morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-14
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: random tent site
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Wednesday was a slow start for me, 8:45. I overheard Owl going by while I was still in the tent. But most everyone else was yet to leave when I did. Just one of those mornings, I guess. The first three miles were gentle ups and downs, but then came an elevation gain of roughly 1700 feet. Whew! Then big ups and downs the rest of the day. But I cranked out 12.9 miles. These old legs are getting better. The wildflowers are still abundant. Birds are zipping around and singing me down the trail. Chipmunks are becoming more plentiful. Spring in the Appalachians is wondrous. (If you ignore the chiggers and black flies).I was intrigued with a meadow listed along the route. Thought that might be a cool place to stay the night. When I got there, it was not what I had pictured. And a passing hiker said a storm was coming, maybe 2-3 inches of rain. So I stayed in the trees at the edge of the meadow. Camping alone tonight.
Date: 2014-05-15
From: random tent site

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

The storm prediction came true. The rain poured and the wind blew all night and into the morning. I didn't want to get up, cuz I was snug as a bug and the temperature had dropped a bunch. But I need to get to Erwin before my food runs out, so off I go.I had no real agenda today, except to go as far as I could. So tomorrow into Erwin is maybe a short day. The rain continued off and on most of the day. It was cold walking. I stopped for lunch and water at a shelter along the way. No Pain was just finishing his break and heading out. As I was leaving, Renaissance was on the way in. Everybody was just trying to stay warm. I gave in early and stopped at 6:30 after almost 12 miles. I was cold and hungry, almost to shivering. So I got my tent up and put on my dry clothes. Then I crawled into my sleeping bag. When I had warmed up a little, I cooked ramen and added a packet of tuna. Nice to have that warm soup in me! Went right to sleep, with the rain and wind still going.
Date: 2014-05-16
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin, Uncle Johnny's Hostel
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

Friday morning was collllld! The raring had stopped during the night, at least mostly stopped. There was still a sprinkle now and then. I got up and tried to dry a few things so they wouldn't be so heavy. Finally got rolling about 10:00. Still couldn't tell what the rain was gonna do. I knew I would not get into Erwin early, so I just took an easy pace and stayed at it all day. Met a few hikers going both directions. All were commenting on the cold and the rain. Rolled into Erwin just before 5:00 and crossed the road to Uncle Johnny's hostel. When I walked up the couple from Florida ( Nails and Dirt Dog) caught me and said we're going to eat, c'mon with us. So here I go. It was fun. 7 people and we went to an Italian place. Lots of food.went back to the hostel, got a room, did laundry, took a shower, met folks and visited, then off to bed to transmit some journal entries and then get some sleep.
Date: 2014-05-17
From: Erwin, Uncle Johnny's Hostel

To: Erwin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Saturday morning I went to inquire about shuttles to town. Found out I had just missed the morning trip, but another one was leaving In about two hours. So I joked around with SAS, Gizmo, and some others. I also went and visited a couple with a Boxer named Bella. Caught the lunch shuttle, which was going to an all-you-can eat pizza place. Salad bar, soft drink, pizza and cinnamon sticks for dessert. Less than $8.00 including tax. Also had time to get a few things from Dollar General next door. Went back to the hostel and dried and cleaned gear. After all that rain everything was a mess. Then I went on the evening shuttle, got resupply food and Mexican to go. That was my zero day. Got everything done except my shoes are damp. Got new insoles for them. Ready to roll in the morning. I hope my left knee is better by then.
Date: 2014-05-18
From: Erwin

To: campsite beyond Beauty Spot Gap
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: broken clouds

Sunday morning I was a little late getting started. And my pack was overloaded. I had too much food, but I left some in the hiker box and hate to buy food and not get to eat it. Bad decision. A few miles into the uphill to start the day, my knees started hurting a lot. I still managed to do about twelve miles, but I was hurting! Stayed at a campsite just beyond Beauty Spot Gap. Also there were SAS, Gizmo, Mike and Julia (father and daughter), Duct Tape and a couple I don't know. Someone told about some hikers that were confronted at Beauty Spot clearing while they were camping. A townie said you guys are hikers and I know you have drugs and alcohol. I want it! Two of the hikers were ex-military and beat the guy's behind and tied him to a tree. One of the hikers had cell service, dialed 911 and the cops hauled the guy off. This was about the time everybody was going to bed. Five or ten minutes later an owl cut loose right in our campsite and it sounded like a women screaming. I had to laugh. Mike told me he heard a coyote howling close to where I was camping later on, but I slept through it. And I really want to hear one. Oh well, maybe next time. Another fun night.
Date: 2014-05-19
From: campsite beyond Beauty Spot Gap

To: apple orcard
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: clear sky

Monday was awful on my left knee. The right always hurts by the end of the day, but heals over night and is ready for morning. Been that way for years. But the left knee is hurting so much that I walk with most of my weight on my right leg. And I'm moving slowly and gingerly. I'm having to be careful not to stumble or fall. Makes all my muscle groups hurt. Couldn't tell you much about the hike today. Only that we stayed at an old apple orchard with Mike, Julia, Renaissance, and four guys I don't know. And it took over eleven hours to go 9 miles! But only three miles to the turn to a hostel tomorrow.
Date: 2014-05-20
From: apple orcard

To: Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: clear sky

Tuesday found me with my knees even less flexible. Headed for Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel. Said goodbye to Mike and Julia, they have a car in Roan Mtn., so I won't see them again. Renaissance said he'd see me again soon. He is so much faster then me, but we keep running into each other. SAS and Duct Tape are long gone. They were gonna do twenty yesterday and get to Roan Mtn. today. Chainsaw is a day behind. If I get back out there in a coupla days, I might catch him before Damascus. I'm not going to catch Achin. I can't see me staying on the trail past Damascus. Unless I get some cortisone. Even then I'll have to keep the daily mileage low. I guess I need to see a doctor and then start training at Planet Fitness. Strengthen my knees and legs.It took me four hours to do three miles of trail today. Then an hour and a half to walk the .6 miles to the hostel. But that was downhill, hardest on the knees, and very rocky and difficult. I've iced my knees once and plan to do it again tonight. In the morning I'll see how things are and decide what to do about seeing a doctor. Stay tuned!
Date: 2014-05-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I've been home about a week now. The swelling in the left leg has mostly gone. I still can't walk without pain. And if I stand or walk too much, the swelling increases a lot. So, I'm restricted to chair and couch duty. I'll be going back to the doctor for further evaluation in a month. I have to say I'm not used to this type of chronic injury. Hopefully I can return to the trail in the fall. I still want to finish the approximately 100 miles to Damascus. In the meantime, I will try to condense my lessons about the people, the trail and the culture that I experienced. So check back occasionally. Thanks again to everyone.
Date: 2021-09-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

More than seven years have slipped by. Where do they go and why so fast? I¢ve never stopped thinking about the trail, the people, the fun, the difficulty. I am so very glad that I went. I have had some health issues that might keep me from ever finishing. But I hope to get back out there like my buddy Achin¢ did. He has gone back every year except the ¢COVID¢ year. You should read his journals. Maybe when I am able to go back to work, I can earn some leave time and go back. Fingers crossed. Thanks for all the encouragement y¢all sent my way. I wish I could thank each of you in person. I¢m still in touch with Achin¢ now and then and e-mailed Walrus a few times. I recently tried to contact  Guardian, but no luck there. Once again, thanks to everyone. chiggabite
Date: 2013-09-01
From: Just a hike

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I will be starting a journey next spring that will be the greatest challenge in my life, but the most awarding. I feel scared, nervous and excited for this journey. I've reading and planning for this journey for several months. I've getting myself physically prepared, the hardest part will the mental game. I wish I could be starting tomorrow.
Date: 2013-10-04
From: Gooch Gap

To: Just a hike
Miles today: 0.0

Today, I didn't have to go to work for once, so I decided to head up to Springer Mountain area to do a over night hike. Still testing and trying out new things for my hike next year. I decided to try out running shoes for the trail. They made a big difference, light and comfortable, but like everything the negative side they aren't waterproof. I ran into a thru-hiker Brightside, she had the greatest attitude and give me some great tips. Made me even more motivated for next year.
Date: 2013-12-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Did another prep hike in cold weather to test the cold weather gear. Have to fine tune some things. Long cold night at the Woods Hole Shelter. There is cold and then cold, cold. Water freezing and shoes frozen solid, but it was a good learning experience. I met Rocketman, Princess, and Ranger all preparing for their thru-hike in 2014 and their buddy Jim. Very nice people and I was happy to have their company on the long cold night. I'm sure our paths will cross again in 2014 and I'm looking forward to it.
Date: 2013-12-31
From: Blood Mtn 

To: Blood Mtn 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Received great news today, I will be participating in the Warrior Hike "Walk of the War" Program. (www.warriorhike.com) I'm very excited to part of a great program and will support Warrior Hike and other veterans in the program with everything I have. Really looking forward to meeting the other hikers and the many great people along the trail. This is a once in a life time opportunity and I can't wait to get started.
Date: 2014-03-17
From: Approach Trail

To: Stover Creek 
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up to the sweet sound of rain. Took one last hot shower and double checked the gear. Chugged some water, in my mind I'm excited and alittle nervous. Got down to the check in station, weighed my bag, came into 33 lbs with food and water. I signed in as hiker number 499. Made it to the top of Springer with no problems, cold, wet and windy. Made to Stover Creek Shelter set up camp. Place was pretty busy then some nice lady camped out but with three lap dogs. Dogs wouldn't shut up, please Mr. Coyote pay a visit. "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things, you didn't do than by the ones you did do, so throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover." Mark Twain
Date: 2014-03-18
From: Stover Creek 

To: Gooch Mt Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 2, Woke up to more rain and fog. Hardest thing in the world is to wake up and leave a warm sleeping bag. But I had to take a leak and I might as well get moving. Eat, packed up and was on the trail by 730am. Passed Three Forks Area it was awesome to walk through a valley of mt.laurel. Still misting and raining, I probably sang "I call Sun won't you come and wash away the rain" by Soundgarden about a billion times. It did work the sun came out for about 30 minutes and then more mist, fog, and wind. Couldn't see more then 30 feet in front of you, so I just hammered down to Gooch Mtn Shelter. First one there got a pretty good camp site and ate two meals, talked with some other hikers and went to bed around 7pm. Also still trying to figure out how to get pics on this site.
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Gooch Mt Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 15.9

Woke up to more rain, wind and fog. I expect problems and eat them for breakfast. Packed up and got moving on the trail by 7am. Best part of the day is to hike when its starting to getting light out. Pushed to Woody Gap, received my first trail magic an older gentlemen had some snacks and coffee. It was great, then three ladies showed up and started a fire and set up a table full of food. Indiana Jones was one of the ladies name, she thru hiked the AT in 2010 I think she said. Made me an awesome PB&J, fueled me up for the push to Blood Mtn. Trail is complete mud and I love it. Dominated Blood Mtn, GA's highest peak. Hopped on down the back side of the Mtn into Neels Gap. Stayed at the hostel for the night, it felt like I was back on the Ship. A couple of the guys I'm hiking with had a cabin down the hill, I went down there to catch up. Talked with them for a while, was handed a DELICIOUS 16oz Natural Ice. Had a beer with them, then I headed back to the hostel. Talked a bit with the other thru hikers, was in the rack by 9pm. Feeling good, no body pain to speak of, I have some awesome gear, I'm ready to march North.
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Neels Gap

To: Low gap
Miles today: 11.5

Left neels gap At 9 am. Pushed up trail clear blue skies and finally saw the sun today. Pretty easy day nothing exciting. Just hiking in beauitful weather. Made it to low gap shelter around 3pm. Set up camp and sat by the fire.   Feeling good, no body aches all is good.
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Low gap

To: unicoi gap
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Was on the trail at 7am Im hiking with joe from warrior hike. Our paces and breaks match up and it's a pleasure to hike with him. Nice sunrise and good hiking today. Towards the end some long stretches of rock gardens. Did the 9.6 miles by 1130 am. Made it to unicoi gap where last year's warrior hikers had some nice cold pbr and hot dogs. Hit the spot, marine corps league picked us up and put us in at a budget inn for the night. And is taking us out for a steak dinner later. Can't wait. Tomorrow back the trail. Another easy day in the books.
Date: 2014-03-23
From: unicoi gap

To: sassafras gap camp site
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today woke up to light rain again. Ate some subway and was dropped off at the trail around 11. Long climb off the bat. Up and over Tray mountain. Just another day of hiking which is a good day. Been given the trail name "MACHINE" because I'm the fastest out of the group. I like name, sounds badass so ill keep it.
Date: 2014-03-24
From: sassafras gap camp site

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: broken clouds

Wake up at 6 am to owls hooting every loudly, pretty cool. Pretty chilly morning, frost on the ground. Ate, packed, and started moving. Awesome views today. Sherpa provided more trail magic, he is the man. Had lunch in a quite pine forest. Pushed on, crossed into north Carolina! Take your shirt off spin it around like a helicopter! 1 state down 13 more to go! Camped on the boarder.
Date: 2014-03-25
From: sassafras gap camp site

To: Carters Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: snow

Woke up to snow and it was still snowing when I started on the trail. The day's hike started with a good climb in the snow. It felt like I was climbing Everest with snow coming down in the dark. I was following coyote tracks all day on the trail it was pretty cool. Climb up and over Standing Indian Mountain, highest elevation so far on the trail, around 5500 feet. On top it was cold, windy and still snowing. No views, so I just pushed along to the shelter. I set up camp in record time and jumped into my sleeping bag. 1st time I had to boil water and put it in a bottle to stay warm. I cocooned in my sleeping bag, watched Dumb and Dumber and passed out early. Still a better day then being at work.
Date: 2014-03-26
From: Carters Gap Shelter

To: Winding Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.9

There's cold and then there is holy hell its freezing cold. I got a later then normal start, because my tent poles were frozen together and wouldn't come apart. About an inch and a half of snow was on the ground. Ate oatmeal and a hot cup of coffee to get me moving. Only way to stay warm is to hike, so I started hiking. I had the town of Franklin on my mind, a bacon cheeseburger and a beer was my motivation. I was the only NOBO hiker I saw for the whole day until I reached town. Climb up Mt.Albert and ate lunch under the ranger tower, amazing views. Continued on to Winding Stair Gap, sailing through the 9 miles. Made to the gap around 330 pm was picked up by the hotel manager. I got a room and a hot shower, then headed up to Outdoor 76, its an awesome outfitter that has a mini bar in the store that serves craft beer. I had a beer, then went across the street for a burger. Went back to 76 and talked with some very nice locals and other thru hikers. Then ate some wings and went to bed. I will be taking two zero days waiting for the other warrior hikers. One of the hikers from warrior hiker Serpico sprained his MCL on the trail. I hope his knee heals quickly and see him again on the trail. Knock on wood, I'm good to go, feeling good, no injuries or pains.
Date: 2014-03-27
From: Winding Gap Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I have learned one thing about zero days, they can become expensive. Just be relaxing, eating, and enjoying some craft beers.   Town is Nice, and Outdoor 76 outfitter is awesome. Great staff and outstanding gear. I'm getting antsy and ready to get back on the trail. Dried out my gear yesterday just the waiting game now.
Date: 2014-03-29
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: light rain

After two awesome days in Franklin N.C. which consided of hanging out with Mama Goose (2013 Warrior Hike Thru Hiker), excellent dinner and breakfast hosted by the VFW and American Legion of Franklin, N.C. it was time to hit the trail again. Day started off with rain, and more rain to follow. Hiked the 4 miles to Siler Bald Shelter, and decided to stop for lunch. Lunch ended up staying in the shelter since the rain picked up. First night in a shelter and it was a rough one, rain turned into snow with alot of high velocity gusts of wind. Meaning no sleep in the shelter for this guy, snow and wind blowing directly on me. Big Agnes sleeping bag, keep me warm and dry, just to much noise to sleep. At 5am I had enough, said screw it just hike, found and gathered my frozen gear, made some oatmeal and a cup of coffee and hit the trail in the dark.
Date: 2014-03-30
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Balder Shelter
Miles today: 17.4

After a night of no sleep, I started to hike in the dark, with snow and high gust of winds, it felt like North Pole, it was awesome. (I was singing in my head... no sleep till kutztown!!, inside joke) Around 1pm it warmed up, I regained feeling in my thumbs and all was great. And then...in the middle of nowhere BAM!!!there was a group of people offering trail magic, best lunch yet. Burger, hot dog, chips, coffee, and a soda and I was all better. Made it to Wesser Bald Shelter around 3:30pm, did 17.4 miles a new daily high in snow and crappy weather. The views of the smoky mountain was awesome, can't wait to tackle the next challenge. Set up camp and the temperature had climb to in the upper 40's, (heat wave???) and I was in bed by 6pm.
Date: 2014-03-31
From: Wesser Balder Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up at 3am to take a leak, it was very warm out. It was a clear night and I star watched for 30 minutes, it was awesome. Best night of sleep I had in some time. Went back to bed and was up at 630, cleaned up camp and was on the trail around 8am. Got to hike in a t-shirt, spprrrinnggggbreeaakkk yeah!!! (Joke from the Simpsons). All 6 miles was down hill to the NOC in North Carolina. The NOC is a cool little set up which consists of: an river, restaurant, outfitters, and a white water park. Got in around 11am, got to the room, got things organized, ate an awesome bacon (uuummmm baccoonn) cheeseburger, got a beer and did laundry. About to resupply up, grab a six pack and get ready for tomorrow. Tomorrow starts with 7 miles of straight up hill, still a better day then worrying about ketchup packets. (Joke about my old job).
Date: 2014-04-01
From: NOC

To: Brown fork shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Ate an awesome breakfast at the noc. And started the 7 mile climb out of the gap. Made it to Cheoah bald around 1230. Took an longer then normal lunch and enjoyed the view. Continued the march north. Ran into Jacobs ladder at the end of day, pretty good climb. Made it to brown fork shelter, set up camp, ate some food and went to bed around 8. Awesome day of hiking.
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Brown fork shelter

To: campsite in Smokey mtns
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to a mouse running on top of my tent. Hey mouse say cheese. Punched the tent and it ran away.   Birds were singing and the sun was out. It was going to be a good day. Made it down to Fontana Dam, stopped at the bait shop picked up some snacks and kept on hiking. Entered the Smokey mountains that afternoon. Welcome to the thunder dome, alot of climbing. Made it to campsite 113 set up camp, ate, and passed out early. 18 mile day. Ready for more tomorrow
Date: 2014-04-04
From: de rrick knob shelter

To: newfound gap
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: few clouds

Woke up to overcast, it was going to rain. Packed up and started to move. About an hour into the day it down poured. Trail turned into a river, feet were soaking wet. Then I decided to push onto maggie valley. The rain stopped around noon and cleared up a bit. Climb up Clingmans dome enjoyed an awesome view from the tower on top of Clingmans dome. Very windy and the elevation is 6600 feet. Also crossed the 200 mile mark. After Clingmans dome the trail was still a river, pushed on to newfound gap. Got some awesome trail magic and mama goose picked Bigfoot and I and took us to a hotel in Maggie valley. Going to take 2 zero days and head back on the trail Monday.
Date: 2014-04-07
From: newfound gap

To: tri corner shelter
Miles today: 15.6

Started off with more fog and rain. On the way in to the park we passed some elk. We were dropped off at newfound gap in the rain. We are back for round 2 of the Smokey mountains and this time it's personal. Cold + rain · wind = a great day to be hiking. Hiked in mud and rivers all day. It is what it is. Made it tri corner shelter, it was packed at least 20 people in the shelter. Long night of no sleep.
Date: 2014-04-08
From: tri corner shelter

To: Cosby knob
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: light rain

After a long night of no sleep. I packed up in the dark, still raining and chilly. I try to pack as quietly and not to use my head lamp as a little as possible. And it's going to happen your going to forget something. I put my wet socks and shoes on after packing, I cry for a minute because my feet are numb. Only way to warm up is to hike. So I head north after two hours I stop for a break, I go to pull out my guide and that oh shit moment hits like a ton of bricks. I left it at the shelter, with the guide is my important paperwork and journal. I literally ran back to the shelter with my back pack on. Got lucky it was still there. 8 miles later I was back on track. Lesson learned ataf ( from navy days all tools accounted for) will be practiced from now on. On the day I did 15.7 miles but on the map I moved only 7.7. Another day on the trail.