morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-16
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiking through Nantahala Wilderness, south section, is gorgeous. Bear have so much habitat up thwre. Massive jungles of Rhododendrom's make the forest appear from scenes of South American forests. Beautiful hiking day. Made it to Standing Indian Shelter for camp. A long day for me. Fell only once, but hard. Shook it off, whiped up a little leaking blood, and all better now. Been so fortunate to have had rain only twice since our hike began on 4/4/12.Tired, off to bed.
Date: 2012-04-17
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

Greetings all;Pleasant hike with nicely groomed trails for the most part. Lots of water around as well as forests of Rhododendroms. Wicked & spooky looking areas. Betty Creek is in black bear sanctuary of Nantahala Wilderness, southern section. Camped under rhododendroms. Was awesome when thunderstorms rolled in just before dark. Rained hard all night. Stayed dry all night. Lakota was scared of loud cracks of thunder, but did surprisingly well. Goodnight all
Date: 2012-04-18
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

First hard rain day. Was mist in the mountains like in movie "gorilla's in the mist". Creeks running full. Albert Mountain was hard, scarry, and dangerous during thunderstorms. Huge drop offs, waterfalls from fissures in rocks. Was beautiful, but one has to pay 100% attention. Saw our first Bear about 2 miles past Betty Creek Gap. Was raining and figured bear did not hear us. When that yearling bear saw Lakota, he broke couple limbs from rhododendrom as he panicked to high tail it from Lakota. Fell hard on Albert, but all superficial. Head wounds bleed ridiculously. Wasn't much but looked it from the trickling of red.Made it to Wallace gap, called shuttle. Woman said hour. Hour and 20 minutes later called again. Said be half hour. With rain and sitting, hypothermia began sitting in. 40 minutes later, no shuttle, threw on pack and hiked to Winding Stairs Gap. No shuttle there, and cell battery gone. Hiked about 5 miles towards town before Ron Haven picked us up. Was a glorious site. At Sapphire Inn. Ron Haven is a groovy human being, love ya man.Resting, showering, eating, and repeat. Goodnight all. Peace
Date: 2012-04-19
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Sapphire Inn, Franklin NC
Miles today: 0.0

Hello from Franklin, North CarolinaOfficial zero day. Laundry, mail, wally world, journal duties. Good night sleep. Lakota thrilled McDonalds across street. Yesterday was hard with 15 miles, including yellow blazing to town. Ron Haven does alot of hard work. His shuttle is fun and informative. He reminds me of the hosts running "the Ducks", at Branson, Missouri. Tells ya history of town, the cherokee indians, etc...Mr. Haven is a good human being. Ron dropped us off at his Sapphire Inn at front door, after reserving last rooms for the 5 hikers on shuttle via his cell phone.Woman at desks watches us unload from her bosses bus, then tells me Lakota can't come in office. Keep in mind Lakota has full harness and badges. She then apologized when I firmly told her, yes he can. She apologized after her moment of dizziness. This morning I went down to pay for second night's stay. Man at desk first thing says you got a dog too! I said he is my service dog. He says oh yeah, what kind of service? Told him he lets me stand off him when I fall, I have MS and was in a wheelchair in 2000. His disregard for the disabled made him show up like the tiny little man he is. This man shouldn't be working with people, his ignorance is just that, Ignorance!!Ron Haven is a good man, but his help lack people skills with the public and the laws under the ADA. I am a very humble man and I seek no trouble. If I wasn't, the ADA would be all over this place measuring steps, doorways, height  of faucetts, toilets, etc... Then I would be no better than the man, and I use that term figuratively, who was rude to us.If anyone out there is battling a devistating disease, but still coutageous enough to attempt the AT, then do it. Don't let the small brains in this world tell you, you can't.We might be limited some by our bodies, but we deserve respect. Once again I reiterate, Ron Haven is a good friend. He won't judge you for being disabled. His help is not him, hopefully he will get them some updated training on dealing with the disabled. Will update later, Lakota and I got lunch to fetch. I must mention the chain McDonalds. They have all excercised knowledge with service animals. Their staff must be well trained. Kudos McDonalds.
Date: 2012-05-10
From: Laughing Heart Hostel Hot Springs,NC

To: Laughing Heart Hostel, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Hello Everyone!We are in Hot Springs, North Carolina. Got here on the 8th, and will be leaving tomorrow morning for our hike to Erwin, Tennessee, the 11th.I had to let Lakota's paws rest up. His front claws are to the quick, but not bleeding. Been applying new skin to build them up, and he is walking around town with his Mutluks on. When we started this hike, Lakota's paws had their winter fur on them. Climbing slabs of rock with his paws slipping was emery boarding his front claws. They look much better this afternoon.(5-10-12)Cell phone coverage is locked up by Verizon. Suppose to change as we progress north towards Erwin, Tennessee. Erwin is about 67 miles from here as the A.T. goes.I will be having a transcriber for my journal updates at times. I have so much written down, but limited time to post it. I will be mailing my journals out to her and this should make it more practicle. Thank you Shawn!This is a huge physical challenge for me out here, and when the day is done, it is all I can do to eat, pitch the tent, write down some notes about the day, and crash. I am working hard to keep up my eating as I have lost 14 lbs, and I didn't really have any to lose. I have fallen so many times, I can't keep count, but the good news is I am down to 1-2 times a day. Much better than the first day at Springer with 17. Lost a little blood here and there, but I am so stoked and a part of the AT, and the AT family.I am at the brand new "Laughing Heart Hostel". It is right where the A.T. comes out of the forest into town. It is run by no other than "Chuck Norris" and "Tigger". They have many journals at TJ's site. They have many trails under their belts, like the Israel Trail, PCT, FT, AT, etc...They are well known for the van supported Florida Trail hikes they put together during the winter months. They are super nice, as well as Mark, who volunteers at the hostel. He is a groovy person. This is a must stop for the 2013 class of AT thru hikers.Got a community supper (free will) tonight at City Hall. Pot Luck, hikers welcome! Got Chuck Norris shuttling us to the event. It is awesome here. I have found the Rainbow I was seeking. The trail family is indescribable.This trail makes one step back and look at all aspects of their lives. The fog is all gone and I can see my life from a much better prospective.I am blessed to be on the Appalachian Trail, and I don't take it for granted. I can see now who believed in me, and wanted to truly help me, from those who didn't really get it at all. I had one dream, to hike the AT before my life was up. I was the sole supporter for my family for years. Being the one who paid ALL the bills. I have worked hard and taken care of business. Now it's my time to walk the Rainbow Trail. Thanks to all who have encouraged me, and signed our book, sent a package, gave us a ride, made Lakota food for free, took our pictures. We love you all. We won't dissappoint you. We are going to Maine!Peace Out, Dudditz & Lakota "AKA" on the A.T. as "Lakota & Sherpa"!
Date: 2012-05-11
From: Laughing Heart Hostel, NC

To: North Hot Springs, NC :)
Miles today: 0.5
Weather: clear sky

Hello Everyone!Well, we are slowly struggling to break free from the VORTEX in Hot Springs. Our tent is about 1/2 mile north oh town on the A.T.. Was running into Viking again which helped us break free. Him and I sat and visited the afternoon away along the banks of the French Broad River. He is done hiking. Waiting on ride home from his significant other. He has been a good friend since way back inthe Smoky's. I will miss you man, love you.In town now at Spring Creek Tavern. They got Wi-fi for my phone. Got a Bud Light, and 2 hamburgers. One for Lakota of coarse. And curly fries. Beautiful day, low humidity n sunshine. Just Awesome!Up early n a.m., on to Erwin.Peace Out.......Lakota & Sherpa
Date: 2012-05-18
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin, Tennessee
Miles today: 5.8

Zero in Erwin at Uncle Johnny's Nolichuky HostelErwin Tennessee at Uncle Johnny's Nolichuky Hostel. Made it 5.8 miles to town to dry out. Will zero here for a day tomorrow. Will fill in and edit all pages which are behind, as soon as possible. Thank you to all who have written, e-mailed, called, etc... I will get back to you when we can. We are working hard and enjoying our hike. Peace; Lakota & Sherpa Dudditz!
Date: 2012-05-22
From: remote campsite 354.2

To: Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: light rain

Hello Everyone, we made it over Unaka Mountain today, and the dense Spruce Forest on top. It was an awesome hike. On the north side of Unaka we got hammered by a thunderstorm. One lightning bolt hit on both sides of us simultaneously, on a ridge.Was close enough the thunder was instantaneous, and I lost feeling in both my arms from elbows to fingers for about 4 hours. We almost got our worlds lit up. Was humbling, awesome, scarry, and REAL! Got our attention!We are at the 365 mm on AT. Took the side trail 0.6 tenths of a mile to the Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel. This place is awesome and we are warm, fed, watching movies, and doing some quick internet.We will get caught up eventually with journals. It takes all we got to record the events, live them, and keep moving north. Many updates will come shortly, and some will come after we make it back home following our adventure. It takes alot to keep everything going, watch over Lakota, myself, and the hike is tough, to say the least. I am slow, but we are doing our best to hold a 10 mile average.Will be back soon. Only hiked 12.1 miles today, but had to add in 9.1 to correct mileage update on page.???PeaceLakota and Sherpa Dudditz AKA; Dudditz & Lakota
Date: 2012-05-23
From: Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel

To: Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Hello Everyone;We are staying the day here with CeeCee, at Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel. Her place, her love, and her kindness to hikers is awesome. She looks out for us as if we are her children. Thank you Connie!Raining today so we decided to sit it out. The weather is suppose to improve dramatically over the next 3 days or so.Rain keeps coming down in buckets. We can see Roan Mountain from the front porch. It has some serious looking clouds around it. Lastnight we had an Angus burger with jalapenos and all the fixings. CeeCee made us Sundaes for desert afterwards. Was simply decadent to our taste buds.Today was laid back and we all are watching movies.Fozzy, Bucket List, Frosty, Rowan & Cadence are here tonight. Some of our bubble, and many are behind them. Thanks to Trail Days, we got some familiar faces.By sundown the storms have cleared and Roan Mountain is in the clear. What a pretty view. Will go back hiking tomorrow. Had some Chimichangas for supper, followed with Ben & Jerry's "Chocolate Fudge Cake", ice cream. MMMMMMMMBack to movies, then bed. Tomorrow is back to the trail. Goodnight all, Peace.........Lakota & Sherpa
Date: 2012-05-24
From: Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel

To: Someplace north of Roan?
Miles today: 0.0

Good morning everyone! Got a chance at the computer for a few minutes this morning so I thought I would catch up on our blog.Was awakened by the childish neighbor here. He was revving his 4-wheeler by the hostel. Yesterday morning he was banging on trash can lids. This has been an ongoing thing for 11 years. Apparently the neighbor thinks hikers are all trash. Seems like a case of the pot calling the kettle black. I feel sorry for him as he must be very unhappy and without love. I will wish him well and perhaps someday he will see the beautiful Rainbow People whom hike the AT. He is missing out on one of lives blessings.Getting gear ready to head out after breakfast. CeeCee made us breakfast of 4-eggs, hash browns, and wheat toast with jelly. Awesome.Thank you for everything CeeCee, you are the best!Will edit this page later on. Have a great day!Peace; Lakota & Sherpa
Date: 2012-06-01
From: Damascus Virginia

To: Damascus Virginia
Miles today: 102.0
Weather: light rain

Hello Everyone; Lakota and I made it to Damascus! Finally in Virginia. Got 3 states completed. We did not hike 102 miles today, but that was the number to get us updatedWe spent Memorial Day weekend on Lake Watagua in Hapton, TN. Was absolutely gorgeous with million dollar views. Had lots of company, our whole bubble was there. Raining here in Damascus and the whole town is booked up. A huge hiker bubble arrived at the same time. We are going to move on north and write more later. It may be some time before we get our journal completed, and some of it we will work on in November once we are back home relaxing. I hope everyone understands it is all I can do to keep up with what I have done. We have tons of great stories to share as time goes by.The trail family is awesome and we are learning so much about good people. We are safe and loved on this marvelous trail. The forests are awesome and it just keeps getting better.Thank you to everyone who has emailed us, signed our guestbook, visited with us on the trail, etc... It is a magical Rainbow Road Journey.Peace Out;Dudditz & Lakota   aka; Lakota and Sherpa Dudditz
Date: 2012-06-11
From: Atkins, Virginia

To: Atkins, Virginia
Miles today: 74.0

Hello Everyone!Lakota n I are at the 542 mile marker on the AT. Needed some R&R and a good scrubbing.Mt. Rogers & Greyson Highlands were absolutely gorgeous. Didn't see any ponies, but saw their gifts on the ground. Saw a mother Grouse and her youngins. They were awesome.At a much lower elevation now. Got cows n pastures now, along with mosquitoes, ticks, and them biting no seeums.Been hanging w same group of guys. They are awesome friends for life. Love ya Night Shift, Essay, Pinky, Tender Fungus, and 6-leaf.We are staying at an old motel along I-81. Got 80% chance of rain today, and tomorrow.Stayed for day n half at Partnership Shelter ordering Pizza from the Hut and Italian from Tuscans. Sweet having delivery. Off into the Rain. Peace
Date: 2012-07-02
From: Bland, Virginia

To: Home
Miles today: 44.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Hello Everyone;We made her to Bland, Virginia, where the Doc put us off the trail for awhile. I had lost too much weight....was 136 lbs. I was getting weak very quickly, and passing some blood in my urine. Was told to go home, rest, and see my personal Doc.Depression set in quickly, the feelings of failure. The Appalachian Trail is much tougher than can be imagined from a computer or books. Got a room at the Big Walker motel in Bland. Started making phone calls to get a fix on this major change in plans.I have good family and friends. They help me to realize we didn't fail. We backpacked 587 miles on the AT. We spent 70 days on the trail. We met some of the most beautiful people in the world.Getting on the Greyhound Bus on June 14 for Marietta, Georgia was tough. There is much more to this story and the people who continue to help us. There is so much to say about the AT and the AT family. Please check back often as we rest and update. I will be updating my journal, pics, etc... over the next few weeks, from home.Been staying in touch with our "bubble" on the trail. They are north of Troutville a ways.Lakota and I will be heading back to the AT during first week of September. We are going to do 200 miles of AT in Maine. We will be re-uniting with our trail family. We will all summit Khatadin together. What an awesome family.Please check back as I get journals updated(completed), and get more pics uploaded, and videos.The Appalachian Trail is Awesome, the Appalachian Trail Family is Incredible.Peace, Dudditz & Lakota
Date: 2012-06-02
From: Atlanta

To: Millinocket, Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Flew out of Atlanta 8:40 AM....few hours layover at LaGuardia..then landed Bangor, Maine. Bought bus ticket to Millinocket. Met a couple from Valdota, Ga. who had made arrangements with an outfitter for a ride to the Appalachian Trail Lodge. Millinocket. Van had room for one more so off I go. Taylor -- enjoyed your video, thanks for sending it my way. Glad you are going to big a big girl.The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, generally known as the Appalachian Trail or simply the AT, is a marked hiking trail in the eastern United States extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine.
Date: 2012-06-03
From: Base of Mt Katahdin

To: Top of Mt Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

2,184 miles to go.....Started at 8 AM..reached the top at 1:30..finished at 5:15. The rain becaume snow and sleet,the wind blowing 26 MPH as I headed upwards. Coming down was a slippery experience as I was sliding on icey covered rocks. I lost my trail sticks and headed back up to retrieve them. I looked at a pull-up bar and realized there was no way I could pull myself up, so down I went, stickless. A big THANKS to the hikers behind me who picked them up and brought them down when they finally finished around 11:30 PM; especially because there isn't an outfitter in this vicinity to buy more.I picked up my backpack at the ranger's station and asked about my T-shirt; however, all they had were maps they could sell me. I told them not to sign me up for the Sunday Can-Can competition; my legs were too exhausted to cooperate ....Mount Katahdin (USGS name) is the highest mountain in Maine at 5,268 feet (1,606 m). Named Katahdin by the Penobscot Indians, the term means "The Greatest Mountain". Katahdin is the centerpiece of Baxter State Park: a steep, tall mountain formed from underground magma. The flora and fauna on the mountain are typical of those found in northern New England. Katahdin was known to the Native Americans in the region, and was known to Europeans at least since 1689. It has inspired hikes, climbs, journal narratives, paintings, and a piano sonata.[4] The area around the peak was protected by Governor Percival Baxter starting in the 1930s. Katahdin is the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, and is located near a stretch known as the Hundred-Mile Wilderness.
Date: 2012-06-05
From: Mt Katahdin

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

I got a cryptic text today that he was ok...6 mile pass aborts brigde. I am guessing perhaps a small bridge has been washed out and he is taking a get around route but that is only a guess.Finally able to talk to Ernie (06-08) ...was on the 6 mile pass at Abol Bridge. In the 100 Mile Wilderness..met a fellow SOBO hiker at Abol Bridge - Louisianna Carpay (not sure correct spelling-- play on the pronunciation for carp??), so not traveling all alone at the moment
Date: 2012-06-10
From: White House Landing

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

sunny morning..full belly..waiting to be ferried back to the AT...walking buddy has possible hairline fracture in foot so is turning back but have hooked up with others heading SOBO..game plan is to hike about 8 miles/day except the rough mountain day..might be a week before able to make cell contact..by then should be thru the 100 Mile Wilderness section
Date: 2012-06-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 52.8

text from Ernie: at CamelBack lean-to, hope to be in Monson on Sunday...since Camelback Mtn on the AT is in Pennsylvania, I think he meant Chairback Gap Lean-to. That will put him at 88.50 mile mark. Monson, the end of 100 Mile Wilderness is at 114.4 mile mark.
Date: 2012-06-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 25.9

Finished the 100-Mile Wilderness trail and to my surprise, I was greeted by Carpe (former walking buddy who had hurt his foot). At first thought I was seeing a mirage but it was the real fellow hiker! Glad he had a car so I could ride the 3 1/2 miles to town, but had to adjust to riding again. Staying at Lakeshore Hostel, run by a great couple. After checking in and showering, was greeted downstairs with beer and good food by other hikers I had seen and meet on the AT. Stayed up late exhanging war stories and bragging on the " one that got away" (lol).
Date: 2012-06-18
To: The Lake Shore House
Miles today: 0.0

Here at the Lakeshore House we LOVE AT hikers!! There is nothing better than being part of helping you complete your goals on the trail! Please contact us if you have questions we haven't answered on this page. We can't wait for you to get here, class of 2012! Rebekah and Charlie Anderson, OwnersAKA Double ZeroFAQ'sWill you pick me up at the trail head? YES, for freeIs there cell reception at the trailhead on Rt. 15 and/or the blue blaze on Pleasant Street? YESCan I eat the AUCE breakfast at Shaw's lodging even if I don't stay there? YESDo you take credit cards? YES, but there is an ATM at the gas station. Pay your whole bill in cash and get a free beer!Do you accept animals? YESDo you have work-for-stay? YESDo you provide shuttles at a reasonable price? YESDo you provide food drops? YESWill you be upset with me if I smoke in the lodging area? YES, but only for a minute if you appear really sorry!Do you have internet available? YESDo you accept mail drops for free? YESDo you have laundry services? YES Do you have obscure cell phone chargers that might fit my phone? YESIs there a phone I can use to make plans if I don't have a cell phone? YESCan I leave a car at your place? YESFor free? YESReally? YESCan I check in or check out at any time? YESDo you have wireless laptops we can use? Yes, 2 of them!Do you have two floating water trampolines for guest use? YES Is there an on-call reasonably priced massage therapist? Yes, he is fantastic! Do you have tent spots? No, we suggest Shaw's Lodging for tenting.Do you have a really cool place to swim, boat and fish for free? YESDo you have any all-you-can-eat meals? We used to, but had to stop this year. Tiny restaurant, couldn't keep the tables turning, you know the deal....SorryCan we watch endless movies and eat Ben and Jerry's ice cream? YESCan we make reservations for rooms? YES, but not necessary.Do you have cool hiker loaner-clothes?YES, you can even summit in them like the guy to the right....................Is there a refridgerator, coffee maker, microwave and toaster for me to use? YESIs the town hiker friendly? YESWould I be able to get sashimi-grade sushi if I called ahead? YESDo you have vegetarian/vegan/gluten free dishes? YES, plenty!Do you care if I smell or am tired and irritable? NO, NO, NO!!!
Date: 2012-06-19
From: The Lake Shore House

To: Atlanta
Miles today: 0.0

I have come off the trail for a few weeks. Home in Atlanta. My youngest grand daughter will be having surgery July 2nd and I felt strongly that I needed to be here. She has Mitocondrial Disease and any time she must be put out, there is a risk. Although her procedures are mostly for further testing, I was uncomfortable being so far away.I will stay closeby until I feel she in on the mend. Meanwhile, I am already researching new products and tips learned on the AT by fellow hikers. Also need to research into how to better keep my caloric intake balanced. So while I am off the trail, it is still close to my heart and in my mind as I determine how to keep it a safe and wonderful experience.
Date: 2012-07-22
From: Atlanta

To: Monson Maine
Miles today: 0.0

Hayden has recovered well from her surgery. Flying back up to Maine. Will land in Bangor. Shaw's hostel in Monson, will provide trasportation from the airport back to the bunk house. The weather report calls for rain the next few days. As long as there is no lightning, I will be heading back out in the morning.