morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Mollies Shelter, Derrick KnobDouble Spring Gap

To: Clingman's Dome
Miles today: 3.0

Hello all! Well made the 200 mile mark at Clingman's Dome, N.C. where I have been before with Lin, my dad and my sister Cindy! As you can imagine, due to the weather, not to many folks there on this foggy morning. Started walking down the road and was picked up by a teacher who was camping nearby and drove me to the NOC in Gatlinburg, thank you very much for the ride. Could not find anything at the NOC to repair my pack so I again resorted to MacGyvering my pack with a piece from something in the hiker box, a single hiking pole I took apart and it seems like it may work. I really like my pack and the nearest hardware store was 4.5 miles away, so..... here I go. Spent the night in my own room at the Days Inn here wanted a night without snoring or noise but Knut and Icarus are in town too so we will get an early start tomorrow with a shuttle back to Clingman's Dome, because I am a purest at heart and short-cutting doesn't cut it with my ethic's. I am going to try to make it (I will make it to) Mt LeConte Shelter, about 10 miles, weather is going to deteriorate Friday, storm coming through the Smoky's from the west, hope it doesn't last all day! Don't know when I will be able to update you all but thanks again for the support!
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Clingman's Dome

To: Newfouind Gap
Miles today: 8.3

Bad storm today, had to wait it out in Gatlinburg. After the rain, Knut and I took the shuttle back to Clingmans Dome with light packs, because we knew after the storm the trail would not be at its best and it wasn't. We had foot deep rivers of water the for some of the hike, got soaking wet from head to toe, then the cold front hit. I had on a t-shirt with a wind breaker and by the end of 8.3 miles I was freezing, shivering with cold and hitching back to Gatlinburg Days Inn for the night. It wasn't all bad, got to play in the mud puddles like a little kids, but other than that, man I was cold, wet and hitch hiking! Nice dude from Chicago picked us up and took us back to Gatlinburg. Had a nice shower that actually hurt from being so cold and dinner at Friday's in this strange little tourist trap. Will try for a good night sleep and catch the shuttle tomorrow morning back to Newfouind Gap. Will make a 15 miler tomorrow, help me please, but that is the closest shelter at Tricorner Gap. Wish me luck! Probably will not have cell service up there so will write when I can.
Date: 2013-03-01
To: Crunch Time!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Eighteen days before I board a plane to begin this journey. As with so many others, I've been interested in the Appalachian Trail ever since I was in grade school (a looooooonnnnggg time ago!); and now, I've finally gotten to a point in my life where I am actually able to attempt this. I have no close family or friends who have ever been interested in "roughing" it. I've read journals and books for the last year on hiking the Trail, trying to take notes on the important stuff. (Flame-2011 and Wildflower-2012, THANK YOU!!) I joined the Florida Trail Association last March, in the hopes of gleaning information and gaining some hiking experience. I was able to participate in several day hikes, but only one backpacking trip. Fortunately, I met two members who had completed the Trail, and they were able to give some guidance. Weekly trail maintenance had its own lessons that I'm grateful for. Now, I get to put it all together...
Date: 2013-03-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I guess that I should have really introduced myself first. I am 61 years old with a family who supports me, but can't believe that I am actually going out into NATURE where there are no flushing toilets nor air conditioning. Come to think of it, most of my friends are in that mind set, also! I have no idea how far I will make it. I may last a day, a week or a month. I do know that I will have to get off by June 1st due to prior commitments. I plan on making Benton McKay proud and observe all of the trail around me. One of my favorite sayings is from John Bingham, "The miracle isn't that I finished, but that I had the courage to start."
Date: 2013-03-18
To: Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Arrival - Hiker Hostel I am lying here on the bottom bunk at the Hiker Hotel!! It is so unbelievable that this Appalachian Adventure is really happening. I decided to pack my trekking poles inside my backpack and then put the pack inside a duffle bag to check it through on the flight down. Everything worked out well. It was the first time that I've gone to baggage claim in Atlanta. I usually just change planes. I was surprised to discover that there are only two baggage claims - Domestic and International. After retrieving my backpack, I found the signs for the MARTA without a problem. Once off of the train, there was Willy waiting for me. Another hiker had arrived earlier and once in the van we headed to an outfitter store to pick up fuel for my stove. As well as a hiker, Sparky, who drove a car rental from Arkansas. The next stop was at Walmart to pick up something for lunch and dinner. I split the cost of a pizza with Sparky and got Subway for lunch. Here we also picked up a young couple from Germany. With the truck now full, we made our way to the hostel. What a charming place! There are 3 levels, the basement has a kitchen available for hikers to use, TV's, a computer and WiFi throughout. We all mingled with the guests already here, discussing gear, the trail conditions, prior hiking experience, and strategies for reaching shelters. We took time during the afternoon to repack our backpacks...trying to do more with less. Now we are ready for lights out. The REAL trail walking starts tomorrow.
Date: 2013-03-19
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: few clouds

WOW! What a first day. Leigh, Carolyn and Josh had breakfast for us - French toast, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, orange or apple juice, coffee or tea. Finishing that, we stripped our beds, loaded our backpacks in the van and headed to Springer Mountain. It was a 50 minute drive up a curvy road equal to the drive to Hana in Hawaii! Once at the parking lot, it's a .9 mile hike to the summit - which is the start of the Appalachian Trail. In everything I've read, I don't remember ANYONE saying how rough this .9 mile is!! It took me an hour of carefully picking my way over a very rocky path. And this doesn't count in your mileage! At the top, we signed the register, took pictures and headed back down the same path. This time, though, the mileage counted! Across the parking lot, the path became a very nice path- at least for awhile. There were several creek crossings and some very steep ascents. Sometimes I could just take 3-4 steps and wait a few minutes, take another 3-4 steps and repeat. My quads were screaming! The sign for Hawk Mountain Shelter finally appeared and we were able to get tent space. I cooked dehydrated vegetables mixed with 1/2 a package of Pasta Sides "Pasta Sauce and Broccoli." It was a still little too much for me, but I made myself eat all of it. There are at least 20 tents, as well as two or three hammocks. A former thru hiker showed up around 6 p.m. to provide trail magic in the form of a 12 pack of Yuengling beer and a box of Nutty Bars. He was celebrating the anniversary of the start of his thru hike,and there were many that were glad to talk with him. Now, my food bag is hung with others on the bear cables, and I am in my tent snuggled in my sleeping bag. Temps are in the 20's. Some of those camping here are: a man and his nephew from Kentucky, Sparky, John and Jeff from the Hiker Hostel, Mei-Mei, Highlighter, Barefoot Boy (wearing only a short sleeved tee shirt and jeans!), and Tinker. Good night!P.S. VERY thankful for my trekking poles! They helped me across rushing streams and up those steep mountains!
Date: 2013-03-20
From: Hawk Mountain

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

There was frost on the ground when we hiked out! Didn't do that until 10:00 a.m. and we weren't the last ones out. Started off with a nice downhill to Hightower Gap. A passing Trail Angel told us that he had left water at Cooper Gap. I didn't have any hope that there would be any left when we got there. I cannot believe how SLOW I am! We had little ups and downs until we reached Sassafras Mountain. Oh, my! I was bent over at the waist, my poles were at a 45 degree angle while my face was about 2 feet from the trail. Finally got over the top and down to Cooper Gap. There was Sparky and John having lunch and waiting for me! Sparky is in his 70's. He was on a thru hike in 2010, when he had a heart attack in Atkins, VA. After his bypass surgery and rehab, he's out for another attempt. He smokes me on the trail, but is kind enough to wait for me. After our lunch break, it was up Justus Mountain and coming down, I had my first fall. Feet just slipped out and I went flat on my back. No harm, but I have given myself the trail name of Tortoise! It was a very nice hike to Justus Creek. A not so rocky, flat path with rhododendron tunnels - which must be gorgeous later in the spring. I passed three people hiking with their dogs - a lab and a golden. The dogs all had their own packs on. The people gave me a message that Sparky was waiting at the bridge for me. When I finally reached the "bridge", it was actually stepping stones across a fast moving creek! I had to climb down 15 steps and try to step across while keeping my balance with a 30 pound pack. Made it across and now it was just .8 of a mile to the shelter - uphill of course! I am with the tenting crowd while others are sleeping in the shelter. Barefoot Boy, Mei-Mei, Goat Boy, Highlighter, and 8 others are here, too. Supposed to be in the low 20's tonight. Thankful for Sparky!One more day on the AT!
Date: 2013-03-21
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap 
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: broken clouds

Oh, was it wild last night! The wind roared all night. I couldn't decide if it sounded like a jet plane, a train, or the roar of the ocean. Then there was sleet and the tree branches crackling and rubbing against each other making loud noises. It was so cold! I, however, was fine in my sleeping bag. I slept with my phone, camera, and water filter in the sleeping bag with me. The camelback water bag was inside my pack in the tent, so I hoped that it would not freeze. In the morning, everything was fine. I broke camp, packed everything up, and left it at the campsite while I cooked my breakfast at the shelter. When I returned, 30 minutes later, all water was frozen! Hoping it would thaw out as the sun came out, Sparky and I headed to Lance Creek. This is the last place to camp without needing a bear canister. I hiked mostly by myself all day. The wind chill was about 17 degrees and it WAS windy! There were places on the path today where only one trekking pole and my shoe would fit. Did hear a hawk screech. I had a gorgeous view at Ramrock Mountain. It was 3 o'clock when I reached Woody Gap. I was done. I knew the Hiker Hostel from Dahlonega came at 5:00 to shuttle people back to their hostel or other hotels (They expect people to bail out here - does that give you an idea of how bad it has been?) A few other hikers were there debating what to do. The weather was calling for snow with a wintery mix for the next day. I put in a call to the Hiker Hostel to come pick up me up, but the hostel was full, so they would take me to Holiday Inn Express. I passed information on - there were about 8 of us by now. Everyone was surprised that they couldn't get a room. Just then a truck pulled up and older gentleman came over to talk. He was a hiker and liked to offer rides when the weather was bad. When he heard that people were looking for a hotel - he called to one in Suches that was not listed in our guide books. They had room, so three of the hikers accepted a ride. The others decided to hike the three miles to Lance Creek. I told them that I was calling it quits and offered what food I had. There were a few takers - especially for the granola bars or M&M's. While I was waiting, a park ranger came to clean the trash and privys. Her name was Terry and we chatted for a bit. Soon, two older women and a man came down from the trail. We talked (surprise!) and when I told them I was calling it quits - they wouldn't hear of it. They were looking for a hostel - I told them about the one in Suches, we called and made arrangements to be picked up and here we are! A WARM place to lay our heads. Mei-Mei, Highlighter, Scootina, Carolena, Rosey and her dad, and Barefoot Boy are also here. Tonight I am thankful for Mother Goose, Longshot, and Sue's encouragement and invitation to hike with them.One more day on the AT!
Date: 2013-03-22
From: Woody Gap 

To: Jarrard Gap
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: overcast clouds

In the morning, the Hiker Hostel delivered us back to Woody Gap and we began again. It was still in the upper 20's with a forecast of rain. Oh, and it didn't snow last night! I was told that the weather in the mountains changes every 20 minutes - I guess so! We had some steep inclines again today - I really think that's just how it is going to be. Mother Goose is the leader of this group (in my eyes) simply because she's 65 and has lots of hiking experiences on the PCT and AT. Sue is also in her 60's and is section hiking, having taken vacation from her job as a rural carrier with the Post Office in UP, Michigan. Longshot is from Tennessee and has gotten ready for his thru hike by doing 10-15 mile hikes in the Smokies. Mother Goose is having problems with her knees, so is hiking very slowly. Today we reached Jarrard Gap around 2:30. Awfully early to stop, but Mother Goose didn't feel she could do the next 5 miles to Neel Gap. Her understanding was that there was no camping AFTER Jarrard. Other hikers that had been at the hostel last night came by - Barefoot Boy, Mei-Mei, and Highlighter. We all discussed what to do. Sue realy didn't want to stop and Mother Goose and Longshot really didn't want to go on. In the end, Sue hiked on into Neel Gap and we set up camp. Longshot built a nice fire, we put up our tents, inflated our mattresses, rolled out our sleeping bags. I went down to get water. As I was finishing, who should be coming up the trail, but Park Ranger Terry! I walked back to camp with her while she explained that there was NO camping in Jarrard without a bear canister. Uh-Oh. We could have been fined, but she let us go with a warning, while she watched us put out the fire and pack up. She was very nice - just doing her job. We took everything (well, no fire) back the way we had come about 500 yards and set up camp again. This is called stealth camping as it is NOT a designated camp site. Tomorrow we will go into Neel Gap. If the weather is good, I will go over Blood Mountain while Mother Goose and Longshot will go around it via a blue blaze trail. I will join them if it's raining. No one wants to be on the top of a mountain during a rain storm! Mother Goose and Sue have a friend who is coming to take them to the Hiker Festival in Dahlonegai. Longshot and I will stay at a Blood Mountain cabin and resupply. Thankful for a warm hot meal! One more day on the AT!
Date: 2013-03-23
From: Stealth camp (near Jarrard Gap)

To: Neel Gap 
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The rain started at 4 am this morning; so another new experience - taking a tent down and packing up in the rain. While hiking, it was very eerie to be in the fog shrouded woodlands. We made it to Freeman Trail in a short time. This is where the blue blaze trail around Blood Mountain started. Even though it was a light rain, there was no lightning, so I decided I would like to go to the top of Blood Mountain and call Robert. It was not bad at all - going up, coming down was ridiculous! I had climbed Enchanted Rock in Texas, which turned out to be a preview for coming down from this mountain. It was smooth rock slab surfaces to maneuver down, climb up onto large rock steps, creep along rock bed, squeeze by large boulders, all the while searching for that white blaze. Unreal - but I did it! Once at the bottom, it was a relatively smooth trail going down to Neel Gap. Sounds of a busy highway accompanied me the last 1/2 mile. Once at the Mountain Crossings store, there was Hiker Sue outside waiting to try and catch me before she and Mother Goose left for town. She let me know that Longshot had gotten the last available cabin for us! Neel Gap has the Mountain Outfitter store with all kinds of hiker stuff, as well as a hostel. We had heard that a church group was planning to bring a chili dinner in for the hikers. While we were waiting, a female hiker showed up, put her pack down on a bench, and said something about the hostel being full. Longshot looked at me and I looked at him. We knew how cold it was going to get, so we called the cabin manager to make sure we could invite other hikers into our cabin. He told us we could have 4 people in the room. We quickly offered a bed in the cabin to "Serenitina".  She then told us that there was a young girl who was also looking for a room. We went around the corner and there was Rosey, whom we had met at Woody Gap,. Her father had decided to leave the Trail, while she decided to continue on. She had no money, was carrying enough gear for two people, was lonely, and stressed. Of course we took her in! Soon, the youth group from Cleveland, GA showed up with chili, salad, tea and desserts. It was wonderful! Serenitina is a wealth of AT knowledge and we talked for a long time, trying to learn everything. One more day on the AT!
Date: 2013-03-24
From: Neel Gap

To: Neel Gap 
Miles today: 0.0

Woke up to snow on the ground and snow flurries coming down! This would be a zero day for us as we waited for Mother Goose and Sue to return. The cabin at Blood Mountain Cabins is gorgeous, so we don't mind. If I could just get a signal on my phone, or we could get some local weather, we would be quite happy. Our laundry is done free of charge here, so we gathered it all and took it up to the small general store. We went through the Hiker Box and found Spanish rice for lunch, as well as a woman's watch that has a backlight to see the time at night. Score! Some people have completely resupplied along the Trail through Hiker Boxes, and I can certainly see how. I would think there would be slim pickings, though, the further up the Trail; as people learn more and more how much and what to carry. The hikers in the next cabin stopped by this morning to offer us their leftover food..1/2 dozen eggs, cheddar cheese, bagels, cream cheese, potato chips, and a 2 liter bottle of Diet Coke! Jolly and Olive Oyl were definitely trail angels to us! Longshot had been wanting some Diet Coke for so long, he was thrilled. We'll have omelets for dinner tonight! Serenitina and Rosey met up with Mei Mei and Highlighter and were able to share a cabin with them for tonight. As it continues to snow, more and more hikers will be coming off of the trail looking for a warm place to stay. Longshot had just finished making the first omelet when Mother Goose and Sue showed up with all of the fixings for a steak dinner..drats! LOL! That's what happens with no phone service! Lots of laughter, sharing of AT knowledge from Mother Goose and Serenitina, good food and a warm place to be made for a wonderful evening. It was soon time for us all to retire and hope for better weather tomorrow. One more day on the AT!
Date: 2013-03-25
From: Tesnatee Gap

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: light snow

Two more firsts today. We are all frustrated with the freezing weather and lack of hiking miles. Serenitina came up with a great plan - she knew someone that she could call and perhaps arrange for a shuttle that would allow us to slack pack. At 12:30 "Lumpy" came take us to Tesnatee Gap. We had removed everything but water and some snacks from our packs, so they were very light. We started off climbing straight up and going SOUTH! Wind chill was around 18 degrees, and with the snow swirling around us, it was very cold, but it was great to be out hiking again. I had purchased a balaclava (ski mask) and a pair of rain pants as extra protection. The rain pants are not as much for the wet rain, but to keep yourself warm through the rain or snow. They worked so well today. Although there were no beautiful views, it was beautiful in its own way. We manage to go over 3 mountains in 4 hours. By the time we walked into Neel Gap, the temperature was dropping and I was very glad I didn't have to set up a tent! Longshot had scrounged spaghetti from the Hiker Box, I added bagels that we toasted, Serenitina purchased spaghetti sauce, and with Sue's leftover salad - we feasted. We ARE leaving in the morning! Thankful for my new clothes that kept me warm today. One more day on the AT!
Date: 2013-03-26
From: Tesnatee Gap

To: Stealth Camp near Cold Springs Gap
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Lumpy arrived promptly at 10 a.m. to take us back to Tesnatee Gap. This time heading in the right direction..NORTH, and up Wildcat Mountain. We had cold temperatures with snow off and on. There were some scary, icy climbs today. we finally called it quits at 9.4 miles and found a place to stealth camp. Sue had been cold the last nights we had camped, so we decided to sleep in one tent. It turned out to be a good idea as the temps went down into the 20's..again. Sad note from today. We came upon Alice from Alaska and Captain Nemo waiting at a kiosk. Captain Nemo was having hip pain, so they were waiting for a shuttle to a local vet. One more day on the AT!
Date: 2013-03-27
From: Stealth Camp

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: clear sky

Another day of wind, cold temps, ROCKS, mud and ice hiking. We started out with 1-1 1/2" of snow that would soon change to mud, and then we were pushing through 3-5" of snow! Fortunately, previous hikers had smashed the path down for us. Climbing over ice coated rocks is NOT fun. When I joined the others on top of Blue Mountain, the decision was made to call for a shuttle to pick us up at Unicoi Gap at 3 p.m. Down the mountain we went-slipping and sliding the whole way! At one point, the path went over a jumble of boulders; and if Sue hadn't waited to show me how to navigate up, I might still be there! Thanks, Sue! The Budget Inn's shuttle was waiting for us and we were VERY glad to see it. Once at the hotel, I spread out my tent, footprint and fly to dry (this means hanging stuff everywhere! LOL!) I managed to get a call to Robert and then it was time to hunt for a place for dinner. We found a wonderful restaurant, Michalee's Chocolate Caf©..YUM! I managed to save half of my meatball grinder for lunch on the trail tomorrow! So nice to have a warm bed to sleep in tonight! One more day on the AT!
Date: 2013-03-28
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 10.4

The Budget Inn van dropped us back at Unicoi Gap by 10 a.m. Mother Goose stayed back at the hotel to try and decide if she should continue. There was Trail Magic waiting to start the day! A church group had set up hamburgers, hot dogs, chili, apples, and coffee/water...wow! I had already had my breakfast, so I headed up the trail. You know the joke, "How do you eat an elephant?" Answer, "One bite at a time." Well, that's how I have decided to attack the inclines, 20 steps at a time! For every 20 steps I get to take a quick breather. It does seem to help. Hey, it was just last week when I could only got 2-3 steps before needing a breather..so I'm getting better! Today I saw two juncos and a nuthatch. I've heard owls and a hawk, but that's it for the wildlife. Oh, I did see a small rodent scurrying in the path ahead of me, but couldn't get close enough to see what it was. We hiked all day with nice weather. About an hour before dark, we came to Sassafras campsite and our stopping place for the night. Temperatures are dropping, so it's another two-in-one-tent night. It does seem to help! One more day on the AT!