morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-06-24
From: Peck's shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

Pecks Corner shelter to Cosby Knob shelter. 13.4 miles. After a restless night's sleep I awoke to the scouts organizing efficiently. Dale is also hiking to Damascus and is trying to average 13 miles a day so maybe I'll see him for a bit. Dale and I hiked and talked for some time. He is another teacher. I am meeting many of them.The trail went up for quite some time but rambled through some beautiful forest. There were not many overlooks but the forest scenery was worth it. Today must have been social hour because I met many people who were going south. Some were section hiking one week or so per year. Others were hiking part of the Smokies. One couple made me slightly nervous. It had started raining and I had put on my gear. They were sitting on an uphill under a rhododendron tunnel. The man had some tattoos but had a strange hiking stick. It was a full length axe. I was very polite and gave them some information. They were looking for a place to set up their tent. I wasn't about to suggest to an axe wielding hiker that such a thing wasn't allowed. When I arrived at the shelter others had similar stories to tell. There are so many interesting people on the trail. I took some photos of some overlooks in the afternoon. One spot was of a plane crash long ago. The wreckage wasn't quite visible but the guidebook said it was there so it must be. The group at this shelter is great. Walkabout and Longhaul are wonderful people who have thru hiked before. Diesel and Mr. Freeze are vegans I met in Fontana. There are twins who are training to finish the triple crown. They've already thru hiked the AT and the PCT. there was great conversation all evening. Mr. Freeze even got the fire started in the fireplace - his first time!
Date: 2013-06-26
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

As I write this about yesterday I'm sitting here waiting the storm out with Longhaul playing a Bach piece on his guitar. He finishes and breaks into singing a song with Walkabout joining in. Priceless moments. Simple pleasures: sitting at a table eating breakfast with fellow travelers. Packing up and handing off the envelope with payment and being trusted as to what you used bought. Standing Bear Hostel gifted me with a warm morning experience. The trail went up for 5 miles. This took a lot of my energy. I tried putting on some poetry but light rain warranted putting the iPod away. My legs got slower and slower.In full raingear I passed by twin women taking care of the trail. Their white clothing evoked an ethereal mystique on my approach up Snowbird Mountain. The 70 year olds paused forMe to pass and greeted me with big grins. Hope is kept alive when you see people see caring for the community even into higher ages. I passed two young guys just packing up at the summit. They are trying to get to Maine but I don't think they are in a hurry. We leapfrogged for the rest of the day. I found a spot at a campsite that had a nice bench made out of logs. I paused to eat and continued on. The next hills found me plodding along at a slower pace. I came to Brown gap with the intention of camping but it was right at the junction of a couple roads. I got some water from a trickle of a spring and was surprised to see Walkabout, Longhaul and Buddy show up. We ate together and decided we were unsure about camping at a road. We decided to push up and over Max Patch to the next shelter. I was worried about my energy but the cheese I ate gave me a boost. Max Patch was beauteous. The rain clouds were swirling overhead during the long hike up the grassy bald. The mismatch of clouds and layers of mountains ( sunny in the distance) created a special view. We didn't stay long because we wanted to avoid the storm. The thunder and darkening sky was worrisome. The hike to the shelter wound its way through private and public land. Barbed wire fences delineated the boundaries. The walk-through gates reminded me of days gone by. The path followed a cascading river that beckoned me to take some photos. The shelter came up and I set up my tent for the night. This shelter has a picnic table with enough room for all of us to cook and eat together and then I'm in bed.
Date: 2013-06-28
From: Hot Springs - Elmer's Sunnybank Inn

To: Hot Springs - zero day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Sleeping in a bed out of the rain is one of those simple things that is easy to overlook. Following that up with waffles, strawberries and homemade granola for breakfast is even better. Life at Elmer's is good. Today resting my weary body and beat up feet. Laundry was first but it was a bit awkward sitting in my raingear while the clothes became clean, especially when there is motorcycle rally in town this weekend. Then I walked over to the outfitter and was so happy to find a natural food section. I stocked up on tofu jerky and sunflower seeds. Restocking blister care was also a priority. I came upon the Florida hikers I keep leapfrogging and talked before heading back to Elmer's. I came upon Walkabout and Longhaul with the family members who were driving them home. They are also staying at Elmer's. I spent the rest of the afternoon making calls, checking email and taking a nap. Luckily I was able to get my boots in from drying in the sun. Another storm is upon us today. I signed up for dinner at Elmer's. he said it will be a special 4 course meal that does't happen that often. I'm anticipating falling asleep with a very full and very satisfied stomach. Now if only the additional rain in the forecast would find a way to let me hike dry and only rain overnight. One can certainly dream. (It's amusing how the rain just picked up as I wrote this line. I guess some things aren't meant to happen.)
Date: 2013-06-29
From: Hot Springs - zero day

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 14.8

The vegetarian dinner last night at Elmer's was one to be remembered. Four courses, full table and hours of conversation. Things were awkward since there were a few different groups of people but the evening was enjoyable. I slept we'll with a full stomach. I packed up and left before breakfast. Walking through town at 8:30 and the motorcycle people were already setting up tables and displaying their bikes. The trail followed the French Broad River for awhile. I really felt the power of the river even at 20 feet away. The flat terrain was not to last and I headed up the side of a cliff. Yes, it was that steep. The next 5 or soiled continued to challenge me. I still am finding that rest days are great to recharge and see the sights but the day after my body doesn't work so well. I had to mentally push myself to make it up the climbs. After 9 miles I started feeling better but the wet of my shoes was now soaking through my socks. Wet feet turn into prunes and then they move differently in the boot. Soreness and hot spots are forming. I stopped and talked with Mahan and Dave. They are day hiking to train for hiking the Camino de Santiago. I met them at Elmer's dinner last night. We talked about social justice movements but then we both moved on in opposite directions. I reached the shelter that I was going to tent near and came upon a father and son. I talked with the son and heard the dad getting sick at the privy. My first encounter with what is probably the norovirus. This virus is rampant between Hot Springs and Erwin. I decided to move on and find a spot to camp between shelters. I found a spot that was to be at a junction with a trail leading to a water source. The trail was extremely overgrown. Smit showed up and we decided to move on and camp at the next sight with water even though it was by a road. With two of us we feel safer. The campsite is nice and right near a stream. There is also a store, Mom's, nearby. We both went over to check it out. The lady inside got up to show me around. There was only to fri t counter, a cooler and a small side counter. This is a true rural store. She was talkative and told me how her husbands mom ran the place until she passed away a few years ago. Now the store is called Moms in her honor. Similar to the obligation to stop at lemonade stands, I felt I needed to buy something. An orange crush was just right to have with dinner. With the tents set up Smit and I eat dinner. Despite the noise from the road we decide to go to bed early. As I type this up I'm listening to the footsteps if a large animal slowly work it's way down the hill towards us. I can't see it but its there. I tell myself that its just going to get a drink from the stream. Of course it will leave us alone. Just like the locals whose cars I gearing stopping and turning around by Moms store. It's another Appalachian Trail adventure.
Date: 2013-07-01
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night the rain came down. Within a couple minutes my tent was already filling with water running under it. I put my hand down and it was maybe an inch of waterbed. I put everything into my pack and ran to the shelter. The storm lasted most of the night. The morning brought blue skies and hopefulness. The forecast is 60% chance of storms. I got a but later start but was on the trail by 8:30. There is some rolling terrain that eventually turned into a long climb. I must have sweated out a couple if water bottles worth of water because when I came to a roadside creek I filled up and emptied a bottle. Continuing through somebody's property by climbing up and over the barbed wire fence via a few steps (sort of like a step ladder). The trail went up sharply and my pace slowed down. There was a beautiful cascading waterfall that I stopped by for a bit. Continuing up I kept pushing step by step. I came upon another scout troop once I topped the climb. They thought they had gone further than 3 miles but I knew the distance I had gone. They have a long day but it will be downhill for them. As for me, the trail went down at a gentle grade which was joy for my feet. This didn't last. Hogback ridge must be named for it's shape. The up and down continued long enough to further tire me out. I might stop at this shelter and rest before going up Big Bald. I found Smit at the shelter a d we thought it out. We tried to see about getting a ride to the cafe (3 miles more hiking and then 3 more on the road). The phone kept dropping the call so we decided to stay here. The darkening sky and sporadic thunder may have influenced the decision too. Dale showed up surprising us. He brought new conversation to the group. I'm glad that he is ok and on the trail. Tomorrow I might try to get to the cafe for breakfast and then hike up the big climb. I can stop just over the top at a shelter or move on to a campsite. From there is should be a straight run into Erwin.
Date: 2013-07-02
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Erwin - Uncle Johnny's Hostel
Miles today: 3.0

Waking through the night to listen to the storm drop water on the world, knock down trees, and mice exploring our packs I got little sleep. The morning rain enticed me to stay in bed linger than usual. The plan? To hike 3 miles to Sams Gap and try to get a ride to a diner 2.8 miles east. The reality turned out differently. The hike to SAMs Gap was up for a bit and then a perfect grade for fast hiking. Gentle downhill kept my speed up and my body warm. Smit, Dale and I caught up to each other at the gap. Standing in the cold breeze watching the storm roll in again we talked ourselves in to getting a ride to Erwin. Smit walked up to the highway to work his way to his sisters. Dale and I called a shuttle and made our way to Uncle Johnny's Hostel. Uncle Johnny is another interesting character. We got a cabin, showered and then set out to get food. Trisha, originally from Chile, joined us for a pizza ayce buffet. We stocked up at the IGA before shuttling back to the hostel. The forecast is for over 2 inches of rain over the next few days. Flash floods and storms are called for. I'm thinking of a zero day tomorrow and maybe another if the weather warrants it. The rest of the day was spent going through the mail drop and relaxing.
Date: 2013-07-03
From: Erwin - Uncle Johnny's Hostel

To: Erwin - zero day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Uncle Johnny's was filled up tonight so I shuttled over to a hotel for a zero day. I'm sitting in the lobby while my room is prepared. It's taking a long time. I'm wondering if it was really dirty or my room is at the end of the list. Rest days are difficult. It's hard to convince yourself that its ok to not hike. My body is used to hiking daily and it's hard to sit still. I know I need the rest so I'm doing my best. The hotel has wifi so I can update everything and check in with the world. Now my big dilemma is whether to hike in a predicted storm tomorrow through the water left behind by today's storm.
Date: 2013-07-04
To: Traveling Home
Miles today: 0.0

The decision to head home instead of continuing on to Damascus was thought about for some time. Constant periods of rain create an atmosphere of trying to get in miles instead of focusing on experiencing the hiking. I prefer tenting but the strong rains consistently drive me in to the shelters. My body is also looking for a break from the wet, overcast world. I will miss the trail and the experiences but they will be there in the future. I will miss traveling with the people I have met. Stryder, Walkabout, Longhaul, Buddy, Dale, the Rocket Twins, Smit, Three Wolves Howling, and so many others have brought depth to my experience.Grymm drove me over to Johnson City to catch the Greyhound. He is a hiker with a small business that is struggling. Not too many people are renting tubes to go down the river since it is running so high. Supporting him in the small way of a choice of shuttles is important. The Greyhound ticket agent was very helpful. He came around and gave me advice on securing my pack (load it myself, tighten all straps, hip belt reversed...). He pointed me to the Buffalo Street Diner for lunch. The place has reggae music setting the tone with paintings of various musicians on the wall. The owner served me himself. The veggie sandwich was a tasty treat. I recommend this place if you get to Johnson City. The exposed brick and chill atmosphere add to the ambiance. When the bus arrives we wait for the bags to be loaded. One of the wheelchair travelers is on a borrowed phone. He is asked to end the call and get on board but the talking continues. A loud woman's voice can be heard from the other end. His face crinkles in sadness... anger... or a mix of them. As he finally goes to board he mumbles, "don't go to prison or you'll lose your woman." they release us to board and I find a window seat. Our driver is Joe Brown and he is full of smiles. This should be an interesting experience. It seems fitting to be traveling in this bus. Listening to some mountain music as the mountains gradually fall behind. How many are out there hiking right now? It's so easy to forget that the world is moving on when you are focused on your daily mileage and elevation gain/loss. I didn't know that Nelson Mandela grew ill and now may pass away soon. He is a major shaper of our world. Similar to the forces that created these hills so long ago and are mostly forgotten, the foundations of the old roads are present yet unseen. Their wisdom is there is you but seek it. Following the old roads with an open spirit renews a sense of life. Is this how life was meant to be? Am I just a tourist viewing a snippet of reality? Finding the wisdom hidden beneath my life at home may fuel life growth. Sometimes the best hiding place is right beneath your awareness. An Appalachian Trail presence can also be found in the prairies of Illinois. This is the treasure if the trail.
Date: 2013-07-13
From: Monson, ME

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 0.0

We started our journey June 30th, from Mount Katahdin. And what a journey it has been! 114.5 miles so far. We have met a lot of great and interesting people on the trail. Popeye, Thorny, .COM and Queen have been so helpful. I call them my seasoned hikers. They have been very informative and real morale boosters! Grub is fun, and Arrowhead is a little out there but a decent guy. There are so many more. I wish the best of luck to all. The weather has been so so. My first climb above tree level and I couldn't see anything, it was so foggy and started to rain. A little bummed out, but Chairback and Barren Mountains made up for it by far! What an awesome feeling! Its like you are on top of the world. I was exhilarated! We were sitting on Chairback Mountain enjoying the view when I saw a black bear scamper across the ledges that I was standing on just 30 minutes before. What a thrill! Still looking forward to seeing a moose though. I know they are there, plenty of evidence of that. I am also still waiting for my "Trail Legs" to appear. LOL! We are not the greatest of shape, there has been a rough couple of days, but we did it. We are at Shaw's right now, we got here yesterday. The breakfast is fabulous! We have been laying low, taking a zero day. The town is quaint, 686 is the population. Walked thru the museum today, very neat history. Breakfast in the morning then hitting the trail, next stop Caratunk, ME to re-supply. Hope to attach pics in Caratunk. See you all!
Date: 2013-07-18
From: Caratunk, ME

To: Straton, ME
Miles today: 12.0

Arrived in Caratunk yesterday late afternoon. 14 miles. OMG! My feet were so sore. Still waiting for my trail legs. Any day now would be nice. We hiked past a Lean-to we had planned on staying at, it was only 11am. Too early to stop for the day. We received two packages, thank you brother Brian and friend Fran. All came in handy. We are at the Northern Outdoors Resort right now renting a tent-cabin. Not bad, river less than 100 feet from our door. We had a thunderstorm come thru last night. So much for the fire, but nice try Tophat. Maybe a re-do tonight. The food is good, Pinot Grigio is awesome. Glad we did the ten-cabin, a little more private. We went to the Sterling Inn to resupply. Nice place but glad we picked here.We have gone 151 miles so far. Only 130 more to get out of Maine. Yikes! But so anxious to see the White Mountains. Hopefully the weather works for us. Its very hot right now. 95 in the shade yesterday while we awaited a shuttle. About the same right now. Supposed to ran tomorrow and start cooling down after that. Met some more "interesting people" on the trail. Copperhead, if you are reading this, you are a trip! Had a lot of laughs that night at Horseshoe Caynon Lean-to. We will be crossing Kennebec River tomorrow, by ferry. Next stop is Straton. Still do not have access to download pics. Will try in Straton. Til then......
Date: 2013-07-23
From: Straton, ME

To: All the way!
Miles today: 11.0

Four days on the trail. Pierce Pond Lean-to was nice. It wasn't very far from the Northern Outdoors. One mile down the trail we got a canoe ride across the Kennebec River, (too dangerous to ford, deep and fast), then 4 miles more. Easy day. There was one campsite that really stuck out. Flagstaff Lake. The beach was small rocks, not easy to walk on after hiking 15 miles, (we have tender feet too). The swimming was great, awesome views of the mountains, which I kid you not, they were all around us. Got great pics of storm cloud over one mountain, but sun was shining and blue skies on both sides. Brian, I cant wait for you to see these pics. Still NO moose sightings. Hopefully by the time we get to Rangeley. Little Bigelow, 3200 ft in elevation. Not a bad climb. Just when I thought I was getting my trail legs, here comes Mount Bigelow and Avery Peak. These were the big ones we just went over. Over 4000 ft. each. Holy Moly! Going up wasn't too bad, it was coming down. Then we had Horn Mountain. I think that was only 3000 ft. Our knees were so sore, mine were ready to buckle, then we heard the sounds of Highway 27 just ahead. Put a little pep to our step for sure! Hot showers were not far away! Yippie! We are staying at the Stratton Motel/Hostel. Had a few drinks, steak dinner, (waited two hours for!!!!) and hanging outside with fellow hikers.
Date: 2013-07-29
From: Rangeley, ME

To: Grafton Notch, ME
Miles today: 195.0

We were more than ready to hit the trail when Sue dropped us off at the trail head. We hiked about 30 miles from Stratton to Rangeley. Lots of ups and downs. The weather has cooled down a lot. So cool I was no way getting in the water. The views were spectacular when the weather was clear. My favorite was Horn and Saddleback Mountain. It was more of hiking up Horn Mountain and the hike to Saddleback was on a ridgeline. Way cool! Weather was a "Misty Wind", and boy was it whipping! On the way down Saddleback the clouds started clearing and the views were just awesome. The night before was horrible. The wind was strong, I thought our tent was going to get blown of the platform at Redington Stream Campsite. But it was all worth it when we hiked Saddleback. We hiked to the trail head to Rangeley after some much needed lunch. It took over 40 minutes to hitch a ride into town. We stayed at The Gray Beast Hostel. The "Crew" was here! What a great time, just hanging out and chilling. Couple of beers and good laughs! Getting ready today to head back to the trail. Sending more stuff home, unwanted weight LOL! We have had a good time but I am more than ready to hike. Heading to Grafton Notch for next resupply. Til then.......
Date: 2013-03-25
To: Preparation #1
Miles today: 0.0

It's a little misleading to call this entry preparation #1 because the preparation began a long time ago. We are in the final stages of preparation right now. We leave for Amicolola State Park on Friday, March 29. I say we, because this journey also involves my husband, Jim. He will go by the trail name Flipper, a name he earned in the Army. He will try to tell you it's because of his swimming ability but don't believe him. It has more to do with his driving ability He will start out with me and will do sections along the way and provide lots of support.It will be interesting for him to be the one at home providing the support. He spent the first 28 years of our marriage in the Army and I was the support person. We are fortunate enough to live within a day of the trail for at least half of the trail so I will see him often. I don't have a trail name yet. I'm working on it. We spent the past weekend hiking and camping at Morrow Mountain State Park to do a final check of all our gear. We had a pretty good rain and had a very slight drip in our tent. So as I write I have a tent pitched in my family room waiting for seam seal to dry. Have checked the weather for the days we start and it looks great. Counting down the days until Friday!