morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-02-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Our plans are still to leave Wisconsin for Georgia Thursday evening, Feb 21. Nervously watching the weather forecast, as it looks like a major winter storm is shaping up all across the Midwest. Oh well, we'll see what develops. Decided to pick up the Kahtoola Microspike Traction System to put over our hiking boots in the icy, snowy sections. Has anyone had experience with these? We have hiked in the ice and snow in the Wisconsin bluffs with just our boots and did ok, but definitely slippery and scary. Otherwise our gear is pretty well set and packed. Packs are pretty manageable weights, a little more food and winter clothing than we'll need later on, but don't want to be underprepared for the cold. Got our Smokies permits yesterday, pretty efficient system.
Date: 2013-02-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

After some slow, slippery driving through Illinois and into Indiana Thursday night, the storm slowly turned to rain by Indianapolis, and finally quit altogether by the time we hit Kentucky. Finally pulled into Dahlonega, Georgia early Friday evening. Took about 20 hours of driving, much longer than we had hoped due to the storm, but grateful to be here. Many, many thanks to our daughter, Jana, and two of our granddaughters for bringing us all the way from Wisconsin and making the trip so enjoyable (except, of course, for Cali, the 6 year old, throwing up on Grandma the first night, and subsequent complaints by the backseat crowd about Grandma smelling like puke for the rest of the trip! Oh well, life happens.) We are very grateful to God for allowing us to come to this point in our lives, and to our family and friends for all the support and encouragement,
Date: 2013-02-23
From: amicacola falls state park

To: Black Gap Shelter, GA
Miles today: 0.0

Started on the trail at about 3 pm this afternoon after being dropped of by our older daughter Jana with two of our grandchildren Summer and Cali. We were making decent progress on the trail when we hit a bunch of drizzle and fog. Hiked on through that and then came across wet dog from New Jersey who had started hiking after a twenty hour bus ride from said state. We criss- crossed paths. Then, it became dark. The fog, if anything, got thicker, dog was getting sicker, weather was cooling down. Finally got the shelter with wet dog around eight thirty. Signing offFoodwalker and Tracy McGContent may be subject to further revisionsc
Date: 2013-02-24
From: Black Gap Shelter, GA

To: Stover Creek Shelter, GA
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: broken clouds

Got started out of the shelter around 8:30 I the morning. Wet dog was looking better than he was last night. Met Jerry (now trail name of jet for jettison), who is in his early 60s from Florida. Has a dry sense of humor.On the approach, we're feeling gassed. Figured the approach trail was designed to weed people out at the very beginning; already have a new appreciation for anyone who has done any part of the trail. Made it to the top of springer mountain about 10:30, where there were a lot of people getting ready to go on the trail. We got up there and everyone started hiking. Got to springer shelter and Tori was getting ready to leave . Tried out platypus gravity filter, and it worked out just fine, it was a beautiful day, spent a long day at the shelter.Started to get nauseated going down the trail. Kind of hard to hike when your stomach is going one way and the trail is going another. Made it to the shelter. More next entry .Foodwalker and Tracy McG
Date: 2013-02-27
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter, GA

To: Dockery Lake Trail, GA
Miles today: 8.0

Long day of hiking today. Didn't think we could make it to the Woods Hole Shelter, so set up our tent near the intersection of the AT with the Dockery Lake Trail. Had a quick supper and turned in for the night. Learned later our friends Heartrock and his dad Tony from Georgia passed by our tent and went on a little further, but didn't hear a thing. Did talk with an older couple out walking their dog on the DL Trail.
Date: 2013-02-28
From: Dockery Lake Trail, GA

To: Neel Gap, GA
Miles today: 7.9

Tracy McG had a bad night last night, vomiting numerous times. Perfected the art of getting out of the sleeping bag, getting the tent zippers undone, and getting her head far enough out of the tent not to make a mess with the upchuck. You just never know the skills that can come in handy in life. Had to remember not to set the backpack in that spot in the morning, though! Another long day of hiking, neither one of us feeling that great, until finally the very welcome sight of Neel Gap and the Mountain Crossings Outfitters and hostel appeared. Several of our friends hurried out to greet us and help us get registered and settled in. Very nice people at Mountain Crossings. Pirate cooked a great chili supper, although neither one of us was able to eat that much. Later Tracy McG developed a fever of 101.0. It felt great to sleep indoors in an actual bunk. Many friends were there, including Heartrock and Tony, Nomad, Lost Boy, Sampson, and others. Great camaraderie.
Date: 2013-03-01
From: Neel Gap, GA

To: Low Gap Shelter, GA
Miles today: 11.5

Tracy McG's fever was down to 99.5 by morning and we took off from Neel Gap about 9:30, after a great pancake breakfast (thank you, Pirate), although once again neither of us could eat that much. Going to lose weight fast at this rate! Arrived at the trail for the Whitley Gap Shelter about 4, but decided to skip it, as it was another 1.2 miles on the blue blaze trail to get to the shelter. Pressed on to Low Gap, had to hike with headlamps the last bit. Our friends at the shelter saw our headlamps and shone their own headlamps and whistled to guide us down the side trail to the shelter. Felt very welcomed! They had cleared a spot for us in the shelter and had hot water ready. Nice shelter, with a creek running right in front of it for water. Can't beat that.
Date: 2013-03-02
From: Low Gap Shelter, GA

To: Blue Mountain Shelter, GA
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to snow this morning! Actually very pretty, but cold. We all got on the trail as quickly as we could, as it's a lot warmer hiking than hanging around an open shelter. This was a difficult day of hiking. Blue Mountain in particular was tough. Very steep and very, very rocky. Us old folks have to be careful on these long, rocky descents, and the other hikers zoomed past us. Finally arrived at the Blue Mountain Shelter to find only Nomad there. Thankfully, someone had left a tarp tied over part of the open side of the shelter to block some of the wind. Nomad made hot water for us, which was very nice, and he insisted on getting water for us as well. Heartrock and Tony pulled in a little after us, but everyone else in our group had gone further on down the trail. It was very cold on the mountain top and started to snow again soon after we got there.
Date: 2013-03-03
From: Blue Mountain Shelter, GA

To: Tray Mountain Shelter, GA
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

These Georgia mountains are definitely a challenge. Steep, rocky, the steeper and rockier the more snow and ice covered, with fierce, icy winds thrown in to heighten your sense of accomplishment. Blue Mountain, where we stayed in the shelter, was particularly rocky and scary, but successfully negotiated. Woke up Sunday morning to 18 degrees, but a beautiful sunrise. Everyone packed up as quickly as possible and started down the mountain before we froze! Beautiful blue skies all day. All our friends are now ahead of us, so we will be meeting new people, which is a pleasure. When we arrived at the Tray Mountain shelter, the wind was howling over the ridge and the temperatures were rapidly falling to a dangerous level. We set up our frozen tent as fast as possible and crawled inside to thaw out. The inside is now covered with frost, but we are warm inside the sleeping bag, much warmer than we would be in the shelter. Really enjoying the adventure so far, thankful for the opportunity to attempt this.
Date: 2013-03-04
From: Tray Mountain Shelter, GA

To: Deep Gap, GA
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to 15 degrees this morning, still windy but not howling like during the night. Slept good and stayed warm in our little tent. Had a good hike today, the weather warmed up (relatively speaking). Kind of slippery in the mud, but no major mishaps. Put up our tent near the Deep Gap Shelter trail, didn't want to hike the 0.3 mile down to the shelter. Contacted the Budget Inn in Hiawasee about catching their shuttle tomorrow. All in all a good day. Decided we need more snack-type foods to put in our pockets when we resupply, don't seem to want to eat cooked food much right now.
Date: 2013-03-05
From: Deep Gap, GA

To: Hiawasee, GA
Miles today: 3.6

Slept good last night, much warmer night than the previous few nights, definitely above freezing. Got an early start, since we didn't know how difficult the trail would be to Dick's Creek Gap and the shuttle pickup, and we definitely hike at the "old fogeys" rate. Very muddy descents, at times we were just sliding downhill in the mud, balancing with the hiking poles! A bit scary. Foodwalker fell once, but managed to throw himself toward the uphill side of the mountain instead of tumbling over the edge! These are very steep slopes, and a long way down. Made good time, got to Dick's Creek Gap over an hour early. Hung out for a while with Zhivago, who was continuing north, and Silly, who just finished a southbound thru hike in January. Heard there is another big storm going through the northern Georgia mountains tonight and tomorrow, and decided to take a zero day tomorrow in Hiawasee. Many fellow hikers here at the Budget Inn.
Date: 2013-03-06
From: Hiawasee, GA

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to the view of horizontal snow blowing outside the window this morning, felt glad we had made the choice to take a zero day today. Relaxing day, got our resupply organized, all the gear is dried (for however long that lasts), and got the packs reorganized. Ready to catch the 9 am shuttle back to Dicks Creek Gap in the morning. Then heading north to North Carolina!
Date: 2013-03-07
From: Dick's Creek Gap, GA

To: Bly Gap, NC
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

Took the 9 am shuttle out of Hiawassee, along with a crowd of other hikers. Started up the trail about 10 am. Pretty nice trail today. Snow, of course, in places, but beautiful blue skies and fairly warm temperatures. At the turnoff for Plum Orchard Gap Shelter we met Rocky, Goat, and Tracker. Then who should come along but our old friends Tori, Heart Rock, and Tony, now known as Bear. It was like a family reunion! Then everyone took off again in their separate directions, as is usual on the Trail. After many long ascents, we reached the GA/ NC border sign and were jubilant at passing into our 2nd state. Very shortly after that we reached Bly Gap and threw up our tent alongside those of Tracker, Rocky, and Goat. A quick supper and dived into the tent, as the temperature is dropping rapidly and it is quite cold.
Date: 2013-03-08
From: Bly Gap, NC

To: Deep Gap, NC
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: clear sky

Wow! The ascent out of Bly Gap to the top of Courthouse Bald (4666 ft) was long, very steep, and icy. Finally made it to the top, only to face more snowy, icy, and scary descents and, of course, ascents. At one point, Tracy McG got so tired of maneuvering down yet another snowy descent that she just sat down and slid the rest of the way down! Did stop at the Muskrat Creek Shelter to cook a quick meal before continuing on. There we met Cityslicker, who had hiked with Kevin and Kathy last summer. Nomad also stopped by the shelter, which was a nice surprise, as we had thought he was a couple of days ahead of us. Finally threw up our tent for the night at Deep Gap, as it was too far to reach the next shelter. A tiring but exciting day on the AT.
Date: 2013-03-09
From: Deep Gap, NC

To: Carter Gap Shelter, NC
Miles today: 8.5

This was a pretty nice day of hiking, plenty of ups and downs. Long way up to the top if Standing Indian Mountain (5498 ft). Made it into Carter Gap Shelter about 3:30, decided to call it a day. Cooked a meal, chatted with the many young adults at this shelter. Very pretty area.
Date: 2013-03-10
From: Carter Gap Shelter, NC

To: Rock Gap Shelter, NC
Miles today: 12.1

Another mixture of nice trail and harrowing trail on AT today. After Mooney Gap (mile 98.4), the very narrow trail led up the side of Albert Mountain past many difficult and muddy rock climbs, with a very steep drop off to the right. Felt numb by the time we finished. Took a short lunch break, then continued on for the ascent to the summit of Albert Mountain and the fire tower at the top. This was the really harrowing part for these two old folks. The trail (such as it was) led almost straight up, over many rock scrambles where we just had to find handholds where we could on the rocks and pull ourselves up however we could manage, resolutely not thinking about the long drops below us. Unbelievably, success was achieved without mishap. The view from the top was stunning, and we were thankful that God has allowed us to get so far on this journey as to see such sights. The descent from the fire tower was easy. Met a troop of Boy Scouts from Florida at the top, hope they got down okay. The rest of the day's hike was pretty easy. A lot of the trails here in North Carolina have been pretty well graded where possible, and it is appreciated. The young people at the Rock Gap shelter insisted that we pitch our tent under the picnic table area of the shelter and moved the table to make room for us, as it was supposed to rain during the night, although we mostly just got fog.
Date: 2013-03-12
From: Wallace Gap, NC

To: USFS 69, NC
Miles today: 9.5

A very nice day of hiking on the AT. The shuttle dropped us off about 10, and it was straight uphill from there, past a long, beautiful waterfall. Met a group of people from a hiking club, really enjoyed talking with them. Stopped for a picnic lunch with breakfast sandwiches from Hardee's after crossing the highway at Winding Stair Gap, and then uphill from there. Anytime you see the word "gap" you know it's going to be a long, steep, uphill climb from that point! About 5 we reached Wayah Gap, where Fresh Ground, a fellow hiker, had set up some trail magic. Hot coffee, hot chocolate, chicken noodle soup, hot dogs, salad, fresh fruit! Unbelievable! And much appreciated! "Eat as much as you can", he kept urging, so we did. What a wonderful thing God had put on his heart to do. By the time we left there we hiked a ways up the next mountain (note the word "gap"), found an old tent site and set up for the night.
Date: 2013-03-13
From: USFS 69, NC

To: Cold Spring Shelter, NC
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: few clouds

Long hike today up Wayah Bald. The stone tower at the top is quite beautiful and the view is incredible. Very cold and windy at the top. Some hikers took a break and made lunch there, but it was too cold for us. We hiked down a ways and had lunch in a more protected spot. Headed off down the trail after lunch, eyes glued to the trail, missed a very obvious switchback and headed off down an old, unused, overgrown trail. Thought "Wow, this part of the trail is sure not maintained very well." Soon woke up, realized what had happened, and worked our way back to the unbelievably obvious turn we had missed. Finally arrived at Cold Spring Shelter, a cute little log cabin shelter. It was getting really cold and windy by then. Put up the tent as fast as we could, Foodwalker filtered some water, and we stayed put in the tent. We were warm enough, but I think the people in the shelter were kind of cold.
Date: 2013-03-14
From: Cold Spring Shelter, NC

To: Before A. Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up this morning to 9 degrees minus whatever the wind chill was! It was hard to get everything packed up, because our fingers kept freezing up when we had to take our gloves off. Got hiking as fast as we could, just to warm up. Actually turned out to be a beautiful day, blue skies, and the weather warmed up at least to the high 30s, which is pretty nice hiking weather. The view from the Wesser Bald tower was incredible, could see clear off to the Smokies. After that it was a long hike down. Foodwalker's right knee decided it had had enough, and started giving out. He fell four times in a half mile of steep descents. Very frightening. As soon as we came to a level spot on the ridge we put up the tent and called it a day.
Date: 2013-03-15
From: Before A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: The Jump Up, Sassafrass Mountain
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: broken clouds

Foodwalker's knee felt better this morning, and we slowly and carefully made it the last two miles down the mountain to the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). There we picked up two knee braces for Foodwalker. Also a box of treats and letters from Tracy McG's sisters. It was wonderful! Did laundry, then decided to continue on the trail. Hiked slowly and laboriously up Sassafrass Mountain for 6 1/2 hours. Thought we'd never reach the top, and we never did. Finally found a wide spot beside the trail, almost at the very top, and called it a night. So the tent is pitched on a ridge with drop offs on either side, and we are in for the night. Finish the ascent in the morning.
Date: 2013-03-16
From: The Jump Up, Sassafrass Mountain

To: Stecoah Gap, NC
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: broken clouds

Continued on up to Swim Bald (4710 ft) and then on to Cheoah Bald (5062 ft). Some pretty steep climbs. Ran into our friend Heartrock at the Sassafras Gap shelter, where he was taking a zero day and was busy making improvements around the shelter. Long, long downhill to Stecoah Gap, where Ann Phillips from the San-Ran Motel in Robbinsville picked us up. Glad to get off the trail, Foodwalker's right is still bothering him.
Date: 2013-03-18
From: Stecoah Gap, NC

To: Beyond Cable Gap Shelter, NC
Miles today: 9.7

Difficult day of hiking today, especially for Foodwalker. Despite the new knee braces he fell six times today, hitting the right knee hard on the rocks at least once. Then the rain, hail, and lightning started. Made it to Cable Gap Shelter about 5 and got water. Looked like the rain was letting up, so decided to go on for a ways. Big mistake! The storms started up again with a vengeance. Finally reached a level place, put up the tent as fast as we could, threw the packs inside, and dived in ourselves. Rain continued pouring most of the night, finally letting up towards morning.
Date: 2013-03-19
From: Beyond Cable Gap Shelter, NC

To: Fontana 28 AT Crossing
Miles today: 4.2

Today was another difficult day of hiking. Foodwalker fell twice, hitting his right knee on the rocks again. After that, hiking became very difficult and painful for him, and we proceeded very slowly and cautiously down the long descent towards the Fontana Dam. We could see the Dam from quite a long ways off and it was quite beautiful to see. When we crossed highway 28 we were at the Fontana Village Marina. There was a phone there to call for a shuttle to the Fontana Village Resort, and they came to get us in about ten minutes. While we waited, who should pull up but our friend Heartrock. It was great to see him again! We checked in at the resort, and Foodwalker gratefully got off his feet.
Date: 2013-03-20
From: Fontana Village Resort, NC

To: Fontana Village Resort, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a day of rest. Foodwalker made the difficult decision that he is going to have to get off the trail. He does not feel that he can continue on these challenging mountain trails with his knee as injured as it is. This makes us feel very sad, but that is reality. He placed a call to Tracy McG's sister, and arrangements were for her and Tracy McG's mother to drive out from Ohio tomorrow. We are most grateful for family and how they look out for us.
Date: 2013-03-21
From: Fontana Village Resort, NC

To: Fontana Village Resort, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Today was another day of rest. In the evening, Tracy McG's sister and mother arrived. It was so nice to see them. We all had a nice dinner at the Resort and had a great time visiting. Tomorrow Foodwalker will head to Ohio with them to recuperate, and Tracy McG will head out on the trail alone.
Date: 2013-03-22
From: Fontana 28 AT Crossing, NC

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter, NC
Miles today: 12.2

Well, today was the difficult day when Foodwalker and Tracy McG went separate ways. She hiked the 1.1 miles to the Fontana Hilton Shelter, which was pretty impressive. Water fountains, toilets, showers!!! A lot of hikers there. There were a lot of hikers at the Fontana Village Resort, too. The family walked with Tracy McG across the Fontana Dam. The ranger took her permit at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many pictures were taken and hugs exchanged, and then the family watched until Tracy McG hiked out of sight. It was a long uphill hike almost until the Shuckstack fire tower. I was surprised the trail did not go all the way to the fire tower, but veered off just before it got there. Arrived at the shelter about 4:30. Met Madison, Trekker, and Pilgrim, along with a couple of other guys who spent the night. Felt very strange to be without Foodwalker and I missed him very much.
Date: 2013-03-23
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter, NC

To: Derrick Knob Shelter, NC
Miles today: 12.0

Slept good during the night, and we all headed out fairly early today. Along the way, Madison talked to one of the ridge runners who said that bad weather was coming Sunday evening. He advised everyone to try to get to the Silers Bald Shelter if possible tonight in order to get past Climgmans Dome tomorrow. However, Madison and I only made it to the Derrick Knob Shelter and did not feel we could go the additional 5.5 miles to the next shelter. We thought we would be alone at the shelter, but a man named Saver later joined us. Torrential rains during the night, glad to be in the shelter. The shelters in the GSMNP are pretty nice. Made of stone, with a fireplace inside and large tarps hung over the open side. Two sleeping platforms and nice picnic tables outside. No privies, though, just an area down a hill labeled "Toilet Area." You just get out of sight of the shelter and pick your spot to do your business.
Date: 2013-03-24
From: Derrick Knob Shelter, NC

To: Clingmans Dome, NC
Miles today: 10.3

I keep saying it, but this was a very difficult day of hiking. Mostly very steep, rocky, and muddy ascents. Fog or rain all day. I can be very slow on these steep ascents. I start to feel my age (61). Finally arrived at the top of Clingmans Dome, after trudging through swirling fog for a long time. Was supposed to meet Madison at the parking lot, but was unable to find her anywhere. Felt greatly distressed about this. I assume she decided to go on to the next shelter, as that had been her original plan. A couple from Pigeon Forge offered me a ride into Gatlinburg and strongly encouraged me to go, explaining that the road to Clingmans Dome was closing and that 6-8 inches of snow was forecasted. I decided to accept their generosity, with a lot of misgivings due to not knowing where Madison was. They dropped me at the Days Inn in Gatlinburg. Called Foodwalker to let him know the situation.
Date: 2013-03-25
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Light snow all day in Gatlinburg, supposed to be up to a foot in the mountains, though. Walked around town, saw the sights. Sure a lot of people here for spring break, including FFA kids in their jackets everywhere. The NOC Outfitters is across the street from the hotel, so walked over there to pick up a couple of things and signed up for the shuttle tomorrow. They said it probably wasn't going, though, because the roads will probably still be closed, so I'll have to check early and then get my room again and get signed up for the next day's shuttle. I'm a little worried about my GSMNP permit expiring, but maybe they'll be okay about it due to all the snow.