morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-08-26
From: Rainbow stream lean to

To: Stealth campsite next to Abol bridge
Miles today: 14.2

Woke up to another really clear and sunny day.Started off early.We hiked about maybe half a mile when we came to a swampy clearing called the deadwaters.Numb stopped and pointed straight ahead to a massive bull moose about 30 yards away.We slowly and quietly made our way closer to him up the trail.We watched him for close to half an hour from even closer.He heard us but not sure if he saw us.Was truly amazing and one of the coolest things I have ever seen on or off of this trail.Was the perfect setting to see it all.He just walked very slowly through the swamp and ate like crazy.He was so close I could here him slurping and chewing!At times he would put his whole gigantic head and rack under water to eat.I hike a lot and have been wanting to see a bull moose forever so it was a big deal to me.Was so lucky to be in the right place at the right time!!! Much easier hiking today over flatlands and passed some more pretty lakes.Still seeing many southbound hikers.Its going to be really cold down south by the time they finish.Crossed out of the 100 mile wilderness today too! It was kind of cool to hit the Golden road .I have been up here twice by car when I hiked Katahdin before and remember seeing thru hikers then.Now I am one of them!!There is a bridge you cross with a really stunning view of Katahdin behind a nice wide river.We went past the bridge and there is a nice store and little pub there.Had a few beers and asked the bartender if I could charge all my stuff there and come back later.She was extremely nice and did it. Numb and I went back over the bridge to a great stealth spot on the river with Katahdin right in front of us.Set up,drank a few and watched a big loon swim around. Went back to the pub around 7 and got my charged stuff.Couldnt believe it,Wayward was sitting at the bar!Was really col to catch up with him.He is finishing the same day as us.There were some other hikers there I didn¢t know but knew many of the people on the trail I do.Found out that many finished and some had to quit. Numb and I ended up going with Wayward to his site for a while and had a few beers and other stuff.Was really fun.Kind of had a hard time walking back to our stealth spot.Was seriously buzzed and it was dark.Didnt have my headlamp.Numb went ahead and I ended up talking at the bridge to Charles,a young thru hiker,for a while.Really cool kid.Somehow I found my tent in the darkness.Ate something quick and passed out in my tent
Date: 2018-08-27
From: Stealth campsite next to Abol bridge

To: The Birches lean to and campsite 
Miles today: 10.7

Woke up to millions of mosquitos biting me and buzzing around my head.Made the mistake of not zipping up my tent all the way.Turned my headlamp on and there had to be a hundred all over the inside of my tent ceiling.So I curled up in a fetal position and covered myself in my bag as good as I could.Worked but I got really hot.  Really nice and sunny morning again!Crossed into Baxter state park early.This trail is so flat and easy.Trail follows beautiful  Nesowadnehunk stream for quite a while.Big Niagara Falls was another great spot.Could have sat there all day.Its a big ,long and thick waterfall pushing its way through tight and smooth boulders that are all warm and wet.  Ended up at the Birches tentsite today.Its an area for thru hikers only that plan on finishing on Katahdin the next day.Had to get a permit at Katahdin stream campground to stay there.The ranger was not so pleasant.Said over and over how the park doesn¢t have to let us stay there and they might stop doing it.He complained about us thru hikers.Think maybe he is just way into his job and likes having a little power.We got our permits and a spot after the lecture.  Nice little camping spot.I am eating up everything I possibly can to lighten my pack.Also seperating Everything I won¢t need for the hike up Katahdin.The ranger station let¢s you leave all of your extra stuff there so you can hike light.I will have barely anything in my pack tomorrow!  Saw Wayward for a few minutes today.His roommate from home is going to finish with him tomorrow.We are starting around 3am to go up tomorrow.He is going later so I said congratulations and goodbye.Also saw Sally Forth and Sheedog.Sheepdog finished and was really happy.He warned me that the trail up and down is no joke and super steep and the hardest thing he did on the whole trail.This got me excited,because that¢s my favorite kind of thing to hike!  I am in my tent trying to wrap my head around the fact that tomorrow is my last day out here.Its very sad,but I am so excited to finish and see my wife and kids and friends again at the same time.Its a beautiful and breezy dawn.Not sure if I will be able to sleep tonight!There is an owl close by again.I will really miss them and their sounds
Date: 2018-08-29
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Had a great time yesterday after Beth and Leah picked us up.Was great to feel and see my Bethie in person.Had a great night at a hotel catching up. Stopped at an Urgent care on the way home.I did break my arm.Ulna.Its all okay though,I finished the trail,that¢s what matters! Wanted to thank all of you who have followed me through this journey.Your nice woods and advice really made a difference in me finishing.Thank you! To all the great people I met on the trail,thank you.You helped me learn so much about different lifestyles and helped me understand myself more.You made the trail even better than what it is all by itself.  To all the people I met in the towns along the way,thank you!!!!You proved there really are so many nice people out in this world still.Great people the whole way.I still have to say down south was the most amazingly generous people.You went above and beyond and I miss you and your accents terribly!Thank you so much!!!!!  A very special thank you to my new friend Teva .You will never know how much you have helped me with some complicated things and helped me finish this trail!I cannot explain how happy I am to be your friend and feel so lucky we crossed paths!Thanks!!!!  And of course my Bethie and Hailey and Preston.Hailey and Preston you are my favorite people on this Earth!!I missed you so bad.I never had to worry about you while I was gone because I know you are both great people.Thanks for understanding me and supporting me on this trip.Love you sooo much!Bethie,this was really hard on both of us.You supported me the whole way.Your visits made this adventure way better than I deserve.You took care of everything while I was away.Really proud of you !You let me live out my dream ,I will never forget it!My goal is just for you to be truly happy forever.I will always love you!!!!!
Date: 2017-12-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I've been following thru hikers via their journals for several years. I retired in 2014 and have been traveling by RV since September of 2015. Last summer I day hiked the AT in parts of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey meeting a lot of Thru Hikers heading North. This Fall I started getting more serious about attempting a Thru Hike while day hiking throughout the mountains of New Mexico.  To that end I've decided that this is the year to go for it.
Date: 2017-12-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I'm currently staying in a campground at Historic Fort Clark established in 1852 in Bracketville, TX. Fort Clark was home to the Historic Buffalo Soldier Regiment. It remained an active post through World War II. It was decommissioned in 1946. It served as a Guest Ranch and presently is a leisure living community, and nature resort. There are over 20 miles of hiking trails throughout the fort I will be hiking while here to better prepare for the AT. I have been hiking with a pack weight of 22-26 lbs.
Date: 2017-12-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am now staying at a CORPS campground and park - Lake Georgetown in TX.  There is a 26 mile loop trail around the lake which I will be hiking on over the next month in preparation for the AT. There are several primitive camping locations where I will be testing and refining my gear. Here is a link to the trail map if you are interested. Look forward to continuing my training and preparation. http://www.swf-wc.usace.army.m...
Date: 2018-03-12
From: Springer Mtn.

To: Hawk Mtn Campsite
Miles today: 7.4

By brother drove me up to Springer Mtn parking lot to start my hike. Nasty weather, snow, sleet , wind as a front was blowing in. Trail was wet and muddy making hiking difficult, although Trail was pretty with snow covering the Rhodedendrums. Very cold during the night and blowing winds at 20 mph or more. 24 degrees in the morning. Legs sore but OK so far. Better weather expected by the end of the week.
Date: 2018-03-13
From: Hawk Mtn Campsite

To: Gooch Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 8.3

Got a late start 10AM because it was very cold breaking down camp and eating a quick oatmeal breakfast and hot chocolate. Hiked most of the day with Dragon (retired USAF who grew C130 aircraft and had flown to Diego Garcia several times. Trail was challenging going up Sassafras Mtn. Sun came out and a bit warmer. Camp chores, dinner and in bed by 8.
Date: 2018-03-14
From: Gooch Mtn. Shelter

To: Lance Creek Campsite
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Arrived at campsite but already 20 other hikers there, so not many options to set up the tent. Hiked with a Navy guy today named TAB (Take a Break). Today was the first day that brought a smile on my face as I really started enjoying the hike. Weather warmer and legs feeling stronger. Took several pics, good climbs. All is good.
Date: 2018-03-15
From: Lance Creek Campsite

To: Walasyi Hostel
Miles today: 7.2

Great Hike today. Climbed up Blood Mtn from camp 4500 ft elevation. Took several pictures. Climb down was steep and arrived at how the Walasiyi Hostel that is just off the trail. Got a bunk and shower, resupplied, and got my fist trail magic. The 1st Batist Church brought all the hikers a pasta and salad meal with drinks and dessert! Fantastic. Sleeping in a bunk tonight. All is good.
Date: 2018-03-16
From: Walasyi Hostel

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Left the Hostel at 7 :45 after a lousy night sleep. Hiker in the bunkvbelow me had sleep apnea and snored loudly. Finally took by sleeping pad and quilt and went into the adjoining kitchen area and slept on the floor. Oh well, I need to get some earplugs. Hike was hard today lots of ups and downs. First 10+ mile day. Expecting some rain late this evening. Met husband and wife hikers Beekeeper and Queenbee at camp. We might start hiking together for a few days. All is good on the trail.
Date: 2018-03-17
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Rocky Mtn. Campsite
Miles today: 11.5

On the trail by 8:45. Hiked in fog most of the morning then sun broke out in the afternoon. Ate lunch at Blue Mtn Shelter and hiked on to Rocky Mtn Campsite where I set up my tent. Ate dinner and hung up my first Bear Bag. All is well.
Date: 2018-03-18
From: Rocky Mtn. Campsite

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Thunderstorm last night with hail and rain. Packed up and hiked with North star and Piano Man, a great singer who serenaded me with Jackson Browne songs while hiking down the trail. So Cool. Ate lunch at Trey Mtn Shelter. Then on to Deep Gap Shelter for the night.
Date: 2018-03-19
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Dicks Gap Hiawassie
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: clear sky

Left Deep Gap early to catch the shuttle to the Budget Inn in Hiawassie at Dicks Gap. Checked in Hiker Hotel, shower, wash clothes, resupplied at Ingles store. Had a steak dinner at Barneys. Also met group of Vet hikers who are thru hiking with Warrior Expeditions.org. Great organization helping vets readjusting to life after their service. Made family phone calls. All is good.
Date: 2018-03-20
From: Dicks Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: moderate rain

My First bad day on the trail. My plan was to go to Bly Gap and camp, but when I got there I decided to push on another 2.8 miles to Muskrat Shelter. Storms were predicted to move in later in the afternoon. I did fin until 1 mile before the shelter when I got caught in a wicked thunderstorm. I took cover but got soaked. As the front moved in it got colder and started sleeting. I arrived at the full shelter and set up my tent in the sleet and rain. Got in my tent, changed into warm dry clothes and ate. Lesson learned. Don't try and outrun the storm. I should have camped at Bly Gap..
Date: 2018-03-21
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Very cold night. Sleet and snowed. 28 degrees. I decided my best option was to hunker down in my tent where I had food and could stay warm and wait. It continued to snow all day and by evening I felt it was best to get into town. Luckily I had phone coverage and got a hold of a shuttle driver who could pick me up the next morning at the Forest Service road in Deep Gap 4 miles north on the AT.
Date: 2018-03-22
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Deep Gap - Franklin NC
Miles today: 4.0

After brushing all the snow off and around my tent. I Packed up and broke camp at 9:45 and headed North to Deep Gap to meet my shuttle driver at the Forest Road Parking lot at 12:30 for a ride into Franklin. I checked into Budget Inn. Met with some other hikers, took a shower, and washed my clothes. Later I walked to nearby McDonalds for a salad and Chicken sandwich. Watched a basketball game then to sleep in a real bed.
Date: 2018-03-23
From: Franklin, NC

To: Zero Day in Franklin
Miles today: 0.0

Taking a zero day in Franklin to resupply and rest. First had another pancake breakfast compliments of the First Babtist Church with the other hikers. Franklin is really engaged with the Hiker community. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. Nice Southern town. Also, went to a local outfitter and bought a new pair of water resistant gloves. Old cotton gloves are now in the Hiker Box. They were warm but pretty much useless when it rained. Oh yea, it does rain a lot in March. Watched another basketball game then off to bed.
Date: 2018-03-24
From: Deep Gap - Franklin NC

To: Betty Creek Campsite
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: broken clouds

Shuttle driver dropped me and my two Brit hikers Eddy and Eline back at Deep Gap to resume our hike north. Drizzle in the morning but stopped in the afternoon. Hiked until 5 PM and set up camp, got water, fltered it and ate dinner. I felt pretty good today after a rest day. Tomorrow we tackle Mt Albert that has a fire tower on the summit.
Date: 2018-03-25
From: Betty Creek Campsite

To: Moore Creek Campsite
Miles today: 13.1

Rained all last night. Packed up my wet tent in the outside of my pack. Started hiking 8:45 up My Albert, 5,250 ft. Very steep and rock scramblingvnear the top. It was pretty fogged in below so no real views. My hiking partners and I took ceremonial pics celebrating our 100 mile marker. Hiked on to our camp site around 5:00. Hiking 8 or 9 hours a day is becoming fairly routine. As far as wildlife I've only seen chipmunks, a squirrels, and a few wrens. Still waiting for it to get warmer.
Date: 2018-03-26
From: Moore Creek Campsite

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: clear sky

Had trouble sleeping last night. Still pretty cold. It was 38 degrees in the tent in the morning. Highlight of the day was going up a side trail leading to the top of Silar Bald. A Bald is an area on top of some mountains where there is little or no tree growth. There is uncertainty as to whether the Balds are natural or man-made years ago. Walked up the trail and it was clear, good pics, and took a video which is too large to upload. Mountains stretching on for miles in all directions. Arrived at the Shelter around 5 PM. I don't stay in the Shelters. There are tent spots near each of the shelters, a privy,and a steam close by for water. Good day on the trail. Still waiting for it to get warmer.
Date: 2018-03-27
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up at 7:00. Rained last night and still pretty cold. It was kind of an Edgar Alan Poe day, dreary, foggy, damp, and cold. It's amazing how much and often the weather can change as you hike each day. Constantly taking off or putting on different jackets to suit the conditions to be comfortable. Hiked with a Navy Corpsman today named Roadkill. Tomorrow I have a 6 mile hike into Nantahala Outdoor Center where I'll stay in the Hostel there and resupply. Oh yea, it's starting to get warmer at least in the lower elevations.
Date: 2018-03-28
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala. Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.9

Woke up early, ate, packed up and on the trail to the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) where I will resupply, eat real food and sleep in a bed. The NOC is located on the Nantahala River and provides all types of river activities and classes, such as kayaking. After eating a half pound cheeseburger, fries and a coke I checked in and was assigned to a room with 3 other hikers. HILLS, SPEEDY PETE, and WATERBOY. Took a much needed shower, washed my clothes and ate dinner. More calories!
Date: 2018-03-29
From: Nantahala. Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Shelter
Miles today: 6.9

Left NOC at 8:45 for a 6.9 mile hike up to Swim Bald at 4,710 ft. Lots of "Steep Ups". Took my time taking 3 or 4 rest stops. I've learned to stop, take off the pack and rest a few minutes to help in longer ascends. I was hoping with HILLS. Arrived at the Shelter around 2:30. I decided to stay in the Shelter for the first time since we were expecting rain storm over night and I did not want to deal with a wet tent in the morning.There was a full house by evening with 20 or more hikers in the Shelter and in tents nearby. As predicted in started raining at 9 and lasted till early morning. My choice to stay in a Shelter was a good one but I know now how sardines feel all lined up next to one another.
Date: 2018-03-30
From: Sassafras Shelter

To: Cody Gap Campsite
Miles today: 12.0

Left the Shelter by 9 AM after quick oatmeal breakfast. Rain had stopped but the trail was wet and muddy in some places. First part of the day was a big ascent to Cheoah Bald, followed by a long desend to Stecoah Gap which had picnic tables and trail magic. Someone had come by and dropped off a bag of apples, tangerines, and some snicker bars. Fresh fruit tasted great! After that hiked the last 5 miles to Cody Gap campsite. Camping with my Brit Hiker friends and several others. Weather was a mixture, cool, cloudy, and some sun.
Date: 2018-03-31
From: Cody Gap Campsite

To: Fontana Villiage
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: clear sky

Left Cody Gap at 8:15. The sun was shining and the sky blue. The temperature was cool and getting warmer as I went along the trail over some "ups and downs" . Then a 5 mile kind descend to Fontana Lake. As I got closer I took some pictures of the lake and dam. The TVA build a dam on the Little Tennessee River during WWII to control flooding and provide power to the region. When I got to the village I connected with THRU hiker HILLS and we shared a room at the Lodge for two nights for a Zero Day on Easter.After taking a shower we ate a great dinner at the lodge before calling it a day.
Date: 2018-04-02
From: Fontana Villiage

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Left the Fontana Visitor Center and walked across the dam. Weather was great 50s and sunny. Soon we entered the Smoky Natl Park and wound our way up the trail to over 4000 feed in 11 miles, taking frequent breaks.Took a short sidetrail to the old Shuckstack Fire Tower and took some pics. Pushed on and arrived at Mollies Ridge Shelter and decided to stay in the Shelter instead of tending.
Date: 2018-04-03
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Slept in the loft of the Shelter but was very uncomfortable. Ate the usual, instant oatmeal and two poptarts, packed up and on the trail by 8:45. Weather cool but comfortable. The big climb was up Rocky Top Mtn 5,440ft. The trail was very steep towards the top and we'll Rocky. The last half mile kicked my butt. Took some great pics of the mountains in all directions. Finished the day with some ups and downs and a final ascent to the Shelter. It was very windy and I set up my tent on the leeward side of the Shelter.
Date: 2018-04-04
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Soring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: light rain

Well it rained hard last night, thunder and lightning. Tent was soaked but everything inside was dry including me. Packed up and on the trail late 9:45 because of the rain. Trail was wet and muddy. Arrived at Double Spring Shelter early afternoon and laid out my tent in the sun to dry out. Tomorrow we tackle Clingman's Dome at 6,658 ft and the highest Mtn on the AT.
Date: 2018-04-05
To: Newfound Gap - Gatlinburg
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Very cold last night! The water froze in my water bottle I left outside. Must have been down in the 20's. Left the Shelter at 8:30 on the 2.2 mile hike up to Clingman's Dome. Beautiful but cold day getting started. The sun was out and sky clear. As I ascended the Mtn, started noting Spruce Trees along with Fir Trees. Spruce grow at higher altitudes. There is a Tower at the peak and a separate road that you can drive up to the top for tourists. After arriving, walked up the tower took pics and a video. Turns out at the base of the tower is where the AT mile marker reaches 200 miles from Springer Mtn. After eating a lunch and visiting with other hikers my hiking partner and I HILLS headed down to Newfound Gap where we received some Trail Magic from a Michigan Couple who gave us a free 15 mile ride into Gatlinburg, TN. Got a hotel room at Motel 6, showered, ate, relaxed and slept in a real bed!.
Date: 2018-04-06
From: Zero Day

To: Gatlinbutg Zero Day 1
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

"HILLS" and I are Taking a zero day in Gatlinburg. Had a great breakfast buffer at Bennets. Then off to the NOC to replace my water filter that froze the other night. Did the wash, resupplied, and had brick oven pizza dinner and salad. Watched a couple of episodes of Gold Rush on the Discovery Channel then lights out.
Date: 2018-04-07
From: Gatlinburg

To: Gatlinburg Zero Day #2
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

HILLS and I decided to take one more Zero in Gatlinburg because pending snow and cold temperatures coming today and tonight in the Mtns at higher elevations as a cold front arrives today.Hopefully this is the last of the Winter weather we will see. Warm-up begins Sunday thru Wed.
Date: 2018-04-08
From: Newfound Gap - Gatlinburg

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

First Baptist Church shuttle dropped HILLS and I off at Newfound Gap at 10:30 to resume our hike. There was 2 to 3 inches of snow at the higher elevations making for a beautiful scene. It was a long climb out of the gap. Highlight of the day was a side trail to Charlie's Bunion rock outcroping where I took a video and some pics. The mix of snow on the mtns and fog in the valley was awesome. Continued to hike and got to the shelter,ate, set up my tent and called it a day.
Date: 2018-04-09
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up with 2 inches of snow on my tent and very cold and foggy. Packed up my wet tent and began hiking to my destination, Cosby Shelter, 12.9 miles away. The trail was wet, icy, slippery and slow going. After 3 and half hours of hiking I checked my guthook app and saw I had only Hiked a 1.2 miles! I thought something was wrong with the App. Kept hiking. Before long I came to the sign pointing to Pecks Corner Shelter!! I must have gotten turned around somehow and started walking South after taking a break. Are you kidding me. My choices were not good since it was already 12:30.  I decided to stay at Pecks Shelter again since the weather was still nasty and start over again in the morning.