morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-10-26
From: Cooper's Gap

To: Lance Creek Restoration Project
Miles today: 11.5

AT Day 3 Cooper's Gap to Lance Creek Restoration Project 11.5 mileAwoke at 8:00, ate a light snack and headed out at 9:00. Putting up, tearing down combined with meal preparation takes a good hour. Right away it was up Justin Mt., about 500 ft climb. Legs felt strong, breathing heavy, met a man coming down into Cooper's Gap and a nice young lady who started May 15th, my mom's b-day, in Maine. Quite nice to talk to. She was excited to be nearly complete. I'd have hiked 21 to her 2080 miles. She looked in good spirits and not exhausted. I've noticed that the thru hikers are traveling light, probably 20-25 lbs less. Found great water near Justis Creek and filled up. Glad I did because not much water to be had until I reached my final stop for the day. No refills for 9.5 miles. I used every bit of water and stopped for camp where I found water. Just as easy to make camp  and prepare a good meal, rice, fajita, steak, flat bread,  while rehydrating the water bladder. Met two groups of men heading toward Springer Mt., a father /son and a grandfather, father / son. Also another thru hiker who was moving fast with what looked like a 20 lb pack. And within a few miles of Woody Gap lots of day hikers. Spoke with a young girl studying English Lit at North Georgia. She says she'd like to hike the AT in Georgia someday. She was hiking north of Woody Gap and past me going up Big Cedar Mountain to what proved to be the best view yet. Her favorite spot. Then all downhill to where I find myself alone again tonight by the gentle Lance Stream.Tomorrow is a big day as I've got to climb Blood Mountain. Over the next 5 miles, I'll have to climb 1650 ft to an elevation of 4000 ft, then right back down 1500 ft in 1.5 miles to Neal's Gap, then hopefully another 5 or 6 miles. Miles in the mountains are hard and always pointlessly ups and downs (PUDS). Good night.
Date: 2014-01-08
To: N.O.C. Wesser, NC
Miles today: 0.0

So, since my last entry ending at NOC, I hiked from Davenport Gap to Hot Springs. I did this hike in the spring, March 2013. Now I am leaving, tomorrow to complete the missing section from Davenport Gap to NOC. Much talk about why I'm doing this section at this time of year. Well truth be known, its nothing more than its when I have the time to hike and be away for this amount of time. It's a 100 mile hike over 7-10 days depending on the weather. This week the entire US experienced a very cold cold week. Here in Central Indiana, we had -18 degree nights, with highs around -10. Luckily, the cold weather will be short lived. Looks like the week ahead will be much more favorable both in and out of the mountains.Like every other time I hike, its because of frustrations in life that drive me to the wilderness. Who in there right mind would venture away from what the enjoy and love so much if not for demons driving them away. I say all that smiling but not much. I'm staying overnight at the NOC in the bunk house tomorrow. hope for a good nights rest and hit the trail Friday.
Date: 2012-01-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

after many years of wishing to to the AT I finally get a chance to do so. I'm looking forward to see the folks on the trail and just live what I think is my dream of my lifetime. I plan to start 18 March. I have most of my gear and I am doing final tweaks to it like most folks do. I do have to do more research on trail food though.
Date: 2012-01-13
To: Hike in WY
Miles today: 0.0

Today was my first hike wth the backpack. I bought an osprey argon 85. After going to REI and having it fitted, it feels great. I did a 4.5 mile hike elevation from 6200-6825, temp 20, wind 15 mph. everything works well including the body. I have new hope of going forward. I'm taking it slow but I should be ready by Mar...
Date: 2012-01-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

went on a longer hike today...the weather man lied....it was 7 degrees and the windchill made my water in my water bottle freeze. After reading some of theJournals, it makes me even more anxious to start the trip. My one concernis that my foot/achilles tendon holds up for the duration. So far onThe practice hikes all is good, but the day after day stress on it will tell the tale.I'm hoping it keeps getting stronger every day.Walking the trail this year is my only shot at this. I've waited a long time to do thisSo.....lets make it happen.
Date: 2012-01-21
To: update on self
Miles today: 0.0

I figured I would use my computer this time around rather than my phone to add some "stuff". I'm 57 and just retired from Gov work after 33 years. I've been around aircraft in some shape or form since I was 17. I've wanted to hike the AT since I could read.I have a buddy - Rick Johnson that plans to hike a portion of the trail with me- at least to VA as I understand it. I think he is worried becuase I joke that his trail name will be Sherpa....I reside in UT and have built a cabin on the UT/WY border. My wife and I over the last three years built the cabin from the ground up- with the exception of the foundation and HVAC. My friend Rick gave a helping hand many times when extra muscle was needed. I had some long hard days building it, but luckily you can read and find anything on the Internet. In UT you don't have to have a General License to build a home. Rest assured it all met code- was inspected and the building inspector was tough since he "didn't like do it yourselfers". By the time I was done he didn't find one thing that had to be redone and commented on the quality of workmanship. The picture is the one I attached somewhere in this journal (still figuring out things).Most of my friends say I am "stuborn" enough to finish the trail...I call it determined.I'm really looking forward to seeing firsthand the Trail Magic/Angels and the good in people when you least expect it. I think over the years I have seen enough of the bad that folks bring to the table. I don't plan to think too far ahead- I am hoping to see what is over the next rise every day and be excited about a new sunset and sunrise. My goals aren't that simple to state,and there are many of them. First just stepping on Springer Mt will be accomplishment of goal one. I think after that my goal will be to not miss the things that you can only see on the AT, and enjoy every step- no matter how painful or cold or wet or hot. All of the elements compiled make hiking the AT an experience- no matter how far one travels.I am looking forward to seeing everyone- making friends with people that have that same warped ambition to walk for months for no obvious reason other than to do it and to have a cold Corona in every place I can find one, which is one reason I may be called "Corona Sam" on the trail. I can never pass up a cold beer......and I read where one Pub has 101 drafts on tap..sounds like a zero day to me for sure!Good Luck to all and I'll see you on the trailTM
Date: 2012-03-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Had to make one more entry. I hope with the extreme weather all are safe on their trek. My last hike in Utah was great. I went out to antelope island in the great salt lake and did a 8 mile quick hike. What made this a unique trek was that there are buffalo on the island. Words can't explain the feeing on walking among animals that represent our storied past. My buddy and I basically had the island to ourselves. Weather was great, first hike with no snow and elevation was under 5000. Being 100 ft from such powerful creatures was just amazing. My dog had the common sense to leave the"strange big dogs" alone. I am sooooooooooooooo looking forward to the AT hike. The immense challenge the AT presents, both mentally and physically, hasn't gone unnoticed. I worry everyday that I won't meet my own expectations, let alone what others expect. All I can expect from myself is to do my best and follow through on my one chance. If I can move my feet forward I fully expect to keep NOBO. my workouts have been brutal, I've gain abt 5 lbs muscle and a few pounds fat over the last two months. I'm winding down to heal the body and mentally prepare. I've done all I can do. Now the time is approaching to "walk the talk". I've read alot of journals and I'm proud to be part of the 12 class. See u on the trail 18 march. Be safe, have fun, enjoy the experience.
Date: 2012-03-18
From: Springer mt

To: Hawk shelter
Miles today: 8.1

Awesome day on the trail. Met some folks, Pax, Japy, and grey hawk on the trail.I think Sherpa's ft is bothering him, but time will tell. Common sense told us to stop today, when I wanted to go a tad farther. But we need to go slow at the start. I think it was in the high 70s today. The trail had a few climbs but over all nice and comfy day. It is beautiful out here.Thanks to Wayne and Tracy C for have us in their house on Friday night. It was a great way to start the trip out. I'll see if I have coverage tomorrow for another update. We need to walk abt twice as far, but we'll see how it goes.
Date: 2012-03-19
From: Hawk shelter

To: cedar mt
Miles today: 13.0

Hawk mt was crazy. Had abt 50 people there. We started hiking at 5 amWith the headlamp, which was a first for me. I did get a great picture of a sunrise.Hot and humid here, the start of the hike was steep, then it chilled out till cedarMt. Just got rained on when we were setting up tents. All in all things are good. 14 Miles in this heat was a lot today. Rick is good and so am I. One lady broke her leg yesterday on springer mt. Her journey is done, one mile into it. Every step is important. Guess I'll drink the Coronas in the hotel. Neels gap tomorrow.
Date: 2012-03-20
From: cedar mt

To: Neels gap
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: broken clouds

we crossed over blood mt today. I had heard horror stories abt it, but I think a few passes before it were tougher. Coming down did hurt the toes though. We made neels and I bought some camp shoes. neels has abt everything you need. Last night on cedar mt, a msn and his wife hiked up wth stuff to cook popcorn....pot, oil, butter...it was awesome watching the sights and having popcorn. We also met a guy walking the international AT....from key west to newfoundland. He had hiked 1800 miles already and wasn't 1/4 done. He had the triple crown;PCT, CDT AND AT TWICE! A real nice guy. Both rick and I have some minor aches that we are addressing. We got a cabin at blood mt cabins, SHOWERED, laundry and a/c got hiker special $60. Awesome deal since it is right off Neels. We met Pup and five hr today a son and father combo. Nice folks. We are going to do 12 miles tomorrow...7 gaps, which in AT language means down on the bottom so you can walk way up the side of the mt, to go down again. God grant me my trail legs soon! Overall it's nice to be here..the challenge will be hiking daily. Don't know if we will have cell coverage tomorrow. Feel free to drink a Corona. PJ, you can move the pen on the wall abt 1/4 in on the map....PROGRESS!
Date: 2012-03-21
From: Neels gap

To:  North of Cold springs gap
Miles today: 14.0

I'm going to try and send the sd card home soon so deb can add the pics of GA. Today rick let me know that the first few days we are not supposed to walk so long. It was noted.The trail was the easiest yet, gentle, ups and downs.we have been hiking long hrs since we are slow. Met mega pixal today..nice guy but he is one of the fast hikers.had our first trailmagic today after a true pud....pointless up and down. We walked up 600 ft elevation so we could come down the mt and walk back on the same road to the trail....ouch. We got sodas, cookies and a banana from a very nice gentleman braving the cold wind. The weather is supposed to change and be crappy....can you tell I sent my cold weather gear home! The trail is tough in places, but you just keep moving, I'm loving it in a sick way I guess. I mean I can eat anything I want...had frozen pizza before we left neels for breakfast, and I'm still losing some weight. healthy eating is out the window. I've seen some folks struggling on the trail, I wish them well. 10% drop out by Neels gap, 40% end of Ga, 60% by damascus, least that is what the long distance guru told us. It's far from a walk in the park, although we go through parks....Thanks to all for the comments....it does add motivation, but due to limited battery power and my energy I don't answer them all....be safe class of 12
Date: 2012-03-22
From:  North of Cold springs gap

To: South of swag of the blue ridge
Miles today: 15.0

Rick said we couldn't walk as far as we did yesterday, so we quit .3 sooner. Today was first bad weather day...fog for 3 miles, rain for 10, pouring rain at times, sun for a couple. PJ you can move the pen to a little south of Hiawassee GA! We got great trail magic today when we got to unicoi gap-the Baptist church from hiawassee was there with hamburgers, brownies, sodas...boy was it great after doing 6 miles. they braved the rain and went out of their way to help us, it it's amazing. The trail is tough, but I've seen some nice things out here. if a hiker needs something other hikers offer help, instead of walking away. Rick and I aren't staying in the shelters....too many people and we crash early...way early and get up way to damn early as well.Froze a little today when I stopped hiking since when you are hiking ups wearing rain gear just makes you sweat like you are in the rain....from the inside out. Today was a much tougher trail, a lot of ups.....big ups at 40 degree climbs....I was sucking air so if there is a shortage of air, blame me. it is hard to carry food to fuel you, but let me tell you, mac and cheese and spam is like steak and lobster to a hiker. I made some of that and damn....I haven't eaten spam since I left home as a kid.....Rick even liked it. it is supposed to rain hard tomorrow...we have eight miles max to the gap and road, and I hope we can get a ride to town quickly....11 miles to town, I've heard it's an easy hitch..we have a hotel room to dry us and our stuff out. I'm starting to love hotels and food...the trail is for less of a grand word awesome...it humbles you. Just when you think you are doing well and it rewards you when you keep things in perspective. You can't beat the trail, you can live on it for a while, and respect it. once you lose that respect it'll kick your butt. We should be out of Ga in two days if all goes well. Both rick and I got drenched today luckily we were able to semi dried off. The two most important things on the trail stayed dry...the sleeping bag and TP...Well enough for tonight, the rain and cold had zapped me and hiker midnight is going to be early.
Date: 2012-03-23
From: South of the blue ridge

To: Dicks creek
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: light rain

We broke camp at 6am in the rain, walked in the rain, which then turned to buckets of rain at times to nothing a second later. I would put on my rain jacket, take it off, put it on. Each time I waited a little longer to put it on, so soon it became worthless to do so. Most folks when hiking get too hot to wear a jacket...I'm one of them. the trail at times was a river and slicker than....we made it to dicks creek gap and hitched a ride within minutes from an elderly gent who made it plain his political view. We just nodded and agreed....hell it was raining outside and we had miles to go to get to the blue berry patch to pick up our food drops. He could have started playing banjos, I wasn't moving. After we picked up the packages within 10 min we got another hitch into town with a great gent to the hotel. My thanks to both folks to helping us....great people. PJ...we are in hiawassee. We are going to take a zero day to dry gear as are most hikers...a severe weather system is hitting the area tonight and in the morn. Both rick and I want to fix some things and maybe I can get a card and send GA pic home. rick finally saw my toes today and wondered how I was walking, much less hiking. I think 5 toenails are history. I'm looking for new boots. I'm trying out hi-tech. Hope they work cuz they are on my feet for the next 300 miles. It'll be nice to dry out tonight and run errands tomorrow. At least early on, common sense is to take a hotel break as the body adjusts to miles. My hat is off to the military folks that carry 80 lb. packs, plus a weapon and do it in all conditions. Must be why old men can't join. Speaking of old,rick got a senior discount on the meal tonight and on his hotel room.....take care and all be safe. I'm so thankful that I'm getting a chance to do this. My feet will get better...that stuff is minor.as wendy would say"man up"! I do have great friends!
Date: 2012-03-24
From: Dicks creek

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

well we got the shopping done, and are ready to hit the trail in the morning. it was good to clean up and do laundry. It's amazing that after being soaked in rain all day that mud can stil find places to cling to. The climb out of GA is tough. the trail started tough so why not end it the same. The next ranges are higher but they look less steep in places. We plan to stay at the aquone cabins on either day four or five before pressing on to NOC. both rick and I needed a day to get body parts back in place. Since it looks like it's going to rain one more night in the hotel was great. We'll update when we have a signal. The new shoes seem nice....in the city. tried running some hills but......talked myself out of it quickly.Take care!
Date: 2012-03-25
From: Hiawassee

To: White oak stamp
Miles today: 12.6

We made it out of Ga today! NC looks to be a challenge as well with over 300 miles to cover. We had Cecil give us a ride to the trail today from town. He was one of the folks doing trail magic the other day and Rick saw him in a hardware store and asked if he would give is a ride. He showed up at 0715 at the hotel. Refused to take any money. 82 yrs young. We owe so much to that generation. Why aren't we lowering flags and taking tv time to reflect on them when one dies?Anyway trail was sort of easy then right off the bat NC had three steep climbs. Then it leveled off to the camp site. Weather didn't rain on us, but it was a cold 70 today. supposed to be 40 tonight. All I had to do was sent gear home for it to get cold, but I have enough to survive......I hope. We needed the zero day to recoup. The trail dried out some so walking wasn't as treacherous as the other day on the slip and slide. Hopefully we are going for abt 15 miles tomorrow and quit before albert mt. All is well. Thanks to all for the comments and support. Rick aka utah sherpa and I still are talking to each other, which exceeded our expectations! I do miss my wife and dog.....I made certain to put that in the pc order....but I really enjoy this trail...the history behind the ground I'm walking on. If it could talk think of the tales it could tell. And if you look close enough maybe it is telling the story...take care and God bless!
Date: 2012-03-26
From: White oak stamp

To: Betty creek gap
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Easy hike today trail was awesome and it was 70. Walking fast to keep ahead of the weather but the young kids smoke us! Found a great place to camp, running water, no bears, and flat. Cool to cold at night but warm in sleeping bag. All is well trying for 13 miles next.
Date: 2012-03-27
From: Betty creek gap

To: Camp ground north of franklin
Miles today: 13.1

I have to admit so far NC kicks butt on trail building. Most of the trails have been nice to walk on. We stayed at another campsite that had running water. The stream had some earlier waterfalls and I took some pics of those. When you have to hydrate your meals, water is a big thing. If theres no water then you drink less at night. We are staying at the aquone cabins tonight agree a nero day (short miles). We plan to do only five miles today. there's spotty cell so tonight no update. What is nice abt the cabins is the owner is a thru hiker who completed it in 2010. His wife and himself are from England and built the cabins thenmselves. From what I have heard they are awesome folks. I'll tell more after the stay. So far so good. Toes are healing slowly with the new boots. Good thing I bought new ones. Rick has a few new blisters and is thinking abt new shoes. Take care and God bless. As I was just typing this 3 white tails scampered below me, but smelled me and took off. Hell you can smell is even upwind.
Date: 2012-03-28
From: Camp ground north of franklin

To: Wayah GAP / Aquone Cabins
Miles today: 5.1

we are staying in hiker heaven once again. the Aquone cabins are fantastic! four of us for now are sharing the cabin. We had pizza for lunch, and ham, potaoes and bread for dinner. Rick and I plan to slack pack 13.5 miles tomorrow, that is leaving our heavy pack here and taking the bare essentials and being dropped off, walking the trail and getting picked up at the end and sleeping here again. I'm not much of a fan for slack packing, but for the money this time it it worth it. plus my visa still works...so I have money.So far things are still going good. Yesterday in the middle of the trail we had trail magic from Gingersnap. she left fresh baked goods hanging from a big tub in a tree so the bears couldn't get it. I think one summer for a week it would be great to sit out here where the trail crosses a road and have cold drinks, or hot coffee and snacks for the hikers. maybe my way to give a little back to the trail. I plan to run that idea to the big boss someday. So we are slowly moving forward. I think in two days we will be at the NOC and a couple days after that at Fontana dam getting set for the Smokies. Smokies looks to be real tough. one mt on the map looks like the guy sneezed when drawing the topo. it is straight up. but first we have the miles in front of us.weather is still a concern of mine...but I don't have any control. having a blast in many ways. funny how word travels on the trail. We have heard about someone with a 75 lb pack, we have seen two familes with small children attempting the thru-hike,we hear about folks quiting and others speeding off. one person got robbed on the trail yesterday and was talking to the franklin police. Funny people aren't walking up to me in any threatening manners..wonder why.take care if I can I'll try to update tomorrow.
Date: 2012-03-29
From: Wayah GAP / Aquone Cabins

To: Telico gap
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

today we slacked packed with Megapixel and Spools who took their full packs. Rick and I barely managed to stay up with them! Both are the type of folks I had hoped to meet on the trail. I've met a ton of folks- Davey Jones, Blue eyes,pants on fire, croc hunter, the list goes on and my memory is short. Most folks range in age from the mid-20s and 30s then jump to late 50s and above. We are enjoying our last night here at the cabins and will head into the NOC tomorrow. The down and the ups are going to be rugged the next few days and then we hit the Smokies. If anyone is coming this way on the trail you need to stop at the cabins... Maggie and Steve go out of their way to make things right. This will be our last indoor stop until we get to Fontana Dam and then we'll clean up and get ready for the Smokies.PJ I am glad the pigs are following the action. I am certain more will come. had a few beers tonight- no Coronas, but they were cold so that means they were good. take care...