morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-07-04
From: Roan Mountain Shelter

To: Over Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: overcast clouds

7/4 Late start everyone wet and sleepy from last night storms and adventures. Took 3 attempts but got a fire going for everyone to dry gear out. The food run looks to have been a major success, now we just have to carry it 7 miles to overlook shelter. The group had carried it on a stick last night and so I just made up a better straight stick this morning, but Scout Master insisted he would just strap it to his pack. Right as scout master and I were about to leave Laura walked up with the dogs. So we hung out for a while talking, looks like zigzag is going to adopt Finigan. Me and Sam eventually moved on at 12:30 and we soon saw Nepala who is having increased foot problems and is looking to get off the trail for awhile. As we went down Roan and got to the scenic over look area it was crazy how many tourists and day hikers were out. The views there were pretty good, but at is point in my hike people being able to drive up to a view takes away from it somehow busting my ass on a climb makes an awesome view just that much more rewarding. It was also a drastic transition where the AT split off the main tourist scenic trail the trail went from a well maintained gravel path to a somewhat over grown rut. We saw Trip and Leafs at --- shelter and stopped for a quick snack with them. Clouds started rolling in though so Scout Master and I started booking it the last 3 miles to the barn, but after a short sprinkle the skies cleared up. we made it to the barn which has an awesome view of the mountains. The privy looks pretty new but has no roof or door, which would be perfectly fine if the trade off was a view of the mountains but there are bushes in the way. Scout master and I set about preparing to cook the feast and were soon joined by Leafs, Trip, and Yukon. Also found mayhem sleeping in the barn loft with a sore back and allergies acting up, he plans on moving up to the hump bald soon. Took me a bit to find the good water source but there is good flow out of a piped spring. After awhile we had most of the group collected and the cooking commenced, it was a great night with burgers, brats, and apple Pie that scout master glazed with a camp stove. We also got a view of some fireworks in the valley while we sat and played cards late into the night.
Date: 2016-07-05
From: Over Mountain Shelter

To: Roan Mountain, TN
Miles today: 9.2

7/5 Planning an 18 today but woke up to a rainy morning at the barn. took awhile to pack up as everyone's gear got scattered hamhazardly in last nights activities. Ripped my pants on a screw sticking out of the platform and it started to rain while I was on the privy. Scout Master and I finally set off and had some amazing views from the Humps, the clouds were rolling in and out making for many false summits but once we finally got to the top the view cleared and was incredible reminded me of what New Zealand looks like. For the descent into Roan Mountain a part of the village all hiked together with music playing on my phone, made for a fun hike even though we got completely turned around at a campsite with 4 trails branching out of it. Once we found the trail again the forest was incredibly green and mystical looking with the fog and old growth trees. The trail was very wet and slippery from the rains with mud and wet roots, I would have smashed my face so many times if it wasn't for my trekking poles. Finally about 2 miles from the road the trail dried out a little to make for easier walking which of course resulted in me falling twice in 10 minutes, which resulted in a lot of laughter. If you can't laugh at the bad on the trail, you'll never survive. We finally made it to the road and hiked the .3 to the hostel hopping to get a hot pizza for lunch before moving on, unfortunately we found a limited selection and ended up hitching into town for food and supplies. Zig zag arrived with the news that he forgot his wallet at Roan Mountain shelter. Met an awesome couple known as Huff and Puff at Dollar General who gave us a lift to the pizza place. The SAMs, Yukon, Mayhem, and I all enjoyed pizza. Sam squared and mayhem are going to hitch to Hampton so that they can met Curly Q's mom and brother tomorrow, Scout Master, Yukon, and I are headed back to the hostel to get our gear and possibly join them. We hitched backed to the hostel and found Leafs, Trip and Zig zag headed into town. After sitting for awhile we decided to just tent at the hostel for a movie night and hitch to Hampton in the morning. Took an awesome shower and we settled into cooking and vegging out with Trip, Leafs, and ZigZag. We watched Enemy of the State and Jurassic Park before heading off to bed around 11:30.
Date: 2016-07-06
From: Hampton

To: Hampton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

7/6 Wish I had put a little more effort into setting up my rain fly last night as I woke up to a downpour and my fly was quite covering my hammock. Didn't get too wet just dropped on but after half an hour I finally just made a dash for the hostel with my pack, leaving my fly set up. Found everyone vegging out watching the end of Jurassic Park so I joined right in. Around 12 the rain had stopped and we packed up to head out Trips is going to join us now and Zigzag plans to hitch to Hampton this afternoon, while Leafs heads back on the trail. Took us a bit but we did find a ride from a local named Charles, he only planned on dropping us in Roan but ended up just driving us all the way to Hampton. So many awesome people like him and the couple last night contribute to making a thru hike possible. In town we stopped at Dunken Donuts where we meet the Fairy Snack Mother who's husband and daughter are on the trail. Promise to fill in back logged journals when I get off the trail for Europe
Date: 2016-07-18
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well I've been home for about a week now, it has been a difficult adjustment back to the real world. I'm happy to be home and to see my family but I really miss the trail. Theres so many people, and just a total different atmosphere in terms of how people interact. Most of all I'm just going stir crazy just sitting in one place for a whole week. But I leave for Europe on Wednesday so hopefully that will lessen the restlessness. It was great to get to do a real tear down of my pack complete with cleaning all my gear. I've been keeping up with the village as much as possible and trying to lock in plans to get back on the trail when I get back from Europe. Hoping to pick up a lot of the village and be back on trail at Katahdin by August 6th.
Date: 2016-03-29
From: Springer Mountain

To: Mount Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Reached Amicola Falls Park and Ellijay today and staying in Elliay overnight. Originally was planning to start tomorrow but will wait one day so both Marilee who has to drive back to Colorado and myself starting the hike could get some much needed sleep. Rain was coming down in sheets and driving at times was slowed to 30 mph on Interstate 24 coming into Nashville. Still in panic mode on what I am bringing in weight. Righ at 37 pounds including all food and food for Riley. His pack comes in at nine pounds. Of course we had to help the local law when a domestic dispute started across the stree from our hotel. All turned out well with no arrest. So you should start seeing both my blogs and track on the Delorme map.
Date: 2016-04-02
From: Amicola Falls - Appalacian Approach Trail

To: Springer Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: few clouds

So the journey begins. Gorgeous sunny day in the low 60s but very windy. Should have good weather for the most part of this week but night temps expected in the low 30s. Riley (Forecaster) is excited as well as he wants to chase everything that moves - including leaves and bugs in the air. Marilee heading back to Colorado. Ranger told us about bears being active and hikers are restricted from camping in one stretch unless they have all food in bear proof canisters. Well that was three pounds I choose not to carry so I will be hiking quickly through that area without stopping on Wednesday, with Riley having a bell attached to him for noise. Marilee gave me a great parting gift of a hooded SFP and wicking Appalachian Trail shirt. Will connect as Wi-Fi is available or able to talk with Marilee so she can post for me. See you all in about six months.
Date: 2016-04-04
From: Top of Georgia Hiawassee Georgia

To: Top of Georgia Hiawasee Georgia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Lets start with Riley is fully recovering, already mooching rubs and food from everyone. Getting here directly yesterday rather than an additional day of hiking was a smart decision as thunderstorms kicked in arond ten last night and I awoke to a brisk cold breeze....We went into town to restock, pick up my box from the post office and shove down a monster Hardee's bacon cheeseburger, fries and sweet ice tea. Now back at Top of Georgia and enjoying the day. Also more reflecting on the last few days. I remember that movie "Into the Wild" about Chris MacCandless who graduated college and promptly gave averything he owned away and began a hike around the country ending up in Alaska trying to figure out life. Sadly he dies of starvation due to a planning error but in the end he came to realize as demonsrated by a sign he carved in the bus he stayed in that "Happiness is not real until it is shared". That was a very profound statement I always believed and my last few days have strengthen my belief. With that I will rest today and tomorrow for Riley and that rain in the forecast for tomorrow wtih snow mixed in and temps in the 20s. Riley does not need that. By Saturday morning it should be clear and sunny but cold for one night then beginning to warm into the 40s for nihtime lows. Riley will start anew from here and cross into North Carolina. Love to all and best from Mr. Weather or Knots and Forecaster.
Date: 2016-04-10
From: Plum Orchard

To: Standing Indian
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Sunday April 10Woke up with Riley trying to crawl into the sleeping bag. I got up once in the middle of the night to pee and when I got back he already crawled into my bag. A ten minute wrestling contest ensuded where he simply would go limp and I would have to physically pick him up and move him all while trying to get back into the bag faster than he could. I finally won but pulled him close to keep him warm. The goal was Standing Indian Shelter but in the end that would not be. As we hike, the clouds from yesterday continued to build and by 3 in the afternoon, a few showers fell on us. I feared walking in a pouring rain and setting up a tent in the dark - a tent that I have yet to use or know how to set up. I stopped only six miles that day while others I was hiking with decided to continue to Standing Indian. We calculated that at best baased on our progress today that we would not get there until 6:30 and that exceeded my daily target. They left and I set up while others began to fill up the camping area. After a few brief showers, the sky cleared for the night so I decided to sleep in the shelter rather than set up the tent. This was a brutal day for me and I was exhausted and did not feel bad keeping up with the group.Joel that I met the other day also arrived as did an older couple about my age from Boston. As we sat by the fire he looked down to see what looked like a pot joint on the ground and yes it was. He gave it to Joel and Joel dissappeared somewhere for a few minutes. As people came in we got a different forcast from each not really knowing what was coming. North Carolina lived up to its reputation as increasingly more difficult climbs each day. Riley and I retired for the night at 7:30 to keep warm and get some sleep, something that was hit and miss each night with the cold temps. AS I laid there I thought about the trail naming ritual. This seemed much like what I experienced in the military. It was actually a badge of honor and respect to get a silly name as it indicated your peers respected and trusted you. Almost everyone that came without a name and got one would always resist and demand to no avail another name but as the days progressed you would hear stories about McGruber or Stink Mouse that they now accepted. For those of us that already had a trail name felt a little hollow but the group always accepted and usually nicknamed your trail name as part of that process. I became just "Weather" Riley's nickname of Forcaster never took as everyone simply loved Riley and his name was already spreading in both directions on the trail. I met a couple coming the opposite direction and they immediately said this must be Riley thay have heard about since yesterday. Apparently he now is the star performance and i am the opening act.Joel again arrived to this location and set up for the night in the shelter as did Wiki and the Boston couple. Off to sleep for yet another restless and cold night.
Date: 2016-04-13
From: Franklin N.C

To: Winding Stair Gap Trailhead
Miles today: 0.0

Wednesday April 13We woke up early as planned, skipped eating and off just after 7 am. We reached the trailhead at Winding Stairs Gap by 9:10 well before the shuttle would arrive. As we were hiking we stopped to take a picture next to a trail sign showing where we were and to aour pleasant surprise another Trail Angel appeared and offered us more food like beef jerkey and energy bars. Good thing we decided to stop for the picture otherwise we would have missed him. When we got to the parking lot yet another Trail angel was there. An older guy that appeared to be what you would expect of a mountain man of the Carolinas with the wool clothings and beard. In the back of his pick up truck wsa actual real and fresh orange juice, fresh bananas, strawberries, pinapples and home make cookies. So we both enjoyed another great meal and thanked him as the shuttle arrived and took us into Franklin N.C. for a well deserved down day. When we arrived we heard that Joel was found alive and airlifted out. To all those that rescue us lost souls I say THANKS !..... and best wished to Joel and family.In town I got a room and shared with Norm and Riley enjoying a hot shower, clean bed and warm room.Will update at then next down day location.
Date: 2016-04-22
From: Winding Stairs Gap Trailhead

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hello, Marilee here. Just a note from Bill. All is well but he has not been able to get to a computer to journal. He is just entering the Great Smoky Mountains today 4/22 and Riley is off to doggie camp. It will take him about 8 or 9 days to get through and he is not expected to have any kind of cell service. He will probably take a couple of days off at the end and will catch up on the journal at that time. Thank you all who are following along with his journey. I am very proud of him and not too sorry I am not hiking.
Date: 2015-12-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well I have been preparing and scraping enough funds together for my AT adventure that will start on the 1st of March, 2016. I've been hiking as much as I can though this is Nebraska and frankly, the terrain does not lend much to the interest of a 20 mile trek. Most of my gear is purchased but still have some smalls to put together such as first aid kit and cooking supplements.My wife and I have been doing a lot of experimenting with dehydrated foods and I feel pretty comfortable with the idea of hiking stoveless. On my hikes around here I've tested re-hydrating of my foods and so far everything has been very palatable, especially since we usually really spice our dishes up anyway.To be completely honest, as I get closer to the start date and this whole process becomes more and more real it also gets more scary but I guess that's part of this whole process I'm looking for. To get myself out of the mundane everyday existence and continue testing myself while I still have my wits about me and physical ability to do so.
Date: 2015-12-29
To: home
Miles today: 0.0

I worried and worried about whether or not my clothing would be warm enough for starting my hike in early March. I finally had to simplify things in my mind and remember when I was younger and would hike in wicked snow storms with gear that by today's standards was pretty worthless, and I survived. I've been cold before, and we tend to get too wrapped up in our comfort habits. Hiking and camping when the weather is convenient instead of being willing to accept the challenge of an inconvenient adventure.Anyway, I've been testing my clothing and for the most part am very pleased with what I've selected. My last hike though was windy and 28F and though I didn't exactly suffer I am wondering if I should have a mid layer shirt instead of the zip up UnderArmour jacket that I wore under the fleece jacket.
Date: 2016-01-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

It is certainly difficult to find good days this time of the season in Nebraska to get out and hike. Was planning on a good 15 miler but after 4 near misses on falling I decided to pull back and be satisfied with a 10 miler. Tomorrow will be cold and windy, ugh!I have been working on organizing my mail drops today and experimenting with a couple more dehydrated ideas for trail meals. This whole 'hummus' thing is a new found treasure for tasty meals and it dehydrates down to a powder that takes up virtually no space and very lightweight.
Date: 2016-01-17
To: walk-about
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It's getting tough to keep up with much hiking since the temps have dropped off but still plugging away with what I can. Went out today without my pack and did the slip and slide for a few miles... ugh! Earned my 'Japan' badge today with my FitBit after hiking over 1869 miles since last april as I try to get ready for the big trail.Hard to believe it's only a month and a half till I start and now the nerves are really kicking in.Ghost Walker
Date: 2016-02-13
To: none
Miles today: 0.0

The last couple weeks have been in full food production mode for Theresa and I. My hope is to have a reasonable inventory of dehydrated meals so that Theresa can take a break from this madness. Today we made a huge batch of our copy of Zara rains red bean and rice and now have 30 cups on the dehydrator. Other foods we have done are avocado hummus and a. Basic chickpea hummus. Also we have created a couple of chili's with lots of spices and hot peppers. A couple of lentil meals with black or red beans. Can't leave out the homemade oatmeal that is just awesome. I've tested each meal with using cold water to rehydrate which works if but a bit slower but the decision to go stove less is still very doable.I also am very happy about the fact that it might be easier than I thought to keep the vegan diet though I'm sure I might have to cheat occasionally if short on food.I Am working on my mail food drop itinerary and will plan on 5 or 6 days of meals about every 120 miles with minor Resupply especially at towns along the way between drops.Hard to believe it is two weeks to go till the start of this adventure but as they say, 'The hills are calling.'
Date: 2016-02-19
To: first of 18 mail drops
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

First month of mail drops for resupply on the AT.109.8                9 days         Haven's Budget Inn                        433 East Palmer St.Franklin, NC 28734206.8                8 days NOC Great Outpost                        1138 ParkwayGatlinburg, TN 37738342.1                9 days   Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel        151 River Rd.Erwin, TN 37650418.2                5 days Kincora Hiking Hostel1278 Dennis Cove RdHampton TN 37658Even though I'll be carrying only 5-6 days worth of food (7-8 pounds) I've spread the drops out to average 9 days or so and will assume small resupplies in towns between mail drops. Will really have to see just how hungry I get and might have to make adjustments.
Date: 2016-02-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Only 3 days till starting the AT journey and of course, now I'm really wondering what the heck I was thinking. I have always wanted to do something like this but this is huge. anyway I will start on Tuesday and we will just see how things go and without getting too carried away with mileage I will let my legs get used to things and will figure it out as we go along.
Date: 2016-03-02
To: atlanta, georgia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well Tuesday morning started from Omaha and tried to fly to Atlanta. got as far as O'Hare Airport in Chicago and then all the flights started shutting down. I think I had 5 delays and two cancellations when i finally found out I was going to have to sleep in the airport. Not a real fun experience but I got me some lessons on patience as I SAT there and watched the man walking down the concourse all red in the face and talking and cursing to himself I thought is no reason for me to get that upset about something that is out of my control.So made it here to a friend's house where MI decided to spend the night. Or was it the freezing cold Atlanta winter? (26 degrees)Tomorrow will be driving to trailhead with my friend and will start the hike finally.
Date: 2016-03-04
From: Springer mountain, georgia

To:  maine
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: few clouds

The e first day, got up to Springer mountain and started snowing hard. We were all so soaked and cold that we stayed at first shelter and froze. Several people were driven o#f the trail but we survived. Second day went 9 miles and I stealth camped on the side of a mountain and the Temps were amazingly warm.
Date: 2016-03-05
From: Springer mountain, georgia

To: maine
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Good day of 10 miles and once it warmed up the remainder of the snow melted and slushy trails dried. The hardest sec\ion was sassafras mountain. I've hooked up with a like ability group that includes Dan, Ashley, and rabit.We have stopped at Gooch gap for the night since the next 10 miles require a bear canister or we could get fined.Tomorrow on to needs gap.
Date: 2016-03-06
From: Woody gap

To: neels gap
Miles today: 10.5

Got an early start in the morning after a horrid night of storms and with the wind ripping off the rain fly and turning the under quilt into a sail. I ended up basically sleeping under the stars with a rain jacket over my face and no under quilt to keep my back warm. Amazingly I woke not feeling cold and it was 22 degrees. So rabbit and I started before ash and Dan so rhat we could walk the 3 mountains slow to survive the day and finished with the gruesome blood mountain. A truly tortuous beast.Arrived at neels gap and purchased a much bigger fly and are camped with about 20 other hikers behind the store.Still have no appetite so forcing myself to eat.can already tell I'm losing weight after 4 days.
Date: 2016-03-07
From: neels gap

To: Lowe's shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

My new rain fly worked great things o I gh no rain but kept the wind at bay. Was thinking of an easy day and got started at 9:00. When I arrived at the shelter st mile 8 I saw the shelter was 1.2 miles off trail so kept going and went the extra 4.4 to Lowe's gap shelter. The hills were gruesome.... or I was totally exhausted but it's down in the valley and 30 or so hikers are spread about the surrounding hills.Hiked with miss Haley who was amazing going up and would pull way ahead but I could pass her on downhills so we had a good day. Tomorrow on to Unicoi gap.Total miles is 43.2.