morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-03-20
From: Rocky Mountain

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: broken clouds

Super long day!My ankle is screaming right now but I made it to Dicks Creek Gap. That's a 15.3 mile day! The terrain was pretty rough too, lots of ups and downs that were all pretty steep. I encountered my first bit of trail magic today. When I got down into the gap, there were some granola bars left on the picnic table with a note saying, "ENJOY!" I took two, an almond honey one and a fruit and nut one. Tomorrow morning I am going to hitch a ride into town to pick up a few things then right back to the trail in the afternoon. With my ankle feeling the way it is, I will probably look for an ankle brace while I am in town. The guide book says there is an AYCE(all you can eat) place called Daniel's. I believe I will have lunch there, I have heard some other hikers talking about that place. Apparently it's very good and inexpensive. We'll see how much it costs.Oh yeah! Along with the granola bars, someone left a few of the travel sized deodorants here too! They are what I normally wear, Axe Phoenix haha! It's like they left the specifically for me :P I took one and now I smell a little less like ass, might even be able to hitch a ride lol. Only a few more days until I get a zero! I am planning on taking one in Franklin, NC - 3 days away On a side note, I got pretty emotional today a few times. Now that the initial crowd is starting to thin out, I easily go hours without seeing anyone. this is really hard, I spend 95% of my time alone with just my thoughts and my pain. I honestly don't know if I can do this...
Date: 2012-03-21
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: broken clouds

Last night, I woke up to the sound of someone puking their guts out. Apparently, some guy that pitched near me got pretty sick. It rained again last night too. It rains everyday in the Georgia mountains, even if it's just for an hour. Hitched a ride into town to get a few things. I bought a Diet Coke, a new travel toothpaste, a roll of toilet paper, and a Snickers. Then I walked to the outfitter in town to buy some fuel. 9oz of denatured alcohol cost me 25 cents/oz.I had heard about an AYCE place called Daniel's that has pretty good lunch and dinner buffets. I went there for lunch. It cost me $7 to stuff myself full of grilled chicken, meatloaf, mashed potatoes w/ mushroom gravy, and a full salad bar. I ate way more than I probably should have.I hitched a ride back to the gap where I left the trail around 15:30 or so. I only made it 4.5 miles to the Plumorchard shelter... there are no plums. tomorrow I will be back in NC :D
Date: 2012-03-22
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

I didn't sleep at all last night. Not one wink!It rained all night and almost all day today. I finished "World War Z" by Max Brooks and left it at the shelter for another hiker to enjoy. One less thing I have to carry lol. I started reading "I Am Legend"I crossed into North Carolina today, only thirteen more states to go. As a welcome into the state , the first thing you do is climb straight up the biggest mountain in sight... and I mean straight up! Long and exhausting day. Staying at Standing Indian Shelter with a few others that I've been running into. My ankle is getting worse. I notice it more on downhills. It's like a shooting pain up to my knee. I am hoping that my zero day in Franklin will help ease the pain.On the trail, I have heard a lot of trail talk, terminology, slang, and expressions. So far, the phrase I like best is, "Smiles before miles." It's all about being happy with your own capabilities rather than push out long days or compete with others. Even though my smile can often be mistaken for a painful cringe, it's still a smile...
Date: 2012-03-23
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: moderate rain

Very long day and I pushed myself way too hard. I limped and hobbled the last mile or so to the shelter. I am in so much pain tonight. Sleeping in the shelter because all my gear is still soaking wet from last night. Stormed all night and all day today. Fog was ridiculous, visibility was about 20ft most all of the day. Only have 9 miles to go tomorrow to get into Franklin. I hope I will be able to do it.I traded some Quinoa for mashed potatoes for dinner tonight. Food bartering is a part of trail life, it's like being back in elementary school lol. I need to plan for a little more variety in my meal selection. Eating the same thing for 10 days straight sucks... even if it's something you love.
Date: 2012-03-24
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: broken clouds

Pain!!!That's about the best way to describe today. I managed to get the 9 miles I needed to get to the road to get to town. It took me 6 hours though! I hobbled and cringed the entire way, even cried a few times. I can barely put any weight on my left leg without pain screaming its way through my knee. When I got to the road, there was a couple sitting in a pickup truck doing trail magic. they greeted me with a cold Coke and a Snickers bar! Talked to them for a bit and they noticed I was barely able to stand. I told them I was trying to find a way into Franklin. Before I could say anything, they offered to bring me into town. Thank you Chuck and his wife (sorry I can't remember your name)!I got checked into the Microtel. It's more expensive than I wanted to spend, but I need to be able to rest and relax in a nice environment. I am showered and all my gear is washed and hanging in the room to dry out. I went to Shoney's for their seafood AYCE. Now, I'm laying in bed watching TV with my knee and ankle on ice. I am going to see how it feels after tomorrow and if it's not better, I will hit up urgent care and see what the doctor says. I really hope this doesn't end my hike ...gotta make an important call.
Date: 2012-03-26
To: Defeated by Injury
Miles today: 0.0

Well, the end has come all too soon for me...I gave my knee days of rest and ice. All for naught. Went this morning to see the doctor about it after 3 days without any improvement. The news was devastating. Apparently I have a very severe strain of multiple ligaments in my left knee. the doctor prescribed me high doses of anti-inflammatory medication and two weeks off my leg =(I do not have the funds to stay holed up in Franklin, NC at a hotel for two weeks to let my knee heal. I have no choice but to leave the trail for this year. I am heart broken and without words to truly describe how I feel. I spent so much time and effort into the planning of this hike and only last 12 days. I feel like my broken body has failed me when I was counting on it the most.I know the trail is not going anywhere and hopefully I will be able to reattempt a thru-hike next year. Thank you all for your encouragement and support.
Date: 2011-12-13
To: Life Long Dream
Miles today: 0.0

With December 30, 2011 being my retirement date from a nice and rewarding career with the Ann Arbor Police Department, Michigan and February 18, 2012 being my projected start date of the hike...something inside me today said it's TIME to begin the process of mentally and physically preparing myself for the trek of a lifetime. It reminded me of my marathon days when about 6 months out from a race a switch would go off inside and the training would begin with full focus. Before I even take a step...I first and foremost want to thank my wife of 25 wonderful years on 2-14-12, Pamila, for giving me her blessing to do the hike and just as important getting the OK to do the hike form my two beautiful daughters Cierra 13 and Sydney 10. THANK YOU! In the last 3-4 months I have gone from a state of, "I will retire" to "I will not retire"...back and forth...and if I do retire on a Friday I need to start a new job on Monday...like many people I was confused, excited and scared during this period. In the end, it just took my wife to look me in the eyes at a lunch date and state, "You are retiring and why don't you hike the Appalachian Trial that you have talked about for years". That was it...peace and calm came over me about retiring and I now had an opportunity to fulfill a dream of mine that I always thought would be just that...a dream. This journal for me is my start of the whole process of achieving the goal of standing on top of Mt. Katahdin in Maine...it will help keep me focused and motivated, keep family, friends and the curious informed. Lastly, I would like to dedicate this hike to "Max" my 4 year old "white socked" Newfoundland whose life was cut short this past week when he hit by a car. Max was my trail companion like no other...I will take his spirit of power, strength and endurance with me on the hike. Let the journey begin!
Date: 2011-12-31
To: New Year's Eve...My first day of retirement.
Miles today: 0.0

A lot has occurred since my last entry on 12-13-11. I have researched hiking gear at nauseam and made some purchases. I retired yesterday from the Ann Arbor Police Department, MI at the age of 51 and had an outstanding sendoff/get together for the 9 of us who retired...A Thank You goes out to all of you who attended...a special shout out goes out to my wife, Pam, for being there my entire police/military career....my greatest accomplishment in my 24 years of law enforcement was starting and ending my career with the same wife...not an easy thing to do in the law enforcement profession.Unfortunately, I lost a friend and mentor, Greg O'Dell, this past week suddenly and unexpectedly. Greg possessed all great qualities a police officer should have, integrety, compassion and the highest standards for customer service. Greg had my back during my police career and I will be forever indebted to his kindness and friendship. So along with Max, I would like to dedicate this journey to Greg..a friend who was always there.When the holidays are over, I plan on ratcheting up my AT planning. I ran for the first time today in a long time...ran by a lady and shouted out, "This is my first day of retirement". She shouted back, "You have motivated me. I am going home and digging out my running shoes". Time to head down stairs and join the rest of crew to bring in 2012....Happy New Year!!!!! or should I say Happy Trails!!!!!
Date: 2012-01-06
To: January 2012 Has Arrived
Miles today: 0.0

After reading numerous reviews and trying on many hiking boots and trail running shoes...and the hybrids in between....I final decided on the Italian made Zamberlan Vois GT...I bought them today from REI (Thanks for gift certificates!) and they feel great. The following is the major items I have purchased for the trip:Pack: Gregory Baltoro 65 (Moss Green) Tent: MSR Hubba HubbaSleeping Bag: Marmot Sawtooth..rated at 15 degrees came with a cotton bag linerSleeping Pad: Thermarest NeoAir All Season Stove: Mini Trangia alcohol stove (kit)Poles: Leki trekking polesI used the Internet...especially Google (put in your product and Google will come back with the lowest prices around the country)...most stores were free shipping...and E-Bay was a great source also...all items were purchased new. Most people I have talked to think I am insane.."You are doing what!"..."You are carry a gun aren't you, there freaks and bears out there"....."If you hear banjos run!" My wife hears, "You are crazy, I can't believe you are letting him do this, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!...what about the kids, the house, the pets, the bills, the snow clearing, the lawn mowing AND he will not be the same person when he returns, ect. In reality, our marriage will be stronger post AT hike...25 years of marriage tells me that."Tomorrow I will start on what food to purchase and the planning of the locations of my mail "food" drops along the Appalachian Trail....Pam, Cierra and Sydney will be my food angels and coordinate the mailings. Next week I shall purchase my one way airline ticket from Detroit to Atlanta...My family gave me my trail name: Daddy-o. I like its simplicity and means a lot coming from them....so Daddy-o it is....so much for getting one on the trail.
Date: 2012-01-16
To: Inside one month of departure date
Miles today: 0.0

With less than a month to go, the planning process is coming together. Purchased my one way flight to Atlanta and have begun selecting resupply stops using intel from prior thru-hikers. Should have 95% of my gear by next week...all essential gear has been purchased. Trying to keep things as lite as possible...will be carrying 4-5 days worth of food between resupply...which will be a combo of my family sending me items and resupplying at the local towns near the trail. Not much anxiety about the journey yet...my 10 year old is worried about me sleeping in the dark woods alone...I have tried to reassure her that I will be fine...she has offered me her dog shaped pop-up tent to sleep in...she said it would scare off all bears.I will be taking a 3 week break once I hit Harpers Ferry, WV in May to attend my daughters' dance recital, celebrate 2 family birthdays and to just hang out with the family and friends...and EAT. Thanks to my niece, Marianne, who resides in DC...all travel arrangements from the trail to the airport and back are covered. THANK YOU!!! Marianne. Lastly, I want to acknowledge my late mother, Marian St.Amour, who instilled the spirit of adventure in me as a young boy through our family travels throughout the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii and Europe...that spirit of adventure/travel has never left me. Hopefully, my children will catch the spirit of adventure beyond Disney World.
Date: 2012-01-22
To: Early Sunday Morning Thoughts
Miles today: 0.0

It about time for all the talking to stop...and start putting boots on the ground. It is so easy to romanticize about the hike from my desktop computer or while shopping at REI, but I'm sure reality will hit me that first week on the trail. Looking forward to getting trail savoy and harden...and lose the softness of city life. Breaking up the hike into two parts....Springer Mt, GA to Harper's Ferry, WV (1016 miles)...3 week break at home...Harper's Ferry, WV to Mt. Katahdin, ME (1168 miles)...should work well for my family and I.I feel very fortunate that in a few short weeks I will be living a dream. In a two month period I have gone from the grind of commuting to work day in and day out TO retiring on the fly due to contractual benefits to me if I did so before Jan. 1, 2012 TO ok, now what..how about a hike of 2000+ miles before I go back to the grind of work. You never know where life will take you.
Date: 2012-02-10
To: 5 Days To Go
Miles today: 0.0

It's Friday morning and all items have been purchased for the hike...I have a few items that I am still waiting for via the mail. I did a AT presentation for my daughter's 4th grade class on 2-8-12 with my 45 pound pack...and of course I somehow strained my lower right back...I have been icing it and taking prescribed muscle relaxer and pain med...just another hurdle to get overcome to get to the starting line on 2-15-12...the good thing is that it occurred off the trail where I have to access ice and medical care. I am going to do a shakedown of my pack and strip off some more weight.I will be starting the hike on 2-15-12. I will arrive at Atlanta Airport around 2:15pm and taking a shuttle to the approach trail at Amicalola Falls State Park. I plan on spending the first night at Amicalola Falls.Tonight I am going to have to turn in my man card, going to see the band Air Supply at Caesars Windsor with the wife...we hit 25 years of bliss on 2-14-12.Back to icing my back!
Date: 2012-02-14
To: Tomorrow it Begins!
Miles today: 0.0

The time has arrived, I fly out tomorrow on a one way flight to Atlanta. It's hard to believe I will staying the night in Amicalola Falls State Park tomorrow. My pack weighs 42 pounds without water or fuel...I am sure I will shed some of the weight as it warms up.It's really hard to leave the family, especially my 10 year old daughter, Sydney. She just ask me if I will be home for Christmas...I promised her I would be home long before that. I have a feeling I will have some rendezvous with my family along the trail before I return in May for 3 weeks.It is 8:30pm and still have many things to do...so I will be using my cell phone from here on out to update my journal. Many of the photos that I take with my camera I will upload to my journal when I return in May. If you don't hear from me for a while...it's because I have no cell reception. Maine here I come one step at a time...for a total of approximately 5 million steps.
Date: 2012-02-16
From: Amicalola Falls State Park

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Left Amicalola State Park shelter at 10:35am and started hiking the 8.8 miles Approach Trail to Springer Mt. and the start of the Appalachian Trail. The Approach Trail kicked my butt...98% straight up hill to Springer Mt. I walked in the clouds with drizzling rain until I arrived at Springer Mt. where the SUN magically appeared. I walked another two miles and stayed Stover Creek Shelter (empty)...very nice. Met all day hikers today..all cheering me on to Maine. The journey has begun!
Date: 2012-02-17
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Justus Creek 
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Beautiful sunny day! Short sleeve and shorts today....left at 8:40am Went through a forest of giant Rhododendron and pines. Stopped at Hawk Mt. shelter for lunch...Met Shelter Mouse there..He is hiking to New York. Also met a nice young hiking couple and their American Bulldog named Lilly. Justus Mt and one before it were tough...I would walk 10 feet and rest. Made to Justus Creek at 6pm..dead tired (empty). Made dinner and set up my tent...and went to bed
Date: 2012-02-18
From: Justus Creek 

To: Dan's Gap
Miles today: 9.1

Another sunny day. Felt strong today. No steep climbs. Day hikers were warning of the oncoming rain at 7pm, so I stopped at Dan's Gap at 4pm and setup my tent (empty). Bathed for first time in the ice cold ...stream...with only my Crocs on...I know TMI. Trust me I was in the middle of nowhere...I had to get of the smell...Felt great afterwards..felt like was actually hiking in the great outdoors. Looking forward to making it to Neel Gap tomorrow...where there is a place to stay and hot showers.
Date: 2012-02-19
From: Dan's Gap

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

A day full hurdles...got up at 7am to a pouring rain...cold. As I was breaking camp...I lifted my backpack while bending over and snap went my left lumbar muscle...I ignored the pain and packed up and moved out. Stopped a little ways up the trail and took a muscle relaxer and 800 ml of ibuprofen...left over from my trip to doctor last week for my left side lumbar pull. I was soaked and very cold and fighting off the muscle relaxer (want to fall asleep). Made to the top of Blood Mt.4200 ft. Very very cold, raining and windy..took a picture and left...lost the trail for the first going down the mountain...back up the steep/slippery mountain I went and eventually found the trail. Good news is that I was able to hike with my strained back muscle. My right shoulder started aching due to the using the walking poles...pain got so bad, I had to stop and apply some icy/hot to it. The pain reduced a lot. I was focused on Neel Gap and a hot shower. The best sight was seeing Mountain Crossing hiking store and hostel. I took a hot shower for about half hour. I am using their computer to update the journal...so days may go by before I can update again. My wife, Pam, will try to update when she not running the kids around. Cell service is spotty at best...when it is available it is Verizon...not Sprint which I have. I am afraid to see the roaming charges. There are 4others staying in the hostel..Catfish, Shelter Mouse, Scooter and Rising Sun...all thru-hikers and very nice. Mountain Crossing employee, Pirate, will be cooking us dinner...Pork chops....YES real food. I am still motivated as ever and looking forward to tomorrow. Now it is time to take another muscle relaxer and ibuprofen. Living the DREAM..sore muscles and all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Date: 2012-02-20
From: Neel Gap

To: Poplar Stamp Gap
Miles today: 13.0

Woke up to the smell of pancakes and coffee in the Mountain Crossing Hostel. Ate as much as I could then took off at 10:30am up the trail. I felt refreshed and strong after two good home cooked meals. Perfect day for hiking...sunny on this February day. Catfish stayed behind another day and Scooter, Rising Sun and Shelter Mouse took off ahead of me. Scooter was my first interesting character...just graduated from the University of Georgia..math major...chain smoker...heavy drinker...every reference to something had to do with the female body...continuous loud farting...referred to poop as a "stink pickle"...was determined to make to Maine before his job started in 2 1/2 months...I think that would be a world recorded. Hope to see him again someday up the trail. Passed Shelter Mouse about 3 miles up the trail...he was tending a blister on his foot. Stopped at 6pm on top of a mountain just passed Low Gap Shelter...set-up my tent, cooked dinner..tuna with tobassco sauce. Hung up my food in a tree to keep away from the bears...signs along the trail state: "Beware the bears are active in this area" Food, toothpaste, trash, ect never ever goes in or near my tent.   It was a great day...no back or shoulder pain...beautiful weather.
Date: 2012-02-21
From: Poplar Stamp Gap

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a chilly and windy day...long sleeve and my running tights...love my running tights..no chaffing, keep me warm and they are still nice to wear when it warms up. Only passed a few day hikers today...Shelter Mouse (from Louisiana)passed me during my lunch break of beef jerky and trail mix. A sectional hiker, Commando, going southbound suggested the Tray Mountain Shelter for the night. I ended up making it there at 5pm...it was empty...a 3 sided shelter on top of Tray Mountain (4233 feet). Thank God someone had put up a blue tarp on the open side of the shelter...it got very cold as the sun went down and the wind blowing. I got into my 15 degree sleeping bag before the sun went down. the coyotes howled in unison (sounded like laughter)marking their territory as soon as the sun set...it went on for 5 minutes then complete silence...every night they do this routine...it was scary the first time I heard it. Haven't seen much wildlife...squirrels, deer and birds. The shelter have steel cables to hang up your food/pack away from bears and squirrels. Overall a great day. Looking forward to making it to Dicks Creek Gap tomorrow where I can resupply and stay a couple of nights in Hiawassee, GA.
Date: 2012-02-24
From: Hiawassee, GA 

To: Blue Ridge Gao
Miles today: 5.3

Got out of bed and tried my Lucky Charms cereal with powdered milk...not bad. went to the Hiawassee Library and uploaded my trail pictures...I ended up having to go to Rite Aide and purchase a multiple memory card reader to upload the pictures on the public computer. Checkout of the Mull Inn...it served it purpose...close to everything...its best days are behind her...there was no maid service...I stood out front of the montel with my cardboard sign "AT"...it took about 20 minutes for someone to stop and offer me a ride to the trail...11 miles away. Dave Nugget gave me ride...nice guy...rents cabins to AT hikers...about five miles from the trail.Hit the trail about 2:00pm...went 5.3 miles and pitched the tent. Overall a good day...it had been raining all day up to the point where I started hiking..Lucky me!