morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-21
From: Knot Maul Shelter

To: Walker Gap
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

Was on the trail by 0745 this morning. Looked like a great day. Clear skies and sun was coming up. I was full of energy and ready to do at least a 20 mile day today. The day started off with a pretty gradual decent. After about 4.5 miles I came across a stream that was flooded like several others I've already crossed today, I stopped at the edge for a second planning my moves and foot placement and then jumped onto a rock in the middle of the stream, the rock was slippery and when I landed I slid off and went into the water and twisted my ankle, the pain was intense but I just kept hiking thinking I would just walk it off, but the pain just kept getting worse with every step. There was nothing I could do, but to continue on, since I was in the middle of nowhere. I hiked another 6 miles to the Chestnut Knob Shelter. This was a pretty unique shelter as is was all stone and totally enclosed with a door and sat on top of the mountain producing an excellent view in all directions. I went inside to take a break and give me foot a rest. It was at this point that I noticed my ankle and shin was were swollen and discolored and pretty sore to the touch. There were a couple other hikers there and they were looking at my leg and said it looked pretty bad and that I should go to the hospital. After about 30-40 minutes and talking my self into seeking medical attention I made a phone call to Bubba's Shuttle service and made arraignments for him to pick me up at Walker's Gap about 1.5 miles down the mountain. Gang green and Arch helped me down the mountain. Gang green carried my pack, which at the time was probably close to 40lbs. since I just resupplied. Walking that mile and a half was not a whole lot of fun. I was met at the Gap by Bubba and he took me to the Wytheville County Community Hospital. After being x-rayed, the Dr. gave me the news ...........I broke my left leg, just above the ankle. I was crushed. My dream of hiking the AT was over.
Date: 2015-04-22
From: Walker Gap

To: headed home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I spent the night at the Comfort Inn in Wytheville trying to grasp the concept that I had broken my leg. It just makes you realize that one wrong step can end your hike. Although I wish I could have completed this journey, I have no regrets. The trail was everything I thought it would be and much more. I have met many wonderful people from all walks of life out on the trail and have truely enjoyed this wonderful experience. I will continue to follow those that I've met and I wish everyone a great hike. I would like to thank those of you who have followed me since the beginning. Who knows, maybe, just maybe you'll see Recon back on the trail someday!
Date: 2022-07-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I said I might be back and I was right!!It only took 9 years, but I am going to give the AT another go, but this time I am going to take my wife along (sherlock). Planning on a 2024 hike, with a starting date of Feb 14.I created a seperate account on trailjournals, but still under ReconLook for me under 2024...Recon and Sherlock
Date: 2015-02-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Now that February is coming to a close, it is only about a month before this adventure begins.I WISH IT WERE TOMORROW!!My pack is complete and I am finishing up on food prep. The unknown right now is what foods will be available in resupply towns. I guess, time will tell.This is just another chapter in my long list of "to do's" on my bucket list but I must say, this will definitely be my most challenging. At the ripe old age of 61 the "dogs" are gonna get sore and tired.I appreciate all the positive support I am getting from friends and family. It truly makes this adventure more worthwhile.
Date: 2015-03-22
To: Pre-Hike
Miles today: 0.0

Boy, these last few weeks have been brutal trying to get all the last minute preparations completed! It isn't trail prep I'm talking about...it's jobs finished or organized to go on without me among many other things. I definitely have too many "irons in the fire".   Luckily at least my "to do" list is getting shorter. It will be a challenge to leave all the "worry" behind. Like most people in this country...we all live waaaay too complicated of lives. I'll have to work on that...hmmm...   Susan and I plan on leaving Sarasota on Thursday (26th) to head North. We will take a few days to basically "chill" before my start date (April Fools Day).We will go by way of Blowing Rock, NC and check on a few things there,(we have some rehab going on that needs attention).   I expect we will drive to Springer, Ga on about March 31st and stay somewhere nearby. She will drop me at the trail head Wed morning. Wow...I can't believe it's finally here.   Well, time to sign off...I have to go help my Niece (Angela) trench-in water and electricity to her new barn (which we built last week).   Happy Trails!
Date: 2015-03-30
To: Amicalola Falls State Park
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Well, only a couple more days to hit my target start date on April 1st. Nothing more to do except to show up, lol!Susan and I will head to Amicalola Falls State Park tomorrow morning. We will spend the afternoon looking things over, and find some place to stay tomorrow night. Should get an early start on Wed morning. I have no worries or reservations at this point... but I imagine I will experience some " butterflies" when I start out into the woods... especially if it's raining. We will see!
Date: 2015-04-01
From: Springer Mtn. GA

To: First Stop Hawks Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 1 Truly a really tough day. Did only 8 miles and couldn't hardly walk when I set up camp at Hawks Shelter.I couldn't even eat. I had no appetite. I crawled in my sleeping bag at dark. I lay there with severe pain in my foot (old injury). My back hurt, my shoulders hurt. My legs were screaming at me. The wind was cold and blowing right through my tent. I was feeling a lot of anxiety since I had run out of water and since earlier I had lost my trail guide and had no idea where the next place for water was. I would of given a hundred dollars for a Rolaid's right then. I layed there for 13 hours and didn't sleep at all. Longest night of my life. I am dreading what I will feel like tomorrow. Only 2,172 miles to go.
Date: 2015-04-02
From: Mount Katahdin

To: Gooch Shelter
Miles today: 8.0

Day 2My legs don't feel as bad as I expected.Unfortunately it has started to rain. Another very tough day. Very steep climbs and descents and very slippery. Only slipped and fell once though on the muddy and slick surfaces.Arrived at Gooch shelter around 3. Decided to try sleeping in the shelter instead of my tent since it was still pouring down rain. Probably around 12 people in there. There is something very weird about opening your eyes and seeing a strangers face only 6 inches from yours. It was very noisy with about a half dozen snoring. But I finally got a little sleep.Only 2,164 miles to go.
Date: 2015-04-03
From: Woody Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 3 Got up early to a fine day. No rain and sun shinning. Yea! A little sad today. It was one year ago today I lost my best friend and companion, Harley. Legs are improving but still very slow pace. The ascents are a bear! Can only average about 1 1/2 miles an hour. I have to get up to about 16 miles a day if I want to finish before they close the trail at Katahdin. The pain in my left foot is still severe but not getting worse. I am really worried about that. I am remote camping tonight because they say the bear activity at the next shelter is a problem. I will try to hike to Neel Gap tomorrow where I can take a shower and rent a bunk (hostel). May even wash my clothes! Also real food! But first I must climb Blood Mountain which will be the hardest yet. Only 2,156 miles to go.
Date: 2015-04-04
To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 4 What a horrible night! A violent storm came in at sundown. Thunder and lightning and pouring rain. The wind was blowing at least 50 or 60. My little tent is not working out. The water blew in under the overhang and wet me and my down sleeping bag. With the temperature around 33 degrees it makes a cold night. Luckily the rain stopped by morning. I packed up around 6:30 and started walking. Very cold and windy. I tried wearing my coat but even with temp at around 35 I was feeling over heated. I tried hiking without my coat and turned numb. So I settled for my coat being half on. It's a strange sensation to feel heat in some places where it feels like you are so hot you can hardly stand it, and in other places you are numb. I stopped at the shelter where they told us not to stay due to bear activity. I had the place all to myself! I unpacked and made myself a nice breakfast. Even though it was very cold the wind was blocked and the view was fantastic. These moments make it all worth while. I packed up and climbed Blood Mountain. This was a very hard climb and descent. I arrived at Neel Gap around 1:30. I'll stay here in the hiker hostel for the night. These hiker hostels are large bunk houses filled with bunk beds. You get a bunk for 17 dollars which includes a towel and a shower. What luxury. I called Susan my sweetie at home and chatted for awhile. Going to be some steep climbing again tomorrow. Only 2,157 miles to go.
Date: 2015-04-05
From: Neel Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 5Happy Easter! Got up early and got started up the mountain. Really nice sun shinny day. The views today are spectacular. I past three sets of hikers going the opposite way and giving out Easter candy. One had pink rabbit ears. We call these people "trail Angels". It is a really nice thing to do. Had my picture taken with them but forgot to ask for a copy. I am sure they didn't like my smell, but were very nice.. lol. Today I did almost 12 miles. That's the best yet! I will camp near Low Gap Shelter tonight. Rain and thunderstorms should be here by morning. Yuk! Only 2,146 miles to go
Date: 2015-04-06
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 6 Very cold and wet hike today. I was so wet and cold I lost feeling in all my extremities. The trail was little rivers of water. Very slippery. I did make it to Unicoi Gap (10 mile day) A bunch of us got a ride into Hiawassee to stay at another hostel. Need a break from the rain. Unfortunately it will rain for 3 more days. I don't look forward to staying wet and cold for three more days. The climbs tomorrow will be the toughest yet. At least now I'm dry and my belly is full. Contemplating my hike tomorrow. Where the hostel is located it is only 400 feet to where I will end up after hiking 17 miles of rugged climbing. I could walk 400 yards and skip all that, but not going to cheat the trail! Only 2,136 miles to go
Date: 2015-04-07
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Sasafrass Gap
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 7 Woke up to a clear day. It won't rain all day. I'll be doing many steep climbs. I got a nice surprise late morning. I came to a "gap" where there was a side road. There was a guy with a travel trailer who was giving out hot dogs and cold drinks to thru hikers for lunch. It was a good break and a very nice thing to do. He did a thru hike a few years ago and this is how he "gives back". Very cool! The funniest thing is the evening before he hiked up to the nearest shelter on the trail with a 12 pack of beer and three joints. He gave them to the hikers there. Needless to say it was a big hit! I made it to Sasafrass Gap and camped for the night. Only 2,126 miles to go
Date: 2015-04-08
From: Sasafrass Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

Day 8 I didn't sleep well last night. My sleeping bag is ultra light (850+ fil down). In an effort to make it as light as possible they used a material that almost feels like Saran Wrap. Really uncomfortable. I'm either too cold or too hot. Since it doesn't breath I sweat so easily. If I lay on top I'm too cold. If I get inside I sweat. I'll have to work on that. The day went well. Only had to do about 7 miles to get to Dicks Creek Gap. Sam (my brother) is meeting me there (hooray!). I'll be spending the night with him for several days in his friends cabin in Sylva. He will drop me off each morning at the previous day's stopping point. It will be great to spend time with my brother. What a great thing for him to do for me to help me along. I will get to sleep in a nice bed and eat good food for several days. Only 2,119 miles to go
Date: 2015-04-09
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 9 Enjoyed my time with my "bro" last night. He dropped me at the trail head around 8:30. Clear day but strenuous. Did 16 miles and arrived at the rendezvous point (deep gap) around 5:30. Ahhhh....another night in a real bed. Only 2,109 miles to go.
Date: 2015-04-11
From: Deep Gap

To: Mooney Gap
Miles today: 13.0

Day eleven Sam dropped me where I left off a couple days ago. It was a 13 mile hike to Mooney Gap on some fairly easy terrain (comparatively). I met a hiker today that has completed a double triple crown...which means he has down 2 thru hikes of the Appalachian Trail (2,185 miles each), 2 thru hikes of the Pacific crest trail (2,800 miles each), and 2 thru hikes of the continental divide trail (3,100 miles each). Can you believe that! He told me only 5 people have completed double triple crowns. He has started his third AT. Unbelievable. Today was the fasted I have hiked. I did 13 miles in 5 1/2 hours. Getting stronger! Only 2,090 miles to go
Date: 2015-04-12
From: Mooney Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.0

Day 12 I sure have enjoyed visiting with Sam. We have been eating well to replenish calories burned. I did approximately 11 miles today. Really beautiful day. I would do more but we are restricted by places Sam can get near the trail with the truck. He has done a remarkable job finding his way around these old back woods dirt roads.Tonight will be my last night with Sam. He bought me a filet mignon for supper. What a great guy.
Date: 2015-04-13
To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

Day 13 Woke up to a wet and foggy day. It is supposed to rain for the next several days. We drove to the drop off place. I felt a little sense of loneliness as Sam pulled away. The truck just disappeared into the fog as he waved goodbye. I turned around and headed into the woods also disappearing into the dark misty woods. I hiked in rain all day. I headed for Wayah Bald shelter. What a sloppy, slippery mess the trail is. It makes it so much harder trying to stay on your feet. There was room in the shelter although crowded. It will be a stormy night.
Date: 2015-04-14
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Waser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Day 14 Even though it stormed all night I think that was the best I have slept on the trail yet. Unfortunately it is still raining. I'm only doing 10 miles today because with this weather I want to stay in the next shelter (Weser bald shelter) if possible. The next shelter after that is another six miles away. Too far for me especially dealing with the slick trails. For those of you who don't know, a shelter is a small three sided little shack. It is open in front. It keeps most of the weather off you. Some are nicer than others. I fell a few times today. I hate falling into this gooey mess. I think it's supposed to rain a few more days. Only 2,058 miles to go.
Date: 2015-04-15
From: Waser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 15 Rained all night. Hiked a very steep downhill to the Nantahala Outdoor center. Had a great hamburger there. Only 6 miles today. I met my cousin here who lives nearby in Bryson City. He will drop me here tomorrow morning to start the longest climb to date.
Date: 2015-04-16
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 14.0

Day 16 What a tough day! I don't know how I did it but I hiked almost 14 miles today with a full pack on by far the toughest terrain yet. I had a very steep up hill climb that went on for 7 miles. The actual vertical climb was more than 3,000 ft topping out at about 5,000 ft. There were many more ascents and descents after that. Then it began to storm with much lightning. While standing on a "knob" at around 5,000 ft a bolt of lightning hit particularly close. Very noisy. It poured rain for the final 4 hours. I just couldn't stay on my feet. The muck was almost like ice. The uphills were particularly frustrating because you would take a step and your foot would slide halfway back each time. It required so much more energy expended. It was still a good day because it was my strongest day. Boy what a challenge. Tomorrow I know the trails will still be a mess but I'm going to try to do another 14 miles to Fontana Dam. Only 2,038 miles to go
Date: 2015-04-17
From: Fontana Dam

To: Smokey Mountain National park
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day 17 Today's hike was a 14 miler. Finally a day without rain. In fact it started raining almost the moment I finished. My cousin Jeff was kind enough to pick me up one more time while I am still in his vicinity. He will drop me off here at Fontana Dam tomorrow morning. It will be a long climb up into Smokey Mountains National Park.
Date: 2015-04-18
From: Smokey Mountain National park Fontana Dam

To: Russel Field
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Day 18 Today was a great day! I did another 14 miles. The weather was perfect. I am very tired but feeling good. I'm camping near the Russel Field Shelter. Rain is supposed to start about midnight. I'd be in the shelter but is full. These national park shelters are beautiful. Only 2,009 miles to go.
Date: 2015-04-19
From: Russel Field

To: Derrick Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: moderate rain

Day 19 It is no wonder I was tired after yesterday's hike. I calculated on my profile guide that I climbed more than 4800 vertical feet and more than 2200 vertical descent. I began the hike at 1700 ft (Fontana Dam) and finished the day at 4367 ft (Russel Field Shelter). The rain came in last night as promised. Fortunately it let up long enough to get my camp packed up this morning. This turned out to be my most challenging day yet. I've never experienced anything quite like it. The rain came down in "waves". Violent wind that would nearly blow you off the open ridges. The water and muck was running down the trails in rivers. I had to claw my way up the steeper ascents. I would take a step and slide back. Often when I would go to pull my hiking pole out of the muck it would stick and pull me back instead of coming free. I became so wet despite my rain gear. All day I slogged away. I managed to advance only 9 miles. What I didn't realize was how cold I had become. When I arrived at Derrick Knob Shelter I was shivering and shaking from the cold and rain like I never remember. And yes, of course, the shelter was full. (Side note: now that I am in The Great Smokey Mountains National Park most if not all the "slots" in their shelters are reserved for section hikers. Thru hikers must give up their space if a section hiker comes along) These shelters are nice! They have stone walls with fireplaces and a heavy curtain to close off the front. I looked in through the curtain at the warm fire going and the room full of section hikers reading their books or journaling. I turned and walked back into the rain. I set up my tent as fast as I could so I could climb in my sleeping bag as quickly as I could. I had to get warm. It took nearly two hours for my shivering to subside. Whew! I will never do that again. I cooked my supper, ate and went to sleep. I didn't bother to hang my food bag on the bear cables outside. I just couldn't go back out in the rain. Maybe "Yogi" won't be out in this weather too! LOL
Date: 2015-04-20
From: Derrick Knob Shelter 

To: New Found Gap
Miles today: 18.3

Day 20 Today turned out to be a pretty nice day. The wind was still blowing and mostly overcast but no rain. Actually I did get some light rain and hail briefly in the afternoon but I hardly noticed. Originally I was trying to do about 41 miles in 3 days in order to go from Fontana Dam to Newfound Gap. That is where my cousin Jeff would be able to meet me and pick me up. I'll always take the opportunity to stay in a real bed and eat real food when I can. Since I did not make the miles I hoped to yesterday I couldn't see how I could make it up. Especially since today's hike was mostly "up". I have to climb to the summit of "Clingmans Dome" which is the highest point on the entire Appalachian Trail at 6,655 feet (it's all downhill from here, right?) lol Well, believe it or not. I felt really strong today. I had originally gotten in touch with Jeff to say that I had to change our rendezvous time to the following day. I powered up the inclines (even though everything was a muddy mess) making good time. When I reached the summit they have a "tower" you can climb to get the best view. The clouds had nearly cleared away so I climbed the tower and boy, what a view!! My goal today was to reach Mt Collins Shelter (13.8 miles away). I arrived there at about 5:30 in the evening. There was a half a mile side trail to actually reach the shelter so I stood there thinking...going there will cost me another mile... the shelter is most likely full... angry rain clouds are moving in... and Newfound Gap is only 4.5 miles further. Hmm... I think I can make it in two hours and besides I have a headlamp if I don't make it before dark. Can I get in touch with Jeff to change the plans? I had one more climb which I thought maybe at the higher point I could get cell service for text (forget about talk). Interestingly I managed to get a little "service" at that peak and it seems Jeff received it but I did not for sure and I did not receive a reply. If he didn't get the message I would probably have to sleep in the public bathroom there and meet him tomorrow at the predetermined time. Well, sure enough there was cell service at the "Gap" and we were able to communicate. Jeff did get the message and was on his way. I'd like to take a moment to express my thanks to Jeff Taylor, my cousin. For four days he was on call to pick me up and drop me off. He gave me his bed (while he slept on the couch) and stayed awake most of the nights to keep his (eleven) dogs from barking and waking me up. He washed my clothes and fed me. And when I changed my plans at the last minute, he dropped everything and came to help me out. I learned last night that he took sick days off from work to make himself available. Today turned out to be my longest yet. I hiked 18.3 miles on some very difficult terrain. Yeah!! It was late and not much was open. We stopped at Wendy's and I had a very good cheese burger with a side of chili. Ahhhh.... I passed through 207 miles completed today. Only 1,981 miles to go
Date: 2015-04-22
From: New Found Gap

To: Tri Corner Knob
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

Day 22I started this morning at New Found Gap. My goal today was to get to Tri Corner Knob shelter which I did. It was about 15 1/2 miles. The weather was good today and the terrain wasn't too bad. I got in about 7. Set up my tent (because of course no room in the shelter I had walk a long way into the woods to find anything remotely flat. It's almost impossible to sleep if the bed isn't level. Just after I set up camp it started to rain and hail and then snow flurries. It goes to show how quickly the weather can change in the mountains. It's going to get cold tonight. Probably will freeze. Need to sleep with my water bottle so I have water to drink in the morning. Tomorrow I'm going to try to make it to Standing Bear Hostel which is just over 18 miles away.