morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-31
From: Beech Gap

To: Long Branch Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

I didn't sleep too well last night. The rain that helped me get to sleep didn't stop all night, and all I could do was sit awake and picture packing up in the rain and hiking in the rain. The rain finally stopped right as I was making myself get out of the hammock, and we had a quick coffee and granola bar, and I got my trail name: El Gato (read About Trail Name for details). I packed up my wet stuff and headed out. The first part of the hike was pretty typical, and I got a decent view from a false summit before the predicted thunderheads rolled in. The mountain today was Albert, and while the profile looked harder than some, I wasn't remotely prepared for the last bit of the climb. The last quarter mile is 500 feet strait up barely walkable rock, with little to hold on to, and to top it all off, that's right when the rain decided to open up in full force. It was a scary trek to be honest; a false step could have actually been fatal. I finally did make it to the fire tower at the top, a nice enclosed, windowed one, and I was pretty drenched, so I headed up. I got to the top, and it was locked. Dejected, I sat at the last step on top for a few minutes in the wind, but no rain, and took a few pictures of the clouds obscuring everything and climbed back down. It was only 2 miles downhill to the next shelter and I was motivated for some dryness so took off at a good pace. It seemed to go on forever, but I finally made it. I still had time to make it another 3.5 miles to the next shelter, but my feet were throbbing and I called it a day. The shelter was just put in service this year and the surrounding area wasn't very camp friendly, so I decided to try my first shelter. Tomorrow is only 7.3 easy miles into Franklin, so I liked the idea of not having to pack my tent and tarp up, and in the rain. Hammy, Storytime and Packrat showed up after about an hour and we all laid our stuff out upstairs. We had a quick dinner, changed, and I headed right to my bag to turn in early. I can't wait for some real food, soda, and bed tomorrow. It's starting to rain again now, and it sure is nice to know everything will remain dry.
Date: 2013-04-01
From: Long Branch Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

As I suspected, I didn't get much sleep in the shelter. The floor is too hard and hurts my back, and there were multiple snorers present. It was a long fitful night, but it was dry and easy to pack up. I got out nice and early, and had a pretty uneventful hike to the last gap into Franklin, NC. I got there at 11:15 AM. 7.3 miles before noon, I never would have imagined it possible. There was more trail magic at the gap, a guy in a van with a cooler full of beer and soda. Just what I needed. We caught a hitch into Franklin in the back of a pickup, and although our feet were numb from being crammed in, it was beautiful out and the ride was fun. Storytime was visually nervous about the lack of safety, I thought it was hilarious. We got a room at a hiker hotel, and walked downtown to the local outfitter where I spent 3 hours getting measured and analyzed for new insoles for my boots. I hope it saves me some problems later on. Had a great, extremely filling Mexican dinner across the street, and then headed in to do the normal hotel day errands like drying clothes, blogging, etc. Had two great conversations on the phone with family. I miss everyone. Up early tomorrow for free bottomless pancakes and bacon at the local church, a quick grocery run and a trip back to the outfitter before trying to tackle 10 miles.
Date: 2013-04-02
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Winding Stair Gal
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Another zero day today in Franklin. Ran some errands at the outfitter, Outdoor 76 (amazing place with amazing owners), the grocery store and finally got my Smokies permit. In it for the long haul I hope. :-) Spent most the day relaxing while Storytime worked on his pack. Back out to the trail tomorrow morning after breakfast.
Date: 2013-04-21
To: New Horizons
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After much thought and consideration, I have decided to end this stage of my journey and leave the trail. I am proud of what I have already accomplished, and excited for my next stage of life. In ways I never could have imagined, the lead up to, and small about of time I spent on, the trail, amongst wonderful people, gave me more than I could have hoped to discover as well as the inspiration for what's coming in the future. I want to thank all of you who followed my trip and supported me in so many ways. You have truly impacted my life. I hope that those who were living vicariously through me and enjoying my entries aren't too disappointed. I'm sorry if I am leaving you wanting. Hopefully the short time was entertaining and may inspire journeys of your own. I do intend to update my blog with the few remaining missing entries, but it may take some time. Eternally grateful - Jay
Date: 2013-03-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Decided on April 9th as my start date. That will give one last weekend with the family to relax and do some BBQ'ing! Moms and I will head down on Monday the 8th so I can get started bright and early on the 9th.I'm planning on doing the approach trail through Amicalola Falls State Park to reach the Southern Terminus of the AT on the summit of Springer Mountain (whats another 8miles anyway!).Really excited to leave, but reading through some other TJ accounts reflecting on the (not so much) Spring like conditions helps keep the anticipation at bay.
Date: 2013-04-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Last day before heading out! I wanted to take a quick moment to thank all my family and friends for supporting me and encouraging me to pursue this adventure I've been thinking about for so long.Corey & Lindsay, thanks for letting me be a bum on your couch these past 2 months and mooching your internet and food in the fridge!Matt, for coming along and hiking what seemed like every long-distance trail in SE Ohio this past winter/spring to help prepare.To all of my Colorado & Ohio friends who have shared trails, campsites, and backpacking knowledge with me over the years. Erin, you have been incredibly supportive and I can't thank you enough! And most importantly, Moms & Pops. Without your love and support this wouldn't be possible.
Date: 2013-04-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

OK, here's how it's going to work. In an attempt to keep off my Iphone as much as possible during my hike, I will be keeping an old school pen & paper journal and will be updating it daily. When I'm in towns or at post offices I will be mailing all entries back home to Corey who will update them individually to this TJ account. Here is my direct URL to access this account: http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=14960Feel free to sign the Guest Book available as I will check it every-so-often.
Date: 2013-04-09
From: Amicalola Falls State Park

To: Big Stamp Gap
Miles today: 0.9
Weather: broken clouds

After a great night rest at the Amicalola Falls lodge, moms and I packed up and drove down to the visitors center to check in. We signed the register and passed through the arch to start my journey along the AT Approach Trail. The falls were beautiful and I couldn't have asked for better weather to start my hike, 80 degrees and sunny! I left moms at the bottom of the falls and hiked up the stairs and up along the approach trail. I must have been pretty excited to begin as I realized I was nearing the summit of Springer Mountain without even stopping once. The view from atop was well worth the 8.8 miles to get up to it. I sat and enjoyed the company of two southbound (SOBO) section hikers for about thirty minutes when I saw moms making her way up to the summit. She had driven out to Big Stamp Gap, parked the car, and hiked up to meet me atop Springer Mountain. After a few pictures we passed the first (of very, very many) white blazes along the trail.I scoured the earth for a minute and found the perfect little rock. This wasn't just any ol' rock, this is the rock that I plan on bringing with me along my journey and placing atop of Mt. Katahdin in Maine (the northern terminus of the AT).After a quick mile down we were back at moms car and drove back to the lodge for one last night. We enjoyed an amazing sunset from some rocking chairs out back of the lodge and had dinner.Tomorrow my journey begins in earnest. Excited... speechless.**Edit: After getting back to the hotel room I pulled out the tiny rock that I picked up. Almost 100% positive it is actually an arrowhead! Righteous.
Date: 2013-04-10
From: Big Stamp Gap

To: Horse Gap
Miles today: 9.6

Greetings Arrow-Heads!Here we go - KC (Arrow) is well into his journey, and the journal posts are starting to roll in. Feel free to read as you'd like and comment to keep this guy moving. As he may have mentioned before, the journal entries are all pen and paper, then sent up to me. After this brief intro, all thought's are those of Arrow, with only a few editor's notes here and there (mostly spelling!). Just want to call out a special section my brother will have from time to time at the end of posts. We'll call these "Trail Life," all special - or peculiar - moments along the way. So without further ado, let's start the show! ~~~ CoreyBeautiful weather for my first full day on the trail!Had breakfast at the lodge, packed up and we made our way back to Big Stamp Gap by noon for a bit of a late start to the day. Moms, the last couple days with you have been amazing. Thank you so much for everything!Past Stover Creek shelter right away and kept hiking. Right after it, I ran into a father and son on the side of the trail taking a break. Got to talking and he said his son was the "navi-guesser." I like that.Hiked on to Hawk Mt. shelter and took a nice break. Pumped a bunch of water as the trail was too dry up ahead. Ran into a fellow hiker with Ohio ties and we decided to push on another 2.5 miles to Horse Gap and make camp.All went well and I think we both enjoyed each other's company at camp, being the first night out.Beautiful sunset as I write this post. Heading into the tent shortly for an early night's rest.
Date: 2013-04-11
From: Horse Gap

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: broken clouds

Got a great night's rest at Horse Gap last night. Decided I was going to make today a short one and hike at a leisurely pace to make it to Gooch Mountain Shelter early enough to claim a good spot in the shelter. Supposed to get some severe weather tonight, and I'm pretty sure the forecast will be correct by the feel of it.The day began right away with a climb of Sassafrass Mountain. Made it to the summit right at 9am, just in time to have a thick blanket of fog roll across the mountain in front of me. After Sassafrass was Justus Mountain, and a nice descent along smooth trails all the way to Gooch Mountain Shelter. **TRAIL LIFE**Treated my first blister today. Funny, as it was on my hand and not on my feet. I somehow managed to rub the knuckle of my middle finger against my titanium cooking pot right after boiling water. Bandaged up nicely and taken care of.
Date: 2013-04-12
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Tesnatee Gap
Miles today: 21.9

It poured all night long, just as forecasted. Glad I had a roof over my head! Started packing up before daylight and was on the trail by 7am. Made the climb up Big Cedar Mountain and it was covered in a thick blanket of fog. Took a picture on Preachers Pulpot, but fog clouded view.Lunch at Lance Creek, then made the push up to Blood Mountain, which is the highest point on the trail in Georgia. Ran into Analog & Britton up top and descended down to Neels Gap, my first scheduled re-supply.Filled up on a hot dog, club sandwich and some snacks before Analog, myself and two others decided to move along the trail. We were planning on covering another three miles to Swarm Gap but somehow ended up climbing up and over Carrock Mountain and down to Tesnatee Gap. We found a campsite across from Russell Highway and made an early camp, in tents by 8pm. Rockin' first Friday night on the trail!It was another amazing weather day and I was able to cover almost 22 miles in 12 hours. Long and satisfying day, and should make for some great rest.**TRAIL LIFE**I got my trail name today, on top of Blood Mountain, no less! It's ARROW, in reference to the rock I picked up on Springer Mountain. Given to me by Analog & Britton. I like it.
Date: 2013-04-13
From: Tesnatee Gap

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

Ran out of water last night, but knew there was a source right on the other side of Wildcat Mountain. I noticed a lot of traffic at the bottom of Wildcat where the trail crosses the road (Saturday).I blew right past the water source and went into the crowd of people. One of them had just what I was looking for - a seven gallon jug of ice cold water! I filled up my water bladder and drank an entire Nalgene with Gatorade powder to get some need electrolytes in me. (Thank you, Sunny. I hope your Boy Scout group outing went well).Made the descent to Low Gap Shelter at a leisurely pace with the company of the local Ridge Runner. He shared lots of knowledge and history of the trail (see today's Trail Life post).Pulled into Blue Mountain Shelter at about 3:30 and decided to pitch my tent, still making sure I don't overdo it in the beginning.Planning on making good time out of camp and making the climbs up Rocky Mountain and Tray Mountain tomorrow, and making camp just a few miles south of Dicks Creek Gap where I plan on hitching a ride into Hiawassee Monday.**TRAIL LIFE**The trail today from Low Gap Shelter to Chattahoochee Gap (five miles) was very forgiving and historic, as it followed along an old CCC road that was supposed to connect some camp to the town of Helen, GA. Five great miles, felt good on the feet!
Date: 2013-04-14
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Made short work getting out of camp today and was on the trail by 7:30. The sun left us today and was replaced by grey skies and wind. Rain was in the air.The trail was a lot quicker today. I didn't even pass another North Bound hiker until after lunch at Tray Mountain Shelter.The weather made me rethink my plans and I decided to push on to Deep Gap Shelter to avoid the rain. The first raindrops started to fall right as I got to the shelter. As the rain fell, so did the temperature, and quick! Luckily, an older couple who were already there gathered a bunch of firewood and had it going by dinner. Writing this entry fireside right now.You can really see the weather rolling through the valley here at the shelter. No doubt this will be the coldest night on the trail yet. Going to have to bundle up and get into the bag early. However, it is only four miles to Dicks Creek Gap. I'm planning on getting there by 9am so I can catch the first shuttle into the Budget Inn at Hiawassee where I already booked a room for tomorrow night.**TRAIL LIFE**I'm constantly counting my calories - roughly 2,500 today - still not enough. I know, going to have to keep that in mind for grocery store tomorrow.
Date: 2013-04-15
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night didn't get as cold as expected. It seemed that the worst of the weather passed early, and a steady rain fell through the night.The miles today were short but sweet. I got on the trail by 7:30 even though I only had less than four miles to get out.I have come to find that the first hours of the day are my favorite to be on the trail. The forest was still covered in a thick blanket of fog and last night's rain fell from the trees whenever a small breeze would pass. I hiked out to Dicks Creek Gap and was waiting for the town shuttle to come by when I saw the Coleman's comic out of the trail; the same great couple who tended last night's fire. They offered me a ride into town and pulled at an ice cold Coke out of a cooler for me as well - never tasted so good.I spent the day in town cleaning myself, gear and clothes. Eating, shopping, and eating! I'm sure I was quite the sight sprawled out on the floor of the grocery store, sorting food and comparing calories, and cook times between competing product brands.Ready to get back on the trail, and hike into North Carolina tomorrow.
Date: 2013-04-16
From: Dicks Creek Gap

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

Woke up refreshed and well rested after a night's rest in Hiawassee. The complementary shuttle dropped us back off at the trail by 9:30 and I was hiking by 10am.I spent the day hiking with Yellow Shirt and Drop Bear. We settled into a nice pace and started cracking away miles.I crossed into North Carolina today! Made sure to take a few pictures and got back to hiking. The trail immediately goes up two steep climbs after crossing into Carolina, leading Yellow Shirt to state, "I'm sure they didn't let NoBo AT hikers come up with the state motto."Took a quick lunch at Muskrat Creek Shelter and pushed onto Standing Indian Shelter for the night. Pitched my tent on a somewhat level spot, but I'm sure I will have to slide my cut section of ThemaRest pad under the right side of my bag to keep from sliding into the side of my tent.Shouldn't have much trouble getting to sleep though. It was a hard 16.7 miles on the trail today in the hottest / most humid weather yet.**TRAIL LIFE**Small sample size so far, but the shelters in Georgia have been far nicer than the two we have checked out in North Carolina.
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Long Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: broken clouds

We broke camp this morning and Yellow Shirt, Drop Bear and I decided to hike together again today. The day started with a climb up Standing Indian Mountain, which brought us up above a mile hight (and my bed in Denver) for the first time on the trail.We set our sights on Betty Creek Gap as our last water source before ascending Albert Mountain. Black clouds rolled in as we filled up and the rain began to fall shortly after. The rain quickly turned to pea-sized hail as we climbed Albert Mountain.The last .2 miles up Albert turns into a hand-over-hand scramble. Fortunately, the skies cleared up and we were able to make the scramble in sunshine. The top of Albert marks the 100 mile mark for North Bound hikers and also boasts the first fire tower we pass. Since it was clear, we hiked up the steps only to find that the gate at the top was locked. All of a sudden we hear, "Lucky for you guys, I've got the key." A local photographer had made his way up the stairs behind us without us noticing. Seriously, I can't make this stuff up. Amazing timing. Turns out has has been talking to the North Carolina Forestry Service and was given a key to place a time-lapse camera at the top. A few minutes and a bunch of pictures later we were chased down by ominous clouds quickly approaching.The final three miles of the hike was in driving rain with lightning and instantaneous thunder rolling in surround sound, starting out in the left ear and moving to the right.We made it to the shelter, dried out and ate, and now settling in for the night.**TRAIL LIFE**Referring to yesterday's Trail Life post: tonight's shelter is brand new and very, very nice. Way to redeem yourself, North Carolina shelters!!
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Long Branch Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 7.3

Woke up to a much warmer morning than expected. Rolled out of camp at 7:30 and kept to the same pace we settled into yesterday. The woods were so still and covered in fog you just expected some crashing movement to bellow in, but it never happened. The woods stayed that way until we were descending into Winding Stair Gap and the distant motor vehicle drone slowly crept in.At the gap I ran into my first bit of true trail magic! It was in the form of a truck bed opened up and spilling over with a bounty of fresh fruit, juices and peanut butter cookies. Most definitely the guy had done some research and knew exactly the through-hiker's cravings.We were picked up and driving into town by the legendary Ron Haven. The three of us split a room, got cleaned up and made our way to the all-you-can-eat buffet. Two trips would have done the job...I made three.I spent the afternoon completing town errands: laundry, shopping and more eating.We decided that we would all take our first Zero Day here in town tomorrow to dodge some weather and rest up for the Smokies coming up next week.**TOWN LIFE** (Editor's Note: Not Affiliated with Trail Life. Patent Pending.)Franklin is a great little city. All the locals ask if you're hiking, how it's going and are genuinely interested to hear.
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC (Zero Day #1)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to soaked streets and an early morning rain - a good day to take my first Zero Day. The weather called for an all day rain, getting more intense in the early afternoon, then topping off in the evening. For once, the weatherman hit the nail square on the head as the day did just so.Most of my "town chores" were taken care of already yesterday, so I occupied myself with a trip to the Post Office then lunch at a diner that was modeled after "Happy Days." Kind of fun, kind of meh, but a hot Philly Cheese Steak and fries sure hit the spot!Bellied up at Rathskellers Pub & Coffeehouse for a Ninja Porter fro Ashville Brewing Co. Our bartender was very nice in asking how our hike had been going and even gave each of us a beefstick as, "Rathskellers very own bit of trail magic."Head a phenomenal fried seafood dinner back in the hotel room. I forget the name of the place, maybe Frog Town Deli? (ed. note: don't smoke crack.) Any potential through hikers who may be reading my journal, do not pass this place up! It is right next door to Ron Havens Budget Inn but for some reason I feel its often missed by hikers.After watching the Buccos beat down on the Braves in the room while finishing dingier, I got all my gear set and ready to hit the trail in the morning.Can't wait to get some more miles under my boots!
Date: 2013-04-20
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: clear sky

Big day today! The Zero Day in Franklin was awesome, and I know the rest was good for the body, but man, did it feel great to get back on the trail! Ron pulled up in front of the motel with his shuttle bus right at 9am - clockwork. Super packed bus! Ron had us all up to the trailhead and on the trail by 9:45. Good friend of the trail, great guy! It was a perfectly clear Carolina bluebird day - not a cloud in sky! Yesterday's rain also brought in a cold front so you could really attack the trail and put up big miles.We started climbing up our first Balds today - mountaintops in North Carolina, often are grass-covered and clear of trees. Packed in some subs from a deli in Franklin and had those for lunch atop Wayah Bald, about three hours into the hike. I knew then it would be a big day, already having 10 mles under our belts even being late to the trail from town.The next destination was Cold Spring Shelter, where we were going to decide to either call it a day or push on. A quick decision to move on, and decided to go for Wesser Bald Shelter. Body felt great the whole day; feet started to get a bit tired right towards the end of the day hike.Perfect spot for the tent tonight (aside from not being too level), so I'm laying here with the vestibule open to watch the sun set into the valley.A quick six miles tomorrow morning will get us to the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), where we get our Smoky Mountain National Park permits, some more fuel, and a hot meal before moving on.**TRAIL LIFE**Pretty impressed with tonight's dinner: a full pack of Lipton's Asian Sides Teriyaki Rice, the beefstick from Rathskellers Pub chopped into it and topped with slices of fresh avocado.