morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-04-03
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Deep Gap USES 71
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Had a short day and we're glad to get out of the rain. We had a down pour sleeping last night and our tents and clothing were soaked. Talk about adding possibly another few pounds to my pack and possibly around 10 pounds to Buz's. Buz lost his pack cover in a strong wind gust during the storm we walked in and his pack got drenched. Randy came to our rescue from Franklin, NC. He also retired with us and was a gracious host feeding us, offering washer and dryer, and putting was up for the night.
Date: 2017-04-04
From: Deep Gap USES 71

To: Carter Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 8.5

Our gracious host Randy feed us a full breakfast, took us to Walmart for supplies and then dropped us back off around 9:15. We hiked until around 3:15. While hiking this was the first day we started seeing a lot of burn from the recent fires. We had many beautiful stream crossings and finished the day with 8.5 miles.
Date: 2017-04-05
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Parking to Franklin
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: moderate rain

Started the day early and packed our tents in the dry around 7:15. Started raining during hike. Hiked through canopies of trees and then hit Albert Mountain. I thought I was hiking but told Buz I considered going up Albert was more like Mountain climbing. The top of Albert had a Fire Tower. 2 tenths of a mile past the fire tower we hit the 100 mile mark. We continued on and met a couple that picked our minds for tips. Buz started hiking while I was showing them my Guthook phone app. By then I was a few minutes behind so I started to jog up the trail. While jogging I kept looking down and accidently took a side trail off the A/T. The trail about 200 yards later end at a cliff. Back tracking and now way behind. Took me approximately 1 hour to catch up. By around 2:15 we completed 12.2 more miles, reached a Forest Service Parking lot and met with a shuttle driver, David, 93 years old world War II vet who flew P-38 planes on the European front. Great guy who took us to our Hotel in Franklin.
Date: 2017-04-08
From: Wayah Bald

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 16.5

Interesting day around noon I made reservations at the NOC Hostel. We thought we could get a shuttle to the Hotel and after about 9 calls with a wait time of several hours and high rate we decided we would hike through making this our highest mileage yet. We sat for a few moments and then tried to walk again with great difficulty.   Great mileage and saved lots on transportation costs.
Date: 2017-04-10
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Got an early start around 7:40 and made arrangements to meet Chris Ladd who picked us up around 12:15. Delightful host who took us into Robbinsville to the Hub restaurant, took us to his home, washed our clothes, gave us a much needed shower, fed us a steak dinner, an then gave us a great nightshuttle sleeping quarters. Great way to see a co-worker after not seeing him since I retired 17 years ago.
Date: 2017-04-12
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Birch Springs Gap
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: light rain

Good day of hiking much of it being to higher elevations.   About half way through the day we entered Fontana Vivitar Center and Chris Ladd transported us to the General Store for resupply. From there Chris put us back on the trail where we entered the Smokiness by placing a section of our permits in the monitored box. The box was so full it was very difficult to stuff our permits in the box. The trail from this low elevation then went up a lot more than the downs.
Date: 2017-04-14
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Springs Gap
Miles today: 36.2

Actual mileage was 13.5 miles. The calculated mileage was to correct incorrect total distance.We ran into our first Trail Runner while on the trail while hiking. I showed him my permit required in the Smokie's. Being caught without to $20 permit is to produce a $500 fine.
Date: 2017-04-15
From: Double Springs Gap

To: Cling man's Dome Parking Lot / Hilton Garden Inn 
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: broken clouds

We hiked only 2.9 miles when he came across the Cling man's Dome Parking lot with a free shuttle service available so we jumped aboard. He was a trail angle from the First Baptist Church and stopped 7 miles down the mountain where others from his Church were handing out Trail Magic. After having quite a bit of trail magic at the Newfound Gap location he then took us to the NOC center near the Hilton Garden Inn in Gatlinburg. While at the NOC I picked up a new pair of Keen hiking boots due to the soles of my current boots starting to srparate. We then walked the tourist shops where I picked a great deal on a short sleeve shirt and shorts.
Date: 2017-04-16
From: Cling man's Dome Parking Lot / Hilton Garden Inn 

To: Ice Water Springs
Miles today: 10.5

After having a great nights sleep we hiked through Gatlinburg we stopped by the Crockett 1875 Restaurant where we each ordered 2 pancakes. The pancakes were so thick neither Buz or I could finish both. Highly recommended if you are ever in the area. After getting a ride from another Trail Angel from the NOC we hiked from top of Clingman's back to Newfound Gap where we were again met by Trail Magic. Could not believe that 4 different Angles were all giving Trail Magic. While receiving trail magic we were joined by a lady, (Trail Name -Malibu, she was really dedicated due to through hiking the A/T carrying her 5 pound Chwawa. What a dog's life.
Date: 2017-01-05
To: Maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hello, AT world.I started this journey last year, taking off in early March for the trip from Amicalola Falls to the NOC. I got a good taste of the trail, enjoyed my trail family, and ran away as soon as I saw how addicting it could get. I was given the trail name 2EZ, or too easy, but I prefer it my way. Every time you get to the top, or bottom, of one of the many Puds, the ground levels out, you catch your breath and stride, take in the view, and then it hits you. The trail only gets too easy for a minute, then it's back to work. I guess after a few times vocalizing the worry that the trail has gotten too easy, you get stuck with the moniker.It had the added advantage of fitting my life, as I hope to make my sons, Evan and Zack, proud of this trek.I had scoured the internet, built what I thought was a perfect gear kit, and gone through all of the worry, hoping to give myself every advantage on the trail. I was successful for the most part, had a light enough kit, knew how to hike and camp, and had shoes that didn't hurt. So no worries at all for this year, right?Wrong. I still find myself questioning every item, fretting over ounces, choices, mail drops. It dawned on me today that preparation is wonderful, but all that is just passing the time until the journey begins.I hope to enjoy the trek, build memories and friendships, and have the trip of a lifetime.Thanks for taking the time,Dave (2EZ)
Date: 2017-01-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Sorry to go on a bit of a rant, but it has seemed increasingly difficult to get through all of the garbage on the internet to get to actual data, or answers to questions.As an example, a simple question of which of these two sleeping pads would better serve an AT thru hiker seems to result in an argument, a dozen non-answers, a few insults, and a HYOH.It feels like the same five people answer every forum post, always with a negative overtone, and anyone else that comes into the cool kid club gets hazed.After looking into Baltimore Jack, reading his posts and listening to interviews, it seemed he was on to the same thought. He fought to ensure new hikers felt welcomed into a community, welcomed every newbie question, and countered every negative attitude expertly.I would like to be remembered as someone who welcomed every new member to the long distance hiking community, respected the efforts of every hiker, and gave people respect. He was a true legend in that regard, as well as his crazy love of the AT.Can't wait to get out on trail, meet some new people, and enjoy every day as it comes.Rant over.Happy days,EZ
Date: 2017-01-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I'll put my starting gear list out there. I don't think there is a "right" way, or a best list, but I do think I've made conscious decisions on comfort and weight, and I feel confident in what I have. Here we go...Big stuffTent- BA Fly Creek UL2. Would have upgraded to a Zpacks, but the weight difference vs cost beat it out.Backpack- Zpacks Arc Haul. Love it- fit, feel, weight. Upgraded from older Osprey Atmos.Sleeping Pad- NeoAir Xlite Women's. Higher R value than men's, light and comfortable. Sleeping Bag- Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20. Love it.Liner- S2S Thermolite Reactor for winter, Silk for Spring.Kitchen-Haulite MinimalistLong titanium spoonMSR micro rocketZpacks bear Bag kitSawyer Squeeze and 2L PlatypusFlyweight Titanium knifeBig miniPack towelClothingMontbell DownMontbell Fleece hatSerius glovesMontbell over-mittensPatagonia Capilene pantsMontbell merino base shirtMontbell wind shirtMontbell Rain PantsOR Helium Rain JacketNike DriFit TNike DriFit long TNike Running shortsDarn tough socks x2Merino buffDitty KitFAK/repair kitSit PadFake crocsFlaskPetzl E+liteFox 40 whistleAnker battery packiPhone Suunto compass on watchI have been as big a gear geek as any. I had prior geekery in Emergency Kits, EDC, and Survival gear. I have swapped out gear and upgraded along the way, and know there will be more changes over time. I am open to any suggestions, and willing to answer any questions or give advice if needed.Gear Geek, out.Happy Trails,EZ
Date: 2017-01-08
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

So some of us in the South don't have much in the way of weather to test our gear, whether it be tents, sleeping systems, or clothing.As we had our coldest, and rainiest, weather of the year so far, I figured I'd set up a safe and easy quick test this weekend.Lesson 1The Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 is NOT a free-standing tent. As there was a steady stream developing into a small lake across my property, I set up camp on a raised wooden deck. It is completely feasible, but requires tie- outs at six points, and it left my vestibule slack. Not ideal at all. Left the rain fly slack enough to touch the side walls and made for more condensation than I was happy with.Lesson 2Cold rain sucks.Aforementioned condensation managed to get to my sleeping bag and made for a less-than-ideal sleeping arrangement, and would have been an issue going forward if it were on trail. Sleeping pad and pillow were great. Lesson 3Clothing is a system.I did get to test my clothing, and found that everything layers well and would keep me warm well below freezing. Nice to know the pieces work together.Lesson 4Whiskey works. Maybe not for everyone, YMMV, but a little whiskey makes the pain and the cold and the rain less like a trial and more like a funny story to tell.Overall, a good test, and a good initial feel for the changes I have made for this trip.EZ
Date: 2017-03-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

In one week, I will be dressed in green, drinking Irish Whiskey with my wife at Shenanigans Irish Pub in Dahlonega, Ga. We will sleep in town Friday night, then drive to the trailhead early-ish Saturday. My beautiful wife will walk the 1 mile South to Springer Mountain with me, get the obligatory picture with the plaque, then we will start. 7.4 miles to Hawk Mountain Shelter. My wife will camp with me that night, then say our goodbyes Sunday morning. She has a long day of hiking and driving, and I get to head North. I can't wait. That whiskey is going to taste good!
Date: 2017-03-18
From: Springer

To: Hawk Mtn
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: broken clouds

Day 1 March 18th8.2 milesParked at Springer Mountain and walked the mile up to the summit and start of this journey. It was foggy, wet, and sloppy going, but not too cold. There were so many footprints, it got me to wondering. How many of those footprints are exactly like mine? Starting out this trail, hoping to make it far, hoping to make family friends and myself proud. I hope I am still making footprints after the numbers have thinned out as people get off the trail for any of the possible reasons. I was very happy with my gear and pack; it really makes a difference having light weight and good shoes. Got to Hawk Mountain camping area- thought it was the shelter. Nope- just a decent place to camp. No group chatting around the shelter. No campfire. No socializing. Wish there was some more of that. Hopefully tomorrow. In the morning my amazing wife will leave and head back south to drive home. I am blessed to have a gorgeous, smart, caring woman who supports me doing this. I will miss having her with me. On a good note, the tent isn't really made for two. It's really hard keeping all our junk organized and clean with two people stepping all over each other. More miles tomorrow.
Date: 2017-03-19
From: Hawk Mtn

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 2 March 19th16.9 milesWoke up frozen, but with a warm gorgeous body next to me. Got going very slow, both from the cold and from not looking forward to walking away from my wife. We took our time saying goodbye, but it was freezing, so the trek had to get going. Walked from the Hawk mountain campsites, eating snacks thru the day, right past the Gooch mountain shelter at 8 miles in, so had to keep on to the longer mileage. It will put me in to Neel Gap a day early, and get some distance from the early crowd. Lots of campers again tonight, but not much socializing yet. I need to find the people I'd like to chat with. I miss my family, but did get to make sure my wife made it home safe.
Date: 2017-03-20
From: Lance Creek

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 18.8

Day 3 March 20th18.8 milesStarted the day early. Walked with my snacks as breakfast at first light, and made it to Blood mountain early. I was the only person up there. Shot a short video, then called my wife. Good to see her smile. Then trekked down the mountain to Mountain Crossings, an AT staple. Found that I forgot to pack my charger cable for my battery pack. Dumb! My amazing wife saved the day, and mailed one to a hostel a few days away. That screwed me up though, and I just hiked more than I needed. I didn't plan my hike with water in mind, and stumbled into camp late, and with only one sip of water left. Mistake ridden day overall. Gorgeous views on the Mountain though, so all was not bad. May take a day off soon. My body is hurting.
Date: 2017-03-21
From: Low Gap

To: Trey Mtn
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 4 March 2115.4 milesStarted out the day early. Took pictures of tiny water sources that looked like waterfalls, then loved watching the sun burn off the misty sky. Only planned ten miles to road, then a break at a hotel. That didn't happen. Felt ok, figured I'd keep going. Hot afternoon, big climbs, lots of pain, but progress. Got to Tray Mountain, set up camp, took pictures, ate dinner, then came the thunderstorms. Winds that test your tenting setup, constant lightning(every few seconds at most), it was frightening and exhilarating. About ten thirty the thunder and lightning slowed, and good sleep came. Short day to come.
Date: 2017-03-22
From: Dicks Creek

To: Dicks Creek
Miles today: 11.0

Day 5 March 2211 milesDay started out cold and misty and windy. All my hiking clothes were wet on a line, all my gear was wet and muddy. No choice but to get moving. Thankfully, Georgia allowed me the opportunity to climb 800 feet in .8 miles, a 19% average grade, to see the last view in Georgia over 4000 feet. Of course, there was no view. After that, it was easier going, and I almost skipped along the trail to finish the 11 mile day to get to my first NERO, or half-day off trail. Hiked into Top of Georgia hostel to pick up a package, then took shuttle to the Budget Inn. It is not a place you would ever vacation to, but works perfect for hikers. Shower, laundry, dried and cleaned all gear, resupplied for next leg, ate bad, and drank some beer. House cleaning, grooming, dishes, shopping, dining, and relaxing, all before dark. It was a well-timed break, and just what was needed to keep going. Now for some family phone time, rest, and back to the grind tomorrow. With a little luck, I'll get out of my first state tomorrow.
Date: 2017-03-23
From: Dicks Creek

To: Muskrat Creek
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 6 March 2316.8 milesStarted the day with gas station coffee and leftover DQ Cheeseburger. Shuttle back to Dicks creek gap then hiking by 930. Found Tigger, who I met a couple days back, and hiked with him. Good pace, hard hills leaving Georgia, then the GA/NC sign. One state down... Reached Muskrat Creek shelter at about 230 and decided to trek on. Lots of evidence of forest fires, saw burned forest all day. . More hard climbs and an interesting Tolkien scene of a rock trail in a green field, then settled down at Standing Indian shelter. No phone service, good group of folks that hiked hard today. Hobo Joe and Kim, Eclipse, Justin, and Ellie all joined in for the extra credit miles. Cold night, recovery and stretching before another tough day tomorrow.
Date: 2017-03-24
From: Muskrat Creek

To: Long Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: clear sky

Day 7 March 2416.2 MilesWalked out of Standing Indian Shelter through miles of burnt forest. The trees that are left are tough, they will survive. Made for a somewhat depressing hike, misty forest of dead trees and blackened ground. Mostly smooth hiking until Albert Mountain, which is a quarter mile of extremely steep climbing up to a fire tower with a wonderful view, even though fog hung over the mountains. Crossed the 100 mile mark. Still a long way to go. Finished the day up at Long Branch Shelter, completely full, sore and tired and ready to hike on towards Nantahala Outdoor Center.
Date: 2017-03-25
From: Long Branch Shelter

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 8 March 2518.2 MilesEarly reveille to hike my little trail family out to Winding Stair Gap for their NERO/Zero days in Franklin. Started hiking in the dark, and right at dawn, we came upon trail magic at Wallace Gap. Coffee and donuts!!! Great way to start a day. Got them to their shuttle, said our goodbyes and was off alone again by 10. More burnt forest. Tigger had asked me after we started hiking together if I preferred hiking alone or with a group. At the time, I told him that the Miles go faster as a group, but you see more hiking alone. Back alone, I want to change that answer. Hiking by yourself gives you lots of time for introspection, perhaps too much. I like people. Long day, lots of miles, and a great view from Wayah Bald Observation Tower, which has been damaged by fire as has everything else. Stopped early and stole a shelter spot to sit out the coming rain at Wayah Shelter. One more long day until a well deserved NERO.
Date: 2017-03-26
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Rufas Morgan
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 9 March 2615.5 MilesWoke to rain on the tin roof of the shelter. No issue sleeping for me, but one woman, Tequila Sunshine, said that as soon as we fell asleep, a mouse ran right across the front of the shelter and started messing with a couple of the packs, and kept her up all night. I walked out as the rain stopped, nothing but burgers, beers, and a shower on my mind. More burnt forest, that seems to be a recurring theme. Great view today from Wesser Bald tower, which I had heard had burnt down. It had not, and the climb was rewarded with 360 degree views of our unfettered wilderness. I hiked way too quickly today, in fear of the weather forecast of thunderstorms after 1 o'clock. Only a light sprinkle as I entered the shelter area at Rufus Morgan, and now I only have a quick 1 milehike in for a NERO day in the morning tomorrow. After doing camp chores, and ready to cook some dehydrated muck, I look up and see a face from 12 years in my past. Brian Hickey served in the Navy with me, and came out with some surprise trail magic at the end of a long day. Beer and junk food! A very welcome and unexpected surprise that I will never forget. That made the sore muscles and tired bones feel a lot better, and humbled me at the same time. Thank you. What a journey!
Date: 2017-03-27
From: Rufas Morgan

To: NOC
Miles today: 1.1
Weather: few clouds

Day 10 March 271.1 MilesNERO Day!Easy 1.1 mile hike into Nantahal Outdoor Center, just as the restaurant opened for breakfast at 8. Little shopping, laundry, and Hobo Christmas, package opening time. Checked into the bunk room early, got a long shower and a shave, and organized gear for another stretch. Great to relax for the day and heal some of the aches and pains. Thankful for all the support, and for my body for enduring the trials so far. Facing big climbs and an uncertain trek starting tomorrow.
Date: 2017-03-28
From: NOC

To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: light rain

Day 11 March 2815.7 MilesHard to leave civilization. Packed up at the NOC, ate an unsatisfying breakfast, no pancakes, just undercooked French Toast and eggs. Took off north right into a difficult climb of 3400 feet over 7 miles. No easy sections, then two more difficult climbs just to cap the day. Definitely the hardest day on trail yet. Only 12 Miles in to the Fontana Dam area, and another resupply for the Smokies tomorrow. For tonight, a crowded shelter full of extremely tired hikers. A mini milestone today, over 150 miles hiked. Many more to go.
Date: 2017-03-29
To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

Day 12 March 2912.5 MilesGreat weather and much easier hiking into Fontana Shelter. Last hill was tough, but made it into camp by 1. A lakeside view and a shower at a shelter! Quick shuttle into the Fontana Lodge for my resupply package and a stop at the general store for a soda and an ice cream. Way too much food in the resupply! Sorted all my belongings to start the Smokies tomorrow. Big group at the shelter, but the tent pads are all cement, so freestanding rents only. Sure it will be loud and late to get to sleep tonight, but I am extremely ready to get started hiking the Smokies. All in all a good half day of hiking.
Date: 2017-03-30
From: Fontana Dam

To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 13 March 3014.8 MilesAll the excitement I had about getting in to hike the Smokie went away by 730. I walked down to the Dam before realizing that I somehow threw away my Smokies Permit. About a mile or so hike back, a fruitless attempt to look through the garbage, then I waited until 830 to catch a shuttle to the Fontana Lodge to print another copy. Got back to the trail at 930, and started the climb into the mountains. Every climb hurt a little more today, and pushed the heart rate a little higher. The forecast was for thunderstorms either in the afternoon or night, and the winds were a gusty 30mph all day. All in all, a painful day of hiking. Still into camp by 330, meal and relaxing in the crowded shelter. Rain forecast for tomorrow as well, so it will be a tough first couple days in the Smokies.
Date: 2017-03-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: light rain

Day 14 March 3116.3 MilesWoke to rain and wind. The Smokies have been ruthless so far. Walked out into the rain at 730 to tackle muddy slippery trails and hard hills. No views all day as everything was socked in. Tried my best to go slow and steady all day, and finished at Double Spring Shelter at around 330. Beautiful Evergreen forest starting right before the shelter made the end of the day amazing. Brisk and cold tonight, but Clingmans Dome is only a few miles away, as is our 200 mile point. Also, we've been hiking the NC TN border, so there's another state reached. Not a bad day, just wish these mountains were a bit more cooperative than they've been lately. More miles to go.