morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-02-20
From: Hawk mountain shelter 

To: Gooch Mnt Shelter
Miles today: 7.6

Wednesday Feb 20th Hawk mountain shelter to Gooch Mountain shelter 7.6 milesI¢ve been having spotty cell service the whole time out here on the trail, so I apologize for the next day delay. I wait till I¢m on the top of a mountain and I submit the journal unfortunately I¢ve been in a rush as the weather has been super rainy and the wind is extremely strong on those peaks. I really respect those that have journaled from the trail and now understand the difficulty.I¢ve also noticed the milage on my TJ site is incorrect and I will fix it as soon as I get internet. Tonight, Wednesday Feb 20th I¢m at Gooch mountain shelter which is 15.7 miles on the AT , remember the first 8.8 miles of the approach trail did not count. Last night was very cold rainy and windy and I admit it was tough putting on wet gear in the morning . It¢s extremely tough when you have to get out of your warm bag in the middle of the night (twice) us older hikers understand. Today I again hiked with Blue Grass and Sunshine I love their company they are so affirming to all of us and I actually trail named Sunshine for her bright beautiful demeanor. As a couple they have been married 5 years and are so sweet to each other. It¢s wonderful that they have been able to work it out to hike this trail so young.The rain today was gentle but steady however it got strong this evening ,however our immediate trail family is all safe and sound in our shelter. Peach and I are the only two up at 7:05 pm (hiker midnight)Peach is a fine young man recent graduate from UGA and he¢s hiking with his dad 188. He¢s a former Eagle Scout and is quite the trail gentleman, yesterday when Wild Flower left us Peach volunteered and carried her pack and escorted her to the closest gap.Today Webster aka Julienne, Legs and Rooster headed to our next shelter which is 12 miles down the trail, They are hoping to at least cut some of the 12 miles down. WOW did not stay here tonight as well.So tonight it¢s Peach, 188,Blue Grass & Sunshine, Rebel and we talked Tex into sheltering with us versus tenting as is his norm.We are all in great spirits and planning on getting up at 5am to tackle the 12 miles to woods hole shelter . However we all have wet gear again tomorrow ugh!Ps I¢m uploading on day 4 , wet again this  morning but not as strong and warmer, God is Good!
Date: 2019-02-21
From: Gooch Mnt Shelter

To: Woods Hole Shelter 
Miles today: 12.0

Thursday Feb 21Woods Hole Shelter 12 miles today 2164.3 to go.I have cell service at our shelter tonight! I¢m sitting here writing under a canopy in front of our shelter at Woods Hole Shelter. And guess what? It¢s raining cats and dogs with a little lightening mixed in just as it has all week. This morning we woke to Gopher¢s (formally known as 188) alarm at 5:00 am. The plan was to be on the trail as early as possible to make it to our next shelter 12 miles away. The plan has been to keep my miles under 10 for the first week but unfortunately this is just the way these shelters are mapped out.The rain was falling pretty hard so we waited for it to die down and we started our trek around 8:30 am.We were rewarded with a very nice morning and were able to enjoy some views .The picture in my previous post does not give the early morning sunrise justice, not to mention it is sideways. Earlier I accidentally posted an old picture from October but I have since replaced. When we arrived at Woody Gap, Fresh Grounds was set up waiting for us to serve lunch. Tex was already there enjoying the food. He served us skillet potatoes with cheese and onions and man was it amazing! He also served us his famous coffee and all kinds of sweet treats. Fresh Grounds is the most awesome trail angel ever supplying thru hikers with free meals at unexpected locations with his Leap Frog Cafe Thank you sir!!! Jimmy a very nice gentleman and important part of our hiker community interviewed me and I believe the clip will be on YouTube soon. He also helped Legs, Rooster and Webster providing them a ride from Woody Gap to Blood Mountain Cabins last night and brought them back to Woody Gap this morning to slack pack that leg. For those that do not know Slack packing is when someone drops you off to hike but holds your pack so that you can get the miles in without the weight of the pack. Also special thanks to Mike for bringing us fresh bottled water which was wonderful. Well it¢s way past hiker midnight and I have to get ready for my nemesis tomorrow BLOOD MOUNTAIN (insert scary music for effect) Those that have read my October prep hike log remember my first unfortunate encounter. Plus guess what? Yeupp rain is in the forecast. Well the good news is if everyone survives we are getting a cabin at Neels Gap to dry out our gear and clothes and get a hot meal yay! My dear friend Gary and Susan are coming by to see me and are supplying us with Mountain House Meals for our trek. Oh I believe the mileage is now showing correctly.Blood Mountain I respect you but I¢m coming for you tomorrow.....gulp.
Date: 2019-02-23
From: Hogpen Gap

To: Neels Gap (SOBO)
Miles today: 6.9

Feb 23 -Day 6 , 6.9 miles.Today was challenging but easy at the same time. We climbed Levelland, Cowrock, and Wildcat mountain. However we did it going southbound and without our heavy packs. Those of you that have hiked this section know just how tough these mountains are especially Wildcat with its very steep ascent out of Testnatee Gap.So we were very grateful to Jimmy who drove us to Hogpen Gap and dropped us off so that we could hike back SOBO to our cabin.The day was supposed to be dry and warmer ..Guess what? Wintery mix hah at least it was not just rain.Actually the rain was light and with the light pack we were in heaven. Sunshine left us in her dust today as she is a racehorse going down mountains. She would be kind enough to let us catch up from time to time but she was super-strong today. Blue grass and I enjoyed our more careful descent as we both are previous knee injury victims and for us descending is harder on the knees. Speaking of knees Rebel took a zero today as he¢s trying to heal his knees . I gave him my braces (secretly unloading weight) hopefully they will help!Going southbound was fun as we saw Legs, Webster, Rooster, Gopher and Peach heading to Low Gap shelter. Jimmy will drop us off tomorrow at Hogpen with our fully resupplied loaded packs and we will head north and hopefully join them again tomorrow night.Again thank you Jimmy for the wonderful service you provide to all of the hikers!!I wanted to also say Blood Mnt cabins are fantastic! Very roomy and clean , Misty is wonderful and serves a fine breakfast and lunch. She also takes care of your laundry.Thank you Beaker for your suggestion.That¢s all for now , time to sleep before we hit the rain in the am!Sorry about the lack of pictures but WiFi is so spotty.
Date: 2019-02-24
From: Hogpen Gap

To: Blue Mountain shelter 
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: moderate rain

Sunday Day 7 11.9 miles 2.9 mph avgToday was a beautiful day!Currently it¢s 38 degrees and will drop down to 31 with 10 percent chance of snow.What glorious weather compared to all the rain we have had so far. Jimmy came by our cabin a little after 7 and we loaded up our gear and he drove us back to Hogpen gap.This time we have our extra heavy packs as we¢ve resupplied our food for the week. The trail was beautiful with spectacular Mountain Views. The hike to Blue mountain shelter was not terribly hard but almost 12 miles of ups and downs and scrambling over rocks. Tomorrow¢s 8 miles will be much harder as we have two major mountains to tackle.Tonight is the first night I¢ve slept in my tent. It¢s more private,warmer and no little fellas running around chewing up things.I hiked most of the day by myselfI sat on a log for over an hour overlooking the mountains in the distance. I was sad today even though everything was so beautiful. You see Sundays are my family and church family day . In my previous job I traveled a lot through out the week but I was usually always home for the weekend. Saturday morning I often went fishing etc, But Sundays were always with my family and church family. So I as I walked I prayed prayers of thanksgiving and after talking to my wife all was great again!As I was hiking I met ¢blind side¢ I introduced myself and he had spent the night at Low Gap shelter with Gopher and Peach and the rest of the crew. After every one had left and he was the last one a ridge runner* ¢captain planet ¢ came by and complimented the state of their shelter. Blindside let her know that Peach cleaned up and swept the shelter and she gave him a special pendant that Blindside asked me to present. Unfortunately Peach did not stay at this shelter tonight. I¢ll catch him eventually that¢s the way it seems to work out here.I did get to meet, ¢ 20¢, Vet, Bear bag, and three others including an 18 year old from Texas that looks 29.Tomorrow we have a tough day. Sunshine and Blue grass are also in their tent. I am safe and snug in my bag. I¢m sure I¢ll sleep like a baby!Thank you again for all of your encouraging words. I can¢t reply but know I read and appreciate each and everyone. I am especially grateful for your prayers!
Date: 2019-02-25
From: Blue Mountain shelter 

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: clear sky

Tuesday February 25 , Day 8, Miles 8.1 , 2133.8 miles to go. Last night got pretty cold on Blue mountain, the wind was intense. I considered it a test for when I hit the Smokies and my equipment worked pretty well. I wore my Ice breaker 200 long underwater, darn tough merino wool socks, down booties,light North face fleece, Patagonia R2 heavy fleece and kept my puffy on my head so that I was not breathing into my bag. I was warm again I have a 20 degree down REI bag and a Sea to Summit thermo reactor liner and I¢m on the neo air xlite blow up pad that has a R rating of 3.3 I believe. The pad is important as the ground sucks your heat, so always check the R rating.Tonight I¢m sleeping in my tent again on Tray Mountain but the wind is calm so it will be more tolerable. This morning when I took off the ground was frozen solid , I had to stop and dig out my mittens as the liner gloves were not helping.Today¢s hike was 8.1 miles and it started with a gentle elevation to the top of Blue Mnt a little over 4,000 feet and then a descent down to Unicoi Gap at 3,000 ft back up Rocky Mnt at 4,000 back down and finally home at Tray Mnt at 4,500 feet. You get the picture tough climbs but very rewarding views! Today at the shelter I met Papa John from Auburn he¢s about my age but in fantastic shape he flies over the mountains like they are standing still... you know what I mean. Jeff and Molly the Port Charlotte couple I met at Neels Gap is tenting right down from me. Molly twisted her ankle today hopefully not to bad I gave her my KT Tape and I hope it helps. Blue Grass and Sunshine are getting off the trail and plan to take a zero (no miles) at a hotel in Hiawassee.I¢m alone again naturally ( old tune from the seventies) Actually I¢m not alone Rebel and Tex are behind and the young Posse is ahead and everyday I meet new characters on this adventure. Sort of like Lord of the Rings if you read or watched the trilogy. A week ago Monday I started alone and now I have several new friends forever.Very cool!
Date: 2019-02-27
From: Deep Gap shelter 

To: Top of Georgia Hiking Center
Miles today: 3.6

Today was a lesurely 3.6 miles hike down to T.O.G hiking center. I was the last person out of camp and before I took off,I went to the stream filtered 2 additional litres of water and made myself drink a litre and a half. My urine color was a little dark a sure sign of not hydrating enough. I know TMI however fueling up and proper hydrating is essential in surviving out here.I took a much needed ¢Nero¢ . I had my clothes washed , showered and they shuttled us into the bustling metropolis of Hiawassee. Actually the town is great and everyone is super friendly. I mailed back my light weight NF Fleece,Columbia long sleeve shirt, a little mirror basically items that I have decided are duplicates or not really needed. Also as you know I gave my knee pads to Rebel , my KT tape to Molly and my pump sack to Jimmy. So I¢m slowly reducing my pack weight. Just wait till I get to Virginia and I can send the extra winter stuff home! After the post office stop I walked over to Engles groceries and loaded up; Carnation instant breakfast, more tuna creations,tortillas,peanut butter,Ramen, snickers,TP,peanuts,beef jerky, turmeric ginger tea, and turmeric spice to sprinkle on everything as I mentioned before Turmeric is better than Advil . Everyone  had plenty of groceries to share and we agreed it would be better to collaborate next time.  Most of the group went to a Mexican restaurant for dinner and I tried to catch up with them but I was carrying my groceries walking down the highway and decided to eat at a closer mom and pop place AYCE (can you guess what that stands for?) They had a wonderful salad bar, for my main course I had fried chicken,pork chops,potatoes, collard greens,cornbread and peach cobbler. Also a couple of hours earlier I split a pizza with Physics. Hey I may not be able to keep up with these young guys hiking but I¢ll eat with the best of them. I heard hiker hunger normally does not set in this soon, Well I¢m early. Rebel came in later in the day and plans to zero tomorrow. His knees are doing better but still acting up.  In the hostel we have Physics,Iron Will, TOGS from Australia,OTB (off the bench),Farmer,Yvette,Rebel and myself.In the morning after our free breakfast they will shuttle us to the trail head for an early morning start. I may try to do 11.8 to Muskrat Creek shelter. Guess what¢s in the forecast for tomorrow?Love it!Oh if the picture loads that¢s Peach, Gopher, me with the victory sign, Sunshine and Blue Grass celebrating our Blood Mountain summit, seems like an eternity ago!
Date: 2019-02-28
From: Top of Georgia Hiking Center

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 9.0

Ooh Rah! One state down thirteen to go.Day 11,My first Hostel stay was very niceTop of Georgia Hiking Center is very clean and the people there are very nice.I woke up early this morning and studied my guide book with my red headlamp to map out my day. Most everyone intended to shoot for either Muskrat Creek shelter a bit over 11 miles or Standing Indian an additional 5 miles. I decided to play it by ear after all I¢m a grown man and can hike the bigger miles if I want.(peer pressure)Everyone woke up and we all went to the hostel lobby at 7am and had their continental breakfast which only consisted of four different cereals and milk. That was perfectly fine with me as I was still full from the night before plus they had coffee my power drink. We were instructed that the shuttle for the trailhead would leave precisely at 8:00 am . Togs, OTB, Farmer and I were the only ones going. Rebel, Iron Will and Yvette were staying back to take a zero and would hit the trail tomorrow. I let everyone take off ahead of me as I did not want to keep their pace although I was feeling froggy this morning and had intentions of seeing how fast and far these new legs of mine would go. Well reality set in pretty quick as the climbs were getting harder coming out of Dicks gap. My leg strength has improved but my mountain cardio hasn¢t kicked in yet. Oh well I¢ll hike alone again. I decided to go to Plum-orchard shelter which was four miles in to eat lunch. When I got there my spirits were lifted to see Sunshine and Blue Grass , they had just finished their lunch, they had started earlier this morning and had come from their hotel. They were going to do a 9 mile day and tent camp at Bly Gap..Sold I¢m in!!! Sunshine¢s foot is hurting and she plans to have the specialists at Outdoor 76 in Franklin evaluate her shoe set-up. Well I stayed and ate lunch as planned but was excited to have the shorter day and be able to camp out with my old friends .The trails were tough today , Georgia was not going to give up without a fight. But finally, finally I reached the North Carolina line.I hiked the entire Georgia section and never fell that may be some kind of record I think I¢ll celebrate at another AYCE restaurant soon ! Georgia is beautiful my favorite state on the trail so far.I¢m in my tent, bear bag hung, all tucked into my sleeping bag and guess what ? It¢s raining.
Date: 2019-03-01
From: Bly Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter 
Miles today: 7.7

Day 12, March 1I slept very well last night, it rained off and on all night but now that I have my ¢set up¢ I can stay within the the warm comforts of my tent all night without venturing out into the dark unknown . Unfortunately the rain picked back up around 6 am just when I thought I was getting up so I laid there in my bag planning my journey hoping I would catch a break later today and be able to enjoy the spectacular view from Standing Indian Summit I¢ve heard so much about. ¢B¢ had shot me a text several days ago and highly recommend it. That young man is quite the hiker and way up the trail.My pace has been slow and steady thus far, I¢ve been rewarded with no injuries and that¢s awesome however every time I make new friends I get left in their dust. Fortunately when my friends take a zero like Sunshine and Bluegrass recently did I get to catch up again and it¢s like a family reunion minus all the great food. Today March 1 starts the beginning of the hiker bubble. I last heard over 100 had registered to start the trail today. That is amazing , although the weather has not been great I¢m glad to be a little ahead of that bubble.Well I finally got up the nerve and got into my wet clothes and put on my expensive non functional rain gear and retrieved our bear bags and delivered theirs to their tent. Actually Blue Grass did the same for me the other morning . Breakfast was a cold concoction of Starbucks Via mixed in with carnation instant breakfast. It¢s my own creation and it¢s excellent. Setting up and breaking down camp in the rain is miserable but with care can be done effectively. Unfortunately I had to pack out a wet tent that feels like it weighs five extra lbs.I hiked the first part of the day by myself but caught up with Blue and Sunshine at Muskrat shelter and we all had lunch together. We were joined by Whiskey and Ginger a couple that had camped in the shelter before us and they were thinking about staying there since it was raining so hard. They reported that Rebel was with them last night. We pressed on to Standing Indian shelter hopeful that we would have room in the shelter. The trails were slick and Sunshine did slip and fall but no injuries. We all slipped and slid all day in the mud. We had to traverse several creeks and in fact the trail had turned into a stream from all the rain making for dangerous footing and slow go.When we finally got to the shelter we where relieved to have it to ourselves and we quickly got out of our wet clothes into whatever dry we could find. We hung our stuff all over the place to hopefully dry in the wind. Later we were joined by Quinten from Asheville NC and later by Garret from SC. Two fine young men that are knocking out big miles every day. We all cooked our ramen etc, ate dinner hung our bear bags and have jumped into our bags. The rain seems to have stopped and the temperature is starting to drop.Hiker midnight is upon us. Tomorrow we hope for a view!
Date: 2019-03-02
From: Standing Indian Shelter 

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.3

Day 13 March 2I woke up to a beautiful day . Garret was up before the crack of dawn as he was planning on a twenty plus day, Quinly was going to travel with him so he also got up early, I was awake and wished them well. Sunshine, Bluegrass and I got going early as well , at least a little bit earlier than usual ,and we were on the trail by 8:30. We were in high spirits as the weather forecast called for a beautiful day no rain! We practically skipped up the rest of Standing Indian Mountain and we were rewarded with magnificent views.Standing Indian was our first mountain over 5,000 feet 5,435 to be precise !We would hike together off and on thru out the day , my legs felt strong and I had it in my mind I would like to make it to Franklin by Sunday afternoon if possible. Sunshine and Bluegrass were on the same page in fact they suggested a 16.3 mile day to reach Longbranch shelter tonight. I agreed with the plan and we took off. Somewhere along the way Sunshine stopped to super glue the inserts in her shoes to keep them from slipping. I kept moving forward at a pretty good clip . The views were amazing today but unfortunately I did not stop long to enjoy them. I kept trekking away and finally got to Betty Creek Gap which was a nice camp site right before Albert Mountain another 5,000 footer. Frozen, and another nice hiker I had met earlier today were already set up to camp. I decided it was best for me to set up camp after 11.3 miles it was right at 3:30 and my target was still five miles away . Soon after Whiskey and Ginger showed up and set up camp. Yvette stopped by to say hello but kept on going ,wanting to tackle Albert mountain while it was nice as it¢s supposed to rain again tomorrow. Sunshine and Blue Grass Finally made it to my camp site but they too wanted to press forward and hopefully have a 16 mile day and have Franklin within striking distance. I¢m sure they will make it and I would have loved to press on but this ole horse had enough climbing for today. I finished setting up my camp ate and hung my bear bag. Frozen showed me a great little loop knot for my PCT bear hang.We all talked for a bit and then went back to our respective tents and hammocks. Today was my favorite day so far, the trails seemed relatively flat,every hard climb was rewarded with an amazing view. I heard the beautiful views can bring tears to a grown man¢s eyes. I was wearing sunglasses so no one really knows and I¢m not telling.Tonight no cell reception unfortunately, but I will post hopefully on top of Albert in the morning.I¢m tucked away in my bag in my tent. Snug as a bug . The weather is nice tonight hopefully the rain won¢t start till after I break camp in the morning. I¢ll hit my first 100 miles tomorrow as I¢m at 97.2 ooh rah!