morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 31Another good day on the AT. A cooler, overcast day but no rain. One thing I'm happy about is exiting the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It was good hiking with some great views. But I disliked the having to stay at shelters and the uncertainty of non-thru hikers having preference for shelter spaces. I wasn't there; but, heard of a father/daughter coming in at 9:30 pm and kicking out some hikers who were already settled in. Had my 2nd fall today - just sliding on some loose stones. Paul Bunion was right behind and nicely did not laugh. No injuries observed. But later some at dinner pointed out a scratch going down the bridge of my nose. In any event another non-serious fall. Actually Bunion had just stopped to let me lead. So now he says I sacrificed myself for him. Also passed under my first interstate highway - I-40. Staying tonight at a place called Standing Bear Farm. A hostel just 200 yards from the trail in the middle of no where. It's a collection of several small dilapidated buildings, very rustic. There are chickens and dogs running around everywhere. They give you an envelope on which you write your name and then list what you buy out of the store and it's price. Then in the morning you add up your items and settle up with the proprietor. I ate a whole 3 meat pizza and have had several cans of beverages since. Was nice to get a shower and be able to dry wet clothes(without washing them). Over-all I would recommend this hostel. Very hiker friendly and a great atmosphere for hikers to interact with others.Looking forward, I have to hike 33 miles in the next 2 and a half days to be in Hot Springs by early afternoon Monday to meet Wendy. Should still be probable although tomorrow is a lot of uphill and a chance of rain. Today's pic is a loooong set of stairs just after I-40.
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 32Not a very noteworthy day - unless you consider lots of uphill climbs and some timely trail magic. Left Standing Bear Farm hostel at 7:30am and immediately started uphill. A total of 2,490 feet of elevation increase. It rained off and on to add to the excitement. The only highlight was trail magic at the top. "Apple" from Cincinnati, OH had a tarp canopy set up and was offering hot and cold beverages and donuts. He gave is a little tour of the grassy bald on Snowbird Mtn which included an FAA Tower. Also he pointed out famous Max Bald off in the distance that is on tomorrow's agenda.Paul Bunion and I stopped at Brown Gap and got our tents set up just before a rain shower started. That was after another tiring 900 foot climb. Good time for an afternoon nap listening to rain drops on the tents.Stopping here leaves me with 23 miles to Hot Springs to meet Wendy on Monday. Will need bigger mileage days to make it. Should be doable with forecasted good weather and mostly downhill between here and there. Can't disappoint my better half.
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Brown Gap

To: Old Road
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 33I promised my daughter-in-law that I would keep this journal kid friendly. So, I won't say what I really feel about today's hike. Suffice it to say it seemed never ending. Started hiking at 7:30 and got to my destination at 6pm. Didn't sleep well last night. Maybe that is why I really struggled with today's uphills. Fortunately there were only a few uphills and the day ending with a long downhill. One thing for sure, next Easter I will not be hiking.....a couch potato day for sure.Today's mileage is the biggest so far. Had to do it to assure I get into Hot Springs, NC at a reasonable time to meet up with Wendy, In that regard, mission accomplished with only about 7 miles left which should be 3 to 4 hours.One highlight today was crossing over "Max Patch". It is a mountain top that was cleared to graze cattle years ago, Now no cattle are present and the AT keeps it mowed. It creates a 360 degree view that is absolutely fantastic. Here is one view from there.When we broke camp this morning Paul Bunion and I did not agree on a stopping point since I was pushing hard to set up tomorrow's entry into Hot Springs. As it turns out he left before me and I did not see him all day. Hard to believe he's ahead of me; but, I just don't know.
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Old Road

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: clear sky

Day 34Hooray, in Hot Springs with Wendy. In a cute, nicely furnished cottage overlooking a winding mountain stream. I arrived at 11:45 and Wendy about 2:45. In between I picked up my mail drop package from the PO, had lunch and relaxed a little. Later we walked the whole length of town. Wendy is now making our lasagna dinner and I'm doing laundry. The longest we've ever been apart before is about 2 weeks on a couple of occasions. This time it was 34 days. Sure good to see her and get caught up on things. Today's hike was the kind I like. Only a few, relatively short uphills and a lot of smooth path downs. Could see Hot Springs from above for about the last hour as it got closer and closer.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0

Day 35A Zero day of hiking. But a nice relaxing day with Wendy. We had my hiking buddy Paul Bunion over for breakfast from the hostel where he is staying. Then we all drove to the nearest Ingles Supermarket in a town about 15 miles away for resupply. Wendy had brought tons of stuff from home for me to choose from, plus the box I picked up at the PO yesterday. Had way too much dinner and breakfast foods so Bunion and I took all we could handle( weight consideration) and donated the rest to a local hiker box. The resupply trip was primarily for high protein lunch items. BTW, hiker boxes are at all hostels where hikers put things in they do not want and other hikers routinely pick through it and just take what they want. We decided that food resupply in the future makes more sense to get locally. It costs a lot to mail and it is difficult to judge weeks in advance what really will be wanted. So we're cutting back to medications and other small items that can be put into a bubble envelope rather than a box.The three of us went out to lunch and then our separate ways until dinner when Bunion is coming over to our cottage again for Wendy's home cooked meal and a surprise belated birthday cake for him.Wendy and I spent the afternoon mostly getting my stuff organized, cleaned and ready to go and a nice nap with the sliding glass door open listening to the river rapids below. In the morning we're all out of here - Wendy to home and Bunion and I up into the mountains. Do not have any definite plans for Wendy to visit again. May be a longer stretch apart. Sure appreciated her visit now.
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 36It was hard watching Wendy drive off this morning as I was walking on the AT towards the French Broad River bridge and them up into the mountains. We had a very nice visit and I appreciate all the preparations and effort she put into our time together. Today's hike was difficult; but, not overwhelming. Weather was beautiful - sunny with a little breeze. There was a good amount of uphills and they were tough. The main reason had to be the bulging food bag. We're planning on 6 days without resupply. It is without question the heaviest load of food ever. Today's pic is of course Wendy and I in front of the wonderful cottage she rented for us.
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Day 37Another long hard day for me with good miles produced. But another milestone as well....passed the 300 mile mark. There was a 2,350 foot elevation increase just before lunch that tuckered me out. But alas, the march must continue. Then at about 4pm the AT threw an obscene obstacle course in for fun. It is called Big Firescald Knob. It was rock climbing like I had never seen before. Up, down, over and around tons of rocks. Some were along shear drop offs to add to the excitement. It took lots of attention to detail and in some parts shear determination to make it. One payoff was a fantastic view at the top - westward into Tennessee and eastward into NC. It was fun, scary and a real challenge all rolled into one.Chance of rain tonight and/or tomorrow. Still were hoping for another 15 or so mile day.
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

Day 38Another long, hard day. This time with rain and quite a bit of it. There were a couple of hard showers and frequent light ones. Thankfully the rain stopped before arriving at today's destination so my home (tent) could be set up dry. No good scenery today, at least none I could see through the rain and fog.My shirt, shorts, socks and shoes are all soaked. No chance of them drying tonight. Hopefully a dry day tomorrow will allow that. Had 2 falls today within about 5 minutes. Both were simply from sliding on a downhill muddy trail. No harm.Today's pic is an example of a privy. Most shelters have one near by. Also, most have a little more privacy...like a door. Some don't. But when you got to go, it's either that or a PITW.
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Stealth Camping Area
Miles today: 12.3

Day 39A gorgeous day for hiking, sunny and a nice breeze. Great after yesterday's rain.We saw signs for an all day trail magic about 3 miles from our camp last night. We decided to intentionally get a late start to arrive when breakfast was over and hot dogs and hamburgers were available. It did not work out....they were not to be found when we got there. There was a man from NJ however providing drinks, apples, hard boiled eggs and candy bars. His wife "jersey girl" is hiking and he is traveling along supporting her.Passed under I-26 this morning. The highlight of the day was "Big Bald" (5,096 feet elevation). It was without a doubt the best 360 degree view of distant mountains yet. Another grass covered mountain top - only this time with perfect clear weather. Could look down to Erwin, TN which is the target for tomorrow. For the first time I'm tenting on a stealth campsite. That is not at a shelter or established camping area. Just a flat area near the trail. Am here with another older couple (Bypass and Songbird from TX).Today's pic is of white wild flowers that lasted for hours today. Sometimes it appeared as if it had snowed. I'm also posting a pic of a pair of what were white base layer socks until the rainy and muddy hiking yesterday. I had them laid out on the grass during lunch break to at least partially dry.
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Stealth Camping Area

To: Uncle Johnies in Erwin, TN
Miles today: 14.2

Day 40Another fairly big day of miles; but, it sure was a chore. Hiked from 7am until about 5:30. It was the warmest day so far and it hit me hard. Sitting here in town(Erwin, TN), I'm getting some muscle cramps for the first time. Hard to drink enough on the trail without carrying a lot of extra weight. Paul Bunion and I are sharing a cabin at a hostel called "Uncle Johnies". A very hiker friendly place right on the trail. It will probably be our last stay together. He has progressed in indurance more than I and I cannot keep up with his pace without pushing my body too hard. I can really feel it the last few days. Guess the 8 years of age difference comes into play. We both came to the same conclusion - regrettably since we've enjoyed our partnership since the very first night on Springer Mountain GA. As all hikers say - you have to HYOH. That is Hike your own Hike. Today's pic is of white blazes on trees that signify your on the AT. Basically when there are 2 blazes, you need to pay attention. It could mean another trail crossing, a sharp turn ahead, etc.
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Uncle Johnies in Erwin, TN

To: Super 8 in Erwin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Day 41I regretfully have to let everyone know I have decided to conclude my dream of thru-hiking the AT. I've moved from the hostel in Erwin to a motel where Wendy will be picking me up tomorrow. The last several days I've really struggled with the hiking part of backpacking. And come to the conclusion that the uphill agonies ( on this 64 year old body) overshadow the previous joys encountered. So, if I'm not enjoying it why continue? In hiking 341.5 miles of the AT, I've done what very few people my age are willing or capable of doing and I am truly grateful for the opportunity and experience. I always viewed it as a once in my lifetime event and will relish the memories gained.Now to the thank you's. First and foremost to Wendy for agreeing to this adventure and her support throughout. Also to my hiking buddy, Paul Bunion. We met the very first night on Springer Mountain in Georgia and supported each other day in and day out. He is a great guy and I wish him the very best as he continues on to success in Maine. And lastly to many family and friends who followed my Trail Journals. You cannot appreciate how many times the messages left in the Guest Book were encouraging to me when I needed it.So, tomorrow night I'll be back home after living life at 2 mph for the last 40 days. My hands and feet will not be filthy and my clothes and body will not smell worse than the leftovers in my food bag. I'm sure I'll get back into the previously normal routine fairly quickly - family activities, gym classes, yard mowing, etc. Will I miss sleeping in a tent out in the woods hearing owls in the trees above? I'm sure I will. Will I go back and do it again? Doubtful, unless part of a family (grand kids) short term adventure. But I'll always have the memories of absolutely stunning scenery, of meeting and inter-acting with other hikers and of pushing myself harder than I've ever been pushed before. I am at peace with my decision and love the life presented before me.Happy Trails to all.
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Days 42 thur 47This will be a surprise to most of you after my last post; but, I am returning to the AT to continue my hike towards Maine. It has been nice to be home in Aiken and catch up with family and a few friends. But, my heart tells me to continue on my quest in the mountains.   So tomorrow, Monday, I'll be driving back to Erwin, TN and resuming my hike. Actually I had my mind mostly made up shortly after being home. However, several family matters/commitments made it impractical to return sooner.Wendy says my stopping the hike was the second biggest "brain fart" of my life (i.e. never should have come home). Those of you at BAE Systems and Club Car will appreciate and remember what my biggest one ever was all about. In any event, I am eager to get back to it. I should be on the trail my late morning tomorrow.Earlier today I drove Wendy to the Augusta airport for her long planned trip to Colorado to visit Tracey, Jason and our newest grandson Jack for Mothers Day. During my time at home I've been to two of grandson Ethan's baseball games ( in which he did super including his first home run) and a soccer game in which Adelyn, Grant and Sean all played. And spent quite a bit of time with Syndey,too. Yesterday I drove to the Charlotte area and visited REI. Got a new pair of hiking shoes (my old ones were literally falling apart and were thrown away in Erwin). Also got some help there in making adjustments to my backpack so it fits better and more comfortably. I expect these changes will aid in my hiking efforts.I know my buddy(Paul Bunion) is about 70 miles ahead now. Do not know if I'll ever see him but, we'll keep in contact and see what happens. There are at least a few other hikers I know that may be in the same area as me.
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Home

To: Indian Grave Gap campsite
Miles today: 8.8

Day 48Glad to be back on the AT after a week at home. Started hiking at 11:15 from the same place I had hiked to previously in Erwin, TN. Got 8.8 miles logged on an abbreviated day. Many thanks to a neighbor, William, who road up with me and drove my car back home. Would have started sooner; but, there was a backup on I-26 and we detoured around to the next interchange to avoid it.It was a warm and sunny day causing me to drink plenty of water and Gatorade. Also had nice trail magic at the end of the day. A couple had hot dogs, chips, oranges, bananas and beer right as I was ending my day. I had some of everything and enjoyed. Met about a dozen hikers today; not seeing anyone I knew previously. A couple of them I recognized from reading their Trail Journals previously. One of them, Mohawk from Greenville, SC told me was thinking about quitting and going home. I told her about my experience with that and it convinced her to stay on the trail.Today's pic is my campsite for tonight. I was alone until just a few minutes ago when a young couple showed up.
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Indian Grave Gap campsite

To: Campsite, unnamed
Miles today: 13.1

Day 49Another good day for hiking that lasted from 7:15 until 5:00. Hiked alone but met up with about 15 others at breaks and here at tonight's camping area. Met a couple of young guys from NJ. Turns out one of them until age 6 lived approximately only several hundred yards from my childhood home. Small world.The biggest climb today was a little over 1,000 feet to Unaka Mountain, TN which was covered by a dense Hemlock Forest. See today's pic,Starting yesterday I'm using a new pair of hiking shoes I got during my time at home. The old ones were in such bad shape that I can tell the difference in the level of support and alignment of my ankles. Think that's causing a little discomfort in one knee and Achilles. Not a serious issue now; but, keeping a close eye on it and resting more frequently during the day. Have a new animal to add to my list of AT observations - a rabbit. Several others have seen multiple snakes, I have not yet but be sure I'm watching out for them.
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Campsite, unnamef

To: Ash Gap campsite
Miles today: 10.8

Day 50Don't know why, but had trouble sleeping last night. Maybe I took an Alleeve too late for my sore knee and it was hurting as I tried to sleep. In any event I felt sluggish all day and took several breaks. I tried getting more sleep as morning broke and thus didn't get hiking until 8:30...unusually late for me. Didn't get to the campsite until about 6pm. Actually knee and Achilles feel better tonight even after a long, hard day. Today was what I dislike most - a long uphill at the end of the day. Gained over 1,300 feet in the last 3 miles. And I was carrying far more water than normal since the AT Guide said it would be sparse late today and early tomorrow. Two new animal sightings today - chipmunks and a Black Snake(about 4 foot long). Met a section hiker today who had been reading my trail journal. He wanted to know what the biggest "brain fart" was in my life. So, I told him.Out for now, need to work on my sleep deprivation.
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Ash Gap campsite

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: clear sky

Day 51An intentional easy day, just to set up getting into a hostel around noon tomorrow. That will allow time for laundry and shower before the 5pm shuttle into town for town food and resupply. Started hiking at 7:20 this morning and arrived about 2:00. Staying at a noted shelter "Overmountain Shelter" which is an old barn converted to a shelter. (see pic). And it has a fantastic view across a wide valley and distant large mountain range. Am enjoying a leisurely afternoon in the shade during a warm afternoon. Have been planning resupply timing and locations. Also what I'll need in my next mail drop to Damascus, VA to let Wendy know,Passed over a couple of Balds today. Bad news is that means climbing up to them. Good news is that I got to see some amazing scenery. Between yesterday and today's hike, I was up and over Roan Mountain which has a reputation for being a bear. It wasn't easy; but, breaking it up into two days made it manageable. Physically doing good. A little issue with on and off tenderness I'm my right knee. It has not slowed me down yet. Otherwise doing well.
Date: 2014-05-09
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mtn. Harbour Hostel, Roan Mtn. TN
Miles today: 8.7

Day 52A planned short day for logistical reasons. Left Overmountain Shelter at 7:15 and arrived at Mountain Harbour Hostel shortly after noon. Staying in the 2nd story of an old barn that's been converted to a hostel. Sitting up on the porch overlooking it which is the associated B&B (see pic). Already had my shower and watched my thought to be tan go down the drain. First shower since last Monday morning at home. Clothes are being laundered now and the shuttle to town (Roan Mountain, TN) for BBQ and resupply leaves at 5pm.There were two good steady climbs today of 800 and 600 feet. Surprisingly I did pretty good on them which is encouraging to me. Hope that is a sign of things to come. Maybe I'm overcoming my dread of uphills. Both climbs were to the top of Balds with gorgeous views even on a partly cloudy day. The first was up Little Hump Mtn. And the second was Hump Mtn. On the second it was so windy that I had to be concerned that my feet landed where intended rather than where the wind pushed them to.Today's milestone was finally getting out of NC. For weeks the AT hugged the state line between NC and TN. Now I'm in TN until it turns into VA in about 75 miles (approx a week).Temps are a little cooler today with some rain in the forecast. What time I start out tomorrow may depend on the current forecast. Of course I'll keep in mind the AT saying "no pain, no rain, no Maine". I don't really mind hiking in rain, it's the setting up or taking down camp with everything wet/heavy that is the problem.
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Mtn. Harbour Hostel, Roan Mtn. TN

To: Upper Laurel Fork, tent site
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: broken clouds

Day 53Over-all a pretty good day. Started out great with an absolutely fantastic breakfast at Mtn. Harbour Hostel. Not just by "Hiker Trash" standards, it was great by B&B standards. After that was a little mistake on my part. I was about 10 minutes into the walk from the hostel to the AT when I wondered if I had put a water bottle back into my pack after adding Gatorade powder to it. Sure enough I had not. So 20 minutes of extra walking to the hostel and back. So much for my personal rule of looking around after I put my pack on to see if I have everything.The trail was relatively easy today with no major ups or downs. And there were two really nice waterfalls to enjoy. However, it was complicated by a thunderstorm around noon with rain lasting about half an hour. So now as I lay in my tent I have a shirt, shorts, underwear and my rain jacket hanging on tree limbs trying to get them at least partially dry to have less weight to carry tomorrow. Hopefully it will be sunny so I can lay them out to dry at a hiking break.A milestone today was passing the 400 mile mark. As I lay in my tent typing this I am listening to the sound of a bubbling brook. My tent is about 20 feet from a mountain stream. I set it up with the opening facing upstream where there is a series of rapids (see pic). It is now 7:30 pm and likely I'll have this spot all to myself. I think it is the first night with no one else nearby.At the shelter where I stopped for lunch there were two young couples and a guy smoking pot. It is not prevalent on the trail; but, it is not rare either. Personally I don't care as long as they keep it to themselves.