morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2022-10-17
From: Gooch Mtn. Shelter

To: Black Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: light rain

The morning hike showed me both extremes, I¢m met a dad with his two grade school kids hiking the trail and an 81-year-old out for a four day hike on the trail. Both of those cases are inspiration for me,I hope to be able to hike late into my senior years and I look forward to the time when I can hike with my grandchildren. Georgia continues to be a state which is very popular for section hikers, I met another 20 section hikers on the trail during the day. However the focus of my day, was to finish the incredible hike that I have been doing the last 151 days. Springer Mountain in Georgia is the southern terminus of the Appalachian trail. I feel very blessed to have received the support of my wife Mary and many other friends as I have been out on this journey to hike the AT this past five plus months.  Today that quest was completed at 3:40 PM as I successfully summitted Springer Mountain. The interesting part is it leaves me 8.8 miles from getting off trail. I spent the night at Black gap shelter, arriving just after 4:30 PM, I was disappointed that I was the only one there on my last day on trail. Fortunately for me another section hiker showed up about 30 minutes later. She was doing day one of a one week hike and the idea of having someone at camp and a fire, was enough for her to stay the night. During the day I took a short side trail to go see Long Creek Falls. This was another place along the trail that was very popular for day hikers and the Falls and tree colors were both very beautiful.The only downside of the day came as a cold front is moving through and temperatures are expected to be below freezing tonight. It¢s a good thing it¢s my last night on trail because a week of those temperatures would be very disheartening.
Date: 2022-10-18
From: Black Gap Shelter

To: Approach Trial Amicalola SP
Miles today: 7.3

Left camp early in order to meet JD Cleminshaw for a 12 o¢clock pick up. I was surprised to find my water bottle frozen on the top inch. It¢s probably a good thing I¢m getting off the mountain today. The trail ends at Springer Mountain, but the parking lot to get out of the area is at Amicalola state park. I had a 7.3 mile walk to get to that location, and I wanted time to be able to enjoy the waterfalls in the state park. Mary also advised me it would be good to change into clean clothes before traveling back to Chicago. The timing worked out well, and JD met me at noon. I appreciate his willingness to drop me off at the Marta station, which smoothly brought me to the Atlanta airport. When checking in I was asked if I wanted to take the 3:20 PM flight instead of the 730 flight. Of course I said yes, but by the time I checked in I had less than 20 minutes to board, Including getting through security and to terminal C. I did my best O.J. Simpson impersonation, running through the airport, and was the last one to get on the plane. With the earlier flight I actually arrived home about the same time that I was supposed to be boarding my original flight. Now all I have to do is figure out what¢s next since I¢ve been hiking the trail for the last 151 days. The trip has been a dream, both physical and mentally challenging, but also many good memories have been created.
Date: 2022-03-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

For my family and friends who found me here: The Appalachian Trail is a 2190 mile footpath that starts in Georgia and ends in Maine. I will be attempting to hike this trail with everything I need to survive in my backpack. The hikers who post here use a quote that means something to them to sign all of their entries. I have decided on a quote from John Muir 'Into the forest I go to lose my mind and find my soul'.
Date: 2022-03-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Celebration hosted by Atlanta Desi Hiker group. Thanks to Sanjay Jain for volunteering to shuttle me to Amicalola on Day 1. Thanks to Anita Pinto for holding my mail.I am ready to go!! Thanks for the gift card. But most importantly, thank you for the encouragement & good wishes. I am looking forward to hiking on Day 1 with this awesome group.
Date: 2022-03-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I bought myself a dehydrator & vacuum sealing machine. I was delighted to get down to the business of dehydrating plenty of vegetables, sambhar, ground meat etc. I have quite enjoyed my new dehydrator, and very quickly exhausted the vegetable and fruit stockpile in my fridge. Then bought groceries in bulk & dehydrated them for trail meals. Unless a bear gets my food, I probably won't starve on the trail. I have prepped boxes with food, socks, supplements & toilettries. My friend & neighbor will be mailing these to me upon request. The picture with this entry is one of my rehydrated meals....rice, lentils (sambhar), okra & ground turkey. Thank you for reading.
Date: 2022-03-13
From: Appalachian Trail Base Camp at Amicalola Falls

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

My great adventure has begun!! Got my bright pink hang tag after registering at Base Camp at Amicalola. I am hiker number 1223 to begin the AT this year. A merry band of Desi hikers accompanied me part of the way. Fortified by their encouragement and good wishes, I walked 8 miles to the official starting point of the AT located on top of Springer Mountain. Then kept walking another 2.8 miles along the AT to Stover Creek Shelter.Many thanks to Sanjay Jain for giving me a ride from home to Amicalola.
Date: 2022-03-14
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Devils Kitchen
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

The temperature last night dropped to 20°F. My fingers soon got numb when I crawled out of my tent in the morning. It was hard taking down the tent with numb fingers. So I got a late start. Started hiking at 10 AM & soon warmed up. I had planned to walk till Gooch Gap but camped 1.5 miles before because I didn't think I could make it before dark. Met a fascinating elderly lady named Stephanie. She seemed to be struggling so I stopped to ask if she was ok. She started at High Tower & made it to Devil's Kitchen. What an inspiring lady!! If she can do it anybody can do it. She said she was going to get a shuttle from Gooch Gap to Mountain Crossings tomorrow because her pack is too heavy. She wants a pack shakedown.
Date: 2022-03-15
From: Devils Kitchen

To: Lance Creek camping
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: few clouds

It was a good day. People are all helpful & genuinely want you to succeed. I had some pain on my left foot where the boot top keeps hitting the bone above my ankle. Loosening up my shoe laces & some band-aid helped. Will buy some leukotape when I get to Neels Gap. I am still trying to master the PCT technique to hang food out of reach of bears. It's supposed to rain tonight. I can recharge my phone at Neels Gap tomorrow so I can take my phone out of airplane mode & extravagantly use up the battery. Still have a full power bank. So I'm good.
Date: 2022-03-16
From: Lance Creek camping

To: Neels Gap 
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to a soggy morning. It rained all night. Today I will be climbing Blood Mountain. The rain made the rocks awfully slippery so it was a difficult day. To make matters worse, I followed a flatlander from Florida. He went the wrong way and got us lost. The views were obscured by clouds but the trail had an ethereal beauty which I enjoyed.Finally I made it to Neels Gap. There was a group of trail angels handing out pizza & sodas to hikers.Bill from Mountain Crossings did a good job adjusting my pack.
Date: 2022-03-17
From: Neels Gap 

To: Whitley Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Hot coffee at Mountain Crossings. It tasted wonderful. Did laundry & took a hot shower at Mountain Crossings so did not start hiking until 1 PM. Also dried out my tent.The views today were wonderful. I had supper on top of Cowrock Mountain. The sun was shining so it was a good hiking day.I am going to take it easy the next couple of days because I twisted my right knee descending the wet rocks on Blood Mountain. Thanks for reading.
Date: 2022-03-18
From: Whitley Gap Shelter

To: Low Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Started hiking 8 AM. Got to Low Gap Shelter around 11-12. Then the skies opened up. Sleeping in the shelter today & staying out of the rain. It's packed today. Met Rapunzel & Kaylee from Florida. Rapunzel had a ace bandage for my sore knee. He is growing his beard while hiking the AT. They also had some tasty dehydrated mangos from their tree in Florida.
Date: 2022-03-19
From: Low Mountain Shelter 

To: Unicoi Gap 
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

It poured all night long so slept in a packed shelter. There was a snoring competition & I am happy to report that I was not the winner. The snorers were loud but the complaints were louder. I slept through most of it but there were a lot of grumpy people in the morning. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful hiking day. My knee seems to be mending. I hiked about 30 minutes then stopped for breakfast at a little waterfall. Climbed Blue Mountain today. Lots of big boulders to negotiate. We were rewarded with Trail Magic at Unicoi Gap. Two guys who thru hiked in 2021 were grilling hot dogs. They had fruit, assorted chips & sodas. It tasted so delicious. They gave a lot of advice & information about the trail. They said they had experienced a lot of trail magic last year so they were giving back. Some of us stealth camped about a mile after Unicoi Gap. It was a good day.
Date: 2022-03-21
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Dicks Creek 
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: clear sky

Short day today. Crossed Kelly Knob & Powell Mountain.Now chilling with other hikers at Around the Bend Hostel. Somebody is playing a guitar. Earlier we were shuttled to town for supplies. I picked up a pair of hiking poles.There is tree in the yard where hikers who have had enough of the trail tie their hiking boots to the tree before going home.
Date: 2022-03-22
From: Dick's Creek

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Enjoyed the stay at Around the Bend last night. I would liked to have spent an additional day there but rain is in the forecast on Wednesday so I was in a hurry to get some miles in before the rain starts. Walked across the border into North Carolina about 2 PM. Feeling great about having walked all of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia.
Date: 2022-03-23
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Rained all last night. My tent is warm & dry but taking down a muddy tent this morning was not fun. Rained all day today so it was a short hiking day. Hopefully tomorrow the weather will clear & I can cover more miles. The water oozing out between rocks on the trail tastes very good. No chemicals....
Date: 2022-03-24
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

The sun was shining so hikers spirits soared. Hiked over Standing Indian Mountain elevation 5,478 with Just Dave & Out & About. The young people are amazing. They hike so fast & are very sure-footed.Bought a set of hiking poles in Hiawasee which are helping me tremendously on the rocky terrain. Now that I am out of Georgia, I have not seen any bear boxes or bear cables at the shelters. The Georgia trail ambassadors do such a great job!! Tomorrow, I climb Mt Albert and hope to get a t- mobile signal at the fire tower. I need to call a hostel & get a reservation at the next trail town Franklin NC.
Date: 2022-03-25
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Whew!! That climb up to Albert Mountain took the stuffing out of me. Scrambling over big boulders on short legs is a challenge. Felt empowered once I got to the top of Albert Mountain. Called Zen hostel & booked a bed. Franklin NC is a very nice hiker friendly trail town.The Baptist church prepares an awesome pancake breakfast for all hikers. Looking forward to it in the morning.We are all hitting the Chinese buffet & Lazy Hiker brewery tonight. I was sad to hear that Dingo, a hiker from Australia has dropped out for now. Zen, the hostel owner said it was due to a family emergency.
Date: 2022-03-26
From: Rock Gap

To: Siler Bald Shelter 
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: fog

Great pancake breakfast this morning. Some ladies had knitted hats with a white blaze. They were presented to men hikers. After Zen at the hostel got his act together, he shuttled about 10 hikers back to the trail. We were packed like sardines in his car along with his dog, all our backpacks & hiking poles. I am chalking it all down to the AT experience.It felt like an easy hike today. The sun was shining but there were very strong winds all day. Passed Winding Stair Gap where Mama Goose, a 2013 thru hiker was doing trail magic. Chatted for a while & picked up an orange before continuing on my way. Reached Siler Bald where many hikers have set up tents in a beautiful meadow adjacent to the shelter
Date: 2022-03-27
From: Siler Bald Shelter 

To: Wayah Bald Shelter 
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

The temperature during the night at Siler Bald dropped to a bone chilling 24°F with wind gusting throughout the night. I was warm in 3 layers, 2 pairs of socks, gloves, merino wool buff & a warm beanie, zipped up in my cozy sleeping bag. However, there was no way I was going to crawl out of my tent at night to answer nature's call even if I exploded. Anyways, I survived to walk another day. Summited Wayah Bald today which is marked by a stone observation tower. The 360° view at the top is amazing & worth the climb. Maybe I'll do more miles tomorrow. As I crawled into my tent & settled for the night I checked in with myself....is this enough hiking? Is it time to go home? The answer is NO...not by a long shot. Looking forward to warmer weather & longer daylight hours.
Date: 2022-03-28
From: Wayah Bald Shelter 

To: Wesser Bald Shelter 
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light snow

Good hike today. Met up with sleep buddies from Low Gap Shelter....Shade, Apples, #142 & 100 Grand. Funny story behind the name 100 Grand. He bought a $600 sleeping bag at Neels Gap & was telling everyone about his expensive purchase. Every time he told the story, the price went up so someone named him 100 Grand. They are young & high spirited. Their laughter is infectious.Great views today at Wesser Bald. There is a weird guy walking around with a spear on the trail. He is upsetting some hikers. I think he is just eccentric but not dangerous. He said he was interested in ancient weaponry.
Date: 2022-03-29
From: Wesser Bald Shelter 

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

Left Wesser Bald at 9 AM & hiked down a rocky very steep incline towards NOC - Nantahala Outdoors Center. The views were spectacular in this particular part of the trail. After about five miles I emerged from the woods into the busy & bustling NOC. Was greeted with a chorus of 'Hi Steady....you made it'. After high-fiving the other thru hikers there, I went to the store and got myself a well deserved ice cream. Even though I am hiking solo, I never feel alone. Another lady customer at the store asked if I was hiking the Appalachian Trail & told me to be careful. I am definitely very cautious on those rocks. In case of injury, I would not heal as easily as younger hikers.Then I got back on the trail and hiked another 7 miles & 3000 ft elevation to the shelter for the night. Paid my respects at the Wade Sutton memorial as I passed by. It was a nice warm day
Date: 2022-03-30
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: fog

Overslept & got a late start today. Met a gentleman....trail name 'one of us'. Glad he is not one of THEM. He is from Maine....so homeward bound. Another one from Chicago called Some Dave... short for 'Some day, I'll make it to Katahdin.'Hiking was easier than yesterday. Today climbed a lot of trail stairs. I hear it's called Jacobs Ladder. Dan at the shelter is eating his Ramen noodles with chopsticks he made out of twigs. Ingenuous!!The trail was full of the promise of spring. There were tiny white flowers blooming all along the way today. New leaves budding on leafless trees.Thru-hikers say the best part of the trail is the people¢¦ it¢s true. Glad I got the last spot at the shelter. It's going to rain tonight.
Date: 2022-03-31
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter 

To: Fontana Dam Marina
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Mild temperature today. Very slight drizzle. The sun kept peeking through the clouds occasionally all day. There were some great views while descending from the trail towards Fontana Dam. Walked to the marina then waited for the shuttle to the resort. Heard lots of great trail stories while waiting.At the resort, I ate a delicious giant burger. It tasted sooo good. Then checked into a cabin with 6 other hiker friends. All of us met on the trail. The hiker community is truly awesome. I am taking a zero day tomorrow for rest & recovery. Then I will be ready to start the Smokies.
Date: 2022-04-02
From: Fontana Dam Marina

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

Got my first resupply box. After loading fresh supplies into my backpack, I dreaded having to carry it.Passed the Fontana Shelter early this morning. I can understand why it is affectionately called the Fontana Hilton by thru hikers. It has hot showers & plug points to recharge electronics. Beautiful lake side location.Next, I walked across the dam & entered the Smokies after depositing my permit. After a while, I climbed Shuckstack Tower for my first major view of the Smokies. There were a lot of day hikers around Shuckstack.Another beautiful day for a hike. I was needlessly worried about pack weight. My back did not complain. Maybe it will complain tomorrow......I reached the crowded shelter full of happy hikers.
Date: 2022-04-03
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter 

To: Derrick Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: few clouds

Climbed Rocky Top today. It was strenuous but not too drastic. Found myself humming all the way to the summit..'good ole Rocky Top. Rocky Top Tennesseeeee'.Some hikers built a cozy fire in the shelter tonight. Cowboy was strumming a guitar & sang a song he had composed about hiking...called Above the Clouds.
Date: 2022-04-07
From: Pecks Corner

To: Cosby Knob
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Intense thunder & lightning storm last night. Two wet hikers Katie & Tim showed up after dark. They dried off by the fire. We made space for them. It was warm in the shelter but woke up to a cold morning. Met a ridge runner Amelia who told me snow is expected on Saturday. I should be out of the Smokies tomorrow just ahead of the snow. The first 3 days in the Smokies were enjoyable due to warm sunny weather. Then the weather changed so can't wait to be done with this section.
Date: 2022-04-09
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Groundhog Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: light snow

Hiked in the snow today. Reached shelter at noon. Hung out with other hikers rest of the day.We had some literature majors. So entertained each other with poetry recital. Double Check recited the entire Raven poem by Edgar Allan Poe from memory. His delivery was superb.
Date: 2022-04-10
From: Groundhog Shelter

To: Roaring Fork Shelter 
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: clear sky

Trail was very muddy with melting snow. Easy to slip. Decided on a short hiking day. Trail Angels at Max Patch with a big spread. Hamburgers, hot dogs, beer, sodas & snacks too many to mention. Good people!!Beautiful views at Max Patch today. Weather was nice. Hope to get more miles done tomorrow if the trail dries out.
Date: 2022-04-11
From: Roaring Fork Shelter 

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Trail was great today. It dried out & the warm sunshine felt good. I was lost in a pleasant daydream. Took a wrong turn and reached a shack in the woods. Sat down on the grass to eat some breakfast. A man with a snow white beard & dog emerged from the shack & told me I was about a mile off the trail. He was kind. Gave me some water & directed my feet back to the right way.So, I need to be more attentive & keep a sharp eye out for those white blazes.Tomorrow, a day of rest at Hot Springs, NC.
Date: 2022-04-12
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs - Laughing Heart Hostel
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: light rain

Rain, rain go away....I was planning a zero day here...but will move on if the rain goes away. Need to take zero rest days on a rainy day. Went to the Hot Springs Diner & ate too much. Belly is toooo full.Big climb tomorrow if the rain goes away.
Date: 2022-04-17
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Erwin TN - Uncle Johnny's hostel
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Long walk today mostly downhill. Met a guy gathering ramps. They are leaves that smell like onion. He said they make a tasty pizza topping.Nice to catch glimpses of the Nolichucky River while walking into Erwin TN. Checked into Uncle Johnny's hostel. Many hikers from the trail are also here.
Date: 2022-04-18
From: Erwin TN - Uncle Johnny's hostel

To: Curly Maple Shelter
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: light rain

Started hiking today at noon after a full breakfast from Food City & a good night's rest at Uncle Johnny's. Disaster struck about a mile before I reached the shelter. I slipped on a small rock & fell. My left wrist took my full body & pack weight. It was painful. Some hikers helped me put on an ace bandage. I took some Tylenol to make the pain bearable. Reached the shelter & met Shade, Apples, Phil, Santa & 100grand.
Date: 2022-04-19
From: Curly Maple Shelter

To: Uncle Johnny's hostel 
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a bitterly cold morning when I woke up. The pain in my hand was much worse. So I decided to go back to Uncle Johnny's. I managed to hike the 4.2 miles back to Erwin with my pack.Once I got back, Uncle Johnny's kindly shuttled me to the nearby hospital. They took X Rays of my hand & found out I had fractured my wrist. The ER doc referred me to an orthopedic doc in nearby Johnson City TN. She put a temporary splint on my hand to stabilize it.I decided to go home for treatment. The AT will still be here after I heal. I will resume at Erwin whenever I am able.It was a great adventure. I met some wonderful people. I will be back.I was sad to say goodbye.
Date: 2022-08-01
To: Overall Plan
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Theoverall plan for the sixth year of my six month hike is a repeat oflast year's hike that ended on the first day, due to another closedavulsion fracture of my right ankle. As in 2019, I will be hikingwith my friend Boo Boo. I will start again where I stopped in 2018 and 2021 at Rattle Riverin Gorham NH hiking north 298.8 miles to the northern terminus of theAT at Katahdin which is in Maine's Baxter State Park. This willfinish my hike of the Appalachian trail.
Date: 2022-08-02
From: Toledo OH

To: Training
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Acouple of things about training for the hike this year. My hikingstart weight is down a few pounds from last year. My backpack weighthas been 35 pounds and I am planning for about the same this year.Duringthe winter I walked 10,000 steps per day, increasing that number inthe spring to 20,000 steps per day around downtown Toledo. I finallygot back on a regular basis to the weight room. By summer, I waswalking over 30,000 steps per day, with about 10,000 of these stepscoming from walking the ramp of a parking garage. Mid July I startedwalking the stairs at the Commodore Perry with increasing packweight.
Date: 2022-08-10
From: Rattle River 

To: Trident Col Campsite
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

8/10: Hiked 6.9miles. We shuttled back to the trail at Rattle River using Bruce. Asplanned we hiked 6.9 miles on a humid day to Trident Col Campsite.The trail was very rocky going over Mt. Hayes, and Cascade Mountain.