morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-11
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Max Patch
Miles today: 13.6

Woke up in the bunk house to rain pattering on the roof. Fin called us down to the kitchen where he had stacks of pancakes waiting. We jumped online and checked the weather forecast which was predicting 80% chance of rain until noon followed by a nice clear night. A quick discussion and the plan was set in stone. The six of us (me, Matt, Max, Fin, Captain Planet, and Redstripe) were going to slack pack the 14 miles up to Max patch. Packing up our packs was a pretty funny ordeal it went something like this. "dude, should I bring my rainpants?" "Im not! It's either being wet from the rain or wet from my sweat. I prefer rain" So, ill-prepared we set foot into the mountains once again. Slack-packing is a walk in the park when you've been lugging around a 40+ pound pack so covering miles was no problem. Unfortunately for us though we made too good of time and the weather man was once again in the wrong. The top of Max patch was what I imagine hell to be. Cold, hailing, 50 m.p.h. winds, and downpouring rain. I hit the top of the bald and took off probably setting a land speed record across the patch. Did I mention 30 foot visibility? So, after not being able to scout out the parking lot that was supposed to be to our left I made a break for the woods. There Fin and Captain came rolling in looking equally as miserable. Matt, Max and Redstripe were M.I.A. and we were all way to close to hypothermia to be staying put so we pushed on. First sign we came across let us know that we again set a land speed record and were now 2 miles from Max Patch (the place where Curtis would be dropping off our real packs) So we hit a side trail ran a mile and a half to a road and started considering our options. I threw on the one single layer of dry clothes that I still had and we made our push up the mystery road hoping it was the right one. Sure enough it was but horribly we were still an hour early and without cellphone service. Doing what we thought the Bear would do we set the nearest hay bail on fire and seeked refuge. About a half hour later Matt and Max came lurking from the hellish storm and joined us at the hay bail. He informed us that he had run across red stripe who was refusing to join him back across max patch where the parking lot was. About 15 minutes later Curtis (the man!) was right on time with our packs. I never thought it was possible but within 10 seconds we were able to squeeze 4 dudes and a dog into the back seat of a subaru. After some crucial planning we sent Captain back to rescue Redstripe and headed back to Standing Bear to change into some dry clothes. Eventually Redstripe was extracted from the Max Patch zone and we were all laughing around a fire drinking beers. Huge shout-out to Curtis at Standing Bear... your the man! and you saved our lives... literally.No more slack packing for awhile.`Spicoli(this was a long one. sorry for any typos.)
Date: 2011-04-12
From: Max Patch

To: Garenflo Gap
Miles today: 13.1

Well after the hell yesterday our group has been given the name the "Frozen Chosen". We Got dropped off at Max Patch around 930 and started to make the push for hot springs. Boy was Max Patch alot different the 2nd time around. The sun was shining the views were amazing. We sat on the top for a minute to take it all in and plan out our day. We had a slow lazy hike all day. After about an hour spicoli started having some pretty bad leg pain. He soldiered on for another 5 hours at which point he sat down and said "shit man this is killing me". So Spicoli and I walked down a old logging road to the first house and begged for a ride into Hot Springs. It took a little convincing but we got our ride. Now it times for our first long rest of the trip. Spicoli needs so time to rest up the legs and my Feet are well over due for some rest to let the blisters heal over. We will be hanging in Hot Springs for a couple days then off to Janelles house for a day or 2. These 3 or 4 days are going to be amazing. The only thing that could make it better is having my 2 girls with me. I miss my baby Joelle and Penny. But we will check in soon let ya know how the relaxing is going.- Matt aka Triple Blown
Date: 2011-04-14
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept in this morning. When i finally got out of bed I had an awesome breakfast. Then Max and I walked down to the outfitter to get him a new frisbee and to change stoves to an lighter stove. Got another 5 pounds out of my pack which should be a nice treat except my appitite has kicked in so that weight will just be food weight. THe outfitter had a scale so we all took turns looking at the damage. I am down 23 pounds to about 162. Max is up 9 pounds to 79, and Spicoli is down about 7 or 8 to 128. So its time to really make sure we are getting our calories and protein before we end up looking like the walking dead. Tonight is Captains Birth day so I have a feeling its gonna be a long night. -Triple
Date: 2011-04-15
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

So... today was Captain Planet's birthday. Happy Birthday bro! and to say the least we drank a little bit. Chilled most of the day in-between the Hot Springs Suites (unreal by the way) and the Alpine Court (another hotel). Played lots of music, discussed many a safety meetings and enjoyed the beautiful day. Planning on heading out to a family friends house in Weaverville tomorrow. Possibly a real zero in store.`Spicoli
Date: 2011-04-16
From: Hot Springs

To: Weaverville N.C.
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up somewhat early and packed up our gear so we wouldn't get charged a second night at the Suites (Fin your the man) and made our way down to the Alpine court for round two. Had a little guitar/ukelele duet and enjoyed the rays beaming down. Jennell picked us up around noonish and we made our way out to Weaverville. Now if there was ever a place that someone could quote "this place has good energy" this is the place. 180 degree view of mountains, chimes hanging from the trees, animals running rampent through the yard and food to die for. Jennell has literally gone down in both of our phones as "Trail goddess". Thank you so much for picking up a couple smelly hikers in the middle of nowhere.`Spicoli
Date: 2011-04-17
From: Weaverville N.C.

To: Campsite along Frenchbroad 
Miles today: 7.7

Apparently we shouldn't stop taking zero's because the weather just keeps getting nicer. Woke up semi-early (9ish) and decided to fire up the lawn-mowers to try to repay some of this hospitality. Spent an hour enjoying the scent of freshly cut grass and even took a little nap in the stone labyrinth (very cool). Eventually we decided it was time to get back to the trail and see how our pampered legs would treat us. Unfortunately the four days off did us no justice. In fact the shin splints I had been experiencing blew up exponentially. Hiked out the 6.6 miles back to Hot springs then pushed on one more mile to a campsite right next to the French Broad. Man lots of negative feelings when every step hurts like no other. Called home and did the mandatory whining and after hearing a few different remedies that Google had to offer decided it was bed time. Hoping this pain will miraculously dissappear.`Spicoli
Date: 2011-04-18
From: Campsite along Frenchbroad 

To: Campsite by Pond
Miles today: 7.8

Well Spicolis pain did not go away, nor did the pain in my left foot. So we looked like the hobble hikers from hell today. Spirts are still high but it would be more fun without pain from every step. But hey they said it was gonna hurt, they said it was gonna be tough. We signed up and we are quiting inless our legs fall off like long island says inless both your legs are broken suck it up and keep moving north. So on we go nice and slow. -Triple ps Max is still doing great if we could keep up with him we would be half way back to maine by now
Date: 2011-04-19
From: Campsite by Pond

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a nice day, my foot hurt a little but not nearly as much and spicoli was feeling pretty good too. We had a nice couple of ups and downs but overall nice walking. It was a wet start but the weather cleared by noon to a 70 degree day. We met up with Mad max and boo late in the day for dinner. But not too much to say another day in the woods.-Triple
Date: 2011-04-20
From: Deep Gap

To: Hemlock Hollow Farm
Miles today: 3.5

Original plan was to get moving early but when the rain rolls in theres usually a couple more hours of sleep in store. Broke down camp and got on the move by around 12 or so and first thing on the agenda was a 2 mile hike straight down hill. By the time we hit the bottom Triple decided that a trip to the doctor was in order so we headed to the hostel about another mile or so down the trail. Very nice people at Hemlock, they gave Triple a ride into Greenville to the local hospital and I hung low by the river with Max. Doctor's diagnosis, a bruised bone on the bottom of the foot. Thanks to some of Obama's handy work the fee at the doctors office was only $15. Hopefully the leg is feeling better tomorrow and we can put in some miles.`Spicoli
Date: 2011-04-21
From: Hemlock Hollow Farm

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Hit the trail early and made a quick jaunt up 2500 ft over the course of 4 miles. Feeling pretty good after a couple short days so we pushed on with high spirits. Made it to Jerry Cabin Shelter where there were about ten tents already set up. We found a nice plot of moss about 3/10 of a mile down and set up our houses. Expecting rain tonight so we'll see how it goes tomorrow.`Spicoli
Date: 2011-04-22
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Lick Rock
Miles today: 11.9

Rain it was! but not too bad. Just about an hour of downpour around 7:00 this morning... and I usually don't get out of bed until 10 anyways. First obstacle of the day lead us to what I think was the best ridgeline on the trail thus far. I looked in the A.T. guidebook and the area doesn't seem to have a name but it's somewhere in-between Jerry Cabin and Big Butte Mtn. (the 300 mile marker!) After soaking in some rays and enjoying the scenery we moved downward to easier terrain. Triple and I had both planned on being to Erwin much sooner but due to injury have been moving pretty slow. So on that note, my food stash is at a bear minimum which meant Hiker Trash mode. Passed a few day hiker's today and was able to swindle myself some "Trail majik" by giving them a sob story about not having food until Erwin. After hustling some food I actually hit some real Trail Magic at Devil Fork Gap where some cool cats ranging from Asheville N.C. all the way up to New Hampshire hooked it up with Grapes, Fresca, Bagels, Hummis, Celery and Peanut Butter! Triple had been ahead most of the day but when he heard music rolling over the hills he stormed back down to the gap and got a piece of the goods. Had about a 1500 ft. gain out of the gap and decided to camp at Lick Gap. Nice little campsite that was already stocked with fire wood. Word on the trail is that tomorrow's gonna be a hot one.`Spicoli
Date: 2011-04-23
From: Lick Rock

To: Weaverville, N.C.
Miles today: 5.5

Man, woke up this morning with terrible leg pains. Dosed up on some vitamin I and made a slow move to Sam's gap about 5.5 miles away. At the Gap Triple threw in the towel as well and decided to take a couple days off to rest up. Our personal trail angel Jennel went out of her way once again picked us up and took us to the store for future resupply. I am now currently sitting on a nice comfy couch icing my leg, eating ice cream and getting ready to lay on the biomat! Max being the youngest of the three dogs here is running around full blast getting chased by the other two. It's good to know not all of us are hurt. Going to play the next few days by ear so no plans tomorrow. `Spicoli
Date: 2011-04-24
From: Weaverville, N.C.

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ah, slept in and woke up to a nice cup of coffee and a somewhat breezy day. It's been a week since we were last here so we decided to pull the mowers back out and do some work. Afterwards we got a call from Jennel who said she was going to take us to a trout farm to catch tonight's dinner. Hellll yeahh. So we showered up, got picked up, drove to a trout farm and caught some of the biggest trout I've ever seen in my life. The guy who owned the place let us clean our fish there and when we tried to pay he said it was on him. What a guy. So we stopped by the store once more, picked up some lemons headed back to the house and fired up the grill. Mmmm mmmm good. Trout, Mashed Potatoes and Kale salad. There's nothing like eating a healthy meal after your stomach has basically been preserved by all of the foods you eat on the trail. Iced the leg a few times today and honestly it feels 10x better. Still planning on taking tomorrow off to allow adequate heal-time. Awesome sunset from the porch looking out at the mountains. Can't thank you enough Jennel for letting to smelly hikers crash at your house. Thank you!`Spicoli
Date: 2011-04-25
From: Weaverville, N.C.

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Another beautiful day. Laid out in the hammock, both of us got sun burned and feeling better by the minute. Triple's getting the trail itch and is planning on heading out tomorrow morning. Figured out a couple of songs on ukelele and had another phenomenal dinner. Grilled chicken with mashed potatoes, kale salad, and asparagus. I wonder what kind of food with-drawls i'll have when I get back on the trail. Talked to mama bear back home and her personal diagnosis is to take another day off. So, you know what... I think I will. Pulling out some Neopolitan ice cream then thinking about crashing early. Until then.`Spicoli
Date: 2011-04-26
From: Weaverville, N.C.

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Triple woke up at 6:30 this morning and at this point is back on the trail. I've decided that my siesta is coming to an end and plan on heading out tomorrow morning as well. Today has been spent eating all the food we bought the first day. Ugh, what a task. not really. Plan on taking an Epson salt bath (with jets) and going ice-mania on my leg. Hopefully feeling 100% tomorrow if not. Fek it. Hike through the pain. My buddy who hiked the trail last year has a blog (dmdthruhike.blogspot.com) and talks about a mantra he had to use every so often. No pain, no gain, no Maine. So, cheers to Weaverville, N.C. and Jennel the trail angel for letting us mend over these past few days. The hospitality has been unreal. Early night to night because I too have a 6:30 wake up time. Maybe we'll start getting service in Virginia and can be updating these blogs via the trail. Oh, and I figure I'll catch Triple in three days. Place your bets now.`Spicoli
Date: 2010-03-23
To: At last!!
Miles today: 0.0

Wow!! My first Trail journal entry. It has been a long time coming. I first thought about walking the AT probably around 2006. That was the year after Kevin; my son became a 2000 miler. He had kept a TJ which was great for me to be able to share my boy¢s experiences on his trek. He was just 18 when he through hiked in 2005 ¢ Trail name ¢dandylion¢ see his journal. We both first had our eyes opened to the AT when we walked the Pennine Way which runs 250 miles up the centre of England. We met a 2000 miler called Terry from Canada. He inspired Kevin to do the trail during his gap year. I had not at first seriously thought about doing the AT due to work and family commitments. Luckily I have a wife who is willing to support me in living this dream. I intend to hike, God willing, in Mid March 2011. I will be 52 years old. I had felt that I would need to wait until I retired to have time to do the trail. But I work in the National Health Service who have a policy allowing staff to take career breaks, so I thought life¢s too short & I am not getting any younger . So I got permission and am now saving to pay for the trip.Bye for now, MayoJon
Date: 2010-03-24
To: Trail journal?
Miles today: 0.0

I did think long and hard about whether or not to keep a TJ, Kevin was always the one who kept a journal during our many walks together. But as this is such a big adventure, which hopefully I will want to look back at in later life, it would be a shame not to keep a record of my journey. I want to do this as I go along, so that it closely reflects everything I feel about the journey, including the highs & the lows, I think you need to experience both in any true adventure.Many other journalists at this point reflect on why they want to do the trail and how others respond when told about the trek. I may be slightly different in some ways, because all my family & friends know that I love to hike. Since my mid twenties I have most years gone off and walked around the UK for a week or fortnight, carrying all my needs on my back. The AT obviously represents a completely different challenge, but only in the scale, unlike some, I at least know what to expect. I am used to the discomfort, the highs & the lows of backpacking. But I will have to deal with other new things, such has it being my first time in the US, and being away from home for 6 months. I hope that the people I meet and friends I make will help me to deal with this aspect of the trip.Bye for nowJon
Date: 2010-06-27
To: Planning
Miles today: 0.0

Planning.In some ways the AT will involve less planning than my normal walks in the UK. Once on the trail you plan as you go. The main things I will need to sort out are ¢ a US visa, Flights and transfers to Springer.As an annual backpacker you might think that I would have all the equipment I need. But if I have learnt one thing over the years, it¢s the relationship between the level of comfort/pleasure of backpacking and the weight of the pack on your back. I will therefore try to keep my pack weight as low as possible, and will be looking closely at each item I carry. But I probably will not qualify as ultra light because I still like some items which some would consider unnecessary. Some of my usual kit will be OK for the AT. My Down Sleeping bag, waterproofs, clothes, plus a whole list of smaller items. The 3 big items are tent, rucksack and boots. I will probably start with my present boots, but as they already have many miles on them I don¢t expect them to last too long and want to have a second pair broken in and ready to ship out.Well I could talk about kit for days but I don¢t want to bore you!! I will post my Kit list so anyone who is interested can see it. Happy to talk about any aspect, and any advice is always welcome.Bye for nowJon
Date: 2010-06-28
To: Training
Miles today: 0.0

I know this is a subject with many different approaches. I think it¢s very hard to train for a 6 month walk. My main aim is to make the transition on the trail, towards becoming walking fit, as easy and comfortable as possible. I also think I am less likely to get injuries if I am reasonably prepared. So my method is to train for the hills by having a training pack of over 40lb. This I carry up and down stairs, and gradually increase the amount I do. This prepares the muscles for hard work and increases aerobic capacity. It is very hard work and can be done as part of my routine after work. I have used this method before for other trips and found it works for me. At my age I find I need to build up fitness very gradually to avoid injury. So I have just this week started to exercise a little each day, but there is plenty of time to build up to next March.In August I have to go to London to the US embassy to apply for my visa. Once that¢s done its all systems go!Only 9 months and counting!!Bye for now,Jon
Date: 2010-06-29
To: Visa!
Miles today: 0.0

Up early to catch the 06.30 train to London. At the US embassy there were the expected security checks. I sat in a very warm and packed room, and expected a long wait, but the system was pretty good and I was all finished, with my visa approved in about an hour and a half. This was much quicker than Kevin had suggested, which meant I had a few hours to kill before the train home. So I bought a Bill Bryson book 'The lost continent' and read the time away. One thing I found worrying, was that Bryson meets some southern folks in Georgia, and cannot understand a word they are saying to him, and he's American!! What chance does an English man from Yorkshire (I do have a slight accent.....??!)have when I arrive in Atlanta! Anyway my training is going well. Next I will be looking into insurance and then flights. I have not started to buy any new equipment just yet but will hopefully start next month, finances allowing. Only 7.5 months to go!! Not that I'm counting you understand.Happy planning.Jon
Date: 2010-08-20
To: New gear!!
Miles today: 0.0

Today I received my new Gossamer gear 'Gorilla' backpack! I love opening new kit; I'm always surprised how small things are compared to the pictures on the website. It looks really good, although I have not filled it yet. It is very small & light but the mesh pockets on the outside will take lots of gear, which leaves the inside for rain sensitive kit. It is also more padded than I expected so should be comfortable to carry. It looks a very similar size to my old Golite - Jam backpack, so should take all my kit OK. It some how makes the trail more real, now that I can see kit specifically purchased for it. People keep asking me if I am getting excited yet. I do have the occasional moment, but to be honest I am so busy at work and home with lots to sort out before I leave, that the time will fly bye. I am planning a shake down trip in November with a few friends from work to test out my new kit, can't wait!!Bye for now.Jon
Date: 2010-10-31
To: Date
Miles today: 0.0

I booked my flights this week and now know the day I start the trail! I Fly to Atlanta from London on the Friday the 18th of March, and hope to start the approach trail on Saturday the 19th. Time is just flying bye I cannot believe it¢s been 2 months since my last entry. Normally at this time of year, as the nights draw in and the frosty mornings start, I find it difficult to see anything beyond the usual work routine. Spring seems a long way off, however this time there is something different waiting for me, an adventure which holds so many unknowns that it really stimulates all my emotions and keeps me focussed on getting through each day, as the time ticks down to lift off.My Training is building slowly, although I have still managed to pull the odd muscle. I know I must be getting stronger but it is so gradual that it is difficult to appreciate. I will have to take it slowly early on and build up my stamina once on the trail. It will be a case of listening to my body and adjusting my targets accordingly.I have been enjoying reading other TJ's and like to think I may meet some of them on the trail. I still have lots of things to sort out, like insurance, equipment and transfers to Springer, but I aim to have most things in place before the New Year, we¢ll see.Bye for now,Jon
Date: 2010-11-21
To: home from home?
Miles today: 0.0

Home from home!I recently received my AT home, Gossamer gear ¢The One Tent¢ ¢ I was really excited, so out I went to the garden to spend the next hour swearing at it!! After I had calmed down I looked at the instructions on the Website video on how to put it up!!?? I then made a few modifications to the guys & now I am happy with it. It is very light, with plenty of room, so I look forwards to spending many peaceful nights in it next year.I have booked my transfer to Springer, with those nice people at the Hikers Hostel. 'Thanks for the recommendation - Long time' I will need to get from Atlanta airport to the North Spring MARTA station for pick-up. Then I will stay there over night, have breakfast and then be dropped at the start of the approach trail. This makes it all sound so dam close¢¦.it is only 4 months away!!!Training is going well, no new injuries. I recieved conformation of my flight tickets today, each new thing brings the trip closer and more real somehow. I have just ordered a few more items which should arrive next week, its just like christmas!! Except I know I will like all the presents!! Happy planning!Jon