morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-18
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked 15.4 miles from 8:15 am until 5:15 pm. Today was best compared to a "Roller Coaster Ride"! We changed elevation levels during the day equalling 10,000' in just 15.4 miles. We [Spear Tipper and Roadrunner] hiked most of the day with Juice, Mama Llama, and the Hazmat Crew.It was another great hiking day weather wise- cool and dry! The hiking group has changed a bit this week. We have not seen Legs, Bobby, Carpenter, Naneek or Blackbird for days. Also, several section hikers have left and returned home. The new group is friendly and supportive, but I miss the people we hiked with in the past. They were first and in some ways we perceive them as "best", likely as a result of the commraderie we had developed over hiking together for several days. Again, the AT is the AT, but the people [relationships] are what make the AT the experience that it is! Well, got to close for now. To my family and friends back in Lakeland and Polk County, FL- I am really missing you all. The physical challenge is significant, but it does not compare with the mental and emotional challenge of being separated from family and friends. I have grown stronger physically every day [lost 20+ pounds to date though- legs are like tree trunks... BUT... the emotional strength is beginning to dim a bit. Time will tell! Later... Roadrunner
Date: 2009-04-19
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

Hiked from 8:15 am until 3:15 pm. What a day! ALL DAY IN THE RAIN!!! Hiking today was like hiking through Sherwood Forest... an almost spooky for much of the day. It was cold and wet all day with fog as well that created an almost surreal-like environment. Good views wer sparce and the area we hiked through was apparently impacted by very high winds recently. There were very, very large "downed" trees numbering above 50 or more. I would not have wanted to be on the AT when that happened. Too many "widow-makers'[ a name for fallen trees and limbs] were born when the storm [or storms] came through. We scaled Clingman's Dome [6,643'- the highest elevation on the AT] around 10:00 am in a driving rain storm. There was no view; it was hard to see 6' ahead of you! The same conditions existed when we passed through the Newfoundland Gap [US 441] around 2:00 pm. Today's eleveation changes were also significant [8,000+ feet total]. We were fortunate to be in a shelter as it rained all night, sometimes quite heavily. The shelter filled quickly and one of our early hiking group surfaced again [Old Corpus, looking like a drowned cat!]. We met a few new people as well, Ziggy [who was undoubtledly the loudest snorer of the trip thus far, and three others whose trail names I did not get. Staying in shelters has it's advantages and disadvantages. They are typically dry and relatively clean. However, privacy is nonexistent and the snoring can be maddening! Mice, always present, have not been a problem. Too cold for them I suppose! Stay tuned for more tomorrow. Roadrunner
Date: 2009-04-20
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light rain

Hiked today from 8:30 am until 2:15 pm. There were several spectacular views early today and then the rain returned. The tral became like a rocky stream bed in many places and in other places just like a mud trough! One could call today's journey "Hiking in a Trail of Living Water". The boots got the supreme test today. So far, so good! We also experienced significant elevation changes again today [6,000+ feet]. Rain makes the trail an interesting challenge, especially when there are so many ups and downs. It's my choice to be here, so I am loving it! ST and I were fortunate to find shelter space again today in light of the weather conditions. We met new hikes, Cuz from Wilmington, NC, Matt from Michigan, Mirriam (traveling with Cuz), Alan from Indiana... and bunked in as well with Juice, Mama Llama, the Hazmat Crew, Brave Foot and Old Corpus.The group was very upbeat and friendly, in spite of the weather conditions. Shelters in the SMNP are typically large, made of stone and have a fireplace. This shelterr was particularly large, and thought filled, it was quite compfortable. It did give the appearance of a meat locker with all the packs and other wet items hanging from every poit possible in the dusk-like lighting present in the shelter. We wew all happy to be in a relatively dry spot as it rained heavily again during the evening and turned even colder. Got to close. Later... Roadrunner
Date: 2009-04-21
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel- Davenport Gap, TN
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked from 8:15 am until 4:15 pm. Over 18 miles and feeling strong! It is April 21... and we started our hike today with temperatuers in the low 30's and SNOW!!! Hard for this Florida boy to comprehend! But this would be a day of rapid change in the weather. We started at 5,920 feet at the shelter in snow and climbed to 6,395 @ Mount Guyot. The we descended to 1,400 feet when we went under I-40 to stay at my first AT hostel at Standing Bear. 18.1 miles in 8 hours with significant elevation changes. Snowy start... warm finish! It was my longest hike to date, but well worth it. Standing Bear is just outside the northern boundry of SMNP. We made our goal 0f getting out of SMNP in 4 nights & 5 days. No easy task! Never saw a bear. We got to what i think is the most beautiful section of the AT inside SMNP right at the end of the AT in the Park... a deep ravine with cascading waterfalls, beautiful streams, thousands of wwild flowers, lush, green forest and beautiful mountain scenes. God's handywork is abundant in this area with streams flowing into the Pigeon River. Back to Standing Bear Hostel... This is a classic AT hostel, almost like something out of another age- the Rural South of the 1920's, complete with multiple buildings- cabin that sleeeps 6, bunk house that sleeps 16-18, barn for overflow, tenting area, kitchen, bath house, privy, store room, and owner's lodging. Jed Calmpet would be quite comfortable here! Curtis, the owner had a unique accounting system for guests that is best described as follows:*claim bed space*get envelop from store room; write down Trailname and Date*write down price*get what you need from store room and write down prices for each itemthis is all on honor system*To check out, total amount on your envelop and pay cash in envelop or meet curtis to setle bill with credit card or debit cardThis is very Mennonite-like behavior [thait's where the resemblence stopped... "beverages and happinesss" flowed heavily at the hostel]among guestsThis system works very well in that 99% of hikers are quite honest and Curtis is making a living. Unique, but apparently good for hikers and hostel owner alike! ST and I were lucky enough to get a bed in the cabin. Other cabin patrons includedd to men in the loft and two women in another bed. Sounds like a 1770's tavern approach to me. We resupplied with a variety of food options for the next days ahead.The hostel ambiance was uplifting and we met up with several hikers we had not seen in two weeks... Carpenter, Weebles, Denali, Alan [who was the first person I met on Springer Mountain on March 29],Pahntom Cupcake, Dustin, Solo, and others. We me new friends like Bill, Mike from Dover, FL, Dozer and aa host of other hikers.I highly recommend the Standing Bear Hostel to any hiker. Prices are great! Ambiancce is fantastic, owners are supportive, and the experience is a once in a life time opportunity! well... got to go. Later... Roaadrunner
Date: 2009-04-22
From: Standing Bear Hostel- Davenport Gap, TN

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm. It was a long tough climb from Standing Bear to Snowbird Mountain. The view from Snowbird was weell worth the climb. Weather was great! Cooy, breezy and sunny. A day found in all hiker's dreams! The best view to date on the AT occurred today at the summit of Max Patch- a giant grassy bald @ 4,629 feet in elevation. It gave us a 360 deree view of the surrounding mountains that was unbelieveably spectacular! I don't know how anyone could view this wounder of nature and doubt God's existence and presence among mankind. All of my experiences on the AT thus far have confirmed my beiief in and faithfulness to our living God. HE is all around us if we only take the time to experience HIS presence! It was a bit chilly and windy on Max Patch, so I did not linger too long. I headed for lower, more protected forests below.We got to Roaring Fork Shelter by 4:00 pm and while Tipper tented, I stayed at the shelter, mostly to b able to to less in the morning more quickly. Tenting adds another 15-20 minutes of prep time in the morning and we wanted to get started to our journey to Hot Springs, NC early in the am. The shelter was small, but clean and had new bear [for hanging food bags] cables which are greatly needed in bear country. Mice were present even before dark, but proved to be no problem once nightfall came. Our goal tomorrow is to get to Hot Springs... 18+ miles north. We camped with Carpenter [great to have him back again] Dustin, Weebles, Denali, Alan and 4-5 others. It was a really good group! Later... Roadrunner
Date: 2009-04-24
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today is a Zero day in Hot Springs. This is my most difficult day on the AT. As tough as it may be, I have decided to leaave the AT as a thru-hiker tomorrow morning and convert my AT experience to that of a section-hiker. The overwhelming pull of my family and friends back in Polk County must take precedence. The AT will always be here for me to hike. My family and friends may not be. I am NOT quitting my hike; I am merely reorganizing it to fit my current personal and emotional needs. I am physically stronger than ever before [hiking 12.4, 18, 15.4, & 18 miles during the past 4 days in very difficult conditions] but I am emotionally "spent" after 4 weeks and 280+ miles on the AT. I always knew that the physical challenge would NOT be nearly as great as the emotional one. My experience has confirmed that. I leave the trail with very mixed feeelings... saddened greatly to leave the many thru and section hikers [100+] I have met in the last month. They have become my surrogate family in many ways. As word traveled today that Roadrunner was choosing to give up his current quest, I have had more than 40 of my new freinds come to see me and wish me well with my choice. As we all tend to say, "You must hike your own hike!" The have all been supportive of my choice, yet regret it as well. I have called Kristi's sister who lives in Asheville, NC [about 35 miles east of here]. She will be picking me up and I will rent a car in Asheville to drive home.. Spear Tipper is also leaving the AT at this time to return home to address issues of importance to him. Our decisions are the same, yet totally unrelated. He has been my hiking partner since March 30. I will be taking him to his home in Brundidge, AL and then treking on to Lakeland. I hope to be home sometime in the early am hours of April 26.For those of you who have been following my journal, I will upload another 100+ pictures and make my final entry as an AT THRU_HIKER sometime soon. It will NOT by my final entry as an AT Hiker. I will finish the AT as so many others have before me... as a SECTION_HIKER... completing sections, starting in Hot Springs, NC, over the next four years... typically lasting from two-weeks to one month in duration until I get to Katahdin, hopefully by October 2013.I'll close for today. It has been the most difficult entry for me to write. A summary and photos will be posted later. Thanks for following me on the journey thus far. To my friends in Polk County and especially in Lakeland, Highland City and Bartow... I'll see you soon... Lord Willing and the Creek Don't Rise! To my AT hiking community... The ride has been great. Hike your own hike!.. I love you all. MORE TO COME!!! Roadrunner
Date: 2009-08-25
To: Pending
Miles today: 0.0

Hello Everyone. I just wanted to give an update on my current AT plans and status. Back in July, my wife, her sister and niece, and I had the opportunity to return to a spot on the AT that I had hiked in April [Max Patch and about 8 miles from there to the North]for a pleasant "day hike". We even got to have lunch at a shelter where I had spent the nght on my last evening of the intended thru-hike. They gained a bit of appreciation for what I had initiated in March. The AT is an entirely different place in July... far more wooded due to the leaves having blossomed and far "greener" and thicker than in April as well. I have just finished revisiting several segments of three books I had read earlier and it certainly has created a strong desire to get back on the AT. Unfortunately, I will likley not return to my next section hike until late April of 2010. The current plan is to start in Hot Springs, NC [at the spot I left in April 2009] and hike North for another 30 days. I'd like to think I can make it 450 miles or so due to more even terrain in that region, but only time will tell. I want to wait until then to pick up my journey in hopes that I will meet another great group of thru-hikers [and others] who will be at that stage of their trek in 2010. Well, got to close for now. I add another entry or two before Christmas. Godspeed to all of you. Will
Date: 2009-10-22
From: Pending

Miles today: 0.0

Hello Again. I have finally uploaded almost 100 more photos since the last upload in April. I've had them in the camera since April but just today took the time to upload them. I hope you find them interesting. Viewing the pics brought back many fond memories of my initial trail experience and all the interesting people I met... and seeing them again has re-kindled the fire within to get back on the AT to pick up my journey to Maine. That will likely have to wait until May 3, 2010 in Hot Springs, NC, but who knows, could be sooner. Besides, May 3 is getting closer with each passing day and that date will be here more quickly that we realize. I can't speak for others, but there is a special attraction to the AT once you have been a part of it. The draw is quite powerful and it has hit me again... in a very positive way. Hiking the AT is now more of a need as opposed to a simple desire. Florida has been very good to me, economically, socially and spiritually but the mountains are calling again, with a voice stronger than ever. Their appeal is almost mystical in some ways. Well, enough talk about that perception for now. I hope to give you another update or two [or more] between now and May 3. Stay tuned... and check on me later if you have an interest. Roadrunner
Date: 2010-01-14
From: Pending

Miles today: 0.0

Hello Everyone... Just thought I'd give a new brief update on my plans to return to the AT. May 2, 2010 will be here in a blink of an eye. I have been working for the organization I devoted 42 years of my life to [Polk County Public Schools, Florida] prior to retiremen,t fairly regularly recently in a "consultative" role. I have been making a contribution to varied professional learning processes and school improvement initiatives, especially at the high school level, for the past 6 months. It's been interesting to "return" in that role and I am enjoying working with school leaders, district staff and teachers again after a year-plus hiatus. I accepted the role on the condition that I could "interrupt" that activity between April 30 and August 1, 2010 for the sole purpose of returning to the AT. As I have been reviewing several DVDs I have from the ATC Store and reviewing the latest planning book authored by Davd Miller [AWOL]"Appalachian Trail Guide", his newer version of last year's Appalachian Trail Pages, I am starting to contract "white blaze fever" again and it's a very good feeling. I am looking very forward to returning to Hot Springs, NC to continue my northward trek. My family and friends are quite supportive again and that encourages me greatly. Several of my PCSB colleagues can see the "fire" for the trail returning to my eyes and conversation, especially those to whom I have been the closest over the years. I have made plans to continue my journal writing while on the trail with the help of my "journalist/co-worker" from the Spring of 2009. That way, for those who have an interest, it will be easy to follow my "exploits" in real time. I have also had at least two of my running colleagues talk about joining me for a week or so sometime in June. They are quite intrigued by my stories of the experiences I had in April 2009 and want to get a taste of trail life, if only for a short time. I am very excitedd about the prospects of them joining me, if only for a brief period. As I have stated several times before. It's the people that make the AT experience the very valuable endeavor that it is. Well, I'll close for now. I have another update sometime in early February. Til then... hike your own hike! Will
Date: 2010-01-15
From: NA

To: Pending
Miles today: 0.0

My final detailed update for the 2009 Journal is the one previous to this entry,i.e., dated 1.14.2010. From now on 1.15.2010, please check the side bar menu to the left of this journal entry and click on the "2010 AT" button in the "My Other Journals" section of that side bar. All my entries from 1.15.2010 will be listed there, as will all new photos. I hope you'll continue to follow my trek and enjoy the trail with me through the writings and photos in my 2010 journal. Later... Will
Date: 2009-08-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am planning on starting my SOBO on August 27. I am finalizing plans and preparations. This is an exciting time. I originally tried to do a thru-hike in 2007 but had some complications (illness and injury). So I have saved up and am now ready to try again. I'm looking forward to seeing the fall colors in New England. I will attempt to update this journal while on the trail using my cellphone. If I have too difficult of a time doing that I will just update each time I make it to a town or hostel. Will add more as time approaches and when I start the trail.
Date: 2009-08-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Finalizing gear list. In 3 weeks I'll be on the road to Baxter State Park in Maine. Kind of hard to anticipate needing any cold weather gear in August. At home, it is presently 94 degrees and the heat index is close to 100. I just checked the Mount Washington Observatory in New Hampshire and at 4:40 P.M. it is 45 degrees. Oh well, I did say I prefer to hike in cooler weather.
Date: 2009-08-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Did a little practice hike today. Packed on a 35-40 pound pack and went to a local park for a little exercise. It was good to get outside and do a little walking in the woods. Really hot also. Around 95 degrees and kind of humid but not too bad. Expecting to hit Baxter State Park and Mount Katahdin on August 27th.
Date: 2009-08-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Called and got reservations at Katahdin Stream Campground for August 27. It's right around the corner and will be here before you know it. Still finalizing a few odds and ends around here. I can only hope others enjoy my journal as much as I have enjoyed reading others. Some of the ones that I have enjoyed reading and that I recommend to others are: from 2008-The Brothers (Masterson brothers) and Kirby. From 2009 I have enjoyed reading Kayak Karl's journal (met him this past January in the GSMNP) and ofcourse the infamous PackaDivas (Loon, Grommet, Rocket and Storm), Gangsta and Wags. Many other journals are interesting and enjoyable but these folks just seem to know how to make their enthusiasm show in their writings.
Date: 2009-08-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It's been busy the last few days. Got my food and last few items. Last day at work was nice. I got a pleasant send off and lots of questions and advice. (Like- Are you crazy? Are you sure you're not crazy? Are you taking a gun? You should. I'm afraid of the dark. I think you're nuts. Etc.) Well I want to thank everyone for their interest and concern. Will be driving to Katahdin soon. I'll try to keep you up dated.
Date: 2009-08-27
From: Mount Katahdin

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: clear sky

Hiked to the top of Mount Katahdin. Started at 9a.m.. Summitted at 1:00 p.m.. Very windy. Returned to KSC at 5:35 p.m. Set up tent and went to sleep.
Date: 2009-08-28
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Hurb Brook shelter
Miles today: 13.4

Morning temp was 49 degrees. Started hike at 8:05 a.m.. Terrain not too bad. Mosquitoes were terrible for a few miles. Made it to Hurb Brook Shelter around 4:40 p.m.. Not hungry. Warm today.
Date: 2009-08-29
From: Hurb Brook shelter

To: Rainbow Stream shelter
Miles today: 11.5

Started raining early this morning. Still can't eat much. Hiked to Rainbow stream shelter. Wet day. Last section very muddy. No views of mountains due to weather. Shelter is crowded (7),with two others ham mocking. Met Kermit, Padre and 3 section hikers from Pennsylvania.
Date: 2009-08-30
From: Rainbow Stream shelter

To: Nahmakanta Lake , south end
Miles today: 10.7

Rough day. Nauseated at breakfast and lunch. Haven't slept well past 2 nights.Twisted my left ankle numerous times today. Left knee became very sore and painful at times.Started today's hike at 8:15 a.m.. Tough climb up Nesuntabunt Mountain. Coming down was even tougher.Arrived at wad leigh shelter around 2:45 p.m.. Rested for a little while. Met Loon and several other section and thru-hikers.Continued on to Nahmakanta Lake. Knee not as bad after the rest.Made it to the lake at 5:35 p.m.. Set up tent. I was able to eat without any problems. (Finally) went to sleep right at dark.
Date: 2009-08-31
From: Nahmakanta Lake , south end

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 5.1

Woke up to overcast skies and a lot of wind. Packed up and heade out. Skipped breakfast but my stomach is better.Started hiking at 7:40 a.m.. Easier (but muddy) terrain today. Hiked to Mahar Tote Road and then took a side trip to the White House Landing.This is a pleasant little hostel/lodge. Ate lunch,a one pound burger. It was good and no nausea recently.There are 7 others here today. Two gentlemen from Israel (Asher, Kobe), a married couple from North Carolina (Marcia,John) and 3 guys from New Jersey (Josh,Jake,Isaac).Their trail trail names are Crane, Outlaw Pete and Achilles.Cleaned clothes and gear. I even got to shower. Going to rest here today and tomorrow. Let my feet, ankles and knees recover.
Date: 2009-09-02
From: White House Landing

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Left White House Landing in the morning. Pleasant day. Terrain not too bad. Still had mud,roots and rocks but not as muc as there has been.Hiked with Kobi and Asher. Made it to Cooper Brooks mid afternoon. Not a bad day. Feet are okay and no recent problems with my stomach.
Date: 2009-09-03
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to

To: Logan Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Tougher hiking today. Had two steep climbs. First was up Boardman Mountain and the second one,near the end of the day,was up White Cap mountain (about half way up). During the day I was leading the group when suddenly, I looked as I heard a thump and saw a mother bear and her cub about 15 yards in front of me. They took off immediately and were gone in a matter of seconds. And they hardly made a sound as they ran away. I didn't have a chance to take a picture but it was an exciting moment.
Date: 2009-09-04
From: Logan Brook Lean-to

To: Carl Newhall Lean-to
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: few clouds

Got an early start this morning. Climbed up White Cap Mountain. Tough climb but beautiful views at the top. Hiked with Asher and Kobi again today. Had a fall going downhill and strained my right shoulder. Not to bad though but I can tell it will be sore for a few days.