date: 2018-05-30
From: Hassinger Bridge 

To: Wise Shelter 
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: light rain

Woke up a few times but was able to get back to sleep so finally got up around 6. Luckily it wasn¢t raining, and I was able to make a privy run to the other side of the bridge before we left at 8. We passed a few tents and realized one was Double O, so they camped pretty close to us.The morning was mostly uphill and foggy. It was so dark in some places, I was even thinking about turning on my headlamp. Buzzard Rock was exposed and supposed to have views, but it was so windy and foggy i had to dig my poles in the ground just to not get blown away! At least it wasn¢t raining.We stopped for a snack briefly after that in a gravel parking lot next to a road crossing. There was a car and a creepy van that looked deserted. The owner of the car walked by and we talked a bit about the van. When he left a guy came out of the van all offended we were calling it creepy. It almost looked like he was coming toward us to start something but went back inside. Whatever.A little bit later we came to a large road crossing with a privy and trash can. Even though foggy and cloudy, we had some slight views. There was a guy with his dog there, Flavortown, who apparently started hiking at 3:30am!A bit later Double O, Philly Crew, and Big Money showed up to eat as well. Just as Braino and I were starting to leave, minivan of old people drove up and asked me for a map. I directed them to the kiosk but thought ¢hmm, they are the ones who have a car, etc!¢! Another car pulled up right after them so I thought part of the same group. But it turns out they brought trail magic! Long story short it was a couple from Texas who had just visited their son who is thru hiking and had leftover sodas, chips, granola bars, etc. It was awesome!The rest of the afternoon was cloudy and foggy, which was unfortunate because it is a bunch of balds that have some of the best views on the trail. We debated only putting in 14 miles to a shelter and hope clearer in the morning but pressed on. There was a lot of horse and cow poop on the trail as the area is known for wild ponies.Finally we made it to one of the highlights of the day... mile 500! And it was right at an area that had friendly ponies that licked your hands! Not half a mile after that was ¢Fatman Squeeze¢, a narrow rock formation the trail goes through. So much awesomeness at once, too bad we didn¢t have the views! But at least it wasn¢t raining.Due to all the delays, we didn¢t make it to the shelter until almost 7 and the water was far away. It was starting to sprinkle with dark clouds coming so I was rushing to set up my tent, but luckily it passed.After we had set up tents and taken care of some chores, ponies came up! It was actually kind of annoying because we were trying to cook and they were getting in the way. Apparently they are also known for stealing trekking poles to lick the salt so will have to watch that.Didn¢t finish everything and get into my tent until almost 9, but that was perfect because that¢s when the rain really picked up!
Date: 2018-05-31
From: Wise Shelter 

To: Trimpi Shelter 
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: broken clouds

It rained on and off throughout the night. I woke up a few times and finally stayed awake at 4. I¢m not sure what it is the last couple weeks I keep waking up; maybe I am falling off my pad? Luckily I am not too tired during the day and still able to put in decent mileage. Excited to sleep in a real bed next town!We got out around 8 to partly sunny skies. The morning had some nice views along ridges; not as good as yesterday would have been, but somewhat made up for it. We were just a day early!I found the spot past Scales on the Crest Trail that Ezra and I camped on, but the view wasn¢t as great as I remembered.Every time we stopped for a break, the Philly Crew/Double O would arrive then Big Money and Otis. I think they will all be ahead after tomorrow, but hopefully will catch up at some point.We stopped at Hurricane Mountain Shelter for lunch and there was a nice creek there, so got to soak my feet AND dry out my rain fly. It was tough to leave, the afternoon was sunny but we were just in the forest the whole time. I will need to get used to the green tunnel ugh.The last few miles were rough and the lack of sleep was hitting me, but finally made it to Trimpi Shelter. Tracks and Rogue Cartographer were already staying in the shelter. Since it seemed like the sun would be out all day, I set up downhill in an area without great drainage and even debated putting on the rain fly.The Philly crew/Double O/Big Money/Otis showed up shortly later and we were all sitting around the picnic table cooking dinner when out of nowhere it got super dark. Not colder or windier and it was still dry, just really dark. I ran back to my tent and put everything inside just in case. A few minutes later it started raining, but then mellowed to just a sprinkle. Still, I think that marks over 16 days in a row that it rained at some point. Awesome.Since we made good time and got to the shelter by 5:30, it was nice to have a lot more time to take care of everything and I was in bed around 8!
Date: 2018-06-01
From: Trimpi Shelter 

To: Travel Inn Marion 
Miles today: 10.0

I slept pretty well, all the way until 5:30 when I heard someone¢s alarm. I was actually ready by 7 AM, but was waiting for Braino until about 7:30. We were hustling to catch the shuttle to town, so we ended up doing 10 miles in about three hours!When we got to the visitor center, there were a bunch of people waiting for the shuttle. Good thing we rushed, because it was supposed to come at 11:15 but I guess in the summer comes at 10:45. Boy, did we all smell bad! But it was nice that the town has a bus that goes all the way out to the trail.Most hikers were just going to resupply and get lunch, but we were staying so got dropped off at the motel. While a budget motel, it honestly isn¢t too bad.Once cleaned up, we took the bus into downtown. First stop was the post office. I was debating whether to bump my box with the new shoes or open it, but ultimately decided on the latter as my old ones are rubbing against my feet. I also had a care package that I had bumped from Damascus, but for some reason got rerouted back there and should come tomorrow. Which isn¢t a big deal, but I¢m not exactly sure what¢s in it so I can¢t go food shopping yet.Then we walked around a bit and went to a pub for a drink. They didn¢t have the best food, so went across the street where Braino got a steak he had been waiting for. We got a few more beers, and then ran into Braveheart is another Aussie section hiking and her friend from  Raleigh.After a few more drinks, we took a taxi to Walmart which was a fun experience with a knackered Australian.Finally got back to our motel around 9. It was a tough morning, but a nice afternoon. I really like Marion, it is a cute small town! Probably my favorite so far.
Date: 2018-06-03
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: Possum Creek
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up a few times during the night, and finally got up with Swedie Pie around 6. He was mad because mice got into the food bag he hung far from the shelter. I didn't get out until 8, after Swedie and Hummingbird.The morning was mostly sunny skies. A couple of miles in was an old one room schoolhouse, Lindamood. Now it is used for trail magic- a church leaves snacks/supplies in boxes and I think comes in and cooks every once in a while. There is also some fun artifacts like a list of "punishments" from the 1800s. It was flat and easy to the highway, where I met Ezra at The Barn Restaurant. He is the first friend that has met up with me, we had talked about Grayson but this is what worked schedule-wise. Which is probably better since it rained all of Grayson. Ezra joined Swedie Pie and me for breakfast (they have an all you can eat buffet but we were too early and it sounded gross) and brought me awesome produce and homemade jerky. The Barn let him park there, which was nice.Ezra, Julius (his dog) and I started around 11 and the first part was a flat scenic meadow. Unfortunately it turned into uphill in the woods and Ezra doesn¢t have trail legs so was a bit rough. I honestly didn¢t even consider this... how far I¢ve gotten with trail legs and the discrepancy with normal day hikers. I don¢t want to sound arrogant or condescending, and no offense to Ezra who is a fine casual hiker, just that thru hikers are at a completely different pace and endurance level than those without trail legs. I do want to hike with other friends but now it¢s almost hard for me to go that pace. Maybe without a pack and more views would be different because I wouldn¢t mind going slow.Most of the day was in the green tunnel, but did get some views from meadows. We didn¢t stop for lunch (a new concept for me!) and made it to our campsite around 6. Dark clouds had threatened, but we stayed dry hiking and setting up camp. The spot we picked was near a gravel lot/pavilion with a privy so we had a nice place to eat dinner and do our business.Just as we returned to our tents it started to rain, so it was great timing!