morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-03-22
From: Black Gap Shelter

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: clear sky

On Monday morning, I woke up, still shivering. Was wondering how long I have to suffer this freezing winter-like weather. I have to get up and start to dismantle my tent. I discovered that ice were formed in the tube of my camelbak pouch and even the moist under the sleeping bag! I realized that it might be below zero. So, then I started hiking again to the summit of Springer Mountain. I arrived there and waited for Scott Rogers, trail name One Leg. I met several thru hikers on the top. I then registered myself on the book. I waited for One Leg for about an hour or two. He never showed up. It got me worried because we were supposed to meet at about between 10 and 11 in the morning. I discovered that my pager's clock was about 45 minutes late because of the cold weather slowed it down. So, I was worried that I might missed him and tempted to hike down the trail immediately and quickly to meet him. Indeed, my pager do works on the top of summit, so I paged him to his cell phone to let him know that I was waiting on the summit. So, indeed, in about an hour, a young boy appeared, and walked around me and sit down, looked at me. I become suspected that he is the son of One Leg. He waved at me, and I waved at him. He then ran down the trail. I assumed that he is going to let his father knows that I am on the summit. So, finally, I saw wilderness ranger, CBS TV crew, One Leg and his son coming up and meet me on the summit. After that, we hiked down to the parking area .9 miles down from Springer Mt. We then hiked from there to Stover Creek Shelter to spend the night there. The weather is not really cold as the first night.   We tried to start the fire but the woods are still wet, hard enought to start the fire. We slept early, even before the sunset.
Date: 2004-03-23
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Hightower Gap
Miles today: 5.6

We left Stover Creek Shelter to hike down to Hightower Gap. We met a section hiker named Stone. He summarized us what the trail would look like ahead of us. So, we stopped at the forest road near Hightower Gap and camped out there. We started a wonderful campfire on the mountain. We can see the city lights glittering toward us. It was breezy and cold enough to start a campfire. It was perfect day. The sky was very clear and every stars are appearing shiny. We met another thru hiker named Tree Frog. He camped down on the downhill. We looked at how he hanged the bearbag, and he hanged it about 3 foot above the ground. One Leg advised that it was too low to hang the bearbag but Tree Frogs knows about it, but didnt even bother to raise it higher... but luckily enough, no bears around.
Date: 2004-03-24
From: Hightower Gap

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: few clouds

On the cold morning at Hightower Gap, we feed more woods to the fire. The sunrise was so beautiful. We hiked through the most beautiful Justus Creek after the Justus Mountain. The bridge was so handsomely made. We relaxed there for a while. Two people that we have hiked each other closely, a husband and wife in their 50's, who dreamed to try to thru hike the Appalachian Trail, shared the news that they had to leave. I felt bad for them but they are very wonderful people. It was great to know them. He wished me a good luck, and I thanked him. So, after relaxing by the Justus Creek, we hiked up to Gooch Gap, and I decided to stop the hike to set up tent at Gooch Mountain shelter. One Leg and his son, had to hiked up to the forest road to meet his wife. So, I was amazed to find that Gooch Gap Shelter was beautiful and great place to stay. So, I set up tent, ate several snickers, get my camelback filled up with spring water, and then had my food bag hanged up. Wrote journal, checking the companion book and data, then finally, Sun went down.
Date: 2004-03-25
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Granny Top Mountain
Miles today: 7.5

Woke up in the morning, feeling little sick with stomach gurgling. Feel like I want to quit for the day but I had to meet One Leg at forest road nearby as according to the map. So, I got up, and realized that my stomach gurgling took a lot of my energy. I couldnt hike freely as I use to in first two or three days. I had to move on. Dismantle the tent and hiked away. I thought the forest road was less than quarter mile or 5 minutes to get there but instead, it was more than an hour and half to get there. Before arriving there, I met two other thru hikers who was about to dismantle the tent near the forest road, and I asked them where is One Leg, and they said they already left. So, I tried to hike faster to catch up with One Leg but indeed, the loss of energy and stomach gurgling make me hike really slow and hard. I feel like I want to quit but I had to move on. That time, I realized that I had to get rid of weights on my pack. I hiked up Woody Gap, an realized how tough is to hike with more than 50 pounds on my pack. Finally, I arrived Woody Gap Recreation area, and found One Leg there, waiting for me. So, we worked on removing some weights off my pack. I was sweating and whining how tough Woody Gap is. Other hikers told us that the trail leading up to Blood Mountain Shelters should be easier. So, it gave me more confidence to hike more miles especially with lighter pack. So, we stopped at campsite somewhere near Granny Top Mountain. We set up tent, and I finally start eating again, ate the chicken noodle. My stomach start to feel fine again. So, we slept there with other two thru hikers, Eric and Andy. They are very nice people. One of them, even took my trash out of campfire because they believe strictly in Leave No Trace. So, it made me feel guilty, so from now on, I will take all trash with me! So, I went to bed early to produce more energy.
Date: 2004-03-26
From: Granny Top Mountain

To: Neels Gap, GA
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: scattered clouds

On sunshine morning again on the mountain, One Leg woke me up and told me to watch for another sunrise. So, we watched the beautiful sunrise, then dismantled the tent. We, then hiked again to Neels Gap. We hiked up through beautiful Blood Mountain. It was not a hard hike like Woody Gap because the pack was lighter and I was in great shape. The day become very warm enough for me to use one shirt instead of sweater and shirt together. We got to the summit of Blood Mountain and took a look at beautiful Blood Mountain Shelter. It was made of rocks and indeed had a fireplace! We then hiked down the rocky trail. We met 2001 thru hiker named Youngblood. Nice guy.   We stopped at Mountain Crossings at Walasi-Yi Center. I purchased a t-shirt for my dad, Richard, few postcards and a collectible magnet. I registered there. The person who worked there, gave us the invitation card to his BBQ party Saturday night. I had a short chat with Sheila, another thru-hiker there.   The place is very beautiful there. I loved this place! So, we hop in van to the campground for the night. Had a nice hot shower for the first time since Sunday!!!!! I felt so much better! Saturday the 27th will be zero day as we will be going to bbq party.
Date: 2004-03-27
From: Neels Gap, GA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Zero Day today... relaxing at Trackrack Campground not far from Neels Gap. Went to the BBQ host by Winton and Maggie at their place. Winton and Maggie owns Mountain Crossing which sits on the AT at Neels Gap. Will start hike again on Sunday.
Date: 2004-03-28
From: Neels Gap

To: Poor Mountain
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: broken clouds

Winton brought us to Neels Gap. Winton gave me a nice hat! I promised him that I will give him my boots for his goal of collecting 2,174 boots.   So, One Leg and I started Neels Gap in the morning and stopped somewhere before Poor Mountain for the camp. We stopped at Tesnatee Gap for some break and saw a hiker who had a lengthy converstation with One Leg. Was wondering who he was.   Another thru-hiker who hiked down, and had trouble with knee, and One Leg's wife is taking him to see doctor. I hoped he will be okay and continue his journey. So, then we hiked up the mountain to one of campsite near Poor Mountain. One Leg told me about the thruhiker named Pack Rat who had converstation with him, is now doing his 9th attempt to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2004-03-30
From: Red Clay Gap

To: Unicoi Gap, GA
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: light rain

It was terrible wet weather today. I woke up early in the morning because I thought a bear or a wildlife had tried to get in my tent or get around, but it was so windy. So, a few hours later, I woke up again, trying to figure out what is dripping on my face. I thought it was moisture air that added up on the tent but learned that it was rainning. So, woke up and got up at about 7 in the morning, and hiked up to Unicoi Gap. It wasnt rain all the way. It stopped rain about 30 minutes later. Most of stuff in my pack was wet. As Arizonan hiker, I hate rainny days, so I decided to get off the trail and stayed at Super 8 Motel. I realized I am glad that I did because the Alpine Helen, GA is very nice and interesting town to sightseeing around. I had a NICE hot bathtub and watch TV from my bed. Had a few Bud Lights too. =)
Date: 2004-04-01
From: Unicoi Gap, GA

To: Addis Gap
Miles today: 10.8

In the morning, it was pretty cold enough to keep milk in good condition outside. I was shuttled back to the trailhead provided by Super 8 motel. I met a thru hiker at the trailhead and they started to talk with me and I indicated that I am deaf. They said, oh yes, and said where is One Leg. I assume that people start to know us very well now. I told them that One Leg is way ahead of me. When I started to hike, I saw a note left on the tree for me from One Leg, that they already left ahead of me. I wasn't sure if they left on Wednesday or Thursday. I just wished that they would put down when they hit the trail. So, the hiking in the section between Unicoi Gap and Addis Gap was pretty tough to climb. I was trying to reach to Deep Gap Shelter but I saw several (about 10 - 12) colorful posters in the size of 8 - 11 1/2 are inviting thru hikers to come to their 11th annual fest. I wasn't sure if I should go but, then more posters keep coming up as I was descenting down the trail toward Addis Gap. It tempted me. Another thru-hiker, named Mark, who is from England, came and we agreed that it is so tempting. Then we hiked 0.5 miles off the trail. We saw people there, as we called them Trailangels, as they were setting up tent, bringing food out from cars, van and minivan to the campsite area. There were plenty of foods, drinks, and 5 kegs! They offered me a beer that night, but I had to decline because I was so totally tired from climbing the mountain for approximately 12 miles. If I had consumed a beer, I would then fall asleep quickly and missed everything. So, I helped them bring stuff from the autos to the campsite. Collect firewoods, and set up fires. Good enough, I was tired quickly and sneaked back to tent because I don't really am alert enough to say good night. I went back to sleep instantly.
Date: 2004-04-02
From: Addis Gap

To: Dick Creek Gap
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up in the morning, opening the tent to peek outside, and discovered that Mark, another thru-hiker already took his tent down and is gobbling up the meals from trailangels. I was tempting to go and eat right away but I have to be patient. As I plan to took my tent town, Kelly, one of trailangels, came to me, (She knows how to do fingerspelling), asked me if I want eggs for breakfast, I told her, I eat anything and then a girl, forgive me for not asking her for her name, cooked me a HEARTY breakfast!! It was sooo delicious! It sure gave me enough energy to start in the morning. So, I go ahead and register in their notebook, and saw Flying Brian Robinson signed there, I quickly asked trailangel Kelly to see if she knows him. She wasn't exactly sure. I told her, Flying Brian is famous for Calendar Triple Crown in 2001. He is a legend. She then asked around and told me she finally knows him. I am so glad to discover that Flying Brian is still on the site, and I quickly asked him for the picture. He was so nice and pose for picture with me. Its an honor to meet Flying Brian but I do wish I am able to hear and being able to communicate freely with hearing people so that I can hear his experience and stories about his Triple Crown in 2001. So, as I went back to set up my pack, I saw Flying Brian and his hiking partner, Silver Girl, hiked up the hill, as he waved good bye toward me, and I waved back. In a few minutes after, I started to hit the trail toward Dick Creek Gap, so I plan to hitch for a ride, but in 5 minutes, other two hikers, who came down from north side, and offered me a ride back to Hiawassee, GA. They were very nice people. Their name is Pam and Carol. I still consider them trailangels because they gave me a ride to Town Library in Hiawassee so that I can use computer to use IP-Relay to call my pager service provider to discuss why they knocked me off the system. The librarian is very nice too. They were friendly. I assume that a lot of towns that close to Appalachian Trail are very friendly to hikers. After the library use, I went to stay at Mulls Motel. It was old motel but very comfortable. The elderly woman who works there, are very nice and friendly. I enjoyed the stay and cable TV to watch on weather very closely. It said that the weather will be plentiful sunshine until Wednesday! YAY! YAY!
Date: 2004-04-03
From: Dick Creek Gap

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: clear sky

So, I woke up and get my pack all ready for hike. I waited for One Leg to come and pick me up. (I called him from library the night before), and they showed up at 9:30am. It was great to see them again. So, then we went to Dick Creek Gap. We hiked to Plumorchard Gap Shelter. It was very nice shelter. Several thru hikers, section hikers and weekenders came. One of weekend hikers came with 6 pack of budlights. They gave them to us. I drank 2 of them. I met another thru hiker named I Need A Hug. I saw Jack and Jawie again. Later in the near dark, another thru hiker came in, named Ranger Jim. We chatted for a while. There were a nearly full moon shining toward us with no clouds. I hit the sack. It was a good sleep because I sleep on the second floor in the shelter, knowing that bears wouldnt reach me! haha
Date: 2004-04-04
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter.
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

When I woke up, I asked One Leg to see if he slept good. He said he fairly well. It was because of some hikers in the shelter produced some noises during the night. I guessed correctly but amused that they might felt that I am lucky enough to sleep good. So, One Leg and I started to hike and we hike for around 4 miles before we saw NC/GA state line sign. Then for about 0.1 mile, we arrived at Bly Gap, where the famous Gnarled Oak is sitting. It is known to hikers that if you see Gnarled Oak in clearing, you are officially in North Carolina. So, we then took several pictures of Gnarled Oak before going up for a big climb up on Sassafras Gap. It was a tough climb. So, we arrived at Muskrat Creek Shelter. I saw Jack and Jawie, If I can make it, Sidney and other hikers there. So, I also saw a rope with old food cans attached to the middle of the rope, attached to the ceiling of the shelter. It is designed to hang your food, and prevent mouses from reaching it. I didn't really care about hanging my food because it was so cold that day, and I quickly went to sleep after ate a Ramon's chicken noodle. One Leg refused to sleep in shelter because of bad experience at Plumorchard Shelter and also because of mice problem at Muskrat Creek Shelter, so he set up his new teepee outside. So that leave only two thru hikers in that shelter, If I can make it and me.
Date: 2004-04-05
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter.

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

So, when I woke up, I started to check my pack to make sure that mice didn't visit my pack. Indeed, it was a naughty mice that visited my pack, chewed on my cracker and brownie. That mice just chewed a piece of each but didn't attempt to eat others. I showed it to other thru hikers and If I can make it told me that he did hear mouse in the shelters during dark. It scared another thru hiker to come and check to make sure his pack wasnt visited by mice. So, hes safe! So, we went on a hike. A few miles up, we stopped hiking, and One Leg told me that he saw one BIG tree comes down just next to him but not hitting him or the trail. He was scared then he had me paranoid too. It wasn't really a windy day. The tree fell during calm weather.   So, I hiked ahead of One Leg. I won't know if he fell or not because I am deaf. So, in few occurences, he did fell. He was frustrated with his attempt to avoid fall. He said he had to get off the trail to see his doctor to have his C-Leg readjusted. So, when we arrived at Mooney Gap, and One Leg asked me to go hike on my own so that he can get hitched to the town, to have his C-leg checked by doctor. I borrowed his water purficiation system and small stove. Then I hiked up, stopped at Standing Indian Shelter to register my name and message on notebook, then gave wave bye bye to Jack and Jawie, and If I can make it. They told me that they are staying there. So, I hiked all the way up to Standing Indian Mountain (5,498ft). It wasn't a hard climb. It is easy and nice climb. There were 5 miles downhill with some small up hills to Carter Gap Shelter. When I arrived at the shelter. I become very concerned and worried that this shelter was very old. It was built in approximately 1959. There were no other hikers staying. I hate to stay alone because of support in case the bears come. I saw a piece of rolled up paper stick in the ceiling. I checked it out and it said that this shelter is old and a better new shelter is only a little further ahead of me. I pulled my Thru-hikers' companion book and learned that there were two shelters in the same area. One old and another one is new. So, I decided to go and look for the new and better shelter, I found it with only a few steps ahead. I was so relieved! Even, in the register book, I saw some hikers who arrived here before us, were relieved too! So, this shelter is already full, so I decided to set up tent. I looked around for the food hoist cable as the book noted, but find nothing. I have problem trying to throw ropes over few trees because all branches are way up too high. So, I gave up and decided to take food with me in the tent. I assumed that bears won't come because other hikers put foodbag on the string under shelter's ceiling, but it will only prevent mice but not bears. Josh, a section hiker, said bears won't come.SO, I went back to sleep, praying that bears won't come.
Date: 2004-04-06
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

So, I woke up, relieved that bears hadn't visited my tent! So, I went ahead and take tent down. I huff and up the Albert Mountain. It had no switchbacks but very tough climb. I almost fell backward. If I did, I would end up going to hospital. I keep forgetting that the pack on my back weight more that can knock me off the trail backward if hiking up. I made it to the Albert Mountain, (5,220 feet), with a reward of great view!! There is a tower on the summit. It was so beautiful view with a beautiful day! It was warm weather. The hike is perfect. So, I met Doc Chris again on the summit, and we took pictures. Then Doc Chris and I had a same plan in sight, to stay in Rock Gap Shelter. Doc Chris left first, and then I left and hike all the easy way to Rock Gap Shelter. I celebrated my 100 miles mark by smiled at the Glassmine Gap Sign. Glassmine Gap is 100.5 miles north of Springer Mountain. I found a rain pack hanging on the sign, as I assumed that another hiker lost it. So, I took it with me. In case if I heard another hikers ahead of me, lost it so I can give it to them or in case if rain comes, I can use it to keep my pack dry. So, I arrived Rock Gap Shelter and met Royal Ranger, and his boy scouts and Doc Chris. Royal Ranger asked me to come with them to the Fried Chicken dinner at campsite not far from shelter. I felt so tired and my feet got sore. So, I decided not to go. So, a few hours later, after reading the register book and companion book, Josh, a section hiker I met at Muskrat Shelter, came with a bag of friend chickens and bread. I took just one because I didn't eat really much while on trail. Its strange that when I was at home, I eat a lot. So, the chicken taste great! Also, thanks to Wolfsong, who left a choclate candy bar. I ate it with pleasure! I never met Wolfsong but always see her pink ink written on register book. She is probably one day ahead of me for a few days. Anyway, I had a few chat with Doc Chris and Josh. I told Doc Chris that One Leg saw a big fallen tree. Doc Chris told me that Royal Ranger and his boy scouts saw a tree that came down too. I asked him how big the tree was. He said he didn't know but he said he don't want to hear such stories like that. I laughed but I started to panic. I went to sleep right before it get dark. It wasn't really a good sleep to start because I start to ponder and wonder if trees around the shelters won't fall. I peeked outside the shelter to see how many trees up there, and oh boy, it is countless like a stars in the sky. I pray that not one of them fell. I sleep fairly well during the night.
Date: 2004-04-07
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up, relieved that one of tree didnt fall and crushed the shelter! Everytime I got up, I see good news. I start to wonder if that is how thruhikers feels every morning?So, I had a few chat with Doc Chris. I learned that he is Doctor, who gave up his practice to go to Africa to participated in public health over there. He got back and then attempt a thruhike the Appalachian Trail this year. I told him that I got laid off, and want to thruhike the Appalachian Trail and travel before going back to school again and get a decent job. We had some good purpose to do right now. To thruhike the Appalachian Trail will enrich so much experience and memories. So, I told Doc Chris that I will have two nights stay at Franklin, NC to do some overhaul of my bacpack and to enjoy my rest.   He said he will have two nights at Nantahala Outdoor Center at Wesser, NC. So, I might meet him up again later. I hiked for only 4 easy miles to Winding Stairs Gap. When I arrived at the parking lot, I saw Josh again, and met his family. He finished his section hike and now left for home. As I was taking off my pack, I was about to check Data book to see which direction to get to the Franklin, NC so that I can start hitchhiking. A man with cellphone, quickly came to me and asked if I need a ride, to his Haven Motel, which I had planned to stay. So, I said to myself, Great! I don't have to hitchhike and took his shuttle to Haven Motel. He was extreme nice, and I had so much comfortable staying at Haven Motel! A satellite TV, kingsized bed. I saw other thruhikers there too. Sidney, I need a hug and Ranger Jim stayed there too. It make me happy to know that other thruhikers are around for a break.So, I went out to look around to get know this town. It was pretty a long walk around. I stopped at a restaurant to eat my philadelphia steak sandwich and onion ring, and came to the surprise that I got full easily. I guess my stomach shrinked while hiked the 114 miles, (including the Appalachian Approach Trail). I purchased a pack of bud light, and went to Haven Motel again. Sidney, another thru hiker came, and we had a chat. He is extreme nice guy!Tomorrow is a big day. Need to go to Library, Eagle outfitter, UPS store, walmart, etc! I need to buy some Easter and Birthday Cards. Need to mail back some unwanted stuff to get my pack lighter. Went back to sleep in King Bed at around 10pm.