morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-07-09
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 21.1

Got dropped off at Pinkham Notch to slack-pack back to Gorham. Slack-packing is hiking with only the food/water you need for that day and maybe some things like a flashlight and first aid kit. Some hikers do this to get more miles in without the weight of a full pack, but most probably do it for the chance to sleep in a bed another night, eat town food another day, and get a hot shower again. These basic things are so appreciated when you have been out in the wilderness for days. They are things not many people even think about in everyday life, but they are a treasure when you haven't had it for a while. Popeye chose this probably for all these reasons, but it is a tough section, so it was nice to do it without all the weight he normally carries. It took him 12 hours with only about a half hour rest to eat his lunch. His ride stopped at a McDonald's since it was late and Popeye got himself a Big Mac and Frappe. I'm surprised that's all he got but then again he is not a big fast food fan.There were more hikers at the hostel when he got back. They are a mix of flip floppers and South bounders. The ATC is really pushing the idea of flip flopping to reduce the crowds that start at Georgia each year. This means you pick a point to start somewhere other than Springer Mtn. in GA like say Harper's Ferry, WV (close to the half way point), hike North, then after Maine get a ride back to where you started and hike South. It is becoming more popular.
Date: 2015-07-10
From: Gorham, NH

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

After yesterday's big miles, rest was much needed. Popeye re-supplied at a Wal-Mart (thanks to the ride provided by the hostel). He re-packaged everything, did wash, and just organized everything to begin the remainig stretch of the Whites. He is not fond of the AMC that maintains the hut system and trails in the Whites. He calls them the Appalachian Money Club because the AT is very poorly maintained and all the focus is on making money from the weekenders that stay at the huts. You get the feeling that AT thru-hikers are looked upon as second citizens because they don't bring in any money. The AMC charges to even stay at the AT shelters, which infuriates thru-hikers. Well, enough about that. I'm sure he will get through the Whites as quick as he can, only because of those reasons. The day ended with a cook-out from all the hikers pitching in to buy groceries. Hot dogs and beer was mentioned. Popeye is feeling stronger. It usually takes about 3 weeks to get in shape and used to the demands you are putting on your body out there. It is exactly 3 weeks for Popeye, with some warm-up back in April.
Date: 2015-07-11
From: Gorham, NH

To: Lakes of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Actually did less than these miles due to taking the road walk up to the top of Mt. Washington. Popeye has 2 thru-hikes under his belt and this hike is different in that he is going to be skipping some sections if he feels like it. He got work for stay at the hut. This is where you do chores to be able to stay inside the hut. It doesn't mean you get a bed. You may get the floor or a table. You also get leftovers after the paying guests had their fill. It is a great deal (even if it makes you feel like a slave) especially in bad weather which can happen at the drop of a hat in the Whites. Even if you want to avoid the hut system, it is hard due to the spacing of the AT shelters. You either have to do a really short day or a very long day. Most shelters are also quite a distance off the trail that most don't want to add to the already hard miles they put in. So, you are kind of at the mercy of the AMC whether you like it or not.
Date: 2015-07-14
From: Galehead Hut

To: North Woodstock, NH
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Popeye will be sending some pictures soon and posting some on facebook as well. He has been having great weather so far in the Whites. Today he snapped a picture on the way to Mt. Lafayette and its good he did. By the time he was on top the winds had picked up as well as the cloud cover. He did have some views when the clouds would break on the way down. His feet hurt and he was so tired he actually thought about not going out for dinner. He hiked by himself today. He is ready for a zero day tomorrow.
Date: 2015-07-17
From: Hexacuba Shelter

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Popeye hiked with a father and son today. He met them at the shelter last night. It was really nice to walk with someone for a change. Unfortunately, they are getting off for a week due to some commitments. Popeye just hasn't had luck hooking up with anyone for more than a day or two. He is looking forward to putting in more miles as the terrain eases a bit. The weather has been great. He knows that the heat will become a factor as he walks further South. He said it was cold last night. Looking to make it into Hanover if all goes well tomorrow.
Date: 2015-03-02
To: Starting Date & First Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

This journal is for my NOBO (northbound) ATC Thru hike starting the 17th of March. This journey is for my body, mind and spirit. The opportunity has been given me to attempt this hike and with the wife's blessing so has permission. I look forward to the challenge ,the people, nature and all that I'll encounter along the trail. Thanks to family members and friends for support and encouragement and I hope to see some of you on or along the trail. Please keep me and all the hikers in your thoughts and prayers for our safety, perseverance and determination to trudge the next 2189 plus miles to Katahdin. I'll be doing some gear post in the comings days.Soon it will be "Another grand and glorious day in the woods"Curtis
Date: 2015-03-03
To: Starting Point
Miles today: 0.0

I've made the decision to start my hike off USFS 42 at Big Stamp Gap. This will put me 1.0 mile north of the southern terminus. This will give my wife and her nephew an opportunity to hike with me for a short while. Even though I've done the voluntary registration I'm also going to sign in at Amicalola Falls State Park before driving to USFS 42. Anticipation is running high. I've looked at my gear and guide book over and over and over. Soon I'll be purchasing my first 4 days of food and doing some test backing, again One day closer to being on the trail!!!!Curtis
Date: 2015-03-04
To: My Level of Hiking Experience 
Miles today: 0.0

My backpacking experience is very minimal. I've always loved the outdoors and have been an avid camper and day hiker (no gear). My hardest hike to date would be the Na Pali Coast Trail on Kauai. Na Pali means high cliff and the trail goes up, down and along the cliffs. The summer of 2014 my friend Zeb turned me onto backpacking. After purchasing most of the gear listed on this site we did a 3 day hike in the Dolly Sods Area in Monongahela National Forest in WV. I was hooked!! This reconstituted the idea of hiking the AT which has always been an "I'll do that someday" thought. I started dropping hints that eventually became a major discussion with my wife and others. Not being currently employed gave me the necessary time needed to attempt a thru hike and apparently I sold the better now then later concept. I started reading and talking with other hikers as much as possible. Then I did another 2 day AT test hike in MD to PA - Ensign Cowall Shelter To Deer Lick Shelter (14.5 miles each direction) and learned what I've read and was told "COTTON KILLS" or at least makes trail life miserable. The chafing from cotton briefs made me walk like I'd been horse back riding the last few days. This small test hike got me purchasing different cloths and creating a layering system for my hike. I've done 2 more gear test with minimal hiking being involved in November and February in Green Ridge State Forest, MD. I was told "the gear you purchase needs to achieve your minimal level of comfort" and I feel what I've purchased accomplish that. My base pack weight those last two trips was about 24 lbs.(no food or water) and in the coming few days I'll repack my gear and get a base pack weight for my start on the AT. Curtis
Date: 2015-03-16
To: Tomorrow Is The Beginning Of The Journey 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I was hoping that I would have done more entries but it's amazing how many things arise in planning this trip. I've received tremendous support, lots of hugs and promises of being kept in peoples thoughts and prayers.I had a great dinner with the wife and friends at Mama Lucia's and probable could have started an over under betting pool. I'll miss and love you all. Thanks to Justin for making some incredible bear bait (jerky). It should be safe for all the other hikers as the bears follow me. This past Thursday Fr.Daly blessed me and my gear. Fr.Daly is a shoe in on the prayer front. Then I got to see my entire family for my Mom's birthday. I don't know if I put more concerns or calls for prayer on my mom or my guardian angel but I keep them busy. Hope to see some of you on or near the trail and thanks for your love and support.GEARMy base pack weight is now 27lbs. (no food or water)and 41.0 lbs. with 5 days food (3000 calories per day) and 2 liters of water. I'm hoping to get rid of 1 liter of water (2 lbs.)before I start hiking, I'm going to ask at Amicalola Falls Ranger station. I hope to be able to write every 3 to 4 days, basically as I resupply. I'm excited , nervous and currently have that bowling ball feeling. Tomorrow all those feelings will go away and I'll start facing the challenges / opportunities of the trail. Sure am glad the journal page has spell check!!!Curtis
Date: 2015-03-17
From: USFS 42

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

Started hike at USFS 42 and hiked south 1mile to terminus with my wife and her nephew. Then hiked 8.1 miles to Hawk Mt Shelter mostly with Gasper (73yr old). Great weather 67*,tons of hikes causing me to tent in the suburbs. Also found a note from my wife that warmed my spirits and heart. Arrived at shelter 1710hr.
Date: 2015-03-19
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter 

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 5.3

Cold and rainy. Had to adjust plans due to weather. Had to be a funny sight to see seven hikers huddled in the bathroom to stay warm. Decided to call and stay at Wolf Pen Hostel. Again I hiked with Gasper and All's Well both of which have trail journals.Hope the weather clears and we can get a few miles in tomorrow. Encounter my first trail magic sponsored by The Yearbook Group passing out hot chocolate ,also saw a lady who was done hiking give her poles to a hiker who had broken one. Very cool, can only hope she receives 10 fold the blessings! At the hostel meet a 4 year old and her parents doing a thru hike
Date: 2015-03-20
From: Woody Gap

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 3.2

Started 10:30 at Woody Gap only hiked 3.2 miles to Lance Creek because you need a bear canister from Jared Gap to Neil's Gap. Gasper, All's Well and myself are starting to be called the Three Wise Men. We as well as Danny and Liza all started to setup around 1330hrs.
Date: 2015-03-21
From: Lance Creek

To: Neil's Gap
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: broken clouds

Left Lance Creek at 830hrs. Looked like a Grateful Dead parking lot, had to be 40 to 50 tents because of the bear cannister rule. Arrived at Blood Mt at 1300 left at 1400 to arrive at Neal's Gap atg 1600hrs. Recieved an apple from a Baptist Ministry Group that was delicious. Did a gear shake down at the outfitters that relieved 3.5 lbs from my pack. the Three Wise Man rented a cabin at The Blood Mt. Cabins- Th wild Boar. Still waiting on my trail name.
Date: 2015-03-23
From: 2.3 miles short of Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicol Gap GA Rt75 Helen, GA
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Started 0830 finished 1810 hrs.Picked up by All's well's wife, Jan to go eat and sleep at their place.Recieved some summer sausage as trail magic today from a group from U of Maimi of Ohio (I think).Trail was very mixed, gentle old fire road to a terrible rocky maze. also got picture for the Hiker Yearbook. the same people passing out hot chocolate a few days ago.Curtis
Date: 2015-03-24
From: Unicol Gap GA Rt75 Helen, GA

To: Tray Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 5.7

Started 904hrs Finished 1610hrsThree Wise Men hiked together all day. Two big hills were in the way.Rocky Mt was up 1000 then down 800 only to then climb Tray Mt. Up 1200 then down 600. Mostly with no switch backs. After arriving at camp it was a relaxing afternoon. There was about 30-35 hikers.
Date: 2015-03-25
From: Tray Mountain Shelter 

To: Dicks Creek Gap US 76
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Rainy morning,breaking camp wet isn't ideal. The Three Wise Men hiked all day along with Pops and Gadget. Gadget left us at Deep Gap Shelter but we forged onto US76 Dicks Creek Gap for another evening in the RVTomorrow is going to be a zero day, SWEET!! Received trail magic from Crazy Horse and Foot. Crazy Horse has hiked 20,000 miles on the AT. The water, honey buns and snickers hit the spot after 11 miles. Between this evening and tomorrow we will decide our next plans. Had a great dinner thanks to Janne and Steve. Started hiking 0820 finished 1715hrs.Curtis
Date: 2015-03-26
To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

ZERO DAY!!!!!!Registration # at Amicalola Falls was #520.Ran out of home made jerky yesterday - thanks again Justin. Spirits are still good for having blisters on both little toes, but everything else is just normal pain associated with hiking up and down mts. with a 30-35lbs pack. People on the are incredible. Other hikers and people doing trail magic will do anything to help you out. Lots of time to see and enjoy God's wonders. No TV or radios allows you to enjoy more peace and serenity. Thanks again to my wife, Tracey for allowing me to do this. I appreciate all the well wishes and prayers. The miles need to pickup but we are almost down one state. My current weight is 239.4 so I've lost 5.1 lbs.Curtis
Date: 2015-03-27
From: Dicks Creek Gap US 76

To: Bly Gap NC
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light snow

Started 820 Arrived 1615 hrs. at Bly Gap NC. Down one state thirteen more to go.The Three Wise Men hiked together all day leaving GA and enter NC to camp in 23* with 25 MPH winds. What a welcoming !! Trail is not as busy as before. Some hikers jumped ahead for a hiker festival in Franklin.
Date: 2015-03-28
From: Bly Gap NC

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

Snow and cold was the theme this morning. The Three Wise Men again hiked all day together. Trail really thinning out. Stopped just short of Standing Indian Shelter and stayed by creek out of the wind. The night was a little bit warmer but it still took a few hours to feel my feet.
Date: 2015-03-30
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: US 64 - Winding Stair Gap - Franklin NC
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

Awoke to a terrible thunder storm but was still on the trail by 0810 arriving at Winding Stair Gap at 1630hrs. Passed the 100 mile mark!! Had to crawl a short section climbing up to the fire tower on Albert Mt. The Three Wise Men hiked together up to Wallace Gap mile 106.7. Then I hiked alone 3.1 miles to US 64 Winding Stair Gap. Saw my first snake sunning today, almost sat on it. After getting picked up I found out Gasper was going to go home because he wasn't getting stronger trail legs but feeling weaker. I'll truly miss Gasper I really enjoyed hiking the first 100 miles of trail with him. I guess the Three Wise Men has been disband. All's Well and myself are taking another zero tomorrow.
Date: 2015-03-31
From: US 64 - Winding Stair Gap - Franklin NC

To: ZERO Day
Miles today: 0.0

My current weight is 235.6 I've lost 8.9lbs. Forgot to say thanks for the trail magic at Winding Stair Gap - banana,chocolate cupcakes and green apples. All trail magic is a blessing and greatly appreciated. Semper Fi Gasper!
Date: 2015-04-01
From: US 64 - Winding Stair Gap - Franklin NC

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

Started 0915 arrived 1715hrs. At Wayah Shelter (Cherokee for wolf). Walk About who thru hiked in 2003 started walking with us today. Lots of ups to get to Wayah Bald. Right knee is really sore today,hope it's better tomorrow.
Date: 2015-04-02
From: Wayah Shelter 

To: Wesser Bald
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Animal who is on his 2nd thru hike and carries a 5 gallon bucket along with his back gave me a joint supplement drink last night and a few days back a honey bun. I told him I was really starting to like his bucket. At Tellico Gap received a fried egg, bologna and cheese sandwich cooked perfectly by So Way and Little Diablo. They are starting a SOBO hike after Trail Days in Damascus. Hope our paths cross on the trail again. Started out 0810 arrived Wesser Bald Shelter at 1615hrs. Walk About accepted a ride into Gatlinburg so I walked all day with All's Well and some with Right Click who is walking for recovery. Right Click has a website www.at4recovery.org Curtis
Date: 2015-04-03
From: Wesser Bald

To: NOC US 19 & 74 - Wesser NC
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Started 0815 arrived NOC at 1300hrs. Almost all down hill today which is still tearing up my knees. All's Well, Right Click, The Twins and Cindy Lopper kept seeing each other today. Part of the trail today I had to sit and slide to get down. My other option was to jump three feet. NOC was very nice. Janne picked us up so another night in the RV. Still deciding next hiking day with Easter being on Sunday. Another moving moment today was when All's Well, Right Click and myself said a prayer because today was Good Friday a d there is lots to be thankful for.
Date: 2015-04-05
From: NC Rt 143 - Stecoah Gap

To: NOC - US 19 & 74 Wessed Gap NC
Miles today: 13.6

Happy Easter. We were going to be late for the Fontana Dam service so we went straight to Stecoah Gap to start hiking and there was a sun rise service there. After the service and blessing we set off slack packing from Rt.143 back to NOC. Got to see alot of people we knew who had gotten 2 days ahead of us. We also set our mileage record at 13.6. Cheoah Bald was an excellent vista and grass field where we ate lunch. Slack packing is carrying only food and water, my pack was under 10lbs. SWEET. Thanks Seeker for the idea of hiking backwards. Started 0720 arrived 1800hrs.
Date: 2015-04-06
From: Stecoah Gap, NC Rt 143

To: Cable Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

Started 0915 arrived 1530hrs at Cable Gap Shelter. First night of sleeping in a shelter. Came upon an empty cooler for trail magic at NC Rt 1242, it's the thought that counts. No phone service. My knees have felt the best they have in many days.Curtis
Date: 2015-04-07
From: Cable Gap Shelter 

To: Fontana Dam Marina
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Left 0810 arrived at Fontana Dam Marina at 1230hrs. Short day to Fontana to pick up mail drop and rest for the Smokies. I took my first fall today, slipped on a root and mud. Very graceful but at least I didn't face plant. Stayed at Fontana Village Resort and had a great dinner with a SOBO HOBO,Ox and othersGreat conversation,company and food. Quite amazing to watch SOBO HOBO eat three hiker burgers,four orders of fried and two desserts plus several beers. Can't wait for my hiker appetite to kick in. There was a rescue the other day of a day hiker and kids. All will be fine.
Date: 2015-04-08
From: Fontana Dam Marina

To: Birch Spring Gap
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: light rain

Entered Great Smoky Mt. National Park today. Big climb but not steep, 2000 feet in 5 miles. Only all tent site in the Smokies all other sites the shelter has to be full before AT thru hikers can use tents. This is my 1 year anniversary of losing my job which started this great adventure and opportunity to hike the Appalachian Trail. It's amazing how everything works out even better than planned. Started 0900ish arrived Birch Spring Gap 1600ish hours. Hansel and Gretel (German couple),Hot Chocolate ( Australian born in Malaysia), the Twins and Right Click where all passing and seeing each other on the trail.
Date: 2015-04-10
From: Spence Field Shelter 

To: Derrick Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: light rain

Cool, rainy and s----y trail everything wet and muddy. Short day of hiking, shelter full and everyone trying to keep a positive attitude. Meet our 2nd Ridge Runner, Carl. When I asked if he was a ranger he said "no they have a gun and authority, I have information and a walkie talkie" What a great attitude! Later we meet our third Ridge Runner Moree, saw her for two days.
Date: 2015-04-11
From: Derrick Knob Shelter 

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Started 0845 arrived 1500hrs at Double Spring Gap Shelter. You could get NC water from one spring and TN water from the second. All's Well stated he was going to take a few days and rest and hopefully return to the trail. We've spent the last 24 days hiking together and will be missed. Trail and weather were alot nicer today as were the vistas. All's Well and I gave some extra food to Rainbow whose ankle was slowing her down and adding extra days before resupply. Right Click and I are going to try hiking together.
Date: 2015-04-12
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter 

To: Clingmans Dome
Miles today: 2.9

Hiked up to Clingmans Dome, highest elevation on AT (6643'). Started 0815 arrived 1015hrs. Great views on trail and from the observation deck. Janne picked us up and we went to Gatlinburg for a mail drop and lunch. We hiked 5 days and 33.1 miles to be 8.5 miles from Fontana as a crow flies. Spent another night in the RV.
Date: 2015-04-13
From: Clingmans Dome

To: Icewater Spring Shelter 
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Current weight 234.4 Started 1015 arrived at Icewater Spring Shelter at ~1730hrs. Hiking with Right Click is a little quicker pace and different because I'm not leading. Light rain all day, shelter is accommodating all who walk in and a few are renting. All's Well is missed. Cruise Control,Ruach,Giggles,Shits,Tink and her boyfriend are all here.
Date: 2015-04-14
From: Icewater Spring Shelter 

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: moderate rain

Started 0815 arrived 1630hrs at Tri-Corner Knob Shelter. Another cool and rainy day. I've spent 15.5 hours of the last two days in the rain, I'm feeling shriveled. Another night of the shelter being full with several hikers renting.NO RAIN,NO PAIN,NO MAINE!!!!
Date: 2015-04-15
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter 

To: Cosby Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: light rain

Started 0815 arrived 1215hrs. Bad mental day for me, tired,wet and cold after the three days of rain. Everything is wet including the cloths and boots I've been putting on. Took a short day to rest and get dry. Tomorrow we go back into the rain and leave the Smoky's. Right Click been waiting on me,especially on up hills.
Date: 2015-04-16
From: Cosby Knob Shelter 

To: Standing Bear Hostel 
Miles today: 10.4

Started 0815 arrived 1600hrs at Standing Bear Hostel. New feet issues because of wet socks and boots the last four days. I have a rash on my heals and my one toe nail cut my other toe. Nothing dry socks and boots won't fix. Hiked out of Great Smoky Mt. National Park today. No signs telling you are leaving or thanks something to take a picture of. Hope my spirits rise, weather gotten me down. Staying at the hostel was a great call. Showers,wash clothes and pizza before sleeping in a dry bunk
Date: 2015-04-17
From: Standing Bear Hostel 

To: Stealth Camping North of USFS 148A
Miles today: 11.0

Left the hostel at 0915 arrived at renting area north of USFS148A, Brown Gap ~1800hrs. The hostel was great,the father passed away March 4th and Ian,his mother and grand mother did a great job. Really helped adjust my mental state. Nice weather and trail just ran out gas to get to Max Patch so we will see that in the a.m. Right Click is still dragging me up the mountains.