morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-03
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Silers Bald
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: light rain

Well it didn't start raining until we put our packs on and were ready to go. The rain and wind were ok at first, then it picked up and we got soaked. Well our pants didn¢t anyway. So we stopped at the first shelter instead of going 12 miles as planned. My lips were a bit blue and I was so cold. We put our long johns on and hid in our sleeping bag. While the wind and rain blew around us a trio of guys showed up and two section hikers. The trio are Canadians and they are a riot. Jerrame was enjoying the rain and cold, but we decided to stop, for one so I could warm up and two we would get a better view of Clingmans Dome on a clear day. No point in going over it if we can't see anything. Tomorrow hopefully we will reach Gatlinburg.
Date: 2008-05-04
From: Silers Bald

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: few clouds

Clingmans Dome: Well on our elevation map it looked pretty steady and not too steep. In reality the first two miles or so were steady and not too steep; the rest was log steps and rocky steep trail. The summit to Clingmans it's self was not as bad as the mountain before it, Mountain Buckley. Once on the summit of Clingmans we saw more people than we had seen in days. Parking lots and buses make it easy for non-hikers and tourists to see the summit also. After eating lunch we started heading back down toward Newfound Gap. Met the Canadians, a girl named Page and Gnormal and Jefe at the top. Kinda hiked with them the rest of the way to the gap. Got a ride as soon as we got to the gap, a 2007 thru hiker gave us all a ride, except the Canadians, they went on. Finally found the hotel in the mass of tourist traps that are Gatlinburg. Then we picked up some supper and munchies. Tried to do laundry but it¢s broken and no post office today either. Maybe a zero day tomorrow.
Date: 2008-05-05
From: Gatlinburg

To: Ice Water Spring Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: clear sky

Another zero day today, woke up about 9:30 and ate breakfast (ice cream sandwich) then off to the post office. The good thing is that the trolley stopped right at the motel. So we got on the red trolley and rode it to the central station and caught the blue trolley to the post office. We got our stuff and then off to the grocery store to get some extra stuff. Spent $60 there but we got food for lunch and dinner in town. Oh yeah Jerrame fixed the washer before we left in the morning. So when we got back and ate I did laundry. Yay clean clothes! I washed them twice to get them extra clean. We spent the rest of the time eating and watching TV. Just for grins here is a list of what we ate in the day and a half we were in town. 6 ice cream sandwiches2 kfc meals2 liter of mountain dew1 mello yellow1 sierra mist2 dr pepper1/2 lb cheese6 hotdogs1/3 can chili5 ham salad sandwiches1/2 chocolate cake1 quart chocolate milk1 bag tortilla chips1 jar salsa24 oz oj2 apples2 cupcakes2 pieces anglefood cake
Date: 2008-05-06
From: Ice Water Spring Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: clear sky

We got to Pecks Corner Shelter and there were about 26 hikers here. All one big group of people. The shelter only holds 12, and 4 spots are supposed to be reserved for thru-hikers. Well to back up we hit the trail about 11 with Gnormal, Jefe and a couple we met in Fontana. The first three miles to the first shelter were super easy. Then it got really rocky, and my feet and knees started to hurt. We had kinda hoped to make it to Tri-Corner Knob since Pecks Corner was so far off the trail but I was hurting too bad. All the shelter spots and tent spots were taken. We saw a lady we knew (Linda) and she said we could pitch the tent right next to hers. That worked out well.
Date: 2008-05-07
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Didn't get to see the meteor shower last night because I was to lazy to get up. Jerrame woke me up at 2:00am to see them but I went back to sleep. Almost everyone was gone by the time we left. Yay the first 5 miles to Tri-Corner Knob were really rough on me. The poptarts for breakfast just didn't give me any energy. I did better after lunch I had a pb+j and a pb and cheese and dried tomato burrito. Yum dinner was also delish. Cheddar noodles and broccoli, and chicken. Almost forgot we had to walk .5 miles back to the trail from the shelter. We had just got back on the AT when we heard a large crashing in the woods. I looked and saw a black blobbish streak, it was a baby bear cub and it was trying to find its mom very quickly. We must have spooked it. But I finally saw a bear!
Date: 2008-05-08
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It must have been the day to see cool animals. I saw a red cheeked salamander. They only live in the smokies and only at elevations above 3000 feet. And we saw a grouse on the trail to the tower on top of Mt Cammerer. We actually got up early today with the plan of going to a campsite a couple of miles outside the smokies. But by the time we got 3 miles in I was hurting a lot. Decided not to push it and be dumb. Only going 7 miles helped to make the decision to go to observation tower. It was 1.2 miles round trip but well worth it. We had left our packs on the ground back at the trail crossing. So I was hoping a bear didn't eat them. There was no bear eating our food so we went ahead and had lunch at the intersection. We saw the grouse on the way there and back but didn't get a picture. So Jerrame made two trips back to try and get a picture but the grouse was too elusive. Made it to the shelter about 1/2 hour before it started raining. Just light rain but I'm glad I¢m not in it. We came down off the crest of the smokies today and it is such a big difference. All green and lush and sweet smelling, reminds us both of home.
Date: 2008-05-09
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Snowbird Mountain
Miles today: 15.1

 may 9, 2008 Slept in till 9 today. we were waiting out the guy who stopped in the shelter last night. It was a beautiful day today, it stopped raining before dawn and the sun was out. We went down dor about 2.5 miles and then up for about 2,000 ft. WE INTERUPT THIS SCHEDUALED WRITING FOR A STORM ALERT. AS I WRITE THIS A HUGE THUMDERSTORM IS QUICKLY APPROCHING. we are camped on top of snowbird mountian, with no trees around. when we picked this spot it was perfect out, nice puffy clouds (not storm clouds) it was a little windy but we could deal with that. Now we will have to see what the storm brings. Back to the days events. we stopped by the standing bear farm ( a hostel) for lunch, bought a pizza 2 snickers, three oatmeal creme pies and 2 mountian dews to wash it down. The pizza was good but we didnt cook it enough so it was a bit doughy. The rest of the day was an uphill climb, literally, We had the time and the energy to make it to the shelter 2 miles away but the spot on the top of the tallest mountian around was just too cool.
Date: 2008-05-10
From: Snowbird Mountain

To: past Max Patch Bald
Miles today: 10.7

May 10Huge thunderstorm, not a very descriptive phrase for what was looming to the southeast, the storm was as big as the sky which on a 4,600 ft bald is pretty big. By the time we heard the warning tones of Mr. Grumpy (the storm) it was too late, our camp was set and darkness was approching fast, although it seemed not as fast as mr grumpy. So we watched the lighting beat on the mountians untill the rain started falling and the lighting started to get close then we hid in the false security that the tent provided. Well that was ll well and good for a while but then we started to hear multiple thunderstorms...hmm whats this huh? seems mr grumpy has a son and a daughter and bother were heading our way. we think what happened was the mountian had split the storm and one part went to one side of us and the other went the other way. Those two storms were pretty hairy but it was the third storm that brought the major rain and lightning. Also winds that wanted to collapse the tent. These storms went on for probably 3 hours but it seemed like three days. The storms faded but the winds didnt. we were very impressed that the tent stayed together, gusts were to the point that the tent was collapsing in on us. So all in all a pretty exciting night but it can all be summed up by saying we are ALIVE!! When we woke up and crawled out of the tent we were in a cloud , again literally, the cloud lifted when we went down a bit and no rain for the rest of the day. We ended up taking a really long lunch and then hustling to make up the time. GOt some super trail magic at Max Patch Rd. pop, pringles, ham sandwiches, strawberries, and boston creme pies. YUM! we thought about camping on Max Patch but as we were cresting it we heard some rumbles of thunder, so we kept moving to the shelter. We are the only ones here tonight , yay, but it could be because of all the bear problems in the area. Could be interesting tonight.
Date: 2008-05-15
From: past Max Patch Bald

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Note from home: Sarah and Jerrame will be leaving the AT at Erwin, TN due to important matters needing their attention at home. Please hold all of your good wishes, letters, and packages until further notice. Your love and support for them during their trip has kept them going. They will update this as soon as they can.
Date: 2008-05-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi to all who have been following our trip. As you know we left the trail. Both Jerrame and I are fine. We left because we recieved news that Jerrames Mom has cancer. As much as we want to we will not be able to go back out this summer. We plan on section hiking the rest of the trail and finishing at some point =). Thanks for all your support and help with our trip. It was a trip of a lifetime!!
Date: 2007-10-04
To: The Journey
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday I purchased my ticket to Atlanta and things are starting to come together. I have been in communication with BonePac and I appreciate all the advice he has given me. Actually, I can't say enough about the AT community. Hiking the AT today has to be easier than back in the 80's, 70's, and so on. Today we can just do a quick google search and find all kinds of information about the trail. We have a pretty good idea of what the trail looks like what to expect. We know the "secret place" and lots of other things. We can receive xls sheets from people that have done a lot of leg work in planning. We can find a list of all the Post Offices along the trail with their addresses. We have lighter gear and better footwear. We have credit cards and ATM machines. (It's the little things that you don't realize some times) The list can go on and on. We understand the emotional roller coaster that is ahead of us. We can plan for the depression and the pain that our bodies will go through. Though we really can't fathom the significance of those events until we are in the midst of our journey. When we have walked a lot of miles day in and day out without a cushy bed, pillow, warm cloths that just came out of the dryer, or just taken a refreshing shower in the morning. We really can't comprehend how one will react when it has been raining for 3 days and the trail has become a river and our boots are feeling like Al Capone payed a visit and attached some cement shoes to your feet. Maybe you could relate the a Bible character named Job. These kinds of days are to test us and see what we can endure. That we can keep the faith! That we can survive! We can make it to Katadin!!We can't understand the bond that thruhikers have between one another. We don't know what they have truely endured to complete all 2000+ miles of the AT. We don't know what mental challenges they have overcome, what physical chanllenges they endured, what illnesses they combatted, the loneliness they felt, the joy they experienced. One day we know what it takes to become a Thruhiker but today we can only dream.
Date: 2007-10-08
To: Robo
Miles today: 0.0

This weekend I got a chance to talk with a 2007 AT hiker named Robo. We must of talked for four plus hours and it felt like 10 minutes. Talking to past hikers is a double edge sword. One one hand they have the experience and the fortitude to propel you along on your journey. The knowledge that can make your hike a little easier or at least make your learning curve a little shorter. We talked about filtering water, bounce boxes, mail drops, cooking vs not cooking, modifying your pack, mice, animals, and many many other topics.The other side of the sword is that Robo got my blood flowing and ready to take off right now. Of course I have just under five months before I can step foot on the AT. Not that I'm ready to take off right now anyway. I have purchased my plane ticket to arrive in Atlanta on Feb 29th and my Aunt and Uncle will pick me up at the airport and let me crash at their house for the evening. Then they will drive me up to Springer first thing on March 1st.Thanks Robo
Date: 2008-01-20
To: Update/Training
Miles today: 0.0

A lot has happened since I last updated the journal. When I started this journey I had a job that was giving me a leave of absence for 90 days and I had a month of vacation saved up. Today I am unemployed due to a downsizing. I had asked God to show himself during my trip; I guess he decided that he wanted my full attention and wanted me to be available to go where ever he wants me after the trip.Now I don't have a dead line, but my family definitely doesn't want me out there any longer than I have to be. So I am still trying to finish the trail in 100 days or so. I have kept a spread sheet of some of the fast hikers here on trailjournals over the years and know where they have stayed and how many miles they did on every day. For those interested here is the list of hikers that hiked in under 117 days: Wag Daddy (88), Highlander II (97), Mr. K 108), Jersey Joe(111), BonePac (117), and Trocar. Since I haven't been working I have had time to do some training. I have hit some hiking trails here in Michigan a couple times a week. There is a mountain bike trail by me that has a 13 mile loop that I will do. I park about a mile away and hike down a few trails until I hit the loop and then hike the mile back to the vehicle. So I am doing around 15 miles. One day I did an 18 mile loop and got some serious chafing so I purchased some spandex shorts and problem is fixed.My gear has worked out pretty well and am pretty happy with my gear choices. I just need to figure out when I need to strip down a layer to prevent sweating to keep the cloths as dry as possible. This week it's suppose to be in the single digits with winds so I would like to get out and test out my gear in those conditions.
Date: 2008-01-20
To: How I found the AT
Miles today: 0.0

My wife, Johnna, and I honeymooned down in Dahlonega in 1996 and spent some time in the Amicalola State Park hiking some of the trails and enjoying the Southern hospitality. We returned three years later when Johnna saw the sign that said Strenuous trail to the top of Springer Mt. Johnna and I are just day hikers who didn't know any better but decided to tackle the approach trail to Springer. We left the car in the parking lot and headed north. A short way into the hike it started to sprinkle and then later rain. We were in cotton cloths and I had forgotten the water bottles in the car. Here we are two hikers without any packs or water struggling to climb this beast called Springer. As we struggled along we were being passed by older people carrying 20-50 lb packs. What were we a couple of sissies? We struggled on... to stop every so often and put our hands on our knees to take some deep breaths. We would finally get to the top of Springer and see the sign in the rock after a few hours have passed. The worst moment for me was when Johnna realized that we could have driven up to the top of Springer. I think my arm is still soar today. We made it back down to the parking lot and slammed the water bottles. On our way back to our cabin in Dahlonega we started talking about this Appalachian Trail and how crazy an individual has to be to walk from here (Springer) to Maine. Fourteen years later I am the crazy one itching to complete my thruhike.
Date: 2008-01-27
To: How to have fun before the Trip
Miles today: 0.0

On Saturday January 21st, 2008 I had my second Dan testing and had a blast. I got to beat up on a few people and got beat up by a few people as well. The picture here is of a 7th Dan that is showing me a few things. There was another pic my wife was taking of me and another guy sparring but when she clicked the pic you could only see my leg in the pic. The reason being is the person that I was sparring did a spinning side kick that got me in the ribs and sent me flying across the room. (Notice in the pic that I am not wearing any rib protection) After getting my wind back I came back and told him that was an awesome shot and continued on. I then sparred 3 more high ranking people and then we were done for the day. Later that night I started feeling the pain in my ribs. Turns out that I have some bruised ribs. Great.... just what I need when I am down to 32 days before I step onto Springer Mtn. I took my son out for a hike today and found that the ribs are a little tender on the downhills, sneezing, and coughing. At least it's ok to have gas.It sure was a pleasure to workout with all those folks at Legacy TKD one last time. I definitely have a deep respect for those guys and girls. Martial Arts has meant a lot to me over the years and I will definitely miss my workouts. However, I have a much bigger workout everyday for 4 months. One that will test my character and resolve in a very deep way. I am looking forward to the challenge.
Date: 2008-02-01
To: The unwrapped gift
Miles today: 0.0

I was reading my emails today and got a great motivational email from a Mr Fariborz. In the email he had attached Four Steps to a Super Attitude By: Brian Tracy "Look For the Good Assume that something good is hidden within each difficulty or challenge. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, a major proponent of positive thinking, once said, "Whenever God wants to give us a gift, he wraps it up in a problem." The bigger the gift you have coming, the bigger the problem you will receive. But the wonderful thing is that if you look for the gift, you will always find it."I can't wait to unwrap some of the gifts up on the mountain tops to see His magnificent creations. The vistas, the rolling fluffy clouds, the golden hot sun, the illuminating lightning, the rebirth of nature as the flowers begin to bloom, trees springing forth life by unfolding its leaves to give shade to the AT hikers as they walk underneath them. The trickling of the springs, creeks, rivers, and waterfalls. I look forward to seeing the magnificent color that is put on display in the spring. The fields of wild colorful flowers of white, yellow, purple, red. Watching a nearby bee fly from one flower to another to extract its sweet nector. So that it can create honey for the black bear to dine on.Which leads me to dream about all the animals that will be present on the trial. There are many species of creatures that the AT hiker will see. The most common species are ones that most people would rather not see and that would be the field mouse or maybe renamed to the shelter mouse. Then there are the occasional skunks, squirrels, chipmunks, salamanders, snakes, turkey, deer, horses, bears, moose, and the porcupine. There are two animals on that list that I absolutely need to see during my trip. The first is the moose, I have to see a large male moose with the large paddle antlers on the top of his head. The second animal is a little strange but in all my years in the woods I have yet to see a porcupine in the wild.Until the next time....TF
Date: 2008-02-18
To: Down to the wire
Miles today: 0.0

Here it is 11 days until I jump on a plane headed for Atlanta.I often wondered how anyone could wait and rush around the last week before they departed to get things done for their trip. Now that I am put in this situation I empathize with everyone that has taken on this great challenge. Things to do yet before I leave: I need to ship my pack down to Atlanta, get my food supply ready for the first few days, send off my first couple boxes so that they are there when I arrive. Last is getting ready for the going away party.   Johnna told me the other day that we are on different sides of the tracks. She is thinking that I only have 2 weeks left so we need to do things as a family and I am thinking there are only 2 weeks left so I need to get this and this ohhh and that done. I understand her point and she understands mine so we are compromising. If you happen to think of Johnna or myself please remember to sent up a prayer¢¦thanks.
Date: 2008-02-26
To: Last Journal before I leave
Miles today: 0.0

My pack has been in Georgia for 5 days now just waiting for my butt to get down there. Seemed weird hiking around this week without a pack on my back. The hiking was a little easier yet a little more difficult. I purchased a new set of boots and decided to do some snowshoeing instead of post holing as I have been doing and got the biggest blister I've ever had. It has pretty much healed up so maybe it was what I needed to toughen up the feet one last time.The hiking/snowshoeing was most excellent. The woods here in Michigan have a blanket of snow that is about two feet deep. They say the Grand Rapids area has reached an all time record of the most snow fall in the months of Dec, Jan, & Feb. We have over 100 inches and over the months the snow has compacted and melted on a couple occasions to leave around two feet or more of compact snow on the ground. I am disappointed in the wildlife sightings. I haven't seen much in the way of deer this winter. I have seen signs of them pawing at the ground to find some left over acorns, but I haven't seen many deer this winter.The pre-hiking has been pretty cold this year it seems that Michigan can't shake this cold snap. We have been in the teens and 20's pretty much all winter. I'll be glad to get to spring down at Springer!I have sent off my first two mail drops to meet me at Neels Gap and the NOC yesterday. Now all I have to do is sit back and relax until I catch my flight. I want my legs and feet to rest until I get out there on the AT. Thanks Robo for all that you have done for me. Wish you were out here with me. I think we'd have a blast and we'd have to pick on Kirby a little.Best of Luck class of 2008!! Happy Trails
Date: 2008-03-01
To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was the first day on the Trail. Steve's Aunt and Uncle took him to Springer and sent him off. His goal was to make it to Gooch Gap by sunset and he made it. The Pictures show how excited he was starting out, but getting to the shelter he said he was "spent." I don't think he eat enough during the day and he already has lots of blisters. I just try to encourage him and hope tomorrow is better, coming off the big high of this morning and think reality is setting in.day one (done)