morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-04-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: clear sky

Day 15 Apr 120.5 MilesWoke to snoring in the shelter, or was it the cacophony of dew drops on the corrugated roof that sounded like an amateur on drums. That was 4AM. Again at 5, the peaceful hippies around me all rose to see sunrise on Clingmans Dome. A cup of coffee and a slow start for me, then the cold hike out through the Evergreens. Gorgeous morning. More than the highest point on trail, more than the 200 mile point. I get to see my girl in a few more days. Motivated my way to my first 20 mile day. Muddy trail all morning, until Newfound Gap, and then day hikers to keep me company until Charlie's Bunion with great views. Great hiking the rest of the way.
Date: 2017-04-02
To: Davenport Gap
Miles today: 19.6

Day 16 Apr 219.6 MilesUp early due to loud snoring, so jumped out to hike another long day. Out of camp and on trail first equals collecting spiderwebs. Easily my best hiking day so far. Great open views and easy trail along with crisp and sunny weather. The last views from the Smokies were the best. Afternoon heat and hot trail beat the feet hard. Davenport Gap Shelter is the only shelter this far to have a chain link fence to separate the animals from each other. Only slightly creepy. Easy day tomorrow into the hostel then short miles towards Hot Springs. Just hope I can get some signal to talk with my younger son on his birthday.
Date: 2017-04-03
From: Davenport Gap

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 3.5

Day 17 Apr 33.5 MilesSometimes you get up to the line, notice the coverage is all wrong, and have to make an audible. On the way out of camp this morning, I checked the weather forecast. Storms, with lightning, some severe. Battery bank needs to be charged. Feet hurt. Hostel. Standing Bear Farm was an obvious and convenient choice. Short hike in and a well deserved break for the body. Two more hiking days until Hot Springs.
Date: 2017-04-04
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Garenflo Gap
Miles today: 25.3

Day 18 Apr 425.3 MilesIt all started with a girl. My girl. Excited to see her tomorrow. First one out of the hostel in the morning, ready to get close to Hot Springs so I could walk in early Wednesday. All the happy thoughts filled my brain through the climb back up another 3000'. Not a very exciting trail all the way through the next climb up to Max Patch. Somehow I missed the note that Max Patch is amazing. I didn't understand how wide open a space, how great a 360 degree view of Mountain you get there. It is expansive and beautiful and neither words or pictures could quite do it justice. After that, my feet worked better, the trail was easier, and life was happier. I made it past 20 miles with ease. I could walk all day. Then I got in touch to finalize plans for tomorrow. My girl can't get here until the afternoon. Still had my best, and longest, hiking day yet. Still get to see my love tomorrow. And I set up camp at a rock outcropping with waterfalls that run from a hundred feet above me to a hundred feet below me, with a view of the sunset on the mountains. All in all, my best day on trail so far.
Date: 2017-04-05
From: Garenflo Gap

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 19 Apr 57.5 MilesCampsite to Hot SpringsWoke up next to a waterfall before sunrise, and watched the light cut through the woods. It was the first time I camped alone on trail, and was completely relaxing. Broke down camp and was off on trail and 730 for the short hike into Hot Springs. More up hills than I had seen on the map, but still a very quick hike into town, and then a big breakfast at the diner. Laundry done, then rain showers to sit out while waiting on my lovely visitor. It is amazing having your own trail angel come visit in trail, meet the people you've been hiking around, and spend some time in your crazy adventure. Good day to let the body and mind rest, and a full zero to come. Good food, good beer, and a good day in Hot Springs.
Date: 2017-01-06
To: Nostalgic photos
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up feeling nostalgic today and went through some photos from excursions past. I began backpacking in 1997 with my son, Greg, with the Boy Scouts. I have been on several week-long or longer trips with all of my children and one backpacking trip with my wife, Sandy. I decided to add some photos from these excursions, plus three from a day of misadventure that occurred on my trip to Northern Tier. I also threw in a photograph of my thru hike gear, although there have already been a few changes since this picture was taken.
Date: 2017-01-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We've been pretty much iced in the past few days, so I'm using the time to start organizing my food for food drops. I don't plan on having too many, but I want to have a few ready to make Sandy's job easier when I let her know I'll be needing her to send a mail drop. I'm using the Achilles Method as described by Dan Feldman in his book, Long-Distance Hiking. I was impressed that the first chapter was on diet/food. I am aiming for 4,000 calories per day with a weight of two pounds. And, yes, those are SPAM singles in the case closest to the camera. They were a birthday present from my mom. She loves me!
Date: 2017-01-29
To: Preparation continues
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Hi. Even though I haven't added to my journal in the past few weeks, preparation continues for my upcoming hike. It's starting to get close, as I will be leaving for Georgia in less than ten weeks. We will be in England the week before I leave for the trail, visiting our new granddaughter/niece and her parents (my son, Greg, and his lovely wife, Kathryn).    I have been walking/hiking with my pack several times per week. Becky and I completed our third marathon in November, and I immediately transitioned from running to hiking. I feel pretty good about my cardiovasculars. Stephen and I had a nice hike in the Bray Conservation Area near Rolla this morning. It is a good trail. We saw an armadillo. Stephen recently purchased a new pack, as he plans on hiking with me for a week. Becky also plans on joining me for awhile, perhaps at Harper's Ferry. Stephen and Becky both own Ospreys and seem happy with them. (Becky particularly loves her "little whistle" on the chest strap.   I have hiked in temperatures ranging from 21 degrees and windy to 45 degrees. I continue to tweak my clothing list, as well as my other equipment. I should be able to post a finalized equipment list soon. Stephen and I had a great time experimenting with various alcohol stoves the past week. I have decided to stay with my simple can-within-a-can stove and was able to reduce the weight and efficiency by using a smaller outer can. (There is a photo of my stove in my gear section). We were able to boil 2 cups of water with 3/4 ounce of fuel, as opposed to 1 1/4 ounces with my old stove. The boil time also decreased by a few minutes.   I recently received AWOL's Trail Guide and have been studying it as well as watching some YouTube videos. I don't see a reason to over plan too far in advance, but I think I have a handle on my resupply points at least through the Smokies.   I will continue to add journal entries as the big day draws closer.
Date: 2017-02-17
To: Tough decision today
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I had a tough decision to make today. Sub at the school or float the Current River with Murph and Glen. Guess which won out? Although I missed my practice hike with Stephen in the afternoon, I was able to practice a vital skill for hiking; eating Nutty Buddy bars. They are the best! Murph and Glen are my transportation to Georgia next month, so I need to stay on their good side. It was a beautiful day on the river. The only thing that would have made it better was if Mike could have been there. We had the river entirely to ourselves from Acres Ferry to Pulltite, except for the bald eagles (we saw eight), the red-tailed hawk, the red-headed woodpecker, the heron, the ducks, the kingfishers, and the turtles. Great day!
Date: 2017-02-25
To: Gear list
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I believe I have pretty much completed getting my gear together, although I still have several weeks to tweak things. I have added descriptions of much of my gear in the gear section of my journal. I have not listed the small items such as toothbrush, compass, lighters, etc. My cold weather base weight comes out at just over 15 pounds and my projected warm weather base weight should be at least a half pound lighter. I am sure I will be making adjustments as I gain experience on the trail. The photo is pretty accurate, although it was taken a few months ago. If anyone has any input or questions, please feel free to comment in the guest book, and I will be sure to respond. It is less than six weeks until I start on the trail. Things are starting to seem real, after so many years of talking about it and dreaming about it.
Date: 2017-03-04
To: Hiking at Spring Creek Gap Conservation Area
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Stephen and I hiked about 4 1/2 miles at Spring Creek Gap Conservation Area this morning. It was a beautiful day for a hike. Thanks to our friends (and fellow home brewers) Dave and Amanda for telling us about it. The trail is fairly rugged with several quite steep hills. It was a wonderful practice hike. It's hard to believe that I will be on the AT is less than five weeks now.
Date: 2017-03-06
To: Hiking at Audubon with Becky and Stephen
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Becky was in Rolla today, and we were able to take a hike on the Audubon trail this afternoon. It was great to have the three of us together again. Both Stephen and Becky plan on hiking for a week with me on the AT. Stephen plans on meeting up with me in Hot Springs, North Carolina, and Becky hopes to hike with me in Vermont.
Date: 2017-03-21
To: Hiker Me on the AT map at school
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

The staff at the schools where I work have mounted maps of the AT on the walls of the multi-purpose rooms to track my progress on my upcoming thru hike. Little footprints will be added to keep track of my progress as I make my way Northward to Mount Katahdin. They also plan on posting photos from my trip on the wall around the map. This way, the students and staff can participate in my journey. I work with such creative, special people and love them all!
Date: 2017-04-03
To: Hiking in Sheffield/Final preparations
Miles today: 0.0

Sandy, Stephen, Becky, and I just spent a wonderful week in Sheffield, England, visiting our son, our lovely daughter-in-law, and our new grand baby. We had a splendid time. Sheffield is not particularly a tourist destination, and the people tend to be very friendly and open. In between times of spoiling the baby, we also visited two museums, sampled a good deal of locally brewed beers, ate in several restaurants, and went on a daily walk around Sheffield. We walked in numerous directions and saw a good deal of the city of Sheffield. There is a good amount of green space, and we were able to walk in wooded areas quite a bit. This photo was taken while we were walking part of the Sheffield Round Walk Trail and shows residential areas in the background. While we didn't make it to the Peaks District on this trip (visiting the baby took precedence over all else), Sheffield is a very hilly town, and we were able to get some good, brisk walks in. I'm home now and getting ready to leave for the trail in a few days.   I was diagnosed years ago by a nurse friend of mine with "Old Man Feet." I've used Amlactin lotion for years on my feet with good success. I didn't pack any for our trip to England, and within two days I developed painful cracks on the bottoms of my feet. I used bandaids (they are called "plasters" in England) and antibiotic ointment on the cracks and got along okay. Lesson learned: I will be taking Amlactin on the trail.   I have everything together and ready to go. My final base weight with my cold weather gear is 14.4 pounds, and I feel pretty good about that. I have a few loose ends to clear up (including getting a hair cut and finishing our Income Tax return) and feel like I should be ready to head out on Wednesday. It's starting to feel real.
Date: 2017-04-05
To: On the road 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Well, I am on the road. Sandy, Stephen, Becky, and I met in Jefferson City last night for a sendoff dinner. Sandy drove me to Murph's this morning at 5:45. Stephen also showed up to say goodbye. Murph, Glen, angd I hit the road at 6:00. Glen was pilot and Murph served as navigator. The poor GPS spent the first hour trying to tell us to turn around before it gave up and pouted. We had quite a scenic drive indeed. At one time it took us thirty minutes to get two miles closer. We enjoyed pizza and beer at Murph's brother's house in Nashville this evening. We will spend the night at his house and will get to Amacolala Falls State Park tomorrow. We will spend the night in a cabin, and I will start on the trail Friday morning. It's getting real!
Date: 2017-04-06
To: Glacier -Swiss and Peregrine
Miles today: 0.0

I met Glacier-Swiss and Peregrine (Rachel and Richard) at the registration area for thru-hikers in the visitors' center at Amicalola Falls State Park. She completed her hike in 2015, and he completed his in 1973. I am Hiker #1621 to register for a northbound thru-hike in 2017. I wonder what number I will be at Harper's Ferry and at Katahdyn? Time will tell. Tomorrow I will stop being Dean for awhile and will become Stick in the Woods. It has been cold and rainy most of the day, but the sun is supposed to shine tomorrow. BTW, I posted several other photos today.
Date: 2017-04-07
From: Amicolala Falls

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: clear sky

After a challenging 8.8 mile hike up the Approach Trail, Beau and I made it to the top of Springer Mountain. The weather was beautiful. The 604 steps up the Falls was sure something. I made it to Stover Creek Shelter, so I have now completed 2.8 miles of the AT. Camped with some great people. I slept in my tent. More photos and information to follow.
Date: 2017-04-08
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: few clouds

You hear about and read about PUDs (pointless ups and downs) on the AT, but I really got to experience them today. I made 13 miles, but it was tough going. I feel good, though. No blisters or sore joints. It is amazing to walk through the Woods while being challenged by the steep grades (yes, up and down). I hiked up and over Sassafras Mountain and then Justus Mountain. I saw several birds. I think one was an owl. I saw a few squirrels but no bears yet. I hiked by myself most of the day. It was great to get into Gooch Mountain Shelter at Mile 15.8. Only hiking 8.4 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2017-04-09
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter 

To: Lance Creek Campground 
Miles today: 8.4

I had a wonderful hike to Lance Creek Campground today. The weather was beautiful. We got our first views today. The view from Preaching Rock was stunning. I guess it's fitting I was here on a Sunday. I left Gooch a little before 9:00 and got to Lance Creek before three. I considered going on, but decided to stick to plan. I only have 7.2 miles tomorrow to Neels Gap. Will climb Blood Mountain tomorrow, which will be my toughest climb yet. I met some really nice people today. I met Snail from Germany, who is also thru hiking. I also met Sticks, Stones, and Bear Pinata (who sleeps in a hammock). I actually came up with her name, and she liked it. It was nice to get in early and chill out for a bit. I may stay in a hostel for the first time tomorrow.
Date: 2017-04-10
From: Lance Creek Campground 

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 7.2

I got an earlier start this morning and was on thetrail by 8:15. The climb up Blood Mountain was challenging but not as bad as Sassafras. The climb down was incredibly steep and rocky. Often, there were blazes painted directly on the rocks. The view from Blood Mountain was stunning (I added a picture in the photo section). I made it to Mountain Crossings at Neel Gap in good time. The trail goes right through the building, the only time the AT is indoors. I ate an entire pizza (except for the olives). The hostel was closed, so I took a chance and walked down to Blood Mountain Cabins. They were full, so I was getting ready to get back on the trail when my first Trail Angel, Kevin walked by and said they had an extra bed in his cabin. I am staying tonight at Wolf Cabin with Kevin, Joe, and Chop Sticks. I have a bed, a shower, a flushing toilet, and clean laundry for only $18.00. Probably the best deal on the trail. I plan on heading for Low Gap Shelter tomorrow, which is 11.5 miles along.
Date: 2017-04-11
From: Neel Gap

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

I had a good sleep at the cabin and took another shower this morning just because I could. It was nice not having to watch how much toilet paper to use (one of life's little pleasures). It was a good hike today, with one particularly steep climb out of Tesnatee Gap. I guess to no one's surprise, I am one of the slowest hikers on the trail. It's not just that I happen to stop and talk to people I meet (imagine that!), but I am concentrating on taking it slow, particularly down hills to protect my knees. So far, so good. I also find that on the times I can hike faster, I am choosing not to. Part of this is to rest for the inevitable next ascent or descent, but I am also really enjoying just walking in the Woods. I know there will be days when I will have to make miles, and I figure I will be ready when I need to. I have met some really nice people. Dapper Dan and I met the first night and have been camping together several nights. I met Journey and Tundra today. Tundra is a wonderful dog who is taking her human for a walk. It is a beautiful evening and I'm going to sign off now to finish supper and go visit by the shelter. Happy Trails!Note: I added several photos today, including ones of my last meal before the trail and my first meal on the trail. Thanks!
Date: 2017-04-12
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 15.4

I have often said, "Planning is everything, the plan is nothing." Today is the first day I ended up changing my plan. I got off to a good start from Low Gap at 8:30. The first several miles were on an old logging road, complete with some impressive stone retaining walls. It was far and away the easiest hiking so far. Soon enough, the AT got back to normal and headed up Blue Mountain. While steep, the trail reminded me more of the Ozarks Trail at home. It was more of an earthen trail with rocks added to make it more interesting, as opposed to the rock scrambling of the past few days. I made pretty good time and ate lunch with some fellow hikers at Blue Mountain Shelter. I then descended to Unicoi Gap. I talked with a young woman who was waiting for a ride and then began the ascent of Rocky Mountain. While the AT is a popular trail, I wouldn't see another person for over four hours and 5 1/2 miles of hiking. After descending Rocky Mountain, I got to Cheese Factory Site, where I had planned to camp. There is nothing left of the old cheese factory, but there was a lot of pre-cut firewood and a huge fire ring. The site was also right by a road. I decided I still felt strong, so I decided to head for Tray Gap Shelter, which was two miles further. The only potential problem was that Tray Mountain was between me and my campsite. Powered by a Nutty Buddy Bar, I completed the additional miles with no problem and enjoyed a beautiful view from the top of Tray Mountain. I got to my campsite at 7:15 and got my tent set up. I had to finish a few of my chores by headlamp and enjoyed chatting with hikers I hadn't met before. I am really pleased with today. I went two miles further than I planned and hiked up and over three mountains. I am a little sore but still feel good. It's late now, and I want to get an early start tomorrow. I now only have eleven miles to Dicks Creek Gap where I plan on staying at a hostel tomorrow night and resupplying for the next four days.
Date: 2017-04-13
From: Tray Mountain Shelter 

To: Dicks Creek Gap/Top of Georgia Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

I rested well but did not sleep much last night. I felt good this morning and was only a little delayed by needing to get water. The water source was very interesting and had obviously been part of someone's home at one time. I got to the trail and immediately got confused about which direction to go. Those who know me will not be surprised. I thought I had it figured out when Alex, a fellow thru hiker came by and confirmed my guess. I have decided there will be a new meaning to Stick in the Woods. I am now going to discretely make an arrow out of sticks by the shelter trail every time I get to a shelter. In the morning, I'll take it apart. I met several hikers today and actually hiked a few hours with Wizard. He is a young man who plans to finish college and run track for his school. Alex and I met up later on the trail, and we both stayed at Top of Georgia Hostel near Dicks Creek Gap. I wasn't planning on taking the shuttle into Hiawassee, but I am really glad I did. A bunch of us went to Daniels for an AYCE (all you can eat) buffet. We then went to Ingle's for resupply. We then returned to the hostel, sorted out our food supplies, and chilled out the rest of the evening. I'm hoping for a long day tomorrow; 16.7 miles to Standing Indian Shelter. I have a plan B if this proves too ambitious.
Date: 2017-04-14
From: Dicks Creek Gap/Top of Georgia Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter 
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was quite a day. I decided to go to Standing Indian Shelter, which is the farthest distance yet. I left Dicks Creek Gap at 8:20 and strolled into Standing Indian Shelter at 7:15. It was another tough day of hiking, but I still felt pretty strong when I got to camp. I met several people today. I met Mac, a trail maintainer. I was very impressed with the trail in Georgia and thanked him. I ran into Andrew, Chris, Andrew, and David for the last time today. They were doing a section hike and were finishing up. We camped together a few times, most noticeable in "the Projects" at Gooch Mountain Shelter. We had all gotten there late and ended up sleeping on a pretty steep slope. I ran into them at Bull Gap. They had helped a young woman hiker who had twisted her ankle. By the time I arrived, a medic was on the scene to take her to the hospital. It served as a reminder how easy it can be to be injured. The highlight of the day was passing into North Carolina. I met Nemo there, and we took each other's photos. He had a hip replacement at 21 years old and is planning on thru hiking (thus the trail name, Nemo). I hiked for miles today through the results of last November's forest fires. New growth is sprouting up. The last piece of excitement from today was hanging my beat bag from a tree. Mission accomplished!