morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-06-03
From: Damascus VA

To: Saunders Shelter VA
Miles today: 9.4

1710.6 miles to go.After another big hiker family breakfast, we all said our goodbyes and began separating. This Guy, Twister, and I all headed back into town for our final errands (mainly mailing things home, but we also did a little last minute shopping). I weighed my pack: 28# with food, and 18# without the food bag. I had packed a few of the heavier food items in the bottom of the pack, so I suspect that without those, I'd be right at a 15# base weight - not too shabby for carrying a guitar! On the way back out of town, we stopped at Subway for one last meal. All thru town, we kept bumping into other hikers, and even at Subway and on our way out of town.We finally got out of town around 3pm. Out of Damascus, the AT and the Virginia Creeper trail follow the same route for a mile or so before the AT heads up into the hills (the Creeper trail is mainly a bicycle trail, and is much flatter than the AT). It didn't take long for my foot to start bothering me again, and soon after that This Guy and Twister left me behind. I wasn't worried because I expected that I would catch them once they stopped for the night.The AT began winding thru the hills again, often following water, and on a few occasions joining the Creeper trail again. I really enjoy when the trail follows noisy streams and rivers, the sound of the babbling water is very pleasant to me. Occasionally I would pass some other hikers, or be passed by some bicyclists, but for the most part I had the trail and my thoughts to myself.I stopped in at the first shelter, to take a break and also to see who was there. We (This Guy, Twister, and I) had planned to make camp about three more miles down the trail, but I thought they might have stopped at the shelter for dinner or to socialize. They weren't there, but Big Foot & Utah were there, along with a few other hikers I didn't know. I stopped for a break, and ended up staying the night. I knew that by then I would have to night hike to catch This Guy and Twister, and my foot was bothering me enough that I just didn't want to do it. So, I spent the evening at the shelter and add some new friends.
Date: 2015-06-04
From: Saunders Shelter VA

To: Thomas Knob Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: scattered clouds

1691.9 miles to go.I headed out, and a few miles down the trail passed the the pond and campsite that This Guy and Twister had camped at, but they were already gone. The trail joined the Creeper trail for another mile or so at one point, which was easy walking since it's a bicycle trail. Around lunch time I arrived at the Lost Mountain Shelter, which didn't seem very lost to me.After lunch, the trail crossed thru another pasture and then began climbing in earnest, gaining 2000 feet in about four miles. At the top was a large open field that afforded some nice views. After I took a short break and some pictures, I had just made it across the open field and into the cover of the trees when it started raining. I donned my rain gear in case in got bad, and trekked on. Luckily, it only rained half-heartedly and I made it to the shelter relatively dry.I got into the shelter after dark: 10 or 11pm. Usually shelters have spots all around them where you can easily hang a hammock or pitch a tent - but not this one. I spent the night inside the shelter because I didn't feel like thrashing around in the woods in the dark, looking for a decent place to hang my hammock. It was a neat shelter because it had a loft, but outside it was surrounded by miniature boulders and huge patches of wild, thorny blackberry bushes - not an ideal spot for hanging a hammock. Besides, setting up inside the shelter is easier, it was already late, and I was looking forward to the ponies tomorrow. I have been hearing about the semi-wild ponies that roam the Grayson Highlands State Park, and I knew I was only about three miles from the park.
Date: 2015-06-05
From: Thomas Knob Shelter

To: Old Orchard Shelter 
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

AT Day 54: My little ponies!11.2 miles today508.5 miles total1680.7 miles to goI slept in this morning, having not gotten to bed until nearly midnight last night. I went back to sleep after everybody left (why are they so loud, noisy, and inconsiderate in the morning when I'm trying to sleep, when I'm so careful and quiet at night while they're sleeping?), and I finally woke about 10 am.I glanced outside and there were about eight ponies gathered around the front of the shelter, munching on grass! I'm not going to lie - I was excited like a kid on Christmas! It was even better because it was unexpected; I had though the ponies would all be IN the Grayson Highlands State Park (GHSP), not just all around it. I went outside, barefoot and all, and gingerly approached one. She kept munching on grass as I approached, though she did greet me, and she allowed me to walk right up and start petting her. For 10-15 minutes I just went from pony to pony, though the couple of goals were to skittish to be approached. Finally, some other hikers showed up and I had to pull myself together and resume my act of normalcy.Shortly after other hikers started showing up, the ponies all moved on down the trail. Either they had scrounged all the grass they could, or they don't like a crowd. Either way, I went ahead and ate breakfast and packed my bag for the day, ecstatic with the way it had started out already. I had an apple left, which I stuck in one of my outside pockets for easy access later, and set out.The trail crossed Rhododendron Gap with some gorgeous blooms, fun to climb rock outcroppings, and more breathtaking views. Soon after that, I ran into another pack of ponies. I cut the apple into slices, and had fun feeding the ponies and letting them lick me. Apparently, they love hikers - we're like a giant salt block to them!A few miles later, I clambered over the steps that led over the fence surrounding GHSP. Apparently, there IS a fence, and the curious little ponies know how to get around it. Once inside the park, I continued to admire the ponies and climb every available rock outcropping / boulder. All in all, it probably took me five hours to travel the three miles of the trail that skirts the GHSP, but it was without a doubt one of my favorite days on the trail thus far.
Date: 2014-12-15
To: Why I'm hiking the Appalachian Trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I've been asked: Why am I attempting to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail? There's no single answer to that, but I'll mention my top three reasons.I find the woods spiritual. They have a timelessness and natural order that seem to just pull me in. Even in wind, rain, snow ... whatever, I find peace in the woods.A challenge. I've taken on a handful of large challenges in my life, and this one is certainly a hum-dinger. If nothing else, just the prospect of doing this has really energized me.Filling a void. When my father passed away three years ago, I think I must have been searching for something to replace the absence of possibly my best friend in the world. I happened upon a National Geographic (I think it was) film about hiking the Appalachian Trail. That thought percolated a month or two and eventually turned into a goal - sort of an obsession, really. I've been preparing ever since.
Date: 2014-12-16
To: Preparation
Miles today: 0.0

How have I prepared?Lots of reading. I read several journals on this Trailjournals.com site, which gave me a pretty good idea of what this trek is all about. I also read several on the REI journals site. I read several books including those by Jennifer Pharr Davis, Bill Bryson, Cheryl Strayed, Zack Davis, and David Miller. I probably spent more time reading postings on WhiteBlaze.net than anything else.I slowly bought all of my equipment, researching each piece relentlessly. It's crazy how many alternative opinions there are on the tiniest of equipment choices.I took Dr. Warren Doyle's 5-day course at the AT Institute. He taught me how minimalist one can go, a mess of techniques, details about the entire trail, and how success really just comes down to the mental aspect.I hiked. There's a large wooded state park near me here in Raleigh, NC. I have gone over and over those trails, with and without my pack. Last summer I hiked for a week on the AT and tested everything.And the biggest preparation? I retired from work. I'm now taking 3+ months to get good and fit to start my hike in late March, 2015. I plan to get in some more multi-day backpack trips between now and then, too.
Date: 2014-12-17
To: Appreciation
Miles today: 0.0

To prepare for my hike, I couldn't have done without:The detailed advice of the successful thru-hikers -- Rebel, Walk and Eat, Sandman, Right Here, and Punisher. All five were kind enough to respond to my emails after I had read their journals/blogs. They gave me thoughtful and detailed advice and also encouragement. This whole hiking community is amazingly helpful. I'm looking forward to meeting all sorts of folks on the trail.My family and friends who have asked all manner of questions and understand my whackiness in attempting this thing. My work friends who encouraged me with a shopping cart full of joke camping equipment and well wishes. But most of all, my amazing wife, who will forgo her handyman and mate for 6-7 months. She has completely supported me, despite her natural concerns, because she knows I really want and need this. Thank you.
Date: 2015-03-26
From: Springer Mtn, GA

To: First Day, off trail, 10 miles in
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Woohoo! I'm finally on the AT (taking my first step there to the left). My wife Beth parked in a parking lot about a mile from the summit and walked up with me. After a nice goodbye, I took off by myself around 1:30 pm.The day got brighter and warmer, and it turned into a really gorgeous day. I found myself sighing a lot with pleasure that, after all the planning, I'm here at last. All the thru hikers I met on the trail are in high spirits.I passed the first shelter and kept going to a spot near the trail on a ridge that's sheltered from the wind. We're expecting some colder weather coming up, but it sure is a beautiful first night.Nowhere I'd rather be.
Date: 2015-03-27
From: 10 miles from Springer Mtn.

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 14.3

That's my cozy little campsite amongst a grove of low trees where I stayed last night. I felt the storm coming in on one side of the ridge and nestled down on the other side. Good thing, too, because in the downpour overnight I was dry in my tent and the air was calm while it sounded like a gale out in the valley. The morning was near freezing and instead of fingers, I had ten frozen, nearly useless, Vienna sausages. But I got packed up and hiked about 14 miles with a good guy named "Stretch" from Ohio. Saw some amazing views from way up looking down on farms and forests. I'm camped in a tent city tonight with other thru hikers at the base of Blood Mountain. Tomorrow will be a long slough up up up before coming back down into my first trail town. Supposed to be about 25 tonight and I've already seen some flakes. Nowhere I'd rather be.
Date: 2015-03-28
From: Lance Creek

To: Near Hogpen Gap
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: few clouds

I got up early this morning to 24 degrees and there had been a dusting of snow last night. I packed up quickly (singing the William Tell Overture in my mind), got on the trail, and tackled the formidable Blood Mountain. Someone told me it's the tallest mountain in Georgia. Well, I just took it slowly, with small steps, and focused on what was in front of me. Before I knew it, there I was at the top. That's me on Blood Mountain to the left. For me, going up is actually easier than going down. Although my knees aren't hurting, I try to be careful with them and not jolt them on the way down. As a matter fact I'm feeling really good. Nothing hurts beyond normal soreness. A new friend Stretch and I made it to Neel Gap and visited the Mountain Crossings outdoors shop. And there I met the famous Baltimore Jack (well, renowned on AT forums). In fact, he gave me my first trail magic by helping me repair a broken strap on my trekkng poll. Stretch decided to stay the night in the bunks there. But I pressed on and am camped somewhere near Hogpen Gap. So far, I really enjoy the solitude of hiking and camping alone. Expecting it to go down to 19 degrees tonight. It'll be a good test for my winter equipment. Nowhere I'd rather be.
Date: 2015-03-29
From: Near Hogpen Gap

To: Hiawassee, Ga.
Miles today: 14.1

It was definitely a nice brisk night last night, and I was pleased to see that all of my winter equipment kept me toasty. I did have to break through the ice in the upper part of my water bottle to take a drink this morning. But what a day this was! Blue sky and cool air for walking. There are just hints of buds on plants, so I have a clear view of the rugged terrain. I just love scanning the view as I walk. There was a good deal of semi frozen spongy ground, which is great for walking, but also plenty of rocky parts of the trail like in the picture to the left. Kind of a fun obstacle course, actually. I met up with a nice twenty something guy named Rob, whom I had met yesterday, and we hiked and talked all day. Tonight we're sharing a cheap hikers hotel room in Hiawasse, Ga. Man, that hot shower felt good. Glad to be here tonight and eager for more hiking tomorrow.
Date: 2015-03-30
From: Unicoi Gap near Hiawassee, Ga.

To: Vista near Powell Mountain
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Rob, my hiking partner of the last couple of days, and I caught a shuttle to the trailhead and got hiking around 10:00 this morning. We met Lightning Bug and Moon Bow in the shuttle and ended up hiking with them up and over three mountains today. They both have been involved with non profits like me, so it was a real pleasure talking with them about that and all kinds of things today. The picture to the left is all of us at the top of Trey Mountain. It was relatively easy going hiking today and at this point my dogs don't start barking until about mile 10 or so. By the time Rob and I get to our typical 14 miles, I'm ready to call it a day. There's not much wildlife yet, except a few birds here and there. But I did see two oddly bright red ticks walking across the path late this afternoon. Sometimes when I'm walking, I try to be extremely aware of tiny little aspects of the forest floor. I often spot all kinds of fascinating life or formations. Tonight I'm in a tent near three other tents overlooking a magnificent view. It's pretty windy and chilly but a beautiful night in the woods. Nowhere I'd rather be.
Date: 2015-03-31
From: Vista near Powell Mountain

To: Nearby Muskrat Shelter
Miles today: 14.3

I've made it to North Carolina! My home state. OK, you know how when you go to the grocery store and are pulling into a spot, but then think to yourself "wait, someone who's 15 feet closer is pulling out...I'll go get that one." I've certainly done that. It's a little different out here. Three of us were hiking and the trail crossed the road (US 76) half a mile from a hostel that also sells some gear. One guy wanted to check out the gear, one guy was going to check in, and I thought, well, maybe I can charge my phone some. So off I walk down the hill and back again. An extra mile, no big deal. Different perspective from that grocery store parking lot.Beautiful weather today and good hiking over some awfully steep ascents. At one point I was breathing pretty hard with my mouth open and a fly-sized bug flew into my mouth and bounced off of my uvula (the punching bag thing hanging at the back of your throat). Well I immediately coughed him out but I bet he had a pretty good story to tell his little buggy friends tonight. Rob (who I've been calling jack rabbit because he can really move out and leave me in the dust) and I are camped out next to a small stream near Muskrat Creek Shelter tonight. Love that sound of trickling water. No cell phone connectivity so I'll hopefully be able to post this tomorrow some time from a ridge or mountain top. Nowhere I'd rather be.
Date: 2015-04-01
From: Nearby Muskrat Shelter

To: Near Long Branch Shelter
Miles today: 21.1

There's an old saying on the AT: Take what the trail gives you. Today the trail gave us easy terrain and sunny weather in the 60s so we pushed ourselves pretty hard for a 21 mile day. We also had heard there may be thunderstorms tomorrow and we had a high peak, Albert Mountain, to cross so we tackled that today in the dry weather. And what a climb! We had to grab roots and rocks to pull up through some of the rocky climb. There's a fire tower at the top, our first. (See picture with Jack Rabbit, sitting.) It was also at our 100 mile mark. I passed a woman today and we chatted a bit. She asked me if I was through hiking. I told her no, I was going to keep going...Get it? Yeah, well she didn't either so after an awkward silence I changed the subject. Every year a nasty stomach virus called norovirus gets passed around at the shelters and the trail, so the accepted form of shaking hands is an elbow bump. That virus is one of the main reasons I'm planning on mostly using my tent and not the shelters. We've got almost a full moon and a mild temperature night down near a creek. Sweet. Nowhere I'd rather be.
Date: 2015-04-02
From: Near Long Branch Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a relatively short 7 mile hike over to Franklin North Carolina. By the way, a zero mile day is called a Zero Day and under 10 miles is a Nearo. So I hiked a Nearo today. When we were nearing Franklin, we crossed a highway and saw this encouraging sign painted on the road (pic on left). In Franklin, we were picked up and generously hosted by a friend, Karen S., who was on the board of the nonprofit that I recently retired from. Karen is a wonderful person full of community spirit. I've been asked what I am eating on the trail. I decided not to bring my stove due mostly to weight, which is not uncommon among other thru hikers I have spoken with. So I have been eating things like trail mix, jerky, and peanut butter and jelly rolled up in tortillas. My typical breakfast is a 20 gram protein bar and a multivitamin. Breakfast of champions.Most everyone out here has a trail name - kind of lets people have their own trail personas. One of my favorites is a guy I actually met a week before I started hiking in my local Eno State Park. He had gone to the same 5 day course by Dr. Doyle that I had but during a different week. A stray cat took up residence and jumped up on my friend's bunk and settled down for the night. When my friend woke up, there on his sleeping bag were three kittens in a puddle of blood. So he was dubbed Cat Daddy. He's a good guy and found the kittens a good home. I ran into him out here and hiked with him one day. I'm sleeping in a soft bed in a warm dry house tonight, for which I am grateful, but I'm eager to get out on the trail hiking tomorrow.So far so good on this crazy thru hike thing.
Date: 2015-04-03
From: Franklin, NC

To: Near Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.6

That's me in a stone fire tower on the top of Wayah Bald. Gives you an idea of the scenes I'm seeing as I tromp along. I'm soaking in the views now while the trees are still bare. Its fun to continually scan the terrain and foliage to enjoy the variety. I hadn't realized just how well I knew the trails where I did all of my practice hikes. There's a phenomenon on the AT called trail magic given by trail angels. I've been the appreciative recipient twice so far. The first time I came down to a seldom used road and there was a couple with a card table, chairs and FOOD. Lots of food. Sandwich fixings, donuts, chips, coffee, orange juice, soft drinks, chocolate, fruit and more. They probably shelled out $75 for all that. They were former thru hikers themselves and seemed to take delight in providing all those refreshments to us tired and always hungry thru hikers. I suppose its kind of a pay it forward type deal. The second trail angel was also a former thru hiker with perhaps a smaller spread but just as big of a heart. I mean seriously, how cool is that tradition? We've set up our tents, Jack Rabbit and me, near Cold Spring Shelter tonight and we spent some time chatting it up over by the shelter. There's great camaraderie among all these strangers attempting the same goal. These shelters are three sided structures with a wooden floor that can hold maybe eight people lying side by side. Very popular with the mice, too. Expecting some wind and rain overnight so I followed Jack Rabbit's lead and put heavy rocks over my tent pegs. Nowhere I'd rather be.
Date: 2015-04-04
From: Near Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoors Center
Miles today: 11.7

This picture is a typical scene as I hike along.It rained most the night last night and there was a good deal of lightning. I slept through most of it. But a recurring issue arose and my extra long and puffy sleeping bag touched the ceiling of the low sloping tent and got my bag wet. Realizing this was an issue several days ago, I've ordered a taller ceiling tent that I will pick up in three days at Fontana Dam Lodge. A few miles into this morning's hike there was another trail angel cooking egg sandwiches. Not only did I eat two of those suckers, but I laid out and dried my sleeping bag and tent in the sun. Double score. My total miles were not long today but seven of those miles included a steep descent. Sometimes stepping down 18 inches or so. Hard on the knees if not careful and slow. Jack Rabbit and I are staying in the bunks at Nantahala Outdoors Center with many other thru hikers. Jack Rabbit is going to take a zero tomorrow and I'm going to press on. I've enjoyed his company but hiking with folks is always fluid out here. Tomorrow will be a challenging seven mile hike up 3,200 feet out of this gap. That height is like climbing up the stairs of a 320 story building. With a backpack. But I've often read about this climb and am glad to finally take my shot at it. I'm pretty fired up for tomorrow.