morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-10
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 15.9

We sprung the clocks forward this morning so when I got up at 0630, it was still dark. I was off by 0715 and used my headlamp for about 30 mins.The trail all the way to Woody Gap was nice as I arrived there at 0945. There was an enclosed privy there as well as stuff left by hikers like bear canisters, food and supplies.There is a small climb up to Big Cedar Mtn and I was walking slowly when I met a group of high school girls from TN who were on spring break. One of them gave me a dried mango slice and the generosity gave me the energy for the next mile.I made Lance Creek by 1130 and then made it to Jarrad Gap by 1300 so I was now committed since a bear canister is required in this area. The climb up Blood Mtn was slow and steady. Towards the top there were a lot more rocks which required attention on my footing.I finally made it to Neels Gap by 1545. I got a bunk at the hostel, a shower and laundry for $17.05. Pirate also cooked us pork chops, spaghetti, green beans and stew for a $5 donation.Brent, Pound Puppy, Oz and Linda showed up later. There's a forecast for rain tomorrow so I'll wait and see how it looks.
Date: 2013-03-11
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap 
Miles today: 11.5

As you can see in the picture, I had a little company last night. I believe his name is Snaggles and he just made himself comfortable.In the morning, Pirate made pancakes for breakfast at 0700. He rustled everybody up and it was still dark outside. Several hikers were waiting for the store to open at 0830 but I resupplied yesterday so I was off by 0745. It was foggy with a low hanging mist cloud that lasted all morning.The initial climb out of Neels Gap is good but I was fresh so no problem. A lot of the trail was fairly level and only slightly moist. The heavy rain was due after 1500 so I hope to make shelter by then.I made Tesnatee Gap by 1030 so I was feeling good about making shelter in time. Whitley Gap shelter is 1.2 miles off the AT so it wasn't worth the detour.I made Low Gap shelter at 1315 but it was already full. It's not currently raining so I set up the tent and I'm ready for the rain tonight.Pound Puppy showed up soon after me. I also met a young couple from Brandon, FL which was near a place I used live. Oz, Peanut and even Brent showed up a little later. Tomorrow is supposed to be nice.
Date: 2013-03-12
From: Low Gap 

To: Tray Mountain
Miles today: 15.4

It rained the first part of the night but my tent kept me dry. Since my tent was wet, I waited until daylight to breakdown camp. Packing up a wet tent is not fun and I probably carried an extra 1-2 lbs in water weight.I was able to get going by 0815 and the first 6 miles went by quickly with mainly level walking. I made in to Blue Mtn shelter for lunch at 1130.The descent into Unicori Gap has a big elevation change but the trail is good. The climb up the other side though was tough. The trail was in good shape but it was a long and steady incline. Then there was another descent into Indian Grave Gap and then a climb up Tray Mtn. That climb was tough and to be at the end of the day made it rougher.I finally made Tray Mtn shelter by 1700 and the shelter is full with lots of tents already up. We're on a hilltop so the wind is whipping and we are expecting a cold night.I met Inch by Inch and Surefoot here. Also the usually gang of Brent, Pound Puppy, Oz and Peanut showed up right after me.
Date: 2013-03-13
From: Tray Mountain

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 11.0

It was a very cold and windy night. My 15 degree bag kept me warm but I could feel a slight chill. I thought about getting up at 0500 to make the 1100 shuttle into town but it was so cold I couldn't move. I chose to get up at first light and was off by 0745 and yes it was still cold.The entire day was cold as a strong wind whipped through the hills as I walked along the ridge line.I called the Budget Inn from Powell Mtn and reserved a room for the night and coordinated for a 1300 shuttle to town. Now I had 2.2 miles to go in about an hour but fortunately it is all downhill. I did make it to Dick's Creek Gap by 1245. The shuttle arrived at 1330 and I was joined by Hot Dog, Fidget, Dude and a couple that got picked up at Unicori Gap.I resupplied at Ingles, did my laundry and got some food. I also found out we got a Pope from Argentina which is good for the Americas. Tonight is supposed to be really cold so I' m glad I' m in a room.
Date: 2013-03-14
From: Hiawassee

To: Standing Indian
Miles today: 16.7

It was a nice night in a warm bed. I got up at 0700 and prepped my gear for the 0900 shuttle. The shuttle first dropped off the couple at Unicoi Gap and then went to Dick's Creek Gap. When we arrived there was also a van from the hostel so about 12 hikers were all starting at the same time. We all started up at 0945 and it looked like an expedition with the long line of hikers on the hill. Eventually we separated and got to hike our own hike.I made it to the GA-NC border at 1330 and met Bean and Zook who were already there. Bean took my obligatory picture and then moved on. I made it to Muskrat Creek shelter at 1530 and most of the group was stopping here. There was still a lot of daylight and I want to catch the 1100 shuttle to Franklin on Saturday. So 16.7 today, 16.2 tomorrow and then only 7.3 on Saturday and I can have the afternoon in town.I pressed on to Standing Indian shelter and made it by 1800. The shelter is full and plenty of tents around. Tonight is supposed to be another cold night.
Date: 2013-03-15
From: Standing Indian

To: Long Branch
Miles today: 16.2

Last night I had by best sleep on the trip to date. I only woke up once during the night and then at 0745 when it was already light. Feeling good, I packed up and was off by 0815.I had a steady climb up Standing Indian Mtn right away but then a long steady descent for a couple of hours. I met Dumptruck, Apollo, and Clever Girl along the way and we all ended up at Carter Gap shelter around 1145 and had lunch. I left first and started my second half of the day. It was the usual up and down until Albert Mtn. The last 400' climb was steep and rocky but I reached the top at 1530. I finally had cell service for the first time in a day and half so I sent some notes home and updated my journal. It was a little windy and I was tired so I didn't go up the fire tower.Next it was a steady descent to shelter. The Big Spring shelter was gone and no camping due to restoration. Everything was now at Long Branch which I arrived at by 1630. It is a nice two story shelter and I met Crossroads and Country Mile. Crossroads reminded me of my mother. She was German and born during the war and immigrated to the US like my mom. Dumptruck, Apollo and Clever Girl showed up later. Going to get up early to make the Franklin shuttle.
Date: 2013-03-16
From: Long Branch

To: Winding Stair Gap - Franklin
Miles today: 7.3

Another good nights sleep and I awoke at 0615 to a warmer than usual morning. It was still dark but the whole shelter was preparing for departure so they can get to Franklin.I started night hiking at 0645 with my headlamp. After 15 mins, the trio of Dumptruck, Apollo and Clever Girl passed me. I followed them until Rock Gap where they decided to take the 0.7 mile detour to see the Wasalik Poplar tree. I was tempted to go but didn't want to do the extra 1.4 miles. I pressed on and reached Winding Stair Gap at 1015. I was settling in to wait for the 1100 shuttle when a Jeep pulled up and asked if I needed a ride. He worked for Ron Haven and Budget Inn and shuttles hikers all day. The service is free but I gave him a small tip.I settled into my room and did the usual chores; shower, laundry and shopping. I also watched a little TV, ate town food and just rested. I am happy that I have no blisters and only slight muscle soreness since I see other hikers here with ice on knees/ankles and working on blisters.
Date: 2013-03-17
From: Winding Stair Gap - Franklin

To: Cold Spring
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I got up at my usual 0630 and walked to McDonalds for a Big Breakfast with Hotcakes. I then prepped for the 0900 shuttle back to the trail. Ron Haven from Budget Inn drove 32 of us in a minibus that was packed. Each person was holding their backpack in their lap and it reminded me of the back of an airplane full of paratroopers.I started off from the gap at 0945. Four hikers were ahead of me and the rest behind. The group separated fairly quickly. I made Siler Bald shelter by 1130 but it is 0.5 mile off the AT. I reached Wayah Crest by 1230 and "Fresh Ground" had a tent set up providing trail magic. I had 2 hot dogs, banana and Gatorade. He has been doing this at this site for the last 8 days and he said he is moving to Davenport Gap so I should see his magic again.The climb up Wayah Bald was the toughest of the day. I caught up with Bean as we were approaching the top. There was a good view there and Bean took my picture again. Bean decided to shelter at Wayah but I pressed to Cold Spring shelter. There was only one more climb and I arrived by 1715.There is a possibility of rain so I am staying in the shelter with Zook. There are three of us in the shelter and four tenting. I hope to beat most of the rain tomorrow.
Date: 2013-03-18
From: Cold Spring

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center - NOC
Miles today: 11.7

Today was a dark, wet and dreary day in more ways than one. First, I awoke to the pitter patter of rain hitting the shelter. It was still dark so I waited until my shelter mates were getting up at daybreak. Next, as I was tying my shoe, the lace holder broke off. I was able to lace them but they were showing wear and tear. Then, as I was getting ready, I twanged my back. Oh by the way, today is my birthday. Consequently, as I started out at 0800, my spirits were low.The trail itself was not bad. The rain subsided but low clouds hung around and the air was humid. The only big climb was out of Tellico Gap to Wesser Bald. There were not many good views today. As I approached the NOC at 1315, the rain started to become heavier. Fortunately, I beat the very heavy thunderstorms.Emotionally, I was drained today. I had my first thoughts of "Why am I doing this?". It was good that I was at the NOC today because I was able to get a nice burger at the restaurant and new shoes at the outfitter. I also got a nice birthday email from my wife and I talked to her for a little while which made me feel better. As bedtime approaches my spirits are improving and I think I can tackle the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2013-03-19
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center - NOC

To: Brown Fork Gap
Miles today: 15.8

Spent last night in a four bunk room with Ryan who is also thru hiking. I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day, especially after reading the guest book. I was happy to see that my oldest son and his wife left a note. Then there several others that motivated me with their words. Thanks to those that provided support. My wife also helped a lot with a few phone calls.Anyways, I started out at 0800 from the NOC at 1749' elevation. It took me 3 1/2 hours to cover the 5.8 miles and 2961' in elevation. At the top there was a group of young men day hiking and they wanted their picture taken. They were also interested in my journey.The rest of the day was a lot of up and downs until I reached "Jacobs Ladder". I wasn't sure what to expect but it isn't anything special. It's just a trail blazed straight up the hill. No switchbacks just vertical. Since it was at the end of the day, I took it slowly as it was tiring. I got to the shelter at 1730 and there are 5 of us and a dog while one is tenting. I hope to get an early start towards Fontana tomorrow.
Date: 2013-03-20
From: Brown Fork Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 13.0

It was a cold morning and I didn't want to get out of my sleeping bag. Eventually, I just went with it and packed up to depart. I wanted to start quickly and warm up so I was off by 0745.There were no big terrain changes just a lot of small climbs and descents until the final big descent into Fontana. Throughout the descent you could see the dam and the Reservoir. I finally reached Fontana 28 AT crossing at 1315 and called the hike inn. I asked for a pick up at the visitors center at 1415 and I did the next 1.5 miles. I got there at 1350 and did a little sightseeing from the overlook.Jeff from the hike inn picked Zook and I up a d drove us to the inn. Nancy did our laundry and then drove us to town. We had dinner at Huddle House and then went to Ingles for supplies.I am carrying a little more food since I will be in the smokeys for 5 days. The innkeepers say the smokeys are easier than the trail already accomplished. I hope so since the weather shows cooler temps coming.
Date: 2013-03-21
From: Fontana Dam

To: Spence Field
Miles today: 16.4

I had a very pleasant stay at the Hike Inn and I recommend it very much. Jeff drove Zook and I back to the dam at 0800. By 0815 we were walking across the dam. We then walked along a paved road until we reached a trailhead for the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Here was the box to insert the lower portion of the thru hiking permit.I believe the innkeepers were right, because the trail was well maintained. Also there were more switchbacks, so the grade of the trail was more gradual. We got a good view of the park from Shuckstack fire tower even though the wooden steps seemed to be near disintegration and it was very windy and cold.By 1230, I was at Doe Knob and the trail follows the TN/NC border as I move between the two states. There are three shelters within 5.7 miles of each other so we pushed for the farthest which is Spence Field shelter arriving at 1700. There are 12 of us in the shelter and it is still bitter cold. The temp tonight will probably get down to the teens. I hope tomorrow will be a little warmer.
Date: 2012-11-01
To: On the Trail Again
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

When you do something poorly the first time, you sometimes want to try it again. As the next school year began I couldn¢t help but recall how we had been planning our hike in the White Mountains this time last year. Even though the memories of the Whites were still fresh in my mind, I felt this desire, almost need, to get back out there. A former student and athlete, who I had coached in cross-country, had thru hiked in 2000. After listening to (trail name Jeremiah Johnson) talk about the trail to one of my classes, I knew that I had to give the AT another try. He spoke of covering the entire 42 mile stretch of Maryland in one day as some sort of challenge. As a distance runner, this seemed like something I could do. After all, I had read that Maryland was the easiest (not a term that really ever applies to the AT) state.So without hesitation I approached my buddies about hiking Maryland as soon as the ¢01-¢02 school year concluded. This time it was I, not Alton, who did most of the planning. For the entire fall I spent time convincing the others that we needed to give hiking one more try. So in late May of 2002, five of us (Fitts¢ truck broke down before we left GA) set out in two SUV¢s for Harper¢s Ferry, WV. I had even arranged for a stay in a real AT hostel (Sandy Hook) the night before we were to begin our southbound trek from Pen Mar Park at the PA/Maryland border.Like the previous year in the Whites, that first day was an ordeal despite the ¢easier¢ terrain. After a night at a shelter some 9 miles in, Doc, Reg, and Lindsey decided that hiking definitely was not for them. They hitched a ride back to the vehicle and opted for a tour of Gettysburg. Alton and I trudged on, determined to complete the entire 42 miles, even though we had already decided that this was a three day hike, not a one or two day one. Our buddies, before deserting us, did offer to carry some of our gear to the Dahlgren campsite, where we planned to set up our tent (yep, still the 4 man one) the second night. We didn¢t know what slackpacking meant at that time; however, over the years, ¢slackpacking¢ has become one my favorite hiking terms.Day three took us into Harper¢s Ferry and to the end of that year¢s hiking adventure. Since Maryland was complete, over the next few years, Alton and I continued the section hiking, knocking off a state here and a state there. Fitts even joined us for the section from Springer to Neel¢s Gap during spring break, 2003. Alton has completed more sections than I have and has promised to complete his section hike with me in Maine, if I make it that far. That would be pretty special¢Alton completing the AT section hiking at the same time I completed a thru hike, on Katahdin together. If nothing else, it should make for some interesting journaling over that last 300 miles.
Date: 2012-11-25
To: Gear Search
Miles today: 0.0

After my recent hike beginning at Unicoi Gap, I decided that a trip to Neel¢s Gap was also in order. Neel¢s Gap is where the fabled Mountain Crossings at Walasi Yi is located. Even though I had visited the historical site on three other occasions, this was to be the first time I would arrive with a filled pack ready to be evaluated. Much to my good fortune, it was Winton Porter who asked if he could help me with my search for hiking gear. After explaining to him that I was planning to attempt a thru-hike in the spring, and that I would need several new pieces of gear, Winton was gracious enough to devote well over two hours of helpful advice. Our conversation primarily centered on my selection of a light weight sleeping bag and pack; however, Winton also advised me on shoes, hiking poles, a stove, and a few other essential items.In addition to my gear education, we also discussed running, an interest that I discovered Winton shares with me. Amid the hiking discussion, the running discussion, and the gear discussion, time zoomed by. Not really wanting to purchase either the pack or sleeping bag without doing a bit more research, I finally declared to Winton that since I had taken so much of his time that I felt obligated to buy something. He suggested an autographed copy of his award winning book, Just Passin¢ Thru. Even though I appreciated Winton¢s suggestion, I still felt like a more substantial order was warranted. Since the hiking poles I have been using are both cheap and in poor condition, I purchased a pair of Leki corklite poles for my upcoming thru-hike attempt. These should suit me well.Before leaving Mountain Crossings I chatted briefly with another employee, George, a thru-hiker from 2009. Three south bounders, who were planning to complete their venture in the next two days, were also relaxing out front. As the afternoon waned, I wondered how I would feel with only two days remaining of a five month adventure. Like so many, I look forward to passing through the stone arch as I walk toward Maine next March. If you¢re within a few hours¢ drive of the famous structure at Neel¢s Gap, I would recommend a visit prior to your hike. Winton and all of his employees possess a wealth of hiking knowledge that they will gladly share with all who ask. And by the way, I did pick up a copy of Winton¢s book. It has proved to be both enlightening and entertaining. I would call it a must read for anyone contemplating a thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2012-11-27
To: Tis Not Too Late to Seek a Newer World
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

As I plan and prepare for my attempt at a 2013 thru hike of the Appalachian Trail, I am reminded of Alfred, Lord Tennyson¢s poem, ¢Ulysses.¢ After having been away from his wife and son for twenty years, the now graybeard Ulysses has finally returned home. Having experienced a plethora of adventures during those two decades, Ulysses quickly grows restless. He remembers fighting with his comrades on the hills of Troy as well as events that occurred during the return voyage. And as he remembers, he longs for new adventure. Despite being reunited with a faithful wife, Penelope, he realizes that his life can never again be confined to his home of Ithaca. After all, neither his now grown son, Telemachus, nor the citizens of the city he once ruled, really knows him.Therefore, he urges his fellow mariners to join him on another great adventure. When Ulysses proclaims that it is ¢not too late to seek a newer world,¢ he is charging all with the responsibility, the duty to continue on the quest to become the person we were intended to be. He reminds us not to ¢rust unburnished, but to shine in use.¢ He challenges us ¢to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.¢ I believe that for all of those ¢over 60¢ would-be thru hikers of the Appalachian Trail that Tennyson¢s words ring true. Like Ulysses, we are perhaps seeking a ¢newer world,¢ a world for some free of obligations and stress; for others a world free of loneliness or boredom.   The ¢retired¢ hiker wants to replace the perhaps daily feeling of   ¢wondering what he is going to do¢ with wonderment. He wants to breathe deeply from the mountain air; he wants purpose again in his life. And like Ulysses, the older thru hiker is seeking. He still seeks meaning in a life that may have only a decade or two remaining.The youthful hiker, however, may be attempting to make some sense of a post college existence. He may be escaping from the rigors of a classroom to a carefree, solitary jaunt through the woods prior to settling into the routines of responsibility. And he hopes that what he learns on this pre-full time employment peregrination will sustain him in the years to come. He may flaunt his youth as he bounces over tough terrain, but simultaneously he will appreciate the less agile footfalls of the aging hiker. And as the miles and days go by, each will view the other with respect and admiration as they walk together toward Katahdin.The Appalachian Trail can toughen you or break you. It can offer you solace and contentment; it can bring you to your knees with frustration and pain. Ulysses knew frustration as he tried to navigate his way back home, but he also knew solace as he found moments to rest under the stars. Like so many aspects of life, we too are engaged in an odyssey of sorts. We expect to confront obstacles that may force us to take a detour on the road of life. We also hope for a path that will provide us perspective and direction. Whatever the reason for hiking, all are pilgrims together on the Appalachian Trail.