morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-04-12
From: Neel Gap

To: Sheffield Lake, Ohio
Miles today: 0.0

Well, Tuesday I made it to the Blairsville dentist by walking about a mile and a half outside of town square from the hotel I was staying. We were hoping for the best but the dentist confirmed it was the worst case scenario. A complete vertical fracture of tooth #15. Some x-rays were taken and it showed the roots on the tooth are very long, extending up to, or near, the sinus cavity. Based on this, the dentist advised the extraction be done by an oral surgeon. Blairsville, being a small town, did not have an oral surgeon residing there. Dentist said one comes in about twice a week as needed. In consulting with the dentist, I made the decision to return home as quickly as possible to have the procedure done as I¢ll be in the comfort of home and have family and friends available in the event of any complications. Not sure yet on the length of recovery process to allow a return to the trail. I will probably know more after the procedure on Friday. The plan is for the adventure to continue after this minor setback is put behind us.Wednesday I had to scramble to get transportation to the airport. It wasn¢t cheap, but a trail runner going by the name of Splitter provided a 2-hour ride most of the way to Atlanta and dropped me off at the MARTA. From there, I took a train to the Airport which was way cheap, only $3.50. I had booked a flight departing at 4:35 PM since I wasn¢t sure when/how I¢d get to the airport. Once there about 11:15, way early, I paid Delta¢s flight change fee to catch the 12:15 to Cleveland. When entering the tarmac to the plane I noticed what appeared to be a familiar face. Just 3 people ahead of me was a friend and member of my former team at my previous employer. Mike M. was sure surprised when I said, ¢Hey, is that you?¢ Mike kindly captured the moment on social media. He was returning from New Orleans.Nephew Rob picked me up at Cleveland¢s airport, swung by my routine dentist to get referral for oral surgeon, and then arrived home about 3:30. Today (Thursday) will be a relaxing day around the house to ensure I do not complicate the tooth issue seeing I¢m less than 24 hours away from having it addressed.Stay tuned, the adventure will continue!
Date: 2018-04-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Good news, the adventure continues as I¢m heading back to the AT on Saturday, April 28! Airplane lands in Atlanta about 8:00 AM and hoping to get an honest day¢s hiking in the books by nightfall.Been off the AT since April 10, having last hiked to Neel Gap on April 9. Needed to return home to address a cracked molar. I¢m happy to report this has been resolved and with a week having passed, all looks well. I¢ll be returning to the trail on the 28th and begin hiking from the outfitter Mountain Crossings. This is the precise location I was picked-up and taken to Blairsville, GA to assess my tooth issue. Before venturing on, I¢ll be picking up camp stove fuel and some food items. The trail leads onward right from the back of Mountain Crossings.I¢ve been checking the weather in the area that I¢ll be resuming my adventure and apparently I didn¢t miss a thing. In my absence, the lousy weather has persisted and remained less than desirable for hiking. Perhaps there was a silver lining in my setback after all. I¢m hoping upon my return the sun finally comes out in Georgia!For those of you following the adventure using The A.T. Guide (Northbound), I¢ll be adding detail to my journal entries to ensure you know precisely where I¢m at. We¢ll count off the miles together. For example, I¢m returning to Neel Gap listed on page 9, northbound (NoBo) mile 31.1.To make the best of the non-hiking time I¢ve done an assessment of my gear and have made the following changes.Additions: Tweezers for ticks, head warmer, bandana, light shorts, sock liners with toes (blister prevention) and another pair of leggings. Light shorts and leggings will be my hiking attire of choice in place of the hiking pants that are convertible to shorts. The hiking pants will remain in my gear for the time being.Subtractions: Pair of casino dice (sorry Thomas K.), safari hat (not breathable, replaced by baseball cap), back pack brain (excess storage), all-purpose knife (replaced by single-blade with plastic handle saving 2.5 oz.) and phone charger weighing 2.8 oz. (will re-acquire if needed).Modifications: Shortened tent stakes saving 1.7 oz. Eliminated excess straps/cases saving 6.8 oz. Carrying only one fourth of guidebook at a time, saving 6 oz. Although these weights seem tiny, no need to carry them up mountains!An oversight on my part, I forgot to mention my starting body weight back on April 6 was 215.0 lbs. Apparently, my metabolism and appetite kicked into high gear on only four days of hiking as I¢m now 209.5. I hope to have access to a scale periodically to allow for reporting future changes in weight.Check back soon as I¢ll be journaling the next entry on my AT adventure, including new photos, around May 1. Until then, take caution with anything called beef jerky!
Date: 2018-04-28
From: Neel Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

My return to the AT has gone well. There is sun in Georgia! Having only 3 hours sleep, the day was busy with lots going on. Up at 3 AM to catch a 6 AM flight to Atlanta. Arrived about 8 AM and headed to MARTA where Splitter picked me up and drove me to Neel Gap. Exact place I left AT on the 9th. Started hiking about 1:45 and eventually tagged along with a father and son duo from Kentucky. Hiked with them all day getting in 11.5 miles to Low Gap Shelter. We arrived in camp 7:45 so it was rush rush to setup tent and eat dinner. We hiked late since the prior shelter was 1.2 miles off the main trail. We didn't want to add 2.4 round trip since it was only about 4 more miles to Low Gap. An aggressive day but worth it! And I didn't freeze at night. For book followers, stopped mile number 42.6 on page 12.
Date: 2018-04-29
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Rocky Mountain
Miles today: 11.1

This was the most challenging day of the adventure. It was as though we were going no where but up, up, and more up. When in reality there were downhills buy they simply were too infrequent to reward us for our climbing efforts. Mark seemed to be the one of us three having the worst of it. But we must give him due credit because as a team we made great miles today in unfavorable terrain. The final climb was about 1000 feet. We camped atop Rocky Mountain in a small camping area. We were the first to stop here so we took the two prime camp sites. Only a couple more decided to join us but they were far enough away to not be noticed. Jeff made a fire and they tried to coax me from my tent, but with the effort put forth today, I stayed in my tent to rest. For book followers, we ended at mile 53.7 page 12. Tomorrow begins with a large downhill. That's a great way to start a hike!
Date: 2018-04-30
From: Rocky Mountain

To: Addis Gap
Miles today: 9.9

Today's terrain was a mix of ups and downs. We (Jeff and Mark) ended on a long downhill to setup camp at Addis Gap (mile 63.6 page 13 in guide book). We were the only ones that stayed in the camping area. To get water, we had to walk half a mile down a dirt road to a small creek. They went first while I watched over our gear and setup my tent. When I headed down to get water, I met a husband and wife couple from Alabama (settled there after many years of Army travel) that were doing a section hike. Forgive me for not getting their names.  I did share my online trail journal with them.  If you're reading, please post your names in the guest book.  He was also 50 and recently retired from the Army with 30 years of service.  He was a Colonel and served as a Tank Commander. They were doing a hike in hopes of learning some skills for tackling the entire AT sometime in the future. We talked briefly about my being from Ohio, why I was hiking, and of course, being Veterans we spoke of our service in the military. They asked if I needed anything and I was fine at that time.  I've found it's very common for hikers doing sections only to ask any through-hikers if they need anything.I had gotten some severe leg cramps the night before while changing clothes in the tiny tent. When I mentioned this to Jeff, he was kind enough to provide me with electrolyte tablets for the next couple days. At camp, I made a Knorr rice dish and this was great! I had been eating cold meals for two days.  Mostly from being too exhausted to take the time to cook a proper meal.  Jeff and Mark shared a spaghetti dinner with instant mashed potatoes mixed in. They seemed to be in heaven with the meal.There was an owl nearby most of the night and apparently it was in a talking mood.  All night I heard it shouting out "Who...Who" with some screeches mixed in. I'm no owl expert, but by the sound of screeches I bet it stood six foot tall, had a 9 foot wingspan and was on the prowl for unattended backpacks while hikers slept. Luckily, mine was beside my tent and under the rain cover and survived the night. In the morning, about 6:30, I heard a chirp...chirp...chirp, then a pause and a repeat.  This was so perfect I swore it was someone's alarm. But, after a few minutes I noticed only two chirps and so it was only some exotic bird of Georgia. We all thought for sure the sounds where too precise to be from a bird. Needless to say, we were up early this morning.
Date: 2018-05-03
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: broken clouds

Picking up where we left off with the tooth issue, I was at the dentist office at 8 AM when they opened. I explained my situation and they were able to see me at 9:30. Dr. Mike and staff from Worthy Family Dentistry had me good to go by 11. The following day I was on the trail by 9:30 and busted out a distance of 16 plus miles. This was my longest day to date. I fell once coming down a decline when my ankle gave out and the trekking pole failed to do its job. Minor knee scrap like the ones we've all had as kids. Right back up and on the move only to later realize I lost a glove in the tumble. Too late to go back now. I managed to say goodbye to Georgia and cross into North Carolina. One state down with many more to go. Stayed in a shelter and met fellow hikers Lost Boy, Ballflap, Cajun Fire and Brenna. Lost Boy was so named for going backwards on the trail over two miles before realizing his mistake. On the trail its not too hard to leave camp in the morning and head the wrong direction. Just remember, a left into clamp, a left out of camp and vice versa for taking a right into camp. And in the next entry, Dale finally gets his trail name! For book followers this is Standing Indian Shelter at mile 85.7, page 16.
Date: 2018-05-04
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Long Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

There are those hikers that study the AT guide as if they have a test the next day. Me, I'm not into studying these days. I guess I want the adventure to just reveal itself as I hike on down the trail. And so this day was going great, busting out mile after mile. I had heard hikers at the shelter saying there'd be one long climb today. Shame on me for not making note of that. After the easy miles where all I had to worry about were imaginary trolls in portions of trail that looked like tunnels, Albert Mountain showed up! I had been going up for quite awhile, thinking I'd be summitting soon enough when I looked ahead and seen the unthinkable. As if I was King Kong about to scale a building, the mountain turned straight up. I nearly fell backwards twice as I moved half a step at a time. Portions were more like rock climbing. Out of gas, out of breath except for some choice words not to print here, I finally made it! Not until I conquered this mountain did I realize there was a fire tower atop Albert. The view was 360 degrees and amazing. There were even helicopters I could hear but not see. Obviously they were below my horizon and blended in with the surrounding mountain sides. Luckily the backside of the mountain was a piece of cake. It was a slow steady decent to Long Branch Shelter. I walked into camp as a late comer and said, "Jawz mad!" Oh, about that trail name. Lost Boy holds the honor of my forever being known along the AT as Jawz. My teeth stories are now part of AT legend. For book followers, mile 102 on page 17. That's right, we've made triple digits!
Date: 2018-05-05
From: Long Branch Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 7.2

Next stop on the trail town circuit was Franklin, NC. It was an easy hike out to the highway to get a shuttle into town. This morning's hike was only 7.2 miles. I needed to get some supplies and would then take a nero day. That's hiker lingo for a short mileage day. I secured a bunk at the Gooder Grove Hostel. This would be my first ever hostel so I wasn't sure what to expect. Cheaper than a motel but it was vastly better. Had access to kitchen, two bathrooms, living room and dining room. I walked into town before returning to lounge on the couch and do some journaling. In the evening I went to the Lazy Hiker Brewery with Travis and had a beer and 3 tacos from a food truck. We then stopped for ice cream before returning to hostel. My room had beds for 5 but I was the only hiker in the room. Acquired plenty of tips from hostel staff Mule and Zen. Cajun Fire found her way to the hostel shortly after me. There were about 5 of us there. In the morning I'd be heading out hoping for a big mileage day to offset the nero. Book followers, mile 109.2 page 17.
Date: 2018-05-06
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: light rain

Coming out of Franklin was ironically the perfect time to have a great mileage day. Spending some time at the hostel put pep in my step. I was moving on the relatively flat areas l like a rabbit running from a hawk. With the many flatter areas today, I hiked over 20 miles. Since Andrew is on the $20, that's a Andy day! Along today's hike I came across about 20 senior citizens coming down a mountain. It was great to see them being active. Today included two big mountains, one just before arriving at the shelter. At the peak I found Lost Boy overlooking a nice view. Once at the shelter I met Turtle and The Dragon. A pair of 70 year olds, friends since high school, doing a 3-4 day section hike. That was great to share in their experence as they shared some life stories. I shared the shelter with them that night and Lost Boy chose to setup a tent. In the morning I was last to leave camp. Eventually passed the long time friends and wished them well. Book followers, mile 130.8 page 20.
Date: 2018-05-07
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Sassafrass Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.8

There was excitement in the air today as the NOC was only 6 miles away. The Nantahala Outdoor Center was the destination as it sits right on the trail and gives hikers a taste of normal life. Here you can do kayaking and white water rafting if you so chose to do so. Also a general store and outfitters shop for any needs. For me it was a chance to get some hot food and a drink other than water. Lost Boy and I got our fill. There was also a lounge area near the river that we hikers monopolized. So after lunch I rested and dipped my sore feet in the ice cold river for about 20 minutes. I wasn't eager to move as a 3,000 foot climb resided between the NOC and the next shelter. But, it was time to get moving once again even though the riverside was more appealing. Upward I moved and quickly it became a snail's pace. All the way up I was burping up my lunch from the heat and being totally exhausted. Hence, this mountain will be forever known as Cheeseburger Mountain with Fry in my memories. At the shelter met Josh and Adrianna. They were doing a section hike to Fontana Dam. Josh kindly pointed out I wasn't utilizing the shoulder adjustments on my pack. With that tip I'm looking for better balance on the inclines. And I'll certainly need it because off in the distance the Great Smoky Mountains are looming. Book followers, mile 143.6 page 21.
Date: 2018-05-08
From: Sassafrass Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: few clouds

Today hiked most of the day alone. When I wad coming to a gap that was near a road, I heard some auto traffic. I thought to myself, wouldn't it be nice if someone offered me a banana. Little did I know trail magic was about to happen. As I came down closer to the road I saw a small parking lot with two tables. I said that looks like a good spot for lunch. Then I moved even closer and found fresh fruit waiting for me. An apple and banana sure hit the spot and made for a great lunch! Just like one of my favorite 80's video games Donkey Kong Junior where fruit gets dropped on the snap-jaws. Also talked to a mom hiking with her two sons ages 14 and 9. They are hoping to make it to Maine as well. They seemed to be having lots on fun on the trail. I wish them all the best. For book followers, mile 158.8 page 21.
Date: 2018-05-09
To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 6.7

Today was one of those few days a hiker can gear up for. I hiked only 5.5 miles in the morning then caught a shuttle over to Fontana Village. There were about 8 hikers and we lounged outside the General Store while we did laundry and hung out like old friends. We were able to resupply and also walk about 100 yards to a small grill stop. I indulged with a sausage with sauerkraut and a hot dog with onions, relish and ketchup. Later I put down a large bag of bugles. Of course before all that I got a jar of pickles. I ate only half and shared the rest with my trail buddies. Eventually we had to get back to the hiker's life and shuttled back to the trail and hiked 1.2 miles to the shelter. They call this one the Fontana Hilton since it has a hot shower. You heard that right! It is the best shelter on the AT. Bedtime came early because tomorrow we were heading into the Great Smoky Mountains. For book followers, mile 165.5 page 22.
Date: 2018-05-10
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a fairly uneventful day on the trail. Most of the day I was hiking alone. There was threat of rain most of the day but it stayed away until about 2:30 when a drizzle started. I prayed for it to hold off until I made the shelter. I snuck in at 3:26 just before a short down pour. It didn't last long and the sun reappeared shortly afterwards. I was alone at the shelter for about 1.5 hours before other hikers started rolling in. Spent about 20 minutes talking with Carl. He's been a Ridge Runner for 15 years. Ridge Runners are like trail coordinators and advise hikers on shelter and trail issues. For book followers, mile 180.4 page 23.
Date: 2018-05-11
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiking today was a game of leap frog with Tracks and a father/son pair. Although they were faster than I, my pace was more steady as I take fewer breaks. We all stayed at same shelter along with Brenna and MF Mouse. Four of us set up tents around the shelter. We were expecting day hikers with reservations to appear but they never did. Through hikers like myself are second fiddle and must give up shelter space to those with reservations. During the day's trek saw two huge wild turkeys. Still haven't seen a bear, but soon I'd hear Cajun Fire wasn't so lucky. For book followers, mile 196.8 page 23.
Date: 2018-05-12
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

There was excitement in hiker camp given we were hiking into Gatlinburg for some rest and relaxation. After climbing to Clingman's Dome, the majority of the hike was down hill. I made the mileage in under four hours. When I arrived at Newfound Gap there were fresh apples at the side of the trail. The apple sure hit the spot. I rode into town with AZ, Fuego, Tracks, MF Mouse and Finger Linking. Yes, we all go by trail names now. We had the driver swing by the grocery store before the hotel. Seeing six hikers running through the store reminded me of those game shows were contestants load up a cart while trying to beat the clock. I hit the salad bar then picked up some shark gummies, I am Jawz after all, and some pickles and a rice side for a camp meal. We ate at the Smoky Mountain Brewery then walked the streets of Gatlinburg for a couple hours. Its a tourist town full of candy stores, small museums and the like. MF Mouse and I split a room as Finger Licking left to spend the night with some friends that lived about an hour away. Tomorrow we'd get back to tackling the Smoky Mountains. Book followers mile 207.3 page 26.
Date: 2018-05-13
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.7

Day four in the Smoky Mountains had some of the most fantastic views thus far on my AT adventure. The weather was great with high visability. Couldn't pass up the chance to take the photo of me sitting on a rock outcrop. Hiking wise it was tough. Yesterday I had pushed my limits by making great time into Gatlinburg. Today the legs of this 50 year old put me in my place. When I reached camp I was in my tent by 7:30 PM. Bears have not been kind to hikers in the Smokies. Although I hadn't seen a bear through four days, Little B told me she'd seen one on the trail as she rounded a corner. We also found out that the night before Cajun Fire had an unpleasant bear encounter. Around 11 PM a bear approached her tent, she exited quickly, and the bear destroyed the tent and some of her gear. Thankfully she escaped unharmed. I'm sure she was a bit shaken but she shrugged it off and is continuing her hike. The park service closed the shelter where this took place for a couple days. For book followers, mile 223 page 27.
Date: 2018-05-14
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Painter Branch Campsite
Miles today: 20.5

A big day for miles totalling over 20! The early views were rain forest in appearance. This was the hottest day on the trail so far. My leggings and long sleeve shirt were drenched. This made me decide to go shorts and short sleeve the following day. I made it through the Smokies without seeing a bear. Thomas K. always jabbered me beginning with "Hey now..." And so that became my bear defense. Whenever I was hiking alone I would loudly say "hey now" to alert any bears I was coming through, especially as I was rounding corners. Coincidence or not I seen no bears and I was happy with that. Our day included a two hour stay at Standing Bear Farm. This place was way out there. It was your back country hostel with an honor system. I had two V8's, a Gatorade, Slim Jim and peanut butter crackers, totalling $6.25. Others enjoyed pizza and beer. Z, not to be confused with AZ, paid to spend the night in their tree house. Earlier in the morning I rolled my left ankle and face planted into the AT. Nothing I could do but walk it off and about an hour later it felt fine. I did lose my BDU bandana in the tumble though. When we arrived at camp I put my foot into the ice cold stream for 20 minutes. That's trail treatment for a good price, free! For book followers, mile 243.5 page 30.