morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-26
From: Walker Gap

To: Route 42
Miles today: 13.0

Day 44miles: 13 total: 522dest: route 42The morning is sunny but an occasional sprinkle surprises me while eating breakfast. I am having oatmeal, but my dates are all gone. The Swiss Mix that I got from a hiker box in Pearisburg has some raisons in it, so I'm using that to add some flavor. (Actually I found some more dates later in the day, in with the Bland maildrop. I am carrying too much food.)The hike up Chestnut ridge was nice ... not as strenuous as I thought from looking at the map. From Chestnut Knob, where the shelter is, there is an excellent view into Burkes Garden, only the air is misty today, and the pictures may not turn out too well. The shelter was interesting: a converted stone cabin.The hike continues from there across a number of fields reverting to nature. The fields went on at least a mile. I was glad the rain had stopped ... I don't like hiking through tall wet grass. Just as the trail returned to the woods, an earnest drizzle began, prompting me to put the rain cover on the pack. The drizzle didn't amount to much (it would have poured if I had left the pack cover off).Hemlock. Enough together to induce the smell of a hemlock forest. That musty smell, like old clothes. More white rhododendron. They seem to prefer the higher drier forest level. Lynn Camp Creek was a happy little place. I stopped there for water, to bathe, and to eat. There were holes big enough to sit down in, but the water was too cold to let you do that for long. The little fish would nibble on my toes. It felt good drying off in the sun, sitting on the stones by the creek, eating some pasta.   Lots of ups and downs. Looking back on the day it seems a lot longer than the 13 miles the book shows.I got to the Knot Maul Shelter about 19:00. There were 3 people there. One was telling me he stayed at the Relax Inn. (I am planning to stay there tomorrow.) He said, "If you're looking for air conditioning and a cold shower, that's the place to go." He described poor maid service (the place was dirty). And, he was denied hiker rates because it was a weekend. I was looking forward to a motel stay until this description. Also at Groseclose are Dairy Queen, and a truck stop diner.I decided to use the remaining daylight and hike on. Just before reaching route 42 there was a nice place to camp. But, there was this guy in the parking lot nearby, lifting weights (kind of creepy). I wanted to move on, but the sign across the road suggested (and the map confirmed) that the next mile or so was on a narrow easement through private land ... not good for camping. So, I returned to the good camp spot, pitched tent, filled a water bottle, and settled in for the night.
Date: 2005-06-27
From: Dickey Gap, where route 16 goes into Troutdale

To: Relax Inn at route 81, Atkins
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Day 45miles: 11 total: 533dest: Relax Inn at route 81, AtkinsI couldn't finish the usual breakfast. Talked with a father who would like to thru hike with his daughter, started to, but found out it he was not up to it. So now he is supporting her and her cousin by car. I proceeded over the narrow corridor of scenic easement.   Around the North Fork of the Holston River there is an idealic homesite by the river. Nearby is a crumbling mill. Across a bridge that surely floods at least annually. Much trail work putting in the wooden walkway that conveys the hiker over swampy ground. Up a hill through the woods, then down through a field. Across route 610 between fields and up a hill to Tilson Gap where Symth, Bland, and Wythe counties meet. It was here I began hearing the distant rumblings of the approaching storm. I was holding my expections blank. Acted like local weather: it would either miss me, or drench me. The storm continued to approach. The thunder would sometimes roll for an unusually long time. I put on my pack cover when the big drops began to fall. Usually putting on the pack cover is enough to stop the rain. But, the rain fell in earnest. Really, the rain was due. The forest is very dry. The weather has been good for such a long time.While I was on Gullion Mountain, the lighting exploded directly over head, with simultaneous thunder at least as loud as gun fire. I nearly jumped out of my shoes. The lightning was not branchy like one usually pictures it. It was more like an exploding bulb. I could see three distinct explosions, milleseconds apart. I checked if I was singed. I was drenched when I got to the Davis Path Shelter, but I did stop there and wring out my socks and shirt. The storm continued another half hour, then showed signs of letting up, so I continued the two miles or so I had to go to civilization. In another half hour the sun was back out.   I came down through a field with 20 or so cattle nearby. Across Middle Holston River, with a sign noting the nearby settlement of Davis Fancy, 1748.Coming into "town" you cross under 81 and continue a short ways to 11. The Dairy Queen is at the intersection, combined with a gas station, and the first stop. I get a large banana milkshake, and snacks. Rhondas (home style) Restaurant is across 11, with a parking lot that accomodates big trucks. You pass the truck stop (short term supply) on your way down 11 to the Relax Inn. The trail leaves the road across from the motel.The Relax Inn is not that bad. A little run down, but clean enough. I am beginning to think its critic yesterday has not been on the trail very long. The innkeeper has a copy of Rhondas menu. I elect to munch on snacks.
Date: 2005-06-28
From: Route 42

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Day 46miles: 11 total: 544dest: Partnership ShelterI joined Rhonda for breakfast. I had a descent omelet, toast, home fries, and juice. Got raisins to have with oatmeal tomorrow at the truck stop, and went back to the motel to journal, pack, and watch TV.Left the motel at 11:00 and walked back up the hill for one last large banana milkshake. While drinking it, it started to sprinkle. A fellow hiker and I commiserated about tall wet grass, which is mostly the terrain for the first mile.It drizzled off and on until late in the afternoon. Never more than a drizzle. No fireworks like yesterday. I stopped at Chatfield Shelter during one of the more dizzily moments. Had a Snickers and chatted with some north bounders until the sun came out. That was the end of the rain for the day.I stopped to enter the one-room schoolhouse preserved at the settler¢s museum.Much of today¢s hike was along a happy little creek tumbling through rhododendron thickets.I set up my tent before Partnership Shelter on a hill above route 16. Busy road.I may reach Troutdale today. But I will surely have to wait until tomorrow to pick up my mail drop. Grayson Highlands is about 2 days away. Most hikers enjoy Grayson Highlands.
Date: 2005-06-29
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Dickey Gap, where route 16 goes into Troutdale
Miles today: 16.0

Day 47miles: 16 total: 560dest: Dickey Gap, where route 16 goes into TroutdaleI was surprised how close to Partnership Shelter I was camped. Yards from where I camped, a no camping zone began for a half mile stretch across route 16 covering the Mount Rodges National Recreation Area Headquarters and the shelter. I stopped in at the visitors center there, looked at the displays, and bought crackers, candy, and a soda. Filled up my water bottles. Visited with the hikers hanging out at the shelter. Partnership shelter has a sink, shower (not solar so far as I can see), and upstairs loft.Healthy hemlocks, rhododendron, clear cold creeks, ferns, a magnolia. A few more mosquitoes than I've been used to. A brief and puny storm.Mostly the biggest, oldest trees along the trail are oaks. But, here was a stretch where there were ancient maples. One near the top of a hill, looked particularly regal. It was difficult to back up enough to take a picture of the whole thing.The guides have not caught up with the demise of Raccoon Branch Shelter. It is now a campground. I was considering staying there, until I found out its not there any more. They left the privy, but removed the shelter. I ended up camping near route 16 again. It's strange to realize that what is a day of travel for me is minutes for the traffic going by.
Date: 2005-07-02
From: Wilburn Ridge, 30 miles to Damascas

To: route 58, about a mile before Lost Mountain Shelte
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 50miles: 13 total: 592dest: route 58, about a mile before Lost Mountain Shelter (17 miles to Damascas)Today was a scenic wonderland. With open areas along the trail, wide expanses are made visible.Soon after starting todays hike, I was joined by some day hikers who parked at Massie Gap in Grayson Highlands State Park. The trail continues along through a landscape of hills topped with large purple hued rocks. There were a number of opportunities to view long distances, but the air was hazy.Soon after Thomas Knob Shelter, those that want to climb to the viewless top of Mount Rodgers (the highest point in Virginia) follow a side trail. I remain on the AT and skirt the mountain.Along Balsam mountain. At Elks Garden there were some cattle gazing. Buzzard Rock was especially pretty, an the sun had decided to come out. I stopped there to eat, gaze, and call home.I want to try to get an early start on tomorrows hike. Maybe I can make the 17 miles to Damascas before it gets too late.
Date: 2004-06-02
To: Prep #1
Miles today: 0.0

Decided that now might be a good time to get a journal started for my AT thru hike in 05. Just got back from Georgia on Memorial Day Weekend and did some hiking in Chattahoochee National Forest. Hiked up to Brasstown Bald; did a trail called the James Edmonds trail in Black Rock Mtn. State Park and hiked around Kennesaw Park. Had a blast and wanted to just keep hiking!My decision to tackle the AT in 05 came last summer, around June of 2003.I have always wanted to thru hike the AT but it seems something always came up.Been collecting gear; info and the such since last year. Been hiking and camping since I was a youngster but have never for a 6 month period. Alls I can say is the AT is in my thoughts everyday at this point and will let you know why in my next post.
Date: 2004-06-03
To: Prep#2
Miles today: 0.0

Why hike the AT? For me it is simple; basically because I've always wanted to and am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to do it. Almost did it in 1997 while in between jobs but fell in love with Mountain Biking and the AT faded into the background.I've been fascinated with the AT since my days in Boy Scouts and all the hiking trips with the family as a kid. Always kept saying "one day".....Well that one day is getting close. I plan on leaving March 1st, 2005 from Amicalola Falls State Park. For me it is a dream that will soon be a reality.I feel blessed and truly lucky to pursue this. The people that I have told so far have been very supportive; many plan to meet me along the way. Want to thank my Mom and Dad; without your support and guidance throughout the years this would not be possible. For others who want to know why, this says it all for me(By the way, this isn't mine)Reaching the peak, of this dizzying heightFootholds unstable, knuckles worn white,Hours spent climbing, driven by will,A shiver of truimph, my heart stands still, Adrenaline shifts from body to mind,Darken my sights and absorb the sun's shine,One with the mountain, my dreams freely soar,Self satisfaction the grandest reward,My eyes roam miles of untouched green, My soul transfixed on this inspiring scene, Think not of hard times, money or strife,For laid out before me is the meaning of life.
Date: 2004-06-07
To: Prep #3
Miles today: 0.0

It takes 3 entries in the journal to get your journal up and running so hopefully this will get it going. Even though I have used lots of different gear in the past, I am not what you would call a gear head. For me the most important gear you can bring along on a long distance excursion like this is your mind, your soul and your heart> Also a lot of laughter doesn't hurt. For those interested, some of the things I will use are home made Pepsi Can Stoves; my tent is from Six Moon Designs- Europa II- 33oz.; will be using two backpacks-- P1 Ultralight for cooler months and a Go Lite Jardine pack for summer months; aquamira water treatment. As the trip gets closer I will list other tid bits that will be brought along.A picture is worth a thousand words they say and I plan on taking a ton. The main purpose of this journal is to keep family and friends informed on where I am and what is going on. Hopefully I can provide some sights, smells, sounds along the way. (maybe not the smells)Once December rolls around, my younger brother Tom (who volunteered to run this site when I am hiking) will load some pictures and I will let you know how the prep is going. Until then, mountain biking , BFL ( only Z will understand), saving money and having a few cold ones will have to hold me over.
Date: 2004-11-03
To: Prep #4
Miles today: 0.0

Check out another web site my brother has created://hometown.aol.com/servotep/sd.html//Really cool stuff. Not sure which one he will use during my trek; he has said maybe both.Everything is rolling along; all my major gear is bought and just trying to tie up some of the smaller things. Been doing some hiking with a full pack and I like the ULA 1 backpack; so far fits like a glove. Other then that, just hangin low and staying out of trouble.March can't come soon enough. "When we are youngWandering the face of the earth,Wondering what our dreams might be worth,Learning that we are only immortal,For a limited time""Dreamline", - RUSH
Date: 2005-01-03
To: Prep #5
Miles today: 0.0

05 is here and the reality of a AT thru hike attempt is around the corner.Living in Missouri I get the good fortune of camping and hiking in all kinds of weather from snow, cold rain, thunderstorms, ice, etc., Last week did a cool15 miler down in St. Francois State Park, about an hour or so south ofSt. Louis.Temps were in the single digits and there was about an 1/2 inch of snow. The park roads were closed but the Park Ranger was cool enough to let me park at the gates and the park was mine for the day. Amazingly peaceful hike; bobcat and deer tracks in the snow everywhere. Kept moving, kept warm and all the gear worked great. Only thing that would have been better is mountain biking in the snow.Only a couple of months, hard to believe. Going to keep taking a couple ofhikes a week; gear is ready to go. Still have to tie up a lot of uselesscrap like taxes, health insurance, bills, etc. The countdown begins "and what about your soul, is it coldis it straight from the mold and ready to be soldand cars and phones and diamond ringsthose are only removable thingsand what about your mind, does it shineor are there things that concern you more than your time.""Gone"   Jack Johnson
Date: 2005-02-05
To: Prep #6
Miles today: 0.0

All the loose ends are tied up and ready to hit the trail. Moving up my departure date to the week of Feb 21st, depends on reservations down atAmicalola State Park. Not much else to say except I am excited, restless (which is nothing new)and looking forward to the experience. See ya'll out there somewhere on the trail and good luck to everyone.
Date: 2005-02-20
From: St. Louis, MO

To: Nashville, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Gary and his parents are in Nashville, Tennessee, tonight (20 Feb).Looks like is raining in Northern Georgia.He should be starting his hike Tuesday morning (22 Feb).I will be updating this site with Gary's journals and some photos.For a more detailed chronicle of Snowdog's AT hike, visit:http://hometown.aol.com/servotep/sd.html- Snowdog's brother
Date: 2005-02-21
From: Nashville, TN

To: Amicalola Falls State Park, Georgia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Gary called a couple times today, the last about 800 PM Georgia time. Gary and his parents made it to Amicalola Falls State Park. He plans on starting tomorrow morning about 500 AM and hiking the 9-10 miles to Springer Mountain and the start of the AT. He said they encountered multiple thunderstorms during the two-day drive from Missouri. The forcast for tomorrow morning is warm (60s) and the storms should be clearing up. He is ready to go. He plans on 15-16 miles the first day, with his first shelter at Hawk Mountain. The AT Companion mentions that the Hawk Mountain Shelter sleeps 12. Gary thinks he has beaten the major crowd (usually starting around 1 March), and may have the shelter to himself. I told him he'll probably meet other hikers right from the start. Hopefully someone is there at the start to take his picture, or he can hold the camera in front of himself. "Food hoist cables available; bear activity often reported." In two days (Thursday the 24th?), Gary should call with an update. He should be near Neels Gap. His first town visit will likely be Hiawassee.
Date: 2005-02-22
From: Amilicola Lodge

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hello everyone. Got a hold of a computer @ Neels Gap so here it goes.Said goodbyes Monday night and got up early Tues. All the rain has pushedthrough. Started the trail by moonlight, great way to start the journey.Something about a full moon and the woods; great start. Hiked to Hawk Mountain Shelter on a great day, mid sixties and sunshine. Who would have thunk; shorts and t shirt on day 1. Got to Springer and took it all in. My first white blaze. How cool is that?Just kept walking and smiling; kinda like dreamland. Saw a lot of day hikers.Got to the shelter and met Kollege Boy and Sleeping Beauty, two kids fromVermont. First thru hikers I have met. Chatted a while and hit the sack. See what tommorrow brings.Follow your dreams.
Date: 2005-02-23
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

Had my first mouse experience as one ran across my arm while sleeping.There were a couple in the shelter running around all night, fun to listento. The coolest thing was listening to the coyotes howling and prowlingall night. A pack was wooping it up, great to hear.Got going early and made it to Woody Gap. Awsome day guys, 70 degreesand sunny. Sure it won't last long. Living the Dream
Date: 2005-02-24
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Rain, rain, and more rain. As they say, no rain, no Maine. Set up camp @Woodys Gap with Kollege Boy and Sleeping Beauty. Sprinkle turned to light rain and then to all night rain. Tent was cool, little bit wetbut fun none the less.Been hiking and camping with "KB" and "SB" since Hawk and great company.It was one of my favorite types of days to be in the woods; foggy, mistyand just plain cool. Stopped for lunch at Wood Holes Shelter of somethinglike that. Love those Ramen Noodles. Got set to climb up and down BloodMountain, hiking in the clouds as they say. Pictures are on the way.Arrived @ Neels Gap in the afternoon . Two twinkies, a coke and some juicegot me going again. Suprise of the day- - Dominoes Pizza from some joint20 miles away. Took two delivery guys from what I heard. Ran into threeother thru hikers and played UNO, new game to me. Load up on some more twinkies and ready to go in the A.M.May stop @ Hiawasee; not sure. Day by day, what a life.
Date: 2005-02-25
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Did the 3's last night; shave , shower and you know the third. Didthe laundry @ Neels and slept @ the Walasi Hostel. Had to load up on food so waited until the food store opened and got setfor another three or four days. How many twinkies and beef jerky can I jam in my pack? The other three thru hikers, Gel ( short for Magellan),Kato and Wuzley left early.Out of Neels Gap, trees covered in ice and as the temp warmed up the firstcouple hours were full of ice dropping everywhere. Great scene.A little cooler today, but got to shorts and short sleeve by 11 or soand hiked to Low Gap Shelter. The gang was all there and we jammed 7 peopleinto the shelter. Hiked the entire day in solitude.; ran into somedude from Scotland or Norway or something who had some interesting storiesto tell. Another great day on the trail.
Date: 2005-02-26
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 15.0

Shelter sleeping is a trip. Getting good sleep; imagine 7 people jammed on afloor; some snoring, trips to the privy without falling over somebody; and other fun sounds you can imagine. Lots of laughsAnyway, got up at the crack of dawn, Gel, Kato and Wuzley wanted to try andget to Tray Mtn. Shelter. 15 miles is solid but the hills in Georgia canslow you down.Hiked all day with Gel, ( got the name because he eats a lot of those gelenergy packs full of electolytes and caffiene). Very interesting dude; fought in the 1st Gulf War and has great stories. Great scenery as usual and shorts again, but getting cooler out.Tray Mtn. was a haul, but the view was very inspiring. There is somethingabout climbing hard to get to the top and get a great view that can almostbring you to tears. Got to Tray Mtn. Shelter and it seems we have become a team, Snowdog, Kato,Wuzley and Gel. One of the things that is special about being out hereis the different people you meet. Kato is 21 from Virginia, Wuzley. 20, aguitar player from New Hampshire and Gel ,54, is from Florida. So we dubbed them the "Kids" and we were dubbed the "Elders". One thing about the shelters, you get there, eat, hit the privy and thenthe sack. Rest is priceless out here. Another great day."It is about the smiles, not the miles"
Date: 2005-02-27
From: Tray Mtn. Shelter

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Man, got chilly last night! Went to sleep about around 40 or so and got upbefore dawn and it was in the 20's. Up @ 4300 ft., fog and light mist with iceon the trees. No doubt, gets you moving a little quicker.Funny thing last night, 7 of us bunkered down @ sundown and about 2 hrs.later two fireman rescue guys with flashlights came to our shelter looking for a lost hiker and his dog. There was a rescue team out; we didn't see the guyyesterday so who knows. Hopefully they find him.Anyway, got to Hiawassee today. Much cooler, high winds from the North andrain is supposed to be on the way. Gel is a big Moosehead beer fan so that kept him going. I had burgers and a milkshake and a Moosehead on my mind. "The Kids"and "the Elders" got to Dicks Creek Gap @ Noon and called The Holiday InnExpress in Hiawassee to pick us up. Great service and great people; checkit out if you are coming thru. Stocking up on food; calories, showers and the rest. Going to hit the hottub and sooth those muscles.Speaking of that, feet are great, body feels great and ready to hit somerain and snow they are calling for the next two days. Take careeverybody and Jackie, happy belated birthday! You must be 22, right?P.S. - sending out a roll of film to Tom so pictures should be up soon."I will choose a path that's clear,I will choose free will."RUSH
Date: 2005-02-28
From: Hiawassee

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light snow

Allright, got a hold of another computer in Franklin, N.C. , so here issome more stuff from the trail.Got out of Hiawassee around 9; all of us had to wait for the P.O.to open. Mailed some stuff out and shuttled to the trail @ the gap.Amazing how much energy you have after eating chicken, hamburgers, veggies, and anthing else that looks like food for 12 hours straight.Wuzley, Kato, Gel and myself hiked from the gap to Pumorchard Gap Shelter for lunch when lo and behold, here comes KB and SB flying upthe trail. Haven't seen them for a few days, they have been puttingsome miles in.Anyway, while eating snow began to fall and the temp was dropping. Weknew from the forcast that snow and cold weather was dropping in sowe hustled a** to Muscrat Creek Shelter. I really enjoy hiking in thesnow and this one was awsome. Also must note I crossed my first state line; goodbye to Georgia andhello to North Carolina. Right at the state line the snow really startedto fall. Welcome to the tarheel state, ey?Got to the shelter; few words are exchanged when it is 20 degrees with20 MPH winds blowing. Hop into my 0 degree bag and get warm.More snow and winds for tomorrow.Life on the trail is good.