morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-03-15
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 2.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Just as I was packing up my gear to come down the mountain, my water bag with a liter and half of water emptied itself into my pack. Just what I didn't need. I have decide that I sleep better in my tent then in shelters so from now on unless it is imperative to stay in shelters I will camp out every night. Got down to Unicoi Gap and was able to get access to a cell phone to call the Hiawassee Inn. Rain started late in the evening and I was grateful to be inside my hotel room. Had a steak dinner last night, I need the protein and the fat. I weighted myself I am down to 208 from 220. So we keep walking.Talked to my mom and brother last night. I hope my mom gets out of her funk soon.
Date: 2007-03-16
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

In the public Library, updating the journals now, my clothes have been cleaned my tent and my sleeping bag are drying out back at the hotel the people of Hiawassee are very friendly, I will be leaving tommorrow and should finish Georgia in 4 days. I will be staying at The Blue Berry Patch in 3 days where I have a new pair of Polartec 100 pants to wear at night.I am having a blast, I have to figure out how to attached photos to this journal when I do I will go back put pictures to days.
Date: 2007-03-17
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

I talked myself into a 16.1 mile slackpack trip. I hiked from sunrise to sunset. About thirty minutes on the trail, I realized I had no wallet, no safety items with me. The first 5.5 miles was straight up to Tray Mountain, I got there at 11:40. I was kind of concerned that I wouldn't make it before dark. The next 5.3 miles to Addis Gap was a little easier and I got there at 3:45. I climbed Kelly Knob it was a little after 5:30 with 4.2 miles to go. I reached Dicks Creek Gap at 7:45 PM. A 12 1/2 hour day.I hitched to the Blueberry Patch and decided to take another zero Day. I learned that people were concerned about me making it. I also learned that when my mind tells me something to get a second opinion.I was foolish not to carry my ID, and safety items with me. It was a windy ( 15 to 25 MPH all day long. Oh well you need to learn lessons.
Date: 2007-03-18
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Spent the day recovering from the 16 miler from the day before. Our host at the hostel invited us to church so 4 of us ( 2 catholics and two methodists ),went to the Macedonia Baptist Church for services. It was a great experience, the congregation welcomed us most warmly. The Blueberry Patch is one of those special places. We had biscuits, sausage and pancakes with blueberry sauce for breakfast.I've decided to listen to my body and not my head while hiking. So i will take a short day tomorrow.
Date: 2007-03-20
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: broken clouds

What a day! I have finished Georgia. I saw the trail maintainer in North Carolina at Bly Gap for lunch. As I was packing up to leave after lunch at Bly Gap. My friend Brooke showed up. Her trail name is 60, she is from New York and is a fashion designer, she's in her 30's. Leaving out of Bly Gap there are 3 steep climbs in 2.8 miles. I am very slow on the ups. I'm still carrying around 38 pounds. Got to the shelter and there was a space for me so no tent tonight. I was tired.
Date: 2007-03-21
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Junction with Timber Ridge Trail
Miles today: 12.1

A beautiful day, only one big up but it was well graded and not as steep. I stopped at the Standing Indian Shelter where my hike ended 10 years ago at 3:00PM and decided to hike on. I was grateful I did because it was a beautiful walk among the rhodedrum, mountain Laurel and Holly. I hiked til dark and saw a tarp tent and finf Dr. John from Montrose, Colorado camped for night. I pitched my tent for night. Fell asleep right away. What a great day.
Date: 2007-03-22
From: Junction with Timber Ridge Trail

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: scattered clouds

The first .4 mile was downhill to the 1st shelter for water and cook my breakfast. My MSR Dromedary was causing me problems again, so emptied out and filled my Nalgene bottle. In the afternoon I climed Big Butt Mountain and then the famous Albert MountainRoclk climb it was like the REI Rock Climbing wall in the downtown store in Denver, it was the 1st mountain with a fire tower on it.Hiking today I meet up with Yardsale again that was the young man I shared a shelter with at Stovers Creek the 1st night, he had a knee brace on.Slow and Steady is the pace.Thank goodness this isn't a race.
Date: 2007-03-23
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

I got up on the trail at 9:30 AM, this morning and covered the 1st 2.7 miles in and hour and half. That was the 100 mile mark today. I did the next 3.2 miles by 1:00 PM and was having lunch when the US Mailman gave me a liter of water, great trail magic. I spent the next hour and half climbing up the last hill of the day. Went past my first waterfall on the trail and the water was great to drink. I climbed down into the Winding Stair Gap and a local couple gave me a ride into Franklin for my stay in town, decided to give my feet a rest tomorrow. Meet up with One Sock Mickey and Willing and Able a couple from St. Cloud. I'm 106.6 miles down the trail now and my left leg is sore today from the rock climb from yesterday.
Date: 2007-03-24
From: Winding Stair Gap

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

Laundry this morning, mailed about 17 pounds north to Fontana Dam, I will probably open up a food distribution business there, I will have 5 boxes when I get there in eight days.I had a resupply here and I have lost weight that my shorts and pants were falling off. So I bought new ones. I also bought a new Papypus drink hose.Sent my sleeping bag liner ahead to Fontana Dam since it is so warm.Will go to church tonight at 5:00 PM and head out tomorrow up and over Silers Bald.
Date: 2007-03-26
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Campsite North Junction Bartram Trail
Miles today: 10.5

Long day after 2 zero days. Siler Bald and Wayah Bald, got down to junction of trail where the Bartram trail splits off. Saw my first snake of the hike. It was a copperhead. I HATE SNAKES! Shin feels better though, I don't like to take zero days because my body doesn't want to walk after them. I took a picture of that snake so I will add it eventually.
Date: 2007-03-27
From: Campsite North Junction Bartram Trail

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: light rain

Exhaustion, Wesser Bald was extremely hard after a relatively easy hike. My heart doesn't like up especially late in the day. It was relatively a mild day to Tellico Gap. The 1.4 miles at the end felt like 3.4 miles. They need to remeasure all these trails. Went through the fire damage at Licklog Gap it smelled like it was a fresh burn.Short down to NOC Wesser tomorrow.
Date: 2007-03-29
From: US 19 Wesser, NC - The N.O.C.

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

Yesterday was all down, today was all up. At NOC along the river people have built summer homes right next to the trail, kind of disappointing. Left Wesser at 11:30 AM arrived at Shelter at 7:00PM. I am working on hiking smarter and with less weight.
Date: 2007-03-30
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Steocoah Gap
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: scattered clouds

TRAIL MAGIC - Bare Bear and Jellybean a couple of thru-hikers from 2005, set up an RV and we got down to the road crossing and the day's hike was over. Everyone from the shelter stopped pitched a tent and we stayed for spaghetti dinner, drinks and generally a grat time. I'll have to make up the 2.4 miles tomorrow. 16 of us camped togewther on the brim of the FS Road. Kinda neat. Lots of fun.
Date: 2007-03-31
From: Steocoah Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: overcast clouds

The hike up after breakfast ( pancakes ) was a hike that would not get the American Heart Association approval, what a bitch. When I got to the top a young man from England was behind me and we discussed the ascent, Henry ( The Yorkshire Pudding ) was a great guy I meet at Trail Magic. Got to Cable Gap Shelter at 3:30 PM and called it a day. It rained overnight after 3:00 AM as I just got back from the Privy and it poured.
Date: 2007-04-01
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: light rain

Hiked in the rain and fell on my butt twice coming down from Walker Gap. It was a 2 mile climb and then a 3 mile save your ass hike down in the rain. Some rocks were slippery and if you were unlucky you fell. Once down to the road I got a lift into the village of Fontana Dam and call back to Denver. The back to the trail after getting some gaiters for my feet and hiked the 1.1 miles from the Marina to the shelter. I have just completed the so called 2nd toughest part of the AT in 4 days.
Date: 2007-04-02
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Visitors Center
Miles today: 0.3
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked down to the Visitor Center, and got ride in to the Hike Inn were I am staying tonight. Shipped boxes to Hot Springs, Damascus and Home. Looking forward to a good night sleep and then 8 days in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Getting stronger everyday.
Date: 2007-04-03
From: Fontana Dam Visitors Center

To: Mollies idge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

What a climb up from the Dam to this shelter, my pack weighs a ton with food resupply. There was 14 of us in the shelter and about 1:30 AM itt started to rain. The wind picked up. I was exhaust from the 11 miles of up today.
Date: 2007-04-04
From: Mollies idge Shelter

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: overcast clouds

After yesterday's exhausting hike up to Mollies Ridge and the rain storm, I woke up with a sore throat and the wind blew all day. I made it a short hike today and was at the shelter by 3:30PM. Igot to Mollies Ridge at 7:00PM.
Date: 2007-04-05
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: few clouds

Woke up to Frost on the trees it almost look like snow. Hike over the famous "Rocky Top" and "Thunderhead" totally in the mist of a cold and blistery day not very good for my throat or breathing. We had a big fire in the shelter it was like smoking 10 packs of cigarettes to keep warm.
Date: 2007-04-06
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up sick as a dog, sore throat. Wind was blowing at 20 to 30 miles an hour. Got to this shelter and decide to go to bed early. It didn't happen that way. Four other hikers and myself were in the shelter with 2 section hikers, one who showed signs of hypothermay. Too Many Birthdays, Birch, Young and Dumb, myself and other guy. Help this young man out. It started snowing at 4:00PM and we build another damn fire to stay warm. The winds were blowing 25 to 35 miles an hour and the temperature dropped into the teens. It was lucky for me that I have a zero bag and had all my clothes on to stay warm. The young man's friend for help.
Date: 2007-04-07
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We stayed in the shelter because the temperature and wind made it dangerous to hike 10 degrees and 35 MPH winds gives you a wind chill of -45 degrees. I am not carry clothes to hike in that kind of weather. We decide we would hike out our young section tomorrow.
Date: 2007-04-08
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Clingmans Dome Observation Tower
Miles today: 4.6

Easter Sunday and we meet with a Park official and an EMS at Double Spring Shelter and we hike our young section hiker out to safety. I got some great photos of all the snow on the trail, and a picture of Springer Mountain from the highest point on the AT 6,643 feet.I hitchhiked into Gatlinburg I got ride from an elementary school teacher and her family to Newfound Gap and another ride from a local into Gatlinburg. I am really sick with this cold and I really thought of quiting today.
Date: 2007-04-10
From: Clingmans Dome Observation Tower

To: Clingman's Dome Observation Tower
Miles today: 0.0

The forecast was for rain so I stayed in town, GATLINBURG IS SUCH TOURIST TRAP.I went to the outfitter to look at packs and shoes. Can't make up my mind. Ate and went to bed early didn't rain at all til very late at night. A wasted day.
Date: 2007-04-12
From: Clingman's Dome Observation Tower

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: clear sky

Went out this morning thinking I was finally leaving Gatlinburg. Got a ride from a couple from Michigan up to the parking lot of Clingman's Dome from Newfound Gap. Started my hike by walking up in the wind and cold a half mile to the trail and then started down the trail which was covered in ice. I fell about a mile and half into my hike and my weight fell on my right foot it was really sore. It was a lonely day as I saw only 1 thru hiker Ghetto Blaster and three day hikers.Got down to Newfound Gap at 4:45Pm and a couple from Kentucky gave me a ride into Gatlinburg again. I went and bought bigger shoes a size 9 instead of v8 1/2. Eat dinner, went to bed early will hitch hike out in the morning to Newfound Gap
Date: 2007-04-13
From: Newfound Gap

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

It was a long day, I left Gatlinburg for the last time I hope at 7:45AM, I got a ride with 2 other thruhikers from Georgia and Florida to Newfound Gap. I hiked up the first three miles in really good time for me. I ran into a long distance section hiker from Eastern Washington as I pushed on in the drizzle. Feet felt good for about 7 miles the last 3 1/2 were all up hill and I got to Peck's Corner about 4:00PM, then a group nof us hiked down a 1/2 mile to the shelter.I felt reinvigarated after so much delay and frustration on the previous week.
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was all business we heard the weather forecast of showers and heavy rain for this evening. There were 12 hikers in the shelter at Peck's Corner and there were 14 of us here. I did stop and see a deer go past me at Tri-Corner Knob Shelter, I hiked the 1st 5.7 miles in under 4 hours. I was doing fine until the last 1 1/2 miles, I was exhausted and tired when two young women and a man past me and said it was only a short distance to go. The rumbling of thunder was all the motivation I needed. As soon as I was at the shelter the rain began and it rained all night a constant downpouring, but I was safe inside. This was my longest day hiking, the 12.9 plus the 1/2 mile out of Peck's Corner. With any luck I will be out of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park tomorrow.
Date: 2007-04-15
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Green Corner Road
Miles today: 0.0

We all woke up to the rain and we started hiking first down hill for .8 miles then a torturous up for someone like me who used all is energy yesterday for the next 2.1 miles, then it was downhill for the next 5.1 miles out of the National Park. When I got to within a mile of the east end of the park it was snowing, I stopped at the last shelter in the park and decided to push on. It was a good decision, after leaving the park about a 1 1/2 I came upon the Pigeon River Gorge it was absolutely great. I would like to come back and camp here someday. It was my favorite mile of the trail so far. I crossed under I-40 and then climb the hill to the hostel that I am at now. I've got the damn sore throat again, and the forecast is for high winds again tomorrow. I should be in Hot Springs in four or five days.I'm grateful to be hiking.
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: overcast clouds

What a view from Max Patch, I got great pictures which I will have to put on later. Was chased off top by a Thunderstorm rolling in. It rain later that night and I was glad I wasn't in my tent but was glad to be in a shelter.
Date: 2007-04-19
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

My longest distance with a full pack so far. I put my radio on after lunch and listen to classical music while hiking in the middle of a rain shower. It was kind of nice to listen to Bach, DeBussy and others. I started at 9:00AMand got to the shelter at 6:00PM.
Date: 2007-04-20
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Arrived in Hot Springs at 8:45 AM, to find no rooms available so I am camping on the edge of town by the Spa. Went to the post office picked up 5 parcels, shipped out 3. Very disappointed I was going to rest a day here now I will push on to Erwin 70 miles away. Hope to do it in 8 or 9 days. I have hiked 270 miles so far. I lucked out an got ahotel room for today and tommorrow.
Date: 2007-04-23
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Got a late start and then there was trail magic at Allens Gap. A couple who hiked in 1999 invited to their home 900 feet from the trail. I had pork stew and a coffee ice cream and macaroons desert. Leaving their house at 2:15PM and heading out my feet were dead.
Date: 2007-04-26
From: Stream crossing before waterfall

To: Sams Gap US23 & I-26
Miles today: 7.3

I arrived at the Hogback Ridge Shelter at 12:50 PM and thought I was done for the day, then about 3:30PM a group of hikers came in and we decided to go to Sams Gap and hitch a ride to a hotel to get out of the rain. So here I am tonight tucked safely inside. I am not all that nuts. Yesterday we pasted the 300 milemark. I have lost 40 pounds and feel real good.
Date: 2007-04-27
From: Sams Gap US23 & I-26

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I got a shuttle out of Erwin from agreat guy, Bill Grace his number is on the shuttle list putout by the ATC. He picked me up along with Low Branch and we drove out to Sams Gap. Bill talked me into letting him take my pack and pick it upat his house up the trail afew miles ahead at the 1st powerline crossing the trail. Well trail magic sometimes goesastray. I hiked downfrom the 1st powerline2 miles to the road and then walked down the road about a mile and half.It was the Wrong powerline. With the help of a fine elderely lady Iwas able to contact Bill and find out I needed to go further north. So back up to the trail and then another 2 miles up the trail and there was Bill all apologetic for the miscommunication. I felt sorry for him and yes I hiked an additional 6 miles. If that's the worse thingthat happens to me I'm lucky. I got to the shelter and meet up with 3 men out for the weekend as their wives were on a retreat in Asheville, NC. It was a long day I slep;t like a baby
Date: 2007-04-28
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Yesterday's extra miles caught up with me today.Right after I crossed Spivey Gap we had a long uphill ascent from the road and it started to rain and I was tired already with another 4.7 miles to go. I put my rain cover on my pack and turned to a bluegrass music station and hiked up the hill and got to a beautiful sectionof fir trees and switchbacks got to the shelter by 4:00 PM so I had hiked 10.6miles in 7 hours not bad for me.As I was cooking dinner I had a pill go down the wrong way and it caused me to have sharp pain in my chest. Eventually with a little water all was well.
Date: 2007-04-29
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To:  Nolichucky River
Miles today: 6.3

My section hikers friends and myself left at 8:30 am and were down to Uncle Johnie's hostel at 11:45 am. I am staying at the Super 8 tonight and tomorrow as I have to pick up my food drop at the post office do laundry and soak my feet in Epsom Salts.I finally realize I can really do this thing. I am 121 miles to Damascus,VA.
Date: 2007-04-30
From:  Nolichucky River

To: NolichuckyRiver
Miles today: 0.0

Took day off to go toPostoffice,do laundryand grocery store. Talk to my brother and I am missing a package that I should have got in Fontana Dam. I sent it to myself from Dahlonega.Erwin is so spread out it is not a great town for hikers. I suggest using Bill Grace's place for a mail drop at Low Gap on the shuttle list. Leave out tomorrowfor Roan Mountain, the last 6,000 footer before Mt. Washington in New Hampshire.I say hello to all my family and friends as I continue north.
Date: 2007-05-03
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 2.7
Weather: light rain

Thanks to trail magic by Mango, I was able to get a ride into Johnson City, and a visit to a doctor who X-Rayed my feet. My big toe on my Left foot is broken and the diagnosis is stay off my feet for 6 to 8 weeks.I rented a car and drove to Damascus to forward my mail back to Denver.I ate dinner at the Old Mill and stayed at Dave's Place in town.
Date: 2007-05-04
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Took rental car to see couple I hiked with in 1997, in Winston-Salem, NC Mark and Janet Holmes. As Mark was taking me to the airport to get rid of the car I had a fender bender in the Shell gas station. Just my luck. We had a good time together went to dinner and arrange my trip home to Denver by train.
Date: 2007-05-05
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I got on the train to Washington at 5:00 AM in the morning, and caught the train to Chicago at 4:00 PM. Saw deer as we got up near Harpers Ferry. Saw hikers north of the C&O Canal. The train stops in Harpers Ferry and I am totally frustrated with my luck. Did not sleep well on the train hopefully it will be better tomorrow. I'd rather be hiking.
Date: 2007-05-06
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Train arrived a couple of hours late, meet up with a group of train enthusists from the UK. Train left on time for Denver, 1:50 PM. We crossed the Mississippi River before the rains began. During the night the train was delayed by flooding, it looks like we will be in Denver before noon tomorrow. Called my brother and told him the bad news.
Date: 2007-05-07
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Iron Mountain Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Arrived in Denver at 11:00 AM was home by 1:00 PM. This will be my last journal til I am able to go back on the trail. I am thinking of going directly to Hanover, NH and hike New Hampshire and Maine then go to Harpers Ferry and hike back to Iron Mountain Gap. Then go to Harpers Ferry and hike to Hanover, NH.Good luck to all and keep in touch my email address is lfmcmanus@msn.com
Date: 2007-06-17
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Greasy Creek Gap
Miles today: 4.2

Hello boys and girls, Third Times a Charm got back on the trail today after 6 weeks of mending a broken toe. The bus ride back and the time change caught up with me. Mango, the trail angel who help me out of the woods meet the bus on Father's Day. I got to Johnson City at 8:00 AM he took me to a place I could hitch back out and I started walking, I walked about 2 1/2 miles when I got a ride from a man coming home from church, he gave me a ride all the way to the Gap. I started hiking about 10:45AM. What a difference in the terrain with all the vegetation growing and the heat and humidity. I stopped at 2:00 and took a nap. Woke up at 5:00 and walked another mile to the Greasy Creek Friendly, Cee-cee was a life saver.I was actually falling a sleep at her kitchen table, the bus ride had finally caught up with me.
Date: 2007-06-19
From: Greasy Creek Gap

To: Ash Gap
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: broken clouds

Mother Nature caught up with me on the way to Roan Mountain Shelter, I thought I had another 2 hours of sunlight when a large thunderstorm caught up with me and drown me like a rat. I put up my tent in the rain. My sleeping bag and my Thermarest was the only thing that was dry. Oh well there will water in the streams tomorrow.