morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-09-10
From: Uncle Johnny's Hostel-Erwin, Tenn.

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: broken clouds

Had some milk and donuts for breakfast. I bought it last night when I resupplied. Started hiking at 7:55AM. About an hour into the hike I saw a bear cub by the trail. I immediately look around for the mother bear but didn't see on. I look back at the cub and it is looking at me. We just stared at each other for several moments. It was about 20 yards away from me. I finally decide to try and get its picture. As I reach for my camera the cub bolts back into the woods. I could tell by the noise it ran along the trail and then crossed the trail and ran down the steep mountain. The entire episode only lasted around 15-20 seconds but it was still exciting. I continued hiking to No Business Knob Shelter, a gain of about 100 feet, and take a break. I meet two day hikers and we talk for a little while. From there the trail gain about 700 feet then it descended 500 feet to Spivey Gap. I take another break and then begin a nearly 3000 foot ascent to Little Bald. I later arrived at Bald Mountain Shelter around 4:15PM. I had considered going further but decided to stay because there is a good water supply here. Momma Jugs arrived shortly after me and we each set up our tents.
Date: 2016-09-11
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Didn't sleep much last night. A light rain started around midnight and then a light steady rain from 5-7AM. I started hiking at 8:20AM. As I ascended up Big Bald, I started to hike in a cloud. Visibility was maybe 100 yards. As I descended Big Bald, things cleared up some but it was still cloudy. Took a break around 10:30AM. The trail was nice again today. Later in the day I had lunch at Hogback Ridge Shelter. There I talked with a guy from Raleigh, NC. He is doing a section hike this weekend. By now the weather is clear and it is warming up. The miles in the afternoon seem to go a little easier. I arrive at Flint Mountain Shelter at 5:20PM. I set out my gear to dry and do my evening chores. I'll be staying in the shelter tonight.
Date: 2016-09-12
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Hemlock Hollow Inn and Hostel
Miles today: 16.0

Hit the trail around 8AM. After a brief decline I had a 1000 foot plus ascent over a mile. This section of trail was well graded. Mostly level trail with a few roots and rocks. I felt pretty good during the morning but didn't seem to make good time even though there weren't any major ascents or descents after the first mile. I took a break near Chestnut Log Gap-Jerry Cabin Shelter. Shortly after I resumed hiking, I could tell that I didn't feel so good any more. I had no energy. And the trail was getting tougher. Big Firescalb Knob was very rocky and strenuous. I remembered this section from my 2009 section hike. I didn't like it then and I didn't like it today. But there were some nice views today so I guess things weren't so bad. Took another break near Jones Meadow-campsite. Later I meet two section hikers that were heading north and they said there was no water till the next shelter, Spring Mountain Shelter. When I make it to Log Cabin Drive a little before 4PM, I decide to take a side trip and go to the Hemlock Hollow Inn and Hostel. I get a bed in the bunk house, shower and eat.
Date: 2016-09-13
From: Hemlock Hollow Inn and Hostel

To: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn- Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 16.3

Didn't sleep much after midnight. Got shuttled back to the trail and started hiking a little after 8AM. Soon I was hiking a steep 1200 foot ascent that lasted about a mile. Made my way to Spring Mountain Shelter where I took a break. The rest of the day had a mixture of long gradual descents and short steep ascents. Thankfully, most of the afternoon was descending. As I approached Hot Springs, NC, there were some nice views of the French Broad River. Made it to Hot Springs around 3:15PM. Picked up a package at the Post Office and got a room at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn. Later I got some dinner and showered. Met Samurai today. Nice fellow. Glad to be in Hot Springs.
Date: 2016-09-14
From: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn- Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Took a zero today. Had a few things to do. Unfortunately, one of those things was to get a new pair of shoes. My "old" were tearing apart and they didn't look or feel like they would last another week. The folks at Bluff Mountain Outfitters were helpful.
Date: 2016-09-15
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Max Patch 
Miles today: 19.8

Got up and had breakfast at Smoky Mountain Diner. Met Retainer while I was there. He is about to complete his flip-flop. Started hiking around 7:45AM. The morning started off with a 1200 foot-plus climb then a 2100 foot climb. Took a few breaks during the day. Had a short 500 foot ascent and descent followed by a gradual 800 foot ascent. I ended the day atop Max Patch Summit. The views are excellent. All 360 degrees. I setup my tent and relax. Of all the places on the AT, this is the place I have looked forward to tenting on the most. And I enjoy a beautiful sunset.
Date: 2016-09-16
From: Max Patch 

To: Davenport Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

Didn't sleep at all till about 3AM. The only good news about last night was getting to see the stars. Despite not sleeping much, it was a good night. Got out of my tent early, packed some of my gear and enjoyed a a beautiful sunrise. Started hiking around 8:15AM. After a couple hours of hiking, I take a break at Groundhog Creek Shelter. Then there was a 1200 foot climb over 2 miles. It warmed up as the day went along and a lot of water sources were dry. I stopped by Standing Bear Farm(Hostel) and have a few sodas. Nice place but I had to continue hiking. Made it to Davenport Gap Shelter around 4:25PM. This shelter has a chain link fence on the front to keep bears out or to allow idiot hikers to feed the bears from the inside. Anyway, I set my stuff inside and prepare for the evening. On another note, adding up all of my hiking over the years, I have hiked the Appalachian Trail. I crossed the last section late this afternoon. Of course my objective is to complete the thru-hike. It has been a long day and I am tired.
Date: 2016-09-17
From: Davenport Gap Shelter 

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Good night overall. Started hiking around 8:15AM. Had a 2500 foot ascent to start the day. Then descended about 700 feet then up 500 feet where I took a break at Cosby Knob Shelter. From there I ascended over 1600 feet prior to reaching Tri-Corner Knob Shelter. Thought about going to Pecks Corner Shelter but decided to stay. A nice group here tonight. Four ladies doing a section hike, a father with two of his daughters and a guy from Annapolis doing a section hike.
Date: 2016-09-18
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter 

To: Gatlinburg, Tenn.
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a little cool and foggy this morning. Unfortunately, that is as good as the weather would get. I started hiking around 8:25AM. Made decent time during the day. There weren't any major ascents or descents today. Due to the weather, there also weren't any good views. Had a light rain for the last 3-4 hours. Made it to Newfound Gap at 2:55PM. Had a little difficulty getting a ride but I was able to hitch a ride into Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The guy that gave me the ride into town is from Knoxville and he and his buddy were out for the weekend doing some hiking. I got a room at a motel, resupplied and got something to eat. Washed my clothes in the hotel sink. I hope everything is dry by morning.
Date: 2016-09-19
From: Gatlinburg, Tenn.

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: moderate rain

Got shuttled back to Newfound Gap and started hiking at 10:25AM. Had a climb of 1600 feet over 8 miles but there were several short and steep sections along the way. The weather was nice for a little while but most of the day it looked like it was going to rain or I was hiking in a cloud. The closer I got to Clingmans Dome, the thicker the cloud got. I did take a break at Clingmans Dome Tower and went up the tower. I was hoping the clouds would break for a little while but they didn't. Going up the tower didn't provide any views but it was good exercise I guess. I left Clingmans Dome and made it to Double Spring Gap Shelter. There I ate again and resupplied with water. From there I hiked another 1 to 2 miles to Silers Bald Shelter. Along the way I came across a bunch of turkeys. No. Not politicians. Real turkeys. There were about 8 of them. Some walked along the trail briefly and others crossed the trail. I finally made it to Silers Bald Shelter around 5:20PM. A young couple from Florida is here also. They are section hiking to Damascus. Nice couple.
Date: 2016-09-20
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

It was a little chilly this morning. Started hiking around 8:25AM. Although most of the morning had a decline in elevation, there were a lot of short-steep ascents and descents. Took a brief break at Derrick Knob Shelter. Left there at 11AM and proceeded onto the next shelter. Had some nice views in this section. When I got to Spence Field Shelter, I took a long break. Had something to eat, resupplied with water and chatted with some of the other hikers that were there. There were two buddies doing a section hike, a husband and wife doing a section hike and a young couple from New Zealand hiking for 3 days in the Smokies. After I rested, I headed out and made it to Mollies Ridge Shelter around 5:55PM. When I arrive there are 3 ladies from Wisconsin here. They are in their first day of hiking through the Smokies. Later, 2 men show up and then another. Close to dusk, another lady shows and she sets up here hammock nearby. Nice group.
Date: 2016-09-21
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: few clouds

I started hiking a little after 8AM. The hiking wasn't bad this morning. There was a nice breeze early on. It was a long decline to the Fontana Dam area, about 6 miles. Took a side trip to Shuckstack Fire Tower. Took a few pictures. There is a little change in the leaf colors. Should be nice in a few weeks. When I made it to Fontana Dam, a little after 1PM, I took a lunch break. I was going to visit the gift/snack shop and get a drink and snack but it was closed. The climb this morning was nice and not too strenuous but the climb out of the Fontana Dam area was tough. It was a long and at times steep ascent. And it was getting warm. It wore me out. I finally made it to Cable Gap Shelter a few minutes after 5PM. I'm tired and decide to stay in the shelter. Also in the shelter is a senior couple that is doing a section hike to Fontana Dam. Later a group of hikers arrive and they tent. In that group is Roberto. He is from Italy. He and his wife are celebrating their honeymoon on the Appalachian Trail. His wife is from Austria.
Date: 2016-09-22
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Had a decent night. It was initially warm but did finally cool off some. Started hiking at 8:10AM. After about 30 minutes of hiking, I crossed Yellow Creek Mountain Road and came across some trail magic. There were drinks and chips in a Styrofoam cooler. It was a very pleasant surprise. I enjoyed a drink and a few chips. It really boosted my spirits. I resumed hiking and later met some northbound hikers. One of them was Teddybear. He described himself as "well insulated" because of his weight. He was fun to talk to with. We went our separate ways and I continued onto Brown Fork Gap Shelter. There were a lot of short but steep ascents along the way. Before I made it to the shelter, I resupplied with water because there were reports that there was no water at the shelter. When I made it to the shelter, I took a short break and had something to eat. I resumed hiking and had a short but steep descent to Stecoah Gap. Then I started a 5.5 mile ascent to Cheoah Bald. It was very steep in sections. Had to stop and catch my breath on several occasions. Made it to Cheoah Bald and enjoyed the views. From there I made it to Sassafras Gap Shelter. Arrived around 4:15PM. I set up my gear in the shelter. Made a phone call and sent out a few text messages. I haven't written much about it but tonight is my last night on the Appalachian Trail. I finish my thru-hike tomorrow!!! I am looking forward to finishing at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. My family and I have had some good vacation trips there. I'm sure it will bring back some memories. I've been working towards this goal for quite some time. Previous attempts to thru-hike were unsuccessful but this time I finally made it happen. I have really enjoyed the trip. It has been extremely difficult and frustrating at times. But most of the time it has been a joy and inspiring. I am thankful.
Date: 2016-09-23
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 6.9

There were 3 other hikers in the shelter last night. One northbound section hiker and two southbound thru-hikers. I think everyone was a little surprised by the noise the falling acorns made. I've noticed the size, amount and noise they have made over the past week or so but last night there seemed to be extra noise. Sounded like explosions when they hit the shelter or ground. I didn't sleep much last night. Part of it was anticipating the end of my thru-hike and part of it was having other things on my mind. I started hiking a little after 8AM. The weather was nice. I also felt relaxed and happy knowing what was going to occur in a few hours. It was also nice to know it was going to be almost all downhill. I hike to the Jump UP and enjoy the views. Clouds covering some of the valley floor and mountains peaks above the clouds. I resume hiking and after an hour or so I pass several hikers going northbound. As I near the NOC, I could hear some of the rapids from the Nantahala River. Now it is sinking in that my hike is nearing an end. I'm excited and a little disappointed at the same time. As I approach the Nantahala River, I notice a large crowd and activities going on. I jokingly tell myself that they are here to congratulate me. (The NOC was actually having a Guest Appreciation Festival.) I take my time. Later, I cross the bridge over the Nantahala River and immediately change from a thru-hiker on the AT to being one who has thru-hiked the AT. My mother and Aunt Martha meet me near the bridge. It is a little crowded but we manage to get a few pictures taken. One of the pictures is of me holding a banner with pictures of my late nephew. The banner reads, "In Loving Memory of Evan Skyler Sharkey   August 28,1992-May 27, 2013." I think the NOC is the last place I was with all of my brothers and all of my nieces and nephews at the same time. That is why I wanted to end my hike here. I'm glad my mother and Aunt Martha are here also. In 2006 I decided I wanted to hike the AT. When they found out, they were as excited and enthusiastic about it as I was. I had several failed attempts at a thru-hike but now I have it completed. And they are here. After the pictures are taken and a brief talk, I load my gear up and we drive off. I'm dirty, tired and hungry but very pleased.
Date: 2016-11-24
To: Thanksgiving
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I have had a lot to be thankful for this past year. Actually, I think I always have more to be thankful for than I realize but I know this year even more so. Even though there were times of pain, discomfort, frustration and aggravation, my hike on the Appalachian Trail was a wonderful experience. Thinking back on my hike, I am thankful for many things: all the natural beauty that I was able to experience, all the wonderful people I met, all the trail magic that brightened my days, the encouragement and support I felt along the way. There were a few moments where I wondered why I was doing this hike. But those moments were brief and quickly followed with the sense that no matter where I was, I was happy to be there. I knew that's where I was supposed to be. Someone criticized me for taking so long completing the hike. I erased the message. I can't understand why someone would want to rush to end such an enjoyable adventure. I knew I was going to take a long time. I was glad to complete the hike and said to leave it at the same time. I tell my friends that I hiked in all four seasons this year. Not many people get to say that.Folks have asked me if I had any other plans for long hikes. I initially told them I was probably not going to do any more 5-plus month long hikes due to financial and other reasons. I had initially planned to do month long hikes. But just a few days ago, I started thinking why not another long hike. We'll see.For anyone considering hiking the Appalachian Trail or any other trail, whether it be a thru-hike or section hike, I encourage you to do it. Get out and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of nature. You'll be thankful you did.
Date: 2015-10-26
To: The Adventure Begins
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Well, the first visit to Amicalola Falls State Park and I was hooked on this adventure. The fall leaves were changing and the colors were amazing. I have been preparing for this hike all year; reading books, trail journals and buying the ultra light gear and trying to feel comfortable enough to let the world know I was ready to do this March 2016 thru-hike.Being from Florida and an avid hiker, I was not prepared for the steep ups and downs that immediately made my calves burn. I guess it's 45 degree tread mill time to help ease the pain. Other than the calves, it was an amazing experience that left me with the desire to continue my preparation and training.
Date: 2015-11-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked the Split Oak trail today for 7 miles with a full backpack about 25lbs, set up my tent and tested my cooking equipment with a Mountain House meal. Although the Florida Trails are flat I averaged over 3 mph in 85 degrees. So the training will continue for the next 127 days.
Date: 2015-11-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

What a great weekend for hiking. The weather here in Florida turned cool, (77 degrees). So Saturday with full pack, poles and my daughter in tow we hiked the Little-Big Econ State Forest, Florida Trail for 8 miles, then on Sunday I ventured out with my hiking buddy Bob and we hiked the Hal Scott Preserve. The yellow and white loops, checking out the campsites for a few overnights in the near future. We went about 10 miles and cooked some lunch on the trail with our Jetboils. Feeling great and still counting down to the big day in March.
Date: 2015-12-19
To: Wekiwa Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Did the Vollksmark trail hike with my hiking buddy Bob from the start of the Wekiva Springs and followed the white blazes for 14.1 miles loop. It's the longest hike to date with full backpack, but it felt good and I survived. We took a refeshing dip in the 72 degree spring and it was really enjoyable. This entry is a test with the mobile setup to see if it works. Anyone have any thoughts on lightweight battery options? What setup do you use for your mobile to keep it charged?
Date: 2016-01-12
To: The Florida Trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hiked again with my hiking buddy Bob, who has committed to start out with me on the trail in March. We spent the day hiking along the Florida Trail in Seminole County, did about 12 miles in anticipation of the 40 mile hike over the upcoming holiday weekend. We are going to hike the Withlacoochee State Forest Citrus Perimeter Loop for 2 nights and do a through shakedown of all our gear that we will be taking on the AT. I will update all the gear and review when we get back.
Date: 2016-01-17
To: Citrus Loop Trail
Miles today: 0.0

What an adventure, we hiked over 36 miles in 3 days on the Citrus Perimeter Loop at Withlacoochee State Forest for our first shakedown hike in anticipation for the AT. We encounter all sorts of weather, trail topography, fire and animals. The gear I was using and listed on my journal seemed to work excellent, I weighed in at 23 pounds at the start and realized on day 2 that I probably could have shaved a few more pounds,(especially with some food items). Which I will figure out over the next month to get down to around 20 pounds. We hiked most of the second day in the rain, cold and than we had the introductory chore of hanging our clothes by the fire, Yes I didn't put my rain pants on and realized that was a big mistake. The trail was awesome and on a few occasions we were able to explore some cave systems, which was so COOL... So now its back to tweaking gear, strength training, and walking more miles till the big day arrives. See you on the trail...............Lee
Date: 2016-03-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Well the countdown continues. I presume I packed everything 4 or 5 times and I was able to keep my pack weight around the 22 pound mark with 5 days of food. Will be heading to the trail this time next week and can't wait to take my first steps. Good luck to all who have ventured out so far and I will see you on the Trail.....
Date: 2016-03-21
To: The Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Amicalola Falls and LodgeBob and I were like to two giddy children as we drove to the start of our adventure. We detoured and spent some time with my daughter in Atlanta. Then our dream of the hike has finally turned into reality. I would like to thank our spouses for driving us here and supporting the journey. I would really like to be a fly on the wall on their return trip home. We arrived at Amicalola Falls State Park and were greeted by some snow flurries as we checked into the lodge and proceeded to our cabin. Today we plan on doing some sightseeing and activities around the park including registering and walking up the falls. We did the first portion of the approach trail, which was 1000 feet up in the first mile. So after the excitement of the trip, the long car ride and months of planning the journey we will begin in the morning with the first real steps.
Date: 2016-03-22
From: Springer Mountain

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 1Well the day has finally arrived and the weather was perfect to this start this epic journey. We left our cabin and headed over to Amicalola Falls Lodge for breakfast. We enjoyed the awesome view from our table as we discussed the last minute details. The thoughts of the unknown, the exhilaration, the adrenaline rush were all present as I adjusted my backpack said goodbye to my supportive wife and took my first steps on the trail. As Bob and I made our way up up up the never ending mountain I was amazed at the beauty and in awe of the surroundings. The pre hikes in Florida were like standing still compared to the grueling long up hills we faced today. Not to mention the steep rock scrambling downhills. We shuffled taking the lead most of the morning until we made it to Springer Mountain, the official starting point of the Appalachian Trail. Here we meet John from Las Vegas and we pushed on together to the Stover Creek Shelter. We did an 11.6 miles day with only 2.8 official Appalachian Trail miles.We had a blast at the shelter, and there were at least 25 tents set up. We talked and laughed with John and a few others plus a couple girls from Maine who were very entertaining and interesting. It's hiker midnight now 8:00pm. First goal completed: we hiked the 8.8 mile approach trail to the start of the AT. The mileage doesn't count towards the Appalachian trail totals but it was worth all the pain and effort if was absolutely beautiful and challenging. I am safe and warm, until tomorrow..