morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-07-15
To: Cosby knob shelter 
Miles today: 23.4
Weather: few clouds

This morning we left Smokemont and had breakfast at Hardees. Spirit then drove us to Newfound Gap arriving aroind 8:15. We said our goodbys and starting our 3 mile climb up to 6000ft at Icewater shelter. We then hiked 1 mile to Charlies Bunion where we stopped for photos on this huge rock outcropping with 360 degree views. We then mostly stayed between 5000 ft and 6000ft most of the day with thunder boomers all around us but no rain. We reached Tri-Corner Knob shelter for a snack and met a guy from Omaha and another from NC. We then started our 7.7 mile hike over to Cosby Knob Shelter for the night. We still had thunder around us but we never had any rain. With about 1 mile before the shelter we seen huge bear paws in the mud on the trail, and every mud spot we could see his paw prints. Its like he was walking in front of us to the shelter but we never seen him. When we arrived there was 3 people already in the shelter 1 from Va. and 2 from Lexington Ky. We arrived around 7 and had dinner before making our sleeping area in the shelter. We have 238 miles to go after 23.4 today. GOD BLESS.
Date: 2019-07-16
To: max patch
Miles today: 24.2
Weather: clear sky

After being rudely woke up at 3 am as two overnight hikers were packing up to hike up mt cammerer to see the sunrise we decided to get up and start hiking. We were on the trail by 5:30 with a 2.8 mile hike up to the side trail leading to Mt. Cammerer. We then started our descent down to Davenport Gap and out of the smokies. We descended from 5000ft to 1975ft in 5.2 miles. We then went under I40 and started our climb up to the summit of Snowbird Mt. We stopped for lunch here at a open Bald before hiking on, making our way to Max Patch. We then descended down to the Groundhog Creek Shelter on good trail, we are loving hiking on a dirt path more with less rocks and roots. the weather is great but the humidity is still high. We then climbed up 1400ft in the next 3 miles before descending down to Brown Gap. We then had a steep climb of 1000ft before the trail stayed around 4300ft until we reached Max Patch road. We filled up with water and hiked .8 up to the summit of Max Patch hoping to camp there but when we arrived there were about 10 tents scattered everywhere and some playing loud music. So, we hiked .3 down into the woods and set up camp after 24 miles. We wanted a goodnights rest thats why we didnt camp at the summit. We have 214 miles to go and the journey will end. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-07-17
To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 19.6

We were packed up and on the trail by 6:30 with a great view of Max Patch and the rising sun. We started out by hiking thru many Roderdendron tunnels on a flat trail. For the next 5 miles the trail runs along the creek passing the Roaring Fork Shelter, crossing many streams and a old road bed. The trail stayed around 4000ft to 3600ft over the next 5 miles with gentle up and downs. We then crossed Lemon Gap and started a 1 mile climb up to Walnut Mountain Shelter. On the way up we passed about 20 Boy Scouts with their leaders heading down to Lemon Gap. After eating near the Shelter we descended down to Catpen Gap before Climbing up to summit of Bluff Mtn. We then had a long switchback down the otherside of the mtn. We met this great family from Charlotte that was making the long climb up the mtn as we were descending, and we were told it was their first time on the AT. We finally made it to Garenflo Gap for a break knowing we still had 6.6 miles to Hot Springs. We then started hiking faster because we heard thunder in the background and we didnt want to get wet heading into town. But, with 1.5 miles to go the sky opened up and we were drownded. It was so bad that with our phones in baggies they both got soaked and now we are phoneless for the last 8 days of our hike. We were planning on hiking 6 more miles but after the storm we decided to stay at the Laughing Heart Hostel run by our grood friends Chuck Norris and Tigger. We highly recommend this place but if you are looking for more private lodgeing the cabins beside the Iron Horse are great and reasonable as well. We have 196 miles left to go at this point. GOD BLESS.
Date: 2019-07-18
To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0

We decided to take a 0 today bc of the bad weather forcast but, also bc since leaving Springer on July 5th we have covered 275 miles in 13 days. This morning we actually were going to hike out but decided after talking to 5 different people about the weather we decided to stay 1 more day. We have 196 miles to go and hope to do that in 8 days. We want to finish on the 26th in Damascus and then on the 27th hike the 17 miles in the Grayson Highlands that we had to skip when we started this journey due to snow and cold temps on mt Rogers. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-07-19
To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 26.9
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning we left Hot Springs at 6 and started with a climb up to Lovers Leap Rock at 1800ft. We then continued climbing for 5 miles until we crossed U.S. 25 and 70 at 2278ft. Along the way we seen several tents set up and one trail runner went passed us, we met one couple from Chicago. Also, we came to this pond where in 2012 we seen a wolf hybrid at the pond. We then started climbing up 3600ft to top of Rich MTN and the Blue Blaze trail to the fire tower where we stopped for a break. We then hiked over to the Spring MTN Shelter where we met this couple who looked like they were living there, they had a fire and we think they we're catching wildlife to eat. So, we didn't stay long and cont climbing before descending down to NC 208 where we had lunch. For the next 2 miles the trail was relatively flat but then we climbed up to 3300ft in 3.3 miles. We stopped at the Little Laurel Shelter to get water, which is clear but has a beet juice dirt kind of taste. We talked with 3 hikers before climbing another 1300ft in 1.8 up to 4770ft. We could hear thunder as we approached the Rocky outcropping along Blackstaff Cliffs and Big Firescald Knob where we had great views and could see the bad storm in the valley. We hurried across and started our 2 miles hike over to Jerry Cabin Shelter where we made camp. We met a nice man from Belgium who couldn't believe we had started at Hot Springs this morning and hiked 27 miles. Ratman has developed today a very severe rash on his thighs and groin area so we don't know but we might have to take a few days off. He was in bad pain the last 2 miles. He has never had a rash in 9 yrs of hiking so we think this was strange. We have 167 to go. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-07-20
To: Sam's Gap
Miles today: 17.9

After putting vasiline on all the places ratman had developed the rash last night it seemed some better. So we started hiking by 6 and had a climb from 4150ft to 4750ft up to Big Butt. We then had to hike thru some overgrown fields where we got soaked from the dew. We passed the Shelton Graves, they were William and David Shelton, uncle and nephew. When returning to a family gathering during the war, they were ambushed near here and killed by Confederate forces. We then started our long descent down to NC. 212 at Devil's Fork Gap. We had lunch and then started our 8.6 mile hike over to Sam's Gap. We had a huge climb up from 3100ft to 4600ft in 3 miles. But, after reaching the summit we still felt all we did was climb with little downs. The weather was great until 4 miles in and a thunder/lighting storm hit us with rain that was so hard you couldn't see in front of you. The trail was flooded and Ratmans Rash got worse. We made are way to Sam's Gap, thankfully the storm stopped with 2 miles to go. When we reached Sam's Gap after 19 miles we decided we needed to get off trail for a few days to let the rash heal. Ratman discovered it hurt worse when climbing and we were facing a 6 mile climb out of Sam's Gap. This nice lady gave us a ride to Mars Hill to a motel but the motel was booked. We had no phones so they let us use the computer to see if family could come get us. Our great friends Skippy and Lish who live in Asheville came and got us for the night. We will be picked up in the morning by Ratmans Daughter. We will take a few days to heal before finishing the last 150 miles. Skippy is a triple crowner who we hiked with in 2010, Lish has hiked the PCT and CDT and we hope she does the AT at some point. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-07-21
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Today we are home resting with 150 miles to go. We were able to attend church and spend time with family. We will resume hiking on Wednesday. We will hike the 17 miles in Grayson Highlands before hiking from Sam's Gap to Damascus to finish up. Ratman should be healed up by Wednesday as well. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-07-24
To: Home
Miles today: 17.0

After a great evening watching Caroline and Maggie play soccer we had a victory dinner consisting of 2 half gallon ice cream, key lime pie and chocolate cookies, they don't keep score in soccer at their ages but we all won. We were up at 5 and drove to VA. 603 at Fox Creek. We arrived at 8 to start our 17 mile hike thru the Grayson Highlands. We had a 3 mile up of 1500ft, then 2 miles down to the scales. We then hiked up to Stone Mtn, then the trail levelled off around 4600ft until we came to the Wise Shelter. The trail is very Rocky and in some spots has a creek running down the middle. We then made our way up to the flat part where most of the wild horses hangout. We seen 10 total and maybe about 100 people enjoying the amazing day. We made our way thru the Fatman Squeeze and over some Boulder outcroppings before reaching Thomas Knob Shelter where we filled up with water. We then started making our way to Elk Garden 4.2 miles away. The trail remained Rocky but the weather was amazing. We reached the road where we camped on March 21 in 4 inches of snow. It sure looked different today. We hitched for 45 minutes before a nice man gave us a ride, he was from Texas. We helped him as well as he was staying with his wife in a cabin 3 miles from our car and we recommended Macadoos for dinner. We will start at Sam's Gap tommorow and hike our last 150 miles. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-07-25
To: Erwin
Miles today: 24.6

After another evening visiting back home we drove to Erwin and arrived at the trail by 7am. We did something new today with tumbler hiking North and me hiking South thus passing car keys as we pass each other. We seen a father and son perform this for their entire thru hike. Hiking South starting at 1700ft for the most part climbing to 5600ft in 18 miles. The trail was in great condition the first 9 miles. After 6 miles I reached the No Business Knob Shelter passing a group of boys scouts on the way. The trail gave a few views of the Nolichucky River below. After 9 miles started a 2 mile descent down to Spivey Gap at mile 11. Then the huge climb began. After 2 miles I met tumbler and we had lunch with me having 11 miles to go and her 13. She said on the balds she seen at least 50 people where I just seen that boy scout troop. After a quick lunch we were on our way in opposite directions. I still had a 5 mile climb to reach Big Bald and Big Stamp. These are two Bald mtns above 5500ft. I seen the group of students and professor sitting bird watching near the top. After reaching the summit I started my 6 mile descent down to Sam's Gap. The first mile was Rocky but after that it wasn't to bad. With 2 miles to go I passed 4 going up, I'm glad I was going the other way. I reached the car by 445 and made my way back to Erwin to pick Tumbler up. She was there and a kind man was giving her a Coke when I arrived. We did 24.6 so we have 125.4 to go to finish this thru hike. GOD BLESS. We will be on Road Mtn day after tomorrow.
Date: 2019-07-26
To: Iron Mtn gap
Miles today: 20.1

This morning Marcia dropped me off at Erwin by 7 and she headed to Iron Mtn to hike back to Erwin. I started with climbing up to 3900ft from 1700ft in 4 miles. Along the way I met I guy hiking to Springer, he had started in PA. He was a very nice gentlemen and he was using the same pack. After the shelter I had to still climb with the trail weaving up the side of the Mtn. I made it to Indian Grave Gap where a man was providing trail magic of brownies, banana nut bread, and Ice cold tea and lemonade. I met a group of 10 hiking mostly father and sons, we talked at the trail magic sight before heading on. We had to climb up 1100ft to the summit of Beauty Spot at 4437. We were still having amazing weather. I met tumbler here which made for a great lunch stop. She had 9.3 miles in and I had 10.6. After we ate and giving each updates on what to expect on the trail we were off and hiking. I had a huge climb up to Unaka Mtn at 5180 as Marcia had all downhill and trail magic to look forward too. After reaching the summit I had 6 miles of good trail over to Iron Mtn Gap. I passed a few hikers heading South but not many. I reached the car and drove back to get marcia, she was already there waiting on me. It was a good 20.1 miles. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-07-27
To: Camp 2 miles passed Carver's Gap.
Miles today: 18.0

Marcia started at Carver's Gap while I drove back to Iron Mtn to hike North. I climbed 300ft before descending a little, but the trail stayed around 4000ft to 4400ft for the next 7 miles with great terrain and weather. I was avg 3.1 miles an he and met up with Marcia at Little Rock Knob she had 8.6 in while I had 7.4. I told her she was only hikers I had seen so I had been eating spiders all morning. After eating we headed opposite directions with me having a 2 mile descent before the big climb up Roan Mtn. After reaching Hughes Gap I started the climb from 4040ft to 6285ft. I met some hikers stuggling up the Mtn but I was still doing 3 miles an hr. After reaching the summit I had a very Rocky down 2 miles to Carver's Gap. I arrived at 2 and waited until 3 when she arrived. We parked the car and loaded our packs to hike 3 more miles up and over Round Bald and Jane Bald before descending to camp. We figured we would reach 19e and hitch back to the car tomorrow. We did 18 miles leaving 86 more to do to reach Damascus. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-07-28
To: Dennis cove
Miles today: 21.4

Today we were up and hiking by 6 with 12 miles to 19e. We started with a 3.6 mile descent down to the Overmountain Shelter. We had a very colorful sunrise as we were hiking down towards the shelter. We seen many weekend hikers tenting everywhere. We then climbed up Little Hump Mtn at 5459 with 360 degree views. The balds were very weedy but manageable. We then made our way over to Hump Mtn at 5587. We then descended down to Doll Flats and officially made it to Tennessee our last state before the finish. We then had a pleasant 3.2 mile hike down to 19e and decided to hike .2 over to the parking lot where we will park tomorrow. We then hitched a ride back to Carver's Gap with a nice man from Chapel Hill NC. We then stopped for lunch before driving over to Watauga Lake. We decided to hike the 8.6 miles from the lake over to Dennis Cove leaving us with 3 sections to finish the trail. We have 65 miles left to go. On the 8.6 mile section we passed Laurel Falls which is one of the best on the AT. We have actually just drove over and camped under the falls before since we live an hr and a half from them. Tomorrow we hike 24.5 from Dennis Cove to 19e. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-07-29
To: Kincora
Miles today: 24.5

Today Marcia hiked South and I hiked North, mileage of 24.5 from 19e to Dennis Cove Rd. I started at 7:20 while Marcia started at 6:20. I had a climb from 2900 to 3600ft. After 1 mile I had a field walk where my shoes and socks were soaked. Then the trail entered the woods where I passed a cemetery and jumped 8 turkeys. Then I passed Jones Falls before descending to a meadow where I hiked Alongside a stream. Then I started climbing up to 3500ft reaching Mountaineer Falls Shelter and then hiking thru some Rhoderdendon tunnels and passing another waterfall where when Marcia passes by it she will discover a hiker taking a shower and they are Stark naked. I continue on and meet Marcia at a memeriol bench with a great view for lunch. I have hiked 12 miles and Marcia 12.5. We then part ways to hike the rest of the trail. I continue to hike thru Rhoderdendon tunnels with a few climbs but pretty easy trail. I climb up to summit of White Rock Mtn and notice the sun as left me and I hear thunder in the distance. They only gave a 20 percent chance of rain and it was coming towards me. I started hiking faster and when I reached the Ridgeline with 3 miles to go the skies opened up and I got soaked. There was bright skies everywhere but over my head. I eventually made it to the road and Marcia made it back after I had sat for maybe 10 minutes. We went up to Kincora and visited with Bob People's who is a legend on the AT and he recognized us and stated is this your 4th thru hike. We talked with him for an HR then went to town for Mexican. We then went back to Kincora to get some rest. We have 41.2 to go. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-07-30
To: Tn 91
Miles today: 20.5

Today I hiked South and Marcia North. It was a 20.5 mile day, we were looking forward to this hike bc we were hiking around Watauga Lake with chances to see bears. Marcia started at 6 and I at 7. The first mile was flat then I climbed for 2 miles until I reached the Nick Grindstaff Memeroil. Then I mostly Ridgeline hiked with a few climbs. I reached the high point of Iron Mtn before descending to Turkey Gap. As we hike towards each other we let each other know every 30 minutes what mile point we are at so we know each is safe. After 9 miles I met Marcia for lunch. The weather was great even with a 50 percent chance of rain. After lunch I continued on and after 1 mile Marcia sent me a pic of a huge black and gold rattlesnake in front of her on the trail. Then 2 miles later I came across a bear. After more Ridgeline hiking I descended to the Watauga Lake Dam that you hike over then start the 2.7 mile hike around the lake. Marcia texted me that she had made it back after finishing the 20.5 miles by 1:30 and I texted her and told her I was .3 away. It was perfect timing to end a great day of hiking with no rain. We will take 2 days off and will hike the last 20.7 into Damascus on Friday so family can be there to celebrate this epic 4th thru hike of the iconic AT. We will be doing videos on the last day every 2hrs letting everyone know how close we are to finishing. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-07-31
To: O day
Miles today: 0.0

Today we are taking a zero with 20.7 to go to finish the trail. We will be doing laundry and just relaxing. We want to finish Friday so family can come and celebrate this 4th thru of the AT. We have NOBO 2 times and SOBO 1 time. This has been a neat way to do a thru hike and very different. We call it a wrap around by starting in Damascus, summiting Katahdin then wrap back to Springer before hiking back to Damascus. With 150 miles to at Sam's Gap Ratman developed a bad rash and since we were close to home we had family pick us up and we spent a few days at home recovering. We decided to use our car the last 150 miles and pass the keys like a father and son did in 2012. It's been fun but we don't like hiking alone. We did hike together some and hitched back to the car when we could. We will hike the last 21 miles together. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-08-02
To: Damscus
Miles today: 21.2

Today is the day we finish this AT journey. We were at the trailhead by 6:15 with the hopes of reaching Damascus by 2:30. We started by hiking thru a field for 1 mile with a very colorful sunrise to our right. We then entered the woods where we would remain except for two road crossings. In the first 6 miles we basically had small up and downs with great trail to hike on until reaching Low Gap. We then climbed up to McQueens Knob, we stayed between 3300ft and 4000ft. The trail was very easy and all the climbs and downs we're very well graded. After 10 miles we took a break to eat before starting our final 11 miles into Damascus. The weather was great except they were calling for 80 percent chance of rain. With about 5 miles to go a large dark cloud appeared with thunder but no rain. We picked up our pace and reached Damascus at 2 with Spirit,Haley and Tim and Robin Chapman waiting on us at the sign. We started March 20th under this sign and made it back today. The television station was there to meet us as well. This 4th thru hike has been an amazing hike and we want to thank everyone who followed us and supported us on this journey. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-08-04
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Today we wanted to post all the totals we keep up with during a thru hike. First we seen hikers from 29 states and 5 countries. We counted the shelters we have never went into during our 4 thru hikes and it ended up being 29 shelters. The wildlife we encountered was Hornet Nests 2,deer 141,snakes 76,grouse 33,ticks 25,turkey 34,quail 16,elk 11,wild pigs 10,moose 6,bear 6,game chickens 5,Beaver 4,yj nest 2,Bald eagles 2,owl 1, raccoon 1,porcupine 1. We also were provided 140 trail magics. We spent roughly 3265 on the 4.5 month hike. We spent 43 on expenses,199 for shuttles,1006 on lodging,50 laundry,20 post office,2000 on food. This was not bad for 2 people. So these were the final tallies. Thank you again for following us and for all your prayers. GOD BLESS
Date: 2019-08-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today is our final entry on trailjournals. Most that follow us are very supportive and over 4 thru hikes we have hiked with 100's if not close to a thousand thru hikers. After our first we have had hikers try to get us to skip sections because they would say you already hiked it so you can skip it this time. But, as witnessed by everyone we have hiked with we hike every mile of trail. We journal for friends to follow but on this hike we have had many that all they wanted to do is write something bad. 99 percent of the hiking community is very supportive to all hikers like we are but since we have had so much negativity on trailjournals we will stop journaling and will set up a hiker site for friends to follow. The ones that write something and don't even leave a email so we can respond back, we ask why bother if you won't even leave a name. We thank everyone who has followed us and has supported us along the way, but we just want everyone to know this will be our last post. GOD BLESS and keep supporting the hiking community even if they hike 1 mile or 50000 miles because the hiking community that we know is like family.
Date: 2020-01-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Its been awhile since we have done any blogging. We want to wish everyone a Happy New Year, and wish everyone happy and safe hiking. We are taking this year off from long distance hiking because since we started hiking in 2010 we have hiked every summer and just need a break. We also need to work and save up money for our next adventure. This year we are going to Alaska in July to visit Ratmans brother who is in the Air Force, proudly 27yrs. We will do some hiking while there, hopefully in Denali. Then in 2021 starting May 1 we will be hiking the West Highlands Way and other trails in Ireland. We will spend a month hiking there before returning for our big journey. Starting June 1 2021 we will be driving thru all 48 land locked states. We will camp in each one, hike at least 5 miles in each one, visit all national parks and collect all 48 Starbucks mugs from each state. The other thing is we have 12 more states highpoints to bag to complete all 50 states high points, so we will try to knock most of them off as well. Thank you to everyone who has followed us and supported us over the yrs. We are currently working on section hiking the AT with 500 miles completed so far as well. GOD BLESS.
Date: 2019-02-08
To: Local
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I now have all of my equipment and continue to use it on a fairly regular basis. My physical training is a priority as time is getting close. Was asked the other day why I would subject myself to such misery? The only thing I could say is that one person's misery is another adventure. Will set out Sunday on a local 24 mile shakedown hike. I continue to check off a long list of "things to do" at home before my departure. Can't wait to get on the trail!