morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-09-19
To: bucket list
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

9/7/14 marked my attempt to complete the monumental task of IRONMANthis pic. of my left calf illustrates proof ... i did it! it wasn't pretty, but i did it10/26 is the Marine Corps in D.C., 1/25/2015 the New Orleans Rock & Roll (Deb's doin' the half), 26.2 milersthen early in February you'll hear back from me, WITH TRAIL PICTURESthe equipment is 99% purchased (tested on Wisconsin's ICE AGE TRAIL), the bucket list item is again focused uponand why? because i'm ...
Date: 2015-01-31
To: almost
Miles today: 0.0

from MKE to Atlanta, a ride north with Ron's Shuttle Service, hotel check in, took a nap, to a bar stool for a "jail house stout" and dinner. the tender asks, "you new in town?", "first day ever in Georgia", i respond. "and you ended up in Dahlonega for your first night?!!!", "well, yes", "well, you're frikin'
Date: 2015-02-01
From: Springer Mt.

To: Gooch Mt. Shelter 
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

dropped off at Big Stamp Gap for the approx. 1 mile hike to the top of Springer. overcast with some fog, maybe 50°. "Elf" & "Chase" are leaving as I get to the sign-in; will catch these brothers bout lunch time as precip. begins. eventually being forced into rain coat and pants, puddles form on the trail. 4 hours later I get to Gooch Shelter in heavy rain and greet "J" who I thought might, and was hoping would, be here. "I thought you might catch me but with a trail name like yours, wasn't sure I wanted you to", he says. anyhow, the trail, trees, roots, streams and current weather all seem a bit ...
Date: 2015-02-02
From: Gooch Gap Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 15.9

Strong rain continued through the night giving way to colder temps and eventual snow. was nice hiking with "J" as a tough climb near day's end up Blood Mt. was greatly helped at the summit and way down by local Tommy Munday (in pic.) on this Monday. made it to the hostel by 5:30 to be greeted by "Sunrise", not heatsouthern accents are pleasant, almost comforting. with the one exception of pronouncing my home state as Wes instead of Wis, all is understandable and acceptable. however, what i have read and experienced to date of this trail lingo, well, things, for my liking, will need to become more, should I say, ...
Date: 2015-02-03
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

"J's" brother George picked us for breakfast which certainly qualifies as 'trail magic', hence referred to as "NICE"on the trail by 10, the shelter bout 5 to meet 'Red' from New Orleans and 'Hawaii', i forget where he's from, both out for just a bit. renamed "Mahi-Mahi, he's planning on a 'through hike', know from now on as a "HOAM" (hiker on a mission), come Marchpretty good weather had me break out my spring hat. with the 'blaze', going forward a.k.a. "OLD PAINT", i can't get lost but can get more ...
Date: 2015-02-04
From:  Low Gap

To:  Tray Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

the two of us decided to get up early and hit it by 7 as, 'miles R us'. the novices put us to shame as they both broke camp before usam finding this journal thing difficult to maintain as it doesn't fit into the eat, sleep, hike routine; also cell service is sketchy while fingers freeze early each eveningwas a cold and windy journey to Tray and by days end both my new friend and I were ...
Date: 2015-02-05
From: Tray Mt. Shelter 

To: Plumorchard Shelter 
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

"J's" gettin off the trail today after 11 miles at Dick's Creek as he's takin a few rest days before returning with George, whom i name "Ab", pronounced Abe for 'appreciated brother'. i have really enjoyed the company of "J", he has a great extended family it seemswe find a sunny spot to take 5, and he gets a call that will have him off the trail a bit longer ..... crapwe hike and talk; later we part as i got more distance to dosometimes it's fun, sometimes it's not. life sure can be ...
Date: 2015-02-06
From: Plumorchard Shelter 

To: Carter Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 19.8

(fyi, i did add another prep entry for 1/31)gonna try to pull a long trek today as Franklin, a shower and 1/31 are on my mind. two more days of hiking with this stinky person will be more than enoughwas all alone last night and won't see a single person today; it starts a mind to wonderin does a falling tree make a noise in the woods? the Plumorchard Shelter is a three level beaut and staying on top only makes sense. then you realize that heat rises, only, if, there, is, some. this could be deep philosophical thought, maybe just common sense; either way it's ...
Date: 2015-02-07
From: Carter Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap/Franklin, N.C.
Miles today: 15.9

"Sir Smokes Alot" was, in fact, the only human of yesterday's voyage; he was at the shelter. this Arkansas resident may have been there for Awhile.getting up Albert Mt. was a hoot; lot of rock, seemingly straight up; from the warmth of the station on top, i contacted Beverly who provided NICE shuttle service from Winding Stair Gap into Franklina tour of town, an offer to do anything to assist, to lodging for the night; now this place is ...
Date: 2015-02-08
From: Franklin, N.C.

To: take a day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

thought about a 'Nero' today, then decided to stay in town, but let's get real here. truth can only be found in the words of Leonard Nimoy, in the first flick of the latest Star Trek movie series, when he relates that he finds Nero "to be a particularly troubled Romulan" as for me, today i took a "NADA"all this trail talk is ...
Date: 2015-02-09
From: Franklin, N.C.

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Franklin, NC was an enjoyable experience; maybe a little slow because it's early. that's just fine with me.Outdoor 76 has a great employee in Josh; i now have what i need for the Smokies.as i head out in light rain and fog up into an early gap, there are six locals who wish me well and assure me that all will be clear by noon; these will be the only folks i'll see for the day.i trek on as the weather attempts to break and start to set camp at 3:30; fifteen minutes later the skies open up with sleet that's sticking; heavy rain lasted most of the night.this day of walking through the mist and fog with a sloppy trail and many downed/moss covered trees felt very ...
Date: 2015-02-10
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: the N.O.C.
Miles today: 11.7

one of best night's sleep i've had and I wake to 20° and stars. head out for 18+ today and 22 tomorrow will put me at Fontana Dam and the Smokies by Thursday.the trail is slick from frost, ice patches and mud; now dense fog closes in. i got be careful as there are some steep and rocky downhills.getting beyond all the dangers, the sun begins to show itself. gliding along quickly now on to the N.O.C., WHAM Batman, i am on the ground. and something is ... t w i s t e dOFF THE TRAIL:2/11/2015 "enough suspense" (reflecting on Tuesday) it was my left trekking pole; snapped right at the handle. lucky i didn't run that carbon into my hand. a little blood, a bit more mud and dirt, but i'm off again, slower this time. POW Robin, this time i'm on my back and ... t w i s t e d 2/12/2015 "the tat is ok"(have added many more pictures to my journal)well that one produced a pretty good gash which bled, but only because I decided to look after a bit ... what a klutz. but this still is not why i am taking these Nada days. it's something more ... t w i s t e d2/13/2013 "this feels like Venice"so, the real reason for these zeros, that you've all been waiting for: i get to the N.O.C. on Tuesday, check out the outfitters, go for lunch to the River's End but (as i was told to do) call my next stay over spot. am told "DON'T COME!!!" who's this, the Joker? thinking my reputation had preceded me, but apparently there's this big storm with snow (couple of inches), cold temps (teens at night) and gusting winds (probably like what "J" and i had going up Blood & Tray Mts.). so what's a guy to do? should i hold up for a few days until this passes? i call another place; they're in Florida. being from WI, i can handle the cold, but I don't know a thing about the mts. so I'll stay here. how bad can it get? i ask that good lookin' dude in the mirror. what does he know, obviously he's ... t w i s t e d2/14/2015 "maybe i'll look for a job"Happy V. Day. hey, my pictures are now viewable! is it just a coincidence, or is this beer being brewed in Pottsville, PA ...
Date: 2015-02-15
From: N.O.C.

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: clear sky

heading out this morning, no matter what; the plan is to pick up my resupply box at Secoah Gap and continue on as far as i can. but then i've seen what happens to plans!with too much time on my hands the last few days, i do what used to really piss off my 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Hanaman; scratching into the surface of the desk. now forever etched into one table at the N.O.C.'s base camp, with countless other names, messages and initials, it reads ...
Date: 2015-02-16
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 17.8

oh boy, now after holing up from the storm that never was, there might be a doozy comin'just as i get to the actual dam at Fontana, light mist starts; i understood this was to be snow. by the time i get to the park's registration box it is sleet. as time passes, the footing gets tough. with lower temps and hard rain, ice begins sticking to the trees.there's no turning back and with about two miles left to "home", ice falls off the bending limbs"i've seen bigger blizzards at the D.Q.", says Richard Sherman. we'll see who's ...
Date: 2015-02-17
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter 

To: Russell Field Shelter 
Miles today: 2.8

through the night i hear the thunder of crashing branches and trees ... all ice today with the temperatures dropping and tremendous debris on the trail, helps me make the decision to do a short day and hunker down. along with Hobbit's help from back home, i plan to spend the night here and get into town until things get less ... t w i s t e dOFF THE TRAIL:2/18/2015 "come on down" south-bounder, "Good Times" (from Florida) pops into this shelter as i prepare to head out, about 9 a.m.; he's going to Fontana, me, to a hotel. supposed to be -0° tonight = no thanksmy 2 x 6 inch blaze, old paint hat, pictured on 2/3, has special meaning. given to me by my youngest daughter, 'Haley', she got it while working one summer at Oshkosh's EAA (experimental aviation association) shindig as an assistant for the 'HondaJet' company. which bring me to my older/est daughter 'Honna'. she baby sat with a little boy who pronounced her name only, and always, as the Japanese car maker. should they ever need trail names, i suggest they be "Honda" & "Jet". this special hat leads me down the trail with happy thoughts and little problem of ever being truly lost or too badly ... t w i s t e d2/19/2015 "Townsend, TN"if you haven't guessed yet, there's a theme here, i'm in Townsend, TN and still ... t w i s t e d2/20/2015 "runnin' 4 mayor"as i worked through some of the downed and ice covered branches blocking the trail the other day, i come across a moss covered, seemingly brittle twig. to get it out of the way, i give it a whack. this picture shows that i'm in search of yet another pole. didn't seem like a bad decision at the time but, it was (ALL TOGETHER NOW) ... t w i s t e d2/21/2015 "doowa, doowa"due to the rough weather of late, i'm truly glad i'm off the trail. i think back to my first night of frustration while at the N.O.C., realizing that i'll be held up for much longer than i care to. i'm at the basecamp and walk up stairs to a sizable dining and kitchen area. in the first room is a cooks dream with two sinks, stoves, coffee pots and fridges with enough counter space to prep for an army. yet a mother's nightmare as it's clear that people have somewhat recently been here and there are dirty dishes EVERYWHERE. a space that i will never personally use, and what do I do? just like back home, i cleaned it! now that is ...
Date: 2015-02-22
From: the Best Western

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: overcast clouds

the Russell Field to the Anthony Creek Trails take me down the mountain Wednesday; i do these in reverse and UP this morning. these are beautiful paths along a river with a number of water crossings. large whitetail deer and wild turkeys greeted me as i entered the Cades Cove park area the other day. met a ranger here to give me a ride into town. the roads were all ice with white out conditions hitting on the way in. things are much better today as i've been hunting for a ride back to 'the cove'.couple dozen calls made produced nothing. packed all my stuff and decided to hitch it when i opened the door of my hotel room to leave and there was Gabby. a cute, all white, two year old poodle type of dog whose owner is Dianna. where do think they're going?over $70 was the charge some wanted; this trip was $0, except for my popcorn. THANK YOU GABBY & DIANNA!!! would have kept the unpopped corn but the LONG extension cord for my microwave became ...
Date: 2015-02-23
From: Spence Field Shelter 

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: overcast clouds

the last couple hundred yards was tough back up to the Russell Field Shelter before moving to Spence. found myself pushing through bent limbs and bushes full of wet snow; sometimes crawling, doubting that i was on the trail; i'm soaked and cold. 3 young guys hiked into Spence (with Alabama and Michigan connections) an hour after me and will spend the night; they'll go back to Cades Cove in the a.m.i push ahead following no footprints.Tatum is a niece who told me early on to write a book of my A.T. adventures. she stated that i was smart enough to do so; man, on that point, is she ever ...
Date: 2015-02-25
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter 

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: broken clouds

relatively clear day gave me my first real views of the mountains i have been hikin'. today i made it to 6655 ft. and Clingman's Dome. i've added quite a few more pictures if you're interested.a friend, David Miller, who is AWOL somewhere on Lake Winnebago, was quite insistent that i take a piece, a gun, a firearm, a weapon of some sort on this trip. am happy to report that awhile ago i did purchase a tiny knife to 'cut the cheese' should it become ...
Date: 2015-02-26
From: Newfound Gap

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

another storm moves in, i get off the trail, and find that this access may be closed for a bit. Gatlinburg, like the Dells or Niagara Falls in July, is ... t w i s t e dOFF THE TRAIL:2/7/2015 "i do realize that ....."i'm a wimp; yet i know that thought is ... the # of days off are awfully close to the # of days on, and i am concerned. posting journal entries and pictures wouldn't occur if not for this down time and there's no beer out/up there, but i'd rather be putting on miles.a shout out to my great niece, KENNEDY, who is 5 years old today!met a, 40ish year old, man the other day who said his name was John Walker. "Johhny Walker has a nice ring/taste to it", i stated. he said he preferred his middle name and we had a very nice conversation. Hobbit's girl friend, Patti (trail name "Elk Teaser"), Hugh (trail name "She Won't Let Me") and his wife Kathy (trail name "Kathy") would have seen this guy's chosen name alone (in political terms) to be totally ...
Date: 2015-02-28
From: Newfound Gap

To: Peck ' s Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

this guy offers to pick me up from Gatlinburg, which i know is out of the way, and we set out from Newfound Gap, now that the road is open. we meet five guys from Mississippi as they leave their one night at Icewater Spring Shelter; two local gals are coming back from Charlie's Bunion. those are the last people, and footprints, we'll see in the park.the bunion was a hoot, as we take pics. and celebrate having a hiking partner. things quickly turn as no hikers equal tough (this time impossible) conditions.as i falls off the trail for about a 35 yards slide down the mt. (swear i was pushed), Subman and i work through the most challenging day of hiking i've had as barely one mile per hour gets us to a shelter as opposed to tents and a tempting blown over stumpno other way to put it, coming back up here now was ...
Date: 2015-03-01
From: Peck ' s Corner Shelter

To: Tried Corner Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: light snow

late start as the rest was needed; very slow going with wet and heavy snow drifts causing many breakthroughs.forget which of my nephews (Tyler or Travis) said it, and exactly in what context, but one used the phrase "because an idiot did it". don't know why, but that has stuck with me for months. whatever 'accomplishments' i've had (though the "i" word fits), i still prefer the descriptor ...
Date: 2015-03-03
From: Cosby Knob Shelter 

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

we leave the Smoky Mountains and get to the prearranged appointment with Suds and the Subman's departure. i look forward to our next hike together.only regret, as i get goofy shortly after they leave, the cap to the So. Co. bottle should have remained un ...
Date: 2015-03-04
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter 
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

the owner of this hostel, Curtis, passed away in the night. he will be missed by many and the hiking community wishes the very best to his family & friends. a shout out for hospice care and volunteers. Jane, put me down for whatever best helps your records, an hour or 241 miles from Springer Mt., GAbeautiful hiking today with Max Patch and views of the Great Smoky Mountains (now behind me). many out on this great day, and who comes into this shelter, late, 'Red'. somehow, i think he would enjoy being called ...
Date: 2015-03-05
From: Roaring Forks Shelter 

To: Laughing Heart Lodge & Hostel
Miles today: 18.0

woke up, packed and left 'Red' as he stated, from a lump on the floor, that he didn't hike in the rain. sleet and ice joined the very wet day all the way to town. got off the trail fairly early by mistake, correcting things in about 20 minutes.get to the hostel and am taking of wet everything to find that 'Red' is already here.he's quite resourceful and is always 'figuring things out'; he has arranged a work for stay and got here more by thumb than feet. i have renamed him MacGyver. some have asked about my feet. yes, i must admit, i have them. most days things balance out, with four toes on one, six on the other. and blisters you've inquired; well, that does seem to be a bit personal, if not ...
Date: 2015-03-06
From: Laughing Heart Lodge & Hostel

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

had a nice night in Hot Springs, though it was chilly. a big climb out of town in sunshine and warming temps. about noon time, with increased elevations, winter returned with substantial snow & ice on the trail. made it to the shelter just as the sun set at 6:29i hereby end my attempt to create a new trail language. the one that exists does the trick; it is functional and fairly well thought out. there is, however, one change that takes effect immediately. the 'privy' is now 'the schultz'; it is what it must be, ...
Date: 2015-03-07
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Flint Mt. Shelter 
Miles today: 13.2

many people are out today on this Saturday; probably ran into 25 day hikers and one 'the Cleaner'.Bearwhallow Gap and Big Butt kicked my legs.Tarin, my niece, tells me that you got to have chapstick on a trip such as this. she's right as it works well on scratches, blisters and lips from getting ...
Date: 2015-03-08
From: Flint Mt. Shelter 

To: Mountain Bald Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: broken clouds

long day of hiking and tough climbs leads me to stretches of black, thick mud and a shelter with two N.C. college students on spring break.have a good video (i think) from the top of the bald but can't figure out how to post it. could it be that the instructions are ...
Date: 2015-03-09
From: Mountain Bald Shelter

To: Erwin 
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

snow and rain came early though most of the hike was dry and pleasant. BIG beers and Mexican food with "Hobbit" was the culmination to a long but good day.one of the college kids at the shelter last night had me convinced that Erwin was 5.6 miles away, and not the 16.6 i had calculated. having lost my maps, again, who was i to argue and i looked forward to a short day. well, the history major's math was ...
Date: 2015-03-12
From: Hughes Gap

To: Carvers Gap
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: overcast clouds

my hike manager (Hobbit) drives me to Hughes Gap, points at Roan Mountain and says "go"; so i go. a challenging climb with a good amount of mud, turns to long stretches of stones and rock stairs. i made decent time and then found a luge course down, especially at, and after, Roan High Knob Shelter. was warned about the ice up here. yesterday's rain and today's warm temps. probably improved conditions for my hike and still it was wild, crazy and, of course, ...
Date: 2015-03-13
From: Carvers Gap

To: U.S. 19E
Miles today: 14.8

Round, Jane, Grassy Ridge, Little Hump and Hump Mt. was today's challenge in rain/sleet and heavy winds.coach just won't let up and i don't know how much i can take. able to handle the work outs but the good food, drinks and hotels are ...
Date: 2015-03-14
From: U.S. 19E

To: Dennis Cove Rd.
Miles today: 24.7

got 100% of the 70% chance of rain today; chilly at times but nothin' like yesterday.my feet continue to develop sores, blisters, strains, etc.   walking is rough at the end of each day. may be something i just need to live with, though they're dry now and that's an improvement.the pic. features a tree; did you notice that it's ...
Date: 2015-03-15
From: Dennis Cove Rd.

To: Vandeventer Shelter 
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: light rain

Spring Break for Hobbit turned into a windfall for me. six days of being told where to go and how far, then being picked up for dinner and put to bed. this, along with continual banter between us, had many thinking, yet one hotel clerk asking, "how long you two been married".with cell service available, my journal is up to date with one entry per day since 2/1 and at least one photo daily. consensus is that there was over kill with Gatlinburg.the fifth 'T' child, Tabitha, has a birth day one day from my own. she is loving and somehow tolerates an uncle so ...
Date: 2015-03-16
From: Vandeventer Shelter 

To: Abington Shelter 
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: overcast clouds

a 22+ on top of a 17+ on top of a 24+, most on "the Damascus Turnpike", has my body screaming for a break. and one is comin' soon as coach says i can take a day when i get to town. getting into the shelter at dusk, i am greeted by a somewhat local dad and his 21 year old daughter on spring break. they are doing an overnight in a tent; how cool. news from back home has Honda buying a Toyota and Jet getting a cat to which she is allergic; the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, which is ...
Date: 2015-03-17
From: Abington Shelter 

To: Damascus 
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

this short distance day is welcomed as is a beautiful, mostly downhill, hike into 'Trail Town U.S.A.'yes, i'm early, but this town is dead as i have to scramble for a beer on this St. Patrick's Day. Deb would remind me that this is like Ireland as it's a religious holiday there.staying at the Dancing Bear B&B and find Melissa to be very welcoming.browsing the book section, a nice little old lady tells me that her hubby got her 'Grandma Gatewood' for Christmas. what a coincidence, i share, as Deb, my wife, had gotten it for me on the same occasion. we strike up a conversation about Grandma, other books, the trail and such, when she asks me my name as, "i will pray for you on your journey". i tell her and she says, "ok, but what is your trail name?" you should have seen her face, as i say ...