morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-08-20
From: The Birches Lean-To

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: scattered clouds

I barely kept lastnight, too excited I guess. I stopped by the ranger station and dropped off some of the gear in my pack. Tent, sleeping bag, etc. I started the hike up Katahdin and it felt like I was running up the mtn now that my pack was so light. The climb was definitely the hardest on the trail and had the most elevation gain on the trail, around 4000ft in 5 miles with a 1700ft climb in one of those miles. It was a beautiful day with great views all around. I got to the famous sign on top of Baxter Peak and all sorts of emotions were hitting me. The journey finally came to an end. Hazard was already up there with his dad. They stayed in Millinocket and drove into the park early. Everyone trickled in after that, Humpty Dumpty, Captain Planet, Drum Solo and Special Delivery. We all took pictures and sat around talking. Captain Planets dad carried up a bottle of scotch and we all had a glass(plastic cup) and got a group picture next to the sign. We sat there for a few hours just enjoying the view and looking back on our hike, in shock that it is over. We all said our goodbyes and I hiked slowly back down to the campground with Captain Planet and Humpty Dumpty. Captain Planets parents gave Humpty Dumpty and me a ride to Millinocket and they headed back down the road. We checked into the hostel, The Appalachian Trail Lodge, took showers and did laundry. Then we went to Scootic In and had a lobster dinner, it was amazing. While we were at the restaurant there were four ladies that were previous thru hikers and they offered to buy us a drink, trail magic on our last day. Heading to Boston tomorrow and flying home tomorrow. It still hasn't set in that it is over and I still find it hard to believe that I walked here all the way from Georgia.
Date: 2011-03-08
To: One week to go
Miles today: 0.0

Hi folks, One week from tomorrow I will hopefully set foot on Springer mountain and begin the slow trek north. Before then I would like to take a moment to say thank you to a few people who have helped make this journey possible. First I want to say thank you to my employers who have allowed me take six month off work to walk the trail. Second a big thank you to my friends and workmates who have encouraged me to do this. Last but not least I want to say thank you to my family who are allowing me the time out to follow this selfish dream of mine. I will try over the next six month to keep this journal updated so you can follow my progress north. Go raibh maith agat.
Date: 2011-03-16
From: Springer mtn

To: Hawk Mtn shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: overcast clouds

AT journal16 march day 1Spent last night in hiker hostel,Dohlonega full house left hostel with nine others for springer mountain parking lot at 8.30. Got to top of springer at approximate 10.00 took a couple of photos and then left, pretty cool up there. Hiked back down to parking lot and continued on the AT. Stopped for lunch at 12 at tenting area before three forks. Trail was nearly all down hill to this point. Hiked mainly up hill onto hawk MTN shelter arriving at 2.35pm. Cooked dinner and was in sleeping bag by 7 as the evening got pretty cool. Took anti inflammatory as I think I will be pretty sore in the morning. Hikes most of the day with morphine. I'm adding these updates via the iPhone from notes written on the day not sure how it will work out.
Date: 2011-03-17
From: Hawk Mtn shelter

To: Gooch Mtn shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

17 march day 2Got up at 7am and was on the trail at 9.15 pretty slow start. The mornings are quite dark here as the clocks have changes. One word for today was HOT the temperature was pretty high all days so had to drink plenty all day. The day had 2 climbs the first was sassafras MFN didn't find this too bad but the next one Justus Mtn I found pretty tough going but I think it was mainly from the heat. Got to Gooch Mtn shelter at 2.45 after what felt like a really long 7.3 miles. Hiked all day on my own playing leap frog with snowman, l'escargot and bill. Time now is 7 and the teP is still on the twenties.Miles 7.3total 15.1
Date: 2011-03-18
From: Gooch Mtn shelter

To: Woods Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

18 march 2011 day 3 Left Gooch mountain shelter at 9  with morphine, made good time to woodys gap arising there at 12pm. Arrived at laurel creek campsite at 2.15 too early to stop so continued woods hollow shelter arriving at 5.30. A long hot day feet pretty sore and just burst a fine blister on my left little toe, put a dressing on it hopefully it will feel better in the morning. Must say I'm pretty knackered after the day, again the weather was much too hot for me. Heading to needs gap tomorrow morning hoping to stay the night there and grab a shower and laundry. Must say I'm stinking.Today's miles 11.8Total miles
Date: 2011-03-19
From: Woods Hollow Shelter

To:  Neels Gap
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: clear sky

19 march 2011  day 4Needs gapLeft woods hole shelter at 8.15 and met morphine back on the trail at 8.30 and headed to the top of blood mountain, spent a few minutes looking around and left to head for neels gap. Arrived at 10.30 and had two burgers for breakfast, supplied by some Georgia church. Best burgers I've had in a while. Had a shower and did laundry Good to have the smell gone. I had my pack looked at to try and get the weight down manage to get about 4 ins out. I have to carry less food and less water than I  carried in the last while.Today's miles 3.6Total miles 30.6
Date: 2011-03-20
From:  Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

20 march 2011 day 5Today's miles 10.9Total miles 41.5Left hostel this morning at 8.40 after breakfast of coffee and bagels. Made it to Tesnatee gap at 12.30 where we saw some lunatics messing around with motorbikes and one of them came a cropper, rider looked ok but the bike could have been in trouble. Continued north a ms stopped for lunch on top of Wildcat mountain didn't stay long at it was pretty cold today with a fine breeze blowing. Made it to  Low gap shelter by 4pm. Put up tent and seam sealed it. I'm pretty sore and tired after the day the blisters were ok but very sore for a few strides after stopping. The legs and knees are achey but I think that is from compensating for the blisters on the toes. It's windy here tonight so need to check tent before going to sleep.
Date: 2011-03-21
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Rocky Mountain Top
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

21 march 2011 day 6Left low gap shelter at 9am and followed easy Trail for about 6 miles before a sharp rocky climb up to blue mountain shelter. Stopped for lunch but not for long as the flies became unbearable. Continued down to unicoi gap where we missed some trail magic but picked up cold bottled left by someone thank you. Next came a ball breaker of a climb up to rocky mountain where there is about 10 of us camped for the night. I must say thank you to millhaus who allowed me to hang my food bag on his bear rope and also gave me some water as the water source is .4 of a mile back down the steep hill. Another hot day and I'm starting to hate the word gap as this often means a steep descent followed by a steep climb back out of it.
Date: 2011-03-22
From: Rocky Mountain Top

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

22 march 2011 day 7 Today's miles 11.9Total miles 64.0Another absolute killer of a day heat wise, the temperature here is like a good summer day. Add 11.8 miles alot of up and down it was a tough day finishing off with a 1000ft climb over a mile. I left camp this morning at 8.25 and got into shelter Deep Gap Shelter at 4.30ish fairly knackered. I'm heading into town tomorrow where I earlier booked into a motel as rooms in Hiawassee were filling up fast as there are about 20 people here at the moment all heading for town tomorrow. The walking as been fine but not pain free as my two little toes are badly blistered and so my whole gait is off leading to sore feet and knees. Time now is 8.20pm so time for bed.
Date: 2011-03-23
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: overcast clouds

23march 2011 day 8Todays miles 3.6Total miles 67.5Left Deep Gap Shelter at 8 this morning and hiked the 3.6 miles to Dicks Creek Gap. Got a lift from some guy in the back of a pick up truck with 5 others into Hiawassee. Went for a southern style breakfast which consisted of eggs, bacon, hash browns, biscuits(cross between a scone and bread) and some White sauce that they call gravy. After that I checked into the motel and showered off the last four days of dirt and smell, dido shopping for the next four days and hung about after that. Went for Mexican food about six and back to motel to rest after.
Date: 2011-03-25
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

25 march 2011 day10Today's miles 11.7Total miles 79.3Muskrat shelterLeft Hiawassee on the 8.30 shuttle to Dicks Creek Gap and started back on the trail at 8.50. Made good time to Plumorchard Gap and stopped for a snack. Headed on to the first major milestone of the trip the GA/NC border so now I have one state complete. The terrain in North Carolina so far has not been easy, the first introduction was a pretty severe climb out of Bly Gap. The weather is to change tomorrow and it looks like the wet gear will be coming out of the ruck sack. The forecast is for rain showers and some thunder and lightening for the next two days.
Date: 2011-03-26
From: Muskrat Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: moderate rain

26March 2011 Day 11Today miles 4.9Total miles 84.2Standing Indian ShelterSmall mileage today due to the adverse weather conditions, heavy rain and thunder and lightening most of the morning. Left camp at 8.50 after packing up a wet tent which weights alot. Made it to Standing Indian Shelter at 11.20 and managed to get one of the last places in the shelter and decided to stay. The rain is set to continue for the night and tomorrow morning so probably won't leave until late.
Date: 2011-03-27
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

27 march 2011 Day 12Todays miles 7.6Total miles 91.8Carter Gap rBad night weather wise loads of rain with thunder and lightening. Left the shelter at 8.50 with Millhaus and bumblebee and hiked the 7.6 miles to the Carter  Gap shelter where we decided to stay and dry out all the wet gear to lighten the weight of the packs as the tents were still wet from two mornings ago. Hoping to head out early in the morning and head to Rock Gap Shelter.
Date: 2011-03-28
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

28 march 2011 day 13Today's miles 12.1Total miles 103.9Rock gap shelter.Woke to heavy rain belting down on the shelter so decided to postpone leaving time until 10am.Left the shelter at 9.48 when the rain had stopped and headed out to climb Albert Mtn a tough climb with a little rock scramble near the top. Continued on to Big Spring Shelter where we had lunch and walked on to Rock Gap Shelter arriving there about 5 and shared a full shelter for the night.
Date: 2011-03-29
From: Rock Gap Shelter

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

29 march 2011 day 14Today miles 3.8Total miles 107.5Winding Stairs GapLeft shelter shortly after 8am and made our way to Winding Stair Gap where we got a lift from a lady on her way to college. Got dropped off at the supermarket and did resupply shopping and caught local bus to the budget inn where we are staying. Did laundry and showered and finally the nail came off my little toe. Went out and got new boots a size and a half bigger that the pair I was wearing. The forecast for tomorrow is for more rain and thunder and lightening so will probably take a zero day here tomorrow.
Date: 2011-03-30
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Franklin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

30 March 2011 day 15Zero milesTook a zero day in franklin and rested up as the forecast was for bad rain but it seemed to come during the night and the day wasn't too bad. Got up at 7 this morning to catch the free shuttle run by the baptist church and taken to their church hall where they feed you a breakfast of bacon and pancakes, take you photograph and post it to whoever you want to sent it to. I must say the hospitality of the people here in Franklin and the South in general has been great. They can't seem to be able to do enough to help the hikers out. All  I can say in thank you very much and it is really appreciated.
Date: 2011-03-31
From: Franklin

To: Tenting before Wayah Bald
Miles today: 10.9

31 march 2011 day 16Today's miles 10.9Total miles 118.4Tenting just before Wayah Bald Shelter.Left Franklin on Ron Havers 9 o' clock shuttle back to Winding Stairs Gap after having breakfast of bacon and pancakes provides by the baptist church people. Left the trail head at 10o' cloche and headed north again. Today was a day of mostly climbing, first to get up from the Gap, then there was a long steady climb up to Wine Springs and lastly a shorter hard climb up to Wayah Bald. The view from there made all the hard work worth while. From there we made our way down to the Wayah Shelter but decided to camp between the shelter and the Water source. It has gotten very cold early this evening down to 3.5oC at half six when I crept in to the tent and sleeping bag. There is a possibility of some snow falling during the night. It is now 7.30 and I'm ready to try and get some sleep as it too cold to hang around outside. Camped here with Millhaus, Bumblebee, Spud and Snakehips as we spent most of the day walking together. The new boots have worked out very well, no complaints from my toe all day but maybe the nail missing has also helped.This will probably be the last entry for until I get out of the Smokies hopefully in one piece.
Date: 2011-04-01
From: Tenting before Wayah Bald

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: scattered clouds

1 April 2011 Day 17Today's miles 10.9Total miles 129.3Wesser Bald ShelterWoke up to freezing temperatures this morning. It hit minus 2 at some stage during the night according to the thermometer on my watch. We left the camp site around am and headed for Burningtown Gap where there was promise of trail magic. Got there around 11 and a former thru hiker named Grits was cooking loose meat burgers, had a burger and can of coke and didn't hang around too long as if was much too cold. If you weren't moving you froze very fast and I think I was wearing most of the clothes I had, four layers on top. We just kept walking most of the day until we got to the shelter where we cooked dinner and were in the sleeping bags by 6.30 pm for the night. There were 8 of us in the 6 man shelter to help keep the temperature up at night.
Date: 2011-04-02
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: scattered clouds

2 April 2011 Day 18Today's miles5.9Total miles 135.2Nantahala Outdoor Center Left shelter at 8.30 am and headed for the NOC which is a big outdoor centre which caters for mainly White water sports, hikers and mountain bikers. We arrived here at 11.30am after another knee shattering descent with one beautiful view at the jump-off on the way down. The bunk room where we are staying tonight was not ready until 2pm so I did a little resupply of food mainly snack food as that seems to be what I want to eat at the moment. After that got to the bunk room, had a shower and did laundry and hung around until 12 of us went to eat dinner. 9.30pm now and time for bed, hoping to get scrawny start on the big climb ahead of us tomorrow.
Date: 2011-04-03
From: NOC

To: Cheoah Bald
Miles today: 7.9

3 April 2011 Day 19Todays miles 7.9Campsite at top of Cheoah BaldLeft the NOC at 9am after having breakfast in the river side restaurant and started what turned out to be a long day of climbing. We went from 1723ft to where we are camping now on Cheoah Bald at 5062ft over a 7.9 mile day so at the moment my calf muscles are screaming at me. The climbs weren't so bad except for the last 700 ft up Swim Bald and the last 200 ft up Cheoah Bald. We arrived her shortly after 3pm and set up camp, the view from here is spectacular. The temperature here at the moment is still in the high twenties but there is a good breeze blowing. Pretty amazing how one can go from wearing all you clothed just to stay warm 3 days ago to trying nor to get hear stroke today. Trying for a 14 mile day tomorrow to allow for a short run onto Fontana Dam the day after and allow time to resupply before entering the smokies where it looks like we will have some nice weather to start out with.
Date: 2011-04-04
From: Cheoah Bald

To: Cody Gsp
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

4 April 2011 Day 20Today's miles 10.8Camping at Cody GapHad a very windy night on top of the bald last night, didn't get much sleep even with the ear plugs in. The plus side of being camped up there was the sun set and sun rise which were beautiful. We left the bald at 7.50 this morning and stopped further on down out of the wind go eat breakfast, getting to grow accustomed to pop tarts as they are quick and easy. The day had one really tough climb up Jacobs ladder, man was that a steep one. We took a break for about an hour at Brown GFork Gap Shelter, while we were there I cooked my dinner and eat it, am I glad I did that as shortly after arriving here the thunder, lightening and rain started. I am writing this in the tent waiting for the rain to ease off so I can go hang my bear bag. This is supposed to ease off for a couple of hours at some stage. The tent is going to get a good testing this evening. Tomorrow we head for Fontana Dam which we caught glimpses of evert now and then while walking today, looks pikers great big swimming pool in the distance. Today the temperature was in the high twenties for most of the day but there was a good breeze blowing which helped to keep cool, but whenever there is a big climb there seems to be only hot sun, so needless to say there is a fine aroma coming from me. Tomorrow brings shower and laundry to that can be sorted for a little while.
Date: 2011-04-05
From: Cody Gsp

To: Fontana Dam Visitors Centre
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

5 April 2011 day 21Today's miles 10.4 Fontana Dam Visitors CentreWhat a night! A major storm came in last night loads of thunder and lightening and gale force winds and to top it off snow. The tent was really tested by all the elements and managed to withstand it all. The cold and wind made for a quick breakdown of camp and hit the snow dusted trail at 8.10 and headed for Cable Gap Shelter where we took a break before continuing to Fontana Dam arriving at 1pm. We then continued on the 1.4 miles on to the Visitors Centre where we were collected by Jeff from the Hike Inn. Spent part of the evening cleaning and drying out the tent after last nights weather. We got a lift into town at 5pm to get something to eat and do the resupply at the grocery, probably got too much food again, I seem to be eating a lot of rubbish at the moment it helps to supply a energy fix. I would recommend to have a stay here and chill out. Heading back out tomorrow for our first day in the smokies at 8am, have a long slow pull out of the dam ahead of us first thing.
Date: 2011-04-06
From: Fontana Dam Visitors Centre

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

6 April 2011 day 22Mollies Ridge ShelterToday's miles 10.7Got lift back to the trail from Jeff at the hiker hostel. Signed the permits for the smokies at the visitors centre and then crossed the dam and headed into the woods once again. The underfoot conditions were good all day with well maintained switch backed trail. It was a long slow climb for most of the day and we eventually got to mollies ridge shelter around 4pm. Another warm day here.
Date: 2011-04-07
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derricks Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

7 April 2011 day23Today's miles 11.7Derricks Knob ShelterHad a slow start to the morning and didn't leave the shelter until 8.40am. Made good time this morning and stopped for a break at Russell Field Shelter and lunch at the Spence Field Shelter. Then started into what was a very tough 6 miles to Derrick knob Shelter where I am now. Those 6 miles involved climbing Rocky Top and Thunderhead mountain followed by a lot of ups and downs on difficult terrain on badly blazed trail. Eventually made it go the shelter at 4.45, pretty knackered. Have a 14 mile day planned for tomorrow up over Clingmans dome, not sure at the moment if that will happen as the feet are pretty sore and there is also isolated thunder storm forecast for tomorrow evening. Staying in tent tonight as the shelter was full when I arrived. Keeping pack in the tent so hopefully no bears around tonight. Miles stone for the day was I now less than 2000 miles left to kathadin.
Date: 2011-04-08
From: Derricks Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: light rain

8 April 2011 day 24Today's miles 7.2Double Spring Gap ShelterHit the trail early 8am this morning in anticipation of a long day on the trail. The weather was very overcast and foggy. Arrived at Double Spring Gap Shelter at 11.45 and waited for Millhaus and Bumblebee to arrive, then decide to stay as the weather was closed in and are hoping for some views tomorrow morning from the top of Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the AT. So just spent the day just hanging around the shelter chatting with the other hikers as they came in or passed through. Heading for Gathlinburg tomorrow, at the moment we are on the border between NC and Tn.
Date: 2011-04-09
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Newfoung Gap Gathlinburg
Miles today: 10.8

9 April 2012 day 25Today's miles 10.8Newfound GapSo much for waiting to get clear views from clingmans dome. Woke up to cloudy foggy conditions bit quite humid. Hit the trail at 8 and got to Clingmans Dome at 9.30 but got no views at all, climbed tower any way. Hit back on the trail and made some good time arriving at Newfound Gap around two p clock. Got a shuttle Ride into Gathlinburg And checked onto the Grand Prix motel for the night. Did laundry and showeres and then headed put for some BBQ food with a bunch of other thru hikers. Did some resupply after dinner and then headed foe bed. legs pretty tired at the end of the day.
Date: 2011-04-10
From: Newfoung Gap Gathlinburg

To: Ice Water Spring Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: few clouds

10 April 2011 Day 26Today's miles 3.0Icewater Spring Shelter.Breakfast this morning was coffee and doughnut supplied by the motel, them went out and finished resupply. Got a lift from some trail angels back to the gap and was back hiking by two o clock. Took our time going up the climb tooth first shelter 3 miles up and staying and staying there for the night. Going to try and get early enough start tomorrow and head put for a 12 mile day.
Date: 2011-04-11
From: Ice Water Spring Shelter

To: Tri-corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

11 April 2011 day 27Today's miles 12.6Tri-Corner Knob ShelterHeaded out of shelter at 8am and headed north once again. The first stop of the day was a mile out and a quick side trail up to Charlies Bunion, a large rocky outcrop overlooking a big view. Stopped for lunch near peaks corner and then headed for the shelter, arriving shortly after 3.30. The terrain was good today and there was only two climbs along the way. It getting pretty cold here and there are some thunder storms forecast for later. 10% of the trail complete today.