morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-03-28
To: Last week of Preparation
Miles today: 0.0

Wow, I can't believe in just over a week I will be catching a trian and heading down to Georgia. I finished my last day of work friday. This is my first week of unemployement, next week homeless. My dream of hiking the A.T. is becoming a reality. I first found out people thru-hiked from Georgia to Maine when I was in middle school. On a day hike up Mount Washington I met a hiker telling stories of his journey. Ever since, thru-hiking the A.T. has been in the back of my mind and considered a life dream. Two years ago I got my 1st long distance hiking experience on a 540 mile section from the Delaware Water Gap to Mount Lafayette. The desire to thru-hike became insatiable. Upon leaving the trail I was able to find a job near my house to save for this adventure. It has been a frustating 18 months living at home, but I've been able to meet my financial goal to take a 6 month hike with enough savings to start fresh.   When I tell friends and family I will hiking the 2,181 mile Appalachian trail their 1st response is "Your Crazy". Then come the frequently asked questions. Are you afraid of bears? Will you carry a gun? What do you eat? Are you carrying 6 months worth of food? What happens when in rains? Have you read a walk in the woods? After answering all these questions and more everyones response changes to "That sounds amazing, I wish I could do something like that". For the most part, everyone has been very supportive of my decision and probally a little tired of hearing me talk about the trail. In it's simplest form a thru-hike is nothing more than a long walk, a pilgrimage through Appalachian Mountains.   Over the past few months I've upgraded my gear to more than I need. For the past week I've been evaluating what is really essential, ditching unnecessary supplies and adding a few miscellaneous items. I've been packing, unpacking, and repacking my bag keeping the weight between 30-35lbs. Im extremely excited to begin my adventure and this week can't pass quickly enough. It hasn't really hit met yet that im about to step into the unknown, but it's about to get real. "A journey of 2000 miles begins with a single step". I can't wait to see that first white blaze on top of Springer Mountain.
Date: 2011-04-04
To: Catching the 8am train to Georgia
Miles today: 0.0

In less than 24 hours I will be boarding a train out of South Station and arriving in Gainesville, GA early wednesday morning. I have arranged to stay at the hiker hostel in Dahlonega with shuttle from the train station and a shuttle to approach trail on thursday. As of right now, it still feels like a dream. Maybe it will feel real when I'm on the train tomorrow. Maybe when I arrive in Georgia. Or maybe not until I take my first steps on trail. I've been planning this adventure for so long, I just can't believe it's already time to hike.The early 10 day weather forcast looks good to start. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday all show partly cloudy skys with highs in the mid 70s. Monday the weatherman is predicting rain. I know the forcast can change at any minute and with my luck I'll probally get rained on the 1st night. As of right now the weather looks good.I finished packing everything up and with some helpful tips from friends I got my pack weight to a comfortable 32lbs. As always, I'm carrying way to much food. I plan on eating a big dinner my first night to reduce some of that weight quickly. I still have that feeling that im missing something important. I've been running around for the past few days trying to figure out what it is. Extra batteries? Check. Shoelaces? Check. Duct Tape? Check. IBU Profen? Check. Oh well, I'll probally figure out what it is 2 hours into my hike. Next stop Georgia.
Date: 2011-04-06
To: Dahlonega Hiker Hostel 
Miles today: 0.0

What a long train ride to Georgia. I left Boston at 8:15am. Arrived in NYC at 1:30pm to change trains. The train left NYC at 2:30 and arrived in Gainesville, GA at 7am this morning. Obviously, I had sit near crying babies, people listening to their loud headphones and answering phone calls at 3am. None the less I made it Georgia in good spirits eager to begin my adventure tomorrow morning. The nice folks at the hiker hostel picked me and another hiker, frogpaw, up at the station. Took a slight detour to Mcdonalds then on to the hostel. What a great place. Very cozy. Josh and Leigh are very nice peolpe. Here with us right now is Oddie from Germany. Unfortunalty for him the airlines misplaced his pack but they he should have it this afternoon. Their will also be a few other hikers here tonight. Their train arrives later this afternoon. Should be a good group of people starting tomorrow. The question getting thrown around now is whether or not to hike the 8.8 mile approach trail up Springer or get dropped off at highway 42 and walk .9 to the summit. I've heard the approach trail can be challenging. A steep 604 stair step section and this being my 1st day with a ful pack. But I've heard the falls are amazing and people who has completed this section are glad they did. What's another 8.8 miles on journey over 2000. I expect tomorrow to be a difficult day. My goal is to make it to stover creek shelter 2.6 miles past Springer. A total of 11.6 miles. Im no hurry so if I don't make it so be it. My agenda is to hike slow, take long breaks and then hike slower. My motto "Never pass up a good sitting rock".   I can't believe Im already in Georgia. I'm excited to start my adventure in the morning.
Date: 2011-04-07
From: Dahlonega Hiker Hostel 

To: Stover Creek
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: clear sky

Great first day on trail. After breakfast at the Hiker Hostel we headed out for the Amicalola Falls. Josh and Leigh provided great start for this adventure. We arrived a little after 10am and registered at the visitors center as thru-hikers. I am #670. In the register at Amicalola their was one guys pack that weighed 70 pounds. Another guy is carrying a chelo and an amp to Kahtadin. After a couple quick photos I started up the dreaded 604 steps. They are not as bad as advertised and the falls were worth it. Those stairs proved to be the toughest part of the day. 8.8 miles later I arrived on top of Springer Mountain with the 1st white blaze marking the beginning of Appalachian trail. Only 2181 miles left till Maine. Made into Stover creek with a few other hikers. Everyone is excited to be out here. Most of the talk around shelter is about gear, what people are carrying and why we all decided to come out here. Looking forward to what tomorrow brings.
Date: 2011-04-08
From: Stover Creek

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: light rain

Woke up at 7:30am in a cool mist. After I making breakfast of oatmeal and coffee then packing all my gear up, I was on trail by 8:30. The day started out great passing through rhododendron thickets encasing both sides of the trail. Almost like passing through a green tunnel. Still no leaves on the trees but they are do have buds showing signs everything is getting ready to bloom. The fog never lifted so the entire day was encased a cloud ready to pour on us. It was very comfortable hiking weather. Alot of good climbs today too. Sassafras mountain is an ass-kicker, a continuous 1000 ft climb. Made into gooch shelter with a bigger crowd than last night. Good vibes around the shelter, everyone is excited to be out here. Heard a couple people have already dropped out. A couple hikers saw a guy using a crank charger for his cell phone to call a taxi. Still feeling good. Feeling strong. Ready for whatever the trail throws at me.
Date: 2011-04-09
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Long day on trail. My intention was to camp at slaughter creek tonight. Ended up cruising through that section and made it their by 2:45. Decided to push the extra 3 miles into neels gap hostel. The lure of mountain dew and a shower was to much to pass up. I got an early start and cruised through the morning section during the cool hours. When the heat of day came the temps reached 85 degrees. With no leaves on the trees their is no where to hide from the sun. I stopped at every stream possible to cool off and hydrate. I felt strong all day on trail so I just kept walking. I also got my 1st bit of trail magic today, when a trail runner came by handing out moon pies to hikers. Trail magic is always welcome. So by the time I got to Slaughter Creek all I had to do was get up and over Blood Mountain. At 4,450 ft it is the highest point in Georgia. Great views from the top. After a quick break started heading down into Neels Gap. At Neels gap the Walasi-Yi hostel and mountain crossing outfitter is the only place the trail passing through a man made structure. It's a great little outfitter with short-term resupply and a very laid back hostel. More trail magic when I arrived, a free hot dog for the outfitter. Also a hiker went into town and brought a 30 rack of keystone. It was another fun night on trail. One of the staff members, Lumpy, who thru hiked on 2001 was full great stories. Also, I've met up with Bass Cleft. He's the guy carrying a chelo and amp to Kahtadin. It would be pretty epic if he makes it.
Date: 2011-04-10
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap 
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: few clouds

Slow, lazy day on trail leaving Neels gap. Woke up and did some laundry and resupply at the outfitter. Hung around until noon talking with some of the other hikers who were filtering through that morning. Joined the crack of noon hiker group planning a short slow day to Low gap. It was a very hot day hitting the upper 80s. Still no shade but had some pretty good views along the way. A couple of hikers had to leave trail because of dehydration. Hopefully they will be able to return tomorrow. Been hearing stories of an clever bear in this area. He has snatched food bags out of Blood Mountain shelter and shaking the bear cable lines at shelters to see if any of the bags will fall. Hopefully, he won't get my bag. Made into low gap shelter. Only a 7 person shelter and by the time I rolled in it was already full. So I'm tenting with about 10 other hikers tonight. It's a very enjoyable community out here. We've have a great fire going. Everyone is telling stories of their encounters so far along the trail. It's very laid back. It's all been worth it so far.
Date: 2011-04-11
From: Low Gap 

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Long tough day up and over three 4000 ft mountains. Left tent city pretty early and cruised the 1st 7.8 miles by 11am. Then the heat and climbs came. Georgia is getting tough but what I've from hikers who have completed the journey "If you can make it through Georgia you can make it through anything the trail has to offer". Not many views today. The humidity is causing a fog over the landscape. Still very different from anywhere else I've ever hiked. Enjoying every minute on trail. Made into Tray Shelter, another 7 person shelter and got one of the last spots. Lucky me because a big storm is developing over us. The temp has dropped significantly and the winds are picking up. Been hanging out with Goldie, Too Heavy, Clean Shave and Amy the past couple nights. A very chill group of hikers. Tomorrow we are going to head into Hiawassee and split a hotel room. I need to resupply and their is an AYCE steak buffet and/or china buffet to choose from. A lot to think about during tomorrows hike. The trail has been nothing short of amazing. Enjoying the company of the other hiker and the mountains. It's everything I've dream of and more. I think my physical and mental adjustment period is over and can just focus on tomorrows goals.
Date: 2011-04-12
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Well that storm did come through about 11 last night. A complete down pour with high winds, thunder and lightning. A very intense storm. Whoever built that shelter built so the winds blow directly in and their is a short roof. Anything within 2-3 feet of edge of shelter was soaks by the rain carried in by the winds which included everyone's sleeping bags. You think inside a shelter you would be warm and dry, well no the case I cold and wet. Oh well, I was going to hike into town anyway. Got on trail a little after 8am. It was still very cold with high winds and low lying clouds. It lightly rained all day, enough to soak me and keep me chilled. To me this is great hiking weather and I made to Dicks Creek Gap before 1. Also their were cold sodas in the stream at Dicks Creek when I arrived. Hii Yoo. Caught a ride into town and made it to subway for lunch with Too Heavy and Clean Shaven. Goldie and Amy arrived about an hour later. Took a great shower and finished some laundry. I'm going to resupply at Ingels grocery store later today and we have decided to hit the AYCE steak buffet for dinner. The entire hotel is filled with hikers and a few have are heading down to the bar. 2 for 1 Tuesdays. Will probably be heading after dinner. The trail never ceases to amaze me. Having a great time out here. Less than 10 miles until North Carolina. Tomorrow I will be spending the night in a new state.
Date: 2011-04-13
From: Hiawassee

To: Muskrat Creek
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Beautiful day back on trail. The hotel shuttle dropped us off at Dick's creek gap at 9. Waiting to get picked up were Raisins, Neil, and the Canadian couple heading into town. I haven't seen in a while so it was nice to catch up quickly. The weather was perfect mid 60's and sunny with a cool breeze. Hiked on with Too Heavy, who is now going as checklist because he forgets something at every shelter, clean shave, and Pebbles. My trail name maybe prospector because of the sound my cup makes hitting against my bag. I may take it, but I doubt it. A few hours later we all entered our 1st new state on trail, North Carolina. 1 down 13 more to go. After a couple pictures at the border we were welcomed into NC with an ass-kicking climb up another Sassafras Mountain. Made it into shelter at 2:30. Ate a big meal but we all decided to stay here for the night. I usually don't like stopping this early but I'm with good company and their is a great view down a short side trail looking back at Georgia. On the side trail was an old plane wreck that was interesting to inspect and we were able to catch a great sunset. All is good on A.T.
Date: 2011-04-14
From: Muskrat Creek

To: Big Spring
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: clear sky

1 week gone, a new state and 1st big day on trail, 19 miles. Left shelter at 8:30 and just cruised through the gradual morning section. I was also able to get some good views through-out the day. At the end of a big day their is always one more mountain to climb. This time is was Albert mountain, a 500 foot elevation change of .3 miles. Wicked steep climb but at the top was a fire tower with great views of Smoky Mountains.It's been fun traveling with the same group for a few days that have similar daily goals as me. Great times on the A.T.
Date: 2011-04-15
From: Big Spring

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: overcast clouds

First 20 mile day. Cool weather and good terrain made it possible. I was exhausted when I strolled into shelter. The shelter was full with hikers trying to stay dry from the rain storm. Instead of setting up my tent in the rain I decided to sleep on the floor with 4 others who had a similar idea. It's going to be a long, cold wet night with thunder and lighting already in the background. No worries though. NOC in 2 days to relax, dry off, warm up, eat cheeseburgers and drink mountain dew. Still in good spirits even after a long day on trail.
Date: 2011-04-16
From: Wayah Shelter

To: A Rufus Morgan 
Miles today: 15.5

Well the rain came in fast and furious last night. Ended up wrapping my tarp over myself to dry and stay dry. I was warm, mostly dry but not comfortable. But I survived. Hung around shelter until about 9:30 drying out my sleeping bag then headed back out on the trail. Or at this point basically a river.It was a cool crisp day as I sloshed down the trail. Good weather for some good miles. A few good views on top of Wesser Bald and jump up look out over looking the NOC. Made into shelter by 4 and this time I had a dry spot. Short day into NOC tomorrow for Cheeseburgers, Mountain Dew, laundry, shower, and resupply. I can't wait.
Date: 2011-04-17
From: A Rufus Morgan 

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

Great night at shelter full of excitement about what the NOC has to offer. Woke up early to hike .8 miles into NOC for breakfast that isn't oatmeal or pop tarts. In the rush to get their I forgot my bandanna at the shelter. Oh well. Checklist, Pebbles, Goldie, and Lone star all ate together at the river cafe. 2 bacon egg and cheese sandwiches, hashbrowns, coffee and orange juice. What a great way to start the day. The NOC is right on the Nantahalla river which is a popular place to kayak. Today, their are professions doing tricks in the rapids. It's a very cool place to chill.Did my laundry and showered. Checklist and I went to resupply and immediately caught a ride up to the general store. After finishing up my resupply and loading up on mountain dew we were not as lucky getting a ride back so we stopped at the burger basket which we passed on our way down. Cheeseburgers for lunch.Finally made our back to NOC and hung around a little longer watching the kayaks. I also scored a couple beers off another hiker who was miserable after he and his friend had a falling out. His friend hiked off with his food and cookware. Left the NOC around 2:30 to hike to 1st shelter about 7 miles away. It was a good climb out of the NOC with some great views looking back down. Pebbles hiked up some hot dogs and marshmallows for us which was just an awesome end to the day. It's also a full moon tonight.We are all planning a big day tomorrow. 22 miles into Fontana Dam. Rumor has it we can get pizza at the shelter. Then we enter the Smoky Mountains. Excited for the upcoming week.
Date: 2011-04-18
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: broken clouds

What a long day on trail. Walked all day, 22 miles thinking about what pizza I was going to order. Couldn't decided between pepperoni and mushroom or buffalo chicken. Well, when I finally arrived at the shelter their was no cell reception and the pay phone at the visitor center was ripped out of the wall. No pizza, no mountain dew just ramen noodles.The hiking was good for the most part. A few ass-kicking no name mountains not mentioned in the companion. But I pushed through. Although, I didn't get pizza tonight another hiker brought beers back from town so I was able to get couple of those. Smokys tomorrow. Up shuckstack mountain, a 2000 foot climb right off the bat. Should get some more consistent views and also a good place to see some bears.
Date: 2011-04-19
From: Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept in today. Pebbles, Checklist, clean shave and Goldie went into town for breakfast. I eventually woke up around 9:30 ate some rice and then went back to sleep until noon. When everyone came back from town, checklist and cleanshave each brought me a mountain dew, which has become my trail name because before any town all I talk about it drinking a mountain dew.After talking about our plans Goldie and Checklist decided to hike on while Pebbles, cleanshave and I decided to zero. It was definitely worth it. I was extremely tired from yesterday and I just wanted to relax. We will all meet up in Hot Springs in a week. It was a very relaxing day. I always to swim in the lake and just hang out around shelter. Not to bad. Around 5-6 hikers starting filtering in. Most of them had also heard you can get pizza at this shelter too. A nice day hiker at the shelter said she would drive into town to get pizza so flyfeet and I shared a pepperoni pizza. Can't wait to catch Goldie and Checklist to let them know.We built a big fire and chilled for the rest of the night. Smokys tomorrow. Early forecast says rain but you can't go through the Smokys and not expect to get rained on. Enjoyed the rest but I'm ready to get back on trail.
Date: 2011-04-20
From: Fontana Dam

To: Spence Field
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Finally entered the Smokys today after zeroing last night. Woke up early and just as I was about to leave the shelter the rain started. Oh well, can't expect to hike in the Smokys and not get rained on. Crossed Fontana Dam, the highest dam in the east and after a short road walk I headed back into the woods up Shuckstack mountain. First heavy rain hiking but it wasn't to bad and climbing up Shuckstack wasn't as bad as advertised either.Today was also the first real sign of spring. Leaves are starting to bud at higher elevations with new flowers along the trail. By noon the rain had stopped but we were still in a cloud with minimal views. Got to shelter fairly early and I was able to dry out my sleeping bag and most of my gear. No bear sightings for me but Pebbles said she got within 5 feet of one. All in all another good day on trail.
Date: 2011-04-21
From: Spence Field

To: Double Spring
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

What a perfect day on trail. Only planned on about 14 miles so Pebbles, Cleanshave and I woke up later than usual. Finally got on trail about 9:45. It rained again last night but by the time I got on trail the sun was out. We went across a great ridge walk with some of the best views so far on trail. The smokys are amazing. To me left were clouds as far as I could see. But to my right the high peaks emerged through. This is first time on trail we have climbed about 5000 feet. It's strange for me to be above 4000 feet and still be surrounded by tall trees. The smokys are unlike any mountain range I've climbed before.The terrain changes so quickly in the smoky. Different types of flowers and trees emerge. We starting out walking through hard wood trees then towards the end of the day I was surrounded by pine. At one point it was liking through fall and spring at the time with flowers emerging and the trees still holding on to their dried out leaves.Still no bear sightings but a turkey was using the trail to get around. I followed him for about 3 miles before he finally went back into the woods. It was weird. The entire time all I could think about was a turkey club with honey mustard.Another great day on trail. We are now under the 2000 mile mark and tomorrow we climb Clingmans dome, the highest peak on trail. What a great adventure.