morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-09-27
To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

The much anticipated heavy rain did not hit us today. We watched it slide by west and north of us. It was still good to rest up for a final push to finish the last 240 miles. I was able to resupply, clean gear and eat lots of calories to get ready to hike through the Smoky Mts. I start with a large seven mile long hill in the morning. It will be a hard day but I'm looking forward to some beautiful country. I most likely won't be able to update this journal for about four days.
Date: 2018-09-28
To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 18.4

I left the hostel at first light on a wet drippy morning. The weather radar showed the rain had moved out and the forecast called for at least four days of clear weather. The plan was to try to get through Smoky Mt Nat Park in four days. I only had four days of food so I hope I can make it. I was traveling with the same four guys I had been seeing on the trail and in hostels for the past few weeks. This day would see lots of climbing as I hit a low of 1372ft in elevation and a high of 6302. We had a good evening meal the mogjt before and a day of rest so this day didn't seem too bad. The Smoky Mts lived up to their name with lots of smoke like fog. We camped at a shelter at 5900ft. Tomorrow would bring less climbing.
Date: 2018-09-29
To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 20.5

It was clear to start the day for a change. The trail had a number of short ups and downs. Around mid morning I came to an area that had many day hikers that were going to a popular overlook. As l hiked through that area I saw hundreds of people. On a sad note a hiker had been missing in this area since last Tuesday. She was last seen on a side trail near the AT in the Clingmans Dome area. After a long day we were at a shelter with a capacity of 12 and there were our usual five thru hikers and four other section hikers. Smoky Mt NP policy requires permits and reservations for section hikers. Thru hikers are required to but a twenty dollar permit. Section hikers 29th a specific shelter reservation can displace thru hikers in the shelter. The thru hiker then had to set up their tent. Just before dark a group of seven section hikers came to our shelter. After counting heads it was apparent that some of our group would have to vacate the shelter. After we set up our tents the entire group of seven section hikers decided to set up their tents in close proximity to us. As it turned out the shelter was half empty that night and the section hikers were loud, stayed up late talking loudly and snored all night.
Date: 2018-09-30
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: overcast clouds

A short update....more later. We got to Clingmans dome around 9am to find no views on this foggy morning. The trail was very hard with lots of steep rocky hills. A big milestone today as I hit 2000 miles. I arrived at the shelter very tired with one more long day to get through the Smoky Mts and to the next resupply.
Date: 2018-10-01
To: Fontanna Hilton Shelter
Miles today: 17.8

I was on the trail by first light which is about 7:20am. The trail was much easier today 28th lots downhill but a couple big climbs. The end of the day was downhill with peeks of Fontana Lake. The trail crossed Fontanna Dan and lead to a really nice shelter called the Fontanna Hilton. It has a nearby shower, flush toilets and potable water. I have to resupply tomorrow and then it's a couple days on the trail to the next hostel. Time is winding down on this journey and I want to make the most of the time I have left.
Date: 2018-10-02
To: Locust Cove Gap Campsite
Miles today: 18.2

Sometimes you have to resupply somewhere close rather than trying to get to town. After leaving the Fontanna Hilton Shelter I stopped at the marina baitshop for a small resupply and a microwave sandwich. The choices for the resupply were slim and I was lucky I only needed another day and a half of food. Once back on the trail I hiked up a big hill. Overall it was a tough day with lots of shorter steep hills. I camped with two of the guys I've been hiking with and another section hiker. Tomorrow we head to the Nantahala Outdoor Center for a hostel stay, restaurant meal and resupply.
Date: 2018-10-03
To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 9.6

I was on the trail by first light and headed up a really long hill. After four miles I reached the top and was rewarded with great views. After that it was a really long downhill to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. The NOC is located on a river and has a competition kayak course, rafting, adventure courses and is a outdoor medical training center. It also has restaurants, a store and a bar. It was nice to have a meal and a beer. I talked to my daughter and mom today. Details are almost complete for them to join me to hike the last mile on Oct 14. To say I'm excited is an understatement This is the best possible way to end my hike. Now I just have to get to the finish on time.
Date: 2018-10-04
To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: few clouds

As usual when near a large river, there is a long hill to climb. We were rewarded with great views on top of a tower observation platform. There were a few more hills to climb before we reached our shelter. There was talk around camp tonight about the final resupply and hostel stops. Four of our group of five were here and discussed how we will be ending our hikes. Thoughts of home have been becoming more frequent as I hike during the day. I've even had dreams where I'm at home telling people I'm hiking the AT and need to get back to finish. I remember talking to other hikers when they were finishing up north and they said they had dreamt of home. I'm still having a good time and am looking forward to going into Franklin NC tomorrow for resupply and a hostel stay. After that it's only two more resupplies before the finish.
Date: 2018-10-05
To: Gooder Grove AT Hostel
Miles today: 11.0

The day started with a climb up to Wayah Bald and a stone tower that dates back to the 1930s. The view was spectacular with distant mountains poking up through the low clouds. The days hike was fairly short and easy as we are making our last town stop. Franklin NC has a decent downtown with some good restaurants. We resupplied shortly after showers and laundry at the hostel. Dinner was like a home cooked meal at a local downtown restaurant. Tomorrow hike will take is under 100 miles to go.
Date: 2018-10-06
To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 19.0

We got shuttled back to the trail from Franklin around 8am. The trail climbed toward Mt Albert which has a fire tower on top. The views showed how rugged this part of NC and GA are. I passed the 100 mile mark today and now have only 90 miles to go. I decided to go a little farther today after seeing a poorly trained dog at the shelter. The guys I've been hiking with are ahead of me so stealth camping was a good choice.
Date: 2018-10-07
To: Plumorchard Shelter
Miles today: 16.7

It rained overnight but the tent was fairly dry in the morning. It was warm and humid with lots of wet weeds along side the trail to soak my shorts but I was able to keep my feet dry. The trail had a lot of short ups and downs but wasn't too hard. I saw many section and day hikers heading the other way. I ran into a thru hiker I had met in the White Mts in NH who flipped to Springer Mt to hike north because the trail was closed in N VA for week for Hurricane Florence. I stayed at a shelter with six section hikers and answered lots of questions about thru hiking. They don't see many thru hikers this time of year so are curious about our challenges. Tomorrow I'm planning a short day to Top of GA Hostel.
Date: 2018-10-08
To: Top of GA Hostel
Miles today: 4.5

I slept in a little today since I had a short day planned. As I was packing stuff up inside the tent it started to rain. It came down quite heavily so I went into the shelter and had breakfast. After the rain stopped I packed up the wet tent and hiked the short distance to the hostel. I got showered and had laundry done and then read for a couple hours. At 4pm we shuttled to town for dinner and resupply. I have about five days to cover 70 miles so it should be a fairly relaxed pace. The only problem may be remnants of Hurricane Micheal headed this way. Forecasts call for 1-2in of rain over Wed and Thur. Looks like I will be hiking in the rain for a couple of days. The forecast looks good for the end of the hike.
Date: 2018-10-09
To: Blue Mt Shelter
Miles today: 19.1

I caught the 8am shuttle after a big breakfast. Three of the guys I've been hiking with were at the hostel last night. They slackpacked yesterday and are all a day ahead of me. I hit the trail on a wet misty morning. Sometimes the green tunnel keeps you dry but today it got me wet. The wind was blowing hard and the trees were dripping. It was a long day of climbing and descending. I'm trying to get to Neel Gap tomorrow evening to avoid a day of rain. Hurricane Micheal is headed this way and forecasted to drop a few inches of rain. I'm 50 miles from the finish so hopefully the rain doesn't slow me down.
Date: 2018-10-10
To: Mountain Crossings Hostel
Miles today: 18.8

The wind blew hard all night. It also rained most of the night stopping for a few hours after 6am. I hit the trail at first light and hiked in the rain most of the day. It never rained really hard but I was wet all day. I made it to Neels Gap by 3:30 and checked in to the hostel. I ate a pizza and took a shower and then hung stuff to dry. After I talked to my Mom on the phone a hawk tried to get a chipmunk and missed, crashing into the bushes. He then flew up to the rail of the deck and let me take several pictures before he flew away. Tomorrow the worst of the hurricane weather will hit here so I will take a day off before hiking the final 30 miles on Friday and Saturday to meet my Mom and daughter on Sunday. We will then hike the final mile together. What a wonderful way to finish this long journey.
Date: 2018-10-11
To: Mountain Crossings Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Hurricane Micheal blew through at a fast clip. We got lots of rain overnight but by morning It was mostly wind. It was still a good day to take off as a few hikers I talked to said the trail was pretty wet and the trees were dripping. The sun came out in the afternoon and the temps were noticeably lower. I had the hostel to myself and spent the day organizing hear, getting my final resupply, finalizing plans for Sunday and watching a couple of movies. I'm excited to get back on the trail in the morning with the cooler temps and getting closer Springer Mt. Two more somewhat easy days and then the finish on Sunday.
Date: 2018-10-12
To: Gooch Mt Shelter
Miles today: 15.4

The hurricane blew through quickly and brought much cooler temps. I left the hostel at first light to 20-30mph winds and temps in the 40s. I had to put on my rain jacket after climbing Blood Mt to stay warm. Thoughts of finishing the hike were very much on my mind as I hiked. There were lots of section hikers out on this day. I camped with section hikers from AL and answered many question about my hike. One more full hiking day before hiking the final mile with family.
Date: 2018-10-13
To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: broken clouds

I hung out at camp for a while in the morning since I didn't have far to go. There were many section and day hikers on the trail on this nice Saturday. I had many thoughts about life after the trail and felt a little overwhelmed about all that needs to be done when I get home. I arrived at camp around 3pm and was able to relax and socialize on my last night of camping. I went to bed very excited to see my Mom and daughter tomorrow.
Date: 2018-10-14
To: Springer Mt
Miles today: 2.8

I woke up on my last morning to light rain. I packed up and hung out at the shelter eating breakfast and chatting with the other campers. I hit the trail and slowly hiked toward the Springer Mt parking lot. Memories from the past six months kept me occupied. I arrived at the parking area and had a snack while waiting for my daughter and mom. They arrived about an hour later. It was so nice to see familiar faces. After hugs and news of their travels, we started up the trail toward the end. I had heard the final mile was easy but it was quite rocky. I knew we would gain 400ft in elevation over the mile but I didn't think the trail would be so rough. My 82 yr old mother did really well taking it slow and careful and climbing all the way to the top. I was surprised at how emotional I got at the top as memories of all the hard work to get here came flooding back. We took pictures and talked to other hikers and took more pictures. It was a wonderful end to the hike of a lifetime. We now had the task of going back down the steep rocky trail. We made it without mishap as my Mom did a great job of making her way down. It was fun to run into three other thru hikers finishing their treks. We saw one on the way up and two on the way down. They also had family hiking with them and their excitement was infectous. This day was a perfect way to end my long journey.
Date: 2017-12-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Spur of the moment hike. Grabbed my backpack, which already had some gear and items in it, weighted in at 24 lbs, and headed to a near by trailhead for the Florida Trail. Overcast day with temps in the low 60s. Didn't see any other hikers but did see a bike rider and several horses with riders. This section of the FT intersects a bike/horse trail in several places. A couple of miles into the hike I noticed my pack weight was primary all on my shoulders. After adjusting the hip belt and tighten it around my waist the backpack felt a lot better. I have lost some weight since I last put on the pack and evidently enough that my hip belt was too loose now. I will have to look more at this as the hip belt is now as tight as it will go. My pack is a ULA Circuit and I ordered it with a large belt. Might need to order a medium size belt before the thru hike begins... All in all a good hike, total round trip was about 6.5 miles. I need to do a few more shakedown hikes over the next couple of months and add more weight to the pack next time. I will have a base weight around 25 lbs for the thruhike so for my next shakedown I'll get my pack weight up to about 35lbs.
Date: 2017-12-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Spur of the moment hike today along the Florida Trail. Super nice day for a hike, temps in the upper 50's, sunny with no wind. Hiked approx 6 miles out and back and it took me about 2 hours 10 minutes. Loaded my backpack with 31 lbs this time. Pack felt better than last hike but the hip belt was still a little loose. I'll be investing in a smaller hip belt soon. All in all an excellent hike and very glad I went.
Date: 2017-12-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Afternoon hike today along the Florida Trail with a hiker buddy of mine. Another nice day for a hike, temps in the upper 60's, partly cloudy with no wind. Hiked round trip approx 7 miles out and back and it took us about 2 hours 30 minutes. It was getting dusk when we got back to the car, glad we headed back when we did. Loaded my backpack with 32.5 lbs this time. I did order a medium hip belt from ULA to replace the large belt and received it in 4 days. Excellent service! When I replaced the belt on the backpack I noticed there was a hole in one of the belt pockets. My ULA circuit is about 4 years old so definitely glad I replaced the belt. Pack felt better with the smaller hip belt. Another good shakedown hike.
Date: 2017-12-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Another great day for a hike here in Central Florida. Partly cloudy and mid 70s to 80ish toward the end. It was getting hot during the last couple miles. I hiked north on the Florida Trail in the Ocala National Forest from Juniper Springs campground to Hidden Pond. Six miles one way, for a total of twelve miles for this hike. Total time on the trail was 4 hours 20 minutes. Didn't really stop much during the duration of the hike. I did see 3 groups of day hikers along the trail today, total of about ten people. A really cool thing happened on the second half of the hike. I heard a bird call and then saw two of the birds about 20 yards away in some low bushes. I did recognize the birds as the Florida Scrub Jays which are in the area. The Scrub Jay is an threatened species and is limited to only six counties in Florida. When I heard the birds, I used my bird call app and called them using the same calling I heard. The two birds were joined by a third bird and the trio flew within ten yards of me, looking for where my bird call was coming from. They hung around about 5 minutes, calling back and bouncing from bush to bush before they decided I was not one of them and flew away. Pretty cool experience.
Date: 2017-12-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

After spending the day visiting a couple of friends I decided to swing by the REI store in Orlando. I had a few things in mind that I needed to pick up so this was a good opportunity. I don't get the chance to go in a store like REI too often so I was like a kid in a candy store. Walked around for a couple of hours and I do believe I looked at most of the hiker related gear I wanted to check out. I purchased: A Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor sleeping bag liner to supplement the EE quilt for those cold nights I'm expecting in March and April. A pair of Merino Wool liner gloves and a wool buff. Also a pair of Prana Stretch Zion hiking pants. I needed a new pair of pants for this hike as my old pair, while still in good shape and functional, is a size too big for me presently. So I got a couple inches smaller pants and they do fit a whole lot better now!! I also wanted to get a Spot Gen3 satillite GPS messenger but they were sold out. The saleman told me their price is 1/2 off until December 31 and I could order one online. So got to get that done in the next couple days!!
Date: 2018-01-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hiked six miles round trip with 25 pounds in the pack. Good hike with a friend along the Florida trail. Rained just a little but really not enough to get wet. Getting my pack and what I will be taking on the AT fine tuned. Looks like my base weight will be about 22 pounds and that includes some winter clothes. I¢m happy with that. I can¢t believe my hike starts in less than two months, will get here quickly!!
Date: 2018-01-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hiked today with a group of hikers along the Florida Trail approximately 7 miles out and back. Beautiful morning for a hike with temps starting in the 40s but warming up nicely by 11am. I met a 2015 AT thru hiker during the hike, trailname ¢Red Pepper¢and of course, proceed to tell him about my upcoming hike. Later after the hike was finished we met for a couple beers and more conversation about the AT. Discussed gear, hostels, shelters, other hikers he encountered, weather, injuries and other topics. He gave some great tips on taking care of blisters. Very enjoyable day.
Date: 2018-02-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

March 5 is getting close! It will be here before I know it. Feeling excited, anxious to get going but at the same time, nervous. Guess all that is pretty normal based on what I've been reading and viewing on thru hiker related blogs and videos. I'll be fine and I do believe I'm ready.Loaded up the backpack with about 25 lbs and did a short 2 hour hike today at a local park. Pack felt good and no problems with it or the load. The pack had everything I am planning to take loaded with the exception of just a couple of small items and an article or two of clothing I'm debating on taking. Looks like full pack including food and water will be no more than 30 lbs when I head out on the AT. Today I also tested out my Spot gps device and made sure it was set up right. Pretty cool to go to the website and see that indeed it did send my location at the 5 min intervals as it was suppose to do. Also set up my tent in the park, just for the practice and to show it to my friend that was with me today. Had it up and down and packed away in about 15 minutes. I had to laugh to myself as I saw the park maintenance employee come close by and gave me eye as he saw the tent set up in the park's picnic area....
Date: 2018-02-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Loaded up my full pack and headed out along the Florida Trail with a friend this morning. We did a section of the trail where there are diggings for the old Florida cross barge canal. The hills from the diggings are still there and we went up and down several times. Not like the AT pointless up and downs (PUDs) but it¢s the best I can do in Florida!! Had fun and did a little over six miles. Less than two weeks and I¢ll be on the AT!! I cannot wait!
Date: 2018-03-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Arrived Saturday afternoon and checked in at the visitor center and received my thru hiker number, #590!! Then proceeded go up to the lodge and attended some of ATKO events that is going on this weekend. Really had fun talking to others that are about to start their thru hike, as well as meeting some of the hostel owners, ridge runners, trail angels and of course Miss Janet who were all there. Very knowledgeable and friendly folks. Got some great advice and got even more excited about starting the hike. Did a little hiking as well since it was such a great weekend weather wise. Went up and down the 600+ stairs by the falls and went out and back on the approach trail a couple of miles. I guess I can now say I slackpacked the first 3 miles of the approach trail. Starting my hike Monday morning from the lodge, can¢t believe time is now after all the years of thinking about it.
Date: 2018-03-05
From: Amicalola Falls Lodge

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Started at the lodge at 850 and started up the approach trail. 7.7 miles to Springer Mountain summit and actual beginning of the AT. So these first miles do not even count! Got to springer about 2. My friend steve who drove me up to send me off also hiked up to the summit with me then turned and headed back to his car. Thanks Steve for the ride and all your help. I went ahead another 2.8 miles to stover creek shelter and stopped for the night. Total 10.6 miles but only 2.8 miles count!! Great hike today. About 15 people around the shelter but only 5 of us in the shelter. Suppose to rain tonight so I opted to stay in the shelter
Date: 2018-03-06
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Justus Creek
Miles today: 11.5

Lucky I opted to stay in the shelter as it rained off and on all night and at 7 when everyone started stirring it was raining steady. At 8 rain stopped so after packing and eating some breakfast I headed out and of course started raining again. Rain continued till about 130 with temps around mid 50s. Leap frogged several groups of hikers thru the day, stopped about 430 and set up camp. About six others here and are all friendly.
Date: 2018-03-07
From: Justus Creek

To: Lance Creek 
Miles today: 9.6

Rolled out of the tent this morning, cold with a few snow flakes. Eat a little breakfast as I pack everything into the pack and headed down the trail. Snow just lasted a few minutes and the wind started. Quite windy along parts of the trail and with the low temps I hiked with my puffy jacket on. Kept warm enough. Some good views today but had to keep moving or i would lose body heat. Made it to Lance Creek campsite about 4. Ate a good meal and crawled into the tent. Good day hiking today. Suppose to get into the low 20s tonight. I¢ll bundle up and should be fine.