morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-16
From: Helendorf Inn

To: Helendorf Inn
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up early to a rainy Sunday morning. I showered, dressed, and went over to the lobby. I checked the dryer for a sock that is apparently lost forever. After breakfast, I took off down the street towards Helen First Baptist Church. Maybe I should have worn rain pants because my legs were soaked by the time I arrived. I missed Sunday school, but I was greeted warmly and well recieved. I felt love and acceptance from brothers and sisters in Christ, and I was so glad to participate in worship. By the time the service was over my pants wer dry. Keith Ivey, Director of Georgia Mountain Resort Ministries introduced my to Vikto Bedzyk, and I ate him and his wifeand their friends at the church felloship. Afterwards, Victor and his wife dropped me off at Betty's Cuntry Store. There I restocked on Advil and snickers, before going back to the Helendorf to take a very long nap.When I awoke, I went for a walk to find most of the shops along the main drag had all closed. Luckily Alpine pizza was open. I ate my first bratwurst calzone. I should probably got to bed early, because I an heading back tomorrow rain or shine.
Date: 2014-03-17
From: Helendorf Inn

To: Tray Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 5.7

Started off this morning in a nasty rain. It was wet all day. Hiking in a raincloud where you can only see 30-40 yards beyond where you are stamding is a miserable day for hiking. Steep climbs to overlooks can be bad enough, but when you get there and all you can see is a wall of grey... Well, let's just say you find yourself walking by faith and not by sight. I spent the night at Tray Mtn Shelter. I was so cold, wet, and tired I was gls not to have to pitch a tent. I ate mountain House beef stew with a liter of water that had a gatorade packet in it. I went to bed soon after, and I was very glad to have dry clothes still to put on for sleeping. Today was only 5.7 miles.
Date: 2014-03-18
From: Tray Mtn Shelter

To: Budget Inn of Hiawassee
Miles today: 11.0

I packed up early without taking time for coffee or breakfast. The sun was popping through, and I was hiking above the clouds. I was hopful that the sun would burn off the gloom and doom, but 30 minutes later I was surrounded by cold dripping cloud and the wind began to blow. It was like that all day. All I could think about was getting someplace dry to sleep. I made it to Dick's Creek Gap and a shuttle was sent to take me the Budget Inn. I have some place on my leg that look like a rash. My sister Arlene, wants me to go to the doctor, so I am goin tomorrow. Right now, half of my body is getting iced down, while the other half is overed in tiger balm. Today was am 11 mile day.
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Budget Inn of Hiawassee

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

I went to the doctor in Hiawassee. He didnt like the looks of my leg so prescribed a cream and antibiotics. Also, he said if spread that I would need to seek an emergency room immediately. I am glad I listened to my sister. After lunch at DQ, I caught a ride with Charlotteee, aka. "Charlie" out to the Blueberry Patch Hostel. She told me she never takes stangers or hitchhikers in her car, but she overheard me telling someone that I walked to church in the rain Sunday, so she thought I must be okay.Gary and Lennie Poteat own the Hostel and attend Macedonia Baptist Church with Ms Charlie. Just being here so far has been a wonderful experience. I am going to prayer and Bible study with Gary later tonight, and I am looking forward to the famous poteat breakfast. They are certainly wondrful Christian people that are full of love. Lord willing I will be in NC tomorrow.
Date: 2014-03-20
From: Blueberry Patch Hostel

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 9.0

I was glad to get to go to midweek prayer service and Bible study. I slept very well, and began the morning with the famous Poteat breakfast here at the Blueberry Patch Hostel... Pancakes topped with homemade blueberry syrup, buiscuits, gravy, sausage, eggs, coffee, water, and OJ. Afterwards we took a group photo and Gary shuttled us all to Dick's Creek Gap in 2 loads. I purchased a T-shirt at Macedonia Baptist Church and Gary promised to mail it to me. I am blessed to have experienced their love and kindness. Hiking up out of the gap was a tough climb, but I kept pushing all day. All I could think about was getting across the border into NC. I reached Bly Gap only a couple of hours before dark, and made my camp with the others gathered there. It was a reuinion of sorts. Some of the Blueberry Patch "breakfast club" had stopped there, but I also ran back into Cavie and Uncle Fool there. I met those guys on my second day on the trail. Today was a special day crossing the state line and knowing the first section of my hike is complete. Today was a 9 mile day.
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Bly Gap

To: Near Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: few clouds

I slept in a little this cold morning. The sun was rising high about 9am when I got rolling. I had a 12 mile day planned, but even as I was getting up I just didn't feel I was wanting to push that hard yet. I had hoped to push over Standing Indian, but I ended up settling for making the shelter instead. I camped just short of the shelter with Cavie and Uncle Fool by a rolling stream instead of cram tenting around the shelter with a boyscout troop they said had passed by earlier. It was around a 7.7 mile day. The plan is to make a big push over gentle terrain tomorrow. God be with us.
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Near Standing Indian Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I took off before 9am today. Despite the easy terrain I ended up making it a short day instead of a long one. The rain is coming, so I stopped at the shelter. I have met a group here from the local club that maintains the trail in this area. They are really nice and I am enjoying being around the conversation. Naffles is here with her dog champ and Dianna, but Im not sure of all the other names. Oh, and I amost forgot Hooch. Dinner is coming early tonight, but I might not crash too early. I took it upon myself to build tonights fire in the pit and the entire camp visited. I also shared the Hot Chocolate packets I had with me and Hooch boiled everyone water. Naffles had some powdered peanut butter that we added to the hot chocolate. It was awesome! Sharing is a great way to make fast friends on the trail. Looking at my guidebook, I can easily make it to Franklin by Monday, but I want to stay there on Tuesday...I hear there is a winter storm coming. Today was a 7.6 mile day.
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

I got off to an earlt start leaving Carter Gap Shelter. Shortly after I started hiking the rain began. Hiking in the wet is tough, because I sweat out more water than I think I am. I took my rain gear off before clinbing Albert Mtn. The rock was slick with rain, but I kept my focus. The climb was steep, but I did it at 340 pounds with a 40 pound pack on my back and no one can ever take that away from me. Fist bumps were waiting for me at the firetower where I stopped to have lunch. Today was the most rewarding grubdown of beef jerky and trail mix so far, however, the gray sky killed my view from the top. Even as I sit here writing I wonder what exactly I missed seeing from there. I have so loved the views of God's creation from these beautiful mountain tops where so few ever take the time or effort to trod. Looking back on these cloudy overlooks I am reminded that accomplishments are not always accompanied by glory or credit. Sometimes, as we should always, we must realize that it is only to God's credit and for His glory. Without his hand on me I don't know if I could go on climbing. Strangely, I feel the least alone out here when I am hiking by myself. I feel completely surrounded by His glory, safe and secure. I wish I hadn't had come so far to KNOW that nothing could ever separate me from God's love. It's not of me, because it is all Him. Jesus said he would go with us alway even to the ends of the earth, that's Him!No matter how far, he's still there. Truly a Christian walks FOR God, not WITH God because the WITH part is all his doing! This trail is such a wonderful picture of a mature Christian life. You have the hills and mountains, you have the gaps and valleys that are so hard to climb your way out of sometimes, the joys, the pain, the love of others along the same journey, and yes, even the constant battles with Satan and temptations. I am ever thankful for this opportunity and the love and support of family and friends with whom I wish I could keep in better contact. I do miss them very much. I stopped early again today, but it was my longest trail day so far...12 miles. The hike to Winding Stair Gap from Rock Creek Shelter is only 3.8 miles, so I will be having a Cheeseburger for lunch in Franklin, NC tomorrow.
Date: 2014-03-24
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.8

I hiked into Winding Stair Gap this mourning with Hooch and Double R. We caught a ride into Franklin to the Outdoor76 with an awesome church goer named Manny. He just rolled up and asked if we needed a ride into town. Even more to his credit and the God he serves, Hooch left his gloves in the truck and Manny came back to Outdoor76 with them. Also, he wouldn't let us give him any money. God bless you Manny! After the incredibly cold night I spent shivering last night, I decided to purchase a sleeping bag liner for added warmth and comfort. Also, I replaced my Sawyer water filter. I think I have let it freeze twice now and I don't want to take very many chances with my drinking water. Tomorrow night is suppossed to be even colder with a chance of getting snow, so I will gladly be taking a zero. It costs more to do so indoors, but it is well worth it. Everything about life on the trail is work. Even walking around town doing laundry and shopping, walking to get water, walking to the privy, or whatever else. It's a lot easier to get into shape when take away the convienences of our modern society. I spent a lot of my short 3.8 mile hike to town thinking of how I will continue to maintain this active lifestyle when I return to the humdrum of everday life. 109.8 miles of the trail are behind me!
Date: 2014-03-25
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Microtel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After talking to Hooch and Double R about what time to get going out in the morning, I realized we were journal/blogging about the trail from different perspectives. We shared different parts of the day with stories in different ways. I just found that interesting. I have enjoyed my zero today. I walked about 1.5 miles round trip to the local public library. I printed out my permit for the GSMNP today, but for some reason I was unable to access trailjournals.com I was really looking forward to updating. I would hate to lose the few readers I do have. I am supplied and stocked up. I need to clean my hydration bladder and water bottles. Then, I will pack it all up except for my sleeping bag i will leave lofted in the closet till morning. It has snowed off and on all day, and it is supposed to get really cold tonight. I think I picked a good night to zero. Town zeros cost more, but this one I think is worth it. Still, I look forward to getting back on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2014-03-26
From: Microtel

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

It was a cold day. Snow was still on the ground. I had a hard time being motivated for hiking. I ate breakfast and the shuttle took to Winding Stair Gap at 8:30am. I am ashamed to call what I did today hiking. For the most part, I just trudged through the ice, snow, slush, and sludge. I slipped early and my left knee buckled. I was hurting all day, but I kept going...slower than usual. I did finally make it to Wayah Bald shelter. This place is packed out. The shelter is shoulder to shoulder. There are 2 tents pitched underneath the shelter vestibule, and every spot that might even be moderately good for a tent has one. I had chiken alfredo for dinner, and I pray the full belly and my new bag liner will help keep me warm. It could drop into the teens tonight. I'm glad I trudged onward. It was an 11 mile day.
Date: 2014-03-27
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Aquone Hiker Hostel via Telico Gap
Miles today: 8.4

Today I did not feel like hiking. I arrived at Cold Spring shelter after about 5 miles and decided to take a nap. After about an hour or more some people began coming through again and woke me up. Naffles told me her Dad had texted her about approaching severe weather so I packed up quickly and pushed on reluctantly. I made it to Telico Gap before asking Naffles to call the Aquone Hiker Lodge. Steve, aka "Wiggy" came to get me. This is a beautiful place, and to think I almost missed out on staying here. I'm having a lovely stay, and tomorrow I being added to an already booked slack packing trip into NOC tomorrow. Today was an 8.4 mile day.
Date: 2014-03-28
From: Aquone Hiker Hostel via Telico Gap

To: NOC
Miles today: 8.3

Today was a quick and painless daywithout having to carry a 40 pound pack. All I had was water, filter, medkit, headlamp, snacks, and my rain jacket.Easiest 8.3 miles even with the steep slippery descent into NOC. I was glad not to have the extra weight on my knees. I am now a huge fan of slackpacking...maybe I should hire a sherpa...lol. Steve arrived quickly to bring our packs a take possession of the day packs he loaned us. Aquone Hiker Lodge is seriously FULL Service. I highly recommend it.
Date: 2014-03-29
From: NOC

To: NOC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I am here at the NOC doing a zero. I had breakfast and coffee at the River's End, replaced my screwed up headlamp and lost hat at the outfitters, and now I am updating my blog and adding photos at the Stonehouse customer relations office. I dont know how bad the weather will get tonight, but I anm happy to get to catch up typing up my journals. Hooch and some of my other trail friends have headed out today. I prayb for their safety. I think I might be spending too many nights indoors, as the whole point of the trail is to be out in nature. Today was 0 miles. It's also a shame the weather is nasty... I was hoping to take a zipline tour or a whitewater trip when I got here.
Date: 2014-03-30
From: NOC

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was around 7 miles, but it was mostly an uphill climb. I was happy to reach Sassafras Gap Shelter and call it a day. Unfortunately it was so very cold. I was driven into my sleeping bag about 2 hours before it actually got dark. It's going to be very cold here tonight. Sometimes I wish I had a lower rated sleeping bag. Lord willing, I will see the sunrise. If I don't, I have loved the time I spent out here. Today was 6.9 miles I think.
Date: 2014-03-31
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter 

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: broken clouds

Despite a decent jump on the day, my 9:30am departure from the shelter did little to help me cover the steep climbs and rocky terrain of today's hike. I barely made it to Brown Fork Gap shelter in time to pitch out, get water, cook, eat, clean-up, and hit the sack before dark. The sun was gone when I lay down. I think today was the toughest so far. I am grateful for the trail magic I found at Stecoah Gap. I know it helped me over Jacobs Ladder. That was a very deceiving climb. It did not look nearly that bad in the terrain profile. Seriously, it was kind of steep and seemed to just keep going. It was at the end of the day, and I do not quite have trail legs yet. However, that really kicked my rear. Hope to be in Fontana tomorrow. Today was 9.1 miles.
Date: 2014-04-01
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Footbridge Stream
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

Today was a funny April Fool's Day. It seemed that everything would end up playing tricks on me. First, I had to drop a bomb about 5:30am, then I had to go again before leaving the shelter that morning instead of my usual once per day. Then Ghostbuster leaves with his raincover on his pack. Everything looks fine to me, but yes, less than 30 minutes later it starts to rain. I stop, and just as I get my pack cover on and get my pack settled on my back again it stops raining just as quickly as it started. The worst April fool of all, however, was how much harder the terrain was to the elevation profile. I had planned to be in Fontana, but I was completely out of energy long before that. I camped at the stream just past Walker Gap. So, today was only 9.1 miles instead of 12.7, but tomorrow will be an easy hike and I can rest up before the Smokies. Glad to have Black Horse camping here too. Time to hide out from the bugs and hopefully get some sleep.
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Footbridge Stream

To: Fontana Lodge 
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: few clouds

Today was an easy day. I reached the Fontana Crossing just as the shuttle was dropping off so I took the ride into the Lodge where a room with a king size bed was waiting. I took a nap after my shower, then had lunch at the beautiful Mountain View Restaurant. I did enjoy the view. Afterwards I went down to do laundry, then hiked the short hill back to the lodge. This is a beautiful place to stay for the price. I had an awesome dinner, and really enjoyed one of the most comfortable beds so far. To bad there wasn't much I wanted to see on TV. I'm sure I will feel much better about hiking the smokies tomorrow.
Date: 2013-11-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The time seems right for me to hike the AT. This is my first journal entry, and hopefully the first of many. Since I first backpacked a section in Harriman State Park some 30 years ago, I have wanted to hike the entire trail. My name is Doug Sloan, I'll turn 66 while on the trail, I live in Florida with my wife, and I am retired. This past June while searching the web for the communities that used to live in Appalachia, which interests me, I came across so many YouTube videos of the AT, and after watching many of these videos, I caught the bug. After much thought and discussion I decided to start the AT the last week in March 2014 as a NOBO (north bounder).A while back I looked at my old gear and sold or threw out almost everything because of it's age and it's weight. The only piece of my old gear I will carry on this hike will be an old frying pan which doubles as a plate, 5.5 ounces. Everything else will be new. I have been watching the Internet sites and I'll make purchases if I see items that might go on sale.
Date: 2013-11-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Trail Journal Prep 2 entry. Living in Florida where everything is flat, and our community has no tall buildings for stairs, training becomes slightly difficult. I have been riding a bicycle and plan on walking back and forth across a mile long bridge in our community.I have been buying and eating dehydrated meals to see which ones I like and if my system can handle dehydrated meals. So far the only meal I have not liked is a prepared breakfast of eggs.I have been buying or assembling equipment. The only large items I have left to purchase are: a backpack, sleeping pad, stove and pot set, and a down jacket. We have no outfitters close to here, so I'll wait till after Christmas when I'll travel to GA for a weeks vacation.This week I'll have to look into how I am going to get to Springer Mountain. I believe my only opinions are plane or bus. The AT starting point is too far to call in a favor from anyone.
Date: 2013-11-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Third entry Prep. 3Another large item taken care of today. I just caught a sale and ordered a JetBoil Flash Personal Cooking System. My equipment list keeps getting shorter and shorter.The following is a partial list of ¢Hiker jargon¢. This list appears many times in other journals, I have re-entered this list for anyone reading this journal. I took the list from the book ¢Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Planner.¢A.T. -Appalachian Trail blazes, 2-by-6-inch paint swatches on trees that mark the trail; white blazes mark the official AT., while blue blazes mark routes to shelters or other features. blue-blazer -hiker who shortcuts and is not committed to passing every white blaze on the AT. flip-flop -to hike a section of trail in one direction, then return to the starting point and hike in the opposite direction-flip-flopper. hiker box -a box or bin in a shelter, hostel, or outfitter used to exchange supplies. leapfrog -a thru-hike of the A.T. in discontinuous segments. MUDs -mindless ups and downs (a short, difficult trail section.Nero day -approximately half of day hiking, the other half of day for rest or town visit.NOBO -northbound hiker. PUDs -pointless ups and downs (an extended, difficult trail section). purist -a hiker committed to passing every official white blaze on the AT.section-hike -a complete hike of the A.T. in sections over a period of years-section-hiker. slackpack -to hike without a pack, which is sent ahead for pick-up. SOBO -southbound hiker.stile -steps that pass over a fence or wall.switchback -a zigzag trail, built to ease passage up (and down) a steep grade.thru-hike -a more or less continuous hike of the entire trail-thru-hiker.trail angel -person who helps hikers by providing food, drinks, or rides for no fee.trail magic -serendipitous things that happen on the trail, often related to strangers sharing food and drink.vitamin I -ibuprofen or other pain medication.yellow-blazer -someone who hitchhikes around trail sections; named for highway yellow center line.Yogi-ing -begging food from fellow hikers, as in Yogi Bear.zero day -a day off from hiking.
Date: 2014-01-06
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Prep 4Nightly I have been reading Trail Journals. I have read how others have physically prepared for the AT, and I can't help but wonder if I am doing enough. I walk 6 miles a day back and forth over a bridge with only a 42 foot elevation change, the highest in our community. I climb up and down a flight of stairs 25 to 35 times during my walk. I thought of joining a gym, but walking in the late afternoons and watching the great sunsets suits me better.I have been assembling my equipment list and only have a handful of items left. I'll travel to Jacksonville to an REI store to complete most of that list. I want to personally see my options for a sleeping pad and down jacket. I keep going through the equipment to eliminate ounces from the pack, while I am trying my best to loss pounds off my waist line. I have read some folks were able to get their packs down below 20 pounds, which would be great, but I think I'll be over 28 pounds, without food or water.My plane flight and hostel reservations have been made forMarch 25 which I'm sure will come fast.I continue to try different food packs cooking them on the Jetboil, and have only found three so far that I am not crazy about. Seems the manufacturer puts too many onions in some of their meals. I like onions, but there tends to be too many in some of the food packs. One breakfast meal I ate had eggs that I did not care for at all, I am not sure what they tasted like, so I think my options are limited to oatmeal or pop tarts, and of course coffee.I have been reading other members of the 2014 class, and hope to meet some or all of you on the trail. Happy New Year everyone.