morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-05
From: Springer Mtn Shelter

To: Hawk Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

I'm getting pretty sore. And these are the easy days! I'm just not in shape. I hardly slept last night. I was scared shitless. The wind was gusting something like 50mph, and I swear a bear walked by my tent. We'll see if I sleep before the sun comes up tomorrow. It turns out I forgot my license and debit card in Terry's car. He's going to look for it tonight and try to overnight it to Neel's Gap. I sure hope so. Another easy day tomorrow, just 8 miles. I've got to force myself to hold back and not get injured. I thought that getting out here would give me at least a better idea whether I can make it all the way, but I still have no clue. Still lots of hope.
Date: 2004-04-06
From: Hawk Mtn Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: clear sky

Good solid day of hiking with absolutely beautiful weather. I'm so spoiled so far. Tomorrow will be my longest day yet and I just got my first blister on my right pinky toe. I was thinking about achievement while I was hiking today. Just about how my greatest feelings of personal achievements were physical (e.g. Mountain Biking, kayaking, cross-country running). Activities that weren't "graded" or even told to people in some cases. Those are what matter the most to me. I'm sleeping better now. No nightmares last night.
Date: 2004-04-07
From: Gooch Mtn Shelter

To: Wood's Hold Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Rough day today. I might have pushed a little too hard for how hot it was. My stomach acted up on me and made for a "shitty" afternoon. Neels Gap tomorrow for some real food, rest, resupply and wreak removal. Soon I think I will camp by myself away from these crowded shelters. No bad people yet, just people.
Date: 2004-04-08
From: Wood's Hold Shelter

To: Walasi-Yi Center Hostel
Miles today: 4.1

Real easy day today, maybe too easy. I guess its a good rest, but I didn't need a lift in spirits. The AYCE restaurant was ok food. I ate too much. Talked to my mom today for the first time since last Friday (6 days) It's weird. I miss something but I'm not sure what. This isn't a real comfortable way to live. I miss the comforts and I miss my friends. I miss close connections with people. So far, everyone I met has been a friendly face, and a small talk chat. In some ways, none of my close friendships from home have worked out. I still value them, but I've left all of them, thinking I needed something more. Just too many questions.
Date: 2004-04-09
From: Walasi-Yi Center Hostel

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked all day with Mark (Trail Dawg) today. Really rough day, felt like a marathon. It would be nice if I could push for Trey Mt tomorrow, but 15 miles is a bitch. We'll see how early I wake up. Rain is inevitable any day now. Its been PERFECT weather so far. Triscuits and cheddar cheese are very good and remind me of VT. Hopefully I can hit a public library soon and see the messages people have left me.
Date: 2004-04-10
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mt
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: broken clouds

Longest day yet, but felt very smooth. I made awesome time. Right now I feel like I'm on top of the f"ing world. 4,430' in the air with a view in all directions. Had some great luck today too. Some trail angels had set up a BBQ at the bottom of the mtn. I ate brownies, chips, pickles, a hamburger and a hotdog, a coke, cookies, and hard boiled eggs. It was just what I needed, and the people there reminded me that tomorrow is Easter. I'm going to miss seeing the family this year. That, and a message from my Dad on my cell phone, prompted me to call home which was nice. Talked to all 3 of them. I'll see the rents in 12 days. I grabbed two eggs for Easter breakfast tomorrow. There's no place else in the world that I want to be.
Date: 2004-04-11
From: Tray Mt

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel
Miles today: 10.9

Arrived here thinking it would be full, but I was the only one! Gabby Art arrived a little later and we have the place to ourselves. Packed up in the pouring rain for the first time this morning. A very uneventful Easter, but I hardly even knew it was to begin with. Felt good to shower and eat my first "supersized" Dirty Mac's meal of my life. BIG breakfast tomorrow. I can't wait. It would be nice if there were more people to sit around and talk with, but wasn't it me who wrote I wanted to get away from these crowded shelters?
Date: 2004-04-12
From: Blueberry Patch Hostel

To: Plum Orchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: light rain

So I find myself in another crowded shelter, hehe There's 11 here now, with rumors of 5 more on the way. I stopped hiking very early mostly because of the pouring rain. I'm listening to a kid's last radio show on a college station around here. It's bringing back a lot of memories. He's playing songs off of Strongbad's album. I didn't even know he had an album but it's pretty funny stuff. I hope the next school I go to has a radio station. This one just said it's out of Clemson I believe. It gets pretty boring when you stop early. As it turns out, my trail guides fell out of my pack. Not a huge deal, but it still sucks. Breakfast at the Patch was awesome, a bit religious, but tasty. I thought Grace was never going to end and it took a lot of energy not to laugh at the bad Christian Rock in the background. They're great people though and they sure make killer pancakes. Tomorrow I'm going to hike over the line,leaving Georgia and entering North Carolina. A small milestone, but a milestone none the less.
Date: 2004-04-13
From: Plum Orchard Gap Shelter

To: who knows....
Miles today: 14.0

I decided to hike past the 2 shelters I went by today. They were crowded and cold. If I keep hiking, then I stay warm. Thermometer now (7pm) says 35 degrees. Its going to be a chilly one. There was drizzle all day, but the climb out of Bly gap wasn't as bad as I anticipated. I feel very fit and capable, I just don't want to push it and get injured. I'm in NC now, but it feels no different at all. Maybe I'll make Wallace Gap tomorrow. I'm estimating its about 17 miles. Should I set an alarm? Yes. OK, now its freezing rain/sleet and 31 degrees.
Date: 2004-04-14
From: who knows....

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

So I got snowed on pretty good last night. About 2 inches that drifted up to 8 around my tent. Woke up at 7 am to 20 degrees and very windy. My water froze solid so i hiked 2 miles to a stream to make my oatmeal. I hiked a lot of miles today. Hopefully, not too many. My hamstrings are killing me. I'm gonna take a day off tomorrow in Franklin to resupply. I can hear traffic....There's good company here. Pokey, Brett, Ashley, Jason and Amy. Not too talkative but good conversations. Looking forward to good food!
Date: 2004-04-16
From: Haven Motel

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: few clouds

Long walk from Wallace with a full stomach and a FULL pack. Never again will I pack a week's worth of food. Blisters are getting worse too. 6 days till I see my parents though. I found a gorgeous spot to camp up above the shelter. Great sunset, nice campfire, just pulled in real late.
Date: 2004-04-17
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Uphill from Nantahala River
Miles today: 13.5

I'm so exhausted. Extremely long downhill today and very hot. The Nantahala River was absolutely gorgeous. Cold and refreshing with lots of kayakers. Reminded me of how much I love rivers. Spent way too long there, about 2 hours. Got Ben and Jerry's and a Sprite. So good! I popped a big blister tonight. It's killing me now. Hope I did the right thing. Goodnight Starlight.
Date: 2004-04-18
From: Uphill from Nantahala River

To: Cory Gap
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

Tough day today. Lots of steep climbs. The climb up to Cheoah Bald was the hardest yet. Just very very long. (~8 miles) I was cursing like crazy at the trail blazers who didn't use switchbacks. I caught up to a big crowd of people too. Turns out they planned on camping here too. I don't like large crowds, but its nice for one night. Stickman ordered a new fly for his tent and is going to give me his old one! I just have to ride in on the shuttle with the crowd tomorrow. Maybe grab an ice cream and hitch out in the mid-afternoon. I knew there was a reason I was pushing so hard. I enter the Smokies tomorrow and the weather reports say another week of sunshine. Its hot but I can't complain.
Date: 2004-04-19
From: Cory Gap

To: Birch Spring Gap
Miles today: 15.8

An absolutely beautiful day. Got on the trail by 8 and into Fontana by 1. Ate a bag of Chex Mix, a large Powerade and a choco-taco. Nice stop. Glad I didn't pay to stay there. Went up Shuckstack Tower today. Very rickety and the roof didn't have any handrails. Insanely good view though. The dam was also a sight to see, and I'm glad it wasn't closed for National Security, cause hiking around it would suck. Met One-leg today the guy Meg told me about. Looks like I'm going to arrive early for the rendez-vous with the rents. Either go slow or call and tell them the 22nd instead. I'm going to try pancakes tomorrow morning for the first time. Wish me luck.
Date: 2004-04-20
From: Birch Spring Gap

To: Russel Field Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

What a crazy day. First, I was talked into hiking out to Gregory Bald which was really nice, but not worth the extra 5.4 miles. Oh wait, that was second. First was breakfast! I tried to make pancakes for the first time. HUGE disaster. Burned the bottoms till they were charcoal and the tops were still liquid. Choked down some of it, but had to bury the rest. And third, I forgot my knife at the last shelter and had to run back at 7:05 p.m. to get it. The book says its 2.5 miles, but it has to be at least 3. Took me 35 min there and 38 min back. Had to eat a second dinner, my stomach is still killing me. Only 7.9 miles were actual positive AT miles.
Date: 2004-04-21
From: Russel Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

I can't stop raving about this weather. Today couldn't have been any better. Lots of sun, warm with a cool breeze. Wouldn't want it any other way. Looks like rain tonight. Hopefully not too much. I'd like a nice view from Clingman''s tomorrow. Highest point on the whole trail! I couldn't get ahold of my parents, so looks like I've gotta do a 5 miler tomorrow to catch them on Friday. The one time my cell phone decides not to work. I was just worried about food, but this kid, Red, tossed me some trail mix and Ramen. Very generous of him. I should have enough now. Fun time tonight. Very humorous folks here. I am so hungry out here.....
Date: 2004-04-22
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: light rain

I dropped my fleece today after Clingman's Dome and had to hike 3 miles back up the trail to get it. I have to stop doing that! Its turning my short days into stressful long days. Today was the highest point on the trip, elevation wise. I made a cool video up top. Hopefully I can get it posted on my website tomorrow. The Dome is 6,643' in the air. It was nice, but not as breathtaking as the Whites will be. Lots of dumb tourists with lots of dumb questions up there. 7 days has been a looong time to go without good food and a shower. Predicted thunderstorms tonight/tomorrow. Might make for an interesting walk out. I want cheesecake!!
Date: 2004-04-23
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

Parents picked me up, too busy stuffing my face to write.Parents footnote:   Stuff his face, he did!! I was amazed at the amount of food he consumed. It was wonderful seeing him in person; his sweaty, dirt-tinged face with a smell only a mother could love. Didn't stop me from giving him a hug! Felt good about what we accomplished for and with him in 24 hrs. Wish it was longer. One of the hardest good-byes I've said. Providing some trail magic for a section hiker who needed a new sleeping pad helped take the edge off. He was right about the celebrity status of thru hikers. After he disappeared down the trail, we found ourselves in the company of curious strangers who had lots of questions. It wasn't so bad really. One mother's comforting words helped with the separation. For now, its journal entries and message board postings until he gets close enough for another rendez-vous.
Date: 2004-04-24
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

What a great time yesterday. Easily met my parents and spent the night and morning frantically trying to get everything done. Ate too much to even write about. The crazy part is I weighed myself and gained 5 lbs since I started! Let's hope I can keep it on. It was a nice break from the trail but I hated the craziness of town. Everything happens so slowly on the trail and everything is so quiet. In some ways, I'm scared I'll get "addicted" to this trail life. I still want to be able to go back and enjoy living around people. Being out here makes me realize how insignificant all of life's daily stresses are. Its great to truely have no worries.
Date: 2004-04-25
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosy Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Three weeks ago today I started hiking. I haven't taken a zero day yet. So far this has been a great time, and despite the fact I've never worked this hard in my life, it feels like I'm on a vacation. I spoke with a guy named Sal Paradise about his hike. He's putting in as many miles as possible and feels that it's all about the destination. On the other hand, Stickman is out here because the first time he thru-hiked, was the best 6 months of his life. Am I out here to enjoy these 6 months or do I just want the feeling of accomplishment on Katahdin at the end? Will I get both? Time will tell. Until then, its pouring rain right now. Let's hope this new tent fly keeps out the water. Tomorrow I leave the Smoky Mountains. I'm going to miss the breathtaking views, but as Frost put it, "Nothing gold can stay".
Date: 2004-04-26
From: Cosy Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: moderate rain

Incredibly wet night and day. First time my feet have been completely saturated. Tent didn't hold up too well,either. The bottom seam basically sucked water in and the fly let a lot of water through. We'll see what I can do about it. I got talked into staying at this place by Swan. She even tried to pay for me, but I talked her into only giving me $5 towards it, which was very sweet of her. There were a lot of people here, a nice fire, and great facilities. Had my first beer of the trip. Ben gave me a PBR. Ski team's over and I still can't get away from that stuff, haha!
Date: 2004-04-27
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Max Patch
Miles today: 13.6

It's so cold! This weather can't make up its mind. It's either too hot or too cold. Right now it's 40 degreees and very windy. Let's hope it doesn't get much colder because I gave my sleeping bag liner to my parents to take home. I called Sierra Designs this morning and they're sending me a new fly for my tent, so that worked out awesome. Slept pretty late this morning and took forever to get packed up, but Red made me a 4 egg omelet! It was incredible. Kinda long day tomorrow, especially cause my shin really started to hurt today. Sharp pains on the front of my shin down near my ankle. Took lots of ibuprofen. Hopefully, it's a passing pain. I'll have a good rest in Hot Springs to clear it up.
Date: 2004-04-28
From: Max Patch

To: Deer Park Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: clear sky

What an absolutley perfect day today. 65 degrees, slight breeze, no clouds, and zero humidity. Good trail too. And my shin pain went away! So now only my arches hurt. Hopefully, the outfitter in Hot Springs will know about footwear. I can't wait to sit around and just loaf. Early start tomorrow to get in early enough for a big breakfast. Let's just hope I have money left when I leave town on Saturday.
Date: 2004-04-29
From: Deer Park Mtn Shelter

To: Elmer's in Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: broken clouds

Got up at 6 am to hike in for breakfast at the Smoky Mtn Diner. Stuffed myself full and then headed to find a place to stay. Ended up at this awesome "hostel" which is really just a hiker restaurant and inn. It's this giant, old, Victorian house built in the 1860's that Elmer runs. Red and Powder finger were going to the Merlfest Bluegrass festival, so they were looking to save money and do a work for stay. I need to save everywhere I can, so I decided to also. I did 3 hours of yard work to cover my night's stay. As of now, I will never do work for stay again. It was a gorgeous day and the work wasn't hard, but it's the principal of it. I busted my ass at 3 different jobs in VT to do this hike. Now's my time off, so I'm just going to spend the money I've got.
Date: 2004-04-30
From: Elmer's in Hot Springs

To: Elmer's
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

First zero day! And it was everything I thought it could be. Ate 8 waffles for breakfast this morning. The food here is really delicious. Elmer cooks up huge vegetarian feasts every night for the hikers. I stuffed myself painfully full last night because I didn't know there was a dessert coming too. Tonight I paced myself better, but still ate an inhuman amount of food. I stayed in bed late, sat around a lot. Did some small errands and used the library computers to touch base with home. I got to sit by the river and read Calvin and Hobbes comics for an hour or so. Had a great 3/4 lb. burger for lunch. I played a lot of guitar here and after dinner I beat Pippin in a great game of Chess. Then, at 10:30 a bunch of us went to go soak in the Hot Springs Spa. They are natural spring hot tubs. Picked up 3 paperback books for 25 cents a piece at the library. Overall, this has been the best town experience so far. Back on the trail tomorrow
Date: 2004-05-01
From: Elmer's

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

It was tough to drag myself away from Hot Springs this morning. Breakfast was scrambled eggs with broccoli and homemade biscuits with gravy. Then I got my first bounce box sent out to Damascus with books, body glide, and a battery charger. Lastly, had a quick lunch and hit the trail. It was a tough climb out of the river gorge fully packed, but it felt good to be back on the trail. Passed a bunch of slack packers. They can do what they want: I'm carrying my pack every inch of this trail!
Date: 2004-05-02
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

It rained nearly all day today. It prompted me to spend my 4th night in a shelter. Unfortunately, 20 people showed up here also. Good people, just really, really, cramped. Getting pretty cold out also. Upper 30's and very wet out. We'll see how I sleep tonight. Not much to say.......
Date: 2004-05-03
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept like shit last night. I can't sleep in shelters. Feels good to be back in my tent. It's been the same temperature all last night and all day, 40 degrees. I almost stopped at the last shelter because it was sleeting. I couldn't bring myself to only do 5.7 today, so I pushed on after lunch. Turns out it was a good choice, cause it only sleeted on and off for a couple of hours. Now that the fog has cleared, I bet it is going to be a bitter cold morning. Twenty miles tomorrow. If I get out early enough, it shouldn't be hard. I'm feeling a lot stronger now, and smelling a lot stronger too.
Date: 2004-05-04
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

One month anniversary of being on the trail and my first 20+ mile day. I sure felt it though. The bottoms of my feet are always killing me. I'm just hoping its something that will break-in and go away. It got down to 32 last night, but it didn't feel as cold as the morning before when everything was soaking wet. I'm resupplying in Erwin tomorrow. Hopefully, I won't get sucked in and can save some money by not staying the night. Only 5 other people here tonight. Finally outran the crowd, but its only a matter of time before I catch the next one. I made another "video journal" on top of Big Bald at lunch. It was the third ABSOLUTELY PERFECT day. Breathtaking 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains. So far, I still enjoy the hiking. It doesn't feel boring or laborious yet. Maybe it never will.
Date: 2004-05-05
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Nolichucky river
Miles today: 6.3

Happy Cinco de Mayo, and what a day it was. I'm sitting here writing at 2 AM on the banks of the Nolichucky River by campfire light. I'm blown away by how incredible these days are, the events that have led me here, and the people I have met. I'll write a longer entry tomorrow. For now, I'm going to bask in the moment.
Date: 2004-05-06
From: Nolichucky river

To: Curley Maple Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: scattered clouds

First shelter I've come to that was (and is) completely empty. Haven't seen another hiker all day. I guess they all left before me and pushed on for more miles. OK, so a full recap of yesterday. Got out to the road around 10:30. I thumbed a ride to a Pizza Plus lunch buffet from 3 local kayakers in a VW bus. I ate a bowl of salad, 9 pieces of pizza, and 4 Dr. Peppers. All of that for a grand total of $5.42!! American dollars!! Gotta love cheap southern food. After a quick run to the Dollar Store, I got a ride from a nice guy who lived in town. He drove me the 2 miles to the library. There, I updated my website and read my message board. Copied my journal and made a quick stop at the PO to send it home. Then I walked to the Food Lion to resupply. As I was packaging up all my food out front, (and finishing off a pint of Ben & Jerry's)an older woman came over and asked me to watch her dog that she had left on the roof of her car while she ran inside. She said, "I can trust you, you're one of those hiker types." Pretty random. By now, the day was getting on and I wanted to get back on the trail so I started walking with my thumb out. It was a mile and half before a couple in an F-350 dualie stopped and let me jump in the back. What a great feeling to cruise down the backroads of TN on a warm, sunny day in the back of a pick-up. When they dropped me off, I walked over to the hostel to see who was there and Daybreak said he saw one of my campshoes out in front of the Dollar Store. I checked my pack and low and behold, one had fallen off. The hostel (Uncle Johnny's) let me borrow a bike and I rode the 3 miles back to the store where my shoe was still sitting on the sidewalk. When I got back it was getting pretty late so I threw on the pack and decided to night hike. No sooner had I done that, and a whole crowd of people came down the trail. In the end, they talked me into staying and having pizza and beer with them at the Holiday Inn. Kip, Travis, Nightrider, Mooso, Red, Powderfinger, Pippin, Clayton, and I ate 11 large pizzas and a bunch of brews. So much fun to sit around, even get to watch some of King Pin on TV.   Around 1 am Pippin and I left to head back to Johnny's. I grabbed my pack and headed for the river to set up camp. I slept till 11 and read some Vonnegut by the river, took my time and mosied up these 4 miles. Plans have changed yet again, and I'm going to try night hiking tonight instead.