morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-09-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 60.1
Weather: overcast clouds

September 13Still at Uncle Johnnie's Hostel in Erwin TN. Today Smitty, Hot tub, and I did a 24.5 mile slackpack and Mona Lisa and Chainsaw went on south toward Hot Springs. It is still windy up here in the mountains and today's walk was the first since the storm. Not too bad but there was a fair amount of debris, limbs, and trees across the trail. Some were harder than others to get over or around. Today's trail in part was what I hiked with Jack when I joined him for a few days on the second leg of his thru hike in 2012. Those are really good memories! Luna and Spice have caught up to where we are but still one day behind. The three amigos will be moving on south tomorrow! September 14I am at the Jerry Cabin Shelter after 17.5 miles. Today again for part of the time was on trail that Jack and I did together back in 2012. Then I went further. I know I must have been a drag on Jack at that time. I am different now. We got a later start today than we had hoped. It was drizzling for some of the way. And then it rained the last 2 miles. At that time we walked across a Bald and the wet grass got our shoes and socks soaked. But!! We are now at the 300 mile mark!! And 1 1/2 days from Hot Springs! September 15Hot tub and I are tenting in a campsite on Rich Mountain after 18.1 miles today. Smitty kept on going and is now in Hot Springs. We did a good bit of climbing today and it was a warm clear day. It is 8.3 miles into Hot Springs from here and we plan to try to get there tomorrow in time for breakfast somewhere. Mona Lisa has let us know that shuttle prices are high there and she is not so impressed with the hostel. We'll see how that plays out. May not be doing a slackpack on Sunday after all. Foghat
Date: 2017-09-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 28.8

September 16I am at Laughing Heart Hostel in Hot Springs, NC after 8.3 miles. The trail has been sort of wandering between NC and TN and that will continue at least through Great Smokey Mt. National Park. Today's hike was mostly downhill with a few mild climbs. I really did not have a very good view of the French Broad River as Hot tub and I descended into town. We went straight to the diner for breakfast. Then we got checked into the hostel. I showered and then went to a store for grocery resupply. I will be doing a slackpack tomorrow and then on Monday will head on south. I will be trying to get to and through GSMNP in 4 - 5 days. So I needed enough food to last me all the way to Fontana Village where I will spend one night in the lodge and resupply again. I have an ending date in mind and it is to walk into Amicalola State Park on October 4. Much can happen between now and then. But that is my plan! September 17Still at Laughing Heart Hostel after a 20.5 mile slackpack. Everything went perfect today! I had preordered a breakfast from the diner which opened at 6:30. It was ready on time and delicious! I dropped off a birthday card for Mom at the post office. I then sat down in front of the outfitters store to eat my breakfast while waiting on my 7:00 AM shuttle. He was there on time and I was on the trail for a slackpack by 7:40. My trek today was mostly downhill. On top of Max Patch there were 25 - 30 tents of people just camping and seeing the sunrise. I got to see Mona Lisa, Chainsaw, Smitty, Luna, and Spice all going the opposite direction (uphill). I got back to Hot Springs about 3:45. I got cleaned up quickly and went down town to a delicious steak at Iron Horse Station. Now I am packing up all my stuff for tomorrow's shuttle back to Max Patch but I will be south bound!! Foghat
Date: 2017-09-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 35.9

September 18I am at Davenport Gap Shelter after 16.2 miles. My shuttle was once again right on time and got me to the trail by 7:40 this morning. The trail went up and down a few mountains under a warm blue sky. It was well into the 80's today and the canopy of the trees felt good and cool. I have entered the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. Thru hikers have to pay for a backwoods permit. Unlike the rest of the AT thru hikers do not have first privilege in the shelters in GSMNP. If a shelter is full and a section hiker or a weekend hiker comes up at 9:30 at night and wants to stay in the shelter, the thru hiker has to give up his space and tent nearby. This first shelter has a chain link fence over the opening to keep out bears. Kind of a reverse zoo! September 19I am tenting tonight at Peck's Corner Shelter after 19.7 miles. The shelter is a little over half full so Smitty and I decided to tent in a quieter place. Today was a hard day. 19.7 miles but also a LOT of climbing. We went from 2591 feet to over 6300 feet. And it was not a straight line either. It was up and down and then up higher. Currently I am at 5556 feet above sea level. Tomorrow I will maintain most of this altitude as I roller coaster along a ridge walk that will take me over Clingman's Dome which is the highest point on the whole AT at 6667 feet. My mileage tomorrow will be over 20 miles but it should be an easier day. Smitty is meeting his parents at Newfound Gap tomorrow and he will spend the night with them in Gatlinburg. Foghat
Date: 2017-09-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 51.0

September 20I am at Double Spring Gap Shelter after 20.6 miles. I guess the day was slightly easier than yesterday. But still there was lots of climbing. I mean it was Clingman's Done! But the iconic tower at the top is closed for repairs. So no views! A hiker I met up in Maine and was sick at the time, was in the parking lot at Newfound Gap today! And he was doing trail magic! He gave me a Subway sandwich, a beer, and a honey bun! Fantastic! Looks like another almost 20 miles tomorrow. Better go to bed! September 21I am at Mollie's Ridge Shelter after 19.4 miles. The Smokies are wearing me out. The first several miles were constant ups and downs. And not too many views. There are a few leaf color changes going on but not much yet. The last 5 miles of the day were flat and easy. Tonight the shelter is crowded with 10 people. Pretty nice folks so far. Tomorrow I will have about 10 miles to get to Fontana Dam and that will be mostly downhill. Also, I am now under 200 miles! 177.3 miles to go!! September 22I am at the Fontana Lodge for the night after 11 miles today. The trail crosses the long Fontana Dam. I went to the info desk at the dam to see if the lodge would send someone to pick me up since it was a 4 mile walk to the lodge. They said yes, but an hour later there was still no ride. I asked the volunteers at the information desk to please recall them and I talked to a lady and told her it would be very hard for me to spend my money if I was stuck at the dam all day. She said, "yes sir" and 10 minutes later a maintenance pick up truck was there to take me to the lodge. I had to ride in the back which was ok with me. Any way I have gotten showered, laundry done, groceries bought, and one meal in me. So I am happy for now. I have officially finished with GSMNP and I have also left behind the state of TN. Just two more states to go!! I am still on schedule to finish on October 4 and next weekend I will be able to take a couple of days off to spend the weekend with Tammy in Asheville to celebrate our 37th anniversary. Looking forward to that and a great finish!Foghat
Date: 2017-09-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 34.9

September 23I am at Locust Cove Gap campsite after 18.6 miles. I enjoyed my short stay at the Fontana Lodge. I was relaxed and enjoyed good food after all my chores were done. I got shuttled out and on the trail by 8:30 this morning. I had planned to go to a shelter a little ways back but I got there by 2:30. Too early to quit. Also I had planned to spend tomorrow night at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) hostel. But they had no rooms of any kind available when I called. So, I decided to go about 5.5 miles further today so that I can get to the NOC (10 miles from here) earlier tomorrow. I will have a meal at the restaurant and buy 2 - 3 days of groceries and get on out to a shelter further south. It is thundering and sprinkling on my tent tonight. Shoot!September 24 (Mom's Birthday) I am at Wesser Bald Shelter after16.3 miles. I am glad I went the extra miles yesterday. I had a little over 10 miles to get down to the NOC and was there by noon or so. I went straight to the restaurant and had a good burger, fries, beer and the server brought me my check. I said, "Wait, I am not done yet!" I then ordered a brownie supreme which I saw a table of 4 sharing. I, however, ate mine all by myself! I bought a few groceries and was back on the trail by 1:45. It was about 6 miles, uphill all the way, to get to this shelter. There was a pretty devastating fire recently which has the forest blackened and scarred. Foghat
Date: 2017-09-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 37.5

September 25I am at Siler Bald Shelter after 17.4 miles. It was a cooler clear day today. The leaves are falling and there are more yellows and golds showing up. A little red on the maples. There are 5 of us "old" men here in the shelter tonight. And I am the youngest. Two of the guys have been telling me about how bad the blown down trees are on the trail in north GA. I guess I will find out for myself in a couple of days. I'll be there! Tomorrow I will be aiming for 20 miles and will be going under 100 miles left to go! September 26I am at Carter Gap Shelter after 20.1 miles. Today was mostly gentle rolling hills with the exception of a short steep climb up Albert Mountain, where I had my lunch. There were no significant blown down trees to block my way today. The men I was with last night ranged from late 60's to 75 years old. I got a text from Mona Lisa that two of these men had seemed very rude when talking to her, Chainsaw, and French Dip because they thought it was ridiculous that the younger more experienced hikers were trying to do 20 mile days in the face of so many blown down trees blocking the trail. They seemed alright to me. But then, I'm old too. I am now under 100 miles to the finish line! Tomorrow I will do less miles but will climb Standing Indian Mountain. Foghat
Date: 2017-09-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 24.3
Weather: overcast clouds

September 27I am at Muskrat Creek Shelter after 12.5 miles. Today is mine and Tammy's 37th anniversary! We will spend the weekend together in Asheville. Today I climbed Standing Indian Mtn pretty easily and didn't have to hurry since I only had to go 12.5 miles. I was at this shelter by 2:00. Tomorrow I have only 11.8 miles to go to get to where fabulous Vicky will pick me up and allow me to stay with her and Randal tomorrow night, Sunday night, and Monday night. She will be helping me slackpack on Monday and then on Tuesday will be dropping me off to move on south and what will be my last night on the trail. When I arrived at this shelter I noticed that the shelter register was all shredded in a big mess. I suspected a mouse did it. Sure enough, I opened the wall box where the register is usually kept and there is a squirming mouse nest in there! I am sleeping on the other side of the shelter!September 28Vicky's and Randal's house in Hiawassee. These two wonderful people and life long friends were at the parking area when I exited the woods! The hike today was a good one so far as weather goes but was made more "interesting" by all the downed trees laying across the trail. The Georgia Appalachian Trail folks have really been on the ball and have clearing up all the mess. In NC though there were still multiple very large trees broken or pushed over all along and over the trail. But I either went through or around them and made pretty good time. Now, Georgia is not only on my mind, it is under my feet! I have been lovingly and thoroughly taken care of today and will spend the weekend with Tammy. Foghat
Date: 2017-10-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

October 2 I am still at Vicky¢s and Randal¢s house in Hiawassee after a 17 mile slackpack today. The trail was beautiful and the weather so fine! I was through by 2:30 and picked up by my hosts. Tammy and I had a wonderful weekend in Asheville at the Grove Park Inn. An indulgence for sure. But we loved every moment. The spa was first class and we were expertly taken care of and came back to our room feeling like a cooked noodle. Then we had a wonderful meal on the Sunset Terrace. Tammy then brought me back to Vicky and Randal on Sunday. I can not say enough good things about these two! They have made me so comfortable and fed me and taken care of every need. And they have taken on the task of getting me to and from the trail when needed. Tomorrow they will get me to Woody Gap where I will begin the last two days of my trek. I have heard from Smitty and I will meet him and Hot Tub at Stover Creek Shelter for our last night on the trail. The next day we will finish together down at Amicalola Falls State Park. I will try to post again about the final two days and then after I have gathered my thoughts I will do a kind of epilogue to bring my journal to a conclusion. Thank you all for sticking with me!Foghat
Date: 2017-10-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 61.7

October 3I am at Stover Creek Shelter after 18 miles today. This the last night on the trail!! I am here with Smitty, Hot Tub, and Al. Al is finishing the southern half of the AT after doing the northern part several years ago. Another day of fantastic weather and pretty easy trail. We are all in good light hearted moods reflecting on our good times and experiences of the last 5 1/2 months. None of us really anxious for it to end but still it feels so good to see something this big come to a good conclusion. Tomorrow we will have 2.8 miles to get to Springer Mtn. And then it will be 8.8 miles to get down to Amicalola Falls. I don¢t have a signal tonight so I can¢t let Tammy know my ETA. Oh, well. Will hope for a signal on top of Springer. October 4Smitty, Hot Tub, and I were on the trail by 6:45 in the dark using our head lamps to climb to the top of Springer Mtn. We were there by 8. It was a glorious moment! We just didn¢t really know how to feel. Yes, glad to have reached a goal sought for over the last 5 1/2 months. But also a sense of disbelief that such an epic adventure was coming to an end. We soaked up the moment with some pictures and congratulations and then we headed on down the mountain to Amicalola Falls. It was a fast paced hike to the State Park and we arrived together at the archway that begins and ends the approach trail. We touched our poles to the top of the arch and we were done. Tammy and Jack were there to welcome me and see the finale. There were introductions and hugs all around. Soon, Smitty¢s parents were there and more hugging and excitement. We all talked a little but then had to make our way back to separate lives, families, and memories. Tammy, Jack, and I had lunch at the lodge in the park. Jack headed back to Atlanta and Tammy and I headed home. A home I have not seen in so long. A home that is comfortable and that needs me. A loving and enduring wife. And the precious memories of a wilderness that knows my name. Foghat
Date: 2017-10-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

One can not do an adventure such as this without the prayers, support and encouragement of many people. So, I must thank each of you for reading my journal and for all the wonderful and much needed words that made me smile, and made me stronger, and helped me take yet another step. Most of all this applies to my dear wife, Tammy. Without her none of this would have even been possible. Others who gave so much of themselves and their time were Vicky and Randal, Beth and Dan, Dr. Church, and Robert Urtis. People in our church were not only supportive of me but also of Tammy when she needed it most.There were many folks I met on the trail whom will forever be in my memory as fellow sufferers, and fellow conquerors. Smitty, Hot Tub, Mona Lisa, Chainsaw, Luna, and Spice are the ones had the most time with. I have been told by several people that this journal has allowed them to live this adventure through me. That it has been inspirational. I am very glad for that! But I hope that even more than that, it will have been at least a little motivational too. I hope that it will spur interest in people to get out of their comfort zones and seek their own adventures. Age is just a number. Get out there into the great outdoors and truly live! If you fall, get up and do it again. Don't just wait out your years in an easy chair watching someone else live life for you. Embrace a little risk and uncertainty. And laugh along the way. Life is too precious not to live it!Foghat
Date: 2017-03-20
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountian campsite
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: clear sky

Bev & I was dropped off by Dan & Marcel at Amicalola Falls this morning at 7:30 am. Then caught a ride up to Springer Mountain with Alpine Hiker, a former AT Hiker. He was full of knowledge about the trail and gave us tips on how to succeed, things to watch out for and most importantly wished us luck and ....we got kisses from his dog. Sorry Alpine, we forgot his name, but what a beautiful dog. I miss my girl, Cabella already. Today's hike was fairly easy, met about 8-10 people on the trail throughout the day, no wildlife except birds singing away, it was very peaceful. Sitting up my tent the frame broke on my Big Agnes UL1 so thankfully I had the repair splint with me that came with the tent so I could still set it up. Once I had cell service I called my trail coach, and friend Sharon, aka Trail name Cozy to call REI where it was purchased to see what I should do. Cozy called Neel Gap, at mile 31.4 at Mountain Crossing, a full service outfitter. They had the same tent so they are holding one for me.Thank you!Our first night was a real learning experience, one, our tent site was about .4 miles away from the water source.... downhill & to the privy..(outhouse).. and the bear box. After walking all day with packs that weigh 34 & 36 lbs, that extra walking stinks! My pack weight is 34, Bev's 36 with 1liter plus 16 oz of water. We had no tree limbs to hang our food bags so glad for the bear boxes at this campsite. Two, we both up set some of our cooked food right by our tent....that's a no no with ?? bears everywhere! Then I opened up a packet of peanut butter which spilled out all over my dirty hands and onto the ground!!! With no paper towels I decided the only thing I could do is lick my hand clean, the best I could and then washed some with my drinking water and dry off on my one and only towel. Then I had to dig hole and bury the peanut butter that was on the ground. We had a great nights ??
Date: 2017-03-21
From: Hawk Mountian campsite

To: Justus Creek
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We were up at 7:00 am and on the trail about 8:15..we will get better at packing up as time goes on. It was warm today, 65-70 but no complaints from me, I just strip down to my tee & zipped off my converter pants to shorts. We haven't met many hikers and the 10 or so that camped with us last night haven't caught up to us....We are doing great! As Bev & I keep saying, "we've got this"! OK Cozy, we must say, you were right about Sassafras Mtn., yes it was soooooo awesome! I may go back one day and try it again...NOT! Ha! Ha! We stopped for the night early because everyone is saying a bad thunderstorm was coming in by 8 pm. We could already here thunder off in the distance. We sat up our tents and had a quick bite to eat, then hung our food bags and anything with a scent up in a tree. If you go to my photos you may see a picture of our first bear hang. We are pros at it I must say, practice before going out on the trail did help. Bev even gave a guy, Everest a lesson on the PCT bear hang, check it out on YouTube! The night was wild...thunder, lightning, rain, hail and high winds for over 3 hours! My wind lifted my tent sideways at one point! I'll be putting all 4 tent stakes in from now on. Bev & I got to poop in the woods for the first time while on the AT, lol... For those that don't know, the Appalachian Trail has a, " Leave No Trace" policy...which means , dig a hole do your duties & bury it!! No littering either, carry in carry out!!! I've even picked up some on the trail which probably fell out of someone's pockets or pack.  I didn't sleep last night very well, but the light show was great! Life on the trail is wonderful! Good night. Look at my photos , hopefully they are posting... I'm having a tough time journaling on my iPhone.
Date: 2017-03-22
From: Justus Creek

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

We had another great day, again we were up early and on the trail in record time for us, 45 mins. without breakfast. We've been stopping after a couple hours on the trail and eating cereal or a power bar or trail mix. No wildlife seen except birds again. Seeing a Red Cardinal first thing was emotional, I know its one of my Angel's. Thank you for watching over me. I ended up with a blister on my left foot near my arch area which is a weird place to get one but that's ok because it doesn't hurt too bad. I can't wait to get to Neel Gap, to exchange my tent and take a shower and Dr up my blister. Bev has one in the same place so we are blaming it on our inserts...SuperFeet, we both put new ones in before we left. I almost forgot...We had "Trail Magic" today from Twelve Tribes, Jeremiah, Nathan, Skillet & others. Lentil soup, homemade bread, apples and drinks! Thank you very much!!!
Date: 2017-03-23
From: Lance Creek

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

We had a cold night last night, I should of put my down coat on but that's my pillow so I just wiggled around a lot all night to keep warm... I'm really tired this morning but we got up early and started walking. Blood Mountain was a killer today, glad for the cooler temps! What gorgeous sites at the top, no picture captures the beauty of this place.... All I keep saying is look how beautiful Bev! We are so blessed to be here. Thank you Dan for supporting me on this journey, I really wish you & Cabella were with me. We arrived into Neel Gap to get my new tent and mailed the broken one back to REI to get my refund. That's why I purchased most of my gear from them, they are great about replacing stuff that may break, tear or whatever. Thanks REI. We got to see Alpine Hiker working at Mountain Crossings were I got the tent they held for me. We stayed at Blood Mountain Cabins and enjoyed the night there eating pizza, sub sandwiches & sitting on soft chairs & sofa....plus slept in comfortable beds. Oh, yes...the hot shower was amazing!!! The owners even did our laundry, thank you! I slept like a baby too.
Date: 2017-03-24
From: Neel Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

Last night was a long night, no sleep because I kept falling off my air mattress, I guess I need to look for level ground if possible next time. I was warm last night though.We were once again too far from our water source & privy but we had a great meal cooked outside with no spills, just watery mashed potatoes because I added too much water. The chicken was very tasty though, thanks Mountain House! We left early knowing we had a long day. It was a beautiful easy day, nothing important to report.Life was great on the trail again today!
Date: 2017-03-26
To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 0.0

We are at Hiawassee,Ga for a day to resupply & rest. Staying at the Budget Inn and walking 2 miles to town. We had Mexican! We talked about margarita's for two days so we had a 20 oz one!! The food was delicious too. We did laundry & I tried most of the day to catch up with my trail journals....which has been a pain!! If I could journal every night it would help. I'm all messed up on days. If something on my entries doesn't look right it's because I'm learning and behind doing it. Not to mention I have no idea what I'm doing. Ha ha!