morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-09-24
From: West Branch, Pleasant River

To: Logan Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: scattered clouds

We got up at 6:00 in order to do the miles set for the day. It is barely light at that time. Daylight lasts just a little over twelve hours. Our first big obstacle was the Pleasant River. It is a very shallow rocky stream at our crossing, but some 75 feet across. Neither of us were looking forward to the early morning crossing. It would have been nice to cross the night before, but there is no camping from the river to the north for two miles. The crossing was easy, but very, very cold on the feet. It just takes time to change shoes The Hermitage was an old growth forest of white pines. Then came the Gulf Hagas... another specially preserved area with some amazing waterfalls. Ravonette and I wished we'd had time to do the 5.2 mile loop, but not today.  We did walk across a shaky two log bridge and went to the first falls... Screw Auger Falls. It definitely was a beautiful fall at the base of sheer black rock walls. In one place it cascaded over a green mossy ledge. There was a deep pool at the bottom. I'm sure the other falls were just as spectacular.  From this point it was 3.5 miles of mostly good trail and a gradual increase in elevation from 750 feet to 1750 feet to the Carl A. Newhall Lean-to. The trail went along a cascading stream.  Here we found the names of the guys who have been our tenting neighbors...Little Dipper (who is 6¢6¢) and Big Dipper (who is 5¢7¢).  We had four mountains to climb today: Gulf Hagas Mountain at 2683 feet, West Peak at 3178 feet, Hay Mountain at 3244 feet and the tallest mountain in the 100 mile wilderness at 3650 feet... White Cap.  All the mountains had steep ascents and descenst, but someone has done a lot of trail maintenance so the trail was good hiking especially on the back side of White Cap where there were rock steps for almost a half mile.  Thank you.  As we were descending White Cap, Ravonette spotted a mileage maker on the ground fashioned out of moose poop...2100 (the miles from Springer, Georgia.  Only 74.1 miles to go.  We are tenting near the Logan Brook Lean-to. As we listen to the near by little stream, we can reflect on a very good day¢s hike.  There are clouds moving in, which may affect plans. So far though it has been a great time hiking and made special because I can share it with my daughter. Fly Right, Ravon
Date: 2008-09-25
From: Logan Brook Lean-to

To: Copper Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 11.7

Last night's campsite was very nice because there was a brook nearby that made a great sound for sleeping. A southbound couple had made a fire so we were able to burn our trash. Didn't get a super early start 7:45. It should be a fairly light day as compared to the last three. We were continuing down the back side of White Cap Mtn.  The trail really smoothed out to where I could have called it a walk in the woods. I can't believe how many leaves have begun to change. For once it is a pleasure to be looking at your feet because of all the colored leaves that have fallen. The maples are a bright red facing up and a light pinkish color on the back sides.  The Birch and Silver Maples are more yellow.  It is not just one tone, but an infinite variety of colors from yellow, green, red and finally brown with most leaves showing veins one color then fading into other colors.  Ravonette was thrilled when she saw a toad hop across the trail.  I hadn't seen them for several weeks so was glad she got to see it. We did have two small climbs today. The first was steep, but short, and did not have a name. The second was Little Boardman Mountain that wasn't too steep until at the top.  Neither had much of a view. We were able to identify White Cap Mountain in the distance and found it hard to believe we were there yesterday. Found the greatest spot for lunch at 1:00 at Crawford Pond. There was a sand beach where we took our shoes off and had tuna fish with mayonnaise and crackers. The day was clear and warm, maybe in the seventies with just a light breeze. At one point, we heard a grunt and some movement in the bushes. I thought it would have been fantastic if a moose walked onto our beach. Well, we didn't see the moose, but after we got back on the trail we did see fresh tracks. Ranonette was sorry we didn't investigate the noises. The trail to the next lean-to was the best so far. We had planned to go past Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to. This was so we would have a short day tomorrow to White House Landing.  It is the only place in the 100 mile Wilderness that you can get some short term resupply.  We don't need much, just some snack items. When we got to this lean-to, it was one of the most beautiful settings I've seen on the whole AT. The shelter is small enough for six, but it is just above a pool of water with floating fall leaves. A cascade waterfall was our source just too the right. The birch trees are turning yellow and the pines surround the lean-to. We decided that if we got up extra early that we could stay here and still get to White House tomorrow.  So we are in the shelter. While the sun was still out, we took a dip in the very cold pool. Boarders, Worm and Just Mike stopped in for a snack. They were trying to get to the White House Landing tonight!! If so, it would mean they hiked thirty miles today. Oh to be young.  Instead we will enjoy this most beautiful spot.  Fly Right,Ravon
Date: 2008-09-27
From: Whitehouse Wilderness Camp

To: Whitehouse Wilderness Camp
Miles today: 0.0

After the rain all night, we assumed it would do the same during the day. It misted and the cloud layer was very low... barely above the trees. We decided we needed a zero day. Ravonette read a book and I caught up on my journals.  Mando has been so good in posting my entries.  There will probably be a gap for the next week or so because he is flying out to hopefully see the Ravon summit Mtn. Katahdin. I would love to come back here and just stay in the little cabin with nothing to do, but sit on the front porch and maybe read a book. We did not see the eagles again.  I don't think they like to fly when it is wet.  Did see and heard the loon.  He fishes in the inlet. I didn't realize it, but Linda said they cannot walk on land. No bear or moose sightings. Bogey did a little fishing from the dock.  Using spam as bait, he caught a chub his second cast.  We all ran to document it on our cameras.    Ravonette and I split a one pound cheese burger for lunch. Linda made a pot of chili for dinner with rolls. It was a very nice day of relaxing.  Fly Right,Ravon
Date: 2008-09-28
From: Whitehouse Wilderness Camp

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: moderate rain

Rain, Rain, and more Rain! Ravonette and I were hoping that our zero day would see most of the rainfall, but such was not to be. This was some of the advance moisture from Hurricane Kyle. After another fabulous breakfast, We along with Bogey, Bacall and Chainsaw decked out in full rain gear and were ready to get it on.   We were looking more like headless turtles than fighting warriors for our short ride across the inlet. If its going to rain, you might as well be hiking rather than sitting around getting cold. At least, we were walking among trees so were not being pelted hard by raindrops. Because we did not take the road detour, we were late getting to our campsite. The lean-to was mostly full so we decided to tent up on the hill along with Bogey and Bacall. The rain let up enough for us to set up our tent.  It was the first time I cooked just outside the tent.  We were able to eat our dinner warm and dry inside the tent.  You wouldn't want to do this if bears were a problem, but it was probably our last night out in the open.  Fly Right, Ravon
Date: 2008-09-29
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Abol Bridge Campsite
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

During the night we could hear water dripping on the tent, but it sounded like it was falling from the trees and not actual rain.  The prospect of another day hiking in the rain was not a pleasant one.  We had a visitor during the night.  I could hear the rattle of a plastic bag.  With a head light, I saw a deer mouse shredding kleenex and trying to get to a candy wrapper. Sorry to spoil his fun, but I cleaned up the paper scraps and put the bag in our tent. We tried to get an early start, but after our seventeen miles yesterday, it was slow going. Had some coffee and food in the tent. Normally this would not be a good idea especially if bears are around. Today we were going to meet up with our families and so were not worried about lingering smells. By the time we were ready to pack it up, Bogey and Bacall were on the trail.  Seems we were next to last leaving the area.  The lean-to overlooked the stream running in front. I guess last year in order to cross this stream, you had to walk on some pretty shaky logs. They must have replaced them because it really was not that scary. Once over this obstacle, it was a standard day of hiking...some roots, some rocks and a few ups and downs.  The talk along the way was about seeing our families and the hike up Mtn. Katahdin. The fifteen miles seem to drag... probably the total miles were taking their toll.  I could feel the pull of Katahdin, but at the same time, I could feel the end of the adventure. When we reached the Abol Bridge Campground, there was a general store and a few of our friends, but no family.  Chainsaw, Bogey and Bacall were trying to decide whether to camp on go on a bit further.  Luckily, we were able to reach Billy and found he was in Baxter State Park at another Abol Campground.  It was a joyous reunion. The Big Moose Inn was just eight miles down the road. Ravonette had reserved a cabin.  Billy and Chicken Little (remember she had hiked with me in the Shenandoahs) prepared a dinner to make any thru-hiker cry: shrimp cocktail, brie cheese, champagne grapes, crackers, grilled steak, bake potatoes, asparagus and cookies for dessert.  This was all made very special by having two of my grandkids, my daughter, her husband, my sister, and Mando to share it with.Fly Right,Ravon
Date: 2008-03-01
To: My gear
Miles today: 0.0

Today I layed out all of my gear for the last time and took a hard look at what I was carrying. This is one of many times that I have done this over the past several weeks. Although its likely that the contents of my pack will change as I walk the trail, I'm confident in my selections and feel that I have a good balance between pack weight, comfort, and safety. My pack weight with 6 days of food is 34lbs.
Date: 2008-03-04
To: Reflections
Miles today: 0.0

We¢ll today is my birthday and I¢m 21 days from beginning my adventure. I¢m 53 years old but fortunately feel so much younger. I hope I can say that when I reach Mount Katahdin! Like the majority of thru hikers, the AT has been in my thoughts for many years but my impending start date has really gotten me excited but also nervous. Although I have done numerous shake down trips and walk several miles each day as part of my normal fitness routine, I know this is no cake walk. But I¢m a tough old bird with a lot of determination and having recently retired I have one of the most important ingredients¢¦ time. I have several reasons for hiking the AT; first I have always been goal oriented and walking 2000 miles is quite an accomplishment to say the least; secondly 29 years in law enforcement seeing the worst in society has really jaded my opinion of people. Reading the many trail journal accounts of trail angels and the acts of kindness has given me a glimpse of a different side of society. I want so much to experience this first hand and come away with a renewed sense of humanity. And finally I want to figure out what to do with the rest of my life. Certainly I want to enjoy my retirement and do the things that were not available to me due to work obligations. But it is equally important to me to leave my mark and do something that has real meaning. This hike offers me the needed time to reflect and ponder this.I can not end this entry without mentioning my wife and daughter who have given me their full support and are taking care of the home front in my absence. I¢m going to really miss them. I also have to thank my good friend Eddie who has been an invaluable resource as I prepared for my hike. He is also giving up a huge chunk of his time to shadow me for the first couple weeks until I get my hiker legs.
Date: 2008-03-22
To: Ready For Take Off
Miles today: 0.0

Wow what a busy week! Monday I went for my final shake down hike of 7 miles. I maintained a good pace and experienced no problems. The rest of the week has been spent having farewell lunches with friends and tying up loose ends at home and for the archery club I belong to. Boy I¢m going to really miss shooting my bow and spending time with my archery buddies. This weekend I plan to load my pack, and buy groceries for my bounce box and the first few days of hiking. The weekend will also be devoted to spending as much time as possible with my family.I¢m really getting butterflies now and can¢t wait until I take my first steps on the AT.
Date: 2008-03-25
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

I should have known that I would not sleep the night before I started my adventure. I'm just to excited to get this hike started. I met my buddy Eddie at 7:00am for the drive to Springer Mountain. We got to Suches GA about 11:00am and had lunch at a local convenience store. Great homemade sandwiches. We pulled into the approach trail parking lot about noon and walked the 9/10 of a mile to the Springer Mountain summit. What a breathtaking view! After signing the register and taking a few photographs, we walked back to the parking lot to get my pack and begin to hike past some white blazes. I could not have asked for better weather on my first day; 45 degrees and bluebird skys. My goal today was to reach the Hawk Mountain Shelter. The trail was in great shape and with only a few hills to climb, I arrived at the shelter at 4:15pm. After a few greetings, I selected a campsite and began unpacking my gear. What a wonderful surprise when I found a card and several notes from my wife. Her words of encouragement, support, and love really touched me. I have so much to be thankful for on my first day of hiking; beautiful weather, assistance of a great friend, and the support of my wife and daughter. I'm one lucky fellow.
Date: 2008-03-26
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Ramrock Mountain
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: clear sky

A lot of up and downs today. Sassefras Mountain was a JOB. Boy were my thighs burning. I arrived at Gooch Mountain Shelter at 12:45pm and decided to relax a couple of hours. Fellow hiker, Long Portage was planning to hike to Ramrock Mountain and I decided to tag along. I hope to get to Neels Gap Thursday and the few extra miles today will shorten the hike tomorrow. Along my hike a Ruffled Grouse flushed scaring the crap out of me. Luckily it landed nearby and I was treated to a great view of this beautiful bird. Long Portage and I arrived at Ramrock Mountain with just enough light to set camp and hang food bags.
Date: 2008-03-27
From: Ramrock Mountain

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

As I woke up this morning I heard a wild turkey gobble in the valley below me. Not much sleep last night due to sliding off my mattress throughout the night. Bad choice on my tent location. The first order of business was to hike to Woody Gap to get water and fix breakfast. When I got there I experienced my first trail angel who gave me a breakfast sandwich. Shortly, Roger showed up and we headed to Neels Gap. By 3:00pm the lack of sleep was catching up to me and I was really dragging, but with Blood Mountain in sight I pushed on. The view from Blood Mountain was really worth the effort and we spent several minutes there just soaking it in and taking photos. The hike down Blood Mountain was straight down for 2 1/2 miles. When we arrived at Neels Gap Outfitters, Eddie was waiting for me in the parking lot. I resupplied my food bag and then went inside to secure a bunk for the night. The real treat of the evening was the A.Y.C.E. spaghetti dinner with salad, green beans,and real meatballs. What a feast! At 10:00pm it was lights out in the bunkhouse, but unfortunately the fellow in the bunk below me snored loudly and I had no earplugs. Another night without sleep. At 7:00am the breakfast bell sounded and all were treated to a variety of breakfast foods for the cost of a donation.
Date: 2008-03-28
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: light rain

I hit the trail today determined to slow my pace and take more water breaks. The trail was fairly level and I really enjoyed my hike. Along my hike I saw a lot of wild hog sign with the ground on both sides of the trail being rooted up. I arrived at Low Gap Shelter at 4:00pm. My plan tomorrow is to hike to the road crossing and meet Eddie for a trip into town.
Date: 2008-03-29
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cheese Factory Campsite
Miles today: 13.0

At my first water break of the morning the rain came in a downpour and included lighting. For the most part I was hiking below the ridges, but standing in water with metal hiking staffs(A.K.A. lighting rods) was not reassuring. In the afternoon I met up with Roger and we hiked together the rest of the day. It was slow going and tough due to heavy rains, muddy trail conditions, and slippery rocks. We met Eddie at the road crossing at Unicoi Gap and he shuttled us to Daniels Steakhouse in Hiawassee GA for some great eats. We then went to the Cloud 9 Hostel to wash clothes and take showers. We were back at the trail head at 5:30pm for the hike to the Cheese Factory campsite and arrived there with just enough light to set camp and hang food bags. I continue to see a lot of wild hog sign along the trail.
Date: 2008-03-30
From: Cheese Factory Campsite

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: overcast clouds

It was in the upper 30's with high winds and dense fog when I got up this morning. During my hike I actually saw ice crystals at the base of a tree. It might as well been raining with the high winds blowing water from the trees. The trail was really muddy and this slowed me down as well as sapped my energy. I crossed several mountains today with Kelly Knob being the toughest. It was a continuous climb that I thought would last forever. Roger hiked with me again today and we felt that we had made good progress despite the weather. I continue to see a lot of wild hog sign along the trail.
Date: 2008-03-31
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up this morning feeling really energized. Little did I know that I would soon need that energy. Another cold,wet day but the hiking was fairly easy. The plan today was to hike to the Dicks Creek Gap Road crossing and meet my buddy Eddie for the ride into town. About 40 minutes into my day I saw another hiker heading towards me. Recognizing him from a previous day, I immediately knew something was wrong. A short conversation later and I realized that I had been walking in the wrong direction. What a rookie mistake! But of course I am a rookie. I turned around and began hiking again, of course uphill. Once I reached a mountain top, I called Eddie on my cell phone to tell him I would be delayed. I arrived at the road crossing at 10:30am and we went into Hiawassee GA for lunch and then a shower and laundry at the Cloud 9 hostel. I had been having a lot of trouble with my cooking stove so I decided to switch to a soda can stove. Eddie was able to fashion a pot holder from a food can and I was in business. I also decided to switch to a water bladder. I spent the next couple of hours reorganizing gear, and then Eddie then drove me back to the trail head for the 4 1/2 mile hike to Plumorchard Gap Shelter.
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

Today marks my first week on the AT. With the exception of some bad weather days, the experience has been great. I spent last night in a shelter for the first time and slept pretty well. I now have ear plugs. I got started hiking about 8:30am and by 10:30 I had made it to the NC/GA line. It was great to have one state down. I only have 13 more to go.... Roger and I stopped for a photos. When I got to Muskrat Creek Shelter I took a much needed break and to catch up on my journal. The rest of the day I hiked by myself and fortunately the terrain was fairly level. I arrived at Standing Indian Shelter at 4:45pm. One neat thing that happen today was while I crossed a valley. There was a grove of Beech trees that still had their leaves and as the wind blew through the leaves it made a very soothing sound. I spent several minutes there just soaking it in. I also heard several Ruffled Grouse drumming.
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: light rain

I was just getting ready to get in my tent last night when it started raining heavily. This continued for about two hours but luckily I was high and dry in my tent. I woke up this morning to clear skies and comfortable temps. My first challenge this morning is Standing Indian Mountain. The switchbacks were long but gradual so it really wasn't that bad. After that most of the day was easy hiking until... When I approached the road on the approach to Albert Mountain, Eddie was waiting for me with some trail magic; a cheeseburger and soda. What a friend! Albert Mountain was TOUGH. The trail went straight up and for the first time on the trail I had to resort to hand holds to negotiate the trail. I got to Big Spring Shelter at 4:30pm. Overall a great hiking day. There are several of us that have been hiking together over the past few days and we decided to take a group shot. We all are looking forward to a rest day in Franklin NC tomorrow. Lots of bear sign and Ruffled Grouse drumming today.
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It rain pretty hard last night but it had stopped by the time I got up this morning. I started hiking About 8:15am making good progress on fairly level ground. At 10:00am I reached Glassmine Gap which marks 101.3 miles I have hiked on the AT. It was a great feeling of accomplishment considering the bad weather and trail conditions. Wallace Gap was the only real tough area of the trail today and after topping that mountain it was all downhill until I reached the road crossing at Winding Stair Gap. Roger and I reached the road crossing at the same time and were greeted by two trail angles that had snacks and drinks for the hikers. What great folks considering the pouring rain. Oh, I forgot to mention its raining again. Eddie met me at this road crossing and took me to the Sapphire Inn to secure a room. Because of limited space in his Jeep, Roger took the shuttle and will share the room with me tonight. The owner of the Sapphire Inn, Ronnie Haven is a real gem and an ambassador for the town of Franklin. Not only does he provide rooms at reasonable prices for the hikers and shuttles from the motel to the trail heads, each day he provides a free shuttle to several key locations in town. The rest of the day was spent doing laundry and sorting gear. Tomorrow I plan to reorganize gear and am looking forward to a visit from my wife and daughter. Many thanks to the folks from the First Baptist Church in Franklin for the wonderful breakfast that they prepare for hikers each morning. All of you are truly "trail angels."