morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-11-20
From: Derrik Knob Shelter

To: Mount Collins Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

11/20 BK The kids made 14 miles up steep mountains on Monday. Please forgive the mileage on the page. I had to reset the counter. They climbed the highest mountain on the AT, Clingmans Dome, at 6,643¢ to Mt. Collins Shelter. They spent the night at a very crowded Derrick Knob Shelter. The shelter had 15 people crammed in so they moved to a tent. The rules for the very well used national park are that only thru-hikers can use the tent sites when the shelters are full.LB said the trails are good with only patches of snow and ice. We are glad that they waited to return after the snow had retreated to hike this very high and cold part of the mountains later. Plans were made for final pick up on Sunday at Hot Springs. They will go to Gatlinburg Tuesday for their last re-supply. They hope one of the trail angles in their AWOL book will be able to pick them up for the long 20 mile trip into town.
Date: 2012-11-21
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Icewater Spring Gap
Miles today: 7.0

11/21/ BK The kids skipped Mt Collins Shelter on Monday and continued to Newfound Gap to pick up the road to Gatlinburg. They chose to spend the night in a motel and spent the morning on the last re-supply. On Tuesday they hiked up past the Boulevard Trail to Ice Water Spring Shelter. It was very cold. I added a few pictures they sent of the trip and Clingmans Dome. It was cold. I am very glad they chose to wait for the snow to go. I'm also glad that they took on warmer gear when I caught up with them.Plans have been made to pick them up one last time on Sunday at Hot Springs.
Date: 2012-11-22
From: Icewater Spring Gap

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

11/22 BK- Happy Thanksgiving. I heard from the kids in the afternoon with a very broken cell phone call. The only words I got were OK, blow downs, snow and Tri Corner Knob Shelter. I suspect that the kids ran into the damage from the super storm and what snow was left. They are still above 5,500¢ where temperatures rise slowly and winds never stop. The 12 miles they will have made are pretty good. I¢m sure they will set up their tent in the shelter to protect themselves from the wind.Today they will cross over Mt. Guyot and descend towards Davenport Gap. Hopefully the temperature will rise as they come down and they will get to enjoy the day. I am sure they will have a lousy supper on this Thanksgiving day. The re-supply in Gatlinburg was pretty much limited to gas station food. 50 Miles to go. 2133 miles completed. Home on Sunday night. Yippeeee!
Date: 2012-11-23
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

11/22 Kurtis and LB called as they were coming down the mountains to the Davenport Gap Shelter. They will soon exit Great Smoky Mountain National Park. They were making good time. Kurtis and LB will cross I 40 on Friday and will head into the Max Patch area. The shelters have been crowded in the Park and the kids have found they usually have to move into their tent outside the shelter. On Wednesday night they camped on a snow bank outside the shelter. They got very cold. They are ready for the freedom of the National Forests to camp anywhere.There is plenty of snow and blowdowns across the trails from the storm. The trail was fine because they could use the tracks of others to walk through the snow. There was no need to use the snow chains I made up for them to keep from slipping. Each step forward took them down in elevation and up in temperatures. Hopefully at Davenport Gap they will find some nice trail angel with a turkey dinner.Cold air is blowing in on Friday night. The lowest temperatures of the whole trip will be there for the next two nights.
Date: 2012-11-24
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Max Patch Area
Miles today: 15.0

11/24 BK I spoke with the kids via phone on Friday. They had crossed I 40 and were climbing up the mountain again towards Max Patch. There is a total of 2,900¢ climb from the Pigeon River Valley. Temperatures will fall to the lowest they have seen since they have been on the trail. It will get into the teens on Saturday night and the wind will blow hard. Quite a farewell to their last night on the trail. Thursday night in Davenport Gap Shelter was a little unnerving. The Shelter was packed again with holiday section hikers so Kurtis and LB moved their tent onto the snow bank and shivered the night away. The shelter had the old bear fence on it so it made for light sleeping anyway. They have never on the whole trip seen so many bears as in the Great Smokey Mountain State Park.Preparations are being made here at home for their return. LB¢s cousin has worked on their new home. I¢ve gotten their vehicles ready and fixed my cargo trailer so they can move their belongings out of storage. Friends are waiting to help.Tomorrow Deb and I head to Hot Springs NC for the final pick up. We are glad to get them back.
Date: 2012-11-25
From: Max Patch Area

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: clear sky

11/25 BK- Today Kurtis and LB will finish the last steps of their journey as they walk into Hot Springs NC. The joy of finishing the trail will be made even better because their buddy from Germany, Achey is joining them to walk the last few miles. Yesterday I got a frantic, and broken, call from Kurtis that he had heard a German guy with a duck whistle was looking for them. Achey Breaky had finished his NOBO thru hike to Katahdin in June and had promised to finish with Kuris and LB when they SOBO¢d. Sure enough, a couple of hours later Achey caught up with them for the walk in. The fact that he flew all the way from Germany to share the last steps is a testament to the friendships made along the trail. The three spent the cold night together at Garenflo Gap. I would have liked to sit in on that reunion!This has been a very non-conventional AT thru hike in terms of the direction the kids took. Flip Floppers are the smallest minority of all total finishing AT hikers. They started in Harpers Ferry WV, hiked north to Maine, returned to Harpers Ferry to walk south, were then diverted past Great Smoky Mountain Park by a snow storm and then returned again to walk north to Hot Springs. The greatest number of AT hikers are NOBOs who start in Georgia and finish in Maine. What has been traditional with their hike is the fact that Kurtis and LB took every step with a pack on. They skipped no miles. There was no blazing outside of white. They did it with no fancy equipment. Even their packs were used and bought on Craigslist. I am very proud of these guys. My son Kurtis has always been a wanderer. Alaska, Canada, New Mexico he¢s always been hiking somewhere. So taking the AT is no surprise to his family. But he really did better than he deserves by finding a great wife that would follow him on his dream. She has followed without complaint and with a big smile. I have the best daughter in law. A special thanks for all the trail angels and kind strangers along the trail. My faith in humanity has been restored. All of you folks who offer food, cold drinks, pizza, rides to town or back, a warm or cool shelter and guidance are very special to hikers. On Kurtis and LB¢s hike there have been so many of you. You are truly an inspiration to us all. Thanks again. Its time to go pick them up. Guess they¢ll want their dog back too
Date: 2012-11-26
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

November 28 BK- Two very seasoned hikers named ¢The Birds¢ came through Hot Springs NC on Sunday. Their buddy Achy Breaky had driven his rental car down to leave them to finish the last miles on their own. Kurtis and LB came into town and checked into the outfitters looking for us not knowing we were in the shop next door. Sure enough when Deb and I went to look for them we ran right into them. The excitement missed at Springer Mountain was definitely there as we celebrated right there on Main Street in Hot Springs. They knew they were finally done with the 2180 mile trail, Achy Breaky was there too, so we pulled out the champagne and beers to celebrate right on the spot. Tourists came out to take pictures and the owner of a restaurant came out to celebrate. People don¢t finish in Hot Springs, they usually are just passing through so it was an unusual event. Another SOBO thru hiker came by and joined in the celebration. After we had made a scene on Main Street we went to a restaurant there in Hot Springs and ate copious amounts of food and beverage. We have enjoyed every minute the kids have been home. Achy came to stay with us too. He is a wonderful guy. Our kids tried expose him to everything they could about Rowan County that they could. They shot guns, visited relatives, ate barbecue, and drank Cheerwine. Every few minutes they¢d ask him how to say something in German. Achy brought his own pictures and we stayed up a couple of nights recounting the experiences and people of the trail. On Tuesday night a bunch of us gathered together along with Dr Oak from Charlotte who also finished the trail this summer. It was great fun to finally hear a bit more of the whole story and about the people they all knew. Kurtis has found some temporary work and LB has been working hard on her resume. Achy left on Wednesday morning for Washington DC and the Shenandoah¢s. He will visit the US for another week before heading home to Germany. We miss him already.Getting back into the swing of life has come pretty quick for these guys. They have a lot of work to do on the cabin they plan to move into. But with so many offers of help from Kurtis and LB¢s long list of good friends, I¢m sure it will be done soon. I have enjoyed following them on the AT. I¢ve always wanted to do the AT but the chance never came up. With the Trail Journals I¢ve lived at least a little of the dream through my kids. Not a bad deal.
Date: 2011-12-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The older you get the quicker time seems to go by. I always keep myself busy and have been thinking of hiking this year ever since getting off trail last May. Can't believe 7 months have past and only 2 are left until my proposed hike is to begin. I have given it much thought, almost daily, but almost no planning to date. Have to get moving.
Date: 2011-12-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The end of another year. Seems like it was yesterday when I was sitting here last year planning for a thru hike. Well 2011 just wasn't the year for me to do a thru. 2012 should prove more fruitful. The only problem is the planning to date has been lacking or nonexistent. I really have to get the ball rolling. Tomorrow I'll start, maybe, for now it's another glass of wine with friends and family. Everyone have a great and safe New Year.
Date: 2012-01-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

New Year New Hike. Have just decided to get going on my prep for this year's hike starting somewhere at the end of February. No plans have been finalized but I am getting antsy. Too much food and drink around the holidays. Need to walk off some of this 25 pounds I put on since ending last year. Think I need a looooong walk. The AT sounds like a good walk so I think I'll walk.
Date: 2012-02-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Here I am w/23 days til I leave. Trying to wash all clothes again and waterproof those that need it. Have been reviewing all equipment and clothes. I always want to reduce weight but am convinced that my comfort level will not allow that, at least, in the beginning. Just can't seem to get below the 30 lb pack. Won't know the real weight until I walk out the door. That gives me some time yet for decisions.
Date: 2012-02-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Knowing it was my last night in bed made it all that much harder to get out this morning. I just kind of laid there and thought. What the hell am I doing again. Eventually I got out but wound up crawling back in a minute later. Just wasn't time yet. I had to review everything in my pack mentally before finally getting up for good. My mental review told me everything was there just as the previous 20 physical checks. Ok let's do it. My neighbor picked me up at noon to drop me off at train station in Hammonton NJ . Thanks Denise. It was the start of an hour train ride to 30th st station in Philly, a 2 hour wait and a 15 hour ride to Gainesville GA. I met Mike from Medford, another hiker heading to the same destination. Having another person with you helps make time pass quicker, at least until you both start getting tired. I am not one for sleeping in a seated position in 90 degree sardine can. That is a little unfair because overall is is a nice smooth economical ride. But when full the air circulation system does nothing for keeping things at a comfortable temperature. Give me a nice tent, air mattress and sleeping bag and I'm golden. I'm Surpised there are not notches in the seats as people try to count down the hours left in the journey. I went down to cafe to sit on a softer seat with table and relax while having a coffee. 6 more hours left and counting.
Date: 2012-02-28
To: Hiker Hostel Dahlonega
Miles today: 0.0

Made it. Survived the ride. Got into Gainesville right on time and Willie from The Hiker Hostel was there waiting. We were wisk off to our choice of breakfast places to take care of first things first. Next was a trip to Walmart so we could pick up something for lunch and dinner today. With the full hiker kitchen it will b easier and cheaper to just make something. Then it was off to the hostel, arriving in time to see todays starters making their way out the door. Just going to rest up and get ready for tomorrow. Can't wait to get started.
Date: 2012-02-29
From: Hiker Hostel Dahlonega

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: light rain

Woke early and just laid around until some of the others starter getting up. It was 6:15 and just starting to get light. The only problem was this funny glare or odd colored reflection. It didn't take long to find out it was raining. Got everything together and took pack up to front porch to get a better view. It was just drizzling but everything was wet from the rain overnight. Josh and Leigh had breakfast ready by 7:30. Everyone finished up in record time, settled up and were on our way to Springer with 11 hikers total. We were dropped off @ a little after 9:00. There were at least 10 people on top when I got there. There were no views so I took a picture of the plaque and headed on down. It just drizzled a little all day but never got too bad. Got to Hawk Mountain Shelter at 1:00 pm but was a little tired and fearful the weather would not hold out much longer. It wound up being a good choice since it started raining at 3:00. There are probably 15 people here tonight. I'll try to name them: Todd, Vincent, Victor, Matt, Eric, Birdman, Half Moon, Old Hiker, Paul, Janis S, another Paul, Momma Bear, Pappa Bear, and a few others. Weather looks questionable for next few days.
Date: 2012-03-01
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

It rained like hell throughout the night. A number of thunderstorms rolled through but it was not raining this morning. Not only was it not raining but the sky was blue which turned quickly into sun. I hit the trail at about 7:15 to a cool morning. There are a number of roller coaster type climbs and descents. It was a great workout but the sun began zapping my energy. I was at the Gouch Mountain shelter by 11:30 and relaxed for a while. I got water, ate lunch, lathered on the sunscreen and covered the head before heading on. Many of the hikers from last night were filtering in. The trail to Gouch has many up and downs which work on the legs of all hikers. The trail north of the shelter is much more gentle but has it's challenges. I ran into G I Jane and Sipsey as they were just finishing up a break about a mile from Woody Gap. I could just feel the sun beating me up. I was getting more and more run down. I stopped at Woody Gap rather than continue on. I had intended to camp at the gap but couldn't turn down the opportunity to stay at the Hiker Hostel. They pick up at the gap at 5:00 daily this time of year. I normally wouldn't have pushed as far but since bear cannisters are required in the Blood Mountain Wilderness, many people are trying to avoid staying at Woods Hole Shelter or Blood Mountain Shelter. It seems a little ridiculous to require a bear cannister for one or two shelters. Just put up bear cables at the shelter and be done with it. Overall a tough but good day. Tomorrow will be Neels Gap or beyond.
Date: 2012-03-03
From: Tesnatee Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: few clouds

Last night was one of the scariest nights I have spent on the trail. Between the wind, the on and off rain, the thunderstorms and cracking and creaking branches I didn't know what to expect next. I had trouble sleeping due to the wind whipping the tent fly constantly. It was just an ugly night and one where I made a bad decision to push on. It finally stopped raining sometime early this morning. I survived with just a little bit of water having splashed in under the flaps and some up under the vestibule. However, after the wind and rain I feel very lucky. I couldn't check the weather since I had no service. From what I see on news from last night I'm happy not to have had a signal. After packing up and stuffing away a wet tent I was on the trail at first light around 6:30. I think there was another tent further down road but not sure since it was just getting light. I was tired and stiff and the climb out of the gap was very hard. I just kept thinking that if I was going to feel like this today I wasn't going too far. After getting over the hump and warming up the sun came out making for a much needed lifting of the spirit. The wind had blown most of the water off the trees so it was just wet footing and a cooler breezy morning to concentrate on. The trail really smoothed out and except for a bump before Low Gap Shelter turnoff the lousy start turned into a beautiful hiking day. I was by the turnoff a little after 9:00. I was getting very hungry around 11:00 and knew I couldn't wait until Blue Mountain Shelter for lunch so I just pulled up a rock and enjoyed lunch and the great day. I continued on and picked up water right before Blue Mountain Shelter around 1:15. I didn't stop in but just continued on to Unicoi about 2+ miles away. The last 2 miles were steep in section and I was happy it had dried up a lot. Got to Unicoi around 2:30 and was at the Hiawasee Budget inn by 3:00. Pulled everything out of pack and hung anything that was wet. I made a pile of dirty clothes then hopped in shower. Got on some "clean" clothes and walked approx 5 blocks to the Daniels Steakhouse. They have an AYCE buffet for $7.95 that will fill a thru hikers belly. Stopped at Ingles on way back to resupply. Not sure what I'm doing tomorrow.
Date: 2012-03-04
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I thought yesterday was cool. This morning was downright cold. It's right around the freezing point with a brisk wind. I had extra layers on and was still cold. I yogied a ride back to Unicoi Gap with a weekend hiker who was also staying @ hotel. Even without weight I was stiff, tired and cold after the climb up Rocky Mountain. The sun was shining but I really didn't start warming up until I started climbing Tray Mountain. Overall it was a beautiful day for a walk but not for breaks or stops. The wind just kept biting and I was never really warm. I walked fast, snacked and drank while walking and just wanted to get done. It's funny but as much as I like to not carry a lot of weight sometimes that pack blocks the wind and keeps it off my back. Got back to Hiawasee around 2:15, much earlier than thought. However, I am tired, need to get a shower, get wash done and eat some of my extra food. Although cold, there is no rain in the immediate future on my local weather. However, I just ran into Ron Havens from over in Franklin and the owner of this hotel, and he tells me they expect 2" of snow over there tonight. Locally in Hiawassee, just cold, no snow. Therefore, I hate to waste time sitting around. Plan to leave tomorrow but won't make that decision until tomorrow morning.
Date: 2012-03-05
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Was up early. Got a shower then headed over to Subway for breakfast. Got back, relaxed a while and checked hikers favorite channel ( The Weather Channel) before leaving for trail at 9:00. Arrived at trail around 9:15 and the climbing began. It was about 600 ft over a mile then a quick down into cowart gap, then a big climb up Buzzard Knob. I was moving good and felt good after coming down and passing the Plumorchard Gap turnoff for the shelter. Continued over a bump and into another gap. After a short climb there are a few minor ups and downs before reaching the GA/NC border. One state down. Took a short break before the straight up welcome to NC. I was feeling wasted for some reason. I had been coughing all day and it was getting harder as time went on. After the next 1.5 mi of another down and up I came into the Muskrat Creek shelter totally wasted. It was only about 3:30 but I opted to stay the night. Changed into dry clothes and put on multiple layers. It was getting cold fast. I ate, cleaned up and was in my sleeping bag by about 5:30. It was already 28 degrees. I sat up for a while but was asleep by 7:00. It was very windy and frigid.
Date: 2012-03-06
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 24.6
Weather: clear sky

I slept well and woke early. Like 3:45 early. Decided to get up and hike by moon light. I was on the trail by 4:30. It was about 25 degrees with little wind to start. I saw a tent in Wateroak Gap but didn't see anyone else except about 5 people at different times throughout the day going south. It was a little difficult seeing as the moon went down and the sky started getting light around 6:00. I rolled by the Standing Indian Shelter a few minutes later but did not go over. The sun was up as I got to the top of Standing Indian. Off with the fleece jacket. The climb was consistent and the descent over next 3 miles was just great. The morning was warming and it was a beautiful day. By noon I was getting hungry. Snack bars only go so far. I stopped around Betty Creek Gap, had lunch, got water and was on my way. Instead of feeling rejuvinated I started feeling more tired. The climb up Albert was tough but once over the top it was all downhill. I had thought about camping a number of times but it was early and I felt pretty good going downhill. It felt even better to see the Rock Gap Shelter at about 4:45. The cool day helped me move well early and cover some ground. I do not plan to do these kind of miles anytime in the near future. I was very tired and the feet were barking but I was happy to be done and in position for a short 3.8 mile nero into Franklin tomorrow.
Date: 2012-03-07
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 6:15 and on trail by 6:45. It was a cloudy morning with little breeze around freezing. There was only one good climb and the rest was smooth and downhill. I was at Winding Stair Gap at 8:30. Shuttle hadn't shown by 9:45 so we thumbed in with a local hiker who fit all six people in his truck. We were at Budget Inn by 10:15. Most rooms were still occupied with hikers that were leaving at 11:00 so The Eggman and I went down road to get breakfast and do our shopping @ Ingles. Back at Budget Inn about 11:30 bellies full and with shopping done the room was ready. Showered, washed clothes, caught up on messages, and sorted food. Hoping to get a good nights sleep after some dinner over at roadhouse. Town time just goes so fast. Hitting trail in morning.