morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-03-19
From: Justus Creek

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Found 2 other guys, Gasper and Curtis, who hike at the same speed I do, so we linked up. Hiked Gooch Gap and and Ramrock Mountain. My wet pack and clothes made the going slower than usual, but mostly dry by now.We are all staying in a Hostel tonight. Was great getting a hot shower!This is going to be a great adventure!
Date: 2015-03-20
From: Woody Gap

To: Lance Greek
Miles today: 3.0

Only hiked about three miles today. There is a ten mile section where you cannot camp if you don't have a bear canister and it is over Blood Mountain, which is the highest mountain on the trail. I have a bear canister, but my two hiking companions don't so we decided to stop and tackle Blood Mountain tomorrow.There were many others who apparently made the same decision. We have about forty people here, no shelter, just an open space near Lance Creek. Spirits are high, lots of laughter!We have made friends with others hikers: Wookie, a young lady who will celebrate her 23rd birthday tomorrow, carries a guitar, wears a bamboo hat and uses a bamboo cane; Cookie, her hiking companion, Sweet Daddy and Ghost. Wookie played her guitar and sang us several of the songs she has written, also sang, "What a Wonderful World".It is, indeed a wonderful world!!Hope I get a good night rest so I can be fresh tomorrow.
Date: 2015-03-21
From: Lance Greek

To: Neil's Gap
Miles today: 10.0

The climb up to the top of Blood Mountain was hard, but fun. We "Three Wise Men" as the others dubbed us, seem to be traveling in a larger group for now. Most of the people I spoke of yesterday were hiking near us, and we all stopped and had a great, much needed rest at the top. Could see for a LONG way in any direction.On our way, there was a Baptist youth group handing out apples. Best apple I've ever tasted!The way down was much harder than the way up!! MUCH! Lots of ledges to navigate and lots of mud! We were all exhausted and filthy by the time we got down. We Wise Men decided to rent a cabin and split the cost. We also had our laundry done. We stripped down to our underwear and sat around while it was being done. Nice hot bathtub and shower - I took both!At least there was no rain today! Some expected tomorrow! Will still be an easier hike!
Date: 2015-03-22
From: Neil's Gap

To: Poor Mountain
Miles today: 9.7

Left Neil's Gap after staying in Blood Mountain cabins for the night. As usual, we hiked straight up from the gap over the first mountain, Levelland. Believe me, it was misnamed! There was nothing level about that land. After several other mountains in constant fog and rain, we finally set up out tents and hammock while the rain continued, in a place in the woods on Poor Mountain.
Date: 2015-03-23
To: Unicoil Gap
Miles today: 12.0

This was our longest day hiking so far. We made it up and over Blue Mountain and down into Unicoil Gap. Janne picked us (The Three Wise Men) up in the Gap at 5:30. (We warned her she might want to put a nose gay under her nose!) We went to the RV and cleaned up, then went to an eat-all-you-want restaurant, then cleaned them out! After our time on the trail it was wonderful to eat a real meal. The other two wise men liked our home! We turned in early, glad to have real beds!
Date: 2015-03-24
From: Unicoil Gap

To: Tray Mountain
Miles today: 5.7

Janne dropped us back at Unicoi gap at 8:15am and we hiked straight up 1,000 ft. over Rocky Mt. then another steep down and 1,500 ft. up Tray Mt. And partway down to the shelter for the night. We only hiked 5.7 miles but it was more than enough! I should say that since the hardwood trees are still leafless the views are unbelievable. That being said most of what you see is the trail, watching for your next foot placement.
Date: 2015-03-27
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 9.0

We started out at 8:20 and arrived at 4:15 at Bly Gap NC. Down one state thirteen more to go.The Three Wise Men hiked together all day, leaving Georgia and entering North Carolina. Yeah, one state down!!We camped in 23 degree weaather with 25 MPH winds. What a welcoming !! It was a miserable night, could not get warm no matter what.The trail is not as busy as before. Some hikers jumped ahead for a hiker festival in Franklin.As Curtis would say, "Another grand and glorious day in the woods!"
Date: 2015-03-28
From: Bly Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

I said before I started out that I did NOT want to hike in snow. Well, I ate my words today!We Three Wise Men again hiked all day together. The trail was really thinning out. We stopped just short of Standing Indian Shelter and stayed in a slight depression, by the creek, out of the wind. The night was a little bit warmer but it still took a few hours to feel my feet.Onward and Upwards (And Downwards) tomorrow!
Date: 2015-03-29
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.3

The weather was much nicer today, and trail was better too, though once again it was straight up and down. The people who designed the trail have never heard of switchbacks.We hadn't been able to get cell service yesterday, called Janne in the morning and she had been concerned since the weather had been so bad night before last, so was very glad to hear from me.Started hiking around 9:00 and arrived at Betty Creek Gap about 4:30. But we didn't see Betty there!
Date: 2015-03-30
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: US 64 - Winding Stair Gap - Franklin NC
Miles today: 9.2

We awoke to a terrible thunder storm but were still on the trail by 8:10, arriving at Winding Stair Gap at 4:30s. We passed the 100 mile mark!! Whoppee!!Had to crawl a short section climbing up to the fire tower on Albert Mt. The Three Wise Men hiked together up to Wallace Gap mile 106.7Gasper and I hitchhiked into a McDonalds in Franklin, NC. I saw Gasper talking on the phone as I chowed down, assuming he was calling his wife. When he returned he told me he had called a rental car company. He felt his legs were getting weaker rather than stronger and it was time for him to go home. While I understood, I was also disappointed. Now it would be only two Wise Men. But Gasper made a decision that was wise for him! We promised him we would see him in Durham when we got there.(Although Durham is not on the AT, it is where my brother and sister-in-law live and we will be taking a few days off when we get in that area.)Janne came and got us in the McDonald's and we went and picked Curtis up. Had a final pic taken of the four of us and hugged Gasper good-bye.Went to a great Mexican restaurant back in Hiawassee (after a shower and clean clothes!). Nice to sleep in my own bed, with my wife again!!
Date: 2015-04-01
From: US 64 - Winding Stair Gap - Franklin NC

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 10.0

Today was a beautiful day to hike. We walked up and up and up to the Wayah Falls, which were amazing. There was a stone tower at the top and the view was beautiful. We were at 5,220 feet. Curtis and I hiked with Walk About today. He did a through-hike in 2003, (walked the whole trail). I think we're hiking with him tomorrow too. Interesting person!I have now covered 120.8 miles. Feeling great!!
Date: 2015-04-02
From: Wayah Shelter

To: Wesser Shelter
Miles today: 10.6

Good weather today, Enjoyed a Fried egg baloney, and chees sandwich as trail magic at Tellico Gap. The Trail Angels were Soway and Lilttle Diablo and 30ish couple who live on the hiking trails of America. Interesting discussion about what is the minimum you can live and hike with. Some beautiful view from the two Balds we climbed but we where very happy to make camp at the end of the day.All's Well
Date: 2015-04-03
From: Wesser Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 5.7

This morning we got up in the fog after a night of rain. I love my new Hammock fly which allows me to have a dry area to get out of the Hammock and pack my Pack in the rain. Custis and I thought we would have a easy 5 miles down from Wesser Mt. To Nantahala Outdoor Center. It was not! Our knees were screaming by the time reached NOC. My wife picked us up around 1:30 and we drove back to Hiawassee for a needed rest.All's Well
Date: 2015-04-04
From: NOC

To: 0
Miles today: 0.0

Today we moved the RV to Whittier and took a 0. Tomorrow morning we are driving to Fontana Dam for a sunrise service then get on the trail and hike 13.7 miles south to NOC. This will be my first slack pack (only taking my day pack with food and rain gear. It will be our longest hike so far but with the lighter load it should be doable.Happy Easter, All's Well.
Date: 2015-02-18
To: The beginning
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Finally I registered to get our journal started. I have to write 3 entries before we will be posted on the website. So, here we go.It can be a long way from saying to do something to actually doing it, especially if it is something of the size and dimension as hiking the Appalachian Trail. First you think the idea is crazy and you casually run it by family or friends .Quickly you get confirmation, yes, the idea is crazy. But you just can't get it out of your head, because it is possible . People do it all the time, but is it possible for YOU and WHY would you even want to do it? My husband, Jerry , used to say "Everybody has a story,worth listening to".My story is that something outrageous happened to me and I can only think of doing something outrageous to counter it. Hiking for 6 Month seems to fit the bill.Jerry,my dear husband of 22 years, died.~WistfulHe who limps is still walking. ~Stanislaw J. Lec
Date: 2015-02-22
To: 16 days left
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: haze

I just looked at the calendar and realized w have only 16 days left before we leave. There is still so much to do, not only for the trail(mainly food) but also things I have to take care of before I leave, so everything will run smoothly at home. So much preparation it is unbelievable! I did start to add gear to the gear list and I will keep working on that as I have time.
Date: 2015-03-13
From: Amicalola State Park, GA

To: Black Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light rain

The last few days were crazy busy for us, with all these last minute things popping up and we still hadn¢t finished all our mail drops, Wendy had to take her last test to be finished with her class and her Associates degree in pre dental\pre med. We had arranged to pick up the rental car in the morning but weren¢t able to actually leave until 3p.m.But finally, armed with Starbucks coffee we got on the road. We stayed in Shreveport, LA one night and made it the next day to Atlanta, GA where we met Wendy¢s friend Molly and Rachel. We stayed after a 2 hour search at a Motel in Tucker, GA where we still had to finish the task of packing our backpacks readying them for the trail. We felt a little lost without a car in front of our door and only those backpacks with the things we hoped to aid us in our adventure, it was still raining and we had to leave the gloomy Motel for a gloomy day outside, waiting for our ride to the trail. Unsure about what to do next, we walked down the street to a Waffle House, which are in abundance here in Georgia, and ordered a takeout breakfast, not being able to eat inside because of the dog. To get out of the rain we sat under the columns in front of a nearby church and ate our meal, wondering if some people from the church would come and send us away. Relieved, when Rachel arrived to pick us up we, jumped in her car ready for the drive into the mountains. We had a nice ride , Rachel is a wonderfully engaging young woman who loves the mountains and even after a very late night with her friends was chipper and happy to take us to Amicalola State Park where we wanted to start our hike.At Amicalola we registered at the Visitor¢s Center as through hikers, our packs weight in with 30lb (mine) and 35lb(Wendy¢s). About 10lb more than what I was aiming for, but there was nothing to be done about that, accept to put on the pack, take a picture, try to keep balance and amble up the trail.Amicalola Falls are spectacular, even in the rain and taking the approach trail is well worth it, but it is not easy. One has to climb about 600+ metal stairs to get to the top of the falls and then ascent another 1200 feet, up and down mountains to reach Springer Mountain at 3782 ¢ where the Appalachian Scenic Trail begins. We didn¢t make it to Springer that night, but stayed in our tent outside of Black Gap Shelter. Since we started late in the afternoon dusk was already falling as the first Shelter came into view after 7.3 Miles so we set up camp in the rain, ate dinner (which turned out to be only crackers and pepperoni), and went to bed.
Date: 2015-03-14
From: Black Gap Shelter

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We started out late, it took us about 3 hours to break camp, it was still raining. We made it up Springer Mountain which was really challenging. The path was rocky, steep and muddy but finally after an unbelievably long time we made it to the top where we met a couple of fellow through hikers, Tumbles and Trash Man. We ended our day with an upwards of 2 mile uphill trek to Hawk Mountain Shelter. About an hour from our goal we encountered our first Trail Magic!!! These Trail Angels sat in the cold and rainy weather all day handing out snack and Gatorade to hikers. When at last we reached the shelter we greeted by a sea of tents, at least 15 of them, and a shelter full of friendly people. We settled in among the tents and finally ate our first hot meal on the trail which was delicious. By the time we had settled in, the rain had let up and we had hiked 9.5 miles.
Date: 2015-03-16
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

The weather was nice and warm today when we hiked up Ramrock Mountain. We had an amazing view for miles around and could even see Atlanta, Georgia.We camped in a secluded spot where the water source was a clear brook with nice cold water. There were no bear cables so this was the first time we had to hang our bear bag with our own rope. Now, to hang a bear bag, you are supposed to find a tree with an 8 foot long, preferably straight limb at the height of about 12 feet. Then you simply throw your rope, which has a little bag with a sufficiently heavy rock tied to one end, over that perfect limb, on the other end you tie your food bags, pull it up and tightly secure the rope around the trunk. Reality looks a little different, there are lots of trees, but hardly any that fit that description, the ones that might work, have dead limbs which will more than likely come right done on you, rock, food bag and all. But we had to hang the bag. We took our stuff and hiked up the almost vertical hill above our camp, after a while we found a tree that looked promising. We took turns throwing the rope over the limb we chose, hoping it wouldn¢t tangle in any of the other branches of all these other trees, while holding on to whatever was close, as not to slip down the hill. After several tries we did get it over the branch and were actually able to hang the bag. As we looked around we could spot several interesting versions of people¢s food bags hanging in trees. Some so close to the ground or close to the trunk, that they could have left them just as well sitting on the ground. But, we hikers do what we can, tired and worn out as we are, going through the acrobatics of hanging our precious food.
Date: 2015-03-17
From: Lance Creek

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 7.4

Today we would finally hike into Neels Gap and collect our first mail drop at the Walasi-yi outdoor center at Mountain Crossings. It wasn¢t a particularly long hike but we were to climb the dreaded Blood Mountain before reaching our destination. We began deconstructing our campsite early in the morning and retrieved our bear bag but as usual, we were the last people back on the trail. We did seem to be walking faster than usual however and caught up to several of our fellow hikers. As we started our hike up Blood Mountain, we ran into some volunteer trail maintenance workers. This group of people was repairing the trail and had carried shovels and other tools up the mountain to do so. We continued up the path which was much easier to climb than advertised. At the top was a two room stone shelter and an amazing view of the surrounding hills in all directions.The hike up the hill might not have been too difficult but the downhill was definitely worth the hype. We hiked down by countless switchbacks and carefully climbed over boulders made slippery and muddy by the innumerable springs that cross the trail. When we finally made it to Neels Gap, we were over joyed to be able to wash our clothes and take a shower.
Date: 2015-03-19
From: Hogpen Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: light rain

We woke to the sound of rain relentlessly pounding on our tent. There was a small puddle in the corner of the tent floor and the temperature was probably near freezing. We sat in our tent for awhile debating what to do but realized we would have to start hiking soon because our tent was starting to sag from the pressure and amount of rain falling. We had a delicious but cold breakfast this morning in our tent and proceeded to pack our stuff inside the tent as best we could. The task of folding a wet tent in the pouring rain was made even more devastatingly impossible due to the cold our fingers were completely numb as we manhandled the tent into its seemingly smaller than usual stuffsack. By the time we were done, all three of us were shivering. We hoisted up our soaked backpacks and made our way across the street to the trail. A Trail Angel was trying to set up his canopy with limited success. We helped him out and in return received sandwiches, chips and some kind of chocolate cream pastry before going on our way. The weather did not improve by any degree but seemed to get worse. Within minutes our pants and shoes were soaked through. We decided to only walk to the nearest shelter which was 4 miles away over several mountains. When we came to the top of a ridge the wind was blowing so strongly and the fog was so dense that a ridge-runner who called out to us seemed to appear out of nothingness and scared the three of us half to death. He told us the shelter was within 2 miles thankfully since we thought we might have walked past it. By this point Baby was so cold that every time we stopped she dug herself a hole in the leaves and laid down to get warm. We ended up taking off her soaked pack and putting on both her jackets which seemed to make her feel better. When we finally arrived at the shelter, we found it completely packed with people curled up in their sleeping bags. These kind and generous souls graciously made enough room in this 7 person shelter to fit 11 plus one dog. Here we pleasantly spent the rest of the day getting to know the strangers we were spending the night with. That day, the fog never lifted, the rain never ceased, and the temperature never rose but the mood in the shelter was not dampened by the weather.
Date: 2015-03-20
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Rocky Mountain
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: light rain

We awoke this morning to a blanket of fog covering everything outside of the shelter in white misty nothingness. It was cold yet no longer raining and we hesitantly slipped into our still soaking trekking pants and shoes. At first we were caught up in the breakfast rush and scrambled to retrieve our wet belongings from wherever we may have put them but even so we were the second to last people to leave. The warm and sunny day we had been promised by the ridge runner never came. It did stop raining mostly but the fog and misty cold weather lingered all day. The socks and other articles of clothing that we had hung out on our backpacks to dry only became wetter as the day went on. Despite the dismal weather we were able to hike 7 miles up hills by 1:30 after which we stopped for lunch at Blue Mountain shelter with some of our previous shelter mates. We continued on down the mountain to Unicoi Gap where we encountered some lovely Trail Magic! Hot dogs, chips and Gatorade became our second lunch! The Gatorade was truly delicious. On the days we have no Trail Magic, we end up fantasizing about lots and lots of cold Gatorade. Unfortunately we still had to cover a few miles before the days end so we quickly ate our free food and headed up the next mountain. We are now camped alone on 4017 ft elevation Rocky Mountain. The fog is still hovering around the edges of our tent and we are lying in constant fear of being eaten by a hungry bear. Baby keeps barking at random intervals and each time we carefully peer out the window and door worried we might see the big wet nose of an angry black bear.We truly hope to be able to continue this journal tomorrow¢¦
Date: 2015-03-21
From: Rocky Mountain

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 11.7

The morning was still foggy with a chilling wind but the rain had ceased. By the time we had packed up our fingers were frozen-- but hiking always one up. A little while later the sun broke through and the fog dissolved. Finally we had those beautiful views again. We were in good spirits, Baby's pack was still too soaked to put on her, so we had to carry her share, plus Relentless had the dog pack; Baby was happy. We had views from the top of Tray Mountain, 4430 ft into North Carolina. In two days we will be crossing state lines.
Date: 2015-03-22
From: Deep Gap

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a dry tent for a change, Wistful had burned some books she was carrying, gotten rid of the tarp (ground cloth) lightening her pack substantially. We hiked until early afternoon until we were greeted by Trail Magic at Dick's Creek Gap. We joyfully ate the pastries, brownies, bananas, and starbursts we were presented with. Unfortunately, they hadn't started cooking the hot dogs yet. We continued on our way up the next few mountains and mourned our lack of our decent lunch and settled for pistachios and trail mix. Our food supply could obviously do with some serious sprucing up. At this point we started debating whether we should hike another 4.5 miles (to N.C.) or if we would be better off sleeping in the next shelter. As we debated our dilemma in front of the blue blaze trail to the shelter, it started to rain. This made our decision extremely easy, and we quit for the day. We would really like to get quickly into Franklin N.C. because there will finally be a shower!! After five days, we are really smelly but we have to cover another 33 miles before that wish will become a reality. I don't think I have been so dirty for so many days in my life! Of course we try to keep the stench down, but most days it's too cold to take care of personal hygiene, or it is raining, or the water source is half a mile away an you don't want to waste it for washing when you need it or cooking and drinking. The rest of the afternoon we lay in our tent and planned the next days' mileage and food, and ate dinner twice (because Wistful was so hungry).