morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-04-19
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained off and on during the night. No downpours or thunderstorms. Packing up a wet tent in the morning is not my favorite task. My hike started in light rain and around lunchtime the sun came out, followed by more rain. You get real sweaty in rain gear as you try to hike. Sometimes it feels like a sauna. When the weather gets warmer, you can hike without rain gear. It will refresh you and maybe even wash away some of the hiker funk smell. And there is no such thing as a waterproof rain jacket. If you hike long enough in the rain, the water will find its way inside your jacket! This was one of those days that you can do a short hike of 9 miles to the next shelter, or go about 16 miles to the following shelter. I was originally going to go for 16 miles, but with the rain and a 2,400 foot climb in the middle of that 16 miles, I decided to stop at 9 miles. Sometimes you just know that you might risk injury if you go too far in tough terrain. My health has been good so far. I haven't had to take any ibuprofen for sore muscles. Hikers call ibuprofen "vitamin i" because most end up taking it on a nearly daily basis. The one thing you want to keep healthy is your feet. They really take a beating. Not only the long distances, but also all the pounding from rocks and tree roots. Some days it seems you never step a foot on level ground. So far, I have been very lucky with no blisters. I had one blister back in Georgia that was trying to develop, but I covered it with sports tape and it healed quickly. You constantly are aware of any new pain or discomfort while hiking. The bottom of my left heel starting hurting a couple days ago as I hiked the long downhill coming into Hot Springs. I never have felt that before and I first thought it was a blister starting. When I got to town, I didn't see anything. I think it was just the pounding of the rocks as we went downhill. It felt much better after a good nights rest. If you ask most hikers, especially older hikers, the downhills are much harder on your feet and knees than the uphills. I totally agree. Even though uphills are more strenuous, the downhills really make you sore that night. I wear Salomon Trail Runner XA Pro 3D shoes along with Darn Tough hiking socks. That combination has worked well for me. I also have a pair of Wright socks that have a double lining. Those work very well also. The shoes last about 500 miles. I will pass the 300 mile mark tomorrow, so when I add the AT miles plus the training miles I hiked before I got on the AT, I will be needing new shoes within a couple weeks. Probably buy a new pair in Damascus, Va when I arrive. They have a big outfitter store there. I will be tenting at Little Laurel shelter tonight. There is over an 80% chance of rain over each of the next 4 days. Ugh! At least it's warm. Oh well, it should clear up right as I get to Erwin on Sunday.
Date: 2017-04-20
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Weather forecast showed an 80% chance of rain, but I hiked all day without getting wet. Hike was not too strenuous. Steep uphill from shelter to Camp Creek Bald lookout tower. I'm sure the views would have been lovely, but I could only see fog. I have been lucky that I have been able to view most of the major overlooks in good weather. But sometimes, you climb a mountain and not be able to see anything. It was a pretty easy hike over the last 12 miles. Rolling hills and a few streams. Ate lunch at Chestnut Log Gap, but didn't stay long. Next up was Big Butt Mountain. And yes, that was the real name. There was a Shelton grave site just to the east. Probably the poor soul who originally named Big Butt Mountain after his mother in law! However, there was no mention of that fact on the grave marker. I have passed several small grave sites lately. Many from the late 1800's. Always makes me reflect on what hardships that they faced just to survive. I passed my 300 mile mark around lunchtime. The first 100 miles in Georgia seemed so long. The last 100 miles since Gatlinburg has flown by! Looking forward to getting to Erwin, Tn on Saturday or Sunday. There is a NASCAR race in Bristol this weekend. Even though that's about 30 miles away, the local hotels jack up their rates. The trail guide shows a Super 8 rate of $49. When I checked, it was $139 on Saturday. No thanks, I might tent near the Nolichucky River for $10 if the weather cooperates.
Date: 2017-04-21
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Cantarroso Farm
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I made it to Erwin, Tennessee in a downpour. I'm staying at the Cantarroso Farm hostel. This is a great place. The owners, Mike and Peggy, are exceptional hosts. I will be slack packing tomorrow from Beauty Spot Bald back to Erwin. About 12 miles. More rain is expected, so having a warm and dry place to sleep and eat tomorrow night will be very welcome. This will be my last post on AT journals. It's way too cumbersome to input and upload. The last thing I want to do at the end of a long hiking day is to battle a website that constantly logs you out. Thanks for following my journey.
Date: 2017-03-18
To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 69.3
Weather: light rain

The first few days have been very tough. Snow, cold, and wind. The temps were in the teens without accounting for the horrid wind that has been blowing. It has been so frustrating that I only took a few pics the first couple of days. I've just been aiming my head toward the ground and trying to head north. I haven't stopped to look at views. I've only been trying to get from point A to point B which is contrary to what you should be doing. But it's been too brutal to enjoy.Hopefully, the weather is going to turn for the better so I can start to stop for lunch and enjoy the views. I think I've been getting close to dehydrating or not eating enough. But like I said, it's been too bad to stop and smell the frozen roses. Anyway, that's it for now. I hope cell service gets better so I can keep in touch with the family.
Date: 2017-03-19
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Water Oak Gap
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: few clouds

Started at Dicks Creek Gap 69.3 at 8:20. Dropped off by Sally. Stayed at holiday inn in Hiawassee. Stealth camping at Water Oak Gap 83. Hiked 13.7 miles today. I don't know what made me feel better; the rest, better weather, or food change. The hike was not bad even with a few steep climbs. The big thing for the day was getting into North Carolina. Also passed the twisted tree at Bly Gap. Ariel and I had lunch there last year. So I had lunch there again in celebration of being there again. Stopped hiking around 4:20 with still good temps. The sun was out all day and the wind was minimal. What a difference that makes in the hike and attitude. Supposed to cool off tonight, but I don't think like last week. I hope not to see those temps again..
Date: 2017-03-20
From: Water Oak Gap

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a good day. Started at Water Oak Gap 83 after a pretty good stealth camping. Had to get out and pee four times. I have a pee bottle to use to keep from getting out of tent, but I can't get into any position to use it without cramping some part of my body. So I will continue to drink from my pee bottle until I can actually pee in it.Crested over Standing Indian Mountain today at over 5,400 feet in elevation. Thin air and not in hiking shape don't mix well. But it wasn't too bad. Had good views and stayed high for a few miles. High in elevation, that is.Also there was a memorial to a gentleman that should have been my age at the top of the mountain. I'm not sure if he passed away up there or if it was his favorite place to hike. I took a pic to see if I can read it better later.Ended at Betty Creek Gap 97.3. There are some scattered camp sites there. I'm actually near a dirt road. Three cars have passed by in the last hour. I hope they don't come get me in the middle of the night. Finished the day with 14.3 miles
Date: 2017-03-21
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Franklin-Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 12.2

Today was a tester. In the beginning of the day we topped Albert Mountain which I'd the 100 mile mark. It was a climb to the to, not a hike.Later was a difficult hike over the mountain that Ariel and I stealth camped in a big storm last year. A lot of the trail had been reworked and relocated possibly due to the fires from last year. The climb took ask the energy I had left in me. So when I finally came to a downhill to Winding Stair Gap I decided to take a shuttle into Franklin.
Date: 2017-03-23
From: Franklin-Winding Stair Gap

To: Burnigtown Gap
Miles today: 14.6

Left out of Winding Stair Gap 109.5 around 10:30 am after a zero day in Franklin. Got a late start because the first shuttle was packed full and we had to wait for another shuttle.Went over Siler Bald which had nice views. Also went to the Wayah Bald Tower. The fires had hit there too. The top of the tower was burned and the woods around area had been burned as well.Even though a lot of areas have been burned, The area still looks very nice.Ariel and Hayley will know my next thing, I'm camping with Teardrop and a couple of other guys. He has been youtubing about hiking the AT for about three years.We are at Burningtown Gap 124.1 which is about a mile from a shelter.That gave me a 14.6 mile day.
Date: 2017-03-24
From: Burnigtown Gap

To: NOC
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: broken clouds

Last night around 10:50 I was awakened by a high powered rifle shot. About 100 yards from the camp was a dead end gravel road. Apparently it's a good place to go spotlighting and shoot at anything that moves. Then the spotlight hit my tent, but no shot. Whew! They left after they saw my tent.So I got up and was off on my way to the NOC. I will eventually stop talking about the fire damage, but it was bad again today. I ran into a ridge runner later in the day and she explained all the work that they had been doing to the trails post fires. I know the area needs rain, but there may be an erosion problem if they get a lot. The Jump-off was the big spot of the day. Great views from there and several other spots along the drop into the NOC.Overall had a good day.
Date: 2017-03-25
From: NOC

To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a good day. Views were limited early in the day since I was in the clouds. But it got better as the day progressed. Steep climb up and a big drop down. Temperatures were real good for hiking. Water was limited on the trail, but I had plenty. Saw my first snake of the season (see pics). It was a three or four foot black snake out warming up along the trail.Looks like it may rain tomorrow and the next. Going to shoot for Fontana Dam tomorrow and then zero before starting the Smokeys.
Date: 2017-03-26
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana Dam Visitor Center
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: light rain

Started the day at Stecoah Gap 150.4 at around 7:15. Did slack packing today. Stayed at Stecoah Wolf Creek Hostel (828-735-0768) the last couple of days. It's a very good place and deal. You have your own bedroom and you can do your laundry at no extra charge. Lonnie is the owner and you can't ask for a nicer or more helpful person. I recommend anyone from the NOC of Fontana dam to check this place out.I had to climb Jacobs Ladder pretty early in the hike. It was tough but the views were great looking down as the sun was rising. I took a lunch break at cable gap shelter as it started to sprinkle. After lunch there was a good climb up to a ridge that had good views of the lake for a long time. On the descent the dam was in view for two hours before coming to the road that goes to it. I continued to walk to the Fontana Hilton which claims to be the nicest shelter on the AT. It may be since it has restrooms, showers, and charging areas. Plus it sits just above the lake.I continued to the visitor center 166 to complete my day. I sat on a picnic table for a while just relaxing and enjoying the views. Then I hopped in the car and drove for dinner and back to the hostel.Pretty good 15.6 mile day.Tomorrow I start my trek through the Smoky Mountains. I have enough food for six days. The bag is heavy. I don't plan on going into Gatlinburg, but we'll see what I do when I get to Newfound Gap.That's all for now. Don't know what service I will have the next few days, so don't worry if you don't hear from me for a while.
Date: 2017-03-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I've thought about hiking the whole Appalachian Trail since I first hiked a part of the trail as 12-13 year old Boy Scout in Pennsylvania. One of my college classmates planned to hike the entire trail after graduation in 1979. I envied him. Finally, after my retirement last year after 37 years with IBM, Loral, Lockheed Martin, I've got the opportunity.
Date: 2017-04-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

My plan is to head north from Harper's Ferry on Wednesday, 19 April. After getting to the end of the trail in Maine, I plan to go to Georgia and head north again, finishing at Harper's Ferry. After finishing Maine, I am considering doing Georgia to Harper's Ferry next year since I am not a fan of hiking in the heat. I'll be supported by my wife, Dolora, meeting up about every two weeks.I've been running four miles about five-six times a week to be in shape. For the last couple of months, my right knee has been bothering me. I've stopped running and been walking so it seems to be a lot better. I will be hiking as long as my knee holds up and I'm still having fun!
Date: 2017-04-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I've taken over the living room. Gear is spread out everywhere. I've been sorting it into a couple of piles - goes in my pack, leave behind, maybe and a box that I will ask Dolora to bring along when we meetup every two weeks or so. Weight is adding up pretty quickly but I am hoping to be around 20 pounds before food and water. The hard part is trading off weight for comfort. I've got a rough plan for the first month. I will be starting slow and hopefully increasing my daily mileage as I leave Pennsylvania.My original backpacking experience was with a friend, Bob, back in high school and college. We would plan a week long trip at the end of summer before heading back to school. Trips that stand out were the Black Forest Trail in central Pennsylvania and the Northville Placid Trail in the Adirondacks. I weighed about 50 pounds less and probably carried a 50 pound pack. Now I plan to carry about 30 pounds. Gear has really changed in 40 years. Since some friends and family with little or no backpacking experience will be following my adventure, I plan to try to answer trail questions and describe gear choices as I start my hike. Let me know if you have any questions. My complete gear list can be found at the link below. I will be updating it until I leave.Full Gear List
Date: 2017-04-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

What is the Appalachian Trail, AT for short? The Appalachian Trail is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world, running through 14 states from Georgia to Maine. The AT starts at Springer Mountain in Georgia and finishes at Mount Katahdin in Maine. This year it is 2,189.8 miles long. Trail length varies from year to year because of trail relocations and land acquisitions.The AT was first envisioned by Benton MacKaye in October 1921. In August 1937, a footpath was completed from Georgia to Maine. In 1968, the AT became a national scenic trail under federal protection. Much of the trail was on private land, and some continues to be so today. The National Trails System Act allowed for the acquisition of a corridor for the trail.There are more than 250 shelters located along the AT. Shelters are typically three sided buildings, usually with water and a privy, AT talk for outhouse, close by. Most shelters also have tent sites nearby. Shelters are a good place to meet up with fellow hikers and provide some protection in really wet weather, if you don¢t mind the mice.Most parts of the AT are from three to six days between towns. This allows for frequent resupply and carrying less food weight. If a 2,200 mile hike seems ominous, thinking of it as 50 three to six days hikes makes it seem much more achievable.Appalachian Trail Map
Date: 2017-04-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hikers attempting to complete the entire Appalachian Trail in one season generally have three choices. A limiting factor can be severe weather at the northern terminus of the trail in Maine. Because of its northern latitude and altitude (5,267 feet), access to Mount Katahdin is only available to hikers from 1 June through 15 October.NorthboundThe vast majority of hikers start at Springer Mountain in Georgia and head north. Early shelters and campsites can be overcrowded because of the number of hikers. A start in March or April almost guarantees snow while hiking the Smokies. Northbound hikers should be in Harpers Ferry by 4 July or they risk not making it to Maine before Baxter State Park closes.SouthboundSouthbound hikers generally cannot start their hike before 1 June because of weather in Maine. There are fewer hikers heading south and hikers generally finish at Georgia in the late fall or early winter.Flip FlopA flip flop hike starts somewhere in the middle of the trail. Harpers Ferry is one of the more popular starting points. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters is located there. The ATC hosts a Flip Flop Festival in April. A conventional flip flop could start in Harpers Ferry and head north. After reaching the terminus in Maine, the hiker returns to Harpers Ferry and heads south to the southern terminus in Georgia. A flip flop avoids crowds and probably provides the most favorable weather conditions. The trail is a little flatter at the start, allowing the hiker to get conditioned.Unconventional Flip FlopI plan to start my hike at Harpers Ferry and head north. After reaching Maine, I would head to Georgia and head north again, finishing at Harpers Ferry. Since I live a little over an hour from Harpers Ferry, I would be finishing heading towards home! There¢s always the possibility that I would save the second half for next year and avoid the heat of summer in the south but I won¢t worry about that until I reach Maine.
Date: 2017-04-19
From: Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

Dolora made me a wonderful dinner last night. This morning we drove to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters in Harpers Ferry. I had my picture taken and then we took the 0.2 mile side trail to the AT. Dolora walked with me up to the bridge over the Potomac into Maryland. For the next two miles, the trail was flat and followed the C&O Canal. The day didn't stay flat. Got into Ed Garvey Shelter in the early afternoon. There is a north bounder here who started in Georgia on 1 January. Looks like there are two ladies staying in the shelter tonight. One from Wisconsin set her tent up inside. The other from Maryland is hanging a hammock from the shelter and sleeps with her dog in the hammock. Windy, cool and overcast this evening but no rain.
Date: 2017-04-20
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Rocky Run Shelters
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Eric and Tim, section hikers from PA came in and tented last night. Woke to rain at sunrise. Rain ended about eight. After some coffee, packed up a wet tent and headed out. Passed a few south bound hikers. At Gapland State Park, took the opportunity to rinse some clothes, dry the tent and fill up with water. Sunny and warm until a short shower this evening. 9.1 miles brought me to Rocky Run Shelters. Two shelters and lots of tent sites. A couple of other flip floppers as well as the lady from Wisconsin. The other woman with the dog came in after dark. At least four other section hikers as well. Expecting more tonight. Looking forward to a hot shower 1.8 miles down the trail tomorrow morning. Saw a turkey on the trail this morning. Trees are starting to leaf out. Been great so far. Knees and feet are fine! I'll add photos when I have Wi-Fi.
Date: 2017-04-21
From: Rocky Run Shelters

To: Pogo Memorial Campsites
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

It rained overnight, do I had the opportunity to practice packing a wet tent again. Today was warm and sunny. Tonight is supposed to be dry for a change. After hiking two miles this morning, a hot shower and some laundry at a backpacker campground. Hiking really makes you appreciate a hot shower. Saw a turtle, garter snake, and about a five foot black snake while hiking. Pics will go on Instagram when I have Wi-Fi. At Pogo Memorial Campsite tonight, no shelter but a great spring nearby. Here with Hands and Mouth, another flip flopper who hiked the trail in 2015. Three section hikers and a couple came in later. Not eating as much as planned, I may skip my first planned resupply. Not looking forward to a big up to start the morning.
Date: 2017-04-22
From: Pogo Memorial Campsites

To: Raven Rock Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: light rain

A gang came in last night after dark. Not sure how many since I left before they were up. Well, today's rain started about 5 a.m.and continued all day. The rocks are normally slick, the rain makes them even more slippery. Mud where there aren't rocks. A couple of slips. Temperature in mid 40's, nice on the uphills, ok on the level but cool on the downhill. Thought Hands and Mouth would be going to town for resupply but he was at the shelter when I got here. Trying the shelter tonight since it is still raining. Shelter will probably be full. There are a couple of Boy Scout troops here. Saw several more on the trail today. Had my first trail magic today. Someone left four gallons of water along the trail.Trail MagicTrail magic is the hiker term for trail generosity by people, trail angels, who expect nothing in return. It might be a ride into town, a hot dog, soda or even a place to stay. There are some famous trail angels, sometimes former hikers.
Date: 2017-04-23
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: Tumbling Run Shelters
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

Stepped into Pennsylvania today around noon, leaving Maryland behind. Maryland was kind enough to introduce me to lots of rocks before entering Rocksylvania. Sunny and perfect temperature for hiking today. Rain predicted for Monday and Tuesday. The shelter last night was crowded with several troops of Boy Scouts in tents nearby. Lots of snoring, glad I had ear plugs. Added an extra 0.6 miles this morning having to get water before getting started. Biggest day yet, 13.2 trail miles. Knees and legs feel good. Feet not so much. Dealing with a couple of blisters. Sleeping in the shelter again tonight, at Tumbling Run Shelters. Since there are two shelters, I have one to myself. There are three thru-hikers here, two brothers and a recent Marine. John a photographer for the York Dispatch came in late and is hammocking. He is section hiking. Will spend tomorrow night in a dry room with running water. Should have Wi-Fi to add photos.
Date: 2017-04-24
From: Tumbling Run Shelters

To: Fayetteville, PA
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up to rain this morning. So sleeping in the shelter paid off. Hiked most of the morning in the rain. Lots of rocks, there was mud when there were no rocks. Didn't see anyone hiking today. Did meet Jim at Rocky Mountain Shelters. He was staying there. An older retired guy, doing sections and hitchhiking the hard parts. Not thru hiking but doing sections. Quite a character. I'm in town tonight at a hotel for my zero. Doing my laundry and had a nice hot shower. It is supposed to rain all day tomorrow. I'll take the time to eat, rest and resupply.Zero/NeroA Zero is a day when you don't hike any trail miles. It's a rest day. You do get some non trail miles in by walking to breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as resupply. A Nero is a near zero trail mileage day. You might hike only a mile or two into or out of town. Near Zero = Nero.