morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-01-12
From: Franklin, NC

To: Carter gap shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

We didn't actually get back on trail until close to noon. We got Bojangles for breakfast and dilly dailied with beast, zen and the pups for a while. We all crammed into zens car including Josie the dog who insisted on going. All the snow had melted and it felt like 60 degrees out. It wasnt really muddy either. Just nice soft, clear, easy trail. There were a couple little climbs and everyone and their mother warned us about the backside of Albert mtn. It was a bit steep ND rocky but over in just a couple minutes. There was a cool fireptower with a really nice empty room/cabin at the top, but also padlock ed. You could go up to the Covered balcony at least. I caught up to tealeaf by then and we both climbed it and took in the completely fogged out view. We then hiked together most of the rest of the way and never did catch up to buckshot or slope turtle.
Date: 2017-01-13
From: Carter gap shelter

To: Plum orchard gap shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: clear sky

The day started off unpromising when I reached into the duff bucket and almost grabbed a dead mouse. It was all pretty uphill from there though. We hit GA, our last state on the trail with only 70 some miles left. It's slowly starting to hit me that the hike is almost over. I'm gonna miss being in the woods most nights. We got a great shelter to ourselves tonight. Almost total silence except the piped spring nearby and a full moon with clear skies for the first time in what seems like a while. Nd its still a toasty 40 degrees plus for the evening. I actually hiked in t shirt and shorts fot the first time this winter probably. Today I passed by 4 more nobos too. It's a steady stream now. Here's an up the nose shot of me by the tree that marks the GA border. It's the gnarley one center right
Date: 2017-01-14
From: Plum orchard gap shelter

To: Top of GA hostel
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: clear sky

Took my time leaving the shelter. It was a pretty chill morning, lots of woodpeckers. Passed a lot of people in the trail over just a short distance. I'd forgotten it was a holiday weekend. Then we got some serious trail magic from Kelly who'd driven up from Athens with her boyfriend. That was really really nice so late in the game. She brought us a 12 pack of terrapin beer, gave us a ride into town and bought us some banging Mexican food, then took us to Ingles to resupply. It was fun hanging out. Not a fan of this hostel though. Nothing they advertised was true and we just got unwelcome, bad vibes from the staff even though we were the only 4 hikers there that night. They kept coming over to the bunkhouse to check in on us under some pretext pretty much once an hour. They thought Kelly and Daniel were trying to steal a stay or something and reminded them several times they yad to leave by 7pm. Felt like a nanny boarding school conditions. We had fun regardless though. Thanks Kelly! Teashot just missed Kelly when they got back from dinner which was a bummer, but then the 4 of us had the place to ourselves. It was a sobo bubble party. And we may actually be the last sobos after all. Tealeaf showed me a picture the dude zen from the last hostel had posted of us on Facebook and that's how he described us. We're bringing up the caboose.
Date: 2017-01-15
From: Top of GA hostel

To: Rocky mountain
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We got our cold cereal and then I actually cooked up some eggs. We were out of the hostel by 10 and spent the next few miles talking about last night options for springer. It's so close now. Today was actually a lot of steeper ups and downs than we've been used to. It was beautiful weather. Mostly clear and felt like almost in the 70s. There's a campsite up at the top of this mountain that were at, and I'm in my hammock for the first time in a while. I forgot how wonderful they are. Sleeping in shelters just seduced me fore so long mostly due to smokies regs and laziness.  It's so nice laying here looking at the stars, seeing the sunset. There's a 10 to 20 percent chance of rain but I'm totally risking it for this view.
Date: 2017-01-16
From: Rocky mountain

To: Past hog pen gap
Miles today: 15.9

I woke up to that same red sky as at sunset. We lucked out on the no tarp gamble. It had clouded up though and soon became a misty, kinda dank day. There were a couple elevation changes for starters, with a lot of rocky terrain. But then it mellowed out and was pretty gravy. We stopped at a few shelters for breaks and met some more northbounders. Towards the end of the day it was pretty much white out fog. And before the gap We saw a frickin armadillo! A dead one but fully in tact right by the trail. We couldn't figure out if this was natural habitat or someone had brought this thing out in trail for a laugh. Regardless, pretty vool looking. You should never touch them because I've heard they carry leprosy. Really wanted to feel its shell though. We've got kind of a lousy stealh campsite tonight and it's a thick fog with steady drizzle. At least it's not hardcore raining though. If it does rain tomorrow I think we're gonna hit up one more hostel, then one more night on the trail, then springer!
Date: 2017-01-17
From: Past hog pen gap

To: Woody gap
Miles today: 17.3

I woke up to the kind of dampness only a permeating stagnant fog can provide. I had a dry little pocket I was cocooned in at least. I was trying to get an early start so riled the troops at 7 and got Kate walking a little after 8. It was still a misty damp fog most of the day. It never all out rained though. Around 11 I got to neels gap which passes through mountain crossings hostel and gear/grocery. This is the place with the famous shoe tree where I guess quitting nobos or nobos with ill fitting shoes through them up in the tree as an alm. The couple working were really nice and excited that we were sobos. We got a frozen pizza and hung out in the store for a while. The girl took our picture and was excited for us. That was really nice. We're basically celebrities and I'm more convinced that we are in fact thd last sobo bubble. After the gap was blood mountain, the last real climb if the trip. It was still super foggy and actually was really rocky too. It's called that apparently dye to a Cherokee and Cree battle that had blood running down the mountain. How you have a battle up that climb I don't know. Most of the rest of the day I hiked alone and let it sink in how close we were getting. It finally cleared up near thd end and I sat at this awesome view for like an hour just watching the clouds roll by. We got a shuttle back to the hostel which will be fantastic. All of m th gear is wet and being able to dry it for the last night is great. We did our last resupply at Walmart and got Chinese takeout. The hostel is super nice and I'm glad this'll be our last hiking hostel and not top of Georgia. We had a mini party in the space to ourselves then watched Dr. Strangelove until way too late. In bed by 1an! And breakfast us at 8! Oh well, good times.
Date: 2017-01-18
From: Woody gap

To: Hawk mountain campsite
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

The hostel had a baller breakfast and I think lived up to the dudes hype as one of the best on the AT. Only white Mountain and Paul's place are on the same level. The other guy staying there was starting at springer so that was cool riding over there together. We had a brief safety meeting then the trail was super easy. One person referred to it in the log as the GA red carpet. I almost agree but then it had a few more humps and bumps up its sleeve that gave me a workout. I'm so grateful we had a beautiful day. It was clear, pretty sunny and like 60 degrees. It's not supposed to rain overnight either so I'm keeping the tarp off and looking at the stars. This campsite were at us pretty unique. It's brand new and is a quarter mile long side trail on the hillsides with single tent spaces carves out of the hill. Along the way is a privy and bear boxes with a spring at the end.  It's built for volume which I'm guessing it'll see in nobo season, but we're the only ones out here tonight. I had to go in a way to find a fire ring because I brought a Firestarter and am determined to have a fire our last night, wet wood be damned. It kinda worked too, but the woos is super wet so didn't last too long. I ate my last trail dinner of veggie tofu lo mein.  We're. Only 7 miles away from springer. Can't believe it.  There's that famous ending or beginning from some novel that escapes me how everything happens gradually, and then suddenly.  The end seems super sudden even though we've slowly walked here for almost 6 months.
Date: 2017-01-19
From: Hawk mountain campsite

To: Springer mountain
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: clear sky

The end! It'll probably take several days to sink in. Right now I'm on the deck of the amicalola falls state Park lodge. Got a view of the surrounding mountains at twilight and a Sweetwater 420 ale on the little table next to my rocking chair. It feels really good. The summit was fantastic. It was cloudy and threatening to rain all day but we actually got a dry view from the top. So grateful. We had an all out photo shoot after we did our celebrations. For those planning, there's a wonderful tree stump that makes a fantastic phone Holder for the picture. (My phone just capitalized holder and I'm going to assume it's for holders inequality, math rocks) this morning it was sort of dawning that today was the last morning of breaking camp. We were up early but all kind of lingered. I was so comfortable in my hammock just watching the day break. At breakfast there was a 30 second stint of rain, then nothing. Just a little tease to remind us who's boss. The walk went by super quick we were all so giddy. Kate and I shelled out for a shuttle since when we got to the forest road the hitching potential looked grim and we were done at the top. Tealeaf and buckshot continued on the approach trail. Kate and I were ready to chill. We got back to the lodge, had some beers and lunch. Tealeaf and buckshot got back just before dark. We had another celebration then dinner at the lodge. I'm glad we stayed here for the last night. They've got a huge 3 story map of the AT on the wall and all the rooms have mountain views. Can't believe it's over. Thanks to everyone who helped us out along the way. There were literally thousands of ways that strangers, friends, and family showed us kindness and that really made the trip special.
Date: 2016-04-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I have been reading books on the Appalachian Trail (AT) for about five years now. After much contemplation and thoroughly discussing this dream with my wife, I have decided to attempt a thru-hike of this very historic trail. Approximately six weeks ago I decided to attempt this bucket list dream of mine. In this short amount of time I purchased all of my gear, since I had none to speak of. I researched what equipment to carry, how much weight my backpack should way, the best way to purify water, what type of food to eat and how much food to carry in between resupplies. In addition, the type of clothes to wear and exactly what to bring with me. More to follow on these subjects. I personally invite anyone with an interest in the outdoors to follow me on this approximately 2,200 mile, 14 state journey that will lead me through the Appalachian Mountains from the most southern terminus in Georgia to the most northern terminus in Maine by way of flip-flopping from Harpers Ferry, WV.
Date: 2016-04-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Just a quick update to let you know what I am doing for preparation and training. Since I started the process of hiking the AT I started walking, walking and walking some more. In the past six weeks I have hiked over 240 logged miles. I have alternated with my 30 pound pack on the walks and some without. I started my training hikes in southern Florida (flat, swampy terrain) and have been in the lovely rolling hills in southern Ohio for the past two weeks. I have to say I like the rolling terrain much better for this type of AT training. As far as shake down tests occur. Other that setting up my equipment, trying my clothes on, and thoroughly reading I am all set, I think. Still need to buy my food though.For backwoods experience I spent 20 years in the US Army in the Infantry as a Ranger. I will count this experience for my backpacking multi-day trips. Even though I have been out of the Army for 12 years I have never abandoned the outdoor type activities. Hiking is a deep passion of mine and it is the most amazing peace and quiet in the world. Thankfully, my wife loves these outdoor activities as well. A shout out to my number one supporter. "Thank you Tonya"
Date: 2016-04-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Some of you may be wondering why I am not going to hike the AT in the traditional way from Georgia to Maine. Upon much research, I think "flip-flopping" is the best way for me to hike this approximately 2,200 mile journey. Starting in the southern terminus of Georgia is where the majority of hikers start their journey. Thus creating the term, "hiker bubble." I don't particularly want to start with a lot of people. Not that I am anti-social, I just prefer a more solo experience. Another great aspect of flip-flopping is a hiker reduces the impact on trail erosion and leaves less of a human footprint on the trail itself. I just prefer to practice the "Leave No Trace" principles as much as I can and in my mind this may help. Last but not least is that I learned of the 2d Annual Flip Flop Festival that will be taking place in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia on April 16th and 17th. The folks at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy have organized this two-day event to try to encourage more flip floppers for the same reasons mentioned above. The festival will have informative talks, a movie of the AT, and other events as well. Did I mention FOOD? Additionally, some previous experienced thru hikers will be helping us newbies with a shakedown of gear. A shakedown consists of the difference of what I think I need on the trail versus what I actually need. Bottom line, they are there to give advice to lighten the pack weight to better the odds of me completing the entire journey.Thank you to all my friends and family for just smiling at me when I say I am going to attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail. I know inside you are shaking your head, but I just shake my head too.
Date: 2016-04-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today when I woke up it was a little chilly. There was ice on the outside of our RV steps and it was barely above freezing. I guess I'd better get used to this type of weather because I know the elements can be uncooperative at times.Last night I decided to scrutinize and pack by 50 liter backpack 100% as I would be hiking the trail. My wife and I went on an eight mile walk so I could see how my body would handle the extra ten pounds. I have to admit my body felt the added five days worth of groceries in my pack. Five days of food equals about ten pounds of additional weight. On a happy note, we are going to an all you can eat seafood buffet with my brother and his wife so I can simulate hiker hunger as well. More to follow on how well I handled those extremely large crab legs.
Date: 2016-04-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Last nights event at the seafood buffet was awesome. I guess those of you who don't know an AYCE is an "All You Can Eat." I ate some of the biggest crab legs I have ever ate. Not to mention some tasty fried shrimp, prime rib, veggies, and too many desserts to count. I figure with me walking a minimum of about 8 miles a day now, why not eat like there's no tomorrow. As good as any excuse right? I woke up this morning in lovely southern Ohio at approximately 4:30 a.m. to a loud strange noise. My mind was telling me a snow plow was moving along the major road near us. I disregarded my thoughts and went back to sleep. Once I finally got up at 7:00 a.m. I looked out the window of our RV to you guessed it. SNOW!!!!!!   Just a dusting, but the wind was relentless.So I did what every dedicated pre-hiker would do. I threw on my hiker pants, socks, shoes, shirt, and a slight more upper body gear and started my morning routine. I managed a little over seven miles despite the 20 something degree temperature. What I learned in my Army years is that as long as you are moving, you will stay fairly warm. It still held true to this day. The hot chocolate upon my arrival back home was delicious.I did some thinking of my current hiker gear and am going to make a couple of changes today. I am going to take my bulky Columbia jacket out of my backpack along with my Frogg Toggs Ultra Light rain jacket. I am going to go with my lighter fleece Columbia jacket and use my Gore-Tex PacLite Shell rain jacket as well. I think the lighter fleece will be much easier to layer for me. And my Gore-Tex jacket is thicker and I will use as a windbreaker/rain jacket. Until next time.
Date: 2016-04-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I have scrutinized my backpack so many times over the last couple of weeks. It is amazing just how few items you have for a thru-hike, but have too much stuff to carry for a thru-hike. Does this make sense? I didn't think so. Today was basically my last day to get my backpack packed. I was so concerned that my pack would weigh over 30 pounds with all my food and gear. I was pleasantly surprised that my total weight is only 27.5 pounds. I am including five days worth of food and almost 2 liters of water. I think the extra large bag of peanut M&Ms may have been a bit much. But I will count that as my protein supplement. After much online research, I think 30 pounds or less is the idea weight. I am happy with my gear selections.Next weekend during the 2d Annual Flip-Flop Festival (Harpers Ferry, WV) there will be a few 2000+ mile hikers that will be giving courtesy shakedowns. This will help us 2016 thru-hikers for a more successful hike. I definitely plan on stopping at one of those experienced hikers' booths so they can go through my pack. I am all ears for great advice on shedding weight. If I can shake a pound or two from their experience I will be extremely happy.I plan on having pictures soon of some of my gear selections so you all can see.Until next time!
Date: 2016-04-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

WOW!!! Only one week from today and I will be finally attempting my thru-hike. Am I excited? Am I a little anxious? Will I miss my wife? Yes, Yes, and Yes. Not to mention I will miss my other close family members.These are just a few questions that are in my head as these final seven days approach. And I know they will be coming upon me quickly. However, I am ready and I am looking forward to hitting the trail. Hiking this trail is just something inside of me that says, "I have to do this." There are quite a number of people that just cannot understand exactly why I want to attempt this for six months. There are even more people that have no desire to live like a wild man for that period of time. To anyone who wonders, I just have to, need to, and want to. It's a bucket list thing that is high on my priority list.And hey, I actually do like hiking and being outdoors. I enjoy cold weather. I don't mind the rain, and my greatest peace is when I am in the woods. I have read that hiking is cheaper than therapy. I really, really hope I can get my money's worth of approximately 2200 miles. Until next time, and feel free to sign my guest book. Thank you.
Date: 2016-04-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

FINALLY, the weather here in Ohio is starting to break. The sun was out, the temperature was around 50 degrees, and spring is in the air. I woke up to the wonderful sound of songbirds this morning. All, this in our lovely capital of Columbus. I can only imagine just how much more the birds will be singing and just how much prettier spring will be when deep on the trail. My wife and I went on a hike this morning. Our goal was to walk seven miles to just keep my legs loosened up. We managed to walk ten miles with no problems at all. I am thinking it is because I did not have my 27.5 pound backpack on. I managed to leave my pack at my brothers and sister in laws house for a couple of days while I took care of pre-hike business. I felt lost without my Osprey pack, because it feels like a big part of my hiking routine already. With only a week away it should be.In the Army we would always give ourselves a countdown prior to a major event such as graduating from Basic Training, completing Ranger School or coming home from a major deployment just to name a few. Since I will be starting my thru hike this upcoming Monday I will give the countdown of five days and a wakeup. Because when I wake up, my lovely-supportive wife will be dropping me off at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy so I can start my flip-flop journey.
Date: 2016-04-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This is where I stand as far as my preparedness for my Flip-Flop thru-hike. My start date for my hike will be this Monday the 18th of April. To my knowledge, I have all my gear and it is all packed up and ready to be loaded in our car tonight. With the numerous courtesy shakedowns at the festival this weekend, I am sure I may have to tweak my gear a little. Or maybe not.We are planning on leaving tomorrow morning at 5:00 a.m. (Saturday) from Ohio and drive approximately 7 hours to Harpers Ferry, WV. My wife and I will be attending the festival on both Saturday and Sunday to be further educated on the trail, watch an AT movie, and hike a little. We also plan on eating some good ole festival food as well. Nothing like a giant funnel cake to satisfied sugar cravings.The festival is having an all you can eat (AYCE) breakfast Sunday morning prior to some of this year's Flip-Flopper's departing for their thru-hike. I think the festival will be a great time and I am very thankful to be attending this event.I cannot thank my family enough for putting up with my crazy ideas. After two months of constantly talking about it and showing all my gear, I think they are somewhat less apprehensive for me. For those of you that are still not sure, just wait till you see my nature and wildlife pictures. To include my journaling throughout this thru-hike. I hope that will help you better understand. My countdown now is two days and a wake up. Just a few days away until my long journey begins. When you get time, give me a shout out on my Guest Book. I not only want, but will need your words of encouragement. When things will maybe get a little tough on the hike, I will be able to think of your positive words. Thank you....
Date: 2016-04-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well this is it.   One more night and a wake up. This is my test email using my cell phone to update my journal.   The Flip-Flop Festival was a great success. I learned a few tricks on packing my backpack. The shakedown from a prior hiker named Judo helped me shed about two pounds of weight. It doesn't sound like much, but over a 2000 mile hike that weight adds up.   Thank you Judo for your expertise.This morning my wife and I went to the kick off for other thru hikers. At 9:00 a.m. ten hikers departed. We talked to them and encouraged the hikers as well. To Eight Thirty, my goal is to catch you in three days.   LOLI will miss my family and friends. You all be safe and I will see you all later. A big "thank you " to my wife for not only bringing me here, but by all your support.   I will see you in about six weeks.