morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-03-22
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter 

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: clear sky

Breathe InSitting in my tent at Betty Creek Gap. 97.6 miles from Springer Mountain GA. Woke up after another frozen night. Shoes were ice, ground crunched as I gathered my things. Everyone had rolled out of camp long before I got going. I was hiding from the cold, and It worked.Wearing just my running shorts and t shirt I headed out. Started cold but soon was comfortable and started clicking away at miles. North Carolina had been a lot like Georgia in terms of scenery and elevation until the last two days. Today, after a grueling 2.5 mile uphill, I hit 5450 feet at Standing Indian Mountain.Stopped for lunch and sun baked like a lizard for an hour. It was a good rest, and Wahoo! caught up from behind. After another long 6 miles we hit Carter gap shelter. I thought about staying but had more to give. I chose Betty Creek Gap as the new target.This section was incredibly beautiful with full canopy lined with green moss and grass. It reminded me of some hiking I had done in Kauai. About a mile and a half before Betty Creek there was an incredible viewpoint to the north, I assume of challenges to come!Met up with Puma, DC and Wahoo!, life is good. My feet hurt. Life is good.Catfish Jon the mountain hobo
Date: 2016-03-25
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Writing this from my bed in the Sapphire Inn. This was my second zero day in a row.I have been putting off writing this journal for a while. It feels more real when I write about it. Starting after the long ascent to the fire tower (mile 100) I started feeling a slight pain in my right foot. I have had my share of growing pains in my hike so far, but this one lingered. I felt it on the ascent. I was able to forget about it with the views, but every downhill step was a pain.I had been making great time, and miles. This may have been the problem. Down the long hill, I started to feel it with every step. I tried loosening my shoes, I stopped and took breaks, I stretched... Nothing was helping. Finally I hit Rock Gap. I saw Puma and some other thru hikers resting. With immense relief he told me there was a shuttle to Franklin on its way!Fast forward to getting a hotel room, and relaxing. My foot was hurting, I kept ice on it, but it was worrying me. Finally I cracked and called the foot and ankle clinic and sought out an appointment. Five days, and I needed a primary physician referral. I had also read there was foot experts at the Outdoor 76 shop. We headed that way.What came next was scary, and probably a bit unnecessary looking back. We met one of the owners, who has an immense amount of physiological knowledge. Having the Radiologic Technology background I was able to understand most, and backup his claims.He measured my foot, not just size, but arch lengths, as well as other palpable not landmarks to outline my foot, and get and idea of its shape. He then asked about my problems. Once I informed him, and Puma (who was getting his feet analyzed as well) of some harsh news. Both of us had different types of tendinitis. This injury sounds like a tiny problem, but considering the distance we were into the trail (a mere 100 miles) and that this is an overuse injury, it could send us home.I found out the Speed cross 3s I was wearing The grim reality was tough to swallow. It was an uneasy zero day. I spent the time drinking beer, icing my foot, stretching, and consuming an unhealthy amount of calories. Contemplating my future was another hot topic in my thoughts.I did a considerable amount of pack work while we were laid up at the Sapphire Inn. I sent a lot of stuff home, including the 4 pound guitar and accessories. Along with that I changed camp shoes. I never thought my soles would brave the rubber creation that is Crocs, but here I am. The selling point being the ability to wear my camp socks, with my camp shoes (not sure how I didn't realize this earlier) bedrocks would only work with toe socks. I also cut my pack towel in half, got rid of my bug repellent lotion. My pack is now in the 28s with food and water.Another addition (future addition) is the switch to an Osprey Exos 58. I am having it shipped to Fontana Damn along with my first package (thanks Mum!) The pack switch will out me around 26 and I'm sure I can find more stuff to spare. SAVE THE FEET!
Date: 2016-03-26
From: Rock Gap

To: Siler Bald 
Miles today: 8.5

Sitting at Siler Bald shelter, first day hiking after two zero days to rest my right foot. I have now walked 114.0 miles of the Appalachian trail.Woke up late at the Sapphire Inn, missed out on the lovely church breakfast. Puma, Wahoo! and myself chose instead a long sleep to save the last of my zero days in Franklin. After a lot of relaxing, rehab, and repacking, it was time to hit the trail again.Still incredibly worried about my foot, we set out to get breakfast and then find a shuttle to the mountains. Not to long after a subway sandwich our absolute favorite shuttle man Chuck Allen's wife came and drove us to our respective starting spots. Wahoo! had gone as far as Winding Stair Gap, where as me and Puma were three miles back at Rock Gap. It was a steady start, both me and puma were timid. Cautious with our newly diagnosed aches and pains. Surprisingly the uphills were easy, and my foot felt fine. It wasn't till mile 6 I even noticed it, and not to long after we pulled a blue blaze to the Siler Bald. It was a long .5 mile off the trial but we were greeted by Wahoo! and a beautiful bald to camp in.We had plenty of time to raise hell before eating, eating, and finally retreating to our tent houses I am loving my Copper Spur, it's the Ritz Carrolton of the trail!Walking soft,Catfish
Date: 2016-03-27
From: Siler Bald 

To: Cold Springs
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Sitting at Cold Springs Shelter camp sites, sitting in some eerie fog, and slow rain. Woke up to a surprise rainstorm, staying in the tent for as long as possible. Finally had a break in the rain and made coffee, and had some poptarts it was time to pack up, only the rain made a surprising return and turned a 20 minute breeze into an ordeal. Once we finally started hiking it was warm, but wet. It stayed foggy the whole day. It was a one of those days that you don't seem to be making any progress. It was frustrating, and my foot was starting to act up. The fog took away our Wayah Bald view. Supposedly you could see 4 states from the stone tower. It wasn't ideal, but I made best by imagining myself in a Hobbit based save middle earth movie.After a long day we regrouped at the magnificent campgrounds up on a peak, only thing is we can't see more than 20 foot through the fog. My foot was not feeling it's finest. Stoping just short of the NOC tomorrow. Catfish out!
Date: 2016-03-28
From: Cold Springs

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.2

Sitting at the Nantahala Outdoor Center bunkhouse. Split it with Puma and Wahoo! Woke up at the Cold Springs campsites, it was a nice night, but we were peppered by rain and wind. It was supposed to be better at 8. Like clockwork, the wind blew the fog and rain away. I waited a while longer trying to let my rain fly dry. It was a crazy view from the campsite, looking back Franklin and the surrounding communities. It was 10 by the time Wahoo! and I hit the trail, Puma headed out 10 minutes ahead.Today was a big test for my right foot, trying to analyze every step. I bounced back between worried and confident with each creek in my body. By the time I realized it I had hiked 6 miles and was halfway to my destination, the NOC.The decent was steep and unforgiving most the way. Some of the time was spent maneuvering boulders on a ridge line. Not to long after 4 we rolled into the NOC. I resupplied what little I needed, then grabbed a six pack and put my feet in the river. Life was good today. Catfish
Date: 2016-03-29
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

Writing this from my tent at Sassafras Gap. Had an easy day from the NOC. Woke up early and started packing trying to get a jump on the day but resorted to breakfast at the restaurant. After I got my fill in food and fuel for my stove i hit the trail. My bag weighed an extraordinarily heavy 30 lbs, but it felt light as I started the climb. Soon I had gained a thousand foot of elevation. The foot was feeling really good today, and it was the first day I was able to truly immerse myself in the trail. The rise in elevation was swift and after a few hours I was at the the first peak. The down was even easier and it took another 30 minutes to finish my hike for the day.I ate two dinners and the retreat back to my house (Copper spur UL2) and write this journal. Loving the space in this thing. Sunrise at Cheoah Bald tomorrow, gotta be up at 6.Catfish Jon will Ramble on!
Date: 2016-03-30
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Cody Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Writing this from my tent at Cody gap. We did 12 miles today but it was a challenge.To start off before bed I heard talk of sunset on Cheoah Bald. I was in from the start, woke up at 540, was packed and moving by 610, and up the mountain at 710. It was a cold morning, moving kept you alive!the view was worth it but the wind took a little beauty away. Before to long I had my coffee and poptarts and was ready for miles.The morning was effortless after Cheoah Bald at 5000 foot elevation, we went downhill for most of 3 miles. The first three climbs were forgiving but Jacobs ladder, a notorious brutal uphill, was not.My foot held up great beside the steep climb, which took a little tole. Cruised into camp at 2 and had plenty of time to rest up for tomorrow. Going to Fontana and taking a zero! Hiked with Wahoo!, Puma, Flipper and the Manager who are great fun. I iced my feet in a steam, and use a cheap brace to apply some compression. Feels good!Have some changes coming in Fontana, switching packs and cutting more weight. Will keep you updated. New pack is the Osprey Exos, 58. Will drop 2 lbs with that switch! LTill Fontana, Catfish
Date: 2016-04-02
From: Cody Gap

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: light rain

Writing this from the Mollies Ridge Shelter, I accidentally erased my 3-31-16 journal. On that day I went 8.8 miles into Fontana Dam. I needed a zero day to rest my foot, and was able to get into a cabin with a few trail friends. From Fontana we did 12 miles today to Mollies ridge.It was all uphill today, we started at the cabin and shuttled back to the Fontana Marina where we left off. I split from the group and walked a long while by my self. While falling into my music I looked up to see the amazing lakeside view. The trail snaked around the shoreline snaked around and graced me with panoramic beauty.I caught up with some friends as we crossed the dam. The next setion was a roadside climb to the trail intersection where you deposit your Great Smokey Mountain National Park permit! I was finally in the Smokey's! My foot pain spoken about earlier had dissipated but replaced by another worrie some heel pain. The climb was challenging as we gained the elevation to the mountain range. Not a lot of reliable water sources complicated the climb. My heel pain started with the incline and was on and off all day. It was frustrating having only a day or two of no pain before I'm back in the grinder.Shuckstack fire tower had some amazing views, it was six flights up and was open so I was able to get inside and out of the hurricane winds. The next section was another huge climb, and was topped off by three miles of Spring Beauty, a three week blooming white and lavender flower that fills the space between fallen leaves. I joked with Flipper about being in "Rivendale" from the J.R.R. Tolkien book series. Before to long we were at Mollies Ridge Shelter. Amazingly I was able to secure a spot, and set up camp and cook some warm noodles!Hope the heel settles down. If it is this bad when I hit Gatlinburg I might see a doc.Catfish Jon!
Date: 2016-04-03
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter 

To: Derricks Knob
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Writing this from a log at Derricks Knob Shelter 189.3 miles into the trail. Did 12 miles today in Great Smokey Mountain National Park.Woke up from a decent night sleep complete with blowing my now obnoxiously porous air mattress 7-9 times. It kept me warm, and that's all I could ask for. It was a frigid 20 degrees with 50 mph gusts. You could feel it whip in and out of the shelter. I was ready to get out of bed at 7 and worked my way towards breakfast which was coffee and a cliff bar. Off to Rocky Mountain and Thunderhead Mountain. It was an easy six miles to start. I kept a good pac for three, the next three I could feel my foot, this time on the medial side of my heel. It was hard to take in all the trail had to offer wth that nagging every other step. I finally decided to make a change and took a sock off. It was an improvement but a minor one. It weighed on me all the way to the gap before Derricks Knob. The incline was a deceptive devil and it took three false peaks to hit my destination. I was met with cheer by Puma and Flipper and plenty other thru hikers. It was set up time as the shelter was full. I got the tent up in five and was eating in 20. Getting better at my hiker chores. Frisbee commenced as the sun set behind the stone shelter spewing smoke from its chimney. Going over two big markers tomorrow, Clingmans Dome at a towering 6655 is the tallest peak in the Appalachian Trail, and the 200 mile mark.Going strong-ishCatfish
Date: 2016-04-04
From: Derricks Knob

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

Writing this from my tent at Mt. Collins Shelter campsites. Did 14 miles today, did the highest peak on the Appalachian trail, and hit mile 200 (not counting the approach trail).Woke up in my tent after anther good nights sleep despite the pad not holding up as well as I would like. Got up and made coffee, and protein oatmeal with banana nut. Got going quickly and said goodbye to a beautiful shelter. The first four miles zipped by. Greeted with morning sun rays peaking through leafless trees. Moss covered the logs and ground most of the way making a vibrant contrast to the white and tan trees. It made life easy. Then the climb to Clingmans Dome happened. It wasn't actually bad at all. I was greeted by evergreens for the first time in a real thick patches. The new elevations bring amazing views, and even better smells. I desperately try to take it all in. Made great time and arrived at apparently the busiest tourist time of the year. When we hit the paved trail to go to the lookout I was a dirty celebrity. People seemed daunted by the fact that j had walked here from Georgia, and plan on walking to Maine. Fathers stop with their kids to ask questions, and I answer with confidence, and praise of the trail. After a mile jaunt to the gift store for nothing, I returned to the trail to make the remaining four miles. I hiked all day with Flipper, who is great company. We talk about the types of trees, his knowledge far exceeds mine but I am curious and pick his brain.Camp comes quicker than expected, and I set up and cook a ton of food, i plan on hitting the shuttle to Gatlinburg tomorrow to resupply!Foot felt a little better, which is good considering the mileage. Onward!Catfish Jon
Date: 2016-04-05
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: few clouds

Watching the stars on this beautiful night at Icewater Shelter in the Great Smokies. Did 8 miles today, and went into Gatlinburg to resupply, eat, and climb some rocks.Woke up to a frigid windy morning at Mt Collins Shelter. Tried to get the tent packed up and get moving to get this free shuttle into Gatlinburg. It was 15 degrees says my ATC friend. As I packed up i had to warm my hands in my pants or jacket to keep from loosing a finger. The tent poles are the coldest, and do the most damage.Before to long I finish, fed up with the wind, frozen by the cold, I head out and My buddy Flipper leads the way. It is only five miles to Newfoundland Gap, where the shuttle picks up at. We make great time only to find out it is Standing Indian Gap and not our destination. On to the next.We finally hit our spot, join many other friends, eat some food supplied by the local church, and head off the mountain to Gatlinburg Tennessee. Once we arrive I look over the gear at the shop, before heading down the tourist trap to find a Walgreens. It was a decent resupply and then to the Mellow Mushroom to get some pizza as well as my favorite beer, Guinness. After another few stops, beers, and a little rock climbing at the Natahala Outdoor Center, we were back in a shuttle on our way to the Smokies!A short three miles up to the highest shelter I've been to so far at just under 6000 ft, Icewater Spring shelter is a beauty like most in the Great Smokies, compete with a bald, and a privy. I stay up late with friends drinking whiskey and Star gazing. Only supposed to get 35 tonight! Excited to get some rest, and some possible snow miles tomorrow.Catfish Jon, singing his song
Date: 2016-04-06
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Writing this from the top bunk of Tri-Corner Shelter. Hiked 12.1 miles today, got to camp at 2 o'clock and sat up in the shelter upon hearing the imminent snow.Woke up feeling great considering some late night (10:30) shenanigans with The Manager, and Wahoo!. Plenty of alcohol and laughs that we packed up from Gatlinburg were had. I fell of a log, watched satellites and planets, and saw my first full size wildlife (three deer, one mom and two fawns) on an crystal clear and warm GSM night.After packing up quick and a 500 calorie honey bun I hit the trail. Feeling light on my feet I made good time. The first six miles blessed me with views and gentle ups and downs. The famous Charlie's Bunion was a sight to see, but views were dimmed by 30 mile and hour gusts.the second six was not so kind with long uphills back to 6000 ft elevation.Foot feeling strong I pressed on and hiked as the pace maker for Puma and Flipper. We arrived at camp early and enjoyed plenty of food, knowing we plan on stopping at Standing Indian Hostel.Til then,Fish
Date: 2016-04-09
From: Tri-Corner Shelter

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light snow

Yesterday I took a zero at an interesting hostel Standing Bear Farm. Today I hiked 15 miles to Roaring Fork shelter, where I am writing this in my tent.Woke up after the 19 miles into Standing Bear felling better than expected. My tentative plans turned definite after hearing the expected 50 mile and hour gusts and 15 degree low. I took 3 showers that day, drank way to much beer, and had a lot of laughs. Had a lot of friends at the farm including Machete, Wahoo!, Flipper, Puma, Blueberry, the Manager, and plenty more. There was a treehouse up for rent that I was able to nab. Fell asleep 20 foot above the ground with the rain and river singing me to sleep.The next morning I was packed and ready at 830, me and Wahoo! left at about the same time and set a goal of 15 miles to Roaring Fork. The grade was gentle but uphill to 5 miles. It was no more than 40 degrees with 30 mile and hour winds this particular morning, which made the bald at the top of the climb less enjoyable.I reached the first shelter at 7 miles out at 10:45 and kept on trucking. The next uphill was harder and more deceptive. It took five or six false peaks to finally see Max Patch in the distance. The climb rewarded me with the strongest wind of the day and I flew past the scenic view of the snowcapped Smoky Mountains, and the next destination, Hot Springs NC.The downhill was kind to the legs, save a tiny rock that manages to find its way into my right shoe. I thought about stopping until i saw the destination was only 2 miles ahead. 30 minutes I was at the shelter debating going further. After a log debate I decided to rest my weary bones at the site I was at, and proceeded to eat three dinners as well as the beer I packed up. Tomorrow will be just short of Hot Springs to save some money on lodging. There's no way to grow that don't hurtCatfish Jon
Date: 2016-04-10
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: few clouds

4-10-16Writing this from a tiny cabin in Hot Springs NC. Hiked somewhere around 19 miles today.After yesterday's funk, I tried to patch my air mattress. Professionally done, at least looking, because it was flat within 3 hours. Although an improvement it was not sufficient on a 19 degree night. It was hard to stay comfortable in my 35 degree bag, but I managed well and slept in till 8. I was expecting it to be freezing cold but when I packed up the sun shined its eyes on me.Planning on going either 15 to the shelter or pushing on, I knew the day would be long. Lots to look at as I strolled through different ecosystems including one section of blossoming buds that sparkled green in contrast to the tan leaves. It was a fast and enjoyable stroll, the trail soft with leaves and pine needles topped off the day.Made it to the Deer Mountain Park Shelter at 271 miles into the trail and fifteen into the day at an early 2:45. I felt amazing and pushed on into Hot Springs. The last four miles into town were long, but with town in sight it was easy to drive through the exhaustion. The trail followed a long ridge heading down steady until it dropped into stairs down to the road.The trial joins the road in Hot Springs and follows it out until it takes off towards the river. I decide to take a zero here to rest the bones, plus there Is a mineral soak hot spring that I was able to spend some time.Till tomorrow!Catfish Jon
Date: 2016-04-12
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Writing this from my tent at Spring Mtn. Shelter. Walked 12 miles today from Hot Springs to Spring Mtn. Shelter.It was time to say goodbye to the tiny cabin in Hot Springs, even though it was raining steady. I dilly dallied and hit the trail at 11:30. The rain was steady but I refused to wear my coat, knowing my temperature would soon make the jacket unbearable. A half mile in my instincts were correct and I hiked on.The trail followed to French Broad river for a mile and then snaked upwards over rocks and lookouts. The trail was tough but it was hard to stop in the mist. In an hour the rain had subsided and it was perfect hiking weather. Time moved quick and I rolled into Sprig Mtn. Shelter at 3, and cracked the two pints I hauled up the mountain. Priorities, Catfish
Date: 2016-04-13
From: Spring Mountain Shelter 

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter 
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Writing this from my tent site near Jerry Cabin Shelter, 300.8 miles from the southern terminus. I hiked 15 miles today.Woke up feeling rested after a 12 mile day, it was chilly and my sleeping pad was leaking faster than usual. Got up late after packing and relaxing in my tent, I was the second to last person out of camp at 10:39. The day wasted no time as the first hill was a pain in the ass, lighting the calves on fire. The next miles were calm and I reached "resupply" stop Mom's. It had beer, and microwave food, of which I partook in both. Upon filling up I headed up the trail.The second half of the day was much more difficult. Beginning with a long steady climb to 4000, and then a jagged cliff walk. There were many times I couldn't use my poles, and it made for an interesting mile. Besides the the terrain, views were fantastic.It felt good to see the shelter and know the feet get to rest.Catfish