morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-03-03
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Like two strugglers following Moses across the Sinai Desert, Robert and I followed the hiker caravan north to Hawk Mountain Shelter. We wobbled down the hill to Davis Creek. Once we crossed the River Jordan, well, Davis Creek, there is no way to return to the desert. We have now entered the promised journey to Katahdin.In order to prepare for our thru-hike, Robert and I drove to North Georgia on Tuesday, February 27 to complete two sections of the "AT". We carried our full packs and walked from Horse Gap to Cooper Gap and from Testnatee Gap to Hogpen Gap. These are two difficult sections and we wanted to complete them in advance of our start date. We also thought that it would be a way to do a non-medical cardiac stress test. We lived, so here we are walking north on a windy cool March 3. The advance hiking of the two sections may not suite the purist, but it does allow us to do all the white blazes. I intend to complete all the "AT" this year. It may include: 1)slackpacking; 2)partial packing; and 3) full packing. It will involve some days south to north on a few days around Erwin and some north to south state parks.Robert and I stopped for a break at Stover Creek Shelter, Three Forks, Long Creek Falls, and Hickory Flats' church pavilion. We arrived at the Hawk Mountain Shelter, where I was promptly attacked by a dog. Anyone for a dog and hiking discussion? I'm glad I left my wonderful dog, Bentley, at home because he would have died defending me. P.S. I'm O.K.
Date: 2007-03-04
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

The air is spitting snow! What in the "heck" am I doing out here? I slept warm in my zero degree sleeping bag. The problem began when I exited the tent and stepped into the freezer. My eyes were so watery, I had trouble focusing towards the tent with the dog. everything was frozen-the water bag, the water filter and my complete body. Oh, well, attitude check! It tood forever to boil water for my coffee. Now, i have a cooking pot that will not work in a deep freeze. I should have carried my JetBoil. The good news is that the beautiful new latrine-molding privy was not frozen. Since my behind did not freeze to the seat, some good news on this beautiful morning.We packed up and to the crunching sound of frozen earth, we moved towards Katahdin.When we reached Horse Gap, we walked USFS Rd. 42 to Cooper Gap. (Refer to previous hike on Feb. 27,) the technical starting date for our hike. Walk-Walk-Walk-Up-Down-Up-Down. Get the idea! We arrived at Gooch Mountain Shelter and set up the tents, cooked at the shelter and visited with a group of male hikers, who are in their early 20's from the Rochester, NY area. They were very respectful and friendly. On a sour note, the Titanium cook pot was a big flop for me in cold weather. On a positive note, we are having fun!
Date: 2007-03-05
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

March weather in the Georgia mountains is a quick change artist and today she changed to perfection.We took a long lunch break on Ramrock Mountain. It was so clear. We were able to see the skyscrapers of Atlanta. Because of air quality this may have been a rare treat. A group of day hikers also joined us at Ramrock. The hike into Woody Gap was non-eventful and easy. Robert and I were able to get a ride with a young youth minister form Gainesville, Georgia. He became our first "Trail Angel". The Hiker Hostel owned and operated by Josh and Leigh Saint is a must for all hikers. They have a very warm and inviting home which functions as a state of the art hiker hostel. Paul and Jamie Renaud live in the hostel and assist John and Leigh. The Hiker Hostel has my 5 star rating. Each morning the hikers eat a family style breakfast. Thanks to Josh, Leigh, Paul and Jamie for your hospitality. It was good to get a shower and a bed with clean sheets. We shared the bunkroom with a father and daughter from Iowa. They know about Wapello, Iowa, where my great grandparents (Grindstaff) were born.
Date: 2007-03-06
From: Woody Gap

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: broken clouds

Perfect Day-Warm Mid 60'sAs we reached "Preacher Rocks" on top of Big Cedar Mountain, we met a hiker with a pulled groin. I assisted his partner in hiking his backpack in the woods. This allowed him to carry his partner's pack down to Woody Gap to await a ride to a doctor.The stream about 3/4 mile north of Dockery Lake Trail is one of my favorite camping sites. Edward, my close friend, and I camped at the steam recently. Once we left Jarrard Gap, we began our long climb to Woods Hole Shelter. We arrived at the shelter around 5:00. We enjoy our tent camping. Set up near the beautiful shelter was a group of teachers from a private school in Atlanta. Each of the teachers were on "Spring Break" hiking with a dog. A group of hikers built a fire in the rock fire ring in front of the shelter. It was bed at dark to conclude another great day on the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2007-03-07
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: broken clouds

Beautiful Day-Partly CloudyThe climb up the "South to North" side of Blood Mountain is an easy hike. the views from the top were clear and rewarding. Robert and I prefer the ups to the downs. We arrived at Neels Gap at 1:00. We retrieved our supply boxes, purchased some items and waited for Josh to pick us up to return to the Hiker Hostel. Once we arrived at the Hiker Hostel we shared our bunk room with "Dr.B", a medical doctor from Atlanta. We ordered food from Dahlonega, GA, and settled back to wath the girls sing on American Idol.Paul and Jamie renaud recently purchased the Appalachian Trail Lodge in Millinocket, ME. They will be successful and I am looking forward to staying at this Lodge in late September. They have a website at:www.appalachiantraillodge.com Robert gave a yound hiker a new packet of Body Glide to help him recover from rash. Now, Robert is both a hiker and a trail angel.
Date: 2007-03-08
From: Neels Gap

To: White Oak Stamp
Miles today: 7.3

Clear-Perfect Weather 70 degreesJosh returned Robert and me to the trail in Neels Gap at 8:30. I love the hike from Neels Gap to Testnatee Gap. This section provides a ridge walk of endless views of the mountains of North Georgia. The view from the cliff of Cowrock Mountain are worth the hike up from Testnatee Gap for any day hiker. It is a beautiful location for a picnic.We walked from Testnatee Gap to Hogpen Gap on Tuesday, February 27. Thus, we did not walk over the very difficult Wildcat Mountain. This the last of our pre-hike sections that we completed on February 27.Robert watched our packs at Hogpen Gap while I walked down the trail to pump 3 liters of water for each MRS Dromadary. There is no water from Hogpen Gap to Low Gap shelter so we needed to pack in our water for camping. We walked about a mile to White Oak Stamp where we camped with a couple from Montana. Each work each year in the Antarctica for a few weeks. The young woman is a former thru-hiker. They plan to hike for a month before returning to work. We also met a young man, who works three months and is off nine months. He is a professional fisherman from Alaska. It is the people that make hiking the Appalachian Trail so interesting.In the tents at 7:00 for another 12 hours of rest.
Date: 2007-03-09
From: White Oak Stamp

To: Campsite near Red Clay Gap
Miles today: 8.7

Windy, Cold DayOn a very windy and cold morning we moved north to Low Gap Shelter. Hallelujah! The new privy has finally been constructed on the hill behind the shelter thanks to the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club. The new privies have an electronic weight calculator mat in front of the privy seat. This allows the calculator to measure body weight before and after. If you place two large rocks in your pocket, step on the mat, remove the rocks to the plywood platform and then step off the mat you have qualified for a world record "BM" award.We ate our tuna fish lunch at the picnic table in front of the dark and dirty shelter. The trail moves north on an old farm road used to take things to market. We stopped to pump enough water for our evening camping. It was difficult to get enough water. As we walked around the next bend, there was a water source large enough to bathe a goat. We laughed and noted that would not be the last time a few more yards would make a big difference.We arrived at Chattahoochee Gap at 5:00 and saw a MSR tent set up in the camping area, but we decided to move on to Red Clay Gap. We made camp and entered the tents at 7:00. It was a calm and quiet night. The only sound I heard was one owl calling the mice out for the age old game of predator and prey.
Date: 2007-03-10
From: Campsite near Red Clay Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: broken clouds

Can you say rock slide ten times? We moved towards Blue Mountain Shelter over the ten rock fields created over 200,000 years ago. The rocks are beautiful in color and shape. It is a matter of beauty over function. Also, the green moss that grows on the dead logs in this area provides an emerald garden of colors. I love this section of our Georgia Trail. Since this was Saturday, there were several day hikers moving south. We also met Gayle, a 65-year old female hiker, from Greenville, SC who was hiking with her deaf dog, Sam.Robert and I stopped at 11:30 at the Blue Mountain Shelter for water, privy, and a snack. No, I did not carry two rocks in my pocket into the privy.We arrived at Unicoi Gap at 1:00 and our shuttle from the Hiawassee Inn was waiting for us. Ron and Sam are excellent hosts for hikers. The Hiawassee Inn is an excellent choice for all thru-hikers. Carol, my wife of 40 years, and Margaret, Robert's wife arrived at 3:00. What a nice surprise! Robert and I had cleaned up. The Hiawassee Inn provides a clean sweat suit for all hikers when they arrive to change into while their clothes are being washed and dried. Carol drove us to a wonderful restaurant that Margaret recommended in Haysville, NC called "The Country Cottage". The food was excellent and all the pies are homemade. We had a wonder visit with our wives. They left for Atlanta at 6:00. Well, actually 5:00 since we moved the clocks up one hour on our way to the restaurant. My right heel is hurting so a day off tomorrow will be used for rest and healing. No pun intended!
Date: 2007-03-11
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Hiawassee, Georgia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Ron Hulbert and Sam Duke provide coffee and a contential breakfast for the hikers. I went over and had coffee in the breakfast area. I need to mention that dog "Wolfie" lives at the Inn. He has been Ron's loving anf faithful dog for 9 years. Wolfie is a "Van Rider" by breed. You open a van door and Wolfie jumps in for a road trip. It isn't a matter of not wanting to enjoy his home, but the fact that Wolfie is a "Van Passenger Aficionado!"Robert and I joined the local church crowd at the buffet line at Daniel's Steak House. Salad, chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, okra, chicken, roast beef, chicken and strawberry short cake are a few of the items.The right heel is feeling much better and I'm looking forward to being on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2007-03-12
From: Hiawassee, Georgia

To: Young Lick Knob
Miles today: 7.7

Wolfie was in the van ready to ride to Unicoi Gap. We began hiking at 8:30. It was an easy climb up Rocky Mountain with Robert setting a good pace all the way to the top. At the top we met six young men from the University of Florida on Spring Break. They were enjoying it. Most important, they wanted to know how UF did in the SEC basketball tournament.We continued our walk to the Cheese Factory site as the day began to warm into the 70's. We stopped at the Cheese Factory site for lunch. The climb up Tray Mountain was uneventful. At the summit, I enjoyed the views of North Georgia. Having hiked the "AT" in Georgia many times, this overlook is one of my favorites. Because of the dry weather we were concerned about the water source behind Tray Mountain Shelter. To our pleasant surprise, the water source was plentiful. Robert and I decided to cook an early supper, walk until dark and camp in the woods. As we were eating Warren Doyle and his wife, Terry, entered the Tray Mountain Shelter area. This was the second time that I had met Warren Doyle on this hike. He joined us as we were eating lunch at the picnic table in front of Low Gap Shelter. It was especially nice to see Warren today since it was his birthday. He is such a legend on the trail and it was wonderful to visit with him and his wife. "Baby Blue" was doing trail angel magic at the shelter providing drinks for the hikers. "Baby Blue" is friends with a wonderfu thru-hiker, Linus, who lives in my town. They had hiked together in 2004. I had met both of them at Plum Orchard Shelter in 2004. After photos with all, Robert and I continued north to our campsite. So far, we have camped each night. It will be interesting to see how long before we stay in a shelter. A note of thanks to all who painted Tray Mountain Shelter and the privy the beautiful blue color. The shelter looks great with the paint, new cooking benches and pack hangers in the back. Now, it's lights out after a clear, warm beautiful day.
Date: 2007-03-13
From: Young Lick Knob

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: broken clouds

Robert and I set our tents up in the woods with the approaching darkness. The night passed without any incidents so we began our walk at 9:00. One word describes the hike today, hot! We mixed electrolite replacement with our water and continued our walk towards Dick Creek Gap. I walked to John's Creek at Sassfras Gap and returned with 3 liters of water for each of us. Robert pumped the water filter for us while I recovered from the steep climb back to the trail from John's Creek. Shortly, we began our climb up Kelly Knob from Addis Gap. Robert is a strong up-hill climber. At the crest of Kelly Knob, we took a long break with a young hiker from Athens, GA with a hurt knee. We continued down to Deep Gap and up Powell Mountain. We stopped and mixed a new liter of electrolite replacement. We arrived at Dicks Creek at 5:15. Ken, who works at the Hiawassee Inn, arrived at the parking lot as we were crossing the highway. Ken is the master of customer service. The Hiawassee Inn provides excellent service at an affordable price.We concluded our evening with a steak at Daniel's Steak House. Robert and I were joined for dinner by a gentleman from Hilton Head. Ken picked us up at Daniel's Steak House and we returned to the motel. We have great weather so we will be moving toward Franklin, NC tomorrow.
Date: 2007-03-14
From: Hiawassee, Georgia

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today is a typical town day which included laundry, food supply and post office. The owner of the Hiawassee Inn loaned us a vehicle. We were able to drive to the post office and to eat a great Chinese lunch. The Hiawassee Inn is a great stop for hikers! The post office in Hiawassee is very hiker friendly. Great People! In the afternoon, Robert and I went to the library. I was able to send a few e-mails and read some trail journals of fellow hikers.Our next hiking section is 40 miles and we are looking forward to a safe and enjoyable walk. We have rain moving in on Friday. rain as well as sunshine is part of the trail.We ate dinner at Daniel's Steak House. We returned to a little T.V. and a night's rest.In summary, Hiawassee, Georgia is a great trail town.
Date: 2007-03-15
From: Hiawassee, Georgia

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The rain moved in late and continued its cold drizzle all night. I drove the shuttle van for the hikers for supper. I am becoming a regular at Daniel's Steak House.It was a restful day visiting with hikers and helping Ron and Sam with motel duties. Robert vacuumed serveral rooms and I cleaned the walkways. I also volunteered to assist with phone duty at the office.I did a pick-up at a Unicoi Gap and was able to take "Wolfie" along for the ride. Wolfie, Ron's dog, knows all the roads leading to the Appalachian Trail. There are two major concerns that Wolfie has: 1) any cat who visits Hiawassee Inn property and 2) any dog in his territory. Wolfie is a very loving dog, but he has a different standard for cats! I will always remember the smile on Wolfie's face as we drove to the gap. It was as if he was saying, "Your a silly driver, but thanks for letting me ride. My dog, Bentley, loves to ride in my Dodge truck. It is too hard on Bentley to hike day after day. He needs to stay in his yard during the day and chasing the squirrels.
Date: 2007-03-16
From: Hiawassee, Georgia

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It rained all night and into the morning in Hiawassee, Georgia. After the rain, the wind brought in the cold that we had been expecting. It's March and I plan to dodge the bad weather.After breakfast, I drove Robert to Franklin, NC to The Budget Inn. He needed to pick up a packet of prescription medicine as he was running low. We stopped the van at Dick's Creek on the way back to the motel to check if any hikers needed a ride. We met "Rattler" from Nova Scotia and "Mississippi Mule" and gave them a ride to the Hiawassee Inn.After lunch at Subway, I visited the wonderful library in town located next to the County Court House. A big thanks to the library staff for the hospitality.None of the hike would be enjoyable without the support of Carol. The same is true for Margaret, Robert's wife. The both give us the material, spiritual and emotional support needed for a great hike. Thank you!
Date: 2007-03-17
From: Hiawassee, Georgia

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We don't need to go into detail here, but, Robert is recovering from a stomach problem. Carol and Margaret came to visit. His two daughters and three granddaughters also accompanied Carol and Margaret. We are both blessed with great families. Robert's three-year old granddaughter said that her grandfather was on a lion hunt. She said a "little lion". So, I now call Robert, the Lion Hunter.Ron, owner of the Inn, Carol and I a van so we could go out and eat the evening meal. I felt bad for Robert because all he could have was mashed potatoes.We are packed and ready to return to the trail. Robert is not recovered to the point that he can return to hiking and I will not leave him while he is sick.One of the good reasons for leaving in March is to have time to deal with weather and health delays.
Date: 2007-03-18
From: Hiawassee, Georgia

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My hiking partner is much better today. We agreed to start back on the trail Monday morning. We will miss Daniel's Steak House and the Dairy Queen for our evening ice cream. A very resful day with a little basketball were enjoyed by both of us. Robert is an engineering graduate from the University of Tennessee. He is very excited about his "Volunteers" making the Sweet Sixteen in basketball.If only we could have our friends Edward, Fred and Larry hiking with us. Larry and Fred both live in Idaho and are the greatest of guys. Edward lives near me in Georgia and is guarding the homefront for us.Ron, owner of Hiawassee Inn, made a hot bowl of homemade chicken and rice soup for Robert. I could rename the motel, The Trail Angel Inn due to all the kindness.Tomorrow-The Trail!
Date: 2007-03-19
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: broken clouds

Finally, we are back on the trail. This is a new and exciting section for Robert. We stopped for lunch at Plumorchard Gap Shelter. A young couple from Nashville joined us for lunch. Boo Boo and Bag Lady ate their luch at the intersection of the "AT" and the "Blue Blaze" for the shelter. Also, today we saw "Stubble" and "Blaine" for the first time. I know for a fact that I am addicted to tuna fish.We reached the Georgia and North Carolina border at dusk. A trail maintainer from North Carolina was leaving south into Georgia with his sling blade. He told us that he had been a train maintainer for 12 years. We made camp in the gap. Joining us for the camping were four young men. As the wind moved the beautiful trees slowly over our campsite, we could see the farm house lights below. This is a sharp contrast between the night sounds of the trail camp and the sounds in a home. Over us owls hunting versus the ticking of clocks. The sounds of winds playing their songs in the branches compared to the sound of Wheel of Fortune. So much for romantic nostalgia of the outdoors, each house at least a shower!
Date: 2007-03-20
From: Bly Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: broken clouds

O.K., here we go after a good night's rest in our tents. Walk-Take a Breath- Walk-Up-Up-Up-Breathe Deeply-Up-Hello, North Carolina-Up-Up-Windy-Cloudy-Hazy-Up-Up-Up!Finally, we arrived at Muskrat Creek Shelter. Tuna fish again! (Addiction) I'm trying to build up my mercury levels. After a long lunch break, we began the easy hike to Standing Indian Shelter. Robert and I erected the tents and cooked our standard evening meal! Mountain House dehydrated. My favorite Mountain House meals are the Beef Stew and the Chili Mac with Noodles. So far, all the Mountain House meals have been very good. Of course, after you have hiked for eleven hours, cardboard might even taste good, but would not be as healthy. Just add 16 oz. of boiling water, wait 10-11 minutes and eat. My spoon is too short to reach down into the pouch, but I refuse to buy one of the long handled spoons. I don't have a good reason. Solution: I take my trusty 2" knife hanging on my lanyard and cut one side down and pronto, I have the proper spoon size.On the dehydrated Mountain House meals, after I pour the 16 oz. of boiling water into the pouch, you are suppose to pinch the seal seam to hold in the heat. What I carry is two small black metal paper clips to pinch the top closed. With so many people at the table at the shelters or just a plain accident, well, the clips give me a little hot food insurance.Yes, I am losing pounds and inches. Hiking the "AT" is a very tough weight loss program.