morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-02-11
To: Local
Miles today: 0.0

I left Sunday afternoon on a 12 mile shakedown hike carrying my anticipated full load of 39 pounds. I'm fortunate to live on the Mississippi River and utilize the miles of levee system to train on. Although I can't mimic elevation, I can utilize the grade for ascending and descending. It was 40 degrees the previous day, however this day turned out to be 70 degrees with a predicted low of 62 at night. I reached my destination at about dusk and pitched my tent between the levee and a stand of woods. I then set up my sleep system, unpacked my pack and cooked inside my tent because of the mosquitoes. It rained hard at night for about an hour with some wind and my Zpacks Duplex tent performed well. I made a list of things that needed tweaking and at this point, every experience is chalked up to training and preparation.The following morning, I packed up and started the 12 mile trek home. All went well, but this hike drove home the magnitude of hiking the Appalachian Trail for months. I'll continue my training regimen while anxiously anticipating my start date.
Date: 2019-03-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

And now I board the train to Gainesville, GA and I¢m incredibly thankful for all that I have. We completed a tour making final visits or dinner dates with the kids/grandchildren, and hosted a farewell party at home with a bonfire in the pasture. Rachael and I also took a trip to Florida to enjoy the sunshine and spend time together. The number of calls, text messages, emails and journal guestbook entries of well wishes have been truly heartwarming. Trust that although I may not respond, I will read each one!I will meet my shuttle tonight and travel to Amicalola Falls for the night. I¢m beyond excited as it¢s time to put all my dreams, preparation and training onto the field.
Date: 2019-03-11
From: Amicalola Falls

To: Mount Katahdin
Miles today: 11.0

Hiked down a mile from the Amicalola Lodge to the visitor center where I participated in a thru hiker orientation and signed in as #800 for the year. Our packs were weighed and we were individually gauged as to our preparations for the hike. I was incredibly impressed in the manner and organization by the ridge runner conducting the presentation. Headed out and tented on Springer Mountain. It rained for the final 2 hours of 11 mile hike. I guess we got all of the 20% chance that evening.
Date: 2019-03-12
From: Springer Mountain

To: Mount Katahdin
Miles today: 15.5

Headed out of the Springer Mountain campsite @ 7:45 this morning. The night was cold but the sky cleared and I could see the illumination of the moon through my tent. As I looked out of my tent flap, the stars seemed close enough to touch due to the elevation and the lack of any light pollution. It sounded as though I was tenting on the beach because the extreme wind sounded like waves crashing. I woke up to witness daybreak the packed up and headed out. Stopped along the trail and ate breakfast as well as lunch. Trekked hard and made it to Gooch Mountain at 4:45, completing 15.5 miles. The weather warmed up and it was pretty on the trail. Lots of views with the lack of foliage.
Date: 2019-03-13
From: Gooch Mountain 

To: Mount Katahdin 
Miles today: 15.6

Hit the Blue Blaze out of Gooch Mountain this morning at 6:45, and it was still dark. When I made it to the white blaze I glanced at my compass and then the time and noticed that it was Thursday, March 14th. I then walked the next two hours wondering where I lost a day. I counted the couple of nights I pitched my tent and ate supper then ultimately realized that when setting my watch to daylight savings time, then again to eastern time the calendar advanced also. I¢ve studied hiker fatigue, but kept thinking, not already! I could tell I was the first hiker on the trail because of the spider webs. Anyway I covered 15.6 miles making it to Neal Gap. I hadn¢t intended to trek that far, but was encouraged, while visiting with one of the ridge runners on the trail, due to a severe weather line moving through. Split a shuttle into Blairsville, GA where I¢ll hold up at a small hotel.
Date: 2019-03-14
To: Mount Katahdin 
Miles today: 0.0

Spent last night and again tonight at the Seasons Inn Hotel. I would be disappointed to zero this early, but I had two incredible days of mileage that it took the sting out of it. Blairsville is a quaint little town with a population of about 700. A lot of hikers have gotten off of the trail to avoid the weather. I definitely came out on the plus last night with my $7.00 all you can eat pizza buffet dinner paired with a couple of salads. After breakfast this morning, I got my laundry done and headed out to the Chick-Fil-A for lunch. On the way back I stopped at the CVS for chapstick and use the ATM. The lady working the register at the CVS said, ¢we just love hiking season!¢ I then stopped at the Foodland grocery store to pickup some re-supply items because I intend to take advantage of the coming good days of weather. I also bought some strawberries and milk to go along with my breakfast in the morning. The elderly gentleman hanging out at the register at the Foodland said in his north Georgia accent, ¢You one of them hikers?¢ I replied yes sir. He said ¢don¢t let one of them bears get you!¢ I smiled and said no sir, I¢ll run really fast! :) I¢ll continue my calorie stacking at dinner tonight in preparation for getting back out on the trail. I will split a shuttle out tomorrow morning at 7:00 to Neels Gap, along with another hiker, to resume this great adventure. Many thanks to all of you who have left messages on my guestbook. Know that your comments and encouragement lift my spirits at the end of a long day of hiking.
Date: 2019-03-15
From: Neels Gap

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine
Miles today: 18.8

Waiting for the shuttle, I was like a race horse locked in a chute waiting for the gate to open. Shuttled back to Neels Gap this morning and started out at 8:00. It rained with heavy fog, before clearing out at about noon. That¢s ok though as there¢s a particular beauty of being in the woods when it¢s raining. Hiked 18.8 miles today and tenting near the Blue Mountain shelter. Only saw 3 other hikers on the trail, but there are a few more at the shelter. The wind is howling on the mountain top and temperatures are predicted to get down to about 25 degrees. It was a great day and the weather is predicted to be good for the next several days. I¢ll post more photos when I get a strong enough signal or make it into town. Life is good!
Date: 2019-03-16
From: The Blue Mountain Shelter Area

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine
Miles today: 15.5

Woke up this morning after a restless night with sub-freezing temperatures and a howling north wind. Even though I have a 20 degree bag, I had to get moving to warm up. I felt pretty good after a marathon day yesterday. I packed up my things inside my tent then put my pack outside while I took my tent down. When done, I struggled to put my boots on. They were obviously still wet from yesterday¢s rain with water running down the trail like a stream when ascending and descending. I then went to the bathroom and lowered my food bag down from the tree on the way back to my gear. The whole time thinking, you wanted adventure, you got it! I headed out and it took about 30 minutes or so for my boots to thaw. I continued hiking well past when I would have normally stopped for breakfast because of the cold and I wanted to get out of the wind. At some point, I was out of energy and stopped near a small stream for breakfast. Shortly after a church group of 5 people happened by and asked if I was a through-hiker. They then gave me a couple of small oranges, probably the best I¢ve ever had! I headed out again and was battling fatigue from elevations when coming out of Unicoi Gap, just 2.5 miles into my day. I could feel my energy level rising slightly and felt a little better. When just about finished with my morning prayers, and coming down into Indian Gap, I noticed a few cars and trucks. More importantly, there were a few tables set up with people scurrying around. Could it be? Yes! I had happened upon my first trail magic experience. I was the first one there and soon joined by other hikers coming down the mountain. We all enjoyed homemade vegetable soup, fresh fruit, hot chocolate, soft drinks and chips. What a blessing at a time when I seemed to need it the most. Many thanks to the Smith family and friends for their generosity. Every March they leave their homes in central Georgia and head to the AT to perform trail magic. As I sit in my tent near a shelter at Deep Gap, the Smith¢s and their friends are the main topic of conversation. I ended the day with 15.5 miles and with good legs and luck, I¢ll cross the Georgia/ North Carolina border tomorrow.
Date: 2019-03-17
From: Muskrat Creek

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine
Miles today: 15.4

Another cold night last night, getting down to 28 degrees. The wind did subside some. Set out at 5:30 and began my hike in the dark. I like the peacefulness of walking through the woods at night. The other plus is that you¢re already on the trail for daybreak and sunrise. I¢ve seen lots of squirrels and birds, but this morning saw a red fox on the trail. We both stopped and looked at each other before she trotted off. At about noon today, I crossed the Georgia border and entered North Carolina. Although there are 13 states remaining, this was a small and badly needed milestone. John, the guy I met a couple of days ago when completing the 18 mile day is tenting in the same site again. He¢s an attorney who became unhappy with his job. He quit his job, sold his house and has plans to finish the AT in early July and then begin the PCT ( Pacific Crest Trail). He is using this time to take stock of his life and make a decision on his future. I know that sounds radical, but in our brief conversations I feel like he¢s got a handle on it. I suspect he¢ll remain in law, but change his practice. We hike well together, but unfortunately I¢m an early riser and he like to sleep late. When nearing the end of my hike today, I caught a low hanging tree limb over my right eye. I only mention this because of swelling that may be noticeable in photos. Took time out near the stream while filtering water to soak my feet in the stream. I¢ve developed some tendinitis on the inside of my left ankle that I¢m trying to manage. The stream water is extremely cold, but I kept my feet in until they were numb. We¢ll see how this goes.
Date: 2019-03-18
To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 21.2

Left Muskrat Creek at 6:00 this morning after another 28 degree cold night with lots of wind. Watched as the almost full moon went down leaving the stars almost close enough to touch. A rabbit walked out on the trail and we walked together for about 100 feet or so. When I stopped for breakfast, the tubing on my water bladder was frozen. This requires me to drop my pack and go to a reserve bottle, and although not frozen, it always has ice in it. I sleep with the water bladder in my sleeping bag, so I know it freezes within the first couple of hours on the trail, especially at higher elevations. I visited with another hiker, Schuyler, a 33 year old guy from Northeastern Vermont. Together we agreed to a 21.2 day which would take us to Long Branch. Although grueling, the climbs were not extreme until we reached Betty Creek Gap where we then began to ascend 1000 feet in 2.5 miles. This requires you at times to put away your trekking poles and climb with your hands and feet to lower your center of mass to prevent from falling. We walked into Long Branch at about 4:30, accomplishing our goal and knowing that I left it all on the trail today. I am now at mile 102 northbound on the Appalachian Trail. I set up, cleaned up, ate and went to bed. Darkness settles at about 7:30. At 4470ft, it would be another cold night with temperatures in the low 20¢s. Nights like this are really long.
Date: 2019-03-19
From: Winding Stairs Gap

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine
Miles today: 7.2

Packed up this morning and hit the trail at 6:00am for a seven mile hike to Winding Stairs Gap where the AT intersects US 64. There we would meet a county shuttle bus that would take us into the town of Franklin, NC. Upon arrival at 9:00, I was blessed with more trail magic. Ole Lone Chair, who hiked the AT back in 1996, was there with bananas and homemade cookies. Like other trail magic providers, the offer of money is borderline insulting, as they do this as a matter of good will and the love of hiking. They¢re also a great resource for local information. When we arrived in Franklin, we checked into a hotel room. This is my opportunity to charge my phone as well as the Anker portable charger that I carry. It is about the size of a deck of cards and allows me to charge my phone 3-4 times. While keeping my phone on airplane mode, I¢m able to use the Guthook GPS driven app for navigation and to take photos. I walked down the street to a diner to eat breakfast consisting of 2 eggs, 3 slices of bacon, 2 sausage patties, a large serving of hash browns, 2 slices of toast, 3 cups of coffee, and a large glass of orange juice. It was all great, and once again I sensed a true appreciation for the business hikers bring into town. Had to finish eating so I could do my laundry, get lunch, re-supply my food and then eat dinner. The bathroom, bed and amenities we¢ve all become accustomed to mean so much. You haven¢t really lived until you do what the bears do in 22 degrees with a 25mph north wind. Up early for pancakes then back to Winding Stairs Gap, heavy again with food, to resume this adventure. Many thanks also to my little Trail Angel Christine for helping with the posting of photos. Wi-Fi here is not what we¢re accustomed to which makes it difficult. Thank you all for your interest, love and support.
Date: 2019-03-20
From: Winding Stairs Gap

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine
Miles today: 19.4

Got up this morning and caught the church van over to the First Baptist Church in Franklin, NC. There myself and other thru hikers were treated to a free breakfast of all you can eat pancakes, bacon, boiled eggs, fruit, coffee and orange juice. This is something the congregation does every morning during hiking season and it¢s advertised throughout the town. There was no attempt to convert one over to their faith, but the associate pastor did speak briefly and it was very fitting, relating that the packs we carry through the mountains are small compared to the burden that Jesus carried. The fellowship was good and we were asked to sign a large 2019 thru hiker banner with our trail name. We were then brought back to our hotel where I loaded onto a county shuttle bus, headed back to Winding Stairs Gap to resume the adventure. At 9:30 I began to hike until 6:30 covering 19.4 miles where I will tent tonight at Tellico Gap at 3800ft which should provide a little relief from the cold. I really wanted to make another couple of miles to Wesser Bald, but simply ran out of gas. The elevation gains were tough today climbing to above 5000ft on multiple occasions. The views remain incredible.
Date: 2019-03-21
From: Tellico Gap

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 15.0

Left this morning at 5:20 and hiked for an hour before stopping at Wesser Bald. There I ate my first breakfast and stopped near John¢s tent to roust him. I stayed there long enough to hear him grumble about me violating his civil rights and then I heard him open the valve on his air mattress. This is a sure sign that he would be moving soon as no one will lay on the cold ground for long. Schuyler and I then set out for the 6 mile downhill to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. It wasn¢t long before John caught up to us. Once there, we ate breakfast, set individual mileage goals and secured our permits to thru hike the Smokies. At 11:00 we ate lunch then set out individually to hike our own hike. The sky was clear and blue, however about an hour before reaching Sasafrass Gap, heavy sleet began to fall. By the time I got to the Gap, it had subsided allowing time to set up for the night. Shortly after it began to snow, and it did on and off throughout the night. When I went to sleep, the woods around me were covered in white. Absolutely beautiful and cold! I finished the day with 15 miles.
Date: 2019-03-22
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine
Miles today: 15.4

Set out at about seven as the woods and trail were covered with about 2-3 inches of snow. Although it was slow going due to the snow and ice on the trail, the scenery was beautiful. Hiked for 15.4 miles and tenting at Cable Gap. I will attempt to be on the doorsteps of the southern boundary of the Smoky Mountains by mid day tomorrow. A question was funneled to me regarding my diet and what I eat when out on the trail. When I get packed up in the morning I hit the trail. Normally at about 8:00 I¢ll stop and eat a couple of protein bars. I¢ll stop at about 10:00 and eat two pop tarts, or what used to resemble a pop tart. At about 12:30, I¢ll stop again, this time taking my pack off and sit on a rock. For lunch I¢ll normally eat peanut butter or tuna on a tortilla. I¢ll have either corn chips or cheetos along with this. Depending on my mileage goal determines how long I take for lunch, but no longer than 25 minutes. The remainder of the day, I¢ll eat a mix of cashews, peanuts and dark chocolate M&Ms, and a snickers bar. In the evening, after getting cleaned up and setting up my tent, I¢ll eat my big meal. In the beginning, I had a few dehydrated meals, but I¢ve since transitioned to instant mashed potatoes with bacon bits or ramen noodles that I¢ll stir some instant potatoes into. I also carry a block of sharp cheddar cheese and will eat some with most evening meals. I finish up with a Little Debbie brownie. I¢m sure this will change later, but sweet and salty are big cravings. I drink an average of 2 liters of water throughout the day and another liter with supper. This has been and continues to be an incredible experience, regardless of the weather conditions.
Date: 2019-03-23
From: Cable Gap 

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 24.5

Went to bed last night at about 7:30 and dosed off. About 6 times between then and 12:30 am my sleep pad and or sleeping bag slid down to the end of my tent. Apparently the ground was not as level as I thought it was when I set the tent up. Anyway, I was frustrated, packed up and hit the trail. Made it to Fontana Dam by daybreak and entered the Smoky Mountains at about 7:30am. At about 1:00, I  stopped at Mollies Ridge where I ate lunch and took a nap. After a 24.5 mile day, I¢ll tent tonight at Spence Field. The Smokies permit requires you to stay in one of the shelters spaced out and located along the trail. There were 3 families camping at the shelter so I tented for the night. I¢m now 6.2 miles into the Smoky Mountains. Although I¢m much higher in elevation than anywhere before, the Smoky Mountains are fair with much more forgiving grades than in Georgia and NC before the park. I¢m curious to see if this continues. I plan to hike hard again tomorrow in an attempt to get to Newfound Gap on Monday to avoid another weather system.
Date: 2019-03-24
From: Spence Field

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 19.1

Began my morning at 5:30 and headed out for another long day of hiking. Although tired from the previous 24 mile day, I opted to hike the 19 miles as rain was predicted for the following morning. I was able to reach Rocky Top by daybreak and took photos, but I¢m certain it won¢t replicate the beauty I¢ve witnessed. Pressed on and made it to Silers Bald where I ate lunch and took a nap. I then began the long strenuous hike up to Clingsman Dome, elevation 6658 feet. Until now, the forest has been bare. When I reached the upper elevations, the wind whispered through the dark green needles of the plentiful frasier fur trees. The fragrance was wonderful and the snow from two days ago lined the trail and forest floor. The trail was treacherous on the way down as snow has melted and frozen leaving a layer of ice. I have fallen a total of three times since I¢ve been on the trail, and two of the falls occurred today as a result of the ice. I finished the day and will tent tonight at Mount Collins. This will set me up for a five mile hike into Newfound Gap where I will meet my sister Sue. I can¢t wait!As I complete this journal entry and close my eyes tonight I will relive the sights, sounds and smells of the day. I¢m pretty sure God has spoken to me today through what we refer to as nature.
Date: 2019-03-25
From: Mount Collins

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 4.9

Was awakened last night with periodic rainfall and hit the trail at 6:00am. My sister Sue and I had previously planned to meet at Newfound Gap at noon where she would facilitate my trail needs of laundry, re-suppy and rest at a friends home on the outskirts of Gatlinburg. As I meandered through the woods with no particular hurry to cover the 4.9 miles to Newfound Gap daybreak occurred and then the sky began to darken again. It was evident that rain was imminent so I picked up the pace. I hiked the remaining mile under a light drizzle and opted to jump in on a shuttle that other hikers were taking into Gatlinburg. This would alleviate the need for Sue to drive the 45 minutes up the mountain to pick me up. We made it into Gatlinburg and I was just finishing up breakfast when she arrived at the restaurant. I introduced her to Crazy Horse, Hi-Ex and Aladdin and we set out. Laundry was done and I rested. Once I determined what I needed for my re-supply, we went shopping and out to eat again. The conversation as well as the alone and un-distracted time that I¢ve shared with my Trail angel Sue has been as rewarding as the many sunrises and sunsets I¢ve enjoyed on this adventure. And now to sleep in a real bed.
Date: 2019-03-26
To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 0.0

As Sue and I ate dinner last night it literally poured rain. Later while laying in a real bed, I heard it raining on and off throughout the night. We awakened to more rain, tidied up the house and left for breakfast. Sue then dropped me off at the nearby ¢Lodge of Legends¢ hiker hostel on the outskirts of Gatlinburg where I had previously arranged for a nights stay. The by donation only hostel is run by a considerate couple in support of AT hikers. This will be my second 0 of the journey. I¢ll share a large basement with 5 other thru hikers. The basement is equipped with a 100 gallon hot water heater to support long hot showers, a refrigerator, fireplace and anything a weary hiker might need. It continues to rain which reaffirms that I have made or lucked my way into another great decision. Sue surprised me and had lunch delivered at the hostel and now my only responsibility is to rest and keep the fireplace fed. I will remain here for the evening and eat my left over pizza.I will shuttle out back to Newfound Gap early tomorrow morning to continue moving north at the 207 mile on the AT with 1,985 miles remaining. This does not account for the 8 miles of approach trail to get to Springer Mountain, as well as the the two-tenths here and there to get water or reach and suitable campsite. As said on the trail, one foot in front of the other, one more mile and happy hiking. The weather is improving now and the rain has given way to a beautiful sunset over the Smokies. I can¢t stay here too long because I¢ll get soft.