morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-07
From: fontana dam

To: fontana dam
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Took a zero day today. they say one of the items on every thru-hiker's "tick list" is to zero at a shelter. Today, I met that requirement. the first half of zero day is fun, but then, I get restless. We went into "town" but there was just a small general store,laundry,post office, and a bar with pizza. We played mini golf for a few holes, but it got hot and we got bored.
Date: 2011-04-08
From: fontana dam

To: spence field shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: light rain

today was a good climb up into the smokies. I was with Bear Bait and gumby today. we were going to hike 11 miles then we changed it to 13.5 and then 16.7. the final mile pushed me a little bit.today the scenerny changed. It became very green. the trail was easy walking,few rocks and downed trees.I could have lived with less horse poop on the trail, but it was ok.I am sleeping in a shelter for the first time.I will see how that goes.
Date: 2011-04-09
From: spence field shelter

To: Double spring gap
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

the first 7 miles was really tough on me today. Lots of ups and the downs had rocks for me to roll my ankles on. I was moving so slowly, I began to feel defeated. Luckily @ the end of the day, everyone else was talking about how difficult the day was. My first shelter experience was a postive one last night. Today, I saw a wild turkey. I also entered my first section of evergreens. It felt like home! I forgot to mention that I went into Tennessee a couple of days ago. Now I have walked in 3 states. Tomorrow, I will cross the 200 mile mark and also go over the highest part of the AT (Clingman's dome)
Date: 2011-04-10
From: Double spring gap

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: few clouds

I had a poor nights sleep in the shelter. A group of people got up at 5:30 am so they could watch the sunrise on Clingman's dome. Then at 6:30, someones phone/alarm clock started playing "Gold Digger".I met a very nice couple from Lexington, KY. The wife is a nurse and she reminded me of a younger version of my mom The hike up to Clingman's Dome, the highest point of the entire AT was not to difficult. It felt like a NW trail w/ the granite and pine trees. There was no view from Clingman's for me, due to the fog. The hile from Clingman's was very hard for me. It was steep downhill with loose rocks, tree roots and dark shadows. We got trail magic twice today!! The second time was at Newfound Gap. the husband had hiked the trail in '05 with his son and they had a very inspirational story. His son did the trail with neuropathy in his feet and legs from chemo. The dad drove a truckload of us to the hotel.The "night on the town" was a blast. A few hikers don't fully remember the evenings events. Due to another severe thunderstorm, we are going to zero in Gatlinburg tomorrow.
Date: 2011-04-11
From: Newfound Gap

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Spent the day in Gatlinburg. This town feels like a tacky version of Reno! I can't complain since my total hotel bill for 2 days is $15.00 total. Things I have learned so far on the trail:1. Vagisil is the best cure and preventative measure for chaffing.2. Cooking breakfast just wastes time.3. We are supposed to bury our own poop, but it is OK to walk through miles of horse dung.
Date: 2011-04-13
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tir-corner shelter
Miles today: 15.6

We took a double zero in Gatlinburg and passed the people who went out in the rain and snow storm yesterday.It was cold in the morning and there was some snow on the sides of the trail and in the trees. I set my hammock up on the hillside. It was a little swampy but not an issue for a hammock. I did not deploy the tarp and watched the moon and stars while falling asleep.
Date: 2011-04-14
From: Tir-corner shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

the trail was difficult for me again today. It was rocky but it got better during the first 5 miles. The 3 miles from the last shelter to the freeway underpass were the best three miles of the whole trail so far. No rocks or roots. very green and lush and a river with a waterfall.After the freeway underpass, it was hot and we had to climb stairs. There was a cooler with trail magic @ the top of the stairs, unfortunately, all of the magic was gone But we did get to the hostel in time to get a bunk. My friend Shari had asked me if I feel like we are on the TV show "survivor". I do feel like that at times, especially on bad weather days. People head for the shelters quick. If you decide to hike and get wet, you will not get a shelter spot. If you stop early and hit the shelter, you avoid getting wet..and then don't really need the shelter. the same is true with trail magic. It seems that the hikers who get up early and walk a long way, end up missing most of the trail magic...
Date: 2011-04-15
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: Max Patch Bald
Miles today: 13.6

We slackpacked from Max Patch Bald south back to Standing Bear. Max Patch was very windy. My trekking poles we dangling off of my wrists by the straps and the wind was pushing the poles so they were almost parallel to the ground. We passed Pebbles, a guy who shared our bunkhouse @ the NOC. he was camped in the woods behind the bald.It was fun to pass everyone going the other direction. On a normal day, I hike alone and rarely see another person. Seeing people that I know while I am hiking, makes me smile.The wind was so strong all day that it was scary. I kept hearing the trees creaking and popping. Limbs were crashing and it had me slightly jumpy! Bear Bait can't hear very well, so I told him that I would yell if I heard a tree coming our way. When we got back to the hostel, a very large tree came down and blocked the road just past the hostel.We went to a Mexican restaurant to see a bluegrass band. Pack eleven hikers into a mini-van and you know you are in for a good time! The restaurant was i Cosby, TN. They can't serve alcohol, but you can bring your own, and there is no corkage fee..
Date: 2011-04-17
From: Max Patch Bald

To: Cascading Brook on Descent of Bluff mtn.
Miles today: 11.3

It was a pleasant day of hiking. The wind was not as strong as the last time we were on Max Patch, but it was colder. There were plants that were covered in a thick white frost. We had one tough climb but we are all getting our "trail legs". Our conditioning was obvious as we cruised past lots of weekend hikers. Tonight, I am camped on a rock out-crop with a waterfall next to it. I am here camping with Greenlight, Spider Legs, Bear Bait and Turtle Feet. Three hammocks and two people cowboy camping..
Date: 2011-02-02
To: Trying again
Miles today: 0.0

After a good fight with bone marrow cancer last year, I am working on getting the body back in shape to hit the trail for spring break. Tivo and I are planning on doing about 20 miles in Georgia and then 30 in North Carolina. Spring break starts on the 25th of March and ends April 3rd. So, depending on the weather we will get 5 hiking days in during the 9 days of spring break. I am now walking 3 days a week and the last two weeks before we hike I will be carrying my pack weighted down to see how the body handles the weight. I am also dropping some weight so I don't have to carry it with me. With any luck I will be 20 pounds lighter and speed walking four miles by our target start date of March 26th.
Date: 2011-02-13
To: One Step Closer
Miles today: 0.0

Pulled the backpacks out today. One to see how the chest would handle the strain and two to see if Tivo had grown out of his pack. Both were as I figured, I had no problems with the chest muscles and Tivo has out grown his pack. So, the Spring break hike is still on and I need to get Tivo a new backpack before we go.
Date: 2011-03-19
To: Can't Wait
Miles today: 0.0

One week from now I will be in my sleeping bag on the A.T. resting the tired old bones after hiking 10 t0 12 miles. It will be day one of a five day hike of 50 miles that will take us to Fontana Dam in North Carolina. Tomorrow I will pull out all the gear, check my list, and get the food together. Can't Wait !!!
Date: 2011-03-26
From: Blue Ridge Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Day 1 Round 5After driving 9 hours and getting in at one o'clock in the morning, I woke up to the sound of rain at 6:15. The trip we have been planning for months was not starting off on the right foot. After checking the radar I realized a change of plans was needed. A few minutes later the thunder and lightning confirmed this. Although hiking the A.T. means dealing with what is handed to you, to start a section hike in the pouring rain did not make a lot of sense. I decided to split our 2 day hike into 2 day trips instead of one over night hike. The problem is between the weather and limited access points our only option was to split the 22 miles into a 6 and 16 mile hike. Since we couldn¢t start until late afternoon today the 6 mile section was the obvious choice. The nice thing about the section hike is we are making up the rules as we go. We are going to cover every inch of the trail but, the order and the direction are totally up to us. We decided to hike south this time to increase our encounters with thru hikers. So at 3:20 we started south from Blue Ridge Gap, hoping to be done by about 6:00, if we can average 2 miles an hour we will have a good chance to finish the next day before sun down. The 6 miles went without a hitch; we were at Plumorchard Gap in 35 minutes and hit Bull Gap at 4:32. Just 2 short climb and quite of bit of down hill and we were at Dick¢s Creek Gap at 6:05. We only saw 3 hikers over the 3 hours. I guess we weren¢t the only one¢s who didn¢t like what we saw on the radar. We finished up on time so we feel good about the next days hike. I was really beat and wondered how the body would handle the upcoming parts of the hike.
Date: 2011-03-27
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 2 of Round 5We started in a fog but no rain at 8:15 at Dick¢s Creek Gap. Heading south again we figured we would see a few more hikers today. Our first stop was at 10:08 at Deep Gap Shelter. It was then I realized lost my cheaters and would have to depend on Tivo¢s young eyes for the time of day and taking notes. We soon discovered we were not alone. We passed hiker after hiker and the answer was always the same¢¦. Heading to Maine. We seamed to be moving along pretty good we hit Addis Gap at 11:07 and by 12:18 the Blue Ridge Swag. We were right on pace to be done before 6:00. For the next hour or so we actually had some impressive views. The sun was out and the high points we could see the clouds hovering over the smaller mountain peaks. If nothing else Mother Nature will impress you on the A.T. I wondered who would destroy the new sign at Indian Grave Gap and then I noticed the claw marks. Apparently the local bear didn¢t appreciate someone placing a new sign in his neighborhood with out the appropriate permit. We were at Indian Grave Gap by 3:57 and topped Rocky Mountain at 4:50. Downhill from there we were at Unicoi Gap at 5:30 and it was official we had completed the A.T. in Georgia. So the final count for the day was 58 12 Hikers which consisted of 5 section hikers, 1 ridge runner, 52 thru hikers, and a dog named Bailey.
Date: 2011-03-28
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Sassafras Gap Recreation Site
Miles today: 6.6

Well the weather is not cooperating and I am getting heavy pressure form Shirley & Joe to cash in my chips and try again this summer. It was 7:00 a.m. with heavy rain, lightning, and thunder. The radar shows many hours of the same. I decided instead of giving up completely we would cut the hike short and at least take a shot at it. I decided on Stecoah Gap it¢s about 14 miles north of the NOC and there is a camp site about half way. We left before noon in a heavy rain hoping it would at least slow down by the time we hit the trail. An hour later we stopped at subway for lunch and the rain had slowed to a drizzle. Forty-five minutes later we were climbing out of Stecoah Gap in a light rain. And the up and down begins. Even in the rain we still met a lot of thru hikers headed North. As we hiked the rain lightened up and even started to clear for some nice views. By the time we got to Cheoah Bald we had a beautiful view. It was all downhill from there and we got to Sassafras Shelter early. There we met a group of six from the west coast of FL, nice guys but the kids were hilarious. They had camped the night before through the rain storm and everything was soaked, so they spent the day trying to dry out so they could hike back the next day.
Date: 2011-03-29
From: Sassafras Gap Recreation Site

To: NOC - Nantahala River Gorge
Miles today: 7.0

With only 7 miles to do today we were in no huge hurry to get started. Had breakfast and took our time packing up. Left the group behind and started our hike south, around 7:30. After just over an hour we started getting views of the Nantahala Gorge, absolutely beautiful. The hike was pretty easy with a constant downward slope. We made great time and go to the NOC about lunch time. We cooked up a hot meal and sat on a planter bench and ate, waiting for our ride. Batman & Tivo
Date: 2011-07-27
To: Prep for the next Leg
Miles today: 0.0

Well we are jumping from North Carolina to West Virginia. On Saturday, August 6th Tivo and I will be dropped off at Harpers Ferry and then head North through Maryland to Pennsylvania. The goal will be to finish Maryland and add it to the short list of states completed. We plan on hiking for three days, so with the terrain being a lot flatter than Georgia or North Carolina we may get a few miles into PA. I guess the variable that will control our distance is the heat. We expected the summer hike to be warm, we are used to the heat living in Florida, but we thought it would be cooler than is predicted to be. A week from now we will know for sure.
Date: 2011-08-06
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Dahlgren Backpack Campground
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

After a 13 hour drive on Friday we started our morning at a hotel near Dulles and drove the back roads to Harpers Ferry. We discussed how beautiful the PA countryside is and then discussed that we were in Virginia. We got into Harpers Ferry just before 9:00 and drove through the town. We found our drop point, took the required photo and were off at 9:10, on our 40 mile journey through the state of Maryland. We had a great start, as we walked across the footbridge a train came across within feet of us, just as we came off the bridge another train crosses, busy place. Easy hike down the C & O Canal tow path along the river, lots of bikers and joggers. Just north of the Weaverton Cliffs around 11:30 I hear something that sounds like singing. Minutes later there are three southbound 20 something¢s, two of which are belting out ¢Let it Be¢. The third member of the Let it Be Trio looked annoyed. Got to the Ed Garvey Shelter at 12:30 and kept up a good pace getting to Gathland State Park at 2:43. Looking over my new best friend, The A.T. Guide, I discovered a shower symbol at the Dahlgren Backpack Campground. Tivo and I were debating the merits of the ability to take a shower and would there be showers at this campground after hiking an additional 1.7 miles past the next shelter.   The question was answered at White Rock Cliff, we met 4 hikers attempting the Tristate challenge. Basically they were hiking what we were going to do in three days in just one. It was about 4:30 and they had over 13 miles to go. They confirmed that there were showers ahead so we now had 3.5 miles to go. If they made it they finished in the dark. I was happy to add the mileage today knowing there would be a shower waiting. Passed Rocky Run Shelter at 6:07 and made it to the campground at 6:42.   We met Eric and Darrell, attorneys from Baltimore. We spoke to them about the Colts, the trail, and Old Rag a rock scramble in Shenandoah. Dinner, shower, and to bed, our day was over by 9:30. We set our personal best for miles in a day with 17.1. I hope I don¢t have to pay for it over the next couple of days.
Date: 2011-03-09
To: No Turning Back
Miles today: 0.0

My tomorrow began yesterday.That's when I told my bosses that I'm retiring to begin my hike of the AT on April 2. I never imagined how difficult it would be to walk away from my job (and my friends) of the last 12 years and leave my 39-year career in Nashville's music business. In a way, I feel that I'm jumping ship on them, but I'll get over the guilt. Work can be habit forming. It's been a good ride, but I'm ripe for a change.Like virtually all AT thru-hikers, I've dreamed of this for years, purchased and tested my gear for almost as long, struggled to get into reasonably good physical condition, and read everything I could find about this wonderful footpath through the heart of our country. In a way, I see this hike as a metaphor for life. Although I knew I absolutely had to do this, the rational part of my brain could not imagine my attempting such a crazy, fantastic adventure. Nevertheless, it's happening. I can't wait to begin.I've been a responsible, reliable husband, father and employee for most of my life, but now I'm turning into "trail trash" for six months...What's that all about? You know what, of course, or you probably wouldn't be on this web site. It's just another case of Springer fever. Despite the diversity in all of our lives, we all have this common bond, the urge to hit the trail, and sometimes it overwhelms us. We have the compelling need to go for a long walk and see whatever is over the next hill. I'm eager to absorb the total freedom, the gorgeous landscapes and seasons, and the eccentric hiker personalities along the six months on the trail. It's time to simplify this life, to push my lazy body to the limit and to measure my days in the miles we will walk together.Although I've been chained to a desk and my responsibilities for much of my life, I'm no stranger to wild places. No, not the urban kind, but the naturally wild places. On weekends, I've been an avid turkey hunter, a discriminating deer hunter, and unfulfilled angler. Most of my longtime friends are outdoors people, too. Being alone in the woods is especially soothing to me, and God's creatures don't bother me as long as they don't chew on my leg. I love them all (but skunks are annoying and coyotes are invaders from the other side of the Big Muddy). I've done a fair share of camping, backpacking and whitewater canoeing in my life, but had to put some of my outdoor passions on hold for a few years to raise my children and take care of my job. There simply wasn't enough time for everything. I'm done with that! From this day forward, I intend to live in the day, make time to enjoy and help my neighbors on their personal journeys, and, most importantly, be a better servant of the Creator. For the rest of my life, I'm going to do what I please. See you on the trail!
Date: 2011-03-26
To: Under Attack
Miles today: 0.0

I went on a practice hike today to test my gear, but it didn't go well. As soon as I pitched my tent and put my bag inside, a bevy of bruins attacked and ripped everything to shreds. I hadn't realized my thoughtful wife had struck again, sewing candy into the seams of the bag. My rocket granade launcher was left at home because I didn't realize there were any bears in this area. Fortunately, I escaped with only minor injuries and was discharged from the hopital in less than two hours. The gear can be easily replaced before my departure in six days. P.S. If you believe this one, please see my truthfulness disclaimer in my "About" section. I'm just learning to use this journal and preparing you for more yarns to come.The truth is that I spent most of the morning packing food boxes and preparing for departure. Between all the transition activities at work, trying to keep up a daily training routine, and preparing my food and gear, I don't know how I'll get everthing done. There's no doubt it will all come together by Friday, however. See you on the trail!Bear Snack
Date: 2011-03-29
To: The pace quickens
Miles today: 0.0

The pace has quickened at work and at home, as everybody wants me to finish one more chore or project, while I'm trying to get my gear packed and food boxes shipped for this grand adventure. My retirement party at work is Wednesday, which should be a fine time. In addition, I'm trying to squeeze in five or six miles of walking with my pack on most days. Most of the walking is happening well after dark, which is fine with me. The cows in the pastures probably don't appreciate my keeping them awake, but they can sleep during the day. If that's not enough, my wife is getting frazzled with plans for my daughter's May wedding. I'm going to just write a check to cover the cost and leave town until the day before the event. Guys aren't much help at planning such things, anyway. I definitely need to get out of town. The hiking gear is coming together well, and it looks like my load with three days food and three litres of water will tip the scales close to my goal of 25 lbs. That number could change if I decide to carry heavier winter clothing, and I'll be watching the weather closely as departure approaches. I want to travel light, but not to take risk with being unprepared. I'm going to keep my food prep simple during the first few weeks until my routine comes together, and then will pack a few more elaborate trail meals.This is my third post, so it's time to make this journal public. I'll soon be heading for Georgia, and this may be my last entry before the hike begins. See you on the trail!
Date: 2011-03-29
To: Definitely not a goober
Miles today: 0.0

My wife read my new trail journal this morning and said, "You make me sound like a goober!" She continued, "If anything happens to you on the trail, the police will come looking for me because everybody will think I killed you."Well, as you can see, she doesn't look like a goober. In fact, she's younger and much better looking than me. I realized right then I needed to brag about her now if I expect to continue teasing her all summer. Besides, if she doesn't send my mail drops, I'll surely starve.So, pardon my indulgence while I boast about my terrific wife. When our kids grew old enough to survive without constant attention from Mom, she decided she wanted to become a firefighter. "Fat chance," I thought. Well she did become a firefighter, and a good one at that. Then she decided that wasn't enough, so she went back to college at night while working full time, so she could become a paramedic. She already had a college degree, but wanted to do more. Then, she decided she had time for another job in addition to full-time firefighting, so she started riding ambulances for a couple of hospitals.Fighting fires, climbing into wrecked cars, and assisting heart attack victims are all in a day's work for her. She's also a superb swimmer, and was commended by the fire department a couple of years ago for leaping fearlessly into a pond on a cold February day in an attempt to rescue a drowning motorist. Obviously, she's a remarkable person. With all that being said, I won't bore you by bragging about her any more in this journal. For the rest of the summer, I'll probably make her sound like a goober, because that's lots more fun for the rest of us. I do love her, though.