morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-15
From: Appalachian Trail Georgia to Maine

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Headed out into a nice weather day, in fact it got hot around Bryce gap, miles 313-20. That area is all open and exposed to the sun. Met some slack packers who are thru hikers, but have who have friends meet them with most of their equipment instead of carrying their house on their back. I scored a bologna sandwich and some trail mix and other treats from Smiley, Grumpy, Skeeter, and their spouses, more trail magic. Really made it pleasant and interesting. They had friends coming up from the opposite way, Sam¢s Gap, who convinced me to accept some poptarts. (Want some PopTarts? Sure, thanks.) Thanks, guys. I love trail magic. Stayed the night at Low Gap mile 321. Camped alone, very nice water, cleaned up.
Date: 2012-04-16
From: Low Gap

To: No Business Knob Sheter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Left Low Gap and bounced over Bald Mountain before I even knew I was climbing it. Must be getting my trail legs. Felt good. Stopped briefly at Bald Mountain Shelter just to check it out then moved on. Got water at a stream and had lunch, mile 330. Met a guy who has a web site called Trail Stealth. He took my picture. I¢ll have to see if he posted it. Also met a gal named Princess Doah. She saw an empty box of trail magic and asked me about it. She also asked if she could haul out some garbage for me, and I obliged. Everything is pack in, pack out, of course, so it was kind of her to offer. Every little bit of weight off the pack helps. She was thinking about starting hostel. About 2 pm, camped at No Business Knob shelter with 2 other tents 4 people. Had a little rain, but the tent was dry in the morning. No water here, but was texting Marty and he warned me to bring my own. Will head in to Erwin tomorrow after a short 6 mile hike, maybe 2 hours. I'll be in time to do my laundry and clean up. Have a room at Motel 8 lined up. Trying to decide whether or not I am still having fun. I will let you know when I decide.
Date: 2012-04-17
From: No Business Knob

To: Erwin
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: light rain

7 am hiked the 6 miles to Erwin. Mega Pixel and Pixel gave me a ride to Super 8 at mile 341.5. Corona Sam has been here 2 days, rehabbing a sore Achilles. He plans to go slack packing tomorrow, but with a 90% chance of rain, 1 inch, I don¢t want to get my boots wet and have to try to dry them out again. I think I will lay low for a day. I may try some slack packing on the 19. For now, I¢ll be resting up, healing my bones, doing laundry, showers, etc, and eating real food. Plans may change (always).Recieved a great care package from my sister (Lynne) of cookies, jerky and pistacho nuts along with some words of wisdom. Thank you for your support.
Date: 2012-04-18
From: Erwin

To: Erwin/Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: moderate rain

Staying at the Super 8. Was going to take a zero day, but did 8 miles of slack packing instead...caught a ride 8 miles up the road with Ms. Janet, then hiked back. Most beautiful trail and scenery we have seen thus far. Active streams, lush green canyons and one 1 inch frog. Ms Janet will pick us up at 0800 and return us to Indian Gap where we will head north once again after recharging in Erwin. Back in stride with Corona Sam. Blisters and pains are slowing him down enough that maybe I can keep up. Plan to go on to Damascas at least, around April 28 where I can hook a ride with Debbie back to a Delta city. Stay tuned. Received a care package from my sister (Lynne). Cookies, jerky, pistchos and words of wisdom. Thank you for your support sis.342.0 miles behind us in Erwin, TN. Congratulations to all who are here officially.
Date: 2012-04-19
From: Erwin

To: Greasy Creek Gap Campground
Miles today: 16.0

Hiking with Corona Sam again. I am speedy in the morning, he is faster in the afternoon, so it all works out. Feeling good. Some friends have been asking how the friendship between Corona Sam and me is holding up with all this time together. We are still getting along well. Our relationship is fine as long as he doesn't sell his boat or cabin.
Date: 2012-04-20
From: Greasy Creek Gap Campground

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

 Great big converted barn with two floors of sleeping. We expected a storm over night, which didn't materialize, but had 20 people sleeping on the top floor, another 8 on the ground floor. There were some complaints about snoring,but I didn't hear anything.
Date: 2012-04-21
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Roan Mtn. Tenn.
Miles today: 8.0

I'm feeling good. Crossed the last big mountain climb at 5,587 feet then dropped back down. No big elevation changes for a while. Corona Sam still having trouble with raw spots from blisters. Slowing him down a bit. Some pretty scenery today, crossed a grassy bald and the trees are leafing out. Folks around here are gathering ramps, aka wild leeks or burdickii. Pretty tasty, nice change from trail food. This is the last stop on the North Carolina/Tennesse border. We'll be in Tennesse for 70 mile, 80 miles still to Damascus, VA and the meeting point. Dropped my water purifier a couple of days back, a nozzle broke off. Called Katahdin, the manufacturer and they are sending me a replacement part at the next stop. Sweet. Keeping on.
Date: 2012-04-24
From: Abby's Place

To: Black Bear Resort
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

Plan to stay here a couple of nights. Meeting up with many of the friends we have made on the trail. Weather still unsettled so we plan to slack pack 13 miles tomorrow, then be back here at night. From here, we need to make a couple of 18 mile days in order to make it to Damascus to meet up with Debbie, Mrs. Corona Sam. My ankles are hurting and I am not having so much fun any more, so I will pack it in from Damascus and see if I can hitch a ride home on a jet from somewhere. Should make it home around May 1. Will be home in time for Maddie's birthday party. Arrgh! Pirates. Maybe I should keep my beard and scruffy demeanor. Expect to see me in May for some barbecue, canoeing and swapping lies about my time on the AT.
Date: 2012-04-25
From: Black Bear Resort

To: Little Wilbur Dam Road
Miles today: 13.0

Hitched a ride up the road and then slack packed south back to here today. Thought the weather would turn on us, but held off. Tomorrow will hitch a ride back up to that trail head and pack out going north. The Hostel charges $1.50 a mile for transportation, but with a bunch of us going, it is pretty cheap. Good services here. The cabins have plastic covered bunks so we just throw our sleeping bags on them. Shower has towels. Can get a ride to town for a hot meal, so we have all we need. Stocking up on food for a couple of nights on the trail. Need to do a couple of 18 mile days to make it to Damascus, VA by Saturday. Will hitch a ride to an airport with Debbie, then see if I can get a flight home, however round about. Home Tuesday or Weds. See you then!
Date: 2012-04-27
To: Damascus
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it to Damascus. Had shin splints the last 8 miles, so limped in. Debbie Martin made arrangements for a 3 bedroom cabin, so rooms for all of us, plus some trail friends. The cabin is a bit off the beaten track, not very close to town, so won't have transportation to town until Debbie arrives with wheels. I am hanging up my trail boots and heading home on Monday. Will hitch a ride with Debbie to Knoxville and see what flights I can catch from there. Rumor has it that the trail from here north is the prettiest, but that may have to wait for another year. Maybe I will become a section hiker. Who wants to come with me?
Date: 2011-05-22
To: The AT
Miles today: 0.0

10 months to go before I hit the AT. After last years 340 mile hike I am chomping at the bit to get going again. Have been reading journals and keeping in contact with some of the people I met last year. Some are back on the trail again this year and I wish I was there. I will have the advantage of knowing what to expect the first month of the hike having hiked it before. I do plan on seeing snow for the first time since 1969.   The plan is to be in Georgia just after St. Patricks Day which is March 17th.So I am hoping to start by March 23rd at the latest.    Some things need to happen by then like selling the house my brother and I own, getting some more gear for the colder weather and getting most of my bills taken care of.    Will really need to take it slow at the start as I hurt my knees pretty good last year, but I sure did learn a lesson. Remember, I was born and raised in South Florida so I had no idea how to hike up and down hills and mountains. I have a better grasp of it now.   I will be having someone transcribe my journal for me as i found it too time consuming to do it myself. I have a lot of people saying they will be following it and keeping in touch with me as I will need the support for I know I cannot do this without all of their support.
Date: 2011-07-29
To: The AT
Miles today: 0.0

House is sold. Will close on Aug. 26th. I now know I will be able to finance my thru-hike next year. Kind of bitter sweet as I grew up here but at the same time looking to start from scratch. Been researching the gear I will need to add to what I have already especially the clothing for the colder temps. I have my wish list and will start to purchase items in a couple of months.There is a bunch to do between now and the middle of March. Just have to take it 1 day at a time.
Date: 2011-08-24
To: The AT
Miles today: 0.0

7 months from now I hope to be starting my thru-hike. Tonight I am spending my last night in the house I grew up in. After almost 41 years this has always been my base. We close on the sale tomorrow and a new chapter in my life will begin.With the sale of the house I now have the money to pay for my hike. I am so excited about it. Done all of my research on clothing and equipment and am now just waiting for the money to order everything else that I will need. I hope everyone on the trail during the earthquake is okay. I look forward to experiencing the entire trail for myself.
Date: 2011-10-25
To: The AT
Miles today: 0.0

5 months from now I should be on the trail. All of my gear is purchased and I am ready to go. Have a lot of things going on between now and Christmas. I will start preparing physically after then. Total gear price tag about $2500. That covers both cold and warm weather gear. Seems like a bunch of money but I will have it for many more adventures after I complete this one. I now have 2 packs so I can have someone else join me on the smaller trips.   I can pretty much outfit another person except for a tent. With the house sold and my stuff in storage I still need to buy a new vehicle and an enclosed trailer so that I don't have to keep paying storage.  Well I have to go so I will catch up later.
Date: 2011-12-01
To: The AT
Miles today: 0.0

Less than 4 months to go. All gear is in and it all fits into my pack. My pack will weigh about 33 lbs. I have 16 mail drops planned but that doesn't mean it will happen.that way. Found out that I will have to come home in May for my brothers wedding. That will take me off the trail for about a week. I have already talked with my friend Dave in Georgia and he will pick me up in Virginia and take me back there when I return from home. I will bring my cold weather gear back with me and take my summer gear back.    I am so excited. I would leave tomorrow if it wasn't for the weather and my other commitments that I have between now and St. Patricks Day.    Well have to go. Will write more after the first of the year.
Date: 2012-01-23
To: The AT
Miles today: 0.0

Hi there everyone. It has been over 7 weeks since my last entry. A lot has happened since then. All 16 of my mail drops are ready and I had to find a new transcribr which will be my soon to be sister in law Bernie. Her and my brother Donald will be taking care of my mail drops and my mail (bills). I just got back from a 5 day canoe trip on the Peace River. We went about 33 miles and there was quite a bit of walking as the river is.really low. Got to test out my 15 degree bag and my Thermarest self inflating mattress. What a difference from the.foam pad I used in 2010. My Big Agnes bag has a built in sleeve for the mattress so it doesn't slide around. I slept really well. I also got to wear some of my warmer clothing as it was in the 40's each morning. It warmed up enough to get into shorts and take off my shirt by ten o'clock each morning. Think I will be going back there for a week to get a great workout as the water will probably be even lower which means I can probably walk about 25 miles of the river. Will try to keep you better updated now that I am at 59 more days until I start at Springer Mountain.
Date: 2012-01-24
To: The AT
Miles today: 0.0

Have entered my first four mail drops going by my section hike in 2010. I should be close on my arrival dates. I will be adding to my mail drop list or editing what I already have posted as I go. Starting to pack up those things I won't need over the next 50 days and get them into my storage trailer. The trailer will save me over $700 in storage fees. Might have someone drive me to Georgia instead of driving my van which will save wear and tear on my poor van. Don't know how much longer the transmission will hold up. I am sure it will make it up there, but not sure about it making it home. Planning another trip on the Peace River. This time walking most of it. Walking in the water will be great excercise. Will take my small canoe and limited gear as I will hit some places I will have to literally have to drag it. That is all I got for now. Have fun.
Date: 2012-02-15
To: Peace River and Fisheating Creek
Miles today: 0.0

Great 8 days. First I went to the Peace River and went upstream for about 16 miles walking in the river for about 7 of them over 3 days. Great workout for my legs. Seen a lot of pigs, a couple of deer 5 turkeys, several alligators and 1 otter. Temps ranged from 82 degrees to 40 degrees.I came back to Arcadia in 2 days. Then I loaded up and went to Fisheating Creek for 3 days. Cold the second day there with a low of 37 degrees and a high of about 62. It warmed up today though to about 82 degrees. Ran into an issue with my down sleeping bag but worked it out so I won't have to deal with it on the trail. Hard to believe it is only 36 days until I set out on this grand journey. Still a lot to do in such a short time. Have been passing out my cards with my contact info and the direct link to this journal so.I hope to get plenty of support to help me accomplish this adventure. Things are coming together though and I am just so.excited. Well gotta go. God bless.
Date: 2012-02-27
To: The AT
Miles today: 0.0

Hello everyone. 24 days to go. Still trying to tie up some loose ends. Almost got it all covered. I feel at ease now that I know Bernie, my soon to be sister in law and transcriber, can read my chicken scratch. Have a.rental car reserved for the wedding in May so that is out of the way. Started to hike a couple of miles every other day with a full pack. Doesn't sound Like much but its a hell of a lot more than I did in 2010. Going to try to.get an overnight shakedown hike before I leave. Trying to shave off about 4 lbs of over all gear weight but will probably have to wait until I get to the cabin in Georgia and see what the weather is like. Hopefully I get at least 1 really cold day to test out my cold weather clothing and see what I actually will need. I probably have more than what I will actually have to have. We inwill see. Remember that it is all for the fun of it.
Date: 2012-03-16
To: The AT
Miles today: 0.0

Just 6 more days and I will be on the trail. Thought I would be in Georgia by now but that will have to wait until Sunday morning. Everything is packed in my trailer, Bernie is ready to start transcribing my journal for me and my first 2 mail drops have been sent. My ride to the trail head on Springer Mountain is all set. Kinda numb to the excitement right now but figure it will come back when I get to Blue Ridge, GA. I have made many contacts already here on the journal site and look forward to meeting everyone in person. I pray that everyone has an enjoyable hike. May God bless everyone.
Date: 2012-03-20
To: The AT
Miles today: 0.0

Two more days to go. Just been relaxing here in Blue Ridge. Going to see an old friend from high school that I haven't seen in about twenty years. Really looking forward to that.   Shaved off about 3 more pounds of overall gear weight to bring me down to 40 lbs. overall. My pack weight with four days of food and 1/2 gallon of water will bring me to 35 pounds to start. I am sure that by my first mail drop in Hiawassee I will be able to shave off a little more.    All that is left to do is mail 2 more mail drops and start walking. Here is to the journey.
Date: 2012-03-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Took a ride up to Springer Mountain Trail Head yesterday after having a huge breakfast at my old school friends restaurant the Griddle Cafe in Blairsville. Great food, at a great price. They have a great thing going there. If you are in the area don't miss it. Ran into a couple of section hikers and was able to give them a heads up on what they have in store over the next few days.   Looks like tomorrow will be fairly decent to start my hike. Should be leaving the trail head at about 9:30am. Friday will be a different story with a 70% chance of rain with thunderstorms. Hopefully more rain than lightning. As the saying goes "No pain, no rain, no Maine."   The countdown has gone from years to months to weeks to days and now to hours. It is truly an amazing feeling to see all of this preparation become a reality. Hope I can sleep well tonight.   It will be about a week before you start seeing my daily entries so please be patient. Thanks everyone for your support.
Date: 2012-03-22
From: Springer Mountain

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

Finally started on top of Springer Mountain at about 10 am. It rained from the time I left the trail head until about 2 pm. It actually felt real good after I took off my rain jacket. The miles say 8.1 but I actually hiked 9 miles after backtracking the first .9 mile to reach the summit.   I have already met a bunch of people. Can't remember all of the names but Passionflower, Elise, Sparky, Shadow, Gumpy and Peeper all come to mind.   I am tenting tonight. There is an 80% chance of rain tomorrow. As the saying goes "No pain, no rain, no Maine."   We actually had live music here at the shelter as well. Don't think it will happen again but who knows.
Date: 2012-03-23
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Started out wet again today. Met someone celebrating 9 years today. Sure shows how God puts certain people in our path.   Haven't taken any pictures other than the trail head and Springer Mt. because of the rain and fog.   The climb up Sassafrass Mt. was long and steep. I forgot all about that from my last hike. Stopped and put my feet in the creek for awhile. Man did that feel great.   Looks like there will be a lot of people here at the shelter again tonight. I am bushed. Just going to call it a night.
Date: 2012-03-24
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: few clouds

Had a lightning storm last night at about 3am. Woke me up but it didn't last long.   Got up at 7:15, had my oatmeal for breakfast and hit the trail at about 8:15.   Finally a nice sunny day. Had some great views. Was able to take some pictures also.   Hiked with Passionflower, Elise and Sparky today. Passionflower and Elise are from Sarasota which is about 100 miles north of me. A friend of Elise joined us at the end of the day. He is just here for the night. Elise will be leaving when we get to Hiawassee.   Staying here at Lance Creek because a new law requires a bear canister between Jarrad Gap and Neels Gap.   Will climb Blood Mt. tomorrow. I plan on spending a couple of hours up there tomorrow before going to Neels Gap.   Was just talking to my friend Robin in Ohio when the hail started to come down. it was BB to pea size. After talking to a couple of people who hiked through it I am sure glad that I was in my tent.   It is after dark and still raining. Suppose to have clear days for awhile. will take alot of pictures.
Date: 2012-03-25
From: Lance Creek

To: North base of Cowrock Mountain
Miles today: 12.4

What a great day!!! The weather was great and the views were spectacular. Got some great pictures which will be posted in a couple of weeks.   Left Lance Creek at about 8:45 with the intention to stay at Neels Gap. I hiked with Cackles most of the day. We climbed Gaddis Mt. then Turkey Stamp and finally Blood Mt. Blood Mt. which at 4,461 ft is the highest point of the AT in Georgia. We only spent an hour up there because it was so windy but the views were great. We headed down to Neels Gap where I got a hot dog and orange soda and resupplied. I think I bought too much. I then left by myself to go about a mile up the trail but ended up going about 4 miles instead. At a nice campsite tonight solo. I have had dinner so I am off to bed. Good night.
Date: 2012-03-26
From: North base of Cowrock Mountain

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: clear sky

Short day today. Found a blister on my little toe and hot spots on my two big toes. Will use moleskin on them so that they don't get worse.   I have way too much food. Ate a 1/2 pound of cheese a over a 1/4 pound of summer sausage for lunch to lighten my load.   Struggled a little with the pack weight and my toes but the rest went well. Great views again today with no leaves on the trees. 2 years ago I didn't get to see as much.   In the shelter tonight with Jason, Tyler (TP), Wes and Wobbles. Tenting nearby are Cackles, Passionflower, Elise and Sparky.   Hoping to do 13 miles tomorrow and the next day to put me close to Hiawassee.   There is a fire going so I think I will go join everyone else. Sleep well.
Date: 2012-03-27
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cheese Factory Site
Miles today: 13.4

Just found out that I will be entering the first week of my journal as Bernie and Donald will be on vacation next week. They will be near me so maybe we can meet up some where.   Did my first 3 mile hour this morning but the terrain changed fast. First a nice gradual climb from 3,054 feet to 4,025 feet in 7.3 miles. After that a drop of 1,100 feet in 1.5 miles into Unicoi Gap. From there a steep climb of another 1,100 feet in 1.4 miles then a drop again of 900 feet in 1.3 miles. With these steep descents my knees are feeling it just a little.   Not much in the way of pictures today as there wasn't really that much to see.   Another long day tomorrow and I will be in Hiawassee early Thursday morning to pick up my mail drop and rest. It is getting dark so I better get some sleep.
Date: 2012-03-28
From: Cheese Factory Site

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another tough day. 2 long ups and 2 long downs with a bunch of little ones in between. Actually we are about 1/2 a mile from the gap. I have been hiking with Wobbles today and we decided to stop here so we could have all day to do what we need to get done like laundry, shower, resupply, mail drop and of course eat like crazy. We are both feeling the descents. My knees are letting me know they are there but they are about 98% better than 2 years ago.   The camera has been difficult lately. Don't know if it is the battery getting low, moisture or operator malfunction.   Been getting better about taking off my shoes whenever I stop for a break. I also have been changing my socks half way through the day. I have the 1 blister and would like to avoid getting any more if possible.   Got to write my shopping list for tomorrow. If anyone asks how I am doing tell them I am having a great time. Sweet dreams.