morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-11
From: Fontana Dam

To: Standing Bear
Miles today: 73.0
Weather: clear sky

Made it thru the Smokies! Weather generally good although we did a nero ( near zero) after it poured buckets of freezing rain. Stayed in the shelter trying to keep warm and listening to an audio book. The Smokies are as beautiful as I remember and lots of clear views to take photos which will follow. Funk and I are having a great time and I am in heaven. My neck, arm and wrist are all OK and I am counting on making it to Katadin! We did about 55 mile above 4000 ft and 38 miles above 5000 ft. Rounding into shape. At Standing Bear I am eating a pizza and drinking a Yuengling so life cannot get much better! We did see a wild Hog and a deer that seemed to adopt our shelter and a wild turkey who hung out at another shelter. We did hitch into Gatlinberg from Newfound Gap but got back on the trail the next day after we picked up a canister of fuel plus some whiskey! Another great day on the AT.Finally editing this post since I have access to a computer. First night out in the Smokies we made it 13.7 mile up a huge climb to Russell Field Shelter. Very hot and humid day. Next was 14.9 to Silar Bald. The next morning was cloudy with rain in the air and we made it 1.9 miles to Double Spring gap Shelter when it poured buckets. A park ranger was there and got on the radio and the forcast was dismal so we just slept, told stories and passed the day. Fuel and food was in short supply so we just did the 11 miles to Newfound gap and hitched into Gatlinberg as described above. The next day we got a ride out fairly early and made it 15.6 miles to Tricorner Knob Shelter. Another beautiful day. We made it 18.4 miles out to Standing Bear the next day leaving the Smokies behind! I am beginning to feel more and more part of the trail and it a part of me. Just wish my feet we not so painful!Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-04-12
From: Standing Bear

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Very hot and sunny day. Some difficult climbs out of Standing Bear farm. Flowers are out and the leaves are beginning to peek out of their buds. Missed the trail and walked a mile or two out of the way until I found my way back Funk thought I gave up! Feet still plagued with hot spots and blisters. I broke in 3 pair of boots all with at least 2-300 miles of use so I am puzzled why the constant pain. I am loving the trail and all the joy it brings me to remain part of this linear community. Another great day on the AT!! Photos to follow when we get the van back which has the laptop.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-04-13
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: broken clouds

Made it to Hot Springs one of my favorite places on the trail. I found an advertisiment at the foofmart when we left the Subaru there for a log cabin with a hot tub so we reserved it for 2 nights. After a great dinner at the "Rock Bottom" we hit the tub with another thru hiker. My feet were killing be on all the steep downhills into the valley. Hoping to get refitted at the outfitter tomorrow. Slack pack planned to Allen gap tomorrow. Another beautiful sunny day on the AT   Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-04-14
From: Allen Gap

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: few clouds

A south bound Slack. We caught a ride to Allen gap but did not start until 11 but made it back fairly quickly since we had light packs. Another beautiful sunny day! A big suprize at the outfitter. All my boots were 10 1/2 which has been my size for the last few years. I measured out at a 12!!! No wonder my feet were killing me. Got a new pair of boots and they felt perfect on the 14 miles back into Hot Springs. We had a great dinner at the Iron Horse Station restaurant and a hot tub then to bed. Another great day on the AT. Still cherishing this amazing experience of solitude and self exploration.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-04-15
From: Hot Springs NC

To: San Clemente CA
Miles today: 0.0

Had a hot tub in the AM and dropped Funk off at the Rock Bottom cafe/hotel where he will hang out until I get back on Saturday. Drive to Asheville airport and flew out to LAX. Board meeting tomorrow and then the redeye back to Asheville tomorrow night. We will get the cars organized on Saturday and hit the trail Sunday. Erwin is the next town. Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-04-18
From: Allen Gap

To: Devil Fork gap
Miles today: 20.5

Our first 20 plus mile day! We also hit the 300 mile mark. We slacked today and tomorrow go back to full packs heading toward Nolichucky River in Erwin TN. Funk has been a great companion and my feet are healing. Got over my jet lag as I returned to Asheville yesterday and we shuttled the cars around and stayed in Hot Springs last nightSpirit Walker
Date: 2010-04-19
From: Devil Fork gap

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

A sunny but windy and cool day especially on Big Bald at 5600 feet. We did numerous climbs totaling over 4000 feet! I was exhausted as we arrived at the shelter. The views from Big Bald were fantastic and worth the climb. Another great day on the AT. Feet are recovering and the expected aches and pains are manageable. Funk has been a great companion and we are having the time of our lives!Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-04-20
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: broken clouds

It was supposed to rain today but we made the first 10 miles dry. The remainder of the hike was only mildly wet as it sprinkled on and off. We had great views and made much better time as there were more downhills than uphills. We plan to slack the next 2 days. Tomorrow 20.2 miles from Iron Mtn Gap back to Erwin. Finally from Iron Mtn Gap to Carver Gap. Then we will drive to Asheville to spend the night before flying to Bradley on Friday for my weekend on call. I am enjoying this unique experience but I do miss my friends and colleagues at the Office, Davita and CHH. I especially miss the turbocharged case managers at CHH who make my life so interesting! I look forward to seeing everyone soon. I have commitments for Friday and Saturday nights so I hope the hospital is quiet.There is an interesting aspect about the AT that I have been pondering. Everyday all you really know is your starting point, the rest is a bit of a mystery. There is much anticipation as to what the day will bring in terms of the weather, terrain, companionship with other hikers, and how your body will respond. The anticipation is contained a bit by the unpredictable forces of nature, the difficulty of the tread-way, and the reality that anything can happen that will derail your journey. I try to focus on the positives and think about how fortunate I am to have the opportunity to attempt the thru-hike and enjoy another great day on the AT!Spirit walker
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Iron Mtn Gap TN

To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: light rain

Today we started late as we were sore and tired. The weather was miserable, cold, windy, foggy and rain to start at 4000 feet + elevation. We hiked south with daypacks. The going initially was slow with wet rocks, roots and slimy log steps. It gives meaning to the cliche " It hurts so good" You cannot hike the trail without moments of pain, boredom, misery and doubt. Today started that way but we loosened up and our stiffness and weather improved and the last 4 miles we actually had a little sun. During the day I recalled a conversation with my friend Brian Malone. He said he heard I was leaving for a long hike and asked when I would return. I said 6 months since the AT is nearly 2200 miles long. There was this long pause and he said " You are a lunatic!" I thought about his comment and it gave me pause to reconsider since Brian is widely known to have a major league deficiency in Ritalin, so if he thought an AT hike was crazy maybe he was on to something! Eventually I stuck to my plan!Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-04-22
From: Erwin TN

To: Carvers Gap
Miles today: 14.2

Slack packed from Iron Mtn Gap to Carvers Gap. Made it over Roan at 6200 feet. Dropped a car off at Damascus and returned to Erwin after midnight to get ready for our early flight out of Asheville to Hartford for weekend call. All is well on the AT. Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-04-26
From: Carvers Gap

To: Stan Murray Shelter
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: light rain

Arrived in Asheville at 11:30 AM and by the time we got to Carvers Gap it was 4:30. We finally got started at 5:30. The 3 Balds were covered in fog and we crossed them in a driving rain with an intense wind at our backs. We made it to the shelter soaked and frozen. Very cold night in the shelter as I was actually cold in my 15 degree bag with a Gortex overbag covering over the down bag. The next day when we looked back we could see the Balds at carvers covered in snow!Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-04-27
From: Stan Murray Shelter

To: Mountaineer Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: light rain

Long hike in all four seasons! We had snow, hail, sunshine at times and mostly driving rain. By the time I got to the Shelter I was so tired I had to sit for 10 minutes just to get to process of unpacking started. Went to bed early and was the first one out at 0700. Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-04-28
From: Mountaineer Shelter

To: Kinkora Shelter
Miles today: 17.8

Made it to Kinkora Hostel in a day full of sun and trees bursting new leaves. Bob Peoples who runs Kinkora is an incredible man and friend of the AT for many years. He drove us into Hampton for dinner and a little shopping. Our mail drop arrived and we were all supplied for the next leg of the hike. Another great day on the AT.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-05-02
From: VA 601 Beech Mtn Rd

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Slacked south back to Damascus. Beautiful day but rain scheduled next few days. Met up with a lot of fellow hikers we have met along the way and everyone was having a great time. Another great day on the AT. When time permits I will add lots of observations. Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-05-03
From: Rt 601

To: Elk Garden
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: light rain

We slacked from 601 to Elk Garden. We were told not to leave our car at Elk Garden so we dropped the Subaru at Atkins and drove back to Demascus where we will get a shuttle to Elk garden tomorrow.Having a great time taking it day to day. I am trying to enjoy each day for its unique quality. no thoughts of tomorrow but to enjoy each step as I go. I am certain that on my return after the hike my life will be entirely different. I have worked hard to live in the moment but after the trip each moment will be a treasure. I thank all that have supported me and I am living the dream!!!Another great day on the AT.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-05-04
From: Elk Garden

To: Old Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

We got a late start because the people scheduled for the shuttle from MRO did not show and we waited an extra hour for them. We found High Tower at Elk Garden. We had left him there the night before as he moved on. He took the wrong fork and walked about 4 miles to a farm house and found out he was off the trail and walked back to Elk Garden and camped. We did see the wild ponies at Grayson Highlands State park. Beautiful day to hike and the Shelter had this large grass meadow where about 10 tents were set up and was a perfect setting as the late afternoon sun kept the area warm and bright as we all sipped on whiskey and cognac and enjoyed the majestic beauty of the setting. We are all living the dream. Another great day on the AT.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-05-05
From: Old Orchard Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: clear sky

A very eventful day. Our goal was to tent somewhere after Trimpi Shelter and meet my friend Lou ( 50/50)at Partnerdhip the next AM for 2 days of hiking. Funk went ahead of me and we were to meet at Trimpi to get water and find a camp site a few miles after. I got to the sign for Trimpi ( I had been there before and incorrectly remembered that it was right on the trail) Eddie a German Thru-Hiker came off the trail from the Trimpi sign and said he could not find the Shelter so I moved on find the Shelter. After 2 miles I found out that the trail to Trimpi was very long and Eddie did not go far enough. So Funk was at Trimpi waiting for me!!!! I met a couple we had seen a few days before at Atkins when we dropped the car off and had done a little Trail Magic for them. They were heading to Trimpi so they gave Funk the message that I was going the whole way to Partnership ( another 10 mile from Trimpi ) I got to Partnership very late and tired. I did manage to call for Pizza at the nearby information booth and ordered a Pizza and offered a $10 tip if the driver would pick up a 12 pack of beer which she did! When Funk arrived we all had Pizza and beer and all was well after all!!! Another magical day on the ATSpirit Walker
Date: 2010-05-06
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Atkins
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

50/50 arrived in the AM. We were very sore and tired and decided to do an easy hike to Atkins to the Relax Inn where the car was. We made it fairly late as we were very slow and sore and each mile was an effort. We did the car transfer which was even more complicate as 50/50 had his car at Partnership and we had the other car back at Demascus. We finally made all the changes and had a late dinner in Abingdon at a nice Inn. High Tower came along for the rides and we had a nice evening. Another great day on the AT!Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-05-07
From: Atkins

To: VA 42
Miles today: 11.8

Another short day as we were not fully recovered from the Partnership long day. We left 50/50 at the trailhead. It was sad to see him leave as we had a great 2 days together. We tented near the parking area and had severe rain in the AM but it passed over by the time we broke camp. Another great day on the AT.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-05-11
From: Wapiti Shelter

To: Pearisburg VA
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: moderate rain

Finally made it to Pearisburg! We are over the 600 mile mark now. Stayed at a local dive hotel and had dinner with a bunch of hikers. 1 Margarita and I had a headache the next morning! Another great day on the AT. Aaron's birthday today. Called and left a message.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-05-12
From: Pearisburg VA

To: VA 635 Stony creek
Miles today: 21.7

We had both cars so I drove north and found the trail head and Funk started from town and hiked North. We passed each other anong the way. Long hike and we started late and did not get off the trail until 9:30 PM! We met up and drove to Roanoke for our flight the next day to Hartford. Another great day on the ATSpirit Walker
Date: 2010-05-17
From: VA 635 Stony creek

To: Bailey gap Shelter
Miles today: 1.5
Weather: light rain

Arrived after midnight from Hartford flight and slept in as it was raining hard. We made our way to Daleville and got the gear all ready and food and visited the outfitter.By the time we got back to Stony Creek it was 8:30 PM. We hiked the 1.5 to the shelter with our headlamps in a misty rain. Not much of a mileage day but nevertheless another day on the AT.Spirit Walker.
Date: 2010-05-18
From: Bailey gap Shelter

To: Trailhead to Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We camped at the trailhead because it was more the a half mile down to the shelter and we did not want to add the extra pain to our sore legs and feet Rained off and on but otherwise pleasant. Still some climbs but they are not as challenging as NC and GA. Another great day on the ATSpirit Walker
Date: 2010-05-19
From: Trailhead to Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: North of Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: broken clouds

Misty light rain at times but not too bad. Tomorrow we hit the 700 mile mark. Looking forward to the HOJO's at Daleville where we can do laundry and start slack-packing a bit along the Blue Ridge parkway.Funk has a stomach virus and we have slowed down a bit.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-05-20
From: North of Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Pig Farm campsite
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

What a day. We saw Dragon's Tooth a spectacular collection of rocks which we climbed for a beautiful view and then to McFee Knob an unbelievable spot of rocks and views. Beautiful day but the stomach virus has started take its toll on both of us. Hit the 700 mile mark today!Spirit walker
Date: 2010-05-23
From: Daleville HOJO's

To: Harvey's Knob Overlook Blur Ridge Parkway
Miles today: 16.2

Slack today with a little shorter plan to make sure we were OK. All went well and the big miles will start tomorrow. Another great day on the AT. My mind is always working and as I become more acclimated to the AT the following came to me.A surreptitious melodic murmuring glides just beneath the silence of the forest. It is heard only by those habituated to the beauty of nature and in receipt of the gift of wilderness enchantment.The secrets of the wise men, accustomed to deciphering the the wisdom passed on through the ages, are revealed in these hymns of nature's choir. We just need to sit and be still and allow the forest to permeate our being.We will receive a benediction which will last a lifetime.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-06-28
From: RT 325 PA Clark Valley

To: Wind Gap PA
Miles today: 113.0
Weather: broken clouds

We camped in the rain at the trail head after midnight in the rain. We managed the 5 days of 113 miles in intense heat and a little rain. Water was difficult to find at times. We stayed at the Outerbridge Shelter with Stretcher the last night before ending at Wind Gap to head back home for the wedding. I fell behind Funk and Stretcher as I climbed out of Lehigh Gap. I lost the blazes on the way up the very large and fully sun exposed hot rocks in nearly 100 degree heat. I made it to the top but could not find the trail so I bushwhacked all the was down to the road and started up again. This time I found the trail as the rocks had moved down the mountain and the blazes were missing. Some southbound hikers told me what to do so I managed to get to the top. The next section was fully sun exposed ans by the time I got to Small Gap a distance of only 6.5 miles I was exhausted and it was nearly 3:00 PM! I was out of water and planned to hitch hike to get water but amazingly trail angel's left about 10 1 gallon jugs of water at the Gap. I drank a full gallon of water and after about an hour of resting I was feeling better but now it was impossible for me to catch up with Funk at wind Gap !5.7 miles away. I text-ed Funk to call and when he had service he called. He came back to get me at about 9 PM but now for the first time I was behind him and would have to leave early Sunday after the wedding to do the miles and Funk would arrive Sunday evening to pick me up. We then drove home for the wedding. We arrived late after 1 AM.Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-07-05
From: Wind Gap PA

To: Glenwood NJ
Miles today: 76.6

After I did the 15.7 mile slack on the 4th from Small Gap to Wind gap Funk picked me up and we switched the cars out the next morning and slacked to Delaware Water gap in intense heat and humidity. The rocks were the worst ever for PA and I was glad to put PA behind us. We now had walked through 7 states with 7 to go! Next we had to get 1 car to Glenwood NJ. Due to traffic and road work it was more than a 4 hour journey to get back to the Gap. We left the Gap at 1 PM in 100 degree heat and crossed over the concrete bridge in what must have been over 110 degrees with the sun baking the concrete. Next came a big rocky climb out of the Gap. Water was very scarce and we were carrying over 3 liters which added to our burden. Once at the top of the climb we met a New Zealander by the trail name of Spotted Kiwi. When I first saw him I was shocked. He was an elderly very frail man with the right side of his face black and blue. He had fallen the prior day on the rocks out of Wind Gap. He took off his shirt to reveal a mid-line chest scar from cardiac surgery! I asked him about it and yes indeed he had had bypass surgery and had a leaky valve that would eventually need replacement! I asked if he was on Aspirin and he said yes and also the blood thinner Warfarin. I could not believe it. All these months on the trail without testing to see if the blood was dangerously thin. Despite his frail appearance he had given himself 110 days to do the trail. At 65 years old after cardiac surgery he planned to hike the AT averaging 20 miles a day and he was on track with that schedule. Funk and I were totally blown away by this guy. We kept bumping into him over the next 3-4 days. He left camp around 5 AM every day and did not stop until he did his 20 plus miles.The trail in NJ was a lot like PA for the first 40 miles then gave way to sections that actually had dirt! The heat and humidity were oppressive but we put in the miles but it took a lot longer. We made it to Glenwood around 7:30 PM and had to drive back to the Delaware Water Gap and the back to Glenwood to leave a car and headed home once again because I had to work the weekend. We arrived home at 2:15 AM Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-07-17
From: Bear Mtn Inn

To: Steath Site just north Rt 301 NY
Miles today: 19.5

Arrived on the red eye from LAX 5:30 AM and made my way to Bear Mtn Inn. Had breakfast along the way and had to reorganize my pack. The car smelled terrible as I left wet and smelly clothes from the 14th in the car. I had washed a few things at the Holiday Inn and left them out to dry so I had some clean things to wear. It was hot and humid 90+ out. People were streaming in to the Park before 8 to set up picnic sites along the pond at Bear Mtn. The AT goes through the Park and I was conspicuously different with my pack and hiking poles compared to the folks out for a picnic. The AT also goes through the Zoo. When I arrived at the gate the Zoo was closed as it opened at 10 AM. I waited in the blazing sun and drank a liter of water. I thought about detouring around to get to the Bear Mtn bridge but figured I would get there about the same time if I waited until the Zoo opened so I chose to save my energy. At about 6 miles in there is a Deli next to the AT on Rt 9 where I got more Gatorade and met up with King Krawler who I first met in Va and had bumped into him several times since. We hiked the rest of the day together and it was nice having company. Since Funk had gone ahead when I went to CA I was carrying a tent, water filter and stove which he usually carries so my pack was heavier especially since I had to carry more water due to the heat and limited water sources. We got in late around 8:15, put up our tents and hitthe sleeping bag before 9. We were lucky to find a flat ledge as the terrain was very rocky and there were bushes everywhere. The next day as we hiked there wasn't a site for miles so we were very fortunate. I called Funk he arrived at he NY/CT line the same day and was going to rest as he planned the "CT Challange" He planned to hike the entire 51.8 mile on CT on the AT in less than 24 hours! Spirit Walker
Date: 2010-07-18
From: Steath Site just north Rt 301 NY

To: Morgan Stewart shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We got an early start and made it to the Shelter at 4:15. That was the earliest I had stopped since we started. The rocks gave way to a nice tread-way which was so much easier on the feet. I enjoyed King Krawlers company and the day seemed to fly by. It was really nice to get to the shelter and lounge around and relax for a change. SimBA was at the shelter. He had been off the trail for a few weeks due to a stress fracture in his lower leg and was starting up again at a bit lower pace.I more day ahead and we wound soon be in CT!Spirit Walker