morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-11-16
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 13.5

QUICK UPDATE!!!I'm still out here! 137 miles to go! Will update the journal at the end of my trip. Hit 2,000 miles yesterday Last night a mouse got into my best friend Revolvers food bag and got a hold of her cheese. So stereotypical! It was wet our last day in the smokies but that's ok. We were in a mist cloud all day until we started going down to Fontana Dam. Went up Shuckstack tower which was sketchy as heck with the wind but really cool. Got an awesome view of the Dam below. The dam is the largest east of the Rockies. Pretty incredible! Got a ride at the dam into Fontana Village to the pit stop and then got a shuttle to the NOC. Skipping about 25 miles. There is a big SoBo bubble and we didn't want to deal with fighting for shelters so yes we jumped ahead. Back in Erwin, TN my friend UPS had a bad fall and cut his leg below the knee down to the bone. 31 stitches. Unfortunately that put a hold on his thru hike for this year but we started on the same day and he's comin back in the spring to finish it before June 10th, completing his thru hike. Ill be coming back and doing this section again with him. Because of that I changed my philosophy of the trail at the end of my trip. Before I didn't really yellow blaze at all. I've yellow blazed about 50-75 miles now including today but will obviously fill in those sections in April when I hike this whole section again. From this point till the end, it's about the journey and friends. I have a week left till I finish and am soaking in every bit of the experience. It's me, Revolver, Smithy, Spits, Maverick, Turtle, and Furprittius. Springer here we come
Date: 2013-11-17
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Wayah Bald
Miles today: 17.4

DAY 161MILES ON AT FOR DAY- 17.4MILES TOTAL FOR DAY- 17.4Had a nice sleep in until 8am! Late for hikers at least! We got to lounge around our cabin and drink coffee for a few hours until Mavericks mom came. She was going to be bringing the big expedition. We had finally decided we would use it for the last week on the trail for getting into towns easier, slack packing, etc. It would be cheap to split gas and would make our lives easier! Anything to keep the motivation up!After his mom brought the car we got off to a late start: 11am. We were only doing 17 miles though slack packing so we'd still get done before dark. It was me, Maverick, Turtle, Smiles, and Dave the Pirate. I was jacked up on coffee and ready to go. First 6 miles all uphill! Woohoo!It was a long uphill from the NOC but we still managed keeping 3mph! About half way up we heard a bear crying in the distance. This continued for about 20 minutes. I can only assume it was caught in a trap. Kind of sad :/ There were also a bunch of red tail hawks above us while we climbed away. Some parts actually got steep too. Right near the jump off. I was surprised! We climbed up into the clouds... And then it began to rain. We knew the rain was coming. It was predicted 80% chance and then thunderstorms later. We were going over a few balds so we had to try to crank out the miles before it got too late and the weather really turned. Sure enough, it started to pour. Felt like Maine all over. We were SOAKED. Only thing you can do is keep moving and keep warm. We only made one stop at a shelter quick for a snack but aside from that took no other breaks. Around 5pm we got to our crew in the expedition! What a beautiful sight!It was tough cramming into the car. They had been waiting for us all day and never went into town. We had originally planned to camp but at this point we were obviously going into Franklin. One. Last. Hotel room!We went to none other than the lovely Sapphire Inn. I love when motels give themselves fancy names. Franklin was a bit run down but it had all that we needed. The dollar general was across the way where we did our final resupply for the trip. That was a weird and kind of sad feeling. Then Revolver and I moseyed next door to the Mexican restaurant "Mi Casa". Mmmm tacos and margaritas! She treated me for my birthday from a week ago. Not even a minute after we got our food the rest of the crew showed up. We wrapped up and headed back to the rooms. I finally got out of my wet clothes and showered up with the travel sized treats I bought from the dollar store. Nick surprised me and drove out one last time on my trip. Flowers and all Such a good boyfriend! We relaxed, watched walking dead, and went to bed. Warm, cozy and dry in my last hotel room on the trail.
Date: 2013-01-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My first journal entry, if I have already covered some of this in my about page I apologize. I retired from the Army after 24 years in December, now I live in the Ozarks in south-central Missouri preparing for my hike. Have my equipment and have been hiking with it for the past eight months. Have hooked up a ride to Springer with a Army buddy for a mid-March start. Thanks for the ride Karl, appreciate the help. I am a bit of a Luddite, don't have a twitter account or a Facebook page and I don't check my email any more, so if you want to contact me or comment please use my guest book. Thanks.
Date: 2013-01-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Gear, in the preparation phase of a hike it seems to become almost an obsession for hikers. I can understand why, think if you consolidated everything needed to live for six months into a 35 pound package, your shelter, bedroom, kitchen, phone and computer... everything. A little obsession is probably appropriate. How did I pick my gear? First I used the trailjournals posted here, having others as your Guinea Pigs can be a wonderful thing. Second I used trial and error over two years while I planned my hike with a series of shake out trips. I don't think I have it 100% right, I am sure I will make changes on the trail. I have posted what I am carrying for now on the gear section, hopefully it helps someone in their journey. Got to go, want to get in a training hike today.
Date: 2013-02-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Month of February seemed to fly by, now I am about two weeks from heading out on the trail. Final preparations included making sure my taxes were done and had all my bills set to auto pay while I am on the trail - not really covered in the books I read on how to hike the trail but making sure the day-to-day life at home is taken care of while I am gone has given me a certain peace of mind before I head out.Went to Maryland for a week, a great visit. Thanks Michelle for being a part of my life and taking me to the REI for a pair of convertible pants. Can't wait to see you at Harper's Ferry - will be coming that way as fast as my legs can carry me.Took a 4 mile hike yesterday, 35 degrees with snow flurries here in southern Missouri. Took off my shoes and socks to wade a creek that was up from all the rain we have gotten this week, it was great to be out of the house. Along the road is an old shack, long abandoned. Coming up in the yard are yellow daffodils, probably planted by someone that wanted to brighten their small part of the Ozarks. Those daffodils were a reminder that Spring will soon be here and I had better get walking North.
Date: 2013-03-12
To: Elijay, Georgia
Miles today: 0.0

Like the great friend he is Karl came thru, driving from Fort Hood, Texas to Missouri to pick me up - then on to Georgia. Good road trip with great conversation, enjoyed his stories about the deer hunt he went on last fall and updates on what's going on at Fort Hood. We even had a short stop at the Barrett Rifle Company Store and Factory in Tennessee. Very nice gun shop and of course Karl picked up some ammo.Arrived in Elijay, Georgia that evening. We ate dinner at a Waffle House, I always find it amusing that they bring everything out on a separate plate so you end up with a stack of them in front of you. Then we stayed at a local motel, sorry don't remember the name of the place but was a mom and pop operation and clean.Lights out and tomorrow on to Amicalola Falls State Park and the start of the AT.
Date: 2013-03-13
From: Amicalola Falls State Park Visitor Center

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

Got up early and was at the Visitor's Center at Amicalola Falls State Park before it opened at 0830. Quick check in, I was the 350th thru hiker to start out for the year and my pack was 36 pounds with 3 days of food and water. A picture at the arch and I was on my way. Karl brought a day pack and hiked the approach trail to Springer with me - about 8.8 miles that don't count as the Appalachian Trail doesn't officially start til the summit of Springer Mountain.It was in the mid-40s with high wind gusts making for a cold start. Couple this with a 604 stair ascent straight up a waterfall and a climb to the summit of Springer Mountain - well it made a good gut-check. I wouldn't consider my experience on the AT to be the same had I not done it.Hit the summit of Springer Mountain and signed into the log book, took a quick photo and talked with a nice young couple from New Hampshire, think one of them were going by the trail name 'Yardsale'. Then headed down the slope and on to camp at the Hawk Mountain Shelter.Shelter was packed by the time I got there around 1730. I put up my tent and did some camp chores, like filtering water from the spring, and hit the sack early. All in all a great first day.
Date: 2013-03-14
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Dockery Lake Trail
Miles today: 15.1

Cold night, water froze in water bottles and my cell phone went from 95% charge to no charge. Even though temps were in the 20s I slept warm in my tent, pulled my clothes into the bag to warm up before putting them on. A little personal hygiene and quick bite to eat and I was on the trail before 0800.Ranger school was conducting training in the area and I got a little nostalgic seeing the HMMWVs (Humvees) and LMTV trucks and the Ranger Instructors in their ACU uniforms. To top of the experience I filled my water bottles from a water buffalo at Cooper Gap that had been left for student/hike use. A nice day of hiking, elevation ups and downs weren't too bad and I was able to make some decent miles. Not really trying to go fast, I just seem to have a long stride and start early which allows me to cover ground.Made it to camp at Dockery Lake Trail around 1700, found a nice flat area and set up the tent, had dinner and hung my bear bag. Had to stop here for the night as the next 15 miles or so require you to have a hard container for your food due to issues with bears in the area. I didn't have one so settled on a nylon bag with all my food and food trash hung 15 feet in a tree with 550 cord. I do this every night I camp.Couldn't see the sun set as I was in a saddle between mountains, but slept like a rock.
Date: 2013-03-15
From: Dockery Lake Trail

To: White Oak Stamp
Miles today: 15.0

Another early morning, this time the sun was rising on my right as I walked along a ridge. A beautiful red sunrise as I headed North. I must not have been making much noise as I jumped a doe out of her bed at about 10 meters away, she didn't seem too concerned and only wandered off after I was about 15 feet away - what a great way to start the day.Had a tough climb over Blood Mountain and then down into Neels Gap. Coming from the West and not really familiar with the Appalachians I kind of didn't think of them as real mountains. Climbing 4461 feet to the top of Blood Mountain dispelled that myth pretty quick, had some interesting scrambles over rocks down the back into Neels Gap and the resupply at Mountain Crossings.Mountain Crossings is set up right on the AT and the trail actually runs thru the building. Was able to get a shower, best $3.50 I have spent in a long time, buy a coke and sandwich, recharge my cell and talk with more hikers. Met another nice young couple, trail name 'Darkages' I think, that gave me some extra trail mix they had - it was great thank you. I was able to get a cell signal and talked with my folks and Michelle, so that was a great morale boost. In all I took about a two hour break there, then headed up the trail.I enjoyed another break at the top of Cowrock Mountain, a beautiful view. If you have ever seen 'The Last of the Mohicans' the terrain looks a lot like that.Finished up at White Oak Stamp, really just a small clearing in the woods with a fire ring. I had the place to myself and enjoyed the stars coming out, it was easy to see them with no lights from town.
Date: 2013-03-16
From: White Oak Stamp

To: Tray Mountain
Miles today: 18.2

Going to keep this entry short, I have about 10 minutes left on the library computer I am using.Big events for this day was my first trail magic, trail magic being when a stranger does something nice for you. I made it to Unicoi Gap and at the bottom were two Vietnam Vets that had cold drinks and had set up a grill. Great guys and enjoyed both talking about places they had served and the cold Coke and hot dog. That they take the time to do this every year it amazing, thanks again gentlemen. From Unicoi I climbed 4017 feet over Rocky Mountain and down into Indian Grave Gap and another group doing trail magic. This time it was the Glenlock Baptist Church. They had chairs and a tent set up and were grilling hot dogs for hikers, didn't take another hot dog as I had more mountains to climb but the ice water and the group's prayers were much appreciated.Two trail magics in one day, I felt very lucky to have met these folks.Continued on and found a small camp site on the very top of Tray Mountain at 4430 feet. Put up my tent with the entrance facing east, so I could wake up to the rising sun.
Date: 2013-03-17
From: Tray Mountain

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.5

Up with the rising sun and down off Tray Mountain, didn't really have a plan for the day figured I would walk to Dicks Creek Gap and either camp or if it was early enough get a ride into Hiawassee, Georgia to spend a zero day on Monday.I made good time, stopped to chat with a couple from Kansas that I had met the previous day. Nice young couple they hadn't gotten a trail name yet, but they planned to hike to Dicks Creek then head to a local hostel.The days hike was pretty easy, only two mountains to go over and a long descent down into Dicks Creek Gap. The whole way down all I could think was I would have to make up the elevation in a day or two when I climb out and on my way to the North Carolina Border.I made it to Dicks Creek Gap and out onto Georgia Highway 76 and stuck out my thumb to get a ride down into Hiawassee. I wasn't too optimistic about getting a ride; I'm a guy, over 6 feet, with four days of beard and after four days of hiking I probably smell like a goat's butt. Impossible as it may seem after 10 minutes I did get a ride, thanks Jim from Tennessee. I made it into Hiawassee and will be enjoying a zero day on Monday. While in town I will sleep in a bed, clean up, do laundry, resupply and enjoy all the fast food I can cram into the next 24 hours. I also have updated my journal at the Hiawassee Public Library because trying to do so on my phone proved impossible. I will be updating my journal this way in the future, you won't hear from me for awhile but when you do I will give you several days worth.Bright and early on Tuesday I will hit it again, and I hope to cover the 9 miles or so to the Georgia/North Carolina border. Putting Georgia behind me in a week's worth of walking. Well got to go, Hardees is calling.
Date: 2013-03-19
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Beech Gap
Miles today: 21.0

Hit the trail out of Dicks Creek Gap at 0900, I had spent the day before as a zero in Hiawassee, Georgia. Long climb out of Dicks Creek gaining over 700 feet in elevation in a few miles - glad I was rested after my zero day!High point of the day came a few miles later when I crossed the Georgia/North Carolina border. One state down, a bunch more to go. I celebrated with a miniature twix bar and drink of ice-cold mountain water from a spring at Bly Gap about a tenth of a mile past the border.I wasn't really sure where I was going to camp that night and kept going until I got tired. One thing I noticed about North Carolina was that the camping spots, not shelters but wide spots for camping by the trail, were not as common as in Georgia. At the end of the day I got up on top of Standing Indian Mountain and couldn't find anywhere to camp. As it got later I started to get a little worried, and the North Carolina DNR Bear Sanctuary signs on trees every 300 meters or so weren't helping.As it started to get dark I came down the hill into Beech Gap, a perfect campsite and the end to a good day.
Date: 2013-03-20
From: Beech Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 19.1

A cold and cloudy day on the trail. Made it to the top of Albert Mountain at 5250 feet and a retired fire tower, that is now a weather station. Although the day had been mostly cloudy, the sun managed to come out once I made it to the top and I was rewarded with great views of the mountains around me.I also heard several Ruffed Grouse drumming throughout the day. I wouldn't have known what it was but for years of watching Marty Stoufer's Wild America on PBS as a kid, you never know when something will come in useful. I managed to see one later in the day, he flushed and flew up and over the ridge. Distance that took him less than a minute to fly would take me twenty minutes to cover on foot - I wonder which of us was the truly evolved one?I finished the day at Winding Stair Gap, a popular pick-up/drop off for shuttles into Franklin, NC. I was good with my last resupply and found a campsite on a abandoned Forest Service road and fell asleep listening to the nearby waterfall. A good day.
Date: 2013-03-21
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: clear sky

Woke up at 0700 with the sound of what I thought was rain hitting the tent, turned out to be snow and there was another inch and half to two inches of it on the ground. Day was overcast with a biting cold wind out of the North. After I got packed up and headed out on the trail I started to run across hikers that were turning around and heading back to Winding Stair Gap to catch the shuttle back to Franklin, NC. Temps were in the 20s and didn't seem likely to get any warmer.By lunch time I had made it to Wayah Bald Firetower at 5342 feet. Historic Stone Firetower, it had to be one of the more beautiful places I have seen on the trail. I enjoyed it the best I could but somehow it seemed to be getting even colder and I headed down off the mountain.By evening it was cold enough that I was having visions of the 1970s Robert Redford movie 'Jeremiah Johnson' where he found a frozen mountain man on the side of a snow covered trail in the mountains. Pinned to the man's chest was a note "I being of sound mind and broke legs leave my rifle to whoever finds it ... sincerly Hatchet Jack". Would a future hiker find me frozen on Copper Ridge my walking poles in my frozen clutches ...I ended up making it into camp and my 15 degree sleeping bag was much appreciated.
Date: 2013-03-22
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 16.3

Easy short day was the plan and it was ... kind of. Started at Wesser Bald Shelter, now when I stay at shelters I don't actually stay in the shelter but in my tent nearby. Not that there is anything wrong with shelters but I roll around in my sleep, snore and get up early and I imagine that shelter dwellers are happy I stay in my tent. I was packed and on the trail by 0745.The plan was an easy mornings hike to Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) with lunch and a shower followed by a easy afternoon hike. The trail to NOC was easy enough, slight downhill, well maintained with brush trimmed back and an almost rock-free path. Delightful.Once I got to NOC things went a bit off track when the showers for passing thru hikers aren't open yet. Not a huge problem, I was able to clean-up in the men's room and cleaned up after myself. Not quite as good as a shower but that'll do. The restaurant was excellent, I had a great pulled pork sandwich and monster basket of fries and I am sure the waitress would have brought me enough Cokes to fill a 55 gallon drum if I wanted. If you ever get a chance to visit the NOC I would recommend it, it was worth it just to sit somewhere warm and enjoy a nice meal watching the river run by.I finished lunch, threw on the old pack and hit the trail across the river and out of NOC heading North. This is where things went a little off-track. Now most sections of trail are maintained by clubs that go out and make sure the trail is passable, work on the shelters that kind of thing. Not so much on the next five miles of trail out of NOC headed North.The trail was probably the worst I have seen so far. Large trees were down across the trail at many points, even more impressive were the parts where a 10 foot section of trail was missing - washed out. The path at other times meandered thru boulder fields, with rocks ranging in size up to a VW Bug. Overgrown the trail looked like something that Indiana Jones would travel to a lost Incan City, and that was what made it so great.In a country that has become almost too safe its good to see there are still places where there aren't any guard rails or legal disclaimers.
Date: 2013-03-23
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 18.1

Started out of Locust Grove Gap headed for Fontana Dam and gateway to the Smokies National Park. Easy enough day of walking with the exception of coming out of Sweetwater Gap and an Ascent known as Jacob's Ladder.Now I have a guidebook that does a fairly decent job of showing the trail, what to expect ahead and what the terrain should look like that day. Somehow it didn't compute in my brain how steep that little squiggle on the map really would be.By mid-morning I found myself at the start of a climb of over 500 feet in elevation straight up the side of a mountain, not a switchback to be found. I huffed, I puffed and made it up the side and with some muttered curses in there somewhere. I didn't fall off the side and end up at the bottom like Wiley Coyote which was a plus. The good news was it was pretty much downhill from here to Fontana Dam, twelve miles away.Made it into Fontana with nothing else to report. Only other drama was getting a back country pass that is required for the Smokies. New this year it comes with a $20 charge from the National Park Service and has to be filled out on-line. I don't begrudge charging me to cross the park, would be nice if there was somewhere to pay my money so I didn't have to deal with emails and trying to print the pass off in the middle of the woods. Lesson learned.I will head out 25 March 2013 and cross Fontana Dam into the Smokies. For those that have been following me thanks and will update again when I get the next zero day. And a special thanks to my Folks who are watching the homestead for me while I am out for my walk, thank you so much for helping to make this possible.