morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-10-29
From: Spectacle Gap

To: Fullhard knob Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: moderate rain

Another split day of hiking. In the morning we 7.6 miles to meet Beate at the point we started hiking towards McAfee knob. It was cold and we all wore multiple shirts and gloves. After linking up with Beate we drove to a Chick Fil A for a quick lunch before driving to next point we needed to hike. Thankfully we had a paper National Geographic Map of the area around this portion of the AT and an old fashioned Garmin GPS because our Apple phones did not have connectivity much of the time. In fact, some days we did not have service at all. In the afternoon we hiked 3.5 miles. Overall a pretty good day (13.1 miles) considering we had to drive to a new hiking location.
Date: 2018-10-30
From: Fullhard knob Shelter

To: Bear wallow Gap
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Last day of hiking for this trip. It was an easy day with nice weather and relatively flat terrain. Luna is getting so much better at hiking the trail. Today she did not bark at or bother any hikers we saw. She also is doing very well either hiking just ahead of us or next to us. Our goal for these 9 days was to finish the rest of Virginia for Milkshake. We fell 35 miles short. Between moving the vehicles, a zero day for rain, and getting a late start and ending early because of daylight we did not put in as many miles each day as we hoped. Milkshake still has 35.2 miles of Virginia to complete ¢ the area between Bear Wallow Gap and highway 501 vicinity Glasgow.
Date: 2017-01-20
To: Planning and Scheming 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I am pretty well set on starting out on 4/17. This is the Monday after Easter Sunday so possibly the Tuesday the 18th. The one item of concern is being able to take a break May 6th for my daughter's college graduation. Hannah will be getting her degree in early (K-5) education and will finally be teaching someone other than mom and dad. Ha. She is brilliant and I am very proud of her successfully completing her B.S. degree at GCSU. From what I can tell, it should be fairly easy to find a stopping point at the 3 weeek mark which may also prove advantageous to tweak some equipment / food / clothing. Yesterday I bought a camp stove. I have been looking at the Jetboil model but went with another; MSR. The unit is apparently better suited for wind and has a better area to grip with less chance of being burned by the hot surface. I was looking at another pair of shoes for the trip. Currently I have a pair of Zamberlan boots that were very well made and waterproof. I was considering the point that they are pretty heavy and a lighter weight non-waterproof pair might be better and because whatever I wear, they will be getting wet. The non WP might dry quicker than the heavier waterproof boots. I will need to get some more opinions on this since shoes will be an important part of staying comfortable and functional.The next steps to work through will be purchasing a pack, tent, sleeping pad, and some other odds n ends. Jeff
Date: 2017-01-25
To: 8 Significant number of the day
Miles today: 0.0

Okay, what is the point of 8 today? Well, in 8 days, I will be quitting my job (taking early retirement). My wife says I might be living on the edge but I did promise her "no short-cuts" for safety's sake. I've had the awesome benefit of being able to work for one of the best companies that exists, Georgia-Pacific, for the past 24 years!   It's now time to say "see-ya" and move on. As I do, I will miss many friends that I've had the pleasure of working with, filed away all those incredible places I've been so fortunate to visit, and set my sights on the next moving target.   The great task of accomplishing this hike will be exciting and beneficial to hopefully many.   This hike / journey will be accompanied by a fundraiser to raise funds to install a water system in Nicaragua. Going to coin the phrase "Let's carry a pack so they don't have to carrry water"! This is for a community that has to walk a mile or two to get water for cooking cleaning, drinking etc. from a contaminated source. Hope to make a difference! So, the countdown is on... 8 ...
Date: 2017-02-15
To: Ft Yargo Practice Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Kim and I return from our cruise to Cozumel Mexico. It was a perfect weather and perfect water time. However I was glad to be home after the five days at sea. A cruise is about as complete an opposite to hiking the trail as you can get. On the cruise we had a couple thousand people in a small area with unlimited figured and unlimited drink and about as much slack time as you can get. Water flows endless and life is too easy. I managed to workout at the gym on the ship each day and walk the stairs avoiding the elevators from the fourth floor where we stayed to the 10th floor where food and beverage resided. It was a fun event and I am glad that I went out, however it does not compare to my excitement to hit the trail. I finally purchased my pack and decided on an Osprey 65. I took a practice run at Fort Yargo and hiked about 12 miles. Beginning at about 2 o'clock I am finishing around 630 so TOM was not too bad. Because it was the first day with some new shoes I was a little concerned about blisters or foot pain. I have a little ha ha. Overall weather was perfect and I felt good with the pack as I made a few adjustments along the way. I'm excited about putting in some additional time getting ready and preparing my feet and legs. Hopefully will be able to go to stone mountain for a couple long walks and see how a good uphill goes after about 5 miles.
Date: 2017-04-05
To: Anticipation of Departure
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

It's been a few weeks since gathering equipment and making plans. Things are coming together with about two weeks before my planned departure.   I had a nice blister to deal with during my practice runs which was a reality check.   Good food prep for the first week with some good advice taken from others. My pack is right at 35 lbs. The added weight of about 5 lbs came from the hydro bladder and full food bag. It seems like a manageable weight knowing I can take off about 5 pounds if needed. Once I get a couple weeks in I will decide what if anything needs to go home. Several friends are making plans to meet me which is exciting and I'm sure to anticipate seeing folks while out on the trail. More soon!Tripod
Date: 2017-04-14
To: Last Pre-hike
Miles today: 0.0

All my gear is packed and finally looking at my last pre-hike for preparation. I put my gym membership on hold at Anytime Fitness and they were awesome about working with me to make the adjustment! Even gave me a shirt to enjoy on the hike.Looking forward to a happy Easter Sunday with my family. My wife and daughters will spend the day with us and have a awesome (high carb-out) meal of lasagna which is one of my wife's favorites and I will be dreaming of that meal for quite a while. Once we wrap up Easter, my wife and I plan to set out on the drive to Amicalola Falls to spend the night at the lodge before hitting the woods. Should be a great couple days! I am humbled that a few friends have planned to come up to AF's Lodge to send me off! Amigos for Christ reps are excited about getting away from the office in Buford and a couple friends from the Atlanta Cursillo Movement plan to be there. I also heard from a co-GP employee that worked around me in various places who might be out! Bean Counter experienced a great portion of the trail last year and I hope to meet and get to know BC better as we seem to have much in common.That's all I have for now. I look forward to hearing from some followers; you can send messages by clicking on the "Sign Guest Book" blue button to the left...Tripod
Date: 2017-04-17
From: Amicalola Lodge

To: Katahdin, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light intensity drizzle

Here at the starting point. Exciting to be ready and prepared for the journey. I plan to have a nice dinner with Kim and be rested and ready to take my first steps by 7:00 AM. The weather is awesome and maybe a T-Storm at some point tomorrow but not a bad weather start. May be in trouble ... I tripped on the stairs at the hotel carrying coffee to my room - ha ha ha!Thanks to everyone who has sent me prayers and blessings for the beginning. Looking forward to the challenge and beauty ahead.
Date: 2017-04-20
From: Thrugh Hike

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 42.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The send off from Amicalola Falls Lodge was incredible. Too awesome friends Jim and Robin Gray, Andrew from Amigos for Christ, and Fr. Steve Yander met at the lodge early. Fr Steve gave me a blessing as I began which was a highlight of my preparation for the trip. First couple days were awesome. I made it 15 miles the first day (7 on approach trail) checking in at Springer Mountain around 10:45 AM. Yesterday was harder than day before due to a couple huge mountains to cross.   I made it 16 miles day two; last few were very tough! Of course both nights It has rained and just in the morning to soak my tent so it could add a few more pounds to carry. Ha ha Finally have a break at Neels Gap to give an update with phone coverage and a few minutes to rest. Looking forward to meeting my wife on Friday!!Tripod
Date: 2017-04-23
From: Neels Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 38.0
Weather: moderate rain

This weekend was exceptional! Kim picked me up at Unicoi Gap after about 10 miles of hiking. She brought cold Gatorade and cold pizza.., you'll have to ask her about the cold pizza ??. We stayed in Helen GA for the night and Saturday she dropped me off at Unicoi to hike over the mountains to Dicks Creek Gap (17 miles) without a pack!   It was a fun hike but I got carried away with the light weight trek and got a thigh cramp so I limped for 8 miles. Kim met me and we took a couple fellow hikers, Barry & Jordan from NY to dinner. ((Jordan operated a children's home in NY before retiring). Great company. Sunday was the best. We went to Mass at St. Paul the Apostle in Cleveland, GA where we ran into fellow Curstillstas, Bart and Bob (Cincotta). What an awesome blessing to attend Mass with great friends. After Mass Bart and Bob had breakfast with us!   Bart generously picked up the bill! After breakfast Kim delivered me back to Dicks Creek where I got out in the rain and hiked about 12 miles. The weather got worse as I went. I was in shorts and Tshirt. It got blowing cold rain on top of the mountain as I crossed the GA / NC line around 4:30pm. Dark clouds overhead with some flashing lightning as I made it a few more miles sloppy wet and ready to end that one. The shelter was full so I set my tent up quickly and dried off. Went to sleep hearing rain and a nice Creek beside me. A great day for sure! Tripod
Date: 2017-04-24
From: Muskrat Shelter

To: Franklin NC
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a better day. No rain but quite a bit of early fog and cold air. Entries are difficult due to cell service. I am making good time but sore feet and weather are good for some delays. I hit some incredible over looks that I could see about 10 yards due to fog!! Ha. But I did happen upon one that had a good view. I made it into Frankin with the assistance of a nice fellow who gave me a ride from the trailhead about 10 miles. He even gave me an appetite busting restaurant, "Fat Buddies BBQ" where I got an awesome order of ribs, baked beans, and a cheese burger with blackberry cobbler for dessert!! Nice friendly folks there. Getting ready to dry some wet clothes and hit the K Mart before heading back up the hill to go back into the woods. Should have a night without rain. Franklin is known for the outdoors store that gives free beer to hikers. A tough decision to avoid it, but no strong drink until after April for the cause. Been saying two Rosaries daily as well for those who sponsored me and my special intention. Lots of time for good solid prayer! Tripod
Date: 2017-04-28
From: Fontana Dam

To: Entering the Smokies
Miles today: 71.0

I made it over several mountains and along the trail for several days to a small but scenic location called Fontana Dam.  The lake looked incredible coming off the mountain and I was really looking forward to the stop and a day off.  Since I had been dropped by Kim on 4/23, I'd hiked several days and bypassed a stay in Franklin so I was ready for a down day to recover.  I got to the lodge with a buddy I met named Kansas (from Kansas) and he being a air traffic controller retiree, kept the conversation on the trail for a few days going well.  We were able to have an awesome dinner and get resupplied and clean clothes.  The location was enjoyable and by Sunday morning, I was ready to head out.  Planned to hike a good 20 miles or so for the next few days with fresh legs.The Smokey Mountains are known for their weather.  I didn't know that!! Well, the day I left Fontana, it was nice and sunny.  It got cooler and very windy by evening.  In fact, winds had to be blowing 30 mph at the top of the mountain.  Several folks at the shelter after about 18 miles commented on how it was going to turn bad.  So I went ahead and decided to stay.  The next morning, it was U-G-L-Y!  Winds had picked up a noch and rain was evidently on the way.  I set out.  I made 12 miles and by the time I hit the shelter, crossing some of the ridges had to have seen 50 mph winds with pellets of rain drilling my right side.  I was a mess, in a T-shirt and shorts and warm enough as long as I was moving.  I didn't stop moving until I hit a shelter and quickly got into dry clothes around 3PM. By 6PM, the sun was out and the wind was still whipping.  I strung up a line and dried all my clothes and pack cover.  It was a drab feeling, sitting at a shelter instead of hiking in such a sunny day, but the trail was wet and I was done for the day.   The following day I did 22 miles.  It was cold and windy but I struggled to make it over Clingman's Dome and a few other high peaks; I crossed the TN/NC line where many tourist were enjoying the view.  I was determined to get the hell out of the Smokies!  And had a ways to go yet.  More cold wet weather was predicted and I didn't want any part of it. Ha.Next day I hiked 23 miles and ended at another shelter ready to close out the Smokies.  I planned for 17 miles and when I got about 1/2 mile from my planned stop, my plans changed.  My feet were done, I was sore and hungry.  Ready for setting up my tent and getting water for the next day... Then, I saw on my map that there was a Hostel 4 miles ahead.  Now, somehow my feet were full of life.  Not sure whether it was the thought of a shower, thought of a bed, thought of fresh food, or the note on the map that said, "nice place to have a beer"!  Maybe all the above ... ha ha.  My feet were ready and I had two more hours of hiking full steam ahead.  I had energy from somewhere deep down inside that surfaced new life in my weary knees.  I did make it to the hostel and had a pizza with a beer!  And a shower, and a bed.  What a fine way to end a long day.
Date: 2017-05-09
From: Somewhere cold and windy

To: Hog pen Ridge 
Miles today: 96.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was very pleasant!  First, I camped near a group from Greenville TN that was providing food for hikers.  Last night they gave me a cheeseburger, potato salad, cakes, cookies, and more.  This morning they made eggs, bacon, biscuits, pancakes, fruit, and more... God bless them. They made my day.  So, I hiked about 20 miles today and always find it interesting that someone can walk up on me from behind and I don't realize it until they snort, or clack their trekking poles.  I suppose I make enough noise to cover their tracks. At one point today, I heard an odd noise in the distance.  I couldn't make it out, maybe a horse, or strange cat cry, could have been a whelping dog but not quite.  It got a little louder as I came down the trail.  Very strange whaling sounds.  Hummm. I saw about 80 yards out, a chunky woman with outstretched arms just crowing away at Loretta Lynns "I'm the Happiest Girl In The Whole USA". Her husband was bashfully plodding ahead of her a ways.  I walked my normal quick speed and got right behind her.  When she finished, I applauded and yelled "bravo" as she spun around with a start!  (I felt a little bad about scaring her).  I said hello, turned to her husband and said "how are you doing? I already know how she is!"  I was quickly out of sight as I her the lady pick up on an old Bob Dylan (or maybe Boxcar Willy tune)...  a little ways down the trail, I heard some awful moaning ... maybe an elk, no moose. Well nonetheless I crossed that 300 mile point and was very happy.  Tripod
Date: 2017-05-14
From: Mile 412

To: Boots Off Hostel, Watoga Lake TN
Miles today: 91.0
Weather: clear sky

Over the last few days, I've done well at pushing ahead getting a few miles in.  I had one day hiking 28 miles shooting for 30 but ran short of daylight.  As I hiked the last 2 miles down a steep hill covered in thick rhododendrons and under brush, darkness was coming quickly.  No tent site on the hill side.  Darker yet, 1/2 mile further I found a small spot good enough for the tent. I hung my food and set up my tent.  I was lucky as a couple flashes of lightning lite up the sky just as I was safely done for the night.  The rain started... and got harder.  All was dry in the morning! The following day I hiked 22 miles with the last 6 miles through mud, thunder, and heavy cold rain.  I landed a room at a hostel up the road and enjoyed a hot shower!!  Today a family was giving out food as me and a couple fellow hikers stopped by at lunchtime.  I ate 2 pb&j's a plate of nachos, a banana, bowl of ice cream, some cheese crackers, an orange Fanta, and 2 cans of V-8 juice. It was joyous!  Currently at mile 427 and looking forward to meeting Kim in Damascus VA in a few days!!
Date: 2017-05-19
From: Uncle Jerry's 

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

(Look back at three new posts before this one...) Taking a day off from hiking in Abingdon VA with my lovely wife at her brother's home.  A 5 star breakfast in the comfort of a home!  This weekend Damascus is hosting a big celebration for hikers called Trail Days.  Lots of equipment vendors and food; a parade will follow where the town kids will enjoy water gunning the backpackers as they parade down Main Street. Ha ha (I'm not sure if I will participate...).
Date: 2017-05-21
From: Damascus VA

To: Whitetop Mountain
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: moderate rain

The hike out of Damascus VA was nice... at first. Smooth trail, shady, cool, dry.  Oh, the shade was provided by the storm clouds lurking. It rained buckets by the end of the day.  I got to practice setting up my tent in the rain!  There are several overlooks as you hike up the Mtn. In fact, I believe the trail designers have the trail go over several extremely high points to allow hikers to see all the different vantage points as they trek along.  Here's a pic of my various views from on high.  So glad I got to keep returning to the tops of all the highest mountains to see such beauty. ( in case you're wondering, all I saw for three days was thick fog.  I had to include a pic of it!!).
Date: 2017-05-23
From: Woods camp

To: Grayson Highlands Park VA
Miles today: 41.0

I'm going to try and add a video of the wild horses that were out in the weather.  Really cool watching them as they aren't afraid of people and will eat from (some folks') hand ... not mine.  A very interesting place to visit as the AT goes through the park.  Go to the videos section and see if my video gets posted.
Date: 2017-05-26
From: Bland, VA

To: Nowhere
Miles today: 16.0

Every once in a while it is good to have a break; got 16 miles yesterday and ready for a break. Today a good friend dropped by and gave me a ride to civilization.  A comfortable hotel stay and conversation led to a side trip to ride downhill mountain bikes!  Imagine going to a ski resort but instead of skis, ride down on a beefed up, well suspended bike.  As many trips down as you like without pedaling up.  It was a fun adventure and I'm sure to go again one day.  Thanks to my buddy Don Evers for taking time to find me and share the day.  My feet feel better rested and ready for action!
Date: 2017-06-01
From: Random Ridgetop

To: On way to Dragons Tooth 
Miles today: 128.0
Weather: overcast clouds

As I made my way up and over several mountains today, I came upon a monument that had to stop and read. My buddy James and I had lunch at the monument of Audie Murphy, the most decorated veteran of WW2.  Take a minute to look up Audie and his short life and you too will be amazed.  You might be able to read the script on the monument from my photo.  Later, I was able to traverse the dreaded "Dragon's Tooth" mountain.  It was difficult due to the rock and massive climb to get there after hiking 20 miles.  Tired and wobbly, making my way off this Mtn was just plain tough.
Date: 2017-06-02
From: Four Pines Hostel

To: McAfee Knob
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

(See the previous post which is new as well). There's a place on the AT that is without a doubt the most photographed location on the trail.  High up on the mountain outside of Catawba VA, this amazing rock formation looms.  It is a wonderful thing when the weather cooperates and gives you not only a spectacular view, but a beautiful memory to boot!  This is one that will be remembered for a while and a tough day of climbing as well.  Tenting now in a hollow not far from Daleville, VA where I plan to meet my brother in the morning.  Needless to say, I am not missing being tethered to a GP cell phone during the day.  And, yes, my feet are sore.  Not just a spot or two, but a general orah of pain that surrounds each foot toe to heel with some more specific pain that materializes from time to time most often a result of stepping on a pointed rock that separates my foot parts and jabs and prods.  Advil, take me away!  Ha ha.
Date: 2017-06-04
From: Zero

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

Every once in a while your body says 'STOP'!  When that happens it's nice to be in a town with good places to eat and a cheap hotel.  Today my brother and sister drove from Charleston WV to visit and get me away from the trail.  It was nice spending time with my family having some good food to boot.  Thanks Tim and Dee!! Should be back at it tomorrow morning as they are calling for rain...  I was able to upgrade my shoes yesterday to some new trail runners.  I'm hoping they will help with the foot pains.  Looking forward to setting out in the morning.
Date: 2017-06-09
From: Hog pen Ridge 

To: Thunder Ridge Overlook
Miles today: 104.0
Weather: broken clouds

I hiked several days with a good friend from Dallas,TX.  As we hiked to our planned destination, the shelter had some less than promising tent sites and the water supply was not that great.  We pushed on a couple miles and wound up at the Thunder Ridge overlook.  With a picnic table and nice trash can, we couldn't resist staying.  We camped on the side of a parking lot!  As an added bonus we got to watch an incredible sunset.  My friend was hiking a section of 300 miles and hit his ending point.  It was great meeting James and his company will be missed.
Date: 2017-06-10
From: Big Island, VA

To: Montibello, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Over the past few days, I have had two nice reprieves from the trail.  First, I met up with an old friend and fellow forester who works at the GP Big Island paper mill.  He and his wife put me up for the night and fed me some great food.  Southern hospitality at its finest!  Last two nights, my cousin Julie and her husband Rondy along with two new friends, their neighbors, met me and we had a wonderful day off the trail.  Great food and awesome company.  I am so thankful for the friends I have been blessed with.  Now, back to the trail so I can get to the end before they close the park in Maine.