morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 2.4

Well after something like over 2 inches of rain and high winds I slept surprisingly warm. Was impressed with the tent but I did wake up to some dampness from wind blown rain coming in under the fly not really surprised being on top of the mountain with 15-20 mph winds.Packed up camp in the rain for the first time this trip which ny the way totally sucked because it was so dam cold. Had a quick breakfast and headed out in the pouring cold rain in surprisingly good spirits. I was trying like crazy to not step in the puddles on the trail which became an attempt in futility but once my feet got soaked I just didn't care any more and the hiking became fun. I was singing and jumping in the puddles I felt like a little kid again. Only problem was I had to keep moving to stay warm.Like typical Murphy it stopped raining when I got to the bottom of the gap with about 15 other thru hikers. We were all waiting on a shuttle to get us into town. There are a ton of other hikers in town due to the severe t-storm predicted for tonight and more rain for tomorrow. So I think its time for a zero mile day tomorrow.Took a super hot shower to warm up and headed to an all you can eat buffet right next door. Good fried chucked with all the fixings and such. It really hit the spot after a week of trail food. My next meal is going to be some pizza for tonight which is my other favorite food group. I am just glad to be in doors watching tv with a flush toilet and unlimited hot water this is the height of luxury!
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Holiday Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Taking my first zero mile day of the trip today.Came into town mostly to avoid some thunderstorms because who wants to be out there in a severe thunderstorm.Didn't get to eat a pizza this time around but had some Chinese and an ayce buffet next door. Also had a nice steak dinner to treat myself for doing 50+ miles in the past week.Was a nice change to have unlimited hot water and my favorite is chairs with backs on them. I suppose its the little things that we miss the most.Well should be heading out sometime in the morning hopefully I won't wamke up too late.
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Holiday Inn

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: few clouds

Weather was very cooperate today after raining for the past two days. It seemed t have warmed up a bit though so not sure if that's a good thing or bad right now. Spring is definitely on the horizon now. While its a nice day and maybe a bit warm I think we will all trade these days for what's ahead of us in the mid Atlantic states in high summer. Skeetters, humidity, and just being plain hot.Today was a little rough with lots of elevation gain and loss but after a zero it was very enjoyable.We made camp tonight and ran into another great group. We sat around the fire for quite some time when one of them brought out some microwave kettle corn popcorn. Not really knowing what to do with it we just kinda put it in the fire ontop of some tin foil. Well the somehow the paper cought fire and started burning up. It was a little sad at first but then the oil started spitting which caused ALL ofus to jump up and take a step back from the fire. After a few more seconds the first kernel actually popped. Well thru hikers being thru hikers we all stared at the lone kernel and someone finally picked it off the ground and ate it. Soon after popcorn was popping everywhere at random. So basically whoever was closest to the popped kernel got to eat it. It was kinda like popcorn spin the bottle. It's stuff like this that I really enjoy and totally glad I am out here and have the opportunity to hike with this incredible group of people.
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Top of Georgia Hostel
Miles today: 6.3

After getting almost no sleep because some ass clowns decided to night hike and set up camp right next to us at approx. 1am. They were very inconsiderate and rude but I guess thats how it goes out here sometimes, its a microcosm of society out here. Although almost everyone is very friendly and helpful there are still a few ass hats around.Anyways... It was a relatively short hiking day today into Ducks Creek Gap. We were met there by Bob "Sir packs a lot" Gabrielson the owner of a brand new hostel Top of Georgia Hostel that just opened on march 1. It was nice little place he gives free shuttle rides into town so you can resupply and get some much need town food at the ayce buffet so we can replenish all those lost calories we burn on the trail. Bunk room was alright as far as hostels go. The highlight of the night for me was the free foot soak he offers. It's a tub filled with super hot water, marbles, and Epson salt. Your supposed to massage your feet on the marbles and let the hot water do its magic. It was quite relaxing and magical and really made my sore tired feet happy feet for awhile.
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Top of Georgia Hostel

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 9.0

After yet another sleepless night at the hostel due to all the snoring and the people renting coming into the bunkroom to do dishes and use the bathroom at all odd times. I was a bit disappointed with how the tenters acted with that regard. Again a microcosm of society I suppose. Oh well... Looking forward to actually getting some much needed sleep in the woods and my peaceful tent.We all have been super excited about hitting the NC border today and finally leaving GA in the rear view mirror. 1 state down only a lot more to go but atleast its a milestone and a huge moral booster to boot. I mean we just walked 78.5 miles through the mountains of north Georgia. Pretty impressive by my book. It has been so much fun hiking with this great group so I am so totally glad I decided to tale this trip when I did.Well we finally made it to the border after a few long ascents, Georgia just did not want to let us leave easily. We hiked just a bit further to what is known as "Old and Twisted Tree" its really just an old tree that is in the middle of the trail. Fortunately for us there was plenty of campsites because there was a ton of thru hikers and weekenders in the area. We ended up on the ridgeline with about 10 other hikers. Had a great fire and got to know a bunch of other thru hikers. Ofcourse that was after we all climbed on ye olde tree for some much needed kidness and pictures.1 state down!!
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Bly Gap

To: Beech Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

After finally getting a good night's sleep after two whole night's of hardley getting any I feel great. Until... We have two super steep climbs first thing in the morning and with my calves being overly tight in the morning these climbs were absolutely brutal! But like I keep saying just put one foot infront of the other and you will eventually get to the top. And you know what? we did. Today was one of our longest days to date because we heard there were storms coming in and we wanted to get to Franklin before then. Franklin is our next resupply and biggest trail town to date. So it looks like we are going to be picking up the mileage for the next few days. It will be a good test to see how ready I am for these longer days that will be needed to make it to Maine by October when Baxter state park closes. Right around lunch time and after coming off a very steep decent we catch the wiff of hambergers cooking on a grill with only a few more switch backs to go we start to hear much laughter and revelry which can only mean one thing. TRAIL MAGIC! Trail magic is put on by super nice and thoughtful people who like to meet thru hikers andhelp us on our journey. Sometimes its prior thru hikers giving back to the community other times its a trail club. Sometimes its neither and its just a genuine nice person trying to help out fellow hikers. This particular magic was hosted by a prior thru hiker and it was nice to meet up with some of the faster hikers that we have been seeing for the past few days. Odesius, Sweeps, DQ, Nick and othets. Wow what a great group of people.Going up Standing Indian mountain was a quite the beast especially after having 2 beers, hamburgers, and hotdogs. However the view was totally worth it at the top! The whole gang ended up stopping at the same place so it was great seeing them again. I am going to miss this group because they are a lot faster than me. I guess thats how it goes at times its all part of Hike Your Own Hike or HYOH for short.Again there seemed to be an abundance of thru hikers here and a mix of weekend backpackers with 2 absolutely gorgeous yellow labs. Which just loved being petted. Overall was a great day and weather seems to be holding in the 70's and maybe 50's at night still just feel so blessed to be able to be out here and doing this.
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Beech Gap

To: Long Branch Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Spent another great night with a bunch of thru hikers at the campsite. Today was a pretty good day terrain wise and was easy hiking. Looking forward to getting into Franklin tomorrow since its our first real town that we actually go into. Also looking forword to seeing Rob at Outdoor 76 I hear he is the man to see to make sure your shoes are working out for you. I don't have any problems with that area yet but you never know.The climb up Albert Mtn. Was a bit tough but also fun at the same time. The elevation gain was 600 ft in only .3 miles. The steepest part of the trail to date. The view ontop of the firetower was totally worth the climb up. We also hit the 100 mile marker on that climb as well so we were all flying on clouds of sunshine at that time.This is a great double decker shelter and still smells brand new as it was built just last year. Although there are almost no tent sites in the area and apparently the mice here are something fierce.Plan on getting up stupid early like before the sun is up and doing a little bit of night hiking to try and get to the gap before the rain and to make sure we actually get a seat on the free shuttle into town.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Long Branch Shelter

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Was a really early day got up at around 5:30 am and hit the trail around 6am or so. Wanted to beat the rain and to ensure I got a seat on the free shuttle into town. As of right now our little rag tag group of roving ragamuffins plan in going into town and taking a much needed 0 day in town. We all plan on staying at the Budget Inn and painting the town red sort of. Also plan on eating a ton of food as all of our hiker hunger are starting to kick in.Ended up getting a room to myself because I didn't want to deal with anyone for a little bit. Mostly the snoring part, never knew how many people snore while out here.
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Rock Gap

To: Franklin NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

After a long night at the karaoke bar which all of the thru hikers took by storm, there must have been close to 20+ of us in there all pretty much at the same time. Sweeps and Dairy Queen rocked the singing while Peepshow, Odysseus, Samurai Sam, and my self devoured a bunch of wings and essay too much beer. It wad a lot of fun and my h needed after the rigors of the last few weeks on the trail.Went to the outfitter Outdoor 76 which is the best outfitter ever because it has a small beer bar inside it. Beer and gear what a great combo, ended up with some Sol inserts for my feet after the recommendationof Rob the foot expert. They are heat molded to your foot so they are supposed to be better I suppose time will tell.Also have to give props to Ron Haven who owns the only two hotels in town and he gives free shuttles to and from the trail and to walmart. He really goes out of his way for the hiking community in general. Also wanted to give a shout out to Veto of Veto Pizza he also leaves his restaurants to come and pick us hikers up and brings us to and from his pizza restaurant. I suppose he does it because he knows how much pizza and beer we can pack away. Thanks Ron and Vito!!
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Franklin NC

To: Wayah Crest picnic area
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

Peepshow and myself have decided to basically do 10 mile days as per Rob's suggestion. Just to make sure our bodies get used to the daily rigors that we will ne putting it through over an extended period of time.So, we found this nice little picnic area just about 10 miles from Franklin. It's a great place it has water and picnic tables a little hiker haven in the middle of the woods.This is the best camp site we have had to date because there is no other hikers around and its just the two of us. We enjoyed a nice little campfire all to ourselves. Which seems so rare out here on the trail. As we were sitting around the fire we heard the call of a barred owl off in the distance. That was the first time I have heard an owl out here it was actually quite pleasant until... The owl silently flew to the branch right above us and called again scareing the pants off of both of us after scanning the trees we finally saw its shadow as it then flew away just as quietly and was never heard of for the rest of the night. I guess it just wanted to see who was camping in its picnic area.
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Wayah Crest picnic area

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

We took it nice and slow today since we were only doing 10 miles. Was a very pleasant day not too hot but not cold at all during the day that is. After 2 nights of almost below freezing its a nice change I suppose spring is actually here. We made it to Wayah Bald fire tower and spent over an hour sitting at the other end of the parking lot eating lunch lounging in the sun and taking a short nap. It was so peaceful and I really love it out here.There is a very old all stone fire tower that provides a 360 deg panoramic view of all the mountains and valleys we can see almost forever in all directions it was such a good and clear day we decided to stay there for almost 30 mins as well.Again I am really glad I decided to come out here and take this trip
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Stealth Camp Site
Miles today: 10.2

Another day of beautiful fire towers and mountain tops in NC such a beautiful place.We decided to stop short of the next shelter because we knew how busy and full it was going to be especially since its the weekend.After a quick decent into Tellico gap we received a bit of trail magic of some sodas and chips. Apparently this guy is slack packing his son from gap to gap through most of this area they started together but he needed to get off the trail for personal reasons and still wanted to help his son out. It was a bit touching and he is one of the nicest people I have met out here. It seems that almost everyone out here is just so nice and genuine. It restores my faith in humanity at times.After a long gruelling climb out of Tellico gap up to the top there was another firetower making the climb totally worth it again. As another bonus ran into Dairy Queen, Sweeps, Nick for Now, and Odysseus at the top. I really enjoy these guys company they are all fun and happy folks so full of life and really know how to have a good time. I seem to forget that at times maybe that's another reason for coming out here.We ended up stopping just short of the next shelter and stealth camping on some flat area that we found in the middle of the woods. Was one of the best nights sleep so far out here even in the rain
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Stealth Camp Site

To: Nantahala Outdoor Centet
Miles today: 1.5

After a soggy night we packed up our wet tents and headed into NOC. It's a rafting resort right on the Nantahala River that does all kinds of rafting trips and ziplines. There is a nice outfitter as well and the prices at the general store are a bit outrages but its right on the trail so I suppose they can charge pretty much whatever they want. After securing some rooms for the night we ate at the restaurant which was extremely good. Town food always tastes that much better after a few days ontthe trail.Since this is a rafting oasis I decided to tale one of the rafting tours down the river. It's mostly class 1 and 2 with a very very short class 3 at the very end. Unfortunately I didn't expect it to be this cold on the river and rain and I am very glad hat they gave all of us wet suits for the trip.The rafting trip was definitely the high lite of the trip so far and I have been looking forword to doing it since before I left for Springer.They started a bit of a bonfire at the side of the river it wad mostly thruhikers and some of the river guides just standing around in the rain and drinking beer. Again it was nice to run into the group and we met a new guy named Samurai Sam for his walking stick that he carries around. Looks like a Katana.Having such a good time so far but definitely not looking forword to the long slog of a climb out of the valley up to the ridge line again.
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

What do you do when you are forced to retire at the age of 56? In this case after mandatory retirement from 31 years as an Air Traffic Controller with a wife still working and to young to sit in a rocker a fellow retiree and I decided it was the thing to to do. Knowing that our careers were coming to a close we started planning about a year ago to take a hike. Accumulating gear over the last year or so we pretty much have what we want. I did an overnight on the North Country Trail in June trying out the gear, in Sept we will spend 3 or 4 days in Michigan's Upper Peninsula on the Pictured Rocks Trail giving it another test then make whatever adjustments need to be made and then in October 3 or 4 days on the NCT.   As far as a trail name at this point I have no idea, I am considering Buzz because I plan to keep my head and face shaved for comfort sake or Rat as an acronym for Retired Air Traffic.    How do people journal and post on the trail? Smart phones or do they just wait until they get into town and use the computers at a library or hotel/hostel? Anyway, I just signed up for this journal thing and decided to try it out, probably wouldn't post much for awhile.
Date: 2013-08-05
From: In Training

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

"The burden of failure is far heavier than the barbell, don't make excuses to skimp on your training, give it your all every time." Quote was found on a Cross Fit website, I'm starting to realize that I am not afraid of the trail, I'm afraid of not finishing the trail. A lot of people know that I will be doing it and I don't want to come home and say I didn't finish. With that in mind I've started (slowly) my training. Today was some ab work at home a four mile walk to the gym to use some ab machines and a four mile walk home, I feel fine. With seven months until we start it is early to be training but next week I will fly to Seattle to day hike at Olympic National Park so a little training is needed and we will need to average about 14 miles a day with pack when we do Pictured Rocks next month so some training is necessary. While walking today it occurred to me that the mental aspect is going to be the hard part, getting up and occupying my mind through the long hours for 180 days while being sore, tired, hungry, wet, stiff, hot/cold and a myriad of other physical discomforts. So over the next few months while getting in my mileage I will be trying to figure out how to focus my mind on something other than myself.
Date: 2014-01-19
From: In Training

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

Well, I'm not sure how much I will keep up to date with these posts, since my last post i've hiked on and around Mt Rainier and Olympic National Park and backpacked The Pictured Rock National Lakeshore along Lake Superior. Last week we got around to making reservations. We fly to Atlanta on the 4th of March and start our hike on the 5th. Trying to get out 5 days a week to either walk some flats with the pack or hills without and over the next six weeks combine the pack and the hills so we wouldn't show up totally out of shape. Hope to see see some of you out there.
Date: 2014-01-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I've decided to go with Nordo as my trail name, in the world of Air Traffic Control it is used to refer to somebody who should be on a certain frequency but for whatever reason is not, so they are out of touch. although I will have a phone it will be off most of the time so I will be out of touch. I bounced it off a few people who said "What's that?" a couple others said "it works" so for lack of anything else thats it.
Date: 2014-02-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

A test from my phone to see if I can do this on the trail. Yesterday was apparently my last training hike before we leave on Tuesday. Temperature was 5 and a wind chill of minus 17. Today the temp was minus 6 when I got up so canceled the walk. I'll go donate blood one more time before I leave. The next couple days are filled up so there wouldn't be time until Monday so weather permitting I may do a short hike before leaving on Tuesday. Let's hope this works, it will make things much easier posting on the trail.
Date: 2014-03-04
From: Hiker Hostel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Flight was Uneventful. Spent the afternoon and evening at the hostel getting to know people as they arrived. The whole lot of them are nothing but friendly and fun. Someone pointed out that the great thing about this is that we are all equal. Nobody talks about what they do for a living or how important they are, starting tomorrow we will all be sleeping on the cold ground, drinking out of the creek, pooping in the woods and carrying everything we own (he who has the least stuff wins). Breakfast at 7:30 the first truck load to the trail leaves at 8:30. I'm off to bed.
Date: 2014-03-05
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Officially 8.1 miles but it was a .9 mile hike to the start. Started with Kim and three other guys from the hostel, they went on ahead and got to the top before us. As I got closer I saw them standing and assumed they were waiting for us so I asked how much further. This is it was the answer, I don't know what I was expecting but it was nothing more than a plaque on a rock. So after the obligatory photos (most of mine are on camera, if I have some from phone I will post, we got started. Everything we've read said you can't train for this, "they" are correct. The downhills and the few flats were okay but the ups early did me in. At the camp site/shelter we met up with Nico (Camel Rider) who was one of those we started with, (actually we met Nico at the train station wait for the shuttle to the hostel) there were about three others but they came in as it got later (guessing 25-30). Everyone is incredibly nice and friendly. This seems to be a great equalizer, nobody talks about how important they are in their other life, we all drink out of the creek, poop in the woods, and whoever has the least stuff wins because we carry everything we own. It's 7:20 and I'm in my sleeping bag with a few people around the fire, by 7:45 alls quiet. Out here there seems to be only to times on the clock sunrise and sunset.