morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-03-01
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

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

After an okay night's rest, we gathered our "stuff", and enjoyed breakfast in the common area near our bunkhouse. Then it was time to hit the trail!Hugs and Sparky took off like hiking machines, showing no deference to the steep incline of the trail. Falls was right behind them, a bit slower, but steady. I brought up the rear.Today's plan was for 15 miles. My plan was to survive the first 6 miles out from the NOC, eat lunch at the shelter, then decide whether to continue on.The hike was tough for me, made more difficult by the rain that would mostly sprinkle, but sometimes pour. I had my pack cover on, but was enjoying the cooling effect of the slight rain. However, with less than a full mile to go, a steady downpour forced me to stop and put on my rain poncho for the rest of the walk.I finally spotted the shelter, a short downhill off of the AT. What I did not spot, though, was that the log meant to be part of the step structure had come loose - you guessed it, down I went. Actually, it was more of an up then down, as my feet went out from under me and I landed solidly on my back. Fortunately, no damage done. And since this was on the blue-blaze trail to the shelter, I am still claiming to have not fallen yet on the AT. My story, sticking to it. ;-)There at the shelter wrapping up lunch were my compadres - Wick and Haiku, Sparky, Hugs and Falls. A quick conversation, then they continued on while I stayed for my lunch. Shortly thereafter, a crack of thunder and the skies opened up - my decision was made, I was staying put for the night.After lunch, I unpacked, put on dry clothes, and crawled into my sleeping bag to warm up. About an hour later two brothers came walking in under heavy rain - Zach and Colten. About an hour after that, another hiker - Richard - came in, soaking wet.Everyone changed into dry clothes, we each fixed our individual dinners, and quickly jumped into our bags for the night.A pretty good storm is sweeping through, so while I worry for and hope my friends make it safely to the next shelter, I am thankful for my decision.Good night, all!
Date: 2017-03-02
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to a beautiful, sunny morning, albeit very cold. I believe the temp dropped below thirty, but I stayed warm in my zero-degree bag (very glad I decided to switch to this bag!).I was moving a little slow due to the cold, but still moved out by 8:30. First climb of the day was Cheoah Bald - a great climb to get the engines warmed up! And boy was I glad I waited until today for this climb...The view was spectacular! Took a few pictures, then back to work, as I had a full day planned - over 15 miles, leaving me a relatively easy hike on Friday to reach Fontana.The day was absolutely gorgeous. A bit chilly in the shade, but warm in the sun. A number of uphills and downhills were accomplished, a quick lunch at Stecoah Gap (very cold wind blowing through, so it was quick!), and shortly thereafter we hit our second significant uphill challenge for the day: Jacob's Ladder. So steep, you almost rub your nose on the ground while you walk up the trail. OK, maybe not that bad, but it was definitely a calf, thigh and lung burner!Survived the day, my first 15 miler with a full pack, and I reached the shelter as planned. Set up my tent as the shelter was full, ate dinner with the rest of the gang, and am now relaxing in my tent. Guess it's that time again!Good night, all!
Date: 2017-03-03
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: clear sky

We were on a mission this morning...Get to Fontana Lodge, showers, food, laundry, and not necessarily in that order. I had packed up my tent and stuff, quick breakfast, then hit the trail. Neil (also known as Ghost) also tented last night, and was also quick to pack and go. And it didn't take long for Zack and Colten to pass me once they got moving!The miles flew by, with only a couple ups, and eventually I could see the Fontana Lake. Beautiful lake even from a distance - this is one that I need to fish when I am finished with this hike!Seeing the lake and the dam gave extra incentive to keep a fast pace. I popped out of the woods at the marina, and treated myself to a cold come from the soda machine. Then across the road for another couple of miles to the Fontana shelter (and scenic miles, as the trailed hugged the lakeshore for most of the way).After a quick shuttle to the lodge, I was able to check in to my room early, and enjoy a long, hot shower. Completed my town chores, relaxed a bit, then dinner with the gang - Wick & Haiku, Hugs, Falls, Zack and Colten.Great dinner, now time for bed.Good night, All!
Date: 2017-03-04
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

We all met for breakfast this morning, a great buffet by the Fontana Lodge restaurant. Bellies full, shuttles were met for the ride back to the trail.The route today was going to be a bit rough. Not terrible, just a long uphill into the Smokies. But the weather was absolutely gorgeous! Although the wind was chilly at times, the sky was blue and nearly cloudless, and the sunshine was bright and warm. Really lifted the spirits, making for an enjoyable walk!And the views! Looking back at Fontana Lake, looking at the mountains that lay ahead...All of it stunning!Leap frogged with both Falls and Richard today. I missed the water sign at the gap, so of course I run out long before the shelter. Tired and thirsty, I was ready to call it a day at Mollies Ridge shelter. Sparky was there, getting ready to head out to the next shelter, and convinced me to do the same after refueling. About that time Richard walks in, and after water and snacks, Richard and I begin the 3 mile walk, holding a great conversation nearly the entire time. We made it to Russell Field Shelter in no time, and gotta tell ya, this is a much nicer structure. Glad we made the extra miles!Another great day on the trail, and fun night with hiking friends.Good night, all!
Date: 2017-03-05
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: overcast clouds

What an incredible day! Like all the rest, the routine is similar - pack up, quick breakfast, tie the shoes tight, and begin walking. The "plan" for the day was aggressive... nearly 15 miles over some tough territory. The first major climb was this monster call Rocky Top. And boy was it a lung burner! But the payback was equally impressive, the views were astounding. And we were blessed with fantastic weather, as well! And yes, I did sing Rocky Top once I hit the summit!Well, after Rocky Top came a steep up to Thunderhead, followed by additional steep descents and ascents, and a final steep uphill to Derrick Knob Shelter. I was popped, out of gas, and decided to call it a day. A good day.I had the good fortune of meeting two wonderful people at the shelter that afternoon - Rob and Emma. They were enjoying a short section hike, and this was their last AT shelter on this trip. Very good-hearted, I truly enjoyed our conversations, and wish them all the best as they continue moving forward in their lives.I was also reconnected with Wick and Haiku, another young couple with whom I've had the pleasure of sharing the trail!Day 2 in the Smokies, another day of great weather, incredible views, and great people.Good night, all!
Date: 2017-03-06
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night the weather changed dramatically. The rains that were expected later today hit early, and we were greeted with a wet, foggy and chilly start. And it never did improve. In fact, the winds picked up and the entire day was just...Blah. Mother Nature really showed her nasty side today!The trail today was once again tough, made especially so due to the mud, wet and slippery rocks, and ice on the trail. Plus, it was uphill the entire time. Through three feet of snow. With nothing to eat but lard sandwiches. Yadayadayada...OK, pity party over. Yes, the weather was miserable, and some of the climbs were especially tough, but hey...I'm hiking the AT!About 7 miles into the day, at the Double Spring Gap Shelter where I stopped for lunch, Sparky had left a note about heading into Gatlinburg, and left his number to call. No answer, so I assumed he was being picked up at the Clingman's Dome parking lot. So I set my sights on the same.After a long climb to Clingman's, I took the side trail to the structure, then made a quick walk down the pathway to the parking lot. Called a shuttle service only to find out the road to the parking lot was closed for the season! Crap!So back up the half-mile pathway, then another 4+ miles to the Mt Collins shelter. It was nearly 7pm when I arrived and was told the water source at the shelter was frozen (later found out that they just didn't go far enough down the path!). So I changed into dry clothes and am now in my sleeping bag tired, hungry and very thirsty. I am calling it a day. You know, just one of those days!!But all is well, and tomorrow will be better. Just like Little Orphan Annie promised...Right? ;-)Good night, All!
Date: 2017-03-07
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 4.3

I reached a milestone yesterday - 200 miles! Almost there! ;-)Had some difficulty sleeping last night. Being hungry and thirsty didn't help, but I think mostly it was the thought of getting to town and warming up / drying out, plus real food!. Woke up, packed up, and on the trail by 8am - definitely on a mission!Weather remained about the same, maybe a few degrees warmer. But I only had a few miles to cover, which included a big downhill to Newfound Gap. Maybe it was the dampness, but I just could not warm up. And with strong winds, it was freezing at the gap. Decided to pay for a ride to town, versus hitching, so started making some calls. With 2% battery left on phone I was able to secure transportation - too cold up top so waited in bathroom until shuttle arrived.Arrived in Gatlinburg shortly after noon. Found a spot for lunch, where I was also able to warm up and somewhat dry out. With full belly, I found a place for the night (Microtel), and settled in for the afternoon.I just returned from dinner - shared a pizza with William, a thru-hiker on a 6-month visa from Scotland. Enjoyed our conversation.Hiker midnight, and I'm ready to crash.Good night, All!
Date: 2017-03-08
From: Gatlinburg

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke up this morning with some decisions to be made. Needed a rest day, but knew that would put at risk getting thru the Smokies before the weekend storms hit. Decided to take a zero in Gatlinburg and rest the creaky ole knees.Really focused today on calorie replenishment (in other words, I ate a whole lot of food!).
Date: 2017-03-09
From: Gatlinburg

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I decided to play it safe and let the winter storms blow thru. In the mean time, decided to rent a car and return home to rest (and save some $$!). Not sure exactly when I will be back on trail but will probably be restarting at the northern end of the Smokies in a few days...With Marshall!Will update once plans are finalized!
Date: 2017-06-12
To: Cape Cod, MA
Miles today: 0.0

I'm preparing to pick up on the AT where I got off last year, at the Delaware Water Gap. My plan is to complete the AT this year - NJ to Maine.  I pulled all my gear out today and packed my pack to make sure Istill had everything. The only thing that has changed noticeably is the waistband adjustment; I've grown since I unloaded my pack last September. Its exciting to be getting back on, and a bit intimidating. Getting back in trail shape is something I'm looking forward to with a healthy dose of intrepidation. I lost 20 pounds on my hike last year, and I'm proud to report that I only gained 30 of it back.I'll be rejoining the trail next Monday, June 19th. It will be a little different this year, I'll have a trail partner for the first month. My nephew Shaun, an Eagle Scout and college sophomore, will be joining me until he has to go back to college. I call him Sherpa,and I expect my pack load to be considerably lighter for the month that he is with me.Completing Pennsylvania last year was a major relief, I had pulled off in Pine Grove Furnace in July for a family event and wasn't able to get back on the trail until mid-August due to family needs. I tried to decide whether I should get back on in Connecticut and continue up to Maine, with the promise of coming back this year and completing Pennsylvania to Connecticut. In the end, I decided it would be very anticlimactic to finally complete the AT at some roadside in Connecticut- no, I wanted to complete it on Katahdin the way it was meant to be completed. I therefore returned to Pine Grove Furnace, PA where I had gotten off and continued on to complete that state.  This year, I start with a new beginning, at the New Jersey border and continue to Maine to complete my quest.
Date: 2017-06-13
To: Cape Cod, MA
Miles today: 0.0

Today was gear day. Time to clean everything up, test it out and get it ready for packing. I made a quick run into REI a few things and tried to resist picking up any additional things to carry.   I've been trying hard not to add any additional "gadgets", no matter how cool they look. I picked up a bottle of Permetherin so that I could treat my clothes once again. So far I haven't had a single tick, so I'm giving it credit for that.I've also been trying to catch upon trailjournals to see where people are.
Date: 2017-06-14
To: Cape Cod, MA
Miles today: 0.0

I had never tried Yoga before but I was around several very successful thru hikers that practiced it while on the trail. I decided to give it a try so I've attended a few classes this past week to try it out and increase my flexibility. Unfortunately I think I bruised my foot while doing one of the exercises where you sit back on your feet. Nothing too serious, but the top of my right foot (1st metatarsal) is quite sore.  Old age is hell! Its got 4 days to heal up!
Date: 2017-06-16
To: Cape Cod, MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I very much wish I could say I spent the day refining my gear, getting rid of a few more pounds, and getting in a practice hike.  No, the day was spent trying to prepare the house for me being gone for 3+ months.  I am actually planning a rather leisurely hike this summer, broken up up with a few off trail activities.  I'll be getting in at Delaware Water Gap on Monday the 19th and will hike for a month.  I will then get off and fly to Oshkosh, WI for Airventure, the world's largest fly-in.  Then back to the trail for about 3 weeks when I once again get off for the total solar eclipse August 21.  The eclipse won't be very good in New England so I'm flying back to Kansas where it will be total.  Then back to the Trail for the final push to Katahdin, hopefully for a mid-September completion.  As always there are lots of ifs on the Trail, it's easy to suffer an injury that can knock you off. Is getting off the trail like that ruining the Appalachian Trail experience?  For me it doesn't, I have a lot of interests and being able to satisfy them make me even more appreciative of the Trail experience and access to the AT.  In the end, I'd like to say that yes, I walked 2189.2 miles.
Date: 2017-06-18
To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Father's Day is back to the Trail day. We got up at 4:30 am to catch a 5:40 bus to Boston. From Boston, Shaun and I took a train to New York City and then another bus to Delaware Water Gap, PA. While in New York we walked around some to show Shaun Times Square, got some real NY pizza, and then walked over to the Empire State Building. We splurged and got tickets for the 102nd floor observation deck.  We were typical tourists, except we were wearing 30 pound packs. The views from the Observation Deck were awesome and we made several circuits around taking pictures and taking in the views. While the 102nd floor was impressive, the historical displays on the 80th floor were also impressive. To think that it only took 6 months to erect the building to the 86th floor is just mind boggling. As an engineer, it is so inspiring that these structures were designed using slide rules and brute force. Of course they didn't have email to distract them. We arrived Delaware Water Gap around 7 pm and dropped our stuff at the hiker hostel run by the Church of the Mountain. We walked down the street to the Sycamore Grill and had a spectacular dinner. I had to go back to the Sycamore, that's where I celebrated finishing the rocks of Pennsylvania last year.Tomorrow we get back on the trail, we'll I get back and Shaun gets his first taste of long distance hiking. Rain is forecast, so we'll see how it goes.  It's good to be back.
Date: 2017-06-20
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Brinks Shelter
Miles today: 14.6

I awoke about 5 am and went over to the main lodge as Shaun was sleeping in our room and Jeff was sleeping in the living room. Noodles was in the main lodge packing and so I settled into the comfy leather couches and used the wifi to catch up on the "news".  One of the great features of being on the Trail is that you don't get bombarded with the daily political news! A few minutes later Valley Forge came in to get an early start on his planned 28 miles. He's trying finish in 6 weeks. That's going to require averaging 25 mile days.I went back about 7 to wake Shaun and get repacked. We went back to the deli at 8 when they opened and had another "town" breakfast. We finished up and got on the trail by 8:30. It was a spectacular morning after the storms had passed with cool dry air and bright sunshine. We climbed up to a high ridge and were treated to some magnificent views, which totally surprised us about New Jersey. The trail continued along the ridge and the views continued.  There were small ups and downs and some rocks, but nothing like Pennsylvania.We continued on to Brinks Shelter, continually leap frogging with Noodles and Jeff. We met a brother and sister hiking team who were from KS, Moxie and Tumbleweed, which was fun as you don't meet too many other Kansans on the AT. Shaun also got his Trail name, Burps, from his continual burping as we walked.  We arrived Brinks at 6pm and Just Jeff was the only one there. A few minutes after we arrived lots of other hikers began showing up - Jinglebutt and Kate, Oh Yeah, Bad News, and Noodles plus several others we didn't know. The Shelter was full of hikers, and mosquitoes. We were all slapping and spraying ourselves with bug spray as we bedded down for the night.
Date: 2017-06-21
From: Brinks Shelter

To: Rutherford Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

Summer SolsticeIt was a tough night of sleeping with the mosquitos in the shelter. I awoke early and made a trip to the privy at first light. When I got back Kate was already packing.  She and Jinglebutt were on a schedule and needed to get in 20 miles today. We ate breakfast, packed, and were on the trail by 7:11.  Culver's Gap was only 3.2 miles away and the trail guide said there was a deli there we could get some sandwiches to go for lunch. After an easy walk we arrived to find the deli was closed (for 2 years), the gas station had no snacks, it was really a gas station, Gyp's Tavern didn't open until 11, and so we tried the Sporting goods store. Well at least they had sodas. Just Jeff showed up a few minutes later to get a soda as well. We also met Boo Boo who was hitching his way into Branchville 3 miles away for a resupply. Fueled with a soda, we took off for a short but steep climb of 600 feet up to the top of the ridge. Nice views, and then a little further we came to a fire tower. Wanderer came by a few minutes later and had oranges for everybody. Trail magic!Most of the rest of the day was a series of small ups and downs, hills and bogs. We had lunch at Grin Anderson shelter and met up with Boo Boo again. We climbed Sunrise Mountain and rested at the pavilion there, then down past Mashipacong shelter and on to Rutherford Shelter for the night. Rutherford is .4 miles off the trail through boggy terrain, so apparently not a popular place. We were the only one there except for 2 local hikers heading south. It was actually a nice shelter set in a clearing. We headed to bed early after a 15 mile day. Hiker midnight came just as the sun set on the longest day of the year.
Date: 2017-06-22
From: Rutherford Shelter

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 14.2

Burps and I both slept really well in our tents. A combination of exhaustion and no mosquitoes made things much nicer. We ate breakfast, packed up and were on the trail at 8:30am. We had numerous small ups and downs until we got to the High Point State Park office about 3 miles away. The park gives out a free soda to AT hikers and they have bathrooms, water, and a place to dump trash. All the necessities of Trail life! Just Jeff was there and we relaxed and compared notes on where we were going next. We took off and started the climb to High Point monument, the highest point in New Jersey. (As a reference, it's only 1803 msl, and 40th highest out of 50, so naturally you would want a monument.)The monument actually is spectacular, an obelisk in the Washington monument style rising 220 feet. It's quite impressive as you climb the trail toward it. We reached a wooden observation tower about a half mile from it and took some more pictures and noticed a sign for Lulu's snack bar down at the lake. Not to miss a chance for real food, I talked Burps into a diversion and we went down a side trail for lunch. Just Jeff was already there (unplanned) and we ordered our lunch. A few minutes later O2 and Beer (pronounced Beeya, in the proper Bostonian way) showed up too. We had met them as we were leaving Delaware Water Gap.The lake looked really inviting on a hot summer day so I went for a swim. This is a state park swim area so there were about a thousand kids playing there with Moms sitting on the beach. I navigated the crowd and went for a nice cooling swim. Burps had other ideas so he used the bath house showers and got a shower in.  We dried off in the sun, repacked and headed then for our original objective of High Point monument. The monument is really quite nice, completed in 1930 as a monument to War Veterans. We climbed to the top, 291 steps and had views of three states. This was Burps first state high point and my 7th.After our monument adventure, we descended back to the AT and wound our way down the mountain more than 1000 feet. We had 7 miles to Unionville, NY and the promise of Annabelle's Pizza. The trail took us through forested lowlands, bogs, swamps, and pastures. We were going to be in significantly different terrain getting to NY. We arrive Unionville around 7pm and there was Just Jeff and several other hikers. We ordered pizza and hung out on the front porch. Cousin Eddie showed up a few minutes later; we had met her back at the hostel in Delaware Water Gap. She was from Austin and was a new grad from Baylor. Our pizzas were excellent and then we all went to the city park across the street to set up camp. Unionville had turned out to be a great stopping point.