morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-05-05
From: Yellowcreek Road

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 8.0

Rain, rain, and some more rain, that's how I would describe today. We hiked from Yellow Creek Gap to the visitors Center at Fontana Dam. A whopping 8 miles.. Unfortunately, because of the (stupid) rules of the Smokies, we would have had to do another 10 miles to the first shelter. The Smoky Mountains are one of very few places with "rules" on the AT. The rules are: pay 20 dollars to walk through and only camp at designated shelters or campgrounds. So once again, tomorrow, we are somewhat forced into stopping at 11.4 miles at Mollies Ridge Shelter. On a positive note the weather tomorrow is supposed to be beautiful, so the trail will have a chance to dry out a bit. Today someone from Florida (I won't share their info) friended me on Facebook to better follow my journey. Something like this may seem trivial but to me it was a huge motivation boost! So thank you!Tonight I go to sleep anxious to enter the Great Smokey Mountains! But for now it's time to eat a snack, rest up, and crush some more miles tomorrow! "Crocs n socks" & Udo(Pictured is Fontana Dam Shelter)
Date: 2019-05-06
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was an awesome day!! Entered the Smokies and did 11.4 miles. The weather was dry for the first time in 3 days, which was an awesome feeling. There are a whole bunch of section hikers (weekeneders) at Mollies Ridge Shelter. Some of them hung their entire packs in trees "for the bears". We all had a nice laugh at that... The first 11 miles of the Smokies was a gentle and gradual climb for most of the day, with a bit of downhill sprinkled in. Believe it or not, uphill is far easier than down hill hiking. Going down puts a lot of strain on your joints, where uphill is just a muscle burn and cardio work. Tomorrow it's 12.1 miles to Derrick's Knob Shelter. We plan to start early so we can take it easy and enjoy the beauty of the Smokies. Everyday I am feeling better and better. I would also like to introduce Oatmeal to you all, he is from Georgia, attempting a thru hike. We have been running into him for a while now, but today he hiked with Polo, Bones and I. He plans on walking with us tomorrow as well. I swear to God, I am one of the most blessed/lucky people in the world to be out here living this life, hiking this trail. Goodnight world, and enjoy work tomorrow..-"crocs n socks" and Udo(Pictured, left to right: Crocs, Bones, Polo, Oatmeal)
Date: 2019-05-08
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: heavy intensity rain

May 7thAnother great day for hiking! We did 12.1 From Mollies Ridge shelter to Derrick's Knob shelter. The miles were much more challenging than yesterday! The absolute beauty of the pristine trail and perfect maintenance quickly makes you forget that you are going up and down over and over again. The views have been phenomenal, and the mandatory shelter system hasn't been a problem yet. Tomorrow it's a shorter day to Double Spring Gap. The Smokey's have not disappointed so far! There is absolutely no service as I'm writing this so I'm here's to hoping that the weather is half as amazing as it was today tomorrow! Goodnight y'all!!"Crocs N socks" & UdoMay 8th The weather wish came true yet another perfect weather day! We started one of the earliest yet, leaving camp at 9:15. (Keep your judgement to yourselves) I found it funny we left so early on a day we only had 7.4 miles to hike. We stopped for lunch at Siler Bald shelter, it was an awesome hour + break but I lost my vape. ( e-cig) I was almost positive I had it on the cooking table. I searched and searched for about a half hour with no luck. On the way from Siler's Bald to Double Spring Shelter a group of Southbound section Hikers told me that one of the people eating lunch at the shelter noticed they picked it up and left it here for me!! Tomorrow it's 5 miles and then into Gattlinburg to pick up a mail drop. ( Food for Udo and I) Talking about a Mail drop seems like the perfect time to mention my "trail boss"/girlfriend/better half/Michelle. Michelle uses AWOLS Appalachian Trail Guide book to pick locations to send food and other supplies for Udo and I. She also post every single one of these Journal entries. So shouts out to her! Thanks Babe!! Udo update:Still not one assist, he has handled every obstacle the trail has thrown at him effortlessly including sketchy a** fire towers. His pads look excellent and I hugely attribute this to Mushers Secret Pad Wax and him not carrying a pack. I personally don't believe a dog is designed to hike all day under a load. (No judgement on those who do) Tomorrow Udo and I will break the 200 miles hiked mark and I am so thankful and grateful he has been at my side every step if the way!Goodnight World.Nature is beautiful go hiking y'all!"Crocs N socks" & Udo!!
Date: 2019-05-10
From: Double Spring Gap

To: Gatlinburg 
Miles today: 6.0

Thursday, May 9th - Today we hit two huge milestones. We summited the highest mountain on the AT and broke the 200 miles hiked mark! We only hiked 6 miles and hitched a ride from an awesome man and woman into Gatlinburg, Tennessee. I picked up my mail drop from the NOC and we checked into Sydney James Mountain Lodge, we chose this place because they had both a pool and a hot tub. Bones took us all out for a Mexican feast to celebrate 200 miles! Thanks Bones! Tomorrow we will take a zero and be tourists for the day. Friday, May 10th - Zero day! Started things off with a re-supply run for the guys to the Food City. The prices were so cheap, it was mind blowing. We rode the trolley system they had, which was awesome. It ran all over the town, and a day pass was a whole $2. The second mission of the day was a trip to the Log Cabin Pancake House. The service was incredible, and so was the food. We all waddled back to the hotel for a nap. Then it was to the pool, hot tub, and sauna. Saturday, May 11th - First of all, today is my mom's birthday!! Happy Birthday Mama Bear! Today was a rough day for me because I have never not been with her on her birthday! She understands how much this hike means to me, and supports me and my journey. The plan was to hike today, but the storms talked the whole tramily (editors note: tramily is short for "trail family), out of leaving the comfort of the hotel room, and so here we sit. The "Gatlinburg Black Hole" will not claim any more victims, and we are out of here tomorrow! Not only are we out of here, but we are out and running going for 16.7 miles. The rest was nice, but we are all bored out of our minds, and very ready to get back to the trail. The awesome people who gave us a ride from trail (40 minutes), are still and town and followed Polo on Facebook. I am telling you this, because out of the kindness of their hearts, they offered us a ride back to the trail tomorrow morning! A shuttle would easily be $40+, and hitching would waste an hour plus, especially in the rain! Stay tuned ya'll, so sorry for the delay, but I was touristing. -"Crocs n socks" & Udo (editors note: the picture on this journal was taken by the kind, ride giving, folk)
Date: 2019-05-27
From: Erwin 

To: Roan Mountain 
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

Sunday, May 26th - 13 miles today out of Erwin! We climbed 4787 feet and it was an easy day! We took an hour lunch break at Curley Maple Gap Shelter, where there was a 2019 message board. We all signed it, and named our tramily "The NASA Rejects". We ended up sleeping on the top of Unaka Mountain in the "Enchanted Pine Forest". The pine needles made for an awesomely soft floor to put the sleep pad on! It was hot today... 89..but we never let that affect our spirits, and that was awesome. We had a fire for the third night in a row, which is effectively 3 more fires than I planned on starting when I set off on this trip (shouts out Polo). Tomorrow we plan on doing 13 miles to Clyde Gap Shelter. I also have to swing into Greasy Creek Hostel to grab my ressuply box (shouts out Michelle). Goodnight y'all and enjoy your Monday one way or another! PS - we are at the point now where we have to make sure to take the same way out of water sources to be positive not to miss even 10 yards of the trail! Monday, May 27th - Today we did 11 miles to Greasy Creek Gap and then walked .7 to Greasy Creek Friendly. When we arrived, we found out they had a free Memorial Day cookout starting at 6, so we were all but forced to stay! The place was messy, but we had a nice night camping outside. They even had an office (picnic table) by where we set up camp. Tomorrow we climb one of the notable mountains on the trail... Roan Mt! We will also sleep on the summit which the highest shelter on the AT at over 6,000 feet! The hike there looks challenging and a few "Thru" hikers chose to skip it. No one from our crew will, but we did all get a good laugh talking about the astrict * that will be next to their name if they're honest! Update tomorrow from 6000+ feet.~"crocs n socks" & Udo
Date: 2019-05-28
From: Roan Mountain 

To: No Plans
Miles today: 11.0

Today was an 11 mile day up Roan Mountain! The hike up was significantly overhyped, we had a conversation for the few hours we climbed up the mountain. We were told earlier in the day by a group of Southbound hikers that the (water) source on top of the mountain was dry. This meant that we would be carrying 4-5 liters for 5 miles up the mountain (1 liter is over 2 pounds). As we were filling up, I found a bathroom that was at the summit in a parking lot a few hundred yards off the trail, just half a mile from where we would be camping! When I told the guys, a dance party broke out, with DJ Polo D on the tunes!We rode the excitement up the mountain and all the way to camp.  This shelter is at 6,207 feet above sea level, due to the wind on the summit, the shelter has 4 walls and a door, this is not typical for the AT. We had a fire yet again tonight, this time started by a guy named "Walmart" who we had met briefly in Erwin & happened to be here tonight as well. Tomorrow we don't have have a plan, but would like to do at least 12 miles or so. 9 more days until the family/girlfriend comes to see me and until Polo gets to experience Mama Karb's cooking!Goodnight Y'all -"crocs n socks" & Udo
Date: 2019-06-01
From: Roan Mountain 

To: Laurel Fork Falls
Miles today: 30.8

Wednesday, May 29th - Today we did a whopping 2 miles to The Station at 19E. We heard from a few hikers that it was the coolest hostel so far, and we had to put this to the test. Turns out they were all right. The bunkhouse sits above a restaurant pub & there is a pool table and a movie theater. About 20 hikers all watched Deadpool 2. I racked up a 40 dollar food tab.. not so sure how that happened. Tomorrow we are doing 14 and ending back up here at the station!Thursday, May 30th - To just cut right to the chase, today was my absolute favorite day ever on the AT. We hiked 14 miles and swam 3 times, 2 of which were in waterfalls! The trail was so flat that it may as well have been a "family trail." Udo was completely swimming at our spot on the river, I was a proud but nervous dog dad! Today while we were hiking we came to a random pine forest, the scenery transitioned from a million shades of green to just as many oranges and reds from all of the needles in different stages of decay. We all stopped, paused our music, and enjoyed the complete silence. All said and done, we turned a 6 hour hike into an all day event and I loved every minute of it. Today was the first day of this trip that I legitimately felt sad as it was ending. According to the hostel owner tomorrow is supposed to be one of the most beautiful hikes on the AT (Roan Highlands). I am going to bed tonight so sure that I am doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing at this point in my life.Friday, May 31st - Another awesome day of hiking in the Roan Highlands. I 1000% suggest this section to someone looking to do a first trip. The miles are relatively flat and absolutely beautiful. Today was a day full of Bald mountains and 360° views. We hiked 14.8 miles, officially leaving NC for good, as well as crossed the 400 mile mark. 408.5 but who's counting!! There was a live band at The Station at 19E and Bones offered to get us a shuttle back to check out the band so that's what we did. It was an awesome experience hanging out with the local folks and listening to a 2 man "blue grassish" band. Tomorrow we will shuttle back to the trail and hike to Laurel Fork Falls. Which is a large waterfall along the trail in TN. My shoes are officially shredded I will have to get a new pair in Demascus. 400 Miles of AT hiking completely destroyed my socks and shoes! As weird as this may sound, destroying this pair of shoes gives me a sense of accomplishment. Goodnight everyone and enjoy your weekends!So much love for all of you that take interest in my adventure! Reach out to me if you have any questions, want to set up a meeting, tips and pointers, or just to chat! My name is Richard Karb on Facebook! "Crocs n socks" & Udo"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seems"John Mui
Date: 2019-06-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.0

First of all, I'm sorry to anyone who was faithfully reading this. I got lost in the the trail life and haven't posted in quite some time. We are at trail mile 589, which is over 25% of the trail completed. Another huge update is that we are carrying a US Army Flag and collecting signatures on our journey... We are doing this in Honor of the hiker Stronghold who was murdered on the Appalachian Trail. The trail is long, and tests you more mentally then it does physically in so many ways. I fell into a funk for a few days, but as I write this journal I feel focused again and ready to continue accomplishing my dream. The visit with my family recharged me, but also left me feeling lonely when everyone left! The countdown is back on though, 2 weeks and a day until I get to see everyone again! Polo and I hiked a marathon (26.2 miles) a few days ago, and are finally feeling recovered lolol. Tomorrow it's a quick 15 with a stop at Brushy Mountain Outpost for breakfast! The trail is still an adventure like no other, even on the roughest toughest days, I know I am blessed to be here. Tomorrow we break 600 miles hiked! "Crocs n socks" & Udo
Date: 2019-07-08
From: 501 Shelter

To: 10 Miles From the Shelter
Miles today: 10.0

It has been forever since I've posted on here, and I'm sorry to everyone who was faithfully reading. I got away from posting due to the fact that I was embarrassed at my pace. The NASA Rejects were hanging out and having too much fun in too many towns. We decided to flip up to Pine Grove, PA area and get on the trail at he 501 Shelter. We will hike from here, 996 miles to Mt. Katahdin, then travel back to Daleville, VA and finish the Appalachian Trail when we get back to the 501 Shelter. This is not exactly how I wanted to hike the trail (I wanted to go tip to tip), but it will be better to hike into October in Virginia and Maryland, than it will be in Maine. I don't have any regrets about the beginning of the hike, but am looking forward to pushing myself for the next 1,000 miles. For some updates: We had the most amazing week off, starting with some Trail Magic from Michelle's Aunt Barb! She took us all into her home, we swam and ate for a solid 36 hours! Then it was off to Cape May for some Mama Karb treatment (food, food, food)!! It was amazing seeing all my people, and honestly energizing for my spirit! I went out for dinner with Michelle, and it was the most normal life thing I have done since I started the trail, I loved it. Tomorrow it is back to hiking, and also back to this journal. I know I have promised before, but tell a friend to tell a friend..."Crocs and Socks" & Udo are back! "Pain Train headed for Maine... Choo Choo""Crocs N Socks" & UdoNASA Rejects
Date: 2019-03-10
To: Approach trail to Applachian Trail
Miles today: 0.0

Its one week until my journey begins, getting excited. My 71st birthday and my start day Is March 18. I am finishing up getting my mail drops ready and my backpack in order. I have my airplane ticket and reservation at Amicalola Falls Lodge. I will be staying Sunday night at the Lodge and getting an early start Monday morning.I will be sending daily updates as long as I have reception and enough battery power. Be sure to check frequently and let all of your friends know.
Date: 2019-03-13
From: Approach trail to Applachian Trail

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well it's only five more days until I hit the approach trail and begin my adventure. I'm really writing this to make sure I know how to do this. My daughter has been coaching me and advised me to try and add a journal entry by myself. Well here it is I hope. I'll tell you all later about the history of Grumper and how I ended up with that trail name.
Date: 2019-03-18
From: Approach Trail

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Started waling the approach trail around 9 am and reached Springer Mountain at 1:25. Rally nice views from the summit.  When I got there there were 2 hikers eating lunch on big rocks with the plaque on it.  They emptied their backpacks and stuff spread all over. Once was slicing a loaf of bread right next to the plaque. But enough of that. (for those of you who are not familiar, there is a bronze plaque on a big rock at the actual start of the AT, this the rock Grumper is referring to). Stayed at Stover Creek Shelter. Nice two story shelter that sleeps 18.  The walking was fairly easy except for teh stairs! Weather was nice, but starting to get chilly Westeraly(?) start in AM.
Date: 2019-03-19
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night at the shelter was a zoo. Over 50 people, I counted over 30 tents on the way out. Walking today was fairly easy, only a few big uphills. I had a major problem yesterday. I forgot to buy propane for the stove.  Everything will be cold until I reach a supply store in 2 more days. The views are fantastic. Mountains everywhere you look. No cities and very few roads.  Got to Gooch Shelter at 2:40. Started walking at 8 am. It doesn't get light till 7:30.
Date: 2019-03-20
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

Well glad to be out of Gooch Gap Shelter. Only 30-35 people. Woods Hole Shelter is very nice situated on top of a mountain (3615 feet). Got to shelter at 3 pm.I had my first Trail Magic today (this is when people who are not hiking, usually previous thru hikers, go to different places on the trail and make or give all kinds of food, drinks, etc). Very nice surprise. The magic is where people hand out food along the trail, Thanks a lot Zeus! (Zeus is the name of the trail magic person) I had my 2nd problem today. Ist I have no propane for cooking. Couldn't take it on the plane. 2nd I was doing so good walking, I went right past my mail drop and resupply store. Nothing like eating cold ramen and hot chocolate! Better pay closer attention.
Date: 2019-03-21
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Here I am at Low Gap Shelter. Nice walk today.  I don't feel too bad but another 15 miles tomorrow. We will see how that goes! I had a nice trail magic again today! They had a grill, hot chocolate, fruit and a good selection of snacks. I got my first drop box today.  I thought I passed it, but I didn't. I saw the tree with all of the shoes hanging.
Date: 2019-03-22
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Glad today is over. All ups and downs all day. Scenery onto of the mountains was beautiful. Two 15 mile days in a row. Not going to try for a third that is for sure. Sleeping in my tent tonight. Shelter was full. I am on the very top of a mountain. Going to stay at the top of Georgia Hostel tomorrow. It's been a week I guess I need a shower! Well that is all for now. Tired and going to sleep at 6:30.
Date: 2019-03-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Grumper here finally. Reception not very reliable in the mountains. As you can immagin there are a lot of mountains down here. I should be out of Georgia tomorrow and into North Carolina. Looking forward to crossing my first state line. Here is what I have done so far.Mar. 18 11.6 mi.Mar. 19 13 mi.Mar. 20 12.4 mi.Mar. 21 15 mi.Mar. 22 15.4 mi.Mar. 23 11mi.I'm up at 7 (sun comes up late) and walking by 8 every day so far. Staying at hostel tonight so I finally got a shower and clean clothes.I try to post as often as I can but having problems some which is opperator issues.Lots of fun walking and the scenery is fantastic. Mountains as far as you can see in every direction.Well that's all for now. I'll try to put some pictures up.Grumper
Date: 2019-03-23
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Top Of Georgia Hostel
Miles today: 11.0

At the Top Of Georgia Hostel. It felt good to take a shower. Only walked 11 miles today, but a lot of ups. How can there be more us then downs? At least the last 1.5 miles was downhill. Then there was the .5 mile trek down the road to the hostel. Well that is the way it goes. Still feeling good, legs are tired but ready to go in am. Been turning in around 5 and up at 7 to start walking.
Date: 2019-03-24
From: Top of Georgia Hostel

To: Muskrat Creek SHelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I crossed my first state line today. I left Georgia and entered North Carolina. NC came in like a bear. Two huge mountains to climb. Sleeting on top of a mountain that is 4,567 feet p. Except for those two mountains, the walking wasn't too bad. 12.5 scheduled for tomorrow. I might need to rethink some of these distances if it stays as hilly. 4:30 now going to eat real quick and go to bed. Just noticed it has been one week of walking.
Date: 2019-03-25
From: Muskrat Creek SHelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Very nice day of walking overcast all day which was nice. I am at Caters Gap Shelter but in a tent away from the shelter. Very crowded at the shelter and very noisy. Walked 12.5 miles today seemed like it was all downhill. I got an early start this morning 5:15. First time walking at night with my headlamp. I was surprised to see that the white blazes glow when in light. I got to the tent site at 1:00. I had a nice hot lunch and dinner until it started raining. First rain of the trip.
Date: 2019-03-26
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter +
Miles today: 13.9

A beautiful day to walk after the rain yesterday. Clean fresh air and no dust and cool. I passed the 100 mile mark on the trail only 2,100 more to go! There was one huge climb up to Albert Mountain Fire Tower, but the view was worth it.  This was the first time I was a little frightened about the climb. Hod to climb a rock wall 50-75 feet tall almost straight up. I had some nice trail magic today and a good rest. Dinner was good and today it didn't' start raining until I was through and in my tent. (The picture at the top of this post is another one of those stock photos I found. I am hoping Grumper took a selfie with it and just didn't send it to me! He did share with me via text that he actually walked 1.3 miles farther than he had planned because he wanted to get away from the noisy crowd he has been meeting up with each night)
Date: 2019-03-27
From: Rock Gap Shelter +

To: Wayah Shelter+
Miles today: 16.9

A good day of walking. 16.9 miles a new daily record. I got an early start, 5:30. It's a lot of fun walking with the headlamp into the dark. I say my first owl and pretty close too. I got my first look at Clingman's Dome in the Smokies. Still a long way away. It is the highest point of the AT. I can not wait to get there. Well it is after 6 time for bed. (I am betting he is dreaming of a shower! He text me at 10am to inform me he just booked a PRIVATE room, SHOWER, sink, and kitchen at the NOC , Nantahala Outdoor Center Hostel, for tomorrow! Once again he walked past the shelter for 2 reasons-to be closer to the shower and to be by himself away from the noise! I am hopeful I will get a selfie of some kind soon so I can share it.)