morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Here we are. Finally ready to begin my hike. Met my other brother from a different mother, Road Warrior. We talked about the possibility of beginning tomorrow instead of Tuesday. We will make that decision at the last possible moment. Just have to keep everyone on their toes. Today was a great day for a nap, or a duck. My hat is off to all those that have been hiking in this wonderful, moisture laden weather. But don't worry; I'm next. We had a god ride to Georgia, even through the rain and met several people getting ready to start their hikes. I am still trying to glean some more useful knowledge and insight. I also went through the backpack yet again and reduced a couple more pounds. Thank you, Jesus. It still is heavier than I would like, but it is better than it was. Thanks to all that are keeping me in their prayers; don't stop. I will need all I can get. Thanks to my lovely wife for being there for me, like always. Thanks to my bro, David and my sis, Rika for the transportation here. My words of wisdom: this journey will begin with a single step and will end when I am done.And in the words of my preacher- it's simple, but it's hard.The journey is the destination.Peace
Date: 2014-03-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Okay ladies and germs. Let's try this one more time. I am trying to upload a picture to this page. Today was wetter than we thought it was going to be and we had a couple of things that we wanted to accomplish, so we will wail until tomorrow to begin the hike. I got signed in today as thru-hiker number 508 and weighed my pack in at 31 lbs. It was definitely more than I wanted, but I can't leave everything home. It is what it is. I will hike and eat and reduce my pack weight as I go. I am pleased that the forecast is supposed to be pleasant for the next several days. It will give us a chance to hike some before we get soaked. I look forward to meeting more of the class of 2014. The journey is the destination. Peace
Date: 2014-03-18
From: FS42

To: As far as possible
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

We left the parking lot at forest service road about 9:20 this morning with the destination of Hawk Mountain Shelter at 8.1 miles but decided to continue to Horse Gap. This was because we hope to reach Woody Gap tomorrow p.m. The trail was slightly muddy in places, muddier in other places and pleasantly dry in yet other places. The last climb of the day tested my resolve. It was very difficult for me. I spent a certain amount of time leaning on my hiking poles trying to let my heart rate go back under 150, 160, etc. Wow!!! Kudos to the multitudes that passed me today. We covered a total of 11.4 miles, but only 10.5 count as AT miles. My legs know that every mile counted today. We plan on 10.5 tomorrow. My hiking partner travels faster than I do and that's okay. I enjoy the camaraderie, but he may leave me in the dust before long. We shall see what happens.Amazingly had service when we stopped so I could call my lovely wife and whine. It is what it is. There were trail maintainers working on the trail today and as we were trying to go around them and the tree they were cutting and over the creek, I had my first mishap as my foot slid off a wet rock. Fortunately I did not fall ALL the way in; just got my foot wet a little. However, while crossing a bridge, I did slip and land on my hand and knee. No big deal today; we will see how they feel tomorrow. Note to self: wet wood is very slippery. The journey is the destination.Peace.
Date: 2014-03-19
From: As far as possible

To: zero
Miles today: 0.0

I had to take a zero day today. I overdid the mileage yesterday and was paying for it this morning. I began the climb up Sassafras Mountain (elevation 3342) and made it about 50 yards from the top before I realized that I could make it up that one but, there was no way I would make the other two climbs today. You always hear it said "hike your own hike". I am presently at Wolf Pen Gap Country Store, (Suches) which is also a hostel. For twenty bucks, you get a bunk, shower and they will do your laundry for five bucks more. Because I was the first one in this morning, I got the only bunk with a mattress. Just a little bonus. Road Warrior came in about 3:30 and said that he made it but was wore out. He has been hiking faster than I have. I will spend the night here tonight and determine whether I will hike tomorrow or rest one more day. Then I will go back to Horse Gap and do Sassafras one more time. I will begin to do shorter days and be more consistent to hiking the hike that works for me. We passed two women yesterday that have taken three days to do what we did in one and I might just have to go hike with them. I need to cut my mileage so I don't end up lying on the side of the trail.So, my other brother, R.W. will continue his hike without me. And that's okay. Thanks to all those that have signed my guest book even if I do not respond directly. Sometimes it is a little hard out here.The journey is the destination.Peace.
Date: 2014-03-20
From: zero

To: bed
Miles today: 0.0

I had a good day today resting. Yesterday I was picked up by Wes and shuttled to Wolf Pen Gap Country Store and tomorrow a.m. I will be picked up by Mrs. Wes and taken back to Horse Gap. I am happy that my leg discomfort has eased up considerably.I got the opportunity to hang out today with a couple of guys from Florida that have about a month of hiking before they have to go back. It will be a good day to return to the mountain.The journey is the destination.Peace.
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Horse gap

To: Unicoi gap
Miles today: 42.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Okay boys and girls, let's try this again. I have done three journals since the last one that showed up, so we will try this again. I spent two days at the hostel getting back in shape enough to hike again, then went back to Horse Gap and climbed Sassafras Mountain again. It was not as hard as the first time basically because I already knew what it was like. My destination that day was a stream/campground that was 4.4 miles away. When I got there, I felt good enough and we to Gooch Gap at 6.7 miles. When I got there, Trail Magic!! There was a Nashville church group that comes every year and feeds the hikers. How nice that was. Next day brought me to Woody Gap at 3.8 miles. Short day. The next day was a Freedom Hike to Neel's Gap 11.7 miles. It is now called slack packing which is hiking without your pack. We did this over Blood Mountain which had an elevation change of 1600 feet in a 5 mile stretch. All I can say is that I am glad that I had no pack because I don't know whether I would have made it. Stayed at Blood Mountain cabins with three others. Leaving Neel's Gap, I traveled 6.7 long miles to Whitney Gap Shelter. Did not actually stay at the shelter but in a tent area. It took me until almost 7 p.m. to get into the tenting area; kind of late. We woke to snow and 30 degree temperature. Walked in COLD wind and snow flurries most of the day. Got to Unicoi Gap about 3:00 and am staying at the Top Of Georgia hostel where I will probably take a zero day (no mileage). The hostel is brand new this year and is run by a 2003 thru-hiker. I have been traveling in a group of four that includes Sun Splash, Small Town, Squirrel and me. Sun Splash has determined that we are the Bad Ass Tribe. She had gotten patches made before her hike, so I guess it is official. She is from Maine, Small Town and Squirrel are from West Virginia and we hike near the same speed. I am the slowest of the group. Oh well. Get used to it.Note to everyone: there is seldom service when and where I end my day but I am trying to journal when I have service. So don't be disappointed if you do not hear from me for days sometimes; just call Kathy (if you have the number)because I try to call her in the middle of the day. It is not easy to stop to journal.Until next time, peace.The journey is the destination.
Date: 2014-03-28
From: Unicoi gap

To: Dick's Creek gap
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: light rain

We started at Unicoi gap intending to finish up at Dick's Creek Gap in two days. The only problem was the communication between Sun Splash and myself. We had talked about staying in the shelter at the top of the mountain but we also talked about hiking past to a campground. Because she can hike without taking many breaks, I was way behind so when I got to the shelter, I figured that she was ahead of me and I kept going. Come to find out, she stopped and I camped 4 miles farther. We finally ended up in the same place tonight and have both decided that we need to do less miles until it is easier on our bodies. We plan on a little over 4 miles tomorrow. Maybe I'll even have service.The journey is the destination. Peace.
Date: 2014-03-29
From: Dick's Creek gap

To: Dick's Creek gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We are taking a zero day because of the weather. There is one shelter that we could reach tonight that has adequate protection from the predicted 40 to 60 mph gusts for tonight and a LOT of people are heading there. So, we are spending tonight at the hotel with Small Town and Squirrel. And the best part, everyone gets a mattress AND pillows. I have had some difficulty loading pictures and I think I have it licked. Sp, go back and look at all the pics. More to come later.We will be hiking tomorrow 4.5 miles, next day 7 and into North Carolina. Only a couple of days off track. We know that we both need to stop forcing the miles and let them come. I did tell Kathy that at this rate, I will be home next year. Oh well, it is not a race.I wanted to add this pic to show why I am hiking.The journey is the destination. Peace.
Date: 2014-03-30
From: Dick's Creek gap

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 36.3
Weather: clear sky

We began our first of three days at The Top Of Georgia Hostel. A shuttle to Dick's Creek Gap and began the uphill towards Plum orchard Gap to camp. When we got there, we felt like we could go farther so we pushed on. Three of us reached a spring/campsite and had had enough. Sun Splash wanted to reach the North Carolina line, so she continued on another 2.3 miles. We left camp a little early to catch up and continued to Deep Gap. And yes, I think every state will have a deep gap. So, is this The deep gap or The deeper gap? Who's to know? Leaving Deep Gap was a 1157 climb over 2.4 miles. It was not the hardest climb of the day , but it was interesting. The best part of my days are usually the downhills. We were fortunate to have a 5 mile stretch of downhill. Yeah!! Tomorrow will be very interesting. There is a 385 foot climb in 3/10th of a mile. WOW!! We crossed over into NC yesterday, so there are only 13 more states to cover. There is so much that happens every day that I don't have the time to add but if, and when I get into town and get a good signal at least you can see some pictures. We should be in Franklin in two days and have a good connection. I will upload a BUNCH of pics. Thanks for all the notes of encouragement and keep them coming.The journey is the destination. Peace.
Date: 2014-04-03
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

This has been an amazing journey. Some days are difficult and other days are more difficult. And then some days are zeros. We started at Carter Gap yesterday morning with the intention of traveling 8.6 miles to the next shelter. When we got there, it was still relatively early and we wanted to get a little closer to Franklin for a short hike the next day, so we went a total of 12.1 miles to the next shelter. When we got to Rock Gap Shelter, the shelter was full and the tent sites were not level. It is kind of hard to lay flat when the ground does not. Small Town and Squirrel found a place half way down the slope between two streams and Sun Splash and I went a little farther and found a fairly flat place. But, the best part was that as we were looking for a flat place, we found Trail Magic. Someone had left bottled water and one bag of Lay's potato chips. OMG. They were the best bag of chips I think I have ever shared. When we got up the next morning, we only had 3.8 miles to go for the day. When we got to Winding Stair Gap, more trail magic. Rodney was there with coffee, fruit, oj, cookies and the best thing, a ride to the hostel. Both Sun Splash and I were getting boxes at the hostel but we didn't realize that the hostel's pick - up point was still one day farther. Anyhow, our trail angel gave us a ride to the hostel and will take us into Franklin tomorrow. Trail magic is amazing for the simple fact that these people, who don't know you, will take their time to take you 45 minutes out of their way just because. And not even just that. Rodney is picking us up tomorrow morning and dropping us in Franklin; another hour plus trip, and refused to take anything in return. How many of us would help out a total stranger to that extent? Not many, I'd be willing to bet.We will take a zero tomorrow in Franklin and hike 5.9 miles to Wayah Gap and be picked up by the hostel to slack pack the next three days into the Nantahala Outdoor Center, or NOC. That is the plan, always subject to change.Peace to all and good night (on a mattress).The journey is the destination.
Date: 2014-04-05
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Gap
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: broken clouds

Yesterday was a great zero day that gave us no rest at all. We spent the entire day running errands. It is what it is. We started out at the outfitters, went to eat, drug store, another outfitters, Walmart restock, the first outfitters again and then to dinner. Got back to the room at nearly 10. Not much rest but we got a lot done. This morning was a breakfast given by the Baptist Church for thru-hikers. It was all you can eat pancakes and bacon. Very good food and people. They do this for about a month every year since 2008. We then went to the trail and slack packed to Wayah Gap and we're picked up by Steve and brought back to the Aquone Hiker Hostel. This really is a nice place. Steve and Maggie will slack pack us for three days to the NOC, Nantahala Outdoor Center. It is a stop on the trail but also a playground with zip lines, canoeing, kayaking and other opportunities. Added more pictures today, so enjoy.Tired tonight so to bed we go.PeaceThe journey is the destination.
Date: 2014-04-06
From: Wayah Gap

To: Burning town Gap
Miles today: 8.7

"Close the front door! We're you born in a barn?""Don't let the water run while you are brushing your teeth.""Close the door! Do you think that I'm heating the entire outdoors?"How many times have I heard those growing up? Don't we just use things as we please and don't think about any consequences? We buy styrofoam plates and cups, plastic this and plastic that and even when we recycle, does that really make much difference. Yes it does. Maybe not a lot, but some.We take things for granted every day, take people for granted all the time. Why? Is it because we don't really care as much as we should or is it that we think we are entitled? I know that there are plenty of people that feel that they are entitled. You can tell by the way they drive. You can tell by the way they stand in line at the grocery store and talk on their cell phone. You can even tell by the way they take up more than one parking space. Or, is it because we feel like we will never run out of those things that we take for granted? As a thru-hiker, I will never see that glass of water the same as I used to. I will never see that half of a ribeye as I have before. I will never take for granted the person that is sitting at the house, while I am "seeing the world", again. This is the journey of a lifetime and I am privileged to be able to be here instead of sitting at home reading about it on trail journals. I have been given the opportunity to see and experience things that most of the other people in the world never will.Thank you Lord for that chance. May I be worthy.The journey is the destination. Peace.
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Burning town Gap

To: Tellico Gap
Miles today: 4.8

We started off today being dropped off at Burningtown Gap and began hiking in a slight rain. The forecast called for 100 per cent chance of rain but, we were sprinkled on for about a half hour at the beginning of the day and at the end of the day about fifteen minutes. It was very interesting that, as you looked off to the left, you saw mountains and cloud coverage but when you look to the right, you see a whiteout. That was pretty consistent today. What else was also consistent, was the Appalachian Creek. It may have started out to be the Appalachian Trail, but the 100 per cent chance of rain happened last night and was running down the trail most of the day. The most difficult part was the necessity of watching every step. The trail was slick; the rocks, the roots and the leaves. The steps you take that you think are safe, are not always safe. It ended up being a relatively easy day hiking. Tomorrow will be a steady downhill for about six miles and we will be at the NOC.
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Tellico Gap

To: NOC
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a relatively easy day hiking today. We freedom hiked (slack packed) from Tellico Gap to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. It started with a long up hill, like most other days, and we walked the ridges until the LONG five mile downhill. Most of the downhill was pretty easy but some places required almost sitting down and sliding off of the rocks. At one point today both Small Town and I had twisted our ankles. They rolled out at different points in the trail. Not too bad actually but, Sun Splash and I both agreed that, as soon as you take your attention off of what you are doing, your mistake can end your hike. So, two words come to mind; be vigilant.The journey is the destination. Peace.
Date: 2014-04-09
From: NOC

To: The Jump Up.
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: light rain

Today was probably the toughest physical day that I have had since my beginning this journey. We left the NOC later than we wanted (a lot later) and the climb out was 3039 feet high in 5.4 miles. Needless to say, we did not reach our goal today but pitched our tents two miles shy of the shelter. The mileage today is a guess because we do not know exactly where we are. But, as long as you keep seeing white blazes, you will eventually get to where you are headed, unless you are like the young man that passed Sun Splash and then came back toward her after I had caught up with her. She did kindly and gently inform him that north was in the opposite direction that he was presently traveling. Glad that was not me today. If I had gone in the wrong direction at all today, I probably would have cried like a girl.I saw my first snake today on the trail. It looked like a three foot, relatively harmless snake so we took a picture, and kept going. Saw a frog yesterday so the list grows. We should be starting the Smoky Mountains on Sunday. It has the largest concentration of black bears in the U.S. That should help to increase my picture count I hope. I don't mind taking pictures of them but, I don't really want to meet any face to face. That would not be my idea of fun.Enough for now. Sleep is calling.The journey is the destination. Peace
Date: 2014-04-10
From: The Jump Up.

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

This was our second day out of the NOC. The first day out was completely up hill. Our second day started out up hill, the rest of what we could not finish on the first day. The plan was to go two more miles yesterday and since we did not, we were trying to make up for it today. That plan did not work out the way we wanted either. We made it to Stecoah Gap. We are now 2.4 miles from where we wanted to stop today. We could have gotten farther but I was having serious problems with my right hip. It has bothered me periodically throughout this hike and yesterday was tough. Today was a little worse. I am currently in Robbinsville with a fat belly and my right leg elevated to try to relieve some discomfort. Because we are a little behind, we will have to travel 8.5 tomorrow to get back on track. That should be doable but first thing in the a.m. we get to face Jacob's Ladder. It is a 600 foot climb in a span of 6/10 of a mile. It is well known climb for hikers. It will be tough. When we get through that, the rest of the day should be easier than the last two days have been.I got a little uplifting note from the guy I began this hike with, R.W., saying that he thought that the trip out of the NOC was tougher than the Smokies. That is good to hear as I continue to struggle with this section. I can only hope that I can get through the up hills that are coming. My only other plan is to take one more zero to help the healing process. Needless to say, if I cannot get this taken care of, I risk having to end this hike early. That would be my last option. Not what I want to do. Rest and recuperation. The journey is the destination. Peace.
Date: 2014-03-08
To: Springer Mountain, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

 WHERE DID THIS PROJECT COME FROM?Around 60 years ago my Knoxville Boy Scout Troop hiked from Newfound Gap to Charlie's Bunyan. I think that was the first time I became aware that a trail stretching the full length do the Appalachians existed and that it would be neat to hike the whole thing.   Years later, perhaps while we were in Beaufort County, SC I read Colin Fletcher's "The Complete Walker" and was reminded of my boyhood inspiration. When I finally retired last July at 70 from a wonderful career in local government serving communities across the southeast and started seriously considering a retirement bucket list, I realized that if I really wanted to try the Appalachian Trail bucket, I needed to do it first before my body became more worn out. ABOUT TRAIL NAMELong fascinated by Herman Melville's description of how to enter the ocean in a little rowboat and stick spears into a monstrous animal without necessarily getting killed, I chose the name of his narrator who participated in the whole adventure, carefully observed the details of what took place around him, survived to the very end, and told about it colorfully. Best of all he ended up riding in a coffin instead of lying in one.So, "Call me Ishmael."
Date: 2014-03-13
From: Amicalola Falls Lodge

To: Amicalola Falls Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Arrived at Amicalola Falls Lodge at 2:00 am last night. Spent day reviewing old Paducah presentations (To prepare for our Arts and Economic Development Presentation at Southern Illinois University.) and checking final packing details. Before supper I registered as an AT hiker and took photos at the falls with May Louise.Tomorrow morning I start the adventure.
Date: 2014-03-14
From: Springer Mtn

To: Hawk Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 8.1

May Louise hiked with me the top of Springer Mountain for the official start then back down to the Forest Service road's parking lot to see me off. Made it to Hawk Mtn Shelter as planned, but my energy level gave out on the up hills for the last three miles.Beautiful day for my start. Made a brief detour to see Long Creek Falls after redirecting a couple who had driven up to see the falls but had turned the wrong way out of the parking lot.Got tent set up before dark but had get water and cook supper after dark.With my limited experience setting up camp and re packing in the morning takes 2-3 hours.
Date: 2014-03-15
From: Hawk Mtn Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I had planned to reach Wolfpen Gap Country Store at Suches since rain was predicted during the next night, but my time & energy gave out, so stopped at Gooch Mountain shelter. Arrived in time to set camp and have supper before dark. At camp I was hobbling like an old man who had lost his walker even without my pack.Climb over Sassafras Mountain wore me out at the beginning of the day so I drug through the rest of the day. Last 4 miles took me 5 hours.At Cooper Gap after Sassafras Mountain the Glenloch Baptist Church of Franklin, GA was set up with their annual trail magic mission. Most appreciated hotdog I have ever eaten.