morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-29
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day started off cold, windy, off-and-on rain. No views of Little Hump or Hump Mtns either from the top or bottom. By the time I stopped at Apple House shelter for lunch the weather started to improve. Mountaineer is a new shelter built in 2007. Nice and big, 2 sleeping decks and a loft under the overhang, only 2 others there besides me. Bob Peoples of Kincora Hostel told a story of how the loft came to be. Seems he shuttled to first hiker to sleep in the shelter to the nearest trailhead and then picked her up the next day. She raved about how nice the loft was and how the full moon shined in through the plexiglass skylight. He told her that there wasn't a loft, she said that there was. He realized that the loft she was talking about was the extra lumber left over that the builders just laid up in the rafters for safekeeping. It wasn't nailed down or anything. It has since been nailed down.
Date: 2008-03-30
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 15.6

Uneventful walk to Kincora, getting there about 1500. And guess what, remember those people from Cherry Cap shelter, somehow several of them were there ahead of me, a day ahead of me. Of course no ATT cell phone service but Bob Peoples shuttled us into town for a few hours where I was able to call and pick up some food. I think that this will probably be the last time I stay in a crowded hostel that doesn't have private rooms. Too noisy, especially late at night. Ran into Gary who I met on my third night out in 2006. He recognized me from then. We had a good conversation on trail stuff. He's trying to do the trail again this year. During the day and a half that I was here the place just about filled up.
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Iron Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 24.3

Lots of miles even though I didn't get on the trail till 0800. Sunny warm day. And guess who as at Vandeventer shelter when I got there at 1600. 7 guys from Kincora who had skipped the first 8.9 miles by getting a shuttle to HWY 321. I decided to do the 6.8 miles to the next shelter. At least 6 of Team Hitchhike went 4 more miles and camped next to a spring where I had stopped for a break. I went on to Iron Mtn where I found 2 more who had skipped the first few miles. About 2000 we were hit with a thunderstorm that lasted about 30 minutes. I was glad I was in the shelter and not tenting.
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Iron Mtn Shelter

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 25.9
Weather: few clouds

Last day on the trail for this trip. Passed 2 women, one with dog who did not seem too happy to be on the trail. I'm talking about the dog not being happy. I passed another section hiker later who asked about them and commented that he heard that the dog's pack was overloaded. Kind of cold in the morning but warmer in the afternoon. A good day to walk almost 26 miles. Got to Damascus about 1845 and who should I see? Why 6 members of Team Hitchhike of course. They were coming from the direction of The Place hostel so I went to Dave's Place hostel. I had not been to Dave's before but it's pretty nice. There were only 3 of us there so we each had our own room. Turned out there were at least 15 at The Place.
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Met up with Bad Hummus, Toddy Bear, Stovie and Fergus who I had seen off and on since south of Franklin. All good guys. Lessons learned this trip. I was at least 3-4 pounds lighter than in 2006 but of course it's never enough. I'm looking at lighter, more compressable 0 degree sleeping bags and a lighter down jacket. Maybe a lighter digital camera and some other kind of water purification system besides a pump.I should have kept the 0 degree bag till Erwin instead of swapping for a 20 degree in Hot Springs. I had a couple of uncomfortable nights.Garmont has changed the sizing on the Eclipse model shoe. I only got one blister but they were never entirely comfortable. They were OK as long as I only did about 15 miles a day. This time I was a lot less anxious than I was in 2006. I knew what was coming up and what kind of mileage I could do.The good thing about starting later in the year is that there are more people. The bad thing is that there are more people. I met a lot of good hikers, only a few jerks, but it was sometimes crowded. Last time I didn't run into crowds until half way through VA.
Date: 2008-03-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

After 30 years of dreaming and a year of planning, I'm within 2 weeks of starting a thru-hike of the AT.My wife & I have been living in NE Tennessee for the past 6 years, and that has allowed me to enjoy many day hikes on sections within an hours drive. It's always neat to run into thru-hikers and discuss their experiences and to imagine following the trail just a little further.Now's the time. My expected start day is Tues., March 18. I've been reading the journals of those already on the trail, and they have been very helpful - many useful tips.More prep posts in the week to come...the journey soon begins...Rethinker
Date: 2008-03-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I'm looking out the window at a blowing, wet snow here in Johnson City, TN and wondering about the hikers just a few miles away on the AT. Even though my hike begins from Springer on Mar. 18, I'm well aware that late Mar./early April weather includes these kinds of days.Still looking forward to it!Thanks to all the hikers who are journaling as they journey along the trail. Their tips and experiences are helping us who are preparing for the hike. One of my "projects" while on the trail is to begin a book, "Pilgrims of the Appalachian Trail". The theme of the writing will be an exploration of the "Why did you come to the trail? What are you looking to find?" questions. Of course it will be the hikers who I meet along the way who provide words for the book. I'll simply record it. Again, looking forward to the experience.Good luck to all those trudging along on this snow day. Hope some trail magic is waiting for you."I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."                                                          Henry David Thoreau
Date: 2008-03-12
From: 6 days

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Less than a week now - Just checked weather for next Tues. in N. GA and its looks to be a good time to start. Today I will purchase initial food supply and remaining items still on the list. I've also gone over my gear and taken out some items (the term "essential" is taking on a new meaning).My daughter, Meagan, and I did a 4-hr. hike on a portion of the AT about 40 mins. from home on Sun. (near Erwin, TN). There was 1 - 2 inches of snow on the ground - just made for a more cushy hike. Found some areas on my pack straps that need some more padding, so I'll improvise something for that. I'm looking forward to meeting the fellow hikers that are, for now at least, just other journal-writers on a web site. The anticipation grows each day along with some jitters (things will be different).The journey continues...
Date: 2008-03-15
From: Home-2 more days

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Just got back from buying my last item on list - shoes (flip-flops) for camp site.My planned day of departure has moved up by a day. We will be traveling to Dahlonega tomorrow, and I'll leave from AFSP toward Springer on Mon. (St. Pat's Day). Today I completely loaded my pack with food, water, clothing, and gear, and the weight is about 38 LBS. That's more than I'd hoped, but as cold weather clothing is discarded the weight will drop.Preparation and planning are over, it's time to hike!See you on the journey...
Date: 2008-03-18
From: Stover Creek

To: Justus Creek
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Dropped off at Amicalola Falls yesterday at 9:00 AM. Beautiful clear day with morning temps in 40's and suppose to reach low 60's by afternoon. Hiked the 7.5 mile approach trail to Springer Mountain and another 2.5 miles to Stover Creek. Camped with 16 other hikers. Hiking today with Crabby Appleton.
Date: 2008-03-21
From: Neels Gap

To: Sheep Rock Top
Miles today: 10.0

After a big breakfast at Jack's cabin, I hit the trail at Neel's Gap at 10:15 with White Lightning and Longwe tru. We soon separated and hiked at own pace with Sheep Rock Top as our destination.The day had perfect blue sky and warmer temps with outstanding views from Levelland, Cowrock, and Wildcat Mtns. Now have a great view from either side of the ridge on Sheep Rock Top. As a bright orange sun sets over the blue mountains in the west, a bright white moon is rising over the lavander mountains in the east. What a sight!Looks to be a great night for camping.The sky is blue, the trail beckons, and the journey continues...
Date: 2008-03-22
From: Sheep Rock Top

To: Rocky Mountain
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Started hiking this morning around 9:00 after bidding farewell to a retired Army gentleman and his college (music major) son. Really enjoyed talking to them around the campfire. They were hiking for a few days while son was on spring break.Fairly easy hike for the first part of the day up to Unicoi Gap, then the uphill to Rocky Mountain was a real kicker. The last time I hiked this leg of the AT was with my son, Brett, and my long-time friend from Athens, GA, Keith Sanders about 12 years ago. We were first on the trail that morning with about 8" of snow on the ground. It was a post-hole digging hike. Good memories!View from campsite was tremendous with another great sunset and moonrise and lights of distant towns flickering below. Does it get any better? The trail is not always uphill nor always downhill nor always level. Does that remind you of life?
Date: 2008-03-23
From: Rocky Mountain

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: broken clouds

Easter Sunday dawned cold and windy (20*). Broke camp quickly to start hiking. Didn't take long to warm up and shed a few layers of clothing. Hiked down Rocky and back up to Tray Mtn. The peak of Tray is a jumble of boulders and a great place to sit and take in the 360 views. Lots of fog in the hollows this morning.Arrived at Sassafras Gap mid afternoon, sponge bathed, quick wash of hair, applied something called deodorant, and relaxed for a bit before dinner. Getting cold in a hurry.
Date: 2008-03-24
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke to another 20* morning but no winds. It was just a calm cold. Water in bottles was frozen solid, and frost was on the inside of tent from condensation. Another quick break-down and began hiking before 9:00.At Dick's Creek Gap my parents (L.G. and Madge Bond) were waiting to take me to their home in Toccoa and be pampered for a day. I'm now updating my journal from their computer after a long, hot shower.It's just begun to snow outside, so timing for an afternoon off was perfect. Will resupply here and eat heartily before hitting the trail again in the morning.Miss my friends and other family terribly. Love to all.
Date: 2008-03-25
From: Dick's Creek Gap

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

Mom and Dad brought me back to the trail at Dick's Creek this morning after an afternoon of relaxation, good food, and good times together. It was a much needed and much appreciated respite.Today I left GA behind and entered NC which welcomed me with some tough uphills with no switchbacks. But the view of the Hiawasee valley was tremendous, worth the effort.After meeting some Belmont University students getting ready to hike from Dick's Creek parking lot, I hiked the entire day without meeting another hiker until I arrived at Muskrat Creek and met Dan from KY. The solitude was nice, but I was ready to socialize a bit."Loneliness is the word we use to describe the agony of being alone. Solitude is the word we use to describe the glory of being alone." (Author unknown)
Date: 2008-03-26
From: Muskrat Creek

To: Carter Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: broken clouds

Another cold start with ice in water bottles. Today was the first "tired" day that I've experienced so far. I woke up tired and had to push it all day.Hiked through White Oak Stamp and over Standing Indian Mountain. This section brought back memories of hikes in the past with son, Brett, and friend, Keith.I took a picture of myself leaning against poles, similar to one of Brett leaning against walking stick after climbing Standing Indian.Hitting the sleeping bag early tonight in hopes of recharging for tomorrow's trail.the journey continues...
Date: 2008-03-27
From: Carter Gap

To: Glassmine Gap
Miles today: 9.6

A special day today, Jill and I celebrate our 26th anniversary. I'd hoped to make it to Franklin today, but we'll meet tomorrow for the first time since leaving for Springer.Woke up revived and ready to hike. It was not as cold this morning, and the first part of the hike was fairly flat and easy. Then I hit Albert Mountain! The climb was straight up and over many slick rocks. Again the view from the top was worth the sweat. At Glassmine I crossed a milestone, the 100-mile mark. Only 2075 to go.From the gap I hiked downhill to a stream with a few camp spots. It was the ideal setting, and I made a campfire, dinner, and even washed my hair. Since I got off the trail a bit, I had this 5-Star location all to myself. It was a very peaceful, quiet (except for bubbling brook) evening.Aches and pains report: not bad, really. I've taken a few ibuprophen for soreness, have a large blister on right little toe, but I'm holding up fairly well for an old guy. Each day seems to get a little easier, and I'm learning how to pace myself.I have a relatively short hike tomorrow to Winding Stair Gap where I'll meet Jill for a night in Franklin. That'll put a spring in my step!
Date: 2008-03-28
From: Glassmine Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up with the sun and began breaking camp under partly cloudy skies. After an hour on the trail the wind picked up and fog and drizzle moved in. But the hike was short today, and I got to Winding Stair where some "trail magic" was set up. Some great folks from Franklin gave me some hot cocoa, and Jill arrived shortly thereafter to pick me up. Seeing her made all the aches disappear. It was great seeing my bride.I'm now sitting in the Hampton Inn in Franklin, showered, shaved, and not knowing how to act. It's amazing how a few days on the trail can turn a person into a savage.Howdy to all my friends and family. I miss you all and think of you often as I walk. You have my thoughts and love.
Date: 2008-03-31
From: Wesser Bald

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After big burger at the N.O.C., I tackled the toughest 7 miles of the trail so far. From the river the trail goes up and up for the next 7 miles. By the time I arrived at Sassafras, I was totally spent. Slept well that night.
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Cable Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: clear sky

An easy day down to Fontana. Had great views of the lake as I hiked along the ridge above. Tented at Fontana "Hilton" with great bunch of hikers and enjoyed a beautiful view of lake and Smokies beyond (to be tackled tomorrow).Dryed out clothes and tent.
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

I'm updating the journal as I relax in Gatlinburg with my wife, Jill. It has been a rather rough week of hiking, especially the last 3 days in the Smokies. Every day since Fontana the weather has not cooperated with us hikers. It has been rainy, cold, windy, and foggy. My views from the peaks have been limited to 50 feet of trees and fog. And Mudddd! Lots of mud. Jill picked me up from Newfound Gap today at 3:00, and it was really great to see her and to know that I would shortly be under a hot shower and all the food I could eat.As I hiked today, I kept singing this song to myself:"Momma said there'd be days like this, there'd be days like this my Momma said."To all those who want to hike the AT, be aware that the reality is often days of slodgery, just pushing ahead a step at a time with no views beyond a few feet. Kind of like life off the trail too.Glad to be spending some time off with Jill. Miss friends and other family very much. Hi and love to all.
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Pecks Corner

To: Cosby Knob
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: broken clouds

Nice day to hike - partly cloudy and warm most of the time. Another good day of great views from nice edged ridges. Climbed over one peak above 6,000 feet. Much of trail was loose rock so feet took a beating. I walk out of Smokies tomorrow. The journey continues...
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Cosby Knob

To: Painter Branch
Miles today: 12.7

It has been an exceptional day on the AT. When I climbed out of my tent this morning, the sun was just peeking over the mountain ridge. I watched it become a big orange ball, and a great day had begun. Getting out of the GSM means descending from the 6000+ heights of the previous day to below 2000' at Davenport Gap. So the hike was mostly a gradual downward hike. As I hiked, 3 deer emerged from the woods onto the trail and frolicked as they hiked along the trail in front of me. We hiked together for about a mile before they took a side trail. I enjoyed the company of these section hikers (trail names: A-Doe-Run-Run, Handful-O'-Doe, and Makin'-A-Lil'-Doe). They made me feel like I, too, belonged there - welcome, not a stranger. Also I ran into a little photo op'. Anthony, from the St. Louis Dispatch, was interviewing thru-hikers for a story in the paper. He must have taken 40 pictures of me before he found one suitable. Anyway, when you pick up a copy of the St. Louis Dispatch, look for me.After stopping by Standing Bear Hostel, I made camp by Painter Branch, soaked my sore feet in the cold water (nature's ice pack), built a camp fire to warm them back up, watched the orange ball set in the west, and fell asleep to the sound of the babbling brook and hoot owl in the distance.It just doesn't get any better.The journey continues...
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Painter Branch

To: Walnut Mountain
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm trying to make Hot Springs by Thurs. afternoon so that I can take a couple of zero days with Jill in Asheville. That's why I pushed it to an 18-mile day. That leaves me with a 13-mile day tomorrow.Made it to Walnut Mountain and tented with Troutbum on the ridge. I knew from his trailname that we had a love of flyfishig in common, so we shared a few stories of the stream together. I let him know of the streams in NE Tennessee that we'll be hiking near.Hot Springs tomorrow.Highlight of the day was the hike and view from Max Patch. I'll add pictures later.
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Walnut Mountain

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

During the night the winds picked up, and it turned cool. Started the day with fleece, but soon got down to shorts and short sleeves. Not a bad hike at all down to Hot Springs. Got there shortly after 2:00 where Jill picked me up.Spending the night in Asheville and will take a couple of days off to let blisters on feet heal and give myself a break after 25 straight days of hiking.Will update journal later with what the trail has taught me to this point.Just finished a gyro platter from Stone Ridge Tavern. Yummmmmmm!
Date: 2008-04-11
From: Hot Springs

To: Asheville, Hotel
Miles today: 0.0

My first zero day after 25 days of hiking and 272 miles. I've spent the day with Jill in Asheville, licking my sore blisters on both heels and left little toe. Before the hike I bragged about never getting blisters and that being my least concern. Ha! The jokes on me.It's now early Sat. morning, and we're going to be joined today by our good friends from Athens, GA, Keith & Susan Sanders. Keith and I have hiked many miles on the trails and trout streams together over the past 20 years. All good memories.I figure now is a good time to reflect on the first 4 weeks of the journey and share what the trail has taught me to this point:"It is what it is." I've heard this expression by more than one hiker referring to either the weather conditions we've encountered or the slope of the trail (especially the steep uphills). In other words, "That's the reality of it - get over it! Deal with it!" (That's a lesson that goes beyond the AT.)This perhaps has been the most important lesson so far. Our wishing for an easier climb or blue skies and moderate temps don't change the reality of the situation. "It is what it is." And we hike on, learning more each day that "what it is" is full of wonder.I've learned from the many fellow hikers that I meet along the trail and at the campsites. They are a diverse group, often alone in their thoughts, often sharing stories of the trail, often encouraging others on the common quest, often needing some encouragement themselves. We learn quickly that we need each other. Any feeling of self-importance needs to be left at the first privy compost heap.I've learned that the trail is bigger than the individual. There is always the next bend to go around, the next ridge to cross, the next peak to go over. "It is what it is", and it will work a change on each of us. But it does not happen as we stand on Katahdin in Maine. It happens with each step along the way.the journey continues...
Date: 2008-04-13
From: Hot Springs

To: Little Paint Creek
Miles today: 12.5

After 2 zero days in Asheville with Jill and friends, Keith & Susan, the trail beckoned again, and I headed north from Hot Springs.The nice spring weather was turning once again to winter and a light snow began to fall in the afternoon. I tented as the wind turned cold for the night.New hikers I met today: Bus Driver, Shiloh, Brushstroke, Sharky. The 2 days off will put me with a different group for awhile, but I'm sure to meet up with others from earlier days as well.Good to be back hiking, but the rest did my body good.
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Little Paint Creek

To: Just past Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light snow

After 4 weeks of hiking I got my first winter storm. It started with just some flurries of big flakes, but by mid-afternoon it had turned into a snow shower that accumulated quickly. At the time I was crossing a high exposed ridge that was very rocky and difficult to climb - not a good place to be in those conditions.When I made it to Jerry Cabin Shelter I found it already full of hikers, so I hiked a littled further and set up the tent as quickly as possible. The snow continued well into the night, and it was very cold. All this in the middle of April. I've learned that's typical of these mountains.It's supposed to be clear tomorrow, so we'll hope for better weather.
Date: 2008-04-15
From: Just past Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up this morning to 8" of snow. Much had accumulated during the night and my tent was sagging with the weight. But, the sky was a brilliant blue and the sun had returned. The warmth took a little longer. I broke camp as soon as possible so I could get hiking to warm up. Soon the cold was forgotten as I witnessed the most incredible wonderland all around. Snow was piled on every branch and pine needle and blanketed the ground. The white that enveloped everything was set against the blue of the sky and it was magical. Certainly one of the most special days on the trail yet.As I got to the lower elevations of Devils Fork Gap, the snow had gone and it seemed liked a completely different world. I'm now hiking in familiar territory as I come closer to home.In all the thrill of the snow I forgot that I past the 300-mile point soon after starting this morning. Another milestone.Look forward to being close to family and friends again and hope to do some hiking with them while in the area.The end of a day I won't soon forget......the journey continues.