morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-02-27
From: Salt Pond Rd. 

To: Daleville (US 220)
Miles today: 7.8

Last day of Phase One for Brighty!! Seems as though she couldn't just handle a shorter mileage day. Hiked up Salt Pond Rd. from the Parkway back to where we came out yesterday. Not sure if she was lost in her thoughts or what but she missed the AT and kept going up (and eventually down) the Salt Pond Rd before she realized her err. Actually it was the downhill part that finally got her attention. It ended up adding a couple more miles onto her day. By the time she reunited with Wreck just south of Fullhardt Knob shelter she had calmed down but still not real happy. Weather was cloudy most of the day which kept on the fleece. No other hikers - it is Monday. Had lunch at the shelter and then down, down, down (great switchbacks) and into the Roanoke Valley. More Fetterbush starting to bloom and at the lower elevations a patch of bloodroot in flower Some maples and spicebush look to be getting ready also. And, of course, the invasive bush honeysuckle was already leafing out. Is it still February???? Down the mountain, along the Interstate and popped out by the Pizza Hut on US220 by 3ish pm. We'll be back in this area next month to backpack the next small section and then - Georgia here we come!!!!
Date: 2017-03-20
From: VA 311

To: Lambert's Meadow campsite
Miles today: 10.7

Hooray!!!! We're back on the trail for the first day of Spring. Double hooray (at least from Wreck) as we are backpacking. Phase 1 of our AT hike (day hiking from Harpers Ferry) was great but there's nothing like getting to stay out all day and all night. We're in a short phase now (Phase 1A?) backpacking a couple of days into Daleville. Georgia (and Phase 2) is less that two weeks away! Long day today. Up and on the road a little after 6 am heading south on I-81, We set up a shuttle and were on the trail heading toward McAfee's Knob by 10:30 am. Great weather today. Sunny with highs near 70. Fantastic day to pass THE ironic photo spot on the entire AT!!! And well deserved. McAfee's is just a great spot. The Catawba valley provides a beautiful rural view (hopefully, forever!) and the Knob itself is amazing. Smattering of really nice, friendly day hikers and a couple section hikers up there this morning. We lunched at McAfee's and then headed across the mountain toward Tinker Cliffs. The long drive, and the extra weight of a backpack had Brighty "pacing herself". Wreck sensed trouble when about a mile from the Cliffs, Brighty announced that a nearby meadow - with a good 20% slope - looked like a nice place to camp! But Brighty soldiered on. Arrived at Tinkers Cliff in late afternoon light - always a great time of day - and scooted down to Scorched Earth Gap and the intersection with the infamously steep Andy Layne trail. Luckily, we were just staying on the gently down sloping AT at this point. Reached this campsite just before sunset which gave us time to put up the tent before dark - always a good thing. The Roanoke ATC has added a bear box so we're happy not to have to locate a tree for the bear bag in the dark - never a good thing. This is a great campsite!!! Nice little creek, picnic table, flat and grassy spot for the tent and tucked away between the hills with a feeling of seclusion even if Roanoke is only a few miles away as the crow flies. We've got the whole place to ourselves except for a barred owl calling in the distance as we prepare out homemade, dehydrated Mexican rice with chicken dinner. Ah, life is good and the bed (or Neoair) will be calling soon.
Date: 2017-03-21
From: Lambert's Meadow campsite

To: US 220 - Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Both of us slept pretty soundly. A couple of small rain showers visited early in the night (at least that was all we heard!) Woke up this morning to bright blue skies and a little warmth in the air (at least after awhile) and a relatively dry tent. Not in any real hurry this morning so we didn't exactly fly into activity. A little after 9 am, Brighty decided to start up the trail, in case she was going to "pace herself" again today. Wreck finished taking down the tent and exploring Lambert's Meadow. Just below the campsite, the stream steepens its descent and drops over a 8 ft waterfall. Not a ton of water going over it today but Wreck was reminded of the day in perhaps 2007 when, on a Scout overnight, one of the Scouts went over the falls!!! Ah, the great Scoutmaster in the Sky was looking after you big-time, Kimo!!!!Another beautiful day, sunny and in upper 60's. Much of the trail today ran right along the main crest with view of the mostly rural Catawba Valley to the west and Carvins Cove (Roanoke's water supply) to the east. Nice trail today too. You can tell that the Roanoke ATC folks have put in some work on this section. Thanks!!! Great big, square rocks along this section of trail the last two days too. Very photographic. Second day of spring and we saw a couple of Serviceberry trees beginning to bloom. Some bluets by the waterfalls and lots of trout lily blooming as we headed down the mountain into Daleville.   Popped out at the Howard Johnsons and Pizza Hut by about 5 pm. Brighty's heading down to the land of real barbecue (Eastern NC) for a few days to visit family. Wreck's heading back home to begin final preparations of Phase 2. Georgia here we come!!!!!(Sung to the tune of "Smokey the Bear")Brighty the mule, Brighty the muleHuffing and a-puffing, she's a hiking fool She can light up a shelter like a campfire flameThat¢s why they call her Brighty That was how she got her name
Date: 2017-04-03
From: Gaffney, SC

To: Amicalola State Park
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Not only is Georgia on our mind. . . but we're in Georgia!!! Got in ahead of some nasty weather this morning and took the MARTA to the North Springs station where we were picked up by Ron Brown. Ron's been shuttling hikers around north Georgia for over ten years now. This is, of course, the busy time and, boy, is he hopping. Probably a dozen calls and almost as many texts in the hour drive to Amicalola State Park. All hikers needing shuttles. Georgia's full of hikers now and from some of Ron's stories more than a few of them aren't very prepared. Then again, some of those "unprepared" folks make it all the way to Katahdin every year. We looking forward to the diversity of trail types on the AT the first few weeks.   For today, we arrived at the lodge mid afternoon in a driving rain. A couple hours later however the rain has stopped and the radar looks good. We decide to get a jump on our hike and walk down to the visitor center and the start of the Approach Trail to Springer. We take the obligatory pictures under the arch and sign the registry. Over 1,500 northbounders already signed in! Wow! Hiking back up the trail to the lodge it's apparent that Spring has sprung. Sessile trillium, jack in the pulpit, bloodroot, rue anemone, etc all blooming. The trillium, in particular, are outstanding! So is the water coming over Amicalola Falls. What a great cascading Falls!!! Best on the trail. Makes the 600+ steps worth it . . almost says Brighty!! We're back to the lodge in time for its AYCE dinner (wish we could save that for a week or so). Now stuffed and showered we attempt to stay awake long enough to see who wins this March Madness final. All our schools are long gone but Brighty loves "One shining moment" so hopefully we make it. Tomorrow we head to Springer!
Date: 2017-04-04
From: Amicalola State Park

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: clear sky

¢It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.¢ ? J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the RingsAt 9:29 am, after staying up way too late to watch possibly the worst offensive display ever seen in a national championship game and after eating an AYCE breakfast that, while we tried, we couldn't do justice to, we went out the door of Amicalola Lodge on Phase 2 of our AT adventure. Since we had hiked the 1.2 miles of the Approach Trail yesterday to the lodge we had only 7.6 miles to hike to the Springer Mtn summit. Weather was fantastic. Sunny all day and reaching the mid 70's (we guess). Some traffic on the trail but actually not as heavy as we are expected. Some very nice sections of bloodroot in bloom above Nimblewill Gap. Reached Springer a little before 4pm. Lots of excitement among the handful or two of folks lingering at the top. We took the obligatory pictures and decided we had he time and energy to hike north on the AT a couple miles to this shelter. Passed a packed parking lot up at Big Stamp Gap. Got here around 6 pm and it's packed. Shelter crowded and at least 20 tents around shelter. Luckily we found a nice spot on an old roadbed just north of the crowds. Cooked shrimp and grits (dehydrated at home), enjoyed a pleasant evening sky and am now preparing to end our day's adventure with hopefully a good night sleep. Tomorrow is supposed to be worst weather of week but right now the moon is shining bright so we'll take that!
Date: 2017-04-05
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Cooper Gap
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Mixed sleeping - Brighty good, Wreck so-so. Couldn't find the right temperature. Had an early morning barred owl serenade us. Up around 7am to a dry tent. Wreck had just retrieved the food bags when the thunder started. Luckily we had plenty of time to pack up and we're just leaving when it started to drizzle. Light drizzle eventually transformed into a heavy drizzle then a light rain and finally a steady rain. As is the case with rain we found ourselves hiking the Appalachian stream! Around noon, underneath the cover of our tyvak tent footprint, we checked the radar and it was looking nasty. Even Wreck, who quite enjoys hiking in inclement weather was getting worried. Luckily over the next hour the rain transitioned back to drizzle and pretty much remained that way the rest of the day. Made a side trip to Long Creek Falls early in the day and it was very nice. Lots of water coming down Long Creek. Stopped at the Hawk Mountain shelter for a quick bite to eat. Wow! Whole area around shelter seriously impacted by over camping. Georgia ATC has closed much of it for 2017. Hopefully, given some rest, the vegetation can recover. There's a 30 site campground 0.7 mile south of shelter so - hopefully - folks will abide by the closure. The hills of Georgia - like the rollarcoaster back in Virginia they barrel straight up, -plus the weather got to Brighty as the day wore on. We were heading a couple miles further but got to this site a little after 5pm and decided to call it a day. ( Actually the large tanker of potable water nearby convinced us.) Rain has stopped for now - long enough for us to be able to pitch the tent and eat. It's windy!!!! Hope our Tarptent doesn't get blown away. We been alternating between really dark skies and fog. Rain in forecast for tonight but good weather coming. For now we're snug in our bags and although it's only 8 pm don't think either of us is venturing outside unless Mother Nature calls! Oops! The pitter patter of rain has just started. It's bedtime!
Date: 2017-04-06
From: Cooper Gap

To: Big Cedar Mountain
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

Well ... we had a storm of biblical proportions pass over us last night - lightening that lit up the tent, thunder that roared (and roared and roared), sheets of wind driven rain pelting our tent. The worst of it lasted about an hour and .... we survived! Both of us very thankful for our Tarptent - it held up in the wind and kept us dry. We were hoping that the wind would dry things out by morning. An early morning shower cancelled that thought. Packed up a wet tent and up we barreled over Justin Mountain. Except for another occasional steep climb, the trail today was quite nice. Lots of great sidehill construction. Had lunch at Gooch Mountain shelter where we talked to Tom, one of five Georgia ridge runners on the trail. They are doing a great job - and it's a tough one with all the hiking activity going on now. Having said that we actually have been surprised at the low number of hikers we've seen the last two days. The weather may be a factor. Today was cloudy with periods of drizzle and some sleet this afternoon. Got to this great campsite about 6pm and it looked to be clearing. Set up the tent and as we cooked dinner the sleet started again but heavier. Had to finish cooking and eating in the vestibule. It's stopped now but the wind is blowing pretty good. Supposed to be near 30 tonight. The best bag is hung, everything is put away and we're snug in our bags hoping for a warm nights sleep!!
Date: 2017-04-07
From: Big Cedar Mountain

To: Jarrard Gap
Miles today: 4.6

Woke up to a frosty tent - literally. Also a fantastic view of the north Georgia mountains. Windy but bright blue skies. We weren't in any hurry and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast with view while the sun melted the ice. Great to hike in sun today. Quite windy so if the trail faced north or west it was pretty chilly. If the trail faced the protected south or east sides it was delightful. Decided early on that today would be a short one. The alternative would be hiking 6+ miles more to Bull Gap as there is a bear canister requirement between here and Neal's Gap and neither of us wanted to get caught in the chaos of Neal's Gap tonight. Stopped on a sunny protected rock for lunch and strolled into this site mid afternoon. Some nice sessile trillium and bloodroot blooming and a couple east facing slopes that were full of white trillium and geraniums almost ready to bloom. This Gap is a tale of two sides. Wind is really howling on the west side. Luckily we're on the east side. Sunny and protected. We're lazily soaking in the sun checking and plan for the next leg of our trip. Life is good.
Date: 2017-04-08
From: Jarrard Gap

To: Swaim Gap
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up to a view of sunrise over the Georgia mountains from our tent. Can't emphasize enough how nice and protected our side of the gap was (and, conversely, how windy it was on the other side). First order of business today was a 3+ mile climb up to the summit of Blood Mountain. Brighty was apprehensive but zoomed to the top. Great stone steps on the climb up. Georgia ATC rocks! By the time we got to the top it was blue skies all around and it stayed that way all day. Temperature in maybe upper 60's. Fantastic views from the top of Blood and coming down the other side. It's Saturday so lots of folks out hiking. Got down to Neal's Gap and Mountain Crossings and things were hopping! Bikers, hikers everywhere. We picked up our first food box, had a late lunch on the porch, drank a root beer (Wreck) and Mr Pib (Brighty), and headed up the next mountain. Got to this great campsite (wow, that's like three nights in a row) and it said "Stay!" Had Mexican Rice with Chicken tonight (Brighty said the spices were better this time). The bear bag is up, the moon is up and the sun is setting. We anticipating a coolish night - good sleeping weather! Georgia - you are still on our mind!
Date: 2017-04-09
From: Swaim Gap

To: 0.5m N of Poplar Stamp Gap
Miles today: 10.5

Just phenomenal weather the whole day!!! Sunny, blue skies and in the 70's.   First order of business was th climb Cowrock Mountain. Great views and a snack on top. Down to Tesnatee Gap and a barrel of a barrel up Wildcat Mountain. Most of the Georgia AT is a pleasant hike but it has its share of short steep stretches that give it its reputation. Wildcat Mountain is definitely one of them. Our reward was to drop down into Hogpen Gap and enjoy some great trail magic from two of the fantastic members of the AT community, Ms. Janet and Mama Goose. M. Goose helps coordinate the Warrior Project which organizes hikes and bike trips for veterans looking to readjust back into life in the States. There are Warriors thru hiking the AT, PCT, Continental Divide Trail , etc etc. it's a great service and M Goose is a big part of it. Ms. Janet is simply an AT legend. She and her van have been traveling AT country for years serving as a second mother and friend to many, many an AT Hiker. As great as the drinks and hot dogs were it was even a bigger thrill for us to talk with those two special folks. Powered by the magic we climbed Poor Mountain, then past the sprawling Low Gap shelter with 20+ tent (and a very nice French Hiker, LaNose). We were going to stop at Poplar Stamp Gap but it too was pretty crowded with tents and friendly campers (including the newly christened "Poppins") so on we went to this, yes once again, great site up on a hill with a great view. Got in around 6:30 pm. Time to take care of all the camp necessities and watch a full moon rise over the Georgia hills it was a very good day and we are looking forward to tomorrow! A shout out to the bloodroots which have been fantastic the last couple of days. We're glad the deer don't like to eat them!
Date: 2017-04-10
From: 0.5m N of Poplar Stamp Gap

To: Rocky Mountain campsite
Miles today: 9.2

A pretty pleasant night temperature wise. We camped north of most folks last night so as we were breaking camp (and eating our grits and oatmeal) the crowds passed us by. Almost all in good spirits as 3 (now 4) straight days of great weather will ensure. First couple of miles today continued along an old roadbed. Very gentle grades but just before lunch we had a steep slough up Blue Mountain. Had lunch with La Nose at the shelter. He's a really nice Frenchman but unfortunately is experiencing a lot of knee pain so was pretty bummed. We're sure the steep rocky climb down to Unicoi Gap didn't help. Saw Ms Janet again down at the Gap. Brighty enjoyed an ice cold Gatorade. Thus powered it was up to this campsite on top of the mountain (4017 ft). Just saw beautiful sunset. Supposed to be in upper 40's tonight but with wind and at this elevation might be a little colder. Water filter will be sleeping with Wreck just in case. Another bright moon is rising. Time for us to be dropping (into our sleeping bags!)
Date: 2017-04-11
From: Rocky Mountain campsite

To: Addis Gap
Miles today: 9.9

It wasn't hot last night but hot enough that Wreck had his bag unzipped most of the night. Brighty has been battling a case of chest congestion that manifests itself as a nighttime cough. Early last night she won the prize for a coughing spell that wore her throats and lungs out. Luckily things settled down later in the night. Today was our fifth straight great weather day! (That should jinks us). Had our share of climbs today with Trey Mountain at 4430 ft being the largest but really the trail was quite kind. It still kicked our rears though - maybe because of the warmish weather, maybe because it was our eighth straight day hiking but both of us were dragging a little. Really not a lot of hiker traffic today. I know a lot of folks went into town the other day at Unicoi Gap so maybe they decided to take a "zero". Stopped for water this afternoon at Trey Mountain shelter. Somehow Brighty missed the tiurn and walked an extra few tenths of a mile downhill before realizing her err. No bonus miles for her though! We got into this camp a little after 6pm. Wreck hiked 0.5 mile down an old roadbed for water. Finished the last meals in our food bag which means tomorrow is a town day!!! Hiawassee here we come! For now we've watched another beautiful sunset, the moon has not risen yet, but the neoairs are calling. (Sung to the tune of ¢Smokey the Bear¢)Brighty can get lost any old time Miss a blaze, miss a sign - why don't they chime? So if you see her in the woods with a puzzled look Help her out, sit her down Give her AWOL¢s book
Date: 2017-04-12
From: Addis Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 5.4

A town day!!! On the ninth day after leaving Amicalola Lodge it's time for a shower and laundry! But first it's time to get over 4126 ft Kelly Knob. That got our lungs and heart working. Weather started cloudy but turned partly sunny as the morning wore on. Later coming up Powell Mountain we passed a fantastic section of sessile trillium - just covering the forest floor. Got down to Dicks Creek Gap and met the support team for a gentleman and his   border collie who are walking a section of the trail as part of the Green Beret AT project, raising funds for the families of deceased members of the US special forces. They kindly shared some chilli with us as we waited for our ride into Hiawassee. Thanks! We're splurging and staying at the Holiday Inn Express!!! Hey it's our anniversary! Cleaned clothes, showered, and ate a huge dinner at the local Mexican restaurant. Picked up multiple cough medicines for Brighty and looking forward to a good night sleep. Tomorrow we're going to take a "zero" day and relax in good ole' Hiawassee. Then northward we continue.
Date: 2017-04-13
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We spent a wonderful relaxing "zero" day in Hiawasee. After an all you can eat breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express, we cleaned out our "stuff" to inventory what we would need for the next leg of the hike. After a trip to the post office & grocery store, I (Brighty) came back to the room to read & relax before lunch. After lunch we checked out a nearby antique shop then I came back for a nap. Wreck wandered around town; not sure what he did. Spent late afternoon in the hot tub then an AYCE (all you can eat) buffet for dinner. Life is hard at 2 miles per hour. We did run into "Le Nose" (hiker from France) at dinner. He has decided to leave the trail because of his knee injury. Glad to know he is okay though as we last saw him two days ago at a shelter really discouraged about what to do. I can tell I'm really going to enjoy my trail town days; Wreck not so much so I'll be posting on "zero" days! Franklin, NC, here we come!
Date: 2017-04-14
From: Hiawassee

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0

ARRGGHH!!!!!!!   We're still in Hiawassee!! Now Hiawassee is a great trail town for 1/2 day, okay if you want to recover from the first 70 AT miles for another day. But 2 1/2 days is a little too much. The reason for the extra day was a real world reality rearing up - taxes! Thought they were coming in yesterday but didn't get to us until after 4 pm today. By that time we didn't have time to mail them before the post office closed so . . . . here we are for another night. Spent most of the day waiting around thinking the mail would be coming sooner. Oh well - we are really, really looking forward to getting back on the trail tomorrow am!!!