morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-07
From: Newfound Gap

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I got up around 7:30am and checked over all my gear. My mom dropped me off at the Tire Station around 9am. Ricky had to pick up some parts for his van in Pigeon Forge so he said he would save my mom the trip and drop me off at Newfound Gap. We left the shop at 11am and arrived in Pigeon Forge around 1pm. We loaded the parts and then decided to eat at Texas Roadhouse. It was already around 4pm so I wanted to hurry and get to the trail so I could at least get to the first shelter tonight. As we were leaving Texas Roadhouse I got a call from Long Beard and Moose saying they were in Gatlinburg at the Grand Prix motel. They had hitched in from Clingmans Dome instead of Newfound Gap (7 miles past Clingmans) so they had gotten to Gatlinburg that day instead of the following day. I had Ricky drop me off at the motel and set up a place to sleep on the floor as it was already too late to get on the trail and try and make it to the first shelter. I could sleep all night and finally fell asleep around 4am knowing I had to be up at 7am to catch the 7:30am shuttle. Moose and Long Beard planned to take the 3pm shuttle with the girls. Max Max, Pyro, Cheech, and Junzi stayed across the street at the Red Roof Inn. I got to hang out with them for most of the night before going to bed.
Date: 2011-04-08
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Tri - Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: light rain

As I woke up this morning I was very tired and the 3 hours of sleep did nothing but make me feel weak. I packed all my stuff and noticed Moose was still awake as he had not yet went to bed from the previous night. I walked down to the front desk to wait for the shuttle and the owner/operator of the motel had hot Krispy Kreme donuts and coffee for us before he hit the trail. I was the only one from our group who was on the 7:30am shuttle. We got to Newfound Gap around 8am to see a CNN news crew setting up. It was cloudy and it looked like it was about to starting raining. CNN was going a report on how the national park will close if a budget is not decided on. My guess is it was not therefore that will take effect on Monday. I'll be out of the Smokies tomorrow so it will not have an impact on my hike. I left the gap 30 or so minutes after arriving as I talked with some people there. I felt very tired and weak within the first mile of hiking. It was col to look out in the thick woods and see big metal cages that looked like big lobster traps. They are used for catching wild hogs as there are so many in this area. I stopped at the first shelter three miles in to eat some food and hopefully get some energy. The terrain was up for ever, down for a few minutes, and then up for ever again. I'm hoping to get to Hot Springs by Monday but that maybe pushing it for my body. It didn't rain today so that was very nice and tomorrow is supposed to be gorgeous. I'll get up with Moose and Long Beard when they make it to Hot Springs with the rest of the group. I can't wait to get there! I brought in the evening with Chief, Gunner, and Blue Stick as we sipped on the Gentleman's Jack my mom had given me for the long next few days to Hot Springs. We dicussed that we could be three generations of a family as Blue Stick is 67, Chief is 46, and I'm 21. It was a great way to end a rough day of hiking. Jacob is here and it's the first time I've seen him since I hiked with him around his house in Buena Vista, VA over Thanksgiving weekend. I'm looking forward to getting a hair cut and maybe shaving as I have not since the beginning of my hike. Hot Springs is going to be a nice and much needed break from the trail. It will be the last time I'm that close to home while on the trail.
Date: 2011-04-09
From: Tri - Corner Knob Shelter

To: Campsite near the Pigeon River
Miles today: 17.2

It seems I wake up at the same time on the dot every morning. I guess my body has developed its own alarm clock to be up at 7:30am as I wake up at this time almost every morning now. I packed everything and was the last one out of the shelter by 8:30am. It was a short uphill and then down for a while. I got to the next shelter around noon and ate a big lunch to get rid of some of my food as I was making great time while pushing for Hot Springs. I met Q-Pick who thru hiked last year. He climbed Katahdin on 10/10/10 as he was in the class of 2010. It was cool to hear he hiked with Pyro last year as I've been hiking with him for a while this year since he's back on the trail until WV. He asked me my name and if I had a trail journal. I told him I did and when I said my name his face went blank. After a short pause he said he had picked a few people to follow this year and hopefully cross paths with while he hiked SoBo from Erwin, TN to Franklin, NC and can see NoBo hikers. He said "just to make sure your the one I'm thinking about; who is the red head with you at Chimney Pond?" I replied "that's my step brother Chris." He was so shocked he had met me on the trail. I'm glad we crossed paths at the shelter and it was great to hear that! After that came the longest uphill of the day. I knew it was all down after so I hurried up it. I ended up going father than expected as it was only 4pm by the time I got to Davenport Gap. I hiked with Gunner and Chief the past part of the day and they are camping here tonight. Jacob, Blue Eyes, Sage, Sweet Pea, and one other guy are here tonight as well. I cooked dinner and had everything done by 6pm. It then started to rain with lots of thunder and lightning. We had some quarter sized haul for a short period of time and as it hit my tent I thought a few of them were going to come through since they were so big. I'm going to go as far as possible tomorrow so I can try to make it into Hot Springs by late Monday night.
Date: 2011-04-11
From: Max Patch, NC

To: Asheville, NC
Miles today: 0.0

After Ricky's trail magic last night, I took a shower and fell asleep before I knew it. I woke up this morning feeling great but sore. I'm sun burnt from my shoulders down, I have heat rash on my thighs, and my feet itch around where all the blisters used to be. I'm sore in certain places from my shorts and boxers rubbing in the heat. It's definitely great to know I won't be hiking today! I'm going to have to get a different pair of sport boxers as body glide and powder is not cutting it. I can barely walk! I planned to have the laziest day I've had in weeks. I went to Laura's around noon and hung out with her until we went to eat Sushi before heading to Hot Springs. Sushi has never tasted so good. I wish I could have it on the trail with me. We got to Hot Springs around 8pm and I could see hikers everywhere. I was looking for Jacob, Chief, Gunner, Blue Stick, Blue Eyes, or anyone I've hiked with the last few days but didn't see any of them. I figured they hadn't made it there yet or were so worn out they were already in bed. The second I got into the mineral spa I was paralyzed. Every muscle in my body felt relaxed and I didn't want to move. That was the most needed hour ever. I didn't know if I would be able to drive home because my body felt so good. Nothing hurt, and that is the first time in over 4 weeks. Today was one of the greatest zero days by far. The few days I'll be taking off while in Asheville are going to be great. I talked Laura into hiking the 20 or so miles with me on Wednesday from Max Patch to Hot Springs. I'll be slack packing and she won't have a pack so I think it's very do-able.
Date: 2011-04-12
From: Asheville, NC

To: Asheville, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Today was one of the best zero days I've had. I rested almost all day and I could definitely tell my body needed it. I went to Dick's Sporting Goods and got some compression shorts to take the place of my REI boxers hoping they would work better. I packed my slack pack for tomorrow when Laura and I will hike from Max Patch to Hot Springs. We went out to eat with my buddies Jordan, Bobby, and Micheal. It was great to see them and they talked to me about a guy who graduated in 2005 from North Buncombe (the same high school I went to) named Scott Litton who thru hiked last year. I can't believe I haven't met him but have heard his name and about his hike so often. I was in the bed by 10pm knowing Laura and I were getting up at 5:30am to head to Max Patch and begin our hike. I was a bit worried about Laura hiking the 20 or so miles to Hot Springs as she has never done much hiking and didn't know what she would think of it. She does run daily and is very active so I knew that would have a positive effect on her hike tomorrow. I'm definitely looking forward to spending some time on the trail with her.
Date: 2011-04-14
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Asheville, NC
Miles today: 0.0

I was up around 9am this morning to hear how sore Laura was from our hike yesterday. I went to my apartment in Johnson City to get some summer clothes for this weekend and received a phone call from Moose saying him, Junzi, Cheech, and Pyro were on Max Patch with some 2010 hikers and they "needed 'supplies'." I quickly went to McDonalds and picked up ten double cheeseburgers and then stopped at a gas station to pick up a case of Pabst Blue Ribbon and headed to Max Patch. We hiked the "supplies" to the summit and it was such a nice day. No wind and temps in the high 60s made for a great day to be on the bald. There were 20 plus people enjoying the day on the bald. Long Beard, Mad Max, Honeybee, and Chickadee showed up right before I got there along with Waldo. It was great to see everyone together as we had all been split up for a few weeks. I took Pyro, Moose, and Cheech back to my house meaning they will skip the 21 mile section Laura and I hiked yesterday. I also brought Waldo with me and dropped him off at his house in Asheville as he only planned to hike to Hot Springs and was ready to go home a day early. Laura, Pyro, Cheech, Moose, and I all went out to eat at Blue Mountain Pizza and Weaverville tonight. They are all staying at my house tonight and will get a hotel in Asheville tomorrow to hang out with Long Beard and the others when they get in town tomorrow night after hiking to Hot Springs. Laura and I are heading to Pigeon Forge for a night at the Rod Run to meet up with everyone I know there (which is more people that I can count as everyone goes). I didn't plan on going but decided I might as well go while I'm home as this is the last time I'll be this close to home on the trail and I enjoy spending time with her while I'm home. It was a very fun day and a great zero day. I'm planning on getting back on the trail early Monday morning after a full week off the trail which was more then needed. Some would say it's unnecessary; I find it very necessary!
Date: 2011-04-15
From: Asheville, NC

To: Pigeon Forge, TN
Miles today: 0.0

I slept in this morning as long as possible and got up around 9am to great weather. I did some things around the house and waited for Laura to arrive in the afternoon so we could head to Pigeon Forge for the Rod Run. The Rod Run takes place twice a year and there are thousands of vehicles that come from all over. I go to every one of them so figured I would go this weekend while I'm home. We got to the Rod Run around 5pm and met up with Robbie and Missy before it started to pour the rain. It stormed all night so I was glad we had a rather nice room as we spent the whole evening in it. Christian, Ramsey, Riley, and Maverick are all staying here as well and I ran into Christian early so it was nice to see some friends from home. Most everyone I know goes so I'm sure I'll run into people all weekend.
Date: 2011-04-16
From: Pigeon Forge, TN

To: Pigeon Forge, TN
Miles today: 0.0

The rain was finally gone this morning and we hung out in the room until it was time to check out. I tend to rest as much as possible as I know I plan not to take another zero day until Trail Days and them Memorial Day weekend. We drove back to Asheville and did not intend to stay in Pigeon Forge for two nights until I talked to my buddy Bobby this afternoon. Him and his girlfriend Kristen were thinking about going down so Laura and I rode back with them and all split a cheap motel along with fuel. I saw more people that I know at the Rod Run tonight then I do when I'm home in Asheville. Tyler, Maverick, Josh, Bran, Kyle, Rickie, and some others all stopped by the motel. It was a fun night and I went to bed rather late. Tomorrow we'll head back to Asheville and I'll start getting ready to get back on the trail Monday. I can't believe how fast this week off the trail has gone by. I'm very glad I did take the week off as it was much needed and I feel more than ready to start hiking again.
Date: 2011-04-17
From: Pigeon Forge, TN

To: Asheville, NC
Miles today: 0.0

We left Pigeon Forge this morning around 10am and stopped at Cracker Barrel for a nice big breakfast. I was back at my house in Asheville around 1pm. Pyro, Moose, Cheech, and his buddy from home were all still at my house and had been there since Thursday evening. They had a few fires and just rested the whole time. My mom gave them all a ride back to Hot Springs but Moose stayed and will go back with me tomorrow morning when Laura gives us a ride back to the trail. I went to Robbie and Missy's house to have her shave my head because it's supposed to be a very warm week and I can't stand long hair while hiking. I washed my car and put it back in the garage until the next time I'm home. I went over Laura's and spent some time with her before coming home and packing everything for tomorrow. I also stopped by the gym and saw Maverick, Justin, Colton, Lucas, and Christian one more time before I leave. It's nice seeing everyone and hearing what they think about my hike and so on. It's certainly helps with the hike. I talked to my dad and heard what was going on in Maine. I definitely miss everyone there very much. I'm looking forward to start hiking again tomorrow. This will be the last time I post for a while. I'll try to update my journals once in Erwin, TN. I can't believe it's already the 17th of April and that I started March 12th. It's a great feeling and I look forward to the days to come on the trail!
Date: 2011-04-18
From: Asheville, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

I slept in till 9am this morning and then got up to go resupply. I bought everything I needed at Wal-Mart as did Moose. I stopped by the Tire Station while waiting for Laura to say bye to everyone there until Memorial Day weekend. Laura showed up around 11am and then we went to eat at Subway. She gave Moose and I a ride to Hot Springs and we were there by 1:30pm. Around 2pm we ran into the girls and a few of the guys from the group. They were all spending some time in Hot Springs and checking out the outfitter. Moose stayed with them and they were planning in doing some night hiking but I doubt they'll make it here as it was a pretty rough day. I left Hot Springs around 2:30 this afternoon and it was a very warm and sunny day but the clouds quickly rolled in. I passed Prince and talked to him for a minute. It always makes my day to hear him say "I'm alive" when I ask him how he's doing. I crossed 25-70 around 4:30pm and then didn't stop again until the next shelter. I rolled in around 7:30pm to a packed shelter with many tents around so hiked a little bit further to a nice campsite. I met a few very nice people this evening and spent some of the night hanging out by the fire they built. I was in bed my 10pm. It was a very weird day for me as far as thoughts go but I guess that is normal after a week off the trail. I hope to do a high mileage day tomorrow but we'll see how my body feels. My body felt great today but my pack felt heavier than ever!
Date: 2011-04-19
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I couldn't sleep at all last night as it was a full moon and I was up at 6:30am and hiking by 7:30am. I had a nice 5 or so miles down hill to start the day off. After that, the day just got worse by the hour. I ran out of water two miles before the next shelter with no water sources between me and the shelter. By the time I got to the shelter, I had at least a liter of unfiltered water as I was so thirsty. I then filter 3 liters to take with me and ate a small lunch. It was already 12:30pm and I had 12 more miles to hike. Little Laural Mountain wasn't so little! It was very steep and straight up. It may have been the weather, but it was very hard for me. There were some nice cliffs after the climb so I stopped and somehow had service so I got to talk to my dad and Laura. My dad is going to Hilton Head and Savannah to visit my brother Steve. It made me wish I had taken this coming weekend off so I could have seen him as well. I was pleased to meet a few people who had started the 7th of March as I haven't met too many people who have started before me after taking a week off. I was definitely in a better mind set today then yesterday. After talking with my dad and Laura is where my day went downhill very fast. I climbed over a very nice exposed ridge line, and it was on the way down I felt something I have never felt before in my life. I felt very weak all of a sudden so stopped to eat a snickers bar. I started to hike again and not too long after my shoulders and neck had a tingling feeling like the feeling one gets when your hand, foot, or arm falls asleep. I then passed out and woke up less than an hour later with my pack still on and my trekking poles still in my hand. It scared the sh*t out of me! Nothing like that has ever happened to me before, I was alone, and didn't know what went wrong. I didn't know what was doing on and just started to hike again as I had a few more miles until my destination for the day. I arrived at the shelter, set up my tent, and decided to try and eat even though I just wanted to sleep. I cooked chicken and rice, and couldn't hold down any of it. Every bit of food I ate or water I had made me throw up. I fell asleep after throwing up for the last time and woke up at 5am hungry as could be. I ate some crackers and a snickers, and repeated the same process.
Date: 2011-04-20
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Sam's Gap, NC I-26
Miles today: 11.5

After waking up at 5am I couldn't go back to sleep. I heard it start to rain around 6:30am and I was so mad and weak I didn't know what to do. I packed all my stuff inside my tent and then decided to try the 11 or so miles to Sam's Gap as I knew my mom would pick me up there and I could explain what happened. Not having any cell phone service sucked! I felt helpless. I didn't want to tell the other hikers what happened because they didn't need to worry about me and most of all I didn't want them telling me what to do. I tried to eat more food, and that didn't work out so well. I filled up my water, and started my day out in the pouring rain. I hiked non stop for 11.5 miles to Sam's Gap and it took my close to 9 hours as I felt so weak. I've never felt so failed by how my body was acting in my life. My mom didn't get off work till 4:30pm and it was only 3pm so I called my buddy Christian who lived near by. He said he was just driving over the mountain so it worked out great. He gave me a ride home and as soon as he dropped me off I collapsed in my bed until my mom arrived. She made a great meal and I ate it with no problems. I still felt very awkward and weak. I have a doctors appointment for 10am tomorrow morning to do some blood work test and such to see what is going on with my body and what exactly happened Tuesday afternoon. I don't feel anywhere close to 100% today so that worries me. I'm glad to be home tonight and definitely glad yesterday is in the past!
Date: 2011-04-21
From: Sam's Gap, NC I-26

To: Asheville, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Laura picked me up around 9:30am and drove me to the doctors. I felt much better this morning than I did yesterday and the day before. They doctor tested my lungs and heart; saying both were doing great and better than ever. He said heat exhaustion is what caused me to pass out. It was humid and I was loosing more water than usual therefore causing me to feel weak. I pushed it too hard he said. The blood work will be back next week so he'll get a hold of me if anything is not normal. I decided right away to take the weekend off and head to Hilton Head to see my dad and step mom Beth who are visiting my brother Steve who attends school in Savannah. Laura is coming with me as well. The doctor told me I would be alright to get back on the trail and not push it. I decided otherwise. I'll take the weekend off and rest as well as get to see my dad which I'm very excited about. I felt much better this evening than I have any day this week. I can eat without feeling sick, hold it all down, and do not feel as weak as I did. I still don't feel 100% but not sure I ever do while on the trail. I plan to get back on the trail and hit it hard (not as hard as Tuesday) until Memorial Day weekend possibly skipping Trail Days depending on how I feel. I'm glad it wasn't anything big to worry about although it did freak me out as it would anyone. The support from everyone makes me want to be back out on the trail tonight. Moose and everyone from the group still isn't at Sam's Gap yet so I figure when they get there I'll tell them I'll meet up with them in Erwin and hike with them for a few weeks and slow my pace down. I feel bad taking another weekend off the trail but at the same time I think it's much needed and I'll make up for it later. What's another two days? I get to see my dad, brother, step mom, mom, and Laura this weekend. It's going to be great!
Date: 2011-04-22
From: Asheville, NC

To: Hilton Head Island, SC
Miles today: 0.0

Laura and I left Asheville around 10am and start our 5 hour drive to see my dad and step mom Beth who are spending time on Hilton Head Island, SC. The drive went by fairly fast as we were both excited to get there. It was very humid and hot. I kept thinking in the back of my head about my visit to the doctor and if everything was alright. I got a call from the doctor's office around 3pm and they asked if I was back on the trail yet. I said I was not and they told me I need to come in Monday morning for more blood tests. The enzymes in my liver are high and they said absolutely no alcohol or advil at least for the weekend until we figure out what is going on. That phone call had me kind of worried for a couple hours until we arrived. All my worries went away when I say the beach along with my dad and Beth. We went out to eat at a great place on the island. I was in bed early as I was still not feeling 100%. Definitely glad I decided to take the weekend and go to the beach instead of get back on the trail and then have to get off in a few days for more blood work tests.
Date: 2011-04-23
From: Hilton Head Island, SC

To: Hilton Head Island, SC
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up early this morning after a great nights sleep. It was a beautiful morning without a cloud in the sky. Laura thought she was going to sleep in this morning and that clearly was not happening. We got ready quickly and headed to my dads hotel to spend the day in the sun. I knew my brother was coming down for the day so I was excited to see him and hear about how school is going. Steve arrived around noon and we had already been in the sun for a few hours. Jelly fish were all over the beach which was cool to see. We all hung out by the pool until late afternoon. I was told not to have any alcohol but figured one cold beverage wouldn't hurt and took advantage of that after hours in the sun. My dad loved ordering raspberry margaritas knowing I couldn't have one. We went out to eat at a nice place on the beach. It was a great feeling to have everyone there. Seeing my dad, Beth, and Steve really helped with knowing I can finish the rest of the trail. I'm so glad Laura decided to come with me this weekend. Her company was great! Steve left after dinner. Laura and I walked on the beach for a little hunting grabs with a flash light and then laid in a hammock until we both were about to fall asleep. It was a great and much needed evening. I couldn't ask for a better way to spend my time off the trail.