morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-03
To: Prep #14 Change in Plans
Miles today: 0.0

03-03-2006 Friday   I got woken up at 09:00 A.M. by DeJaVue who asked me if I would mind if he changed our plans for hiking this weekend.   He had just taken a job with South West Airlines and will be in training the week that I start my Thru Hike. He has been my hiking partner since August, getting me ready for my hike, so how could I say no, but I did ask where we were going now? His reply was Springer Mountain of course! He had to take care of a few things and we were on the road to Amicalola Falls State Park at 12:00 Noon. It is a 14 hour drive, going through a lot of the States I will soon be hiking back through, well except for Delaware.   I rested as we drove, and as we were passing Front Royal Va., DeJaVue asked me if I would take over for a bit when we got onto I-81. We had 376 miles worth of Interstate 81 so I did not mind driving some of it. We switched back just before we got into Tenn. DeJaVue drove the rest of the way and I played navigator.   We got to Amicalola Falls State Park just before 02:00 AM. A Ranger was cleaning out the restrooms at the Office and told us that the shelter was right behind the Office up the hill. We tried to find it in the dark, with only the stars and a small headlamp to find it, but did not have any luck, we were not even sure if we did find it, if there would be any room. At this point, we just decided to sleep in the car.   Pulled down away from the Office area and started to go asleep. A Ranger vehicle came up from the Falls area and shined the high beams and slowed down as it approached our car. DeJaVue was already asleep, and I did not want to drift off and then have the Ranger knock on the window, so I stayed away and watched him until he left the area.   I got out to use the restroom during the night and was amazed at all the stars.   The clear night skies did nothing to keep in any warmth and was below freezing.   Back to sleep for a few hours.
Date: 2006-03-06
From: Woody Gap

To: Home, (Temporary)
Miles today: 0.0

03-06-2006 Monday The Long Ride back Home   We got up about 07:00 AM and had the continental breakfast. The drive home seemed like it was taking forever.   DeJaVue decided to take a break and stop off at Kincora, and visit Bob & Pat Peoples.   He has often talked about the both of them from when he did his last thru hike. We stopped at the store on the way and picked up three twelve packs of soda, and snacks to drop at the hostel.   We got to Kincora around noon time. Bob came out to welcome us. He does have a way of making you feel right at home.   He told me that I had just missed "Dane" with my height and her only being 5'01" he said we would of made a cute couple. So far he has had about four N/B Thru Hikers come by. He said two S/B had left the day before and one had lost two finger, and looked like he was going to loose two more to frostbite, from up in Graceland Highlands.   I got a tour of the hostel and he told me about the Hardcore Project for this year, to start the Sunday morning of Trail Fest.   We were here about an hour, talking, how time just seemed to fly. Shortly after 1:30 PM we got back on the road north.   When you the passenger on such a long ride it gives you a lot of time to reflect on things. I would drop off to sleep, thinking of the last few days of hiking, and wanting to go back. I will be flying into Atlanta on Monday March 13, and starting the trail again on the 14th.      We got home just before 11:00 PM. I will wait until tomorrow to go back thru my gear, but do not think I will change anything at this point, just remember to put in my sun screen, as I did get a little sunburn.   Well happy hiking all, and will look forward to seeing everyone on the trail.
Date: 2006-03-12
From: Home, (Tempoary)

To: Back to the TRAIL!
Miles today: 0.0

03-12-2006 Sunday         Well my brothers took me out for an AYCE Chinese buffet on Friday night. I had spent the day stopping by my old school to say go bye and brag a little about what I was going to do.   I did get my hair cut, but left the beard on. Will see how I hold up in the warmer weather.   On Saturday, it was one last trip to REI, picked up some body glide for my feet, and a replacement holder for my playpus. All set on the gear end, put on the new filter for my sweetwater, packed and repacked. I decided that being I was already ahead of schedule with the hiking I had done, I will head down to visit my grandmother in Jacksonville on Monday and then to the Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega.   DeJaVue has been in contact with Leigh, and making the arrangements. They were able to work things out and even now, my add another day there. It now looks like I will be back on the trail on Thursday the 16th. This is no problem as I am not expecting to be up to Katahdin until Sept. 20th.   Sunday morning I was up before 09:00 AM to make sure I got to the bank on time. I do like this 7 day banking feature.   Got to the bank at 09:05 AM and found they did not open until 11:00 AM.   This worked out good, cause I got with DeJaVue for breakfast. I still think he is more excited about this trip then I am.   At home I cleaned my room for the last time, my younger brother will be taking care of Ace, my cat, while I am gone. This will also allow him to use my computer when I am gone. Seems like a fair trade.   I can feel myself getting a bit more nervous but think it is more anxious then anything else.   Was catching up on some journal reading and was sorry to hear that Freckels feets were not doing too good, the trail is hard on a dogs feet.   I had Pizza for dinner and finsihed washing clothes. Seems all is in order and will be heading off to bed soon, 03:30 AM comes early and that is the time I need to be up to get to the airport.   Happy Hiking to all and look forward to meeting the rest of the class of 2006
Date: 2006-03-13
To: Flight and After
Miles today: 0.0

Up at 0330 AM. Got to the Airport today @5am, I was on standby with my mother for the flight down to Georgia, didnt get on the 1st flight but made it on the 2nd flight. After sleeping on the plane we landed and I headed to pick up my pack while my mother went to get the rental car. My mother realized she left her glassed on the plane and while I waited for her, I realized that I forgot my trail book back @ home (Wingfoot), I plan to buy a new one later. After getting out of the airport terminal we then went to the rental car place. We then headed South to Flordia to vist my Gandmother and other family members in the area here b4 starting the trail. We surprized my Grandmother today and are spending the night here. Tomorrow after my mother does some shopping we plan to go and vist the rest of the famliy here, and then head back up to Georgia either Tuesday night or Wednesday morning depending on how things go. Then after stocking up the last bit will hit the trail soon. I cant wait to get back on the trail and meet up with some people thatI had hiked with last weekend. I Will post when I get the next chance after I begin hiking or sooner if anything important or interesting happens. Happy Hiking All!
Date: 2006-03-16
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

After saying my good-byes to my mother I headed off on the trail. Was hiking along and met up with pie (3.14, not the kind u eat), hiked with him to the Blood Mtn Shelter were we stopped to have lunch, when Gumpy and CoyoteBec joined us for the hike down to Neels Gap. Went into the outfitters to pickup a new stove to replace the one I left @ home. Grabed a few other food supplies for the next few days of hiking. Spent the night in the the bunk room there. Wasnt the best night but was nice to get a shower and a bed to sleep on for the night.
Date: 2006-03-17
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

Got on the trail with the info of a Saint Patricks Day party @ Low Gap. Headed out of Neels @ about 7am. The hike wasnt too bad until the Testnatee Gap with about a 300ft up over the next .5 mile. Met up with Gorging George on the down hill to the shelter. Was confused for abit cause when I left Neels he was still there and I didnt see him pass me. Wasnt till later I found he yellow blazed up some to get to the shelter for the party and plans to go back later to do the miles he skipped. That night Geek and Boudin came to the shelter with hotdogs and a large amount of beer. Had a great time that night and learned about the church of the flying Spaghetti Monster from a pastafarianism, if u want more info look it up online i'd take too long to explain. After the other hikers finished the beer and the fire died down everyone called it a night.
Date: 2006-03-18
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cheese Factory Site
Miles today: 13.0

After the party at Low Gap it was time to move on. I wasnt sure where I was going to wind up. I wasnt sure where I'd be calling it a day. After getting to Unicoi me and the person I was hiking with ran into Boudin. After getting to the cheese factory I filled my water up and the worked on making a fire. Alot a people where camped at the cheese factory that night most of whom where at low gap.
Date: 2006-03-19
From: Chesse Factory site 

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked into Dicks Creek Gap today the Puds near the end were the worst part of today. After crossing the road and taking off my pack and sitting down before looking for a ride I had a chat with a nice couple that offer me some snow caps. They went to the other side of the road to look @ the stream. I changed my shirt and was about to start to look for a ride when a car pulled up and asked if I need a ride into town. Just then the back window rolled down and there was Pie. After putting my gear in the back I found out this was the shuttle for the newer hostel in the area Clould 9. Sounds to be a very nice place to stay but I decided to treat myself to a night @ the Holiday Inn. Planning on seeing how the weather is in the morning and if its not too bad will cont. on. If its too bad I'll spend another night here. Will be posting when I get to the next place with internet.
Date: 2006-03-20
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: snow

Woke up @ about 8:30 and went down for the breakfast in the hotel lobby. Checked the weather report and decided that the weather didnt look like it was going to be too bad. Went out and I started to look for a ride, got a ride near a gas station and got to the gap and the weather wasnt bad. I got to the Plumorchard Gap Shelter @ noon time and the weather still wasnt bad, so I decided after resting and eating a snickers to continue on the 7 something miles to Muskrat Creek Shelter. As I was getting close to the GA/NC state line the weather got really bad, the wind started to pick up and the the cold was worse. It was took a while to get to the shelter and I was cold and tired when I got to the shelter. There was a group from GA Tech @ the shelter along with 1 thru hiker named Adam. That night the shelter was packed and the rain continued all night until earlier the next morning. One state down and 13 more to go!
Date: 2006-03-21
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up and made breakfast said good-bye to the GA Tech group and headed off with Adam. The day started out looking as if it was going to rain, but after noon the sun came out. When we got to the shelter, the sun even gave us some time to dry out some gear. Called it a earlier night. That night the wind was bad and it hailed a littte, wasnt too bad, but still a good night to be in a shelter.
Date: 2006-03-22
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to a very cold morning. After I ate dry oatmeal for breakfast, I headed off on the trail by myself. I was walking and had a good pace going and making good time, when I got to the Bear Pen trail area, I noticed a trail magic sign. After thinking for less than one min I decided to go and check it out. It turned out to be 2 ppl named Gatoraide and Fishing Fred. It was very nice the way they had things set up. They had a RV and dining area set up, and another tent for hikers to crash too. They made breakfast to order. These guys were true "Trail Angels". Met up with Adam there and stayed there for a about a 1/2 hour before heading out. Contined on to the Rock Gap shelter. The shelter didn't look too good to stay @ and then after Crutch came up to the shelter I headed down to where he was doing his own trail magic @ Rock Gap. It was nice to chat with him and enjoyed a sandwich and some fruit. I decided to head into town and spend the night @ the budget motel and after hearing how the weather was going to get very cold, I was glad on the choice, and headed into town. Time to do the laundry too. Split the room with the Tarpinator (sp)
Date: 2006-03-23
From: Franklin, NC

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: clear sky

Nice and short day got to the shelter and after filling water I went and gathered some fire wood. I then built a small fire and covered it with a trash bag I found in the woods. I then called it a short night and was waken by Dirt and Heald when they showed up at the shelter. After chatting with them I turn in for the night as I noticed it start to flurry abit.
Date: 2006-03-24
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: overcast clouds

When I woke up in the morning the ground was covered with snow. Dirt and Heald left before I woke up and I while cooking breakfast I was a snowman one of the guy made before they left. It was enjoyable hiking in the snow. Reminding of some of the pre hikes I have done before. My plan was to go to the Cold Spring Mtn shelter. After hiking in the snow I get to the shelter where Heald and Dirt where eating lunch. Looking at the shelter and how the wind was blowing into the shelter I decided to hike onto the next shelter. After getting to the shelter Dirt and Heald decide to hike on into the NOC. Having done enough miles for me I call it a night. The only 2 people in the shelte r was Sandman and myself, While others tented. Headin out and Tag A Long Where also there.
Date: 2006-03-25
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: N.O.C.
Miles today: 5.6

Got picked up by Dad. He was doing a little trail magic until I came along. While hiking back he stopped @ the A. Rufus Morgan Shelter to leave the rest of the snacks and juice he hiked up a few miles. He then took me into Fontana Dam and then to a steak dinner.
Date: 2006-04-07
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Left Hot Springs on a hot day after running out of water while hiking I got to the shelter and resupplied on water for the night. Looking at the shelter I decided I didnt want to stay there for the night and continued aa little bit up the trail. After setting up my tent, cooking diner and a nap I made some calls from inside my tent home. When I looked out of the tent @9 I could see a storm was heading towards me. It rained that night into ealier the nest morning.
Date: 2006-04-08
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

Woke up with a wet sleeping bag. I didnt set up my tent right the previous night and rain got into and dripped onto my bag and pooled somewhat at the end om my tent. I got out of my tent and ate breakfast and packed up all my gear. The sky looked as if it could rain so I kept my rain pant on but kept my rain jacket away. The weather held up until 3 miles away from the first shelter. When I got to the Little Laurel Shelter Labdad, BlueBelt and dogs where getting ready to leave the shelter. After talking I remebered I met them before the day after the bad storm leaving Hiawassee. They left and I sat @ the shelter and put on the whole rain gear. As I leave the shelter the rain starts to rain harder. The wind is blowing from my left and soaking my left side. My left boot becomes soaked upon the first up and I caught up to Labdad and BlueBelt. While hiking near them they asked me a question, why do I like hiking. With the weather and conditions I was hiking in I replied I dont know. They also didnt have a answer. After a few miles I came to a split in the trail to the left was a bad weather trail and right exposed ridge trail. Labdad and BlueBelt caught up with me at the sign cause I was trying to empty some water that gathered on the trail. We all decided the weather was better and to take the exposed ridge trail. I hiked on and left LabDad and BlueBelt behind. When I got to the top of the exposed ridge I looked around and all I could see was fog. I sat down to rest on a rock and when I heard LabDad and BlueBelt getting closer I decided to put my pack back on and continue hiking. Not more than a few seconds after getting my pack on I look to the left to see that the fog is starting to lift. I throw down my pack and go right for my camera that I packed away cause of the rain. As I watched the fog lift going from only seeing white to being able to see the town in the distance. I then waited for LabDad and BlueBlet and told them what I saw and said that was the reason I hike. After that it was no problem getting the the Jerry Cabin Shelter.
Date: 2006-04-09
From: Jerry Cabin shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: clear sky

Left the shelter and continued on the day started out cold but warmed up near noon. After zoning out I get to the Flint Mtn Shelter 5.9 miles away before 11:00 AM, I continue on and just before devil fork gap I caught back up with LabDad and BlueBelt that pushed on after Jerry Cabin last night. After passing them I pushed onto the Hogback Ridge shelter for a late lunch at 4 and refill on water. After heading out of the shelter to push on I see LabDad and BlueBelt again. I left them behind and continued onto a nice campspot right before a feild. After setting up camp and eating I give a call home and talk with my mom who tells me she needs to ask me a question the next morning. With the voicemail message where my dad left me I thought I would wake up to them @ my tent site.
Date: 2006-04-10
From: Campsite

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

I was woken up to a wood pecker near my tent. (mother natures alarm clock). Packed up my gear and called my mom who asked me a question about my stove and if dad gave me the money for it. After going along and getting to the Bald Mtn Shelter I met Minnesota Smith and chatted with him for a bit. I left him behind and continued on and stared to head to Spivey Gap. Just before the Gap, I noticed a guy infront of me. As I got to the gap I noticed a bag with apples and oranges and took one of each. As I walk out of the woods onto the road crossing I look to my right to see my Mom and Dad. After talking for a bit, my dad gives me the choice to go to the shelter or come with them for a steak dinner and a night at the Holiday Inn Express. Hard choice shelter and Ramen or a real bed and steak. I went and got a shower first off, laundry next and then it was dinner time. We stopped by Miss Janets on the way and she told us about a Steak Place in Johnson City, called Logans Roadhouse. I had a nice 20 oz. Porter House. Seemed like a dream come true, as I was thinking about food, food and more food the day before.
Date: 2006-04-11
From: spivey Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

I got dropped back off at Spivey Gap. Mom & Dad put a cooler with trail magic down by the stream, and replaced more oranges into the empty bag. We could hear a dog back up the trail, and figure it would be a nice surprize for them and others. After saying goodbye to mom and dad I got back on the trail and hiked into Erwin. It was not a bad hike and the weather was great. The trail is funny here as you see the town down below and then the trail goes the other way. I got to the Nolichucky River by 1:45 PM. Got a ride real fasted and spent the night at Miss Janets. I went up to the Elm Rest. for dinner and had one of the biggest burgers in my life, was as big as the plate. Back to Miss Janets and a good night sleep.
Date: 2006-04-12
From: Erwin, TN

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Miss Janet's and got on the trail about 11am. As I was hiking up to the Beauty Spot vista I passed the people that where slack packing back to Erwin from Iron Mtn Gap. After getting to Deep Gap I decided to rest and set up camp for the night. I then was looking at my book and started to wonder if the way of planing I did for food was the best idea. Due to my parents poping up I just looked at the milage and divided it by bout 14 miles per day. After a little while Sandman comes to Deep Gap followed a little later by Bonesaw and Tricycle.While talking about the next day it was said that it looks like a easy 18 miles to a campsite just before Roan Mtn shelter.
Date: 2006-04-13
From: Deep Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

After packing up camp and eating some oatmeal it was back to the trail. I was the first one out of camp for what I thought would be a easy 18 mile day. After the first climb out of the gap I began to hear a unknown noise to the left of me and a good distance away. I continued on and kept hearing the nosie and could hear somewhat of a dog like barking with it. After getting over Unaka Mtn the sound stopped. When I got to the Cherry Gap shelter I took a rest and was looking at the sky ahead that looked like it was going to rain any moment. After hiking to the shelter I get there to see one of the people that was ahead of me, Luke, was staying the night at the shelter. I wrote in the shelter reg that I was going to push on a little farther. After going and filling up on water and eatting some food I soon changed mmy plans and crossed out and wrote I was staying the night. Some time later Bonesaw, Tricycle and Sandman all show up and decide to stay the night at the shelter. It was then talk that Bonesaw, Like, Tricycle and Luke all wanted to get a early start 5am the next morning and do alot of milage. I decided to sleep in and wake up when I was ready.