morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-29
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: View Entry
Miles today: 54.0
Weather: broken clouds

Weather has improved for the moment. Able to get in 20 miles today (yesterday, too) with the sun shining bright above the canopy of trees overhead. Happy for the protection from the direct sunlight. Hoping for the similar mileage in the next few days but a Ranger stopped me today to tell me about Bonnie, the tropical depression sure to dump a fair amount of rain on us. We'll see what we can do with that. Just getting used to being dry again.      Been walking with Polar Bear off and on. Picture is of him taken some time back where he is under the fallen rock that wedged between the rocky ledges.   Cool spot. Heard from Feral over last few days. He has left the trail and is back home in Iowa. God speed and a wonderful life, Friend. Glad to have spent part of the journey with you.       No more bears but have been keeping company with a fair share of snakes lately. One rattler and two copperheads yesterday. Rattler easy to spot and makes himself known with his threatening sound. Copperheads are harder to spot. Quieter, look a lot like a pile of leaves until they move when you're too close.   Not a fan.      Had a neat encounter with an older couple that stopped their car at an overlook as I emerged from the trail. Gorgeous view of the mountains I just spent blood, sweat and tears to cross. Three ridges, one higher than the next. Asked about me, why I'm up here. Told them about the trail and that I just came from walking those distant mountains. They stared at me for a bit, curious and interested. Then had the usual questions-the Hows, the Wheres, the Whys, the "Did you really?" Said they would have loved to have done that in their younger years-should have made the time. I explained that all I'm really doing is walking, nothing more, which is the honest truth. Amused at their amazement. But walking is all I'm really doing out here. Still, it is quite cool to see these open views of the mountains I am crossing. Most of the time, its just a path that goes up and down with regularity and I am watching my feet for footholds and dangers. The distant views add a different perspective...      Heading toward the halfway point and hoping to be near it when Mary Jo comes back to see me later this week. Planning to spend some time in Harper's Ferry, WV. Hoping the weather holds for good distance.      Wondering- Why we wait....and what we wait for?
Date: 2016-06-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 95.0

Started the week with my sister in law in Duncannon, PN. Spent a great day and a comfortable nights sleep courtesy of Kathy and was able to launder and resupply.   Replenished with good company, kindnesses and a familiar face. Thanks, Kathy!   Last part of Pennsylvania has had some challenging terrain. Small rocks dot the trail with irritating frequency. Have to pick my way through rocks with no real footholds. Find myself stepping on sharp ones that cut through the boots. Slowing me down. Always amazed at what this trail offers. Rarely forgiving... Rested in Port Clinton last night. Not the plan but needed the break.      Walked recently with an older (70-ish) German-American couple who immigrated here in 1971. He finished the through walk at some point several years ago but she never did. They have been section hiking the parts she missed in previous years so she can do the whole trail. Unfortunately, she developed a stress fracture and hurt her leg. Heading home. Goal won't happen this year but they have fortitude and no doubt will try again.       Been walking with a variety of wonderful folks. Mango still moving through her section hike and going to leave at the Delaware Gap, the last town in Pennsylvania. She's traveling with 3 friends who have known each other since grade school- Shall Be, Gulp and Panda. Been also keeping company with Dreamcatcher, Rambo and Cousteau. Enjoy them all.         Amazed at the variety of speed and progress. I start out the day earlier than most. Many who start later eventually pass me as the day progresses. They sometimes stop, we have lunch. They move on-faster than me. But amazingly, we are at the same place by the end of the day. Or sometimes I'll see them days later-thinking they are much farther ahead but they stop to recuperate in town out of exhaustion from their long mileage days.   Sort of like running that yellow light just to be next to the same guy (who stopped at the light) at the next red light. Rushing doesn't seem to help out here. At least not for me.   Decided forward progress at my comfortable speed is all I can do. Ok with that.      Wondering- About the wisdom of Aesop's. That tortoise was no dummy....
Date: 2016-06-26
To: New Jersey
Miles today: 32.0

Want to start with a thanks to all the well wishers concerned about my health. The outreach on guestbook and texts are very much appreciated! (Oh and B Hiker- She left the trail-no more word from her).   As of today, I believe I am well again. Started the antibiotics 3 days ago. No more fatigue, no more fever. Expect to return to my 100 mile/week progress again-trail willing.    It was very hot today. Humid. Well, I have been expecting that. Weather a contender in the walk but must say I have had some great weather lately. Realize summer will bring the heat.    I have reached the Pennsylvania border and am taking a zero day here. When I start my walk again, I will cross the Delaware River into New Jersey. I am glad for this. The rocky terrain and scarce water sources have been a burden. Word on the trail is that the rocks are not gone in Jersey, but its friendlier passage despite them. Water on the other hand will continue to be less attainable until Connecticut. The water sources are different now. Instead of clear running streams, you have to draw your water from ponds with algae. With my filter and drops, I expect it to work but much prefer something that starts out cool and clear. Will see.   I've been thinking back through the states. As I've mentioned before, they all have their own character and experience. Each gives something in beauty, geography and challenge. But they all seem to take a little, too. Georgia broke my back trying to get used to the heavy pack. Virginia, with it's length and mountains, tested my legs. Pennsylvania-with the rocks, little water and add on my illness, messed with my mind a bit. But all in all, when I do an inventory check, I think I'm coming out ahead. Still have stamina, will and spirit. Humor? Some days. Oh yeah, I have gained a beard. Guess I'm doing ok.   Still, I know the white mountains are ahead of me in New Hampshire. Supposed to be the beginning of the hardest part of the trail. In the stillness, I hear them whispering, taunting, daring approach. Ok-one state at a time...   Wondering- and hoping- that New Jersey has kindnesses.
Date: 2016-06-27
From: New Jersey

To: View Entry
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Spent a great few days at the Deer Head Inn. Their claim to fame as a Bed and Breakfast is also being the "Oldest Jazz Club in America". But had a very special time there. Stayed an extra day to hear a live jazz band and it made me very happy. Amazing the simple, eloquent joys that present themselves out here. Missing civilization.   Crossed the Delaware River and into New Jersey. Bought a clippers and shaved the beard! Ahhh.   Face breathing again.   Realized I no longer here the basketball noises anymore. Used to be this constant "doot, doot, doot" in the distance if you listened. Background noise you'd miss without the silence of the trail. Realized at one point it was the Rough Grouse calling its mate in the spring. After some research and trail mates filling me in I discovered that they have air pockets, puff out their chest, attract the females. Well past that now but recently noticed their absence.   Takes awhile sometimes to realize something is no longer there. Hmmm.   Heading north to my son Anthony who lives in Connecticut. Looking forward to seeing him.    Wondering- About absences and their importance. Thinking it varies....
Date: 2016-07-03
To: Home
Miles today: 7.0

Never thought I had anything in common with Forrest Gump (although others may make a different case). But it seems we have at least one thing in common. Will get to that.   Past the Delaware River and on into New Jersey. Walked with 2 amazing section hikers- a young women named Summer Flowers and an older gentleman, Missing Person. Both a true pleasure. Summer Flowers left the trail as we were hiking. Missing Person, walked on.   When people ask me why I wanted to do this hike, I have no real explanation.   Get blank, distant stares where I know they don't get it and never will. Get polite questions about the hows and why and sometimes see enthusiasm, sometimes not. Other times, faces light up. "Oh I've always wanted to do that!" or "That's so cool!" Some actually get it. Others just want to. Some actually start planning. No matter really. A personal choice and not one that can be forced.      I can't explain the trail. It's gifts and beauties, it hardships and struggles. Both equal in intensity but the experience so worth it. Always thought that when the joys give way to exasperation... well...      Spent this past weekend in Connecticut with my son Anthony and his lovely girlfriend, Julie. Stayed with them a few days. Didn't walk there. Drove.      Have walked 1300 plus miles, over 4 months, through 8 states. No plan really. Just decided it's time. As Forrest said when deciding his intercostal run had come to an end "....think I'll go home now."   No other words.       I am so happy to have known the people and places in this exceptional place. Thanks to all who have followed and supported me through this journey. Lasting gratitude.      This has been an truly amazing experience in every regard. It's been a Wonder....
Date: 2016-08-22
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

For all those who have asked and Wondered. Came home on July 4th. Spent Independence Day with my wife. Felt the evening fireworks were for my home-coming. It was so special. Deep fatigued continued on my return until I could no longer ignore it. Got tested. Lymes disease. Wasn't surprised. Felt it on the trail. No regrets coming home. My journey deeply satisfactory. Feeling strong again and settled back into a good life. Been reading journals from my fellow travelers and have deep respect for their fortitude. Am in no position to give advice or council. But here's a nugget. If you have an quest, or desire, or notion. Just go make it happen. Regrets come from leaving the rock unturned. Happy Journeys......Wonder
Date: 2016-03-10
From: Springer Mountain

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Day 1 of my adventure began on 3-10-2016. Arrived at Springer Mountain at 7:30 am and headed out at 7:45. The weather was not too bad; 54 degrees, cloudy and a little misty rain but not bad. The high was in the 70's. Great day to hike! Let the adventure begin!
Date: 2016-03-12
From: Neel Gap

To: Unicoi 
Miles today: 21.4

Started at 6:45 today. Map said 21 miles but my device says it was 25 miles.... 54,000+ steps today. WhooWhoo! Long day but successful in completing the track. Feeling good at this point. Bad weather for Sunday. We will see how the day goes.....
Date: 2016-03-17
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Thursday 3-17-2016 was a zero mile hike day. Stayed at the budget inn in Franklin on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Thursday went shopping, washed clothes and rested. About 25 thru hikers did the same thing. A great town for the AT hikers. Free shuttles to various places around town. Thursday night had a good evening eating with 8+ other hikers. A day well spent to allow my body to recoup. Showered about 5 times in the short stay!
Date: 2016-03-18
From: Rock Gap

To: Wayah Bald, NC
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Friday morning the shuttle took a van full of hikers to the church where they served pancakes and bacon and fruit to the hikers. It was great! Shuttle back to the hotel to pick up gear. Left the hotel around 9am to head pback to the trail. Not sure exactly where I will stop at the end of the day. I will update the destination later. I met and hooked up with a young group of hikers; 20+ year olds. They pass me going up the hills and I pass them going down. A really nice group. They thought I was in my 40's! Lol! My beard is growing each day and I hate to say it but yes it has a lot of grey in it....Made it to Wayah Bald Shelter and camped for the night. Good weather and a good hike for the day.
Date: 2016-03-19
From: Wayah Bald, NC

To: Nantahala
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Made it Nantahala, NC today. Staying in a hostel for the first time. Open room with bunk beds; heat/air and electrical outlets. Community bath and kitchen. Eating at the Rivers End Restaurant - real food! And a shower tonight. A long day with a little rain but all is going well.
Date: 2016-03-20
From: Nantahala

To: Sassafras
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: broken clouds

Very cold hiking day on Sunday. There was snow during the day. The hike was up hill all the way; 1770 feet to 5000 feet. Slept in a tent as all of the shelters were full due to the cold weather for the night. Thanks to my sister Teri for lending me her sleeping bag that keeps you warm to zero degrees! It is needed on a night whe there is snow!
Date: 2016-03-22
From: Cody Gap

To: Fontana Dam 
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

Met my buddy Russell Davis at Fontana Dam Village Lodge on Tuesday. We stayed the night in the lodge. Thanks to Russell for coming up to meet me and bringing a few things to restock. The lodge was great. Nice room, restaurant and a place to wash my clothes. We had a nice visit and Russell met several of the folks from the trail. Wednesday morning we had a great breakfast then Russell dropped me and several other hikers off at the trail to begin hiking again. Today, 3-23-2016, we enter the Great Smoky Mountains! It is going to be a great weather day for hiking. Fontana Lake is the largest lake NC. A core engineer lake. Crossed the dam!
Date: 2016-03-23
From: Fontana Dam 

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

14.5 miles hiked with 10 of those miles up hill. Tough hike but good day. Passed several grassy nutrient deprived balds. The wind was so strong it made me feel like a bantam weight fighter against a heavy weight in a championship fight. Several bear paw prints and bear dropping along the hike. Melting snow and heavy rains have made the trail a stream bed. That night when I took my pants off I found a rainbow trout, 2 brim and a frog! (lol)Next goal is Gatlinburg, TN. If all goes as planned I should be there by Friday, 3-25-16.
Date: 2016-03-24
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald 
Miles today: 15.0

Headed towards Gatlinburg, TN, my second goal. Should be there Friday evening. Plan to take a day off when I arrive. You might have heard on the news about the Noro virus on the AT. They have flown out numerous folks via helicopter over the last week. It spreads in the shelters where many people sleep in an open room in close quarters. Also, some hikers do not filter the water from the streams when they should. I always filter my water and I am not sleeping in any of the shelters. I sleep in my tent Out in the trail. I have antibiotics with me in case of something like this happening. I am doing ok. Happy trails and Happy Good Friday!
Date: 2016-03-25
From: Silers Bald 

To: Newfound Gap - Gatlinburg 
Miles today: 12.1

Friday was a total transformation from the first 2 weeks. The first 2 weeks there were Large red oaks and yellow poplars, leafless with almost an eerie feeling about them. Friday as I began the hike, I entered into a green forest of Fraser firs and green pines which led to Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the AT; 6667 feet above sea level. What was a seemingly easy 3 hour hike to Newfound Gap in Gatlinburg turned into a 6 hour hike due to a valley of mud and water caused by melting snow and rain. Had a potentially dangerous fall but all turned out ok!
Date: 2016-03-26
From: Newfound Gap - Gatlinburg 

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Spent the day in Gatlinburg washing clothes, sleeping bag and my tent. Getting things ready to head back out on the trail Monday. Eating like a horse; pizza, steak, hamburgers, ice cream! Sunday will head out to Walmart to stock up on supplies.
Date: 2016-03-28
From: Gatlinburg

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Spent the day Sunday in Gatlinburg to prepare for the trail again. Went to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Found some great hiking shirts half price, a lighter sleeping bag for warmer weather and a net to cover my face when the bugs start getting really bad. Also, some really cute t-shirts per the picture with this journal!Went to the grocery store and ran into another hiker from the trail, Lego! Gave him a ride back to his hotel. It is a very interesting community of folks on the trail- you become friends very quickly. Left out Monday morning from Gatlinburg. It was 58 degrees in the town of Gatlinburg but when we got to the top of the mountain where we began hiking again, it was 41 and winds howling! Very cold.On the way up at one of the pull overs, people were stopped- a black bear was fairly close to the road. Closer to the Cherokee side we spotted about 10 elk having their morning breakfast of grass. Pretty cool. The goal Monday is to reach Tri-Corner Knob but we shall see. It is 15 miles and the trail is so wet and muddy I may only make 10 miles; just depends. Not much cell phone service in the Smokies so updates will come when there is service!
Date: 2016-03-29
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

On Monday I made it to Tri-Corner Knob. Wasn't sure I would but I did it; another tough hike but the goal was met. It was extremely cold Monday night; coldest night so far. The temp was below 20 degrees. Tuesday I left from Tri-Corner and made it 18 miles to Standing Bear Farm. Was able to get a bed in the hostel and a large pizza for supper! Maybe the best pizza I ever had, lol!
Date: 2016-03-30
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

Left from Standing Bear Farm. The hostels are nice because you can take a shower! Long hot shower was great and very refreshing. A lot of up hill today for this hike; starting at 1788 feet gong to 4019 feet. Today will be three weeks on the trail. So far so good. My health, my legs and my feet are holding up well. Tonight will be a tent night. Tomorrow, Thursday, I will be in downtown Hot Springs, NC. I have a room reservation for the night and will receive my first supplies in the mail at Bluff Mountain Outfitters. Food and meds and misc have to be mailed because you can only take so much in the backpack.
Date: 2016-03-31
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Thursday March 31 made it to Hot Springs, NC. No cell phone service for AT&T. Picked up my first package delivered; it worked out well. The hike Thursday was beautiful. A lot of different types of trees, very pretty hike. I have hiked 66 miles in 4 days and I have my first issue; shin splint on one leg. Not too bad but I shall see how it is on Friday. If my body is saying take a day off to rest the legs that is what I will do. If my body feels ok,I will hit the trail again Friday. More to come.
Date: 2016-04-01
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Another zero day on Friday. Felt I needed to have one more day for the shin splint to heal. Very nice lodge next to the hostel to stay. However the big problem is this is a dry county so no alcohol.... But you all will be happy to know that is ok.... Not drinking as much out on the trail. I will leave out Saturday morning.
Date: 2016-04-02
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain
Miles today: 11.0

Left Hot Springs Saturday morning headed to Spring Mountain. An 11 mile hike up hill. Tried to take it a little easy due to the shin splint. The hike went well and the leg felt pretty good. Staying in a tent Saturday night; wind howling and getting down in the 20's. A cold night. Had a chance to get on the scale before leaving. I have lost 12 pounds in 3+ weeks. I had lost 5 pounds since not working full time. So the weight is down 17 pounds in total. I fell I am where I will be; not anything else to lose.
Date: 2016-04-05
From: Devil Fork Gap

To: Somewhere between Sam's Gap & Low Gap
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Taking it a little slower the last few days. Had some swelling in my right ankle but worked on the circulation and it is a lot better. I was doing about 15 miles per day but trying to hike about 10 to 12 miles per day to let my body have more time to rest. I should be in Erwin, TN by Friday April 8, 2016 which will be 342 miles and 4 weeks of hiking. It will be very cold this week. Maybe snow Thursday or Frday of this week. Still doing well and enjoying this adventure. I loaded some new pictures today from the last several days on the trail.
Date: 2016-04-09
From: Somewhere between Sam's Gap & Low Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 47.0
Weather: broken clouds

I actually reached Erwin on Wednesday April 6th. 2 days early. The weather here is not good; record lows for a few days. Stayed in a hotel for 3 nights. Met up with several hikers here and we have been doing some day hikes to get in our miles but staying in the hotel at night due to the extremely cold weather. This is a great town for hikers. They have shuttles to take us places for food, supplies. On Friday, the shuttle drove us 20 miles north and we hiked back to Erwin. Thursday we did 10 miles. Today we are going about 5 miles up and 5 miles back to stay in a hostel. Snow and extreme cold here. I had an issue with my ankle swelling but have that under control with ice at night and rubbing it to get the circulation going - it is working well! Another update soon!
Date: 2016-04-11
From: Erwin, TN

To: Mt Roan
Miles today: 34.4
Weather: clear sky

Since last Thursday we have been doing day hikes because the weather was so cold at night. Shuttles taking several of us north and hiking south back to town. On Masters Sunday hiked to Mt Roan. Had a shuttle take us in to town for supplies. I was bored waiting on the others and decided to be the Wal Mart greeter for a while. Lol! Asked to see receipts as people left, etc.... The shuttle took us back to Greasy Creek Hostel. This hostel is quite an experience. Let's just say I was listening for banjo music the entire time I was there! Leaving Greasy Creek Hostel today, April 11 and headed north again about 12 + miles to the next hostel for shelter tonight. The next goal is Damascus , VA. Hope to be there sometime next week. Man, what happened to Jordan Spieth Sunday at the Masters. Didn't get to see it all but saw the replays. Wow....
Date: 2016-04-12
From: Mt Roan

To: Butler, TN
Miles today: 31.0

So I am a little off on my journals. Hiked 14 miles today April 12 and passed the 400 mile point. Staying at the Vango Hostel tonight. At 407 miles. My body is feeling great. Should be in Damascus, VA by Friday which was my next goal. I have been hiking with Evan from VA for about a week. He is only going to Damascus. His wife will pick him up there. I plan to start hiking 15 to 20 miles per day once I get to Damascus. Hopefully the really cold weather will be over!
Date: 2016-04-13
From: Butler, TN

To: Hampton Hostel
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Hiked 14 miles on Wednesday from Vango Hostel to Hampton, Tn. Plan to hike 18 miles today, April 14. Weather is beautiful; sunny and warm. Able to wear shorts and short sleeves today. Will post more pictures soon. So far so good on the trail!