morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-24
From: Marion, Va

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Days like today there's too much to record my journal but I am positive I'll never forget this whole day and night. One big and long adventure today.Seeing that is quite hard to keep plans, let alone make them, the day started off with a sonic milkshake and 'banana phone'.Found out for sure that gray and mom are coming Saturday! Yeah I am excited! Played wiffleball with mostly everyone at the shelter - Gals versus lads! Decided we would have to play a game before this 'big, horrendous' storm came through but evidently there was no storm, but only a spout of rain.Got pulled over (?) by a cop for hitchhiking....? but he thought we were broke down... LOL he ended up helping us out! Thank you Mr. officer! Then, an off-duty officer hitched us back!We toasted to various parties ¢ crush party, dance party, rave party, beer party, Disney party, et cetera. We sat around the table as we ate the body and blood of Benton McKaye! LOL Odes to joy!Found a baby mouse in the privy and it was shivering so bad so I wrapped it up and showed Cinnamon and Heartburns and Kudo. Made him or her a nest and we will check on it in the morning.Indescribable night.... High energies all over!!Cinnamon, Heartburns, Huffle puff, Atlas, Trucker, Medicine Man, Kudo, SequoiaWell that is it in a nutshell, though I will never forget the stories so I will just leave it in the nutshell, LOL, for now at least.
Date: 2013-04-25
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins, VA
Miles today: 11.6

¢¢*¢¢TWO MONTHS ON THE A.T.¢¢*¢¢Straggly ups and downs today; no bueno.Ate the hiker burger at the Barn and then made a daffodil head lei and appreciated the day on the front lawn at the Barn with about 15 hikers! We all got a new pet... yep, Graham, the mouse. Oh boy! LolWe fit 7 hikers and their packs in this tiny motel room... It's going to be tight... Hmph.
Date: 2013-04-26
From: Atkins, VA

To: Campsite (overnite hike!)
Miles today: 19.3

Went to breakfast with cinnamon at the place because this is going to be a long day.So on we went. Got to catch up with Heartburns cuz she skipped breakfast. When we finally caught up to her we saw another of the many skulls in Virginia. About 20 feet away layed the body of a cow or horse. It was just randomly laying there. The first style was a bitch to cross. The steps/rungs were so high!! After that they were quite a few climbs. Whoever told me Virginia's superflat, straight up fibbed darn it!! Haha, But it is not as strenuous as North Carolina and Tennessee!!At the first break I suggested a night hike to Heartburns. Not just a couple hour night but an overnighter or late night hike. Considering the weather, the full moon, and the moderate terrain, Heartburns was all for it!So, we caught up to cinnamon and heard his flute flowing through the trees! We told him about the night hike and he was ready! We arrived at this one campsite surrounded by shade where we soaked our feet in the creek for a little and damn was it cold!! But it fell superb afterwards!We gave ourselves about an hour long break at the Knot Haul Shelter. Heart burns just layed down While Cinnamon and I just rested our feet and ate! We played word games as we gnomed on. And there was this bird that sounded like dying car alarm that chanted all night. LOLThen a break was needed which led to mysterious fun ha ha. We decided it was time to look for a campsite for bed! Before we went on we heard a growl for scream but we've no idea what it was.Nearly 2. 5 miles in from the gravel road, we found an area to settle down for the night. We figured we would just cowgirl/cowboy it until the '20% chance' rain switch flipped on. Hmph. So out of our sleeping bags we went and hustled to put up the rain tarp. Okay, sleep time at 345am. Nite.All in all, we gnomed through nature without lights but rather in harmony with nature. Almost like being rooted with the ground while emitting my energy and soaking the great energy of mother Gaia! We are one energy and entity. We carried on deep conversations about different energies, cosmos, theories, etc. ALL this illuminated by the radiant stars and the dazzling moon shining lucidly on the black canvas in a pure night.
Date: 2013-01-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

As of today I am looking at 66 days between me and Springer Mtn. The anticipation is growing by the day, if not by the hour. I will be starting on April 4th while Julie is on spring break. She will be able to take me to Amicalola Falls where we can spend the night before my departure. The both of us have sacrificed so that I may do this and I can't imagine that it wouldn't be worth it either. I hope to maintain an average pace of around 15 miles per day. That could include some 8 mile days and some 20 mile days, depending on the terrain and how my knees feel. I know this will be a lot of hard work and a huge challenge, which I am ready to take on.
Date: 2013-03-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Eight days. I could not be more excited about getting started on the trail. I have everything that I will need, including seven pounds of food that I bought last night at Publix. Maybe I bought too much, like everyone does when they first start. The trail will be the greatest teacher in that regard. One good thing: if that weight starts bearing down on me, I can just stop and eat. I have two days left at work. Well, one and a half days, and everyone there seems to be genuinely excited for me. I sincerely wish everyone there the best. Eight days before I embark. A huge challenge awaits.
Date: 2013-03-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

For the curious, the gear that I am starting the trail with.REI 65L backpackHennessy Hammock Ultralight Backpacker model (w/ whoopie sling suspension)Arrowhead Equipment Toxaway Tarp 12'x10'AHE Potomac Underquilt 30 degrees (hangs under the hammock for bottom insulation)AHE Owyhee Topquilt 30 degreesSleeping Bag linerSnow Peak giga power canister stoveTitanium Pot (holds probably 20oz of water)Titanium SporkSawyer 2L water bladder with inline water filterEmpty Gatorade Bottle 20ozBic LighterSmall Leatherman CS tool (scissors)Black Diamond headlampCompass (hope that I don't need this)AWOL's AT guide split into 4 sections (this guide is amazing)15 L Dry bag for foodiPhoneOlympus Camera (shock/water proof)Med Kit (I assembled myself, just the basics)TP, Dr Bronners Soap, Toothbrush etc.Leki Trekking PolesClothes:Mountain Hardwear Windproof FleeceMountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer down jacketPatagonia Capilene base layers (top and bottom)Darn Tough wool socks (made in VT! Lifetime Warranty)Fleece Gloves and BalaclavaGore Tex paclite rain pants and jacketKuhl Convertible pantsMountain Harwear Synthetic shirtThats basically it without going into too much detail. It will all be around 20lbs of base pack weight without food and water. Since the consumables are always varying, I hope to at least stay under 30lbs of pack weight at all times. That will only serve to make it easier. My pack will get lighter once the weather warms up and I can send some items home. I'm sure some of the climbs on the trail will have me thinning out my pack to the bare essentials pretty quickly.
Date: 2013-03-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Just wanted to show those who aren't sure what people eat in the woods what I'll be taking. This will get me to my first resupply at Neels Gap, around 3 days after I start. Ready to eat meat, cous cous, drink mixes and assorted snacks. Breakfast will typically just be snack bars unless I get frisky and decide to get grits or something. Lunch will probably be an all day thing eating as I go. Dinner will be when I whip out the stove and make a nice warm dinner. Oh, almost forgot about the coffee in the morning: Starbucks via. Can't function without coffee. Forecast says 90% chance of rain for my first day. Well, it's not like it is not going to rain for five months so let's go ahead and get that out of the way. Stoked!
Date: 2013-04-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today me and Julie left our most gracious hosts Daniel and Becca in Athens and headed for Ellijay. On the way we stopped at Amicalola Falls and had a blast. There are 604 steps to the top of the falls I thought Julie was going to kill me once we got started. The signs that say "Difficulty: Strenuous" are not joking. I told her it would be worth it once we got to the top and it most definitely was. We have been eating like champs because who knows when the next time I'll see a cannoli will be. Thanks Charlie's! It is supposed to rain pretty good tomorrow for my start. It is hard to describe my feelings right now but excited and anxious would be a good start.
Date: 2013-04-04
From: Springer Mountain

To: Justus Creek
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: moderate rain

Today, my first day, was great but the weather was pretty lousy. It stayed in the 40s all day, 30s in the higher elevations, and the rain was consistent. Ice covered the trees at higher elevations and the strong winds would blow it off. The fog was thick so it was quite a scene. My hands and feet got wet but I stayed dry on the rest of my body. My best defense was to keep walking and I was able to cover almost 15 miles. Julie hiked to the summit of Springer Mountain with me which was awesome. She did great on the trail. I have new respect for her Corrolla which made the trip down FS 42 and coped with many potholes. Once Julie sent me on my way I was overcome with sadness and shed a few man tears haha. I went on adrenaline all day and learned a few lessons about hiking in cold, wet weather. I camped by myself in my hammock that night and was able to stay warm and dry, a testament to my gear. That was great to know. This trip is gonna be a blast and my excitement is through the roof.
Date: 2013-04-05
From: Justus Creek

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 16.8

The awesome weather today was in stark contrast to that of yesterday. I had a smile on my face all day as I was climbing these tough Georgia mountains and for most of the day my legs felt good. The climb up Blood Mountain was tough but the view was incredible. I could see Atlanta and Stone Mountain from the summit which was pretty sweet. The decent from Blood Mtn was much more brutal than the uphill and that's when I began to feel some aching in my knees, feet, toes, everything. Will make me stronger I guess. I met quite a few people on the trail today, most of whom I passed on uphill sections. I don't blame them for stopping because they're brutal. I just keep pushing until I reach the top. When I finally reached Mountain Crossings at Neel Gap they were closed so I camped up the hill so that I could resupply in the morning. I'm hoping to be in Hiawassee in three days. Beautiful country up here!
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Neel Gap

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

Another beautiful day in the mountains. I don't believe that you could ask for better weather. I resupplied at Mountain Crossings first thing this morning for the next three days. They have everything a hiker could want or need in there and you surely cannot beat the convenience considering the AT passes right through the building. Outside of there is an oak tree with about a hundred pairs of boots strung up in it which was pretty cool. No chance that they'd be getting my shoes just yet. There were multiple great views on today's hike and I got my first taste of trail magic in Hogpen Gap. Echo Ministries was parked by the road handing out hamburgers, hot dogs, and cokes. Yeah awesome. That helped me make the big push that I was to make today. I passed where I had intended to stop at for the night and pushed on to Blue Mtn for an 18.8 mile day. The last mile the trail was nothing but rock! Brutal! It was worth it however as there were Boy Scouts already there with a fire going. Thanks Troop 548 out of Snellville! The trail has been a great challenge thus far and I have thoroughly enjoyed that aspect of it. Rocks and roots!
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 12.8

I woke up this morning to an awesome sunrise on Blue Mtn and the Boy Scouts had the fire kicking again. Had me a cup of coffee and cracked jokes with the fellas for a bit. My legs were really sore when I crawled out of my hammock which I knew was coming after those miles yesterday. Thanks Vitamin I for helping me cope (ibuprofen). Tough climbs today over Rocky and Tray Mountains but both were well worth it because of awesome views from their summits. Walking down the trail today a squirrel scared the crap out of me when he almost fell on me. He hit the ground two feet away and almost as quickly retreated back up into a hole in the tree. I stood there and had a laugh before I continued on. Stayed at Sassafras Gap where there was lots of good company. We had a fire roaring until 11 at night when I finally called it and crawled into my hammock. The water source here was down a steep ass hill; easily the most difficult climb of the day. Thanks, however, John's Spring, as it was so aptly named. A little note someone wrote on the back of the water sign stated "bet you wish you left your pack." I did just that, so I could laugh.
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 6.3

I had a short day in the woods today covering a little over 6 miles to get to Dick's Creek Gap. This was great because the trail was mostly downhill with the exception of the Kelly Knob ascent. I woke up to a woodpecker hammering away on a tree this morning in the hills above me. This bird sent drum beats throughout the valley below as he worked on that tree. I am gonna try and record him for an alarm clock! I was unable to visit my parents on my trip to Springer due to my mother being sick so they wanted to come see me off. We decided Hiawassee would be a good time to visit. Perfect timing as my legs could use the rest. They picked me up around 2 and took me to lunch, I was able to get a shower (the first in 5 days) and wash my clothes. Talk about refreshing! It took quite some time to clean my feet off because they still had dirt/mud on them from Thursday. I need to do a better job of keeping my feet clean that's for sure. I have been tending a small blister on my left foot and I'm trying to figure out what works best because moleskin on its own slides around after a while. I slapped some duct tape over that bad boy and that held in place so I might be doing more of that. I'm gonna be taking my first zero day tomorrow (yeah I know it's a little early) to spend time with my parents, rest my legs, and simply because I'm ahead of schedule. Gonna resupply here in Hiawassee for four days on the trail as my next stop will be Franklin NC. Will be back on the trail Wednesday and I anticipate reaching the NC border that day. My morale is super high right now thanks mom and dad! If these knees get in gear I will be super confident for the miles ahead. Tidbit- my shoes: Brooks Cascadia 8 trail runners and my socks: Darn Tough crew socks have been super awesome so far. Quick to dry and very comfortable.
Date: 2013-04-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Was a beautiful day for a zero here in Hiawassee. We rode over to Chatuge Dam in Hayesville, NC this morning and stretched our legs with a walk across it. I didn't realize how many dams that the TVA had, this being one of them. Resupplied for the next four days where I should reach Franklin, NC. I hope to cross over into NC tomorrow. There is only about 10 miles of trail left in GA. Hiawassee is a beautiful town, I'm not quite sure what Bill Bryson was talking about in his book. I'm looking forward to getting back on the trail tomorrow. My food bag must weigh like 10 lbs right now. Good thing is that if it gets too heavy I can just stop and eat. We had awesome BBQ at Rib Country and topped it off with fried apple pie and ice cream. I will be dreaming about that thing for days. My knees are still a little sore but the day off has paid dividends.
Date: 2013-04-10
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: few clouds

This morning we had breakfast at the Huddle House before mom and dad dropped me back off at Dicks Creek Gap. I think my food bag was pretty close to the 10 lb range and I could definitely feel the additional weight in my pack. I hit a milestone today, hopefully the first of many, as I crossed over into North Carolina shortly after lunch time. One state down, only thirteen to go. I feel a great sense of accomplishment having crossed a state line on foot, but I know there is a LONG way to go. My knees were pretty sore again today, but I received a tip from another hiker telling me to wrap a bandanna around my knee just below the kneecap. That helped a ton because shortly after crossing into NC the trail started going straight up and my knee was DONE for the day. I was able to wrap it up and keep on trucking into Muskrat Creek Shelter. There was a plane wreck nearby and some people had drug some of the wreckage over to the shelter which was pretty crazy to see. I felt sorry for the guy who had to crash land a Cesna into the Appalachian Mountains. Everyone at the shelter that night agreed that it had been a tough day.
Date: 2013-04-11
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up this morning feeling pretty sore which I'm becoming accustomed to. With a nasty storm front approaching I left fairly early this morning hoping to beat the rain. The bandanna around my knee continued to help as I felt better today than yesterday. I hope that this trend continues. I reached the summit of Standing Indian Mountain today, my first day above 5000 ft on the trail. The view from the summit was spectacular to say the least. Both the ascent and descent of Standing Indian were very gradual which my body was thankful for. The rain held off all day and didnt arrive until around 10pm. I stayed high and dry in my hammock, with at least 30mph winds and driving rain. I was impressed to say the least. The lighting was going pretty good for a while which was disconcerting, but I was able to sleep through most of it. Thanks ear plugs!
Date: 2013-04-12
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 15.9

The storm front moved out early this morning. The last I heard from it was around 4am. I set out early and the trail was nice and easy for a while which was surprising. However, once I passed Mooney Gap the trail turned very technical very fast. Springs were flowing heavily this morning due to last nights soaker and lots of the trail was like walking in a shallow creek. For possibly half of a mile the trail was no more than two feet wide and under water with probably a 500 foot drop on the right. That short stretch of trail really made me feel alive. The climb up Albert Mountain was one of the steepest yet, almost straight up a rock face. This brutal climb was rewarded with an awesome view from a fire tower at the top and the sudden realization that I had crossed the 100 mile mark. I was able to cruise the rest of the day after Albert Mt as the trail was pretty gentle, aside from the ever present rocks and roots. I passed Long Branch shelter on the way to Winding Stair Gap. This shelter was just installed this year and you could still smell the cedar as you approached it. I decided to split a hotel room in Franklin with a couple of guys I had met the night before. We tried to hitch into town, to no avail, when a day hiker came down off of the trail and offered us a ride into town. Thanks man. He turned out to be a former thru hiker and he said that he was just repaying all the favors done for him on his thru. We stayed at the Sapphire Inn, not the best of motels but it did the trick. I'm gonna take tomorrow off to rest my legs and resupply. Looking forward to it.Something I thought about while walking today. Every step that I take, I see something that I have never seen before, something that most people will never see. It has been so worth it to come hike this trail.
Date: 2013-04-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Taking a day off here in Franklin, NC. Eating food, resupplying, and washing clothes. The only bad thing about being in town is not having a ride so you just have to walk everywhere on top of the miles logged on the trail. At least it's smooth concrete and asphalt. There aren't rocks and roots waiting for you around every corner. Its good to keep the legs loose and warm as well. I bought some Dr Scholls inserts today which feel nice. My feet have been taking a pounding from the terrain in the mountains. Not quite the sand on the beach. I converted my old insoles into camp shoes by tying rope onto them. They are basically really light flip flops. Thanks Don for the idea. I've been thinking about that for a while. I'm going to get a shuttle back up to Winding Stair Gap at 9 in the morning and will resume the trail there. My next stop will be at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, 2 days away. My food bag will be much lighter this time around. The Smokeys are coming up fast and I'm looking forward to it.
Date: 2013-04-14
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

This morning I was the recipient of an awesome service provided by the Franklin First Baptist Church. They pick up thru hikers, me, in town and take them to the church for a fantastically free breakfast consisting of pancakes, bacon, coffee and OJ. What a great thing that they are doing for weary hikers up here. Around 9 this morning I caught the shuttle returning to Winding Stair Gap. Once I hit the trail I realized that my legs felt the best that they have in days. I was able to hike at a pretty good clip for quite some time. It must've been the bacon. I was alone, aside from the occasional thru hiker, for the entire day on the trail and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. The highlight today was definitely Wayah Bald. Upon reaching the summit, there stood before me an elaborate fire tower. Composed of stone and cedar, it was constructed in 1937 and has withstood many winter storms. There were awesome views from the top; mountains that I have climbed and some that I have yet to. Around 4pm the weather turned and it began to rain. I had my rain gear on and pack covered in what seemed like 60 seconds. I pushed on to Cold Spring Shelter, found two trees and hung my hammock. It rained for a while and it was nice to fall asleep to.
Date: 2013-04-15
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.7

Having slept last night at almost 5000 feet I woke up in the clouds, or so it seemed. I didn't have far to go today so I left out pretty early in order to get to the NOC by lunch. I had to pass up a couple of view points this morning due to a heavy mountain fog. After reaching the summit of Wesser Bald most of the fog had lifted and I was rewarded with one of the most spectacular views yet. An old Forestry Service fire tower on the summit afforded 360 degree views. I spent quite some time up there taking it all in. The last half of today's hike was 4 miles of downhill, some of which was damn steep. In seven miles the AT descended 3000 ft on the way down to the Nantahala Gorge. I was immediately struck with the idea that I would have to regain all of that elevation and more the next day. When I reached the NOC I had a great hamburger, two beers, and reserved a room at the hostel there. Yeah hamburgers are tasty after being in the woods. The rest of the late afternoon consisted of relaxing by the Nantahala River. The river makes a great cooler for a six-pack.