morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-02
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter, NC
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Day 38Today I left Hot Springs, NC to continue on the AT. It was hard leaving and getting back on the trail because this town was so comfortable, but move on I must. Right now, my weak point is my right knee, but walking around town, my knee felt better yesterday. I left with Boomer approximately 9:45 am after visiting the outfitter one last time,We followed the trail along the French Broad River and began to climb the mountains back into the woods. The flowers along the trail again were beautiful. We also got to see a birds eye view of Hot Springs one more time. We crossed into TN and then back into NC. Along the trail we saw 2 black snakes each approximately 4.5 foot long. My right knee felt real good today, I guess the 2 days of rest and/or the prayers of my daughter and grand daughter worked. At camp I made dehydrated Beef Stroganoff food which was a far cry from the steak 2 nights ago. I am also back in my tent tonight. Best experience of the day: Having my knee back to normal.
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Spring Mountain Shelter, NC

To: Little Laurel Shelter, NC
Miles today: 8.6

Day 39Today was a short day. We hiked to the next shelter and decided it would be too long of a day to continue. Boomer and I decided to stop a little early, it had been up grade in the mountains all day. We crossed road TN 70 and there was a sign for Mom's Store just into NC right at the TN/NC state line. Mom's is an old run down gas station, very rustic, that sells packaged food treats, soda, and COFFEE. So I ordered a COFFEE and a packaged cinnamon bun. Then I had an Klondike Bar and a Coke, what a treat when you nothing but Dehydrated food. We also had the treat of sitting in a real chair, oh the simple pleasures of life. At the store we met a second hiker "Papa" and wife who we walked with a while. Boomer and Papa compared knee operations. My tent is setup right behind the shelter, just a few feet off the AT. In the picture, the tent is to the left of the shelter. Best experience of the day: Getting into camp early and not having to rush to set up the tent and cook before dark. Also early enough to take a short nap, just the second nap during this adventure.
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Little Laurel Shelter, NC

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 40Yippee, 300 miles! Today I stopped at Jerry Cabin Shelter for lunch, that's the 300 mile mark from Springer Mountain, GA. Today we had several steep and long down grades and one very steep and long mountain up grade. We also walked many mountain ridges which were right on the state boarders of TN and NC. As I was walking, many times my right foot was in NC and my left foot was in TN. There were also many boulder fields where the walking, climbing, and descends were difficult. One descend was so difficult, that a hiker told me she had to take her backpack off to get down the trail. Although the boulder fields were difficult on your legs and knees, the views they presented were magnificent. The last mountain descend of the day was so long and steep, it presented reoccurring problems for me with my right knee and right foot arch. I hope Laurie and Julia remember me in their nightly prayers. On the trail, we saw several signs telling us of Trail Magic ahead open the whole weekend. We walked the first two miles in the morning, and there it was, the Greeneville Hiking & Cycling Club were the Trail Angels. This club but on some spread. They cooked us eggs, pancakes, bacon, OJ, COFFEE, cakes, fruit, and much, much, more. These Trail Angels could not be nicer. Again I am amazed by the Trail Angels giving to complete strangers. Best experience of the day: Climbing the boulder fields to see fantastic views and of course the Trail Magic.
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Low Gap Campsite
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: broken clouds

Day 41The day started great and I made some good mileage and then my energy ran out. I started to go up a 1,500 foot rise over 2 miles and I was exhausted. I sat next to a stream and had a lot of snacks which seemed to help a little, but not enough. I planned to have a hot lunch at a shelter, but the water was .3 of a mile away, so I decided against getting additional water for lunch. The rest of the afternoon was strenuous also. I crossed under Interstate 26 right at the TN/NC border, and as a matter of fact, I walked the state lines all day. My final destination was Low Gap Campsite which I arrived at just at nightfall. I found it very hard setting up my tent and cooking before it was totally dark. Best experience of the day: Finally laying down in my sleeping bag, I was so tired.
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Low Gap Campsite

To: No Business KnobShelter
Miles today: 14.9

Day 42As tired as I was last night, I had much more energy this morning. I woke up an hour later then I had been, but I think I needed it. Another beautiful spring day. I hiked most of the day with Solo Amigo. I first met him at the shelter I camped at the first day on the trail. We were way behind the bubble of people we were hiking with, so our late afternoon hike was hurried to beat darkness. Solo decided it was getting too dark, so he stopped by a stream, while I continued on. I was rushed to setup before dark, and cooked at dusk, all is good. Tomorrow should be a short hike into Erwin, TN. Best experience of the day: I was able to hike 14.9 miles with energy to spare.
Date: 2014-05-07
From: No Business KnobShelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 5.8

Day 43Today was a Nero, (near zero miles), only 5.8 miles. Another beautiful day today with the sun coming through the new leaves on the trees. Most of the trail was downhill, so I was able to cover the distance in 2.5 hours. From the trail it was beautiful to see Erwin,TN appear in the valley below. Also on the trail, I saw my first Mountain Laurel start to bloom. When I exited the woods into Erwin, TN , Uncle Johnny's Hostel was right there. I rented a cabin with Boomer and Gandolfo. This hostel is also an Outfitter so most people were able to re-supply. All the hikers were also shuttled to a local Walmart to re-supply. While at Walmart, we were able to eat "real" food instead of trail food, I chose Italian. Outside if Walmart it was fun trading back and forth food from our large purchased bags, or to just give away extra food. Tomorrow I am continuing on the trail. My right knee was giving me problems today, I pray tomorrow will be better. It seems every other day my knee gives me problems.Best experience of the day: My first sight of the Mountain Laurel blooming.
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Erwin, TN

To: Piped Spring & Campground at USFS 230
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 44This morning was another beautiful day. I left the hostel at 8 am with every intent to go 16.4 miles, but the terrain was too much for so I stopped at 12.7 miles at a campsite. I thought I might by myself, when 2 couples came into camp just before dark. The first part of the morning out of Erwin was up hill and along a stream. There were some great views and the sound of water is always pleasant. Almost all of the day was up hill which made the walking slow and tiring. Best experience of the day: Walking the trail next to a stream with the sound of water running.
Date: 2014-05-09
From: Piped Spring & Campground at USFS 230

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: broken clouds

Day 45Today was overcast with very little drizzle, not enough to even get you wet. This was a good day for hiking. If I had put on my rain gear, I probably would have gotten wetter from over heating. Today there were many ups and downs with the biggest being a 1,000 foot climb over 1.1 miles. On top of Unaka Mountain there was a Spruce Forrest which was nice to walk through. I enjoyed walking on the trail of soft pine needles. As I walk, I am surprised of how little wild life there is to see. You know the wild life is there though because of all of the scat on the trail. I would guess the wild life does not come close to the trail during the day light and uses the trail more at night. During the day, I had to take some time out to lay down to rest my knees and legs. After an hour of rest my knees and legs still hurt, but were better as the day went on. I seem to need my right knee support, but with the support on loose, my right caff swells up at the end of the day. I was going to take a Zero day (no hike) at a hostel, but they were full and I would have had to tent in their back yard. That would have been OK, but they can not shuttle any hikers from Friday at sunset to Saturday at sunset, so I decided to go to a shelter and tent. At the shelter everyone was either asleep or reading in their sleeping bags at 7 pm, that is so unusual. I have never heard such a quiet shelter during daylight. Best experience of the day: Sleeping in a tent listening to the rain hitting the tent while you are warm and dry. PS: I can only post when I have a signal, and this is the first signal I have had in days.
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Day 46A "Zero Day". I decided to rest today and see if my knees and legs got better. I would have liked to have been in a town someplace, but this is good. There are several people here with the same thoughts about a Zero Day.I had thought about a Zero Day in a tent during my planning days so I bought a bigger tent. Many people on the trail have a small one person tent, hardly enough room to sit up. Many sources suggest a two person tent for one person, however, I bought a three person tent for just a few ounces more then a two person tent. On a day like today, overcast and rain, I feel very comfortable in the tent.As noon approached, many hikers left and new people were showing up. I guess many people are just walking half a day today.I spent most of the day resting my legs and catching up with everyone on the cell and text.
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Carvers Gap NC 261
Miles today: 9.4

Day 47Between yesterday and today I had to make a tough decision, I cannot continue on the Appalachian Trail. This decision did not come lightly because the AT becomes part of you. My decision was based on my knees. They just gave out on me. I rested all day yesterday and although most of the swelling went down, my knees still weren't working right. So after a long discussion with my family, a decision was made to exit the AT, but where and how? Some phone calls were made, and my nephew stepped up to the plate. He would meet me on top of Roan Mountain in NC. I started my last hike up to Roan Mountain questioning my decision. However, my decision was shortly confirmed as I hiked the 2,200 foot elevation gain. My knees were not working right. During this hike, it was overcast but it never rained. One unusual occurrence was when there were 4 cows in a narrow part of the trail. As we hikers started to pile up, I trail blazed around the cows and other hikers followed, problem solved. The hike up to Roan Mountain was tough but with one step in front of the other I finally made it. The 9.4 mile hike took me over 8 1/2 hours with many rests. After I finally reached Carvers Gap, my knees were screaming, which confirmed my decision. After a trip to my nephews house, I could barely walk from his car to the house. So I think the right decision was made. With my deepest regrets, I have to end this adventure. To all of you who have followed my journal entries, thank you for following. To all the wonderful people I met and hiked with on the AT, I hope you have better success then I had. Good luck on your adventure to Maine.
Date: 2013-12-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

2014 is fast approaching. There is no way I'm going to start up in the Whites. As a seemingly perpetual section hiker, I know how hard it is to start over year after year. The White Mountains of New Hampshire is no place for a 60 year old to go to for getting in shape. Last year's warm up in the Smokies was tough too. Not sure what I'm going to do...
Date: 2014-05-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I know going back to the Whites to finish up without doing a little warm-up hike would be crazy. So I'm off to do a NY - WV hike. I can't believe I'm going to do the PA rocks again. I must be nuts.I did love New Jersey and Maryland though so I'm excited about those states.Honestly, PA itself was not all that bad. Walking it in 100 degree heat in July with no water was bad .
Date: 2014-05-09
From: Brandon, FL

To: AT near Southfields NY
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The flight up was fine. I met a man named Pete and his wife while in the boarding line. When I got to the security check, a woman needed some help and I volunteered to help her. No big deal in itself, but when I was at the baggage pick-up, Pete offered to give me a lift to the bus station. I'm sure it was because he saw me helping another... Instant karma!At the bus stop, a man was stranded because his cell phone was out of charge. The station had closed, so he had no way of charging it. I used my portable charger and soon he was on his way too.At 10 PM I was at the hotel and in for the night. I met three Russians from NY celebrating the end of WWII. They said they came here every year to do this.
Date: 2014-05-10
From: AT near Southfields NY

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The Tuxedo Hotel in Southfields must be the only hotel that does not offer coffee. I was at the post office at 9:00 and a ranger offered me a ride to the trail. At first I accepted, then I (rather foolishly) turned down his offer so I could get coffee and a Danish at the gas station.Soon after I began hitching I was picked up by Jose Castillo. He lived right off the trail and gave me a lift to the trail head!Just notes for now. I met Paddy O as the road just before the shelter. I met him in 2012 at the Fingerboard shelter. As soon as our eyes met, we knew we knew each other. He said, "Don't tell me... Something to do with the sky... Moonwatcher! Right?" I laughed and said "Yes!, And you are named after your car.... Paddy Wagon... Paddy O!"He was going up to bring trail-magic to the Wildcat the shelter. We talked for hours both on the road and then at the shelter.It was a rough first day. Hot.Fitzgerald falls was flowing. Met Cannonball heading north during the day and Dakota Joe and Phil at the shelter.
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Furnace Brook
Miles today: 6.9

The morning views from Cat Rocks were nice. The trail crossed N.Y. 17A which leads down to Greenwood Lake, NY. Shortly afterward I came to the Village Vista Trail which leads down to the town.Around 3:00 PM I once again came to the place with a ladder, this time I went down as I'm heading south. At Furnace Brook I set up my tent right next to the brook. Easy water.
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Furnace Brook

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: broken clouds

Taking it slow. I was supposed to go all the way to Vernon NJ today but didn't have the steam. I'm still getting my legs. I did cross the NY NJ line (again). NY|NJ State LineIt was another hot day today. I quit really early and got some good rest.
Date: 2014-05-14
From: N.J. 94 Vernon, NJ

To: Jim Murray property
Miles today: 13.6

Before I left the church hostel this morning, I signed the register. Unlike the registers at the shelters, which are changed each season, this one goes back years. I looked back at the 2012 section and sure enough, I found my signature as well as that of Charlie Brown, X & N Trovert, Gumby, and Sleeping Beauty all on the same page though spanning several days.July 14th 2012 register at churchI hitched back to the trail by 7:15 AM. At the trailhead there was a field in which there were several Canadian Geese. Today¢s journey was made easier by miles of boardwalk. There was a suspension bridge over Pochuck Creek that was a fun walk and a nice view.As the trail went through the Oil City Rd and town of Unionville, I made up some ¢missed¢ trail as I had chosen to walk through the town back in 2012.I did see some wildlife today. Besides the aforementioned geese, I came upon a rabbit that just froze when it saw me. I walked within a few feet of it and even took a few pictures before it scampered off. There was a ribbon snake at the trailhead at Oil City Road. In a swampy area near Lake Wallkill Road, I saw two swans and some more geese and ducks.There were the remains of a deer on the trail just a few yards from a road.Once again I¢m staying at the Murray Property. There is only one other hiker here. His name is Quaker.
Date: 2014-05-25
From: Pa. 248 Palmerton, PA

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

05/25/14        Pa. 248 Palmerton, PA 18071        Bake Oven Knob Shelter¢¦ 10mS; 6.8mN        7.7        ShelterSkipped 5 miles of the Superfund Site.
Date: 2014-06-01
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Green Point
Miles today: 12.8

06/01/14        Pa. 501, 501 Shelter¢¦ 4.2mS; 15.5mN Pine Grove, PA 17963        Pa. 443, Green Point, Pa.        12.8        Tented in a real nice spot next to a stream. It was a bit close to the road though.
Date: 2014-06-05
To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Here I am again back in Duncannon, PA. The Doyle hotel is actually a very nice stay overall. It's unique in its own run-down charming way. Vickey and Pat are great hosts and the food is great.My brother Charlie is picking me up here to take me to his house and then on to my sister's house for the graduation party of my niece.It's been a nice hike. I've met many other hikers and seen some interesting wildlife including a blue colored snake I cannot identify, a porcupine that blocked my way for a few hundred yards and let me know it was not to be messed with, turkeys and songbirds that were beautiful. In High Point State Park in New Jersey I saw a red fox.Seeing so much of the trail for a second time was different. It was something of a comfort knowing all the while what lay ahead, and remembering the experiences of 2012 that happened at each place.I'll fill in some of the blanks when I get home on the 12th.
Date: 2014-02-13
To: Three weeks out
Miles today: 0.0

Three weeks from today will "touch the rock" on Springer Mtn, sign the register and begin walking north on the start of a six month journey. Planning has been active for months, re-supply points have all been identified, boxes are being packed, gear has been verified time and again, ounces have been counted and eliminated as needed. The BIG question, is this "old" body ready to walk 2185 miles again? I will "listen" to it, adjust my walking to its demands as needed and if all goes well will climb to the top of Mt Katahdin on September 5th and touch that most famous A.T. sign once again. Looking forward to this new adventure and welcome you to join me via these pages.ShortStop
Date: 2014-02-15
To: Re-supply boxes
Miles today: 0.0

What a process, to identify where, when and what for each re-supply box that will be needed in order to do a thru-hike. Then once everything is identified, the process of purchasing the necessary items and packing all those boxes begins. With launch date two and half weeks out, we have been busy today packing meals, snacks, batteries, trail guide pages, necessary meds, toothpaste, plus all the other items one needs daily to function on the trail. The first 500 miles are now boxed and ready to ship, time to start working on those boxes required to get through the next 500 miles, all of which will be in Virginia (yes, almost one fourth of the entire A.T. is in one state).
Date: 2014-02-19
To: Walking as a Chaplain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

I started hiking as part of the healing process following the unexpected death from cancer of my grandson Walker in April 2008. Little did I realize, at that time, how important and enjoyable hiking would become. In September 2012, I completed my first hike of the AT and, in 15 days, will begin the journey from Georgia to Maine again, this time as a chaplain commissioned by the United Methodist Church Holston Conference.You may ask how this hike, as a chaplain, will be different from my previous experiences? I hope the difference will be one of focus i.e. not just concentrating on my personal goals and struggles, but enjoying the opportunity to have fellowship with other hikers, to be a source of support and help to fellow travelers as needed and, as God leads, to be a faithful witness to his Son, Jesus Christ.
Date: 2014-03-05
To: The evening before
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It is March 5, 2014, the eve of Go Tell It On The Mountain. Lala and I made the 3 hour ride from Knoxville to Georgia with Anna and we are relaxing in the lap of luxury at the Amicalola Lodge. We've been joined by Annette, Bob, Allen and his wife. After a great dinner, we discussed the role of an AT chaplain, how to talk with people experiencing life transitions, and the importance of listening. Over the next six months, I hope to put much of this into practice. Tomorrow, I'll start my journey from the Big Rock on Springer Mountain. I'm looking forward to discovering anew the splendor of the wilderness and hope there will be opportunities to both share and experience random acts of kindness - what we on the trail call Trail Magic.
Date: 2014-03-06
From: Springer Mountain, Georgia

To: Hawk Mountain, Georgia
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: clear sky

We had an early wake-up call and Lala, Anna, Bob, Annette, Allen and his wife and I met in the dining room for what turned out to be a long breakfast. It was 11 a.m. before we made the trailhead. Right away I was in for a surprise for one of the hikers at the trailhead was someone from London, England who I had met in Spring 2011 during my hike through North Carolina. After a sad parting from Lala, I began my hike with a young man from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He soon left me in the dust and most of the day was solo hiking. I arrived at the Hawk Mountain shelter around 4 pm. There were quite a few other campers and we pitched our tents, prepared our dehydrated foods, and chatted. It started to rain, then sleet and, before the night was over, our tents were covered in ice. We also experienced what it was like to have a world-class snorer sleeping in a tent nearby. He could be heard from as far away as 50 yards!
Date: 2014-03-07
From: Hawk Mountain, Georgia

To: Woody Gap, Georgia
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Began the day doing what hikers hate most - packing and walking with a wet tent. However, the Lord lit up our path with sunshine and it was good to meet other hikers; some traveling north like myself and some traveling south. The trail was mainly up and down hills and when I arrived at Woody Gap most of the dozen or so campers were young people. There is no camp ground so we pitched our tents in the woods, next to the road. The neat thing about arriving here was to experience Trail Magic. A gentleman had set up a canopy and grill and was feeding hikers like kings. We had French fries, hot dogs, home fries, fresh fruit, hot chocolate and coffee. Tomorrow morning , he has promised to get up and cook breakfast. Earlier in the day, a young couple from Georgia handed out treats to hikers along the trail - rice krispies, little debs, etc. It is incredible to experience this sense of community. One of the rewarding experiences of the day was to meet Seattle Sailor (trail name), a 73 year-old section hiker. No longer able to do the thru hike, he travels east every year from Seattle to enjoy hiking along the trail.