morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-17
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskcrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Ate breakfast at the Corner Cafe in Hiawasee, then got ready to board the shuttle back to the trail at 0830. Stopped first at Unicoi Gap then to Dick's Creek Gap and got started on the trail at 0900. The weather was sunny with only a few clouds and temps in the 50's forecast to reach the low 70's today.    I was very nervous about the new boots (which were Vasque Synergist GTX) because it had taken me weeks and many miles to break in my other pair and here I am starting out on the AT again with no break in, a full pack, and some tender spots from the blisters. These new boots are also mid height and have a lot more fabric areas whereas the others were almost full leather and full height, so I was also concerned about the ankle support factor. There was some initial pressure on the outer bones of my foot but the boots gave more than they leather would. I had set up the new insoles for light medial arch support and medium mid arch but changed that shortly into the day's hike to light mid arch on the left foot. I had also decided to go without the liner socks which ended up solving the problem of too much pressure on two of my toe nails caused by them jamming into the liner socks on steep downhills. So the black toenails won't progress any further now. It did take me a few tries to get the tightness of the lacing right to keep the feet from sliding forward on downhills and yet be lose enough for comfort on the insteps.   Reached one important milestone today, out of GA and into NC. I had been told that the trail changes a lot in NC, but the climb up from Bly Gap was one of the toughest so far. I had considered staying the night at Bly Gap, but the wind was quite strong and with low temps forecast tonight I decided to press on. Made it to Muskcrat Creek Shelter at about 1630 and felt good that I had done 11.8 miles in 7.5 hours. My feet felt like they had been pounded with hammers all day and I had taken some ibuprofen for the first time today during the hike. The soles of these shoes are much softer and flexible and I feel every rock and stick on the trail as compared to the very stiff soles of my leather boots. I wonder how they'll feel in the morning?   Had a nice place to set up the tent, fixed supper, filled the water containers, hung the food bag in a tree then settled in for the night. There were probably about twenty people or so camped near the shelter or staying in it. One unusual site was that of an older woman with blond hair who seemed dressed more for shopping than hiking and her chihuahua sporting a faux leopard skin coat.
Date: 2010-04-18
From: Muskcrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

It was kinda cold last night with temps dipping into the mid 30's and my tossing and turning has put a lot of strain on the seams of my silk bag liner since it doesn't stretch as much as my sleeping bag does. Was awakened at about 5am by two guys who were talking loudly and had decided it would be a good time to break up some sticks and start a big fire in the fire pit. My tent was a good fifty feet from the fire but it was so big the light made it possible to see everything inside the tent. So I didn't get any more sleep and finally got up about 0630, broke camp and was on the trail by 8am. As usual, I start out rather sluggish in the mornings, taking my time to let the muscles warm up and for the body mechanisms to figure out they better get into the hiking mode. Fortunately, my feet seem to have recovered overnight and are pain free this morning.   Reached Standing Indian Mt by about noon, took a snack break there and then headed on. The character of the trail has changed from that in GA in that the ups and downs are now more gradual and with less elevation changes. But my feet are still feeling the impacts of the trail's rocks and roots and I'm forced to take some Vit I again twice during the day.   Arrived at Carter Gap Shelters and found a great campsite near the newer one. Washed lots of clothes in my ziplock Maytag and hung them to dry. I found I could keep them from blowing off the line by stringing a doubled clothesline that was twisted and tucked the clothes into the twists. Fixed my supper and then had some hot chocolate later for some additional calories. Most times don't feel hungry at the end of the day and must force myself to eat. I had hiked further today than any day yet on the trail and so I also ate the rest of my day's allotment of trail snacks that evening as well.   The weather has been great so far and there are now leaves starting to appear in the trees to help shade the trail and campsites.
Date: 2010-04-19
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Broke camp and left Carter Shelter at around 0745. Tough day on the trail. Pulled my left plantar tendon on the climb up Albert Mountain. Both arches hurting later on. I know it is due to the less rigid sole of these new boots. Arrived at the shelter about 1515.I had lots of time to contemplate getting off the trail when I reach Franklin. I'm making more miles in good time, but my feet are killing me at the end of the day. I did hike today without using liner socks and found there was no pressure on the left big toe nail and had no hot spots during the day.A guy about 60 years old arrived at the shelter who was hiking barefoot! He said he was only doing about 4 miles a day and had started back on March 10th. That made my feet feel better just knowing that mine weren't his.There was very little flat ground near the shelter and at first decided to stay in it tonight, but on closer examination, the evidence of mouse activity was everywhere and the arrival of several more hikers who I knew were shelter dwellers and some pesky flies convinced me to set up the tent.The plan for the morning was to get down to Winding Stair Gap, 3.8 miles ahead, catch the shuttle into Franklin, get a place to stay and have a big meal. I'll have a chance to evaluate my options for how far I might get in the time I have left on the trail. Also, the rest might help my feet recover a bit.
Date: 2010-04-20
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: light rain

Woke at about 6am to the sound of raindrops on the tent. Not wanting to pack up in the rain, I broke camp quickly in the semi dark with a light rain falling. Was on the trail by about 0645. I was getting too warm in my rain gear, so I stopped to take them off and hiked on in my running shorts, Capilene 2 long sleeve and gaiters. It took me 1:45 to reach the road crossing. By then the rain had gotten steadier and put my rain gear back on to stay warm. Ron Haven's shuttle bus showed up about 9:10 and took those of waiting into Franklin, NC. I checked into the motel then walked about a half mile in a steady light rain to eat breakfast. I saw a Dollar General nearby, so I went there to buy an umbrella. That made walking around in the rain almost enjoyable. It seemed like such a luxury to have an umbrella. Funny how the perspective changes after being on the trail. I know I've never walked a half mile for breakfast at home.I put everything except my rain gear into the laundry. Later that afternoon, Ron came around with the bus to take folks around town to hit the important places like Walmart, a food store and the outfitters. I got off at the outfitters to browse, then back to the motel. Ron Haven is a really great friend to the hiking community and tells some really funny stories.I walked to a nearby gas station/convenience store to stock up on trail food. Put on some clean clothes and walked to Cody's Roadhouse for a big dinner. Bought one of their tee shirts and went back to the motel to pack up for hitting the trail the next day. Also took the opportunity to check some things off my to do list, like checking on a shuttle ride back to the Hiker Hostel from the NOC and reserving a room there for Friday night. Went to bed refreshed from the day and ready to get back on the trail.
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Got up, watched the weather on Tv, then walked that half mile again for breakfast. Got on the shuttle bus and was dropped off at Winding Stair Gap at around 9:10 with about 12-15 other NOBO's. I got off to a good pace even though it was uphill for the first 4+ miles to Siler Bald. I took a short break there then got moving to stay warm. It was a tough day to stay comfortable while hiking. The clouds would come and go and the wind was constant, so it would cool off quickly when in the shade and then too warm again when the sun came out. The windshirt stayed on most of the time after Siler Bald and the 180's were on and off all day long. There were great views from Wayah Bald tower so I took lots of pictures there. I got to the shelter early and found a great, flat, sheltered tent site. There weren't too many good sites around the shelter and some folks that arrived later moved on instead. Met Ankle Express from NH and talked a while. The clouds have cleared for now and it has warmed up comfortably, but it's suppose to be in the 30's tonight. Feeling good about my conditioning since it took about 7 hours to cover the 11 miles today and the feet held up well.
Date: 2010-04-22
From: Wayah Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Got up about 0630, broke camp and was on the trail at 0730. It was a nice early pace for the four mile climb to Cold Spring shelter. The shelter is right next to the trail with the open side facing north. As I approached the shelter I heard something inside, something larger than a mouse. I yelled hello several times, but no answer. It had a tin roof, so I chucked a few rocks onto it, and nothing ran out or answered back. Expecting to see my first bear, I approached with both treking poles raised, rounded the corner and found Buddha Jim getting ready to head out. Jim!! I yelled. Didn't you hear me?! No. He replied. I have trouble hearing. So as Jim headed on, I took a lunch break. A group of high school kids and teachers from Murphy HS stopped for a break at the shelter spring and we talked a while. Tough descent to Telico Gap(about 1200' in 1.7 miles) on tired feet. Stopped at the gap to air dry my feet and put on fresh moleskin. Another climb up to Wesser Bald then down to the shelter. Found a good level spot to set up my tent, hung up the food bag and left the fly off for now to enjoy the breeze while I laid down inside for a nap and to avoid the biting flies. Folks finally started showing up so we had about six tents in the area and 6-7 in the shelter. Fixed a nice supper, had some hot chocolate and some trail food for desert. I had good enough reception to call my sister Kerry who was recovering from surgery to wish her well, and called home. I met a father and son, Ron and Andy, who were putting in just a week long hike and this was their last night on the trail, too. They shared the last of their Irish whiskey with me and we toasted to our adventures. I'll be glad to be heading home soon, but sad to be leaving the trail.
Date: 2010-04-23
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up early due the noisy neighbors at about 0530. So I got up, ate my poptarts, broke camp and was on the trail by 0700. Last day on the trail was one of the toughest due to the steep and rocky decents and one big blowdown which required crawling under without packs on. My pace was pretty good after I warmed up and only needed a short sleeve tee to stay comfortable.I arrived at the NOC about 10:00, went straight to the restuarant where I had an omelet, some OJ and milk. Picked up some soveniers at the Outfitter store, then got a drink and some cookies at the General Store. I had called Cool Breeze for a ride, then spent some time people watching and relaxing. Saw kayakers and rafters and the tourist train stopped for a while. Got a sandwich and chips at Slow Joes with Ron and Andy.Had a really nice ride with Cool Breeze back to the Hiker Hostel. Took a shower, put on clean clothes and went to town for supper. Had a great salad and pizza at the Piazza Restuarant in Dalonega. Packed up the car for the drive home tomorrow. I'll have one last breakfast here at the hostel before I hit the road.
Date: 2010-10-27
To: Thinking back
Miles today: 0.0

It's been just over six months since I completed my first section hike on the AT and I've finally completed my journal entries for those days. Reading what I had written in my notebook and labelling the photos brought me right back onto the trail in my mind and spirit. I started thinking about what worked and what needed to be different next time. Next time. I had already been planning for the 2011 section hike before I left in April, but things change. With a new job now that offers less vacation time, next time will have less time to hike, so I need to be in better shape to cover more miles per day, comfortably. Can't get much better incentive to become more fit than the opportunity to spend days on end hiking in the mountains. So we'll see how things go. When I update my gear list to what I ended up using and how things performed, I'll get motivated some more.
Date: 2015-12-03
To: Planning for 2018
Miles today: 0.0

By the time I start my AT NOBO thru hike in 2018 it will have been eight years since my section hike from Springer to the NOC. Very little of what I carried on that hike will be with me on the next one. The technology of the gear has made going lighter easier, although more expensive. So I am in the research mode now. Reading gear reviews and comparing weight vs price vs durability. Much of what I learned about gear selection on my 2010 hike came from the journals here of other section and thru hikers. The same is true today. I've also found some of the Utube videos from thru hikers very helpful in their own analysis of what they chose and how it did or didn't work for them. Its my turn to try and find what I think will work for me.
Date: 2010-05-16
From: Carver's Gap

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: moderate rain

Hitched a ride with Halfmoon, who rented a car to attend Trail Days. He drove us and Wallflower back to our original drop-off points - which was Carver's Gap for us. Arrived at 6pm and started hiking in the rain and thunderstorms.
Date: 2010-05-28
From: Atkins, VA.

To: Atkins, VA.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Unplanned zero day today. National weather reports indicating that western VA has severe weather warnings for the next 16 hours, beginning almost exactly when our hike was to begin. Although rain is not an issue for us, lightning, flashfloods and hail are definite concerns when you are the only thing on a mountain ridge. Even as we write then clouds are gathering and thunder is booming.We're going to hitch a ride into the Post Office, then try to hitch back to the hotel and enjoy a dry evening & night indoors.
Date: 2010-06-04
From: Campsite north of Wind Rock

To: Va. Rd 62, Sinking Creek Valley
Miles today: 11.9

Intense rain lead us to hitching a ride to Blacksburg area where we stayed overnight at the Super8. Simple evening of Heaven as we ate at Red Robin (put a serious hurting on those endless steak fries) and took Laura to see Sex & the City 2. Arrived back at the hotel after 1am tired, but soooo relaxed.
Date: 2010-06-05
From: Va. Rd 62, Sinking Creek Valley

To: Christiansburg, VA.
Miles today: 0.0

We called Phil Murphy, our future sister-in-law's father, in Charleston, WV and asked if he'd like to join us for a few days of boating on the Shenandoah River. Phil noted that he'd need to check things over (he's in PT right now) and get back with us later that night, but was anxious to get together and would take us to Waynesboro, VA at the very least.The folks at the front desk lost all of our credit card information and gave us a complimentary night's stay for last night (yeah!) so we're down for another night at the Super8.
Date: 2010-06-07
From: Charleston, WV.

To: Charleston, WV.
Miles today: 0.0

Phil came and we sat in the room chatting for a good hour before we decided to divert the plans a little bit and go back home with him to Charleston, WV and stay for a few nights. Phil was pleased as punch and we joined him and Bing for dinner at home and the start of a very relaxing stay.
Date: 2010-06-08
From: Charleston, WV.

To: Charleston, WV.
Miles today: 0.0

We¢re in for another night with Phil and Bing at the house. We're planning on paddling a canoe trip from Waynesboro, VA to Harper's Ferry, WV in a canoe Phil has secured through a friend. Phil's really gone the extra 100 miles during our stay making us as comfortable as we could possibly hope to be. We also enjoyed some Yoga courtesy of Erin, Meredith's cousin. It felt wonderful to stretch so deeply without mud, dirt and bugs impeding.
Date: 2010-06-09
From: Charleston, WV.

To: Charleston, WV.
Miles today: 0.0

Spending another day with our amazing hosts, Phil & Bing Murphy in the comfort of their wonderful home in Charleston, WV. It's raining today - with reports of flooding, which always makes Laura & I feel better about taking time away from the trail, even if we are hours from the trail's weather. The time off has been great to our bodies as well, although we're both pretty sore after the yoga session yesterday. Neither of us have stretched that deeply and thoroughly since we left for the trailhead in Georgia. It felt good while we were doing it but, man the muscles hurt today.Today's schedule: Secure the canoe from Phil's friend and get it back to the house, sit in the hot tub & make a decision on where to eat tonight. What bliss.
Date: 2010-06-10
From: Charleston, WV.

To: Charleston, WV.
Miles today: 186.5

Spent the majority of the day dealing with all the bills that I'd set up on auto-pay back in March. Of all our bills, only Comcast had been correctly hitting monthly (for our renters back home). Every other damned bill including my car payment hasn't hit. Luckliy I had them all fixed, except for my car - the bank cannot even locate my loan information and has promised to call me back this week after they investigate what's wrong on their end. I swear this stuff seems to always happen! Oh, and my grandfather has botched my great aunt's trust eliminating several of the beneficiaries and dwindling down the trust's funds to lawyers....frustrating, but not suprising. Other than that, had a great breakfast, lunch and dinner with Phil and my wife. PS: Halfmoon, the canoe's been secured - whenever you'd like to join us, just holler (sent you info on you FB page)!
Date: 2010-06-20
From: Bethesda, MD

To: Bethesda, MD
Miles today: 0.0

Happy Father's Day, Dads! Great day today. Saw a Nationals game (lot 6-3 to the White Sox), went to a Children's Theatre puppet show ata renavated amusement park and completed the day seeing a production of "Mrs. Warren's Profession" at the STC in Washington, DC.
Date: 2010-06-21
From: Washington, VA

To: Bethesda.MD
Miles today: 0.0

Laur a& I to the Metro into Arlington National Cemetery where we located and viewed her grandfather's grave. He was buried with full honors therein 2007. He was quite an amazing man. I'm very glad we took the time to visit. While we were there, we also viewed the gravesite for JFK and the tomb of the unknown soldier. Tonight's the big one. Having our Honeymoon present from Uncle Pete& Aunt Julie: Dinner at the Inn at Little Washington (http://www.theinnatlittlewashington.com/). Our stay this weekend has been incredible and very busy. We are so thankful for all our friends and family along the trail - you've all outdone yourselves!Tomorrow, back to the trail...
Date: 2010-06-22
From: Bethesda.MD

To: Harper's Ferry, WV.
Miles today: 0.0

Spent the morning in Bethesda after a wonderful meal the previous night with Uncle Pete & Aunt Julie. Left MD via the Metro at 3:55p and arrived at Union station in DC where we bought tickets on the MARC to Harper's Ferry for a 6:15p arrival. The train ended up arriving almost an hour late and we were hungry when we arrived. We ate at a local pub, caught a ride around town from a very kind local woman who works in DC at the Smithsonian as an artist and "camped" at the Comfort Inn. Tomorrow we head out in the late afternoon to continue our miles north.
Date: 2010-06-28
From: Gettysburg, PA.

To: Wilmington, DE.
Miles today: 0.0

We rented a car from Enterprise this morning (thank you Halfmoon for this amazing trick) and took our sweet time enjoying the pubs, museums and battlefields in Gettysburg. What a treat! At 10:30pm we decided to drive to Wilmington, DE and surprise our family with an early 4th of July visit. We arrived at 30 past midnight and settled in for the week.
Date: 2010-07-04
From: Wilmington, DE.

To: Wilmington, DE.
Miles today: 0.0

Still in Delaware where we are living in the lap of luxury with family. We are so fortunate to have wonderful people in our lives who care so deeply for us and who go out of their way to share their homes for our "vacation". Yesterday Blake, Laura the boys & I went to see Toy Story 3. What a wonderful film. It brought back heartwarming memories, as I recalled seeing the first film in 1995 and enjoyed the second years later. Pixar has managed to keep the same energy and loving devotion the toys have for Andy in TS:3 after 15 years. Very impressive. I continue to marvel at Pixar as time after time they put out the best movie material with their "story-first" philosophy.This morning, we're off to grab some fireworks for this evening and plan a BBQ. I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him. ~ Abraham LincolnEnjoy Independence Day, everyone.