morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-06-13
From: Peaks of Otter Lodge 

To: Marble Springs Campsite 
Miles today: 10.0

I made a decision I would not have made if I had been feeling a 100 percent. Since the cold, I have not bounced completely back. I get tired quicker and my lower back has really been hurting. Anyway, we jumped 18 miles forward, as I¢m getting concerned about finishing before they close Baxter State Park. We didn¢t leave the lodge until 10:30 and had planned to hike only to Thunder Hill Shelter, but it did not have a good water source and it was very buggy. I almost forgot, we saw a rattlesnake stretched across the trail about an eighth of a mile from the shelter. It just layed there and we could not go around, so I stood a good distance back and threw some rocks toward it and it finally slithered off.We did go under The Guilotine, a boulder that is hanging suspended between two big slabs of rock. We met Lorax and Truck at Thunder Hill Shelter. After seeing how bad the bugs were here, the plan was to press on to the first campsite, but Truck convinced us to go to Marble Springs Campsite. On the way to the campsite we stopped at Thunder Hill overlook and enjoyed the view. We also saw a little rat snake.In addition to Truck and Lorax, two other guys were at the campsite, and I of course forgot there names.
Date: 2018-06-14
To: John Hollow Shelter 
Miles today: 9.4

We were up and hiking by 8:30. With my back hurting, the heat, and lack of energy, today will be a relatively short day. We just took our time today and took a long lunch break at Matt¢s Creek Shelter. This shelter had a nice creek that I used to help cool down. It¢s so warm, that Cat Lover had sweated so much, his shirt was soaked.We resumed hiking after about an hour and made it to John Hollow Shelter by 3. We crossed the James River Foot Bridge. It also had a nice Creek that I used to cool down. Lorax was at the shelter when we arrived. We visit for awhile before settling up our tents. It was nice to just relax for awhile before having to do camp chores. Cat Lover took a nap. Several other people showed up but most of them decided to hike on. But three guys showed up around 6 and stayed in the shelter.
Date: 2018-06-15
From: John Hollow Shelter 

To: Lexington 
Miles today: 9.2

We were up and hiking before 7. Cat Lover is very excited to get into town for his birthday and to be able to sleep in a real bed and go to a movie Saturday.We had two mountains to climb, which weren¢t too bad, Fuller Rocks and Bluff Mountain. We made pretty good time with stopping at all the views. Our shuttle driver was waiting for us and we were quickly whisked off to Lexington. Three Springs Shuttle driver was very nice, Alma. She said she used to run a hostel but it got to be too much. So thankful they still provide shuttles. We are staying at Wingate, which is awesome because they put our room right next to the laundry room. I was so happy to be able to wash all of our clothing, everything was stinking. Now if I could just wash our stinky packs.While clothes were washing, I ordered pizza. Then I fell asleep for two hours. I am still feeling very tired and my lower back is still hurting. We went to Walmart for resupply and I picked up some ibuprofen. Hopefully that will help. Don¢t know what to do about the tiredness though. The hotel has a hot tub, which we took advantage off. See if that will help my back.
Date: 2018-06-18
From: Punchbowl overlook

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Olma picked us up a little before 10 and we were hiking by 10:30. The extra zero day helped a lot. I felt good. The hike was mostly down hill today. We had to detour around a bridge that a tree had fallen on back in March. The reroute was nice: level and soft. It was a very hot and humid day. We also passed the 800 mile mark.The shelter has a really nice Creek running close to it and several nice tent sites, but we chose to stay in the shelter. There were a lot of bees around the shelter, but Cat Lover and I didn¢t have any problems with them, but they did sting two other hikers who chose to tent. We met two section hikers who were just finishing up there 4 day hike. They were teachers who had just finished the school year.
Date: 2018-06-19
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter 

To: Seeley-Woodworh Shelter 
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

We we up and hiking by 8. It was another hot and humid day with water sources far off the trail. We had an up first thing, but it wasn¢t too bad. We met Amazonian and Chawaba and Lorax had also spent the night at the tent site. Cat Lover and I started hiking shortly after the other three hikers left. We saw them a couple of miles later at VA 60. Lorax was getting off the trail because she had gotten a job starting in the middle of July. Amazonian and Chawaba passed us a little while later.The first water source was about 6 miles and over half a mile off trail at the Cow Camp Gap Shelter. Cat Lover and I were still good on water so hiked on by not want to add over a mile to our hike. About 3 miles later we did need water, so I had to hike the .3 miles to the water source at Hog Camp Gap. We had lunch here too, but the bugs were so bad we didn¢t stay long. About 2 miles from the shelter, the skies opened up for about 30 minutes. We arrived at the shelter around 6. My feet were killing me but camp chores had to be done. The first order of business was getting water and then cooking dinner. Amazonian and Chawaba showed up about 40 minutes after us, which surprised me. They had went to the shelter that was over half a mile off trail for lunch. That is how they got behind us. We all slept in the shelter along with Tripad. Two other hikers tented.
Date: 2018-06-20
From: Seeley-Woodworh Shelter 

To: Harpers Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Same theme, hot and humid, tough climb thrown, The Priest. We started hiking around 8. Oh, I forgot to add the bugs have been horrible for the past we. We stopped at the Priest Shelter for lunch and just about got carried off by The gnats.Then we had a pretty steep decent. About 4 or 5 miles from the shelter the ski opened up again for about 30 minutes.Amazonian and Chawaba and Cat Lover and I spent the night in the shelter along with Peaches. Two others tented. The shelter has a really nice Creek with a little swimming hole. I didn¢t swim, but I did try to wash some of the sweat of me.
Date: 2018-06-21
From: Harpers Creek Shelter 

To: ReidÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Gap
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: scattered clouds

We were up and hiking by 7:30. About a mile in we came to some incredible views and took pictures of course. Then it was a rock scramble up Three Ridges.Disaster struck just before Chimney Rock when I slipped on a rock and fell and broke my left pinky finger. I knew even before I looked at it that it was broke. Cat Lover helped me up and I asked him how far the nearest road was; 6.5 miles. There was nothing to do but hike. Cat Lover put one of my hiking poles in his pack as I could not use my left hand to use the pole. About 30 minutes later we ran into two girls who are park rangers in training, Emma and Kimberly. They tapped and splinted my finger for me. Trail angels just when you need them. Then we continued hiking on and took a break at the top of Three Ridges. About 3 and a half hours after I feel we finally reached the road. I called Stanimals for a shuttle. I went to get a hotel room first at the Quality Inn, so Cat Lover would have a comfortable place to wait and so I could take a shower. Then the lady who checked us in, Sue offered to take me to the clinic when she got off work at 3, another awesome trail angel.The clinic confirmed my pinky was indeed broken and put a splint on it and recommended I follow up with an Orthopedist the next day. They thought the break might require surgery. She picked me up and dropped me back off at the hotel and said her husband would take to the orthopedist the next day if I got an appointment.
Date: 2018-06-22
Miles today: 0.0

The orthopedist took more X-rays and the break looks even worse. He recommended that I see a hand specialist as he thought I might need surgery on my pinky. Unfortunately, it looks like this has ended our thru hike. I will be heading back home Monday, plane tickets are too expensive during the weekend. I will finish the trail, but I don¢t know yet what form that will take; if I will pick up next year where I left off and finish the hike or if I will take a few weeks a year to hike the trail until I finish it. It depends on what I have for a job next year.
Date: 2018-06-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was so happy to find a Catholic Church only a 5 minute walk from the hotel. So I went to the 11:30 mass and I was surprised to see another thru hiker, Tripad. After Mass, Cat Lover and I went to McDonald¢s for lunch and then walked 3 miles to a bookstore. We got to the store just as a thunderstorm hit. We spent about an hour there and Target next door. I called a taxi for a ride back to the hotel and we ordered pizza for supper.Sue, the lady who checked us into the hotel and her husband have generously offered to drive us to Dulles to catch our flight tomorrow. Dulles is about a 2 and a half hour drive from Waynesboro.
Date: 2018-06-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Sue and her husband Richard picked us up around 11 and we stopped at a a gas station that serves fast food and grabbed some food for the road. I got a hotdog and fries. We stopped another store about 45 minutes later for a bathroom break and I got a ice cream cone. After eating the cone, I fell asleep and woke up about 20 minutes from the airport. I get motion sickness, so taking a nap was my coping mechanism. We go to the airport around 2:30 for our flight that leaves at 4:30. Than you so much Sue and Richard for all your help and kindness.We got our bags checked in and made it through security and had about a hour and a half until our flight, so we stopped for a bite to eat at Subway, next to our gate. We had an uneventful flight. We arrived at the San Antonio airport around 7:30 and Sam, my husband picked us up and we went to Olive Garden for supper. Then we went home and went straight to bed, I was so tired. My appointment with the hand specialist is Wednesday, the 27th.
Date: 2018-06-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

On Tuesdays, Schuyler had Speech therapy, we went to that and then went bowling afterwards. Cat Lover stayed home. He does not like bowling. I ordered pizza for the boys and Sam and I went Harmon¢s BBQ for supper. They have the best bbq I have ever had and had missed it while I was hiking.Tomorrow¢s the big day, I¢ll find out if my finger needs surgery.
Date: 2018-06-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I arrived at the surgical center at 7:30, then it was hurry up and wait. I finally got called back around 9 to be prepped for surgery. I changed got changed into a hospital gown, they started an IV and fluids and asked me all the standard questions before surgery and then Sam was allowed to come back and stay with me until they surgery time. The doctor said he was going to see if he could straighten my finger out without operating on it while I was asleep, but if that failed then he would have to put pins in my finger.Well, 3 hours later I wake up and feel nauseous and have pain, so the nurse gave me something for bothe and I find I have a half cast on my hands arm. The surgeon did have to put pins in my finger.Sam and I were going to eat out after my surgery, but with my stomach feeling iffy we decided it would be best to go home. I was still really sleepy too, so I took a two hour nap and then we went out to eat for supper.
Date: 2018-04-04
From: Amicolola Falls 

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Registered for hiking the AT north bound. I received # 1925.  Met another Anderson today named 'Commander' at registration ; He asked if I was interested in hiking with him and we ended up becoming best trail buddies.  It is traditional to have a trail name, which I did not yet have. Commander named me 'Ozzie' ( My wife was of course was named 'Harriet..'.)  This is also where Ozzie listened to the hiker rules and regulations and weighed his backpack. It weighed about 36.5 pounds,and that was not yet including food.
Date: 2018-04-05
From: Springer Mountain

To: To Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1

Finally, day 1 of my journey arrived.  AT here I come !Hiked up to the top of Springer Mountain before hiking back down to the trail head where this picture was taken.  Plan is to hike to Hawk Mountain Shelter and camp there.  This is where Commander caught up with me and we stayed together from here on.Els camped with us this first night after parking the car at High Tower Gap.
Date: 2018-04-07
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.1

Hiked over Blood Mountain today and enjoyed spectacular views; took a break on the top and visited an old shelter from the 1800's ; This stone shelter also offers a place for hikers to stay if it rains. This is the highest point along the AT in GA.  Camped in the rain last night.  Els camped with us. We warmed up some soup and ate crackers with cheese and salami.  We had to hang our bags up on a bear line high in the trees that night.  Another hiker, Heather (Vermont Vixen) camped in our area as well.
Date: 2018-04-08
From: Neels Gap / Mountain Crossings 

To: Hogpen Gap
Miles today: 6.9

After stopping at Mountain Crossings and some morning trail magic consisting of Grilled Hamburger we left Neels Gap on our way to Hogpen Gap.Weather was misty and foggy. We wore our frog toggs and enjoyed being able to slack pack this day. Els met us later in the day with the backpacks in the car.
Date: 2018-04-09
From: Hogpen Gap 

To: Blue Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 12.0

I left in the misty rainy weather from Hogpen to Blue Mountain Shelter.Met the Haiku Hiking Crew at Unicoy Gap after camping with us at Blue Mountain.That night I forgot to zip my mosquito net shut while visiting at the campfire.   When  I finally got into the tent and tried to get some sleep found a mouse scurrying over my head. After finding my light saw him, flipping him out he hung onto the ceiling... This time grabbed him and tossed him out. When I shined my light around again he was hanging upside down on the outside, on the top of the mosquito net and looking in, sticking his tongue out at me.
Date: 2018-04-10
From: Blue Mountain Shelter 

To: Tray Gap via Unicoy Gap 
Miles today: 6.8

On the way to Tray Gap stopped at Unicoy Gap for some trail magic with hotdogs,chips and Gatorade.Met the Haiku Hiking Crew also headed to Maine. They played music and we introduced ourselves.The crew included 8 hikers named Professor, DNA, Pixie, King, Bushkill, Bubble Boy, Fire Breather and Stillwater.
Date: 2018-04-12
From: Dicks Creek Gap 

To: Bly Gap 
Miles today: 9.0

Yeah! I have reached North Carolina, made it through Georgia without any foot or other problems.Got my AT passport from the Top of Georgia Hiking Center after reaching Dicks Creek Gap, where Els and Brenda picked us up to go to Blairsville for a stay at a motel and some real food.
Date: 2018-04-13
From: Bly Gap 

To: Beech Gap 
Miles today: 12.1

Another beautiful and warm day for hiking. Hiked a steep section into Deep Gap where Els met us with some chicken drums trail magic and afterwards hiked on another 4 miles to camp at Bly Gap. Often the trail consists of mostly rocks and roots, just following the white blazes.Camped over at Bly Gap.
Date: 2018-04-14
From: Beech Gap 

To: Rock Gap 
Miles today: 15.3

Completed the first 100 miles today!!Today was also the longest hike thus far...15.3 miles with a very sharp ascent to the top of Albert Mountain where there was a fire tower.What an amazing view! Els (Harriet)..picked us up to go celebrate with a great meal at Fat Buddies in Franklin NC.
Date: 2018-04-16
From: Rock Gap 

To: Wayah Bald
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: snow

After a well deserved zero day, back on the trail today. Temps in the 25-30 range today and light snow. We are now at 119.2 miles onto the AT!Els hiked with us from Rock Gap to Winding Stair Gap where Brenda picked her up, we hiked on another 10 miles.Saw a few hikers today including a dad with his 4 year old son called 'Space Monkey', who are hiking the trail together all the way to Maine.Temp down to 25 degrees on top of Wayah Bald Mountain.
Date: 2018-04-17
From: Wayah Bald

To: Tellico Gap 
Miles today: 9.3

Started hiking at 9 today  in 25 degrees on snow covered trail from Wayah Bald to Tellico Gap. Throughout the day the temps moderated and by mid afternoon temp was in the mid sixties.Enjoyed beautiful views over mountains and talked to the hikers who stayed in a 6 person shelter last night with 12 people and 2 dogs. It was 20 or less degrees and very windy, they said they 'survived' it... We stayed in town in a motel and planned the rest of the week's hiking.
Date: 2018-04-18
From: Tellico Gap 

To: Nanthahala Outdoor Center 
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today turned out to be a beautiful day.  Els (Harriet) hiked with us and took some great photos.Wildlife seen today included a big black snake that dropped from a tree onto another tree, then slowly crawled up the big tree.See photos! Saw blooming trillium and dogwood as well as lots of violets and bloodroot.Ended the day with a great meal at Nanthahala Outdoor Center with Commander and his blond Lady.Stayed at a motel in Bryson City before continuing our hike north tomorrow, from NOC.
Date: 2018-04-19
From: Nanthahala Outdoor Center 

To: Stecoah Gap 
Miles today: 13.6

Ascent from Nanthahala Outdoor Center was steep this morning, but not as hard as expected.  Had an early start at 7:30-ish and reached our planned destination by 3:30.Mountain top views surrounding green grassy fields resembling scenes from the sound of music.Met a South Bound hiker named Wild Flower with a companion dog, a lab mix.Towards the end of our hiking distance today met Harriet (Els) who hiked towards us from Cheoah Gap.Another great day hiking, beautiful weather and feeling good.
Date: 2018-04-20
From: Stecoah Gap 

To: Fontana Dam 
Miles today: 16.6

Started out today's hike at 30 degrees, with the first 2 miles a pretty steep climb. The rest was steady ups and downs until Fontana Dam.We took a break at the Cable Gap shelter and there another through hiker caught up to us. Her name was 'Wander Woman' whose husband supports her hike from their camper, all the way to Maine. Reached Fontana Dam at about 4 pm where our wives met us. Walked across the Fontana Dam bridge to the trail head and back. Tomorrow morning we will be entering the Great Smoky Mountains. Els (Harriet) will be driving back to Wisconsin and I will be camping for the next 80 miles.
Date: 2018-04-21
From: Fontana Dam 

To: Russell Field Shelter 
Miles today: 13.4

Hiked the first part of the 80 mile Smoky Mountain National Park section of the AT.Climbed to the top of the Shuckstack Tower and enjoyed the immense view from there.Harriet (Els) had to start her journey back to Wisconsin today. We hiked onto Russell Field Shelter since Mollies Ridge shelter was full.Our first night trying to sleep in a shelter instead of our own tents....
Date: 2018-04-22
From: Russell Field Shelter 

To: Seiler's Bald Shelter 
Miles today: 14.7

Hiked 14 + miles and in the  rain in the afternoon ;  we pushed on to Seiler's Bald Shelter for the night. The trails were wet and muddy so we had to walk through it, it was not safe to try and step around the mud and puddles.My feet are feeling good and I have no blisters or hot spots.It was windy and rained all night but dry in the shelter.
Date: 2018-04-23
From: Seiler's Bald Shelter 

To: Klingman's Dome 
Miles today: 4.6

I had an easy day today ; this morning it was still raining, but Commander and I hiked on to Klingman's Dome. The plan was for Brenda to pick us up there for a drive to their home in Bristol and probably take a zero day tomorrow.  Plan to do some laundry and make plans for the next section to hike.With 100 % rain chance tomorrow is a good day for a break.Stopped at an outlet store where I bought a second pair of pants and another pair of socks.Ate a great steak at the Texas Road house after having had soggy oatmeal at the shelter.
Date: 2018-04-24
From: Klingmans' Dome

To: Bristol TN 
Miles today: 0.0

Perfect time for a zero day since it is raining all day today. Stayed at Commander and Brenda's house  last night and did some sight seeing  today.  One of the highlights was the speedway racetrack in Bristol.Plan is to head back early tomorrow morning and continue hiking on northward.
Date: 2018-04-25
From: Klingman's Dome 

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Starting in misty and fog from Klingmans' Dome this morning, hiked towards Newfound Gap where I planned a little break before heading on to Icewater Spring Shelter for the night. There was rain and mist all day, and when we reached this shelter with the temperature dropping to the thirties.  The trail is full of rain puddles with water running down the path.  Winds are picking up tonight and it is time to hunker down and try to dry out a little in the shelter.  Feeling ok but looking forward to nicer weather,  drying out and keeping my shoes and socks dry longer !
Date: 2018-04-26
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6

Another wet rainy hiking day in the smokies. Everything got soaked, and we hiked on very muddy, gooey, sloppy and miserable trails.Hiked with Commander and Wander Woman most of the day. She wears a bear bell so we did not see any bears.Fixed some dehydrated lentil soup with beef jerky and that helped warm me up at night while drying out in the shelter.Slept remarkably well considering the shelter environment, but am tired enough at night that sleep comes pretty easily. Looking forward to a trip to town tomorrow to dry out all the wet gear.
Date: 2018-04-27
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap, near end of Smoky Mountains 
Miles today: 15.5

Hiked 15.5 miles today, sunny weather but still very muddy trails after days of rain.Made it to the meeting point along Hwy 32 where Commanders' wife, Brenda picked us up to go into town for a real meal, and staying at the Motel 6.Shoes, socks, everything in my pack was wet and needed drying out. There was even mud inside my socks! Got some sneakers at Wal-Mart to wear while my trail shoes are drying out.  Ate supper at subway and got sub sandwiches for the trail tomorrow as well.Looking forward to a good nights sleep in a real bed tonight!
Date: 2018-04-28
From: Davenport Gap, near end of Smoky Mountains 

To: Max Patch Road
Miles today: 15.4

Beautiful day hiking with temperatures in the sixties ! Prefect hiking weather.After a breakfast at McDonalds' we drove back to Davenport Gap and headed northward to Max Patch Road.My toenail felt better after I did some filing work on it last night and I realize I am blessed to have no blisters so far.We crossed Hwy 40 , walked down a bridge across the river, following the white blazes all along, underneath a 4 lane highway, up a stairway and continued on the trail.We were happily surprized with trail magic again today : This time the trail angels brought us baked potatoes with all the toppings you could ever want, strawberries, water melon slices, apple juice, soda and beer !  Talked with another hiker who met a someone hiking with his cat, who rode on top of the hikers' backpack.  At night in the shelter, the cat did what cats do well, meaning catching mice !  This was a welcome shelter mate !It felt great to hike today with better weather and trails drying up.Be sure to check the photo section for lots of pictures !