morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-02-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Most years I have started my hike in March. Cold weather seems to have more of an effect than it use to. I know that April will be cold, but maybe the extreme stuff will not last as long. So I'm planning an early April start.My expections for this hike are simple. I hope I can appreciate the trail every day and as Earl Shaffer once said "See, What I See". My hike will be open ended. I will stop where I stop. The possibilities are endless. I hope you will follow along with me and see where the trail leads.
Date: 2014-02-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Some people ask the question. Why are you doing another AT hike? Why not hike another trail? Don't you get tired of hiking the same trail? Well no not really, but It is hard to explain.The answer could be that the AT is always new to me when I go out to hike.So there is always something new to see. The answer could simply be that I just like to walk on the AT. Anyway I hear the mountains calling again and I am almost ready to go hiking.
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Hostel

To: Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: moderate rain

I'm having a hard time updating my journal with my iPhone. No signal, poor signal strength, weather, and not finding time are the main problems. So I will do what I can when I can.Bill and I left Madison, Ms. around 6:15am. We had an I uneventful trip to the Hiker Hostel.. After a good supper we got our gear ready for tomorrow's start. The weather is cold, windy, but dry. Looking for a good start tomorrow.Happy Trails
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Hawk Mountain
Miles today: 8.2

Shuttle got off a little late (9:30) Took about an hour over a rough winding rd to get to trail head. We climbed a mile up Springer and back down to start hike. Weather is cold and windy. Trees have not leafed out at this elevation. The first 5 mi. were not bad. The next 3 had a little more elevation gain. Made it to Hawk Mt shelter where we will stay for the night. Set up tents and got water for cooking. Soon it was time to eat and get settled in tents for the night. Weather was very cold and windy. I did not sleep well. During the night tent peg pulled out and tent fell in. Good day hiking, bad night sleeping. Day 2 tomorrow.Happy Trails
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Hawk Mountain

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 10.0

Woke to a cold windy morning. Hands were numb trying to take tent down. Everything packed and on trail by 8:30. This is Bills last day on the trail. He is going back to the Hiker Hostel and head home tomorrow . I'm going back to the hostel with him for the night. He will drop me at the the trailhead on his way home. The hike today was tough. I will use that word a lot. We had 3 hard climbs that beat us up pretty good. Factor in that we did not not drink enough water and that made for a long hard day. Good weather most of the day. Happy Trails
Date: 2014-04-18
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Had breakfast at Hostel. Bill dropped me Woody Gap at 8:15. He headed back and I headed up. There is always a good climb out of the Gaps. Plan to be at Neels Gap tonight about 10 mi away. It was a nice morning. Sunshine and warming temps. Later in the day weather changed to cloudy and light rain. Going to be a cold rainey night. I will stay in Neels bunk room tonight. Happy Trails
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Low Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: moderate rain

Left Neels at 9:00 and headed for Low Gap. Good weather most of day. The usual tough climbs. Got to shelter around 5:00. Very tired! Decided to sleep in shelter. BIG MISTAKE! Guy sleeping next to me snored all night. The guy caused shelter to shake. Loudest I have ever heard. Maybe 3 hrs sleep. Packed and on trail by 7:30 Short on sleep!Happy Trails
Date: 2014-04-20
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 10.0

Happy Easter! Headed for Unicoi Gap. Will get shuttle into Hiawassee where I plan to take a day off to rest and resupply. Called family around lunch time. They were having usual Easter Meal. Told them that I had hunk of sausage and a snickers bar. No feeling sorry for me. My choice to miss Easter. Can't argue that. Pulled into Hiawassee around 7:00. Not time to do much. I did wash clothes and went to an all u can eat restaurant. Much better than trail food. I'm staying in a hiker motel. When hiking the trail any place with hot water, bed, and roof is excellent. Would I bring my family here? No! Looking to sleep better tonight.Happy Trails
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Perfect morning to walk the mountains. Left for trail at 9 and hiking by 9:15. It's always a good climb out of Gaps. All the signs are there. Spring is catching up. After about 8 mi it was good by Ga. and hello North Carolina. Big, big climb as a welcome to NC. Climbed for over 3 hrs.. Found tent spot, and started end of day routine. That's putting up tent and getting sleeping bag out of pack. Food bag and every thing else must come out as well. Then it's finding water source that is usually down hill. Next comes fixing meal and cleaning everything afterwards. Then brushing teeth and flossing those you want to keep. Washing body best you can and changing into cleanest dirty clothes. Then it's to bed. If other hikers are around you try to engage them in conservation . After hiking 8 to 10 hrs you don't feel like doing any of that stuff. You like to maintain human contact, so conversing with others is important. It's 8:20 and I'm read for bed. Nighty night.Happy Trails
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Muskrat Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 15.2

Restless night. Some times it's hard to find a level spot to set tent up. That was the case last night. I kept sliding into side of tent. Made for a restless night.Good weather again today. Trail really rocky for first 3 miles today. Lots of elevation gain going up Standing Indian Mt. It's about a 3.5 mi. climb to top. Trees still bare up high. Little blue, white, and yellow flowers starting to line trail down low. I have met a good many hikers. Most are quite young. Most every body I met seems young to me. They seem to have a sparkle in their eyes, and a fire in their belly. I remember those days. I'm not doing as well as I would like at this stage. Climbs seem more difficult and downs more punishing . I'm still moving and that's a good thing.Happy Trail
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Wayah Gap

To: Wayah Gap
Miles today: 6.0

Beautiful morning to hike. On the trail by 9:30. Climbed for most of today's hike. Climbed over one bald today(cleared area on to of mountain), and will go over another tomorrow . You usually get a great view on top of a bald. Had a short hike today. Just felt like I had enough for the day. Hope to have a better day hiking tomorrow.Happy Trails
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Wayah Gap

To: Tellico Gap
Miles today: 13.5

Today was a good day to be in the woods. A good balance between ups and downs. Saw a lot of dogwood blooming. Also a lot of little flowers lined the trail. I think they were violets. I haven't talked about other hikers. That's because I'm hiking alone. Sometimes I see people on the trail. Sometimes not. I saw a women on the trail with three short legged dogs. She was pretty much dragging the third one behind her. She said it was old and had a hard time keeping up. I can't understand that. Over all I'm ok. Not as fast as I used to be and can't hike as many miles. Trying to adjust
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Tellico Gap

To: NOC
Miles today: 13.1

Big problem trying to post entries in journal while hiking. I'm using my iPhone to post. It's either low battery or can't get signal. I have written everything down so I will try to catch up   Weather near perfect today. Headed to NOC anda bunk room. The NOC is a big whitewater rafting spot. Big climb out tomorrow(5mi) with nasty weather predicted. Hope to hike out tomorrow morning, but will have what the morning brings.Happy Trails
Date: 2014-04-29
From: NOC

To: Sassarfas Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: broken clouds

Storms passed through the night. Rainey morning but not stormy. My wife e-mailed me and indicated Lake Caroline got hit hard by tornadoes . That's where I live. My daughter and family, live close by had damage to their house. No one hurt.I had a long 5 mi. Climb out of the NOC. I'm in a shelter tonight . Still threat of storms through Thur.. I plan to stay at the Hike Inn near Fontana. May do a slack pack into Fontana. Fontana is the gateway to Smokeys. It's near supper time and then to bed. Having mashed potatoes and tuna. Sorry you you're not here to join me. Maybe next time.Happy Trails
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Sassafras Shelter

To: Brown Fork Shelter
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: light rain

Most of severe weather has passed. I forgot how tough this section is. The AT Guide indicates after the first couple of miles it's all pretty much down. Not true! Had 4 tough climbs to finish hike. Saw lots of mountain flowers today. Trillium, and violets. Dogwood could be seen through out the forest. Should be at Fontana Dam tomorrow. Will start climbing into the park on Friday.Happy Trails
Date: 2014-05-01
From: StecoahGap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Spent night at theHike Inn. Nice place. Friendly folks. Started hike early. Climbed up and over Jacob's Ladder. Climbed over 600 ft in .5 mile. This a up on your toes climb. The rest of the day was the usual up and down. Will enter the Smoke's tomorrow.
Date: 2014-05-02
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Weather great! These mountains can be a mean place when the weather is nasty. There is something special about these mountains. For one thing they are so very very old. I know a guy like that, but wait even he is not as old as these ancient mountains . Nice grade going up. Nothing to extreme. I saw mama bear and her 2 cubs on they up. I hiked to 2nd shelter Russell Field. In the Smoky's hikers must stay in shelters unless full. Shelters at night are full of noises. Usually snoring, and much more. Not sure about temp, but it was very cold. I was cold all night. Did not sleep much. Looking forward to tomorrow.Happy Trails
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: light rain

Day breaks about 6:30. On trail by 7:15. Did not sleep much, and that's been a big problem for me. Lot to see on the trail today. Saw beautiful apple trees blooming. Lots of outstanding views. You have to work hard, but there are rewards. Climbed over Rock Top. You know the song right. The climbs never stop. I hate to go down because there's always a climb up to follow. Ended the day at Derrick Knob. Not doing big miles. I think the new norm for me is 8 to 12.Happy Trails
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Derrick Knob

To: Clingmans Dome
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: few clouds

Out of the shelter and on trail by 7:00. The weather has been great. Spent most of day above 6000ft. Lots of great views. You can look out from the mountain top and see a lot of the mountains you have already climbed over. Got to Clingmans parking lot about 3:30. Clings Dome is the highest point on the AT. From there got a ride into Gatlinburg,This is the part I always have trouble with. It's time to say goodby I came out this year to see if I could still hike the trail. I've had some health issues, and I was interested to see how the age thing would play out. Overall I think I got positive answers to those concerns. I doubt that I ever hike the George to the Smoky Mountains section again. Done that a number of times. I will pick up where I stopped this year. It was tough, but I had a good hike. Now I think I will start my running program back up. Thanks for following my journal. Happy Trails
Date: 2007-03-15
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

This would be the start of something I have wanted to do since the late 60's when my parents would take us up to Greenbrier or Washington Monument State park and we would see the hikers go up the AT. I have recently been on leave from work ( retire at the end of leave ) and finally have an opportunity to complete the full AT. All thru this I am trying to sell my house so we'll see what goes. I have a previous entry for here for the Catoctin Trail in 2003 so you can see some of the differences for gear and what not. I'll be starting in Springer on about the 28th of March.
Date: 2007-03-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Doing some chores around the house. I am getting pretty ancy. Picked up a pocket mail device on e-bay - should be here on Friday. I have been going over and over all my gear. I think my plan will be to pack light with reliable gear until I am sure the bad weather is over and then switch over to lighter stuff. I like to be prepared, but not overweight. I think I will go over my gear again--- later.L
Date: 2007-03-25
To: Prep #4
Miles today: 0.0

I got the pocket mail thing yesterday and activated an account and gave it a test. Works as promised. I also picked up a few things at REI. On the way home I stopped by Giant Foods ( a local DC area grocery store ) and found a sale on Knorr sides 10 ea for 10.00$ and some 5 oz Flavored tuna packets 3 for 5.00$ so I picked up a few for my mail drops. I am not going to tell I wiped em out! I went over my stove kit, and think I will be bringing my alchy stove. The stove, pot, pot support, lexan cup, windscreen and a 1 inch square pot scubbie all fit together. Just need to fuel up at the start.I plan to pick up food along the way with a couple of care packages sent by my wife, Teri. I wish she could go, but things didnt work out for that part. She may try to meet me in Harpers Ferry and go from there.Debating taking a cell phone, but I here reception is not that reliable so i may do without. 3 more days....
Date: 2007-03-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Arrived in Atlanta and caught the MARTA to North Springs station where Paul from the Hiker Hostel picked us up from the station. Josh and Leigh run a very nice place and for 62 dollars you get a shuttle from the station to the hostel, a place to sleep, breakfast, and a shuttle the trail head. Im glad Leigh reads the Trail Journels site. She saw that I was was comming on the 28th but when I made the reservations, I accidently put April. Josh called while I was in BWIto verify. Very Nice people. I met a few that are hiking. Starting tomorrow......
Date: 2007-03-29
From: Hiker Hostel

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: moderate rain

Paul drove a few of us up to the approach trail to Springer in the morning after a great kick off breakfast at the hostel. On the way we saw a flock of wild turkeys crossing the forest service road. Walking up the trail, I didn't realise how bad of shape I am in. I hiked with a guy named CY at the beginning then mainly alone until Hawk Mountain shelter. Im tired now, gotta get some sleep...
Date: 2007-03-30
From: Hawk Mountail Shelter

To: Gooch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.0

It was misting and raining at times during the night. At one point the Rangers were playing their war games - a loud helicopter flew up the valley, and hardly anyone heard it. Occationally the moon near full had shone thru the clouds making an erie glow around. I was was the first one out this morning and scared off a herd of deer later in the day. I pulled into Gooch mountain shelter and made dinner and set up camp. I was very tired for the day.
Date: 2007-03-31
From: Gooch Gap Shelter

To: Jarred Gap
Miles today: 10.6

Today was a normal, if you could call this normal, get up, packup, make breakfast and go morning. Very peacefull hiking alone today. It was fairly easy until Woody gap. After getting some more water from a spring that looked like it was comming right out of the rock, I headed up Big Cedar Mountain. That was a tough climb. I met up with CY, who had passed me earlier, at a place called Jarred Gap. While setting up camp, two other hikers came in, "Hitech", class of 2006, and "Mallard" his hiking buddy. They had some great trail stories to tell. Need some sleep now...
Date: 2007-04-01
From: Jarred Gap

To: Walasi-Yi Inn
Miles today: 5.0

It had rained shortly after going to bed last night. Nothing to bad. I was up and had some oatmeal for breakfast, and was off by 8. The trip was good until about 10 when it started to drizzle again. I started towards Woods Hole Shelter and realized this was the one that was about a mile off the trail. To far to go for a lunch stop. Starting to get chilly, I put on my rain jacket and continued around Blood Mountain. There was absolutely no view. It was raining, the clouds were in close and you could see 20 feet in front of you. I just zoned out and kept walking. Once I saw the road, I knew Neels Gap was close. The Walasi-Yi Inn appeared in the gloom and I knew I was done for the day. You can bunk here and resupply, shower, and do laundry for a modest price. I think everyone had the same idea. There was about 20 people here for the night in the bunk house. Later, I have laundry to do now.
Date: 2007-04-02
From: Walasi-Yi Inn

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

I was the fourth one out this morning, where the AT passes right thru the Inn, the first thing was a big hill called Levelland Mountain. You could see the fog drifting in the valleys below from on top of the mountain after yesterdays storm. Fairly easy hiking until Tenatse Gap, where I stopped for lunch, Next mountain was rally steep but short. Over the side at Hogpen Gap, Hiker "Mudbut" was doing some trail magic, giving out water and cookies and candies. Just in time too. Finally I arrived at Low Gap Shelter after 6 more miles. Long day today, after dinner I was out like a light.
Date: 2007-04-03
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Rocky Top Mountain
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept like a log. I was up and out early as there were some of thie biggest mountains to cross today. It was warm today. The first Mountain Blue Mountain used up a lot of water. I usually tank up a quart and carry 4 quarts unless I know there is a lot of water sources out there. Also, up and down large mountains put different stresses on your feet and legs. Going up gets the calves and sides of the ankles and going down slams your toes into the front of your shoe. It just pays to be carefull.The next mountain, Rocky Mountain, was a long way to go. Half way up was a mountain stream, clear and cold. I watered up and continued on where I saw Montreau camped. I continued on to the top of Rocky Mn. At the top I met Noah camped out. I set up camp and had dinner. During dinner I noticed some clouds building to the south. Later I would learn this was an omminous sign.
Date: 2007-04-04
From: Rocky Top Mountain

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 8.7

The locomotive came last night. Its breath blew all through the tree tops. Sparks flew like lighning bolts from the fire box lighting up the mountain tops. The thunder from the wheels peeled all thru the valleys. A cold front came through last night. The wind blew open my rain fly. I held it closed for about 20 minuites until a lull in the rain. That fixed, I went back to sleep. Sometime during the night, the wind blew down the rear hoop to my tent and I got a little damp. The cold front that started the rain made fog in the valleys below. I had packed up and was out in the morning about 8. Kinda of misty today until the bottom of Tray Mtn. Met "Chuck Norris" and "Tigger" on the way and "April Showers". We stopped at Tray Mtn. shelter for lunch and continued to Sassafras Gap to set up camp. The cold front left its mark by now. The wind had picked up and it stared to get chilley. After dinner, I zipped up my sleeping bag, I knew it was going to be a cold one.
Date: 2007-04-05
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Hiawassee Inn
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: clear sky

It got down to 31.5 d F last night. I had a frozen water bag, the wind was howling. Everyone packed up and moved on. We would get hot breakfast at the next shelter. The wind was really cold during the day. We all arrived at the shelter and decided that at resupply in Hiawassee we would stay at the Hiawassee Inn. Resupply and dinner at Davids steak house. All was good.
Date: 2007-04-06
From: Hiawassee Inn

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 8.0

We were dropped off at Dicks Creek gap abut 1100 am and had avery nice hike. We were headed for Plumorchard Shelter but that would have made the day end to early. We continued on until the NC/GA border a total of 8 miles. Woo Hoo, one state done. It was going to get cold tonight from the cold front that came thru the other day. A fire was made and dinner was done. Every drifted off to their tents for a cold night. At one point one of the young ladies yelled out "tent to share" worried about the upcomming cold. No takers, everyone wanted their own coziness. All tucked in, Im off to sleep.
Date: 2007-04-07
From: Bly Gap

To: Hiawassee Inn
Miles today: 7.0

Man it was cold. And it snowed. It was 18 degrees when we got up. Everyone packed up and heded for the next shelter for a hot breakfast. It was so cold some of the butane stoves would not light. The alchohaul stoves worked OK. Four more miles, to Deep Gap we were met by Trail Angel "Tarheel" and "Repeat" with a campfire, sodas, and grill your own polish sausages. Tarheel was the first constructure of the AT guidebook. We were picked up by "Tumble" who works at the Inn. Now makeing plans for tomorrow.
Date: 2007-04-08
From: Hiawassee Inn

To: Budget Inn Frankilin
Miles today: 11.0

Slacked packed today from Mooney Gap to Winding Stair Gap. After a steep climb to the top of Albert Mountain, the was a beatiful view of the valley from an old fire tower. The rest of the day was smooth going doing 11 miles in 6 hours with rest stops along the way. It was a beatiful hike around the side of the mountains with cold mountain streams and rhodedendron thickets. Where there were water falls, there were ice cicles up to five feet long. It was a great day for hiking. We stayed at the Budget Inn for a night stay because of the cold. Cooked up spagetti for dinner and ready to plan another slack pack tomorrow.
Date: 2007-04-09
From: Budget Inn Frankilin

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: few clouds

Today we slacked packed again, this time backwards from Mooney Gap to Deep Gap. Tougher at the end of the day with a 5 mile up pull at the end of the day. Pretty tired now, got to eat to. Will post pictures when I can unload from my camera
Date: 2007-04-10
From: Deep Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

Every day has something beautiful to see. There are the ice cicles as log as a man, the rhime ice that forms out of the ground when there is moisture in it and the air is below freezeing. The groves of Beech trees. The sound of woodpeckers making as if they were calling each other with their hammering. The babbling of a mountain brook. I wish that everyone was able to enjoy all these things.Today we slack packed again, from Wayah Gap to Winding stair Gap. It was a great day again. The weather was perfect for a t-shirt and regular pants if you kept moving.Tomorrow it is supposed to rain but we are still moving on. You cant let little things get in the way. You also cant think of the whole picture of the hike, it will overwhelm you. Little objectives are best to keep in mind. Like right now I have to think of getting to the NOC then Fontana Dam and then the Great Smokey Mountains. Little pieces to make up the whole hike.I am in a loose group right now, the "Over the Hill Gang". Average age is about 50. Chuck Norris and Tigger, Montreau, April Shower, Fire Hazard, Kokopele and myself. I am sure things will change over time but right now this is the status of my hiking friends. I really wanted to hike alone, but with the cold weather, in the teens, there is saftey in numbers.My gear seems to be OK. I have bounced a few things and am going to lighten up some others as time goes on.Cant wait to get to the Smokeys.....