morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-03-15
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a quiet day around the house. I can never sleep late so I was up by seven drinking coffee and catching up on the news. After a little breakfast I started going through my food bag to see what was left. I had already purchased food for the next several days as I was going to come home to resupply on Friday. After going through everything I found that I had what I needed for the next six days. That will get me to Franklin where I will resupply again. After packing everything up I am pretty heavy. Six days worth of food instead of three days makes a big difference. I am at 35 pounds. I will be glad when I can get rid of my winter stuff. I should be able to drop about 5 pounds. With the warm weather I am tempted to shed the winter things now but I know there is more cold weather coming and I want to be prepared.I want to thank all of you who have left guest entries in my Journal. I really enjoy reading them and they always give me a boost. If you have questions you can ask them via the Guest Book and I will try to answer them in a future Journal entry.Bad news....I got an email from Jarhead and he is off the trail for a few days. His toe is infected and the Dr wants him to take off at least until Monday. I have decided to continue on tomorrow with out him. Bummer. When his toe is better he will pick back up at Unicoi Gap and hike a few days on his own and if everything goes well he will jump ahead and meet me somewhere up the trail and the two amigos will be together again. Good luck on the toe my friend.
Date: 2012-03-16
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

I understand that some of you are concerned about me since there has been no post to my Journal for several days. Relax...I just haven't had a data signal for awhile. I am now updating the 16th through the 20th including pictures. (I do appreciate the concern however)Today was a different day for me. No Jarhead. Hopefully he will be back on the trail soon.Reed dropped me off at Unicoi Gap around 9:45. There was an 18 year old hiker asking which way to Helen so Reed dropped him off on her way home. He caught up to me later in the day. He is one fast hiker. (Or am I that slow.) The climb out of Unicoi Gap up to Rocky Moutain is a killer. Very rocky and very steep. After that climb it was down hill to Indian Grave Gap. A short while later I ran into the "A" team. A husband and wife, her 75 year old father and their son. They are heading to Maine.Jarhead received an email from a man in Rome Ga who said he would be at Tray Gap cooking cheese burgers. Sure enough Jeff and Bill were there with burgers cooked to order and drinks. Thank you so much Jeff and Bill.I am camped tonight off the side of the trail at Sasaafras Gap. Right after getting all set up it started to rain. It has been a long day. I am off to sleep.
Date: 2012-03-17
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Well today I got to pack up in the rain. It rained all night and into the morning. It is no fun packing in the rain. As usual I was late getting out. Made it to Dick's Creek Gap and more trail magic. Hamburgers and hot dogs. YUM. Thanks Peak Seeker. It seemed to take forever to get to Plumorchard Shelter. My favorite shelter. A tripple decker. I had my first crisis today. I use a special tape on my feet and I reached for it today and its gone. I hope I can make it the next few days to Franklin,NC without getting a blister. I can get something similar there.I have not been sleeping well. Hopefully tonight will be different. A small group in the shelter tonight. All the 20 somethings are in Hiawassee tonight celebrating St Pattys day.A shout out to all my friends enjoying this lovely St Patty's day at Kim's party. Miss you all.
Date: 2012-03-18
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: few clouds

I slept a little better last night even though we had some serious snorers in the shelters. I met some new people, wolf, Joe, Tom, Wrong Way UK and a couple of others whose names I can't remember.I got going a little earlier today as I planned to do twelve miles. My biggest day yet. It was uphill all day. The morning wasn't too bad but the afternoon kicked my butt. I reached the GA/NC border around 12:30 then the fun began. The uphills got steeper. I thought I would never get up and over Courthouse Bald only to be followed by an even worse climb. It became obvious that I wasn't going to make my 12 miles so I got off at Muskrat Creek Shelter. It wasn't all bad. I got in early enough to get some of my gear out to dry and to do some camp chores I haven't had time to do. There is a nice crowd here tonight. I hope the shorter day will help my legs. I have no soreness but by the afternoon my legs feel like they each weigh 100 pounds. I am not sure how far I will get tomorrow. I guess I will let my body decide.
Date: 2012-03-19
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

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

Well last night was the night from hell in the shelter. I have never heard any one snore as loud and long as this guy. I should have slept in my tent.However today was a great day. The weather was cool and clear and not so humid. There was a slight uphill followed of course by a downhill. Then the fun began, a long climb up Standing Indian Mountain. Not too steep but still challenging. When I arrived at tbe top the view was spectacular.   I took a break on top and ate lunch. What a spot.The afternoon was a gentle down hill for 5 miles and then 1 mile up to the shelter. What a difference a day makes. Yesterday I could hardly hike and today I felt strong all day and I had my longest day. 12 miles.A shout out to my grandson Knox who turned 16 today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Date: 2012-03-20
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Glassmine Creek 
Miles today: 8.6

Today was another good day. Slept in the shelter last night with 3 young guys. Mission, Mike and one other whose name I can't remember. Nice guys and no snorers. Woke up to a beautiful morning. Sunny and cool. Packed up and out by 9:00 slight up hill for 2 miles and then down for 2.5 miles. Every one has been talking about Albert Mountain and the nearly vertical climb to the top. I was a little apprehensive but what choice did I have. The climb approaching Albert was tough enough but then came "the climb" 600 feet vertical in one tenth of a mile. Mostly boulders. This is not hiking its rock climbing. I finally made it to the top. The views were worth the climb. 360 degree views, all spectacular. I climbed the fire tower to take some pictures. They don't do it justice. After having lunch, peanut butter and honey sandwich, I headed down to a shelter 2 miles away. I was joined by Leader and Laggard a 71 year old couple that I had met a few days earlier and who seem to be on about my pace. Unfortunately the shelter has yet to be built so we continued on for another mile or so and are camped on the side of the trail.Forgot to mention that yesterday I passed the "Chunky Gal Trail" How did that trail get its name. If you know please post to my Journal. It's got to be a great story.I also hit a milestone today. 100 miles. YEA.
Date: 2012-03-21
From: Glassmine Creek 

To: Franklin, NC Saphire Inn
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: clear sky

I camped on the side of the trail last night along with Leader and Laggard. It was a beautiful night. No rain and only a slight breeze now and then and low humidity. I slept pretty good.We had decided to get up early and hike the 4 miles to a road where a shuttle picks up every day at 9 and 11 to take hikers into Franklin, NC. We knew we could not make the 9 but should make the 11. Left the camp site at 8:15 a little after Leader and Laggard but caught up with them in short order. Laggard was having trouble with his knee but was moving along alright. I offered to hang back with them but they said to go on. I don't know what got into me but I was flying down the trail. Maybe the thought of a shower after 5.5 days, clean clothes and town food had something to do with it. I got to the pick up site in an hour and 15 minutes. I was thinking of going a little further when the 9 oclock shuttle stopped. It was running a little late. They waited for about 10 minutes and then I told them to go on because I was worried about Laggard and his knee. After an hour they were still no there and I was getting worried. A hiker came down about that time and said he had passed them and that Laggard's knee was gone. He could barely walk but wouldn't accept help. After another 45 minutes some hikes started South bound and I asked them to check on things. Shortly thereafter one of them came down with Laggards Pack and said he was in bad shapt. He finally arrived about an hour later. I don't know how he did it. He was in great pain and nearly falling with each step. In fact he had fallen severaly times. Tough for anyone but especially for a 71 year old. The shuttle came and we went to the Budget Inn where we had reservations. They had over booked so I didn't have a room but there is another motel nearby owned by Ron Haven, a trail legend, so I went there. Ron is very accomadating. He shuttles hikers to and from the trail and all around town for supplies and doesn't charge anything even if you are not staying at one of his Motels.Laggard and Leader are off the trail for good. I found out later that Jarhead and Mrs Jarhead had come up to Franklin to see me but couldn't find me since I was late getting in and was not at the Budget Inn. Unfortunately Jarhead is off the trail also. His feet just will not take the pounding. I feel really bad for him because I know how much this hike meant to him and I will miss our times together on the trail.I suspect that I will have a hard time getting anyone to hike with me since everyone who does seems to get hurt and have to leave the trail. LOLWhen I got to the room I took a shower then went accross the street for a burger then back to the room to up date my Journal. After that it was off to resupply and eat dinner and then laundry. Whew....Tomorrow I will hit the trail again and it looks like rain for the next three days. Stay tuned.
Date: 2012-03-22
From: Franklin, NC Saphire Inn

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: light rain

It was good to sleep in a nice bed with clean sheets last night. I slept better than I have in awhile. A young girl, Rook, and I decided to walk down to a breakfast place. Half a mile there and half mile back. I wanted to look for a new foot brace and she was looking for a knee brace and we heard there was a super market "just a short distance from the motel." A mile and a half later we got there and they didn't have a large which is the size I needed. So I put in 4 miles that don't count before getting to the trail.The shuttle picked me up about 11:30 to take me back to the trail and I was hiking by 12:15. The first 4 miles to Winding Stair Gap were a surprise. More difficult than I expected however I averaged a little over 2 miles an hour. The next 4 miles I knew would be hard and they were but I was at the shelter by 5:00. It rained off and on all afternoon but not enough to put on rain gear. When I got to the shelter Stone Kicker, Stickle and Shenanigan were there with room for me in the shelter. It is supposed to rain tonight and I like to be in the shelter when it rains as it makes it so much easier to pack up. It looks like tomorrow will be my first day to hike all day in the rain. I hope I can get in the shelter tomorrow night.I started my third week today. The time has flown by. I know I have lost some weight because of the way my pants fit. The next time I have access to a scale I will see how much
Date: 2012-03-23
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Cold Springs Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: moderate rain

It rained most of last night but I stayed nice and dry in the shelter. About dark several more hikers showed up so we had a full house. This morning it rained off and on while I was packing up and I set out with full rain gear. It rained off and on all morning and then rained pretty hard about mid day. I stopped for lunch at the stone fire tower and was able to get out of the wind. Other wise I would have had to keep moving to keep from getting hypothermic. About 10:30 or so a hiker caught up with me and hiked with me till lunch. She is doing a series of day hikes in the area. She has been following my Trail Journal and knew all the details. I really enjoyed her company and it made my hike in the rain more enjoyable. Thanks Fussy Mary.I made it to the shelter after 12 miles in time to get a spot and after eating and doing camp chores it has started to rain again.I got a Question via my Trail Journal as to what I ate each day. Last week for breakfast I ate Pop Tarts and this week I am eating Granola with a little powdered milk. Just add water. Lunch is usually peanut butter and honey on tortilla wraps or sandwich thins. I also make a sandwich out of summer sasuage. Dinner is usually a mountain House freeze dried meal. Just add boiling water and in 10 minutes its ready to eat. I snack all morning and afternoon on Trail mix,Snickers, and Cliff Bars. As my hunger picks up I will add other items. I am lucky that I don't mind eating the same thing every day. I don't like to cook so I just use my stove to heat water. So far I am just drinking water.If after eating all that I'm still hungry I can comb through my new beard and usually find something left over from a previous meal. LOL
Date: 2012-03-24
From: Cold Springs Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: broken clouds

I thought we were through with rain after yesterday but early this morning we had a wild thunderstorm with lots of lightning.   Glad I was inside the shelter snug and dry. The rain stopped about the time I needed to get up. 7:00. I ate and packed up and was on my way by 9:00. The sun came out; it was cool and dry. A perfect day for hiking. I started out with a lot of small ups and downs and then a two mile downhill to Telico Gap. The next section was a tough 1000 foot climb in a mile. It ended at the Wesser Bald fire tower. You may have noticed that the name of some of these peaks end in the word "Bald". A bald is just that, the top of a mountain that has no trees on it. It seems to be indigenous to the Southern Appalachains. With a few exceptions they do not know why this occurs. Once again the views from the tower were great.The next 6 miles were all down hill to Nantahala Gorge. I had intended to stop for the night about a mile from the Nantahala Outdoor Center. For various reasons it made more sense to hike on to the NOC and take a "0" tomorrow. You would think going downhill would be easy but it's not. It kills your feet (especially your toes) and knees. I am glad I made that decision because since arriving there has been one thunderstorm after another.I think today has been my best yet. It was cool but not cold, the climbs were challenging but not brutal, I saw not one other hiker all day and it was very quiet.I am in a hostel room for four with only one other hiker; Super Wolf
Date: 2012-03-25
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Natahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well I am a happy hiker today. I went to the Outfitter Store at NOC and they had a different kind of ankle brace. I bought it and have worn it all day and I don't even know its there. I just hope it gives me some additional support as I am a little worried about how ofter I roll my right ankle. Time will tell. Also as I was waiting to check out I spotted several rolls or Leuko Tape. The very kind of tape I had lost a couple of weeks ago. I have never seen it in a store before now. The hiking Gods are looking after me.My decision to take a "0" here was a good one I think. I needed the rest and have enjoyed my time here. It also sets me up for three days into Fontana and the start of the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. There is nothing like town food, a shower and clean clothes to improve your disposition.Ask and you shall receive. I asked about the origin of the "Chunky Gal Trail" and received two similar explanations. Thanks Beveraly and Oak.Chunky Gal Mountain gained its evocative name from a Cherokee legend about a chubby maid who fell in love with a young man from another tribe. Her parents attempted to snuff the budding romance,but the determined young woman abandoned her family to follow her heart,finding her way across the mountain's slopes to be with her beloved. NOTE: I may not be able to post again for as much as a week or more. I will be in an area that most likely will not have a single.
Date: 2012-03-26
From: Natahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: clear sky

Today was another beautiful day. After a big pancake breakfast at NOC I headed out for a tough day of hiking. It started with six miles of uphill climbs. A total of over 3000 feet in elevation. I think it was my hardest day yet. I am trying to get to Fontana Dam by mid day Wednesday so I can get picked up by a shuttle for resupply. My original plan was to stop after 7 miles today but I went a little further and am camped on the side of the trail along with 14 others. I will have a 12 mile day tomorrow and then a 6 mile day Wednesday into Fontana. Thursday I enter the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. GSMNPNote: Someone mentioned how nice it was that people would set up food stands along the trail to sell Hot Dogs and Hamburgers to the hikers. These "Trail Angels" don't sell us the food they give us the food. In most cases they will not even take a donation
Date: 2012-03-27
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

A lot to post about today. Just before getting to the tent site last night I passed "Dk" a young girl who had sprained her ankle really badly. She had a friend there helping her. It was the exact injury I was concerned about for myself. She made if into the camp site but could not go today. She was going to "0" today at the site and hopefully can move on tomorrow. There will be plenty of hikers coming by. If she needs help. Since wearing my brace I have not turned my ankle. Its only been two days but so far so good.I have stayed in the same shelter a few nights with a German hiker. Herman the German. He was at the camp site last night as was another German, Heinrick. They started to talk and found they live 20 miles from each other. What's the chance of that happening.My third story. A guy showed up with his dog. "Shelter Stew" was the mans name. He likes to eat well. He has been on the trail since Feb 18. He opens his pack and pulls out a frying pan. He was carrying eggs, avocado, tomatoes etc. He toasted some bread and made an egg sandwich. He then pulled out a huge bottle of beer, put it in a stream to cool. His pack weighs 85 pounds: mostly food. Crazy.Another tough day of hiking. It started off fairly easy but then I hit "Jacobs Ladder" 700 feet up in a half mile. Lots of rocks all day. There were many "Rock Scrambles". A rock scramble is where there has been a rock slide in the past. The entire trail is covered in rocks of all shapes and sizes. You have to pick your way accross being careful not to twist your ankle as some of the rocks are loose. Lots of steep ups and steep downs. By the time I got to the shelter after almost 12 miles my feet were killing me. No blisters. Just tired and bruised. It will be interesting to see how much they recover by tomorrow. I'm a tired puppy. Good night.
Date: 2012-03-28
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Visitors Center
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a first for me. I got up, packed and on the trail in an hour and a half. It usually takes me two hours. Today was a pretty easy 7 mile hike to Fontana Dam. Once there I called the Hike Inn hostel and Nancy picked me up. What a surprise when I got there. This is an old 50's style motel. Only 5 rooms. I had my own room with bath and small kitchenette. Very clean and well maintained. It is owned by a nice couple, Nancy and Jeff. They only rent to hikers and included in the price is a shuttle to and from the trail and into a nearby town for dinner and resupply. And get this; Nancy also washes your clothes. Jeff's 86 year old aunt just moved in with them from Ashville. Ashville is one of my favorite places and we had a great time talking about her 86 years there. She is one sharp lady.At 5 Nancy drove Lauren, Eric, Stone Kicker, Super Wolf and me into Robbinsville for dinner and resupply at Ingles Grocery. We were back by 7:30. I spent the next hour and a half reorganizing my food bag and pack. Tomorrow I start my fourth week and enter the Great Smokey Mountain National Park.I weighed today and it looks like I have lost 10 pounds. I think thats an acceptable amount for tbe first three weeks.I got an email from Jarhead and he will have surgery on his toe May 10th. Recovery time a couple of months.Off to bed now. It is is way past my bed time. It is almost 9:00.
Date: 2012-03-29
From: Fontana Dam Visitors Center

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: light rain

I was up early this morning after a good nights sleep in a comfortable bed with sheets. I had already packed up most everything so I took my time, had some coffee and ate two sweet rolls I had bought the night before at Engles. Jeff made two shuttle runs to the Fontana Dam. One at 7:00 and one at 8:00. I took the 8:00 shuttle. Jeff gave us all the scoop on the do's and don'ts for the park especially as they pertain to bears. The first 4.5 miles were all up, over two thousand feet. There were some good views of Fontana Lake along the way. After the 4.5 miles I arrived at the Shuckstack fire tower. Jeff had told us not to leave our packs at the base of the tower. Apparently the bears can be stealthy and are happy to let you climb the tower and then steal your pack for the food in it. The last thing I wanted to do was to carry my pack up but I did and the views were worth it. After leaving the fire tower I ran into an area of the trail where wild flowers covered the ground for as far as you can see. It almost looked like there was frost on the ground. Don't know what the flowers were but they had 5 pedals and were white with violet or lavendar accents. The next section was another 4 miles up so I decided to eat lunch; a peanut butter and jelly wrap. I was going to eat two but I munched on cashews all morning and was not that hungry. I felt pretty strong hiking this morning so I thought I might do an extra 3 miles for a total of 14. As the day wore on I ran out of steam and only did 10.7. Tonight there is a big crowd at the shelter. I am in the shelter but a lot are tenting. Minute rice with tuna for dinner, pretty bland. Snickers bar for an afternoon snack.Note: I don't thlnk I have mentioned that I am using my hike as a fund raising vehicle for a local non profit literacy organization called R.E.A.D. Reading Education Association of Dawson County. We are asking for pledges of so many cents per mile or just a fixed amount. If you would like to pledge or get more information please go to readdawson.com.   Thanks