morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-05-21
From: Abbington Gap

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

From Abbington Gap to Damascus, we hiked 10 miles. This was a relatively downhill stretch into town. Dan and I made an early start, leaving 40 minutes before Amy and Zoey since they are the stronger hikers. We all arrived in Damascus within 10 minutes of each other. While waiting for them, we were laying down on the ground, when a guy who lived nearby came over with a couple beers, figuring we were thirsty. Needless to say, I gave my beer to Dan. After that, we went to a restaurant, Mojo's, and had a really good lunch.Zoey, trail name: Mountain Goat, (because of how easily she went up hills), and Amy, a.k.a. Granny, (not that she wasn't keeping up with Zoey, it's a trail name she had from before), ended their section hike here¢126.7 miles from Erwin, TN to Damascus, VA. Today they go home. And I'll be catching a ride with them; going home too. More on that in my next post!y not¢Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn¢t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.¢¢Mark Twain
Date: 2018-05-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Dear family, friends and followers of this AT Journal,After 5 weeks and 480 miles of hiking, we have arrived in Damascus, VA, at which point I have decided to end my journey. As you know, back in Asheville, I had to go to the hospital to have the discomfort in my chest checked out. Even though the cardiologist didn¢t find anything, he couldn¢t make any guarantees about my continued wellbeing on the trail. At that point, I decided to get back on the trail to see how things would feel. I noticed that things weren¢t getting worse, nor were they getting better, especially on the more difficult climbs. I set Damascus as a goal, it seemed like a logical place to stop.As you all know, my friend Dan was hiking with me. He has decided to continue the hike towards Katahdin. I feel bad abandoning him, but feel like I need to put my health first. I don¢t think what I was feeling is anything to mess around with considering how isolated we sometimes were on the trail. I wish Dan all the best and I¢ll be tracking his progress. Thank you to all our followers for your words of encouragement and good wishes. This has been an amazing journey. Before I set out in April, I didn¢t quite know what to expect. It has surpassed all expectations ¢ from the people I met on the trail, seeing spring unfold, the variety of vegetation we saw as we climbed, to the stunning vistas. Time seems to run slower on the trail. Even though it¢s only been 5 weeks, it seems like it¢s been much longer than that. You lose all concept of time and your brain isn¢t overwhelmed with the intricacies of daily life. If you were to ask me if I¢d do it again, my answer would be an overwhelming ¢yes."y not¢Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn¢t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.¢¢Mark Twain
Date: 2018-03-30
From: Amicalola Falls to Springer Mountain 

To: Approach Trail To Springer Moutain
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Finally after all the planing and my 27 1/2 hour journey on the bus. A night at the Motel 6 in Gainesville Georgia. Had a shuttle pick me up at 8:00 am this morning and drop me off at Amicalola Falls. After registering and having a speech by a trail runner about Do and don'ts. Started the trail and up the 600 plus stairs . I managed to hike most of the day with Katy from the U.K.. Met many more people on the trail and cooked supper at the shelter with a few other people. Time to get a good night sleep ! Ohh, the weather today was absolutely beautiful and should be for the next few days. So the weather says.
Date: 2018-04-01
From: Springer to Hawk Mountain Campsite to Gooch Mountain Shelter 

To: Springer to Hawk Mountain Campsite to Gooch Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: overcast clouds

No service last night so this is the update. Had a cold night at Springer low 20's. My sleep system was warm and comfortable. Saturday the weather was warm and hiked to Hawk Mountain Campsites 7.4 miles. Got there at 1:00 and enjoyed the rest of the day. This morning woke up early having my 2 packs of hot chocolate and 2 pack of my cinnamon and apples oatmeal. Left camp at 8:30 and headed towards Gooch Mountain Shelter 8.3 miles. A bit of a tougher day as to climb Sassafras Mountain. I kicked its butt and after descending was lucky to encounter some trail magic of soda, refill water, candy, oranges, bananas. Made it to camp , set up, cooked some noodles tonight.Went to the picnic table met other hikers . That's it for now.
Date: 2018-04-02
From: Gooch Mountain 

To: Jarrard Gap
Miles today: 10.4

Another beautiful day of hiking. Have a little tramily consisting of Denny , he's 70, Chinook 60, Kim /Bro, and then myself ,I have the trail name of Stair Master.Tomorrow will be a 5 mile hike to Neels Gap Mountain Crossings.
Date: 2018-04-03
From: Jarrard Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

Good night at Jarred Gap. There was over 20 tents because the next five miles of the trail you are required to have a bear canister. The whole group of us arrived at Neels Gap and staying the night. All resupplied and ready to hit the trail in the morning.l
Date: 2018-04-04
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Last night therethunderstorms, the 4 of us had luck on our side. Denny had a problem with his foot and had to leave and see a doctor. So this morning started out at 7:45 am . The rain held off but it has been windy all day. On the mountain tops it was a mixture of everything. A little bit of drizzle, sleet, wind and fog, till around 11:00 am. Tonight the weather is still windy, gust of 40 mph. The temperature is forecast to drop to freezing.No problem here , I will be toasty. Tomorrow we plan on hiking to Unicoi Gap 9.7 miles and go to town for a Nero.
Date: 2018-04-05
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cheese Factory Site
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

Last night the temp got down to freezing. This morning woke up at 6:20 and started morning chores.We hit the trail at 8:20am and arrived at camp at 5:20 pm.The weather warmed up by 11:00 am and had a very good day to put in some miles. We were going to just go to Unicoi Gap and shuttle into town. Arrived at Unicoi Gap and trail magic was waiting . Hot dogs with bacon , sausage, chips, soda, water, beer,and all kinds of snacks. Thanks to Art and Jean from Tennessee. We ate then hiked up 1100 ft. to 4000 ft. Another cold night coming, have to get some rest for tomorrow.
Date: 2018-04-06
From: Cheese Factory Site

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: few clouds

Started out this morning at 7:20am . It started raining lightly around 11:30am and continued on  and off all thru the hike today.The weather is not a factor as I feel I am prepared. Today was my 8th day on the trail and I am so satisfied with the miles , the experience. We arrived at Dick's Creek Gap and had our shuttle waiting to drive us to the Holiday Inn in Hiawassee for 2 nights and Our first zero.
Date: 2018-04-07
To: Hiawassee, Holiday Inn Express 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Finishing up on a zero day, all rested for tomorrow. It was good to have a zero, resupplied,clean laundry. The Holiday Express here has a jacuzzi, pool, onsite laundry, and breakfast in the morning. Had a great supper tonight at Daniel's steakhouse which it was an all you can eat buffet. Bro picked up the tab for us three. Chinook and I took advantage of the over 60 discount. I lied of my age for the .50 discount.In the morning we will get picked up by the shuttle and get dropped off where we got off the trail. Proudly to say we will be at the Georgia,North Carolina border after we hike       9 1/2 miles.
Date: 2018-04-08
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 11.8

Had a great zero day. The shuttle picked us up at 8:00 am and we arrived at the trail head at 8:20 and started hiking for the day. It was in the low thirties this morning and stayed that way as we climbed higher elevations. The trees were all covered with thick frost and looked really cool.I will post pics at another time when I have better service.We finally crossed the Georgia,North Carolina at 2:00 and decided to break and take our lunch break in NC. Continued on for a few more miles till we arrived at Muskrat Creek Shelter.A lot of people here. Some new faces and a few that we have met already. The forecast for tonight is low 30's with a chance of rain or dusting of snow to a 1/2 inch. All bundled up and ready to get a good nights sleep.
Date: 2018-04-09
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter 

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: broken clouds

Rained last night and was stopped by morning. First day to pack up a wet and muddy tent. The high peak for today was a little over 5400 feet in elevation. It wasn't a steep grade so it was easy on the body. The weather on the other hand was foggy and misting all day. Arrived at the Shelter at    3:00 pm and the sun finally broke thru. Put up a clothes line with my bare bag rope and hung the tent to dry. Getting rest and ready to hit the 100 mile marker of the Appalachian Trail. The first 8 1/2 miles of the approach trail at Amicalola Falls don't count. That was something I wanted to do.
Date: 2018-04-10
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Started out on the trail at 8:00 AM, it was chilly and dry. The sun came out and it warmed up quick. It was 10:00 am and decided to take a brake and eat my second breakfast, a honey bun. Decent down the mountain 15 minutes later there was some trail magic. And older guy, with an assortment of bananas, strawberries, etc. I had a banana and started to assent Albert Mountain.The first half of the climb wasn't too bad. The second half seemed to be at least a 45 degree. Stairs, boulders, it was a true cardio workout. Reached the top and there stood a fire tower. I  had no intention to climbing the stairs. We all ate lunch, all energized again. Well, I guess I have a reputation to stand up to.I ran up to the top of the fire tower to take pics and a video.The view was spectacular and so glad to be there.Tomorrow is going to be a Nero day as we have to resupply.             My legs are getting stronger and my pace is getting faster.I may have to leave my tramily since they are slower. I am truly loving every minute doing what I am doing.Tomorrow's a new day.
Date: 2018-04-11
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: overcast clouds

On the trail by 7:25 am, an easy morning hike 3.8 miles to Winding Stair Gap to get a bus ride to Franklin. A Nero day to resupply, laundry, shower,and eat as much food as possible. Ohh, and a few beers!Till tomorrow.
Date: 2018-04-12
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Has a great time yesterday in Franklin. Did all the chores then stopped by the outfitters. Bro Jangles had to get a new pair of trail runners, Chinook decided to buy a tent and send home his hammock. Just so happens they had a craft beers bar there so I indulged in a couple. Later on we went out to Lazy Hiker brewing co. and enjoyed a couple more craft beers. For supper we had Mexican food and a margarita. This morning had a breakfast at Hardee's then got shuttled to the trail where we left off yesterday.On the trail by 8:30 and arrive at camp at 6:00 PM. A very long day of a lot of elevations.Our last climb for the day was to a camp spot at 4,920 feet at a peak. It was the longest day at 15.8 miles. Time to rest for tomorrow's journey.
Date: 2018-04-13
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Started out this morning at 7:45am decided to hike a shorter day and stay at the Natahala Outdoor Center.Leave here in the morning and and have a 6 to 8 mile accent then another 7 miles after that to a point we can get to a hostel for a night because of heavy rain in the forecast.      Until then...
Date: 2018-04-14
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Stecoah Gap, NC
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

Left the Natahala Outdoor Center at 8:20am and started the seemingly never ending assent from 1771 feet to a high of 5062 feet. It was a hard 8 miles up. The remainder 6 miles was ups and downs to a final 3165 at Stecoah Gap at 5:30 pm where we got picked up by the owner of The Cabin in the Woods and the Coop.Chinook, Bro Jingles, and myself will be staying here tonight and possibly tomorrow night. Weather pending because of a nasty storm in the forecast.After being picked up and brought to the cabin we unloaded our gear and Graig drove us down to a local diner for supper. Tomorrow morning we will have breakfast here for $6.00 and our laundry washed and dried for $5.00..It was a very long hard day and time to relax. A needed zero day to recover and rest.Tomorrow's another day.
Date: 2018-04-15
From: Stecoah Gap, NC

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

Went up to the main house this morning and Graig cooked up omelettes , with fresh biscuits and gravy, coffee and OJ. We will get shuttled to town and pick up some supplies and have lunch. For now, staying dry, relaxing, and preparing for the 14 miles tomorrow to Fontana Dam. Register there for a Smoky's permit, 78 miles of wilderness.Looking forward to that too.                   Till tomorrow. Another day of adventure.
Date: 2018-04-16
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: light rain

Arrived at the trail head this morning at 7:45 am . It was freezing and sleeting most of the day. The trail was relatively easy today with the ascents more gradual. I arrived at Fontana around 3:00 pm. A shuttle has just arrived and I boarded and off to the General Store to supply for 6 days.Got shuttled back to the trail and hiked another 1 1/2 miles to the shelter. Sleeping in the Shelter for the first time since out here. Suppose to be freezing temperatures tonight, then warming up a bit.           Till tomorrow. Another day.
Date: 2018-04-17
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 12.0

It was a cold night, Up at 6:30am, had to organize my food into ziplock bags . Started on the trail at 7:45am. The first 2 miles was pretty easy. Now the next 10 miles was just one direction, up and then up some more. Definitely one of the hardest days yet.The rest of the Smokies should be easier by staying on top of the mountains. The service is too slow for pics. Till tomorrow.
Date: 2018-04-18
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter 

To: Derrick Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Well, I have to say,I thought the trail would be easier. Ha Ha!!  Hit the trail at 7:45 AM and arrived at Derrick Knob Shelter at 3:45 PM. Hitting the higher elevations is great with beautiful views. Tomorrow I will be hitting elevations higher than 6000 feet.Lots of ups and very little downs. Tomorrow's another day.
Date: 2018-04-20
From: Mt. Collins Shelter 

To: Pecks Corner Shelter 
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Day 22 - It was a cold night and cold morning. Woke up early and on the trail by 7:00 am. It was brisk but once walking I warmed up. The sun came out with not much winds. The hike today was approximately 15 miles. Hiked by myself most of the day and enjoyed all my breaks to check out all the sceneries. Made it to the shelter at 5:30 pm. Set up camp, ate supper, hang my food bag. Tonight is supposed to be cold again. Elevation is 5372 . Tomorrow's another day.Some more miles.
Date: 2018-04-21
From: Pecks Corner Shelter 

To: Cosby Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

Day 23 - On the trail for 7:00 am today. A little chilly at first but it warmed up quick. 12.9 miles today. Reached some peaks nice and early.It is amazing that the weather has been really good with no rain for the time in the Smokies. One last night here and hit the trail in the morning. Short hike of 10.4 miles and go to Standing Bear Farm , it is a hostel and  also able to resupply there. Then it will be off to Hot Springs NC.
Date: 2018-04-22
From: Cosby Knob Shelter 

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Day 24- Had a good night sleep and was warmer. Started out of camp at 6:50am. It wasn't long before I was shedding my layers at the sun came up and I was moving right along. The trail fairly easy today as I was leaving the the Smokies. A long descent with some fantastic views. Arrived at Standing Bear Farm Hostel at 12:15.I was immediately approached and signed in. I decided to pay $25.00 for a bed in a small bunk house with 2 beds on the lower level and 2 beds on the loft. I then went to the supply shack and got everything I need for the next 3 days. Everything that I purchased, I write down on a piece of paper with price and quantity. Keeping this paper I will also write down everything else purchased,like pizza, beer, etc. Pay all at once when I check out.Just another great day in the woods.Tomorrow's another day.
Date: 2018-04-23
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: light rain

Day 25- Left Standing Bear Farm Hostel 8:00 AM. It was warm at that elevation and did not rain last night as was forecasted. Started climbing a five mile ascend and it started to rain. It was raining on on off all day with the wind blowing with strong gust. I hiked 15.5 miles to a shelter and did not want to set my tent up. The shelter was full. So knowing there was another shelter 4.5 miles I decided to go for it. Now, it was 6:30PM and arriving at this shelter, it was also full. On top of a mountain the wind is blowing fiercely. I tried to set the tent up near the shelter and it was just too windy. A short distance from is a little valley with a field. Four other tents are here. Still windy and raining. The good of it is I'll start hiking in the morning at dawn and 13.1 miles I will be in Hot Springs N.C.for 2 nights. Another day and more miles.
Date: 2018-04-24
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 26- Started my hike down to Hot Springs at 6:30 this morning in the fog with my headlamp on. Hiked the 13 miles to Hot Springs and arrived at 12:30. Did my laundry, had some food. Ready for som R&R with a Zero tomorrow and a Nero Thursday.
Date: 2018-04-25
To: Zero day in Hot Springs,NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I had a great time last night and today.A well needed rest and to eat some good food. My supper tonight was a ribeye steak with baked potato, and a salad. Tomorrow I will start out early to try to beat the rain in the forecast. My plans are to be in Erwin, TN. In 4 days. Till I have wifi again, I will keep all informed.
Date: 2018-04-26
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Left Hot Springs this morning at 6:30 AM . It was a fairly easy day with 11 miles to the shelter. As I finished unpacking my gear the rain started. I am warm and dry. Tomorrow's another day. I will try to do 15 mile days until Erwin.
Date: 2018-04-27
From: Spring Mountain Shelter 

To: Shelton Graves
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: light rain

Slept in the Shelter last night. Managed to stay dry and no mice damage to my gear. I was still raining this morning, so I took my time to eat my oatmeal and drink 2 coffees. Yes by the way I did take my Cumberland Farms insulated plastic coffee mug with cover. I managed to start hiking at 8:30AM wearing my rain gear. It finally cleared up and the sun was out in the afternoon. I was hiking all day by myself but would occasionally see other hikers. I met a younger couple from Cape Cod and talked with them for a few while we were walking a ridge and snapping pics. I continued on hiking until I found a nice stealth camp. Another good day with 19.7 miles. Finishing at 7:00 PM. Set up camp, ate supper and hung my food bag. It is now 8:55 PM and time for some sleep. Another day and more miles .Tomorrow's another day.
Date: 2018-04-28
From: Shelton Graves

To: Mile # 327.3
Miles today: 22.1

Day 30, The nice camp that I found last night was called Shelton Graves. It was marked as where a couple civil war veterans were killed. There were a couple tombstone and flowers planted around the site.The I was up early and refreshed had my coffee and oatmeal. Packed up and on the trail by 7:30 am. By noon had 8.5 miles finished and eating lunch in top of a mountain. Then this girl came by and said there was trail magic at one of the trail heads. We hiked very fast for around 5 or more miles. We made it in time. I had 2 sodas, Gatorade, slice of pizza, a banana, and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Then we were off to climb Big Bald with an elevation of 5504 ft. from 3719 ft. I finally peaked it at 6:00 PM and continued to lower elevation  1 1/2 more miles and set camp for the evening. 22.1 miles for today. Time to rest for tomorrow.
Date: 2018-04-29
From: Mile # 327.3

To: Mile # 345.3
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 31It was cold and windy all night and into the morning. It was 8:00 am and I was dressed warm for the beginning of the day. I had only one thing in mind today and that was to make it to  Erwin, Tennessee 16.6 miles .Then hitch a ride 4 miles to the CVS to get my medications filled.Then to resupply. I was able to call while I had service on  top of the mountain and was informed they also close at 5:00 pm. I knew I was gonna be pushing hard to get there, snacking on the run and skipping lunch break. I was literally in a trot heading down the mountain to the trailhead.All I can think in my head was how great it would be , to run into a trail Angel.It was 3:15pm when I reached the trailhead and immediately stuck my thumb out for a ride. Not a minute later a woman in her 70's pulled over and I asked if this was the right way to the CVS and she said she'd be happy to take me there and anything else I had to do in town. MY PRAYER WAS ANSWERED! Her name is WindySmile and her dog Gerty. So we went to CVS, then Dollar General, then McDonald's where I bought myself supper. I did offer her supper too, but she declined. She then brought me back to the trailhead. At the trailhead is Uncle Johnny's Hostel. I stopped by quickly and noticed Walkman. Said my hello's ate my McDonald's there. Then left for the trail again. Found a nice flat area with a river flowing a mile and half from the trailhead. Total miles for today is 18. I am Very Happy to say I feel great! Now I have to look at my trail guide and see what town is next and how many miles.
Date: 2018-04-30
From: Mile # 345.3

To: Mile # 365
Miles today: 19.7

Day 32I am enjoying stealth camping as I am able to keep going and putting more miles on. Today was no different than the other days. On the trail by 7:45AM and eager to start my day. I already knew it was going to start with a good climb. When I reached the summit I had really good service so decided to break and do my journal. After the descent to the Gap, aww, trail magic. Took another break and had some ice cold lemonade, while sitting in a chair, and fill my water and get rid of trash.It was around 2:30 and I reached another ascent and realized this was a 1000 ft. So I took another break to eat some protein. Tuna, peanut butter. Kept hiking until 6:45 PM. When I finally found a good area to set up camp.Tomorrow's a new day.