morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-06-01
From: Three Springs Hostel

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up this morning and had another delicious breakfast prepared by Oma. I tried not to overdue it this morning. She took me back to Hog Camp Gap where she picked me up yesterday. My plan was to do about 13 miles today but I made that mark at about 2:00 and decided to push on and did a 20 mile day. I ended up at the Harper's Creek Shelter where my original plan had me being on Monday evening before I decided to only walk 6 miles on Sunday. I felt good that I made up my afternoon that I took off. I didn't get any pictures today because there wasn't anything that was worthy of a picture other than the rattlesnake that I walked right by that I didn't see that the guy behind me told me about. I am glad I didn't see it.Today's picture goes back to last week when Logan was here. We were walking up the trail out in the middle of nowhere when this hiker came toward us and all of a sudden said "Is that you Logan?" Out in the middle of nowhere one of Logan's classmates from Tulane came right by us. It is weird sometime who you see out here.Last night it came an honest to goodness thunderstorm. It must have stormed at least an hour and continued to rain most of the night. I do believe I have finally solved some of my sleeping problems. Once I sent my winter sleeping bag home I slept like a baby and thought maybe I was allergic to the down feathers but on day 4 I was right back to having problems sleeping. The difference was that the first three nights it was a little cool and I was wearing a long sleeve shirt, long underwear and socks but was not on day 4. I now believe I am allergic to the outer material that both of my sleeping bags are made out of. I have a silk sleeping bag liner that I have now used two nights and have had no trouble sleeping. I will give it a few more tries before declaring victory but I hope I am on to something.I continue to enjoy reading the comments left on my guest book and emails and Facebook messages that I receive. Please keep them coming.
Date: 2015-06-02
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 12.7

One thing that I have had to learn on the trail is that the best plans sometimes don't end up working and you have to be flexible to change. Today was one of those days. I had planned on doing about 15 miles and stop short about 11 miles from where I would catch a ride to Waynesboro and take a zero on Thursday. We had a big 2,000 ft climb in the very beginning this morning and I though if I could make that climb the day would be a piece of cake for the remainder of the day. I made it up the climb but was soaking wet from sweating and all the water left over from last nights rain. It also started raining again on the way up the mountain.What none of us were expecting was all the level surface on our guidebooks was nothing but wet, slippery rocks and boulders. It was tough hiking. I stopped for lunch and talked to a couple of other thru-hikers that I had not met before but the good news is that I am seeing many more hikers that are in my age range. I think a lot of the younger generation may have gotten off the trail after the big party in Damascus two weeks ago. They are out of money and can't support their party habits any longer.Right after lunch I got to the first crossing of the Blue Ridge Parkway and there was a poster saying that due to bear activity no camping would be allowed for a 12 mile section of the trail. That would mean that I would have to do a 24 mile day which I knew I couldn't do in these conditions. I wasn't sure what I was going to do but when I got about 3 miles from the next road crossing I caught up with Grey Goat who had fallen and hurt his lower leg. He said he was going to have to go into town tonight to rest his leg so I decided right then I would go with him. It also started raining much harder and by the time we made it to the road we were soaking wet while the temperature continued to drop.We managed to call a shuttle and he said he would be there in 45 minutes. After an hour and us getting colder he still hadn't showed up so we called again. He said someone was working on his tractor and he would be there in 20 minutes. We were beginning to wonder if he was really coming or not.He showed up about 25 minutes later and brought us to Waynesboro where we got a room at the Quality Inn. I immediately took a hot shower and walked a couple blocks to a burger place and had a double cheeseburger and a huge order of fries. I decided I will be back on schedule after today and will hit the 900 mile mark this Saturday. My target going forward is to hike a 100 miles per week.
Date: 2015-06-03
From: Waynesboro

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0

This morning I had breakfast at the motel and then came back to the room for a little more sleep and catching up on my technology chores. You get so used to having instant access to the Internet and phones that until you have to go several days without it you don't realize how much you depend on it. I heard from Grey Goat this morning and he said his leg is much better and will be going back to the trail with me in the morning. We have already lined up a shuttle to take us back. It has been raining all day so I went back to the same restaurant that I ate at last night since it was so close and their hamburger and fries were pretty good.I just returned back from eating at an AYCE Chinese Restaurant and I am embarrassed by how much I ate because I wasn't even hungry. The good news was that I went directly from eating to Kroger's where at least I bought groceries on a full stomach. Food is heavy and if you haven't ever noticed you should weigh your weekly groceries one time to see how much they weigh.I hope within the next two weeks to be out of Virginia. It's been nice but it is time to move on to another state. Seems like I have been here forever.
Date: 2015-06-04
From: Waynesboro

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: moderate rain

Well it was back to the trail today although the forecast called for rain all day again but the temps should be in the high 50's. I went over to have breakfast at the motel and it was full of hikers. I saw Philco (Philip Anderson) who I hadn't seen since Fontana and also met Papa Al who I follow on trail journals. I knew I was very close to him but didn't realize I would see him this morning. Today was the first time we had met. Our ride picked us up at 7:45 and we were back on the trail walking by 8:15. Grey Goat was slack packing today to make sure his leg was okay. He was only going to hike about 13 miles and then go back to the motel for one more night. On the other hand I was shooting for a 22+ mile day. The rain was constant but not hard and it continued that way all day. As long as I was walking I was fine but if I stopped I got cold very fast so I didn't stop very much. Before leaving the motel I packed my camera away since I knew it was going to be raining all day and you can guess what happened.I had been walking for about an hour and came around this curve and guess what was right in he middle of the trail. If you thought a bear you are right. Of all days I didn't have anyway to take a picture. I did what I read to do which is stand tall and raise your arms over your head to make yourself look bigger. I also started clanking my trekking poles together but the bear wouldn't move. I wasn't scared but I did need that bear to get out of the trail so I could move on. After me hollering and what seemed like an hour ( about 2 minutes) the bear took off in the woods. I think this might have been the mischievous bear I mentioned earlier because it was very close to where that bear took the ladies food.I didn't see many people out hiking today but I made my 22 miles by 5:00 and there are several hikers here tonight including Sam I Am and Old Eagle Scout. I know both of these guys.Tomorrow I will stay at a campground that has showers and a camp store along with a little restaurant. The rain is also suppose to slack up,some.
Date: 2015-06-05
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Home
Miles today: 2.0

Today has been a very sad day. I haven't mentioned it lately but when I was in the Smokies I hurt my left leg. I walked through the pain for about three weeks and it gradually got better but in the past couple of weeks since I have picked up my mileage and the number of rocks I have been walking over it had started hurting again getting to a point early on this morning that I decided I couldn't continue without getting it checked out. I was lucky I was close to the Parkway and even more lucky that I had a cell signal as I called a shuttle to come pick me up. He took me to the medical clinic in Waynesboro where they did an X-ray and told me that I had a stress fracture. The bad news is that the doctor told me I should limit my activity for the next 4-6 weeks to give it time to heal.Those words were the death sentence to my thru-hike because I would not have time to finish this year if I sit out for the next 6 weeks. I guess I could go to Maine and work my way back south to where I stopped today but I am not sure I would want to do that. For now I have rented a car and making my way home.I will just have to wait and see if I want to come back next year and finish but I won't ever be a thru-hiker but a section hiker if I did. I don't think I could ever start back in Georgia and try the complete trail again.I said in the beginning this was all about the journey and it has been a great one just not as long as I had planned. I have met so many interesting people from all over the world and will have stories to tell forever. Is it the trip I envisioned the past few years, no but it was a great trip.To everyone that signed my guestbook with encouraging words, or sent me an email urging me on, came and hiked with me, or just enjoyed reading my journal daily I want to say a big thanks to you. I wouldn't have gotten this far without you. You were the greatest and hope you were able to enjoy my journal. Thanks again.Signing outBean Counter
Date: 2014-12-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

OK it's about that time. Heading to Amicalola tomorrow. I live close so I just need to secure a ride cause Suds has to work. Weather looks good first two days then Friday and Saturday rain/snow. I decided to pack my umbrella which I've never hiked with before but going to give it a try. After I leave Stringer I'm hoping to make Gooch mtn shelter if not camp someplace before. Suds will help me posting here. I will be texting her when I have a signal. Will try our best to keep journal up to date as much as possible. Best hike to the class of 2015Sub
Date: 2014-12-31
To: Springer
Miles today: 0.0

OK Guess I'm ready as I'll be. My hiker friend Grambo is picking me up at 0930 taking me to Amicalola. Hope to be on the Approach Trail before noon so I can get up to Springer before dark. It's hard leaving my Fiance Suds but she will be meeting me a lot along the way. SHE is so Awesome and supportive of this trip.Next entry from the trail. Happy New Year to all.
Date: 2014-12-31
To: Approach Trail
Miles today: 0.0

This is Suds updating for Subman. Subman left the visitors center around 11am this morning heading for Springer Mt. he meet Birdman and Spirit along the trail and made it to Springer by 4pm. Not bad timing for the approach trail.After enjoying a fire by the shelter he tucked into his tent to get warm and some shuteye. Sub will start the AT tomorrow morning. Happy New Year to all.
Date: 2015-01-01
From: Springer

To: Gooch Mountain shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

This is Suds again. Subman woke up to about 20° weather on top of Springer this morning. Cold enough for him to cook breakfast in the tent to keep warm. After breaking camp he signed the registry and left Springer by 8am.Sub felt that he had to keep moving to get warm. He put in 15.8 miles and reached Gooch Mountain shelter around 3:30 this afternoon.So far there has been no rain or snow, but that may change tomorrow with a 40% chance of rain.
Date: 2015-01-02
From: Gooch Mountain shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 15.9

This is Suds for subman. Although today was a little warmer 41° this morning the rain is moving in. Sub tried the umbrella and decided it was not as useful as he had hoped. He has decided not to use the umbrella in the future. Subman is working through the sleet and rain and trying to reach Neel's gap before any major weather breaks tomorrow's forcast is rain all day for Saturday. I will be glad if I know he is in a safe and dry place to avoid the cold, wet weather.Subman just checked in. He did make it to Neels gap and will be dry and warm tonight.Wanted me to make a point to give Grambo a shoutout for dropping him off Wed. At Amicalola State park, we really appreciate your friendship Grambo!. Also thanks to all those who signed his questbook. With notes of encouragement. Stay warm Sub!.
Date: 2015-01-03
From: Neels Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 21.3

This is Sub. Got off at Unicoi Gap Suds picked me up after hiking down from Blue Mt Shelter in the dark. Left the Hostel at 0700 in the dark. Worst day so far with cold rain all day. Had to keep moving to generate enough body heat to keep from freezing. Major rain storm coming through tonight and half of tomorrow. Also Temps are dropping to 0 or below on the trail Wednesday. So I'm crazy for starting 1 January but not insane for continuing under these weather conditions. Will fall back and regroup. SUB
Date: 2015-01-05
From: Unicoi Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

OK this is the plan. At home waiting out the cold weather that is coming through the next few days. It's killing me though looking out and seeing the sun shining knowing I could be getting miles in. But the good thing about it is Suds and I are spending quality time together.We plan on going to South Carolina on the 10th for a memorial service. Suds will drop me off on either the 11th or 12th at hopefully Dicks Creek Gap (Hope to do Unicoi to Dicks Creek sometime before the 10th). Then I will hike to NOC and get there in time for the Southern Ruck on the 17th. Get to see all my hiker friends. Suds will meet me there and we will stay two nights.One reason I can get on and off is that we live so close to Springer and Amicalola. Suds is able to pick me up in about an hour from the house at various parts of the southern sections. She works so we plan with her days off. Then we will plan going on from there. Weather is looking better so far.Thank you SO much all that have signed my guest book and have left warm wishes. Glad to see Bluevist is out there. Javaman was nice meeting you three at Gooch. Can't wait to get back in the woods.Subman Ga-Me 2015
Date: 2015-01-06
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.7

Leaving out and driving up to Unicoi Gap and hiking nobo to Dicks Creek. Then I'm hitching back to my truck. Its going to be COLD going over Trey mtn. I hate Kelly Knob I've always said it's the worst climb in GA. Some may say Slack Pack? I'm a Purist I always carry my pack and pass every White Blaze. I don't see any problem with others slack packing. Its your hike and you do it the way you want. (HIKE YOUR OWN HIKE) has great meaning. I will edit this page tonight when I get back.It was an Awesome hike except Kelly Knob I hate that mtn. Climbed out of the Gap in about 20 degrees very cold but clear. Not that bad going over Trey. Awesome views all day. Didn't see another sole (that tells you something). Didn't even take time to go into either shelter to sign the register was to busy moving to keep warm also wanted to get to Dicks Creek so I had time to hitch. Got a ride pretty quickly from a guy going to Top of GA Hostel. After going there which is only down the road a bit Sir Packs A lot offered to run me back to Unicoi Gap. He was very hospitable and even offered me some Hot Chocolate. I highly recommend staying there as he has done a lot to the place. It would make a great stay.Subman Ga-Me 2015
Date: 2015-01-08
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Waiting patiently to get back out there. The next section I plan on doing is Dicks Creek Gap to Winding Stair Gap bout 40 miles. Of course weather is the main factor. After we return from South Carolina Suds will drop me off on Sunday that is if the weather is accept able. I started off at Amicalola with a 27lb Pack which included 1Qt of water and about 4 days food. I Use a Atmos 50 Osprey Pack with the top lid removed. A western mountaineering 5 degree Bag. Thermo rest 3/4 length ultralight pad. I used an MSR canister stove with the titanium kettle and cup. Coffee strainer cause I Love fresh coffee every morning. Love Frogg Toggs been using them for years and also have a Thermal base layer. A ZPacks two person tent that weighs 1lb 9oz. Well that is a summary of my Gear.Itching to get back out there but not insane if the weather is horrific. Please sign my Guest Book if you visit my Journal love hearing the commentsSub 15
Date: 2015-01-11
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Plum Orchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

This is Suds. Today I dropped Subman off at Dick"s Creek Gap to continue his AT journey. Coming back from South Carolina left him with half a day to hike to Plum Orchard Shelter. Sub has decided to stay in the shelter knowing he will more than likely wake to rain or snow.He will enjoy fine dining as he was sure to pack out a foot long sub sandwich.His goal is 40 miles to winding stair gap to resupply in Franklin on Thursday.
Date: 2015-01-12
From: Plum Orchard Gap Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: moderate rain

This is Suds. Subman has just checked in from Standing Indian shelter. So far he has been fortunate enough to just miss the downpours that have been in the area. Sub is hoping to stay at the new shelter after Albert mountain on wed. night, if I'm following correctly. He is hoping to get a ride to Franklin wed afternoon and spend the night in Franklin after resupplying. Getting back on the trail Thursday. To make it to NOC for the Southern Ruck and me!
Date: 2015-01-14
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Hello Subman here in Franklin at Ron Havens Budget Inn. Considered coming in last night but glad I stopped short at Rock Gap. My body was rebelling. Was thinking it would snow but only light flurries this morning. Thanks so much for the encouraging words written in my Guest book love reading it. Ran into a southbound (going Wrong way, Poohbear) His name was Casterway.I was also the proud recipient of this awesome care package given to me by a local bartender while in town. It is sure to provide all of my needs!Well going to continue on to NOC tomorrow if I can yogi a ride up to the Gap Back to town chores.Subman Class of 15 NOBO
Date: 2015-01-15
From: Winding Stair Gap

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

This is Suds for Subman. Subs day started off grand with a lift from Trail Angels, Ashley and his wife who happened to be in Franklin and offered him a ride out of town to Winding Stair gap. Thank You so much, your actions are very appreciated! Sub hiked a little further than he thought he would today. He was trying to get to a lower elevation and perhaps better temps. He made it to Cold Spring shelter where he checked in. Before he said goodnight it had started to Snow. He hopes to make it to NOC where the Southern Ruck is kicking off. Stay warm Sub!
Date: 2015-01-16
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.5

This is Suds for Subman. Sub started off a little cold this morning at Cold Spring Shelter, but after his coffee and taking off hiking, he warmed up. Sent an awesome picture of Tellico Gap a beautiful clear morning (check out the photo gallery). Almost wanted to be out there until I remembered the temp. Sub made it into NOC and has started enjoying the Southern Ruck. Nothing better then meeting up with old friends and making new ones. I will join him tomorrow for a much anticipated reunion!
Date: 2015-01-17
From: NOC

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Subman here resting up and enjoying the Hiker gathering at NOC. My buddy Hot Dog couldn't make it so he gave me my first Trail Magic, his cabin reservation, how totally cool. Suds is on her way up so I will be taking a few days off to spend with her. Then I will do NOC TO Fontana. Then take a real good look at the weather before entering the Smokies. I want to mention 76 Outdoors in Franklin. They offered me a ride up to the Gap but I accepted an earlier one from Ashley who had signed my guest book. Cory and his partner were very interested in my hike and provided great service. They even gave me 10% off everything I bought. Great shop. Ron Haven Budget Inn was also a good stay.Meeting some really cool people who have signed my guest book. Another Submariner was awesome also a guy encountered deep snow in the Smokies sending a warning about early starts. I'm very cautious about checking weather ahead before moving north another section. One thing I must say is I'm feeling great. Very strong. I kept saying I'm a Lean Mean Hiking Sub Machine. Maybe not that Lean yet but slowly getting there. Thanks so much for your interest. Subman Class of 15
Date: 2015-01-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

OK this is the plan: Very early Wednesday morning drive up the NOC, leave my truck there and hike to Fontana road crossing hopefully in two days. Then hitch back to NOC Possibly stay there at base camp that night. Drive back to Fontana Friday morning and leave my truck there. Does anyone know a safe place to leave my truck near the road crossing for a week? Then hike into the park and hopefully take 3 days getting to Newfound Gap. Hitch into Gatlinburg to resupply. Then move on from there up to Hot Springs where Suds will come up and join me for a couple days. Doesn't look to be too bad weather wise in the Smokies except cold.Anyone want to join me? Can use some company out there.Sub 15
Date: 2015-01-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

This is Suds, today was the last day with Subman before he takes off for NOC tomorrow morning. We spent most of the day splitting and stacking wood. I believe there is enough for the rest of a very cold winter. I wonder if this means he is going to be gone a while??Hope he stays as warm as I will be. By the way Jimmy the Greek I'm going with you and your odds that Sub will make it.Sub here. People signing my guest book are really rooting me on, I thank you all for the encouraging words.The weather update today for the Smokies is declining especially for Friday night and Saturday with snow predicted. I will check with Park Officials on Friday before entering just in case it gets worse. I Would really like to get through now because the chances of a good weather window decline ever further as we go deeper into winter. I have added extra food just in case I need to hunker down or can't get into Gatlinburg if newfound gap road closes. I also bought a charger battery pack to recharge my phone. Of course all this makes for a heavier Pack. Also taking yak tracks after my buddy Nuclear recommended them. Nuclear also will help me out with a ride back to NOC to get my truck Thursday afternoon. Thanks Brother and fellow Submariner.All for nowSub 15
Date: 2015-01-21
From: NOC

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

This is suds. Today was a great day for up! Sub indulged in a Hardees breakfast to climb the 8 miles to Cheoah Bald. At the end of his 16 miles Jacobs Ladder was a challenge with not very many footholds for the elevation made it rough. Im sure being at the end of the day didnt help. The last time Sub climbed Jacobs Ladder he was hiking with Grambo, memories of good times. Tonight around 5pm it was in the low 40s at Brown Fork Shelter. So it may be a decent night. Tomorrow Subman is yogiing a ride from Nuclear in the afternoon. He will take him back to his truck at NOC. Thank you Nuclear for being there!I just checked the Brown Fork Shelter temps 17° last night! A bit Chilly. Sub said he didnt think it was that low maybe upper 20's.