morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-04-05
To: Last full day in Connecticut
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

So....today is my last full day home as my travel day begins very early tomorrow morning. I've been busy running different errands and trying to take care of any loose ends that I can. I've been under the weather for the last 5 days, so I've backed off all training and just giving my body a break before the real work starts.   So one thing I find interesting about thru hiking is the caloric equation that one must keep in mind while hiking. Your burning 4,000-7,000 calories a day depending on how far and fast you hike each day. It's very hard, I'd say nearly impossible to make up for this calorie loss. A 40 pound weight loss is not unusual. I've read one trail journal this year where the guy has lost 29 pounds in a month!! So, I've gotten a record of my pre hike body weight 189.6. Skeletal muscle mass 89.1 and body fat mass 34.8. This was a humbling measuring, but I did it the name of science! When my hike concludes, I will get measured again and I'll have evidence the toll a thru hike takes on the human body. Fun! Living Proof
Date: 2016-04-06
To: Travel day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning started at 4:15 am with the realization that I had a few too many adult beverages the night before. Soon after began 9 hours of travel with a hangover that simply wasn't much fun. A stark reminder why my standard answer when offered a shot of hard alcohol is "nope!". I broke my cardinal rule last night and payed for it today. Weather is in the 50's down here in Ga. today. At the hiker hostel in Dahlonega again this year, one fine establishment! Breakfast at 7:30 tomorrow and leave for trailhead at 8:30. That's bout it. Journey begins in earnest tomorrow!Living Proof
Date: 2016-04-07
From: Springer mountain

To: gooch mt. shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: moderate rain

Hiker hostel got us to the springer parking at 9:30 am. I had a .9 mile hike up to sprinter to get obligatory picture and sign the register. On the the way up to Springer I had the most intense feeling of gratitude that I've ever experienced! I could feel it throughout my entire body and it was like a warm wave that lingered. Truly, a natural high!!   The first 8 miles of the trail are pretty forgiving, so I clipped along at a pretty good pace. It was at this point that I started feeling some hot spots on my feet. Checked them out and put on some duct tape. By the time the day was over my feet were REALLY tender! Gooch mountain shelter was mobbed!! I was lucky to find one of the last spots to tent. I think I'll be avoiding shelter areas until crowds thin out after the Smokies. Was in tent by 6:30 and asleep by 8. Hope feet fare better tomorrow!
Date: 2016-04-08
From: gooch mt. shelter

To: lance creek capsite
Miles today: 8.5

So today began early, I was up at 5:30 am and hit the trail by 6:45, feet were feeling slightly better, so I was hopeful. I hiked through gooch and wooly gap, up ramrod mt and preachers rock for some really impressive vistas. Unfortunately, feet continued to have problems. My goal was Neels gap where they have an outfitter and can go back to trail runners. My feet were hurting so bad that I had to call it early at Lance creek campsite. Proceeded to lance the blisters on blisters on both heels, which only made them more painful to walk on!! Holding up here for night, gonna duct tape the hell out of them tomorrow and get the 7 miles up and down Blood Mountain. I'm expecting it be awful. I despite my feet woes, so happy to be back down here and resume my quest for manLiving Proof
Date: 2016-04-09
From: lance creek capsite

To: Neel's gap
Miles today: 7.4

Day 3 Lance creek campsite to neel's gap 7.4 miles   I first must apologize for my last entry, I could barely make sense of it! Your senses dull with constant pain and discomfort and my mind simply wasn't working well. Left camp at 6:40 am after duct taping my feet and walking very slowing trying to keep my them from getting any worse. It wasn't awful until I had to descend Blood mountain, simply excruciating! Ended up tearing open the blister on the ball of my right foot. The rest remained intact. Stayed at hostel at Mountain crossing's where we received trail magic!! Two cases of beer and a church group from Sriven county brought a wonderful supper, which was enjoyed by all!! On the small world side of things, I camped with a young woman who grew up in Chaplin CT, and she knew precisely where my dad's old house was. Then I met on older fella who went to high school in my dad's hometown of Winter Garden Florida.
Date: 2016-04-10
From: Neel's gap

To: Neel's gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today started with the 19 other hikers at mountains crossing hostel getting ready to hike out, while I was trying to figure out where I could hold up till my feet hew up. Hostel has a one night stay policy unless your injured, but I was getting mixed messages from their various staff. In the end , pretzel suggested I get a cabin at blood mountain cabins and try to split with other hikers. He gave me some tips on making my pack fit better and I hobbled down the hill to blood mt. cabins and booked one for 2 days. Unfortunately, I was unable to get anyone to share cabin so I had to eat 72$ nightly fee. Hopefully better luck with that tomorrow. Blisters are looking better, but still painful.Living Proof
Date: 2016-04-11
From: Neel's gap

To: Neel's gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Well, I've found that good ole vitamin I really helps my foot pain! I woke this morning to super painful feet still but , after some Vitamin I my left foot almost feels good. My right one is the worse of the two at this point and still very sore. My self diagnosis is that my blisters were such thick skin that deep sub-dermal tissue got abused on my hike to, up and down Blood mountain. Blisters look good, not worried about infection. I'm hoping I can start hiking either Wednesday or Thursday. See how fast my dogs heal up. Any other hikers coming thru Neel's gap in next couple days I'm looking to share raccoon cabin down at blood mountain cabins. Just knock on the front door! Hot showers free laundry and much nicer accomadations than 20 man bunkhouse at hostel.Living Proof
Date: 2016-04-12
From: Neel's gap

To: Neels gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

So, at this point I might just zero out the rest of the hiking season here at Blood Mt. cabins!! Just kidding!! Feet continue to improve, I'm predicting Thursday morning I'll get back at it. Despite what has been a sudden and immediate setback, I'm not frustrated or deterred a bit. Shared my cabin last night with Knobbies(another Trailjournaler) and her friend Skipper, who is doing first 2 weeks with her, both from Illinois. That's about it, watching TV all day with my feet up! Povich, Springer, Wilkos, and Dr. Phil. I hit for the cycle and got to see some the future of our fine country on display.   Between the talk shows and the news, I'm more than ready to go back into the woods and disconnect from world! Living Proof
Date: 2016-04-13
From: Neels gap

To: Low Gap shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Day started at Blood mt cabins and quick trip up to mountain crossing's where I picked up some Salewa trail runner's. They felt good and decided I was going hike out of Neel's gap, despite some remaining tenderness in my feet. Within 70 minutes of hiking over rocks and roots, I had regretted my decision. I spent most of the rest of the day pissed at myself for impulsive decision and how hiking in pain just isn't much fun. I did get to meet hike on and Firefox, who are an older couple who hike 9 months a year! They are the most seasoned long distance hikers I have ever met and I was in awe of the bit of their resume they revealed to me! Day ended at low gap shelter, where I goaded some of the men to collect firewood(my feet hurt too bad). I got a campfire going and our little tent area sat around the fire talking to pass the time and get a good smoke bath(smoke smells better than body odor). As I went to bed, I was thankful I had I hiked, despite the very painful feet. It was good company and some interesting people today.Living Proof
Date: 2016-04-14
From: Low Gap shelter

To: Unicoi gap
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

Scary start to day, as I awake to what sounded like a tree or very branch of a tree falling violently to the ground! I lay silent listening for a helpless hiker trapped or mutilated, nothing. Whew! Deadfall while you sleep would be a hell of a way to end your thru hike or your life for that matter! If was up and on the trail at about 6:40, welcomed by 4 very easy miles and my feet were actually feeling pretty good. That didn't last, but I was able to hike at something resembling a normal pace for me, which was nice. The last couple miles before Unicoi gap were just all roots and rocks!! Really aggravated my feet, but then there it was!! Just as I could make out the gap, trail angels!! I floated down the rest of the trail and soon had three bacon hamburgers, Gatorade, and a mr. Pub in me! I've decided to take few days in Hiawasse to let my feet heal up some more. The other option is hiking in pain all day(not enjoyable), trying to keep them clean(hard when your a walking dirt ball), and dealing with for weeks. Rather just take a few days to get good and be able to get back and enjoy myself, instead of unneeded suffering and risk infection.Living Proof
Date: 2016-04-15
From: Unicoi gap

To: Haiwasse
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Quick update. Blisters looking good, but balls of feet and heals are still very tender! I'm assuming I've bruised some deeper level of tissue. I've committed myself to staying here till Monday morning and then I'm heading back out regardless of how better my feet feel. As long as they remain sore I'll limit my miles to 12-15 miles a day. Daniels AYCE buffet past two nights, one word, gluttony!Living Proof
Date: 2016-04-16
From: Haiwasse

To: Haiwassee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Another zero day in Hiawassee Ga., as I serve my self imposed recovery time for persisting feet sensitivity. My day started with a hot shower and trip to Hardee's for a large coffee followed by a free refill and back to the motel. I tried to find some Benzoin tincture at local pharmacy and outfitter, but was unsuccessful. I was disappointed to find out Warriors game was not televised on local cable. I went to Daniel's for the third night in a row! This is my one meal a day. Eating one very large meal a day gets sickening very quickly! I've had dinner with Looker the past two nights. He is a gentleman in his mid 50's and didn't train before coming out. It's been a struggle for him, but I've given him encouragement to keep going and continue to pace himself as his body adjusts to daily hiking. We have both seen and heard of many hikers quitting. As I sat at the campfire Wednesday night drying my bare feet out , Sarah from England said,"Jesus! Your feet are complete mess! I'd say most people would have quit if they had feet in that state!". This is may or may not be true.   A thru hike requires a total commitment and more importantly mental toughness and tenacity. At some point, every thru hiker is going face some physical and mental challenges that if you allow it, will have jump at the chance to go home. For many, this happens very early in the hike. My foot issues have been a very challenge that has frustrated me at various levels. After a serious injury last year, I remain grateful and patient with my current situation. I'll be getting back the trail Monday morning.Living Proof
Date: 2016-04-17
From: Haiwassee

To: Haiwassee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

This will hopefully be my last zero day for quite a while! My feet are improved, but not totally healed. I refused to go to Daniel's tonight as I fear encountering intestinal distress on the the trail tomorrow. The highlight of today was watching Ken Burn's new 4 hour documentary on Jackie Robinson. In depth and very insightful, I would highly recommend it. Can't wait to get back on trail, I feel like I haven't even started yet. I heard there is a couple ahead of me that is thru hiking with not only their dog(common), but also there CAT!! If I come across them, I'm definitely getting a pic with the thru hiking cat! Haiwassee has been interesting to say the least, small town of 900 people. Median age is 62, 550 women, 350 men and at last census one black person! It's been interesting as the culture down here is very different than the northeast. Very religious and if you follow the news at all, religious freedom is being interpreted as the the right to discriminate against the LGBT community.. At the same time, they are stuanch opponents of Islam on a whole based on a small group of radicalized individuals for there interpretation of their religious text. Just an observation, still need to hitchhike in the A.M.! Happy trails,Living Proof
Date: 2016-04-18
From: Unicoi gap

To: Deep gap shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 12Unocoi gap to deep gap shelter 13.1 Up at 6 am, out in front of Mulls motel at 7. 15 minutes to catch a ride with me ole thumb. Hit trail at 7:45 and was welcomed by Rocky Mountain, which was long 35 minute ascent. When I got to the top I thought I saw a pile of trash, but it was just a hiker who cowboy camped about 5 yards off the trail in some leaves. Rest of day felt good as the bottom of feet are finally healed up enough to hike w/o severe discomfort. I banged out my 13 miles quickly and after a terribly tough climb up Kelly's knob, I was at my camp site at like 2:30! I didn't mind, set up camp and lounged in my tent for good hour listening to music and letting my legs and feet relax. As people came into camp I got up and mingled a bit, eat dinner, etc. So everyone had seen this one guy really struggling along the trail today. He actually asked one younger kid to carry his food bag! So he gets into camp and seems totally fine! I was rather shocked. He proceeded to sit right in the middle of the shelter area and have a loud phone conversation about the Verizon strike! This is a trail etiquette no no. He was totally oblivious. Once off the phone he continued to talk and talk, finally driving me to my tent and away from the camp fire. Less can be way more!!Side note Day 12 was day I fractured my shoulder blade last year.Living Proof
Date: 2016-04-19
From: Deep gap shelter

To: Muskrat shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 13Deep gap to muskrat creek shelter 15.4   I was harassed last night from 2-4 am by mice on PCP/ meth! These little bastards were climbing up the sides of tent and all over my pack. I had to keep trying to scare them away, which wasn't very effective. As a result, I got a later start than usual, 7:25. Got to dicks creek gap and got some trail magic form a mom and daughter who were honoring her late husband on his birthday as he thru hiked AT in 2010 at the age of 63! Today was another very warm day and staying hydrated was tough. I crossed the GA/NC line today, but it felt weird since the first 11 days were a sick mix of painful hiking and self imposed zero days. I met one lady today who had heard the legend of my blisters! Feet are little sore, but the worst is behind I'm glad to say. Today ended with a very tough climb out of Bly gap. On hot days, after 12 miles or so, I get just totally gassed on step up hills! Should improve over next couple of weeks as I get my trails legs.Living Proof
Date: 2016-04-20
From: Muskrat shelter

To: Betty Creek gap campsite
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: few clouds

Day 14Muskrat creek to Betty gap campsite 16.2   Another early start, hit the trail around 6:20 am. Some really forgiving trail today with gradual ascents and descents. It made for for quick miles as reached Betty creek by 2:00 pm. I was tempted to push on, but sore back and feet made me decide to stick with the moderate schedule I have set for myself through the smokies. I saw some wildlife today! A snake, not very exciting, and coyote, much more exciting! Ours paths would have crossed on the trail, but we both detected each other at the same time and froze. He was probably about 40-50 feet away through a grove of Rhodadendron. As soon as I took a step closer, he bolted and was quickly out of sight. Betty creek gap is a cool campsite with countless sites among the large Rhodadendron, however, with no privy it's apparent that many have dug inadequate cathodes and used them. Wipes and tissue were visible from laziness or small animals. This kinda ruined the natural beauty of sight! Living Proof
Date: 2016-04-21
From: Betty Creek gap campsite

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

2016 Miles 109.8   Today started at 4:15 am, on the trail by 5. It included a very steep climb up Albert mt, which culminated in great views from the fire tower on top of the moon setting to the west and first light to the east. I hustled to long branch shelter to use the privy, sorry, still not accustomed to digging a hole and releasing freely! I made some serious time from long branch as I knew I was going into town and my food bag only had a single serving of peanut butter in it. As I was walking I passed a father and his son. He said there was a forest fire and the trail was closed from rock gap to winding stair.   As I reached Rock gap, there were 8-10 hikers waiting to get into Franklin. They could only confirm trail was closed yesterday, so I proceeded wanting to get that extra 3.7 miles under my belt. Pulled into Winding Stair about 10 am and Ron Haven pulled in 5 minutes later to bring me to his budget Inn in Franklin NC.   Tomorrow's weather forecast is looking pretty nasty, may zero, undecided. Just had big old cheeseburger, nap time.Living ProofI'm going to start posting my 2016 miles as my stats from last year are mixed with this years.
Date: 2016-04-22
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah bald shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Day 16Winding stair gap to Wayah bald shelter 11.02016 miles 120.8   Began the day in Franklin NC, with a breakfast at the Kountry Kitchen. Weather forecast was looking dreary, so I had every excuse to zero. However, with 6 in the first 10 days I've committed my self to stay zero free till after the smokies and save a bit of money too. I caught the shuttle with Ron Haven, who was a pro wrestler from 1975-1981. Very interesting character and true friend to the hiking community. I began hiking at 9:25 am with light rain that was actually quite pleasant. All the small woodland creatures were no where to be seen, with the exception of snails. They must have known something I didn't! By 10:15, it was raining moderately hard and I was beginning to get really wet. The moderate to heavy rainfall would continue for 4 straight hours. It was my AT baptism! Temps were only in the 50's, so stopping meant you chilled quickly. I just kept moving to stay warm. It was slow day for 3 reasons. A night in town causes sluggishness, mostly uphill all day, and the rain. Only made 11 miles, but I was cautious how my feet would handle being saturated all day. Rain did let up as I set up camp and did my chores, but as I lay in my tent writing this at 7 pm, another round of rain is starting. Next 4 days appear to be beautiful so better conditions to come.Living Proof
Date: 2016-04-23
From: Wayah bald shelter

To: grassy gap campsite
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: light rain

Day 17 Wayah bald shelter to grassy gap campsite18.9 miles2016 total miles 139.7   The goal today was get to NOC! I have lost my spoon and hat since my stay in Franklin and I need both daily. Hike went much quicker than I thought and I got there at 2:10. Straight to the restaurant for a bacon cheeseburger. I made sure to ask for a outside table as I was fully ripened with fresh body order. From there to the outfitter for new hat and spoon. Crossed the river and layer out some wet clothes from yesterday in the sun. The NOC was busy as hell! They had the Smokey Mountain relay race finishing there and the weekend tourist and whitewater rafting. I was tempted to just buy a 6 pack, watch the kayakers and lay in sun the rest of the day, but I didn't It was still early and my legs still felt good. I ended up hiking up a third of the long climb out of NOC. Less to do tomorrow. Oddity of the day was two young hikers, poncho and Tabby. They were walking barefoot and are Maine bound. They use shoes for really rooty or rocky parts, but they go barefoot as much as possible. The people you meet!Living Proof
Date: 2016-04-24
From: grassy gap campsite

To: Cody gap
Miles today: 15.2

Today was the day my hike ended last year. I woke up at same campsite, took breaks at same spots, used same privy even. As I started my decent from Cheoah bald I was looking for spot, curious if I would recognize it. Sure enough, there it was. Clearly a spot where a moment of careful deliberation was needed to safely pass. I don't think I took that moment and thus plunged down the hill with my hopes of thru hiking successfully in 2015. I've learned from that experience and go slow where needed and fast when possible, the trail dictates your pace, not you. It was ironic as I took a break at Stecoah gap that I witnessed a woman quitting and getting picked up. It's a great feeling to on to new and unexplored lands and I'm really happy I choose to start over from beginning. I believe I would regretted not doing entire trail. Living Proof
Date: 2016-04-25
From: Cody gap

To: fontana hilton
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: broken clouds

Day 19 Cody gap campsite to Fontana Hilton shelter 9.92016 total miles 165.9   Up early again and hiking by 6:15 am. Yo-yo'd with a young couple section hiking from Alabama. Managed to pilfer a ride to lodge as they had their car at the visitor center. Once at the lodge I used their computer to get my permit to the Smokies, and recharge my phone and ishuffle. Had lunch at the restaurant and headed to the pit stop for a small resupply, which left me with a whooping 6.50$, not enough for that 6 pack I was craving, but enough for that 3$ shuttle back to the shelter. Hiking on a tight budget is a challenge. Free showers here, so that was a real blessing as its been about 5 days since my last. Head into the Smokies tomorrow, hopefully hit Gatlinburg early Thursday as significant rain is expected, but probably need to do around a 20 mile day Wednesday to make that happen. Took some real nice shots here in Fontana, very beautiful place.Living Proof
Date: 2016-04-26
From: fontana hilton

To: spence field shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 20Fontana Hilton to Spence field shelter 18.32016 total miles 183.2   Everything about today paled in comparison to my first encounter with a black bear in the Smokie mountains. I had been surveying the landscapes looking for them as I entered the park, but nothing. As the trail is mostly rocks and riots you must watch the trail as well so you don't fall on your face. Well I must have been watching the trail and engaged in some self dialogue and then in my peripheral vision at 3 o'clock I saw a black mass very close! I turned and and was staring face to face with a large black bear, head down, ears back. He was no more than 7 or 8 yards away. He could have been on me in a flash. I said,"whoa bear, easy.". It was no time to wave my trekking poles and start yelling, I had clearly come to close and he wasn't pleased. I continued to back away and he went back to foraging on flower shoots. After I got about 40 yards away I got my phone out to take a pic and video. My hands and legs were shaking from the adrenaline. Well, another check on my AT checklist of things to see, just way to close for comfort or safety. Another great day on the trail!Living Proof