morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Fontana Dam

To: Home
Miles today: 73.0
Weather: light rain

¢Animal has left the forest!¢I must be strange¢¦more then everyone says. When I complete an extremely tough thru hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2012 I feel bad about it. When I fail after 240 miles in 2014 I¢m happy as can be. I¢m even laughing out loud when alone. And why not¢¦I had a great time on the trail and now I¢m having a great time off it.Yes, I am at home.My left knee stopped working properly. It seems that the lubrication of the knees is directly related to water absorption in the body. (-Among other necessary things that I was not consuming enough of.) The good news is the damage should repair itself.Sure, I could have toughed it out and even rehabbed the knee on trail. But a funny thing happened when I thought about quitting- I liked the idea. The idea even put a smile on my face. So, I told the hikers that my hike was over and kept smiling. And I¢m not going back this year. I think?I will miss all the great hikers I met in 2014. I¢ll be following many hiker¢s journals and be rooting for all of you. I traded in my bucket for Pom-poms. Go, go, class of 2014!Right now I¢m going through a Rip Van Winkle readjustment period.I¢ll post more when I figure out what¢s going on. Anyone know?
Date: 2014-02-07
To: Sam's gap to Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

During the long cold winter here in Michigan, with snow levels keeping us on the treadmill, Comfort Zone and I decided to head to the AT and continue my northward journey in March. Hoping that we would experience warmer temps. It almost worked.I will be adding some gear in days to come.. I did a few things different, constantly trying to find lighter options while maintaining a high degree of safety. Our journey began on March 16, with a 10 hour plus drive to Damascus.
Date: 2014-03-16
To: Drive to trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

We departed Michigan at 7:30 am, hoping to arrive in Damascus before Mount Rogers closing at 6 pm.   Drive down was uneventful, but rainy and foggy in places. We pulled into Damascus just as Mount Rogers Outfitters was closing. Foruantely they left the key for us to Dave's Place. Great place to relax and organize for the morning. Ate at the Blue Blaze and talked with a hiker who had been on trail for a month. Stories of ice covered trails and cold nights. But sunny days also so he was having a great time. Turned in early as our shuttle arrived at nine and we had breakfast and a two more items to pickup in the morning. Extra batteries for Comfort Zone's headlamp and a trash bag for rain Skirt.
Date: 2014-03-17
From: Sam's Gap

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: snow

Had a good nights sleep at Dave's Place. Not real happy with my Klymit torso pad inside my bag, will try something different. Packed what we could and headed for breakfast at Dairy King. Great breakfast and more nice Local's. We headed out to the grocery west of town to pickup some large trash bags, chapstick and batteries for the headlamps. They had it all, the batteries can be hard to find as they are the round flat ones.Finished packing and back to Dave's Place to get our gear. On to the Mill parking lot where Tom from Erwin was waiting for us. We loaded up and headed out. Tom filled us in on some aspects of the trail we would be going over, very helpful. We drove thru heavy rain on the way to Sam's Gap. Arrived at the trailhead @10:30 and off up the mountain we headed. Not having enough training really put me breathing hard. Slow and steady up and up we went. We passed some interesting rock formations. The Garbage bag skirts worked well in keeping the intermittent rain off. We reached the top of the Bald in rain and dense fog, not much to see. A little direction confusion coming down when we hit the road, but we sorted it out. And were at the Shelter around 4 pm. Enough for one day. About 2,500 feet climb, 8 miles. The rain had let up and with more in the forecast going on was not an option.   Water source was good, we filtered and treated the water with aqua mira. First time using Aqua Mira, not sure I like all the steps. But with all the illness in this area last year, thought it would be wise to double treat. Had a good meal of potatoes, crackers, hot chocolate and power bar. Built a nice fire and dryed out the boots. We were in our bags at 7 pm, both sore. Only saw three trail runners during the day. No wildlife. At 7:30 a lone hiker rolled in as the rain was falling again, coming from Hogback ridge shelter. Told him we had lots of room, but he was determined to make Erwin, and after eating he left in the dark about 8:15. Twenty nine mile day, must have had a hot date. Sleep came to the sound of rain falling on a tin roof.
Date: 2014-03-18
From: Sam's gap to Damascus

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Sleep comes hard with rain on roof, comfort's zone crinkly x-therm, snoring makes it a long night. Much prefer a tent, but with these conditions a shelter is most welcome. One big improvement is placing my klymit torso pad under my Z-lite. Keeps the torso pad in place. I am surprised at how comfortable it is. The width is the big difference as I use a large neoair which is 25 inches. Prehaps cutting down my neoair is the perfect solution.Much cooler in morning, but not freezing. Takes a while to get moving always done first few days on trail. But plan is only for 11 miles so there is no hurry. Going down a bit we hit lots of fallen ice on trail. A silver trail of ice that had fallen off the trees branches. We must have been in a warm spot at the shelter. The ice continues until we pass the high rocks. I keep looking for the late night hiker, but no trace. Must have been hard hiking in the freezing rain.Meet one day hiker, apparently looking for the hiker we saw the evening before. We tell him what we know. And that we had not seen anyone else from Big Bald Shelter. He thanks us and says he will go another hour, nice day for a hike.Lots of water on trail, streams running good. We fill up before we reach No Business Knob Shelter. And the sun finally makes a appearance when we reach the shelter about 3:30 pm. May be early but this is more training, easing into the miles. Good place to rest and plenty of clothes lines to dry out the gear. Wind and sun do a great job to fluff up the bags.One thing I like about beating the crowd is you never have to go far for firewood. Usually lot of dead branches within sight. As we drift off a thru hiker pulls in. Tumbleweed eats a quick dinner and settles in for the night.
Date: 2014-03-19
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Ridge camp ground 
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: broken clouds

First nice morning with lots of sunshine. Gentle walking, good switchbacks into town. Great views of river on the descent. Looks too shallow to even Kayak. See a hawk gliding on the air currents, looks like you could reach out and touch him. Stop at Uncle Johnney's for food pickup. They try to find a piece to repair a broken pole I have. No luck, well the duct tape is working well.We have salty chips and a few snacks, repack our bags. Comfort Zone catches up with Tumbleweed and Odysesus. I make a few calls home and check weather. Looks like weather coming in, would like to make it over Roan On Friday. We head north to Curly Maple Knob shelter, prehaps farther. Pass an older fellow on the way up. He is continuing a hike started last year. I know how he feels. He is carrying a lot of weight. He had a white blaze on blue t-shirt, hope he fares well.   We arrive abruptly at Curly Maple, Odysesus is there and Tumbleweed pulls thru as I am getting water. Very nice shelter, with two other section hikers set up in tent, huge campfire. We pull out however to go another two miles to ridge campground. Beautiful site enough room for two tents. A breeze which is nice to dry out the bags and socks I wash.Biggest day so far and we both feel good. Blisters under controal. A breeze begins to pick up as I fall to sleep. You have to love it.
Date: 2014-03-20
From: Sam's gap to Damascus

To: Weedy Gap
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

Very windy in the morning, we decide to forgo immediate breakfast and head out of the wind. Within an hour we are near Indian Grave Gap and stop for breakfast. Sun finally peaks out at 10 am. The weather we have been expecting arrives. We begin the climb up Unaka mountain at 11. Taxing to say the least. We are getting great views toward what turns out to be Roan mt. In our quest to lower our pack weight we each left our maps out. Big mistake.We arrive at the top into a spruce forest. Beautiful but no views of the surrounding terrain. We eat a relaxed lunch, several day hikers with dogs pass us. Heading down in nice weather we pass Iron Mt Gap, and are immediately overtaken by two women with a large dog out for a weekend hike up Roan. It is getting late by the time we reach Weedy Gap. 14.6 miles , big for us. The water although piped is a trickle and we end up scooping it up. Takes 45 minutes to get water. Getting used to the aqua mira, but still think I would go with Bleech next time around. Campsites are a bit uneven in meadow, so we set up higher on the hill and even on an old two track. We have a bit of a wind so airing out the bags is easy. Once again campfire wood is easy to find and a fire warms our souls. Should be on Roan tomorrow.
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Weedy Gap

To: Stan Murry Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

Site wasn't bad, a little sloped, had to keep moving myself up. Another sunny morning to start hiking. Up and over a number of small climbs. We were overtaken, by the two girls and their dogs during a rest break. We can decern our course up Roan, across Hughes Gap.   The morning warms up as we see Little Rock Knob. Totally unexpected climb up thru the rocks. Great views down into the valley. One of the days highlights.We pass the girls again as they get water. Should have been a clue to me. But we press on, hoping to find water at Ash Gap. Crossing Ash the trail has a lot of Switchbacks making the climb up to Ash a nice one. It takes a while but we come to Ash, and despite searching cannot find the water. No Blazes, no worn footpath, our guidebooks are in disagreement. We start up a steeper trail, with no switch backs for 400 vertical feet, can see where the planned trail will have switchbacks. When we near the top, ice covers the trail. Long streaches forcing us into the brush. Topping out is rather anti-climatic, no views at the high point of the trail, but a side trail takes you to the site of the old hotel. There are great views to be found there. Leaving the hotel site we start to slide down the trail again. Immediately I run into an overhanging dead pine. Knocks me for a loop. I try to move it to no avail. Shaken, comfort zone takes the lead and we continue our skating down the ice, totally missing our left hand turn. We get back on trail at the parking lot down the road.   Lots of day hikers doing the balds in a fierce breeze and cool temps. Over round bald then up Jane Bald. Jane Bald is where I saw a Mountain Bluebird. A brilliant blue winged bird with a white underbelly. I found out at home that it must have been either a rare one, or a eastern bluebird, but we saw no orange whatsoever. It was another highlight of the day. Down the backside we went in heavy mud. Reaching Stan Murry shelter and then end of a 11 hour day. We ran into Odyesus there who was headed to Overmountain shelter. But we were had. The trail to get water was steep, but not far. We were both glad to be done for the night. With a shelter to ourselves, to snore in, and crinkle the neoair in without disturbing anyone.Tomorrow Mountain Harbor for the night and resupply.
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Stan Murry Shelter

To: Mountain Harbor Hostel
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Good night's sleep, most likely one of the least used shelters because of proximity to OvertonMountain shelter. Hike up from Yellow Mountain Gap was Steep, no switchbacks. Great views back to the Overtonmountain shelter, and Roan Mountain. As we Crest Little Hump the winds become fierce. It is hard for me to stand and I must use a pole to stay upright on the accent of Hump mountain. Once over the top the meadow is serene. Drop to 19E is scenic with large dropoffs to gaze over. A few waterfalls, lots of rocks. Youngesters passing us seem to fly over the rocks, we are stepping lightly. Uphills are hard, but downhills especially 5 mile ones can do a number on Knees.We reach 19E and turn left to Mountain Harbor. Rather deceiving it is a hostel over a horse barn. Although the horse is very old and might not be there much longer. It is surprizingly large on the inside with two semi private rooms, and a 4 bed common room. We lucked out and got the semi-private with a almost private bath. Mary was quite helpful and gave us a ride into Roan Mt, for dinner and resupply. I ate far too much at the BBQ, Comfort Zone and I ate with Timeout and Crunchie a pair of Brits on a 14 month holiday to do the AT, South America, and the New Zeeland north south hike. Great conversation, once you pick up on the accent. We did a little resupply, did not need much as our resupply box had made it to Mountain Harbor in good shape. Returning to the hostel everyone retreated to their rooms to sort their resupply. I had picked up some eggs and bread, fried eggs in the morning for Breakfast as Mary would not be doing breakfast. Turning in at 8 pm, with a full stomach.
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Mountain Harbor Hostel

To: Moreland gap campsite
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: light rain

Eggs and toast for breakfast. Nice for a change from oatmeal. Timeout is boiling eggs to take on trail, not a bad idea. Will have to try it.We set off at 7:15, get 200 yards from hostel when rain comes in waves. We stop and suit up. Love the garbage bag skirt. Works well coupled with my gaiters.Climb out of 19E is steep at times, wet and muddy. See only wildflowers in wildlife protection area. Weather is cold, sleety and rainy. Still nice to hike in and we are doing serious miles. See no one on trail for the day. Rain ends around 11am. Sun finally pokes out about 3 pm. We push past Moreland gap shelter and continue to campsite at gap. Beautiful site with a meadow. Flat spots on grass our favorite. Wood is plentiful and a nice little fire warms us up and the breeze fluffs up our bags. Big day for us 20.9 miles. We had heard of a weather system coming in and would like to beat it. Physically my knees are doing good. Downhills are still the killer for the knees, but I use the trekking poles religiously and that helps. Blisters on one heel that I use my ankle wrap on works well. My claw toe gets a bandaid. Comfort Zone is using preventive padding. Overall we are doing well. Projected mid-twenties tonight. I use my puffy and bury my water under leaves to protect against freezing temps.Views from gap to the west are outstanding. Life is good.
Date: 2014-03-24
From: Moreland gap campsite

To: Vandervender Shelter
Miles today: 17.5

Cold night, started small fire to get fingers moving again. Sunshine and great views of Hampton and Pond Mountain. Can see the ridge we will be following out of Hampton in distance. Nice hike down to Dennis cove road and the Pond Mountain Wilderness. Beautiful walk down the river, trail down to laurel falls gets rocky and steep, Glad to be going down instead of up. We get some great views with sunshine and warm temps. In Hampton we pickup our resupply at the store not the hostel. Very nice people, I can say that about all Tenneesee people I have met. We get a tour of the hostel, spartan but nice, and the adjoining living area. Beautiful southern pine floors and antique furniture. A baby grand piano. We get a taste of music by our shuttle driver a local MC formally from our home state of Michigan. Very talented. WE are warned of the impending storm, evidently the forecast had changed from the night before. However we did not know that.But the trail is calling and we get a ride out 321, cutting off the pond mt loop. Neither of us felt the 1600 ft up and down around pond moutain, would do our knees a lot of good. We rejoin the trail and say goodbye, once all the dogs get corraled back into the drivers car.Soon we reach Watauga shelter, and spread out our bags to dry. Comfort Zone rebandages his toes, a preventative measure. One of the nicest shelters, well protected from the winds and water close.On we go crossing eh Watauga Dam and up into the wilderness once more. We follow the ridgeline with a good view of the Lake. Trail has some nice switchbacks which make the hiking nice. We come upon one thru hiker, taking a break. She is doing serious mileage. We inform her of the weather forecast. We reach Vandervender without water. The spring on the trail is a trickle, so we have to descend the 1/2 mile nearly straight down a ravine to get water, at shelter. Big mistake. Water source is good, but a killer climb. The views from the shelter over the valley are outstanding. We get set up in the shelter when another hiker stops for the night. A light and fast hiker, doing the trail from springer to over Mount Rogers, before he starts a new job as an outdoor guide. The third guide we have seen on this hike. He informs us the now will start at 5 am. Hard to believe, such a beautiful day.   I bury the water again in the leaves and we turn in to a gentle breeze.
Date: 2014-02-01
To: Here we go!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Oh baby! My heart is bounding out of my chest, my palms are like a slimmy, cold fish, my fingers are trembling, my stomach has been overtaken by overactive butterflies flitting around, my thoughts are a mile ahead of my feet I haven't even begun to hike yet. All I'm doing is creating a TrailJournals account. I guess this makes it as official as it's going to get for now. First entry of three done before this goes live. More to come as I try to get my thoughts and fingers coordinated to tell this story of my journey! 'Til next time......
Date: 2014-02-02
To: Why not?
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I've had this innate desire to hike the Appalachian Trail since I was a kid. I don't know when or how this seed was planted but I do attribute this in part to my family who blessed me with some wonderful camping and hiking experiences as a child. I also believed that this was just another dream I would never see come to fruition. But things change, life happens, doors close and doors open. Recently many doors have opened leading me towards Springer Mountain, Georgia to the "footpath" called the Appalachian Trail. I don't have just one reason why I want to hike. I have many reasons to embark on this journey, too many to discuss here. But I do know this.... I want to be a participant in my life and not an observer. I want to live my life intentionally and without regrets. I want to take risks, find answers and follow my heart's desires to where ever that journey takes me. I want to live life one day at a time fully present to see the beauty in each and every moment. So why not give this a go? I'm going to do this! I'm gonna just keep walking and see where this adventure leads me. After all, "life is a journey, not a destination." Ralph Waldo Emerson
Date: 2014-02-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Pinning on a number is bold. It says, yes, I am a runner. It speaks to the idea of getting out there, putting ourselves out there, and the glory of the try. The simple act, pin through fabric, through paper, clasp, repeat ¢ sometimes in life we get to choose our own labels. Kristin Armstrong, "Putting Pin to Paper" This is a quote from my "Daily Kick in the Butt" from Runnersworld.com. It really spoke to me this morning. I ran 7 marathons last year and am now switching gears to hike this year...and maybe run one or two marathons when I'm done. Hiking parallels running in many ways. Just switch up the quote..."Putting on your pack is bold. It says, yes, I am a hiker. It speaks to the idea of getting out there, putting ourselves out there, and the GLORY OF THE TRY. The simple act, get up, eat, walk, sleep, repeat-sometimes in life we get to choose our own path." The GLORY OF THE TRY is what this adventure is about for me. It is a journey, one day at a time and we will see where that takes me.This journal is for my family and friends who wish to join me on this adventure but physically can not. I feel very blessed to have their support which will keep me trudging on my path to Maine. Let the adventures begin! GA-ME on!
Date: 2014-02-15
To: snow days
Miles today: 0.0

Got to enjoy a good run and few hikes over the past few snow days. Clothing layers worked well and I stayed toasty warm! Also got my reservations made at Amicalola Lodge for the night before my walk. I have a strange mix of feelings. It's been quite a rollercoaster ride...all part of the journey. Been working on a blog with more details yet to come. Looking forward to meeting all of you 2014 NOBOers out there!
Date: 2014-02-23
To: Too much food!
Miles today: 0.0

14 days until I make the trek to Springer Mtn. Yikes! I'm feeling really anxious today about everything that needs to be done yet. I've just realized that this is my last free weekend before I leave. Ugh. So today I ran around doing errands and buying food so I could begin to assemble four mail drops. I love planning, researching and preparing for this trip but I don't want to obsess over planning every single detail. I trust things will work out as they're supposed to but I've decided to be proactive and send a mail drop to the more challenging locations for a resupply. I really have no idea about the quantity of food I will be eating further up the trail (other than a lot!) or what kind of food will even taste good. I do know I love food and I love to cook and would like to continue to eat reasonably healthy on the trail so creating fast, tasty, healthy hiking meals has been a fun challenge. It might become too much work further up the trail but time will tell. I didn't get to "play with my food" as much as I wanted to today. The food pretty much landed on the table and there it sits waiting to be packaged. It sure is exciting though to look it and day dream about where on the trail I'll be eating it! I have fond memories of the food I've eaten and the locations where they've been eaten on past backpacking trips! I've been known to plan vacations around food! On to the next gastronomical journey!
Date: 2014-03-05
To: Last day of work
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I just feel numb! I don't know how else to explain how I feel at the moment. I get little "holy shit!" moments when I think about what I'm about to do. But that doesn't even seem real yet. My last day of work was today and I now have 2 days to finish getting ready. My to-do list is incredibly long and growing by the minute. That in and of itself is a bit overwhelming however, I have confidence everything will get done. Just like walking to Maine, one step at a time.
Date: 2014-03-09
To: We're here!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Was a beautiful day for a drive through the mountains to Amicalola State Park. The waterfall here is truly breath taking, more so than imaginable. We will be up and at in the morning. Been a few loooong, emotional days. So grateful for my family and all the people who have been a part of my journey to this point and who will continue to be from here on out. Couldn't do it without any of you! Thank you! Exhausted and headed to bed!