morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-19
From: Max Patch Summit

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We were blessed today with another beautiful day for hiking. It was sunny and the temp when we woke was 32 degrees. I took more pictures of the sunrise. The hike was easy today but long as I was pushing hard to get into Hot Springs by tomorrow. I took pictures of some deer grazing at Walnut Mountain Shelter. Stopped for the day at Deer Park Mountain Shelter. This shelter was small and old but there were nice areas to tent around it.
Date: 2010-04-20
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: light rain

One of the guys that slept in his sleeping bag by the fire last night said he saw three small bears just out from the camp. He said he threw rocks at them and they finally went away. I usually sleep with ear plugs so I didn't hear a thing. The weather was cloudy today and I am expecting rain, another reason to hurry into Hot Springs. Got into Hot Springs too early to check into Elmers Sunnybank Inn and one of the other hikers said there was already a waiting list of people to check in. I went over to Sunnybank to have my name added to the list and then went across the street to a restaurant for breakfast. The breakfast was great and many of the other hikers were there too. I went back over to Sunnybank Inn to see if I would be able to get a room. I did get a room, shared with another hiker called the Professor. Sunnybank Inn is a unique old historic home that operates as a Bed and Breakfast type Inn. They serve gourmet organic vegetarian meals that are very tasty. Dinner started with soup, then salad, the main course and then a homemade apple pie that had a unique taste to it. I don't know what the extra ingredient was but it was good, served with ice cream and coffee. I took many pictures of the house. Hot Springs is a nice small and quiet town usually but right now they are rerouteing traffic from Interstate 40 through because of a rock slide. It has a very good hiking outfitter here called Bluff Mountain Outfitters. This town was once a prisoner of war camp during WWI for German officers. It also has a working hot spring spa where you can go and soak in a naturally heated mineral water hot tub or get a massage. I soaked in the water for an hour and it only cost me fifteen dollars because I am a resident of that county. It did start raining and I'm glad I'm here.
Date: 2010-04-22
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Log Cabin Drive and Hemlock Hollow Farm
Miles today: 16.3

We were blessed with another beautiful day today as we hiked out of Hot Springs. The views back down into Hot Springs and of the French Broad River were great. After looking back to Hot Springs there wasn't much else to see on this section of the trail. Got off the trail at Log Cabin Drive and hiked 0.7 miles to Hemlock Hollow Farm. This was a nice hostel with a separate shower building, kitchenette, large fire ring with benches, and a small store with many camping food items for resupply. The bunk house sleeps eight but there was just me and one other hiker there. They also have private cabins and were trying to get a restaurant going there in the future.
Date: 2010-04-23
From: Log Cabin Drive and Hemlock Hollow Farm

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

Nice day for hiking but this was one tough climb today, stopped for lunch at Little Laurel Shelter. It was so warm by this time I had to change shirts and socks and then a very steep climb for a full mile to the top of Camp Creek Bald. From there to Jerry Cabin Shelter looks easy on the elevation profile map but it turned out to be very tough with lots or rocks. Had some great views from Big Firescald Knob but after this ten mile section it was time to stop for the day. Only two other hikers with me in the shelter tonight.
Date: 2010-06-05
To: Catawba Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Note from Sabbath_Keeper's transcriber/Mom: Sabbath_Keeper is still on the trail and doing well. He is doing quite a lot of daily miles and has not had time or connections to keep up his journal. He promises to get them all up to date later. I spoke to him today and he is at the Catawba Mountain Shelter (mile marker 700.3) and sounds great and still enjoying the hike. He is able to add photos easier than to add a journal so check out his photos and we will update the journal when we can. God bless and happy trails to you.
Date: 2010-06-16
To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Note from Sabbath_Keeper's transcriber/Mom: Sabbath_Keeper is still on the trail making good miles. I spoke with him tonight and he is in Waynesboro, VA, mile marker 853.1. Since he doesn't hike on the Sabbath, he feels he must get good miles the other six days. He still doesn't get good reception on his Peak device while on the trail so updated journals and pictures will have to wait. He is doing well and the knees are good and no major blisters. He has bought his third pair of shoes. Keep him in your prayers.
Date: 2010-06-20
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Note from Sabbath_Keeper's transcriber/Mom: Sabbath Keeper is still knocking out the miles and doing well. He called last night to wish his father "Happy Father's Day" and he was at Rock Spring Hut, mile marker 918.4. For a change he had good cell phone reception. He mentioned that his weight was probably down to about 180 and that's 25 pounds less than when he started. That's a good benefit of hiking the trail. He really appreciates all the prayers and feels they are the reason he is doing so well with his knees and feet. He did about 21 miles yesterday and also several days previous to that. Keep those prayers going up!
Date: 2010-02-01
To: Go!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The thought had occurred to me to hike the PCT again. But I need to go east. I¢m not sure if its a macho thing, me wanting to complete the triple crown, or... Do I actually want to hike the Appalachian Trail? Many from out west distance themselves from the AT. It is ¢the green tunnel¢ they say. It goes over every single peak, pointless ups and downs, hot, muggy, rainy, Don¢t go! They tell me.If you read my other journals there was a reoccurring theme. As I hiked, I learned to sort of ignore what I was told and look for my self. I was told not to go on a snow chute. I hiked around. Many hikers I knew hiked through and said there was nothing to worry about. A sign in Oregon warned us ¢You¢ll never make it¢ Well, we made it. On the CDT I was warned about the snow in southern Colorado. I¢m here? Though that was admittedly a bit early and dangerous entering the San Juan Mountains on May 28...Take what people tell you with a grain of salt. Look for your self. Where am I going with this? ¢Don¢t hike the AT¢ they say. Well, I¢m going to look for myself. I accept that it won¢t be the nonstop views of the PCT, which almost desensitizes one to the natural beauty. I realize that the AT won¢t be the incredibly remote, solitary experience like the CDT. It will be different with its own eccentricities and rewarding experiences.I look forward to the history and culture more so than on the other two trails. I also look forward to people actually knowing what I am doing there. I hear good things about hiker friendly towns, quick hitches, and cheaper accommodations in towns.I leave in early May.
Date: 2010-02-15
To: Winter
Miles today: 0.0

I love winter. I love snow. I don't mind being chilly. Skiing is one of my favorite activities. Well two... I telemark and cross country. I am thinking of trying some cross country ski races next year. It will be a good reason to stay in shape after my hike.As winter progresses, a sunny week reminds me that longer days approach. I look east, to the Appalachian Trail. It will still be several months before I fly to Atlanta. But I am restless. I am spending far too much time on the computer looking for new lighter more expensive, more prestigious gear. Can¢t I just bring a fleece blanket and a plastic sheet? NO! Silnylon, spinnaker, cuben fiber, carbon fiber, quilts, tarps, liner socks. I have become ill, warped by my desire to go lighter. Well, I¢ll embrace it. When you see me at night, I¢ll be the soaking wet cold guy shivering under a tree.
Date: 2010-03-20
To: Super-spazzy-ultra-spendy-mega-ultralight
Miles today: 0.0

I have been fiddling with tarp designs over this past weekend. I am planning on making my own. This won¢t be hard as I have decided to go with a flat tarp. There will be no curved cuts and tricky lines. One can be rather creative with a flat piece of fabric. And if I go with the super-spazzy-ultra-spendy-mega-ultralight cuben fiber, the whole six foot by 8.5 foot sheet will weigh in at less than five ounces!I have my pack, quilt... most items. I need to get some new trekking poles. I need to dehydrate more food, and most importantly, make more money. That is why I am not leaving until May. Also, I want to get my money¢s worth out of my skiing season pass.
Date: 2010-04-10
To: Company
Miles today: 0.0

Today three PCT hikers came up for dinner before embarking on their trek. Tarzan and Zelda, who helped me with my journal and photos last year, and Zorro, a hiker with whom I hiked the PCT in southern California in 2008. I wish them luck, fair weather, lots of water and no fires. Have fun guys!I am still a few weeks from my departure date, which I have moved up to May 3. I am flying out on May 2nd. I have a ride from the airport to the trail lined up and will likely ship my sharp pointy stuff there so I don¢t have to deal with the airport security.My gear is getting into shape, slowly. I have all the clothes, socks, a couple pairs of shoes, some food... I have my tarp cut out, but I don¢t have the lines attached. My bivy has a pattern, and is not cut out. My rain skirt is a flat wrap which I can use as a modesty kilt, ground cloth, sail, cover to keep stuff dry... I have a free weekend coming up which I plan to use very well. No procrastinating!
Date: 2010-04-15
To: Gear
Miles today: 0.0

Here is my gear lists. I am updating it as things change and get built.Weights are approximate as the scale I have been using lately isn't exactly reliable.Mountain Laurel Designs Revelation and liner, 6 ozTorso foam pad, 4 ozThinlite pad, 2 ozSummer quilt, 13 ozTarp, 5 ozBivy, 5 ozstakes, lines, 2.5 oztotal big stuff: 37.5 ozClothes carried:Golite wisp jacket, 3 ozID cape, 5 ozSilnylon skirt, wrap, groundcloth, 2.5 ozThermals, 6 oz, 5 oz = 11 ozsocks, gloves, hat, 4.5 oz26 oz63.5 ozOther stuff:Wallet, guide, paper, pen, light 2 oztoiletries, first aid, 4.5 ozToothbrush, powder, purell, bandanna...PB jar, spoon, 2 ozwatter bottles, 2.5 oztreatment chemicals, 1 ozbear line, carabiner, cuben fiber bag, 1.5 oz13.5 oz77 oz total, 4 lbs, 13 ozWorn or heldConvertible pants, 8ozlong sleeve shirt, 8 ozboxers, 3 ozsocks, 1 ozsun hat, 2ozTitanium Goat poles, 8 ozcamera, 5 oz
Date: 2010-04-29
To: Boxes and boxes of useless sh...tuff
Miles today: 0.0

It is April 29th. I fly out of Sacramento on Sunday the 2nd and should be on trail on the 3rd. Snow fell the last two days, not amounting to much... but it is somewhat unusual to see here in late April. Interestingly, it snowed last year the day I departed for the CDT.I have been spending the last couple very wet days organizing my worldly possessions. Boxes and boxes of outdoor gear, six or seven pairs of skis, four of which I use regularly. Even more boxes of books, none of which I would like to get rid of.My parents, once again, are helping me out. Their office is my basecamp. Boxes and boxes of lentils, couscous, ricerice, and beansbeans... hmm. I plan to ship a little bit less than last year and take some of the stress away from my poor mom! But it is cheaper, unless you do nothing but raid hiker boxes, to have food shipped.My cuben fiber tarp is made and works well. I would rather not use it in 50 mile per hour wind, but it should keep the rain off me. And it weighs 4.5 ounces! I had fiddled with the idea of making a bivy, but I don't know about the strength of this cuben fiber stuff for the bottom and I am fresh out of silnylon. I may order one and just rough it for a few days. We shall see. I still might get one together.May 2nd approaches fast and I have so much to do still: Watch baseball games, eat dim sum, check my mail, repeatedly... Now what am I supposed to do with 20 pairs of cotton socks I haven't worn in five years...
Date: 2010-05-03
From: Amacalola Falls

To: Hawk Mountain
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: broken clouds

Day one: It is muggy, foggy, and threatening to rain. This ain't the west!Adam, my contact in Atlanta, friend of a friend, drove me to Amacalola Falls after I awoke late. I'm still used to Pacific time. He decided to hike the first 8.8 miles with me as he had never done so. We started at 11:30. I completely and utterly failed to sign the register, but I think I would have been about #715. Some hikers start AT Springer Mountain, so the falls register is inherently inaccurate.So, despite the limited sleep and grogginess, I was wired! I took the metal steps two at a time! That was for the first 38 seconds, then slowed to a slow but resolute plod up all 604 steps to the top of the falls. It's a heck of a start! I can see why some walkers complain.We walked through the mugginess to Springer, rolling gently upwards. The clouds lifted and cleared a bit at Springer, affording views of the rolling green expanse.After taking off solo, I found myself on a white blazed trail. These white marks lead almost 2200 miles north. They are sure easier to follow than the occasional CDT blazes! White diamond, hundred feet, white diamond... wait..., aren't they supposed to be vertical rectangles? My mistake was resolved shortly when my white diamond blazed trail rain perpendicular into the AT. I am no longer a purist! Oh no! Tragedy and such!Once on track I made good time to Hawk Mountain to camp. There were at least 20 other people already there, a veritable tent city of domes, mids, and my floppy little cuben flat tarp.
Date: 2010-05-04
From: Hawk Mountain

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: scattered clouds

*wheeeeezzzz* I caught a cold either on the plane or before I left. Luckily, I am in what Adam called "a big vaporizer" It doesn't smell like chamomile... but it does smell decent! Almost tropical. I started walking at 7:00 in shorts and my button up shirt.The first 15 miles were easy. But somewhere shy of Blood Mountain I almost bonked. I am beat! I don't know if it is the business of the last few days or the terrain, but I'm tired. But I held it together, making Neel's Gap in time to get my pizza order in. Again there are tons of hikers. The hostel is full, and there are a few people camped out back.I was able to get a few phone calls in and take stock of my situation. I am feeling the effects of the cold, a little coughing and fatigue, also I am feeling the effects of the jarring decent from Blood Mountain. My right knee, the one that has given me trouble in the past, smarts a bit. I'll take it easy tomorrow and try not to do more than today's 23 miles.
Date: 2010-05-05
From: Neel's Gap

To: Blue Mountain Gap
Miles today: 18.0

The sounds here are different from other sounds I have encountered walking. There are numerous bugs, crickets, and such. It is somewhat tropical... I can also hear people. Rather loud people, music from ipods. Gone is the utter and profound calm stillness of the high desert, or the roadless solitude of the High Sierra. But this is something different, not worse. I expect different.I resupplied out of Neel's Gap, which was limited. I would rather not eat Ramen noodles every night. And I prefer pure peanut butter without sugar added. Other snacks included chips, crackers, and a couple bars. I hope to make it to Nanatahala Outdoor Center, 100 miles away.Halfway through the day as I sat under a tree airing out my feet, a walker caught up to me and asked if I was San Gabriel. She is Kirstin, and Austrailian hiker on a similar breakneck schedule as me. Some hikers had apparently told her that I was ahead and a fairly speedy hiker. We walked for the rest of the day together to Blue Mountain Shelter. It sets up two climbs for the morning up Rocky and Tray Mountains.I have talked very little of people, or at least individual people. On the CDT I mentioned every single person I saw. Even on the PCT I could write down names. Here it is different; There were dozens of people at Hawk Mountain, near 20 at Neel's Gap. So I apologize if I don't mention anyone in particular. I can only remember so many names! And that is usually just the ones I walk with.
Date: 2010-05-06
From: Blue Mountain Gap

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: few clouds

Before 7:00, Kirsten and I were trundling down the hill, only to meet a steep incline on the other wide of the road, Rocky Mountain. The climb wasn't bad, but at this point, I am not fit enough to race to the top as I hope to in weeks to come. Once over Rocky Mountain, Tray Mountain rudely hit me with another climb, and it began to get warm. Kirsten and I summitted at 10:30 and took an early lunch under cloudless blue skies and and oppressive heat. It might not actually be that hot, but it snowed at my house a week ago! I'm not ready for this! After a long break, our mileage suffered. Kirsten and I took turns leading and pushing each other onward. On our way up our final hill with another hiker, Lynn, we met a guy in full camo carrying a sizable shotgun."I saw a bear down a ways... I sang to it" He says in a thick southern accent"What tune" I think Lynne asked"Der Vogelfanger Ich Bin Ya" he responds in that same thick accent (It is an Aria from Mozart's Magic Flute.)I never would have placed him as an opera fan.
Date: 2010-05-07
From: Deep Gap

To: Standing Indian
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: scattered clouds

This terrain at times boggles my mind. Up high, the view looks like lake water; trees haven't fully leafed out yet and dead leaves litter the ground, BUT it's 80 degrees! The climbs aren't yet steep and tough as I expected, but the relative heat to my home in the Sierras gives an added challenge. I hiked with Kirsten today, who might now be in the Alps or the Tazmanian She-Devil. At the shelter we met Ladybird once again, with whom we caped with at Blue Mountain. I am feeling better! A doctor who happened to be at the shelter told me I have Pateller Tendinitis and will feel better when my muscles catch up with the knee strain. Maybe a couple weeks of hiking.
Date: 2010-05-08
From: Standing Indian

To: Silver Bald
Miles today: 27.2

The Ace bandage works well in the morning for the tendinitis. Then I take it off; it's getting stronger! Hiked with Ladybird, another fast hiker.I wanted "trail magic", you know, where you get a soda or fruit, but I didn't realize what I was getting WAS magic. A couple of days ago, the hiker Lynn gave me an ace bandage for my knee, and Briole gave me a patella stabilizing gadget. This all added to the doctor I met who diagnosed my knee trauma. Yay! I will be OK!My knee feels great today, despite the 27 miles! Those miles were fairly mellow. Mount Albert was the sight of the day. The climb is unreasonably steep, but the view from the uniformly unvaried tree covered hills was a complete 360 degrees. Not a bad lunch spot!Camped with Ladybird tonight. Swapped out one high miler for another. I think Kirsten made it to Franklin.
Date: 2010-05-09
From: Silver Bald

To: Above N.O.C.
Miles today: 26.1

Not all trail stops are created equal. N.O.C. is difficult to navigate on a Sunday. I literally ran to make sure I get there before the store closed. Weird place on a Sunday night. I miraculously made it to the store before the early 5:00 closing, time to load up on ramens and oats for the short trip to Fontana. After that, I spent an hour doing laps, trying to find showers, the hostel, and other hikers. After managing to wrangle some quarters, I showered and decided to set out on the trail after having a sandwich. I chatted a bit with Ladybird, then charged up to a flat spot to camp for the night, which was only a few miles up. I saw a bear!
Date: 2010-05-10
From: Abover N.O.C.

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Grade is an expression of slope. To say a trail is graded at 10% means there is 528 feet of elevation change in one mile. That is fairly mellow. Today I found one at 60%! 650 feet up in two-tenths of a mile. It was fun! Suddenly I have a different definition of fun than I used to. After sliding down a small hill in my quilt, I made good time climbing a steep trail and finished the day in the rain at Fontana Dam. I was able to try out the rain gear, which worked very well. It was 6:00 p.m., too late to go to the post office. I'll have to go tomorrow. Lots of hikers at the shelter, aka Fontana Hilton. Hopefully, the weather clears for the Smokeys, so I can see the beauty everyone talks about.
Date: 2010-05-11
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Derick Knob
Miles today: 23.0

I walked in rain, wind, and fog...all day. I can't imagine there would be any smoke in the Smokey Mountains in this considerable and unending dampness.I started the trail at 11:00, after resupplying, and marched on through the gloom for close to nine straight hours. The climbs so far are not what some claim them to be. There are switchbacks, bu the grades are reasonably mellow.I arrived late at the Derick Knob Shelter, which was full of hikers. From a small radio in the corner, Billy Joel was blaring. I abhor Billy Joel! I guess we are all entitled to our musical taste.
Date: 2010-05-12
From: Derick Knob

To: Icewater Spring
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm not a fan of national parks if I hike through them, as there are restrictions. I would gladly have gone another six miles, but I stopped early, due to no trail-shelters in some national parks, at least here. In NY, hikers are required to sleep in the shelters. I might try to kick out my first 30 miles tomorrow, so I can get to a hostel. Rain, rain, fog, rain, mist, fog, rain... Hiking today was somewhat miserable. It drizzled and was intensely foggy all day. Clingman's Dome should have been a highlight to the evening, but it wasn't. The fog was too thick, so I had no views.I was thinking of hitching a ride out of Gatlinburg, but resisted. I'll wait until Hot Springs for a town stop.
Date: 2010-05-13
From: Icewater Spring

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 30.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I rolled in a 6:00 and am pretty sore. 30.7 miles in 11 hiking hours. Fun place!Here I am at Standing Bear Farm; one of the most interesting and unusual places I have been. It is very hard to explain. There are all the facilities a hiker needs: old style washboard laundry, rustic showers, and a very trusting resupply of options. The prices are on the wall. One just takes what they can use, then leaves money in a container. An atmosphere of mutual trust breeds honesty. Amazing!I will leave in the morning en route to Hot Springs. Hopefully, I can make it before noon on Sat. for the mail pickup.
Date: 2010-05-14
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Walnut Mountain
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: overcast clouds

"Peanut butter is heavy!" I a bit tired of hearing that. I have heard it several times. There is a thing, which for the lack of a bitter term, I will call 'caloric density'. How many calories can be crammed into one weight unit of food? For instance, the aforementioned "heavy" peanut butter has a whopping 2880 calories per pound! Pretzels? about 1500. Pure fat is about 3600! Hikers need foods high in caloric density. The more calories per ounce, or more commonly per 30 grams, the better. Sugar, being the carbohydrate is low density. It is our enemy. Corn chips, in their deep-fried spender are great! So, next time you supply for a saunter in the sylvan glade, read the labels, and don't let the woman pointing out the "low fat" option bother you, just laugh. Side note: Max Patch was nice! Great views..