morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-09-11
From: Curley Maple Gap Shelter

To: River rd - Uncle Johnnys Hostel
Miles today: 4.7

Curley Maple Gap Shelter was petty cool with two sleeping levels. Not a lot of head room but enough for the tent. I was a little late getting in but did manage to get dinner and set up just before dark. The hike down to Uncle Johnny's was short so I was able to sleep in and then take my time with breakfast and even build a fire. Several NOBOs doing sections came along before I broke camp. Uncle Johnny's had lots of activity and a group of hikers all went into Erwin TN for dinner. I met a real nice guy named Cabbage Patch on his next to last day of his section hike. We grabbed a 6 pack and 2 cigars and had a good time swapping stories that evening. It rained like hell for a while and the roof of the bunk house started to leak right above my bed (worse for "Wild Bill from Ashville") who was on the top bunk. He got moved to a different bunk and I got moved to a cabin. Flipper from a few days back also rolled in. He found some shoes in the hiker box that were delaminating but he glued them up with Gorilla glue. I thought they looked pretty bad till he showed me his current pair. The glued boots were a big upgrade. I hope they last. Just waiting for my daughter and her boyfriend to arrive. Looking forward to our hike tomorrow along with their new dog.
Date: 2014-09-13
From: River rd - Uncle Johnnys Hostel

To: Spivey Gap to Uncle Johnny's
Miles today: 10.7

Today was another wet one! My daughter, Ashley, her boyfriend, Ryan, and their puppy, Maya traveled from Charlotte to join me for a day on the trail. The trail welcomed them with rain rain and more rain, we stuck to it and even sang a little to pass the time. The trail was slick, but not too strenuous and we finished with only one little spill. Ashley was impressed by my quick and lively pace, but everyone kept up nicely. We stopped once at a small shelter for some food, but otherwise kept a steady pace. Saw a few other hikers despite the rain, but no wildlife. Maya did really well once I moved to the front of the pack, but promptly laid down to sleep when we finished. I think we wore her out! Towards the end of the hike she took a liking to walking on the soft moss - can't blame her for that. Much of the trail was along the ridge and a few places were a tight fit. Glad we didn't have to pass anyone! We did get to enjoy one view looking over the Nolichucky River winding through the mountains nestled in foggy strips. Tomorrow Ashley will drop me off on the trail and I will continue to head South. Tonight we plan to enjoy some wine, Italian food, and each other's company.
Date: 2014-09-14
From: Spivey Gap to Uncle Johnny's

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Ash, Ryan and I went to breakfast at the local favorite. I had an MVP breakfast - plenty of good food! They took me back to the trail at about 9:30. I had a 2300 ft climb over about 3 miles then things got better. I missed my buddy Maya! Hiked in the fog all day but did run into a Racoon. Pretty wierd since he did not seem scared in the least. I got to the shelter first but was joined by 3 others, 2 NOBOs and Flipper. Both northies were doing sections. A girl from Mass was going as far as she could get till Thanksgiving and the guy was just out for a couple of weeks. He had thru hiked in 2005, met his wife on that trip. It rained ALL night and everything was damp in the morning. I need some sunshine!
Date: 2014-09-15
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Lack of water on the trail had me push some extra miles. I actually stopped at my original planned stopping point and got water, ate dinner - refilled and drank a half liter and headed to the next shelter that was dry (actually the next two were dry). I was carrying about 9 lbs of water. Also took the trail to Firescald Knob. There was a bad weather bypass but weather, while quite overcast wasn't bad per say. The hike up Firescald was steep and rocky as advertised. Reminded me of NH or Maine. If the put in foul weather by passes in those states you would need a detour around the whole state! Got some views off the Knob but only to one side of the ridge. Got to the shelter and there was a husband/wife team there. He was retired military. Nice couple, going SOBO but only for a couple more days. First night in a while with limited rain.
Date: 2014-09-16
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked hard today to cover the miles and get to Hot Springs before PO closed at 4. Actually saw my shadow for the first time in a while. Still got some light rain and some thunder but not a bad day. Amazing how fast the trail dries out. Ran into a guy training his 8 beagles for hunting season. Also saw Len and Ashley (father/daughter) from the Barn night. They skipped ahead, he named her "not my cup of tea" as she did not turn out to be a hiker enthusiast. When I got to town the hostel I planned to stay at was closed due it plumbing problems so I had to go to one a half mile out of town. Still good to get a shower and have a bed to sleep in!
Date: 2014-09-17
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

Got out of Hot Springs just before 10. Nice day and made it to my original target stop at about 3:30 so decided to push out another 5 miles to make the next day 15 vs 20. Saw 4 other hikers. A grandmother just killing time while her granddaughter was in pre school. Also two hikers doing northbound sections and an old guy at the shelter I was originally going to. The old guy had every bit of his stuff spread out over and on that shelter and it's picnic table. Nice guy, comes out to hike about 10 days each month and works the other 20. I had Roaring Fork to myself. It is still raining - but not water - it's acorns! Some parts of the trail the acorns are so thick each step must hit 10 or 20. This side of Hot Springs is much wetter than the North side. Trail is a little more boggy but drying out. At least water has not been a problem.
Date: 2014-09-18
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Green Corner Rd - Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Beautiful day. Bright sunshine. My journal was probably getting a dark tone. Hard to describe how much better you feel when the sun is out. Max Patch Summit was fantastic. I took a ton of pictures but may have to download then in a week or so when I get out of the Smokies. Saw 11 other hikers today - all going north. One guy called "tin man" was hiking the trail in crocks. Also saw two ladies and another father/daughter pair. Nice to see so many people out on the trail. I expect I will see more on the Smokies. Right before I got to the hostel I saw 4 more bears (15 total for this hike), mother and 3 cubs. She was coming up the trail when we saw each other. Lucky for me she turned and herded the cubs away. Had to do my own laundry at the hostel, using a wash tub and a wringer. Fortunately they do have an electric dryer.
Date: 2014-09-19
From: Green Corner Rd - Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: Crosby Knob Shelter - from Newfound Gap
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: light rain

Got a shuttle to Newfound Gap and will spend 2 days hiking back to Standing Bear Farm Hostel, then Sunday shuttle back up to the Gap and start South again. Saves me a big uphill and let's me resupply at the hostel and carry a lot less weight over the next 5 days. Weather could not be better. Got some great views coming out of the gap and again at Eagle Rocks where I stopped along the trail for my lunch. On the way down to the shelter you pass a plane wreck. Not much to see, just a debris field of an F4 (I think I got the plane right). 5 of us in the shelter, a couple doing a weekend hike and a guy going from Springer to Hot Springs and a guy from PA doing Duncannon to Springer. This shelter was recently reopened (closed due to bear activity) and we Sven had to hang our packs on the cables - first time for everything.
Date: 2014-09-20
From: Crosby Knob Shelter - from Newfound Gap

To: Davenport Gap & Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 10.7

Easy hike today on another beautiful day. I took a side trail out to Mt Cammerer lookout tower. The 0.6 mile out and back was well worth the effort. I spent some time just relaxing at the tower. Got some great pictures but I am sure the camera cannot do justice to bring there in person. Lots of people out on this Saturday, both hikers and horse back riders. I also ran into a Ranger - thanks Racquet for getting my permit!! Back to the hostel for more wash board laundry. When I got back to the hostel the caretaker was tearing his cabin apart, he had seen a snake in his bed. When he found it in her corner about 6 inches from where his feet are when he is sleeping he discovered if was a copperhead. He shot it in the head. Tomorrow afternoon I shuttle back up to Newfound Gap and start south but this time with a full pack. Monday should summit Clingmans Dome - highest point on the AT. 207 miles to go.
Date: 2014-09-21
From: Davenport Gap & Standing Bear Farm

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 4.5

Lucky day. I was waiting on the shuttle back to Newfound Gap which was probably not leaving Standing Bear till 4ish. We were waiting on a hiker to finish his hike to take him back to his truck. I was likely going to have to hike some of my hike in the dark. Fortunately a couple came into the Hostel that I had camped with about 100 miles before at Little Laurel Shelter ("chugging along and all aboard" ) and they offered to take me up to the gap early. I got on the trail at about 3 and got to the shelter at 5 just before a hard rain. My hike with the original plan would have been miserable. Rained all night and got really cold!
Date: 2014-09-22
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Russel Field Shelter
Miles today: 22.7

Cold and windy and wet last night but a beautiful morning. Still windy had to wear a coat for much of the day. The Clingmans Dome view tower was only 2.5 miles down the trail. The views were spectacular and there were lots of people there since you can drive right up to it. No one stayed on the tower for more than 10 minutes. It was that cold and windy. Big day ( Milage wise ) and I saw lots of hikers. One guy told me his goal was to hike one end of the park to the other then return in 3 days 145 miles. He did not even have a tarp or a tent - he just sleeps in a sleeping bag on the trail. He basically hikes from 5am to midnight each day. Told me he has run the park twice, both times in 22.5 hrs. Walked past Rocky Top and had more great views and saw a rock with 2000 on it, means less than 185 miles to go.
Date: 2014-09-24
From: Fontana Dam - Hiker Inn 

To: Cheoah Bald
Miles today: 20.9

With this great weather comes a price. Springs starting to dry up. I had to stop 2 miles before my intended destination and get water but some campers there told me if was barely running. Fortunately one of the guys offered his help and his filter. Cheoah Bald was fantastic. Beautiful sunset and sunrise. I expected others to be camping up there but I was all alone. Long day but worth it. Had a little fire to go with my dinner and sunset.
Date: 2014-09-25
From: Cheoah Bald

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 7.9

Tent was a little wet from normal condensation so I had to let it dry a bit before getting started for the day. Short day as I was meeting my sister and her husband for lunch at the NOC. We had a nice time and I was able to eat my fill! We spent some time watching the kayakers and ducks on the river. Targeting to finish up in 9 days.
Date: 2014-09-26
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Wayah Bald - Franklin NC
Miles today: 17.6

Tough hiking day. 2800 ft climb out of NOC then 1200 ft shortly after. On the trail that day I ran into " stickman" a section hiker that interviews hikers on the AT and posts to UTube. I gave him an interview but he said it would not get posted till mid Oct. Saw some nice views but may have to post pictures later when I find some WIFI. There was a chance that my sister in Georgia, her daughter and the daughters husband were going to get a cabin in Franklin NC but we did not know what time they would get out of Atlanta and if either of us would have cell phone coverage to allow communication. When I got to the shelter at about 5 I turned the phone on only to see " no signal ". I left it on when I want to get water and upon returning saw that I had a call from my niece. I found where it get a signal and called them back. I was only 1 mile from a good pickup point and they agreed to do a trail rescue! They drove up to Wayah Bald stone observation tower (45 min drive for them). The views at the Bald were great and even better was seeing them. We went back to their cabin and had a big feast and party. Happy birthday NB!
Date: 2014-09-27
From: Wayah Bald - Franklin NC

To: Rock Gap - Franklin NC
Miles today: 13.6

Got up fairly early given our party endeavor the night before, made a hearty breakfast and headed out to the trail. We all hiked a bit but then NB and I slack packed the next 13 miles. Unfortunately it was cloudy in the morning and we did not get a view at Siler Bald. Still we saw quite a few hikers and we were able to motor along and complete our hike by 2:30. The girls showed up with Gatorade and ice cream ( someone must be an avid reader of my journal!!). We all then went into Franklin to walk the town and drink a beer. Then back to the cabin for a fire in the firepit and another party and a great dinner. I am bring spoiled, only a week to go but it will still be hard to get back on the trail tomorrow!
Date: 2014-09-28
From: Rock Gap - Franklin NC

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: overcast clouds

AJ fixed me a power breakfast, 3 eggs, 4 sausage links, toast, OJ, carnation instant breakfast. I was pumped for the day. Back on the trail by 8:30 and a need to push out some miles. Forecast calling for rain late in the day and all day tomorrow. I originally was looking to get to Standing Indian Shelter but got there at 4:30 and decided to push out 5 more miles since it was not raining yet. Tough miles but would have been worse tomorrow in the rain. Saw lots of hikers, most going north except one slack packing women heading south. One north nound group was 3 dads and their 3 sons. When I finally got to Muskrat Creek shelter I was excited to see a fire going. I camped with 4 guys doing a north bound section. They were from Chicago and were out for the week. Real nice guys.
Date: 2014-09-29
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap - Top of Georgia Hostel
Miles today: 11.8

Legs were dead today. Good thing I only had 12 miles to do,that 25 yesterday took a lot out of me. I did get rained on several times especially the last mile or two into the hostel (bummer wet shoes for tomorrow). I pick up my last resupply box here. The goal is to summit Springer on Friday afternoon, my mothers 90th birthday. Still 70 miles to go, so it will not be easy. Then off to Rock Hill SC for the birthday party. Thanks to everyone sending in your encouragement and well wishes.
Date: 2014-09-30
From: Dicks Creek Gap - Top of Georgia Hostel

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 26.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Met a guy at the hostel that just got out of the Marines in mid May. Spent 2 weeks at home then hit the trail. His mom came to Georgia to slack pack him the final 70 miles. He offered for me to do it with him. His goal 31 miles. I had to respectfully decline. Worried I would not keep up and then looking for my pack in the dark at a pre defined drop off point did not sound fun (and unlike him, I would not be going into Helen for beer and German food). I did get they to agree to Shuttle my pack to Unicoi gap, 16.7 miles. The hostel offers a big breakfast so we took advantagd of that and got on the trail at about 8. Conner said he could not do 20 min miles, so I thought I may have a chance. Thirty years my junior and in excellent shape he beat me to Unicoi Gap by 15 minutes. I covered that 17 miles in just over 5 hours. Without the pack I was able to jog the flats. Our original meeting time was 3 but I had called mom and told her we were running early and Conner was ahead of me. When I got there, mom was there and had some fresh olives, tomatoes, cheese and some French bread! Wonderful surprise. Conner was then off running again and I had to don my heavy pack for another 10 miles of hiking. No complaints, slacking the first 17 was wonderful. The hostel owner said that portion of the trail was the hardest in Georgia.
Date: 2014-10-01
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Neel Gap Mtn Crossing Hostel
Miles today: 11.5

Light day and my legs were dead! This hostel is cool, you literally walk right thru a breezeway connected to the building. It is a hostel and outfitter. I hope to do a partial slack tommorrow then hike into my final shelter on the AT. Racquet will meet me at 1:30 Friday and we will summit Springer together. I am starting to get pumped.
Date: 2014-10-02
From: Neel Gap Mtn Crossing Hostel

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 28.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Found a shuttle driver to slack pack me. Original plan was to meet at Woody Gap at 12 but I was moving pretty good and we switched it to Cooper Gap at 2:30. I got there at 2 - 19.4 miles in 6 hrs and 20 min. Then I strapped on the pack and went another 9.5 miles. I wanted to get as far as possible since rain was coming that night and he closer I was to Springer the better chance I could miss the wet conditions. This last major day of hiking included one last big peak, Blood Mtn, and several more moderate but challenging spikes (Big Cedar, Justus and Sassafras Mtns). I also got a big surprise when I ran into Joe K, a guy Racquet and I met in a shelter in May, then 2 weeks later he saw us crossing the Lehigh River and gave us a ride into Palmerton and now as he is starting his AT section pike. How cool to see him again. When I got the shelter I was the only one - I was surprised as I had seen a ton of hikers all day as the hike starting at Springer is quite popular. Built a fire, had dinner and just relaxed.
Date: 2014-10-03
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Springer Mtn Summit
Miles today: 2.8

Rained hard from 4:30am till 10:30am. I stayed in bed and caught up on my sleep. I started my hike to the parking area that Racquet and I were meeting at around 11:30. Wet but not raining I got there at about 12:20 and Racquet rolled up at 12:30, an hour early. We grabbed the cigar and Champagne and headed for the summit - still a mile away. Hugs and kisses and a few sips later we were heading back down the mountain. Back to Charlotte for a party with her sister and brother in law and a party with my family Saturday for my mother's 90th birthday! Now that's a big deal!
Date: 2014-10-04
From: Springer Mtn Summit

To: Charlotte, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Just a final entry to post a heart felt thanks to so many people that made my trek a possibility. First and foremost to my wife, Racquet for all her support and for even entertaining the idea of a thru hike and for being motivated to walk the first 450 miles despite her foot problems. To my home base family that kept me supplied and answered my call whenever I managed to find a cell signal. To all my family and friends that took me in off the trail, often driving crazy distances or up mountain roads to find me, take me in and feed me (often till I was full, which was a task in itself). To my extended family that helped celebrate the completion of the trail and for organizing parties, cakes and gifts to help me remember this incredibly rewarding effort. To all the readers of this Trailjournal and the many friends, acquaintances and sometimes even strangers that sent me notes via the guest book; these messages were incredibly motivating and a direct connection back to civilization that was really comforting to me. To all the hikers that I hiked with, some for a few hours, some for many days, some that we just shared a shelter with. To the Hostel owners who were so kind and accommodating. To the various trail angels that I met and who selflessly supported me and others along the trail. And finally to all the volunteers that work so many hours maintaining the trail or building out better pathways. Your dedication and sweat equity means so much to so many.
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Amicalola Falls 

To: Springer Mountain--I've Started
Miles today: 8.8

Well folks, I've finally started. Thanks to all who have supported me in my grand adventure!!!! special thanks to our dear friends the Stowell's in Atlanta who provide my first taste of trail magic...a cabin at Amicalola park two great huge meals prior to the start. John even walked the first couple of miles with us . Phil and Jack hiked the first 40 miles with me and left the trail at Neels gap. The will be joining me at various spots on the trail. Please check out the photos and video section on my journal. Phil entered some nice photos for me while I was busy walking. Next time I'll tell you about my friends Ax Man, Heavy metal chef, Trail Dancer. And soul money.
Date: 2014-04-11
From: springer mtn

To: Coopers Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Camp site number two...we pushed ahead from our plan and stayed the night at Coopers Gap. Well let's just say we saw some wild life...the local inhabitants. Don't worry they didn't play banjo music but we thought they might start any minute. Combine the full moon alcohol and a Friday night. They they visited our site in the middle of the night in a pick up truck made bunches and noise spoke a language we didn't understand and generally hooted and hollered for quite a while and thankfully left. Funny, the guidebook said nothing about the local wildlife. Now for friends, we met a wonderful person named Trail dancer. She got quite a scare from the locals that night. She told us about the experience the next morning. Wow what a way to start your first day on the Appalachian Trail. Take a look at her picture in the photos section.I'll tell you more about axman and heavy metal chef in my next entry.Note to self don't camp by road again, especially in northern Georgia :-)
Date: 2014-04-16
From: deep gap shelter

To: Muskrat creek shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Yee Ha! One state down. Today I crossed into North Carolina after a COLD 26 degree night. I had on every stitch of clothing I brought with me and still was a bit chilly, but still got some sleep in spite of it all. This afternoon I passed the GA NC line and snapped a shot with my iPhone. Gear wise all is going well except for my alcohol stove, I'm almost out of fuel and it takes forever to heat. I chatted with logistical support team(Phil and Jack the terrier) and they sent me a gas canister MSR pocket rocket stove. I'll pick it up at my next food stop, the Nantahala outdoor center. Red Robin.
Date: 2014-04-17
From: muskkrat creek shelter

To: Long Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Hi all, it's cold out and raining. "Holy Cow how rain complicates everything." Should get down to about 30 degrees tonight. I'll give you and update tomorrow because I actually am carrying a thermometer! I know it's extra unnecessary weight, but I think I need it so I carried it. Anyway, I have trail name now and it's RED ROBIN. Red, cause I have a red head and Robin because I'm up early and you know the early bird always gets the worm! I earned my name from a fellow hiker, Soul Money. That's all for tonight....got to say warm.Red Robin,with my head under my wing (goose down feathers that is)
Date: 2014-04-18
To: 116 mile mark
Miles today: 19.0

Well folks I'm tired and it's raining again so I stopped for the night early. I'm at mile 116 for the trail so far so it's just under 2000 miles to go :-) Jack, shown here while we were in Georgia displays all the emotions I feel. Just tired and want to take a long nap. I hope the weather is better tomorrow.   Red Robin