morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-05-12
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Big Flat Campsite
Miles today: 19.3

It's been a month since I started! Holy Crap! My miles/day thus far is 10 with the zeros and 12-12 1/2 without them. It looks like I'll need to average 17-20 miles per day to finish in time to get to school for RA training. It's kinda cool to look at those numbers and know that I'll be completely fine if I just keep on keepin' on.Today was a step in the right direction. I was going by 8:30, even though I felt like I was slow on getting ready, and hiked until about 7:00 with a few long-ish breaks along the way. It hurt some, but not enough to merit worry of any sort.Today's hike was definitely my favorite so far. I hiked through so many different settings--and every one of them was ridiculously beautiful. I took forty pictures today, forty that I did not delete and intend to catalog (somewhat) tomorrow night if I go for lower mileage.Near the beginning I hiked on a ridge line with extraordinary views. I couldn't force myself to keep walking, it was so enrapturing. I had 360 degrees of open view--Mountains to my right (south), Plains and Greensboro to my left (north) and the trail with more mountains both east and west. I crossed a few meadows throughout the day, each was unique and all were awesome. It was nice to have the forest open up for a moment or two.And then, towards the end of the day, I climbed up through as astoundingly lush walley, complete with ferns, flowers, and a waterfall. All of these were interposed with varying pine forest, which are pretty enough on their own.My fears have been fully cured now. This trail is a paradise once the clouds break. Each picture may say a thousand words, but I guarantee you that I could say more and it STILL wouldn't match up to being here.Speaking of "here" I'm alone in my tent on a cold, windy, exposed ridge once more.Fiddle 'n' Savage were still in their sleeping bags when I left this morning, Tron and Peny were just starting breakfast. I didn't meet any other thru-hikers until I got to Flint Mountain Shelter, 12.7 miles out, at 3:00. Koop and Seeker were staying there for the night. I got there just before Raindancer, Raspberry, and Carolina left. I took a 45 minute break and set out. I caught up with them about 9/10 of the way up at 6:30. They were setting up camp in a quaint little meadow. I threw bear cables for them and stuck around to chat for a little bit, then pressed on for another mile and a half or so, in search of a water source. i never found one, but I had enough water for dinner and to get me to the next shelter in the morning.I hope to see some of these people again, but I don't expect it at this point. Sniffle. There are plenty more people to meet in the near future.
Date: 2009-05-13
From: Big Flat Campsite

To: Whistling Gap Campsite
Miles today: 15.7

So far this place is living up to its name, and the name "creaking tree gap" too. It's like going to a haunted house and sitting on the porch all night. Stupid creaky wood.Anyway, I woke up to a cold, windy morning and stayed in my sleepingbag as long as my conscience would allow (until about 7:30). I packed up and left before nine. I stopped at the shelter, about two and a half miles away, at 9:45 for a myriad of reasons. I got water first (it was .3 miles to water!). then visited the privy while I waited for it to purify (another .1 from the shelter), and hung out while I ate breakfast. I talked to two guys who I met at the Hot Springs P.O., I forget their names again already. Carolina caught up just before I left at 11.Raindancer and Raspberry were not too much farther ahead. The four of us leap-frogged a bit until I saw a snake at some point in the early afternoon. After that I led the way and Carolina followed at a fairly close distance (10-20 min. behind). Apparently Koop caught up to her and the "oompa loompa leg"-ged girls. I saw Carolina again as I was leaving Bald Mountain Shelter at five. I had stopped in for water and a break, she was going to stay the night.The hike itself was pretty today, but it didn't affect me nearly as much as yesterday's hike. I guess today seemed like a bit of a repeat--even tough it really wasn't--and not as novel or new.Big Bald emphasized this to me. I had wonderful 360 degree views, but it just wasn't as powerful as yesterday's ridge. I did hang out for a little to admire the view, but it was windy and cold so I didn't stay too long. The surrounding mountains were beautiful...where they didn't have ski resorts/cabins. I also wish that the visibility hadn't been so limited. I couldn't see over 50 miles (though that is better than 10 ft.) which left me disenchanted and wanting more. I didn't take pictures because they wouldn't have shown anything significant enough to look at.Just after the bald, however, I saw a deer running away into the brush. I', pretty sure I was upwind--I had no chance to take a picture or even really look at it much. Oh well.
Date: 2009-05-14
From: Whistling Gap

To: Erwin
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I made it to Erwin today, just in time to catch a shuttle to Trail Days. Trail days is pretty much just a giant festival for hikers on the Appalachian Trail. I'm looking forward to the rest of the weekend.It looks like I'll make Trail Days after all. There's a $15 shuttle from the outfitter to Damascus which will leave either tonight or tomorrow afternoon--we'll see which. At any rate I'll be at 'the party' for the next couple days.I ran into Aesop and Sweet Lou again--it was good to see them.Well, I'm here. The famed Trail Days. Sweet Lou, Aesop, and Overdone are all at a fire ring, drinking with other hikers. I walked around and hung out with them for a while, but I eventually got tired enough and came back. I'll come back to this topic later.The hike today was quite beautiful, but a little drawn out, too. The woods were lush and green, the trail was friendly and the weather was wonderful, too. The only problem was that I wanted to get into town and get there as early as I could to give myself the option to keep hiking if I still wanted to. I saw quite a bit of wildlife--a single snake, some skinks, and several snails--and did pause to admire the surrounding beauty.Even after having been out here for four weeks the woods and the hiking never cease to amaze me. I still stop at every vista and stare, breathlessly, at the vast, flowing ridge lines and deep, lush valleys that surround me. Even the skies--weather clear and blue or maliciously cloudy--are a source of perpetual awe. It's all so mind-bogglingly enormous and expansive.This trek is so epic. I believe I'll write more about people tomorrow.
Date: 2009-05-15
To: Tent City (Damascus)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

This place is amazing. I've gotten a free shower, internet access, and loads of food. My boot and the top of my pack are also being fixed for free by Gregory (pack) and some other guys out here.But really, the best part about this place is the community. I've seen so many people that I haven't seen since the first week (Green Light and Blue Sky, Sancho Panza y Don Quixote, etc.) and almost all of my typical posse is here. It's been cool to hang out and catch up with everyone.I got to talk to Ketchup, Tenderfoot, Tully, and Scavenger for a little. It turns out that they aren't too far ahead of me. Fiddle, Savage, Carolina, Tron and Penny all just came in tonight. I believe they're camped in a quieter zone than we are. Aesop, Sweet Lou, Overdone and I are all in the area known as "riff raff" where there tends to be copious drinking and much revelry. I'll hang out around the enormous fire pit for a bit of entertainment tonight, but I think I will still try to get some sleep somehow.Earlier today the four of us from riff raff were walking around and decided to get food. We stopped in at the Dollar General and bought 30 hot dogs, 36 buns, 5lbs of beans, ketchup, mustard, and relish. All that remained when we were done was the ketchup, half the mustard, a quarter of the relish and some crumbs. It was kind of ridiculous. And so good. We all ate to capacity, (and beyond!).I think I'm going to roam about some more and maybe ge some more food/hang out with other people.
Date: 2009-05-17
From: Erwin

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

Cold day today. I wore my sandals to hike and let my boots finish curing, which was nice for letting my feet air out, but still a bit chilly. The rain from the day also turned the Appalachian Trail into the Appalachian River in which I had to walk upstream for most of the day. It would have almost been pleasant to soak my feet on the way up if the water hadn't been so cold too. I'm glad I didn't send all my cold weather gear home yet though, it's supposed to get down to 35 tonight.
Date: 2009-05-18
From: Curley Maple Gap Shelter

To: Apple Orchard
Miles today: 17.2

I'm going to miss Trail Days--the loads of food that never end (or cost money), the lack of packing and unpacking, the congregation of all of my hiker friends (and new ones too!)--but I am glad to be back out here on the trail again. I don't think I mentioned this before; On Friday Night there was a "coffee house" which was advertised as having an open mic and free finger food. There were a lot of musical performances which were actually a lot better (overall) than the talent show on Saturday. The "finger food," too, was quite spectacular. Tons of cake and cookies were out--which were tough to eat due to our hot dog gluttony of the afternoon--and they had hot, fresh cobbler with ice cream. I could not have been happier. Especially since Linda came over once the performers were done (a little before 10) and gave us (a table of 10ish) half of an apple cobbler--still hot--and half a bucket of ice cream. What an awesome woman, church, and event.Yesterday I woke up to rain (of course...) and took my sweet time packing up all of my crap. I also went back downtown to pick up peanut butter, tortillas, and the Ibuprofen which the doctor from the free medical exam had recommended I use as an anti-inflammatory. Aesop, Sweet Lou, and I ate a combo of oatmeal (Maple and Brown sugar) and ginger snaps--which is excellent!--when I returned. We packed up our stuff and laughed as Old School stumbled about drunkenly (at 10 AM!) with a six-pack on his belt.We hung out for a little longer and then made our way to the church for our (free) shuttle. We got to talk to Linda some more to say 'thank you' and 'goodbye.'The shuttle back was largely uneventful and safe. Aesop and I both napped for the first hour or hour-and-a-half. The driver had actually just visited Paradise recently and said that his son's roommate was from Lancaster County somewhere. Anyway, we got back to Uncle Johnny's around three or so.When I bought a couple Snickers bars, (only 40 cents)Uncle Johnny made the comment that only one out of the five of us would make it to Katahdin (statistically speaking). He then gave me (only me...?!) a penny and told me to send him a picture of me with that penny when I finish. He told mew I was number 103--ironically the amount I'd given him in order to get easier change. I'll do it anyway.The hike out of Uncle Johnny's was an easy one in terms of elevation change, but not so much in terms of the trail. I happened to be wearing my sandals because my boot was still drying.
Date: 2009-05-20
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountaineer Falls Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Yet another Pennsylvanian! FISH is from near Williamsport by way of Queryville. That makes eleven of us now--me, him, RLB, Tully, Free, the two guys from E-town (met them at the shelter after Sasquatch x-ing), Rambo, Yankee (his cousin, Angie), Quixote, y Panza. (That's just ridiculous it's not even funny.) He and I are the only ones at the shelter tonight. At least there's someone--it's a THREE STORY shelter!! I would hate to be alone at an enormous shelter two nights in a row. It's a little out of the ordinary for this to happen, but Fish is currently south bound. Actually, he just came from Kincora Hostel last night and gave it a good review. Today's hike brought, once again, a cool mix of diverse vegetation: I started the day on grassy balds punctuated by various deciduous uprisings and rhododendron. As I dropped down into a gap everything greened up once more, but this time I won't be leaving the greener lower levels for a few days. After I crossed 19E, I officially entered the "just Tennessee" portion--I'm done with NC!--and I got on a jeep trail. I followed the trail across a bunch of open fields and rather steep hills until it finally split near a cemetery. From that point on, the forest has been split between pine and deciduous trees in an interesting way; but the rhododendron always flourish near water.I loved the ridge walking on open fields up and down the balds, but really hated the jeep trail despite the similarity. I could blame it on the temperature (70 today), but I honestly think that it had more to do with the setting. The balds and ridges allowed for some incredible views regardless of your position altitude-wise, whereas the jeep trails kept everything contained. But, by far, my favorite thing about the balds and ridges was the fact that I could look forward/up and see my next destination and I could--at the same spot--turn around and see exactly where I'd been. It was so cool to stop on Hump Mountain and definitely know what each mountain was called and that I had just walked forty miles over that range (that I could see anyway) to get there.I stayed up on top of Hump Mountain for over an hour this morning. It felt great. I sat there and enjoyed the fantastic 360 degree view, I was completely awestruck. Since I got up there around 11 or 11:30, I figured I would try calling Hope while I took in the surrounding beauty. I actually connected for the first time since I left Hot Springs! I've had reasonable reception (still over 50% with 2+ bars), but I'm either in a crowded area/an area with relationships to develop (non-romantic that is) or Hope has been unable to answer. I've called a few other people, too--like my parents--but I guess she's my biggest concern when it comes to the outside world. Sadly my phone didn't shut off properly (and I didn't check to make sure), so I heard a beep at 6:30 telling me that my battery was low. Go figure. If I can't charge it tomorrow, then it'll det charged when I reach Damascus once again.I think I need to do more photo cataloging again.
Date: 2009-05-21
From: Mountaineer Falls Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 15.6

Kincora is such and awesome place to stay. Some of the people here have taken zeros simply because they didn't want to leave it's comfort. The name means something to the effect of "we all come from the same roots". Bob Peoples, the owner/operator, further described it this way: "the white blaze doesn't care who you are, where you're from, what you did before you came out here, what language you speak, or anything like that. When you're out here it's because you want to be out here on the trail, in nature. To the white blaze, we are all equal." What an awesome guy. He runs the hostel on donations only--including shuttles to town, showers, and laundry--because he doesn't believe it's the place itself that makes the experience, it's the people.Food! Bed! All free unless I choose to pay! This place is amazing and Bob Peoples, the owner, is a fascinating, awesome man. The crowd here tonight is SnP, Eatsalot, Screefreak, Walking Home, Nano, Chef, and Farsi ("Farsee")--Eatsalot's friend--and a few drifters, too.Bob took us in to Hampton for groceries after SnP, Eatsalot, and Farsi arrived. I only needed a few things to round off my mail drop, so it involved a lot of wandering and staring in awe at the selection.When we got back Walking Home made us dinner--a salad of spinach and grapefruit with vinegar, garlic, and ginger dressing and the main dish of feta/sun dried tomato-stuffed chicken. It was excellent. It wasn't ready until almost 11, but that gave me more time to digest my two plates of spaghetti and my root beer floats.I feel kinda sick right now, but I did last night before I went to bed and even some yesterday. While I was hiking I just chalked it up to eating a bunch and putting on my pack, which puts wieght on my stomach.Actually, I felt sick two days ago, after lunch, and again yesterday morning. For some reason yesterday felt better/was easier to deal with. I have no clue what it is, but I'm hoping it won't stop me from moving on it I take some pepto-bismol (or anti-diarrhea meds). Nano was sick yesterday, but I don't really think I could have caught it from him. I'll eat breakfast and see how I feel then.
Date: 2009-05-22
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Vendeventer Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

I had a real hard time leaving Kincora this morning. Between breakfast and the chance to hang out with everyone I found it tough to tear myself away. And then they got out RISK. It took every last bit of motivation I had to get out by 11:00 and start walking again. I passed Laurel Falls and the Elk River, which were quite scenic and made for easy walking. Sadly, the easy walking ended when I reached Pond Mountain. The climb matched a lot of the terrain in Georgia--2,000 ft up in 1.5-2 miles--and it still hurts. Granted, I made it up in half the time and only stopped once or twice, but it was still rough. The rest of the day was much easier hiking than that (I went back downhill) and largely uneventful.
Date: 2009-05-25
From: Summit Cut

To: The Place
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: light rain

Go figure I didn't even get to Sunday due to trying to catch up.So, Sunday I woke up early again and got moving before 8:00. I ran across Odin and Raspberry and Reindancer (separate sites for the guy vs. the girls) shortly after I left and stopped to talk to them. I was actually excited to see the 'Glitter Girls' again and talk to them once more. I even trail magic-ed them some Pop-tarts (which they love) which I had brought from Kincora.The next five miles or so went quickly and I soon reached the TN-VA border. Three states down! 22% Complete! (Well, only 21% then).Not long after that, I encountered two bears! Once was a bigger cub (1-yearish?) and the other an adult (mother?). The cub ran uphill and the mother down. The cub only ran about 150 ft. away while the mother ran over 500ft. At that point they stopped, stood up on their hind legs, and looked about curiously. I waived to the cub (still not sure why I did) as I struggled to pull out my camera. Unfortunately my pack cover prevented me from retrieving the camera in time. Oh well. At least they weren't aggressive.Just a few minutes after that I happened upon a black snake--it was either a Black Racer or a Black Rat Snake, still not sure which. Odin picked it up and ended up smelling terrible as a result.As I strolled the rest of the way in to Damascus, I had a vague feeling of returning home. After Trail Days I knew where everything was and where I needed to go --I even knew quite a few of the locals. I just hung out in the place and relaxed for a while. After showering, I went to Food City and Pizza Plus (AYCE buffet!) and wandered in town for a bit.Today, since it's Memorial Day, would have been a useless zero. Instead, i got a shuttle up to Summit Cut and hiked to 17 miles back. It was very nice to slackpack, especially on the easy terrain/elevation.When I got back to Damascus I stopped in at Fattie's Diner to announce my intent to eat the 6 lb. burger. I stopped in a little before 4:00 and scheduled it for 5:30.I returned to the Place, notified everyone, drank three liters of water, and laughed a whole bunch. When I got there I emptied my bladder for the last time (no bathroom breaks during the 1-hour time period you were given). It was an awesome burger. Six one pound patties stacked a foot high with lettuce, cheese, ketchup, and buns. It was held together by a knife which you couldn't even see any more! I finished the first half in twenty minutes and the next pound in another 15. It took nearly 20 minutes for the 5th patty since the meat was getting dry and my jaw getting a little tired. I finished five pounds with only a few minutes left and decided to eat at least some of the sixth patty and the bun. So I didn't finish the burger, but I did eat more than anyone else ever has and I didn't get sick. In fact, I left the diner feeling perfectly content (exactly full enough). Furthermore, I got a standing ovation from the entire restaurant once time was up. It was pretty sweet.
Date: 2009-05-26
From: Summit Cut

To: Whitetop Mountain
Miles today: 4.4

Got up late, ate breakfast, visited the P.O. and library and slacked about for a bunch of time. I called dad to ask for an address for the financial aid office and ended up talking for an hour. Oops. As I walked around town i was either a) asked questions about the burger, or b) cheered for as I passed. It was kinda cool to be famous for something temporarily.i didn't leave the place until at least 3:30 and I think I left some socks, too. It was 4:00 before I caught a hitch on the right road and even then didn't get hiking until nearly five. The hill wasn't as bad as I expected (it was easy!), but the clouds forced me to set up camp before I got too far.
Date: 2009-05-27
From: Whitetop Mountain

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: moderate rain

I haven't made it to my final destination yet--far from it--but I'm stopping to write anyway. I'm only 6.3 or maybe 7 miles out at Thomas Knob shelter. I stopped for a snack/early lunch and was quickly mobbed by "wild" ponies. As many as seven have been here in front of the shelter at a time.This break has been most necessary--I found myself quite irritated with the trail and not enjoying the hike itself. It's been misty/foggy and raining all morning and the roots/rocks have been frustrating. Hopefully this will help my spirits.It did help. I had a good time hanging out with John, Joe, and RLB at the shelter and admiring the wild ponies. One of them was licking hte floor of the shelter and my leg, too, when it got the chance. Another let me pet it for a little while, until it decided to lick and nibble on my finger. It tickled mor than anything.The rest of the day brought more ponies and more of the difficult, rocky, rooty, slippery trail. At least I didn't have any problems finding water source.The forest here reminds me of the Smokies, Unaka, and Roan in that it started with deciduous and transformed into dense fir. Though not as thick and dense as Unaka (where I half-expected to see frisbees flying by me), the pine certainly are beautiful and awesomely mystical when the fog sets in.I camped with John and Joe last night and they're just outside the shelter tonight. It's cool to be with friends.