morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-06-16
From: Kent, CT

To: View Entry
Miles today: 1.0
Weather: light rain

Well it seems that life has thrown another curve ball at me once again on the trail. After getting a ride to Canaan, CT and getting on a bus to come home, I been so sick. My joints ache and one minute I be hot and the next minute I be freezing. Went to the doctors this morning and she diagnosed me with Lyme Disease just on the symptoms I was having. So now I be on medication for the next 21 days and we will see where that leads too.It has been a great time hiking the AT last year and this year. Found a lot of answers to questions I been wondering about for a long time. Made great strides in cleaning up my life when I cam home last year.This year on the trail I was able to finally find an answerer to a question that has bothered me for ten years and I just couldn't let it go. With the help of my friend Jingles and his wife we shared stories with each other. I told them what was bothering me the most and couldn't handle the typical answers. They both told me to look away from the everyday answers and to start looking on the spiritual side. Like they told me, didn't have to be God or anything like that. Just look on the spiritual side. SO for the next 3 -4 days I hiked and thought about what they said to me a lot. Eventually I made sense of what they were telling me and was able to find an answer I can live with. I also think that by finding this, I can let go now and be "Joe" and not just a shadow or ghost image of him. I had told Andrea that it was time for Joe to come home.Still have a few more things to do and I can let it go and be content with it. My friends also made me realize that I am still here for a reason and have much work to do working with veterans.So this is the end of this journey. For all that followed me and offered word of encouragement I thank you very much.Will I ever make it to Maine on the AT? I don't know. As I tell folks, its not about the miles, its about the journey. And my journey was awesome. So in the meantime I have things to do, A family to do things with and be with. Get ready for a wedding in September where I get to walk my daughter Sarrah down the aisle. Then get ready for the birth of out next grandson.Life is good.SGM
Date: 2015-01-01
To: The Beginning
Miles today: 0.0

Excited that 2015 is here. I will be starting my thru-hike on 1/31/15. I've been waiting a long time for this. Gear is complete, mail drops are almost ready. Can't wait till the 31st.My wife Lola, will be posting all my entries and pictures. Couldn't do it without her. Love her so much.
Date: 2015-01-07
To: Prep
Miles today: 0.0

Lola and I will go up to Amicalola Falls State park on the 30th to sign me in as a thru hiker, so i can start the approuch trail on the 31st. Wanted to stay at the lodge but was a little late getting reservations, so will be staying in Blue Ridge instead.Going to pass on the steps to the top of the falls, I've done those enough times, hope to be on the trail by 8:00 that morning.In the meantime I'm running 5 days a week in this cold West ga weather!
Date: 2015-01-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Time for the start is getting closer, and I'm just about ready. Just a picture of the gear I'll be using. I have a Big Agnus 2 person tent, but will be using the 1 person tent instead. I'm saving two pounds, but will miss the extra space. I'm using the pocket rocket stove, its lightweight and easy to use. Hope the fuel canisters are easy to purchase along the way, but shouldn't be a problem. Sleeping bag is a Big Agnus 15 degree synthetic bag. I also have a bag liner that advertised an additional 15 degrees but the salesman advised me to not expect more then 7! This should get me thru till warmer weather. Self inflating sleeping pad was a must, as was a self inflating pillow, I really got tired of blowing up that air mattress last summer! Best of all are the Dakine gor-tex mittens with liners. I tried these out walking last winter when it was 10 degrees out, and they worked well.Just some of my stuff!
Date: 2015-01-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Did a short run this morning, trying to use some of this nervous energy I have! Its been a busy week saying goodby to friends and family, checking and rechecking gear, and doing all the little things that keep popping up.Saying goodbye is always the hardest!Lola and I will head up to Amicalola Falls state park tomorrow. I'll sign in and be ready to start early Saturday Morning! Can't wait!
Date: 2015-01-31
From: Springer Mountain

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: overcast clouds

This is Lola, "J" said it was 27° and sunny, started warming up right away. Started meeting day hikers, weekend hikers, and section hikers. Some already in short sleeve shirts. Stop for lunch at Black Gap Shelter and talked for a while to a guy that starting his through hike March 1. Made it to the top Springer about 1 o'clock and it was a zoo. Lots of people out having a good time. Everyone in a great mood enjoying the nice weather. Signed the register and started for Stover Creek. Ran into a section hiker that recognized me from my postings on trail journals, he's done all of the trail from Georgia to Virginia, and was really looking forward to the time that he can start his through hike. Great guy, really appreciated his encouragement.There was nobody at Stover Creek Shelter so I set up my tent inside. Later two day hikers stop for a break. Nice guys. Enjoyed talking with them. After that it was me and the mice.
Date: 2015-02-01
From: Stover Creek Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This is Lola. I just got a call from "J" and he made it to Gooch Mountain Shelter. He said that it started raining around noon. I hope to have more for this day tomorrow. Looks like there will be a day lag or so posting to the journals."J" met up with Twisted and they stayed at the Gooch Mountain Shelter. He said it rained all day and stormed all night.
Date: 2015-02-02
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Neel Gap Hostel
Miles today: 15.9

"J" and Twisted made it to the Neels Gap Hostel. J is very tired and hungry. They got started this morning around 9am. He said he had a good night. J said that they had light snow this morning and strong winds all day. He hasn't had much cell signal and he is recharging his phone tonight at the hostel.
Date: 2015-02-03
From: Neel Gap Hostel

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

"J" says that it was a warm night at the hostel last night, then woke up to trail magic. My brother, treated Twisted and I to breakfast at Waffle House and then got us back to the trail. Many tks George !!!!!!!Reached Cowrock Mountain around noon. The picture is of Wildcat Mountain. Beautiful weather, sunny. I got to Low Gap Shelter by 5:00. "Red" had a nice fire going. Felt good on a cold night!
Date: 2015-02-04
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

"J" says after a cold night at Low Gap Shelter, Twisted and I started for Tray Mountain Shelter. Temp in the 40's, and sunshine made for good hiking. Very few hikers out today. 15.4 miles later we dragged into Tray Mountain Shelter. It's cold here with wind so we set up tents inside the shelter, ate, and got into our tents! Also posted a picture with Twisted at Unicoi Gap.
Date: 2015-02-05
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.0

Very cold, with a howling wind all night. Glad we set up our tents in the shelter.Twisted and I started out about 8 o'clock, too cold to cook so we hit the trail to warm up. Cold and windy all day with sunshine and we made it to Dick's Creek Gap about 2:30 in the afternoon. This is where Twisted and I had to part ways. I was going to take a couple zero days and then my brother was joining me for four days on the trail. Hard to say goodbye to Twisted, he's a great guy and a hiking machine. He will no doubt make it all the away to Katahdin. I'm going to miss him and wish him best of luck!!!But my plans have changed a little, got some sad news today. Two years ago my widowed mother met and married a wonderful man. He passed away from a heart attack this morning. I'm going off trail for a couple days to be with mom, and to help as I can.This is not the end, but just a break in my schedule. I will be back on the trail soon, thank you everyone who has sign my guestbook, and offered encouragement. It's been a great hike!
Date: 2015-02-10
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

With heavy hearts we attended Howards service Sunday. Mother is settled with family, Howard was a man who loved life, and made mama happy. We will miss him greatly! Thank you all for the kind words!!I'll be back on the trail, 2/15/15. My brother will join me for a few days. His trail name is "Ab", pronounced Abe. Tks Twisted! It fits!
Date: 2015-02-15
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: clear sky

Ab and I got started about 2:30pm, warm, sunshine,40 degrees. Arrived in Plumorchard Gap Shelter at 5:30. Temp dropped fast, 30 degrees by 8:00. Thru hiker Longhorn came in around dark, said his dad, Zipper, was couple hours behind. They did big miles today! Know cold weather is coming, it's great to be back on the trail!
Date: 2015-02-16
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light snow

Cold morning leaving plum Orchard. Sleet and freezing rain started about noon. Covered in ice by the time we got to Muskrat Creek Shelter. Zipper and Longhorn already there, ate some hot food and warmed up in the sleeping bags listening to the howling wind.
Date: 2015-02-17
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 4.0

Ab at Deep Gap. Woke up to heavy snow on the trail. Knowing that we had zero temperatures coming in for the next couple nights, Ab and I decided to get off at Deep Gap. Walked 5 miles down Forest Service Road 71 to where ride was waiting for us.Many thanks to Russell and Dave for meeting us at the gate. Nice to be in a warm room tonight at Ab's House. Going to wait out the 0° weather, then I'm back on the trail! Great to be hiking again.
Date: 2015-02-21
From: Deep Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 0.9
Weather: overcast clouds

5 mile hike from 64 to deep gap up USFS 71. 1.5 inches of snow, easy walking, winter wonder land. Made deep gap in 2.2 hrs. Wind picked up at gap, to shelter, don't think it's gonna stop. Settled in my tent, about an hr later 2 thru hikers came in. Attrition and nemo. Cold night.
Date: 2015-02-22
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

7.6 miles of mushy slushy ice covered trail. Blow downs, awesome scenic streams, temp in the low 40's. Trail maintainers will have much work.Arrived at Carter Gap Shelter by 3:00, water down a slushy hill. Future nobo's get it before shelter.At 5:00 pm all by myself but wouldn't be surprised to see someone before dark.Sun trying to burn thru, might just make it. Tomorrow, gonna do 12.1.
Date: 2015-02-23
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: winding stair gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

Left shelter by 7:20, cloudy but sun came out pretty quick. Trail had it all, ice,mud, slush, more mud, and sometimes perfect. Blow downs still in play, less then yesterday. Temp warmed up nice, views from Albert mtn fire tower unbelievably! I was going to stop at Rock gap shelter for the night but got a weather report that snow was on the way in. Made it to Winding stair gap, now at Ab's warm and fed!
Date: 2015-02-27
From: winding stair gap

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Ab dropped me off about 9:30, sunny and cold, 19 degrees, with 4 to 5 inches of snow. Glad I wasn't the first one out. Not to bad to Siler Bald where I met 2 day hikers going to Wayah Bald Tower. Much steeper to the tower, but great views from the top. After that just hard hiking to Wayah Shelter. 2 section hikers already there, 6 more made it in before dark.
Date: 2015-02-28
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 16.5

Cold night at Wayah Bald Shelter, was up early and left by 7:20. 9 people there overnight, I was the second person out, and the last to make it to the NOC. Deep snow again, tough climbs and steep down hills. Great views from Wesser Bald Observation Tower. Staying at the base camp hostel tonight. Good dinner at the Riverside restaurant!
Date: 2015-03-02
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Zero'd at the NOC yesterday to rest my left knee, it's been paining me some. Met Not Yet, and Felix. Thru hikers a day behind me. Nice guys, there taking a zero also. Light rain the night before, I left at 10:00 with mild temps and sun by 11:00. Hiking was easy first couple miles, then slush and ice. But it was melting fast, nice views from the Jump-Up, a ridge above the Nantahala Gorge. Arrived at shelter about 3:30, knee feels good. Here by myself, don't expect company. Tomorrow will do 15 miles to Cable Gap Shelter.
Date: 2015-03-03
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

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

Light rain early, then walking in the clouds till the last mile when it started coming down. No views, met 2 section hikers headed to where I left. At the start of "Jacob's Ladder" I met Oxe and Papa C, two trail workers with chainsaws. No easy gig, many tks to all that work to improve the trail. Both thru hiked around 1999. Crossed 2 paved roads today and thought why doesn't someone open an IHOP! Some coffee and hot food would have been good!By myself at Cable Gap, headed to Fontana tomorrow.
Date: 2015-03-04
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana 28 AT Crossing
Miles today: 5.4

Rain with howling wind all night, no one at shelter but me. Was awake by 4:30 this morning. Started out for Fontana in mist but sun came out by 10:00. Made it to Fontana 28 around 11:00. No cell sig last night or today. Got a ride to Fontana Village, still no cell sig for my AT&T phone. Oh well. Fontana Lodge is a nice place, the front desk, and restaurant workers are friendly and helpful, and the rooms are great! Still checking on what the weather is gonna do tomorrow, that will determine if I hit the trail into the Smokies, or stay at the shelter and start Friday.
Date: 2015-03-06
From: Fontana 28 AT Crossing

To: Birch Spring Gap
Miles today: 7.2

Stayed at the Hike Inn with Why Not and Felix on 3/5/15. Jeff and Nancy did a great job of getting us to town for re supplies and subway!Started hiking with cold but sunny skies, it warmed up quick. Views at the dam were awesome, as was the view from Shuckstack Fire Tower. Steep but easy hiking, we made it to Birch Spring Gap by 2:30. Was worried about water supply there, but there was a good flow from the spring. Really enjoy Why Not and Felix's company... Glad to finally get into the Smokies !
Date: 2015-03-07
From: Birch Spring Gap

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

4 wild hogs made there way toward camp last night till they saw us moving around, then they split. We were up by 5:30 with deer feeding nearby. Cold night but it warmed up nice, it was an easy hike all day even with some blow downs. Water was plentiful all day which was a plus in this area. Shelters are big with tarps to keep the wind out. All these shelters in the smokies have fire places. We're a full shelter tonight with a good fire going. Gonna do 13.4 miles tomorrow to Double Spring Gap shelter.
Date: 2015-03-08
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Cold start but really warmed up fast, sun all day.   Great views from Rocky Top, we started hitting old snow packs just north of there. Mostly ice covered, there was falling going on. Wye Knot did a 360, knees together, arms tucked, saw it all. Gave him a 9... But these were few and far between. Cedar trees abounded close to the shelter, we got in by 5:30. Love the extra daylight . Gonna do 13.8 tomorrow.
Date: 2015-03-09
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Newfound Gap US 441
Miles today: 10.8

Beautiful days of sun and mild temps, we woke to 3 inches of snow at Double Spring Shelter. The hike to Clingmans Dome was snow over ice and a hard wind. No view from the tower but we went up anyway.We pushed on toward Mount Collins Shelter. It's .5 off the trail so we stop at the shelter sign and had lunch. It was a beautiful walk thru a forest of what I think was Douglas firs, sometimes quite dense. The smokies is a beautiful place. We made it to the parking lot at Indian Gap and pushed on toward newfound gap. Wye knot and I both managed to fall enough times to keep us laughing most of the afternoon.   My waterproof boots failed me about this time and there went the dry socks. We reached Newfound Gap about 3:30 and Wye Knot said that's it, we're going to Gatlinburg. Felix found us a ride with 2 section hikers and the three of us check In at Motel 6. We just couldn't help ourselves! Tomorrow it's back to Newfound Gap and on to Pecks Corner Shelter.
Date: 2015-03-10
From: Newfound Gap US 441

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Diner at Texas Road House, then breakfast at Crockets this morning. We got a shuttle back to Newfound Gap arriveing about 12:30. It was 3 miles to Icewater Spring Shelter. All up hill on trail covered with ice, a light rain started about a mile away from the shelter. We met several day hikers who tried to get to Charlie's Bunion, but turned around well short. The going was just to tough. It took us almost 3 hrs. At the shelter are 3 section hikers headed north also. We all hope to make it to Tri-Corner Knob Shelter tomorrow.
Date: 2015-03-11
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up to light rain at Icewater Shelter, we started for Charlie's Bunion at 8:00. Easy trail but no views, we tried for a few pictures in the rain and mist. From there it was all rain! The trail was more of a stream with ice, snow and deep run offs. But this part of the smokies runs along ridge lines for miles, some as narrow as 4 feet. Tricky with all that ice and water, yet even with the rain you could get some incredible views. But with not much more to see except our boots filling with water, and Wye Knot falling down the trail , we dragged into the shelter cold, wet and hungry. So we changed, ate, and got into sleeping bags to stay warm. We're going for 14.8 tomorrow.
Date: 2015-03-12
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

What a diff a day makes. We woke to clear skies and great trails. No rain and warm temps decided for us that we were leaving the Smokies today. We made Standing Bear Farm by 5:00 pm. Great views but we pass on Mt. Cammerer.It was pizza first thing at the hostel, then a shower.Great night there, we're gonna try 15.1
Date: 2015-03-13
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

After a good night at Standing Bear Farm, Felix and I started for Roaring Fork Shelter. Wye Knot decided to stay another day at the farm so we said our goodbye's. Hope to see him further on.Tough climb up Snowbird Mtn, we reach the top clearing in rain and hard wind. No views so we kept going. Stopped at Groundhog Creek Shelter for lunch then pushed on to Max Patch Bald. We hit the bald about the time the rain and wind returned. Still a beautiful place, just to cold for more then a few pic's, then back into the woods. After that, an easy downhill to Roaring Fork Shelter were we had a full house.Good day, just cold, tomorrow we go to Deer Park Mtn Shelter.
Date: 2015-03-14
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Left shelter by 7:30 this morning, light rain and cold, we started an easy down hill to Walnut Mtn. The 1.3 mile climb up Walnut Mtn went fast and we stopped at the shelter on top for an early lunch. Didn't stay long because of the strong wind, we started an easy down to the foot of Bluff Mtn were we started a longer up hill followed by a 4 mile easy descent. By now the temperature reached the 60's with plenty of sun. It was an uneventful descent to Dear Park Shelter, where we ate and set up tents just before the rain returned.Tomorrow we make Hot Springs for a shower, food and over night stay for a Monday mail drop.
Date: 2015-03-16
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

After enjoying some good food at the Smoke Mtn Dinner, washing clothes, a night at the Alpine Motel and a mail drop, Felix and I started for Spring Mountain Shelter. I was loaded down with much food, including two sleeves of thin mint Girl Scout cookies my wife sent to me in my dropbox. It was a steep climb out, and we met LTD, who was slack packing back to Hot Springs. We rested on a bench at the pond below mill ridge, an old tobacco and hay farm that was now a wild life sanctuary for turkey and grouse.We pass on the fire tower on Rich Mtn and continued on to just pass Spring Mountain Shelter to camp for the night.
Date: 2015-03-17
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Easy morning with mild temps and sunshine. We stopped at Moms store at Allen Gap, had a Yahoo and a Honey Bun. Met 2 section hikers from PA at Little Laurel Shelter. Nice people, they're looking to do trail magic and feed hikers latter this summer in PA. Tough climb up Camp Creek Bald, great views from Whiterock Cliff, and ridge walk. Tenting at Jerry Cabin shelter.
Date: 2015-03-18
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Easy hike to Flint Mtn Shelter. Trail crossed small bald, and followed old rd bed for 1.5 miles, the temps started cold, but warmed fast. Easy up and downs till Devil Fork Gap, then started hard uphill 3 mile climb. Nice waterfall, and old grave site from 1863. Finally made it to the top and started downhill to Hogback Ridge Shelter where we are tenting.
Date: 2015-03-19
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Whistling Gap Campsite
Miles today: 14.0

I love hiking, but today was all about rain, wind, and cold. All day, no views, over big bald with it pelting our faces, cold wet hands impossible to keep dry and no chance for pictures. But a day of hiking beats any day at work. So I hike on. I love hiking.
Date: 2015-03-20
From: Whistling Gap Campsite

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel
Miles today: 13.3

Felix and I decided last night to get an early start, so we were on the trail by 5:00 this morning. Light rain, and cold, it never warmed much. The clouds never left us, the views just not there until we broke below the clouds and saw Erwin TN. So we're here at the hostel waiting for the dinner run for ether Mexican, or Italian. Think I'm gonna eat a lot.Felix will be leaving the trail tomorrow to see a dr about his knee. He's been having pain for a while, and hoping a Cortizone shot will get him back on the trail soon. It's been fun, and I'm gonna miss him. He's a great guy!So I'll be by myself for a while, but that's ok, on goes the hike!
Date: 2015-03-21
From: Uncle Johnny's Hostel

To: Zero At Super 8 Motel
Miles today: 0.0

Zero at Super 8 motel with hiker rate.This is a very clean, and nice place, Continental breakfast included, staff very friendly.Uncle Johnny's hostel didn't have clothes washing capabilities due to repairs, so I started my day at the laundromat, then a short walk to Walgreens to use the ATM machine. I realized I needed one more item from the grocery store. Walgreens didn't carry it, and a gentleman named Bob overheard me asking, and he offered to drive me to the food Lion. From there he offered to drive me to the motel. As we were getting close we realized we were going to be held up by a train, so he turned around and went about 5 miles further out of his way to get me there. Thank you Bob for that trail magic! So nice to meet such good people. The rest of the day was spent cleaning gear, resting and eating as much as I could. Tomorrow I'm back on the trail.