morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-17
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Frazier Discovery Trail (near Loft Mtn. Wayside)
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: few clouds

Long day today and it is SO HOT. By the time I made it the 13 miles to Blackrock Hut, I was super dehydrated and barely made it there, collapsing in a heap at the shelter. My feet have felt like they are on fire all day as well, which hasn't helped, especially on the rocks (which seem to be EVERYWHERE).Definitely feeling some aches and muscular soreness from all the time off. Also feeling a bit down after leaving home -- more than I thought I would. Being on the trail is great, but I will miss everyone - friends and family, most of who I won't see again for at least another 3 months. Plus, creature comforts like A/C, fans, and ice water are hard to give up, especially as we move into the hottest part of the year.Also saw my fourth bear today. I was with Atlas and we yelled at it to make sure we wouldn't surprise it. But beyond that, it didn't really care when it saw us. Pretty funny; the bears are so used to seeing people in the park that they we don't faze them anymore.Anyway, looking forward to breakfast at the Loft Mtn. Wayside. It opens at 9am - later than I'd like to leave - but I have a friend working there who I'd like to see.
Date: 2014-06-19
From: Swift Run Gap

To: Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

What a day! Didn't make as many miles as I hoped, but the time I had getting to where I am now definitely makes up for it. ost of the day - up until about 3pm - was uneventful. Hot and humid as ever until the storms started to roll in. It thundered for at least half an hour before anything else happened so I hoped I could make it to Big Meadows Wayside by the time the rain started. It held off till I was maybe 1-1.2 miles from my destination. Then the rain fell, and it fell heavy and COLD. I was totally soaked within a couple of minutes, but I was pumped and ready to take it on...That is, until it started hailing. Hail ranging from the size of pennies to the size of eggs, let alone the fact that it was already thundering and lightning. At that point, I was literally running to make it to the wayside. I must have run 1/4-1/2 a mile on the way there - not fun with a pack on. And kind of a harrowing experience in general.Made it to the wayside around 3:30 while it was still pouring and squeezed as much of the rain out of my clothes as I could. Treated myself to a cheeseburger, fries, mac n' cheese, and big piece of blackberry ice cream pie for dessert. Lots of other hikers rolled in as well, many as lucky as I was, and all of us happy to be filling our bellies.Hung out at the wayside till about 7pm, at which point I decided to head for the next shelter for the night. Of course it started pouring again about a half hour after I set out so I decided that I was done walking in the rain for the day. Instead, I'm opting for stealth camping near the Big Meadows Campground.There's a group of 4 nice high school/college age kids nearby who were kind enough to share the dryness under their tarp for a while. Otherwise, most of my stuff is soaked. Luckily, my sleeping bag is in good shape though, so I'll at least have a warm night, if not a dry one.All in all, despite the wetness, today turned out to be one of the best in Shenandoah so far.
Date: 2014-06-22
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal Terrapin Station Hostel
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Nice, easy day today and the weather cleared up too. Got a later start and was the last to leave the shelter. Made for a relaxing hike without too much traffic on the trail.Got trail magic today too, from Wrong-Way Jalapeno! Excellent surprise and the perfect thing to end my time in Shenandoah. Unfortunately for Wrong-Way, though, he has to leave the trail b/c of plantar fasciitis issues in his heel. So he's out doing some trail magic and slackpacking (that is, staging packs for other hikers at different trailheads so they have to carry less weight) his wife and daughter (Bad Camel and Popeye), who are still on the trail. I feel really sad for him, but hopefully he'll be able to come back and do Maine this year.Anyway, the Terrapin Station Hostel I'm staying at tonight is great and the owner Mike Evans is extremely kind and friendly. Looks like it'll be a quieter night w/only 5 of us here - Sweet Tea, Floss, Freckles, Drag'nfly (who is attempting to be the oldest woman thru-hiker at 74 years!), and me. And that's ok with me.
Date: 2014-01-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, here goes. I am about to embark on an adventure that I have dreamed about for 20 years or so. My first encounter with the AT was during college in 1973. I spent 5 days in the Smokies over spring break with a couple of classmates. The things I remember from that trek were 1) a lot of rain 2) hitching down to Gatlinburg for more food 3) 65 pound packs with canned food 4)I'm not the tough college jock I thought I was.After college came marriage, children, growing a business, and life. Somewhere along the way my mind turned back to the trail and as my kids began to grow, we started doing a little camping. My middle daughter (I have 3 girls) and I began hiking the AT from time to time and then a few years ago I began section hiking on my own. I've hiked about 300 miles in GA, NC, & TN. I've got all my gear, have been running some stadium steps with my loaded pack, and am about as ready as I'm ever going to be except.....I've got to tie up a lot of loose ends. I am a builder and developer by trade, and we have several jobs going that I have to get in motion before leaving. I have responsibilities at church where I am one of five elders, and I have a new grandson about to arrive in 4 weeks. Whew!!Lord willing all that will come together, and I will be able to leave on Saturday March 1. I'm praying for good weather to start with, but I'll take what He sends. I will be using my hike as a fundraiser for a ministry I'm involved with called Special Kids. It is a Christian ministry that works with special needs children. You can research it at http://www.specialkidstn.com and if you want to contribute, that can be done by going to https://impactspecialkids.com/fundraiser/dans-at-hike.Guess that's all for now.
Date: 2014-01-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

As the days slip by, I am getting more and more anxious. I have been getting some of my trail food and a few final gear items. Weight or comfort! The age old question! I have been doing some steps at the football stadium, but I've been so busy I haven't gotten in as good of "Trail Shape" as I had hoped. I will need to make myself take it slow starting out. When I've shared my upcoming trek with folks they are all excited about the hike. I'm really blessed to have such support from friends and family. One of the things I fear most about my hike is missing home. When I go on a 10 day hunt out west, I miss Trisha (my wife) terribly! Not sure how 5 months is gonna work. There are several of my friends who are planning to join me along the trail for a day or two. That should be fun.March 8th will be here soon! I have met some wonderful people on the section hikes I've done. I'm sure the AT Class of 2014 is going to be great. See Ya Soon!!
Date: 2014-03-07
From: Springer Mtn

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The day has arrived! We are traveling to Springer. It's almost too hard to believe that I'm actually going to attempt this. I am so excited and yet I'm sad to leave family and friends behind. Yesterday I got a wonderful unexpected surprise. Trisha shocked me when she said, "Well, I'm going to hike the first day with you!" There couldn't be a better way to start! The weather is perfect. Clear with high of 65. So we are going to hike the first 10 miles together, get in our car (which we shuttled ahead), and spend the first night in a mountain cabin we rented. Not too rough! I might get spoiled! Then the plan is for Trisha to take me back to the trail tomorrow morning, and off I go. Thanks to everyone who emailed or texted me this past week. I feel very blessed with all the support and prayers. I will endeavor to keep in touch through this journal. Until later. . .
Date: 2014-03-08
From: Springer Mtn

To: Hightower Gap
Miles today: 9.0

This morning I actually took my first step starting an AT thru hike. It is such a long way to Maine, and so many things can happen to take me off the trail, but "John Brown It" we started !!! Today was gorgeous. Bluest skies, little wind, 60 degree weather. Fabulous. I know heaven is gonna be better, but this was mighty fine. Having Bean (Trisha) along made it so much more special. It was great just walking beside her and seeing her smile. We're both pretty worn out. About 3:00 this afternoon my legs started telling me that they weren't used to this. I just smiled and said,"Get used to it!" It's great having this cabin to come to tonight, and I think I'm going to hike close enough to stay here tomorrow night. This ain't bad, but I know it can't last. Oh well, I'll enjoy it while I can. Until later . . .
Date: 2014-03-09
From: Hightower Gap

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 12.0

Day 2 is in the books! Believe it or not my sweet wife hiked with me again today. She has hiked 22 miles of the AT in the past two days with no prep work. Unbelievable! We started this morning about 9:00 and hiked til 5:00. We took our time and tried not to push it. We had another beautiful day, and enjoyed countless vistas looking over the Georgia mountains. Tomorrow morning my nephew Jeff Hylton, who lives about 40 miles from here, is going to join me for a few days. I will be carrying a full pack for the first time, and I'm sure 35 pounds is going to make a difference. 15 sure felt good, but from here on out, it's all gonna be on my back. No more slack packing for a while. We experienced our first Trail Magic today. We came through Gooch Gap this afternoon and there in the middle of the trail were Power-ade and Girl Scout cookies along with honey buns. Thanks Trail Angels!Signing off for now. I've got to get my pack in order. Thanks again to all who have messaged in the guest register, emailed, and texted!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-03-10
From: Woody Gap

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Today got tougher, or I got weaker! I hiked with my full pack, and I could sure tell it. I hope my legs will get stronger in a few days. It was great having my nephew Jeff Hylton with me. We were able to hike together most of the day. I'm not sure if he was holding back, but I'm glad he didn't show me up too bad. We went up and down Blood Mtn. Which is the highest mountain so far. My body seems to be holding up, but I've kept the miles down. I'm staying at the hostel tonight at Neel's Gap. My first hostel stay in my life. We'll see how it goes. I've been told we got some nasty weather coming this week, so I guess I will test my gear and my grit. It's a comfort to be able to thank a great God for all I've already experienced and to know He will see me through anything I will face. Until later. . .
Date: 2014-03-11
From: Neel's Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 20.0

Well yesterday was another beautiful day, but the old man wore out. For the fourth straight day, and 2nd with full pack, I started up and down the mountains. For the first couple hours I did fine, and then the old legs started hurtin' on the uphills. I kept pushing and Uncle Hylti (nephew Jeff) kept my spirits up until we had done 13-14. I said,"Jeff, the next water we come to, we're going to camp. We walked on and on and then started uphill. No water! We went on to the next trail shelter before we found water which was a total of 17 miles for the day. I hope in a couple weeks I can do that easily, but right now I'm still pretty wimpy!We tented last night. Had a great time cooking our grub and sitting around the campfire. We hit the sack about 8:30, with temps around 50. About 1:00 it started to rain, and got pretty heavy at times. Bad news! I'm not sure how long it's been since I used my tent in the rain, but IT LEAKS !!! We got up around 7:30 and walked out the 2.5 miles to Unicoi Gap where Jeff was meeting his shuttle to take him back to his car. I decided that with the tired legs and wet gear that I would take a nero (near zero) day. So I got a ride down to Hiawassee GA and am spending the day in the Holiday Inn before starting back in the morning. When I got here to the hotel, I put all my clothes in the washer (Ouwee), put on nothing but my rain gear and Crocs, and walked across the street for lunch. That was a first! Such is a thru hikers life. Until later . . .
Date: 2014-03-13
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.0

Mean! That's the only way to say it! This morning starting out it was just mean. The temp was not that bad, mid 20s, but the wind. Owee! It was between 35 and 40 mph and the crazy thing was if you put on enough clothes to protect from the wind, then you sweat on the uphills. My water bottle froze, but thawed out about 10:00. I'll need to be more careful with my water if the temps stay low. That can get you in trouble. The terrain today was pretty tough. Lots of up and down with very little level ground. Either the knees or the lungs were straining, but I felt that I was stronger today than any day yet. Mentally and spiritually, I missed my companions in most ways, but enjoyed the solitude also. Sometimes I sing the 2nd verse of "How Great Thou Art" and weep. "When through the woods, and forest glades I wander . . ." Out here alone with my Savior is pretty special. I pray that He continues to bless my mind and tune my heart. This morning about 10:00 I walked in at Tray Gap and there was trail magic. I couldn't believe it! Two guys bundled up in parkas, grilling cheeseburgers. Man that was good. Things like that make the day fun. Tonight I'm staying at a new hostel that just opened up and they offer homemade supper and breakfast. Looking forward to it!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-03-14
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Standing Indian Mtn
Miles today: 16.0

On this Friday morning, just north of Hwy 76 at Dick's Creek Gap, high on a bluff just off the Appalachian Trail, there was a man down on his knees digging in the dirt around an old oak snag. He was looking for buried treasure. HE FOUND IT! Six years ago, my daughter Summer and I spent a memorable evening on that bluff while backpacking. We sat around the campfire, sometimes sharing father-daughter conversation, sometimes quiet. I took a picture that night of our boots by the campfire as we sat there. It is one of my favorites and still sits on my credenza in my office. The next morning after our breakfast, I took a foil lid off one of the Tang containers and told Summer, " I'm going to bury this over by that old stump, and someday when I thru hike the AT, I'm going to dig it back up and think about this time. Friday, March 14th, was that day! So much has happened since then. Summer has a husband -David, two little boys - August and Moses, and a full life. I've had cancer and sepsis along with the trials and blessings they've brought. But in it all God has been faithful. How wonderful it is to serve a God I can trust no matter what. He is the conductor of my life's orchestra, and I will gladly follow His lead. After finding the treasure, I spent the rest of the day hiking with a little smile on my face. Even the fact that I ran out of gas and couldn't cook my supper didn't bother me much. Finding treasure will do that!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-03-15
From: Standing Indian Mtn

To: Wallace Gap
Miles today: 20.0

After breaking a chilly camp this morning, I hiked up Standing Indian Mtn first thing. I was surprised how easy it was ( or maybe I was just fresh). The day held several long stretches of good trail and I made good time, or good time for me! Towards the end of the day I got a wake up call. The AT goes right up to Albert Mtn fire tower. When I say right up to it, I mean UP. The trail is only 3/8 of a mile long, but man! I had already hike 14 and it kicked my tail!Once I got to the tower I made the ceremonial 100 mile picture. Interesting, it I seems like it hasn't been that far, and it seems a lot further!The 20 miles today is the most so far, but I think it might be a little over my comfort zone. We'll see. Later on . .
Date: 2014-03-16
From: Wallace Gap

To: Burningtown Gap
Miles today: 20.0

For the past two days I have been enjoying the hospitality of Sarah and Stuart Sloan. They live in a beautiful mountain home just outside of Franklin NC, along with Madeline, Mariah, Marissa, Molly, Malachi, Mia, and Micah. They also have a small cabin at another property where they have graciously allowed me to stay. This morning Sarah took Stuart and me out to Wallace Gap, dropped us off, and we proceeded to hike 18 miles in a steady rain. When one backpacks in the rain, there is no question of getting wet. I have great gear! You still get wet! If not from rain, then sweat. So after hiking 18 miles up and down mountains, then the real adventure began. We had arranged for a shuttle to pick us up at the end of a forest service road to take us back to Franklin. We arrived at our destination at 6:00. No car! We tried to call. No answer! So we decided to start walking. We walked, and we walked, and we walked! We were already bone tired, and still no ride. Finally we came to the end of the gravel service road to a paved road. There were a few houses around and one had smoke coming out of the chimney(always a good sign somebody's home- sharp ain't I). The old country feller told us where we were and let us use his phone. He was so kind he even told us he would, ". . . Give y'all a ride to town 'cept I ain't got enough of gas!" So we kept walking. At the next house, the dogs barked so loud a lady stuck her head out the front door and looked at us. " Hey," I yelled, " You know anyone we could pay to give us ride to Franklin?" " Well, I would, but none of my cars run," was the reply through a toothless grin. Oh well. About that time the shuttle drove up. He had been lost, and then proceeded to make a wrong turn coming back. We got home at 9:00 instead of 6:30. A total of 20+ miles!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-03-17
From: Burningtown Gap

To: N O C
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: snow

Today I came over Tellico Gap and descended into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. They say it is spectacular. That's what they say. I'll just have to take their word. Dan B. sometimes says I'm in a fog. We'll Daniel, I sure was today! At times the extent of what I could see was less than 100'. At times I was looking down on the fog, but most of the time I was in the midst. Tonight I am in the hostel at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. It is a combination hiker/ kayaker/canoer hostel, so there are a wide array of guests.It is said, "What goes up - Must come down!"On the AT what comes down, must go back up! I came down the gorge today, first thing in the morning, I must climb back out of here. It's one of the climbs that all the hikers talk about. It's a killer, but part of the package. As my sweet wife reminds me, " Nobody's making you do this!" I'm so blessed to have this opportunity, that even the tough parts are palatable.Later on . . .
Date: 2014-03-18
From: N O C

To: Yellow Creek Mtn Rd
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I am doing this journal entry in the past. I have been in the Great Smoky National Park for the last two days, and had no service the day before. On the 18th ,Tuesday, I started out of Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) before daylight. Even though I was slack packing (less than full pack) coming out of the gorge and later climbing Jacob's ladder, 21 miles was a long day for this old boy. I was glad to make it to my pick up point and meet the shuttle to take me to the hostel for the night.
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Yellow Creek Mtn Rd

To: Mollie's Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Today as the hostel owner drove me to the AT drop off point, he warned me of all the perils of the Great Smoky Mountain National park. Rangers, bears, and lightning. Got to have your Park permit, and it took me over an hour to figure out how to get it. It was online, and I ain't too sharp in that there area! Had many fabulous views from the mountain tops of Fontana Lake. Also experienced trail magic again from Ground Chuck. He made pancakes and omelettes. What a guy! Spent my first night in a shelter (on this trip). It was not bad at all, and one of the guys that I went to the Fontana Lodge with to get my permit was there. He was a younger guy who hiked a lot faster than me. He didn't have a trail name, so I called him Fleetfoot! He liked it so, now he's Fleetfoot!
Date: 2014-03-20
From: Mollie's Ridge Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

I had forgotten how rocky the trails are in the GSMNP. My feet have really taken a beating. By the end of the day Thursday, I was really looking forward to seeing Trisha the next day and taking the day off Friday afternoon and Saturday. My body needed the rest, but I think my mind and heart needed Bean (Trisha) more. I've missed her so much, and that's the part I'm not sure I can endure. I think I can will myself physically; not so sure about the emotions and mental. I believe God wanted me to attempt this adventure, so I will trust that He will provide what I need. At the end of the day Thursday, I had to decide to stay at Silers Bald or try to make the next shelter. I asked my legs, and they voted for Silers. There were a lot of young thru hikers in the shelter, so I tented outside. Right decision! I heard them until I fell asleep. It got pretty cold, froze my water again, but my bag kept me warm. I was up and gone by 7:00, looking forward to Newfound Gap and my bride, support, and best friend!
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

From one extreme to another! Last night I laid on the ground with a coat over my head to keep warm while inside a smelly sleeping bag! Tonight I had a long hot shower, got in a Jacuzzi, had a 5 course gourmet meal, and now have my feet propped up in front of a fireplace. Best of all - Bean sitting beside me!! Today I climbed Clingmans Dome. It is the highest point on the AT, and I'm doggone glad it wasn't a foot higher. I can tell you there wasn't much left in the tank!I made it to Newfound Gap today about 1:30 and Bean was there with cold Coke and cheeseburger. Bless her, she even walked up the AT to meet me. What a woman! I am taking a zero day tomorrow here in Gatlinburg. I will resupply with stuff from home and a few things from town. My legs and feet are thanking me!One story. A couple days ago I came up on a father and his two children on a day hike. They were standing at the intersection of the AT and a side trail. He asked me, " Is this a fake trail?", pointing to the side trail. I thought at first he was joking, but then realized he was serious. " No," I said, " It's a real trail! Not the AT, but it's a real trail."I thought later how applicable to the spiritual life it was. There are many trails out there that are real trails, tempting trails, trails that look good, but not the right trail. I'm thankful God has put people in my life at the right times to say," That's not the right trail." Regretfully I've gone down some of the wrong trails, but I'm thankful The Lord Jesus calls us back and allows us to get back on the right trail!Later on . . .