morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-06-12
From: Ashby Gap

To: Home
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: scattered clouds

This is my last journal entry. This morning I left the AT after hiking 5 miles because I experienced some eye problems. I basically ignored the problem yesterday and it went away. But when it happened again this morning I just couldn¢t continue. When I close my eyes and you should see blackness, the last two mornings I saw a big hole and a bright light. The hole is about 20 percent of the area and it¢s definitely from my left eye. I have a history of eye problems. Several years ago, the retina in my right eye fell off twice and the vision in that eye is now a whopping 20 - 200.After it happened again this morning I hiked another mile or so and weighed my options. As much as I wanted to continue I decided to come home because I just couldn't take a chance with my sight. If it was my crummy eye I may have simply continued. I guess I could have had it checked out in DC. But I have new health insurance that doesn't look kindly on out of network services. Plus I wanted my own doctor who is familiar with my background.I went to Dr. Raja, my retina specialist, and he said the gel in my left eye has separated from my vitreous. There are no tears in the retina at this time, but because I suffered a detached retina in my right eye a tear is likely to occur in the left eye as well. Diagnosis: No vigorous exercise. When I tried to justify the Appalachian Trail as light to moderate exercise, he said I wouldn¢t go back to the AT if I were you. I trust Dr. Raja, I receive shots in my right eye every 6 weeks to maintain my sight in that eye. I went home and thought good and long about what he said, while he didn't technically tell me not to go, I guess his message was pretty clear. What was a little hard to swallow is that I had a ride back to the AT the very next day. My uncle from Connecticut is in town and leaving tomorrow. According to the Trail Guide the AT looks relatively easy in Connecticut. Pretty small mountains / climbs etc. It was tempting to just hike a few more days (maybe another 100 miles) if you know what I mean. But I just can't risk losing the sight in my good eye.I was actually doing pretty good: only about 30 miles from Harper¢s Ferry (my goal), my pack felt light (at least not killing me) today, I was up to about 162 miles and my trail legs were coming any day now (sure they were).On the bright side of things: I had a fantastic time, made a few new friends, helped a few people, got a little exercise, have a great new excuse to use a few sick days at work, saw and experienced a lot of great new things, now I get to babysit my grand kids and can take full advantage of my new 75 inch TV in my basement.Plus I learned a few new things for next year: bring a sleeping bag, a lighter pack is not always better, eat better and drink more and more miles doesn¢t always mean more fun. Thanks to each of you for your support and following my little adventure on the AT. Thought of the day: It¢s ok to quit once in a while.
Date: 2015-09-06
To: Completed AT Gear 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I've received all my replacement and updated gear. My base weight is a bit lower than what I started the PCT with at just under 18 lbs. I'm waiting on word about some permits for a Grand Canyon Rim to Rim hike. If I don't get them, I'm going to Tahoe to check out my gear on the TRT. (Outdated)
Date: 2016-02-12
To: Homeless
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Once again I¢m homeless...what a great feeling. I was up early this morning and did my last long run. The old body is tuned up, all my gear is checked out and weighs just under 19 lbs. I have a couple last things to buy for my food bag and I put the last of my things into my storage unit. Monday I catch the hound to Gainesville Georgia. Long live Hiker Trash!
Date: 2016-02-18
To: Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

On my way! I left Lodi on Monday and got to Gainesville Thursday. I was glad that I decided to try the bus instead of flying for a couple of reasons. First, I've never driven across the southern half of the US and wanted to do. Believe it or not except for a sore butt, the Greyhound service was pretty good so I enjoyed the ride across and got to see some new places. Second, I got to do what I really enjoy and that's watching people. My stop overs in LA, Dallas, and Atlanta was a lot of fun because I got to be part of the show. ;-) The weather was good for the whole trip so other than a homeless guy coning me out of my pringles or another guy wanting to use my tooth brush, it was a perfect trip.I was picked up by the folks from the Hiker Hostel for an overnight. Got my gear and pack setup, ordered a pizza from Pappa Johns and hit the rack before hiker midnight. Heading to Springer Mountain in the morning.
Date: 2016-02-19
From: Hiker Hostel

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Got up, showered and packed. A sit-down breakfast was served at 8:30 then I was dropped at the TH for Springer Mountain. I got to say that the Hiker Hostel is a great segue to an AT start. The place is top notch and the best Hostel I've ever stayed in. Thanks again to all the folks at the Hiker Hostel for your hospitality.I hiked the 1 mile to Springer Mountain from the trailhead, took some photos and took off late morning. Lots of tree and bare foliage, if this was spring, I wouldn't be able to see anything so again, I'm glad I started early.Stopped for lunch a bit before Cooper Gap. My mind still wants to hike a break neck pace as I did on the last few miles of the PCT but my body says slow down so I'm hiking slow for the time being. Got to the Gooch Mt Shelter late afternoon and decided to stop for the day. It was sunny with no clouds and bit breezy, I couldn't of asked for a more perfect first day on the trial.
Date: 2016-02-20
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Neel Gsp
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: snow

Got woke up by a couple of raccoons going at it so I decided to get up. Had coffee and a pop tart, packed up and got going.I didn't get much sleep last night, 2 hikers and their dog came in about 8:30 and took two and a half hours to navigate their setup and dinner. At one point they broke out the SPOT and one guy shows the other how to use it...too funny. On my way out I looked up to see their 85 plus liter packs hanging on the food bag cable which sent me up the trail laughing. If I a see them again I'm going to give them the trail name of Heckle and Jeckle.Passed Woody Gap mid morning and stopped for a break. As soon as I did it started to rain so I put my rain gear and pack cover and took off. There wasn't much to see today because of the fog and rain so I just tried to get in the miles and stay warm. When I got the the Blood Mountain Shelter, the rain had stopped so I got rid of the rain gear. There must of been 40 day hikers there so this must be a popular place on the weekends. Started down and passed a continuous line of people...made it to Neel Gap mid afternoon. The trail goes through the outfitters and they have a hostel and small resupply. I checked in, bought my food for the next 6 days then cleaned up. The trail was windy, cold, and wet today but any day on the trail, is a good day.
Date: 2016-02-21
From: Neel Gsp

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: fog

Got up early, showered then had breakfast, packed up and got going.It was drizzling and a bit windy the first hour, then as I dropped down to Tesnatee Gap and the wind and rain stopped and the fog moved in. It was kind of cool hiking through it. Stopped for a break then got going again. I had my first Jolly Rancher today, I found them in the hiker box at the hostel. Also found my dinner for last night in there, Lipton spicy curry rice. I ate the whole bag and it was Yum!Passed a lot of hikers again today, I get the impression the folks here hike rain or shine. I forgot to mention the guy that runs the outrigger at Neel Gap did the PCT last year. He told me that there is no PCT kickoff this year, the new owners of Lake Moreno don't want it. Too bad because you can get a lot of good info there. Thanks again Pretzel for the accommodations.Mid afternoon the sky opened up so after a couple of hours, I called uncle. It was a wet day, but a good one on the trail. Camped at Blue Mountain Shelter with a bunch of thru hikers, they were gracious enough to make room for me in the shelter. I had a pleasant evening talking trail with them.
Date: 2016-02-22
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Dicks Gap
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I slept great and got up before first light. It rained most of the night but had stopped before I woke up. Had breakfast and put my wet clothes back on, that will surely wake you up in the morning. Said so long to the other hikers and then took off. Mid morning the sun came out for a bit and I stopped to enjoy the heat on my face, what a great feeling. Got a good photo of the mountain range across the valley... I can finally see something. Dried out my stuff, then moved on.The landscape and foliage hasn't changed yet but I'm seeing small smooth bark trees that have very green leaves. I'm not sure what they are. I had lunch at Sassafras Gap then started over towards Dicks Gap. Mid afternoon I heard lots of thunder off towards the west. Before I know it, its sprinkling and by the time I get my pack cover on, the sky opens up. I'm thinking "Bring it on" all the way down. I got to Dicks Gap late afternoon and hiked down the highway to the Top of Georgia Hostel. I got checked in, took a long hot shower, did laundry and got my gear ready for tomorrow. The place was full because of the rain so lots of stuff going on.Even with the rain, I had a great time on the trail today.
Date: 2016-02-23
From: Dicks Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up at 4 and couldn't go back to sleep and it was still raining when I got up. Cleaned up, packed up and had the hostel breakfast. Caught the shuttle back to the trail and took off. All I've got to say about the Top of Georgia Hostel is for the price, they'll do if you're in a down pour. I did enjoy the jibber jabber in the bunk house.Crossed into NC mid day, stopped for a photo then got going. I was hoping for sunshine in NC but no luck. The first 2 hills in NC were climbs from hell, half way up the second one the rain and wind was pushing me sideways and I'm thinking you dumbass, you had to hike in February. I've learned over the years, whatever happens on the trail always gets better further up the trail and it did. Stopped for lunch at Muskrat Creek Shelter, warmed up, ate and had a rest then got back to it.Stopped at the Standing Indian Shelter for the night with PFT, Eric, Pacman and John all of which I met in the hostel last night.It was a cold, wet, muddy day but I'm hiking and loving it.
Date: 2016-02-24
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

It was a long night, midnight the wind started up, AT weather indicated winds up to 70 miles per hour so it was a bit challenging. Stuff was wet and going everywhere in the shelter. We all got up at first light and packed up. The weather is going to get worse, snow, high winds so we decided to head into Franklin to wait it out. I've never seen this kind of weather on the PCT so it pretty cool. We backtracked to the FSR at Deep Gap and walk the 5 miles to the gate off of Hwy 64 where a great lady named Beverly was waiting. We had called her from the shelter for a ride. She took us to the hostel, then to breakfast and the outfitter where I got some trail runners, my Asolo's just weren't cutting it any more. After the outfitters we went to the store for our resupply and back to the hostel. Since I came into Franklin I'm going to grab enough food for 5 days so I can skip the NOC. The rest of the day was rest and drying gear and having fun exploring Franklin...great little town and definitely hiker friendly.Finished with pizza, beer and the movie gladiator.
Date: 2016-02-25
From: Franklin, NC

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

Slept great and I was up normal time. Went to the Kountry Kitchen for breakfast then walked to the outfitters to pick up Pacman's tent. They weren't open yet so we stopped in at the Crabtree coffee shop for some coffee, southern music and checkers.After that, back to the hostel and then got a ride back to the trail. Thanks again for the rides Beverly!! Weather is clearing so we're heading back out. It's cold and there are snow flurry's but no rain.I really liked staying at the Gooder Grove Hostel. Zen the owner is just getting started but it has a homey atmosphere and has all a hiker could need. Great place to stay. Started hiking a bit past noon, got back on the AT a couple hours later and stopped at Standing Indian Shelter for lunch. Lots of down trees across the trail from the storm the night before. Made it to Carter Gap Shelter early evening, made a quick dinner and got in the sack. Lots of fun hiking in the snow.
Date: 2016-02-26
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: A bit past Hwy 64
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to an 18 degree morning, with the wind chill it was a bit colder. We all jumped up and packed up as fast as possible since the only way to warm up out of the bag is to hike. Made some coffee and had a pop tart then got moving. After about an hour I warmed up and by mid morning the sun came out and it turned into a beautiful morning.  Made it to Mt Albert and the 100 mile mark late morning and stopped for some photos and a snack...what a climb. It was such a clear day, I could see the Smokey Mountains. Stopped at Long Branch Shelter for lunch then got moving again. My breaks are pretty short or I get to cold so I'm always eating in a hurry.Crossed Hwy 64 late afternoon and started back up the other side and stopped a mile later at a campsite. Made dinner and got to bed, first night in my tent. Yeah!Today was a great day on the trail.
Date: 2016-02-27
From: A bit past Hwy 64

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: few clouds

Got an early start, it was just too cold to make breakfast so we packed up and ate a bar on the trail then once it warmed up, stopped to make some coffee and oatmeal. Caught my first sunrise this morning, beautiful!Made it to Wayah Bald tower about noon, stop to chat with some section hikers and take photos then did another hour before stopping for lunch. Lots of great views today from the top. The last half mile there was lots of rutting from the wild Boar. We saw a pretty good size one last night where we camped.Finished the day at Wesser Bald Shelter and setup for a early arrival at the NOC. Snowy trail and perfect weather.
Date: 2016-02-28
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Up and hiking at first light, got a great photo of an immersion layer on my way down. Made it to the NOC a bit past mid morning and an hour before the restaurant opened. We got invites in to have coffee and wait. I had a great big cheese burger and chili then updated my journal and after we hit the outfittter to get our gear organized. Picked up some Tyvek for some added insulation on the snow and the shelters then got going up the mountain early afternoon. The rest of the day was a climb from the NOC.Got to Sassafras Gap Shelter late afternoon and quit for the day. What a beautiful day it was and my first day hiking in a tee shirt.
Date: 2016-02-29
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.0

Leap Day!!!! Woke up to a overcast morning but warmer than I'm use to. Hiked to the top of Cheoah Bald Mt and stopped for some photos...wonderful views from the top. I found out today what the deal was at Neel Gap with all of the hiking shoes in the tree, those are from hiker that quit the trail there. I hadn't realized that only one in four hikers finish the trail. I thought there was a lot higher finish rate. Late morning the clouds cleared out and turned into a sunny day. There hasn't been much wild life on the trail so far but today we flushed a grouse. Got to the top of Jacobs Ladder a bit past noon and what a climb up!!! Stop for a long lunch at Brown Fork Gap Shelter. I had a signal so I made hotel reservation at Fontana Lodge for tomorrow then we got moving again.The rest of the afternoon was fast trail and mostly sidling. Finished the day at Cable Gap Shelter. It was full so we pitched tents out back. Setup up for an early arrival in Fontana Village for a much needed Zero day.Today was an absolutely perfect day on the trail.
Date: 2016-03-01
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

Got an early start, just after first light. Town day, Yeah baby!!! We covered the 5 miles in about 2 hours. Hitched into Fontana Village, Boomerang stopped the first car that went by with his good looks and sexy legs. She took us to the front door of the Lodge. First stopped was the restaurant for food, checked in, cleaned up, laundry and resupplied at the Pit Stop. Great selection of hiker food and also beer on tap and great dogs. Got my gear and food organized then started to carb load and rest the remainder of the day. Rainy day!
Date: 2016-03-02
From: Fontana Village

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Slept in, breakfast and cleaned up. Stopped by the post office to mail a couple things home, then went to the Pit Stop for beer and a dog. I spent the remainder of the day resting.I've found that hiking the AT is basically impossible to get lost. There's a white blaze at least every 100 yards. I'm also using Guthook's app for water, campsites and shelters and AWOLs guide for town info...this is a well defined trail.I've got the info on the trees and plants I'm seeing, the smooth bark tree is a Rhododendron, the ficus looking tree is a Mountain Laurel. I'm seeing Eastern White Pine and Hemlock. I'm starting to see a lot of green now.Looks like we have a couple of days of bad weather then the sun comes out.   Looking forward to hiking through the Smoky Mountains.
Date: 2016-03-03
From: Fontana Village

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hiker Monday! We got up early because we met a section hiker at dinner last night and he was going to give us a ride back to the trail at 6. Thanks again for the ride Shane!! Enjoy the Smokey's. The Lodge was a very nice pit stop, reasonable for a resort, great food and unlimited coffee. A 5 star place in my opinion.Met my first Ridge Runner, Carl. He made sure we had permits and gave us some good trail info. Today was all uphill but good trail, stopped for lunch at Mollies Ridge Shelter. These are pretty nice shelter and they also have a fireplace in them. Carl was there and told us we had to eat outside, I guess there's a bear problem here. After lunch the wind picked up, then it started to sleet, then snow and we hiked the rest of the day in a snow storm. Hopefully it will be clear in the morning. A very cold and snowy day. Camped at Spence Field Shelter.
Date: 2016-03-04
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Springs Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light snow

Woke up to a cold and snowy morning, we packed up and got hiking at first light. Breezy and snowed for a couple of hours then the snow stopped. Rocky Top and Thunderhead had no views because of fog and snow.It took us 4 hours to cover the 6 miles to Derick Knob Shelter. This was the slowest I've ever hiked 6 miles. Lunch at Silers Bald Shelter then back at it. It was a very pleasant hike after the snow stop. Trail had about 2" and got deeper as we got higher. Finally starting to see some evergreens - Carolina Hemlock, Red Fir, American Beach trees and Eastern Hemlock. We quit early today for 2 reasons, one the trail kicked our butt's and two, tomorrow we are hoping for clear weather so we get some views on top Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the trail. Camped at Double Spring Gap Shelter where I met my second Ridge Runner, Chloe so we all talked trail and stuff. She told us that Shane's hiking partner slipped on ice and hurt her ankle and was evac'd out. Sorry to hear that Shane, hope she's all right.12 hours in the warm bag is another one of those simple pleasures.
Date: 2016-03-05
From: Double Springs Gap Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

Got up at midnight to use the facilities and looked up to see a billon stars and no clouds so I new we had a great day coming up. We were up before first light, said bye to Chloe and got going. The hike over to Clingmans Dome was absolutely breathtaking. Got to the top of the Dome and took some photos which I can't possibly describe, they were just beautiful views. Had a quick breakfast and then started over toward Newfound Gap. The trail was snowy and had some ice which was manageable, the trail was also full of hikers.Met 2 trail Angels at Indian Gap and they said they had sandwiches and fruit for us at NFG. I had 2 big ole ham sandwiches, 2 bags of chips and a orange. Thanks again Godspeed and Mountain Momma, they were delicious.The Gap was crowded so we ate, talked trail with the Angels and then took off. After we passes Charlies Bunion, we walked a knives edge for a few miles. I believe this is the Tennessee/NC border. Mid afternoon it started to snow again but it only lasted about an hour. Got to the Pecks Corner Shelter early evening and grabbed 3 spots real quick, it was filling up fast. Today was my best day on the trail so far. Beautiful weather, trail magic and a couple good hiking partners.
Date: 2016-03-06
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

It snowed about 1-2 inches last night but our wakeup call brought a sunny but windy morning, another beautiful day on the trail. I remembered last night to loosen my laces and open my shoes so they were easy to put on. Yesterday I forgot and it was very difficult getting into frozen shoes.Got going at first light and stopped at the Tricornes Gap Shelter for breakfast, grabbed some water and moved on. The trail was fresh so Roadrunner did the majority of breaking trail which made it easier for me and Boomerang. There was about 4-6 inches of snow on the trail and we had a lot of great views today again to include the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. I saw some turkey track and also some fox track and also passed a F4 crash site...I guess it went down in the 80s. Yesterday, I saw my first red squirrel but it was too fast for a photo.Had lunch at Cosby Knob Shelter then started down the hill. The trail got wet and muddy after lunch so we had wet feet all afternoon but it was perfect weather and I got to hike in a T shirt again. Camped at the Davenport Gap Shelter. The shelter has fencing across the front to keep bears out so I wonder if we'll have a visitor tonight. Got a fire going, had dinner and hit the sack.Another perfect day on the trail.
Date: 2016-03-07
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Cat Pen Gap
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: clear sky

No bears showed up last night but 2 thru hikers did, they grabbed water and moved on. We got moving early, passed the Smoky Mt boundary about 30 minutes later and then passed under I40. On the way down, we passed a waterfall so we took photos. When we got to the I40 sign, there was a unopened beer so Boomerang popped it open and added some more calories to his daily intake. On the way up the other side, there was a mailbox with all kinds of treats in it. We all took a couple, signed the register and moved on. Thanks again "Magic Mailboxes of NC". We passed an FAA tower up top which was cool since I've never seen one. We had a couple of big ups and downs on the way over to Max Patch. We got there mid afternoon and stopped for some photos and then moved on. The shelter we planned on staying at had a bunch of people so we hiked a bit farther and found a tent campsite at Cat Pen Gap. I had some fantastic views today and also saw my first herd of white tail deer, I came up on them at dusk and they looked amazing as they ran for it. It was another great day on the trail.