morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-12-05
From: Pecks Corner shelter

To: Mt Collins shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: broken clouds

12/5/14 - day 1471983.0 - Mt Collins Shelter14.9 miles202.3 to goA much needed break from the long miles today, with a "short" 14.9. There is a method to my madness, though, and I'm not just taking it easy. This puts me in the best position to get over the highest elevation of the entire Appalachian Trail in the morning - Clingman's Dome.Last night I waged mouse wars with an aggressive and persistent mouse. Every time I turned off my headlamp he would skitter around and over my sleeping bag and the stuff I had laid out next to me. My food was hanging, so it was safe, plus I use one of those rodent proof food bags. But it was creepy and aggravating. He even showed up this morning when I was stuffing things in my pack. He gets the award for most aggressive animal on the trail!I had the thickest fog/cloud yet this morning, hardly able to see where to step in the dark. And it persisted all day, with mist and rain and dripping trees. So no views from one of my favorite spots in the Smokies - Charlies Bunion. I've been on that section many times with Jerry and Lovely Laurie and by myself.Crossed the road at Newfound Gap and did not even think about going to Gatlinburg. I'm still on my long resupply schedule, with 4 days food left to get to the NOC. The tourists were out in force, even though you couldn't see anything in the fog. The best thing about that road crossing is the trash can, so I dumped 3 1/2 days of trash.I saw about 10 section hikers in that corridor leading to the Bunion and Mt Leconte, including one guy still sleeping at Icewater Spring Shelter when I stopped for lunch. But as soon as I crossed the highway and started up Mt Collins they all disappeared, and I am in this shelter alone again - so far.
Date: 2014-12-06
From: Mt Collins shelter

To: Derrick Knob shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

12/6/14 - day 1481996.5 - Derrick Knob Shelter13.5 miles188.8 to goThe only good thing about today is that I have less than 200 miles to go. Thank God for small miracles.Woke at 3AM intending to get going and do 20 to Spence Field. But there was a downpour with a howling wind. I thought, "it sounds just like that storm when I got blown off Mt Lafayette." Did I really want to try to go over the highest point in the trail in one of those storms?So I napped until 4. Same result, but I got up and ate my meager breakfast and made my lunch burritos. At 5 it seemed like the rain and wind had slacked off, so I packed everything, got water, and hiked back to the trail (the shelter was .5 off trail and the water .1 beyond that). So it was 6:30 before I started climbing the dome.The rain soon returned, worse than before. But no worries, the dome is covered with trees. I only stopped for one quick photo of the tower in the fog before heading down.The trail was like a stream, when it wasn't a mud puddle. Did the best I could, but when I got here I realized I could not make the next shelter before dark, and no stealth camping in the Smokies.So I am 6.3 miles behind where I wanted to be. I have 3 days to try and make up that mileage or run out of food.Also discovered that I have worn out my rain pants. The lining is gone in the crotch and I got my pants wet. I will have to sleep with those tonight to try to dry them.No coverage, so I can't call home or check the weather. Still pouring rain at 5, but I am hopeful for tomorrow.
Date: 2014-12-07
From: Derrick Knob shelter

To: Fontana Hilton shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

12/7/14 - day 1492019.5 - Fontana Hilton Shelter23.0 miles165.8 to goAfter yesterday's disappointing mileage, I covered some territory today. The rain stopped about midnight, and then the wind started howling. Something heavy kept falling on the roof of the shelter, and I couldn't guess what it was until I peered out with my headlamp - ice. Rime ice from the heavy fog/cloud and wind, and it was falling like dangerous snow.So it was a rough morning. Over 2 hours via headlamp in dense fog/cloud with an ECW howling. The AT in the park sticks pretty close to the ridgeline, so there was very little relief.Got to Thunderhead about dawn, and there was a brief moment of spectacular beauty. The full moon was shining through the bare branches covered with white rime ice, the clouds scudding in front, while at the same time the sun was rising above the valley below choked with clouds. No way I could take a picture, but by the time I got to Rocky Top TN the sun was up and I got some good pictures.That bit of trail from Thunderhead to Rocky Top to Spence Field is one of my favorites in the Smokies and I have fond memories of hiking it with Lovely Laurie and my brother Jerry.The ice melted and fell from the trees in big chunks, and I was able to finally take off some winter clothes. After that it was just a long slog down to Fontana Dam and the Fontana Hilton. The Hilton is just another shelter, a little bigger and much cleaner than most, and there is a picnic area up the hill a little with a heated restroom. I was tempted to roll out my sleeping bag in the restroom!So I am back on schedule after this long day, and I am now over 2000 miles!
Date: 2014-12-08
From: Fontana Hilton shelter

To: Sassafras Gap shelter
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: overcast clouds

12/8/14 - day 1502041.4 - Sassafras Gap Shelter21.8 miles144.0 to goThe warm restroom at the Fontana Hilton was quite a shock this morning! I could get used to that! Its a good thing I didn't roll out my sleeping bag on the floor, because I surprised a mouse whenI opened the door. I don't blame him, I would live in there all winter if I were a mouse.I hiked 13 hours today to get those 21.8 miles, more than I did yesterday for more miles, because of the many steep climbs and PUDs (pointless up and downs). But I have hiked this section twice before, once in each direction, so I knew what to expect.But I never could have done these big miles. It still hasn't sunk in that I covered the Smokies in only 4 days.So I am in perfect shape to get to the NOC tomorrow, ending this 8 day section with a meal at the restaurant by the river!
Date: 2014-12-09
From: Sassafras Gap shelter

To: Nantahala River
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: scattered clouds

12/9/14 - day 1512048.0 - Nantahala River (NOC)6.7 miles137.3 to goThe long days paid off, and I only had 6.7 to get here for resupply. So my 8 day resupply out of Hot Springs worked - I wasted no time stopping at Standing Bear, Gatlinburg, or Fontana. I did the Smokies in a little over 4 days, something I never could have done before. Of course, I'm not sure if hiking 2000 miles to get in good enough shape to cover the Smokies in 4 days is a good plan - covering the Smokies in 7 days would be a lot easier, and no training required.Don't underestimate that section from Fontana to the Nantahala - steep!So I got here early for resupply. Picked up my box and staying in the "basecamp". Restrooms and showers in a separate building, tiny room with 2 bunk beds, no TV, but it does have power. Its also perched high on the side of the gorge above the river, so lots of steps to get up here. But, once again, the southbounders get short changed. Only one restaurant open, from 11 to 7, so no breakfast. The general store is closed for the winter, and you can't even buy a Snickers at the outfitter. So I had to walk a mile down narrow, twisting US19 to an overpriced convenience store. It would be a shame to get run over now, after hiking 2000 miles to get this far.So the journal is all updated. I will repeat my no town stop plan and do at least 6 days to Neels Gap for my last resupply. If I hold up, that is, and the weather cooperates. Its supposed to snow tonight, so I may be climbing out of the Nantahala Gorge in snowstorm #4 of the trip in the morning. It is a brutal climb out of here going southbound, which used to take me all day to do about 6 miles. Surely I can do better than that now?! We'll see, depending on the snow situation.
Date: 2014-12-10
From: Nantahala River

To: Wayah Bald shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: scattered clouds

12/10/14 - day 1522064.5 - Wayah Bald shelter16.5 miles120.8 to goI was surprised when Swish, Slim Jim, Landfill, and Buckeye showed up at the NOC last night. I last saw them in Hot Springs. But they are young and can do the miles - they were talking about doing 31 something today - no way I can do that!I used the kitchen area at the hostel to make two egg, cheese and spam burritos. Now that was a breakfast. At 5 I started up what I think is the last ridiculously severe climb - southbound out of Nantahala Gorge. It was 10 before I topped out.There was no snow at the river, a light dusting at the "Jump Up" (the steepest of the steep - don't look down), and maybe a half inch at Wesser Bald. Enough for me to call this snowstorm #4.But the forecast is for clear, windy, and cold - low 20s, which is about where I start to get uncomfortable sleeping. I'm going to use the hammock underquilt as an additional layer on top. And protect one water bottle from freezing by sleeping with it.So I have a plan to finish one week from today - next Wednesday. Not as fast as I might could do it if I really ran myself into the ground, and if the weather gets bad it may take longer, but at least I have a plan.
Date: 2014-12-11
From: Wayah Bald shelter

To: Long Branch shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

12/11/14 - day 1532082.8 - Long Branch shelter18.3 miles102.5 to goUsing the hammock underquilt over the sleeping bag did help - much less uncomfortable this morning. Went over Wayah Bald in the dark, but I could see the half moon and the town lights spread out below me.The wind died down around noon and the weather turned cold and clear. Finally got some coverage and called home and checked the weather. More cold and clear for several days - next Wednesday I will be done, so I'm hoping the weather holds.Saw no southbounders today, but there are 2 section hikers at this shelter who have been going northbound, and they have seen a bunch ahead of me.But my schedule is fairly relaxed - 16-20 mile days to the end, and I am going to stick to it if possible. Its not worth hurting myself by trying to rush at this point.Plus I feel like I am getting a cold. I've been carrying cold-eze for about a thousand miles - its time to start using them.
Date: 2014-12-12
From: Long Branch shelter

To: Standing Indian shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

12/12/14 - day 1542099.0 Standing Indian shelter16.2 miles86.3 to goEarly this morning, in the dark, I climbed the Albert Mountain firetower, called Lovely Laurie, and told her I had less than 100 miles to go! By the time I got to this shelter, I was down to 86.3, and I am one mile away from 2100 miles total! And this is my 5 month anniversary!Small goals keep me motivated. I'm getting a cold, or at least I have a sore throat, I'm sneezing and coughing, and generally feel like crap. A runny nose quickly gets raw and sore in the cold. But I'm soldiering on.Standing Indian is another of those places that Jerry and I climbed. Its also the last mountain over a mile high for a southbounder. The picture for today is the view from the Indian, looking south into the Georgia mountains. And that's where I will be tomorrow, crossing into my final, and home, state.
Date: 2014-12-13
From: Standing Indian shelter

To: Top of Georgia hostel
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

12/13/14 - day 1552115.7 - Dick's Creek Gap - Top of Georgia hostel16.7 miles69.6 to goAt 9AM this morning I reached Bly Gap and crossed into my 14th and final state - Georgia! The photo is the gnarled oak tree in the gap, which may be the most photographed tree on the trail, since so many northbounders get this far at least before giving up. But its quite a feat for a southbounder to see that tree.So its not exactly easy from here to the finish. There is no more trail over 5000 feet, but plenty of steep climbs left. They are all walkups, though, and the GA section may be the best maintained on the entire trail.I am at the brand new "Top of Georgia" hostel. Everything is clean and new, and the staff is super friendly. This may be the cleanest and best run place I have seen since the White Mountain Hostel in Gorham. Its only 20 bucks to stay in the bunkhouse. Its only a half mile off trail, so I just walked down here, and will walk out in the morning.So, 4 more days. Finish time is now set in stone so Lovely Laurie can pick me up. I'll take 2 days to get to Neels Gap, then 2 more to Springer.
Date: 2014-12-14
From: Top of Georgia hostel

To: Blue Mt shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: overcast clouds

12/14/14 - day 1562134.8 - Blue Mt shelter19.1 miles50.5 to goGuess who showed up at the hostel late last night? Walky and Talky. Haven't seen them since I got sick and went home for a week. Turns out they got off for some family time and I passed them - now they have caught up.I expected them to show up at this shelter, but I am here alone. This is a cold spot, exposed on a ridge line, with the wind blowing right in the front of the shelter.The thing about GA is that you do a couple of 300 foot climbs, then a 500 footer, then a 1000, another 500, another 1000, and pretty soon you're worn out and wondering why you have noodle legs. There's plenty of climb here, its just spread out over the day.Today's picture is of Jerry's dogtags hanging from the "Swag of the Blue Ridge" sign. Anybody who has hiked the trail in GA will remember this sign.I hope to do another long day (18.8) tomorrow to the hostel at Neels Gap for my last resupply, then another long day over Blood Mt and the last of the climbs to get me within reach of Springer with a short day. We'll see how well that plan unfolds tomorrow. Only 3 more days!
Date: 2014-12-15
From: Blue Mt shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

12/15/14 - day 1572153.6 - Neels Gap18.8 miles31.7 to goUp early again for a long day to Neels Gap. The weather cooperated one more day. The photo is the view from Cowrock Mt.Pulled into Neels Gap about 3. The hostel is under new management, but everything seems about the same - I last stayed here years ago. Its right on the trail, an old stone building with a store that is very popular with tourists. The hostel is in the basement.So about 10 southbounders were here yesterday, and I don't think I know any of them. Lets hope they stay ahead of me. Walky and Talky should be here after dark - they called the hostel.So tomorrow I will leave very early and go over Blood Mt in the dark, then do as many miles as possible to get within striking distance of Springer on Wednesday.
Date: 2014-12-16
From: Neels Gap

To: Hawk Mt
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: broken clouds

12/16/14 - day 1582177.2 - Hawk Mt Shelter23.6 miles8.1 to goThe longest day of the whole hike. Up at my usual 0:dark:30 hour, and out into the rain. Up and over Blood Mt in the fog/cloud and down to Slaughter Gap (named for a legendary battle between the Cherokee and the Creek) where I got below the clouds for a while.Today's photo is the view from Preacher's Rock, where the settlers held Easter sunrise services.Just south of Woody Gap I ran into a couple of day hikers and one of them turned out to be Vivian L., wife of Tom from the orienteering club and mother of Murray, who did a southbound hike a few years ago. The first time I have met someone on the trail I knew from before the hike.The last major climbs of the entire hike came late in the day, when I went over Justus and Sassafras Mountains and climbed up to the Hawk Mt shelter. I arrived in the dark, after 13 hours on my feet.Of course the shelter was full of section hikers, all asleep. I've seen a big increase in college-age kids in December. But they made room for me in the corner and I flopped down. I tried to make as little noise as possible as I cooked my last meal of the trail!
Date: 2014-12-17
From: Hawk Mt

To: Springer Mt
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: light rain

12/17/14 - day 1592185.3 - Springer Mt8.1 miles0 miles to goUp early again - I'm sure the section hikers in the shelter thought I was nuts, arriving after they went to sleep and leaving before they got up. But I was on a mission - my last day! Made it to Three Forks by dawn and climbed into the clouds again on my way up Springer.The southern terminus is on top of Springer Mt, which could not be more different than the northern terminus on Katahdin. Springer is wooded and unassuming, and inspires reflection and contemplation. And it is a magical place.Lovely Laurie met me a mile from the top where the trail crosses USFS42. We hiked up together and summited at about 9AM. It was cold and windy, and the summit was just above the clouds. The photo is of me and Jerry's dogtags at the old Springer plaque.Remarkable that there is a footpath through the Appalachian mountains that runs for 2185.3 miles from Maine to Georgia. And even more remarkable that I walked it!I'm so glad to be done and home with Lovely Laurie! I'll summarize and do a review when I catch my breath...
Date: 2015-03-01
To: 2 1/2 months after the great walk
Miles today: 0.0

Look what I got in the mail! Courtesy of Jode Vickerman (etsy.com/shop/jodevickerman), who learned about my hike through his wife, who knows me through piano. Its a cool woodcarving for AT 2014. Thanks Jode!In other news, I am slowly adjusting to life off the trail. The biggest problem is that my toes and my right thigh are still numb. I've gotten sort of used to walking with no feeling in my toes. It has improved some, since my feet were almost totally numb when I finished the hike, and had been that way for months. The doctor says it is overuse - duh! No surprise there, but nothing is broken. I can't take the prescription medicine anymore to relieve swelling - my body finally rebelled. So its just wait and see at this point.Today I will visit with my sister-in-law and niece, and return Jerry's dogtags and cross. I carried them a long way, but its time to pass them back.
Date: 2014-01-01
To: HAPPY NEW YEAR FOLKS!!!!
Miles today: 0.0

This year's resolution... Hike the Appalachian Trail! Crazy, no? And my estimated departure date is just over two months away, March 5th 2014. Eek! I am both excited and terrified, but mostly excited. I've just got so much planning to do before then. I'm also about $2,000 short of my goal to save $5,000 for the trip. It's a bit of a lofty goal, but I want a little breathing room, especially and unfortunately because I will continue to have bills to pay... My Etsy page is up and running again (I took a short break over the holidays). Check it out: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TrailBound Everyone who contributes will receive a postcard from me whilst on the trail. I'd like to thank all of you who have contributed so far to my efforts. I am oh so so grateful! Follow and support me on this page throughout my hike. I will be posting updates as frequently as I can. Much love to all and blessings in this new year.Jenn
Date: 2014-01-04
To: Get more deets, or join me for a bit!
Miles today: 0.0

Hello all,I don't like to be too paranoid, but I must be smart. I will not be posting where I am at all points of the trail. Likely, because of timing in general, I will post about my experiences of one day or one week some time after I have passed through that area. If you want details regarding where I am specifically on the trail or if you would like to join me for any particular section (much encouraged and welcomed!) you can contact me here, by phone, via Facebook or email and we will start a correspondence to that effect.Jennps - Check out my Esty shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/TrailBound to donate or purchase handmade items and support my hike!
Date: 2014-01-05
To: Happy Birthday Dad!
Miles today: 0.0

I'm enjoying a long time spent with my family, it's been a while since I had this much time with my folks. Happy Birthday Dad! Glad I could be home for it this year. Maybe I can push to be home in time for my Mom's in August. That's the goal anyway, no telling what will happen though... This quote is a little overly romantic, but there are things about it that make me smile and appreciate my home and family:"The first things I remember are frosty Carolina mornings with a cheery fire crackling in my mommas big black wood cook stove... I remember snow flakes as big as goose feathers and the moon the color of new made country butter and a night sky like diamonds against black velvet reaching from horizon to horizon... I remember when the biggest problems in my barefoot life were sand spurs and red ant hills... I remember sitting with my granddaddy on the front porch and watching the last of that magnificent southern sun bleed away into the twilight sky... I remember sunday school and kneeling at the cross and trying to imagine what God looked like... Sunday dinner, short pants, hair cuts and a little puppy my daddy brought home to me... And I remember love... I remember steam puffing fire breathing awesome 10 wheel locomotives and the conductors watch looked as big as one of my grandmothers biscuits... I remember my mother smiling in a red and white cherckered dress and Christmas always seemed so far away... Yes I remember you Carolina grand old lady of the south... I remember you as home."(Charlie Daniels Band)Jenn
Date: 2014-01-07
To: Trail Bound Thanks
Miles today: 0.0

Hey Peoples!Back in my home town, I've seen a lot of people lately, and done a lot of catching up... Most of the conversations revolve around my plans to hike the AT. I feel weird and uncomfortable at times that it is the dominant topic, but I'm feeling the super support from everyone. It's really boosting my motivation to get out there and hike!I'd like to SHOUT OUT to all those who have blessed me this holiday season:My Family, for their endless support and confidence in my decision to move forward with this. Thank you...Extended Family, for your interest in my new interest and investment in me. Thank you...Friends! Especially Stride, CottonJoe, Wooden Spoon, and Jordan/Rocky for your encouragement and advice as I attempt to go where you've gone before. And for inspiring me to do it! Thank you...THANK ALL who have supported me thus far!From my devotional for today (Jesus Calling, from His perspective):"It is impossible to praise or thank Me too much. As it is written, 'I inhabit the praises of my people.' Sometimes your adoration is a spontaneous overflow of Joy, in response to radiant beauty or rich blessings. At other times your praise is more disciplined and measured---an act of your will. I dwell equally in both types of praise. Thankfulness, also, is a royal road to draw near Me. A thankful heart has plenty of room for Me.When you thank Me for the many pleasures I provide, you affirm that I am God, from whom all blessings flow. When adversity strikes and you thank Me anyway, your trust in My sovereignty is a showpiece in invisible realms. Fill up the spare moments of your life with praise and thanksgiving. This joyous discipline will help you live in the intimacy of My Presence."How appropriate.Jenn