morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-10-09
From: Inn at Long Trail

To: Inn at Long Trail
Miles today: 7.0

SmoochSmooch has no voice and no air, so Shakedown Cruise set off to continue trail maintenance. However a pleasant Florida couple was hiking to Pico Peak, so Ron walked and talked without maintaining. They parted company at the ski run, and Shakedown continued to the Pico Shelter, at which time he spontaneously decided to hike up the "hiker's trail" to summit Pico. That "trail" does not deserve the name; it is no trail, it is an eroded, rocky, steep stream bed. The views from the top were worthwhile, but the wind was very cold. After looking for the Florida couple, Shakedown returned by the ski slope route and cleaned water bars to the bottom. Amusing that a huge tree fell across the trail last night 100 yards from the beginning of the trail; it wasn't there yesterday at 4 PM.
Date: 2014-10-13
From: Inn at Long Trail

To: Fresh Pond, Cambridge, MA
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Cynthia took another day of "rest." while Shakedown Cruise walked Fresh Pond with photographing friend Richard & his dog, Jasper. The colors were marvelous, birds were noteworthy, and photographers force a person to savor the beauty surrounding us most everywhere. Our stop & shoot pace allowed us to cover the four miles in five hours.
Date: 2014-10-19
From: Bethel, PA

To: Sand Springs Trail
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It was great fun to see Popeye and Lil Mak and to hike over Pennsylvania rocks again. The trail to Sand Springs crosses a stream several times, so the burbling water added to the enjoyment. Surprising that so many leaves are on the ground here. There was more color in Massachusetts at lower elevations.
Date: 2014-10-25
From: PA 645

To: William Penn Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

Popeye and Lil Mak recommended this pleasant hike. It started out up, but once it plateaued, it became quite level and free from rocks. Three youngsters were questioning the whereabouts of the shelter, so Shakedown Cruise descended the 0.1 to discover that the shelter was already full for the night. As we retraced our steps to 645, Trail Maintenance Man pulled a couple of trees off the trail and threw a million sticks.
Date: 2014-10-26
From: Swatara Creek

To: Swatara Creek
Miles today: 1.0
Weather: light rain

We didn't have the correct footwear for so many Pennsylvania rocks, so we struggled uphill for an hour before throwing in the towel and retrreating. Popeye and Lil Mak report that this section is a maintainer's nightmare. Poison ivy everywhere. We can vouch that we saw lots of green leave triplets despite the litter of leaves on the forest floor.
Date: 2014-10-31
From: Econo Lodge

To: Econo Lodge
Miles today: 9.5

SmoochSmooch and Shakedown Cruise counted all miles hiked today including those on pavement in town, starting at the Econo Lodge in Harpers Ferry, going up Jefferson Street to the Country Cafe for breakfast, afterwards past the Fire Department to the ATC headquarters on Potomac (or Washington), where we spent way too much time reminiscing and looking at the 2008 photo album to discover dozens of familiar faces smiling back at us. Strange that I do NOT recognize the shirt I was wearing (#151). By the time we left, it was time for a quick lunch at the Towns Inn before walking across the RR bridge and down the C & O Canal Path for 2.6 miles to the point where the AT veers off to the left to cross the RR tracks. Imagine our surprise to meet a couple just finishing their through-hike, Johnny Appleseed and Phoenix. We backtracked to the Anvil Restaurant for dinner and were surprised that Google maps calculates our trip to be 9.5 miles - our record this year.
Date: 2014-11-01
From: Econo Lodge

To: Econo Lodge
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: light snow

Today's hike was a repeat uphill to the Country Cafe, back to the ATC Headquarters, and to the AT in town, but then we went right uphill, southbound, and enjoyed the wonderful views of the rivers unavailable to most hikers during the "green tunnel" season. The final 0.1 mile roadwalk was not at all bad.
Date: 2015-02-15
From: Harper's Ferry WVA

To: Harper's Ferry WVA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

In Montgomery, Texas counting down days until departure March 1 towards Harpers Ferry and the AT. We will ride the motorcycle, stop at Mountain Crossing, photo James Lea documents in Raleigh, and be ready to hike by March 17th when warmer overnight lows average above freezing. Jim has graciously agreed to let us park our motorcycle in his garage for the duration, and Smooch Smooch, the veteran on-line shopper, is accumulating gear even as we speak. Smooch Smooch has tried on numerous hiking boots and shoes settling on Vasque Vista mid ankle boots to begin the hike during cold weather and switching to Salomons X Ultra 2 GTX for warmer weather. So many decisions!
Date: 2014-02-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Only 2 more days of work left. Moving my stuff back to my dad's place on Friday. Spending a couple weeks at home with my family while and final testing of all of my gear. I am not sure how often I will be posting once on the trail, but I hope I find the time to post at least once a week or whenever I am in town. I will also try to post pics and updates to my Facebook account.
Date: 2014-03-17
From: Big Stamp Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Day one on the trail starts after a 12+ hour bus ride from Columbus, OH to Atlanta. The bus trip was interesting since I've never rode on Mega-bus. The bus actually got pulled over in Lexington KY due to someone on the bus calling the police because they felt unsafe with the bus driver's driving. Kind of funny; must of been because it was snowing and the driver was still running at highway speeds trying to make up time since the bus was late getting to the bus stop. I started my hike at approx. 10:45am after having Survivor Dave (a former thru-hiker who now runs a shuttle service) drop me off at the Big Stamp Gap parking lot. From the lot it was a 1 mile hike up to Springer Mountain the southern terminus of the AT (official starting point). It was a cold foggy day with sporadic rain and misting. I finished my day around 3pm and camped at the Hawk Mountain shelter. I arrived early enough to get a spot in the shelter which was 2 stories and held approx. 12 hikers. At this shelter I met hikers: 19, Sea Biscuit (from Columbus), Hiker Monkey, Cozy, and Einstein (and baby girl; his dog). The shelter was an experience and sleep can be difficult to find when everyone is snoring and mice are scurrying around in the wee hours of the morning.
Date: 2014-03-18
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 2: Hiking Started at 7:45am and ended at 3:30pm; covered 12.9 miles and ended my day at mile marker 21.0 at Woody Gap.Another cold and wet day with only about 15 minutes of the sun peeking through the clouds; Another blown weather forecast. I spent the day hiking with 19 from New Hampshire. About an hour into the hike I felt a "hot spot" on my left big toe, which spurred me to check my foot. To my surprise I found a decent sized blister on the inside of my big toe where my second toe had been rubbing. I am not used to getting blisters and the speed at which it developed was shocking. I attribute this to putting my feet into wet shoes with dry socks. I also decided to start wearing my socks inside out to ensure the seams of the socks do not affect my feet. I promptly duct taped around my big toe and continued on. I also suffered from some chaffing today, which is nothing new but another thing to address before it becomes a serious problem. My day ended at Woody Gap where I experienced my first trail magic. A man by the name Tick-Tock had a cooler full of water, soda, and gatorade along with bananas and honey buns. Tick-Tock also offered to take 19 and myself to town (Dahlonega) where we could hole up for the night at a motel to get out of the weather. *If you're ever in Dahlonega, GA do not stay at the Motel 8... it was a dump.
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Woody Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.7

DAY 3: started hiking at 8am and finished at 3:30pm; daily mileage 10.7 miles bringing the total 31.7 miles. End Point: Neel's Gap.The day started with Tick-Tock picking 19 and I up at the motel and returning us to Woody Gap. The weather was cold, foggy, and rainy all day once again. I had no additional pain from my blister today. Today including the dreaded Blood Mountain that many hikers speak of, which was a steep climb up to 4461. The elevation does not sound that daunting, but when you're still new to the trail and carrying a pack it can be a real butt kicker. At the top of blood mountain the views were ruined by the fog, but we meet up with a hiker that we had met the first night at the shelter; Cook from TN (not sure of his first name or trail name; he was a section hiker). Once at Neel's Gap I snapped a few photos and went into the outfitter's to buy some snacks and Body Glide to cut down on the chaffing. 19, Wraijth (thru-hiker from OK), and myself stayed in one of the Blood Mountain Cabins, which was very comfortable and preferred over the cold and wet outdoors. I felt guilty for the pampering so early on in this journey, but I know these types of amenities will not last.
Date: 2014-03-20
From: Neel's Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.5

Day 4: started at 7:45am and finished at 2pm; Daily miles 11.5; total mileage 43.2; Stopped at the Low Gap Shelter.Today started with a reminder that 20% of all attempting thru-hikers have given up on their dream by this point. There is large tree outside of the outfitter where people tie their boots/shoes together and throw them up into the tree. This is done when hikers either give up or change up their footwear at the outfitter. Quitting hasn't even crossed my mind; do not give yourself the option and the thought won't sneak its way into your head. Body has felt pretty good except for a slight "twinge" in my left knee from the abuse of going down hill. Hiking poles are a savior and really help reduce the stress of your joints going downhill. The weather today was uplifting. It was my first sunny and dry day on the trail. I spent the night at the low gap shelter with several hikers I had met earlier in the week and a few that I did not know up until this point; Space Cadet, Tony, 2 college student from Dahlonega, and Green Lantern. Hiker Monkey (Orange Pack as 19 and I refer to him) was also there and was nursing a couple very sore knees.
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 9.7

DAY 5: start: 745am end: Noon; Miles 9.7; total 52.9 miles. Stopped at Unicoi Gap. Another sunny day on trail and the miles came easy today. Alot of small ups and downs and some flat stretches. Upon reaching Unicoi Gap 19 and I realized that two groups were doing trail magic. We are getting spoiled. A husband (former thru hiker from Atlanta) and wife had a cooler with drinks and a 2010 thru hiker named Invictus was handing out beverages. Invictus was also nice enough to drive us into Hiawassee where we got a room at the Budget Inn. At the Budget Inn we ran into Shaken, Bama, Sea Biscuit, Rain Pants, and met Shroomer (an older gentlemen attempting to thru hike, which would make him a triple crowner). We also ate at our first AYCE (All you can eat) the Georgia Mountain Restaurant. AYCE's are sought out by most thru hikers. Also had my first beer on trail (actually my first 4; New Castle never tasted so good.
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Unicoi Gai

To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 6 Start: 12:15 end 5:15; miles 10.4; total: 63.3 miles. Stopped at Sassafras Gap campsite.Took the 11am shuttle from the budget inn to Unicoi Gap. Another nice day; was supposed to rain but held out. The bugs were out today, way too early for that. Ran into trail magic all the way up at tray mountain gap. Small Talk and Albert drove up a service road and had coolers with soda and water, snickers, peanut butter, fruit, bandages, and vitamin I (Trail name for ibuprofen). They were also cooking baked potatoes, hamburgers, and hot dogs but we were in a hurry and didn't stay for the feast. Ran into Wes, Bre, Simon, and the Englishmen (Cornwall & Summit team). Space Cadet was also there. Ran into a ridge runner for the second time; a volunteer who watches over the trail. Actually put up my tent for the first time at this campsite. More time consuming than a shelter, but more comfortable. Heard owls during the night and some coyotes. A group of two women camped across the trail from 19 and I (Murphy- a thru hiker and her friend).
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Sassafras Gap campsite

To: View Entry
Miles today: 6.3

Day 7 start: 7:15am, end 10:15am. daily miles 6.3; total mileage 69.6miles. Ended at Dick's Creek gap. Rain rolled in early and a cold front is supposed to move in tonight, which may force us into a zero day or two (let's hope it stays warmer). Today was our first "nero" day; hiker term for a near "zero" day. We ran into the same two college students from Dahlonega, GA again at the gap. We've been running into these guys on a regular basis. They are trying to hike the AT through GA for practice for a thru hike attempt next year. 19 and I hitched a ride from the gap to the Blue Berry Patch Hostel. The Blueberry Patch is famous among hikers. It has been open for over a decade and is ran by a former thru hiker. They are a christian donation based hostel. They treat everyone kindly and do not push their beliefs on anyone. They also fix everyone a sit down family style breakfast in the morning, which includes pancakes and their homemade blueberry syrup. They grow the blueberries on the property. Amazing place and great people. I cannot recommend this place enough. If you're on trail go there; plan accordingly.
Date: 2014-03-24
From: Blueberry Patch Hostel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Day 8 & 9   daily: 0 miles, total 69.6 milesMother Nature can be harsh. Our planned "zero" turned into 2 "zeros" due to weather moving into the mountains. When you're in town and the weather moves in its a safe bet to stay holed up and let it pass; Smiles not miles. 19 and I stayed at the Mull Inn. Forecast: high 40 low 19 (in town; not at elevation) typically you can count on -3.5 degrees of temperature for every 1,000 feet of elevation. Potential gusts of 40mph and wind at 15-20mph; snow in the forecast. **talked to folks that stayed in the mountains this night later on down the trail and they reported miserable weather. Most struggled to sleep and reported temps around 0 degrees and woke up to a few inches of snow. Saw C.W. walking down the street in town on the 9th day. C.W. is a man from Columbus that I had met in my local outfitter. I was unaware that C.W. was on trail this year. C.W. is one of a tiny group (less than 200)of hikers who can claim that he is a triple crowner. This means he has hiked the big three US trails: CDT, PCT, and AT.
Date: 2014-03-26
From: Dick's creek gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Day 10: start 815am end: 445pm daily: 16.2 miles total: 85.8Got a ride back to the gap from "john"'s shuttle service for $10 per person. Hiking was difficult today. Weather was cold and windy. Definitely the coldest night spent on trail so far. The low was down around 20 with some wind added in. Slept in the tent with all of my clothes on (rain gear, patagonia r1 hoodie, down jacket, wool baselayer bottoms, hat, and gloves). Stayed toasty warm all night. Glad that I remembered to sleep with my water filter (sawyer squeeze)in my pillow to prevent it from freezing.
Date: 2014-03-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Day 11: started 745am ended at 130pm daily 11.8 miles; total 97.6 milesWeather was sunny and beautiful. Sore ankles and feet today. 19 and I decided we had enough food to skip our planned stop in Franklin NC and hike to the N.O.C. over the next 3-4 days. Camped at Betty Creek gap. Camped with Mobious (MN) and Guardian, CW.Saw Big Foot and Space Cadet again today. *short journal entry, but they will happen from time to time.
Date: 2014-03-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

Day 12 started at 8am and ended at ~2pm; daily mileage 12.2 and total 109.8 miles.Woke up to rain at 352am, tore down camp a couple hours later in the rain. Rainy, cold, and windy all day. Felt great hiking, but 19 was miserable today. Ate lunch at Rock Gap shelter. Hitched a ride from the trail into Franklin with a sweet 63 year old woman in a toyota. Had dinner with 19, Mobious, and Guardian at Fatz. Holed up at the Microtel to dry our gear. Did not have any ankle issues again today, but I bought a cheap ankle brace to try. Supposed to rain again tomorrow.
Date: 2014-03-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 13: Start 930am end around 4pm; Daily 14.6, total 124.4Winding stair gap to burning town gap. Stayed at Aquone Hiker Lodge.Downpoured all day with a lot of wind. Cold with a high ~50. Trail magic at the gap was really amazing and uplifting after walking all day in the cold rain. The trail magic was set up by a group of 2010 thru hikers (Lab rat, Ratman, and Tumbles (ratman and tumbles = the honeymoon hikers). The honeymoon hikers got married on top of springer mountain and started their 2nd thru hike immediately after saying "I do". They are leaving in a couple of weeks to hike the PCT. The trail magic was set up under a big tarp used as a dining fly with a fire going to keep everyone warm. They had sodas, water, chili, hamburgers, hotdogs, beer, and a ton of snacks. The Aquone Hiker Lodge was a really beautiful place; a log cabin style lodge. The owners Wiggy (former thru hiker) and Maggie were British and ran an efficient established and genuinely cared about the hikers comfort and well being. The marched your right onto the porch and had everyone get out of their dirty clothes and right into the shower. They gave you loaner clothes to wear while your clothes were being washed and did not allow boots or packs into the lodge; this allowed the place to stay really clean and is a great idea. They also have an out door "drying room" where you put your rain gear and boots and they have a dehumidifier to dry everything. This was the latest that I stayed up while on the trail so far (~130am)due to Dodo Bird's snoring; I ended up sleeping in the living room. Pretty loud to say the least. Met: Turtle, wrecking ball, dodo bird, HBAS Blues (blue), and Aconey (SP).
Date: 2014-03-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 12.9

Day 14: Start: 930am, end: 345pm; daily 12.9, total 137.3Burning town gap to N.O.C.COLD! Snowed over night, but just a dusting. Very windy. MY Feet, ankles, and knee are sore due the the 5 miles downhill into the N.O.C. (Natahala outdoor center)which was at about 1700ft elevation. Got a spot in the bunkroom. A lot of hikers were at the NOC; Phil "professor", Ian and the other member of the bearded duo from the hudson river valley with their dog Riley, Gaucho, Blue. Ate at the River's end restaurant and had a couple beers. Then a large group of hikers bought beer at the general store and hung out in the community building to unwind from the day. Crashed around 11pm which is really late on the trail.
Date: 2014-03-31
From: N.O.C.

To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 15: start: 1145am end: 530pm. Daily 10.3 total: 147.6 miles. NOC to Locust Cove gap. Day started with breakfast at the river's end restaurant. Phil bought breakfast for 19 and I. Walked over to the outfitter and bought a pair of Merrill boots and a pair of Fits socks. Beautiful weather for hiking, 70 something and sunny. Hiked from 1749ft to 5062 then back down to 3690ft. 8 miles uphill to start the day was a little rough. Boots were great and I did not have any foot or ankle pain... Score!We came across our first bald today and were going to camp up their to watch the sunset, but there was not a water source close so we continued on to Locust Cove Gap. Camped with Blue, 19, JoHawk, Tony, Stealth. Went to bed around 9. Didn't bear bag tonight, which was a first. I slept with my food bag in my tent... No bear is going to steal my Snickers.
Date: 2014-04-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 18.2

Day 16: start: 745am end: ~615pm   daily: 18.2 miles total: 165.8 milesWeather: hot and sunny 75+ degrees. Long, hard day; the heat kicked my but, not much more to say... The first time on trail that there were long stretches without water sources and I got sunburnt on my arms. You could see Fontana Dam from miles away on top of the mountain. Spent the night at the Fontana "Hilton" shelter. It is called the Hilton because its a nice newer shelter with a graveled sitting area with a fire pit and picnic table overlooking the dam and water. There is also a small shower house with one shower for the men and one for the women and flushing toilets. Hot showers and flushing toilets are quite a luxury out here; hence the earned title of "the Hilton"
Date: 2014-04-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 17.   Start: 1030am. End: 515pm daily 13.8 total 179.6 miles Weather: hotToday was my first day in the great smokey mountains and overall it was a good day. There was a lot of ups and downs which the heat made quite challenging but eventually my body got used to the increased heat. I was more diligent today about preventing sun burn and staying hydrated.Met: Indie, Tatonka, He who sits in chair, JoHawk, Dial-up, Uncle Tom, Viking (warrior from cinci), Meticulous (girl from Cbus). Hbas Blues or as I called him, Blue, got off of the trail today due to health issues. Blue was good company and will hopefully get well and hop back on the trail. Stopped for the night at Russel Fields shelter, which was a nice shelter with and indoor fireplace and chimney and tarps over the entrance to block the wind. In the smokies it is mandatory to sleep in a shelter unless it is full then you can set up your tent outside of the shelter.
Date: 2014-04-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 18. Start: 745am. End: 315pm, daily: 14.7 total: 194.3Stayed at the Silers bald shelter w/ Gaucho and PhilRain started today around 9am and continued the majority of the day. Trail conditions were poor; sloppy and muddy. My left calf really tightened up and was painful along with my right hip. I believe the constant slipping while going up hill along with a lot of big step ups wore on my body.On a funny note, 19 stepped in human poop near the shelter and had to was his crocs. * it's not normal for people to poop right outside of the shelter... You can't escape assholes even in the mountains. Met: dog (who hikes on vibram five fingers)
Date: 2014-04-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.5

Day 19. Start 815 end: 545. Daily: 15.5. Total: 209.8Met: shark, blonde, RW, Just Paul & tortoise (father and daughter)Stayed at ice water spring shelter where Bama (formerly ping pong and now going by a new trail name...) made his return. Really cold to start the day and it had rained over night and all of the tree limbs were frozen due to the sudden drop in temp and increase wind. We made it to Clingmans Dome easily today. Clingmans is the highest point on the AT at 6655 ft. The weather was great and allowed us to see for miles from Clingmans and made for good pictures.Hiking was going pretty smooth today until about 20 Mins before reaching newfound gap, that's when my left thigh began to hurt, by the end of the day I could barely walk due to my IT band tightening up. There was some awesome trail magic at newfound gap. A couple from Florida had bologna sandwiches, an assortment of drinks and snacks, and an awesome hiker box that contained anything a hiker may need. Including meds, blister treatments, tooth brushes, wet wipes, etc... Great people who have been going to that gap for 3 or 4 yrs and doing trail magic during their weeklong anniversary trip to gatlinburg.