morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-09-14
From: Hurd Brook Lean-to

To: The Birches Lean-to
Miles today: 13.4

The Birches, the base of Katahdin, it seemed amazing! We are in Baxter State park with a lot of other very excited thru hikers. Tortoise' mom had brought a lot of food to through a party for the hikers. Gray Fox was there and he told us how he appreciated us telling his friend where he was. He got to slack pack and spend two nights with his friend. We checked in with the park ranger and set things up for the hike up Katahdin tomorrow. looking forward to it!!
Date: 2006-09-20
To: conclusion
Miles today: 0.0

This has been an amazing hike in so many, many ways. We highly recommend doing this venture to anyone who loves the outdoors, physical and mental challenges and loves being outside 24/7! The true humanity comes out thru trail magic in so many, many ways. Nature is there to be observed, enjoyed and experienced. To be "unplugged" from the electric grid, house cleaning, communting to work, phones, computers is a gift. This experience truely recharges you!   We are so glad we hiked this trail!
Date: 2006-02-15
From: Allen Gap

To: Jerry Cabin
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: broken clouds

I did not expect the level of snow when choosing today to warm up my hiking body, shake down my pack, and get ready for Springer in a few weeks. After postholing and following many of Red Dane's tracks, I would say I should be warmed up quickly.I may, or may not get to meet Red Dane, aka today's hero. After Little Laurel Shelter the snow went from 3-6" deep to 6"-knee deep. According the the Jerry Cabin log, after camping near Camp Creek Bald, Red Dane broke trail all the way here and further today. I wore shorts and my old Scarpa boots which put me very close to frostbitten toes today. Is this enjoyable?It has been a few years since I camped in this shelter on a high adventure crew hike. This shelter holds several funny memories for all of us. The mice arrived after cooking as predicted by dad. Two decided to run across my head while sleeping. I'd say that my first 24 hours of hiking preparation were a little intense, but I will continue.
Date: 2006-02-16
From: Jerry Cabin

To: Hogback Ridge
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

My feet are really feeling the mileage and cold now. I am convinced that gaiters are an excellent investment for this type of trekking. I also have hope that these prep days sharpen my trail hiking condition.I met Red Dane this afternoon. The last 26 miles are now worth it. Her experiences in cold weather backpacking and being on the trail for more than a month will prove valuable. She read from her journal and then talked about all the trail gossip that was unfolding, such as: Squeaky's goal of crushing the AT speed record. It will be incredible. Red Dane also recommended some menu items and a book or two to read before the hike. This evening provided great energy for the last stages of planning."Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery;Today is a gift....(That's why it's called present)." -Flint Mtn Shelter
Date: 2006-02-17
From: Hogback Ridge

To: Sam's Gap
Miles today: 2.4

The rain last night melted lots of the snow. Though forecasts are predicting more sleet and snow over the next couple days.Finished my short hike early enough to meet a few people at Sam's Gap. One guy thought anyone heading north in the snow and predicted weather was crazy. I waited for a pickup at the rest area just west of the gap on I-26. I plan to come back here next week for more preparation.
Date: 2006-02-21
From: Sam's Gap

To: Whistling Gap
Miles today: 11.0

I am glad for the decision to wait for better weather. Today's hike was great. Big Bald had amazing views in all directions, and the weather was pleasant although windy. Being up top reminded me of the peaks of New Mexico and Colorado from many hikes past.I am much better prepared already. Picked up the much needed gaiters and improved the first aid kit. I also opted (with hesitation) to break in the brand new boots. The mud and snow should break them in well, even though the boots harshly blistered my heels. The snow has not been as deep as last week's hike, but still causes irregular hiking.Just as I arrived at camp I passed two girls from Chattanooga who were doing 10 day section hikes annually. This year they will have Springer to US Hwy 19E complete. I had found a toboggon (stocking cap for the northerners out there) early in the afternoon and returned it to them. They have been night hiking and planned to night hike from Bald Mtn to No Business Knob shelter.Spending so much time alone has provided lots of time to think. I have been going over all the hikes from both Philmont, and the AT. I am also mentally working past all the other drama of the past few months. Being far from the chaos, and closer to tranquility is rewarding.
Date: 2006-02-22
From: Whistling Gap

To: Curly Maple Gap
Miles today: 17.7

It rained most of the night at Whistling Gap. Arriving at the Chestoa bridge I saw one of the girls I had caught the day before at Uncle Johnny's Hostel. While hanging out by the river, I called Emily & Lauren to check in and Jason to see about his joining me this weekend. Looks like Jason has to work but Scott will still make it. I also found out that my old North Face backpack will not be repaired. They are offering a deal on another pack. (do I really want more North Face quality gear?)I also received a message that put my brain into deep spins. It was painful, but thankfully, I have friends like Eric who quoted a friend of his; "You can give out, but you cannot give in." I am still going, and he can take lots of credit for that.
Date: 2006-02-23
From: Curly Maple Gap Shelter

To: Cherry Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: scattered clouds

The afternoon turned from cloudy/misty to sunny blue skies. After arriving near 2pm, I gathered wood and built a fire. It seemed to pass the time. After approximately 70 miles, my legs and body seem pretty well adapted, but my feet are blistered from 41 miles in the new boots. Either wear them around town for a couple months, or wear them hiking right now for a couple days to break them in. The former option was not in the cards.Today, Beauty Spot reminded me of all the east coast scenery I dreamed of while living in New Mexico and Arizona. Deep Gap was really nice and the approach to Unaka Mtn reminded me of approaching Baldy Mtn at Philmont. Unaka Mtn had a unique beauty for a southern peak, being covered in trees (and snow). A small low-wing plane flew about 100 feet above Unaka Mtn today. As it approached it began to turn back in the approach direction. That is a little to close for my piloting.Tomorrow, I will meet Scott at Iron Mtn Gap and we will tackle Roan Mtn. After his pickup on 2/26 I had planned to continue toward Damascus. My feet are ripped apart so I am debating calling the 100 mile warm-up complete. There is plenty of unfinished business at home I can do.The sunset over the Southwest ridge reminds me of working at Ed's house with Crider last summer. Crider used to say, "at 8pm the sun will be right behind the ridge, and 8pm is quiting time."
Date: 2006-02-24
From: Cherry Gap

To: Ash Gap
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: clear sky

It was a cold morning at 6am, and still dark. I made it to the gap about 10 minutes before Scott and Linda arrived. I warmed up in their car, charged the phone, refueled and resupplied over the next 30 minutes. It is definitely good to have a hiking partner. Provides good conversation, motivation, and a different sense of security after being in nearly total solitude.We hiked into Clyde Smith Shelter by noon, had lunch and kept moving. We decided we could make Ash Gap (2/3 of the way up Roan Mtn) and went for it. Tomorrow we will shoot for Overmountain Shelter (the Red Barn) following the summit of Roan. The weather has been chilly but beautiful. I'm excited to cross Roan and celebrate 100 miles on Sunday.After seeing noone for nearly 42 hours, I saw several people today. Scott & Linda, one Tenn Eastman Hiking and Canoeing Club volunteer clearing blowdowns (he reported a new shelter being built between US Hwy 19E and Moreland Gap), and a group of 5 brothers and 2 friends from Chattanooga doing a 30 mile hike over the weekend. The middle age group of 7 created excitement for the fellowship possible throughout your entire life.At Ash Gap, we built a small fire and cooked his Cinammon Rolls on a stick. That was a great treat. He hiked a 1 pound glass jar of sauce for the noodles! Tomorrow, I will carry dinner and the trash; I need the practice anyway."Hiking allows time to process life's busy corners."
Date: 2006-02-25
From: Ash Gap

To: Overmountain
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another great hiking day! Scott & I quickly crossed Roan Mtn and Roan High Knob, taking time to see the highest shelter on the AT during the hike. We then bumped down to Carver's Gap for an early lunch break with a great view. It seems that Scott & I both enjoy a grazing style for eating. While breaking, a pair of elderly couples were trekking north from Carver's Gap. I read them the mileages from by AT book, and humorously the men said I could stop as I reached mile 3. They were visiting Roan Mtn State Park from Nashville, and ironically knew some people from Greeneville.The Overmountain Shelter (the Red Barn) was adapted from a family's old barn in the 1980's. In a miniature way, the valley view from the Red Barn is akin to the view from Baldy Town, Philmont into the Ute Park valley. This area of North Carolina is covered in Christmas tree farms also. This evening on the AT has been another great way to live.
Date: 2006-02-26
From: Overmountain

To: US Hwy 19E
Miles today: 8.7

Scott & I awoke to a thermometer reading of 18 degrees accompanied by gusty winds. Arizona life for the past couple years seems to have thinned my blood a little too much! After prying ourselved to life we had oatmeal and hit the trail. Little Hump and Big Hump were spectacular with great views to the east and west, including a view of one of my favorite places -- Grandfather Mtn. Once we began decsending Big Hump the wind was blocked and the temperature crept to the low 20's.Arriving at Apple House Shelter just before our US Hwy 19E pickup, we met Southpaw and Bemis, the last 2005 Southbounders (SOBO's). In their typical style they were lounging in the shelter through a beautiful, although cold, hiking day. They provided exciting conversation, including stories of frostbite, and advice for future Northbounders (NOBO's). I hope to meet them again when I start from Springer in a couple weeks.
Date: 2006-03-07
From: US Hwy 19E

To: Walnut Mtn Road
Miles today: 10.2

Lauren again dropped me off at the trailhead; I'm glad she is still in school with a good schedule for shuttling. I hiked for about 4 hours, set up the tent, and cooked in the light of dusk. I decided to read tonight rather than write too much.Before I left this afternoon, I completed my biennial flight review at GCY. With overcast skies, the flight was pleasant and successful. That accomplishment is a load off for sure.Instead of following my original plan of going to Springer to start today, I opted to complete the 174 mile section from Allen Gap to Damascus, VA. The transportation logistics are simpler if I wait until this weekend for the drive south given mom & dad's recent trip to Thailand, their work schedules, and others' school and work schedules. I guess my warmup hike just became a completed section for my 2006 AT hike. In the purest sense, it will not be a true thru-hike if I do not go from Springer to Damascus in order. I suppose that is why one of the AT motto's is "hike your own hike."
Date: 2006-03-08
From: Walnut Mtn Road

To: Watauga Lake
Miles today: 24.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I suspect this day to be the biggest I will have until into Virginia much later in my hike. I want to get to Damascus by Friday afternoon, so I can prepare for a Sunday drive to Springer. My feet are feeling the miles, and my body is a little stiff, but I only have 21 miles planned for tomorrow. I enjoy the challenge, and look forward to relaxing after a big push. I think 15 miles per day will get me back to Allen Gap from Springer by April 1. I would like to have that weekend at home before setting out again. At this point 20+ miles a day is still a little pressuring... where is that daylight savings time?!
Date: 2006-03-09
From: Watauga Lake

To: Double Springs
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: clear sky

Another long day. My feet are aching and happy to be horizontal right now. The total climbing tomorrow is about half of today's and there are 3 less miles to do. I'm excited for Damascus.At Vandaventer Shelter overlooking Watauga Lake, I met 2 guys from Northwest Indiana on spring break. Later I saw another pair tailing me from Tenn 91, but they must have set up camp behind me at dusk. Hitting Tenn 91 was a relief. The rolling hills of the farmland during the first mile north of the highway were really nice. A great change of scenery and pleasant place to relax.The aches of my body facilitated more inconsistent thoughts than the norm of lately. I got a little dehydrated and ate more than during the past hikes. I did think about the enjoyment I get from flying. I have lots of excitement aimed at the opportunity for a career in aviation, which I am working toward. The AT is really helping my mind process many of the unneccessary distractions before I set off on a new path.
Date: 2006-03-10
From: Double Springs

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Mission accomplished! Now I know what I can do physically on the trail. Damascus is quiet right now, but a few weeks will change everything. Mom & Dad picked me up, and we stopped by Sam's for some of the supplies for my NOBO trip from Springer starting in less than 48 hrs. I look forward to returning to Damascus in a few weeks and meeting many other AT hikers.
Date: 2006-03-12
From: USFS 42

To: Stover Creek
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I did it! All the buildup and now I crossed the terminus of the Appalachian Trail! Dad & I left Greeneville this morning for the 5.5 hour scenic drive to Springer Mtn. The crowd has been very friendly already. A welcome change from the complete solitude of TN/NC over the last couple of weeks. Restless (from Harrisburg, PA, convinced his wife to allow him a 2nd thru-hike), Buree & Bones (from New Jersey, Buree's dad Bones is here to get her started on the long walk home), 2 Shoes (from Greenville, SC, recently graduated and found the right time to hike) and Big X (from New Orleans) are here tonight. I'm still in need of a trail name.I'm not sure of all my reasons for this hike, how long I will continue, or if I can fight the rumors of boredom that accompany the long walk. But, I look forward to the personal progress that I expect to come as a result of so much time in this other world.
Date: 2006-03-13
From: Stover Creek

To: Gooch Mountain
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it by 1pm and watched more than 25 people pass since then. Met BassMaster (GAME 2005) from UGA on spring break, several other spring breakers, and several thru-hikers including the Maine Train, a group of 5 from Maine. I asked their hiking plans and received the response, "we're hiking home." I was tempted to keep moving, but the rainy weather convinced me to stay here in the dry. Today I briefly hiked with Restless, who earned his name for being the first up and out every single day... 6am or so at this point. After hearing about the dankness of the Blood Mtn Shelter, I think I have become convinced to stay at Neel's Gap tomorrow. We'll see what plays out.The morning went by quicker than in the past, probably as a result of all the interaction with others. The first few miles reminded me of all the bike trails I used to ride in Augusta, GA. The low rolling trails are enjoyable. I saw the Army Rangers in training near Hawk Mtn Shelter. Apparently, the hikers at Hawk Mtn last night got a free show! Restless took their picture and said, "don't shoot any good guys." One of the Rangers laughed and ended up doing pushups!
Date: 2006-03-14
From: Gooch Mountain

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

In by 1:30pm and finally decided to stay. Hiking is going well, and I have already begun creeping ahead of schedule. Tomorrow, I plan for Blue Mtn Shelter to stage an early arrival into Hiawassee. I met Flatfeet today, an AT and PCT thruhiker training for the CDT this year. He was very encouraging and passed me a couple peanut chocolate candies for the hike up Blood Mtn.It is nice to chat and listen with the others from the past couple of hiking days. Restless, Buree, Bones, 2 Shoes, Redneck, Texas, and the Maine Train are here tonight. I met LabDad and Bluebelt when I got here. They were packing up to leave after staying in one of the cabin's at Blood Mtn about which they spoke highly.In the outfitter here at Neel's Gap, I met Alpine and Nean who are friends with Red Dane (I met her at Hogback Ridge Shelter). They reported that she is doing well in VA. I also met Redneck Rye who is friends with Hercules and FAL from Allen Gap near Greeneville. I look forward to meeting them.We drove into Blairsville for an all you can eat (AYCE) buffet where we all looked like we must be starved. What will another couple months do to us? An older couple at the next table asked me who we all were and struck up a conversation with us. After joking that we were locals, I explained that most of us just met on the trail while beginning our journey to Maine, and we had come to town for a full meal. As they left they requested to pray for the 8 of us and asked that we be safe in our travels.I spoke with mom & dad, and talked with Whit about working NOAC next August. I also received a message from Mtn Sports that my new sleeping bag was delivered... only 3 days too late. I'll wait until I get home in a couple weeks to switch them out.
Date: 2006-03-15
From: Neel's Gap

To: Blue Mountain
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: clear sky

Another beautiful hiking day, although still somewhat breezy. I met several new people like Phoenix, and continue spending nights with Restless, 2 Shoes, Buree, Texas and Redneck. The Maine Train are not expected to be here. The sunset was remarkable, and 2 Shoes just pointed out a huge, colorful moon. This shelter has a good view. It does become a little boring without running into others for a while. Plenty of interaction this afternoon helped pass the time. I am thinking of Hiawassee tomorrow which will put me one day ahead of schedule like I am shooting for.
Date: 2006-03-16
From: Blue Mountain

To: Blueberry Patch 
Miles today: 18.3

The day was pleasant and cool. It was less breezy and Tray Mtn provided a light rain/sleet. I learned that hitching a ride is fairly easy, but people often don't pick you up just because you have a backpack. The hostel is set on a great plot of land. Green grass, goats, a donkey and lots of blueberry plants out back. The area is really nice. I was a late arrival and will sleep under the table instead of on a bunk. It should be just as nice. I spoke with the family and made tentative plans for my return, and replied to several voicemail messages this evening. The hiking still gets mundane at times, but meeting or passing others provides new energy. Small goals help it pass by... looking at the remaining 2000 miles is dangerous.U-Haul, Walkabout & Caboose, Curly Rambo & Uncle John, and a couple others are here tonight. Hearing about all the different journeys to this point is interesting.
Date: 2006-03-17
From: Blueberry Patch 

To: Muskrat Creek
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: broken clouds

Breakfast was incredible this morning: 3 biscuits, 3 pancakes with blueberry syrup, scrambled eggs, 2 sausages, about 5 cookies, orange juice, coffee, and water. Gary & Lennie Poteat treated us like family, and even used a wood stove (Philmont style) in the hiker dining room. Before the shuttle back to the trailhead, I talked with Gary about missions because of the newspaper he had sitting in the room. He was very interested in hearing about Charity's time in Niger.Today provided another excellent hike. Crossed into NC after almost 9 miles and had lunch. I met back up with Restless, 2 Shoes, Buree, Redneck and Scott. My feet were feeling the miles a little today under a pack that could use a little more shaking down. I will eat 2 suppers tonight because I have an extra. We plan to do about 19 miles tomorrow to use the pretty weather and move past a couple pushy hikers.Even with the shorter hike today, my mind was bored. 2 Shoes hiked along for a while and told me of the events I missed the previous night. I left Vern a message earlier about me already completing so many miles. I hope we can find a rendezvous point.Looking forward to NOC where Adam and I did the "hike of death" in 2000!
Date: 2006-03-18
From: Muskrat Creek

To: USFS 67: Bearpen Gap (Trail Magic)
Miles today: 17.9

Ran across two crews of Boy Scouts from the Athens area training for Philmont. Ahead of me on the trail, Restless had warned them about my presence and Philmont background. I talked with them about their trek and told them "I might see you there." One of the crew advisers said her choice would be to complete the AT instead of another summer at the Ranch. I'm thinking about it.Originally planned for the Big Spring Shelter, but plans suddenly changed before Albert Mtn. TRAIL MAGIC!! Gatoraid, Mother Nature, Smokestack, Pilgrim, Fish'nFred, and a few others had driven up an RV and set up a 15 man tent for hikers to stay overnight. Redneck, Buree, and 2 Shoes joined me in an overnight campout at the makeshift Albert Mtn Hostel. Restless and Scott obviously continued on to the shelter. Apparently Scott didn't even take time to grab a drink or a bite. What?! We ate chili, cake, bananas, oranges, chips, cookies, and drank sodas and gatorade for the evening.Aiming for NOC on Tuesday, as cold, rainy weather is approaching. I've had a few dreams about Air Guard training the last couple nights...hmmmm. Since the other 5 in my group plan on staying in Franklin, I hope to meet a couple more cool people down the trail.
Date: 2006-03-19
From: USFS 67: Bearpen Gap (Trail Magic)

To: Wayah Bald @ Bartram Trail
Miles today: 21.0

Originally planned for the Siler's Bald shelter, but the shadiest guy I have met was there. Just plain wierd. I expected Curly Rambo & Uncle John to show, but time was wasting. So with the extra 1.2 mile side hike to the shelter and the extra 1/2 mile up Siler's Bald, today was close to 23 miles. I guess the shadester startled me, because I did the next 6.4 miles over the Wayah Bald area in almost exactly 2 hours. Curly Rambo ended up staying there under some tension according to the bottom of this page of his Trailjournal (http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=128649).On Siler's I checked in with Lauren at home. I found out from my email that I will likely be going to AMS training in August. Well, that changes any extended summer plans. Now I have a few more decisions to make regarding summer work and thru-hiking....Reaching Rock Gap earlier, I met Crutch who had been on his second thru hike before an injury that set him back a few weeks. Franklin Ron convinced Crutch to do some Trail Magic at the gap and hang out in Franklin other times. He handed Redneck, Buree, 2 Shoes and I a soda, bananas, apples and sandwiches. Continuing accross Old 64 we found Capri Suns in a creek (believed to be placed by Crutch), and Pepsis at Winding Stair Gap. Redneck, Buree, 2 Shoes, Restless and Scott journeyed into Franklin from Winding Stair Gap while I continued hiking. I'm glad for my decision as Wayah Bald was one of the most incredible views so far. Well worth the short stop in the old stone structure. Just north of the bald I met a couple guys camping at the Bartram Trail: Spoons from Missouri and Old Forester from Enterprise, Alabama, not far from Jason which explains the accent and mannerisms. They provided enjoyable conversation and I'm glad to have had company in camp.