morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-03-19
From: Neels Gap

To: Hogpen Gap
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

It was raining most of the night and in the a.m. Visibility was often 30 yards or less. I got my new boots after most people left so to break them in I put on all my Goretex and did a short 6.9 mile hike from Neels Gap to Hogpen Gap where my Trail Angel brother Glenn picked me up and brought me home. I slack packed (that will be on the test so figure it out) so I made good time. Trail Angels along the way had coffee and Little Debbies stuff. They even gave me a hat knitted by their church group.Now I'm at Glenn's house where I will over night and take a zero day tomorrow (also on the test). I need to re-figure all my food drops. On night two I had to lighten my pack so I gave a lot away in the first hostel and mailed a bunch home to my Trophy Wife. I still felt good but I'm no fan of this Georgia terrain. The hills don't bother me but all the downhills do. Every time I go down I know I'm giving up elevation I already won and when I hit the bottom I'll have to win it all over again. Georgia is all Gaps, including the one in my brain that let me try this. Some are very steep and very long. I'd love to see some flat ground.P.S. I edited some prior posts since I'm in the world today.
Date: 2015-03-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I thought I'd lead with the potential test question to give you all more time to study.What is a NOBO?Hint: I am a NOBO.You are welcome.Today is a zero day to let my feet breath and to re-figure all food drops. I bought a new sleeping pad that weighs 10.9 ounces to replace the ultra light one I've been carrying that weighs 24 ounces. Living large there! Also, I found several protein bars stuffed in my pack I forgot about - more ounces out now. All clothes were washed last night so I'll go thru the whole pack and see what else can go. While all the Gaps play with my head, one thing I like about Georgia is that it is farther west in the time zone than home, sweet, home. That means it's darker later so I sleep in but it's lighter later so there's more time to push if I have to make a point or to set up camp. Obviously it's the same amount of light time but that scenario works better for me.Finally, I have to give a shout out to Captain of Team Big Jim, Nancy, and TBJ Member Chrisanne, and eat some crow. I've had hiking poles for years but never used them. The Captain and her associate were all over me about taking them (Nagging?? I'll defer to Jeff for the legal ruling. He might know??) I took them and they've been huge on the uphills. Thanks.And Thanks to all who signed my guest book.P.S. Minutes after this picture was taken we were face down in the snow having been kissed by one of Mt. Washington's infamous winds.
Date: 2015-03-21
From: Hogpen Gap

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Big Jim hiked 12.1 miles today from Hogpen Gap to Blue Mountain Shelter after resting and refueling at Trail Angel brother Glenn's. Walked first 4 miles with Vegas. Interesting talk but left him at Low Gap. Next 8 miles only saw 3 people going other way. At Blue Mtn Shelter by 3 and tried to find somewhere to stay by Unicoi but couldn't. Too tired to hike to Unicoi and on to water so tented 100 yards away from shelter.
Date: 2015-03-22
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Sassafras camp
Miles today: 12.8

Big Jim is at 63.3 miles into the hike and in his tent. It was 52 and raining. This was just a spot in the woods. I met Trailchef at Unicoi. Interesting guy. Read his blog. We hiked over Rocky Mtn and met Trail Angels and Papa Al. Another good blog to read. Both are older than me. Trailchef and I climbed Tray Mtn and lunched at shelter. We decided to go another 4.7. It started raining at about 2 and we got separated. I tented at Sassafras in the rain. Climbed into tent at 4 and never came out. Pretty miserable. Rain till 4 a.m. and only slept 15 to 30 minutes at a time. Ground was hard (problem with 10.9 ounce pad) and tent was not on level ground. No food after lunch and very little water.
Date: 2015-03-23
From: Sassafras camp

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 6.3

After a miserable night I got up in the dark, dressed and packed by headlamp. I had to catch a shuttle by 11. I hope never to rush like that again. My right hip killed and that's my good one. Tough getting old. Ground was slick and slippery. Had several climbs including first one of 1,000 feet. I caught the shuttle and am waiting for a room to do laundry, shower and eat. No breakfast today yet. My backup water bottle seems to be leaking, which could be a problem down the line. Got to figure some things out tonight.Stay warm & dry my friends!I updated the past 2 days.Update:I just hit an all you can eat (AYCE in trail talk). Clothes are in the laundry and I'm clean. I thought I'd say a little about the Trail. I'm not sure what my mileage says but I've walked 69.9 miles thru today. I may figure each day and update.We've thinned out over 70 miles. I'm flip flopping with some of the same guys. Talking might be 10 seconds or a few miles but eventually we all hike our own hike and find our own pace(s). There's good people out here. A lot of the ones giving advice at the 8 mile mark are no where in sight???If I had to describe this in one word it would be: Hard. Every night I've taken Vitamin I (Ibruprofen) and hoped to feel better in the a.m. Regardless, we wake up, pull on wet clothes that stink and go hump gaps and knobs and mountains. We're hungry a lot but I find it hard to eat. The enthusiasm from those still going is good. Our motto is: No pain, no rain, no Maine. I've certainly had 2 out of 3 already. FWIW I have a lot of respect for the Class of 2015 who've humped 70 miles in however many days and for all the Trail Angels we encounter. They've gone above and beyond.I need two shout outs. First to Kim and Jenna on the birth of their beautiful daughter!! That is the start of a much more challenging adventure!Second to the RIAG. I retired in January and figured I'd be forgotten in February but they made a video wishing me well and encouraging me on. It meant a lot to see those old faces (and the young ones, too). Thank you all!Tonight I'll take some Vitamin I and start tomorrow in clean clothes. My next hump is to Franklin, NC. In fact, tomorrow I should waive good bye to Georgia. She kicked my butt.I estimate 4 days to Franklin and have no idea if I'll have any contact in that period. At most it would be texts, I assume. The map makes it look tough with higher climbs than I've done so far so I may (should) be slowing down. No idea yet how I'll get into town (12 -14 miles from the Trail, but that's not today's problem.
Date: 2015-03-24
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

Crossed into North Carolina (good-bye Georgia) - one state down, 13 to go. Update:Woke up in Hiawassee and my $8 poles had had it. They were good but couldn't take the pounding after 70 miles. I left them in the hiker box and bought some sexy ones from the outfitter on sight. They are carbon LEKIs with flip locks. The twist locks are weaker. They are black and orange and look hot like the Mrs.Then we were shuttled to the trail. The high point was the 9 miles to get out of Georgia. I passed the border at 2:30 and had a guy take my picture. Unfortunately I couldn't send it. But 1 state down and 13 to go. Test Question:Which of the 14 AT states were original colonies? Bonus question: Which original colony or colonies is/are not on the Trail? Nate- Have Mommy help you.I decided to push another 3 plus miles over another mountain I can't remember the name of to Muskrat Creek Shelter. It was the first time I slept in a shelter and my first day with no Vitamin I. Woohoo. Stash, Rapunsel, Spider and I used the Shelter. It rained hard. In the a.m. it was still drizzling.
Date: 2015-03-25
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

First, a Big Shout Out to New England Academy of Torah's Mock Trial team. They advanced to the State semi-finals under coaches Chrisanne and Maria. It's no surprise. They should have replaced me years ago.Back to the Trail.I left Muskrat Creek Shelter in the rain with hopes of going 12.5 miles to Carter Gap Shelter or another 3.7 to a camp site. My body gave out at the shelter. It was a long climb over Standing Indian Mountain. The rain and wind were tough that night. In the shelter with Stash, Rapunsel, Spider and Anna. Neon, Huff and TJ camped outside. Hoped to make Winding Stair Gap on Friday 3/27 but made it Thursday. That's about all I remember about Wednesday????
Date: 2015-03-26
From: Franklin, NC

To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Hi There:Just in. I'll update Tues-Wed later or tomorrow.Today was a big day. I was moving so fast it was like I was courting the Trophy Wife again. But it was just miles.The TW is going above and beyond tonight. She's attending a CCRI banquet to get an award for me being named one of the top 25 grads of the last 50 years. I'm honored. I graduated in 1975 and have always said CCRI is one of the great assets in RI. It give you opportunity. Not magic, but a chance to do your own magic. Or not. Your choice.Now to the trail. I was in a shelter night 2 with Stash, Rapunzel, Anna and Spider. Huff, Neon and TJ camped near by. It poured and the wind howled. I was glad I stopped.I left about 8:10 and it looked like rain but was just a little cold. My first goal was Albert Mountain. It was a gradual beginning but the end was hand over hand on rocks. At times I pushed up my poles and pulled on roots to keep going. At the summit I stood at mile 100.1! That was big for an old guy.The goal for the day was 12.1 miles to Rock Gap Shelter and then to Franklin next day. I hit the Shelter at 1:50 and still felt middle aged so I said "what would Brenda do?" I couldn't find cotton pajamas or soap operas so I kept going. A Trail Angel gave me a Mountain Dew and Sticky Bun. DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY CALORIES THAT WAS!!So I laughed at the last 3.7 miles and kept going. But the mountain laughed last. It gave me about a 1,000 foot climb I hadn't expected and took away and false feeling of middle age and put the appalling back into old. But I toughed it out for the best Support Team in the world and pushed over. It ws my first 15 mile (and almost 16 mile) day!Soon I'll be going to an AYCE.Brother Glenn drove all over to make this trip happen! The best ride in Georgia!Happy Trails
Date: 2015-03-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Hi there. Today is a zero day but I just decided to extend it. My Yankee friends sent their vortex and there's snow and bad temps ahead. Since I'm alone and appallingly old and I want to see the Morin baby (or more accurately the Morin parents when junior arrives) I'm laying up Saturday. I'll be back in the woods Sunday when temps should go up. I'll only have one day to make up.Test question: How do we really know that no two snowflakes are alike?
Date: 2015-03-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Snow in the parking lot. Laying up today and need to find ride tomorrow.I think it's time to think about adding an essay question to the final exam. Here's one:How do you know how far to walk?Great question. Here are some hints.First, it is not always the hiker's choice how far to walk. The hiker has to stop where s/he can sleep and much of the trail is cut into the sides of mountains so the ground on both sides is too steep for a tent or shelter. The only flat part is the trail and you can't ( should 't) sleep there.Second, if possible you want to camp near water. We all need it to drink, cook and clean so hiking to a flat spot with a stream or spring is important. This may mean we need to hike farther than we want or stop earlier.Finally, timing is Important. For example, one day I had to hike 3 extra miles in the rain and leave by heaamp in the morning to catch a shuttle. If I had left later or not hiked as far I would haveMissed my ride.Also, we only carry enough food for X days. That means we have to walk enough miles everyday to get to our next re-supply before we run out.Finally, our bodies are timers, too. Sometimes they just go off and won't take us any farther.A long distance hiker has to consider all of these things every day to plan when and where to camp. Then s/he has to hope for the best. Some streams are dry. Some flat spots are taken. Good luck.
Date: 2015-03-30
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Freezing last night - wore Primaloft vest, Omni Heat fleece top and zipped 5 degree bag up over my head. Rained hard at 4 a.m. and continued. At 9, put on Goretex over the vest and fleece, and started hiking. The trail was a muddy mess. It was cold and rainy until noon and then just cold.
Date: 2015-03-31
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: The NOC
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: clear sky

I have a new problem I bet most of you wood love to have. I'm not eating enough, which is a real problem for me. Last night at the shelter I started shivering about 5 and couldn't stop. A woman too young to be my daughter never mind my wife started yelling at me to eat more. She finally said "bite the bullet and do it."   I miss my Trophy Wife!But I have to beat this before the Smokies.I hiked 6.9 miles downhill to the NOC, which is a big outdoor/rafting place and I've been eating since I got here.Tomorrow is a 6 to 7 mile uphill and I want to rest up before it. I'm doing good miles but I'm still starting too fast. Tomorrow should cure that.Last night I sheltered with Boston, Caveman, Sunrise, Tinkerbell and TK. Stache and Rapunsel came in late and tented. Papa Al tented up hill too. Huff, Anna and Neon hiked to the next shelter. I saw them for lunch but they'll start ahead of me tomorrow.I'm not sure if I can make much beyond the 7 mile climb but we'll see.Check out www.DenBec50th.comThis couple is thru hiking for their 50th anniversary. Yesterday they were named "Will and Way."Thanks to all who signed my guest book.
Date: 2015-04-01
From: The NOC

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: clear sky

At 12:48 p.m., not sure if going on. Want to but probably won't get me to Fontana a day earlier. 6 miles were uphill and parts were rough. I had about 4000 calories yesterday and it is warm, so I'm good. I have to eat more now. Today's test question is in honor of Cousin Anthony: NH's motto is "live free or die" but in what state was that battle cry first uttered? P.S. I hate false summits. Nate, consider that a bonus question.
Date: 2015-04-02
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

Left Sassafras Gap Shelter at 7:38 a.m., then an 800 foot climb up Cheoah Bald. Stopped around noon at approx. mile 152 after surviving Jacob's Ladder, a 600 foot climb in 6/10 of a mile. Made my second biggest day, over 15 miles again. Parts were rough. The shelter was just a floor, roof and walls. It fit 6 but we had 7 in it. As long as you stayed on your pad you had 20 by 72 inches of paradise.Today's test question is in honor of cousin Kathy (to be fair):Which future U. S. President defended the British soldiers who fired on civilians at the "Boston Massacre?"Bonus question: Were they found guilty or not guilty in a Boston Court?Happy Trails.
Date: 2015-04-03
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Village
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Today's test question is up front because I'm going to give you the answer below.North Carolina leads the nation in the production of what mineral?Gorgeous night last night. I don't think it got below 61. I was in my bag by 7:15. The young uns had a big fire going but it started raining about 7:30 so that ended and everyone went to bed. There were about 20 tents around the shelter. I left before 8 a.m. and got to the Village about 11 after catching a shuttle.Tomorrow begins a different phase. I enter the GSMNP. The weather there can be touchy and I'm told I'll have no cell service. My plan is to hit Gatlinburg in about 4 days and report back to The World. Enjoy the silence.My Trophy Wife really spoiled me with the room she got me for tonight. She's still the best.Answer: MicaP.S. I updated yesterday's blog.Happy Trails
Date: 2015-04-06
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 12.5

Today was so miserable it made the other miserable days look like Skittles. And the Smokies lived up to their rep.I had planned 3 nights and 4 days to get here but when I studied the book I decided that if I juiced it I could make it 2 nights and 3 days, so I did.The Smokies started with a 7 mile climb to show us who was boss. There was no need for that. I always knew they were boss. Day one I pushed 5.5 miles beyond plan A. What a night. There were 3 rescues around me. There was a helicopter rescue 4 miles past me. Two Rangers did a foot rescue 3 miles south of me. There was a horseback rescue to my west. The riders got lost and ended up in my camp.To add a cherry to that it went below freezing at night. I layered up and zipped my bag over my head at 7:30. In the a. m. it was cold and windy and there was ice along the trail. I fell 3 times, that's 2 more than all other days combined. But they were saving the best for last.Today was cold and windy and as soon as I hit a high ridge the rain started and never stopped. Not only was that a cold, miserable 12.5 miles, it also included a climb over Clingman's Dome, which is the highest point on the AT at 6,655 feet, which is 400 feet higher than Mt. Washington. The cherry there was that there were no blazes so I wandered around getting wet until I found a ranger who sent me an extra half mile uphill. Yay!I managed to get a ride to Gatlingburg and food. Tomorrow is in the air.Thanks to all.
Date: 2015-04-09
To: Back in Georgia
Miles today: 0.0

Hi There:First I want to thank everyone who supported me in this attempt of the AT. For those of you who don't know yet, I'm off the Trail and headed home this weekend.It was a great adventure, had many interesting parts, I learned a lot and I met some great people. After almost a month though of walking through mountains in all kinds of conditions I decided I did not want to do that for another 4 to 5 months. For me it wasn't fun and the interesting got too repetitive so I want to return to family and friends. Gatlinburg after 206.8 miles was my last real chance to get a ride from my Trail Angel brother Glenn. He was huge to me throughout this and he's still helping me out today. If I went any farther and changed my mind it would have been a serious inconvenience or impossibility for him to get me. Also, I believe those 206 miles included some of the most challenging terrain in the south, though New Hampshire should be tough again, and I didn't want to quit before finishing that section. It was a great experience. I look forward to more time on the Trail in New England in better weather and shorter sections.Finally, it's clear to me that the people still moving after 200 miles can do this thing if they decide that's what they want. The hikers I moved through the Smokies with can finish as long as that is what they continue to want. I have great respect for them and wish them well. Mostly I hope it stays fun for them.
Date: 2015-04-17
To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0

I've been hear in the DC area staying with Ann in preparation to start and complete a Big Ass Section Hike, BASH, this year. I've have all sorts of issues getting my left ankle to the point that it doesn't hurt too much to walk on the trail. So tomorrow Ann will drive me up to Harpers Ferry and I will attempt to walk to Hot Springs. If I can do that I will have completed all the AT from Springer Mountain in GA to Kent, CT. I chose to walk in the Southerly direction to minimize hiking among large groups for that distance and therefore competing for shelter space and other resources. I also hope to maximize the number of NOBO Thru Hikers encounters but not negatively impact there experience. Hopefully I won't have too much trouble with this 750 mile section.
Date: 2015-04-18
From: Harpers Ferry

To: David Lesser Shelter
Miles today: 9.4

Started this section around 11 AM after being dropped off at ATC Headquarters by my dear cousin. The last time I was here in 2010 I was hopeful that I would be hiking the entire AT in one year on what is called a flip-flop. Well, that ended in a similar fashion to my 2009 hike after 31 days in the town of Kent, CT. This time I figured my AT hike is definitely now a section hike so I did have the staff of the ATC take my photo and I am officially hiker #40 in the 2015 Section Hiker log book.The weather was hot (mid 80's), clear, and dry. My pace was slow and I struggled to reach the shelter by evening. Actually, I was there a couple of hours (6:30 PM) before dark but I was totally spent. I came by no water at all on this section of the trail and the sun was intense as the trees had yet to leaf out. I had real signs of dehydration and heat stroke and needed to take many rest stops before reaching the shelter. There are several other hikers including a troop of boy scouts that are mostly tenting. I did pass a couple of thru hikers during the day, the 3rd and 4th thrus of the season. I did my camp chores and was asleep in the shelter at 9:30 as darkness fell.
Date: 2015-04-19
From: David Lesser Shelter

To: Blackburn Trail Center - BTC
Miles today: 3.3

Even though the BTC is listed as a hostel it feels more like a shelter, or more specifically like the Camps one would find on Vermont's Long Trail. I met a section hiker going south and we built a fire in the stove and settled in during an afternoon and evening of rain.After the tough hike of my first day back to the trail in several years, I needed to keep the miles low and fortunately I had the option of an easy walk to the BTC. This is what is known as a nearo day (less than 5 miles). The temperature this morning was in the 50's and the short mileage meant I was done for the day before noon so I had both lunch and dinner here at the hostel. Also, I met and talked to the caretaker here who's name is Chris who claims to have named and maintains The Roller Coaster section of the AT which is just south of here.
Date: 2015-04-20
From: Blackburn Trail Center

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I stopped by the Bear's Den Hostel around 3 in the afternoon but decided to do a little more hiking as I entered into a section of the trail known as the Roller Coaster.This morning dawned foggy but not as cool as yesterday because of the overnight rain. So I started walking in misty somewhat wet conditions with trees dripping on me as I walked.  But by 9:30 the sun had burned off the fog and the temperature rose into the mid 80's by the afternoon. At around 11, I spent some time on the edge of Crescent Rock and took some great photographs. I also had cell service so I was able to talk to Linda. At the Bear's Den Hostel I met Flash and Montana, NOBO's, who were practically racing to finish as quick as they could. I arrived here at the shelter around 6:30 again after struggling over the last couple of miles. Brian, from Brattleboro, VT shared the shelter with me and I was able to wash my hiking clothes and have a sponge bath before calling it a night at around hiker midnight. I slept well as the temps dropped into the 50's with off and on rain.