morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-10-15
From: Lost Pond Shelter

To: Manchester Center, Vermont
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Didn't sleep last night. Initially the temperature wasn't that bad but as the night progressed the temperature dropped and I stayed cold. I used my 5 degree sleeping bag and an overbag and I still was cold. Very disappointed with how poorly my sleeping bags have done so far. Anyway, I got up around 7:15 AM. Did my morning routine and got on the trail around 8:35. Made it to Peru Peak 11:35. Had lunch, then continued on. Going up to Peru Peak I noticed some snow on the ground. The further I went up, the more snow I noticed on the ground. Soon, all of the ground and trees were covered with snow. Portions of the trail were covered with ice. It was a beautiful sight. As the day progress I made it to Bromley Mountain summit. There is a ski lift at the summit (Bromley Mountain Ski Resort). While I was at the top I saw a thermometer on one of the buildings. At 4:15 it was 28 degrees and it was kind of windy. I finally got started down the mountain and continued on till I made it to a highway at 5:50 PM (VT 11/30). Here I was able to get a ride into town. The guy that gave me a lift told me it was suppose to get cold tonight and snow. I told him it was already cold at the top of Bromley Mountain. Unfortunately I am feeling like I was earlier this week and last week. This has become a recurring problem. I will re-evaluate everything tomorrow.
Date: 2009-10-16
From: Manchester Center, Vermont

To: Manchester Center, Vermont
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today I decided to end my hike (at least for now). I am ending it for a variety of reasons. While I am disappointed that I did not achieve my initial goal, I am thankful that I had the opportunity.Also, I enjoyed the beauty of God's world and believe I am a better person today than I was several months ago. Hopefully I will continue to grow. Thanks to everyone that followed this journal.Even Jessica. (She said it would be funny if I fell off Mount Washington. Just kidding.)I'll post some more pictures in a few days. Sorry for a disappointing end but I think it is time for now.
Date: 2009-10-23
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I've been resting and recovering at home. Things have been going well. It has been good to see family and friends again but I am still wanting to hike more. My ailments have been healing but still not healed. I am pleased with the way things are going and plan to start back hiking in a week or two. (Probably 2 weeks.) Over the past few years, I have section hiked from Mount Springer through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. I hope to start where I left off in North Carolina. Although my thru-hike attempt has ended, my Appalachian Trail adventure for 2009 has not ( I hope). I'll post updates as I get closer to returning to the trail. I have posted a few more pictures.
Date: 2009-11-04
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Making final preparations to get back on the trail. I'll be getting a lift to North Carolina on Friday and then start hiking on Saturday. I'm looking forward to getting back on the trail to enjoy the sights and sounds. Also looking forward to visiting Hot Springs, NC. I've heard so many positive comments about the town. I know the first few days will be especially tough. I have tried to maintain some conditioning but it was difficult while recovering. And there is nothing that can really prepare you for hiking other than hiking.
Date: 2009-11-06
To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Got a ride up to North Carolina. I was planning to go to Bear Farm Hostel but I had to change plans since I-40 is closed due to rock slides (supposed to be closed for 4-5 months).Made it to Hot Springs late in the evening. Got a place and settled down. A little nauseated from some of the tight curves. Both Chad and I were feeling a litte nauseated by the time we made it to Hot Springs. I need to thank Chad for giving me the lift. It was a great help.
Date: 2009-11-07
From: Hpt Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Still a little sick in the morning and then had to go to the store to buy more food. By the time I got everything done and feeling a little better it was late morning, so I decided to stay in Hot Springs and head out tomorrow. Atleast I get to see a few college footballs games.
Date: 2009-11-08
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Felt better today. Got started hiking around 8 A.M.. Pleasant day. High forcasted is 72 degrees. Leaves are almost all gone. The leaves on the trail are colorful, in some sections. Had a few tough climbs. I can tell I have lost some conditioning. Made it to Spring Mountain Shelter at 1:50 P.M.. Set up a spot in the shelter and began to settle down. Checked the map and guide book and planned for the next day or two.
Date: 2009-11-09
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

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

Slept fair last night. Spring Moutain Shelter had a lot of mice. Anyway, I got up around 7 A.M.. Started hiking aroudn 8:20 A.M.. Made it to Allen Gap a little after 10. Took a nice picture of the trail just south of Allen Gap. MAde it to Little Laurel Shelter around 12:40 P.M.. Had a light lunch. Met two thru-hikers from Georgia. They started some time in July I believe. After eating and resting, I left the shelter at 1:35 and continued on to the next shelter. There were a few tought climbs that slowed me down. Then the trail got alittle rocky and a lot of short up and down climbs. Made it to Jerry Cabin Shelter at 5:20. I was tired. It was getting dark quickly. I ate and setup in the shelter quickly. Tomorrow will be an easier day.
Date: 2009-11-10
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: moderate rain

Slept okay last night. It started raining shortly before I got up. Didn't start hiking as early since I was having a short day. Started hiking at 9:20 A.M.. Steady climb and steep in section during the first two miles. It leveled out and then down. Made it to Flint Mountain Shelter at 11:55 A.M.. Some of my gear got a little wet but not too badly. Will rest here for the rest of the day and make plans for tomorrow. Feeling okay so far.
Date: 2009-11-11
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: light rain

Three guys from Wisconsin arived late yesterday afternoon. They are thru-hiking, started in July. They got an earlier start since I was doing another short day. The temperature this morning was approximately 54 degrees. I left the shelter at 9:20 A.M. There was a light rain initially, then it stopped but the wind kept shaking moisture off the trees. Made it to Devil Fork Gap at 10:30. Had to change my socks. Had a long climb then made it to Hogback Ridge Shelter. Last half of the day was very cloudy, misty and windy. Definitely cooler here now than it was this morning.
Date: 2009-11-12
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Whistling Gap
Miles today: 13.4

Didn't sleep well last night. Temperature this morning in Erwin, Tennessee was 44 degrees. I was about 2500 feet higher in elevation and it felt cooler than 44 degrees. Heavy mist/fog and wind blowing strong. Started hiking at 9 A.M>. Made it to I-26/Sam's Gap at 9:55 A.M.. Brief stop and thin continued on up the mountains. The strong winds lasted all day and the fog lasted most of the day. It did clear some around Big Bald Mountain. I was able to take a few pictures there. The wind around Big Bald was very strong. I made it to Bald Mountain Shelter aroudn1:55 P.M.. I conidered going further but was al ittle concerned about finding a good tent sight due to all the recent rain. I also considere the elevation the shelter was at on Bald Mountain (5100 feet). The winds were strong up here and I considered how cold it might get up here too. There was plenty of rain in this area too. So I decided to go a few more miles. The moment I headed out it got dark and cloudy and the wind increased. I left the shelter at 2:40 and made it to Whistling Gap at 4 P.M.. I set up my tent quickly, got water, ate and began to settle in for the evening.
Date: 2009-11-13
From: Whistling Gap

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel: Erwin, Tenn.
Miles today: 13.5

It got cold last night but I was able to sleep fairly well. I could hear the wind blowing on Bald Mountain. Got up and took a few pictures of the sun rising. It would have been nice to be on a mountain top instead of in a gap but it was still a nice view. Started hiking at 8:40 A.M.. Felt a little sluggish early on. Made it to Spivey Gap/ US-19 at 10 A.M.. Took a break shortly after that. I was able to sit by a strean and just relax. After the break I hiked for about 75 minutes and took aonother break. Again I was able to have a break by some running water. I continued the hike and made it past No Business Knob Shelter at 12:45 P.M.. Took one or two short breaks after that and made it to Uncle Johnny's Hostel around 3:20. Will spend the night here and get some things cleaned and see how things work out. I may stay another night or I may head out some time tomorrow.
Date: 2009-11-15
From: Uncle Johnny's Hostel: Erwin, Tenn.

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: few clouds

Started hiking at 8 A.M.. Pack weighs about 40 pounds. Took a few short breaks during the day. Made it to Deep Gap and decided to go further.Tough climb up Unaka Mountain. Made it to Cherry Gap Shelter at 4:10. A high school group is here so I am tenting. Pleased with the way things went today.Took pictures at Beauty Spot. Saw several deer today.
Date: 2009-11-16
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Didn't sleep a wink last night! Got up at 7 A.M.. Started hiking at 8:15. I could tell immediately that my legs were not in the mood for hiking. I was sluggish all day.Ate lunch at Clyde Smith Shelter. Thought about staying but decided to continue on to Ash Gap. Once I made it to Ash Gap, I decided to go to Roan High Knob shelter.This is the highest shelter on the A.T. ( 6285 feet ). Made it here at about 4:50. I was exhausted.Several other hikers are here. It is windy outside. This shelter has four walls and a door. A lot warmer inside. I saw another deer today. Good size too.
Date: 2009-11-17
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: US 19 East/Mountain Barbour Bed and Breakfast
Miles today: 15.2

Rough start to the day. Finally got on the trail at 8:30 A.M.. The weather was cloudy and very windy. Went up Round Bald and then Jane Bald.The wind was as strong as I can ever remember. The wind pushed me in every direction except up the trail.Finally made it to Stan Murray shelter and took a short break. Clouds got dark in some areas. As I continued hiking, I went past Overmountain Shelter. I did get a few pictures though. I continued on past Little Hump Mountain and ontoHump Mountain. Hump Mountain was a tough climb. It was tough, not only because of the terrain but because I experienced the worst winds of the day. It took a lot out of me during this section. The winds pushed me off, on and across the trail.Made it over and then down to US highway 19 east and got a place to stay at a hostel.I also saw 5 more deer today. Got a few pictures of some of them.
Date: 2009-11-18
From: US 19 East/Mountain Barbour Bed and Breakfast

To: US 19 East/Mountain Barbour bed and breakfast
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day. Cleaning gear, clothes and doing other chores.I have written the journal entries for the past few days from my cellphone. It is difficult to see if the spacing is correct. If the entries are difficult to follow, I apologize.They are sometimes difficult to follow when writing them.
Date: 2009-11-19
From: US 19 East/Mountain Barbour bed and breakfast

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: light rain

Didn't sleep well. Left hostel at 7:55 A.M.. Made it to the trail and started hiking. Around 9:10 I was in a valley. The post with whiteblazes had been on the left side of the trail. As I was hiking up the valley, I could see a metal post with a white top. I made it to the top of the valley and there were 4 roads and no more blazes. I looked around and couldn't find any blazes. I checked my map and could tell the trail was suppose to go right but there were 3 roads to the right. Which one should I take? I walked up 2 of the roads looking for blazes. Nothing. I finally went back down into the valley and found that the trail actually turned right about 200-300 yards before the top of the valley. I thought it was vaguely marked. And come to find out so did another hiker, BeauShag (who was completing his flip-flop hike of the entire trail). Anyways, I go back on the trail and hiked. I finally made it to Mountainer Shelter and had some lunch. Restarted hiking. Met a few other hikers. After a LONG DAY, I made it to Moreland Gap Shelter. It was a total of 18 miles for the day but 3/10ths of it was not on the trail.. The forecast for the day was for sunny skies after morning rains. It got foggy and misty around 2 P.M.. By the time I made it to the shelter (around 4:50) it was getting dark quickly. I got everything situated and settled in for the night.
Date: 2009-11-20
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: US-321/ Hampton, Tennessee
Miles today: 15.0

Today was not a good day. With the exception of Laurel Fork Falls and Laurel Fork Gorge, there were no views. If there was a possiblility of a nice view it was usually blocked by tree limbs. And there weren't that many possibilities today. Most of the day seemed to be spent hiking through rhodendrum and slipping/sliding on the wet leaves covering the trail and covering the roots and rocks. The section today was tougher than it appeared on the map and profile. Once I made it to US highway 321, I walked about a quarter of a mile toward Hampton, Tennessee. Due to heavy traffic I decided to see if I could call for a shuttle. I decided I needed a little more food and that is why I decided I need to go into town. The moment the shuttle pulled off the road and parked, some idiot in another truck travelling in the opposite direction came flying by, passing on a yellow line in heavy traffic and going into a blind curve caused an accident. I called 911 and reported the accident.The car he struck had a lot of damage and the other driver had to be extracated from the car by the emergency crew. I hope the other driver is okay but things did not look good. I thought I was having a bad day till I saw that accident. Things may not have gone the way I wanted them to during my hike, but when you compare that with what happened to the other driver, I really don't have anything to complain about.   After things settled down and we got into town, I ate and settled into the hostel. I spoke with the hostel owner and I am planning on slack packing tomorrow.
Date: 2009-11-21
From: Tennessee Highway 91

To: US-321/ Hampton, Tennessee
Miles today: 20.0

Slack packed today but it was stilll a tough day. Got a shuttle to Tennessee highway 91 and headed south, back to Hampton. I felt sluggish most of the day and the trail was alittle tougher than expected. I got started at 9 A.M, and finished at 5:20 P.M.. I only carried enough in my pack for today but I still didn't feel any stronger during the day. There weren't any spots to taking any good pictures. Today was a little discouraging. I was hoping the slackpack would boost my mood. I decided a few days ago to go home for Thanksgiving and resume "normal" life. My plan for tomorrow is to go to Abingdon Gap Shelter and camp out there and finish going into Damascus, Virginia on Monday.
Date: 2009-11-22
To: Damascus, Virginia
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: overcast clouds

What a difference a day makes. I got a shuttle back to Tennessee Highway 91 and headed north at 8:30 A.M.. I felt better than I did yesterday. The terrain was not that bad either. Made it to Double Spring Shelter around 9:40 and passed it by. I took a brief rest later. I hiked steadily till I got to Abingdon Gap Shelter at 12:45 P.M.. I ate lunch and still felt strong so I decided I would try to make it to Damascus today. I left Abingdon Gap Shelter at 1:10 and had a strong pace for the first 2 hours. I passed the welcome sign to Mount Rogers-Tennessee/Virginia border at 3:08. I didn't stop for another 20 minutes or so. I finally made it to Damascus, Virginia at 4:20. I got a room at Dave's Place (hostel). Today was a good day. There weren't alot of views but there were some and the weather was good. Temperature of 52 degrees for a high. It did get a little chilly due to the wind but it was still good hiking weather.    I'm glad I was able to end this section hike on a good note. I plan on completing the Appalachian Trail as a section hiker. In August I met a hiker who was finishing the AT after 29 years of section hiking. That is quite an accomplishment, as is thru-hiking. I have to tip my hat to anyone that completes the entire trail. There is something special about those that thru-hike and but you can't ignore those that stick to it and do it in sections either. I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes, by John "The Penguin" Bingham, "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."
Date: 2008-08-08
To: It is time to get ready
Miles today: 0.0

It is very appropriate that the first journal entry for our upcoming adventure be posted on 08/08/08. It would be nice if we are on Mt. Katahdin on 09/09/09 but that would be quite an accomplishment.I have read many journals posted on this site and they have all been an inspiration to take the plunge.On March 29th myself (no trail name as of yet) and hiking buddy Captain Don will begin our trek north
Date: 2008-11-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Many things have changed since our first entry last summer. I am now going to tackle the AT by myself. Captain Don has been made an offer to keep working for 2 more years and could not refuse the offerI have a new start date of March 29th and will head north. Captain Don will accompany me for the first week and then will need to get back to work. Several friends and family members will be joining me at different points along the trail.I have begun working on a tentative itinerary and hope to have it completed by the end of January.I have stepped up my conditioning and am now averaging about 40 miles a week plus spin classes twice a week.
Date: 2009-02-16
From: Time is drawing near

To: Katadyn
Miles today: 0.0

Well my start date has changed again and I now plan on leaving Springer Mountain on March 21st. I will be accompanied the first week by my good friend Bill who has the week off from school and has volunteered to keep me company.The second week Captain Don will meet me in Haiwaisse GA and hike the next week with me.I am averaging around 40 miles a week and carrying my almost full pack ( +/- 5 pounds) most days.I have selected a trail name "Rock" this has nothing to do with the wrestler turned actor. I will disclose the nature of my name as my journey begins.
Date: 2009-02-24
From: It is time to get ready

To:  Katadyn
Miles today: 0.0

Well I am less than 4 weeks from my start date. I have had good news. The first my friend Bill will be hiking with me. During week two Captain Don will meet me in Haiwasse GA and hike the second week with me.I continue daily hikes with my pack and do a spin class twice a week. I have all my gear together and am making a list so my wife Linda can help me out replacing any of it if I loose or it is damaged.It sounds like we will have quite a send off with several friends joining us as we leave Springer Mountain I have been working with my "Thru Hiker Comanion" and have layed out a tentative schedule thta will get me Harpers Ferry some time during the week of June 21st
Date: 2009-03-16
From: Springer Mountain

To: Katadyn
Miles today: 0.0

This will be the last entry before we begin our journey this coming Saturday.I am ready. This week is a slow week of preparation just a 3 mile loop in the neighborhood.I have all my things laid out and will begin packing Thursday.We will drive ti Amicalola Falls State Park Friday afternoon and spend the night.Look for new updates beginning next week.
Date: 2009-03-21
From: Southern terminus

To: Hawks Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

We were up early, had one last breakfast buffett.We were at the trail head by 9:00. We hiked to the Southern terminus where we met "Many Sleeps" a 78 year old who has hiked the AT. He was greeting everyone and having them sign the register. On the way back down we met Shuan (now To-tall) and Wuff.Linda and Rose hiked with us about 2 miles and we met several groups of trail maintenance people who gave us our first trail magic. After a couple of miles we said our good byes an the girls headed for the car. Wild Bill and I arrived at the shelter about 3:30. We spent the night in the top floor of the shelter. We fell asleep to the harmony of may different snoring melodies.Met many through hikers, Many Names, Coyote and his dog Boomer, Huck Finn, Capt. Caveman, Rif Raf and his momma.
Date: 2009-03-22
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

We were up about 7:30 and on the trail about and on the trail by 9:00 We faced our first big climb on the trail, Sassafras Mountain right after we started the day.It was the toughest climb so far. We passed several hikers and our first South bounders. He was a young man who began from the northern terminus Sept 30th and would be finishing the southbound journey today. There were a few more tough ups and downs but nothing that we could not handle. We arrived at Woody Gap Shelter about 3:00. Once again it was another two level shelter so we claimed our spot on the top level. As we were laying there a hiker came into camp about 10:00 pm wanting to know if this was the shelter. He was looking for a camp site that he had stayed at in 1993 and was trying to find it in the dark. We heard him wander off with only his head lamp illuminating the way, hopefully he found what he was looking for.
Date: 2009-03-23
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Another restless night new snoring options on the top level of Gooch Mountain Shelter. The day was pretty uneventful just took our time and worked on our breathing up the mountains, Lots and lots of beautiful scenery. Who ever said there is no God has not been on the AT.we arrived at the Woods HoleShelter about 3;30 and just hung out. The dinner routine is getting pretty easy and I have not burned down any thing with my stove. We will get an early start tomorrow since we will be meeting Linda, Rose, Mike, and Helen at Woody Gap
Date: 2009-03-24
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Baggs Creek Campground
Miles today: 7.9

We were up at the crack of dawn and arrived at Woody Gap about 10:30. It was great to see Linda and seemed like I had not seen her forever. We had a shower and free hamburgs provided by the local Baptist church what a great group of trail angels. Mike, Helen, Linda, and Rose headed for the Baggs Creek campground where Linda will experience her first night in the woods.The owner of the Outfitter Store Whitten looked at my pack and helped me re-arrange so that everything fit inside. What a difference that made in carrying everything.Bill and I left about 2:00 and arrived at the campground about 4:30.The group had Linda's Big Agnes Seed tent set up and we then cooked dinner. Yes, Linda did eat a two person meal. After Dinner George, her boyfriend, and dog came by and pointed out that we had the rain fly on Linda's tent backwards (her dad is a rep for Big Agnes). We quickly fixed that. After hanging our food bags we chatted around the campfire and then went to bed. About midnight the rain and wind came in with a vengance. Some of the gusts had to have been 50 mph plus.