morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-11-05
From: Troutdale, Virginia

To: Troutdale, Virginia
Miles today: 0.0

11/05/2011Time:  DISTANCE TRAVELED:   0 Miles FROM/TO:  Nowhere! Took a zero-day and stayed right here in Troutdale, Virginia. WEATHER:  It was sunny today, but cold. MEALS:  I had a ham, egg, mushroom and cheese omelet, along with a Pepsi, for breakfast. For lunch, I had two hotdogs, fries, broccoli & cheese poppers, and a Pepsi. I snacked on cookies and Kool-Aid during the afternoon; and for dinner, I had a grilled chicken sandwich, mashed potatoes, green beans, applesauce, and two Pepsi¢s.  ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS:  Don¢t know ¢ didn¢t walk it today. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:  I¢m sleeping in the bunkhouse at the Troutdale Baptist Church Hostel again tonight. PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN:  I didn¢t hike today, but I did meet the staff at the restaurant/store here in town. ANIMALS SEEN:  I don¢t believe I¢ve seen any animals at all today. MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  I¢ve spent way too much money. Between the restaurant meals and tips, resupplies, and the cost of the hostel, I¢ve spent about $125. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:  Today I was just concerned with resting my leg and taking it easy. SPECIAL NOTES:  Food! I need more Food!  SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  I did ¢nada¢ all day long . . . except eat.
Date: 2011-11-06
From: Troutdale, Virginia

To: Thomas Knob Shelter, Virginia
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

11/06/2011Time: 7:00 p.m. DISTANCE TRAVELED:  21.0 Miles FROM/TO:  I hiked from the Troutdale, VA, trailhead to the Thomas Knob Shelter. WEATHER:  It was another sunny day, but cold. MEALS:  I had oatmeal and drank water for breakfast. For my first snack I had a Snickers bar and most of a 20 oz. Pepsi. When I stopped the second time, I finished the Pepsi, and ate a Baby Ruth candy bar. On my third break, I drank another 20 oz. Pepsi and ate a PayDay candy bar. For my dinner, I made two packages of Fiesta Sides Taco Rice, ate a Power Bar, and drank 40 ozs. of Gatorade. ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS:  Considering that the A.T. was mostly uphill, rocky and wet all day, it was still fast-moving with great views. In fact, the views were outstanding! SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:  I¢m sleeping on the main floor of the Thomas Knob Shelter tonight. PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN:  There were lots of people out today ¢ I saw at least twenty. I hiked for the most part alone, but I did catch up with Sundowner in the p.m. and walked into camp with him. Later, ManParty, Lush, and Gunther arrived at the shelter as well.  ANIMALS SEEN:  Today I saw the usual birds and squirrels, along with some dogs. I also saw a few wild horses.* MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  I spent about $3 for two Pepsi¢s on the way out of town this morning. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:  I really had no major concerns today ¢ just getting to the shelter. SPECIAL NOTES:  Nope ¢ none today. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  Well, I got up this morning and got myself fed before packing up my backpack. After cleaning my room, I walked to the store for some Pepsi for the Trail. When I paid for my drinks, the owner of the store offered me a ride to the trailhead. I, of course, said ¢Yes, please!¢ He dropped me off, and I started back on my trek. I was making good time when I walked up on Sundowner and hiked with him the rest of the day. We made camp, watched the sun go down over the mountains, ate dinner, started a fire in the pit, and relaxed. Now it¢s bedtime. Good night, my friends.   *         A herd of wild ponies roam freely in the Grayson Highlands State Park near Mt. Rogers.  An amusing read . . . An Open Letter to the Grayson Highlands Ponies, by Timothy McSweeney: http://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/an-open-letter-to-the-wild-ponies-of-grayson-highlands-state-park
Date: 2011-11-07
From: Thomas Knob Shelter, Virginia

To: Saunders Shelter, Virginia
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: clear sky

11/07/2011Time:   6:21 p.m.  DISTANCE TRAVELED:  18.6 Miles FROM/TO:  I hiked from the Thomas Knob Shelter to the Saunders Shelter. WEATHER:  Today it was sunny and cool ¢ pretty good for hiking. MEALS:  I had oatmeal, PB&J crackers, and Kool-Aid for breakfast. My first snack of the day was a Snickers bar, a PayDay, and water to drink; and my second snack was a Power Bar, a Baby Ruth candy bar, and Kool-Aid to drink. For dinner I had mashed potatoes with one package of ramen noodles mixed into it. I also drank 40 ozs. of Gatorade. ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS:  The Trail was more rocky than it¢s been in a while. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:  I¢m sleeping on the floor in the Saunders Shelter tonight.  PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN:  I hiked pretty much by myself, but at breaks and at the camp shelter, the group always met up . . . me, Sundowner, Lush and ManParty. No Gunther today, though. ANIMALS SEEN:   I saw birds and cows today, and more wild ponies.  MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  On the Trail all day, so I¢ve spent no money. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:  I was concerned about my body today, and it¢s usual ¢functions.¢ Normally, I only have to make a ¢pit stop¢ in the a.m. before I head out. Today, however, I¢ve had to make several pit stops. It not only slowed me down, but it¢s got me wondering if I¢m getting sick.   SPECIAL NOTES:  I¢ve only been back in the woods for two days, but I¢m really looking forward to getting into town tomorrow.  SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  My body woke me up early this morning to use the privy. I tried to go back to sleep just as everyone else was getting up, so I gave up on sleep, and just went about packing up my stuff. Before I even ate, the privy called once again. I finally had my breakfast, and headed out. About two miles down the trail, I had to dig my own little privy to use. At the three-mile-mark, there was a parking area with a privy, and I once again needed to avail myself of it. In another four miles or so, I had to dig another hole in the woods. Then, at the 12-mile-mark, where there was a shelter, nature called once again, and I used it¢s privy. From there I made it to the camp shelter. I sure hope that I¢ll be back to my norm by morning! If not, it¢s only another nine miles to town, and rest. Now that I¢ve shared my ¢shitty¢ day with you, I¢m going to read a bit before bed, so ¢Night, my friends. TTFN
Date: 2011-11-08
From: Saunders Shelter, Virginia

To: Damascus, Virginia
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: broken clouds

11/08/2011Time:     DISTANCE TRAVELED:  9.1 Miles FROM/TO:  I hiked from the Saunders Shelter into Damascus, Virginia. WEATHER:  It was cool today, but sunny. MEALS:  I started my day off with oatmeal to eat and Gatorade to drink. I snacked on a Baby Ruth and a Snickers before I got to town, and drank some Kool-Aid. In town, I had Chicken Fingers, Potato Wedges, Mozzarella Sticks, Chicken Nuggets, sodas and pizza. I also had a glass of red wine, a regular beer and a liter of grape-flavored bitch beer. ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS:  Both the Trail and the road into town were OK. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:  I¢m staying at Dave¢s Hostel. PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN:  I hiked into town with just me, and that was it. Later, the others I¢ve been hiking with also arrived. ANIMALS SEEN:  Really didn¢t see much of anything during the hike into town. MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  I¢ve saved nothing, I¢ve spent about $100 on lodging, food, resupply and laundry. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:  While I hiked I was just focused on making it into town for some R & R. SPECIAL NOTES:  Not feeling well on the Trail really sucks. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  Got up, got out, and when I got to town I ate and spent money. Oh Yeah! I also got me and my stuff cleaned up. That was about it for the day.
Date: 2011-11-09
From: Damascus, Virginia

To: Damascus, Virginia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

11/09/2011Time:        DISTANCE TRAVELED:  A big fat zero-day in Damascus, Virginia. FROM/TO:  I didn¢t hike today. Well, I did around town a bit, doing my errands. WEATHER:  When the sun was shining, it was very nice out. Altogether a very nice day, but rain is expected tomorrow morning. MEALS:  I ate everything in sight. I can¢t seem to satisfy my hunger. So let¢s see . . . I had a banana, an apple, two liters of ginger ale, and that was just throughout the morning. I also had eggs, bacon, biscuits with sausage gravy, Christmas Tree Cakes that tasted a lot like Twinkies, P.B.& J. in a wrap, Shrimp Alfredo, three glasses of wine, French fries and a hamburger. I also had some Pepsi¢s here and there throughout the day. ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS:  I hear that the first 15 miles out of Damascus are very nice.  I guess I¢ll find out in the morning. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:   I stayed another night at Dave¢s Place, a hostel in Damascus. I split the cost of a room with another hiker to save some money. PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN:   I didn¢t hike today, but The Captain, Columbus, Sundowner, Gunther, Man-Party and Lush are also here. ANIMALS SEEN:  Just saw homo-sapiens today.  MONEY SPENT OR SAVED: I spent another $10 on a bunk and $60 on food and drink. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY: My mind was on R&R. SPECIAL NOTES:  Hanging with a good group of hikers today. Today is Columbus¢ birthday. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  I got up and went to Cowboys for breakfast, then picked up some junk food from the Dollar General. I walked around town and stopped at the library where I used my Nook to play on the Internet. Later, I packed up my gear, and after everyone had finished their various errands and chores, we went to celebrate Columbus¢ birthday. After dinner we went back to the hostel where the party continued for everyone but me. I was feeling sick. I spent the night running to the bathroom. Sucked to be me.
Date: 2011-11-10
From: Damascus, Virginia

To: Iron Mountain Shelter, Tennessee
Miles today: 26.1
Weather: overcast clouds

11/10/2011Time: 6:02 p.m. DISTANCE TRAVELED:  26.1 miles FROM/TO:  I hiked from Damascus, Virginia to the Iron Mountain Shelter in Tennessee. WEATHER:  It was cold and wet. It rained most of the day and I got soaked. MEALS:  I had breakfast at Cowboys - two eggs, four slices of bacon, two biscuits with gravy and a Pepsi. For my first snack break I had a plain Snickers and an Almond Snickers. I also drank about sixteen ounces of the twenty oz. Pepsi I had with me. At my next break I finished off the rest of the first Pepsi and started another one. I also ate two Payday candy bars. For dinner, I mixed one pack of ramen noodles with a package of instant mashed potatoes, wrapped the mixture on tortillas, and ate it. Yum! I finished the Pepsi I had started earlier, and drank twenty ounces of Kool-Aid.  ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS:  The trail was wet due to the rain . . . Duh! It covered relatively easy terrain even with the rain. I made good time. I took some pictures. So, to say the least, today¢s hike was outstanding with some nice views. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:  I¢m spending the night in the Iron Mountain Shelter. The temps tonight are supposed to fall to 21 degrees. I¢ll see if my gear holds up. PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: I passed a father and son today, but for the most part I walked alone. ANIMALS SEEN:  I¢ve seen no animals to speak of today. MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  I spent $12 on breakfast this morning. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:  I was just worried about my miles today, but I did well, making 26 miles. I thought I might catch up with Columbus and The Captain, but didn¢t. SPECIAL NOTES:  Hmmmm . . . ?        It¢s damn cold;?        As I get closer to the end of my journey I am excited and sad at the same time;?        It¢s harder and harder to leave town each time I go into one; and?        I¢m soaking wet from head to toes ¢ all ten of ¢em. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  I got up feeling better this morning, and having a good breakfast helped. I used the new I-Pod my sister sent me, and it made the day go by faster. Thanks sissy.  I hiked alone. Gunther said he was walking out after lunch, but he hasn¢t made it to the shelter yet. I made good time, and was here by 4.30 p.m. It¢s too cold to do much, and it¢s getting colder fast. I called my mom and checked in while I was getting water, and I ate quickly before crawling into my sleeping bag.  I put a thermal blanket beneath my sleeping pad, and my sleeping bag on top of the pad. After all that, I put the tarp from my emergency shelter over everything. I¢m actually inside my sleeping bag as I write. Now I¢m off to read until eight p.m., then lights out.  Good night my friends. TTFN
Date: 2011-11-11
From: Iron Mountain Shelter, Tennessee

To: Dennis Cove, Tennessee
Miles today: 24.3

11/11/2011Time: 10:00 p.m. DISTANCE TRAVELED:  24.3 Miles FROM/TO:  I hiked from the Iron Mountain Shelter into Dennis Cove, TN. WEATHER:  The weather was very cold all day. MEALS:  I had two Honey Buns and water for breakfast. On my first break I had two candy bars, and on my second break I had another candy bar and 20 ozs. of flavored tea. For dinner in town, I had eight wings, chicken and mushroom Alfredo, spaghetti goulash, and Pepsi to drink, followed by ice cream. ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS:  The Trail was awesome! Even the big ass mountains I had to climb before the end of the day were good.  SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:  I slept in a bunk at the Kincora Hostel run by Bob Peoples.  PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN:  I hiked alone all day but when I got to Kincora I found that other hikers were also staying there who had just run into town. So I¢m bunking tonight with The Captain, Columbus, Scarecrow and Splake. ANIMALS SEEN:  I saw a few birds today, along with bugs, a bunny rabbit and homo-sapiens. MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  I spent $30 today, but will drop another $10 for the hostel in the morning. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:  Catching up with friends hiking in front of me had been on my mind at first, but then my focus changed to just getting someplace that I could dry my things and clean up - even if it meant cutting my day short by four miles. SPECIAL NOTES:   I was good to see Scarecrow (a/k/a Sponge) and Splake again. I hadn¢t seen them for a while. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  When I got up this morning, I was dry but the outside of my sleeping bag was soaked.  It¢s made of breathable material, and I had put a tarp over me last night to help keep me warm. The temperature got down below the 20 degrees at which my bag is rated, and it kept me dry and warm even though it got wet.  It was still pretty cold when I got up, so I ate quickly and headed out.  I had a few snacks throughout the day. There were some healthy climbs today, too, and I forgot myself a few times and cussed both the mountains and the folks who mark the Trail.   I passed a lot of water today.  I walked by a dam and a few good size streams, and I mustn¢t forget the waterfall that made some of the tough trail worth the climb.  I was tired and cold and wet, so I decided to get off the Trail, spend some money, and hit the hostel so I could dry everything out, including me, even though it would cut my day short by a few miles.  When I got to the hostel, no one was around, but there was a sign that said ¢Make yourself at home¢ so I found myself a bunk. I noticed that some of the other bunks had packs by them, but there were no hikers to be seen.  I put my stuff in the laundry, ordered some food, and took a shower. The other hikers arrived back from town and, to my surprise, they were the guys I was hoping to catch up with.  We all got caught up with each other on how our hikes have been going, and then off to bed I went.
Date: 2011-11-13
From: Mountaineer Shelter, Tennessee

To: Overmountain Shelter, NC/TN Border
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

14011/13/2011Time: 6:25 p.m. DISTANCE TRAVELED: 18 Miles FROM/TO: I hiked from the Mountaineer Shelter in Tennessee to the Overmountain Shelter along the North Carolina/Tennessee Border. WEATHER:  The day was overcast and cold . . . whenever I stopped moving I started shivering. MEALS:  I drank twenty ozs. of Kool-Aid and ate two Honey Buns and some Trail Mix for breakfast.  For my first snack, I drank twenty ozs. of sweet tea and ate peanut butter and jelly crackers; and when I stopped for my second break I downed two candy bars and drank water.  I had Potatoes AuGratin, the rest of my Trail Mix, and more (yay!) Kool-Aid. ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS: The trail was good today in spite of some steep uphill climbs the last nine miles of the day.  It kept me working. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:  I¢m sleeping on the second floor of the Overmountain Shelter tonight. It¢s a barn that¢s been converted into a shelter, and the wind blows right through it even though it¢s a dry space. PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN:  I hiked alone all day, but met up with the rest of the Fox Force guys at the shelter ¢ Columbus was feeling better and had caught up.  I came across nine other hikers on the trail today, and three weekend hikers are staying the night here as well.  Columbus, The Captain, Scarecrow, Splake, myself and the three weekend hikers talked for a while before making this place our home for the night. ANIMALS SEEN:  Just saw some birds and dogs today. MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  I¢ve not had any opportunity to spend money. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:   Today my major concern was simple, I just wanted to make my miles and stay warm. SPECIAL NOTES:  I find myself thinking about food all the time now. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  I got up, got myself fed, packed up my gear, and was hiking by 8:30 a.m.  I then I just walked and walked.  I made it to the shelter at 4:15 or so, and the rest of our crew rolled in sometime around 6:00.  I¢ve written my log, and now I plan to read a bit while trying to stay warm. It¢s very windy and cold, and this old barn is not much shelter from either. TTFN
Date: 2011-11-14
From: Overmountain Shelter, NC/TN Border

To: Greasy Creek Hostel, NC/TN Border
Miles today: 16.3

Log #14111/14/2011Time: DISTANCE TRAVELED: 16.3 Miles + .6 of a Mile FROM/TO:  I hiked from the Overmountain Shelter to the Greasy Creek Hostel in North Carolina, along the Tennessee/North Carolina state line. WEATHER:  It was cold most of the day. MEALS: I had oatmeal and Kool-Aid for breakfast. For my first snack I had a candy bar and water. For my second break I had a candy bar and water. For dinner I had a hamburger and cheese sticks with two glasses of wine. ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS:  Today there were big altitude changes, mostly uphill. The trail was in good condition, though, and for the most part, it was well-maintained.  SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:  I¢m sleeping tonight in the bunk house at the Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel. PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN: I met Connie, the owner of the hostel, and I hiked with each person of the Fox Force Five for a bit at one point or another today.  We all met up, though, before the day was done, and we hiked into the hostel together. ANIMALS SEEN:  I just saw the usual birds today along with a few huntin¢ dogs. MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  I haven¢t put out any money today, but I¢ll be looking at a bill come morning. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:   I didn¢t think the group could make the twenty-three miles we planned to do day. I, for one, was tired, after all those uphill¢s. SPECIAL NOTES:  Nope, none, nada. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  I got up, ate, got myself together, and then waited for the group to start moving. We hiked in pairs on and off all day. When we all gathered again at the last shelter before the hostel, where we would have started the last 9.9 mile leg of our planned 23-mile hike, we all voted to head to the hostel instead. If we had hiked those last 9.9 miles, we wouldn¢t have made camp until some time after 8:30 . . . in the dark. I was not only tired, but I¢m not fond of night hiking.
Date: 2011-11-15
From: Greasy Creek Hostel, NC/TN Border

To: Cherry Gap Shelter, NC/TN Border
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

14211/15/2011Time: 9:18 p.m. DISTANCE TRAVELED:  7.2 Miles FROM/TO:  I hiked from the Greasy Creek Hostel in North Carolina to the Cherry Gap Shelter along the North Carolina/Tennessee border. WEATHER:  It rained on and off all morning and, even though the rain stopped in the afternoon, it remained cloudy. Then, around 6 p.m., a light drizzle started that lasted throughout the evening and for the rest of the night. MEALS:  I washed down two Honey Buns and a candy bar with 40 ozs. of Kool-Aid, and called it breakfast.  Later, I ate two candy bars and drank two cokes and called that lunch. Then I ate dinner at a Golden Corral, and I ate so much I think I hurt myself! ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS:  What can I say . . . It was Awesome! SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:   I sleeping inside the Cherry Gap Shelter. PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN:  I hiked with The Captain and when we arrived at camp the rest of the Fox Force Five were there. I finally got to meet Periwinkle, who was also there. ANIMALS SEEN:  Didn¢t see any animals to speak of today. MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  I spent money today on food, last night¢s lodging at the hostel, and a new sleeping bag, about two hundred dollars altogether. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:    I was initially concerned about getting back on the trail because it seemed like the start of the day was dragging, but it turned out to be a great day. SPECIAL NOTES:  Apple Cinnamon Moonshine rocks, but getting a group to agree and stick to a plan sucks.. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:   I was awakened early this morning by some asshole yelling his fool head off while shining a bright light at the bunk house.  I laid in bed for a couple more hours, but finally just got up and checked my Facebook account and my e-mail. Then I ate and waited for the others to get up so we could make plans for the day. We ended up watching a movie, before The Captain and I headed out, leaving the others behind.  We hiked about four miles before running into the hostel owner, Connie, who picked us up and took us into town. There, I picked up a new sleeping bag and looked at shoes. We had dinner at the Golden Corral, then picked up some Apple Cinnamon Moonshine before we left. We were then dropped off just a little after 7 p.m., in the rain, to walk the last 3.2 miles into camp. At the shelter, we all enjoyed that Moonshine, before I wrote this log entry. Now it¢s off to bed with me.
Date: 2011-11-16
From: Cherry Gap Shelter, NC/TN Border

To: Erwin, Tennessee
Miles today: 18.0

14311/16/2011Time:  10:00 p.m. DISTANCE TRAVELED:  18 Miles FROM/TO:  I hiked from the Cherry Gap Shelter into Erwin, Tennessee. WEATHER:  It rained on and off all day . . . so I¢d say it was just wet. MEALS:   I had a pouch of dry oatmeal along with 10 ozs. of Pepsi for breakfast, and when I stopped for my first break I finished off the bottle of Pepsi I started earlier. On my second break I ate a Payday candy bar, and drank a 20 oz. bottle of Pepsi.  When I got into town I had a BBQ pork sandwich, an 8¢ hotdog, and two root beers. Then for dinner I had McDonald¢s. ROAD/TRAIL CONDITIONS:  Awesome!  The trail was fast moving and, despite the weather, had a good feel to it. SHELTER USED/SLEEPING QUARTERS:   I¢m sleeping in a real bed, in a room at the Super 8 Hotel in Erwin, TN. PEOPLE MET, HIKED WITH OR SEEN:  I hiked with Columbus all day today. While we were at Walgreens restocking, the rest of the Fox Force Five made it to the hotel as well. ANIMALS SEEN:  Today I saw wild turkeys, deer, fish, squirrels and birds. MONEY SPENT OR SAVED:  I¢ve spent $200.00 today on resupply, food and lodging. MAIN CONCERN OF THE DAY:  My entire focus this day was simply to get into town and get dry.  SPECIAL NOTES:  An all meat diet does not agree with my body anymore. SUMMARY FOR THE DAY:  I woke up early and was hiking by 7:30 a.m. I took some awesome pics from a clearing along the trail. I walked 18 miles in six hours, and was in town by 1:15 with Columbus about 30 minutes behind me.  I ate, resupplied and hit the hotel for rest. TTFN