morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-28
From: Erwin, TN

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 8.4

Some sad news for all who have been following my walk. I was forced to retire from the trail today after making it 8.4 miles from Erwin. After a weekend of rest I had thought that the respiratory problems I had been experiencing had been resolved. But once I started climbing this morning I quickly learned this was not the case. My breathing was rough and the coughing got worse. It didn't help that today's section of the trail had us climbing nearly two thousand feet. Beside that much of the trail today was extremely rough footing. My ankles really took a beating. Anyway, once we reached the road in Indian Grave Gap and found Ms Janet' van sitting there, it became an easy decision for me. Ms Janet is legendary up and down the trail through this area for her devotion to the trail and her help of hikers. She agreed to give me a ride back into Erwin and tomorrow she will help me get back down to the Asheville area. From there I'll make my way to our cabin where I hope to rest and get over this nagging affliction. The hardest thing for me was to leave Icefire once again. He has been a good friend and wonderful hiking companion. But to try and stay out there when all the cylinders weren't clicking in sinc would only hold him back. I've no doubt that Icefire will make it to Katahdin and I wish all the best. I want to thank all of you who have signed my journal and left me encouraging notes. Your support helped me greatly. I know that many were pulling for me to make it but it was not to be. The accumulative weariness and injuries finally caught up to me. Anyway, thanks to all of you.
Date: 2015-04-30
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: My Cabin in the Woods
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I made it to our cabin south of Asheville late yesterday. Had a good night' sleep except for the coughing. Seeing the coating of pine pollen which covered the deck helped me to understand why I've been having the problems I've had. I guess I need to plan out a hiking strategy which allows me to avoid the heaviest of the pollen output. Of course, that might require that I do more winter hiking and I hate winter hiking. Anyway, this weary body is thanking me for this rest. I'll give myself some real time here truly to get over this respiratory affliction and then reconsider my options of getting back on the trail for a spell. I don't figure I have much chance to go it the long way but I may just be able to knock off a good chunk of it -- say Virginia. We will see, but first things first. I've got to get my head, sinuses, and lungs clear of this congestion. You can't climb mountains when you can't breathe. While I'm waiting, I'll continue to monitor the progress of my friends. I'm so glad that many of them are doing so well. We were all alarmed to hear of the sickness of several just south of Erwin. From the sounds of it they may have fallen prey to an outbreak of the norovirus. Folks who run the hostels and motels around Erwin still speak of the outbreak in 2013. It was epidemic and health workers were called to address the crisis and to counsel the hikers on how to stay clean and avoid it. Anyway, I hope we won't see another widespread outbreak of it this year.
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Meeting with pastor Shepard to have lunch today. Enjoyed a great Easter weekend with my family. Had breakfast with Doug K this morning, at 59 years old that man is a inspiration. He could hang in work outs with 20 year olds. Final packing list is on the desk, just hoping I don't forget anything. I'm worried about under packing, I have made the mistake of overpacking. Ready to go.
Date: 2015-03-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well I'm waiting on my jacket to get here from CWF. Was wanting to do a shake down hike this week but still waiting on stuff from CWF. 15 days left till I head to GA. I am so nervous but so ready at the same time. Doing a interview tomorrow with a newspaper. Just 2 weeks of workouts left so need to make them count.
Date: 2015-04-10
To: gooch mnt
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well it is here!!!!! Had a wonderful last couple days with family. Checked into visitor center. My pack weighed 28lbs and i registered in at #1155. The nerves are subsiding, anticipation kills me. Ready for the Epicest "word I created on the way here" journey ever. I will carry lots of thoughts about our service members along my way, I love my freedom and offer many thank yous to those that have served. I have been told that I was born with beast mode activated lol, go big or go home your only on this earth for a short time make every minute count. Leave your footprint
Date: 2015-04-11
From: Springer mnt

To: Gooch Mt
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Definitely an emotional first day. Leaving the family was harder than I thought it would be. I kept walking, second guessing the whole time wether or not I could do this or not. I knew I just had to keep hiking or I'd just get worse. I'm doing this for more than me. I could hear Ging saying your good. Past yesterday thru hikers and saw day hikers along the way. finally decided to call it a good day at Gooch Mt Shelter. Anxiety is tough, didn't sleep. ate only a few bites of my Mountain House meal, & they're good. This morning, different mindset, talked to kids, too. Ate a Nutella chocolate fudge PopTarts tortilla taco! Used my citrus blend oils for invigoration! I'm going to push for Neels Gap! Big climbs ahead. shadow of
Date: 2015-04-12
From: Gooch Mt

To: neels gap
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Left gooch mtn shelter Around 9 and arrived in Neels Gap at 530. Made it from springer to Neels gap in day and a half. Met Boston, he is 64 and did miles as me today (16). All in all a good day. My body feels good and in shape but the mental side to this is tougher for me. Supposed to rain all week so Im sure my mental toughness will be forged by weeks end. On a side note I had a Nuttele and chocolate pop tart taco this morning for breakfast. I will trade mark that, it was EPIC
Date: 2015-04-13
From: neels gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

Raining. Got here about 1230. I was mad at myself for calling it quits. Everything was wet. Trail was a muddy mess though. Made it rough to hike. Met some nice older people. Four Fingers, was in the Senate in Vermont. Good thing I was in a shelter cause it poured the rain all night.
Date: 2015-04-14
From: Low Gap

To: Tray Mtn 
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: moderate rain

Left low gap in the rain, made it to Tray Mt Shelter. Had some beautiful views on the mountain! Saw a grouse & an owl. Hooted at the owl. He kept turning his head round to look at me. Much better hiking day today. Even with half the day of rain & muddy conditions slowing it down. Me & a 21yr old kid that's keeping about the same pace as me, made it up a few good hills today. He fell & hurt his knee pretty good. I had a good slip. I'm fine. No problem. We watched as a bunch got a ride into Hiawassee. He made it to the shelter too. I never looked back. Back & feet are feeling it. I will be doctoring my feet up at the fancy $38 motel once I get into town. Haha Still I'm getting my stride. Feels good. Enjoyable. Make it into Hawisee Ga tomorrow, then on into NC! Semper Fi!!
Date: 2015-04-15
From: Tray Mtn 

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: light rain

Left Tray Mtn shelter around 8 and arrived in Dicks creek gap around noon. I got a ride into Hiawassee from Sally Smith who runs a shuttle service. Arrived at the Budget Inn around 1230 and took a shower. Laundry was next on the list, everything was wet and muddy. I then went to Daniels Steak House and took full advantage of the $8.00 buffet, I would tell you everything I ate but I don't feel like typing that long. I then went grocery shopping at ingles to resupply my pack. I have gear hanging everywhere in my room drying. Been talking and FaceTime with wife and kids, love them so much. I Will be getting early shuttle out of here to get back on the trail, that is where I belong. Town is nice but I'm on a mission to hike my own hike. Head Up, Eyes Up, & Drive On. Just like I tell my football players "If you tell yourself you can you will - If you tell yourself you can't you won't!                  Semper Fi
Date: 2015-04-16
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Beech Gap 
Miles today: 21.1

Resupplied in town, caught the shuttle back to the trail early, hit up hard after rest, food, & doctored feet. Mailed two thermal pants & my coffee cup back home to make room for food, too. Made good miles today. Motivating! Pretty cool getting water from springs. Staying hydrated. Shadow of
Date: 2015-04-17
From: Beech Gap 

To: winding stair gap
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: broken clouds

Woke this morning to yet more rain and a bit of a gout flair. I was breaking camp down and eating my bagel with Nuttella when I here a familiar voice say hey warhorse, it was PaPa Yeti. I was really glad to see him and talk with him for a minute, it lifted my spirits. So off I went, by far the hardest climb yet was Albert Mtn, basically Rock climbing with trekking poles in one hand. I arrived at winding stair gap around 1530 and there was my first trail magic. Two guys with fruit, water, cookies, beer, and couple other high calorie items. Ging had already made reservation at the Microtell Inn in Franklin so I hitched a ride on into town. Going to take my first zero tomorrow to rest and spend so much needed time with Ginger. I covered 40 miles in two days to get here and loved every minute of it. I am sitting in a dry motel room that looks like a hiker backpack exploded from the gear I have hanging everywhere to dry out and waiting on my love. Thanks for all the support and to all my hiker friends I have met safe travels and push on. Semper Fi
Date: 2015-04-18
From: winding stair gap

To: franklin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Took my first Zero today. Ging took me to Ashville REI to exchange my Brooks Cascadia 10, they blew out after 110 miles. REI was super nice and helpful with the exchange although I wasn't able to get my signature red and orange shoes, I had to get navy and neon instead. We ate some good food in Ashville and did a lil bit of shopping. Went back to motel to take care of all the hiker choirs and get ready for tomorrow in the Rain. My plan as of now is to blow on to Newfound Gap in the Smokies by Friday to go to Gatlinburg for the weekend with family and friends for couple days.
Date: 2015-04-19
From: Franklin

To: Wayha Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: moderate rain

To explain the sheer frustration felt is impossible. It was literally dumping buckets of water. I have never been in that much rain in my life! I was being pushed to my limits just trying to make it on to NOC. I knew the rain was had to let up. It just had to let up. Then it happened. I realized the blazes. I was on the wrong trail. Thanks to GPS, my wife, & map. 6mi straight up in torential downpour in the other direction & I was on the AT. Not sure if I hit the logging road or Bartram Trail. I know when I finally hit that shelter and saw a couple familiar faces it was a relief. On to NOC to dry outShadow of
Date: 2015-04-20
From: Wayha Bald Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: light rain

Woke early to get a good start. Wanted to enjoy views on a nice day. Seems a rare treat in spring. Wesser Bald Observation Tower was 360degrees of awesome today! Made my heart smile. I've been pumped to get to Nantahala Outdoor Center, made it in by 3. It's pretty cool. They do training for the kayaking and outdoor water sports for the Olympics here, whitewater rafting like at home in WV. You can look them up. Got a bunk room with a few others. Included shower & laundry. I'm doing some journaling & planning for tomorrow & printed out my permit for the Smokies.. Talking to the kids & Ging. Taking advantage of the weather & taking in some advice. Calling it a night early & an early morning out. Shadow of
Date: 2015-04-21
From: NOC

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: broken clouds

Got started just after 7 this morning cause I knew I had a day of huge climbs ahead of me, some straight up, literally. Rock climbing. Thankful for another day without rain. Good for moral. Views were good. Shelter is next to a stream, hoping to sleep good tonight. Tomorrow my day starts with a another big climb to Fontana Dam. shadow of
Date: 2015-04-22
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: scattered clouds

This trail is a beast for a beast! Love it with this weather. Nice to not have rain. Cool crossing footbridges over these mountain streams. After sweating up this big climb this morning, it was downhill to Fontana Dam. From deep woods to wide open. Back up from 1700'-4600'. Epic views today. Boulder Jumble, a big huge rock shaped like a throne. I hope to post some good pics soon. Trail runs in and out of NC/TN. Stayed in TN. Hitting up early. Have to stay in shelter all thru the Smokies. Printed my permit at NOC, so all good. shadow of
Date: 2015-04-23
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: broken clouds

It was a beautiful day on top of the Smokies! On top of Thunderhead Mnt. You can see why they call it "ol Rocky Top Tn". It is freezing. I'm cold. Have a 30degree sleeping bag & shivered all night. Watched a buck with new horns growing play for about an hour this morning while I was eating. Great day, much needed family time ahead of me.looking forward. Met an old professional boxer from Boston, Hardwear, enjoyed a chat & some laughs. Met some cool peeps along the way.
Date: 2015-04-24
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: few clouds

Headed out by 530 to catch the sunrise at Clingmans Dome. Gods creation is awesome. There's no Big Bang that could've created such a beautiful thing like this. Some cool people doing trail magic at Newfound Gap, I couldn't have been happier to get a balogna sandwich & soda! I had been out of food, other than some protein bars, snickers, such, for day & half. Hiker Hunger!! Then I was blessed with a ride into Gatlinburg by a widows ministry who also gave me a hikers care bag with food for my hike. Sweet! 2 Zero Days with The Kiddos in The Pool!!
Date: 2015-04-25
From: Newfound Gap

To: gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I'm hiking this hike to bring awareness to PTSD & TBI, which I have as do so many other veterans like me. this trail isn't what you think. Yes, it's beautiful. Yes, it's amazing. It's also lonely, and mentally challenging. To be able to spend 2 zero days with all three of my kids, see their grade cards myself, sit in a hot tub with my wife, watch them swim, listen to them laugh, & eat real food together at a table feels so right. I have fought for & been away from the freedoms that we have here. Praying openly over a meal. Walking freely down a street. Being together and having a conversation. Listening to music. Shopping. Talking to people I've met along the trail and introducing them to my kids, too. Pretty cool stuff. Our kids get to see what living adventure is and challenging yourself is like.
Date: 2015-04-26
From: gatlinburg

To: gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Sleeping in, in a real bed, that was warm, and having all the kids pile on top, priceless. Had breakfast at the Old Mill. We ate great! I think the kids and Ging are still amazed at how much I'm eating! Pretty funny. 4hrs in the pool was enough to wrinkle everybody. Shopped around a bit. Not crowded. Had Mellow Mushroom for dinner, was so good. Craved some ice cream - Double fistin Baskin Robins double chocolate fudge! Made everybody laugh. Have to rebuild my calories! The kids got to go to the laundry mat & do clothes. Everybody helped shop for my food. The kids were great at getting me candy. Cool part, kids got to meet Caveman and his 2 buddies from Atlanta. We picked them up & gave them a ride to the PO on our way to the laundry & grocery.
Date: 2015-04-27
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Restless night. Anxious about hitting the trail, had some nightmares. I hate leaving them. This is something with mixed emotions. Ging & I had the kids take our pic where we had 13yrs ago on our honeymoon. Then hit the big climbs - Eagle Rocks, Charles Bunion, Mt Chapman @ 6249' before dropping down to my shelter at 5911' If you just keep walking, your mind clears, you don't feel gout toe as bad, ache in your back as much, and hurt in your heart too bad. You are still a Beast!
Date: 2015-04-28
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

Past some familiar faces on the trail today. Officially out of the Smokys. I can camp where I want to now. My gout is still hanging out. I Think I'll cut it off & mail it home. Ha Walked under I40 before getting to the hostel this evening. Ging talked me into getting a shower here while I did laundry before climbing in a bunk.. For $20. Really can't beat that. I'm down to 203lbs. Hope for some sleep tonight. Nice to have people around.
Date: 2015-04-29
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Walnut Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 20.0

Couldn't get out of that hostel fast enough this morning. Turned into a party & I'm hiking my own hike. Summited Snowbird Mtn today and thought about my friends from Connected Warrior Foundation as we did this section of the AT last year together. About 30mi of it has to go downhill somewhere, right? It only took me an hour and half to see the top this time. Hiking is a workout, you just can't give up. Just like anything else. Max Patch was green and not as windy as I remember. Another day of just amazing views.
Date: 2015-04-30
From: Walnut Mtn Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Not as many miles covered today, only 14. I got into town fairly early. It was really cool to get a mineral bath in Hot Springs. I wasn't going to, but Ginger talked me into it. I mean, I've tried acupuncture & have my essential oils with me for PTSD, why not try the natural hot springs, right? She's right. It felt good. Grabbed one of the only hotel rooms available due to the Bluegrass Festival, & hung out at the Spring Creek Tavern to use their internet, listen to some live bands, & talk to some hikers for a bit. No cell service unless you have Verizon, only over Internet. Hit it again in the morning. Miss my friends. Still feeling the aches. Beast Mode re-energized!
Date: 2015-05-01
From: Hot Springs

To: Jerry Cabin
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: light rain

Today, I hiked alone. I wondered, why am I doing this? Alone with only the thoughts in my head?! I don't think I can do it!! People are made for interacting with others. It's how God designed us. No wife. No other trail buddies. No day hikers. Just me. Sometimes I wonder if God sends those little butterflies down to check on me or remind me that people are still counting on me. I see a lot. Finally summit Firescald Mtn. Hikers! A group! I'm not alone tonight or will I be. Familiar faces.
Date: 2015-05-02
From: Jerry Cabin

To: Sams Gap
Miles today: 15.2

PTSD - normal reaction to an abnormal situation Being completely thrown out of my routine, gout flare up, and nightmares are trying me. On a good note, family is here! I have what I need. I'm making really great mileage because you just feel like if you can just keep that momentum going, it'll get better. It does. Not having someone to always share it with is what sucks. When you do, it's awesome! We've heard owls almost every night talking to each other through the trees. Pretty neat.Shadow of
Date: 2015-05-03
From: Sams Gap

To: Erwin
Miles today: 29.2
Weather: few clouds

Cranked out the miles today! Could not wait to get of these mountains & into my families hometown. So glad to be with my Aunt Emmy, Mamaw, Marcus, & especially Ging. I caught a shuttle into town, $28, talked to the lady, she and her husband volunteer at the local Vet Center, we talked my whole ride into Johnson City, when she dropped me off, she didn't charge me, she wished me well with my cause(so a shout out to Hiker Shuttle's J-Walker & 10-K). I wish everyone felt that way. Good homemade meal, nice bed, clean shower, family, good company, priceless, Thanks again! I still needed home, though....
Date: 2015-05-08
From: Erwin

To: Greasy Creek Gap
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: broken clouds

This kind of heat, humid sticky air, means early backpacking with no shirt for me! Sticking up the miles to get this hike done before it's too hot to enjoy it any more! It is kinda nice to see leaves at this altitude now. Really wanted my dog Chesty to join me, but this heat for a Boston terrier is not good. He'd just fall over. Breaking in these new shoes Saucony instead of Brooks this time. See how they do.Shadow of
Date: 2015-05-09
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Doll Flats
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Got some good climbs in today. Pretty much done with that. Ha Pounding the water. In The Smokys I didn't really use my filter much cause you were drinking straight from a spring on the very top of a Mtn. Here it can be a little different & a little more time consuming. I'm really digging this Sawyer filter though, for sure. Haven't been sick the first time. This place has been rocky & had some rock climbing! Crazy. Had to throw your pack down & all. This is not just a foot path through the woods. An epic adventure.
Date: 2015-05-10
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Laural Falls
Miles today: 33.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Had amazing scenery today! Not only that, I have the coolest hiking companions. The Col, Flagman & Ret Vet from Key West, Teaman. I'm really enjoying the military pace & comradarae. Went by Watauga Lake, camped at Laural Falls last night, had breakfast in Hampton. Laura's Falls is a popular day hiker spot, very busy & traveled. We sat in the creek & chilled out, washed some stuff, and have plenty of room in my tent, since I switched it out now for the bigger one & lost some more gear at home. Happy Mother's Day, Ging! Glad I got to spend time with you this week. Love you! You're a good mom to our kids.
Date: 2015-05-11
From: Laural Falls

To: Iron Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 32.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Not having the rigorous slopes has its advantages. As does military companionship. Warhorse mode. Cherokee Forest and in and out of TN & NC no more. I'm on to Va! Damascus bound for Trail days! I'm going to see it early, truck on through, then hitch a ride back. Beast Mode!
Date: 2015-05-12
From: Iron Mountain Shelter

To: Shady Valley
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Ran upon some epic trail magic today. Was really a good day to hike. Kicked myself for setting up camp early in the field to talk to the trail angels and not continue on into Damascus today. You just never know how many miles or what lies ahead. I laid in my tent and FaceTimed with Ging trying to drown out all the noise from the crowd of campers around me. Finally turned on my music & put in my earbuds. Sleep take me!
Date: 2015-05-13
From: Shady Valley

To: Damascus
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: clear sky

Into Damacus for laundry, stocking up, good church service with Pastor Greg Alderman (who's Dad is an elder at our local church & he went to college in our hometown, & he knows my people), a ride out to slack pack back in Fri for Trail Days, & hopefully, a hot shower. Stayed at The Place, church run hostel, was donation only, well worth it, well run, clean. Unfortunately, Verizon seems to still dominate cause I still only have service on one end of town when standing. They do have wifi in coffee houses & stuff. So that's cool. Was really glad to see the sign today for TN/Va Line Sign! WWWOOOO!!!