morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2021-06-15
From: Abol Campground 

To: Katahdin Stream Campground 
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: clear sky

9.8 miles to Katahdin Stream Campground 2187 miles down 5.2 miles to go. I¢m so glad that I decided to sleep in at the Abol Campground and enjoy a complementary continental breakfast. The breakfast items included some of what is offered at a typical hotel. I had coffee, biscuits, the weird eggs that look like an omelette and a yogurt. I actually slept in until 6:20. I was hiking at 9. My first highlight was to stop near the park boundary and register with a ranger as a hiker and if needed to sign up to stay at the Birches hiker campsite. I had reservations at another campsite so I didn¢t need to sign up for the Birches. The 10 miles to Katahdin Stream Campground (KSC) in Baxter State Park was through some beautiful forest and watershed areas. It was a perfect penultimate day of hiking and the miles clicked by quickly. The closer I got to KSC the more day hikers I encountered out enjoying one of the many other trails that they have in Baxter. I was anxious about my reservation and was worried that the rangers might not know about my unique situation of not having an email confirmation. I got to KSC and the ranger was out doing ranger things. This didn¢t help bring closure to my anxiety. I didn¢t know if I should go set up in my campsite or wait. I decided to go for a tour and maybe I¢d find the ranger. On the way back I saw the ranger¢s truck parked and noticed the ranger working on a campsite. I introduced myself to him and he immediately commented on my name, Rick James, which was made famous by a comedy skit of Dave Chapelle. He said that he heard my name on the radio yesterday about my campsite and he wondered what this hiker Rick James would be like. I don¢t know if I disappointed him but I did repeat the phrase from the skit that gets people laughing. I felt relieved now that all was settled. We had a good chat while he registered me and gave me my permit for hiking up Katahdin where I will touch my final white blaze and finish the Appalachian Trail. I setup my tent in my shelter to get away from the bugs. It¢s still supposed to thunderstorm later tonight. Hopefully the birds will wake me up early tomorrow so I can get an early start on the final leg of this adventure. I have a 10.4 mile round trip to the summit and back. Happy Trails, Silver StreakNote: I¢m finishing the last 346 miles that I have left from my 2019 thru hike attempt. The mileage includes a week that I hiked from Springer to the NOC.
Date: 2019-05-26
From: Amicalola Falls

To: Black Gap
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Started AT hike from Amicalola Falls with Cappy. Approach trail was a s hard as advertised, especially the 600+ stairs. Stayed at Black Gap shelter. Met folks from San Antonio (Gary and James) hiking with Alan from Lafayette, LA Had dinner with them--nice guys.We did not sleep well for the first night in the tent. Plus we heard gunshots. Found out later the Army Rangers were training in the area.Saw our first bear...a cub. Not good because we knew mama bear had to be nearby. We never found her though and the cub ran off.Great first day! So happy I had my best friend with me! We were tired, but had a great time!
Date: 2019-05-27
From: Black Gap

To: Hawk
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: broken clouds

Got up at 0530 to catch shuttle back to Amicalola. We had to hustle up over Springer Mountain...TUFF! Got there 5 minutes early (0755) Saw Cappy off. Hated to see her go, but she has to work tomorrow. Off to West Virginia solo! Plan on staying at Hawk Mt Shelter tonight. It'll be an early night for me.Wrong! Met some great folks at Hawk. We're all heading in the same direction, so we're "tramily" for the next couple of days
Date: 2019-05-28
From: Hawk

To: Gooch Mtn Gap
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Slept in today, was exhausted. Hiked w/ Faye and Red (her daughter in law) They set a good pace. Met Billy and Jerry from MS along the way and more folks at Gooch Mt Shelter. Finally have reception so called Cap. Will try to upload trail journal tonight.
Date: 2019-05-29
From: Gooch Mt Shelter

To: Lance Creek Camp
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it to Lance Creek Camp Ground. Great views along the way. Tramily (Trail Family) tonight: Red (Charla) Faye, Elizabeth, Clay and Mark. There was not a privy here, so I dug my first cat hole and was successful! Going to tackle Blood Mountain tomorrow (4457' elevation)- a 1590' rise.We soaked our feet in a cold stream- my Achilles and tendinitis is killing me. I keep dragging my left toe because I am not pushing off well. Will try to soak and massage daily.
Date: 2019-05-30
From: Lance Creek Camp

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Tuff Day! We woke up early so we could get over Blood Mountain at a decent time. Unfortunately, my heart did that crazy "racing " thing it does every couple of months while I was breaking camp. I just couldn't get my legs and had to make the ladies leave me at a great outlook. I stayed there about 90 minutes to rest. I started down the mtn and finally got my legs. Met brothers Brad and Tony from TN and AK who graciously allowed me to hike with them over Blood Mtn. We arrived a Mountain Crossing at Neels Gap to stay at the hostel. Brad and Tony also paid for my stay and dinner (Frozen pizza YUM!!!) They called it a retirement gift. We just met 2 hours ago--TRAIL MAGIC!!Going to zero day tomorrow (take a day off) and get a pack shake down by Mt Crossing-sending some stuff home and replacing others.  Blood Mt elevation is the highest yet, but the view was incredible! The hike down was tough with the rocks and some sliding. My shower was VERY welcomed!
Date: 2019-06-01
From: Neel Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

Craig, our cabin caretaker and shuttle driver took us to Neels Gap. While I got a pack shakedown, the Trail Angels got a head start. My Mountain Crossing expert, Will, was from Boone, NC! He's a young fellow with much AT hiking knowledge. In fact, he "walks" home every year. When he gets w/in 45 minutes of home, he calls his mom to pick him up. Will said my pack looked pretty good. I'd already decided to send a few things home and he agreed. He showed me a better way to pack and adjust my pack. I caught up with the Angels just after lunch. Three mountains later we arrived at Low Gap Shelter. Longest distance yet- 11.3 miles.
Date: 2019-06-02
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

After the long day yesterday and dragging into camp leg weary, we slept in. Got a late start, about 9:30, and headed to Blue Mt Shelter. Very rocky and more difficult that I thought it would be. My feet are taking a beating. The Altra Loan Peak Trailrunners are super comfy, but they don't handle the rocky terrain well. Probably because I have "city feet" Next resupply, I will try to replace them with a more sturdy trail runner. We did come across a guy running this really rugged section of the AT. He does it daily b/c it's his job- mountain guide. We were trudging along over the rocks and he was hopping over them like a mountain goat. Dude was in great shape. Tray Mountain tomorrow with big elevation changes, so I need to rest up.
Date: 2019-06-03
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Tray Mtn
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: broken clouds

Got out fairly early today to tack Tray Mtn. Unfortunately Elizabeth, from Fairbanks, Alaska, had to jump off the trail at Unicoi Gap due to really bad blisters. Hopefully she can get back o trail to meet her husband, Craig, at Franklin, NC. Maybe I'll see them later down the trail.  The rest of the angels and I made it to Tray Mtn with no problems. The view from the top was awesome. We will hike the 11+ miles to Dicks Creek Gap and catch a ride to Hiawassee for a couple of nights in a hotel, restaurant food, beer, a hot shower and laundry!! Hopefully I can also find new shoes.
Date: 2019-06-04
From: Tray Mtn

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

It got really windy and cold last night. I had to put my jacket on while sleeping. I learned my sleeping bag on my sleeping pad is alike a slip-n-slide. Since my campsite was at an angle, I kept sliding to the bottom of the tent. After a restless night, we got an early start and made it to Dick's Creek Gap fairly quickly. Met twin brothers hiking with their college age kids. One just graduated from UNCW. We caught a taxi into Hiawassee, GA. Zero day tomorrow and a resupply.
Date: 2019-06-06
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

And then there was one...My trail angels and husbands drove me back to Dick's Creek Gap to continue my hike. It was hard to say goodbye to 2 awesome ladies. Red, our navigator, is a soon-to-be grandmother, teacher, 3rd degree Black belt, confident, competent...very Cappy-like (minus the martial arts), a natural leader. Funny story! On the second day walking together, Red in the lead, I hear her say "Oh shit!" Then I see a flash of pink fall off the trail down the hill. I take of running only to see her pop and say "I'm good!" After retrieving her and her pack and poles, she really was ok-- not a bump, bruise or scratch. Years of martial arts training taught her how to fall correctly! Word of her tumble made it down the trail and several trail names were offered: Cartwheel, Gymnast and Acrobat.Faye: An amazing 68 year old great grandma to be. She tackled every incline with determination, grace and a big smile when completed. So all of those folks back in Lakeland, Fl who said " You are going to do what?" Faye can say "Well of course I did it, was there ever any doubt." NOPE!I was fortunate to meet and get to know the both of you. I am a better person because of you. The AT will miss you...I know I will.It rained all day. I made it further than I thought- 11.8 miles to Muskrat Creek Shelter. I set up camp in the rain...
Date: 2019-06-07
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Standing Indian Mtn
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained really hard all night , so I waited for it to slack up to break camp. My tent is soaked and I have a bad attitude to go with this bad weather. I only made it 4.9 miles. Tonight I will sleep in the shelter; I'm not eager to sleep in a wet tent. I hung my bear bag up PCT style due to heavy bear activity, even though I have had no sightings. Shared the shelter with a homeless dude, Ed, and his dog, Bailey. Bailey is a really smart dog, Ed not so much. But he's a descent enough guy. Apparently he had a drinking/drug problem and spent some time in various prisons. But he's not having those problems now and he's just walking. I think he was a little uncomfortable when I told him what I did for a living. But it was all good when I gave him some food; his supplies were running low. I will most likely see him again on the trail.
Date: 2019-06-08
From: Standing Indian Mtn

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: light rain

No picture for this entry...there isn't anything but WET trees and trails! I made it to Carter Gap Shelter by lunch time today. I thought about trying for the next shelter, but it is 8.5 miles away. I felt really strong this morning, but the driving rain and cold sucked my energy. Going to stay in the shelter with Ed and Bailey again.
Date: 2019-06-09
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Franklin
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Matt (a Texas State Trooper) and his son, Chase, a HS sophomore, got into the shelter late in the evening. They are section hiking the AT. This is their 2nd section (Deep Gap to Fontana Dam) There was another big rain storm last night; the shelter leaked and I kept getting drops on my head. We were aiming for Rock Gap Shelter today, but learned from a SOBO hiker (Southbound) that we could catch a shuttle into Franklin at Rock Gap so we were motivated! The climb over Albert Mtn was tough, often on all fours climbing up rocks. There was a watch tower at the top, but it was too cloudy for a view. We've missed several views due to the low clouds. The watch tower hit the 100 mile mark at Albert Mt. Of course, Cap and I did the approach trail, so it really was 108.8 mill mark.Got into Franklin--the hot shower, laundry, pizza and beer at the Lazy Hiker Brewery with good company = a great birthday! It will be nice not to have to put on cold, wet clothes tomorrow!
Date: 2019-06-11
From: Wayah Gap

To: Cold Springs Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Got shuttled to Wayah Gap by Bobby "The Greek." he was a cool guy. Up hill 4.5 miles but boy was it worth it! After 5 days of rain, we cot perfect weather. AT the top of Wayah Bald is a Stone Tower w/360 degree views. Absolutely gorgeous! Stayed there for an hour just soaking it in. Stayed at Cold Springs Shelter.
Date: 2019-06-12
From: Cold Springs Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: fog

Made it to another tower on Wesser Bald with more panoramic views (updates on pics is in the photo list section) Ate lunch there, met some boy scouts and 2 nice families from FL on a day hike. Welcome surprise, the AT goes right past the Nantahala Outdoor Center-AKA "The NOC" I stopped and got tacos and a beer. I thought it was going to be another package of tuna and powdered mashed potatoes. Boy those tacos and beer were good! Stealth camped with JP from INdianan, who I met last week. Big mileage day of 14.2!
Date: 2019-06-13
From: Cold Springs Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: few clouds

It rained again last night, but not too hard. Slept in a little so it was a short day today, but straight up hill. One of those "take 50 steps and rest 30 seconds" days. Kinda like the workouts my EPA colleagues put us through on our lunch time workouts--THANKS GUYS!Hiked past a memorial for Wade Sutton, a NC Forest Service Ranger who died fighting a forest fire in 1968. Hikers left stones and trinkets on his memorial, so I left my Lazy Hiker's Brewery Pin. Staying at Sassafras Gap Shelter with Matt and Chase.
Date: 2019-06-14
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Stecoah Gap/Robbinsville, NC
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The hike up Cheoah Bald was intense, but well worth it. We stayed there 40 minutes enjoying hte view. Then hiked on to Stecoah Gap and I caught a ride to Creekside Paradise Bed and Breakfast. What a beautiful property. Cynthia and Jeff are great! I am in Robbinsville, NC now- getting ready to hike the Great Smoky Mountains. We were planning for Jared to meet me here and hike some with me, but there is little access off of the trail, so he is stuck with me for about 7 days in order to do that. It is going to be raining for the next 5 days, so he is going to try to meet me in Hot Springs and hike then. Hopefully that will work out.
Date: 2019-06-15
From: Stecoah Gap/Robbinsville, NC

To: Yellow Creek Rd
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: few clouds

Slack packed from Stecoah Gap to Yellow Creek Rd; it was a relatively easy, fast hike. After a huge breakfast spread laid out by Cynthia and Jeff, I got a late start but finished the 7.9 miles in 4 hours. Then had dinner with Matt and Chase at the Hub in Robbinsville. I spent the evening in the hot tub, then played Yatzee before bed. It was a great day!
Date: 2019-06-16
From: Yellow Creek Rd

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: clear sky

Checked out of the B&B; it has been so nice to sleep in a nice warm bed after a shower. The last 2 nights in a shelter had been really cold and windy. Also a big, hot breakfast the past 2 days was great! Sadly, I bid farewell to Matt and Chase form Houston. Their section hike ended here. They'll pick up from here and do the Smoky Mountains next year. Chase is a fine young man-his parents did a great job raising him. I'm sure their daughter is equally as impressive. I will definitely miss our crazy joking around while walking the AT. Thanks for the laughs guys. Matt, stay safe.Hiked to Fontana Dam Shelter AKA the "Fontana Hilton" It is a HUGE clean shelter with a shower and a privy with running water! The view is amazing! (see pics)
Date: 2019-06-17
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Mollie's Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Hit the trail at 8:30 this morning. Walked over Fontana Dam and the next 10 miles was straight up, 2900 feet. I am beat! We got here at 5pm. I met Cricket from Columbus, Ohio on the trail. She's a 7th grade English teacher. We joined st Mollies Ridge Shelter Mike "Banger" from Austin, TX and Jennifer from Pensacola, FL. While hiking up, we startled 4 bears; we think a mon and 3 cubs. The cubs were pretty big- almost as big as momma.11.8 freaking hard miles
Date: 2019-06-18
From: Mollie's Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knot Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Hiked with Cricket and Banger today. It rained hard last night, but was only drizzly when we started out. That change around noon-the bottom fell out! We ate lunch in the rain. We missed several good views because of the fog. Cricket startled a wild boar and he ran off. The turkey we say just ignored us. We got into Derrick Knot Shelter about 5pm.
Date: 2019-06-18
From: Derrick Knot Shelter

To: Clingman's Dome
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

It rained again! Cricket twisted her ankle pretty badly, so we opted to get of at Clingman's Dome- the 200 mile mark. Cricket gutted itou t and limped up Clingman's. Banger went ahead to hold up the shuttle for us. Cricket and I walked past Frank, a 72 year old hiker who was hiking with 3 lady friends; they were 2 hours ahead of him at the shelters. WE spoke briefly, and as I passed him I asked him his age. As he turned to answer me, he lost his footing and fell off of the trail! Great job Polky- distract an old man walking downhill off of the highest point on the AT. I'm a dumbass! I run down to him and he is hanging upside down, his pack luckily caught on a bush. He has a nasty gash on his shin that is bleeding pretty well. I helped him to a sitting position. Naturally, my first aid kit is at the bottom of my backpack. I used my bandanna to apply pressure and ask Frank to wash the cut off; he used up all of his water to do so. We put Bactine on it and I used most of my band aids to cover the cut. I wrapped the bandanna around his leg to hold the band aids in place. I watched him go down the trail at a snail's pace. I then had to hustle up the mountain to catch Cricket since I sent her limping on. I passed a couple of SOBO hikers and asked them to check on Frank on their way down. Banger held the van and we headed into Gaitlinburg.We got a huge BBQ dinner with the salad bar and 2 pitchers of beer! We toasted Frank, but I still worry about him.
Date: 2019-06-20
From: Clingman's Dome

To: Ice Water Spring Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

We resupplied in Gaitlinburg after a great breakfast buffet. While Cricket caught a ride to an Urgent Care, Banger and I went back to Clingman's to get back on the trail. We moved as quickly as possible to get to Icewater Springs Shelter at 7pm. It was a full house with 12 people. A family from Dayton, OH and 4 folks from Knoxville. The Knoxville group hikes various sections of the Smokies several times a year. They had beer, rum, tons of food and the fire place going. A fantastic respite because the bottom fell out right when we got there. Great company, conversation and moonshine.
Date: 2019-06-21
From: Ice Water Spring Shelter

To: Tricorner Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up to the smell of cooking food. It turns out Tanner, the son of one of the Knoxville guys, got up early and hiked to the shelter with his camp stove. Tanner is a chef at a local lodge. He cooked omelets for everyone! Mine was lamb sausage, goat cheese, a bacon/peach compote, and bok choy. WOW! Chef Tanner nailed it! It smelled so good a bear came into the camp hoping for an omelet too. H e thought better of it when he saw 13 people there with their phones out trying to get a photo. I missed that shot. On a serious note, it is not good that he had absolutely no fear of us.After everyone was fed, Chef Tanner packed up his stove and hiked out to go to work. AWESOME trail magic!Banger and I hiked to Tricorner Shelter. We passed 2 local ladies who hike various parts of the Smokies every week. They were 72 and 77 years old and moved nearly as fast as we were. Their husbands drop them of at a trail head and pick them up as designated exit point. They said their husbands complain that "we leave our wives int he woods, but they always come back!" Impressive women!We met with Noah "Barefoot" and Laura "Flutterby" at the shelter. I stayed with them both at the Fontana Hilton, but zeroed and extra day. They are fast hikers, so they caught up quickly.
Date: 2019-06-22
From: Tricorner Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

Banger and I hiked to Cosby Knob Shelter for lunch just as a big thunder storm hit. WE waited it out for about an hour, and then made it over to Davenport Gap Shelter for the night. However, on our way, we detoured to Mount Camerrer to see the Fire Lookout there. The weather had cleared and the view was incredible! IT was as if we were on top oft eh world. The lookout was built in 1937 and has since been restored. We made it into the Davenport Shelter around 7pm. We met Einstein and CF, a couple from Michigan.Side note: I have included pictures of both lookouts and towers while on the hike. A tower is a structure built of wood or metal, built to rise above the trees. A lookout is a one or two story structure built directly on the ground. They both serve the same purpose- as lookouts for fires. Neither are used anymore with the new modern technology to detect fires.
Date: 2019-06-23
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Seviersville, TN
Miles today: 4.4
Weather: clear sky

Slept in and made the leisurely stroll into Standing Bear Farm where Cappy met us. We took BAnger to town to resupply and to get hot food. Banger stayed at Standing Bear so we bid him farewell since I'll be taking a double zero with Cap to celebrate her birthday. I'm looking forward to great home cooked meals and relaxation. We are staying at Natures Loft cabin, which is owned by Faye Stephenson- she was one of my trail angels at the start of the hike. She offered the cabin to us free of charge, so that Cap and I could enjoy and relax. Thank you Ms Faye! Trail Magic!
Date: 2019-06-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

So this is one of the stories of the trail:James, AKA "BamaHIker", had the dream of hiking the AT and did several section hikes for over 165 miles. He planned to retire in June 2016 and hit the trail to hike entire thing. Sadly, in Sept 2014, he was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer and although he fought hard, he passed away in June of 2015. His wife put a pair of James' hiking boots on the trail at Fontana Dam and filled them with pebbles. She asked that hikers take a pebble and carry it with them until they reached their destination and then leave it at their ending point. Doing this would symbolically allow James to live out his dream of hiking the trail.  I took a pebble and hope that when I finish my hike, there will be a pile of pebbles in honor of James. I am honored to carry a piece of the trail in memory of him.
Date: 2019-06-25
From: Seviersville, TN

To: Natures Loft Cabin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Cappy picked me up at Standing Bear Farm and we spent a couple of days (23rd-26th) at Natures Loft Cabin. We spent the time just relaxing, talking, having home cooked meals of spaghetti and pot roast, watching movies...It was an awesome break and gave my feet some time to heal a little. For Cappy's birthday, we went zip lining with the Legacy Mountain Company. We did 7 separate zip lines down the mountain and had a blast! (See photos) I highly recommend everyone do that at least once! Afterwards we went to The Casual Pint for a beer and brats (well - Cappy had flatbread) and just relaxed. It was a great day! Tomorrow we leave for Hot Springs to pick up my fraternity brother Bert, and will go back to Standing Bear to resume my hike. Bert is going to hike with me for awhile.