morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-03
From: Williamsburg, VA

To: Dahlonega, GA
Miles today: 0.0

We arrived safely in Dahlonega Georgia around 2 PM.   We checked into the hotel and then headed directly for the state park.   I walked in and asked how to register as an AT thru-hiker.   The woman behind the counter gave my gut a discreet once over, made a mocking sound and handed me the notebook.   Don¢t Mind and I are now registered and our hike begins in the morning.   I can¢t wait.   ¢ Don¢t Matter
Date: 2004-04-04
From: Springer Mtn

To: Campsite about 1.3 Miles past Hawk Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 8.3

I awake this morning to the words ¢what were we thinking?¢ inside my head.   Did I really think that Don't Mind/Don't Matter could walk all the way to Maine?   Let¢s be serious, I didn¢t even know if we could walk to Hawk Mountain shelter which was today¢s goal.   The day began beautiful but windy and cold.   We went to breakfast with Howie and Virginia and I ate like I had been hiking for weeks.   With a full stomach and a willing spirit we were driven to forest road 42 and 0.9 miles north of the summit.   We hiked to the top and then back to the car where we gave our friends hugs and handshakes and waved goodbye.   We walked for a couple hundred yards until we were well out of sight.   I yelled ¢Bye¢ and Virginia yelled back.   They were still there looking into the empty woods.           If every day on the trail was like today, we would dance to Maine.   It was very windy (50 mph gusts) and chilly, but the sun shined all day.   We made no major mistakes and good time.   We arrived at our planned stopping point by 3:30 and decided to press on. We made camp at a site out of the wind that overlooks a beautiful valley.   Today has been everything I wanted!   Only 174 more days to Maine!!   -- Don¢t Matter
Date: 2004-04-05
From: Campsite past Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Old Gooch Gap
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

Another wonderful day of walking through the woods under perfect skies.   Today was a much more difficult hike over three steep climbs and descents.   This included Sassafras Mountain.   There were stories of people crying on the way up, but we just took our time and climbed it at a steady pace.   The downhills are proving to be as tough as climbing up.   However, we love them all.   Everywhere you look is another beautiful view.   God knew what he was doing!         Sleeping in the tent last night went well.   At home, Don¢t Mind had struggled with the cold and she was chilly a few times last night, but she made it just fine.   It was very windy and below freezing, but we were snug under our quilt.   We slept from 7 PM to 7 AM!! The fresh air out here is really sleep inducing.         By the way, I forgot to thank Howie and Virginia for taxiing us down here. Thanks guys.   And a special thank you goes out to Tom Gregg and his lovely bride, Elisha, for making this all possible.   3GI forever!! I hope all our friends back home are enjoying themselves half as much as we are.   ¢ Don¢t MatterP.S. Thanks Roger!!!
Date: 2004-04-06
From: Old Gooch Gap

To: Jarrard Gap
Miles today: 9.3

Although today¢s planned hike looked tame on the maps, it was a killer nine miles. Tomorrow is Blood Mountain and we are shot.   We will take a little extra vitamin I (Advil) and go to bed early (8 PM).   The view from Prayer Rock was worth all the work. There were bears at tonight¢s campsite last night and I still haven¢t hung the food bags, so I am going to sign off.   I am sure Roger is tired of typing anyway.   We are sore, but still loving every minute of it.   ¢ Don¢t Matter
Date: 2004-04-07
From: Jarrard Gap

To: Rock Spring Top
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: broken clouds

As hard as yesterday was, today was easy.   We flew up Blood Mountain and thought we had it made.   Nobody told us how difficult the down would be.   It was two miles of straight down rock infested torture.   It is a remarkable mountain.   As our reward, we found the store at Neels Gap at the bottom. We were able to eat all the junk food we could handle and take hot showers!   They even had toilets!   I know this is taken for granted in Williamsburg, but out here it is the makings of paradise.         We were feeling so strong after our meal and shower that we left after calling home at 3 PM and climbed two more mountains, covering another three miles before making camp at a beautiful site that has views of mountains in each direction. Heaven on earth.The weather today was a little hot, but sunny and clear.   Tonight and tomorrow rain is supposed to arrive.   I am scared!   -- Don¢t MatterP.S.   Weighed our packs today.   25 pounds for mine and 20 for Don¢t Mind! The heaviest pack today was 69 pounds!!
Date: 2004-04-08
From: Rock Spring Top

To: Chatahoochee Gap
Miles today: 12.8

We died today.   Let me start at the beginning: Yesterday we decided that we were not ready for a twelve mile day so we walked an extra three miles to cut today¢s total to nine. Our plan was to leave Rock Spring Top and walk to Poplar Spring Gap.   The problem is we never found the Poplar Spring Gap. We kept walking and walking until we knew we were doomed.   We ended up walking 13 miles and camping at Chatahoochee Gap.        Most of today¢s walk was relatively easy.   There was one difficult climb and descent leaving Tenasstee Gap, but otherwise it was gentle grades of flats.   The problem was the distance.   Our feet felt like they were going to explode.   When you are wearing a pack, the additional pressure on your feet is extraordinary. By the way Roger, you will be happy to hear that neither one of us has any blisters. Oh well, time for bed (7 PM)!   What a great life.   ¢ Don¢t Matter.
Date: 2004-04-08
To: Roger
Miles today: 0.0

I'll keep this guest entry short. Kit and Lisa - I mean Don't Mind/Don't Matter - are on their way.   They called the office about a week ago and from what I was told, are having a blast.I will be creating an email distribution list and sending out a notice each time I receive and publish updates to the DM2 (my shorthand for Don't Mind/Don't Matter) journal.   If you wish to be added to the list, please send an email to rmatscott1@cox.net, subject DM2 updates.-- Roger
Date: 2004-04-09
From: Chatahoochee Gap

To: Helen, GA
Miles today: 4.4

Today was basically a town day. Helen, GA is a cute, although somewhat contrived, alpine village. We arrived at Unicoi Gap around 11:45 this morning and immediately got a ride into Helen from a section hiker. We spent the rest of the day finding out how difficult it can be in a car world if you don¢t have one. It is kind of funny, but I am more tired after a hectic day in town than I am after climbing mountains all day. The big hiking related news of the day is that I got my first blister. After bragging in last nights journal, I took ten steps today and felt a blister pop up on the left side of my left heel. Probably the result of our unintentional long miles yesterday. Oh well, no more bragging from me. Off to bed, and I do mean BED!! --Don¢t Matter
Date: 2004-04-10
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Addis Gap
Miles today: 10.8

Another great day of walking the AT.   However, today I want to say a few words about my fellow hikers. Everyone out here is so nice and unassuming.   Tonight we are camping with a recently retired police captain named ¢BoneSpur.¢   He is in much better shape than either of us, but he is just living a dream the same as we are.   We have met so many great folks including but not limited to ¢Gabby¢, ¢Nana K¢, ¢Little Fish¢, ¢Budrow¢, ¢Pittsburgh¢ and ¢Dutch Treat.¢   Everyone is caring and giving and really into making this hike great for each other.   It is too bad everyone can¢t act more like this in the ¢real¢ world.   At lunch time today, as we reached the top of Tray Mountain, Pittsburgh and Dutch Treat surprised us and everyone else with a cook out and pot luck lunch.   About 25 hikers sat around talking and listening to Dutch Treat play a mean guitar and sing original songs.   Like I said, another great day on the trail. ¢Don¢t MatterP.S. A big thank you goes out to Nathan at Wildwood Outfitters.
Date: 2004-04-11
From: Addis Gap

To: Plumorchard Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: light rain

Today was an uncertain weather day. My mom told us that they were calling from rain, but it might go north of us.   We decided to get up early (6 am) and pack up the tent and start walking. We had only finished packing up when the rain started. It had been our plan to go up and down the first mountain and stop at the Deep Gap Shelter to cook breakfast.   This worked out perfectly because it rained for two hours and stopped right as we began to cook at the shelter.   It continued to sprinkle on and off all day, but never rained hard until we had arrived at Plumorchard Shelter for the night.   It was a very difficult and long day for me. My legs are tired and sore and not recovered fully each morning as we start out.   By the end of the day my feet are ringing we pain and my calf muscles are about to lock up.   It doesn¢t sound like fun does it?   We, it is and we are having a blast!   Our legs will get stronger, but our spirits couldn¢t get any higher.   Happy Easter!   -- Don¢t Matter
Date: 2004-04-12
From: Plumorchard Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

We are going to sleep in North Carolina Tonight!! We have completed the miles in GA and have completed our first state.   If yesterday¢s weather was uncertain, today¢s was completely defined.   It was awful.   Rain, wind and fog accompanied by falling temperatures were the order of the day.   I was so cold that I actually wore my rain suit while I hiked. The first hill in NC was the steepest we have to climb. It was the first time that I have had to stop and rest on an uphill and we stopped 3 times. Half way up the mountain, I thought we would stop at the Muskrat Shelter for the night after only seven miles.   However, after reaching the shelter and having a bagel with Don¢t Mind, we decided to push on five more miles to here. By the way, we were the only ones to brave today¢s weather from last night¢s shelter. We are cold, tired and sore and so very happy. ¢Don¢t Matter
Date: 2004-04-13
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

North Carolina¢s first hill was extremely steep and tomorrow we have to rock climb up Albert Mountain, but in between we have hiked an incredibly gentle trail. Unfortunately, the best view I had all day was my wife¢s butt ten feet in front of me because the fog eliminated anything further from my view. It was a case of an excellent hike without a view. It could have been much worse. Last night we arrived at a crowded shelter and pumped our water just before the hardest rain arrived. We all thought that we had beaten Mother Nature but a huge thunderstorm came up and blew rain all over everyone and everything. What a light and sound show.   It poured all night, but quit just in time for us to hit the trail. Don¢t Mind called it perfectly when she recommended that we sleep in until nine. We walked eleven miles in six hours, set up our tent and the rain started again. You¢ve got to love it when a plan comes together!   --Don¢t Matter
Date: 2004-04-14
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Rainbow Springs Campground
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

SNOW!! We awoke to a winter wonderland this morning at our camp at the base of Albert Mountain. Everyone was concerned about the dangerous rock portion of the climb and several of the hikers decided they were too cold and had to bail out down a forest road. Our new friends from Canada, Spirit Al and his wife Goose decided to hike the ascent with us since there is safety in numbers. The ascent was difficult but amazingly beautiful. Walking through tunnels of rhododendrons covered in snow.   The skies parted briefly to provide a glimpse of the striking mountains and valleys below us. After reaching the fire tower at the top of Albert, we walked mostly downhill another six miles to Rainbow Springs Campground. Lama asked me to let everyone know that this campground is very dog friendly!   We have a cabin by the river with running water and everything. Life is great. Happy birthday mom!   --Don¢t Matter
Date: 2004-04-15
From: Rainbow Springs Campground

To: Wallace Gap
Miles today: 11.3

Snow yesterday and 70 degrees with sunshine today!   You have got to love the mountains in spring. We spent last night in a wonderful campground with a delightful staff. Rainbow Springs is a place I would recommend to anyone. The camp store was so hiker friendly and the outfitter on premises was another bonus. We took advantage of the evening to dry everything out and to do laundry. I called home to tell my mother ¢Happy Birthday¢ and headed for bed. This morning we awoke to a beautiful brisk day. After doing the usual packing up duties, we pigged out at the camp store and then took a free ride back to the trail. We hiked most of the day with Spirit Al and Goose while leap frogging with several of our hiker friends. When we arrived at Silar Bald we wasted an hour just laying in the sun, laughing, taking pictures and enjoying each other¢s company. I am sitting in front of a camp fire with a full stomach and a happy heart watching the sunset with my wife.   Goodnight. ¢Don¢t Matter.
Date: 2004-04-16
From: Bartrum Trail Junction

To: Campsite
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

What can I say, we are blessed. The sun shined bright in perfect blue skies again today and the mountains were amazing. We stood at the top of the Wayah Bald tower and looked at blue mountains in every direction - stacked four deep. Looking south, we could clearly see the peak of Albert Mountain whose fire tower we had walked past in the snow just two days ago. It looked like it was so far away and the tower looked like only a speck. It is so nice to look at the mountains you have climbed. To the right I could see Silar Bald where we had eaten lunch just yesterday. Now, it looked impossibly far away. On the other side of the tower you could see the massive Clingmans Dome in the Smokies far to the north. We will climb that mountain in the coming weeks. It is hard not to feel spiritual when you see how tremendous our world really is while you walk through it. So I will end today with a simple ¢Thank you God.¢ --Don¢t Matter
Date: 2004-04-17
From: Campsite

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

With one long climb followed by a longer descent, today¢s hike had looked easy sitting on my couch with a cup of coffee and a topo map back in the fall.   Today, however, it turned into a merciless series of severe PUDS (pointless ups and downs) that turned our feet into hamburger by lunch time. It was definitely a difficult nine mile hike into the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Our reward was a huge meal and a chance to soak our feet in the river. Foot pain definitely takes on a new dimension when you are carrying a pack.   Don¢t Mind is still doing great and doesn¢t have any blisters. She has been doctoring my blisters (draining and covering with moleskin) each morning and I am making it just fine. I have one on the outside of each heel, but they bother me very little. I would like to take a second and thank ELF, a past thru-hiker, who provided me with the correct perspective to handle this and other challenges on the trail. Well, another tough climb tomorrow, 4000 ft. in 8 miles, so goodnight!   --Don¢t Matter
Date: 2004-04-18
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

The only problem with going down into a gap to visit a nice place like the Nantahala Outdoor Center is that you have to climb back out again. To add injury to insult, the temperature today was high into the eighties as we climbed 4000 ft and move forward over ten miles. Don¢t Mind loves the ups so she was a happy hiker.   She dragged me along behind her like some reluctant poorly trained dog. I drank 8 liters of water and never needed to find a tree. An experienced thru-hiker said that today¢s climb is the worst until CT. Oh well, as always the view at the top made it all worth while. We are very much looking forward to seeing my folks next week in Gatlinburg, TN. We are almost to the Smokies.   This hike continues to be the hardest and most rewarding thing I have ever done.   I truly hope that I have the stuff required to make it all the way.   I am sure that Don¢t Mind does. It is time to hit the old sleeping mat! Goodnight.   ¢Don¢t Matter
Date: 2004-04-19
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

The wild flowers are on magnificent display as we strolled along today. If it were only up to me, I would never see them.   However, Don¢t Mind will stop on a dime to point out a new variety or a particularly nice specimen. She takes picture after picture of each new type that she finds. This is what makes it so special to be hiking with my wife. She brings a whole different perspective and approach to the hike. Sometimes it is easy to get caught up in ¢just doing the miles¢, but one of us will always point out something spectacular, interesting or just different and the magic returns. Each day one of us says ¢you know what?   This path goes all the way to Maine¢ and the steps we are taking seem more profound somehow. Tonight we are going to sleep on the banks of a small trickling stream. As the water gurgles by we will fall into a slumber only found out here!   --Don¢t Matter
Date: 2004-04-19
To: Roger
Miles today: 0.0

Well, it took me about a week to complete the last ten entries this time. I hope to be more expedient from now on. The email notification list is growing almost daily. Please pass along the information to anyone who might be interested in receiving update notices.   Don't Matter's April 16 narrative reminded me of a section of the AT in the Shenandoah National Park that I backpacked about three years ago. So, I thought I'd share this picture with you. Although they're not the same type of towers that Don't Matter describes, I'm sure that DM2 will continue to find various ones scattered along the trail.   Enjoy!   --Roger
Date: 2004-04-20
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It is so cool to walk from winter to spring and back again several times a day. As you leave the mountain tops you leave behind barren trees and little flora and quickly walk towards spring. By the time you reach the gaps or valleys, everything is green and the wild flowers are everywhere. Today was one of those days. We left Cable Gap Shelter and climbed to the top of the mountain and could see for miles in every direction. We could look down and see Fontana Dam and the lake it is holding back stretching out for miles.By the time we reached the shores of that lake, there were wildflowers blanketing the ground and all the trees held bright green spring leaves.   We talked with Mom and Dad today about meeting us next Friday on Clingman¢s Dome. Dad is considering walking down from the Dome to Newfound Gap with us. Either way, we are slackpacking down the dome!! Hurray!                                                         -- Don¢t Matter
Date: 2004-04-21
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was totally awesome. The hike was the longest planned day yet, but the walk was eventful. We crossed Fontana Dam first thing this morning and headed up into the Smoky Mountains. Fontana Dam is the highest dam in the East. It was quite impressive and I¢m sure Howie would get a kick out of it. The dam, however, was nothing compared to the hike.   The hike out of Fontana climbs several thousand feet in about two miles of switchbacks. It was a long steady grade that was fairly tough in the heat. However, when we reached the top we got a surprise that made the hike more than worth it. The whole ridge was covered with wild flowers.   They were packed so thickly that it looked like snow. This incredible sight went unabated for miles. It was an amazing walk through flowers on a mountain ridge with 360 degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains. I can¢t wait to see what tomorrow brings!                                                             -- Don¢t Matter
Date: 2004-04-22
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

¢Wish that I was on old Rocky Top, down in the Tennessee hills¢   Today I was!! Don¢t Mind and I stood on Rocky Top and took in a marvelous 360 degree view. Unfortunately, the wind was blowing at about 40mph with gusts over 60. It was strong enough to lift you off the ground. It was distracting enough that we didn¢t pause long to enjoy the view.   Today¢s hike was extremely long for us. 14.7 miles is our longest day to this point. My feet are slowly getting stronger, but they are still the weak link in my walking all day. Through indepth discussion and complicated debate, Don¢t Mind and I decided that it is mostly the ups and downs that are bothering our feet. The two level stretches haven¢t hurt at all. Out feet last for about 10 miles before the ringing pain begins. It slowly intensifies until we limp into camp. Still, we are loving our adventure and are happy campers. Mom and Dad are bringing KFC to Clingmans Dome tomorrow so I have to rest up for a feeding frenzy! Can¢t wait to see the folks!                                                            -- Don¢t Matter
Date: 2004-04-23
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

I am laying in a bed in a hotel in Gatlinburg, TN and I am exhausted. We climbed Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the AT this morning and then walked down to the parking lot and met Mom and Dad for lunch. I ate six pieces of chicken, 3 biscuits, green beans, mac and cheese and 4 large glasses of tea! It was great to see my folks, especially because it allowed us to slack pack the afternoon hike to Newfound Gap. We have walked 42 miles in the last 3 days and we are wiped. Tomorrow calls for ten and half more miles over difficult terrain. It will be difficult to say good-bye to my folks, but we are hikers and walk we must. The views today were amazing and who knows what awaits tomorrow.A big hello to all my friends at MAXIMUS, I hope everyone is well and happy! We sure are.-- Don¢t Matter
Date: 2004-04-24
From: Newfound Gap

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

After a wonderful day with my folks yesterday in Gatlinburg, today was a surprise. It was by far my toughest day on the trail. Not physically, but mentally. My parents dropped us off at Newfound Gap after a huge breakfast and a nice morning together. They took pictures as we loaded up our packs and walked towards the trail. We turned one last time and waved goodbye and hiked on. From the moment I shouldered my pack, however, I was in a blah state of mind. Talking to other experienced hikers this evening, I found out that this is a common way to feel after spending time in town or with loved ones. The hike wasn¢t particularly hard and the views were spectacular, but I struggled with motivation all day long. Fortunately, tonight we have met some great new people and are really enjoying ourselves. It is funny, but out here every one has the same mountains to climb and there is no room to compete or put on airs. It makes for a helpful and supportive community. It is great to be a member.                                                      -- Don¢t Matter