morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-20
From: Deep Gap

To: Carter Gap
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: clear sky

Started out on a snow covered trail up to Standing Indian Shelter.As the day went on it warmed up nicely. When we arrived at Carter Gap the new shelter was full so we stayed at the old shelter. Marko, Wool E Mammoth, Alf, Hell on Bad Wheels and I got a fire going and had a great night trail talking. We had a few visitors to warm up and talk with us.
Date: 2008-03-22
From: Rock Gap 

To: Winding Stairs Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

Short day today , going in to Franklin to clean up and resupply. Great weather, started out about 8:30.On the way in I came upon trail magic in a stream just after Standing Indian camp ground,juice packs, took one and went on. Thanks Trail Angles. took about 1.5 hrs to the gap.I am at The Saphire Innon the computer 2:17 pm
Date: 2008-03-23
From: Winding Stairs Gap

To: Burningtown Gap
Miles today: 14.6

Started out at about 8:30 on a cool clear day. It was a good climb to Siler Bald Shelter, there were still people there at 10:15 when I went in. Talked to Marko, Butters ,Blake and a few I do not remember. I ran in to Brushstrokes, Pappo and Wingfeet for the first time, great to meet them. The trail still climbed to Wayah Bald to the observation tower, great views. Just before the tower I ran in to Pips and her parents, great to meet them. She was going southbound. There is a new shelter just after the tower, a real nice shelter.I hiked to Burningtown Gap to find a trail angel in a tent with a wood stove, it was a great set up. thank you Angel. Also thanks to the trail angel on my way up who had coffee and donuts. She was a good source of information and nice to talk to. only 12.5 miles to NOC. all for now
Date: 2008-04-12
From: Hog Back Ridge Shelter

To: Spivey Gap US 19 W
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Started out with a little lightening and thunder and a shower when I left the shelter.Alf and I were going to leave the group to hike on, most were going to the next shelter. I got to the next shelter Bald mountain shelter and had lunch.We had just came across Big Bald. The view was 360 and unbelievable but the wind was blowing 35 to 40 mph. It was a little cold I snapped a few pictures and moved on. We got to the shelter for lunch, while we were there a few of the others came in Pippi and Hambuglar, Baker and 2 guys who hike very fast. We moved on to head to Spivey Gap, Baker was debaiting on coming along but stayed for a while. I arrived at US 19 first and was sitting on the steps waiting for Alf when a truck came up and stopped, then proceeded on out of sight. I thought they may be looking for the trail heads and went on , then they came back and pulled over and said how about some trail magic. I said sounds great, they had sodas and stickey buns.what a great way to finish the day. While they were there Alf and Baker Came, we enjoyed talking to the trail angles then went back to a campsite just before the road. Baker said Puppy was coming to stay with us, after a short time she arrived, I was glad she made it .We put up our tents and stayed for the night. 11 miles to Erwin tomorow.
Date: 2008-05-05
From: Home

To: home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hello to all, I am dieing to come back and hike. I am going to come back on Wed afternoon and hike north out of Pearisburg, Va. I am planning on being at trail days next week, hope to see a lot of familiar faces. Being home is ok but I just keep thinking about hiking. hope to see you out there
Date: 2008-05-26
From: Rockfish Gap Waynesboro

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Got up early and got ready to get Alf back on trail, took him to trail head and came back to town to get Marko. Got Marko back on trail and went to see if my Skyline Drive pass was still good. It was so I am going to drive up the drive and wait for the guys at road crossings. Sage, Sailboat and Chef are doing a southbound 20 mile slackpack today.I went back to town and on the way picked up Packanimal and gave him a ride to the YMCA. I went to Weasies for breakfast with Lady Cluck, Sampson, Woolie Mamoth and 2 others. It was a great meal and we all had plenty. I went back to the motel and checked out and headed for Skyline Drive to head home. I ran in to Marko, 85 and Creek Diver at McCormick Gap. I went to Saw Mill Overlook to wait for Marko and Alf to come by about 2 hours later they showed up and we had a few buds. Then came Sailboat, Sage and Chef we had a few buds and gator aid and they went south. Marko and Alf talked me in to staying another night,I stayed at Blackrock hut.I drove the drive and saw Marko again and told him I would stay and that I was going to Loft Mountain camp store to get 18 buds for the night. I got to the parking lot before the shelter and packed up my supplies and the goodies for the night. Just as i got readyto go it started to rain so I had a little shower on ther way to the shelter.When I got to the shelter Augie or Midnight was there, I met Augie at rei in February when he did a presentation on hiking the AT. Augie is the Ridgerunner this year in the park. I came in to the shelter and called to Augie and he looked at me like I was crazy, who is this nut calling my name, then I told him where we met. We waited for Marko and Alf to arrive to have dinner. It was a great night and I am glad I stayed the extra night.
Date: 2008-05-27
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Well it is another one of those days when I have to go back home to work for a while. Augie or midnight and I left the shelter, Blackrock Hut, going south to my car at the parking lot. I am going to Loft Mountain Store to see if I can see Alf and drop off Midnight. When we got there Mountain Sailor and his son were there, they stayed with us last night. Alf was already gone by, so I missed him. I drove the parkway to see if I could find any more hikers, I came across a group at Elkwallow Wayside, Top Hat, Mouth and a few others. Top Hat said that his group was doing a 40 mile slackpack and going to stay with Grasshopper at his house. good luck on the slack pack. till next time.
Date: 2008-06-15
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Happy Fathers Day to all. I sit here looking at trail journals and I am saddened by the news of more of my hiking friends leaving the trail. Respect, Applacator, Halftime and Beavis. Dark horse and Teargas have not been seen or signed in the registers as of Harpers Ferry. I hope they are ok. I know the weater has been very hot lately and this might have something to do with it. I am planning on coming back around the 23 of June to start heading North at the PA- NJ line. Will try to stay out about 2 weeks this time. hope all is well and can not wait to return. I will try to get 200 miles in and 3 states? I also saw today that Leaping Turtle and Pops are hiking around V8 and Auntie Mame I have not seen or heard from them since I last saw them at the Fontana Dam shelter. Glad to hear they are still at it. By the way they were seen in Waynesboro VA.
Date: 2008-08-17
From: Grafton Notch Maine 26

To: East B Hill Road Pine Ellis Hostel
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: scattered clouds

I am sorry to report that today on the way down Baldpate Mountain Wing it fell and dislocated her shoulder. Fire and I carried her gear to East B Hill Road where we flagged down a truck that took her and Fire in to the hospital. I am waiting on an update as I am typing this entry. all for now
Date: 2008-03-01
To: KATAHDIN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

FEBRUARY 29, 2008 - Arrived at 5:07 pm at Amicalola Falls Lodge on top of Springer Mountain. It is cold and rainy tonight. Center was closed when I arrived so I will register tomorrow at 8 a.m. and start my trek to Katahdin. My pack is just too heavy so I am still repacking; hard decisions on what to take and what not to take. Figured my supply schedule so this 1st leg I will need enough food for 5 days. My dream has been since 1978 when I hiked a portion of the trail to be a thru hiker on my 60th birthday - this is the year. I feel I have prepared well. I have worked out regularly 5 days a week at the gym including swimming. My outdoor skills are good. I am smart enough to be apprenhensive of the hazards of hiking by myself.
Date: 2008-03-01
From: KATAHDIN

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

March 1, 2008 (Saturday)This is the day I have prepared for. Ate of good breakfast at the Lodge. Drove down the mountain to the Visitors Center and registered as a through hiker on the AT. My back pack weighed in at 45 pounds. Several hikers are registering and leaving today. The beginning of the trail has a stone arch over it with stone path for 10 feet then you are on the trail up, up the mountain ¢ straight up the mountain ¢ left at 9:05 a.m. This was the hardest thing I have ever done. It took me 8 hours to go 8.5 miles to the 1st shelter (a lean two). No time on this trail to stop and eat. Did drink all my water early on.   When I reached this 1st shelter, there were 2 young guys there. I was too tired to eat; I ate a few bites of pepperoni and got into my sleeping bag. It was cold, probably in the 20¢s.   I started shaking, head ache and tortures leg cramps ¢ I am dehydrated. Another man, Bear Man, arrived at the shelter; he went down to the stream and got me some water which helped so much. Bear Man was hiking with his 2 sons; but had gotten separated from them. His sons had the food so I gave him so of my food. Did not sleep much.
Date: 2008-03-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 2.8

March 2, 2008 (Sunday)Every inch of body aches. It is 8 a.m. What a feeling to stand on top of Springer Mountain ¢ I can appreciate it today. I went to the stream and got a supply of water and started on my hike to the next shelter ¢ Stover Creek. The terrain is rough with two fast moving streams (knee deep) to cross. I am definitely in the middle of the wilderness. There are no markings, no footprints ¢ I must use the map. The rocks are moss covered and there are tunnels of plants to go through ¢ very dark. I sat down on a log to rest, and I rolled straight back and was looking at the sky ¢ my back pack is so heavy, it just rolled me backwards ¢ I laid there laughing. There are bear warnings everywhere. I saw a beautiful eagle today. It took me 5 hours to go 2.8 miles today. It is 1 p.m., and I am stopping to eat something warm and rest my weary body. I am mentally strong; but my body needs some adjustments. It is cold tonight; I put all my clothes to sleep. I very much appreciate my equipment; so glad my stove works well.
Date: 2008-03-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 3.0

March 3, 2008 (Monday)It was brutal to get up this morning as I left at 7 a.m. ¢ I have been challenged!! I am trying to hike to Hawk Mountain Shelter today as it has been getting darker and winds are gusting. The weather is changing quickly. To have rain, sleet and then snow tonight so I need to get to the shelter to be protected. Still going up mountains ¢ climbed 3 mountains today - going about 12 miles per hour. Water is a problem. Last spring was dry ¢ must conserve water today. I am soaking up the scenery ¢ I wish I could get some paints in my hand
Date: 2008-03-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

March 4Traveled 6 12 hours to Gooch Gap on Tuesday. Went through 50-mile gusts of wind, fog and gushing water coming down the mountain from the blinding, sideway rain. Several places in the trail had water 6 to 8 inches deep. It rained 10 hours today. Met ¢Mule¢ on the trail, a young man from my hometown of Chillicothe ¢ how ironic. I had stopped for a break, took my backpack off and rain water from the hood in my rain suit went down my back. I had my rain hat on, not using the hood. I sat and laughed at myself. I slid on a wet ledge and sprained my left hand and left ankle. Must keep moving. Arrived at Gooch Gap soaked through and through. Everything got wet in the back pack except for the extra set of clothes and towel which were tripled wrapped. Dried off with the towel (so good to have) and changed into dry clothes, hung wet clothes on tree. Settled into my sleeping bag with 4 small heat packs to get me warm. Thank you Cherie for insisting I get these 4 heat packs.
Date: 2008-03-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 12.0

Got up this morning, clothes on tree frozen ¢ broke them loose and put them on. I want to keep my one set of clothes dry so I repacked them carefully. My shoes were frozen ¢ had to beat them on the ground to be able to put them on. My water in my water bottle was frozen so it is below 32. Another fellow reached the shelter last night late. He had dumped his food at his last stop because of the weight of the back pack so I shared 2 Mac & Cheese w/him. My food supply is getting low. Left Gooch Gap at 8:00 this morning. I plan to hike 12 miles to the next shelter with taking a break at Woods Hole. I am feeling stronger today. If I can get through yesterday in the sleet and rain and slipping and sliding, I know I can get to Katahdin Mountain. I still have a great attitude. The colors here are unbelievable.As I made it up Cedar Mountain, I heard bears growling. I kept moving. At the top of the mountain was a wonderful view, first picture taking moment. I made it to Woods Hole Shelter. I am so cold from wearing wet clothes and boots all day. About 12 mile off the trail is a hostel that I am staying at this evening with a bunk bed. I can dry out my clothes and boots. My feet are swollen and white from hiking in wet socks and boots. A hiker name ¢G¢ also came to the hostel; he slipped and fell on a ledge today. He went to the hospital and has cracked ribs; he cannot carry his back pack for 4 to 6 weeks ¢ he will be leaving in the morning to return home to Madison WI. Besides me, there are 4 other hikers at this hostel. Looking forward to a safe and sound sleep tonight. Tomorrow is to be sunny, planning to start out at 7:30 to hike nearly 8 miles to Neels Gap where I will get some food supplies. I learned that power bars are the best on the trail. You do not have to stop and fix anything ¢ just pull them out of your pocket. I am going to get stash of them tomorrow. There is a rain storm predicted for Thursday night and all day Friday. This is not a WALK IN THE WOODS.
Date: 2008-03-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 8.0

March 6Enjoyed last night at the hostel. Ate some pizza got sick. Did laundry¢ feels good to have clean, dry clothes. Boots dried out ¢ Yea!! It felt weird to sleep in a bed. Still thinking about yesterday, the view from Cedar Mountain was phenomenal with tremendous colors ¢ could see Springer Mountain. Hard to believe I scaled that mountain. The swelling in my hand has gone down; I still cannot move my index finger. I have repacked by backpack for the 50th time, taking some things out and shipping them home. The backpack is taking a toll on my back. I keep quoting: Bones will heal. Pain is temporary. Chicks dig scares. Glory lasts forever. This keeps me motivated! G is still here waiting for transportation home; he is in terrible pain with his ribs. Lil Mac and Mr. Clean made it to the hostel this morning. Mr. Clean has hurt his back due to the weight of his pack and has decided to go home. Lil Mac has not decided yet whether to track on or go home with Mr. Clean. I feel I am getting stronger by the day. I have a cadence I do as I march up the mountains: 1 mile, no sweat; 2 miles, what the heck; 3 miles, I can do it; 4 miles, nothing to it; I can go all the way, driving on every day.   We had a nice pancake breakfast to start the day. I started my trek at 10:00 am; I am not sure if I can get to the next shelter before the rains come. It is 1 p.m., I have been hiking for 3 hours and am half way to the top of Blood Mountain. I slid about 3-4 feet down the side of a cliff and tore off my toe nail; trying not to think about it as I sent my 1st aid kit home this morning. I could hear something in front of me; I thought I may be catching up with a hiker¢¦.then I saw bear tracks ¢ 8 inches wide ¢ big feet! So I slowed down a little as I did not want a bear as a hiking partner. I am sitting on a log, it is beautiful, enlightening and very spiritual. I am really getting to know myself. I plan to make it Neels Gap to settle in for the heavy rains due tomorrow. I have hiked 8 miles to Woods Hole Shelter, it is 6 pm. The weather is quickly getting worse with cold blowing winds and fog. It is another 4 miles to Neels Gap, not going to make it tonight. There is a stream here so I can plenty of water to drink. I plan to arise early tomorrow and, weather permitting, hike the 4 miles to Neels Gap. The night at the hostel really helped me, feeling good.
Date: 2008-03-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 8.0

March 7, 2008Had a bear outside my tent last night. I stayed still, he went on. I had hung my food up so the bear did not get it. Then I felt something in the bottom of my sleeping bag ¢ a mouse. Got him out -did not sleep well. Hiked about 8 miles today to get to Neels Gap. The weather changed quickly today ¢ very cold and stayed foggy all day. The winds howled through the mountains. I look back at my stay at the hostel at Woods Gap, Josh and Lee who run this hostel were so good and helpful. They explained how to strap my pack down which has made today really better on my back. Thanks Josh & Lee! My sprained ankle and bruised thigh will welcome the night at Neels Gap. I know not to eat too much for dinner.
Date: 2008-03-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

March 8, 2008Had a good night¢s sleep at Neels Gap. The hot shower and standing by the heater has really helped my ankle and thigh. I am taking a 0 day, staying here at Neels Gap today. There are snow squalls and visability is nil. All hikers are taking today as a 0 day because of the weather. I had to buy a down jacket at the store; with the wind chill, temps around 0 degrees. When I went to the store this morning, Wenton (owner of store) asked for my trail name. I told him ¢Brush Strokes¢; he said he had been following me on my web site ¢myxolydian.com¢. He had seen some of my paintings there. Today he commissioned a painting from my Trail Series that I will paint when I return home to Wilmington NC. He also offered to sell prints from my series at his store. I am considering donating a % from my sales from the Trail Series to help maintain the trail. I am working at this hostel to pay for my cabin today. So far I have installed a door in the main lodge. I plan to leave early in the morning, I am ready to hit the trail again. And I am ready to paint!
Date: 2008-03-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I like to write poety in addition to painting. The following I wrote on the night after I climbed Springer Mountain:Springer MountainYou, majestic earth, proud and tall, called me to enter your space. You are bold, and you do not take kindly to the hikers that scale you. We intrude on the face of your beauty I stand on your top, but I did not conquer you. You battled me -rock and mud and ledges and cliffs. You are old for wisdom, this your grandeur. I bow to you great mountain. You have weathered the storms, the years of time; and I, like you, have weathered the storms. I seek your wisdom, Great Mountain, for many men have not experienced you in the way that I have. Although I did battle with you today, I respect you; And through the eyes of the artist, I saw your magic, your trees bending in the wind, your power of silence, your toughness of scaling you today. Today, Great Springer Mountain, I felt the pain of you and saw your colors; yes, grays and blacks and hues of greens and turquoise. I saw you in all your splendor. I felt you speak to me, and my soul spoke back to you. And men would say, you are just a mountain; but I say your spirit flows through your trees and the silence of your night. Your spirit, free and wondering, like me. I am glad I came to you.March 1 2008
Date: 2008-03-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 8.0

March 9, 2008I have re-supplied my food. Have a nice warm vest and jacket and started out on my day¢s journey. I hiked 8 miles today. I am 1 mile past Whitley Gap Shelter. It was a great hike today. I am so glad I bought gaiters at the last stop; it has made a big difference keeping rocks of my shoes. The view is phenomenal. The scenery is breathtaking; I took several pictures from the top of this mountain. I have earned the right of passage to see this beauty. I feel infinite, humbled. I am camping out tonight for the 1st time. There is bear dung all round, so I will put my food up in the tree. It took me 1 minute to put up my tent and 30 minutes to put the tarp over it. Around and around I went, it would have been a hoot to watch me. I am going to cook some noodles tonight and snuggle down ¢ it is still very cold.
Date: 2008-03-12
From: Springer Mountain

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

March 12, 2008 Last night was the first night I have slept all night; I feel so much better. Frank and Laura run this hostel with help from Crutch (from Colorado) who had to come off the trail for an extended time because his foot was badly hurt. Frank and Laura care for the hikers¢ injuries and discuss what is ahead on the trail. Laura is a talented artist; I certainly enjoyed talking with her. Laura went onto my website, myxolydian.com and she liked my Colorado series and my Flower Pot series. I helped cleaned the bunk house today. I am glad I took a 0 day; my ankle and toe are doing so much better. I am feeling good, hopping around like a 50 year old kid!Glowworm and Mule came in today. Mule (30 years old) is from my hometown, Chillicothe Ohio ¢ this is such a small world. Mule and I talked this evening about Chillicothe, what fun!! Bayou, Windjammer and Bear Paw are still here. We are all planning to leave tomorrow morning and are apprehensive about the next 2 days as the terrain is very rough. The Rangers are advising to be careful of the bear in Deep Gap as one tore a pack off a hiker this week.I appreciate all that the fellows at the Great Outdoor Provision Company did for me in preparing me with advice and the proper equipment They are the reason I have gotten this far.   Thanks guys!The trail is so clean ¢ no litter anywhere. I feel I know how the Indians and pioneers felt as they passed over these mountains; it is a spiritual experience.
Date: 2008-03-13
From: Springer Mountain

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

March 13, 2008 I have hiked 11.5 miles in 4.5 hours today. I had to make camp at Sassafras Gap (elevation 3,320 ft) because I was losing daylight, and I was so very tired. As I look out over the mountains, I see colors of burnt sienna, black and blue grays. This is another incredible view.It gets dark quick here in the wilderness. I made sure all my food was in the bag in the tree; I certainly don¢t want any bears sniffing me tonight. I am right on the Georgia / North Carolina state lines. I am doing really good; no blisters yet ¢ YEA!One hiker has given me so much knowledge about the trail. His name is Glow Worm; I call him ¢My Yoda of the Trail¢. He was a through hiker in 2005. The information he has given me is like gold to me. Thank you, Yoda!!My day tomorrow will be 7.2 miles to Deep Gap ¢ all uphill to an elevation of over 4,000 ft. The weather for Friday afternoon and all day Saturday is rain, thunderstorms and snow squalls. I must get to Deep Gap Shelter to stay dry. We cannot build fires because of the burning ban due to the drought; so I will need the 3 walls to keep me out of the elements and ¢warm¢.