morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-11-29
From: Damascus

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 277.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It's Sunday 11/29: Just finished 18.6 miles today, 450.6 to go??. I wanted to get an early start today because I wanted to do around 19 miles and have a good day out of Damascus. Well I awoke to the predicted rain that was falling, but I was smiling cause I had my new set of Frogg Toggs ready to go. Had another great breakfast at Woodchuck hostel and decided to get going, no sense wait to see if it's gonna stop, it's in the forecast for the next couple of days anyway. And as my kids said when they were younger and wanted to go to the beach and I said it was raining "Dad, we're gonna get wet anyway". Always have that thought when I'm hiking in the rain and it never ceases to bring a huge smile to my face. So on with the rain suit and out the door. And for a little while it was really nice. I was warm and dry. Then about 15 minutes up the 3 1/2 miles hill out of Damascus I was sweating and getting over heated.   Needless to say I only had on underwear and a t shirt underneath the rain suit and I really didn't want to dig for other clothes in the rain. So I hiked in my underwear and t shirt. Don't worry they were tighty whities, they were black and looked like biking shorts so no big deal. I tell you what that was one of my greatest ideas. I was cool and comfortable the rest of the day. Today's hiking was mostly in the mist. It seemed kind of magical and times. The forest around me was quiet except for a few crows and blue jays hanging around. It just seemed really peaceful all day. The whole day I just seemed to be at peace with all that was around me and everything inside of me. There were a few trail runners out near town but they quickly disappeared and I hike by myself all day. Funny all the thoughts that go through your head when your out walking by yourself. I think everyone that fins for president should half to hike the AT first. I think it would really change their perspective on lots of things. Anyway those are my thoughts as I get ready to eat dinner. Annette, my love, as always you are in my thoughts.....see everybody tomorrow only 14.5 or so planned.
Date: 2015-11-29
From: Double Springs Shelter

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

It's Sunday 11/29: Just finished 18.6 miles today, 450.6 to go??. I wanted to get an early start today because I wanted to do around 19 miles and have a good day out of Damascus. Well I awoke to the predicted rain that was falling, but I was smiling cause I had my new set of Frogg Toggs ready to go. Had another great breakfast at Woodchuck hostel and decided to get going, no sense wait to see if it's gonna stop, it's in the forecast for the next couple of days anyway. And as my kids said when they were younger and wanted to go to the beach and I said it was raining "Dad, we're gonna get wet anyway". Always have that thought when I'm hiking in the rain and it never ceases to bring a huge smile to my face. So on with the rain suit and out the door. And for a little while it was really nice. I was warm and dry. Then about 15 minutes up the 3 1/2 miles hill out of Damascus I was sweating and getting over heated.   Needless to say I only had on underwear and a t shirt underneath the rain suit and I really didn't want to dig for other clothes in the rain. So I hiked in my underwear and t shirt. Don't worry they were tighty whities, they were black and looked like biking shorts so no big deal. I tell you what that was one of my greatest ideas. I was cool and comfortable the rest of the day. Today's hiking was mostly in the mist. It seemed kind of magical and times. The forest around me was quiet except for a few crows and blue jays hanging around. It just seemed really peaceful all day. The whole day I just seemed to be at peace with all that was around me and everything inside of me. There were a few trail runners out near town but they quickly disappeared and I hike by myself all day. Funny all the thoughts that go through your head when your out walking by yourself. I think everyone that fins for president should half to hike the AT first. I think it would really change their perspective on lots of things. Anyway those are my thoughts as I get ready to eat dinner. Annette, my love, as always you are in my thoughts.....see everybody tomorrow only 14.5 or so planned.
Date: 2015-12-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Mon. 11/30, another 14.4 down and 436.2 to go????Today started after a long rainy night, it was hard to sleep mainly because the shelter I was in had a metal roof and concrete block walls so the sound of rain was pretty loud. Anyway finally got going around nine I guess I was going for the rain to stop or at least slow up some. Nothin doin, it rained pretty much all day. Good thing I had my new Frogg Toggs they came in handy today. Rainy days bring unexpected surprises wildlife seems more abundant as I saw three deer as I startled them coming around a corner, guess they figured no one in their right mind would be out today. Trail was very slippery today and a lapse in concentration sent me sprawling again. No major injuries just the usual cursing followed by laughing at myself. Made it to my destination by 3:30 and began the process of get water, dry off, drink warm tea and make something to eat. The night before getting into Damascus a mouse decided to eat through the zipper of a small bag I carry my phone and hiking food in, so I didn't eat as much today while hiking. Not to worry it disappeared pretty quickly once I got here. My spot for the night is the Vandeventer Shelter at 3579' great views if it wasn't cloudy and raining. Tomorrow I'm planning 17 but that may change depending on the weather. It's calling for another all day rain so we'll see come morning. Annette, my love, sweet dreams I love you??
Date: 2015-12-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Tue 12/01 Another 17.7 down/418.5 to go. Today started out with no rain. I thought maybe I could start to dry out a little?? so I started this morning in much better spirits than the last two days. I saw so many deer up on the ridge I was walking this morning. Way more than usual, I guess they thought they were high enough up that the hunters wouldn't be up that high. It was nice to see so much wildlife. The air was especially fresh and clean after two days of rain. My goal was the Kincora hostel a little over seventeen miles away and after a two longer days without a shorter one for a break I wasn't sure how I'd do. I started a little after eight but my legs and feet felt good. My right knee has been a little stiff since the tumble before getting into Damascus but after it gets warmed up seems to be fine. I'm sure the regular doses of Tylenol and ibuprofen aren't hurting either. I did finally start raining again around 1130 but by that time I had mentally committed to my goal, so the rest of the day was going to mean i'd be a little wet that's all. It wasn't as cold as the previous day so being wet actually helped keep me cool. The best part of today had to be the hike up to Laurel falls. I made a short video showing a section that I had to cross, wet rocks, swift running water about six inches away, it was fun and nerve racking at the same time. I didn't take any pictures at the falls it was raining and things didn't need to get more wet. The climb out of the gorge where the falls are has to have one of the hardest yet. About twenty minutes of staircase rocks up and up and up. Wondering when I would reach the top. When I finally made it I looked back down where I had come from and could only think that i'd rather come up than go down especially on a wet slippery day like today. Not long from there and I was on the road to Kincora and as I walked in I was surprised to see Bud and Grits. Apparently they don't hike well in the rain stayed last night and slack packed the last nine miles today to make up for what they missed yesterday. Tomorrow they're heading off on a 25 mile slack pack. This means all they carry is food and water for the day and they're big packs are driven ahead. This intrigued me so I think I'll resupply tomorrow do laundry and let things dry out and try this slack packing thing on thurs. I've never done 25 before but if I can do 19 with all my stuff then 25 with food and water should be doable. I guess I'll find out??. So all that's left for tonight is to eat some and plan what food to get tomorrow. Another day with no cell service at my ending location but I've started doing this journal in the notes app on my phone and then just copy and paste to trail journals when undo have service. Annette, my love, even though we are apart you are always with me, sweet dreams love.
Date: 2015-12-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Wed. 12/02 Taking a rest day after three pretty wet ones at Kincora Hostel. Went into town this morning to resupply. I'm gonna try this thing they call slack packing. It's where you just take basically food and water for the day in a smaller, much lighter pack, and do more miles than you normally would. So I'm going to do 25 or so tomorrow and Bob People's, the owner of Kincora, will shuttle my heavier pack and gear ahead to my destination. I'll spend the night there and already be resupplied for the next three or four days. Sounds like a good plan to me we'll see how it goes. Today the rain was supposed to stop but it's still drizzling so I really hope it does before tomorrow. On a good note I'll be traveling lighter and hopefully faster so even if the weather doesn't cooperate I should be fine. The weather for the next couple of days says clearing so I'll just hope for the best and be prepared if it's not so nice. No cell service today except when I was in town and I was running around getting things done so I didn't have time to log on and update my journal, hopefully tomorrow at the hostel....until then...peace.Annette, my love, a special little note for you....I love and care about all that you are and all that you do, thank you for being that incredibly special person in my life, I will love you always??
Date: 2015-03-26
From: Springer mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: light rain

Woke up at 5:00 on the road a little after 6:00. Scott drove us from his house just outside of Atlanta to the Springer Mountain trail head on the north side of the mountain. We were met by a wall of fog and drizzle as we headed up the 10 mile dirt road to the parking lot and then a downpour while saddling up. Scott joined us for the 1 mile hike up Springer where we signed in, turned around and officially began our journey north. The fog and drizzle lifted on the hike down the mountain so we were able to shed our rain gear for the rest of the day. Said goodbye to Scott when we got back to the parking lot and headed on our way. Trail was muddy today which made for slippery footing, packs were loaded up and felt heavy. We were tired by the end of today's hike so seeing the shelter put a smile on our faces. Not a bad first day. Will eat and rest up tonight and do it again tomorrow.
Date: 2015-03-27
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain
Miles today: 7.7

It rained pretty hard overnite but had stopped by the time we got up. Good number of hikers at the shelter (around 30 with 19 tents). The rain made the trail muddy again. Some areas I had to step off trail to avoid a dangerous slide. Today's walk had a few climbs and descents with foggy conditions and winds 20 -35 mph. The fog blocked any views there may have been and then just before we arrived at the shelter the fog cleared. I felt better today - kicking the cold I got at the beginning of the week. No rain in the forecast, maybe the trail will dry up a bit.
Date: 2015-03-28
From: Gooch Mountain

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

Today was a good day. It was cold last night - down in the lower 20's - and even snowed a bit but we were warm in our tents. It was tough climbing out this morning though. The cold firmed up the trail nicely so there was no mud to deal with today. We had pleasant hiking temps (low 40's), a dry trail to walk on and bright sunshine. Doesn't get much better than that, but it did! Today we experienced our first day of trail magic. Twice. Just 1.4 miles into our walk we found a local mobile ministry providing breakfast sausage sandwiches on English muffins, coffee, fresh fruit and hot chocolate. We both had a sandwich and John grabbed the first fresh fruit he's had in days. After another 3.8 miles we arrived at Woody gap where the Atlanta Outdoor Club was offering candy bars and brownies. We opted for a brownie each. The people we met today were too nice. One guy from the AOC reminded me of Ducky from NCIS. He was insistent upon sharing detailed lengthy stories even while we were trying to get back on the trail. It was windy again but without the fog it was nice to be able to actually see the great views that today's route provided. We will rest up tonight and get ready for tomorrow's hike up Blood Mountain. This will be our most difficult climb yet with 1600 feet of elevation and a descent of 1300 feet all within the 7.4 miles we plan to do tomorrow. We will pick up our first resupply boxes at Neel Gap where we will probably spend the night.
Date: 2015-03-29
From: Lance Creek

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: clear sky

It got so cold last night that some of John's water froze. We were warm though with all of our clothes on inside our sleeping bags. It was sunny and no wind finally with temperatures again in the 40's. The hike up Blood Mountain was a tough one. Lots of ups and downs at first, then switchbacks and later the downhill. We got to Neel Gap pretty early and picked up our supplies. Sounds like a race track here with all the motorcycles riding on the mountain roads nearby. Staying in a cabin for the night. Real food, a good night's rest and a hot shower tonight.
Date: 2015-03-30
From: Neel Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: few clouds

We cranked up the heat in the cabin last night. It was nice not to have wear all our clothes to keep warm like the past two nights. We slept great, but were woken up around 5:30 by thunderstorms. Since we had unpacked everything yesterday it took us a while to get our gear back in our packs, so we didn't get started until after 9:30 this morning. I had a hard time walking away from the comforts that the cabin provided. It may have been a little too soon to treat myself to such nice accommodations. The rain and fog continued until around midday, so the trail was wet once again. But the weather was beautiful after that. We were able to hike in t-shirts this afternoon. 6.7 miles into today's hike we arrived at Whitley Gap. The shelter there was 1.2 miles off the trail and downhill. Since we had no plans for the day up until that point, we decided we didn't want to waste the mileage and did not relish the uphill climb first thing in the morning, so we kept on. There were some good up and downs during the day so by mile 9 everything hurt and the packs felt heavy again. We made it to Low Gap around 5:30, tired and sore after our longest day so far. I bought a pillow last night. As much as I thought I could do without, I just couldn't. Hopefully it will help me sleep better on the trail.
Date: 2015-03-31
From: Low Gap

To: Cheese factory site
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

We have been on the trail just 6 days now and have experienced freezing cold temps, snow, rain, wind, fog and thunderstorms as well as comfortable hiking weather. Today we became Georgia rednecks, literally. It was in the mid 70's and sunny, so shorts and t-shirt weather and we forgot to pack sunscreen. My son always tells us the Georgia sun is hot. Well, he's right. We stopped at Unicoi Gap around 2:30 after hiking 9.7 miles to take a break and rest our sore feet where yet another trail angel offered us an ice cold soda. Since we still had time we decided to push on for another 3.7 miles to the cheese factory site. We finally got to camp around 6:00 which made for a long day. Tired and sore again, but feel like I am getting stronger each day.
Date: 2015-04-01
From: Cheese factory site

To: Dick's Creek
Miles today: 13.0

Two things I've learned this past week - Level ground is an amazing thing and real food tastes good. There were thunderstorms last night and I am sure I heard hail. The pillow worked it's magic though and by the time we woke the rain had passed. We got a late start today and planned on 10 miles to Deep Gap Shelter. Another very warm and sunny day so more sunburn and the gnats were out in force - we were breathing in mouthfuls at a time. We got to Deep Gap around 4:00 and decided to push through to Dick's Creek instead. Shortly after making that commitment we regretted it. The trail got challenging again and we were getting tired. All you can eat buffet inspired us and we made it to Hiawassee in time for dinner at Daniel's steakhouse. Staying in town tonight and plan on a zero day tomorrow. We'll pick up our resupply boxes, mail some extra gear home, and get our laundry done. Will head out again on Friday for our last 9 miles in Georgia. The people we have met on and off the trail have been gracious and extremely nice. Good way to start the journey.
Date: 2015-04-02
From: Dick's Creek

To: Dick's Creek
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

We had a good break in town today. We got some stuff taken care of and I watched John gain back any weight he may have lost this past week. Boy can he pack it away. We are resupplied and ready to hit the trail again in the morning. The weather looks good for the next few days. Crossing the border into North Carolina tomorrow.
Date: 2015-04-03
From: Dick's Creek

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

Back on the trail today and our rest day is long forgotten. Luckily the Temps didn't get as high as predicted but it was still pretty warm - in the high 60's - for hiking. There was no wind so we were sucking in gnats again. Free protein but nasty. We did pick up some sunscreen while in town so we were ready for the sun this time. The hike was a tough one. We got a ride to the trail head just after 9:00 this morning and finished today' hike around 5:00. We are now just about 2000 feet higher in elevation than when we started our day. To get here we did a number of puds (pointless ups and downs) so the days elevation total is much more than that. Tired and sore again but after a good night's sleep we'll be ready to do it again. You can lose track of what day it is out here, but we know it's the weekend by the number of hikers on the trail.
Date: 2015-04-04
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

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

Thunderstorms again last night so we got another late start today. When everything is wet and it's cold in the morning, it's hard to get your hands to work. We climbed the rest of Standing Indian Mountain today (5498 feet), but before we started the final ascent we were treated to more trail magic. Today's fare included pulled pork, coleslaw, beans, lemonade and peanut butter cookies! Welcome to N.C. I think we'll be mailing back some more of our food supplies if this keeps up. The day was on the cool side and windy so we got a reprieve from the bugs. It was another tough hike with a good amount of downhill this afternoon. We were surprised to finish up as early as 4:30. The same church group will be providing food again tomorrow further up the trail, so we hope to reach their location sometime tomorrow afternoon. Tonight there is a freeze warning but no rain in the forecast so we'll try to get an earlier start tomorrow. We heard from the Rangers that 40% of the hikers that start this journey will have stopped before the North Carolina border. We know of a few who stopped because of injuries and feel fortunate that we are not in that group.
Date: 2015-04-05
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 12.1

We passed the 100 mile marker today at the fire tower on top of Albert Mountain. It wasn't a real long climb but it was very steep. We were grabbing rocks and pulling ourselves up through this section and then rewarded with great views of the Blue Ridge at the top. We had trail magic all day and ended up with more food in our packs at the end of the day than we started with. Colored hard boiled eggs, hot dogs and beans, create your own omelet or sandwich, fruit, cookies and candy all in the same day. Got a ride to Franklin where we'll stay tonight and pick up our supplies and then gear tomorrow before heading out. Think it's going to rain.
Date: 2015-04-06
From: Rock Gap

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We were treated to a free breakfast this morning and then visited the local outfitters for some gear. The bottoms of my feet have been bothering me so I picked up some insoles to help cushion them. Hope it helps. One of the zippers on my rain pants tore so I was also hoping to get a replacement pair but had to duck tape them instead since the store didn't have any in my size. Of course the weather prediction is for rain for the next five days. I'll have Claire find a new pair for me and ship them out, in the mean time I'll have to make do with the duck tape. We got back on the trail around 11:30 and it rained all day. The trail wasn't difficult today but we were a bit sluggish for some reason. We got to camp around 4:00 cold and wet. Had a quick dinner and had to set up in the rain. Couldn't get in the tent fast enough. Should stay warm and dry for the night and we'll see what tomorrow brings. With any luck we'll get a break from the steady rain at least.
Date: 2015-04-07
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It was still raining this morning when we got up so we waited for it to stop before packing up for today's hike. We got started a little after 10:00. The trail was up and down all day and slippery, the rain continued on and off but the temps were warmer than yesterday. We were all exhausted by the time we reached camp around 5:15 but felt much better after a short break and dinner. We are planning another 11+ mile hike for tomorrow - most of which is downhill. It will be another tough day if the trail is wet again.
Date: 2015-04-08
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

Today's hike was a butt kicker. Seven miles of downhill on a muddy slippery trail. Thankfully the sun came out in the afternoon to dry it up a bit. We had to slow our pace down because of the conditions so it took all day to get to the NOC. Didn't feel like we had the time so we didn't even stop for lunch, just snacked instead. The NOC is a popular outdoor sports center known for its white water rafting, canoeing and kayaking and is located on the AT in Bryson City NC. We reserved bunks for the night here and will pick up a small resupply box to cover the three days it will take to get from here to Fontana Dam. We are making our way to the Smokies and should be in the park by the beginning of the week.
Date: 2015-04-09
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: overcast clouds

We hardly slept last night. The bunks were too short and just uncomfortable. It's pretty bad when your tent is more comfortable than a bed. The hike out of the NOC was an exhausting climb up of 3300 feet over 8 miles with temps a little hot for hiking. It'd be nice to send some of this warm weather up north. I heard it snowed last night. We got some pictures of the great views of the gorge along the way. We are staying at a camping area without a shelter tonight so it's a lot quieter since there are not as many hikers. Tomorrow's hike includes "Jacob's Ladder" - a short but really steep and difficult section of the trail. Crashing early to catch up on lost sleep.