morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-07-01
From: Wind Gap

To: Squirrel and Tree Frog
Miles today: 18.3

A little late start. Trying to make it to Tree Frog ans Squirrels place. But we are racing the weather. The terrain is smoothing out a bit so making decent time. Just about to hit the home stretch and we run into a hiking club doing trail magic! Delicious foods! We get going again and the thunder cracks. The wind picks up and soon it is raining. Then pouring. Only a couple miles left so Windwalker and I dont even break out the rain gear. We hit the turn off and head to the house. Hot food and cokd drinks with great conversation! Life is winderful.
Date: 2016-07-03
From: Squirrel Nest

To: Gren Anderson
Miles today: 15.0

Another late start. A healthy breakfast and then back to the trail. Rocky with plenty of up and downs. A good workout. Had some very nice views and the weather is fairly cool. There's a lot of weekenders here with most of them fairly nice. Falling asleep to the sounds of fireworks in the distance.
Date: 2016-07-04
From: Squirrel Nest

To: Pochuck
Miles today: 26.3
Weather: clear sky

Out early and moving good. Trying to make it to town to resupply. Well came in a few hours late but the pub was open. Had a birger and beers with a few on the house. Happy Independence Day! Out of town and up the mountain. The plan was to sleep at the overlook but a storm came in. So to the shelter. Met good people and got to see a few fireworks.
Date: 2016-07-05
From: Squirrel Nest

To: Wildcat
Miles today: 26.2

Slept in today. No mojo. Cloudy and cool. Still tried to make good tine to town. Hit the road and the sun was out full blast! Just baked me all the way in. Found delicious foods and cold drinks. Hit several trail magic coolers today! Fantastic! Even got a ride out of town. Lifw is good. Came to the shelter. Whatba dirt hole. Shitters full, shelters covered in trash, water source is garbage. Should have kept going but im exhausted. Fell asleep to the sound of thousands of mosquitoes trying to break into my tent.
Date: 2016-07-06
From: Squirrel Nest

To: Bear Mountain
Miles today: 30.0

Woke up to the buzz of the mosquitoes still trying to get in. Ha! I did watch a couple people gwt chewed on. They did everything outside of their tents instead of in them. Maybe they learned a lesson. Hot! Blistering hot today. There was a ton of trail magic water though! Lifesaver! Rocks with lots of up and down. Ended up with a shower and a couple of ice creams for lunch! Took the Alternative Adventure Route a few times today. Always somw great things. Abandoned mines, abandoned bathrooms and new routes to the same places! Quality. Walked by the zoo! By it....it was closed. Crossed the bridge and sleeping on the hill.
Date: 2016-07-07
From: Bear Mountain

To: Clarence Farnsworth
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hot! Drinking water and its juat poyring out of me. Came down the mountain to the AT Deli and got onionrings and a burger. Back to the trail. is rolling. Sky is getting dark. Maybe i will make it. Maybe it will just be a touch of rain. Nope. Freaking monsoon. I turned away the first two rides. Im only a few miles from the park. I did say yes to the third one. Well that was a hiker shower. Itll be good to dry off. Met some other hikers here. They invited me over for pizza. Fantastic!
Date: 2016-07-08
From: Bear Mountain

To: Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: moderate rain

Well good start. Dry. Cool. Hit the trail good. Was headed straight for trail magic at RPH shelter. Sure enough it was there! Got to help with the new roof build. And stuck around for a while enjoying food and drinks. Finally left and made it to the next place. Weather report was calling for the end times. So in stopped. I didnt want to hike in the rain today. Well.....here it is 939 and no rain. Cant win them all. Met aome great weekenders.
Date: 2016-07-11
From: Mt Algo

To: Kerhonkson
Miles today: 3.0

Met a fellow named Illusion. Just happens to live 1.5 hours from Salisbury. So going to spend a coyole days with his tribe. Huge family! Wonderful and welcoming people. Glad to meet them and a huge thank you for a place to rest. The same goes for Lance and Rob! Great guys!
Date: 2015-10-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

After 15 years of dreaming, 15 years of reading every book, watching every video, reviewing countless Trailjournals entries, and finally, after a recent visit to my Orthopedic surgeon to check out my knees, I am finally to the point where I can actually say "This is really going to happen in March of 2016!!" My mind is swirling with a variety of thoughts competing for attention. Many workout hikes to come and other preparation. All I can say now is that I have the greatest wife (and family) in the universe! This is enough for my first entry. More to come....
Date: 2016-01-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Reactions to this plan to hike the A.T. vary from enthusiastic support to complete bafflement. Why? Why would I want to do such a thing? To anyone who has been affected by a wanderlust or simply a desire to do something epic, this is a very difficult question to answer. I find it hard to understand myself why, about 15 years ago, when I discovered this thing called thru-hiking, it completely took hold in my imagination. I desperately wanted to walk out of winter and into spring, watching the greening of the woods one plant at a time...and then to walk through summer and back into the edge of Autumn in Maine. I wanted to see what it would be like to distill my worries down to the most basic of needs: food, shelter, water and how far I would walk on any given day. No TV, no e-mail, no bosses. At age 59, I am beginning to see the gradual deterioration of my body - especially in the joints. If I do not make this attempt now, I fear the chance will pass and one day I would show my granddaughter a book about the A.T. and tell her that this is something extraordinary that I wanted to do, but didn't ever try. NOT GOOD! Even if I don't make it to Katahdin, I want to at least be able to say I gave it my best shot. So what is the answer to the question Why? My answer is to follow along. Hike with me vicariously thru my journals. Look at my pictures. Read about the pain, discomfort, bugs and hunger. Also read about the beauty, the really cool people and the feeling of accomplishment after conquering each summit. At the end, each person who asks why should have an answer...or not. I suppose it really isn't important to voice my reasons. Only one person needs to understand (other than me) and that is my wife. And she DOES get it! That is enough for me. Happy Hiking!
Date: 2016-01-14
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Time to ramp up the training! Renee (my wife) and I did an eight mile hike on Pinnacle Mountain in Tennessee. The snow made it tough going - good for a workout. I carried my full winter load with food and water (33 pounds). I would still like to shave a pound or two off of that somehow. It's getting down to leaving behind comfort or contingency items. I suppose I could always ship stuff home if I find I don't use at all on the trail.
Date: 2016-02-03
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I am currently doing what I call "workout hikes" at a local park (Steele Creek Park), which has 24 miles of trails with plenty of hills. Just a matter of loading up a full pack and hitting the hills at a hard pace - my pace on the thru hike will be much slower. In the picture attached, the mountain visible across the valley on the horizon is Holston Mountain. The A.T. snakes along its ridge towards Damascus, VA (for NOBOs). I look at that and think "SOON".
Date: 2016-02-14
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We just had my "Kick-Off" party here at home. Renee made a beautiful cake and my daughter added the AT logo very nicely. There is a saying for hikers: "Hike your own hike". This is so very appropriate. We each hit the trail with our own idea of what a thru-hike must be. An additional aspect of that phrase is a basic philosophy of how to treat others. Hike your own hike, but do not judge others on how they desire to hike their hike. My plan is simple. I want to start at the arch at Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia and hike the 8 mile approach trail to Springer Mountain. Then, I want to pass every white blaze all the way to Mount Katahdin, while carrying my pack every step of the way. I will not take short cuts or skip sections. Note: This is my plan, but I realize that plans change. Perhaps I will be tempted at some point, when my knees ache and my drive is low, and an opportunity presents itself for me to maybe slack pack a section, that I will give in and lower my standard just a little. Who knows? I might not end up the purist I started out to be. However, a purist I intend to be at least at the start. This will not make me better than anyone else, nor will it make my hike more significant. It is simply what I desire to do. So...Hike Your Own Hike, and ENJOY!
Date: 2016-02-22
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

The official distance of the trail this year is 2,189.1 miles. That sounds like a long way. Heck, it IS a long way. I guess the trick is to not focus on the total undertaking, but to think about each step, one at a time. It is now just two weeks until departure. A good description of how I feel right now is found in a quote from the movie Shawshank Redemption:"I find I'm so excited, I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it's the excitement only a free man can feel, a free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain."Exactly!
Date: 2016-03-04
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Renee (my wife) and I had dinner out tonight - a sort of private farewell. We traded cards and nervous thoughts about the upcoming separation. This will be the hard part for both of us. After 33 years of marriage, this will be our longest time apart. In her card she wrote an extraordinary poem for me that I simply must share:I too hear the mountain's callAnd through it nature's songI feel the grace of streams and fallsYes, I also do belongI listen and heed all that sayThat nothing is so shortAs the life of those who live each dayAnd seek nothing in it of worthFrom these calls I see the needAnd longing for something moreI know the yearn of this deedAnd understand the sweet allureSo go forth along that trailAnd seek to find its prizeGreet each new day without failEmbrace the sweet surpriseYes embark upon this tourWhile love awaits at homeAnd though solitary be the courseAt no time are you alone....Renee Gaskins
Date: 2016-03-08
From: Springer mountain

To: Hawk mountain
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: clear sky

This morning I said goodbye to Renee and Lucas (my youngest son). They hiked the approach trail with me. I watched them disappear into the trees. If I told you that I did not she'd a tear or two, then I would be lying. So onward to hawk mountain shelter - an easy hiking day.
Date: 2016-03-10
From: Lance Creek

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

Hiked over Blood Mountain in the fog - no views today. Ended up at the Walasi Yi (at Neels Gap), where I signed in to the hiker hostel. Got a shower (Awesome), then washed my clothes (very Awesome), and then ate some pizza (Awesomely Awesome)
Date: 2016-03-13
From: Cheese Factory Tent Site

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

We awoke this morning to a lovely storm. Had to break camp and hit the trail in pouring rain. Interesting challenge! At Dicks Creek Gap I took a shuttle to a hiker hostel: Top of Georgia. Awesome place with super nice people. Shower, laundry, food and a chance to dry out my gear!
Date: 2016-03-20
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

I had a wonderful couple of days with Renee in Franklin, NC. She travelled down to visit with me and brought some goodies like home made cookies and 12 year old scotch! We said our goodbyes at Winding Stair Gap and it was off into the woods again. By the time I got to Cold Spring Shelter it was cold and sleeting.
Date: 2016-03-21
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: snow

Last night the wind was howling and the temperature plummeted to about 10 degrees! I thought my tent was about to blow off the mountain a few times. I awoke to a lovely Spring morning with a few inches of snow. All I could do is pack up and get hiking to keep warm.
Date: 2016-03-22
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

The Nantahala Outdoor Center is located in a river valley and to get out we had to climb....a lot. Me and some hiker friends had a nice carb loading breakfast at the small restaurant there and then hit the trail. The climb out was six continuous miles of up. The only variation was steep or not so steep. I stopped at Locust Cove Gap (a tenting site) and called it a day.
Date: 2016-03-23
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a beautiful clear day with nice temperatures for hiking. There was one killer climb called Jacob's Ladder and it lived up to its name. The high hills of North Carolina provided a lot of beautiful views. I settled in at Cable Gap Shelter with a lot of familiar faces and relatively warm evening.
Date: 2016-03-24
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: overcast clouds

It was an easy day hiking only about seven miles to the fabled Fontana Dam with the nicest shelter on the trail: The Fontana Hilton. However, me and "Hey Everybody" decided to split a room at Fontana Village (hotel resort) that provides hiker rates this time of year. After hiking to the dam we got a shuttle to the village where we met up with many familiar faces. We were all sitting on the porch of the local General Store sipping some beer and out of the blue up walks my oldest son Matt. Awesome surprise! He drove out from Knoxville to see me and maybe hike a few miles into the Smokies with us. He ended up sleeping in the room we procured along with two other hikers, Hiking Home and Tweetie Bird (Love those trail names). Tomorrow it is time to head into the highest mountains on the trail in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Date: 2016-03-28
From: Newfound Gap

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

I am officially off the Trail.Before I explain, let me tell you...THE GOOD STUFF:- I met a lot of really cool people. Everything from two brothers "Fili and Kili" named after dwarves from a Tolkein novel who frequently spoke in Elvish or Dwarvish, to an interesting guy named "Bear Claw" who was carrying an actual sword (he is a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism). I met a Portuguese fellow who ended each night loudly declaring in a heavy accent: "It is not easy!"- I saw some beautiful sights and views that only a hiker gets to see.- I walked over 200 miles continuously, a new first for me physically.- Walking such a distance has taught me many valuable lessons to help refine my gear and backpacking technique. - The Appalachian Trail is not going anywhere. I will still be section hiking and enjoying its beauty.WHY:- From the first day, I have been concerned with the effect of this endeavor on Renee and my family, both emotionally and financially.- I have lost 22 pounds in three weeks. This is not sustainable or healthy. To prevent such weight loss, I must carry more food, which means more weight in my pack. This only makes the hiking more difficult, burning more calories. Quite a conundrum. All hikers lose weight, but my body seems to lose at a greater rate than normal.- I was surprised and dismayed at how much I missed Renee, the kids, my granddaughter, my guitar, and my art. - I underestimated the level of arthritis in my knees and toes (hallux rigidus) and its effect on long distance hiking. I will still be hiking and backpacking, but with Renee, my children, or my friends. We will share both the hardships and the sights of the trail together (but in short segments). I will still, in pieces, attempt to hike the entire Appalachian Trail. This is not a failure, but merely a change of plans to achieve a goal. "Do not go gentle into that good night,Old age should burn and rave at close of day;Rage, rage against the dying of the light."   Dylan Thomas
Date: 2016-04-01
From: Home

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I have been home a week resting, healing, and eating. Leaving the trail has left me with a feeling of unfinished business and so, after much thought and discussion with Renee, I am heading back on Monday. I will go to where I stopped in the middle of the Smokies and continue on. This time I will take it easy and pay more attention to nutrition. How far will I go? I don't know. How long will it take? I don't know. Why am I heading back? I truly don't know. Am I crazy? Probably. As soon as I figure these things out, I'll share the insight. So...GAME ON!
Date: 2016-04-11
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a wonderful time in Hot Springs with a chance to see Renee, Friends and family. I hit the trail on Monday morning with clear spring weather and started the climb out of the river valley, which was a bit more difficult than usual since I had a pack full of food. The day ended nicely at Spring Mountain Shelter, where I met up with some old friends and met some new people.
Date: 2016-04-12
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

During the evening a cool rain settled in the mountains. It is tempting to just stay put in the tent and sleep to the sound of rain, but I rose at 7:00am and packed up for a wet day. Stuffing a wet tent into my pack surely added some extra pounds of water to my load, but that is the way it goes sometimes. The rain continued throughout the day as I simply slogged through the muddy trail. The travel was made a bit easier when I teamed up with a nice couple (Buckles and her husband) and we chatted as we hiked. Later in the afternoon the sky cleared and we all could dry out our gear in the setting sun at Spring Mountain Shelter. A great end to a wet day.
Date: 2016-04-13
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

The morning was clear and cold as I hit the trail at dawn. The views were beautiful and clear. As the sun rose, the day warmed to normal springtime temperatures and I stopped several times to peel off fleece layers. Throughout the day, I passed our would be passed by friends from the previous camp. It is always nice to see a familiar face out there, but most of the day (as is usual) I hiked alone, allowing my thoughts to float free and soak up the scenery.
Date: 2016-04-14
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: clear sky

Last night we were treated to an interesting (scary?) thing: A pack of coyotes passed through our camp about 3:00am. They were yipping and yapping to each other as they past around us. I lay there awake and alert waiting to see what would happen, but they just moved on. They had no interest in stinky hikers, but I think they were letting us know that we were in their back yard. For whatever reason, I hiked long this day - my longest hike yet at over twenty miles. I was one tired puppy when I pulled up the the next shelter with just enough light left to fetch water, cook a meal and pitch my tent. It was worth it though, because spring is finally reaching the high places as flowers are blooming along the trail making the travel very enjoyable.
Date: 2016-04-15
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Erwin, Tn
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: clear sky

This was an easy day of hiking as I headed down into the town of Erwin, Tennessee. I checked in at Uncle Jonny's Hostel and got a shower. Renee traveled from work to pick me up in the evening and I get a rare hiker treat: Sleep at home and eat mass quantities with my wife. I'll have a day of rest here and hit the trail again on Sunday.
Date: 2016-04-17
From: Erwin, Tn

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

Had a very nice visit with family (Erwin is close to home). As is usual after a town stop, my pack is extra full of food and the trail does a lot of climbing. Saw a deer shortly after starting, but it didn't hang around long enough for a picture. Weather has been wonderfully springlike.
Date: 2016-04-18
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

Another beautiful day, but I again pushed the distance a bit. Roan Mountain was a hard climb - made harder because I ran out water. Earlier in the day I met some friends at a forest road crossing. Also sitting near were 3 fellows looking rather forlorn. Turns out they were caught harvesting ramps (a type of wild onion) by a Ranger! The day ended at the the highest shelter on the A.T.
Date: 2016-04-19
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Overmountain shelter
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: broken clouds

Took an easy hiking day so I could stay at one of the most beautiful shelters on the trail - Overmountain Shelter. A lot of hikers showed up before dark and we soon had about 25 people there. I'm seeing plenty of familiar faces like Geezer, Spaghetti Legs, Grumpy, Alpaca, Bear Claw and more (LOVE those trail names). Hiking today, we could see a fire on a distant mountain. Renee sent me a text that evening informing me the fire was near the trail ahead and there was a seven mile detour. Let'stand hope it rains.
Date: 2016-04-21
From: Mountain Harbour Hostel

To: Dennis Cove Road
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: clear sky

This was a big mile day! It did not start out that way though. I originally intended to go about 12 miles or so. On the mountains near Dennis Cove Road (near Hampton, TN) there has been a wildfire that has affected the A.T. There originally was a 7.5 mile re-route, but the fire jumped the mountain and the re-route was re-routed. I found myself hiking on a gravel forest service road for seven miles following pink flagging tape. At the end of that there was still another four or so miles on a grass covered road winding down into the valley towards Dennis Cove where it crossed several streams just to add a little wetness to the adventure. Before heading down into the valley, I called Renee for a pickup at the road. On the way I ran into another hiker who also did the same distance and we both splashed and limped out the last mile. I calculated the re-route distance and it closely matched the true A.T. distance. What a day!
Date: 2016-04-22
From: Dennis Cove Road

To: Nowhere
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I am typing this from home. I live in Bristol, TN and for the next week or two, I will be within fetching distance - a situation I want to take advantage of since soon every step will take me farther from home and family. In the picture attached you can see how close the detour trail took us to the wildfire. It is raining today, so hopefully the fire here (and in the Shanandoah also) will be put out.
Date: 2016-04-23
From: Dennis Cove Road

To: Watauga Lake
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: light rain

A nice treat today: I hiked the section from Dennis Cove Road to Watauga Lake with Renee. My youngest son, Lucas, provided shuttle service. We passed the iconic Laurel Fork Falls, which had a nice flow due to recent rains. At the lake, we encountered some wonderful trail magic with a group of past thru-hikers giving out hamburgers, sodas, and other treats. There were probably twenty hikers there, which gave me a chance to introduce Renee to some of the people I have met on the trail. Tomorrow, Renee will drop me off at the lake and I will head on to Iron Mountain.