morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-06-18
From: Too Close to the Road (Mi 1155.3)

To: Before Horshoe Trail (Mi 1167)
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

6-18The sky had looked ominous last night so I threw up my tarp in a long square shape raised on one end. I woke to discover it was a terrible design and while I¢d stayed dry from above the wind and condensation left everything underneath damped except for a smaller sliver. Realized it was kinda late and was mad at how many people had gone by me the night before I couldn't believe it. Felt a little irritated about the spot and setup I picked but I was just too worn out from yesterday and didn't even care when I finally laid down. I gave mary a quick call to pick up my spirits and was on the trail by about 8 which isn¢t too bad especially on such a dreary day. The hike was a dark foggy one again, didn¢t get much sunshine till the end of the day and it was spotty at best.These rocks are finally starting to get to my feet too all the odd angles I¢ve been forced to throw my feet into have developed a massive blister in between my pointer toe and big toe honestly this thing looks like cancerous it¢s so enlarged and grotesque. It¢d been developing for the last couple days and I¢ve been having an internal debate on whether to pop him or just let him ride. Well the decision was made for me today when I couldn¢t even stand to put weight on it any more around 2 or 3. It killed me to call it quits so early in the day but the blister had to be addressed and given a dry to rest and dry out a bit.The one saving grace for today was the amazing spot I¢d found myself at it was the remnants of an old fire tower surrounded by a little pine forest. Best of all though was the little campsite that had been built next to the site with 3 rock chair recliners. With the aching foot and amazing campsite it was pretty much decided for me, I¢d be calling this spot home for the night. Set the tarp up covering two of the chairs and leaving a nice man sized spot behind them that I could lay down on when I was ready.I got a fire going and all my things set for the evening because once I popped that blister I was going to minimize my movement as much as possible to let it drain dry and heal. Only took an hour and some change before everything was all set for the night and the firewood collected. After popping, draining, and cleaning the monster I settled into my rock chair for a movie. It¢s times like these that I love having my kindle and couldn¢t imagine life without it I¢ve got everything from books to movies photos and my journals on here great piece of multifunctional gear for all you ULers out there. Had a few folks go by me during the evening which I didn¢t mind to much since I¢d found such an awesome little spot and invited them all to stay ended up having one person stop for the evening and share the fire.
Date: 2015-06-19
From: William Penn Shelter

To: William Penn Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Back to normal and been getting up at 6 on the dot here lately I can tell the time by the amount of light I think of it like a naturalists alarm clock it never seems to fail to wake me up if the suns out. It's been hard though the last couple mornings with the rainy nights and hazy overcast filled mornings. Worst of all though everything is damp and gross feeling come morning time there¢s truly nothing worse than putting on damp socks and boots accompanied by a cold wet pack hugging your back and embracing your shoulders and hips with it¢s almost slime feeling straps. Ah the joys of a thru hike, gotta love it though am I right?The guy that camped out next to me ended up being a pretty cool dude and we chatted for awhile last night and this morning too. I got the impression he was gonna hike with me through the morning but as I got safe and prepared for the trail he took off and opted for the solo hike. I don¢t blame him though I enjoy hiking the most by myself too. It didn¢t take me long to pass by him though the trail was as flat as a board with minimal rocks and my foot was dried out feeling 100 times better. Only things that really hurt now are the pads of my feet they¢re taking such a heavy betting hey almost feel bruised.Was making pretty decent time so I went and checked out the old ghost town and was pretty disappointed it was basically just mounds of dirt around old foundations. I should have stopped at the general though from what I heard it was a huge old coal digger that basically got left in the middle of the woods to decay when the town and mine shut down it was probably the companies cheapest option. After my off trail adventures and about half way through my hike I stopped for lunch next to a little stream and was able to get a call out to Mary while I sat and ate.I ended up stopping at the shelter kinda early around 6 but I didn¢t wanna push my foot and felt it was best to let it rest an extra hour or two. The shelter has a really cool shape and design to it that looked very modernist, I should have snagged a picture but there¢s always next time. Thought I might be lucky and get the shelter to myself for the night but I was wrong and not too long after those thoughts a mom and daughter out on a PA section hike came in for the evening. There ended up being a couple hikers who camped out up on the hill and there was a couple of brothers one on a thru hike and the other out to join him for a couple of days. The thru hikers name was General Burnsides and unfortunately I can¢t remember his brothers name. They were both really cool and I ended hanging out up there for a couple hours getting safe eating drinking and sharing trail stories with them. As I was getting ready to lay down for the night another couple of hikers came in but they didn¢t say much, threw out their gear and off to bed they went.
Date: 2015-02-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Switching tents this year from my Black Diamond Hilight to the Moutain Hardware Supermega UL2. My Black Diamond worked well and is a super strong tent. I really like the big side entrance and the large window on the back wall but the tent is on the short side. I'm 5'5" and even sleeping corner to corner my sleeping bag would touch the sides. I'm using a Tyvek footprint for the first time this year. Very stiff and noisy when I received it so I ran it through a cold water wash 3 times. Better but maybe another washing. No other major gear changes this year as yet but I still have a few weeks before I head to Springer. Who knows.
Date: 2015-02-27
To: Planned and Packed
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today we have about 15" of snow on the ground and a temperature of -10F. Call me wimpy but I'm sticking to the treadmill until the local trails are less icy and the chance of frostbite is gone. Mountain-forecast.com shows an improvement on the AT peaks starting mid-week. I'm planned and packed and ready to go and hoping for an earlier start!
Date: 2015-03-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, there seems to be a slight warming trend on the trail so I've moved my start date up to March 8. I'm sure it won't last and I'm sure I'll be running into more cold and snowy conditions but hopefully not for the first week. I'll be carrying my nano spikes just in case. They work well and only weigh 8 ounces. Time will tell how long they hold up on the AT.
Date: 2015-03-07
To: Springer Tomorrow!
Miles today: 0.0

We arrived in Georgia this afternoon to a balmy 57° and sunshine. No snow! This will be my last pre-hike post as tomorrow Rescue will drop me off at USFS 42. I know the weather will turn on me soon enough but I think I have a couple good days ahead of me. This is a return visit to Springer for me and I feel very comfortable with the hike. I know what to expect of the trail and am looking forward to every step.
Date: 2015-03-08
From: Springer

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: broken clouds

A good first day on the trail. Rescue safely drove the 10 mile forest service road to Big Stamp Gap parking lot then we both hiked south up to the Springer peak, the southern terminus and the official start of the trail north bound. A beautiful dry, sunny day and the first 4.3 miles of my day was primarily downhill. Didn't see many hikers throughout the hike but met thru hiker, Disciple at Stover Creek Shelter where I took my first break. When I got to Hightower Gap the Camp Merrill Army Rangers were in active war games with helicopters maneuvering over head, distant machine gun and explosive sounds and rangers on the trail. I'm sure hikers unaware of the nearby training camp could be somewhat startled. I met Thunder Cap, an AT Ridge runner, who was hiding sobo doing a head count. She had met 26 thru hikers and 8 sectioners all headed to Hawk Mtn shelter which was also my destination. Fortunately there are lots of tent sites. Hikers were coming in well after dark with at least 30 tents by nightfall. I've met many hikers this evening and all are as excited about their first day out. Ramble On Rosie, Russ, Rosencrants, Obiwan, Dennis, Wint, and Photographer are the names I can remember. Now I'm all cozy in my tent. Hopefully my neighbors are quiet. A great first day!
Date: 2015-03-09
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Justice Creek
Miles today: 6.3

I slept soundly last night. By 9:00 all was quiet except for a few snorers. A light rain fell beginning early morning and didn't stop until about 10:00 so I waited out the rain before I began my hike. Having some downhill knee issues today so took it very slowly. So slowly that I visited with many hikers as they passed me by. I enjoyed today's slow pace. No schedule this year. Just listening to my body and letting it tell me how far to go.I decided to stop at Justice Creek to tent camp. 10 other tenters here as well. I shared a bear line with my neighbor so I avoided that chore which is not a favorite. No rain as I hiked today but it started again his evening just as I finished my Chili Mac dinner. Another good day.
Date: 2015-03-10
From: Justice Creek

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: moderate rain

Woke this morning at 8:00. A very good 12 hours of sleep to the sounds of Justice Creek. I continued to take the downhills gently today and my knee seemed better.   Not having the steep descent of yesterday's Sassafras Mountain to deal with helped too. Blood Mountain, here I come. Yikes!Light rain throughout the night and much of the day. Walked through some fog on Ramrock Mountain. Rescue met me at Woody Gap for a return to our traveling hostel. A hot shower and Rescue's chicken stew with dumplings was a great end to the day. Back to Woody Gap in the morning.
Date: 2015-03-11
From: Woody Gap

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: light rain

Unsure how far I would hike this morning when Rescue dropped me off at Woody Gap. I had my pack ready for the night on the trail but hoped my knee was enough better to hike through to Neel Gap.   Made good time to Lance Creek and decided to go on to Jarred Gap and decide there. Got to Jarred Gap too early to stop and my knee was great so decided to hike up and over Blood Mountain.Light rain fell most of the afternoon but just enough to cool a hot hiker and to keep the trail muddy. Today I initiated my new Hoka trail runners. Love them!!! Great traction on the wet rocks and there were lots of wet rock scrambles on the trail today. I loved today's hike. Makes me feel like a kid climbing around the rocks and I'm no kid! My hike up Blood Mountain in 2013 was filled with concern about the trail and how far to the top. Today's hike was so enjoyable. So glad I have this opportunity to do it again. Saw several hikers I've met staying at Neel Gap tonight. I'll be headed back there tomorrow. A word of caution...met a hiker today who lost the trail behind Blood Mtn shelter. Follow those blazes closely. They can be a little tricky.
Date: 2015-03-12
From: Neel Gap

To: Hogpen Gap
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I did a slack pack today from Neel Gap to Hogpen Gap. A cloudy cool day but no rain at all. Perfect hiking weather. Today I revisited the beautiful view from Cowrock Mountain which was a place I camped in 2013 with Loon, Turtlestone, Jackonamountain and Crazy Legs. Then I hiked down Cowrock Mountain, remembering the distant call of coyotes and the crunchy, frozen mud under my feet and the cold wind as I hiked in 2013. Today the ground was a little muddy but the temperature was much better and no coyotes. The biggest challenge of the day was steep, little old Wildcat Mountain. Not really much of a mountain but I would climb Sassafras three times than re-climb Wildcat Mountain.   The best thing about Wildcat Mountain is the sitting rock at the top. Didn't enjoy this climb in 2013 and I didn't enjoy it today. When I got to the top I sat on the rock and enjoyed the thought of never climbing Wildcat again. Steve and Ruff Dude and I crossed paths a few times today and I met three new hikers, Chattahoochee, Storm Cloak and Weed Eater. Chattahoochee is originally from Georgia but now lives in Massachusetts and she and her sons are thru hiking the trail. Chattahoochee came home to hike home. I hope they make it. When I hiked into Hogpen Gap Rescue was there waiting for me. Kyle and Beowulf were there too, taking advantage of his trail magic of bottled water and Snickers Bars. Rescue knows what hikers need. Kyle was carrying a guitar and Beowulf, his harmonica. He was glad to have chosen a small instrument.
Date: 2015-03-13
From: Hogpen Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: light rain

Well, not much of a hike today, but the rain and spitting sleet, convinced me that I wanted to sleep in a shelter. The winds blew so hard it sucked away any heat my body could generate and made walking the ridge trails hazardous. Really glad Low Gap Shelter was so close. My goal was another 7.3 miles to Blue Mtn. Shelter but a shelter in the hand is better than a tent in the rain and much better than carrying a soggy tent all the next day. Low Gap is a shelter for 7 which filled quickly. Three hikers came in late with no tents. They slept under the shelter and we're happy. Chatahooch and her 2 sons, Remedy, Andrew and his dog Aramus, and Ramble On Rose and I in the shelter.
Date: 2015-03-14
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.7

A good nights sleep with the wind and rain continuing all night, I really appreciated being in the 3 sided shelter, sleeping like sardines in a can, and surrounded by wet sleeping bags and soggy clothes hanging everywhere. Like Bill Bryson says "If there's one thing the AT teaches its low level ecstasy". I was ecstatic to be where I was!Ramble On Rose and I hiked together in the misty fog all day. The trail had some rock scrambles and some muddy step...slide...step...slide sections but we survived nicely. We hiked with Flash for a while who fell in the mud twice. He said he'd feel better about if we would fall too but we declined. Just luck!Stopped at Blue Mtn Shelter for a lunch break then hiked to Unicoi Gap to meet Rescue. He gave Flash and Ramble rides to motels to scrape off their mud. What a day!
Date: 2015-03-15
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: clear sky

Another wonderful day on the AT. Rescue and I took our time getting going this morning. I was tired last night so left my soggy backpack and its contents in the car until this morning. Brought it inside, spread everything out to dry and we went to the Georgia Mountain Restaurant for an enormous breakfast then back to the trailer to slowly pack up. Just in no hurry. Finally started hiking at 12:45 and it was a steep 1.5 mile climb up Rocky Mtn. then a steep descent to Indian Grave Gap. Remedy and several hikers were taking a break so we visited for a bit then climbed Tray Mtn. I passed Cheese Factory campsites and considered spending the night but felt good so on I went. Another steep climb but trail magic at Tray Mtn. Road helped revitalize me. Reached the peak and what a view. Actually the clearest view since I started my hike. Descent to the shelter was nice. Came onto Ramble on Rose and her friend Lauren who were setting up camp about .5 from the shelter. I continued to the shelter and surprisingly found only one other person inside so I spread out my bed and reserved my spot. I visited with Tortoise and Hare, two NC thru hikers. They had a fire going and a campsite with a fantastic valley view. A beautiful night. From my bed I can see the city lights in the valley far below and the clear night has filled the sky with stars. Four other hikers in the shelter now and 5 tents set up. Great end to a sunny warm day. Best weather day yet. The last thing I remember was the call of a lone coyote in the distance.
Date: 2015-03-16
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: few clouds

Started my day's hike at 9:00 and was the last one to leave the shelter. Everyone else was in a hurry to get Dicks Creek Gap to catch the shuttle into Hiawassee. My intent was to hike to Deep Gap Shelter. Most of my day was downhill with the exception of Kelly Knob. (Thanks for the warning Ashley.) Kelly Knob climbs 867' in a mile and has several false summits. I finally activated my iPhone altimeter app to check my progress up the mountain. I saw few hikers on the trail today. I was taking a lunch break at Sassafras Gap when Russ passed through. He had spent the night by the stream at Steeltrap Gap and was headed to Cowart Gap for the night. Also met Dink and Three Wolf Moon who intended to stay at Deep Gap Shelter tonight as I did When I arrived at Deep Gap Shelter around 2:00 there was no one there. I replenished my water and made dinner then decided it was too early to stop for the day. I was too restless. So packed up and headed to Dicks Creek Gap to meet Rescue. As I hiked back to the trail Tortoise and Hare were headed to the shelter for the night. The 3.7 mile hike to the Gap was all downhill.   Glad to get to the bottom and to see Rescue. A shower tonight!
Date: 2015-03-17
From: Blue Ridge Gap Dirt Road (SoBo)

To: Dicks Creek Gap 
Miles today: 5.7

Today was flip flop day. After yesterday's push to Dicks Creek Gap I decided a slack pack southbound was in order. Rescue drove as far up Deep Gap Road towards the AT as he could get me. The road is very eroded and narrow. I walked the last .5 mile uphill to the trail. Hiking downstream I saw most of the hikers I knew and met a few new ones. Saw Ramble On Rose and Russ who's trail name is now John Doe. Also met Taco and Shell, Ice Cream, Runs with Birds, Osgood, Dr. Pepper and Jason, Justin and his crew, and Remedy and his group. Met Rescue at Dicks Creek Gap again and off for a traditional St. Patrick's Day meal. While Rescue was waiting on my arrival at Dicks Creek, Sir Packs A Lot came by doing trail magic. Rescue asked him about USFS 71, which was to be my start point tomorrow for another SoBo hike. Found out it may not be open until 4/1/15. After scouting and calling the Forrest Service we found out it is indeed closed. Oh well, back to the drawing board.
Date: 2015-03-19
From: Rock Gap

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: snow

Another flip flop SoBo hike...nothing like mixing things up. Rescue dropped me off this morning at Rock Gap to begin a 30 mile, 3 day southbound hike. Off I hiked squeaky clean, well fed and rested...in the rain. Rain that started as mist soon became persistently heavy and cold. About half way to Albert Mtn. my hands got so cold they simply didn't work. It took me several minutes just to unzip my rain jacket so I could add layers. I had trouble getting into my backpack and when I finally did I had trouble getting what I needed and trouble closing my bag. I have a habit of looking back after a break to make certain I didn't loose something. Thank goodness I checked this time because in my fumbling I'd dropped a glove. I warmed up some with the added layers and the climb to the Albert Mtn. fire tower but I worried all morning about the boulder descent in the rain. I'd climbed Albert headed north in 2013 so I knew what to expect. The northbound hand over hand boulder climb was fun, but headed down those boulders in the rain unnerved me. When I reached the fire tower I called Rescue to let him know I was headed down and to call for help if I didn't get back to him. Poor fellow, what I put him through. Well, I took my time and did just fine. A morning of worry for no need. The rest of my hike was wet and cold. At one point I couldn't stop shivering when I rounded a bend and found a dry spot about 2' wide next to a huge boulder. I hugged the boulder to stay dry and protected from the wind and got my stove going and heated 2 cups of water. Holding the hot pot warmed me and I drank the hot water and ate a piece of leftover pizza from dinner last night. Best meal I've ever eaten. A long cold wet hiking day and I was happy to get to Carter Gap shelter. Of course the shelter was full inside and three underneath the shelter. It was great to reach the shelter though and I already knew most of the hikers there. I put up my tent in the rain (no easy trick) and fixed dinner in the dry shelter. Felt good to get into dry clothes and a warm sleeping bag but I was still chilled to the bone. I heated water and filled my two Platypus bottles. One at my feet and I hugged the other. I was soon cozy. I hiked a long day but the hiking itself felt good. I don't know if that's because of my zero day or the miserable weather took my mind off the hike. Whatever, I'm safe and dry for the night...and finally warm.
Date: 2015-03-20
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

After a good nights sleep I woke at 7:00, ate and slowly packed. I wanted to allow my gear drying time to cut my pack weight as much as possible. I started the 6.5 mile hike to reach the peak of Standing Indian Mountain. The 3 mile ascent up the mountain itself really drained me. By the time I reached Standing Indian Shelter in the descent I was done for the day. I considered going a few more miles to a stealth site but just didn't have it in me. A good bunch of hikers at the shelter. I'd met a few of them but they'd all met Rescue at Dicks Creek Gap so had heard of me. I put up my tent, ate dinner, collected and filtered my water and was asleep by 8:00 (hiker midnight). A shorter day than expected but a good day.
Date: 2015-03-21
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Blue Ridge Gap Dirt Road
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: few clouds

What a beautiful morning. No dismal sky's today! The night winds were dry and my gear totally dried for the first time in days. The early stop last night was a good call. I felt much revived and excited to re-enter Georgia. I had some up hill but most of today's southbound hike was downhill. Met lots of new hikers today and crossed paths with Tortoise and Hare again who were hiking with Learning Curve and Tex. Also saw Chatahoochie and her sons Weed Eater and Storm Cloak. I met Trudge, Wild Card, Grey Goat, Ambassador of Lance Creek, Birk, Doughnut and many more. Had my picture taken at Bly Gap at "The Tree" and again at the GA/NC borded. Lots of hiker whoopin and hollering crossing out of Georgia. One state down, 13 to go. The downhill trail took a toll on my feet and my shoes. My Hoka Trail Runners fell apart today. Call to REI tomorrow. Loved the feel of those shoes but they need to last longer than 10 days and 100 miles on the trail! Really glad to see the end of the day and Rescue waiting patiently for me. A great AT day. Now... what to do about shoes???