morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-10-08
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter 

To: Trout Creek 
Miles today: 15.2

It rained all through the night and all day today. We all got up at 6 to get an early start. Ed and I were planning a 15 mile day and Petee told us we were going to cross a long stretch of sloped slab rock on the first ridge-line we would hike going north. The wet rock definitely slowed us down! This ridge-line is part of the Eastern Continental Divide and we crossed over to the Atlantic watershed side as we left the ridge.6 miles into the day we made it to a shelter and both Ed and I stopped to eat an early lunch as it provided shelter from the rain. I was a little chilled so I made some coffee to warm up. It was the first time I used my stove at lunchtime since starting the trail.  When we got to our camp area it was still raining lightly and it was nice to set up and get some hot food to help me warm up. Hopefully the rain will clear off by tomorrow!
Date: 2019-10-09
From: Trout Creek 

To: VA route 785
Miles today: 9.5

The rain stopped during the night but the morning was cool and foggy so nothing really dried out overnight. The trail highlight today was Dragons Tooth, a rock formation sticking up into the air on top of a mountain. The views from the top of the Tooth were spectacular!I met Matt today where the trail crosses VA route 785. Shower, resupply, dinner and a bed to sleep in - life is good!! With Matts help I have been able to keep my resupply¢s light, which is really helpful when you have to carry extra water.
Date: 2019-10-10
From: VA route 785

To: Lamberts Meadow Campsite 
Miles today: 14.8

Woke up this morning to the smell of real coffee! Had breakfast with Matt then he dropped me off at the trail on the way to work. It was a beautiful day for hiking, cool but not cold. Today I hiked over McAfee Knob and the Tinker Cliffs. Both had fantastic views into the surrounding mountains and valleys.Lamberts Meadow is a beautiful campsite with a picnic table, bear box, and most importantly, water!  I didn¢t get to camp till around 6:15, and the days are definitely getting shorter. By the time I finished dinner I needed my headlamp to clean up. I shared the site with Spider, a NOBO hiker completing a section of trail he missed to attend his graduation ceremony in Texas. His father is hiking with him on this final section.
Date: 2019-10-11
From: Lamberts Meadow Campsite 

To: Daleville, VA route 220
Miles today: 9.3

Had a good nights sleep and waited till it was getting light before getting up knowing I had a relatively short day ahead. Matt is once again picking me up and I plan to spend a zero with him on Saturday. I¢m so lucky!! When I get to Daleville today I will have less than 200 miles to go to complete the trail.Today was a another beautiful hiking day, and the views were just beautiful. I met more people hiking today than I have in a very long while. It¢s a great section of trail to day hike! I stopped at an overlook to take a break and was hearing geese. It took me a bit to spot them - they were flying over some fields and were so far below me the were hard to see them.
Date: 2019-10-13
From: Daleville, VA route 220

To: Wilson Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 11.2

Took a zero with Matt yesterday and we went kayaking down the James River with some of his friends from work. Had a great time and it was nice to rest my legs! Matt cooked a fabulous meal for us and took me into Salem to resupply.I was on trail at 9 this morning and I hiked to the Wilson Creek Shelter for the night. Met several SOBO hikers today, and I¢m staying at the shelter with Alex, a short section hiker. There is no water at the shelter and I carried water from the last creek crossing half a mile before getting to the shelter.
Date: 2019-10-14
From: Wilson Creek Shelter 

To: Camp north of Bearwallow Gap
Miles today: 11.1

Alex left early this morning but I waited till 7 (and a little daylight) before I got up. I found the stream a half mile north on the trail was still flowing a trickle so I cameled up and filled my water bottles. The trail follows the Blue Ridge Parkway and some of the crossings had water bottles- hiker trail magic!!Overall the trail was easy today with some nice views. I was planning to get water from the stream at Bearwallow Gap but was fortunate as there was a water catch left by Roub Massie. Thanks Roub!!! The stream was barely flowing and the water did not look very appealing so I was really grateful for the clean water.Tried wrapping a camp towel around my right foot to get a little more support on the arch. Not sure if it did anything, my heel was still sore by the end of the day.
Date: 2019-10-15
From: Camp north of Bearwallow Gap

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 9.7

The morning appeared brighter than most as there was no fog and I was up on a ridge. Today was another short day, and I got into camp around 3. I thought about going on to a camp area 3 miles north but the rain is supposed to start tonight and I¢d rather start out dry tomorrow morning. There was good water at the shelter. Thanks to the Red Cedar Rebel Boys for digging out some deep pools where you can collect clear water. This shelter is very large with a loft. So far I am the only one here.
Date: 2019-10-16
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter 

To: Thunder Hill Shelter 
Miles today: 10.2

Know one else showed up at the shelter last night so I spend the night alone. I was expecting the rain to start before midnight but the sky was bright most of the night and I didn¢t hear the rain till about 5 am.  I got up before 7, packed up and had breakfast. Around 8 the rain seemed to have slowed down so I headed out. Unfortunately the reprieve was only temporary.  By 11 the rain was steady and hard, the wind had picked up and the temperature felt like it had dropped (not unexpected as I had climbed to 3000¢). When I came to Cornelius Shelter I decided to stop as I was getting cold. Two SOBO hikers, Molasses and Rag-doll, were huddled in their sleeping bags waiting out the storm. I joined them, put some dry clothes on and made some coffee to warm up. I ended up staying at the shelter for 2 hours and we all left when the rain let up.The rest of the afternoon till about 3 was foggy, windy and cold. The clouds cleared off but the wind seemed to pick up and the temperature seemed to drop as I climbed another 1000¢ up. Fortunately for me, Matt had agreed to bring me another resupply at a point where the trail crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway. In addition to water and resupply, he also brought me a gigantic burrito from Chipotle! The cars thermometer read 45 degrees outside and it was great getting warm inside while I stuffed myself with burrito! I had left some of my warmer clothes in Connecticut and borrowed a pair of fleece pants and cap. I think it¢s going to be a cold night and the extra clothes will come in handy! Nice having my own AT concierge!!!
Date: 2019-10-17
From: Thunder Hill Shelter 

To: Route 501, James River footbridge 
Miles today: 14.8

I did not sleep well last night as the wind was howling all night, and the shelter kept getting hit with debris from the trees. Really glad I was in the shelter and not hanging from my hammock!! The shelter is aptly named as the wind sounded like distant thunder. I¢m not sure what the temperature dropped to last night but it was cold and I was glad I had the fleece pants and hat I had gotten from Matt.My original plan was for the resupply to take me to the next shelter and into Glasgow the next day but decided to do the extra miles and get to the hostel today. I crossed the James River around 5:30 and was picked up about 20 minutes later so that worked out great.
Date: 2019-10-18
From: Route 501, James River footbridge 

To: Reservoir Road 
Miles today: 15.1

Slack packed today and it definitely felt better on the feet and knee! It was 40 degrees this morning but the air was calm until I gained altitude so a nice morning hiking. The trail had some great overviews and at one point I could see the radio repeater on top of Apple Orchard Mountain, which I had past about 20 miles ago.Back to the Hostel tonight, slack pack again tomorrow.
Date: 2019-10-19
From: Salt Log Gap

To: Reservoir road
Miles today: 15.3

Slack packed going south today and did a section of the trail that Matt and I did last year. Great views in open fields on the mountain tops.Got a late start as the shuttle picked up and dropped off 5 other hikers. Up at 5, left the hostel at 5:45, got on trail at 8:35. Made for a long day, took me till 5:30 before I reached my exit point.Early day again tomorrow, and a longer hike.
Date: 2019-10-20
From: Stanimal 328 Hostel 

To: Zero day at Stanimal 328 Hostel 
Miles today: 0.0

Decided to take a zero today as it was raining and cold. Felt good to rest theHad a fantastic surprise as Papercut and Sonic texted me that they were coming down to visit me and would help slack pack me tomorrow. Really good seeing them and catching up!
Date: 2019-10-21
From: Salt Log Gap

To: VA Route 56 at the Tye River 
Miles today: 16.8

Got an early start on the trail today thanks to Jamie, the shuttle driver for Stanimals. I was excited to get going as it was going to be as long day, but I knew that Papercut and Sonic were going to do trail magic at Spy Rock Road. When I got there it was nice to hang out and have a PBR with my grinder!Sonic and Papercut met me at the VA 56 trailhead to the Priest. I didn¢t get there till 6 and was pretty tired from a long day with a lot of elevation up and down. We went to Waynesboro and I checked into Stanimals hostel, then they treated me to a good meal at a local Mexican restaurant. When I was checking into the hostel we were standing in the enclosed porch where hikers are required to leave their shoes and packs. Papercut commented, ¢it smells like thru-hiker in here !¢ The shoes and packs have a uniquely foul odor!It was good seeing Papercut and Sonic again, and catching up on their lives post trail. It will be interesting to see if I have the same reactions when I get off trail.
Date: 2019-10-22
From: VA Route 56 at the Tye River 

To: Dripping Rock
Miles today: 15.5

Tess, the driver from Stanimals in Waynesboro, dropped me off at the VA route 56 trail crossing at 7:30 this morning. It was foggy and drizzling but soon became a steady rain. My rain pants aren¢t very waterproof so I improvised a kilt using a garbage bag. That seemed to help as my underwear was dry at the end of the day.As is typical, there is never a privy when you need one! Keeping your paper dry in the rain is an art form. Probably hilarious to watch, but fortunately the woods are sparely populated.Long day hiking in the rain, glad to be going to a hostel and not having to dry my clothes with body heat. Tess met me at my pick up with a hot cup of coffee with chocolate. That really hit the spot. The warm car didn¢t hurt either!
Date: 2019-10-23
From: Dripping Rock

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 14.3

Today was cool and breezy and I resorted to using my down hoody to keep warm when I stopped for lunch. Finally made it to the southern end of Shenandoah!Met two hikers at the hostel who I had met somewhere in New Hampshire or possibly southern Maine, Cottonwood and Sweetgum. Sweetgum is now known as Sprinkles, apparently a reference to her outdoor peeing technique. I think they are in for some cold weather before they get to Springer.
Date: 2019-10-24
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Riprap Trailhead 
Miles today: 17.1

A beautiful day hiking. Slack packing is nice, no worries about water or resupply!I have been using a camp towel rapped around my orthotic footbed to get a little more arch support. It seems to help when I get it positioned just right. Tried going without it but definitely feels better with it than without.
Date: 2019-10-25
From: Riprap Trailhead 

To: Pinefield Gap
Miles today: 17.1

Another perfect hiking day. The leaves are showing more and more color the farther north I go, and I think they are almost at their peak.Another long day but it sets me up for a shorter final day when I¢ll be carrying a full pack again. Eagle wings is coming to the hostel tonight and will join me on my hike tomorrow. Really looking forward to hiking with him again and catching up!!
Date: 2019-10-26
From: Pinefield Gap

To: South River Picnic Area 
Miles today: 15.4

Eagle Wings and I left the hostel around 6:30 and were hiking a little after 7:30. We had hiked together on and off from Pennsylvania to the start of the Whites in New Hampshire, and it was nice hiking together again. It¢s amazing how the miles pass by when you have someone to talk to! We made good time and were done around 4:30. Cora, the shuttle driver from the hostel picked us up and brought us back to the hostel.  Eagle Wings treated me to a nice dinner at Outback¢s then brought me back to the hostel so I could pack up and get some rest before my final day on the trail. It was great catching up with him! He will continue his hike next year and I hope to come down and maybe spend a day on the trail with him!
Date: 2019-10-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

October 27South River Picnic Area to the Lewis falls trailhead at big Meadows 13.1 milesThe day has finally come! Today I will complete my thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. I said goodbye to the staff a Stanimals, and thanked them for all their help and support getting here. I am walking with a full pack but only going 13 miles to get to the point that I started almost 7 months ago.Today started out rainy but fortunately it was 60 degrees so it wasn¢t cold. By the afternoon the rain had blown off and it was a beautiful, warm sunny day. When I got to Milam Gap I stopped at the road crossing to take a break and eat a snack. As I was finishing, Matt drove by and noticed me on the side of the road and stopped to talk before going on to the Lewis Falls Trailhead at Big Meadows, my final destination. I met Matt on the trail about a mile from from my endpoint which is at the intersection of the Lewis Falls Trail and the AT. We hiked together to my last white blaze, which was the first one I started at on March 31.It¢s been a long walk, and I have to thank all those that I met along the way who became part of my journey! A special thanks to my family whose help and encouragement kept me going when it would have been easy to just quit!
Date: 2019-03-14
From: Springer Mountain 

To: Devils Kitchen 
Miles today: 14.5

Thursday 3/14/19First day on the trail. Foggy, a sprinkle or two, 60s. Met lots of hikers on trail, ate late lunch at hawk shelter. Crowded, but folks in good spirits. I hiked on to Devils Kitchen camp site. Took advantage of decent weather and trail conditions and hike steadily today. Stopped about 5:30to set up tent and eat dinner. Around  8:15, rain, lightning and thunder started. Stunning light and sound show that seemed to be1 foot above my tent. It rained all night and shower til 11ish today.Many thanks to my brother Jim, Ann, Amy, Jeff, my brother Tim and four great dogs in NC. They fed me, got me to fuel canisters, took me on wonderful dog walks, told great stories and  drove me to Springer Mtn. Jim even hiked the first few miles with me. He drew the line at carrying the pack!
Date: 2019-03-15
From: Devils Kitchen 

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 2 Showers to 11, then windy and partly cloudy the rest of the day. The trail damp, with occasional stretches of puddles from rain or little springs. The last 4 miles were up Blood Mtn and down very steep, rocky and wet trail. Made to Neil¢s Gap and a gear shop and hostel called Mountain Crossing (google it if you want, the shoe tree is a hoot) stayed at the hostel. A church group graciously supplied ¢trail magic¢ barbecue pulled pork dinners and fixens to all thru hikers. I repeatedly thanked them and professed a new found love for the great state of Georgia!
Date: 2019-03-16
To: Blue Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 19.0

Day 3The wind howled last night. The first hikers that stepped out of the hostel in the morning screamed and yelled, nobody wanted to follow them!That said, after I warmed up, it was a good hiking day with more free food at a road crossing. Phenomenal food and hot coffee from Bob and Misty. I again professed my love of the people of Georgia! No leaves on the trees, so the views of surrounding mountains are great. With all the great food and descent trail conditions I was able to hike from noon to 6:30ish with no desire to stop. The shelter is on top and it was very cold. I wore everything I had, wrapped my feet with my windbreaker, hopped in the bag inside the tent and was warm all night. A guy named Turtle had a nice fire going and we had a great sunset.
Date: 2019-03-17
From: Blue Mtn Shelter

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Lots of sun, great views, many day hikers out enjoying too. Made it to the shelter and only 1 person was using it so I did too. Others rolled in later for a total of maybe 7 tents and 6 in the shelter. Still cold, not as windy and I didn¢t sleep well at all even though I was plenty warm enough.
Date: 2019-03-18
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Town of Hiawassee
Miles today: 4.0

 Made coffee, had a bit to eat and watched a great sunrise. Only 4 miles to the road crossing and I was lucky to hitch a quick ride. As soon as I started chatting with the driver, we realized we had done very similar things in our careers. Thanks for the lift Steve! I have spent all afternoon in Hiawassee doing laundry, grocery shopping, organizing and cleaning gear, took a looong hot shower in my hotel room. Oh, I have eaten several times too.By the way, if all these entries and my scattered thoughts seem confusing, well you¢re right. Some I¢m writing days later. Often my phone won¢t work right at 25 degrees with my stone cold thumbs poking at the screen and I¢m too friggin tired to figure out what the heck I¢m doing wrong. But I¢ll keep trying!
Date: 2019-03-19
From: DickÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Creek Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: overcast clouds

late start due to shuttle. Pushed to reach Standing Indian Shelter, which is high up and had fabulous sunset and sunrise. Shelter was cold, very drafty, wore 3 layers in my bag and stayed warm enough.
Date: 2019-03-20
From: Standing Indian Shelter 

To: Rock Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 19.7

Tough climb up Albert Mountain (6,000 something). Fabulous views from Albert Mountain fire tower (google it). Met and hiked thru the afternoon with Nemo who completed the PCT last year. Long day to finish my first week on the trail with 105.6 miles. Only possible due to good weather and the tough work of trail maintenance crews that cleared huge amounts of downed trees. ThankYou!!!So I made it outta Georgia. Hit the 100 mile mark and completed my first week. So any of my dear family or friends that were taking bets (and given my history I don¢t blame you!) that the old buzzard would end up in an emergency room before he hit NC or renounce his evil ways and join one of the church groups feeding hikers.... pay up people!
Date: 2019-03-21
From: Rock Gap Shelter 

To: Winding Stair Gap with shuttle to Franklin, NC
Miles today: 3.8

Up early for a quick 4mi to the road and a shuttle to Franklin. Cloudy, not as cold last night, crowded shelter. Currently showered, full, laundered, caffeinated and working on 2nd dessert while getting town chores done. Anticipating an upcoming visit from the A & J Resupply, renown local outfitters(Amy and Jeff)! Working on the logistics.
Date: 2019-03-22
From: Winding Stair Gap with shuttle to Franklin, NC

To: Mile 132, just beyond Wesser Bald shelter
Miles today: 23.0

long day of climbing balds, cold at start. Wind so bad at siler bald was almost knocked down . But it¢s beautiful to be bald, great views!First night completely alone away from shelters or camp sites. Way up on narrow ridge, little wind, fab sunset/sunrise.
Date: 2019-03-24
From: Sassafras shelter

To: Fontana Damn Lodge
Miles today: 20.5

sunrise on Cheoha Bald was beautiful. 20 tough, long miles. Tonight a meal and a bed in a room at Fontana and a full day off tomorrow. A quick summary.....164.3 miles in 11 days, about 40,000 ft of ascent and 40,000 of descent at an average of 9% grade. I definitely am taking a zero tomorrow!
Date: 2019-03-26
From: Fontana Village Lodge 

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: light rain

Dense forest, spent a few hours getting up 5000ish and then the trail became very, well, walkable! Spent half the day hiking with Lobster and after lunch, really moved with Wrong Way. A day of food and rest probably helped too. Partly sunny and cool. The privy at the shelter had been torn down and several ATC volunteers, a Ridge Runner(paid to patrol the trail) and a forest service guy all stayed at the shelter because a helicopter was making 15 drops in the morning of all the materials for  making a new one. The amount of work these folks do, for free, for the love of this trail, is amazing. Really makes me pay close attention to Leave No Trace policies.Friggin cold again at night, but the tent is doing it¢s job of keeping me dry and warm. If anyone finds a tent site that¢s actually flat... lemme know.
Date: 2019-03-27
From: Spence Field Shelter 

To: Double Springs Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 14.5

More rugged today. Although it started off cold, down to one layer after a couple of hours. Ended early, about 4ish, ate a ton of food and lots of hot tea. The shelters in the smokies have fireplaces inside and tarps as the 4th wall and we have had great fires the last 2 nights to take away the chill. A treat for sure.I have met many former military folks on the trail. Army, Air Force and several Marines Inevitably, whenever I introduced myself as TJ and said I had no trail name yet, the Marines said ¢you gotta be Tijuana¢. I guess Californians and the Marines that train there have used TJ as a nickname for Tijuana for a long time. I kept saying no, doesn¢t feel right, etc... But after the last guy, Mr. President, I finally said what the hell and started using Tijuana.
Date: 2019-03-28
From: Double Springs Gap Shelter

To: Gatlinburg 
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

Wow! Gorgeous sunrise at the tallest point on the AT! Hiked in the dark for a couple of hours to get to 6612 ft and a weird observation deck to witness the sunrise with a handful of other hikers that got up early too. Lotsa colors, loved watching the shadows form over the mountains below. Very cool and of course my ifotos don¢t do it justice. Ten miles to a packed trailhead and parking lot on the Tennessee/NC borderline.  It is definitely spring break. Hordes of tourists, endless kids, cars everywhere. Hitched a ride with a brit on driving vacation into Gatlinburg and another huge shock. DollyWood! Really? Anyhow food, laundry, shower and resupply remain the same.Finally, thanks so much for the great comments and support! I can¢t believe all this rambling gibberish actually makes any sense anyone. Back to the Smokies!  Tijuana
Date: 2019-03-29
From: Newfound Gap

To: Pecks corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

noon start. Packed trail head again. Crowds .thinned after 5ish miles. Good weather, easy day.And I stand very corrected about my smart ass attitude about Dolly. According to a variety of local folks she has been a long time, upstanding citizen and was amazing during and recovering from disastrous recent Gatlinburg fire. So.... !Que Viva Dolly!
Date: 2019-04-01
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter 
Miles today: 16.3

Left about 11 am, still raining a bit and some sleet as I climbed. Pushed hard to get to shelter before dark and just made it. The skies cleared and the temperature dropped fast to upper teens. Very uncomfortable night, couldn¢t stay warm, constantly adjusting to get a few more degrees of comfort. Got up early and got going.... not fun.
Date: 2019-04-08
From: Uncle JohnnyÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Hostel 

To: Cherry Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A bit of rain during the day. Made it to the shelter, filtered water, made dinner and then it really started raining! Slept great!