morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-02
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a short day. I wanted to get to NOC as early in the day as possible. I am staying in the center in a private room. I need to get a good night's rest sooner or later!On today's hike I was amazed at all the small flowers in blooms -- yellow, white, and purple. I don't know the names, but I took a lot of photos of them.The hike was mainly downhill with outstanding views. NOC is a sporting complex with white water rafting, kayaking, trout fishing, and all the sorts of businesses that support such sports behavior. NOC is not a town, and there are no residences around it. A bunch of us are going to meet for dinner and then plan our next couple of weeks. The Smokies loom large . . . possibly be there late this week. Yahoo! Another milestone!I want to thank everyone for the support and encouragement. I read ever entry in the Guest Book, and it makes me feel like I am walking the AT with a bunch of family members and friends. And let me tell you, that thought can get me up many a mountain!
Date: 2011-04-03
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

It was a picture-perfect day to be on the trail. The hike out of NOC was strenuous. It was a 3,000-foot climb! The temperatures got into the high sixties, and it was very windy climbing into my sleeping bag. I am glad that I staked my tent down. Nothing special on the trail today . . . just a bunch of big ups and a few downs and hardly zero level!
Date: 2011-04-04
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Cap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

It was a windy night at Locust Cove Cap. We -- Bearcat, Bald Eagle, and I --hit the trail by 8:00 am. Just after Stecoah Gap, we hit the hardest part of the AT yet -- Jacob's Ladder. It was a bitch . . . almost straight up. I would pick a tree as my goal, and in this way I scaled the hill in small chunks.We arrived at Cable Gap Shelter at around 2:30 in the afternoon. After pumping water from my Katadyn water purfier, I tried to remove the hose from the intake valve, and the valve broke off. Excellent! This is exactly what happened to Roger's Katadyn pump in the Grand Canyon last October. So, I am without a water purfier. I will give the company a call from Fontana Dam and see if they can send me a replacement. I want to have a pump before heading into the Smokies.The little wildflowers that are out are just fantastic. I don't know their names, but they are witnessing my progress. It is really enjoyable watching spring move into the forest.
Date: 2011-04-05
From: Cable Cap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam 
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Wow! Thank goodness that I was in the shelter. Last night brought us lightning (some close strikes), thunder, and tons of rain. The rain lasted most of the night. I got up early and hit the trail with Bearcat and Bald Eagle. We all hike at the same pace, and it is good to find hiking companions with the same rhythmn.It was a relatively easy hike down to Fontana Dam, but it was mainly downhill. My hernia was feeling a bit tender. I had a physical before hitting the AT, and my doctor in Sandpoint said that the hernia should be no problem. He didn't know how much downhilling I would be doing!I stayed at the Hike Inn with Jeff and Nancy, the owners. What wonderful people! Jeff picked me up at Fontana Dam after I filled out my permit for entering the Smokies. At the Hike Inn Nancy picked up my dirty clothes and cleaned them for me.I tried to get in touch with my Mother and sister in South Bend, but no answer on the phone in the afternoon. I tried again in the evening, but no answer again. I had a feeling that something was happening. I called my brother-in-law in Virginia, and he told me that my Mother was in the hospital again with another mini-stroke. My heart sank. This is exactly the same situation when I started my thru-hike.I called the hospital and talked with my Mother and sister. They were going to keep my Mother under observation and possibly run some tests on her.Now, I don't know what to do . . . continue on the trail or head to South Bend to be with my Mother. I saw her last February, and she has been in the hospital three times since.I will make a decision tomorrow whether to take a break or to continue on.
Date: 2011-04-06
From: Fontana Dam 

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

After a night of zero sleep, I decided to take a break from the trail. I said a sad good-bye to Moss (a wonderful woman from Ireland), Bumble Bee (another wonderful woman from Illinois), and Millhaus. They will be walking the Smokies in my place.Jeff drove me to the Asheville airport where I picked up a rental car and drove to Mechanicsville, Virginia, to spend the night with my brother-in-law. I will drive up to Arlington, Virginia, tomorrow and drop the car off at National Airport.Then I will drive my car to South Bend. I don't know how long I will be off the trail. I am taking all of my gear with me to South Bend, just in case I decide to call the AT off for this year. I have hiked 164 miles and got through hard Georgia and a chunk of North Carolina. I would have loved to have gotten into the Smokies, especially since the weather looks great.On the other hand, I just might return to Fontana Dam after South Bend and pick up my hike where I left off.I won't make a decision at least for a week. This will give my tender hernia a chance to get better . . . also give me a chance to assess the situation with my Mother. When I heard about her being in the hospital again, the fun went out of the trail for me.I want to thank everyone who has offered support and encouragement. It truly means a lot to me. In the meantime, I am shutting down my trail journal until I decide what I am going to do.Let us all have a glorious spring!
Date: 2011-05-03
From: Damascus, Virginia

To: Saunders Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

After spending three weeks in South Bend, I am back on the trail. I am happy to report that my Mother is doing fine after her mini-stroke. Her three therapists -- occupational, physical, and speech -- all feel that they do not need to see her anymore. She, above all, wanted me to be back hiking.Doug surprised me with a visit and drove with me to Damascus. He hiked the first day with me. We left Lazy Fox Inn -- please stay there if you are looking for a wonderful hostel with a wonderful host (Ginny) -- after an excellent breakfast. We had two major ups and downs. Not surprisingly, I had lost my trail legs after three weeks away. The forest had changed dramatically since Fontana Dam. The trees had leafed out, and lots of undergrowth had appeared. And a gazillion wildflowers were out along with the dogwood. Bumblebee left the trail to visit her ailing grandmother, to celebrate her father's birthday, and to be with her Mother on Mother's Day. It was so good to see her again . . . along with Moss, Millhaus, Snake Hips, Spud, Unc, and RedFred.If/when I get up to Mt. Katahdin, I will backtrack and make up the 300 miles from Fontana Dam to Damascus. It would be in the autumn when the Smokies are lovely.
Date: 2011-05-04
From: Saunders Shelter

To: Lost Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: broken clouds

It rained most of the night, and it was cold. Doug and I hit the trail by 8:00. We hiked until 9:30 when Doug took a side trail to the highway. The plan was for him to hitchhike back into Damascus, pick up the car, drive to Arlington, and fly back to Spokane. After all, someone does have to punch the time clock in this relationship! After a sad goodbye, we parted ways shouting "I love you" until we were out of earshot. I arrived at Lost Mountain Shelter around noon. I debated whether to head on to Thomas Knob Shelter or not. It was another 13 miles or thereabouts. A group of trail maintenance people stopped by and mentioned that it was going to be bitterly cold that night. I wasn't too excited about camping at over 4,000 feet with the temperatures dropping. So, I stayed at the shelter, knowing also that some of my hiking buddies would be arriving.Sure enough, No Problem, Millhaus, and Bald Eagle arrived, along with Cubby, Traffic Director, and Switchback. It was so good to see them again.
Date: 2011-05-05
From: Lost Mountain Shelter

To: Wise Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

My pattern of not sleeping well continued. Also, I was missing Doug and his company. It was so good to turn around on the trail and see him with me. No Problem, Bald Eagle, and I hit the trail at 6:45. We knew that we would have a monster day ahead of us. Today's hike had two major ups; the first one was a bear. It came close to the summit of Mt. Rogers, the highest peak in Virginia. The frost on all the vegetation was amazing. Near the Thomas Knob Shelter we came across a herd of wild horses. They were used to folks being around them and didn't mind us passing them by. Then we hit the Grayson Highlands. Wow! This was a rocky stretch of the trail where one never got a foot firmly planted. The knees and ankles got a real workout.I don't know if it was wise to be hiking this many miles so soon. I felt good on my downs and level ground. The ups were hard.My toes are not happy at all. Plus my right shoulder is hurting with the weight of the backpack. I was happy to be in camp, but somewhat surprised that I had hiked so many miles.
Date: 2011-05-06
From: Wise Shelter

To: Trimpi Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

What a day! I did a 20-mile day after a 17-mile day. The body is taking a beating. My hernia is acting up a little, especially going downhill. The scenery was incredible -- from more wild horses to more wildflowers. I was busy stopping and taking photos of the varieties of wildflowers. I am beginning to reassess my ability to continue with hiking the trail. My physical ailments are piling up. My toes, right shoulder, and a pinched nerve in my neck were making hiking not a fun experience. Just at the time that I find folks I can hike with, especially No Problem and Bald Eagle and Millhaus, I am realizing that long distance hiking may not be for me. Ahead of me are more days on continuous hiking . . . and moving into days with temperatures about ninety and humidity up there as well. And I do not do well in humidity. That is why I lived in Montana and Idaho!On top of all of this, I am not getting any sleep at night. I am missing Doug and thinking about my Mother. My thoughts are not on the trial, but elsewhere. I will see where I am come this weekend.
Date: 2011-05-07
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Chatfield Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Another ragged night sleeping . . . this is not good. Along the way, we passed by Partnership Shelter. What a palace! It even had a hot shower and a water spigot. Then at the visitor center -- just a stone's throw from the shelter -- we ordered pizza from Pizza Plus. And it was delivered to us. Such bliss!We were on the trail by 12:30. The downside to the pizza was that I burped it all the way to Chatfield Shelter!After a third monster day in a row, I now realize that I have gone about as far as I can go in this adventure. I have a tough decision to make by tomorrow.
Date: 2011-05-08
From: Chatfield Shelter

To: Atkins, Virginia
Miles today: 3.5

Woke up to rain, but it gradually stopped by the time we reached Atkins. I had another sleepless night. I think this is "it" for me and the AT.I broke the news to my trail buddies. They were partially surprised and not surprised. I explained that I could not imagine myself continuing on for days, weeks, and months without doing serious injury to myself. I think back to Short Cut in Georgia who said he tried thru-hiking ten years ago, but stopped in Massachusetts because he was doing serious bodily harm to himself. I called my brother-in-law in Arlington, and he and my nephew drove out to pick me up. I am now in Arlington and will head back to Sandpoint. Along with way, I will stop in South Bend and spend time with my amazing Mother.I have the real names, addresses, and phone numbers for No Problem, Millhaus, and Bald Eagle. I will hike with them via telephone calls. So, I have left the trail with mixed feelings. My heart and soul will be on the trail, but my body cannot continue on. I ended up hiking approximately 240 miles, and I feel very good about this. I have hiked the Appalachian Trail and have terrific memories of the experience. But now it is time for me to return to Sandpoint and carve out another kind of summer. I have no regrets about leaving the trail, except leaving behind the wonderful people I met both on and off the trail.When I get back to Sandpoint, I will load photos from this past week onto this profile. So, this is my final journal entry. I want to thank everyone, especially Doug and my family, for the love and support I have received in this adventure. The Appalachian Trail is now always a part of me!
Date: 2011-03-09
To: Another delay
Miles today: 0.0

OMG, I have to delay my start another week. Some work I absolutely HAVE to get done before I can leave is the cause... My pack is packed, I have found a new home for my two dear cats, I've made all necessary arrangements to be gone for 6 months. I hope to be standing on Springer mid-morning, Sat, 19Mar with Katahdin on my mind.
Date: 2011-03-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Another day closer to leaving; I'm working to complete the remodel of a kitchen I promised would be finished before I left.I have been following weather in North GA and Western NC. Lots of rain, in fact it has rained for days without relief but the temps are staying above freezing. Just to be safe, I think I will use my Pur Hiker water filter for the first couple of weeks on the Trail since the MSR HyperFlow cannot be allowed to freeze.
Date: 2011-03-11
To: Space time continuum
Miles today: 0.0

Aaaaaaargh... Can time move any slower than when you are waiting for your start date??? As I read current journal entries about continuing rain in GA and NC, all I can think about is: yeah, it's too cool to get wet so gotta wear rain gear. Is the pack cover cinched up tight? I meant to put a couple of drain holes in that pack cover, I know some water will get in... Did I make a mistake in starting out in low boots...? Am I gonna have to set up the wet tent or will there be room in the next shelter...? I'm there already, but I'm not... I want to be there but I can't for another week. How long have I waited to be there...
Date: 2011-03-13
To: Trail Community
Miles today: 0.0

Some hopeful AT thru-hikers see their hike as a pilgrimage, some as an adventure, fewer as an escape. I think the consensus though, is that by the time any these hikers reach the terminus, the real truth of a thru-hike is the community they've become a part of. Though there may be hundreds of individual pretexts for enduring the pain, tribulations and personal questioning, most find that only through the relationships they establish on the Trail - with fellow hikers and Trail Angels - does the experience of the AT come into focus. Many thru-hikers hike their hike solo, but it is impossible to do it alone.   As I - sloooowly - come up to my start date, I find that that community is already being established. As I receive comments on my Guestbook from fellow hikers, I am aware that though I am physically still in Minnesota, my spirit is hovering close to the summit of Springer Mtn, communing with the spirits of fellow hikers I am soon to meet in person. Can the power of this experience even be understood until it is endured, in common, with others. I for one say no...
Date: 2011-03-16
To: More delay...
Miles today: 0.0

I am forced to delay my start date again. The kitchen I am remodeling is taking longer than I expected but the income from the job is critical to my hike. I will probably be at Springer no later than 23Mar11 now. Looking at the weather report, I know I am missing out on a couple of days of unseasonal sunny, warm weather but it cannot be helped. My pack is packed, my body is as ready as it will ever be, I am soooo ready!
Date: 2011-03-21
To: Time does drag on
Miles today: 0.0

The kitchen is almost finished, tile is grouted, almost all new lights are wired and installed. Definitely will start on Springer this coming Saturday. I know this two week delay means larger crowds, more crowded shelters, generally less peace... It simply could not be helped. I am simply trying to practice the flexibility I know will be critical on the Trail.   I've packed and repacked many times, bought a new pair of low gaiters at REI and I'm certain they will be more comfortable. Altogether, I am sooo ready!
Date: 2011-03-24
To: counting the minutes
Miles today: 0.0

That pesky kitchen remodel is completed. My backpack is packed and I have a reservation on a flight to Atlanta tomorrow evening. I'm not sure if I will start at Amicalola and take the Approach Trail or if I will take 42 to the Trail North of Springer. Any thoughts on that?In any case, I will be on the Trail in about 48 hours!!! All my years of dreaming about this is finally coming to fruition and I just can't wait.TicTac
Date: 2011-03-25
To: Dawn of a New Day
Miles today: 0.0

WOW! Up with the sun this morning (better get used to that...) and just sat in bed, soaking in the reality that this life-long dream of mine is coming true. Today, TODAY, I fly to Atlanta, that much closer to Amicalola Falls SP and the Southern Terminus of the Trail. The mundane tasks of making coffee and washing dishes pale in comparison to the task ahead.Lift right foot, move forward, plant right foot. Lift left foot, move forward, plant left foot. Repeat, five million times. It sounds so simple and yet each step is a culmination of a lifetime of dreams. Am I ready? Ya sure, you betcha!TicTac
Date: 2011-03-26
To: Blue Ridge, Georgia
Miles today: 0.0

Stayed in a motel last night, 40 minutes from Amicalola Falls SP. The day is here, the time is here, and of course it is POURING RAIN outside. It will be a couple of days before I can post a new journal entry but suffice to say I will have my feet on the AT within 2 hours!!!Thanks to all of you who have left such positive guestbook comments. It means a lot to me to know that there are friends back in the "real world" funneling such positive energy to me. I need all the help I can get. Bye for now,TicTac
Date: 2011-03-26
From: Springer Mtn

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: heavy intensity rain

As already mentioned, we got a late start from the Motel in Blue Ridge. We got to Amicalola State Park at about 1:40. I registered (#488) and we drove a circuitous route to the AT at FR42. A little after 2:30 I started up the trail to springer Mtn (.9 miles) in a light but steady rain. Once there, I spread my Mom's and my Dad's ashes (a way to remember I am dedicating this hike to them) on the summit. I had to wait about 15 minutes for someone else to come along to take the obligatory picture of me with the plaque, and then I headed down. It didn't take too long to get to the Stover Mtn shelter. There I met some wonderful people: Kara, Shayna, Chili & Pepper (father and son), Chopstick... many more but my memory fails me. It rained most of the afternoon and evening, then the heavens split open. We experienced the most intense lightning and rain that I have ever experienced!! Honest, I am not exaggerating!!
Date: 2011-03-27
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Hawk Mountain shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke from tremendous storm, chilly and foggy, 5 miles to Hawk Mtn shelter, stopped early (2:00) then Boy Scout troop (17 scouts plus 5 adults) showed up. Gonna be a loud night... Meeting great people but I'm not as strong as I hoped I would be. I don't know why it takes me so long to get going in the morning. Almost everyone was on the trail before I got packed? The inclines are rough on my calves. Declines and level ground are fine and I can make great time. I need to lighten my pack but unknown what I can do without. Maybe when I get to Neels Gap they can help me out. Most of the same people I had met at Stover Creek shelter were here but I got there so late I had to cook dinner late...
Date: 2011-03-28
From: Hawk Mountain shelter

To: Gooch Mountain shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I found a six pound food bag also containing a 2011 Companion and a 2011 Data Book. I figured it must have been left behind by accident so I packed it in my pack (like I needed it to be heavier...). The Trail to Gooch Mountain shelter is really rough, many PUDs. I filled my hydration bladder and water bottle from a potable water trailer, thanks to the 5th RTB (Ranger Training Btn) at Cooper Gap. Slept in loft of new shelter with Kara, Shayna, Chili and Pepper. It rained and stormed but we stayed dry. Still having lots of problems with inclines, calves really burning. Lots of flowers starting to appear: bloodroot, trillium, pansies. Most Oak and Walnut trees are still bereft of leaves but the Mountain Laurel are wonderfully green and it's such a joy to hear birdsong as I walk. There are tens of thousands of walnuts and acorns on the trail? The local population of tree rats (that's grey/red squirels to the uninitiated) must be low to leave such an abundance of food on the ground. Chopsticks, Sue & ??, Silver Eagle here plus a man thru-hiking on crutches!! I think I'm going into Suches tomorrow, I'm sore, really sore...
Date: 2011-03-29
From: Gooch Mountain shelter

To: Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

I was the last one to leave Gooch Shelter, I don't know why it is taking me so long to get started in the morning. Made good time to Woody Gap (14:00) and called Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega. I tried hitching to them but after 45 min with no luck, a shuttle came to pick me up (which brings up the question: where is all of the Southern hospitality??). The Hiker Hostel is such a wonderful hostel, wonderful surroundings, hot shower, laundry facilities and a hearty breakfast in the morning. I had an interesting time doing a pack shake-down for Kathryn who was ill-prepared to start a hike. Most of people staying at the Hostel are starting at Springer in the morning. I charged all of my batteries, updated my TrailJournal on the computer and got a good night's sleep.
Date: 2011-03-30
From: Hiker Hostel

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: moderate rain

Got a late start from Hiker Hostel because Kathryn simply wasn't ready. Got on road a half hour late which put me back at Woody Gap by 09:30. I felt good initially but steady climbing was hard on my legs and left knee. Saw a Trillium in full bloom, the flower was a breathtaking magenta and of course had three outer petals and three inner petals. The leaves of the Trillium are a mottled dark/light green that is beautiful in itself. I wanted to make it to Neels Gap but simply ran out of energy and will (in the face of the long climb up Blood Mtn. then down again. I stopped at Woods Hole Shelter, 0.5 mi blue blaze trail to shelter. It is a small shelter, just room for 7, full crowd later at night with 3 tenting close by. Later that night, I sat up and asked Benz, Baby Ruth, Fishhead and Phil to be quiet, they had a regular party going... They later reported widely that I was not only most polite but correct in doing so.