morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-03-21
From: SPRINGER MT

To: MT. KATAHDIN
Miles today: 8.1

Mike sent a text to his daughter today around 1:30pm with the following message: 8.1 Miles Start time: 9:45am Got to Hawk Mtn Shelter @ 12:45pm Walked with Happy 2 from New Zealand most of the way there. He was a good man, Mike stated. Happy 2 asked Mike "what John 3:16 meant? This gave Mike even more reason why he should be completing this hike. God had him walk with Happy 2 for a reason. Mike is only beginning his journey but what a great start! The hub is ready for much more communication. Message was sent to Mike from Zach- no response as of 3/21 11:38pm. No more info from the Hub.. Prayers for Mike in his safe travels
Date: 2015-03-24
From: MT. KATAHDIN 

To: MT. KATAHDIN
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

Got a message today from Mountain Dew:Says the weather has been great and looks like it will stay that way for the next few days. He's still hiking along with Happy 2 from New Zealand. Tuesday night, Mike, along with 3 other folks, Happy 2 and a young couple from Texas, got a cabin for the night. (Blue Mountain Cabins $60/night). He sounded happy to have a bed in the loft for the night, a hot shower, and free laundry!! looking forward to talking with him tomorrow!
Date: 2015-03-25
From: MT. SPRINGER

To: MT KATAHDIN
Miles today: 11.5

Left Neel's Gap this morning at 7. Started with headlamp for a while, couldn't see 30 yards. Stayed this way until noon. Set up camp at 1:15 at Low Gap Shelter. Headed 9 miles tomorrow to get off trail in Hiawassee, GA (trail community). All you can eat and a place to rest for the night!
Date: 2015-03-28
From: MT SPRINGER

To: MT KATAHDIN
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Talked to Mile around 7 this morning and he said their ride was picking them up at the motel to get them back to the trail. He said it was really cold and was going to be pretty cold tonight too! Then received a couple of messages today:At Sassafras Gap. Headed to Deep Gap Shelter. (2:53pm)Made it to Deep Gap Shelter! (4:50pm)
Date: 2015-03-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

Continued to hike with happy 2 and couple from Texas until today. They stopped over at Betty's Gap, Mike continued on for another 3 miles. He said the last 100 yards were treacherous! He had to use tree roots and rocks to climb, throwing his trekking poles ahead to free up his hands. Rough terrain!! Made it to Albert Mountain!Headed to Franklin, NC
Date: 2015-04-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 7.5

Crossed GA/NC border, foggy trail again!Transit bus from trail to town for $3. Hit up Shoney's All You Can Eat TWICE today. Invited to breakfast at First Baptist Church in Franklin, pancakes, bacon, etc served to hikers in the mornings. Mountain Jim bus will ride hikers around town to Walmart, Outfitters, anywhere they need to go. Zero day tomorrow! Watching for potentially bad weather Friday
Date: 2015-04-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I regret to say that I have to come off the trail due to a nagging pain in my right knee and foot. The sciatic nerve that has bothered me over the years, but not to this extent, is what's causing the constant pain down the right side of my body. I can't enjoy the journey. Thanks to all who was with me in spirit. One day I pray to come back and do another section. It was very difficult to say goodbye to Happy 2. We were together, for the most part, since. A good man with a huge heart! I will miss them all. God's speed to them all:DA very special thank you to Miss Janet. Trail Angel who gave me a ride to Asheville to catch a bus back home. She's there to help hikers in any way possible. These are the KIND people you meet along the way. A 1 hour drive she helped me to make sure I got the bus station.Final pictures to come
Date: 2015-05-04
From: Damascus

To: View Entry
Miles today: 32.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Tuesday: Went past the Tenn/Va about another 3/4 mile, so it ended up being a 10 mile up and back!Friday 5/7: Back in Damascus! Did 32 miles??. Mike called me tonight to give me an update on his plans. He was telling me about meeting Happy2 in Damascus realizing his mission from God was for him to let Happy go on to his next destinations. A bitter sweet goodbye but Happy is from New Zealand on a 6 month visa. Happy reached out to Mike and has been talking to God.. Mike knows his purpose was complete and is excited to meet new people. The best part about being back in Damascus is seeing the people who he met along the way from Georgia. He is staying in Damascus til Sunday morning! He is looking forward to the big annual yard sale in the area. He is so grateful for this adventure and all the people he is anixious to meet and serve the Lord by sharing his peace! Mike will be joining us on Sunday for my graduation celebration at my parents house!
Date: 2014-11-22
To: black friday
Miles today: 0.0

im going to participate in this years madness of black friday. ill be at rei waiting for the doors to open so ican get that hennessy hyperlite hammock. ill settle for the ultraliteif i must. they say up to 50% off so im there. i hope to get everything i need . hammock, jetboil, i had ahome made alcohol stove. pain in the ass compared to the jet boil. i also need some base layers, and afew other fun things.
Date: 2015-02-23
To: sleep? whats that?
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

last nite was the worst nite of not sleep ive ever had. even last year i was ready to go and didnt feel this much anxiety. at least i can get outside this year i was stuck in the nasty northeast last winter. but ive since movedd to sunny san diego. so i can go walking and riding without weather being a factor. im so ready to hit the trail running! i have so much more knowledge this year. everything seemed to be more expensive than i thought and or i just made the wrong (most expensive choices) last year. no paying for rides. always split a room if you can. and get the fuck out of town as fast as you can. these re things i learned will eat your budget. i bought a new hammock. last year i had a 4lb two person tent. dummy. so now im way under twenty lbs for my base weight and that im super pumped about. im sure ill buy a few more things and lose a couple also. but right now i have the absolute bare minimum to survive. and can you tell i have adhd and am not an english major. good. peace out folks.
Date: 2015-03-05
To: lightweight hiking is for me
Miles today: 0.0

almost all new gear!for real my pack and my sleeping bag are the only things that are old. pretty freakin awesome! ive spent alot but my hike is going to be so much better than last year. and i was curious to see if greasy creek was still open this year. cuzin connie is crazy as they come. but isnt life more fun when you are crazy. i had made a reservation at hiker hostel. but my cuzin whom ive nnever met lives in atlanta. and is an avid hiker and is jealous of my thru hike. and so ill be meeting him and his wife for the first time ever. actually ill be the first in my family to meet him. very excited! and he is going to spend the first four days hiking with me. i had hopes to get to hiwasse in four days. but i imagine it will be neels gap by sunday. after he leaves im going to own the AT! cabin fever is no joke, i need to get moving!
Date: 2015-02-26
From: Springer Mountain

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Clothes¢¢        Northface lightweight fleece (7 oz)¢¢        Rab Xenon X (12 oz)¢¢        Polypro bottom (7 oz)¢¢        Wool socks (3 oz)¢¢        Darn Tough ankle socks (2 oz)¢¢        Sea to Summit Drylite Towel - Medium¢¢        Eddie Bauer Guide Shorts (8 oz)¢¢        Nike sleeveless shirt (4 oz)¢¢        Synthetic underwear¢¢        Eddie Bauer winter hat (6 oz)¢¢        Mountain Hardwear gloves (6 oz)¢¢        Native Eyewear sunglasses and Nite Ize case (4 oz)¢¢        Sea To Summit Mesh bag - 15LCookset¢¢        Evernew 0.5L mug (2.6 oz)¢¢        Evernew Sierra cup (2.1 oz)¢¢        Evernew titanium alcohol stove (1.83 oz)¢¢        Evernew Titanium DX stand (Did not register on scale)¢¢        iSi Basics Silicone Prep Bowl¢¢        Silicone lid¢¢        GSI Scraper (0.6 oz)¢¢        Trangia fuel bottle 0.3L (3.5 oz)¢¢        Optimus Titanium Spork (0.6 oz)¢¢        Sea to Summit Mesh stuff sack ¢ 2.5L¢¢        Sea to Summit Drylite towel ¢ XSEquipment¢¢        Leatherman Juice CS4 (6 oz)¢¢        Black Diamond Storm headlamp (4 oz)¢¢        Anker 15000 mAH 2nd Gen Astro Pro (13.6 oz)¢¢        Garmin GPS 62stc (9.3 oz)¢¢        Eneloop USB Charger (4 oz)¢¢        Thermometer/Compass/magnifying glass/whistle¢¢        Pedco Ultrapod II (4 oz)¢¢        Travel Toothbrush, floss, floss sticks¢¢        First Aid Kit (10 oz)o        Fish oil, Advil, Gauze, moleskin, ¢¢        Duct Tape¢¢        Toe Warmers¢¢        Sea to Summit Ultra Sil Stuff Sack ¢ 6.5L¢¢        Keen Clearwater CNX Sandal (1 lb)¢¢        Vargo Titanium Shephards Stakes (0.27 oz)¢¢        Spectra Braided Cord ¢ 30ft (3.2 oz)¢¢        Sawyer Mini ¢ (2 oz)¢¢        Iodine Tablets¢¢        Vapur - 0.7L (2.1 oz)¢¢        Platypus 1.5L¢¢        REI Carbon Powerlock Trekking Poles (15.7 oz)¢¢        Equinox Myotis Tarp 8x8 (11.2 oz)o        Nite Ize CamJam XT aluminum Sleeping Gear¢¢        Thermarest Z-Lite (7 oz)¢¢        Thermarest NeoAir Xlite (8 oz)¢¢        Eddie Bauer weather edge hat (3 oz)¢¢        Golite Poncho (7.7 oz)¢¢        Cocoon Air-Core pillow (5.8 oz)¢¢        Kifaru Woobie ¢ short¢¢        Katabatic Palisade ¢ 30 degree quilt (18.2 oz)¢¢        Eno double nest hammockPack¢¢        Deuter Futura Vario ¢ 50+10 (5 lbs)
Date: 2015-02-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

My hike has been delayed for a few days. I have rescheduled my start time from March 1 to March 7th. I have been watching the weather like a hawk, looks like it's going to clear up by Thursday. We got a few inches of snow here at home this week and last. I'm ready to get out there and get started!
Date: 2015-03-07
From: Big Stamp Gap

To: Gooch Mountain shelter 
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Had a long day. Started hiking from Big Stamp Gap and finished here at Gooch mountain shelter. I've already determined that I need to shed some gear which I will do ASAP. Otherwise I had a solid hike. I finished hiking around 1500. Needless to say I am exhausted but I'm having a great time already, I love it out here! Will update tomorrow if possible.
Date: 2015-03-08
From: Gooch Mountain shelter 

To: Neel Gap 
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: clear sky

Had a late start around 9 am. Got some more trail magic today, people are very kind here. Lots of hikers on the trail heading NOBO. Ended up doing a 16.2 miler to neel Gap. Got in 20 mins before they closed and bought some dinner. Alittle expensive for the food but the hot shower and meal were well worth it. The hostel was $16 a night. Tomorrow I will be sending some things home. Hopefully it will make my pack feel significantly lighter.
Date: 2015-03-09
From: Neel Gap 

To: Blue Mountain shelter 
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Got up around 6 am at the hostel. Some other folks were walking up too. Organized what I needed to and put all the stuff I was planning to send home in a bag. I ended up losing 4.8 lbs I think. My pack weight was 37 even when I left mountain crossings. Boy did that make a huge difference. Some how being under 40 lbs feels amazing. I left the hostel around 915am. Got some trail magic around 2pm I believe. Started feeling like my left foot was cramping up so decided to stop at Poplar Stamp Gap with a guy I met yesterday. His trail name is can't remember. That may or may not have been my fault.. Anyways, I sat there for about 40 mins and started feeling better but also bored after setting up my hammock so I got the amazing idea to continue hiking another 5.9 miles to blue Mountain shelter in the rain. It was brilliant and I rolled into the shelter 15 mins before 9 and ended up hiking almost 2 hours in the dark. Why did I do it? Because there's quite a range ahead of me in the morning and I wanted to be fresh. Goodnight
Date: 2015-03-10
To: Deep Gap shelter 
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Rain drops in my face last night. Tarp seam seal failed but I'll fix it next chance I get. Wasn't too bad really. Got some trail magic at Unicoi Gap from a bcm church group out of Atlanta. Hiked through a pretty rough mountain range and made it to Deep Gap shelter. Dicks Creek was too far today. Even at a 16 mile day it was alot harder than my 20. Tomorrow I will go into town and resupply, mail more stuff out, and grab a bite to eat.
Date: 2015-03-11
From: Deep Gap shelter 

To: Muskrat Creek shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up early this morning and went into Hiawassee after hiking 3 miles to dicks Creek. Got a hitch pretty easy. Got into town and resupplied, sent more stuff home, and had some Mexican. After having we got a hitch back to dicks Creek Will and I decided to hike to Muskrat Creek shelter. Coming into NC was a tough climb! Made it to the muskrat Creek shelter. I got rained on the whole way. It was a pretty miserable experience but I made it. Shelter was full so I set up my tarp. Sprayed both sides with some dwr stuff I got in town. I'll see if it'll hold up. It might not because of the wet weather but I have a plan b and c. Just finished dinner, I'll be going to bed soon. Sleeping in for sure. I'm in North Carolina! 12 more to go.
Date: 2015-03-12
From: Muskrat Creek shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap 
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up today feeling fresh. My tarp was soaked but I was mostly dry. Been hiking just ahead of a large group that was at the muskrat shelter. Removed my insoles this morning. My feet feel better than they have but now I need to get some new insoles. Long day today but I got in earlier than normal. Staying at Betty Creek Gap and got setup. My tarp has been soaked all day but the rain held off. Hoping it will dry tonight. Saw several signs today saying trail magic at Rock Gap about 9 miles from here. Everyone is gonna try to make it to that. Pizza and fried chicken!
Date: 2015-03-13
From: Betty Creek Gap 

To: Siler Bald shelter 
Miles today: 16.6

Woke up early and hit the trail. Knocked out 9 miles before 11 and got some much needed trail magic. There was domino's pizza, fried chicken, donuts, fruit, juices, sodas, chips, and some other stuff. It was a great boost so we pushed on to Siler Bald shelter through some bad rains. I was soaked all the way through. Shelter was packed so I set up my tarp and hammock. Some people at the shelter already had a fire going which was a first for me on the trail. It was fantastic to dry everything over the fire. It's still alittle damp but alot better than soaked. Currently there is a mist in the air that's just coating everything so I'm sure all my stuff will be wet tomorrow. There was some good news though, someone said the weather is supposed to clear up tomorrow. One thing I failed to mention is the locals are amazingly friendly in both NC and GA towards hikers. Anyways, early morning tomorrow. Might be doing 19 miles. Day after is the NOC.
Date: 2015-03-14
From: Siler Bald shelter 

To: Wesser Bald shelter 
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up around 6 something this morning to rain and mist covering everything. Tarp still has a leak around the seam. I'll have to try to seal it tomorrow at NOC. Managed to snag a trash bag from someone and make a rain skirt. Got a late start on the trail after waiting for a break in the rain, which never came. It wasn't too bad but the trail was really muddy. My shoes and covered in it. Met some interesting people last night and today on the trail. They are from all over. One guy that goes by Dark Knight is from Canada and English is his second language. He's pretty comical. Around 230 i was crossing one of the gaps and a guy in the parking lot was setting up his hammock. He offered my spaghetti and a lemonade tea drink. I love trail magic! Gobbled that up at Cold Spring shelter than got back on the trail. I ran into Dark Knight about an hour and a half later and we hiked on to the Wesser Bald shelter. Made a wrong turn on Wesser Creek trail for about half a mile before realizing there wasn't a shelter down there. Wasn't fun but we found the shelter eventually and there was room for us! Only Will and a couple from Massachusetts plus a guy from North Georgia were in here. Very friendly group. Time to turn in now, early morning and down to the NOC to get cleaned up.
Date: 2015-03-15
From: Wesser Bald shelter 

To: NOC
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke up just before 7 and started getting ready to head down to the NOC. The rain had finally stopped and it made got a pretty morning. Hit the trail around 815 and worked my way down with Will and Dark Knight. About 845 I left them behind and jogged most of the remained 6 miles down to NOC. Got there about 10. I wasn't really sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised that the outfitter and alittle town was right on the trail. First thing I did was go in and get some insoles and tarp seam seal. Got a room and laid out my stuff to dry. First day in a week we haven't been soaked, it was great. Went down to eat at the rivers end restaurant after I showered then just pretty much spent the day doing some much needed gear maintenance. Also got one of my food drops from the outfitter. Waking up early tomorrow for one of the toughest climbs I've ever done. Next destination is fontana dam!
Date: 2015-03-16
From: NOC

To: Cody Creek 
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up around 5 today and got on the trail by 6 am. Made it up the tough part and got to sassafras Gap shelter by 9am. Weather is perfect today, glad we got past the hard part before the sun got up. Only 12 miles to go till the campsite. Stopped in at stecoah Gap, 13 miles in. Nice break here, got a picnic table beside the highway. Next challenge is Jacobs ladder. Today is probably one of the hardest days I'll have. Weathering it pretty well so far. 5.3 miles left. Made it up to brown fork Gap shelter. Turns out Jacobs ladder was possibly the toughest part of the day, it was straight up! Next stop is Cody Gap for the night. Mile 156 total and 19 miles for today. Tomorrow will be a short 8 miles to fontana dam then into the smokies.
Date: 2015-03-17
From: Cody Creek 

To: Fontana Hilton 
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up around 530, got on the trail just after 6. Hauled ass down the trail to the bottom and got a shuttle down by the water into fontana village. Got some first aid stuff at the pit stop then walked up to the lodge for my mail drop. Got my other pack so I'll be switching to that. Had a hearty breakfast at the lodge of eggs bacon, and pancakes. Mmm yum! Grabbed some candy bars for fuel and soon to head to fontana hilton for the evening. Made it into fontana hilton. A guy with a trail name of fresh ground is here. He drives up and down the AT setting up food for thru hikers. He gave me some spaghetti several days back. This time he's doing sloppy joes and hot dogs with some other things at a parking lot nearby. This shelter is huge, it sleeps 20 people and has a shower which I am about to utilize. Tomorrow we'll be heading for Spence field shelter and into the Great Smokey Mountains!
Date: 2015-03-18
From: Fontana Hilton 

To: Spence Field shelter 
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up just before my alarm at 5 this morning. Packed up relatively quickly. It's alittle chilly but overall not too bad. Made my way over to the bathroom after checking on Will. The bathroom is heated which is fantastic. While I was cleaning up the trail angel Fresh ground came in. He got up with me and was set on making us breakfast so I helped him get set up. He made some delicious cheesy eggs and pancakes with bananas and walnuts and apples inside. After that we set out and did a tough 3.7 mile climb to a fire tower. The rest of the day was up and down until we got to Spence field shelter. Finished it off with a 17 mile day. Can feel my body growing stronger finally. Tomorrow we are considering a 20 miler.
Date: 2015-03-19
From: Spence Field shelter 

To: Double Spring Gap shelter 
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Got a late start today. Was hoping the rain would subside alittle but it didn't. Walked the first 6.5 miles to the next shelter and took a quick lunch break. I was pretty soaked by then. Noticed my appetite has increased alittle. I had a peanut butter chocolate cup with a granola bar and a Reeses nutrageous. After that I spent the rest of the day trying to catch up with people ahead of me. Passed people but never caught 2 I was trying to pass. Found out I was only 10 mins behind them when I got to double spring Gap shelter. I was freezing when I got into the shelter. I had to strip down and change to dry clothes and put on layers. Took me about an hour to stop shivering and get warm in my sleeping bag. If we didn't have these shelters life would be much different! Just FYI, we're required to stay in them while hiking through the great Smokey Mountains Park. After I got warm and got some warm food in me I started feeling better. I'll be sleeping with my wet clothes in side my sleeping bag tonight. Technique seems effective just not fun sleeping with wet clothes. Anyways, tomorrow is the highest point on the AT and then down to Gatlinburg for resupply. Hope the weather is better.
Date: 2015-03-20
From: Double Spring Gap shelter 

To: Gatlinburg, TN 
Miles today: 10.5

Got some sprinkling today, nothing like yesterday. Got up around 645 and hit the trail by 8. Destination newfound Gap to Gatlinburg, TN. The hike to newfound Gap was slow and wet. Nothing but mud. At one point I saw some snow and ice. The Smokeys are beautiful but I could only focus on getting to newfound Gap and into Gatlinburg after being wet and cold. I did some math in my head and realized we've only had 3 days of sun since starting on March 7th. Around 1230 I walked into the newfound Gap parking area. Took me a little longer than I like and the rain had picked up again. I noticed there was a little waving me over to her car then I saw will eating a donut. Sure enough it was more trail magic! Donuts, sandwiches, so many snacks and fruit I couldn't believe it. I can't recall how much I ate but it was alot. After 10.5 miles since the shelter I had worked up a big appetite. After eating for about 15 mins 2 of the trail angels there offered us a ride into Gatlinburg. Couldn't have been more perfect as we had heard it was tough to get a ride into town. The fog would have made it even harder to flag someone down. Gatlinburg is an interesting town. We got a room at Grand Prix. Seems like a hotel from the 70s but it's great to be warm and dry finally! We made our way into town to a brewery for a hot meal and a brew. Headed to the grocery for resupply then to NOC for package pickup. This town is similar to a weird Atlanta city with no casino. I'm sure it's beautiful when there's no fog, the Smokey Mountains are right in the background. Tonight I will be doing laundry and organizing for tomorrow. Town days are usually more work than hiking.. And expensive.
Date: 2015-03-21
From: Gatlinburg, TN 

To: Tri Corner Knob shelter 
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Got a good night's sleep in Gatlinburg. Last night I packed most of my stuff up so I was ready to go within 30 mins. We went to a breakfast buffet place this morning, it was a great start. The people that shuttled us yesterday picked us up at 9 by our hotel with some other hikers and we went back to newfound Gap. Down in Gatlinburg it was cloudy but up at the gap it was sunny and clear. Got started down the trail around 10 am. Today was definitely the best day for views we've had since starting. Lots of great views and good weather. Didn't take any breaks really, just kept truckin. Made it to tri corner knob shelter around 420 pm. Ate 2 dinners. Think I'm getting sick of tuna, time to switch it up soon. Picked up a new member of our group, German guy named Grey Wolf. Got a good 14 miles in today. Tomorrow we will try for 22 miles.