morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-04-26
From: Doll Flats

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

(My wonderful friend Rob informed me I miscounted my days--two day 26s--so today is actually Day 37! Thanks Rob!)Verge and I started our day with cold oatmeal because we were trying to save fuel. It wasn't that bad! It made packing up go much faster as well. Sweets had two college friends who were going to meet her at the gap in 3 miles and she invited us all to join for a resupply and a pizza trip! They were super nice and that pizza was the best pizza I have ever had--hands down. I promise it wasn't because I'm a hungry thru-hiker. It just happened to be my dream pizza. It was brick oven made with fresh veggies (banana peppers, jalape±os, onions, mushrooms, spinach, garlic, green peppers, black olives, tomatoes) and feta and mozzarella cheese. It was incredible. I ate the whole 12 inch by 12 inch thing. It was fantastic (have I made that clear yet?) then they shared Girl Scout samoas cookies with us and sent us on our way. We also ran into Songbird when we got back from town! He was done for the day though and our day was just beginning! Of course getting out of town means going up a hill, but the pizza empowered me! The carbs, veggies, and cheese mixed with the sugar boost were just what I needed! Until I got hot and sweaty and tired, that is. Then the pizza was a little heavy in my tummy and took some digesting (good work tummy). We then stopped at an awesome tree and Jingle and Verge climbed it! (It looked like a difficult climb). We hiked on and stopped again to take a sunshine break by a water source. Then we stopped again at Joan falls (the blue blaze said it was worth it) and it totally was! The falls were beautiful and refreshing! It started with feet in the water and I just went all the way! Me and jingle played in the water (he's a good adventure buddy) while verge and sweets dipped their feet--verge dipped her head too. We finally continued on (refreshed and soaked), passed the 400 MILE MARK!!!, and got to mountaineer shelter with the thought of going further; however, the company was great (saw ounce and gram and Greg and commando and pack rat joined too!) and it was getting late so we stayed (there was also a 50% chance of rain). I was still full from my pizza, so for dinner I had an apple and a pop tart and some nuts. Friendly conversations about books and movies and tv series and rock climbing and snakes and zero days and tan-lines kept me up until it got dark and chilly and then it was time for bed. Fantastic day.
Date: 2016-04-27
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Laurel Fork Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Went a quick 7 miles this morning before I stopped for a snack. I listened to music the whole morning and it kept me going at a great pace! Made it to the shelter 9 miles in where Jingle, Sweets, Greg, Ounce, and Gram were all having lunch. Verge joined as well. I have felt so lucky so have had such perfect weather so far; however, it comes at a price. The areas I've been hiking through have been going through a drought, creating beautiful hiking weather as well as devastating forest fires. Again, luckily, I've been either in front of them or behind them. Today was the first day I saw evidence of these fires, and it was pretty shocking. Everything was black for miles. All of a sudden the stories I've been hearing came to life. I could see the firefighters escorting the hikers through the flames telling them, "Run now! There's a quick window! Go!" And I could imagine how many poor woodland creatures were lost to the flames. It was really sad. I truly appreciate all the work the trail maintainers have done so quickly as well as the firefighters. It's truly amazing. On a happier note, we got to kincora hostel and got our drop box and met Bob Peoples! He's a terrifically friendly wealth of knowledge who is generous and kind. We debated staying there but we had plans to meet Sweets and Jingle at the Laurel Fork shelter. We got there just before a huge roaring thunderstorm passed over, and we all enjoyed the Oreos we'd brought for everyone (dipped in peanut butter of course). Perhaps we'll have time to go swimming somewhere in the river tomorrow! Aiming for Damascus by Saturday!
Date: 2016-04-28
From: Laurel Fork Shelter

To: Random Tentsite
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

So although the lightning was beautiful last night, the storm did a good job making sure I didn't get enough sleep. Verge and I both had a hard time getting going in the morning. Jingle and sweets were long gone by the time we started thinking about getting out of our sleeping bags. The morning only got harder after that. Laurel fork shelter is on top of a steep rocky hill, and I tripped down that steep rocky hill...luckily I'm a ninja and caught myself...but I got a little bruised in the process. Then verge and I were going to take a quick morning dip in the river before we got going (she felt really gross from numerous showerless days); however, after she got in a ways, lost a flip flop to the rapids and saw a potentially venomous water snake...I decided I wasn't that dirty after all... When we finally got water (our steripen wasn't working properly so we used our aqua Mira) we were able to get hiking--by now it was 11:30am and we had a 19 mile day planned. A big climb (pond "flats") and a quick swim in Watauga Lake later, it was four o'clock at a beautiful dam (pictured above) just past creepy bear territory and we still had 10 miles left. The day was dragging and the terrain was strenuous. Verge said she felt like a dalek--just wanting to exterminate everyone in sight. I felt more like a cyberman--my mind and body on autopilot as I trudged up the miles and miles of hill. I thought to myself, maybe I would distract myself by thinking of a movie I know really well so it'll be like I'm watching a movie! When I was about to do just that, I realized that it was golden hour on a beautiful mountain with brilliantly green leaves surrounding me and a light breeze full of sunshine and floral scents and why the hell would I want to distract myself from that? Would I seriously rather be at home on the couch watching a movie? Maybe catch me on a more hormonal day and I'd say yes, but nosireebob not today! It was perfect out! I tried to spread the positivity as much as I could in Verge's direction but unfortunately she was still feeling more like a dalek...We got to vandeventer shelter (after attempting to get water from a murky source that had tadpoles in it...)and could have stopped but instead had a quick dinner and pushed on! We planned to go four more miles but it quickly got dark and we got to about 2.5 more miles, making it an 18 miles day. A really hard 18 mile day at that! There's definitely something mentally draining about hiking later in the day like that. I think I don't like it as much. Well deserved rest!
Date: 2016-04-29
From: Random Tentsite

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: broken clouds

FIRST 20 MILE DAY!Because we tented at a random site, we had to quickly get going in the morning to get my dehydrated body some water and breakfast. Luckily we were only 1.5 from water, so we hydrated, ate, and called our grandparents because we found out that they're going to come visit! Hallelujah! I find that I talk about them a lot on the trail. Their farmhouse in New Hampshire is the epitome of home to me. I love it and them and all my memories there. I also found out they're going to see my parents first, then take my mom off trail to come see us as well while Bombadil gets some bigger miles in! Perfect timing so close to Mother's Day! It was spectacular hiking weather today with lovely gradual terrain and a couple neat cow pastures (definitely got angrily mooed at). Verge and I met Hoodie and Bald Eagle and Jim and played leapfrog with them all day. We stopped for a lunch at double springs shelter where I developed intense and unfortunate stomach pains that lasted for a painful 4-5 miles after lunch. I still have yet to uncover why the peanut butter and tortilla sandwich made my tummy so angry. I bet it was the two-three days of being dehydrated. The last few miles were more fun, but that last mile on a 20 mile day was pretty rough. We were really trying to come up with something to talk about to distract each other. The most successfully distracting topics were almost always food--and even then, usually desserts. We discovered we were craving a light and delicious berry cobbler with vanilla ice cream. Mmmmmm.I also discovered my least favorite things to do when I'm exhausted and thirsty and tired are throw the bear bag rope and also go down a steep hill to get water. Blah. Once I got my amazing cheddar broccoli rice side and hot cocoa in me though, I was able to enjoy the lovely company. Greg/Hammer was there along with Training Wheels, Mr.Blue (who we found out knows Bombadil and Goldberry!!), Wally, and Hamwise. Also met Irie and his buddy and a couple weekenders.I do just need to mention one more time how much I enjoyed that cheddar broccoli rice side. It was exactly what my body wanted. Yay cheesy comfort food full of carbs and calories! The cocoa was just the cherry on top. Yum. 20 miles. Super proud of myself.
Date: 2016-04-30
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Woodchuck Hostel
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

On the trail by 6:30am this morning! So early for us! It was time for the race to the post office. We had a package waiting and the post office is only open 9-11am on Saturdays! Hiked the 10.5 miles into Damascus in just over three hours! After getting our package, we had to find a place to stay. Saw that the woodchuck hostel had ten dollar tenting and a two dollar breakfast so we went to go check it out! It was a very cute place with a nice backyard and a basketball hoop. Unfortunately, it was 10 per person but still pretty cheap. Training wheels, hammer, jingle, sweets, shiv, tumbleweed, hamwise, beast, Longstride, and chef were all there! I like that we keep seeing the same people and getting to know them better and better. Everyone is so great. I met Panda and Catfish and played HORSE with them. I missed basketball! I also met Firecat/GPS/View--apparently people can't decide what to call him so I asked what he preferred and he said "whatever" so I decided "whatever" would be a good name for him and he liked it! Haha Tumbleweed and shiv decided they thought it'd be a good idea for everyone to pitch in a few dollars for a grocery store run and they'd cook for us! It was a FANTASTIC veggie medley and salad and sausages (I had a portobello mushroom instead of the sausage). It was soooo good--pictured above. We finished it off with an apple pie and ice cream dessert. Afterwards, a few of us went to the brewery where there was foosball and live music! Songbird came and joined us there later as well after having hiked 26 miles! Lots of rain! Zero day tomorrow.
Date: 2016-05-01
From: Woodchuck Hostel

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy May!May is such a good month--and my middle name!For breakfast at the hostel they served blueberry waffles, bananas, potatoes, hard boiled eggs, and cereal. I loved my waffle, and I also indulged in some Apple Jacks! Haven't had those in forever--yum! I also had hot cocoa and stuck a few banana slices in it and it was super good. Hung out on the porch with my cocoa and watched the rain. When it cleared up a little, Verge and I went into town to explore. Lots of stuff was closed because it was pretty early on a Sunday morning in a tiny town, but we made it to a couple outfitters and to Mojo's coffeehouse which had a great atmosphere and food! I ordered their huevos rancheros there for lunch (pictured above) and Verge had a salad (her stomach has been bothering her for a couple days). We ran into Hamwise and Big Stick at Mojo's and hung out with them for a while. They're two fellow New Englanders! (Both from Vermont). Hamwise is quite the character. He walks around nonchalantly in the dirt with his socks on, runs down any and all downhills, and I also noticed he not only doesn't have a pillow but he slept with his face on the shelter floor--a bold move! Big Stick is super friendly and fun to hang out with as well. We walked back to the hostel with them, and the weather had much improved! It was so sunny I felt like I was getting sunburnt--I probably was!After doing more zero-day chores (calling Verizon being one), verge and I walked to food city to get a couple things for dinner. We made delicious veggie filled wraps (and met the Mayor of Damascus--super nice guy!)Sundance, Muffinman, Scarecrow, and Romeo all showed up today. I taught Sundance how to play solitaire--he'd never played before! How does that even happen?? Then I taught him speed solitaire and he, Hamwise, and I all played together. People were drawn in and at one point we had five people playing at once! It was awesome (Sassy and scarecrow joined). Big stick joined the card playing as well so we switched to Bullshit and then eventually to ERS (Egyptian Rat Screw?) not a huge fan of that one. Scarecrow got in trouble for having booze on premises--woodchuck has strict rules against it due to previous issues they've had. Luckily Songbird said we should go join him and Foot at the Old Mill to play cards there, so a few of us adventured over there and learned how to play Scumbags and Warlords (another card game). We then switched to Kings, where I learned that Foot can speak some Russian. Sweet! A fellow linguist--wannabe! I think the highlight of the day was totally teaching Sundance how to play speed solitaire and watching him get addicted to it. So fun!
Date: 2016-05-02
From: Woodchuck Hostel

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another good breakfast at the hostel (skipped the cereal this morning though) then I got drawn into the cards vortex with Sundance and Hamwise. So fun! Got Sundance addicted (he'd never played solitaire and now he can't stop!) Verge sent home some of our stuff (yay lighter pack) and I packed up a bit but was slow going. I met Columbus and Footlong. Columbus does a lot of traveling and plays guitar! Footlong plays the ukulele, so we got some live music! It was so nice out after more rain that I just wanted to hang out and relax and have a beautiful happy day, so I convinced Verge to let me play more and said we'd have lunch then go...but then I convinced her we didn't have to do the full 15 miles, we could just do 9 miles and hang out longer (I was way too happy and relaxed to leave yet--it felt less stressful than yesterday--I don't know why; the vibes were just happier). So she read a fun book she found at the hostel and I read my book (Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice), but then Songbird and Foot came along and distracted me. I taught Songbird how to play speed solitaire (though he was VERY much resisting at first) and the three of us (Songbird, Sundance, and I) played it while Columbus and Footlong were jamming out as background music with Songbird occasionally joining in with his harmonica. I was so happy. Then I built card houses and listened to songbird sing and play guitar (pictured--Foot on the left and Songbird on the right). Finally it was time for a hike. We mosied out of town by 4 after buying batteries and getting a fruit smoothie, and it thundered the whole way on our climb but the rain held off until about 6. We got to Saunders shelter by 7:30ish where we found sweets, jingle, and hamwise there playing hearts! Wheels, irie, turtle, and hungry Dave were there too. Yummy dinner, rainy bearbagging, generous friends sharing water so we didn't have to brave the rain to go get some. Nice privvy--room to change in there. They made room for us in the shelter--again, so nice of them. So excited for my Grandparents and my mom to come tomorrow!! Hope it won't be too hard to meet up with them.Again, my soul is so full and happy. Walking out of town, I felt my joy just radiating from me. It was so perfect being there, surrounded by such loveliness. I'm so grateful to be meeting people who are a similar goofy to me. I love it. I'm so happy.
Date: 2016-05-03
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Road Crossing--US 58
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: moderate rain

So we finally made a plan! My grandparents had visited my parents first (it's on the way) and then brought my mom on the trip so that she could see us and so that my dad could get some higher mileage days in while she was gone! So we get to the agreed upon road crossing and there they are! Waiting for us with apples, oranges, and other snacks! (Which they had also given out as trail magic while they waited for us) We then drove into Bristol and went to Cabelas and ate out at the Olive Garden. My mom got me new poles for an early birthday present so now I finally have two (I'd only had one this whole time and it was starting to give me a twinge in my back). So exciting! Can't wait to use them! I had the most amazing salad and flatbread at Olive Garden and we finished it off with an amazing dessert.We got rooms at the Days Inn and hung out and played Rummikub. I feel so beyond blessed to be able to see my family and get treated so well with a shower and a bed and hot food! When they said they were going to visit, I anticipated maybe hanging out and having a picnic or going out to eat, but I never thought we'd get a hotel room and get to be slack packed for the next two days!!! (Which I soon found out would be the plan!!!) so exciting!
Date: 2016-05-04
From: Grayson Highlands State Park--Massie Gap

To: Road Crossing--US 58
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

First ever slack pack!We did a reverse 16 miles starting in Grayson highlands and ending where they picked us up yesterday. Our grandparents and my mom did a one miles approach trail with us up to the AT and we took pictures with ponies! We got hiking and it was perfect timing to see our buddies (Jingle, Sweets, Hamwise, Tumbleweed, and Shiv) at the 500 mile marker (and it was jingle's birthday!! We brought him cookies). Reverse slack packing we ran into basically everyone we knew; it was fun! Lots of trail running. When we finished, it felt like we'd barely done like 5 miles! Our grandparents met us on the trail by a whole patch of pink lady slippers. Mom brought snacks in the car, we got some downtime in the hotel (econolodge in marion), went out to dinner at "happys." I had a terrific veggie calzone that everyone was envious of. Then we bought ice cream from Walmart to take to the hotel to eat and play more Rummikub! We got a little rained on and a little snowed on, so it was fantastic to be able to be warm.So happy to visit with family!!!
Date: 2016-05-05
From: Grayson Highlands--Massie Gap

To: South Fork Holston River--VA 670
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: scattered clouds

24 mile slack pack! Woah!Lots of rain and some stomach problems, but it was still fun. I needed music as a pick me up. We barely saw anyone today because we went northbound this time (and got a later start). "Promise" by Ben Howard played as I walked through a field of yellow flowers in the rain, and it was perfect.I also was freezing cold; however. We had estimated taking 8 hours, so we told our grandparents to pick us up at 5:30 and we got there at excels 5:30! Pretty awesome estimating if you ask me! They arrived at 5:34, so it was pretty perfect timing. They showed up with towels, heat on full blast, warm dry clothes, snacks, and smiles on their faces. What a perfect greeting. We immediately got warm showers and hot tea and dry clothes to warm us up. I feel SO blessed. That is not even close to what would have happened on a normal day on the trail! We would've been frozen and soaked, and we would have had to be dirty and cook in the rain. I definitely feel for all my buddies out there who didn't get warm showers. My mom then did laundry while we got subway/pizza and then we played more Rummikub. I am so happy I got to spend time with my family, and I'm so sad I'll be leaving them tomorrow.
Date: 2016-05-06
From: South Fork Holston River--VA 670

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Great breakfast, packed and hung out and played more games and downloaded pics, then went out for lunch at local apple tree country restaurant and had yummy veggies and a cottage cheese salad. Great service, cute place! Vat of cocoa. Sad to say goodbye. Again, I'm so beyond grateful to have gotten to see them. Can't wait until next time!Off to the trail! 14 miles through spotty rain, trail magic at partnership shelter, beautiful sunset, to chatfield shelter where our buddies were! Training wheels, sweets, tumbleweed, shiv, uno, big stick, jingle (and his friend Brett). Set up the tent in the dark--no room in the shelter. Bear bag in the dark. Oh well. Gave tumbleweed my old pole and she was so grateful! Feels good to do a little trail magic of my own. Chilly. Good night!
Date: 2016-05-07
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: Possum Creek
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

17 miles to possum creek.Got a banana for trail magic from Willow--a thru-hiker from '06. Thank you Willow I very much enjoyed it!Much of the terrain was walking through pretty pastures with lovely views of the ridge line. I noticed my feet hurt a lot today. I think after over 500 miles, it's time to retire these shoes.I also noticed that my new poles are AWESOME and make me way faster up hills! Downhill, I mostly feel like I walk like a drunken pony, but I'll get used to it!We set up our tent and had a yummy dinner and finally got some nice downtime where we could just chill and read. It was lovely.Oh yeah and I've gone a quarter of the way!!! I can't even believe it. It's flown by! I can't wait to see what else the trail has in store for me!
Date: 2016-05-08
From: Possum Creek

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Happy Mother's Day!!I love my mom. I also love her mom. I deeply appreciate all that they have done for me. Thank you.Today was mostly nice weather--some strong winds and some sprinkling rain. It was pretty hard for me though--I think hormonal reasons. I was super tired and dehydrated even though I'd gotten like twelve hours of sleep. Some pretty bigs hills today too. I got to call mom and say hi, and I even got to call dad too! Hadn't talked to that guy in forever! Miss them. Saw a couple awesome pictures of them at MacAfee Knob! Go parents! I saw a big black snake today. I also saw a widow-maker fall in the woods near me. Freaky. We got to the shelter and hung out with ETA and Duracell. They're fun. ETA shared an awesome meal with us made my Heather's Choice--a cool company out of Alaska that makes healthy, lightweight meals of all kinds! (Pictured above) Check it out! We were also joined by Chips--a SOBO section hiker. He left to do more miles though. Then I met Uconn and he was followed by Great P! I had lots of journaling to catch up on and Verge did some reading. A little chilly again tonight! Probably doing a bigger day tomorrow. Night!
Date: 2016-05-09
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Laurel Creek Tentsite
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Did a quick 9 miles this morning. Mostly because the terrain was nice but also definitely because there was a long stretch with no water and we were parched! Hiked a bit with Great P (formerly Skinny). Nice terrain for the most part. Quick lunch at Jenkins shelter. To pass time, Verge and I talked about what our personal heavens would be. We got to the river 6 miles later, again, super excited for water--you'd think that because of all the dang rain there'd be more water sources but nope! Just a whole ton of MUD. We got to the lovely campsite and hung out with ETA, UConn, Great P, and a couple new section hikers. Great P taught Verge, UConn, and me how to play "contact," and it was a fun little word game! Read Interview with a Vampire before bed. Fell asleep to the pitter patter of rain on the tent.