morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-07-27
From: Seth Warner Shelter

To: Bennington VT
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

The weather stayed dry overnight and the morning looked nice when I started down the trail. The terrain between camp and town was pretty simple with a few minor pitches before finally descending steeply down to the highway. I made it down behind Chef who had presumably already caught a ride in and Pony and I were able to squeeze into a truck with a couple other hikers who had hitched from a couple locals headed down to town. They were nice enough to drop us in the motel lot where we met up with Chef and got checked in. Since the girls would be a while longer hiking in, we opted to cross the street over to Pizza Hut and do terrible things to their lunch buffet. We lounged around the motel room and did laundry while watching cable and sipping on beers acquired from the grocery store. Though we had full intentions of dipping out to Bennington and checking out the local watering holes, the motivation never materialized and before we knew it, afternoon had turned to evening. The girls had hitched into town with a local lady who took them to the brewery and they had drinks there before eventually finding their way to the motel. Pony and I mustered enough energy to cross the street again for snacks at the local ice cream shop which was hopping with locals. It had rained hard early this afternoon while we hid inside but it was now a pleasant evening and it looked like the whole town was out there. I finished my ice cream and headed back to the motel for a little more bad cable and a soft bed to sleep in. We will hike out when we are good and ready tomorrow and up into the wilds of Vermont.
Date: 2017-02-25
To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I have been following hikers on Trail Journals for three years in an effort to learn from the experiences recorded here (and to enjoy the journeys vicariously). I even met the couple that maintains Trail Journals at the 2016 Gathering. (We should all consider providing whatever support we can for this great service.) Even though I have known for almost four years that I would attempt a thru-hike in 2018, I decided to wait until the one-year mark before I depart to join this community. I launched my website today. I signed up at Facebook for 2018 AT The-hikers and I started my Trail Journal here. I look froward to meeting fellow members of the AT Class of 2018. Please follow along and encourage me to complete this dream and commitment that has simmered for 40 years.RTK
Date: 2017-02-26
From: Springer

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

When I was finally able to arrange my work life to be able to plan an attempt at a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, I was so excited at the time, I started a website to capture my motivation and planning. The website was named "Returning to Katahdin." (See About page for more details.) When I planned to hike the Overland Track in Tasmania that same year I joined a Tasmania hiking forum so I could ask some questions about my planned trek. To participate in the forum you had to login with a "trail name" - so I named myself "RTK" - for Returning To Katahdin. So, for now, I'm "RTK," but I'm open to the Trail providing a new trail name.
Date: 2017-02-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I gave considerable thought to whether my attempt to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail should be northbound, southbound or a flipflop. There are certainly pros and cons to the different options. My final decision was to go NOBO. My primary reason for being a GAMER is that heading north has become such a tradition (and I have followed so many the-hikers here and on blogs and YouTube on NOBO hikes) I wanted to experience the Trail in the same way. I wanted to hit Mountain Crossings and the NOC early. I want move from the Great Smokies to Virginia and arrive in Damascus after 4 or 5 weeks on the Trail. I want to work my way up the east coast and have a spectacular finish in the Whites and into Maine. In short, after thinking through all of the alternatives and all the pros and cons, I wanted to experience the trail in the same manner as I have experienced it vicariously for the last three years. While I am concerned about the large numbers on the AT early. I hope a February start will get me out ahead of the bubble. So, northbound, Georgia to Maine it is. I can hardly wait, but now its less than a year.
Date: 2017-03-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Last week I announced my decision to attempt a thru-hike in 2018, beginning on February 25.   As many know, it is wider thought that it takes about 5,000,000 steps to walk the length of the AT. Last week, with 52 weeks to go, I also committed to walk 5,000,000 steps before I departed on Feb. 25, 2018. To accomplish that, one must walk approx. 13,700 steps per day or approximately 95,000 steps per week. After one week (Saturday to Friday), I had walked 84,039 - a little less than the average I need. (Yet, I did get in over 17,000 steps already today so I'm staying fairly close to the number I need.)
Date: 2017-03-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Pretty good week. Although I had a great morning of walking from home to work (26,000 steps and just over 12 miles), I'm about a half of a day behind pace to walk 5,000,000 steps before my departure in February 2018. I did a blog post about attempting the 5,000,000 steps - https://returningtokatahdin.com. I'm heading out now before the snow comes so I can catch-up with my steps! Also enjoying some YouTube videos of early hikers already reaching the NOC and Fontana Dam. Its really fun to live vicariously through the Class of 2017.RTK
Date: 2018-02-24
From: Amicalola Falls State Park - AT "Approach Trail" - 8.8 miles to summit of Springer Mountain and start of AT

To: Parking lot 1.0 north of summit on AT 
Miles today: 1.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Beautiful day - 55 - 70 degrees. Partly sunny/partly cloudy/partly overcast. After photos at the famous arch, hike begins with easy walk to base of highest falls east of Mississippi. Climb 600 steps. Falls were pretty with strong flow. From there the trail rolls over a number of short claims followed by pleasant ridge walking. The trail was mostly earthen with only modest amounts of rocks. Other than a long, fairly severe descent into Nimblewell Gap, the trail was not as "severe" as advertised. The trip to the summit concludes with a long, gentle climb up the contours of the mountain, finally finishing at the well known plaque and first white blaze signaling the start of the 2,200 mile Appalachian Trail. After some celebratory M&Ms (thank you Wendy) we took our first steps on the AT and descended gently although over a noticeably more rocky and challenging trail util we reached a parking lot where a shuttle took us back to our lodging for the night.  BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-02-25
From: Springer Mountain parking lot; mile 1.0

To: Hawk Mountain shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: broken clouds

Long shuttle from Barefoot Hills hotel to Springer Mountain parking lot where Cheryl and I finished day before. Poured rain at breakfast but very light when I said goodbye to Cheryl at lot. Great day of hiking. Generally easy to moderate on excellent treadway. Took blue blaze to see Long Creek Falls - well worth side trip. Light rain and 55 degrees. Never had to wear rain gear. Light rain at camp. Hiked alone mostly. Saw Boy Scout group and 3 thru-hikers about 20 at shelter overnight. Negative: shelter is close enough to road to hear occasional vehicle and noisy off-road vehicles. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-02-26
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter/ Mile 8.1

To: Rampart Mountain / Mile 19.7
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Rained hard most of night, but eased early. I packed up at 6:30 and was first out of camp. Tread-way continued to be excellent, although muddy and slippery in many places due to prior evening's rain. The day could be broken down in thirds. First, we had tough climbs into and out of Horse Gap and Cooper Gap. The middle third was pleasant rolling trail with a rest/lunch/water filtration stop at Justus Creek. The last third was sociable finished off by a brutal climb up to Rampart Mountain (followed by new friends enjoying sunset together). [Pack felt heavy second half of day.] [Checked in with Mighty Blue for podcast.](Friends: Pritchett, Haillie, Livvy, Scars, El, Vapor (blind), Boss, and section hikers including Josh, Laura & Goose.)BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-02-27
From: Rampart Mountain / Mile 19.7

To: Neel Gap / Mile 31.1 (overnight at Blood Mountain Cabins -Squirrel Cabin)
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

Clear cool night, dropped down to high 30's/low forties. I was very comfortable overnight with my 15 degree bag AND my liner. I was up, packed and on trail by 7 am. Beautiful morning - cool, breezy and clear skies. I enjoyed a pretty sunrise from the American perch where the impromptu group gathered for dinner and the sunset. I felt well and strong despite the prior day's extreme fatigue at end of the day. Ran into Michaela and Cuddle, two recent high school grads out for the same adventure.The morning otherwise was quiet as the trail led us gradually towards Blood Mountain. Lunch break at Lance Creek where I met and spoke with F & S (section hiking) and Andrew (31 year old ultra-runner who I feel confident will finish and finish long before me). The afternoon was as social as the morning was quiet with the trail rolling towards our first "iconic" stop. I hiked with Scars & El and Danny (Charleston) through the modest and fair climb up Blood and all the way down the mountain on the most challenging descent of the trip to date - very rocky, very steep, difficult stepping, wet, muddy which was particularly difficult at the end of the day.Finally arrived at Neel Gap, home of Mountain Crossings outfitter and hostel. We grabbed a cold soft drink, resupply boxes from home and walked .3 miles to Blood Mountain Cabins - where were spent the night with a roof over our heads but not before Josh & Laura (and Goose) drove Scars & El, Livvy, Haillie and me to town for a burger and a beer. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-02-28
From: Neel Gap / Mile 30.1

To: Hogpen Gap / Mile 38.0
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: scattered clouds

[This 7.9 miles was done by slackpack - shuttle to Hogpen Gap and hike southbound back to Neel Gap]Hard cold rain all day. Hike involved three material climbs and descents as I accompanied Rob and Pritch. Trail was running with water or completely swamped. Too messy to stop for lunch or views - so few photos from the day.Balance of day spent back at cabin with hiking friends and drying out gear/clothing and preparing for tomorrow. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-01
From: Hogpen Gap / Mile 38.0

To: Unicoi Gap / Mile 52.6
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: moderate rain

After shuttle to Hogpen Gap with Pritch and Rob, the day started out in light rain and mist over a fairly gentle terrain. (I almost immediately met a SOBO.) I hiked mostly alone. At Low Gap, the trail took on a sameness, where every 1/4 mile looked like the last for over three miles as the AT follows an old forest road. Right after Low Gap Shelter, I met Keelee filtering water - (she appeared to be struggling after a difficult night). Despite the sameness, the trail was in good condition with easy ascents and descents.After a couple of hours, the weather deteriorated with the wind, cold and rain increasing requiring rain jacket, rain kilt and eventually gloves. The rain made a few streams turn into vigorous waterfalls that often covered the trail. The broad, flat trail turned more irregular and rocky at Chattanooga Gap. I then climbed Blue Mountain being passed by a young thru-hiker and stopped at the Blue Mountain Shelter (where I spoke with Jim and son Cole). After a particularly difficult (thus, slow going) decent due to rocks, steepness and wet, I arrived at Unicoi Gap where Spirit Man invited me into his taxi and went to Hiawassee for night. BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-02
From: Unicoi Gap/Mile 52.6

To: Dicks Creek Gap/Mile 69.0
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: light snow

[After original 7 am shuttle to Unicoi Gap, RTK returned to gap with Uncle Buck and Not Sure - because RTK left phone behind and section hiker's wife drove RTK back to Hiawassee. Traveler and Joe Kool convinced/encouraged RTK to go back after it.]Windy, clear and below freezing when I started climb out of Unicoi Gap and up Rocky Mountain. Met Swagman, an April start thru-hiker on climb. After descending from Rocky Mountain, right up the long climb to summit of Tray Mountain, where I had lunch break and met Hungary Cat.After those two climbs, I enjoyed a quiet, solitary walk through gentle terrain, making good time on excellent paths. This continued through the "Swag of the Blue Ridge." (According to an Appalachian Trail Conservancy guide: "This area is called a "swag" or "low point" and is a long, broad ridge crest with only moderate elevation change, extending for more than three miles - among the remotest areas of the Georgia Trial.")To complete the long, almost 17 mile hike, I had to climb Kelly Knob, which was particularly challenging due to the more directly vertical trail paths (as opposed to more use of switchbacks) and it's time at the end of the day. No views on Kelly Knob. After descending somewhat the trail took me to the summit of Powell Mountain where I took a blue-blazed trail to a "vista" with beautiful view east illuminated by late afternoon light.A very long, gradual descent into Dicks Creek Gap followed the Powell Mountain summit. Swagman had caught up, so he took town shuttle with me.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-03
From: Dicks Creek Gap/Mile 69.0

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter/Mile 80.8
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Left Dicks Creek Gap with Traveler, Joe Kool and Dom after ride from Tom. Busy Saturday - ran into various day hikers, section hikers, and an ROTC/military group out for the day. Also met thru-hikers: Colorado, Professor, Slosh and others. After my big day the prior day, I felt a little slower as the first hour or so was a climb out of Dicks Creek Gap (as any hike out of a "gap" is always uphill). The weather could not have been better - sunny, little wind and 55 - 60 degrees. I hiked in shirt and shorts all day, working up a sweat during some of the climbs but generally perfect.Like most of Georgia, we had few clear views but the leafless trees allowed constant views of surrounding mountains. After the first hour or so, the pack rode more comfortably and the terrain was moderate. I took a 40 minute lunch break where I spoke with Slosh (who "recognized" RTK), Professor, two other younger thru-hikers and a young couple out for the weekend.Later in the day and after a gradual climb, we walked our final miles in Georgia. At Bly Gap, I filtered water and took a short break to prepare for the last 2.7 miles - reputed to be difficult. Professor, Slosh and two others (Peanut Butter & Jelly) were camping at Bly Gap.North Carolina could not have presented a more challenging first test - the 2.7 miles to the shelter consisted of three climbs, the first being the most severe. I was beat, but pressed on late in the day.The 3 Amigos, who I separated from due to my slower pace, greeted me. There were others at shelter, including a father & son, husband & wife, Colorado (with a friend & a dog) and Swagman showed up after dark. Dinner with Traveler at shelter, texting with Cheryl & Brooke.Very cold night. Did not sleep well because of soreness, some cramps and the cold.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-04
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter/Mile 80.8

To: Beech Gap/Mile 90.1
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: clear sky

I enjoyed breakfast around the shelter with same crowd as last night.I was a bit sluggish - probably from the immediate two prior tough days. Day 9 was really about climbing over Standing Indian Mountain, our first summit over 5,000 feet. Some of the trail was slow going due to long sections of rocks. Eventually made summit - known as "Grandstand of the Blue Ridge." From there the hike was all downhill to camping area where I met or reconnected with Professor, Fox, Storm Hiker, and couple out for weekend.I fell asleep trying to journal.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-05
From: Beech Gap/Mile 90.1

To: Long Branch Shelter/Mile 102.0
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I was again up early. The hiking was relatively easy, gradually climbing up Albert Mountain. Before tackling the final .3 mile, I had a call with Mighty Blue for podcast and a call with Brooke to finalize plans for visit. Extremely difficult final climb to summit of Albert Mountain and its fire tower. From there, I passed the 100 mile mark and had a long easy 2.5 mile hike to shelter. (I ran into Slow Joe atop Albert Mountain. He had a very bad fall while hiking earlier with Peanut Butter & Jelly.) I was reunited at the shelter with: Professor, Fox, Danny, Ground -- Hallie and Livvv showed up late.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-06
From: Long Branch Shelter/Mile 102.0

To: Wayah Gap/Mile 115.1
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I packed early when I heard a break in rain and headed out first around 7:45 a.m.Misty but no real rain at first - then cold rain (often heavy) on and off all morning.Ran into most from shelter crowd as they raced to Winding Stair Gap for 9:00 a.m. shuttle to Franklin. Also saw Peanut Butter & Jelly as they tried to get to town. I hiked in rain, which was relatively easy. I then started long climb up Silars Bald. After I had a fairly brief lunch break, Pritch, Rob and Matice passed me (they had been in Franklin previous night). By the time I reached Silars Bald, the rain stopped and sky started clearing. I joined 2 young guys and 2 married couples up a side trail to summit. The scene was beautiful as we all watch the clouds clear over 40 minutes.I hiked down from Silars Bald and was picked up by Steve (2010 thru-hiker). Stayed at Nantahala Mountain Lodge. Wife is Maggie. Great place. Great dinner.Resupply from Cheryl and baked goodies from Brooke arrived.I was very tired and fell asleep composing some e-mails.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-07
From: Wayah Gap/Mile 115.1

To: Tellico Gap/Mile 128.6
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Snow! 17 degrees and blowing snow when Steve took me to drop me off at Wayah Gap.Solitary day NOBO (only saw a group of spring break girls hiking south, who still looked chilled from their overnight in the cold).Beautiful but cold climb up Wayah Bald. Maintenance personnel working to repair 2016 fire damage, which destroyed observation tower.After Wayah Bald (which is not "bald"), trail was beautiful and smooth for long run. Finished up hike with climb over Rocky Bald and then down into Tellico Gap.Very cold/windy all day, but I was comfortable with balaclava, buff and gloves.Back to Nantahala Mountain Lodge. Good meal. Enjoyed Ashville brewery (Highland) beers. Lots of journal work. And planning with Brooke. And talking with Cheryl. And charging devices. Completed first blog post.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...
Date: 2018-03-08
From: Tellico Gap/Mile 128.6

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center/Mile 136.7
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: light snow

Very chilly start (20 degrees), but sunny. Snow flurries developed and became heavy at times. The first mile and a half was all uphill which allowed me to warm up. The sky threatened to clear but the snow showers prevailed. The ridges and surrounding mountains were obscured by the snowflakes seemingly suspended in air. I'd never seen such light fine flakes. They reminded me of the driest dandelion after the dead flower releases its seeds after a youthful blow.The day remained cold, but hiking with balaclava and gloves was pleasant. The descent into the Nantahala Outdoor Center was over 4 miles, but seemed like twice that. There were places, especially around and below "The Jumpoff" where the trail was both severely vertical and difficult to maneuver. It bordered on dangerous, even with caution.I finally arrived at the NOC in time to have a burger and a beer. I ran into Slow Joe picking up resupply packages. Also ran into an old attorney friend, Jess Austin, who is now a rafting guide at NOC. Checking into my room, I ran into Hallie, Livvy, Candyman and Fifty.Arriving before 2 pm gave me a chance to work on some trip planning and journaling.BHMHow to follow RTK:Blog:  http://www.rtkchallenge.com/bl...YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channe...Podcast:  http://returningtokatahdin.lib...Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rtk_...Please consider joining the "RTK AT Challenge":  https://fundraise.appalachiant...