morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-11-13
From: Newfound Gap

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

When Klaire dropped us off at Newfound Gap it was socked in with fog, cold and breezy again. I quickly started hiking to get warm and within 30 minutes was feeling pretty toasty. The hike this morning was again through a fir/spruce forest with all kinds of mosses covering the ground, rocks, and tree stumps. When the sun finally began to shine it was like being in a magical fairy tale forest. I almost expected to see Hansel and Gretel or Little Red Riding Hood appear from behind the next tree. Sunbeams shone through the tree canopy and it was so beautiful. There was a pretty good climb up to Clingmans Dome which unfortunately was closed for repairs though people were ignoring the signs and walking up there anyway. I decided to not tempt fate and sat in the sun and ate my lunch. Several people stopped to talk to me about my hike. Once over Clingmans Dome the vista opened up to expansive views of the mountains above the clouds. It was amazing, as if you were seeing the clouds from the window of an airplane. I didn't know if it always looks like this or I just lucked out to see such breathtaking beauty. Before long I arrived at Double Spring Gap Shelter and although the intention was to walk a few more miles to the next shelter I was ready to call it a day. I started a fire in the fireplace and about 30 minutes later Mudsmeller and Cutie arrived. We have a warm fire going and the shelter to ourselves tonight.
Date: 2017-11-14
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Once the fire burned out it got pretty chilly in the shelter. All the shelters so far have had a tarp across the front but as cold as it was, it didn't seem to help much. None of us slept well and for me that made the climbs of the day tough. We dropped out of the coniferous forest into one of primarily beeches and oaks. The day seemed to stretch on with climbs and descents one after the other. Towards the end of the day there was a particularly tough climb up Thunderhead Mountain and then over to Rocky Top Mountain. The views were spectacular and as I started the descent toward the Shelter, I was treated to a stunning sunset. The trail was really rocky and it took longer than I anticipated to reach the shelter which I got to just as it got dark. Two hikers were already tucked in their sleeping bags and after cooking and eating dinner I did the same. Cutie and Mudsmeller texted me that they were still on top of Rocky Top and I knew it was going to be a tough hike for them by headlamp. They finally arrived and said it had been hairy trying to follow the trail in the dark. I was glad they made it safe and sound. It doesn't seem as cold tonight so hoping for a good nights sleep.
Date: 2017-11-15
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Birch Spring Tentsite
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept great and felt refreshed this morning except I feel as if I'm getting a cold with scratchy throat and head congestion. It wasn¢t as cold this morning although there were still patches of frost on the ground. It quickly warmed up and I hiked most of the day in my long sleeve shirt. I stopped at Russell Field Shelter for a snack and then at the southern most shelter in the Smokies, Mollies Ridge Shelter for lunch. It was mostly just forest walking today with glimpses of the mountains and valleys through the trees. I bet these are views you don¢t get during the growing season when the trees are leafed out. We traversed over a mountain called Devils Potato Patch which I was expecting to be something awful with such a name but it was surprisingly no different than any other. Made me wonder how it got its name. All along the side of the trail was rooted up today and Mudsmeller thought it was probably wild hogs. When we got to our campsite one of the hikers at the shelter last night was here and had built a nice fire. He agreed with Mudsmeller about the hogs and told us the park was hunting them to try and eradicate this non native species from the park. We certainly witnessed the damage they can do today. This will be our last night in the park as we head down to Fontana Dam tomorrow. It keeps raining on and off but hopefully our tents won't get too wet for tomorrow's short hike.
Date: 2017-01-04
To: First Journal Entry -- Happy 2017
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Smiles 2017-01-04My journey began in March 2016 when I started the AT with a goal to be a through hiker. My experience with backpacking and serious hiking was zero! Living in Florida, my training hikes were pretty much all beaches with a draw bridge thrown in here and there for a little hill work. My good friend Mark Jones and I went up to Springer Mtn for a planned 10 day hike to check out the gear prior to my start. I lasted 3 days...the AT was not soft sand and flat.So after modifying my training program to include a lot of Stair Master work outs, I was as ready as I could be for 2016.My trek was cut short due to a foot injury that required surgery. But I did make 760 miles in 8 weeks and learned a lot about pretty much everything. I now feel confident to refer to myself as a "Hiker."I will be starting back at Springer Mtn in March 2017 with my good Friend Grumpy that I had met on the AT in 2016 plus my son Ben. Ben will rotate off after about 10 days and hopefully join back up with us later on the trail as his schedule allows. Grumpy will now be known as Sidekick...as he stated, how can one be Grumpy on a trail as beautiful as the AT.Very confident with my equipment list that I will share later...pretty much all proven.Really excited and looking forward to meeting the Class of 2017!
Date: 2017-01-05
To: Training Plan
Miles today: 0.0

Training is ratcheting up....hoping to be in decent enough shape to start and then let the 1st two weeks on AT be Boot Camp for my legs and endurance. Living in Florida has its perks of year round comfort weather but lacks any incline/declines.Typical week:Monday & Wednesday - 12 mile hike on beachTuesday -- Golf and LA Fitness working Stair Master and WeightsThursday -- 12 Mile hike on beach with full packFriday -- 12 mile hike on beach; lunch; 10 mile hike on mixed pathsSaturday & Sunday whatever feel like...at least 1 hour of some exercise a day.Everyday -- stretches and core strengthening.I am a big guy, 6'2" and off trail weight about 260. So need to train smart and injury free.
Date: 2017-01-16
To: Improved Plan - Excited
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Just got agreement from my Hiking Team Mates to pull the Start Date up to March 2nd. We will stay at the Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega GA on March 1st and then have them shuttle us to the Springer Trail Head on March 2nd. So feet on the Trail March 2nd. Really excited for the earlier start as the Stair Master is really getting old!! Hiking with Grumpy out of Colorado. Grumpy and I met each other on the AT in 2016 and I really enjoyed his company over several weeks. We both ended early (Grumpy logged over 530 miles) due to trail related injuries and we will start together for 2017. The third member is my Son (Trail Named TBD but he is a Fireman, so pretty sure that will be quickly rectified.) Really excited to have my Son for the 1st 10 days when he has to rotate off and head back to the city life; however, as a validated AT Section Hiker. One of the key benefits of starting with Ben is that I can bring multiple versions of gear, try them all, and keep the ones I like the best while sending the rest home with Ben...I know, kinda diabolical...
Date: 2017-01-20
To: Wearable Electronics
Miles today: 0.0

I agree...I am a bit of a data geek when it comes to hiking. They say that there are more than 5 million steps required to complete the trail. Could you track your steps taken? What would be your personal HR Avg over the course of a thru hike? How may feet +/- elevation change today? I know...a lot of pretty useless stuff, but if you are interested and can track with minimal effort why not?I had two watches used primarily for hiking. Just added my third this week. They are:1) Suunto Traverse (carried on my 2016 Hike)2) Garmin 910XT3) FitBit Charge 2The FitBit Charge 2 just added this week.The Suunto and Garmin are both great watches and provide a significant amount of data. They both require a HR Monitor Belt which is just not going to happen for a long distance hike. While both have excellent GPS functionality, that functionality comes at a heavy battery drain, so once again, not long trail practical unless you plan on recharging every night. Between the AT Guide and Guthook App, GPS is really not needed. I did really enjoy the Suunto daily log of Steps Taken and Elevation Gain/Loss. The altimeter on the Suunto was so darn accurate that you knew exactly how much elevation was required to go on the bigger summits. This is just fun data to have...not going to get you over that next ridge.The FitBit Charge 2 does not have a GPS function on the watch, which is not a big deal. It does have a really accurate built in HR monitor, interfaces Bluetooth to my Samsung S6 with a slick GUI. The battery life is stated as 5 days, this has not been tested but 3+ days would be pretty sufficient. It tracks steps, HR, Calories, and elevation gain (stated in "stairs"). With ability to track resting HR and Sleep Quality, may also give you another insight to your physical well being. I will be testing this watch through next couple weeks and will update my Gear List with final notes.What do you carry and why? Comments appreciated by email or Guestbook.See you on the Trail!
Date: 2017-01-21
To: Rechargable Power Cell
Miles today: 0.0

While I would like to go electronics naked...not going to happen. I have to have periodic contact with a lot of variables plus as stated earlier, I am a data geek. My only two carry items that require power are my Samsung S6 and watch. The Samsung combines a lot of resources into one unit. Phone, Camera, music, books, lists, Guthook App, Journal, town POI, etc. Standard smart phone kinda stuff.To keep these devices charged between towns, I use a 10,000mAH power cell. Able to charge two devices simultaneously and pretty rapid recharge when in town. Have never really run it dry...so would say I can easily get by for 6-7 days between plug ins.It is a Sharper Image Model TSI 781. Not sure if still in production as I bought it last year for around $35.Deminsions are 6"x2.5"x1/2". Weight 7.5oz.Pretty simple, not ruggedized, and light weight. Can go lighter, just less charging capacity.
Date: 2017-01-24
To: Maps and Guides
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Really love "The A.T. Guide" by David "AWOL" Miller. Just received my 2017 versions. I buy the loose leaf version to carry only about 6 weeks worth of pages. While on the Trail, I like to use the pages to collect passport stamps and make notes. When in town, send the used pages home along with postcards to family and friends.I buy two copies. The loose leaf version and a bound version. My Home Team keeps the bound version to help follow along and for trail contact info if needed.Along with the Guide, I also use the Guthook's AT Guide App. Really a nice tool to have on the trail. By keeping my cell phone in "airplane mode" it minimizes battery drain while still providing GPS Updates to Guthook. Will really come in handy when you loose track of the trail or just validating you are still on the trail. Necessary -- No. Nice to have -- Absolutely. Benefit - takes up no space (already carrying your cell phone) and can provide close to real time updates on water problems, closures, etc.
Date: 2017-01-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

So excited...30 days out from start! Looking at reports from ATWeather.org makes one take layering to heart. My Cold Weather Clothes bag is 3 lbs. Includes:WigWam Beanie 3.1oz"Turtle" Neck Gaiter 2.3ozCheap Dollar Store Cotton Gloves 1.5ozMtn Hard Wear Wool Gloves 1.2ozSea2Summit Small Compresion Bag2.3ozSmart Wool NTS Mid 250 Top 12.7ozSmart Wool NTS Mid 250 Bottom 8.8ozJacket, North Face 15.3ozOverall - 12% of my Base Pack Weight of 24.2lbsI tolerate cold very well...so this is basically camp dress...pretty much delayer down to a long sleeve shirt after 30 minutes on trail but still need to be prepared for the 20 degree mornings in March at elevations.Silver lining -- know that at least 3 lbs gets sent home in early May.
Date: 2017-01-31
To: Trail Watch -- Decision Made
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Follow Up: Jan 20, 2017 Post -- Wearable ElectronicsHaving experience now with the FitBit Charge 2, decision made to take it on the 2017 journey.In my personal opinion:The watch weighs in at a measly 1.2 ounces. Charging cord at .6 ounces. The watch can go at least 4 days between recharging, probably 5. And when you do recharge off your portable power source, it charges quickly and uses very little of the stored power.The bluetooth interface to phone keeps all statistics and you only need to activate the phones bluetooth every couple days to upload data. Takes less than a minute. So minimal drain on phone.Features I like best?Heart Rate profile -- Shows avg for day/week; resting HR; how much time in cardio and peak; and feeds to the calories burned calculation. Why is the good data to know? If your resting HR starts to rise, could be a good signal that a zero day is needed.Sleep Profile -- Shows how much sleep you are getting and the quality of that sleep. With Hiker Midnight, you will have no problem with the hours of sleep but if you are very restless while sleeping, could mean a change is needed in your setup. Bigger sleeping bag, warmer clothes, change in pad, etc. If you are getting a good nights sleep but constantly tired, then may just be adjusting to trail life. One young hiker may have a great insight...he stated that everybody he meets over 50 has sever sleep apnea and snores...:-) Your sleep profile may tell the story. Calories Burned -- will show your daily and weekly calorie burn rate based on HR and duration on elevated activity. Helps to justify the Pizza Hut Large Stuff Crust Pizza and full salad bar at your next town.Steps -- Fun data point. When your city friends talk about their 5,000 steps a day, you can casually comment that your average day was 30,000 steps with 1/2 of them uphill.Stairs -- Just another fun data point. FitBit tacks pressure changes and gives you credit in 10' increments. In FL, going over a 30ft draw bridge equals 3 flights of stairs. Not sure how it will track in the mountains.What I do not do -- Do not run interface to your phones GPS for route tracking. Just burns up battery time.See you down the Trail!
Date: 2017-02-03
To: Final Countdown
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Counting Down -- 26 Days till Launch!Annual Physical -- CheckOptometrist -- CheckDental Check Up -- CheckHome Maintenance Arranged -- Check2016 Taxes File -- 2016 Amended Taxes Files -- Check, too quick on the triggerPack Inventory completed 50X -- CheckSpecial Weekend Getaway with my Gal (Most important item! -- CheckPretty sure will forget many items but did my best and can't worry about the rest! :-)
Date: 2017-02-04
To: Feb Training in FL
Miles today: 0.0

Wow -- what I wanted give to get some Mountain time in before the AT launch on March 2nd. Until then -- hiking the beach and getting my fair share of stares from the tourists. Surprising how much room they give me when passing...Pack really feels good...no hot spots and sitting well on the hips. No meaning to advertise but really do like my ULA Catalyst.Was recalling fond memories of 2016 and my 1st night on the Trail at Hawk Mtn Shelter. Set up my brand new Big Agnes Fly Creek 2 Platinum. Got up during the night and before getting back in, just had to stare up at all the stars. Got pretty dizzy and fell right on top the tent, of course this was about 2AM and camp site was crowded. Bent a pole pretty bad but luckily Big Agnes included a splice so was able to patch it up and used "as is" for next 4 weeks until swapping out for a ZPack Duplex.I am still surprised that nobody mentioned it the next morning...guess a lot of pretty tired hikers!
Date: 2017-02-28
To: Ready to get started!!
Miles today: 0.0

Final day at home. What a busy week, tough getting everything in order to go AWOL for up to 6 months! Great support crew with Fiance and Family makes it possible.March 1st -- Wednesday AM driving up to Dahlonega GA with my Son Ben...Trail Name Maltese ... to stay at Hiker Hostel. Have heard great things about them and excited to meet the Team. Will also meet up with Grumpy from CO. The three of us will be feet on the trail Thursday March 2nd!!!
Date: 2017-03-01
To: In Dehlonaga
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Hi All! 2017 AT Journey officially kicked off. My Son Ben and I arrived at the Hiker Hostel in Dehlonaga GA about 7pm. Grumpy was here waiting for us with pizza and beer...what a great guy! Hiker Hostel has lived up to thier reputation. Really 1st class place. Grumpy has a private room in main bunkhouse and Ben and I have a cabin with 2 beds, kitchenette, and bathroom. We will all meet for a family hostel style breakfast at 7am and then shuttle to Springer Mtn trail head at 8:30. Should have feet on the trail by 9:30am. Weather forecast is awesome for the next 4 days. We are blessed to be here and equally blessed with so many good friends to share the journey with.....Will post updated and pictures when we can.
Date: 2017-03-02
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 8.1

1st day has been a Great Day. Shuttle dropped us off at Big Stamp Gap USFS 42. Did the 1 mike hilke up to Springer Mtn southern terminus to officially start at mile 0. The weather was brisk in the 30s but warmed up quickly. Trail conditions great and water was pleantiful. Staying at Hawk Mtn Shelter in our tents. Note: new campsite at mile 7.4 with good water plus 30 tent sItes. Will beat out Hawks Shelter when busier. Low milage day with the late drop off plus wanting to take our time setting our 1st camp of the season. Today milage 8.1. Total Miles 8.1.
Date: 2017-03-06
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.7

Trip has been great...5 days in and 52.6 Miles. At Unicoi Gap tonight. Weather has been awsome for 1st 5 days. Couple nights below freezing but no issues. Expecting weather on 3/7 and a long day covering Unicoi Gap to Dick's Creek Gap. Toughest 16 Miles in GA with 5000 feet up and 5000 feet down. Looking forward to it....
Date: 2017-03-07
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Zero at TOG Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Decided to Zero at TOG Hostel today due to severe weather inbound at 12 noon. Had a 16+ day planned so best to be safe.Couple of catch up comments...We got into Neel Gap late and hostel was filled. Made Reservation at Misty Mountain B&B and Cabins. Had a great cabin with kitchen and fireplace. Misty Mountain picked up at Neel Gap within 15 min of calling.  Did our laundry and took us into town for dinner and resupply. In the AM stopped for breakfast on way back to Neel Gap. Misty Mountain is a great alternative to other offerings. Craig is one of the principles and and an avid hiker himself...great find.
Date: 2017-03-08
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.7

Great hike today 16.7 Miles on pretty tough terrain. Unicoi Gap to Dicks Creek Gap. Weather was awesome...Blue sky's and in the 50's Water was pleantiful and as advertised. Hard hike. Elevation changes were appx 5000 up and down. Started with Maltese but he quickly pulled ahead on the hills and finished about 2 hours earlier. Several other hikers pulled off at Deep Gap Shelter (mile 65.7). Started about 8:45 and finished at the TOG Hostel aboutique 4:30. Only about a 15 min break. Tomorrow will hopefully be as great as day as we enter NC.   Next stop...Franklin NC.
Date: 2017-03-11
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: broken clouds

Great day. Woke to 25 degrees but equipment did good. Slept with my ceramic filter to prevent freeze damage. Covered Albert Mountain Fire Tower without issue. Pretty cool all morning, probably low 40s. Afternoon cooled down and light snow for most of early afternoon. Expecting 3 to 5 inches tonight so got off at Rock Gap and headed into Franklin for at least tonight.
Date: 2017-03-12
From: Rock Gap

To: Zero in Franklin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Hi All...what a great hike we have been having. My Son Ben (Trail Name Maltese for the Fireman's Cross) has been a great trail partner. Some Highlights To Date:1) Hiker Hostel high speed van ride on Fire Service Road to Springer Mtn Trail Head. Any amusement park would love to replicate that ride.2) Cleared Blood Mtn in GA on day 3 at the end of a 16 mile day.3) Completed GA and entered NC4) Woke up to sub freezing Temps 3 mornings5) Had a major thunderstorm go over us one night. Little nerve racking sleeping in a tent, on the ground, and under a tree with big lightning and thunder6) Hiked up to the Albert Fire Tower on top of Albert Mtn.7) Experienced top notch trail magic.8) Stayed at Top of Georgia and met Sir Packs-A-Lot...a Triple Crown Hiker (PCT-AT-CDT)9) Hiked in a light snowfall10) Hiked 105.8 Miles in 9 days and met a lot of fellow hikers11) Stayed healthy...Currently in Franklin NC off the trail at Hotel due to snow warnings and some major cold. Hope to get back on trail Tuesday, same time Ben is headed back home.My new feet are doing well! A little tired at the end of the day but pretty sure that is a normal thing...Thanks for following along. Looking forward to providing next update...Miles of Smiles
Date: 2017-03-16
From: Another Zero in Franklin

To: Tellico Gap
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Finally jumped back on the trail Lot of snow above 4000 feet and slush-ice-mud below 4000.   Real late start as Shuttle was late...had to pick up other hikers...had to get gas...etc.Got to Tellico Gap at 3,850 feet figuring less snow.   Called Nantahala Mtn Lodge and they had room plus Shuttle from Gap. Saved us a cold night in our tents sleeping beside a FS Road. Hostel is 1st Class....highly recommend.
Date: 2017-03-17
From: Tellico Gap

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked front Tellico Gap to Nantahala Outdoor Center today. Toughest 8 Miles yet. Once we cleared Wesser Bald at mile 130.3 and elevation 4627 ft the trail was steep downhill and slick with ice or snowman. One thing to walk on ice/snow but to do it on a steep grade was not easy. The Jumpoff area was very treacherous. Anyway...all worthwhile when we were sitting down at the NOC enjoying our Hamburgers.Staying at Cabin in the Woods. Have the Woods hope Cabin for $60/night. No TV or Internet. Clean place and they Shuttle you from NOC for free.
Date: 2017-03-18
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 13.4

Hi Everybody...Weather has started to warm up. Had a hard rain last night at about 40 degrees...melted most of the deep snow and ice in upper elevations.Today we started our hike at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) at 8 am and finished at Stecoah Gap (mile 150.4). This was a challanging section with a 3300 ft climb out of NOC topping out at Cheoah Bald 5062 ft elevation. Views were awesome!Tomorrow will hike from Stecoah Gap to Fontana Dam. Monday will enter the Great Smokey Mountain National Park and hopefully 5 days later exit the park. Weather forecast is decent with snow projected for Tuesday, we will manage.My hiking buddy Grumpy has changed trail name to Nuke in reflection of his Nuclear Submarine Service. He is doing great and staying healthy.My new and improved feet continue to work well...all systems go.Thanks for the support and will post again when I exit the Smokies...Miles of Smiles