morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-05-09
From: NOC

To: Sassafrass Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: few clouds

Bandit and I rose and packed up our packs. We headed off to the restaurant for a luscious breakfast and to stop at the small convenience store for snacks and the Outfitters store for our mail drop. And who should we run into but Grandma Pam on her way to the restaurant, so we shared breakfast. Over breakfast we'd discovered that we could have shared a room with Grandma Pam and save a bunch of $$ if only we'd known she was there. Rats! After shopping and getting my box, we headed back to the Hostel to finish packing. We then carried our packs back down to the river area and Grandma Pam watched our gear while we went to get more food and fuel. When we got back to the river, George (from Neel's Gap who'd take us back to the Hiker Hostel to get my meds) was there and then MyTime showed up!! He noted Caver and Long Trail were also coming in. The five fire fighters had headed off to Sassafrass Gap Shelter at 9:00 a.m. Bandit and I FINALLY pulled out of NOC around noon. Wow, what a late start.It was already hot and we had lots of water. We went really, really slow stopping often due to the heat. We had a 3000' climb up to do over the 6 miles to Sassafrass Gap Shelter. We managed to make the climb in 6 hours with 4.5 liters of water. We arrived at Sassafrass to find the fire fighters there. We setup our tent in the shelter (a first that I'd prefer NOT to repeat) and discovered that was a nice means of sleeping w/o bugs but it was very hot and hard! Two new college boys arrived and also stayed in the shelter. They had gone all the way from Wayah Bald to Sassafrass in ONE day!!! Crazy Kids!! That meant that they did that huge downhill into NOC AND the huge uphill climbing out of NOC. Wow! One was from Indiana and the other from Florida. They didn't have a stove so they heated their water on the wonderful fire that the fire fighters had started.The fire fighters were an awesome bunch, most entertaining was their bear bag hangs as they spent a lot of time figuring out how to do their hang as high as possible. It was almost a contest to see how high they could swing it and then they had to swing EVERYONE's bags. Hilarious group of guys.It was off to bed early after a very exhausting day.
Date: 2011-05-10
From: Sassafrass Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Rose around 7 a.m, breakfast, and packed and on the trail early. It was going to be in the 80s today with sunny skies. We were to climb something called "Jacob's Ladder". This couldn't be good. I leap frogged the fire fighters all the way to Stecoach Gap, where we all collapsed onto the grass to have lunch. The two college boys also arrived at the same time. We all figured out who was short on water and who had plenty. Water was shared and Bandit and I headed off for "Jacob's Ladder" first.Wow!!! What a climb!!! You literally had to charge uphill to the next tree/bend in the trail and then stop there on a sort of small patch of level surface trying to breath and get your heart to stop pumping. Then you'd aim for the next tree and charge again at it. It really was like climbing a ladder. Super steep!!! Some guys guessed it was a 55 degree angle. Bandit was confused at first but quickly figured out how to do the climb with me as a team. Sweet! We arrived first at the shelter and quickly surveyed the tent sites. Not good, all slanted. I felt the need to not take the best site because the fire fighters had to sleep on poor sites the night before while I slept level in the shelter (their choice). I dropped my pack and headed for more water. Everyone behind me was going to be short of water and thirsty and we'd bummed water from them at Stecoach Gap. Our turn to give everyone else water.After filling our water containers, I resurveyed the tent sites as everyone else pulled in. The fire fighters found a good spot way off to the side by themselves so the college boys and I made ourselves at home by the shelter. I offered to cook their dinner on my stove which wound up being spaghetti and sauce. Ouch! Full 10 minutes at a full boil but it worked!!! After dinner I hung my own bear bag and tipped over in my tent.
Date: 2011-05-12
From: Cherokee, NC

To: Cherokee, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Cherokee, NC - Zero Day. Wow! Woke up early. So great to be in real sheets, in a real bed. Showered and fetched breakfast from the lobby back into the room. Shared breakfast with Bandit and then passed out for a nap until noon. That afternoon Bandit and I went for a ride to the edge of the GSMNP and tossed around thoughts of driving up to New Found Gap... nah, too far with so little time. So we stopped at a park on the river that runs through Cherokee, NC and I let Bandit out to go swimming. There was a young Cherokee woman there with her three small children. She was teaching them words in Cherokee. She said Bandit was a gihli. She pointed at the geese and their babies and the water. She told me the Cherokee language is being lost and the elders have changed the schools so that all youngsters must learn the language but her generation had to learn it too to teach the little ones. There are only 65 elders left who knew the language. How interesting. We all threw the stick for Bandit in the water. Then we went back to the hotel and stared making plans for the second half of our trip. Subway was lunch and Pizza Hut was dinner. So not good food for us ;-)
Date: 2011-05-13
From: Chestnut Branch Trail

To: I-40 Underpass/Davenport Gap
Miles today: 3.6

It was time to move ourselves up to Erwin in anticipation of Fat Grandma's arrival, but first there was a small matter that had to be attended to. At the end of my 2009 hike, I was unable to make it all the way out to the I-40 underpass just past Davenport Gap due to blister issues. I'd taken the side trail Chestnut Branch Trail back to the Ranger Station instead. I now needed to return to that divergent point and finish hiking out to the I-40 underpass. Sadly, dogs aren't allowed in the GSMNP so I made arrangements for Bandit and hiked the section alone.... Below is my journal entry.We drove from Cherokee up to the I-40 underpass where Shawn and I had started our 2010 AT trip. I kenneled Bandit at the Standing Bear Farm. The Farm gave me a ride up to Davenport Gap. I hiked from the Gap up to where the Chestnut Branch Trail joined the AT and then hiked back to check out the Davenport Gap Shelter. It was really a nice shelter, but no privy, no cables, and a bear chain linked fence across in front of it. So I didn't stay there to eat the other half of my subway sandwich from yesterday. Weird hiking without Bandit. Walked to the Gap and ate there while I watched traffic roll by. Then I hiked out to the I-40 underpass. There was a beautiful stream to negotiate on that final leg. There is where it began to rain. Rats! :-)I then walked back to Standing Bear to retrieve Bandit and my car. Bandit was out in the kennel just howling at being locked up and left behind. Poor baby. So I let him out and we headed for Erwin, TN.Only place in Erwin to stay in comfort with a dog was the Super 8. But they'd told me on the phone, NO HIKING DOGS. So on the way into town, we stopped in a Baptist parking lot, changed out of my hiking attire, combed out my hair and headed to the Super 8 in street clothes. At the front desk there was no problem getting a room with a well behaved dog fresh off the Interstate!!! Perceptions are everything!!! :-)We settled into our room and cleaned up the car. Dinner was left over Pizza Hut pizza and Wendy's frosty.
Date: 2011-05-14
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Beauty Spot Gap
Miles today: 3.4

Bandit and I packed up our motel room in anticipation of hiking soon and went and sat in the Holiday Inn Express parking lot to wait for the Fredrickson's and Brianna. They were running really late so we went for a drive. When they arrived, they checked in and moved all their gear into the hotel room and began organizing. We were planning to make it to Cherry Gap Shelter for the night and Shawn had noted to pack for 5-6 nights out on the trail. I noted rain was in the forecast. :-(Shawn and Brianna packed a lot of food and had really heavy packs. Brianna was without a rain cover for her pack so we went to Uncle Johnny's to get one. He didn't have any. We then headed in two cars to Indian Grave Gap. Pictures were in order and much excitement ensued as we headed off down the trail at what turned out to be, not a very fast pace.The canopy didn't exist here due to recent lumbering and so we walked in open hot sun. Soon the rain clouds came and the thunder and lightening rolled by on the mountain next to us. Everyone stopped for rain gear. Climbing Beauty Spot, lightening hit the ground very near by and then the hail came down. I did my best to cover a scared Bandit, while Shawn tossed our poles away from our group and got us all under some tree cover. A hiker named Grasshopper was just up the trail and introduced himself after the hail quit.We continued on up the Bald and walked out into the open as it continued to lightening. We all agreed to call for a ride back to the hotel. What a soaking wet mess. Bandit slept in the car after Jan/Al came to get us. Shawn, Brianna, and I shared a room full of wet hiking gear. Not many miles and now four full days in a hotel room. Pricey!!! :-( Dinner was at the local Mexican Restaurant which is fabulous!!!
Date: 2011-05-17
From: Erwin, TN

To: Erwin, Tn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Zero Day!!! Weather reports for today show only cold and steady rain. Wow! We didn't need this!!! We weren't the only hikers that decided a zero day was a safe idea. Many hikers were getting off the trail for the day to stay somewhere safe and warm. All five of us along with Bandit took a ride to Hot Springs to shop and have a nice lunch. We then headed to a liquor store in Johnson City, TN and returned to the hotel. Dinner was at Wendy's. Then, we all sat around at the hotel drinking too much and having a really good time!
Date: 2011-05-19
To: Raising the White Flag
Miles today: 0.0

This morning Fat Grandma decided he and I should probably just go home too. It was too risky with his back problems to set out on a five day trek into the middle of nowhere and possibly need a rescue to get him out. So with heavy hearts we packed and headed both cars northbound. Back in Louisville, KY, we turned in my rental car at the airport and picked up my Trailblazer at the Chevy dealer. We spent the night at a hotel in Indiana and arrived home Friday afternoon.In summary, it was an awesome Section(s) hike this year!!! So many beautiful miles covered, so many memories made. But I did hurt for Shawn!!! He done so much planning only to hike so few miles, expensive miles. I was thrilled with hiking with Bandit and immediately began planning to hike again with him next year, taking off exactly where we'd left off at Hwy 19E. Fingers and toes were crossed that Shawn would still want to join us again next year.
Date: 2011-02-28
To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Im starting a walk to Maine tomorrow. It feels weird to type that. I really can't believe I am leaving tomorrow, but I can't wait to finally get things under way and knock out some miles. I'm starting in 12 hours and still can't decide on what to pack or leave home. Im sure a couple days of carrying all of my gear will give me a pretty good idea of what is "essential." I haven't packed too many luxuries (1 book, 1 ipod nano, 1 pen and small notepad, 1 phone).   Other than that I do not know what I could possibly get rid of, but I feel like my pack is too heavy at 38lbs (with 3 days food and 2 liters water).
Date: 2011-03-02
From: Gooch Gap

To: neels gap
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it to Neels in 2 days, so I can take it a little easier today. Got some good sleep last night. The first night I was sleeping between the 3 loudest snorers I have ever heard. My connection here is not very strong so I will update in Helen, GA in 2 days.
Date: 2011-03-04
From: neels gap

To: Helen
Miles today: 21.0

Just hitched into Helen to resupply and decided to split a hotel room with Frank who I met last night at Low Gap. Seems like the best plan since there is supposed to be a storm and I need to operate on my feet. Besides a couple blisters and a sore ankle I am feeling great. I am surprised at how well I have been handling the mileage. Hasn't been easy by any means, but my body is definately beginning to adapt. I'm thinking I will be doing some 20 mile days within the next 3 weeks.Today was my first day hiking through the rain. It was not bad until I got to the road and had to stop to hitch. Standing still in cold rain was pretty miserable. I was with Sherpa, who I have been running into about everyday, and within 30 min we got a ride.   Hopefully I will be in North Carolina by Monday evening.
Date: 2011-03-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Had a good time in Helen with Frank from Boston, woke up with a hangover and throbbing feet. Took me about 1.5 hrs to hitchhike out of Helen (Thanks for the ride M. Wilson.) After a couple miles hiking I turned around. I had been having some pain in my ankle along with a lot of blistering that seemed to be getting progressively worse as I hiked, so I decided to get of the trail and see a doctor before it turned into anything serious. Doctor said the ankle pain was from overuse and the blistering likely caused by ill fitting shoes. I also think the gore tex lining in my shoes (Salomon XA Comp) was keeping my feet too warm/damp so I have switched to some more breathable shoes (Asics Gel Kahana). I also picked up some injinji toe socks, I am hoping these will prevent the blistering I am getting on my toes. I plan on getting back to the trail on Thursday or Friday. I am going to hike back in from Unicoi Gap, which means I have to recover 6+miles I have already hiked, but I do not want to skip to the next road. I have met a lot of great people so far, and if you are reading this good luck!
Date: 2011-03-14
From: Helen

To: Franklin
Miles today: 57.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got back on the trail on Fri around noon. Luckily Gerald was nice enough to drop me off at Tray Mountain so I only had to re hike a couple miles. Stayed at Deep Gap shelter Friday night, the mice were unbelievable, kamikaze mice. One took my bookmark out of my book. They made sqeaky noises throughout the night so I did not sleep well. As a result I slept in my tent the next 2 nights.   I did 16 miles sat and 16 Sunday and destroyed my feet again. The 13 miles I did today were pretty painful but I am sitting comfortably in hotel room with a large pizza so I feel better. Also, I bought some asics gel kahana trailrunners last week. After 4 days the sole is delaminating. I do not plan on buying asics again. May take a zero tom if Hopalong will be in town.
Date: 2011-03-17
From: Franklin

To: NOC
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: clear sky

Did 16 miles yesterday and 11.5 today, ended at the NOC. First thing I did was walk straight into the restaurant and order a burger. Although today was a short day, it was probably the hardest. All down hill and very eroded.....alll roots and rocks. My feet are still destroyed but Brownie who I met tonight has hiked thru to NJ and told me my feet would be strong by the time I hit VA. My new Patagonia shoes are workingg much better than my asics were. Thanks to Rob at Outdoor 76 in Franklin. He gave me a lesson on feet and fitting shoes. Camped last night on the ridge of a mountain, so got to see the sun set behind the mountains and rise from behind the eastern mountains. Planned on passing through the NOC, but decided to bunk here do to foot pain. Besides my feet I am starting to feel like a much stronger hiker. Looks like the tournament is kicking off, I'm pissed that I hae to miss it, but want to sayh GO VOLS!
Date: 2011-04-04
To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

This is my first journal entry. I'm basically just trying to see how this site works. It was kind of a last minute decision to set up a journal, but since I didn't really have a way of keeping people back in the "real world" updated, I figured this would be better than blowing up my Facebook with atrocious amounts of notes. I am currently sitting in a hotel room in Jacksonville, FL. We are about to finish up my last playground job, after which I will have a couple of days at home to pack and clean my room for the sake of my parent's sanity. Hopefully, this will be a place where those who are interested in my journey will be able to keep tabs on me from week to week. As my departure date grows closer, I am becoming more and more excited. Of course, there are also some other mixed feelings about missing my family and friends, and what 6 months in the woods will do to me, but It's mostly just excitement. For those who don't know, I will be hiking with an old high school friend, Dylan... just Dylan. We haven't really spent a lot of time together since high school, but have decided to embark on this trip together. We will begin our hike at Springer Mountain on Monday, April 11. My next post will likely be from the trail...
Date: 2011-04-09
To: Packed...
Miles today: 0.0

I finished packing my backpack today as well as my "bump box". Rather than mailing it ahead to myself every couple of weeks like a lot of hikers do, I will just get my parents to ship it to me when the weather warms up (in about 6 weeks) so that I can switch to warm weather gear, and then again when it cools off up north (probably August-ish). I have decided that it is not worth the money spent on shipping to have access to my extra gear every two weeks or so. My bump box is just a 14"x14" cardboard box with a few extra food supplies, an extra pair of socks and shoes, a warm weather sleeping bag, a hammock, and a few other random necessities. Dylan and I will be sharing a 2 man tent until the weather gets warmer. With 3 quarts of water and a 5 day food supply, my pack weighs in right at 39 lbs. It's a little more than I'm used to, but that was expected given the length of my trip. I'm packing a few commodities that I usually leave at home for the weekend backpacking adventures. Tonight, I will say my goodbyes to my church friends. Tomorrow night, I will spend some time with my brother and sister-in-law before leaving Monday morning. Kyle and Joe are driving us to Amicalola Falls State Park, where they will hike the approach trail with us and maybe spend a night out on the trail before returning home. Even though my bag is packed and my room is clean(ish), it doesn't really feel like I'm about to set off for 6 months. I get the feeling that reality won't set in until I've been on the trail a couple of weeks, at which point I will probably freak out a little. Regardless, I'm greatly anticipating the adventures ahead as well as how God may see fit to change me through them. I plan on being the same person (more or less) when I return, but I suspect (and hope) that the next 6 months will have a lasting impact on my life. Until the next available internet source...
Date: 2011-04-11
From: Amicalola Falls State Park

To: Black Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Kyle, Joe, and Dylan came to pick me up at 7:45 this morning. We had a pleasant 4 hour drive to Amicalola Falls State Park. We ate lunch and the car, registered our hike with the visitors center, and started the approach trail. It was a very strenuous hike that began with 600 steps strait up the waterfall. I actually asked myself today if I was really ready for 6 months of this... After the initial climb, it was still difficult, but much more enjoyable. Toward the end of our day we passed an older couple hiking with their son and daughter in law. We got to our shelter (1.5 miles short of Springer Mountain's summit) and set up camp. After filling up our water at the stream, we found the son and daughter in law of the group that we had passed earlier in the day. He told us that his mother was having difficulty walking due to a bad knee, and asked if we would be wiling to help carry her to the shelter. Unable to say no, we hiked back down the trail about 1/4 mile and helped him carry his mother to the shelter. They were all very sweet and she gave us all hugs and was very gratefull. It was a great way to start our trip. We are exhausted, but excited.
Date: 2011-04-12
From: Black Gap Shelter

To: Hawk Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Before we set off this morning Double 7 and his wife gave us much of their extra food, as their trip was going to be shorter than they had planned. So we set off with some extra snacks and a Chili-Mac Mountain House meal. Kyle and Joe hiked to Springer's summit with us, took some pictures, and headed back toward the park. On the way down the other side of Springer we passed the rescue team that was sent to carry our new freind (Double 7's wife) out to the road. We had a good day of hiking and met some other thru-hikers. The shelter is small, but Dylan and I are the only ones sleeping in it. I guess everyone else wanted to use their new gear, so they set up tents. The cookies are almost gone, but they've been a big hit (thanks to Mom and Devin). I'm feeling the beginings of a sinus infection, but I'm hoping it will go away on its own. All in all, a good day.
Date: 2011-04-13
From: Hawk Mtn. Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

My legs hurt today... We had originally planned on 12 miles, but we both agreed that we needed extra rest for now. After what seemed like a long day, we got to our shelter early. There was only one person here when we arived, but the shelter is now crowded with 7, as well as some tent campers. Thanks to Kyle, Katy Perry's new song has been stuck in our heads for the last 3 days...I'm sure he would find that hillarious, but it has actually been really annoying. I almost opened a letter from home today, but I decided 25 miles into our journey was too soon, so I'm saving them for later. For now, I'm just hoping that our bodies will adjust more quickly because today was rough.
Date: 2011-04-14
From: Gooch Mtn Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a grueling hike to the top of Blood Mountain, but it was well worth the view. It was by far the most beautiful lookout we have seen yet. We had planned to stop at an earlier shelter, but at the suggestion of a bed and a hot shower, we pushed into Neels Gap to stay at the hostel there. It was full of tired, friendly hikers and we made lots of new friends. A hiker from last year sent them a check and asked them to feed us dinner, so out first experience with "trail magic" was in the form of spaghetti, salad, and ice cream. We restocked fromt the small pantry they have, and are feeling much better just from a hot shower and warm meal.
Date: 2011-04-15
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

It was overcast and misty this morning, but we decided to hit the trail anyway just to keep making progress. Today was the first day that I really felt like my body is getting used to hiking. We are begining to push up inclines that we would have taken several breaks on the first day, so that is encouraging. The shelter was full when we arrived, so we set up the tent for the first time. There must be at least 20 people here, and the shelter only sleeps 7, so it looks like a campground with all of the tents going up. It started raining around 6, so we are holed up in the tent trying to stay dry. Looks like it's going to be an early night.
Date: 2011-04-16
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cheese Factory Site
Miles today: 13.0

We had only planned to hike 7 miles today, but our shelter was atop a freezing, windy peak, and after a hot lunch, we had enough energy to press on to a warmer camping spot. At the shelter we met Trek, who is starting his 9th thru-hike (crazy!). We also met Snorkle, a girl who is already a triple-crown hiker and is attempting an unsupported speed record for the A.T. I think that my body is winning the fight with my sinus infection, but I'll stock up on emergen-C when we go into town on Monday.