morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-01
From: Grayson Highlands

To: Atkins, Va
Miles today: 80.0
Weather: clear sky

From Damascus to Atkins was a great little section. After parting with Amanda, the four of us hiked through the Grayson Highlands. They were really awesome. Nice open valleys with big rocks jutting out of the land. There were even ponies!We kept coming across little herds of them and you could just walk up and pet them. We kept stopping to take pictures and goof around that we only made it 9 miles over 6 hours of hiking. The next day we set off planning a 20 mile day. Hyway sadly got off and didn't make it to the shelter. It started raining on our way to the shelter and I was hoping that there would be space for me to sleep, but luckily the 4 annoying section hikers that we kept running into had taken up the entire shelter with there stuff spread out everywhere. So, we set up our tents and proceeded to get rained on the rest of the night. The next day was great though, we passed this awesome old yellow school bus that was very into the wildesque. There was a bed and cooking stove inside and we all got some cool pictures of it. We then hiked to partnership shelter where there was a shower and phone that you could use to order pizza. So, Tintin, Tornado, Kashmir, and I got 5 pizzas, some soda and sweet tea and had a little food party. It was so filling we ended up laying out our pads and layed down for a couple hours. Eventually, we got going and made it to the next shelter by dark. It rained over night and I forgot to bring my shoes into the shelter with me, so I had an awesome hike into Atkins the next morning with some crazy soggy shoes.
Date: 2010-05-04
From: Atkins, Va

To: Bland, Va
Miles today: 50.0
Weather: clear sky

In Atkins we first walked straight to The Barn restaurnt. Tintin and I needed to resupply while we were in town so we next worked on hitching a ride into town. After about 30 minutes, this long haired rocker offered us a ride to the grocery store. He took us into Marion where there was a grocery and liquor store. He was even generous enough to pick us up in a couple hours and drive us 10 miles back to the trailhead. So we bought some tequila and whiskey cause we planned on having a little cinco de mayo bash later that week. I even met Cedar Tree, a fellow thru hiker whom I bought my Packa (piece of gear) from. He was super cool and even bought us a six pack which was cool at the time but then we realized we had to carry it out on the trail with us, along with all the other booze. So, needless to say the 9 mile hike was pain. The next couple days were a little dull. There were a few miles through farmland but not much to look at. We finally made it four days later to our designated party camp site where Mexico and Mennow were waiting for us and we all took tequila shots and made a nice camp fire. The next morning, Tintin and I hiked 6 miles or so to the road and hitched into Bland, Va. The ride was a little uncomfortable as my leg was rubbing against the drivers freakin rifle that was so casually resting on the console of the car. We got into town, had lunch, resupplied, and got back on the trail by 6. We stopped at the first shelter about a mile in and cooked us up hot dogs that we had packed out. By about 7:30 we packed up and night hiked 8 miles to a little campsite near a dirt road.
Date: 2010-05-05
From: Bland, Va

To: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter
Miles today: 65.0
Weather: clear sky

Neville met us the next morning near the road crossing and took our stuff back to Woods Hole Hostel. Tintin, Tornado, and I then slack packed to the hostel carrying next to no weight. We hiked 24 long grueling miles to the hostel and were very excited to have arrived. We all showered and got situated while dinner was cooking. The food there was amazing! Homemade pizza, fresh salad, and homemade ice cream by a local amish family. We got supplies in Pearisburg and stayed another night at the hostel, being lured by the prospect of another home cooked meal. We left the next morning, leaving Pearisburg. Tornado hung back to see a friend. We ran into Patch, Rummy, Pixie, Little John, Chef, and Labrat at the first shelter and stopped to talk to them. We eventually hit the next shelter by about 7 and had the entire shelter to ourselves. Tintin and I had packed out brawts, beans, and whiskey. We made a massive fire and ate to our hearts content.
Date: 2010-05-06
From: Pine Swamp Branch Shelter

To: Catawba, Va
Miles today: 55.0

The next few days involved quite a lot of hiking (as expected) and heat. Patch and the rest of the crew caught up with us the next day, but then got off the trail the next day to go to trail days. Tintin and I pressed on, deciding we would rather take our days off somewhere exciting like NYC or D.C. Leaving Niday shelter, we had planned a 24 mile hike into Catawba. The first ten miles were hot but were on schedule. We then hit dragons tooth, which was a giant rock scramble and it slowed us down considerably. We eventually came to a road crossing where our guides said there was a small convenience store. We had dinner there and asked the lady working there if there was somewhere we could camp nearby. She told us that the Catawba general store was just down the road and they allowed camping. She told us it was, "1/4 of a mile away." We left the store at 8 and we did not reach the general store until close to 9:30! The store had to have been almost 4 miles away. I was too exhausted to be angry. Luckily, Tintin and I had bought some beers and that helped make the anger go away.
Date: 2010-05-07
From: Catawba, Va

To: Daleville, Va
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

The next morning, went into the general store and had breakfast. Ran into Bulldog and Hitchcock and chated with them. Started heading back to the trailhead and ran into Apollo on the way into town. We had been planning on reaching Daleville by Fri. but he told us that VT was having their graduation and the hotels would be full. So, we turned around and walked back to town with him. This was quite a blessing in disguise because we had wanted to eat at "The Homeplace" which was only open on certain days. It was amazing. All you can eat fried chicken, green beans, coleslaw, and more, and giant pitchers of sweet tea and lemonade. We hiked to the first shelter a mile in feeling very nauseous. The next day was exciting because we were going past Macafee Knob, a very recognizable landmark. The next day we broke camp and headed into Daleville. Walked to the post office and was surprised to see Tornado since he was behind us. Got a ride back to the hotel and the guy who gave us a lift even gave me $20!
Date: 2008-10-30
To: The beginning of a dream
Miles today: 0.0

A weeks vacation in late October 2008 in the north Georgia mountains around Vogel State Park in the vicinity of Neels Gap, Lake Winfield Scott and Blood Mountain renewed my love of the Georgia mountains and the outdoors. I took several day hikes on this trip. The last was an attempt to walk up Blood Mountain from the Walasi-Yi at Neels Gap. I found out just how out of shape I was half way up the mountain, finally stopping, I made my way back down. I enjoyed the fall colors and the mountain air, but I made a commitment that day to start getting out and hiking, and getting myself back into shape.
Date: 2010-03-01
From: Amicalola Falls State Park Visitor Center

To: Black Gap Shelter, Georgia
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 1 - MondayRegistered as northbound hiker #100 for the year. Great weather for the first day. Took the Hike Inn Trail which is about a mile longer than the full A.T. Approach Trail. The trail is maintained better and you can take the opportunity ti stop at the Inn for a nice break, coffee and a look at the worm beds in the basement! I'll tell you about that latter! Forecast for tomorrow is snow! Arrived at Black Gap Shelter at 6:15 p.m. Snow blew in the shelter overnight.
Date: 2010-03-02
From: Black Gap Shelter, Georgia

To: Black Gap Shelter, Georgia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Day 2 - TuesdayWoke to snow blowing into the shelter overnight. Sleeping bags are wet. We stay over one day to dry out. Set up tent inside shelter. Melt snow for drinking water. The grand adventure begins. When I am able to post pictures, I'll display the photos of a foot of snow on ground. Snowed all day while at this shelter, whch we begin to call "The Geezer Freezer", Truly a winter wonderland.
Date: 2010-03-19
From: Rock Gap Shelter, Georgia

To: Winding Stair Gap, NC
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: clear sky

Arrived at Sapphire Inn, Franklin, North Carolina. First Zero Day. Will stay in Franklin until Sunday Morning. Made it here from Hiawassee in 5 days. Hoping to update journal tomorrow! Cheers,Friar Tuck
Date: 2010-03-21
From: Franklin, NC

To: Silar Bald Shelter, NC
Miles today: 3.7

Day 21 - Sunday - Leaving Franklin, NC about 8:30 a.m. Ron Haven, the proprietor of The Sapphire Inn, is giving hikers a ride to Winding Stair Gap trailhead. I'm not sure how far I'll hike today. I'll most likely go further than the first shelter and tent tonight where the Bartram Trail connects with the AT.I do expect to be in Wesser, NC on Wednesday afternoon. Do A nero at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, get a hot meal and a shower and head directly for Fontana Dam. I'm anxious to begin the Smokies. The forecast calls for rain the next 3 days, I bought a pair of Yaktrax at Three Eagles Outfitters in Franklin. There fit over the bottom of hiking boots and like snow chains and give traction when walking on snow and ice. I do anticipate snow and ice in the higher elevations this week. I think this will be a wise purchase. Other hikers were wearing these and crampons in the ice and snow the past 3 weeks and were able to negotiate those nearly impassable and treacherous long stretches of ice and snow on the trail.Short day, begins to rain 30 mins into Sunday morning hike, pack is heavier due to resupply. It's cold out, I decide to take a short day enjoying the rest of the day in the shelter, I'm in my sleeping bag at 5:25 p.m. Happy to be a warm hiker.Not sure when I'll have the opportunity to update journal again. I am having the long awaited grand adventure I was looking to have.Take a look at Trail Name "Tango" 2010 northbound AT thru-hike for more info on my hike.
Date: 2009-09-30
To: I'm back
Miles today: 0.0

I'm back..After several months of working on my house, trying to get it ready for my absence. I guess this is my journal so I can say anything I want. I don't have great typing skill, and words don't flow from my fingers. I suppose some background would be a good place to start. I'm Alan Fox Age 51, living in Washington for the past 7 years having moved from Hawaii where I grew up. I've been working as a assistant activity director at a small senior center. I do everything from calling BINGO to driving and field trips. Its a great job with room to be creative. My wife and I have been married happily for 25 years. I have wanted to hike the Appalachian trail now for about I guess 35 years. The time has never really been right Who knows perhaps this journal will be a good way for me to open up to people.I'm going to stop now to see if this journal is working..Here is the URL to look at pictures. http://picasaweb.google.com/Inasuefox
Date: 2009-10-15
To: Typical questions
Miles today: 0.0

I thought I would sit down ad try to answer some typical questions that I get quite often about the hike and trail. The first question some people ask is why would I want to do this? Well.. I'll make a short list that I'm sure will change with time and experience. 1. First off I would like to experience solitude. OK I know that the trail can often be a crowd all moving in mass, but I think ill find my quiet time. I'll be leaving in mid February so the weather will be cold and I hope this will help to create a buffer. I want to hear the solitude. There will still be plenty of hikers around to make friends.2. I love the physical challenge. We are talking about 83+ marathons back to back. I think the bigger ordeal will be the mental challenge. Something like 80% of the starters who have every intention of celebrating in Maine do not make it. Wow imagine a marathon where only 20% get to the finish. 3. It's been a dream. My Mum gave me a book for Christmas about the trail and hike. I think I've thought about it since then.4. I have this idea to learn about subjects I'm interested in. For example I have about 20 books on tape, I've got my Harmonica with a list of songs to practice. A small plastic star chart wheel, (I wonder how many hikers have carried these X number of thousands of miles to no avail). I will later list my books on tape.5. I can't deny that part of this has something to do with some sort of mid life crises, as it's called but I'll call it a mid life opportunity. So.. these are my reasons so far, but still other questions come up like..1. Aren't you going to be scared? Well.. O would say the unknown is scary but mixed with excitement. The First time I ran the Volcano Marathon I had no idea if I could even finish the run. I don't know why but I love that feeling, that nervous energy and excitement.2. Won't you be lonely? I'm sure I will be at times. As I climb on the bus for the airport in Seattle, and say Aloha to my wife of 25 years I expect to feel alone. I wonder how Captain James Cook felt as he sailed out of harbor?3. Will you take a gun?   NO WAY! I'll have to use my charm and good looks to get myself out of any bad situations. I may be in trouble.4. How much will your pack weigh? I hope to keep it below 20 pounds. At last check it was 15 pounds.5. What are you most afraid of? Here is another list.   A. I think I fear falling on my first week, twisting a knee or ankle and having to end everything. All my preparation dreaming everything is over. I would have to limp home and tell everyone that I couldn't make it.      B. I'm not sure if this is a fear, but if I ran into some really bad weather like a hurricane that destroyed sections of the trail.    C. If a problem came up at home like a broken water pipe and my wife wanted me to come home.6. Will you take a cell phone? I don't plan on it because I already have a MP3 and digital camera both with chargers. This may change.
Date: 2009-11-22
To: Trail physical preparations
Miles today: 0.0

It's November 22,2009 Yesterday, I bought a one way ticket to Atlanta for Feb. 20, 2010   I've got 10 weeks left here in Washington, then my wife and I have a 25th anniversary New Zealand Trip planned just prior to my AT hike. We'll come home from that, and I'll head for the trail.These past three weeks training have been mainly Yoga and walking hills. I started off leaving my pack at home just walking around 40 miles a week on easy trails to and from work. I've expanded that into Hills with a 20 pound pack. I'm fortunate to have some really good hills around home, that I can charge up. This past week I did a 30 mile day with out pack. My plan is to do a 30 with a pack on hills every week till I leave, and fill the other day's with 10's I find Yoga to be very helpful and I'm working on a series of standing yoga poses to do on the trail everyday after I get warmed up. I have just about all of the gear I'll need. Yesterday, I packed everything up with winter gear and My pack weight at this point is 18 pounds. That's without food or water. Some of that gear I'll be wearing and some can be lightened up a little.
Date: 2009-12-20
To: Time for an update
Miles today: 0.0

I thought I would add a little bit of an update on my preparations. At this moment there is a big winter storm all along the East Coast, giving the Appalachians I'm sure, a good coating of snow and ice. I've made a few changes to my gear, adding a Mountain Laurel Poncho for my rain gear, Mountain Laurel gaiters for high snow, and a set of microspike crampons, (that I may send home after the first few weeks). Lastly, I decided to take a warmer bag rated at 15 degrees for the winter months.My pack weight minus shoes, poles, hiking cloths, Food, camera, phone, wingfoot book and water is 22 pounds. Considering all this winter gear I'm happy about the weight.I've been having some really great training hikes, but made the mistake of joining the local Y.M.C.A and going too hard on the stair stepper machine. I spent this last week mainly recuperating.   I think the best way for me to train is to avoid asphalt and get onto local trails, with lots of hills. Who wants to walk in town anyways, when the hills are calling? That's about all for now. Eight weeks to go.   Frost
Date: 2010-01-28
To: Getting closer to February 21 start
Miles today: 0.0

Alan's Appalachian TrailThere's a long,long trail a-winding Into the land of his dreamsWhere the night-'n-gales are singingAnd the bright moon beams,There's a long, long night of waiting And the wonder of his returnWhen Alan has finished that dreamThat for so long he did yearn. There's a long, long trail a' winding through Alan's next yearWhere the mountain trails are harderThan on paper they appear,We know that he can do itFor the purpose is his choiceAnd we each will cheer him onWith a loud and happy voice                        Jack and Dorothy Brown
Date: 2010-02-15
To: Just returned home from New Zealand
Miles today: 0.0

We are home after spending the past two weeks in New Zealand. I did my best not to think about the hike or gear etc. etc. and just enjoy the beauty around us. Now we are home and I've got four days to wrap things up around here. We did a fair bit of walking and relaxing in New Zealand, but also a lot of eating and relaxing, so I have a little extra insulation to keep warm and drag around.   There looks like there has been a lot of snow and rain on the trail from other journals so I think this will be a real challenge.   I still don't know how to add pictures to this journal. That's all for now.. Four day's and counting.   Frost
Date: 2010-02-20
From: Last Day at Home 

To: Atlanta, GA
Miles today: 0.0

It's 2:30 in the morning. I'm on the bus to Seattle and then one way flight to Atlanta. I have wondered how I would feel at this point and now I know. Mainly excitement mixed with some fear of the unknown. What an adventure! I have everything that I need for the week on my back. My goal is to keep healthy & walk to Neels Gap for my 1st resupply. I made it to the hiker hostel with no problem.I could not sleep more than a few hours. I was just too excited and nervous.
Date: 2010-02-21
From: Springer Mountain

To: Stover Creek
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: few clouds

Up at 7:00 AM for a nice breakfast at the hostel. Got dropped off at Amicalola Falls State Park. It took me 4.5 hrs to reach Springer Mt. The weather is fantastic today 60F clear blue sky and lots of snow on northwest slopes. My pack wt with food & water is 32lbs.I hope to get that number down. I have the entire Stover Creek Shelter to myself and it's a beauty! Two levels & very clean. What a great way to start. Used my folding bucket to fetch water at a spring. Made a qt.of milkman & qt gatoraid. Both for b'fast & lunch tomorrow. Boiled 4 cups of waterfor mac & cheese. I'm full! At the start of the trail is the bronze A.T. plaque.I was the only one there at first. Played a couple songs on my harmonica. Day BY Day and Shenandoah. A great way to start the hike.
Date: 2010-02-22
From: Stover Creek

To: Gooch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night at Stover Creek I was later joined by Axeman and Braids and Tucker, the dog. I'm here at Gooch tonight after 12 miles. It was not hard but took a little longer than expected. The weather has been great. 5 in the shelter tonight.Got a fire going, had mac&cheese again.I would like to start a bit earlier in the AM. To Blood Mtn will be 13mls with a big climb. I think I am up for it.
Date: 2010-02-23
From: Gooch Mtn Shelter

To: Blood Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

What a beautiful day with very heavy fog for most of the morning and that partly burned off. Saw pheasants strutting their feathers. Only saw 2 hikers all day. Made it to Woods Hole Shelter at 3:30 & decided to climb Blood Mtn. Got up there at 5pm. Braids came in with Tucker the dog at 7:30. She's a tough girl. It's cold tonight. Below freezing and lots of snow around.This shelter at 4,461' is made of stone. No window panes or door. Wind and snow swirling around the room. Tomorrow is Neels Gap & take 1/2 or full day off.
Date: 2010-02-24
From: Blood Mtn Shelter

To: Neels Gap / Walasi-Yi
Miles today: 2.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Got into Neels Gap about 10 AM. Less snow on the south side of mountains. Heardlots of turkey and owls last night. Really loud. My next stretch could have lots more snow. A 3 day hike ahead but I have food for 4+ days. This place, Walasi-Yi Center,is very cozy, with limited food. I think it's very very nice and they are friendly.
Date: 2010-02-25
From: Neels Gap / Walasi-Yi

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm ready to leave Neels Gap Shelter. It's cold. 13F. I've got a 12 mile day to Low Gap. I'll lv. in an hour. Perhaps it will warm up a bit. Wind is blowing brisk. My walking water and Gatorade will freeze today. I'll need to drink thr gatorade before it freezes. The springs do not freeze(thank God) even when it's cold.I'm at Low Gap Shelter now. Lots of snow and blow downs slowed my progress. I took a wrong turn and got on a side trail.The white blaze was on a rock next to snow. When I realized my mistake I stayed cool and found my way back. Got here at 5pm. Braids arrived at 6pm, then Seaborne, Sonja and Axeman at 8:30pm.Today I just loved walking along a ridge line in northern GA woods. Tomorrow,Friday, Feb 26, I may attempt Tray Mtn.It's a 15 mile hike with more snow and a good climb at the end. I think I'll listen to some FM on my radio then go to sleep.
Date: 2010-02-26
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow, last night was a really cold one, 12F. I sleep with my down vest and can stay sort of warm and comfortable. Beautiful hike today. I feel stronger. Lots of bear scat on the trail. I know they are around. No mice in shelters -- yet. I'm at the Tray Mtn Shelter with a guy from Austin,TX and his dog, Jasper. Both very nice. Tomorrow I hike about 11 miles and stay at the Blueberry Patch Hostel.
Date: 2010-02-27
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Got a late start this AM from Tray Mtn shelter. I figured that an 11 mile day should be easy after the previous 15 mile day. Well..those 11 miles to Dicks Creek Gap were really slow because of ice, snow and blow downs blocking the trail. In general only the north sides of hills have snow and ice. I did not need my crampons but was very very glad to have my hiking poles with carbide tips. A must for me! I play my harmonica several times a day and think of my friends at Merrill Gardens. Hope you all are doing well! To finish off this day, I got to Dicks Creek Gap at 5pm. Then hitch hiked a ride to the Blueberry Patch Hostel where the Poteats have been very very nice. I'll catch a ride with them to church in the AM then have a look around Hiawassee and stock up on food.
Date: 2010-02-28
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

It's a zero day for me. Woke this morning to a fire in the stove, courtesy of GaryPoteat. Then a veggie b'fast courtesy of Lennie. It's Sunday, Feb 28 and snow is expected Tuesday. I'm planning my next stretch, 70+ miles from Hiawassee to theNOC. I must be ready to abort the plan if snow becomes overwhelming.Will check the weather report Monday morning before leaving.