morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-16
To: It's the Final Countdown
Miles today: 0.0

Yes, I have the 80's song by Europe ('Final Countdown') going through my head as I am writing this post. In two weeks I will be unemployed. Three weeks getting ready to fly to Atlanta. Four weeks I will already have a few days of hiking in. Wow! Here it is Two weeks unemployed? Yes, after checking into different health care options, I decided it would work out the smoothest to start coverage at the beginning of the month of April. So my official resignation letter, that was required by work, stated March 31st as my last day. I also have four personal days to use up and am taking them this week. The extra time is helpful in the completion of the many items left to do.Flying to Atlanta? Yes, after calculating the expense of driving down to Springer Mountain in Georgia (the start of the trail) and comparing it to flying, it was pretty much a wash. Then if I factor in my dad's time plus throw wear and tear on my car into the mix, it just didnt make sense to drive. So last night I booked my flight down to Atlanta. I will take the MARTA (train) as far North as the North Springs station the the fine folks at the Hiker Hostel will pick me up and I will spend the night in their bunkhouse. The only variable that has crossed my mind several times is possible lost luggage. Boy, that would prove interesting on my shoe string budget! Well, that's just being silly worrying about some possible 'what if'. After my night over at the Hiker Hostel, they will drive me the additional hour North to the start of the trail at Springer Mountain. I am not planning on hiking the approach trail this hike. The approach trail is another 8.8? miles of uphill to get to the summit and is not part of the official Appalachian Trail.Let's see, here is a quick list of other items I have been working with:Shot in the foot at the podiatrist and probably 'One' more before departure.Decided to keep my apartment as my roommate has made me a generous offer to keep my items in place until I get back for reduced rent.Eye doctor app done with new contacts and glasses ordered.Finalizing my pack.Besides hike planning...time before the hike will consist of spending time with family and friends. My girlfriend just bought a house, painting and fixing up will be plentiful! My daughter has her driving permit, so a few hours of tense passenger seat instruction will occur. And I will be missing Easter dinner as well as a family vacation at the Outer Banks so I will spend some extra time with my folks before departing. Still uber excited and ready to get out there. See you on the trail!
Date: 2014-04-01
To: Don't get Eaten by a Bear
Miles today: 0.0

I will do my best not to get Eaten by a Bear I am officially unemployed, soon to be practically homeless & a transient.... I guess everyone has goals in Life Yesterday was my last day of work and they had a cake and card to send me on my way. It was awesome interacting with everyone. Wonderful working with most & a true pleasure working with a few... you know who you are. Thank You for the time we shared together. It is interesting that when you put something on the calendar it comes around and usually happens. Well, it's happening. It is happening with all the mixed feelings, thoughts and emotions.Excitement for the adventure - Thoughts of upcoming loneliness - Sadness for the loved ones I will be missing - Nervousness from the financial pinch and lack of income - Happiness from leaving the rat race for a spell to regroup and center myself - Longing for trail but aware of all I am leaving behind. Yes, definitely a mixed bag of emotions.Excitement is pretty close to the top of the list as my start is only a little over a week away!
Date: 2014-04-10
To: Travel to the trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Good traveling to Georgia. No hitches. My father helped me with transportation to Philadelphia Airport early this morning. Arrived safely in Atlanta and took the train/Marta as far North as possible for the van shuttle ride to the Hiker Hostel. As I came down the train platform I met my first (other) Thru hiker. Evan from Minnesota. While we were waiting for the van Benediction from Germany arrived followed by Jason (Guppie) from Massachusetts. Willie from the hostel arrived and we waited a few mins for Hubert who was also from Germany. Close to an hour later we found ourselves in the Dahlonega Walmart collecting last min supplies and dinner items for the night. Numerous other hikers there include Unsure/S Carolina, Atlas/N Carolina, Mud Brick/Australia, Blake/Arkansas, Phil/London, Phil/London, Don/Toronto, Noah/Fl, No regrets/Ga. Pizza and movies were plentiful. Movies included The Last Samurai ( I picked) and Jaws (I did not pick). We opted not to watch The Hostel . Very nice hostel, clean and friendly (rcmd). After breakfast tommorow the will shuttle us hikers (full house here) to our spot on the trail. I believe I am the first hiker to turn in for the night. (No surprise there). Springer Mt here I come! Thank you to all that helped make this a reality. Here we go!
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Neel Gap US19

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

Update to FollowBig day tommorow again. Plan to be in Hiawassee in two days. Will update all trailjournals entries then. Weather has been perfect but rain exected Mon & Tues. Will try to get an early start. Great hiking again! Sore and tired as all get out but awesome
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

Running Nose & I were out on the trail by 8:30am. The rain sprinkled down on us throughout the morning on and off. After lunch at Blue Mt Shelter, it was a different matter. The cold rain pelted us with vigor. Not the most sought after day of hiking, but we pushed on to Tray Mt Shelter to set ourselves up for Hiawassee tomorrow at Dick's Creek Gap. Going up Tray, a hiker was coming down the mountain towards us and heading off the trail due to an ankle injury. Ironically his trail name is lucky. The shelter (see pic) had tarps set up to try to protect it from the wind and rain (with minimal success). Residents when we arrived were Deliberate - Ohio, Radio - Michigan, Birdie - S. Dakota & View Master - Louisiana. Birdie stressed WESTERN S. Dakota, what ever that means. I guess it has something to do with the demographics or city/country differences. I will have to look that one up. Rinzai came in a good hour later or so for the night maxing out the small shelter with the group of eight. There was barely a signal and it took a while to get a text message or two out before calling it a night.
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Hiawassee via Dicks Creek Gap US76
Miles today: 11.0

Wet, Windy & Cold last night. Those conditions continued into the day. VERY Challenging day hiking today. Rain was not heavy but soOOO Cold! Wind was brutal at times. Not quite freezing but damn close to it. At least in the 30s somewhere. Couple of tough little climbs to add to the mix. Kelly Knob was one that comes to mind. Running Nose, Myself & Rinzai pushed through it. Stops were made to add layers and I had to stop to put on my winter gloves.Upon arriving at Dick's Creek Gap we were greeted by Crazy Horse with trail magic of sodas and snacks. Shepherd was also passing through the trail at the same time with her 'flock' of three dogs. As the sun was just trying to peek out, we decided to hitch the 11 miles to Hiawassee. After 15 minutes of thumbing it a very kind woman stopped to pick up the three stinky hikers Amy (a local from GA) and her three year old daughter (see pic) escorted us to the Holiday Inn in Hiawassee. Thank You so much, it helps renew faith in human kind and kindness. I had some unused Holiday Inn points from my credit card and decided to apply them for a free room. Running Nose, Rinzai and I got cleaned up and ate an awesome AYCE (all you can eat) buffet at Daniels Steak house. We just made it in for the lunch price and this feast was only $6.54 including the drink. I ate at this place two years ago and it is still just as good and just as cheap. Highly Rcmd. Back to the hotel to finish laundry & out for a resupply at Ingles.Temps are to get down to high 20s tonight and tomorrow night. Good night to be inside. Considering a zero tomorrow, but may just make it a nero (next to zero day). Missing those at home and warms the heart talking and texting. Thanks for signing my guest book as well . Hike on!
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Franklin NC via Winding Stair Gap 

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

Breakfast at the Kountry Kitchen with RN (Running Nose) before packing up. Made couple phone calls and texts while having a good signal. Missing those back at home. Ron Haven (owner of Budget Inn) drove the 9 am shuttle bus back to the trail. Besides RN & myself there was Doc-Chicago, G man & Black dog - Norfolk, Texas (yes you guessed it) from Tx, Eric & Katherine - Oregon. There were also two others from the Sapphire Inn whose names I didn't get. We were back to the trail by 930am.The rain was forcasted to stop in the morning but obviously decided not to listen to the weather person. It drizzled and misted all morning then opened up a little more right when we were approaching Wayah Bald. No views from the 5342ft overlook or tower except a clear look at mist and clouds.Still lightly raining as we reached Cold Spring Shelter and set up our tents. Temp is starting to drop plus we aren't moving to produce heat. Quick dinner and text to my girlfriend before climbing into my bag for the night.Nantahala Outdoor Center tommorow. 125 total trip miles today. Hike On!
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: NOC US19 & 74
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

Happy Easter! Rain cleared up by morning and we woke to a beautiful sunrise. Temps dropped to prob high 30s but did not approach the freezing mark. Still wet from yesterday's precipitation, we packed up our tents and retrieved our food bags. I make it a habit to hang my food bag from a tree limb to keep it out of most animals reach, mainly bears. Another camper found out last night that it can also become a feast for mice. Live and learn.Close to a 6 mile downhill into the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). My legs held up much better than they did at this point compared to my 2012 hike. We arrived and partook of a beer (or 2) then checked in. Shower, laundry & a hot meal was just what this tired transient needed. I called my folks house as I knew the family would be there for Easter dinner. Great talking to them, especially my daughter. I text my girlfriend & she called after she was done her dinner. Damn I miss her! I am waiting for a mail drop that is due here tommorow so it will be a late start. Planning on a short (but almost all uphill) 6.7 miles. Climbing back to closr to 5000ft again. Trail life sure has its ups and downs . Lots of hikers floating around and up past hiker midnight (9pm). Not me, in the sack and signing off for the night. Superpowers diminishing....must...have...sleep...
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: New Found Gap US19 Gatlinburg
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

Rainy/Windy Morning HikingCleared up late morning - early afternoonWonderful trail magic from Noahs Ark Widows Ministry THANK YOU!Plus a plush tour bus ride into town courtesy of Patrick from Louisiana Town to dry out and resupply.Detailed Update to Follow
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Green Corner Rd - Standing Bear Hostel

To: Walnut Mt Shelter
Miles today: 20.0

Excellent! The predicted doom and gloom forcast did not hold true. The heavy rain and lightening forcasted held off today. Except for a few sprinkles, it was great hiking weather. This allowed safe passage over beautiful Max Patch Bald. The 18+ yesterday and 20 miles today have set us up for a 13+ into Hot Springs tommorow. Long day, feeling the miles and ready for bed. ZZZzzzzz
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Walnut Mt Shelter

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 13.1

Last night provided us a wonderful lightening show and fed the water sources with rain. It was the wind that was really something. My Big Agnes tent took a beating but held up nicely. Glad I switched out from my Ultralight Zpacks tarp style tent that I used on my 2012 hike. Touched base with my family at home and spent some much sought after time on the phone with my girlfriend . Ate lunch at the diner and checked into a nice room above the Spring Creek Tavern. Little pricy but there was no room at the Laughing Heart Hostel or Elmers. Dinner and a Hard Cider followed up the routine of laundry, shower and gear clean up. So many hikers in town, too many to list. Bad forcast across a six state area for next day or so. Tommorow will be our (still hiking with Running Nose) first zero day... YeeeHaaa!!!
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 0.0

First Zero Day! No Hiking today except around town. Resupply and planning the next few days to Erwin took place early. Chatted with Patton and Pa for a while while sipping on some coffee. Good luck on your hike guys. Now just after lunch time and at the library updating the journal. This morning I ran into Matt (Now Flatlander) & Isaiah (Now 'The Kid') in town. They had rented a small cabin last night with Lt Dan, Medic and Slim. Slim is hiking out today and they asked about our sleeping arrangements tonight. They upgraded to a little bigger cabin then they had planned for to accomodate Running Nose and myself. Very inexpensive when you split it up 6 ways. Thanks guys! Library closes shortly and I will try to add my pics through my phone. Thank You everyone for your support of my hike. It is awesome getting text messages and when you sign the guest book to the left I get emailed as well. Miss you too Sue .
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 10.7

Phenomenal! What shear joy to hike today. The temperatures were perfect with a cool breeze and sun with puffy clouds to boot. It was warmer last night compared to previous evenings. A lighter 10.7 miles into laundry & hot showers in Erwin. Previous two days had two different trail magic run ins. Thank you so much to the Greenville hiking club and Amy and her geocachers for your exceptional generosity. Running Nose, Slim and myself strolled into town and I called Miss Janet for a ride to the Super 8. What a wonderful person and superb long time trail angel.We also penciled in a Walmart resupply and dinner with her for later. AZ Cruiser, abear, Catnip and Wheels also were staying at the hotel. 50 Miles to the next resupply at Roan Mt TN. Weather is forcasted to hold up nicely for the next few days. On a not so good note, Running Nose is having difficulty with a probable shin splint and inflammation with his right leg. He may be zeroing and going to the urgent care here in Erwin. We have been hiking together since the second day and it will be a great loss not to have him with me if he decides to have it looked at. If I was in his spot, I would do the same as it may turn into many more days off the trail if he pushes it. We will see in the morning how it is feeling. It was great speaking to my daughter and parents and I got a chance to send out a couple postcards that I have been carrying since Springer. My girlfriend and I discussed me renting a car and coming home to visit. There is a town nearby that I could do this now. We decided to hold off a few weeks and I am planning on doing this in another 290 miles at Pearisburg, Va. Still missing you Sue .
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Vandeventer Shelter

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 33.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Singing in the Rain...Up at 615 but still didn't get out of camp till 745. It did not rain too much overnight but restarted right when I was hiking out. The skies opened up about an hour into the hiking day but I was already soaked through by then. I planned on an over 20 mile day and challenged myself to push my pace throughout the whole day to see what I could do. The terrain today is less difficult with not as much elevation gain and loss. There were about 15 hikers at the shelter last night as the herd pushes for Damascus VA and trail days. Trail Days is one, if not the biggest, hiker get togethers in the US. It happens the latter part of this coming week and finishes next weekend with a parade. I attended two years ago and will be passing it by this time so I can take a week at home for Memorial Day instead.I pushed 22.7 miles to Abingdon Gap Shelter and ran into Bear Juice and O-Positive. It was 415pm and there was plenty of light left for the hiking day so I pushed on. Just over 10 miles later I found myself rolling into Damascus. It was a 12 hour hiking day and I had put in 33.1 miles. By far, the most miles in a day that I have ever hiked. Almost definitely,more than I will EVER do again (do not plan on repeating it).I ran into a woman at the Dollar General that inquired if I was looking for a place to stay. She recommended Woodchuck Hostel. I called and they had one bed left and had laundry on premise. SOLD to 'One' overly tired and sore hiker from PA. Shower, laundry & a meal at the Blue Blaze restaurant. AHHHHHhhhh... I feel civilized again. Tomorrow I plan on a late start out of town after a subway lunch.Miss you all and thanks again for your continued support of my pilgrimage
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: clear sky

Long bitch of a climb up White top Mountain yielded some awesome views. One of the best piped water sources at the spring up top to refresh tired & thirsty hikers. Today was one of the greatest yet with unsurpassed scenery, weather & even wild ponies. Rolled into Wise Shelter at 530pm. Hemlock and Rambler were also taking a break there. I resupplied my water and headed onward to Old Orchard Shelter. This 23+ miles took a lot out of me and I forced down some food after setting up my tent for the night. No signal to say GNite to my girlfriend or text my 20 to family members.... ZZZzzzz
Date: 2014-05-13
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: clear sky

One more long day today to set up for a shorter one into Atkins tommorow. Passed back and forth with Marty & Jed on the trail throughout the day. Met Flea & Turtle as well as seeing Hemlock & Chizpa who stayed at the shelter last night. Got into Partnership Shelter by 730 and was able to order pizza from the Mt Rogers Visitor Center for delivery . Pricy but not horrible after splitting it with a group of other hungry hikers. To town tommorow!
Date: 2014-05-14
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins VA
Miles today: 11.6

Woke up last night around 930 as Hemlock & Chizpa hiked in. We made room in the shelter and it was appreciated as it was raining. The morning was a slower start out and I called the Relax Inn for a reservation in Atkins. Met a few hikers at Chatfield Shelter including Mosey. He was having serious leg problems and will be leaving the trail. Good luck. Also ran into a local day hiker that I also saw the other day. Chatted with Jane and she was hiking with her dog Mags. Rolled into town before 2pm. After shower and laundry I headed up to the Barn for a hiker burger. Saw Jane at the gas station and she was on her way to get Mosey to a doctor in Marion. Very Nice... a lot of good people out here! As I was walking in so was Desparado. She introduced herself as a 2012 thru hiker who was on the way to Damascus for trail days. She inquired if I wanted company while I ate and I accepted. We talked about 2012 hikers we both knew and she provided some helpful tips for the northern part of the trail. After eating she offered to take me to the Dollar General for a quick resupply before she set off on the road to Damascus. Thanks again Desparado! Crazy Mark and Chizpa asked if they could share my room. No problem as it just went from $50 to a $20 expense. Rain forcasted for tommorow. Entertaining a zero day. I am a day or so ahead of my schedule for a rental car in Pearisburg before Memorial day. Happy Hiking!
Date: 2014-05-15
From: Atkins VA

To: Atkins VA
Miles today: 0.0

Previous few days of journal Updated Took my second zero day today. Calling it a bad weather time out. Decent nights sleep. Last night Hardhead opted to camp under the Interstate 81 overpass but after mice and/or rats started scampering around him, he decided to move his 'stealth' camping to the covered foot bridge connecting the Relax Inn and convinence store properties. Chizpa headed out to Damascus for trail days around 830am. The day was a rough one with an abundance of TV and lounging around (jk). As previously stated, time was also spent updating some of my trailjournals. It is difficult to keep on top of it with all this hiking . My hat is off to those who make the time daily to write in theirs. I am glad I zeroed today as two fronts came through. There were no bad storms (like the tornado watch south of us in NC) but a steady rain came by for a visit most of the day. It is noticeably cooler and should make for a more comfortable hiking day tommorow. I worked out my tentative itinerary for the next week and booked my rental car for my Memorial Day Week visit home on the 22nd. I heard from Running Nose today, he is in Damascus and hiking out tommorow (not planning on staying for trail days). His leg is doing quite well and is almost 100 percent. After my visit home, when I get back on the trail, he should be a good bit ahead of me. I may have some catching up to do if our paths are to cross again. My girlfriend called to check in and it was wonderful talking with her, as always Just ordered pizza and an early night will follow. See You up the Trail!
Date: 2014-05-20
From: VA 606 Trents Grocery

To: Docs Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: broken clouds

HEAVY Dew last night as I was in open grass at Trent's and it hit dew point. Tent was soaked like it rained. Grabbed a breakfast Sandwich & Coffee before heading out. I also called my folks to see that they got back safe from their trip to Florida. Bandana Bill, Jay & Cujo were close by most the day of hiking. Cujo must run 50+ miles a day with all his side trips into the woods. Definitely lots of young dog energy and enthusiasm. I was planning on staying at Woods Hole Hostel as it was a great stay two years ago, but wanted to make it a short day into town. Instead I walked the half mile off trail just to visit and say hi. Hoping to also catch a meal, but they do not allow it (only for those staying there), plus it wasn't until seven so it would have been too late anyway. Hermes, Paul Bunyan, Bliss, Bear Juice, Crazy Mark, Tennessee & Racewalker were among some of the hikers staying the night. I socialized for 15 or 30 minutes, grabbed a juice and soda and hiked on.Docs Knob has limited tenting and was wet and buggy around the shelter, but I am calling it home for the night. I set my tent up and am calling it an early night as I plan on being on the trail early with a nero into town. NINE DAYS OFF starting at Pearisburg tomorrow! Wow, it will be wonderful seeing my daughter, girlfriend and family. No signal here again and just over a 50% chance of thunderstorms tomorrow. My tent is in a low spot, so I am crossing my fingers it holds off until I am out of camp. Night Night
Date: 2014-05-21
From: Docs Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg VA
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: clear sky

Heard the wind pick up around 430am and found the will power to get up at quarter of five and start packing. Thought it may be a storm moving in, but the rain held off. Into town by lunch and a snack/beverage immediately followed at the supermarket. Could not get early check in at the motel but got quarters for laundry duties. Many hikers opted for their hiker dorm but I splurged and had booked a private 'economy' room for $39 including tax. After my laundry was in the drier, I tore up the local Chinese buffet. Checked into my room and showered at 3pm then called for my ride to the rental car company. A quick run to Walmart for cheap cotton travel clothes and dinner at the Mexican restaurant across the street. HOME TOMMORROW! I will be back in Pearisburg next Friday and back on the trail Saturday the 5/31/14.