morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-03
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: clear sky

   We awoke to the sun shining through and knew that a warmer DRY day would soon be here. Emily who was out for an overnight hike donated some greatly appreciated Provolone cheese to my food bag. I gathered my gear and hit the trail. I stopped for a snack before climbing Sassafras and the wind really picked up. I tried to take shelter behind a parked minivan while I ate my snickers bar but the wind seemd to blow right through it. Climbing Sassafrass was challenging this early in my hike but was not as bad as I rememberd it from my GA hike in 2001. I reached Justus Creek and caught up with a bunch of hikers taking a break and cooling off in the cool water but I rememberd a great spot just a half mile further down the trail at Blackwell Creek and decided to wait for my break until I reached it. Unfortunately, when they built the new Gooch Mt shelter they relocated the trail, which no longer goes by the Blackwell Creek campsite. I realized this when I reached the new Gooch shelter. I was supposed to meet some members of my group there to decide if we were going to press further on that night so I filtered water and waited. After half an hour Baby Steps showed up and said that my group was planning to camp at Gooch Gap which was just a mile or so down the trail.    When I reached Gooch Gap I learned from another hiker that while I was waiting at Gooch Shelter, they were waiting at Gooch Gap. Even on the trail we have communication problems. They were headed to the cliffside campsite I had told them about, just a mile past Woody Gap, and I was just five minutes behind them. I picked up my pace and caught up with Jeff and Amy who had stopped for a "pack off" break. When we reached Woody Gap none of us wanted to do the remaining mile so we found a campsite got a fire started and settled in for the night. We were soon joined by a group of Women from Iowa and Kansas who were doing a section hike from Springer to Dick's Creek Gap. It's good to be dry.
Date: 2005-04-04
From: Woody Gap

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

Not a mile after leaving Woody Gap I ran into Sheera who had stayed at Gooch Shelter and is apparently a very early riser. We hiked at the same pace so we decided to team up for a while. I had gotten burned yesterday so when we reached the cliffside campsite I stopped to put on some sunscreen while we took in the view of the mountains we had just walked across. We were headed to Neels Gap today and would be staying indoors, doing laundry, and showering for the first time in days. The immediate focus however was Blood Mountain, the hightest peak on the AT in Georgia. Fortunately going North the climb is steep but gradual. It was a sunny, clear day and the views were great. When we reached the top there were no white blazes to be found. I chose the path most traveled and soon came upon the privy for Blood Mountain Shelter so I knew we where on the right trail. After a break on top of Blood, we began the long downhill into Neel's Gap.    The whole group stayed in Blood Mountain Cabins which is located next to the Walasi Yi Center. There is even a side trail to the cabins. There were so many of us that we took up four cabins. It's good to be clean. Dinner was in Blairsville, GA, at the Country Kithcen. No one ordered noodles or pasta. On an Admin Note, due to the reality of trying to find enough time to update my journal while in town, I will be mailing my entries to my brother who will be transcribing for me. Pictures will follow soon. Please sign the guest book. Thanks for visiting my site. See you on the trail
Date: 2005-04-05
From: Neels Gap

To: Bag's Creek Gap
Miles today: 4.2

Today was a light day. I slept in, did my laundry, and visited the outfitter. I am feeling a bit under the weather but I figure I can just burn off whatever bug I have by hiking.    I met the group at the Walasi Yi Center (which is the only building the trail goes through) around 2pm and told them of my mileage plan for the next few days. It took most of us another hour to get moving and back on the trail. It's hard to leave town.   My plan had us only travelling 4.2 miles today to the campsite at Bag's Creek. Climbing out of town is always hard because you leave with several days of food and fuel, as well as a full load of water. Definitely a mellow day. Once we arrived in camp and did our chores, everyone just sat around the campfire. Tomorrow will be a long day.
Date: 2005-04-06
From: Bag's Creek Gap

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I awoke today feeling like hell. I had a sore throat, couldn't breathe through my nose, and couldn't stop sneezing. It took me forever to get ready and I was really not in the mood to hike the 13.6 miles I had planned today over what appeared to be "flat" terrain. First of all, the terrain was not "flat", it just seemed so on the elevation profile of my map. It was up and down, and up and down, just like the rest of Georgia. But to make this part of the trail special, someone added thousands of sizeable rocks for us to pound under our feet. Add in the threat of rain and a possible fever and you have what has become my "favorite" (insert sarcasm here) day on the trail.    Sheera really helped me deal with this day. She stayed with me despite my slow, tired pace, kept me company and kept talking even when I felt too sick to respond. When we reached the shelter on Blue Mountain my cold was getting the best of me and all I wanted to do was sleep. With rain imminent, I set up my bivy under the roof of the shelter, did my chores, and passed out.
Date: 2005-04-08
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap (Hiawassee, GA)
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

I awoke to cloudy skies and cold air but I was going to town today. As we were packing up our gear the skies cleared enough so that we were able to look down from Tray Mountain and see the peaks of the smaller, surrounding mountains rising up like islands in a sea of clouds. We were cruising today, travelling at 3 mph in some sections. We caught up with two hikers who were camped just past Tray Mountain and had a Bear experience the night before. Apparently a dog from one of the nearby farms had chased a bear into their campsite. The bear and the dog had it out right next to one guy's tent while he was inside eating M&M's. Eventually the dog retreated and the bear wandered off without a taste for something that would melt in his mouth and not in his hands.    My toes are killing me. My boots are too narrow in the toe box and my toes are getting squeezed together. This also resulted in my first blister. I drained it with my knife and then put on a layer of neosporin, bandaid, moleskin, and duct tape. I need new boots.   As Sheera and I emerged from the trail we saw Professor with his thumb out and an RV pulling into the parking lot. What seemed like a luxury hitch into town was not to be. The guy driving the RV was simply stopping to check something. We crossed the road and dropped our packs. I was digging for my sunglasses when a guy in a pickup pulled over for Sheera and agreed to give the five of us who were waiting, a ride into Hiawassee. Sheera and Professor rode in front while Dave, Andy and myself rode in back. It's good to be in town.    We were dropped off on the edge of town and began walking further in when without even a thumb in the air, another guy stops and offers us a ride to the Holiday Inn Express. It was a beautiful site. It was my namesake. The hot tub awaits, but first, laundry. With only one machine and at least fifteen hikers checking in, I knew I better get the jump on things. I rushed to get my clothes done, took a shower and headed down to the lobby to join the others for Mexican Food and Monte Alban's. I was so hungry that even after basket after basket of chips and salsa I still managed to eat four enchiladas.    I am now back in the room vegging out and getting caught up on what's been happening in the world the last few days. I am taking a zero day tomorrow so that I can get some rest and get over my cold. I'm looking forward to sleeping in
Date: 2005-04-09
From: Dicks Creek Gap (Hiawassee, GA)

To: Holiday Inn Express
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up and feasted on the hotel's continental breakfast. Sheera was leaving today, pressing on to meet her early August deadline. We all said goodbye at breakfast and then I set about re-supplying for my departure tomorrow. My new acquisition is Lipton's Thai Sesame Noodles. Yum.    Then there was the matter of shoes. There are two outfitters in Hiawassee but unfortunately one is a hunting outfitter and the other is a fly fishing outfitter. I figured that Helen is close by and I know they have an outfitter, but when I called I learned that they had been having a sale for weeks and had all but sold out of boots. The only other outfitter I knew of in the area was back at Neels Gap (Mountain Crossings). The problem was getting there.   My buddy Pacman was already on his way up to Hiawassee so I called him and asked him if he would mind shuttling me and a few other hikers to Neels Gap. Always there to help, Pacman readily agreed. I walked into Mountain Crossings wearing flip flops and informed Daniel of my problem. After a few measurements he came up with the perfect boot. It turns out my foot is pretty wide so my Lowa boots weren't cutting it. Daniel brought out a pair of Montrail boots that fit as if they were custom made. I couldn't believe that a pair of hiking boots were so comfortable. I also decided to ditch the old Gore-Tex and update to Precip rain gear. The Precip gear is two pounds lighter than my Gore-Tex set and breathes better as well. It was definitely money that I did not want to spend but definitely worth it in the long run. The boots Daniel suggested really saved my hike.    Once back in Hiawassee we feasted on an early dinner at the Georgia Mountain Restaurant. Phoenix has decided to quit but we are all trying to talk her out of it. I told her not to make any plans but to just spend a few days in the hotel relaxing. If she doesn't miss the trail after a few days of recovery then it is time to leave. I hope she reconsiders. I hate to see anyone quit. Especially this early in the hike.    I finally made it to the hot tub and it was definitely worth it. I am feeling much healthier today. I am over my cold, I have new proper fitting boots, and my muscles are enjoying a relaxing soak in the hot tub. Life is good. I still have to pack up everything but I feel ready to charge out of here tomorrow.
Date: 2005-04-10
From: Holiday Inn Express

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

We actually got out of town early today and got in a full day of hiking. We left on the 9am shuttle and hit the trail running. Well walking fast at least. The highlight of the day was crossing the Georgia-North Carolina border. I had always thought that the oak tree described in the guide books was actually located at the border and was surprised to find that the actual border is simply a tree with a metal pipe wedged in it, with simple wooden sign announcing the completion of the first of fourteen states the trail runs across. The oak tree is about 0.3 miles past the actual border and marks the beginning of the three steep climbs that follow.    I ran into a hiker named Batch who is 83 and completed a thru-hike ten years ago. He is amazing. He hikes all day, from sunup to sundown. He hikes slow but he gets the mileage done. If he completes his hike he will be the oldest person to ever complete a thru-hike. He certainly makes it hard for anyone else to complain about the trail.    I got to the shelter and expected to have to tent but the only occupant was Slim, a retired engineer from Binghamton, NY. It was nice being able to spread out but we figured more people must be coming. This was too good to be true. A group of us headed for the cliffs to watch the sunset. It was a beautiful sunset. The kind that reminds you why you are out here hiking. The kind that reminds you to slow down and enjoy yourself and not to worry about mileage. What a great day.
Date: 2005-04-11
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

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

   I'm feeling strong today. My body is starting to adapt to the trail. I was able to cruise at around 3 mph for most of the day. The climb up Standing Indian Mountain wasn't bad. It was long, but gradual. I met Tal from Israel today. It always amazes me how people from all over the world are drawn to the trail. On top of Standing Indian we took a blue blaze trail to where a lookout tower used to stand. Even without the benefit of the tower's height the view was worth the side trip.    While I was waiting for Meagan and Jay to show up, Baby Steps arrived and asked if I had read the sign. "What sign?", I replied. "The sign warning of the problem bear" was the answer. Great. No, I missed that. Apparently we now had a bear in the area that had no fear of humans and had been seen dragging packs down the trail. Just what I needed. I leave New York City and now face being mugged by a bear in North Carolina. To add to the excitement, on the way down Standing Indian I noticed signs warning us that we were in the middle of a bear sanctuary. What genius thought of this. First we'll make an area where bears cannot be hunted and therefore have no fear of humans. Then we'll run the Appalachian Trail right through the middle of it so the bears can get at all that tasty food the kids with beards are carrying. Wilderness planning at its finest, gotta love it. Needless to say I hiked fast that day and was among the first in camp. Nothing like a problem bear for motivation. Plenty of room in the shelter tonight. No bears showed up but something did spook Sean's Siberian Husky. Hope the food is still there in the morning.
Date: 2005-04-13
From: Franklin, NC

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: light rain

Dillon and I met for breakfast and then walked across town to the grocery store and then to the post office. I sent my bounce box on to Gatlinburg, TN. We had been told there was a 9am and a noon shuttle back to the trail, so we were surprised to learn that shuttle was on it's way to pick us up when were returned to the motel at 11:30. I wasn't even packed. I broke down the food I had just bought, packed what I could, and just threw the rest in my pack. Rain seems imminent so I put on my rain gear and gaiters during the ride back to the trail. Once back at Winding Stair Gap, Dillon and I took at least half an hour packing up everything properly. It was raining and we had gotten a late start so we decided to just hike 3.7 miles of AT and then half mile on the side trail to Siler Bald Shelter. Today was more about just getting out of town and back on the trail.The shelter was almost full, so I set up my bivy outside and used the tarp I borrowed from Pac Man to protect it from the rain. The rest of the day was spent trying to stay warm and dry. Really a boring day. I wish we had hiked longer. I hate just sitting around.
Date: 2005-04-14
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

I started out the day planning to do 18 miles so that I could get to Gatlinburg, TN on the 20th for my trip to NY and DC. I was cruising at 3 mph, determined to make it to the Wesser Bald Shelter. I was racing down the trail when once again, I stumbled upon Trail Magic. A Christian missionary group had collected junk/hiker food from churches in 4 states. I had 2 cups of pudding, Butterfinger cookies and Doritoes. Though very thankful for the food and their efforts, I couldn't stop thinking that though well-intentioned, maybe they should be doing this for the truly homeless. We volunteered from this and while I was very grateful and enjoyed the snacks, collecting food from four states for hikers seems a bit misplaced. I was in a rush to get on with my marathon day so I kind of treated this as quick rest stop. Thankfully, they weren't too forceful with their interpretation of religion...nice folks. Lunch was on Wayah Bald, which has a spectacular view. There is even the stone observation tower on top. There were even garbage cans, which may not seem special, but when you are obsessed with ounces of pack weight, getting rid of your trash is an exciting moment. I had kind of been slowing down in the afternoon heat and during the last mile of the climb to Cold Spring Shelter. I just hit the wall. I had no energy left. My hunger was picking up and my body was becoming dependent on an intake of high caloric, high carb food every 3 hours or so. I wasn't eating enough. I had started strong this morning but now was still 6 miles short of my goal and I was exhausted. The shelter is really run down and in poor condition, but it will have to do.
Date: 2005-04-15
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Natahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

   I climbed up Wesser Bald today. Great view from the lookout tower. The rest of the day was pretty uneventful until I began the descent into the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). From the "jump off", which is appropriately named, the trail drops steeply, losing thousands of feet in a few miles. I hiked slow to reduce the impact on my knees and soon met up with a hiker from Texas named Bagel. We hiked the remaining miles downhill and both voiced our concerns that since it was Friday afternoon, the bunkhouse at the NOC might be full of kayakers and rafters. Fortunately there were plenty of empty bunks. After laundry and a shower I headed to the restaurant for dinner with Stovetop, Brewmaster, Fester, Phil, and others. With my hunger picking up I was able to finish off a chili cheeseburger and fries, a salad, 2 cokes, coffee, and bread pudding with ice cream. Robin, a river guide at the NOC, keeps the "Paddler's Pub" open for hikers on the weekend with the help of staff volunteers. Though the NOC is located in a "dry" county, staff members often go on beer runs for thirsty hikers. We even had live music courtesy of the multi-talented NOC staff. This is a great place to stay.
Date: 2005-04-16
From: Natahala Outdoor Center

To: Locus Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: few clouds

   I ate breakfast at the NOC restaurant consisting of eggs, hash browns, orange juice, and coffee. When I asked for more eggs Fester asked "what, are you thru-hiking or something?" I re-supplied at the outfitter which was overpriced but also right next to the trail. I finally got started at 11:30 am. My deadline to be in Gatlinburg, April 20th, was fast approaching so I knew that I had to make up some miles. I decided to do what I am calling the Fontana Marathon. My plan is to cover the 27.6 miles from NOC to Fontana Dam in about 30 hours, including the climb out, which is just as steep as the descent into the NOC, and the steep descent into Fontana. I made good time on the climb out and soon met McGyver, a freelance tv producer who got his name because of all the gadgets he carries including a short wave radio. We stopped for lunch at Sassafras Gap Shelter where I tried to recruit for my dash to Fontana. No takers as of yet. I pressed on to the campsite at Locust Cove Gap carrying a gallon of water because I had heard the water source was unreliable. This added 8lbs to my pack weight when I was climbing up Cheoah Bald. The view from the top of Cheoah was great. One of the best so far. Several hikers camped there so that they would be able to take in the Sunset and Sunrise but I had to get more miles done to meet my deadline, and besides, it would be a cold and windy night camped out on a bald this time of year. The campsite at Locust Cove Gap was near capacity. It's a nice mellow group. This is my rest stop on the marathon.
Date: 2005-04-17
From: Locus Cove Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

   Once again I was the last one out of camp. I soon ran into Dillon who had gone past NOC rather than stay the night. I recruited him for my dash to Fontana Dam and we were off. McGyver soon joined us for the hike to Cable Gap Shelter but did not want to rush into Fontana Dam. The hardest climb of the day was out of Sweetwater Gap and seemed to be going straight up at times. We arrived at Cable Gap Shelter around 4pm, had a snack, topped off our water and headed on. We had just 5.5 miles to go but the climb out of Cable Gap was steep, with many false summits. When we finally did reach the top we were rewarded with views of Fontana Lake and the Smoky Mountains.    The descent was steep but not as bad as the descent into NOC. We finally started seeing green which was a nice change. We reached the road into Fontana Village at 7:25 pm. I used the shuttle phone located in the parking lot to find out if any restaurants were still open. The operator told us that there was only one restaurant and that it closes at 8pm. We had planned to hike the remaining 1.1 miles to the shelter and then head to the village to eat, but with the restaurant closing we quickly opted for the shuttle to the restaurant. When it was 7:40 and the shuttle hadn't arrived I began to worry that we would miss the restaurant so I called the operator again and learned that the shuttle was running late but on its way, and that they had called the restaurant and were keeping it open for us. I haven't even been there yet and I love this place already. For dinner I ahd a burger and fries, and a turkey sandwich and fries, a salad, and several cokes. Just out of curiosity we asked how much it would cost for us to stay at the Inn. When we found out we could both stay for a little over $30 we began to reconsider the shelter idea. The only problem was that I had talked Dirty Harry into doing the Fontana Dam Marathon as well, but since he left camp about an hour before me, he was probably already at the shelter. I didn't want him to think that I had talked him into this race and then not complete it myself. I also didn't know if he wanted to stay at the inn. We decided that we would stay at the inn but that I would first take the shuttle to the shelter to check on Dirty Harry. Dirty Harry was there but decided to stay in the shelter. I then took the shuttle to the registration building and checked us in. When I finally returned to the Inn, Dillon was asleep in the lobby. We plan to do laundry, re-supply, eat breakfast and hit the trail in the morning. Day one of the Smokies.