morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-09-08
From: San Rafael

To: Half Moon Bay
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today's miles: 62Total: 844Wow, another great day. It's all about expectations. I was not looking forward to busy urban riding.We started in San Rafael with 13 miles to go to the Golden Gate. I put the destination in to Google maps and it came back with a great route using back roads and bike paths. The Golden Gate has two wide paths one on each side of the traffic. One is for bikes and one is for pedestrians. It was amazing how many bikers were out. Once across the bridge we pedalled through the Presido then took a wide road to the Golden Gate park whichbrought us back to the coast. There was a nice path along the beach where we stopped for breakfast. We sat outside and enjoyed talking with the locals. Then it was time to pedal south again.Our big climb of the day was through a neighborhood but it was 700 vertical feet. We then headed down route 1. The shoulder was not great and lots of traffic. Jim got a return call from a friend so he dropped out for the day. Frank and I continued on. The main route followed route 1 but I had Google maps give me a route. It was great. More back roads then an awesome ocesnside bike path. The path was pretty sketchy in places. More suited for a Mountain bike but we pushed on. The path ended at the Ritz Carlton, which is $1,200 for a room tonight. It was then back out to route 1, which now had a great shoulder. I took off and felt great. We ended our day at 62 miles.
Date: 2018-09-09
From: Half Moon Bay

To: Marina
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today's miles: 78Total: 922Today turned out to be another awesome day. We had a 45 minute drive just to get to our starting point since hotels were so expensive. It was certainly worth the drive. We were pedaling south a bit after 8. First off was completing a climb we had started yesterday. Being s Sunday morning traffic was light. The fog had mostly lifted so it appeared to be cloudy. As we were riding there was a movable sign saying that route 1 would be closed till noon on Sunday.At 9 we reached the closure thinking ee would have to wait 3 hours for the road to open. The drive around was 90 minutes in a car. Turns out the road was closed for an Ironman race. The cops attending the closure let us through just asking we stay right and out of the way. This turned out to be the highlight of the trip so far. The next 20 miles we rode on the closed route 1 right along the coast. What a fun energy being with all the other riders.Once we reached Santa Cruz we had 10 miles of urban riding. The route had good bike lanes but is a lot of work to navigate. By far my least favorite type of riding. This also reinforces that I am fine not riding the Southern California section.Almost instantly we were back in the country. We rode through beautiful farm country. There were workers picking fresh strawberries. We also saw corn, artichokes, parsnips, broccoli and several other types of vegetables. The fields went on forever. Our day finished on a nice bike path into Marina, CA.
Date: 2018-09-10
From: Marina

To: Monterey 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today's miles: 50Total: 972This morning started in the typical mist and cool temperatures. We got back on the bike path and it took us 12 miles into Monterey. We saw a couple bikers but that was it as we were parallel to busy route 1. In Monterey we had breakfast on a pier overlooking the water. We have had great food this entire trip. We try and find the local small restaurants and it has worked out great.After breakfast we headed out hugging the coast. This brought us to 17 mile drive which is a very popular route. They charge cars $10.50 to enter the area but bikes are free. We swung by Spanish Bay and then headed for Pebble Beach. Frank and I stopped in for a beer on the porch overlooking the 18th hole. While cruising the coast we saw seals playing just off shore. There were 10+ all swimming about and jumping fully out of the water. It was like being at SeaWorld. We also saw several deer and a few otters.
Date: 2018-09-11
From: Monterey 

To: Monterey 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's miles: 41Total: 1,013The final day of pedalling was another great day. There was no fog this morning and temps were in the mid 50s, perfect to pedal south. The original plan was to ride 30+ miles south and have the van pick us up and drive back to Monterey. Last night I suggested riding south 10 miles then coming back so we finished the trip in the great city of Monterey and didn't need to drive back.This morning we are a little over a mile from the hotel when Frank's rear hub breaks so he can not pedal. I stopped with him and Jim rode on by himself. Frank coasted and walked 2 miles to a bike shop that opened at 9. We got there at 8:15. Turns out they couldn't fix his bike so we walked 1/2 mile to a bike rental place. Geared with a rental we took off along the Monterey Peninsula headed back to Pebble Beach. What beautiful country this area is. We stopped at Pebble and had breakfast overlooking the 18th hole and the ocean.We then pedaled back to town. At Pebble my total distance was at 999 miles. Ironically my total distance on my bike was 1,424. It was 386 when we left Phoenix so I think I messed up the math of the daily miles. Either way, we are over 1,000 miles ridden.This trip was quite different from what I expected but turned out awesome. Today was a fitting finish how Frank and I just figure out things as we move along. So many great sights and memories. I have gotten used to riding in traffic. California drivers have been great, very courteous. I seriously can not recall a bad experience with a driver at any point on the trip. As far as what is my next adventure? I don't have any plans as of now. Frank wants to climb a volcano outside Mexico City. It is over 18,000' high. We shall see.Thanks for reading.
Date: 2018-01-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

My name is Carl Hagelin. I am planning to start my modified NOBO Thru Hike of the Appalachian Trail on Sunday, March 11, 2018. I've been thinking about this hike for easily 15 years. Now at the age of 66 and freshly retired in March of 2017, I hope to realize this dream.Here's how my NOBO hike is a "modified NOBO". In order to avoid the anticipated crowding of facilities accompanying a traditional Springer to Katahdin hike with a mid-March to mid-April start, I've split the hike into three sections. While still a completely northbound hike, I'll be starting just north of the Smokies. It looks something like this.1) March 11 - start at Davenport Gap at the northern border of the GSMNP in NC2) Late April - jump back to Springer and hike to Davenport Gap3) Sometime in May - skip over first section and continue on to KatahdinStarting at Davenport Gap, NC69 days to go!River Edge, NJ
Date: 2018-01-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

On December 13, 2017 I drove up to where the AT crosses Rt 17 in New York and hiked north through the Lemon Squeezer to Fingerboard Shelter where I camped overnight.  It was drizzling and then snowing on my hike in and very cold and windy overnight.  I woke to 10 degrees and who knows what with the wind chill factored in.  I slept in my hammock and here's what I learned:1)  My gloves where inadequate for temps this low.  My fingers were so frozen in the morning that I couldn't use them to stuff away my shelter properly for tie my shows.  I ended up using my fists to push my gear into my pack and tied my shows with square knots instead of bows.  I have since purchased a pair of down-filled mittens.2)  Though I kept just warm enough wearing ALL of my clothes including a down hoodie and my rain shell, my feet were cold all night long.  I was wearing "possum down" socks.  I've decided to take these on my hike along with my pair of down booties that I had set aside in favor of the socks.January 2, 2018, River Edge, NJHammock and tarp at Fingerboard Shelter in NY
Date: 2018-01-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My biggest fear going into my 2018 thru hike attempt is my right foot.  I've suffered from plantar fasciitis off and on for 20 years.  It started while training for my third marathon back in 1998 and it ended my long-distance running.Long story short, back in July I was playing tennis and jammed my right heel going after a ball and it hurt like hell.  Since then I've been to three podiatrists, am wearing custom orthotics and a heel lift for my right foot.  I think I've figured out that rest seems to be the best course of action as exercise like walking or using the moving stairs at the gym seem to make the pain worse.I felt I needed a significant shake down hike back in September so I hiked for 2 weeks on the AT from Front Royal, VA to Boiling Springs, PA.  I learned a lot and really enjoyed the experience but I don't think I did my heel any favors.I am hoping these next couple of months bring my heel into hiking condition.  I REALLY don't want to delay this hike!January 3, 2018, River Edge, NJ
Date: 2018-02-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Since I'll be starting my thru-hike at Davenport Gap at the northern boundary of the Smokies, I'm flying from New York to Knoxville on Friday March 9 to spend a day with two old college chums who live down there.  Ruthie and Ellen will drive me to Davenport Gap on Saturday the 10th and I'll walk three short miles to Standing Bear Hostel where I'll spend the night and take off northbound on my hike.Gear decisions keep coming!  I had decided to use only AquaMira drops for my water purification, but just decided yesterday to carry my small Steri-Pen as my primary and use the AM drops as backup.  Funny how I got my base weight down to 20 lbs and now that the start is around the corner, I find myself adding things back that I had removed.  Like carrying both down-filled mittens and my OR gloves.  Like carrying my down booties in addition to my possum down socks for sleeping.I spent the night near one of the shelters in NJ a couple of weeks ago to see how my new hammock would work in the cold.  It got down to the mid teens overnight and while I managed to keep most of me warm enough, my feet were cold all night in my possum down socks.  And with just my OR gloves, my hands were so cold I couldn't do all the packing chores in the morning.  Hence the down mittens.So my pack weight is creeping up, but it's still lower than when I did my two-week shakedown back in the fall.My new hammock is a bridge hammock from Jacks-R-Better.  I like the comfort.  I'm a bit concerned about the fact that my old Clark hammock had a shell in addition to the bug net so I could close myself in for the night.  This new one only has a bug net so I'm pretty much exposed to the wind and cold with just a tarp above me.I'm really looking forward to meeting other hikers.  Leaving my wife for 6 months might get a tad lonely.Carl (no trail name)
Date: 2018-02-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke up with a nasty toothache this morning.  It didn't get any better.  Long story short, I had a root canal performed this afternoon.  Now I need to get it crowned before my flight on March 9.  My dentist will install a temporary crown on Sunday.  She wants me to get off the trail in NJ/NY to get the permanent one installed.Good thing this happened before the hike and not during!
Date: 2018-03-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Boxes and boxes of trail food.  I've prepared over 50 dinners from food that I've dehydrated.  My delightful sis-in-law loaned me her dehydrator.  Thanks, Trish!My Trail Angel wife, Joan, will be tasked with putting together boxes to send to various hiker hostels along the way.
Date: 2018-03-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Beautiful day here in northern New Jersey but tomorrow we're supposed to get a lot of snow.  One last heroic day for the snow blower.  My flight leaves on Friday, three days away.  Hello southern warmth...Weather forecast has me hiking in rain and snow my first two days in the mountains of North Carolina with temps dropping below freezing.  First day has me climbing 2500 ft in the first 5 miles.  Hey, this way the rest will be easy peasy (not so much).I hope I'll meet other thru hikers who may have started their hikes early from Springer.  Misery loves company.All that said, I'm very excited and looking forward to this amazing adventure!
Date: 2018-03-11
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

First day on the trail. I started at Standing Bear Hostel just north of Davenport Gap at the northern border of Great Smoky Mountains NP.It¢s hard to describe the emotions running through me as I took those first steps. I¢d been anticipating this day for so long and then it¢s here.  I did a brief selfie video but was kind of at a loss for words.I met some nice young northbounders at the Hostel last night. They wished me well as I set off this morning.Many thanks to Ruthie and Ellen for putting me up in Knoxville and driving me to the trail. Such fond memories of our college years together. I¢ve got a 13 and a 10 miler coming up Monday and Tuesday. Then a short hike into Hot Springs, NC on Wednesday morning.
Date: 2018-03-12
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter 

To: Lemon Gap
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Day two took me up and over Max Patch, one of the more famously beautiful spots on the AT.  Given the high winds and driving snow and sleet and minimal visibility, I can¢t comment on it¢s beauty. I was aiming for a 13 mile day until I ran into Fresh Grounds and his Leapfrog Cafe. He¢s a trail angel who takes care of hikers. He was serving chili and grilled cheese sandwiches right there on the trail. The hot food was most welcome!  Fresh Ground convinced me to set up camp there at Lemon Gap and have hot coffee and banana pancakes in the morning. The wind was howling like a banshee all night. It was a challenge packing up in the cold. I had to take frequent breaks to thaw my fingers.
Date: 2018-03-13
From: Lemon Gap

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

After a breakfast of banana pancakes courtesy of Fresh Grounds, I packed up with frequent breaks to thaw my fingers. I hiked through snow most of the day which made for breathtaking scenery. Being the first one out I was making fresh tracks.I made it to the shelter around 4:00.  I was joined later by two fresh high school graduates.  After making myself a nice hot meal I got really cold and shivering so I hit the hammock at 6:30 to get warm. No cell service so I read and listened to music.Short 3.2 mile hike tomorrow into the welcoming trail town of Hot Springs.  I¢m ready for hot.
Date: 2018-03-16
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: JerryÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

Day six was a 15.9 mile day.  It was a long day and I went through a 1.4 mi stretch that was a rock scramble with magnificent views. I stopped for lunch at Little Laurel Shelter. Inside Out was just leaving when I arrived. There I spoke with Joan. Nice to have cell service! My feet are doing surprisingly well especially given a nearly 16 mile day. Today was the first day not taking my prescription anti-inflammatory.  When I arrived at tonight¢s shelter I found it to be surprisingly full of other hikers. Inside Out and I are the only thru hikers, the others are section hikers. I hear that it¢s supposed to rain tonight.
Date: 2018-03-17
From: JerryÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

Long climb up Hogback. Very tough day. Good weather. Lucky 59 and Pepper Pot, Inside Out and Kilt at shelter.
Date: 2018-03-18
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 8 10.1 mi Bald Mountain ShelterFairly easy hiking day highlighted by an hour at the top of Big Bald. I met Miz Man, Four Leaf and Scout who officially knighted me ¢Farfar¢. Lots of nice people at the shelter. Best day yet.  Loving this hike!
Date: 2018-03-19
From: Bald Mountain Shelter 

To: No Business Shelter 
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

No privy.  Hence the name for the shelter.Easy day.  I¢ve gained a faster downhill ability in the morning.  Kilt and I hiked together for a while and chatted. First time for me hiking with someone. We stopped for a snack. I left ahead of him. Later while I was getting water at Spivey Gap he showed up and said he was quitting due to his knees. I¢m hoping Miz Man shows up. It¢s 5:15 and so far I¢m alone at the shelter. Trail Fish has joined me. So did Miz Man and Hawk. Then Pizza arrived. Five of us around the picnic table. Lots of laughs.  Good times.
Date: 2018-03-20
From: No Business Shelter 

To: Uncle JohnnyÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Hostel 
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: moderate rain

Made it to the famous hostel on the Nolichucky River in Erwin, TN at 11:30. Grabbed one of the last bunks (a top bunk ) and headed into town on the lunch shuttle. All you can eat pizza and salad.The AT has been running along the NC/TN border.I picked up the resupply box Joan had sent as well as some repair tape and needed TP.Dinner shuttle to an Italian restaurant with Four Leaf, Inside Out, Hawk, and Miz Man. Great company.Climbing down from my bunk to pee during the night was a challenge.Tomorrow calls for snow, cold and wind. Good day for my first Zero.  (No miles for the day)
Date: 2018-03-21
From: Uncle JohnnyÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Hostel 

To: Uncle JohnnyÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Woke to snow, wind and cold. Breakfast shuttle to McDonalds. Ate with Ringo and Reboot. Picked up junk food for lunch rather than taking the lunch shuttle. Nobody wanted a lunch shuttle today after just finishing breakfast and having copious food the day before.I repaired the second little hole in my tarp and unpacked the food box from home. Then sat with the AT guide and planned out the next 8 days. I¢ll spend the night at Mountain Harbor after four days hiking. Joan has sent a box there.
Date: 2018-03-22
From: Uncle JohnnyÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Hostel

To: Beauty Spot tenting area 
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: overcast clouds

911 - As I was about to start hiking out of Erwin a man walked up to me from outside. He said he was extremely cold and dehydrated and would I please call an ambulance. I dialed 911 and explained the situation and an ambulance was summoned. Turns out this guy is known for drinking large quantities of hand sanitizer and passing out in the mountains. It was a cold and windy day highlighted by summiting a bald called Beauty Spot. Amazing views including Mt Mitchell to the east, the tallest mountain in the eastern US. But it was so cold and windy; a few quick photos then off we went. It was another few miles to a tenting area where Ringo and Reboot had set up their tents in the snow. I couldn¢t hike any further so I set up my ridge line, tarp and hammock over 6 inches of snow. It was so cold that I skipped cooking a hot meal and even attending to my oral hygiene. It took a while to get warm in the hammock and longer for my feet to warm. My hammock mates included a liter of water, my wet shoes in a plastic bag, and extra clothes should I need them. My second liter of water froze solid as would have my wet shoes. I awoke to 15 degrees. Breaking camp was a cheerless exercise. I was the last one out at 8:30.
Date: 2018-03-23
From: Beauty Spot tenting area 

To: Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

As my last entry noted, breaking camp in 15 degrees with a half foot of snow on the ground was a grim affair. No coffee this morning. It was a long 12 miles in the cold and wind. I had to stop and change layers as the trail switched between the windward and leeward sides of the mountains. I nursed my one unfrozen liter of water and hiked mostly under hydrated and under nourished. My right foot slowed me down in the afternoon. A passing hiker informed my of a winter storm coming tomorrow so I opted to stop a bit short and head to a hostel. My tentative plan for tomorrow is to leave here late and hike a short day to the next shelter and try out sleeping inside the shelter. Stay tuned.
Date: 2018-03-24
From: Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 1.9
Weather: clear sky

Day 14, Mar 24, 1.9 mi, Clyde Smith Shelter Spent the morning at Greasy Creek Friendly with Derwood who decided to take a full zero there. Ringo and Reboot left at 8:00 to brave the storm. I ate one of my prepared dinners for breakfast and took a mashed potato concoction from the hiker box for lunch. Last night¢s dinner was a gas. There¢s one tiny takeout joint in this little town. Window service only. For $12.99 I got a Frisbee-sized double bacon cheeseburger, a mound of seasoned fries and a salad (half order) so big I couldn¢t finish it. Gotta love the South.I left at 1:00 for an easy 2.6 mile hike to the first shelter. That includes the .7 mi walk back from the hostel. As I type I¢m trying out my first in-shelter night. So far so good, but another storm is coming tonight through noon tomorrow.In the shelter with me is Miz Man, Hawk, Hickory, Little Pasta and her dog Harvest, and a man from Ewing, NJ.Fun Fact: a woman left a message for me on trailjournals saying she hiked the AT under the trail name Farmor. She¢s a ¢father¢s mother¢. First person who¢s recognized my trail name. My own mother, Lee, is Farmor to all of my nieces and nephews.
Date: 2018-03-25
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Carvers Gap
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: snow

Didn¢t sleep well in the shelter last night. I was cold all night. Had a hard time tucking my quilt around me to keep out the cold air. Also I was uncomfortable on my back on the sleeping pad. Cooked a breakfast and was out at 8:30. I had a big climb and 10 miles to Roan High Knob Shelter, the highest shelter on the AT. I loved the morning. Temperature was perfect, the mist gave way to blue sky as I gained elevation. I found the most perfect spot to stop and have lunch. But then came the afternoon. The temperature rose and all the snow we¢d been hiking through for the past week started melting, fast becoming slush, then streams of icy cold water. It became impossible to avoid and soon enough I was walking in ice water over the tops of my shoes. I stopped at the shelter, but decided to move on. It was too early in the day and I didn¢t know how I¢d get my feet dry and warm. I changed into dry socks and slipped my feet into plastic bags and into my soaked shoes and hiked on another 2 miles to Carvers Gap where I called Mountain Harbor Hostel and asked to be picked up. As we were pulling away we spotted Derwin and he was happy to join us. Our plan is to have them shuttle us back to Carvers Gap in the morning and we¢ll slackpack the 14 miles from there to Mountain Harbor we skipped today. Slackpacking is hiking with just a day pack of water and lunch. We will leave our heavy packs at the hostel and spend a second night there.