morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Blueberry Hostel
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: broken clouds

3/19/14 ¢ Total Miles 69.6Today was a semi-short day but still very tough. At times I felt like I was doing the death hike¢¦ That¢s when your right foot doesn¢t pass your left foot but you are still moving forward. Very very slow. The rain seems to have relented for the time being so tomorrow has promise for my first nice hiking day. I hope to cross into North Carolina¢¦ Whaoo! That is major. That moves me into the 30 percentile, each state you move further up!This pic is of the Blueberry Hostel which provides breakfast which is supposed to be awesome¢¦ Then back on the move¢¦ NC here I come!
Date: 2014-03-20
From: Blueberry Hostel

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: clear sky

I have to say that if you are following my blog and getting ready to hike¢¦ you absolutely must stay at the blueberry hostel at dicks gap.I left Georgia today. As you can see I was thinking that I had actually accomplished something, ha.NC had a big surprise in store¢¦ It seemed almost straight up for about 2 miles¢¦ Once again brutal. I need a new adjective¢¦ how about brutally brutal.I slogged along mostly by myself today, a few passers now and then. I¢m at Muskrat Creek Shelter tonight¢¦ I can¢t believe I made it here¢¦ I¢m exhausted!!!
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

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

The shelter was full again tonight so I'm tenting. Tomorrow we make a big push for Rock Gap Shelter (approximately 12 mi). That puts us within 5 miles of Franklin and a short hike in the rain on Sunday. Again trying to take cover from the weather... possible snow next week and then cold again.Today was supposed to be easy but I didn't think so... roots and rocks for miles.Oh one more thing, some hikers found a deer carcass that had been eaten by coyotes. They cooked it in the fire pit and ate it. They are all still alive so I guess it was ok. It's 5.30 and on exhausted. Goodnight.
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: moderate rain

We covered about 16 miles today to get into Franklin ahead of the bad weather coming in tonight. I can't believe I didn't just collapse on the trail my feet hurt so bad.Looks like we will take a zero to heal or wounds and pick up a few gear items we will need going into some cold weather. We will head back out in the snow and cold soon enough... Can't take 3 days off.
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Franklin, NC

Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

It was soooooo nice to almost relax a day. I still had to do laundry and make a run to the local outfitter.We had awesome TM today in the form of rides around town in a brand new BMW X5 suv... picture 8 of us in it, a clown car!There was more TM in the form of a free Mexican dinner from the driver, the mom of another hiker in town. Awesome! It's truly amazing how and when it just appears. ... it's there when you need it!The pic is where we got lunch...
Date: 2014-03-24
From: Franklin, NC

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: few clouds

It seems like each day I can cover half of the planned distance before my feet really start to feel the effects of pounding rocks and twisted roots. It isn¢t getting worse and everyone says they have feet that hurt as well.It looks like we will lose 1 member of our group tomorrow who has to move ahead for a planned meet with a gentlemen friend. I hope we get to see voodoo again further up the trail.It¢s supposed to get down into the teens tonight¢¦ Sleeping in multi-layers in a sleeping bag isn¢t a good time but we are at least in a shelter¢¦ mice an all.Awesome view off Wayah Bald.
Date: 2014-03-25
From: Wayah Shelter

To: Wesser Bald
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, I woke up to a good snow on the ground, about 3 to 4 in. We hiked all day in the snow and now tucked in the Wesser Bald shelter with 7 hikers... like sardines, 5 would be snug. Myself (Tank), Frankie the sleeper, Jess, Ace (ace), Whisperer, FireWalker, and Mac. All awesome hikers and good people, very kind.NOC tomorrow for a day out of this cold. The snow has all my clothes damp and it is hard to get warm. Here is a couple pics for the day... I'm so cold I can't text anymore.
Date: 2014-03-26
From: Wesser Bald

To: NOC
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Short hike today into the outdoor center. We needed this to once again dry out and warm up after our 17 degree night in near white out conditions. We froze again!!!The last couple of days I have been running on empty¢¦ The Tank was empty! Today I realized I have the flu¢¦ I¢m doing what I can to treat it, but options are limited. Time and a slow pace will be the order of the day for awhile. I hope I don¢t drop off the group I¢m with since they are all top shelf.In the moments on the trail that haven¢t been rain snow ice, I have seen some incredible views, I have climbed up and down places I would think people insane to even attempt. I¢ve fallen twice now but only once that made me think I may have been going home. I¢m still here and each day brings new challenges and amazing scenes. Every type of individual is out here. I¢ll leave it at that for now!Next is a 3 day push to Fontana Dam¢¦ Then we are in the Smokies. We hope to push thru them in about 6 days¢¦ then it is on to Hot Springs and a zero day with my lovely bride, maybe 2¢¦Thank You to all who are supporting me in all ways big and small¢¦ I could not do this without your help and encouragement.The pics are along the trail between Wesser Bald and NOC.
Date: 2014-03-27
From: NOC

To: Sassafras Gap, NC
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: snow

NOC was so nice... a warm room and food. Today's climb was punishing. The hike today was only 7 mi but I think 2 to 3 of it was around mountain edges covered in ice and frozen snow, and all I had were two tiny sticks to save me. I was a little more than scared and I was totally spent when I finally trudged into the shelter.Midnight brings rain again... All night and all day tomorrow. 15 miles in the rain and another wet night. Putting up a tent in the rain means everything is wet.Another one of our group members may leave us on Sat for military obligations.My latest goal is to make Fontana just 2 days out now... Again for a dry sleep, dry clothes, and hot food. My synthetic hiking pants will be waiting on me... At least I'll have them for hiking thru the Smokies which could bring more unexpected snow... Pray for good weather.
Date: 2014-03-28
From: Sassafras Gap, NC

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

What a day... woke up to a lite rain this morning, expected much worse. Left at 7:30 for our 15 mile day. About 9 miles in I was completely out of water, and needing some badly. I knew a road was about 1/2 mi ahead and was praying for TM... a bottle of water was all I was hoping for. I came over the crest and could see a tent... Trust me, it is all you can do to contain your desires. When the street came into view, TM was everywhere. TA (Trail Angels) were making hamburgers, hot dogs, sodas, pudding, chocolate milk, chips, cookies, cinnamon rolls, and fruit... They would not accept 1 cent for any of it. They planned to be there for two days... True Trail Angels.After that magic I started my climb up Jacobs ladder... B r u t a l. But I did manage to pass my first Hiker... And no he didn't have a walker! I passed him on the ladder about 1/2 way up and the "Tank" crushed "Longbow". He is 53.I rolled in about 5:30 to the Cable Gap shelter. Exhausted... Fontana by noon tomorrow (sat)!!!The pic is of the TA. Thank You!
Date: 2014-03-29
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, except for the on/off rain all day it wasn't too bad. Still soaked by the time we arrived, but all good now after laundry and a hot meal. Tomorrow it's into the Smokies. With five to six days of good weather expected, we are hopeful to push thru before mother nature knows we are there... News is always a bit sketchy on the trail, but we heard that five girls had to be rescued a couple days ago when we were in the whiteout snow conditions freezing... It is so easy to get caught unprepared. We were ready and still had to suffer thru it... I'm so glad it is behind for now. I might be of the grid for a few days while in the Smokies but will update as I can when signals available.
Date: 2014-03-30
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: few clouds

I¢m in the Smokies. 11 miles today that felt like 15. We delayed our departure till 10 to let some of the snow/ice warm up. The first part of the day started with a 9 mile climb which was actually most of the day. Once we got to about 5000 ft ice started falling on us from the trees as it melted and dropped it¢s little missiles for about 5 miles, some blood was evident but nothing serious. Then we hiked in rivers of slush and flowing mud, 2 steps forward and 1 back or to the left or right, you just couldn¢t tell, all boots were completely soaked.Funny part about the trials we overcome each day is that when you make it to your next stopping point the victory overrides the hardships. I¢m laying in my sleeping bag in a shelter with 17 others, all cold hungry and looking forward to tomorrow and being successful again and again, amazing! Good people young and old¢¦ Common bond!
Date: 2014-03-31
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: light rain

Beautiful day clear skies, hiking down in the same rivers of slush and mud so our boots were soaked again. My feet are warm now and I¢m in my bag for the night. I sat on top of rocky top TN and soaked in the sun. I know there is more I could write but I¢m tired.
Date: 2014-04-01
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Doube Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light snow

4/1/2014 - Day 21 - Total Miles 193.9Another good weather day but again the trail was slush and mud. Tomorrow is a big tough day over cling man's dome... Just under 14 miles in the same trail conditions. In NC you have to stay in the shelters unless they are full, then you can tent near the shelter. I left early for today's hike and saw "Listener" a couple times but no one else from our group. Hiking alone made it easier to hike at a tad slower pace which has helped the knees. I know the days are coming when I'll complain about the heat, but something in between would be nice for a while.Food has become an issue for me. I need to mix it up a bit so I have a little variety. I'll work on that on my next resupply.I still have my cold but I think I'm feeling a bit better each day. Hopefully that means a little stronger each day too, I need that to happen. I hope that helps with the feet/leg pain each night. I'm so tired it's all I can do to blog... exhausted beyond belief.It¢s 7.30 and there must be 30 people in and around this shelter now, and of course I¢m the oldest one here¢¦ What¢s up with that?We have a small Boy Scott group here, so there is energy to build a fire. All the shelters in NC have chimneys but everyone is usually too tired to build a fire. The scouts have an interesting definition of old¢¦ If you are over 41 you are elderly. ¢¦ End of story!At this shelter you can get water to filter from either side of the state line¢¦ NC or TN¢¦ lol.
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Doube Spring Gap Shelter

To: Ice Water Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Finally, an awesome day. We had great weather and TM at about 12 miles in. After the trail magic we just rested for about an hour then pressed on to Ice Water Spring. I think rain is coming but don¢t know for sure.Today my legs were strong for the first time¢¦ I didn¢t fall behind and there were plenty of ups and downs. We crossed over the highest point of the Appalachian Trail today at Cling Man¢s Dome (approx. 6,500 ft.) I hope it wasn¢t a fluke¢¦ But it¢s too early to think I have my hiking legs. Total miles for today was about 14.The shelter is packed again tonight with the same folks as last night. We also have a couple guys who are determined to get a fire going¢¦ They have been at it steady now for about 2 to 3 hrs. I¢ll be asleep soon.Phone Service is terrible so I don¢t know if anything is getting out except my GPS location.Anyway, it¢s hiker midnight¢¦PS: I forgot to mention the couple that provided the trail magic took their vacation time and drove up from St. Petersburg, FL just to provide Trail Magic to the thru-hikers. They even gave out free re-supply to those that had a need or were short anything. Amazing¢¦ It restores your faith in mankind.The other thing I forgot to mention is that folks from everywhere that were visiting the area would ask about our hike effort once they figured out that we went just homeless! We must have been asked 20 times and wished success on our journey. People actually care!
Date: 2014-04-03
From: Ice Water Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It was an absolutely gorgeous day to hike today. Beautiful blue skies with spring rolling in over us. BUT, you must know by now that there is always a but, 12 miles today and the rocks just beat my feet to pieces. I almost hobbled into the shelter. 2 ibuprofen and I¢ll have new ¢old¢ feet in the morning, just in time for 15 miles in thunderstorms tomorrow. I hope not but it¢s likely.The shelters thru the Smokies are pretty full and now we are hearing Norovirus is beginning to take off. So many of the younger set not filtering their water yet. If it gets close I¢ll move to my tent and avoid the shelters which have local mouse residence.The pic is of our food bags hung up to keep the bears and mice from feasting.
Date: 2014-04-04
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

Well we made our 15 mile day. After 3 miles in the pouring rain we huddled in a shelter about halfway till the rain stopped, then we made a run for our intended shelter for the night.Plan to make it to Standing Bear Hostel for a food drop pickup in the morning and maybe a run into town for laundry¢¦ If I wait much longer I¢ll have to burn my underwear!We got real lucky getting thru the Smokies. Hot Springs is coming up fast (50 percent of the hikers are gone by then). The next big drop in Hikers will be Damascus, VA. But let¢s not get ahead of myself¢¦Phone Service is almost none existent with AT&T. If you are hitting the trail soon and reading this¢¦ Get a Verizon Disposable¢¦ You¢ll be glad you did!The pic is of the fire we started to dry out all our wet clothes socks etc. You can see everything hanging above if you look closely.If you are reading my journal daily, I have posted the 3 previous days entries too. Check them out.
Date: 2014-04-05
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Short hike today into Standing Bear Farm where I had resupply waiting. Thank you Chris, Heather, and Abbie.Pretty nice hike today and mostly downhill. The 4 mile downhill yesterday took a toll on my left knee which always seems to be the worst. Vitamin I is becoming my friend. Standing Bear is a pretty cool place run on the honor system, which I think is awesome. Again about 20 folks here all moving North. We got word of a few folks leaving the trail account of injury but so far all are safe in our group. Yesterday a gentleman providing Trail Magic collapsed after hiking a bit on the trail and had to be moved to a hospital¢¦ no other word.For anyone who hasn¢t hiked the AT¢¦IT IS TOUGH. We have really been challenged by the weather and the next two days promise more with thunderstorms looming. We like to avoid the human lightning rod look¢¦ It messes up a good hair day!OK¢¦ it¢s past hiker midnight¢¦Amazing!!!
Date: 2014-04-06
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: light rain

We did 14.9 miles today and everything hurts... I can't believe we may do 18.0 in the rain tomorrow just to get into Hot springs instead of 2 days in the rain. I'm willing to try but I don't know if the body is. I hiked all day by myself... I left early so I could finish about the time everyone else did. It worked pretty well so I wasn't behind. We will see what tomorrow brings.Free coffee for a week if you can I.D. this... Good thing I had my screw driver with me... It needed some tweaking.
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: fog

I hiked 18 miles to get here¢¦ The pending weather held off pretty much after the first couple of hours of early morning rain. I can tell you that the same 18 miles would have been bad if the rain had not held off. I¢m so glad I made it, but I¢m paying the price for it. The 2nd blister finally had to be addressed, see first pic if you want to know what it looked like on the other foot.Looks like we will lose another trail family member tomorrow, maybe 3. That¢s trail life though, so I understand when someone had to move on. We really have/had an awesome group, An IOC magician, a financial adviser, 2 nurses, an organic farmer, and a journalist, all very professional, kind, and helpful to each other. Truly amazing people. New friends will come but I will miss these since we started together. Ace, Mac, J-Rex, Frankie, and Listener¢¦ you are all the best!Tomorrow, Abbie and I will enjoy the hot springs together and a zero day before I had back down the trail and she returns home to the bigger job of holding everything together while I run up and down hills¢¦ The pic is crossing Main St. into Hot Springs¢¦ I didn¢t forget Sarah!
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Back on the road after some time off in Hot Springs. The body really needed that. It was so nice to have Abbie there and the foot massage was nice too.We hiked about 11 miles today and may do 15 tomorrow. It's Funny how the 5 to 8 seemed so hard not long ago and we are hiking 10 - 15 quite often now. VA will bring 15-20 and more I hope. I'm switching to trail runners in Damascus and sending my boss home along with some winter gear to lighten up the pack. After each resupply the pack is crazy, heavy or at least it seems that way.Today was a good day with respect to weather and trail conditions. Our group did split in half but that is trail life... we keep moving north!The shelter is full so we are camping nearby, almost under the stars. The picture is of our camp area. There is actually another 4 tents near but I couldn't get them all. Mine is on the center back, that's the important one, right?Amazing !
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

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

Very nice day today. We took our time hiking 15.4 miles and enjoyed the moment. The pictures are of Fire Scald Knob overlooking N.E. Tennessee. The other is of the we get to use if we are lucky. Not quite like home but it beats leaning against a tree hoping your feet don't slip.We saw a huge owl just before we got into camp, beautiful owl. I was too slow on the camera.My feet still hurt a lot at the end of the day but I'm still hoping that will improve with time.All but 1 hiker chose to camp rather than get into the shelter. There is good weather and we are sick of the mice. It's more work but while the weather is good I'll take it.
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: 2 Miles Short of Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

About 13 mi today, 2 miles short of Hogback Ridge Shelter... tough uphill. We took a few breaks thru the day whenever we felt like it and still put in the miles we planned. We have word there is trail magic for breakfast until 2pm tomorrow. We have to go 5 miles to get there in the morning... yummmmm.I really enjoy hiking with J-Rex and Listener, awesome people and laid back about stops to enjoy the views. Much better than just pounding out the miles. We are in our tents now updating our journals.Thank you for all your texts, emails, and blog comments, even though I can't respond to them, I appreciate them more than you know. They really do keep me going when my feet are screaming for me to stop!!Amazing!!
Date: 2014-04-13
From: 2 Miles Short of Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Today we had trail magic 3 times!!! Breakfast, some Easter candy along the trail, and on top of Big Bald. When when we took a break on top of Big Bald, people out walking just gave the poor thru-hikers food.We are in the shelter tonight expecting weather again¢¦ we will see what the next 2 days bring.If the weather develops, we may push 16 mi to get into town.Just an FYI, a ¢Bald¢ is land on top of a hill that mother nature is pretty tough on, so nothing grows there. Kinda like my head!The pic is of the breakfast trail magic, awesome people. Paul hiked the AT in 2007.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Nolichucky River ÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ Erwin, TN
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: few clouds

We rolled into Erwin this afternoon in lite rain. TRW (thunderstorms and rain showers) and snow forecast for tomorrow so we will ride 1 day out hoping to miss the snow. We have had our share of that.Listener and I hiked together most of the day and got to know each other better... Great guy! It¢s amazing really, the people that you meet on the trail. You get to know someone in days that normally take so much longer in everyday life.The hike into Erwin was quite long once you could see the town, I¢m guessing about 20 switchbacks and several vistas that never seemed to get me any closer.At the hotel after my first shower in a week I noticed that I look like I just escaped a prisoner of war camp¢¦ First time I really noticed the trail is taking a toll.The pic is of a painted rock with AT symbol.
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Zero Day

To: Beauty Spot Gap
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

About 13 miles today¢¦ tent city again tonight with temps well below freezing¢¦ I¢m ready, all tucked in.Pretty good day. My feet still hurt but they are the best they have been since the start. I hope that is a good sign. Tail magic once again today, Brother Tom provided coffee, fruit, veggies, brownies, iced tea, and good conversation. Can¢t ask for any more than that. I hiked alone most of the day and made pretty good time. Are my hiking Legs kicking in??? I hope so, a few more Days and I¢ll know. My knees felt OK but very little downhill to test them.I did hike back up into the snow that fell yesterday, but the temps were in the 40's so it wasn¢t bad, just some tree rain to contend with.The next goal is Damascus where I¢ll send home my winter gear for summer. It¢s just a couple lbs but it all helps.The pic is of me hiking with the melting snow. I hope that is the last of the snow.
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Beauty Spot Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Very good day today. Did 14 miles solo. Lots of think time, so I solved a lot of world problems... If they would just ask.I hiked through a dense spruce forest which was awesome... like being in a movie scene. The pic I took today is in the forest with a white blaze in the background. We follow those to Maine.Camping out again tonight and expecting another very cold night. Last night was in the low 20's and very windy.My feet are good for the 2nd night. Heels hurt a little but not to bad. I'm hopeful!!!