morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-05
From:  Hot Springs, NC

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I am in Erwin Tennessee that is one of the bigger trail towns on the trail with large hotels. It will be about 500 miles before I come across a hotel like this so I am really enjoying myself. It came at a good time because I could really use a break from the trail and other hikers. The trail has become pretty crowded lately I think the bubble is catching up to me. Lucky for me the tent that I bought has been working out really good for me it's one of the best tent I've ever own. At the end of the day I actually look forward to setting up my tent then staying in a shelter. So at the end of the day I usually look for a really nice place to build my home away from everybody. It's really quick and easy to set up the tent and then after that I have to blow up my air mattress and pillow. Once that is done I usually go and collect the water that I'll need to cook and clean with that night. My 4 L water tank really helps out with that. If it was sunny and hot usually I'll take a quick bandanna bath to help clean all the little nasty slimy smelly spots. As you can imagine with cold spring water it's quite refreshing. Then I put on my PJs which is my down pants and down coat which keeps me nice and warm while I make dinner. After dinner I'll hang my food and then crawl into my sleeping bag and read my AT guide to figure out what I will do tomorrow. I have added a new piece of gear to my pack it's a rain skirt. How are you going to get me now Rhododendron. It's amazing how much water will sit at the bottom of the Rhododendron leaf. As I would walk by it would quickly soak my legs. I didn't bring any rain pants with me on this trip because I haven't been able to find a pair that actually works. This rain skirt works great it keeps me dry I don't sweat in them. There also good for helping me take my thermals off without showing everybody my beautiful butt. I'm going to try to add a picture that I took of me on top of Max patch. Max patch is a mountain over 5000 feet that is just grass on top it's quite beautiful. In the background is the Smoky National Park that I've already walked through. Well that's all for now.
Date: 2015-04-14
From: Erwin, TN

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

   I got good news and I got bad news. The good news is I'm in Damascus and all the monster mountains are behind me. The bad news is that rain season has started. Things are going really good and miles are going by pretty easy now. I'm pretty happy to be in Damascus because half the hikers get off the trail at Damascus so the crowds should be less. Hopefully I'll also get better cell service in Virginia but I'm still in the boonies here and it's still not so good. Oh there is still more good news I was able to get 7 pounds out of my pack and sent back home so that should help out a lot. I have seen in the seven day forecast that the Lows at night won't be that bad so I went ahead and sent home my warm stuff that I won't need anymore. It is really nice here the grass is very green the wildflowers are up an blooming and the leaves are just starting to come out. It's been a very long time since I've been able to hike in the summertime and I am really enjoying it. Well it's raining so I guess I better go hike because you know no rain no pain no Maine.
Date: 2015-04-20
From: Damascus, VA

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

   I am in Atkins Virginia about 540 miles in. I got here day before yesterday just before the storm and I am happy that I am dry and comfy. There is a couple of reasons why I am taking some time off here first is because we got 2 inches of rain with this storm and second is that I am suffering from my first injury of my hike. The other day as I was climbing up into the Graceland Highlands and it was raining cold and windy so I decided to keep my head down and go right on through which is about 25 miles. At this point in my hike it's not really a big deal but the injury came from when I went to step over a downed tree there was a rock on the other side that I stepped on that rolled forcing my other leg to come crashing down on the tree. At the time it was not a big deal and I walked it off rather quickly but I noticed it more the next day and then it got worse the following day. I probably could've hiked out today but we got 2 inches of rain with that storm and I'm going to let the trail dry up a little bit and let that bruise heal a little bit more. Other than that I am doing great. I'm happy that I got the 7 pounds out of my pack because it's making my hike so much easier. So many people have gotten off the trail lately that I was actually able to have a shelter to myself. I don't stay at shelters anymore but when nobody showed up I thought what the heck I think I'll stay the night. In the morning I was happy that I did stay because I was just above the fog line with a beautiful sun rise. If I did go on I would've been down there damp and unhappy. Well I see the weather for the next week isn't all that bad so that's it for now.
Date: 2015-05-08
From: Atkins, VA

To: Daleville,VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

   I forgot to update my trail journals the last time I was in town but I am now in Daleville Virginia about 728 miles in. I didn't give my shinsplints enough time to heal so I only made it about 10 miles out before I had to get off the trail again. My leg just got more and more painful and began to swell to the point where my foot started to go numb and tingly so I knew I was losing blood circulation and I had to do something. Lucky for me I came to a road with a hotel just down the way and I just went and took a few days off. I looked at web M.D. and found out that the best thing to do was ice it down and take ibuprofen. It worked great and I am at 100% back to normal again. We went from cold and rainy weather to very hot sunny weather which really cooked us all. I hiked with some hikers who suffered severe sunburn and dehydration. We are all drinking more water to keep from getting dehydrated and sick. I found myself having to take a nap or just laid down for a relaxing break in the afternoon after about 10 miles in order to get any more mileage because it was just so hot. It'll be a whole lot better once the leaves come out on the trees. When I got here I went to the outfitter and found myself a little two ounce hammock to take those afternoon breaks with. I've had one in the past and enjoyed it greatly. I look forward to the next section of trail because it is the best that Virginia can offer. That's all for now.
Date: 2015-05-13
From: Daleville,VA

To: Buena Vista, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

   The hiking's been good I don't really have much to say about this last stretch other then it's been very hot and buggy. The bugs make it very hard to have a relaxing break. One good thing is that everything is flowering and the smell in the woods is very sweet. I have been able to do some swimming lately which is rather refreshing. Well I better get going because I want to get through Sharondoah National Park before Memorial day. I can only imagine how busy that park will be on Memorial day weekend.
Date: 2015-05-24
From: Buena Vista, VA

To:  Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 0.0

I'm moving right along and i'm in front Royal Virginia about 965 Miles done. Things are going great and I have just left the Sharondoah National Park just before memorial day weekend. I feel really lucky about the timing because the whole park is all booked up for two weeks. The park was just simply beautiful with all the wildflowers and everything else freshly green. As you can see in the picture I even had an owl that came down and said hello just as I entered the park. I think the owl was injured at one point and nursed back to life because he came to see me as if I had a handout for him. It has definitely been the highlight of all my backpacking trips. I saw a couple of bears and deer where everywhere so was rabbits it was just a great time. The next big thing is the halfway point and I look forward to getting there. Well that's all for now.
Date: 2015-05-28
From:  Front Royal, VA

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

   I've now made it to Harpers Ferry West Virginia and had my picture taken. I'm in the book of Hiker's for this year. The amazing thing is is that there's already been 300 thru hikers signed in for this year already. I did not realize there were so many people ahead of me. In this last section of trail there was an area they call the roller coaster which consists of 13 hills in about 10 miles. They're not bad there only about 200 to 300 feet each. Halfway through I fell for the second time on my hike all my weight came down on one knee and my face was about 6 inches from hitting a rock. When I finally managed to get myself back standing again there was a rock about 10 steps away and I took a seat and realized somehow I managed not to get hurt. It is a little sore and it's a little scraped up but I'm walking without a limp and that's what's really important. I'm going to be leaving Harpers Ferry with a new set of shoes. I'm so happy that my last pair managed to go 1000 trail miles and 100 pre-hike miles. I'm so happy I've managed to find a great pair of shoes because most people now are on their third pair shoes. I'm hoping that because I'm not dealing with so much snow ice rain and mud that maybe this pair will make it all the way to the end. My next big mile marker is the halfway point and I can't wait to get there. That's all for now.
Date: 2015-06-07
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To:  Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

      A hole lot has happened since the last time I made an entry. I was in a very bad state of mind when I got to the Pennsylvania border. It had been very hot and humid and I was very wet dirty and just not happy. I got to a hotel just in time before a really bad thunderstorm hit and then the next day was all rain and I sat in a hotel room thinking I just can't get out there in that. As I sat in the hotel room I thought I've hiked Pennsylvania five times and I really don't really want to hike it again so I think I'm going to jump ahead. After checking all the ways of traveling up north I found out that I could do it very cheaply and I could stop in New Jersey and see my friend and hiking partner pounce who happened to be visiting her parents at the time. The first thing she did was cook me a home cooked meal of pork chops buttered noodles and Collie flower my favorite. I wash it all down with a local beer from Vermont which was delicious. She brought me up to High Point State Park in New Jersey were we hiked in about a mile. With a big hug and a good luck I was off much much happier. Well that's all for now.
Date: 2015-03-30
From: Onondaga Cave State Park, MO

To: South
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

This is likely the last shakedown outing before heading to GA to start the AT journey. Out for 3 days and 2 nights on the Ozark Trail. Weather is expected to be perfect for the 3 days and the first day was great.   The water in the Courtois was higher, swifter, and colder than past crossings, but no real issues. Found the remains of someone's failed camp along the trail, about 8 miles in. A tent on the ground with one broken pole, 2 pairs of pants, 2 shirts, one pair socks, a Gap brand windbreaker, and tent bag. Looked like it might have been there about a week. Apparently someone had a bad experience, but that's no excuse for leaving junk on the trail. Unfortunately I had no reasonable way to pack it out. I am low on water tonight, but will be able to refill at the river in the morn. Will have to make an adjustment in my water containers for the AT. Will probably also be reviewing my sleep system. All for now.Hope everyone on the AT is having weather as good as it is here. O'RYAN
Date: 2015-04-11
From: Home

To: Georgia on my mind
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

It's Sat evening before my departure to GA on Mon morning. I've packed and re packed my backpack trying to fit everything in. My pack with 4 days food and no water is around 30 lbs. Was hoping to be no more than 30 lbs with water, so a little heavier than planned. Will be carrying 2 liters of water from the start. Hopefully I can drop a few pounds from the pack as I hike. Looks like the first week in GA will be very wet. My least favorite conditions, but might as well have the acid test early to see if I can make it. Stay warm, stay dry. O'RYAN
Date: 2015-04-13
From: AT Approach Trail

To: Start AT thru hike
Miles today: 0.0

The photo is looking down from the top of Amicalola Falls. The AT Approach Trail starts with a hike up the 425 steps to the top. Will start this tomorrow morning. Was raining when I got to the park, and still raining. Hope it's not too foggy tomorrow so I can see the Falls Will register in the morning as I got here after the Visitor Center closed. Planning on somewhere between 10 and 18 miles tomorrow. Want to get to and at least a little past Springer Mt for the first day. No hurry though. The real journey begins tomorrow morning. O'RYAN
Date: 2015-04-14
From: Amicalola Falls State Park

To: somewhere past Springer Mt
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Amicalola Falls at 9 am after signing in. The hike up the Falls included 600 steps (425 plus 175) and numerous steep switchbacks. And, of course it was raining. The 8.8 mile Approach Trail was more difficult than I expected but made it to Springer Mt early afternoon. Unfortunately it was drizzly and foggy so not much of a view. Hiked a little longer and stopped between Stover Creek and Hawk Mt shelter for the night. Rained off and on all night. Living the dream. O'RYAN
Date: 2015-04-15
From: Between Stover Nd Hawk Mt

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 16.0

After rain last night I was happy that the inside of the tent was dry. Started Wednesday morn in drizzling rain, which continued all day. Also very foggy all day. The trail was in terrible shape. Muddy, with water running in many sections. I did all right except for a fall in one of the muddiest downhill sections. Nothing broke so all O K I guess. Stopped and set up tent at Woody Gap after 16 miles. Will try to dry out and recover. Tomorrow I climb Blood Mt before ending at Neels Gap. There is an outfitter there for some re supply. When I got to Woody Gap there was a shuttle car waiting to take folks to Suches, GA. He told me I should skip Blood Mt as trail conditions were terrible and some hikers had retreated from the climb due to bad trail. He also said a man had been chased down the Mt by a bear yesterday. Hoping for better weather on Thursday and a lower mileage day. O'RYAN
Date: 2015-04-16
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 11.3

Weather was still wet when I took the tent down and left Woody Gap. It improved as the day progressed, although it is misting now. Blood Mt was a difficult climb but I made it to the top. It was very special on top, but due to heavy fog the views were of only white fog. Hiked on to Neels Gap arriving about 2 pm. Will be staying the night in their bunkhouse. They have a really good rate for a bunk, shower with towel, laundry load. Had to stop anyway for food so might as well spend the night. Hope to be off in the morn fairly early. O'RYAN
Date: 2015-04-17
From: Neels Gap

To: Blue Mt shelter
Miles today: 18.8

Left Neels Gap at 7:30 am after spending the night in the Mountain Crossings bunkroom. FYI, a Gap is a low area between two mountains. In other places it might be called a valley, or maybe a holler. But here it is a Gap. Was good to be out of the rain, but did not sleep well. The bunk room was too hot and the plastic mattress covers were noisy anytime someone moved. On the trail I discovered that a mouse had chewed a hole in my pack and eaten some peanuts and raisins. Did not expect that in the bunkroom. Weather was a little better as it did not start raining until afternoon. Hiked to Blue Mt shelter, but the shelter was full when I arrived about 5 pm. Set up tent and cooked dinner in the rain. Everyone is really tired of rain every day and the very muddy trail. It has to get better sometime. Did have a nice surprise at Mountain Crossings place. Late evening some folks arrived from a local church. They brought spaghetti, bread, salad, ham, chicken, 3 homemade desserts and iced tea. There were only 8 of us staying in the bunks (4 guys & 4 gals) so they had a lot of food left. Real Trail Angels. All for now. O'RYAN
Date: 2015-04-18
From: Blue Mt shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 19.1

Blue Mt Shelter to Dicks Creek Gap. Spent the night in the tent near Blue Mt shelter. The rain stopped sometime during the night and I awoke to see a sunrise for the first time this week. Left camp about 8:15 and it was great to have some sun in place of rain and fog. Passed many nice scenic views and took a few photos. It seemed strange, but about mid-morn I noticed the trees did not have nearly as much new leaf cover as I saw on the trail just a few days ago. Surprised that going 60 miles North would make that much difference, but it does. Elevation could also be a factor I guess.The hiking went well, but about noon clouds started moving in. A few periods of light rain scattered throughout the afternoon, but not as bad as previous days. The trail was in better condition. Still lots of mud, but much improved. Today is Sat so met lots of day and weekend hikers on the trail. Ran across one small Garter snake, and one unusual lizard, or salamander. Got a picture of it. Completely orange. There were two local ladies passing and I asked if they had ever seen one like it. Neither had. I may have discovered something new. If so, then I have the privilege of naming it. Georgia O'RYANs newt. Hiked 19.1 miles today and stopped at Dicks Creek Gap. I believe this area is nearing the end of the Chattahooche National Forest. Will get to The Top of Georgia hostel tomorrow morn, where I will be taking the day off from hiking. Need to get into Hiawasse for re supply, and maybe a cheeseburger or pizza. Also can use some rest. Should be a good day for a stop as there is 100% chance of rain tomorrow. One to two inches. Will likely be rain tonight, and when I break camp in the morn, but after that I won't worry about it until Mon morn. Forecast for next week is much better than for this first week. I have seen several backpackers with dogs. One I talked to hopes to go all the way to Maine. Hope they make it, but think that has to be difficult for both dog and owner. This campsite I am in tonight is OK but close to a road. Sure hope the traffic is light. Am creating this offline as there is no service in this Gap. Will move to TJ site tomorrow. 7:43pm now, approaching hiker midnight. Until tomorrow. O'RYAN
Date: 2015-04-19
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Rest and resupply
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day at Top of Georgia Hostel 4/19/15No hiking on Sun and staying Sun night at TOG Hostel. Nice to get cleaned up and they have a shuttle service to take us to Hiawassee for supplies, dining and anything else needed. Heavy rain all day so the timing for this off day is good. The hostel has 3 coed rooms with bunk beds and a complete kitchen for anyone that wants to cook. They also have a breakfast available in the morn. I re supplied at a grocery store and ate at an AYCE restaurant. Picked up a sub sandwich for Sun dinner and Mon lunch on the trail. All at the hostel was very good except phone and Internet service. Both were sketchy and unreliable for everyone. My tent and ground cloth are both wet and not drying today. Maybe this coming week as the weather improves. All for now. O'RYAN
Date: 2015-04-20
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Standing Indian shelter area
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: light rain

Dicks Creek Gap to Indian Mt Shelter area 16 .7 miles. 4/20/15Taking a Zero day ( no hiking miles) on Sun was a good decision. The re supply in Hiawassee and rest were good. And there was heavy rain all day Sun. Was nice to not be in the rain for a change. Left Dicks Creek Gap about 9 am Mon morn. It had rained for about 3 hours prior to that. But the trails were in improved condition already. The morn was sunny and great for hiking. About 1 pm I reached the GA/NC border. A milestone. My first state finished. Had my pic taken by a group that was slack packing and stopped at the border. Nice folks. A little light rain fell in the afternoon and my hands free umbrella system worked well. Reached Standing Indian shelter area after 5 pm and set up the tent. There are about 7 people in the shelter. A bit windy and cool at this elevation. Should sleep well and hope to be on the trail early Tues morn. The scenery was very nice today and I am looking forward to seeing more of NC. Hiking with SpringO'RYAN
Date: 2015-04-21
From: Standing Indian shelter area

To: Long Branch shelter area 
Miles today: 16.2

Near Standing Indian shelter (86.3) to Long Branch shelter area (102.5). 16.2 M. Slept pretty well in the tent Mon night. But it was windy and cold. Strong, gusty winds most of the night. Temp in the tent Tues morn was 39F. Elevation was about 4800 ft. Climbed Standing Indian Mt to begin the day and did not really thaw out until afternoon. Sunny and clear skies, but cool. The milestone today was 100 miles on the AT. Total with Approach Trail is 109.5. Many pretty views today. My pics really don't do them justice. My tent is set up near the Long Branch shelter in a nice area. Things are finally starting to dry out. Thinking I have enough food to reach Nantahala Outdoor Center late Thurs or Fri. Might try to mail food from there to Fontana Dam to get thru the Smoky Mt Nat Park. Getting dark so time to put things in order and call it a day. O'RYAN
Date: 2015-04-22
From: Long Branch shelter area 

To: Wayah Bald shelter area
Miles today: 18.4

Long Branch Shelter area to Wayah Bald Shelter area. 18.3 MTues night was cool and windy but better than Mon night. Broke camp and got on the trail at 8:30 am. Cold morning. Wind was gusty all day but no rain till 6 pm. I already had the tent up so not a big problem. Also had some hail. Not much to report today. Some nice views and met quite a few other hikers. Still no cell phone service. Hope to get service tomorrow. Pretty tired so calling it a day. O'RYAN
Date: 2015-04-23
From: Wayah Bald shelter area

To: NOC
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Thunder storm with rain, hail and very close lightning. Luckily it started after my tent was up. Thurs morn was very cold and tent was muddy from rain. Left camp at 8 am and had two falls on the trail. Have to be more careful. Lots of great views today. Went down elevation about 3000 ft to the Nantahala river and NOC. They are a busy outfitter on the river. Kayaking, hiking, Mt biking, zip line. Pretty neat place. I will be staying in the hostel Thurs night and using shower, laundry, restaurant. Leaving Fri morn to arrive in Fontana Dam area on Sat. Have a bit of a food problem as there is not much at NOC and I hear Fontana is not much better. Need to add about 5 day supply to get thru the Smokies. Hiking is going well but I do have difficulty with cold in the mornings. Takes me to mid-day to get warm. Should get better as the season changes. All good for now in a bunkroom with 3 other guys and should be warm tonight. O'RYAN