morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-27
From: Manasses Gap Shelter, VA 

To: Rod Hollow Shelter, VA 
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: light rain

Day:102 Date: 6/27/06 Start: Manasses Gap Shelter, VA Weather: rain, rain, then buckets of rain. Finish: Rod Hollow Shelter, VA Miles: 12.8 Cumulative A.T. Miles: 979.0 (-97.3 that we skipped) Branch: Today¢s terrain was even easier than yesterday¢s. We hiked in the rain from the time that we left the shelter. Many times, people complain about the rain, but today we had a good time and were thankful that it was keeping the heat away. Within two hours of leaving the shelter this morning, we came upon a real treat. Someone named Aloha had left two coolers of goodies on the A.T. for thru-hikers to enjoy. Inside the coolers there were carrots, oranges, apples, soft drinks, and a variety of Little Debbie snack cakes. Clay, Ballou, Old Reb, Teresa, and I all stopped to enjoy such a wonderful treat. It was like a small party erupted in the midst of the wet woods.Soon after that we stopped in a shelter with the same group that we enjoyed the trail magic with. We crammed into the small dome-shaped dwelling and enjoyed lunch as the rain kept pouring down. Unfortunately, as I attempted to enjoy my lunch, my throat rebelled and the food got stuck. The rest of my day was tougher as I struggled to get my throat to calm down enough to breathe well. When we finally got to the shelter for the evening, it was like we were getting home. We were greeted by super friendly faces, and we were finally able to put our dry clothes on. Rod Hollow Shelter is a very nice shelter. It is double tiered and has a nice overhang so that we could get situated without getting the entire place soaked. Tonight we are sharing this palace with Pokey the Pink Squid, Ballou and Teresa, Old Reb, and two southbound section hikers. This is definitely a fun crew.
Date: 2006-06-29
From: BearÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Den Hostel 

To: BearÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Den Hostel 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Day:104 Date: 6/29/06 Start: Bear¢s Den Hostel Weather: grey skies, periodic rain Finish: Bear¢s Den Hostel Miles: 0.0 Cumulative A.T. Miles: 988.9 (-97.3 that we skipped) Branch: Well, we woke up this morning only planning to go about 8 miles to the next hostel where we have some other Christian friends. This did not go as planned at all. Every morning Queen Diva wakes up early and makes breakfast for every hiker that stayed at Bear¢s Den the night before. As I began to eat breakfast, I knew things were not right. Even at this early part of the day I had trouble swallowing food and ended up wasting much of the food on my plate. Still planning to leave, we decided to take our time leaving since we were not planning to walk very far. We talked some more with Marco Solo, Circuit Rider, and Sherlock. By 12:30, we were ready to go. As I put on my pack, my throat was so tight that Clay could hear my breathing. It was truly the worst that it has been in a very long time. I was emotional at the prospect of 4 hours of walking in pain. For about 30-45 minutes I tried to convince myself to leave the comfort and safety of the hostel. Clay and I talked through the dangers of my throat being so tight. If it was this tight in the morning, imagine how tight it would be after an hour of hiking in the heat of the day. Eventually, after much tears, I took my pack off feeling much defeated. Our hike is done. We are not going to hike to Harper¢s Ferry and get off at that point. We are ending it here, a mere 3 miles from the Virginia state line, a mere 11 miles from the 1000 mile point, and a mere 20 miles from Harper¢s Ferry. Soon, four-time thru-hiker, Sherlock walked in to the hostel. He saw me in pain and he heard my ¢Darth Vader¢-sounding breathing. He was encouraging to us and confirmed that our physical health was more important than the hike¢without a doubt. We spent the rest of the day making an exit plan. In order to debrief, we will go visit Clay¢s sister in California for 2 weeks. We¢ll use that time to plan our life after the Appalachian Trail. We will certainly get my throat retested¢¦again.
Date: 2006-06-30
From: BearÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Den Hostel 

To: Blackburn Trail Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Day:105 Date: 6/30/06 Start: Bear¢s Den Hostel Weather: blue skies Finish: Blackburn Trail Center Miles: 0.0 Cumulative A.T. Miles: 988.9 (-97.3 that we skipped) Branch: We spent our time working to keep busy today. We helped Circuit Rider and Sherlock clean the Hostel this morning, constantly keeping a prayer on our hearts. I have felt very depressed as the realization of our decision has begun to sink in. Although I know that it is a physical problem that is forcing us off the trail, I feel like we are letting down the people who have so graciously supported us emotionally, logistically, and financially on this journey. I feel nervous at the prospect of facing everyone back home. This evening we are at the Blackburn Trail Center. It has been so much fun sharing a meal with everyone, visiting with Redwing and Hopeful (our friends who are the caretakers here), and watching the excitement of those who are preparing to go to Harper¢s Ferry tomorrow. Tonight, after dinner, we gathered on a screened porch, Garden Gnome found Red Wing¢s guitar and played it with much skill as others sang along. Crickets chirped in the background and fireflies joined with the stars as our lighting. A slight breeze comfortably moved the air carrying with it the pleasantly fresh smell of summer in the mountains. I will always cherish this time. It¢s what I envisioned before the trail and it is what I will remember afterwards. Clay: Tonight was so much fun. We were here with Garden Gnome, three sister section hikers, two men section hikers, Shine and Scooter, Brock, Milk Dud, and Sore Foot (AT some year). Milk Dud is taking my gaitors to Katahdin! Last year, Branch¢s watch saw Katahdin. Talking with Sore Foot was a great close to our hike. Sore Foot is a former thru-hiker and he now works for the Secret Service in Washington. He has had the same life-long throat symptoms as Branch has had with her throat. We literally talked for hours as he recounted how terrible swallowing is for him. As bad as swallowing is for him, he was amazed that Suzy¢s throat is restricting her breathing. Dinner was so much fun. Red Wing and Hopeful were so nice. They made us a huge brownie congratulating us for the huge accomplishment of having completed over 1,000 miles of A.T. thus far. We hope that we are afforded the same perception and reception at home. Everyone was so very nice and understanding. Hikers were very sympathetic about the physical problems and very encouraging about the 1,001.9 miles we hiked on the A.T. this year i.e.((988.9 cumulative - 97.3 Shenys)+ 110.3 Vermont)). We slept well because of the family-like atmosphere tonight.
Date: 2006-07-01
From: Blackburn Trail Center

To: Blackburn Trail Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Day:106 Date: 7/1/06 Start: Blackburn Trail Center Weather: blue skies Finish: Blackburn Trail Center Miles: 0.0 Cumulative A.T. Miles: 988.9 (-97.3 that we skipped) Clay: This morning was fun. Branch went to speak at a Girl Scout function with Hopeful and I helped Red Wing clean the long, 1.5-mile driveway to Blackburn. Debris from the storm last week littered the driveway and two trees fell over the it as well.
Date: 2006-07-02
From: Blackburn Trail Center

To: Blackburn Trail Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Day:107 Date: 7/2/06 Start: Blackburn Trail Center Weather: blue skies Finish: San Diego, CA (Clay¢s sister, Becky¢s house) Miles: 0.0 Cumulative A.T. Miles: 988.9 (-97.3 that we skipped) Branch: Since we made the decision to get off the trail, my emotions have been as up and down as the roller coaster that we hiked on the trail. I spend one minute proud of our accomplishments on the trail and the next feeling like a failure for not having completed. I feel optimistic about our future one minute and unsure about it the next. This morning we went to church with Redwing and Hopeful. During the church service we sang ¢He Gives and Takes Away¢ and I walked away feeling reassured of the presence of God in our lives. I know that as long as we are willing to be obedient, God will use us. There are several things that I am sure of even now. First, God will use the experiences and major accomplishments that we had on the trail to be better administrators of A.T. Servants. In Ray Jardine¢s book Beyond Backpacking, he says ¢Rather than looking at your uncompleted journey as a failure, view it as a valuable learning experience.(p 456)¢ We have definitely learned so much about the trail, about serving God, and about each other. We have seen first hand how God uses godly Trail Chaplains on the Appalachian Trail to impact hikers. Having seen this, we are even more passionate about sending out the right people to be a light to this people group. Additionally, Redwing reminded us that by not finishing the Appalachian Trail, we are better able to empathize with the 80-85 percent of the hikers who attempt to hike the entire A.T. and do not complete it. I know that post-Appalachian Trail thru-hike life will be very different, but I can take solace in knowing that A.T. Servants will still play a big part in it. So today as I got on the airplane and finally kissed the A.T. good-bye on this journey, I felt more positive about our accomplishments over the last three months and about our lives after the accomplishment of this dream. I am taking away with me more than memories of hiking the trail. There are so many lessons I have learned. I will strive to make sure to value interruptions in life as God interjecting situations. I will strive to put more value on people and less on material things. These are only a few of the myriads of lessons that I can think of to write down. I am looking forward to visiting with family and beginning to plan and put into action the things that we have dreamed about for some time now. I am eagerly looking to see how God will use this turn of events for His glory. It is by His grace and with His strength that we walked the trail and it is by His grace and with His strength that we leave the trail and begin our lives anew.
Date: 2006-03-07
To: Dahlonega, GA
Miles today: 0.0

I'm starting at Springer Mtn., and will be heading up the trail at Amicalola State Park tomorrow morning. I'm planning to hike to Troutdale, VA (518 miles) on this leg. I'll note the weather and trail conditions each day, and will post them as quickly as I'm able. I chose to start from this end (Springer Mtn.) because around here it's been anywhere between 5 and 15 degrees warmer than Damascus, VA, recently (according to Weather.com). I'm hoping it'll be fairly mild, but I'm prepared if it's not. There have reportedly been about 120 northbounders that have begun so far this year, with 5 to 10 starting each day recently. If/when there's snow, I'll have their tracks to follow. Take care, all, and drop a note if you like.
Date: 2006-03-09
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

A fairly grey weather day, temperature in the 50's and 60's. First rain occurred tonight. My sleeping bag and pad migrated out of the end of my tarp-tent, and so I got a bit damp. The shelter was crowded with about 9 people, and 5 more tented out.
Date: 2006-03-10
From: Gooch Mtn Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

Dried out my gear at a sunny spot on the trail. Hiked a little over 5 miles to Woody Gap, then hitchhiked back to my car to retrieve my old, very broken-in, hiking boots. My newer ones, which I thought were broken in, gave me a couple of blisters, so it's time to go back to the old standbys. Picked up some groceries in Dahlonega, GA, and camped out at Neels Gap.
Date: 2006-03-11
From: Neels Gap

To: Blairsville, GA
Miles today: 10.6

Hiked southbound from Neels Gap to Woody Gap. Cloudy, drizzly day, temperature in the low 50's. Taking a luxury night at a motel to dry out my gear. I got a ride back to my car (at Neels Gap) by the same people who picked me up yesterday. They are a couple who are helping some other thru-hikers with logistics at the start of their trip. Amazing happenstance. Trail magic.
Date: 2006-03-12
From: Neels Gap, GA

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

A day of excellent views and a high temperature near 70 degrees. This was the first "great weather" day on the trail. What a great experience, sitting at the overlooks enjoying the scenery. No water for at least 7 miles of walking today. I needed 2 liters, but only had 1 1/2. It was good to arrive at the shelter and gulp down lots of water. Only 3 of us at the shelter tonight.
Date: 2006-03-14
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel, Hiawassee
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

A cool weather day, temperature in the 40s and 50s. Hitchhiked 3.5 miles down the hill to a hikers hostel. They had a woodburning stove inside, laundry, and served breakfast in the morning for a donation.
Date: 2006-03-16
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter, NC

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I had to do some backtracking today, as I'd forgotten my fuel bottle and part of my stove at the Blueberry Patch. Fortunately, my cell phone got through, and the owner was kind enough to drop my fuel bottle off, about 6 miles south on the trail from the Muskrat Creek Shelter. It was a 17 mile day, but only made 4.9 miles of forward progress. Tired at the end of the day. As for weather, the mornign started off with a brief snow squall, which turned to a light rain, and eventually to 60 degrees.
Date: 2006-03-17
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Pleasant walking temperatures, mostly in the 50s today. The surprise today was finding "trail magic" near the summit of Albert Mountain (elev. 5220). Some prior through-hikers (Gatorade and friends) were set up next to the trail at a roadside pullout, making grilled cheese and jalapeno sandwiches, and giving away sodas. Wonderful treat. These acts of generosity are memorable.Great sunset from the top of Albert Mountain, where a tall firetower gives panoramic views.
Date: 2006-03-18
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: clear sky

A short day of walking. Reaching Rock Gap around 11 a.m., a former through-hiker with a Boston Red Sox hat was serving bananas, oranges, and sodas. Next, the owner of the Budget Motel in Franklin pulled up in his van, offering rides into town. I accepted. A shower, Internet use, and a huge buffet lunch at the local steakhouse ensured.
Date: 2006-03-20
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: snow

After a rainy night, I walked a couple of miles to the road, caught a ride down into Franklin for lunch (joined by fellow walker, Parkay). We got back on the trail to hike through freezing rain, mercifully arriving at Siler Bald shelter. Brrr...
Date: 2006-03-21
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Licklog Gap
Miles today: 8.6

Happily, the sun came out today and dried my cold, wet fleece jacket (the doggone lightweight raingear had apparently leaked yesterday). Set up the tarp at Licklog Gap, a little campsite within 0.2 mi of water. A windy, cold night, about 30 degrees.
Date: 2006-03-23
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

Gained 3,000 feet in elevation today on the walk up from Nantahala Outdoor Center. It began to snow, and as I walked into the Shelter, we had 2" of snow on the ground. Chilly night, about 25 degrees. I've determined to bypass the Smokies, to avoid the 6,000 foot elevations and inevitable snow and wind.
Date: 2006-03-25
From: Robbinsville, NC

To: Standing Bear Hostel, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Hitchhiked to Blairsville, GA, to retrieve my car, and drove through Sylva, NC and on to Davenport Gap, where I discovered the wonderful Standing Bear Hostel. I spent the night in a lovely, rustic cabin built over a swift running creek. A great night. I feel motivated to check more of the trail, northbound. It's in the 40's.
Date: 2006-03-27
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

The day began with stiff, frozen boots at the shelter. After a hot oatmeal breakfast, on I pushed, with the boots thawing out at the sun began to pierce the forest. The weather became downright warm (60s) as I descended to about 2,500 feet, and the forest became green and inviting. I determined to spend the night at Hot Springs, soaking myself in an outdoor mineral-water filled tub, and camping at the local campground. It's time to head north, to lower elevations perhaps in Pennsylvania, as I continue to section-hike the AT.
Date: 2006-03-28
To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.5
Weather: light rain

A day of hitching back to my car at Standing Bear Hostel, then driving to Erwin, TN, dropping off some sodas at one of the trail crossings (to provide some "Trail Magic" for some thirsty, weary hikers). A good night Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky's Hostel. A great place to stay. Miss Janet's House was way overcrowded.
Date: 2006-03-29
From: Erwin, TN

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

After a night in the lovely cabin at Uncle Johnny's in Erwin, I proceed by car to Damascus, VA, dropping some sodas at strategic trail locations along the way. Spent the night at "The Place" hostel, behind the Methodist Church. Only $4 to stay. Good deal, for a house all to myself.
Date: 2006-03-30
From: Damascus, VA

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: few clouds

I drove from Damascus to Troutdale, VA, where I thanked the staff who helped me with my sprained ankle last November. Next, I drove to Pearisburg, accomplishing a couple of short hikes, including hiking into the Bailey Gap Shelter, where I spent a quiet night except for the calls of a owl in the distance.
Date: 2006-03-31
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today's project was doing a short section hike near Bailey's Gap, then driving up the road to Daleville and hiking 10 miles to Lamberts Meadow Shelter. I hiked with a light pack, leaving my stove, fuel, and tarp behind, and carrying only enough food for a couple of days. The idea here is to do a "make up" on some sections of trail that I skipped last fall. The views on the Tinker Cliffs, south of Daleville (near Roanoke) are excellent.
Date: 2006-04-01
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked south from Lamberts Meadow, passing by the famous McAfee Knob, and continuing across farmlands (and cows) on the way to the Dragon's Tooth trailhead. A long day, and a night at the Howard Johnson's motel felt good.
Date: 2006-04-02
From: Daleville, VA

To: Paul Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Drove from Daleville north along the Blue Ridge Parkway until I got near the Humpback Rocks (not far from Waynesboro, VA). Hiked to the Paul Wolfe shelter, meeting female solo hiker "Red Dane" from Denmark and male solo hiker "Indy" from the U.S. Red Dane started at Springer on January 7.
Date: 2006-04-03
From: Paul Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked out from Paul Wolfe shelter, ate some Chinese food, and attended a fun Appalachian Trail film (docu-drama) called "Southbounders." It was a special showing down at the high school in Waynesboro. I got offered a couch to sleep on by a 1995 thru-hiker, Eddie, who attended the film showing.
Date: 2006-04-04
From: Waynesboro

To: Luray, VA
Miles today: 17.0

The day began with a drive back to the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 4 mile roundtrip to cover a portion of the AT I missed last fall at Humpback Rocks. I then drove up Skyline Drive to hike a 13 mile section near Big Meadow, Shenandoah National Park. This finishes up the little sections that I needed to fill in. Now I have covered the entire 500 miles from Harpers Ferry, WV to Daleville, VA. I'm looking seriously at taking a week off to do volunteer work to help with the tornado victims in western Tennessee. Then, I'll pick up the trail in Harpers Ferry and hike north through Maryland and part of Pennsylvania. I've been looking for an opportunity to help with disaster relief for some time, and it seems like this might be the opportune moment.
Date: 2006-02-18
To: Prep 1
Miles today: 0.0

I started my trail training in December. So far I have done three 20-mile and one 40-mile backpack trips, all in the Uwharrie National Forest. I plan to do another 40-mile trip the end of February. I hope this should get me partially ready for THE hike. It has been several years since I backpacked th AT in Georgia, but I do remember the climbs. I don't plan to do but a few >10 mile days the first two weeks so as to gradually get my legs in shape and not destroy my feet in the process.I have only purchased a minimum amount of food so far. I plan to purchase most of my food in towns along the trail. I am preparing generous amouts of beef jerky and dried vegetables. Hope I won't get bored with the standard "trail grub".My wife, Elaine, is planning on hiking the trail with me for the first two weeks (Amicola Falls to Wesser). She has limited backpacking experience, but did extremely well on two 20-mile and a 40-milen trips in the Uwharries.
Date: 2006-02-27
To: Prep 2
Miles today: 0.0

Elaine and I have completed all of "training" hikes. This one was a 2-day 20-miler in the Uwharrie National Forest. So far we have about 100 practice miles. I think we are ready for the real thing. We still have more beef jerky and dried vegetables to prepare and lots of other food to purchase.I have worked out my schedule from Amicola Falls to Harper's Ferry. Need to get to work on the remainder of my trip. This is a bit more difficult as I have not hiked any of that part of the trail. Hope to complete it in the next couple of days.
Date: 2006-02-28
To: Prep 3
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I just finished (I hope) pruchasing enough food for a couple of months. Sure is a lot of food! Now to just sort it all out. Don't know if it would have been easier to purchase most of this food along the trail.Ordered a second pair of orthotics for my boots. They are pretty expensive but worth every penny. It's hard to believe how much better it is to hike without aching feet. I can not believe I hiked so many years without them.It is hard to believe my dream hike is only 12 days away! I hope the weather continues to be as nice as it has been so far this winter.
Date: 2006-03-09
To: Prep 4
Miles today: 0.0

Well, only three days left to get ready. I have purhased a lot of food and prepared a few drops. The preparation sure does take a lot of effort. Hope to have everything packed today as we leave tomorrow morning for Dahlonega, GA. My brother, Tommy, and his wife are taking us to the trail. Plan to do a little sightseeing on Saturday and start hiking the approach trail on Sunday. Tommy will pick up Elaine in Wessser and bring me a care package with supplies I will need toget to Davenport Gap. The excitement is bulding and we can't wait to get started. I plan on taking a lot of pictures with my new 5.1 MP camera and have my daughter put them in my journal. Just hope I can remember where I took them.
Date: 2006-03-10
To: Prep 5
Miles today: 0.0

We left Raleigh,NC this morning about 9:30. We are in Dahlonega, GA 'resting up' for the start on Sunday. This is a very nice town. We can see the mountains in the distance from our motel room. Plan to visit Helen, GA tomorrow, a quaint Bavarian style tourist attraction. Seems like we brought too much to fit in our packs - first day jitters? Don't want to jetison the winter gear even if the temps are to be in the upper 70's the next few days. Anyway, I think we will get all of it to fit. The excitement is building!