morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-12-29
From: Orlando FL

To: Orlando FL
Miles today: 0.0

We finished packing this morning, including the food bags, stove, and fuel bottle we sent to Rocky's daughter Angie's house. Rocky's pack with her 24 ounce water bottle will be about 30 pounds. Swamp Fox's pack load will be about 35 pounds with fuel and a full one liter Nalgene. These pack weights are less than we started with in 2005. The bad news is that we can't fit everything in our Granite Gear packs. As a result we have stuff hanging on the outside of our packs. We probably look like homeless people. Come to think of it, that's what we will be for the next eight or nine months.In a few days we will start eating down the food load and that will help streamline our packing. In a few hours we will board the bus to Atlanta and then Gainesville, GA. The Trail is getting closer!
Date: 2008-12-30
From: Orlando FL

To: Dahlonaga GA 
Miles today: 0.0

Bus rides on Greyhound are aggravating! Wish there was competition, like on the airlines. We cut it too close arriving at the bus station in Orlando last night. It took forever to get our packs weighed and ticketed. We barely got on the bus before it was supposed to leave at 2230. (Note: we are going to use military time on this journal, as it is much quicker to type in) Then we sat for a long time before the bus finally left. The bus was alternately too hot, then too cold. Air conditioned on a night in the 30's. We slept a little, but it was uncomfortable. Got into Atlanta at 0730 this morning. We changed buses there. Mass confusion again loading up the bus. We left 45 minutes after the scheduled departure time for no explicable reason. We got into Gainesville GA a little late but Mrs. Saint, from Hiker Hostel, was waiting there to pick us up. Mrs. Saint is a local realtor who is Josh Saint's mom. Josh and his wife Leigh operate Hiker Hostel near the start of the Appalachian Trail. We stayed here in 2006. It is a beautiful place. We have the only private room, and it rivals any B&B we have stayed in. With breakfast tomorrow, it is only $38. We enjoyed talking to Josh and Leigh about their past hike experiences (AT 2000, CDT 2005, LT 2006). They leave tomorrow to hike in the Patagonia. We also met Kayak Karl, from Pennsville NJ, who will also be on Springer Mountain tomorrow night. It is great to be back in the Appalachian Trail community again. There are a lot of bikers here today, including a couple from Ontario. Right now we are awaiting the arrival of Five Leafed Clover. She will be staying here tonight and will be shuttled out, with us, to Springer Mountain tomorrow night. We will hike with her at least to Neels Gap. Since she will figure promenantly in our next few journal entries, she will be referred to as "5LC" in future entries. We met her in Maine in 2006, during her southbound (SOBO) thru hike. We also hiked the John Muir Trail with her in 2007. She is a great Friend of the Trail. Rocky is trying to order dinner in as I type these notes. I don't have a lot of interest in food tonight, as I am a little too wound up about the start of our hike tomorrow night.Good night from the Georga mountains(later entry) It's 2000 at night and 5LC (Five Leaf Clover) is here! Great to see her and her daughter Elena, who will be hiking with us at the start of our hike. We had a fine time getting reacquainted, sharing hiker stories, and then to bed at 2200. Tomorrow will be an interesting day.Swamp Fox
Date: 2008-12-31
From: Dahlonaga GA 

To: Springer Mountain 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

This has been a beautiful day. We got up about 8 at the Hiker Hostel. Josh shuttled Kayak Karl to the approach trail. Then Five Leaf Clover, Elena, Trek, Swamp Fox, and me to Springer Mountain. We climbed the 0.9 miles to the shelter and to the plaque on top of Springer. I enjoyed taking pictures. One picture is of a hiker named Sunshine with sparkling hair and one of Hog On Ice (HOI) with his great beard. We hiked from the parking lot at 12:20. It took a half hour to hike up Springer. I got to listen to Elena describe a Russian book about WWII. It was very interesting. She can read Russian. That must have taken so much work. There are loads of people here. It is 32 degrees in the sun and the wind is blowing. It will be cold tonight. Time to start dinner.Rocky
Date: 2009-01-01
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: few clouds

OMG it got down to 9 degrees last night. After being in Orlando it was some cold. Dartman gave us big K rocks so we can feel the pull to Katahdin. That was so sweet. We hung out at the camp fire until close to 8 pm. There were so many people. Today we got to visit with Blue Vist, Kayak Karl, Five Leaf Clover, Elena, and Sgt Rock. It has been so nice to be part of the trail family again. It is a lot of laughs. I didn't have much get up and go. Swampy sang to me as we walked toward the end of the day. Another great day.Rocky
Date: 2009-01-02
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light snow

The word for today was rough. Yesterday at 2:30 Five Leaf Clover and Elena left to make it to Gooch Mountain Shelter. We considered trying it to. Today I realize there was no way I would have made it. Sassafras Mountain beat me up. The mileage doesn't tell the story of how hard it was. It was raining this morning and we didn't start hiking until 11:15 am. We did enjoy visiting with Sgt Rock and Kayak Karl. We arrived tonight at 4:50 pm. We cooked dinner and ate quickly. I am now typing this by head lamp. Tonight Blue Vist, Kayak Karl, Dart Man, and we are at the shelter. Night all.
Date: 2009-01-03
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Stream After Dockery Lake Trail
Miles today: 8.2

Today was a drizzly day with thick fog for most of the day. We were told by day hikers that rain was due to start at 4 pm. We were at Woody Gap at 12:30 for lunch. Just as we finished light rain began. We were ready to go to Hiker Hostel with Blue Vist when we learned they didn't have room for all of us. KK (Kayak Karl) came with us to camp at the stream. Tomorrow we hope to reach Neels Gap. I will love a shower. It is warmer now in the mid 40's. Nice to be warm. It is a little after five and it's getting dark. Hiker midnight is here. Rocky
Date: 2009-01-04
From: Stream After Dockery Lake Trail

To: Neel's Gap - Mountain Crossings
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: broken clouds

It was a long miserable night by the stream. It rained all night and made a mess of our tent and gear. Fortunately it never got cold, perhaps 45 degrees. We faced a miserable morning when we got out of the tent at 0715. We were able to get on the trail by 0845. Kayak Karl (KK), who shared the campsite was right behind us. He is getting stronger and soon passed us. By 1130 we were at Bird Gap and the mass of Blood Mountain loomed ahead in the mist. The sun came out about this time, and it had become a pleasant morning. We had a climb of about 800 feet to the top of Blood Mountain. This mountain supposedly got its name from a legendary Indian battle that left the mountian covered in blood. It is also the highest point on the AT in GA. It took us an hour and twenty hard minutes to make it to the top. KK was already there. By this time the temperature was up to 55 degrees. We have had quite a variation in weather in only five days on the trail: from 9 degrees at Springer to 55 and sun today. The descent down the mountain was pretty rapid. A day hiker coming up the mountain told us that some one was waiting for Swamp Fox with hot food at Neels Gap. That was all Rocky needed to hear. She led a furious (for her) pace down the mountain. When we got to Mountain Crossiogs at Neels Gap, we were wonderfully surprised that our friend Double Healer, was there. It made our day.We checked into the Walasi-Yi hostel at Mountain Crossings. This is a very nice hostel. It looks and feels much nicer than when we passed thru here in 2005 and 2006. Pirate took good care of us and we got cleaned up and laundry underway. Later Double Healer fed us a great meal that he had brounght down from his home in Franklin NC. We will be seeing him again in about two weeks when we pass thru Franklin.From a miserable start, this has become a great day.Swamp Fox
Date: 2009-01-05
From: Neel's Gap - Mountain Crossings

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: light rain

Pirate got up early and had a breakfast spread laid out for us. He is doing a great job running the hostel. The hot water in the shower felt so good. Plus it is wonderful to have clean clothes. The simple pleasures of life. Double Healer took a couple pounds of gear for me yesterday. Oh my God what a difference. I felt so much stronger today. We left Neels Gap at 7:45 and arrived at Low Gap at 3:20. Kayak Karl is also here. I think his breathing is improving greatly. Wildcat Mountain was very difficult and a challenge for all of us. Over all we enjoyed the day. It rained in the morning and misted in the afternoon. It is about 50 degrees now and we are tucked into the shelter before serious rain. We both ate too much for dinner knowing we plan to be in Helen tomorrow.Rocky
Date: 2009-01-06
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Helen,GA Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: moderate rain

Today was an eventful day. First we passed the 50 mile mark. That is always a thrill for me. We started hiking at 8:48 am in steady rain. The rain would vary in intensity from light to down pour. We stopped for lunch at Blue Mountain Shelter. When we left our lunch stop a steady down pour began with wind. The temps were in the 50's. We had just over 2 miles to go to the road. The trail was so slippery. Mud was covered by leaves. Rocks and roots were like glass. I ended up turning an ankle and falling up hill face down onto a rock. I only have minor aches and pains now. I also got a couple blisters from wet feet. Once at the road we tried for 45 minutes to get a ride. No one would pick us up because a minister was killed and robbed by some sick person he picked up. I don't believe this person was a hiker but now no one will pick you up in this area. We were on the verge of hypothermia. Swamp Fox went to set up the tent to get us out of the wind. I continued to try to get us a ride. A few cars later a kind man stopped and helped us load every thing in his car and we were off. He took us to the Helendorf River Inn. I highly recommend this hotel. We have a large room (#710) with two beds and dining area for $26.88. They also gave me the number for Mexican delivery and of a shuttle driver to get back to the trail. Most of the things in our packs are soaked. We have much drying and organizing to do. The man who gave us a ride and the staff here at the Helendorf are saints. My thanks to all. I hope Blue Vist and Kayak are dry and well with all this. We have had rain parts of 5 out of 6 of the days we have been on the trail. There has been over 4 inches of rain during this time. We are undecided about returning to the trail tomorrow. We will continue to watch the weather. Rocky
Date: 2009-01-07
From: Helen,GA Unicoi Gap

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: light rain

What a day. First I want to mention the beautiful water falls I have seen over the last couple days. All the rain has made for spectacular scenery. Also yesterday as we hiked over a rock slide I could hear the water churning inside the mountain. It was beautiful. Now on to today. We enjoyed our morning at the Helendorf. All our gear is clean and dry. We had the job of organizing everything and packing our food drop. We called the shuttle driver again with no answer. I went to the front desk to ask if anyone would be willing to drive us back to the trail on their break. A kind man agreed to ake us. This was great. We went to Betty's Country Store for a few last items. Then we packed up and left for the trail around 11. Swampy rode in the back of the truck. He said he loved it. We gave the man, Kim, some money for gas and were on our way up the trail by 11:17. The weather was constantly changing. It is in the 20's at the shelter. We saw rain at first that changed to sleet, hail, snow, and brief periods of sun. The wind is really cold and howling. The day was mainly climbing up Rocky and Tray Mountains. We reached the shelter before 4 pm. Kayak had been here since 1:30. I was glad to see him and to be traveling North in our little pack. Hopefully Blue Vist will catch us as well. I hope she is dry and warm. It is after sunset and time for bed. Getting into cold clothes is so hard. Rocky
Date: 2009-01-08
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We awoke to 24 degree temps. I had two pair of socks on, wool long johns, a hat, scarf, two pairs of mittens and I was barely warm enough in my zero degree sleeping bag with silk liner. I was scared to dress for the day. It wasn't too bad until afternoon when the wind picked up. I could feel my pack being blown side ways. I had to use my hiking sticks to keep me standing. It is so hard to keep dry feet. Both of my shoes have holes. I have new ones waiting in Franklin. We had a couple of good climbs today up Round Top (3960') and Kelly Knob (4276'). Swamp Fox also said it was a long way down Sassafras Gap for water. He spoils me by getting the water. I am very blessed. It is 5:30 and all the chores are done. I am ready for bed. Kayak is hanging in his bed in the shelter and we are tented in the shelter. Tomorrow Hiawassee awaits. Rocky
Date: 2009-01-09
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: clear sky

First of all, we want to thank everyone who has signed our guest book. It so gratifying to hear your good wishes and your interest in our adventure. We will try to answer each email as time in towns permit. Unfortunately the guest book signings are not coming directly to our home email. Last night was a beautiful crystal clear night at the Deep Gap Shelter. A brilliant moon illuminated my Nature's Call run in the middle of the night. This morning the temperature was 17 degrees. We were a bit chilly in our bags, but we will learn to adjust as I am sure it will be colder. We had a beautiful sunrise visible from the shelter entrance. We were on the trail by 0825, a bit earlier than usual. Sunrise doesn't happen until almost 8 am in GA at this time, so it is hard to get going too early. Sunset is about 5:30 pm, so it makes for a short day.We were headed for town today, so we had a brisk hike to Dick's Creek Gap. Our morning's hike took us past holly groves and under a green tunnel of rhododendrons and laurel. It was a beautiful, clear day for a hike. The temperature was up to the high 40's by the time we reached the road at 1046.Less than five minutes later Worm picked us up for the drive into Hiawassee. He was delivering a SoBo, Johnny Cash, back to the Trail. Worm was a SoBo in 2008, and was meeting his friends who are on the last days of their SoBo hikes to Springer. We checked into the Hiawassee Inn with Kayak Karl (KK). Ron, the owner, couldn't be more gracious and helpful. Our room is $15 each, with continental breakfast tomorrow. We are doing the usual town stuff: laundry, minor resupply, clean-up, internet access, and tonight dinner at the Mexican restaurant. Rocky loves Mexican. Tomorrow it will be back to the Trail on a day that will not be as nice according to the Weather Channel. We will only go to the first shelter, Plum Orchard. In 2005, I went from Dick's Creek Gap to Muskrat Creet Shelter, about 12 miles, and it darn near killed me. We remember quite vividly the steep grades once we cross the GA/NC line. Some Gear Notes, for those interested:We both have Mountain Hardware down bags, #800 down. Rocky's is rated at 0 degrees, mine at 15 degrees. On most nights, Rocky wears sox, woolen long johns, gloves and a hat and scarf to bed and is still a little chilly. But we have had nights as low as 9 degrees on Springer, and 17 last night. We both have thermorests: Rocky's is a luxurious 1 1/2 inch thick, while mine is the usual 3/4 inch thick.Our friend KK has been with us since day one at Springer. We are all living a dream. This may be our second time through on the AT, but it is as exciting as ever. Each day is hard, but each day is a gratifying challenge. Thanks to everyone for their good wishes.Swamp Fox
Date: 2009-01-10
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: broken clouds

I loved Hiawassee, GA. We got in early enough to enjoy the library, grocery shopping, and the Mexican Restaurant. The Hiawassee Inn went out of their way to be helpful and kind. They did our laundry and fed us breakfast. The shuttle back to the trail was 5 dollars each. Ron and Sam even let us borrow the van to drive to the store and out to dinner. I don't think I ever drove so careful in my life. They had a way of really making you feel welcome. This morning we were back on the trail by 9:20. We spent 3 hours hiking to Plumorchard Shelter. We saw on the weather channel rain this afternoon. It rained briefly on the way to the shelter. Kayak was at the shelter about 30 minutes before us. He left us a note that he had lunch and moved on. Swamp Fox and I didn't want to get wet so we stayed here. Temperature here is high 30's. I use every bit of clothes I have to stay warm. Though I have to admit I wish my pack was lighter. Thank you to Kayak for the bananas. We had peanut butter and banana for lunch. Dinner will be fried banana, onion, rice, and tuna. May not sound like much but it will be a great first day out of town dinner. Plus it will cut back the pack weight. Swamp Fox even burnt some trash to cut weight. We are enjoying a restful afternoon in the quiet of the woods with on and off gentle rain.
Date: 2009-01-11
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today did not go as planned. We ate breakfast in the dark planning for an early start and a long day. We had heard the weather channel say today would be in the fifties and sunny. When we got up it was 35 degrees and foggy. The fog was so thick we couldn't find our way to the privy. We were packed and hiking by 8:10. Swamp Fox was not feeling well and his stomach ache worsened as the day went on. The temperature dropped as the day went on into the 20's. The fog only partially lifted once. We crossed into North Carolina before 11:30. Yep yep. At Bly Gap (3840) and Sassafras Gap (4300) the weather turned nasty. The wind was howling. Ice was forming on every thing. We were being pelted by flying ice. With Swamp Fox not feeling well this was all bad. We decided to end the day early at Muskrat Creek Shelter. Swamp Fox set up the tent and crawled into his sleeping bag for a nap. This is very rare. I know he really doesn't feel well. He couldn't finish dinner. I hope tomorrow is better. I have a hot water bottle to keep me warm. Night all. Rocky
Date: 2009-01-12
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Deep Gap (FS Route 71)
Miles today: 4.0

Today started at 1 am with Swamp Fox telling me that he was ill. He was having terrible stomach pain and hurt all over. Before long other bodily functions started and we decided we needed to get out of the woods. We decided to hike to Deep Gap and hike out about 7 miles to US Route 64, via Forsest Service Route 71. Fortunately, it was a nice, clear day and the Forest Service road was all downhill to Route 64. Whe we reached Route 64 we were picked up by a furniture maker and he graciously delivered us to Double Healer's home in Franklin. Thank you, thank you. Double Healer (DH) had chili waiting for us. I loved it. We showered and did laundry. We are new people. Tomorrow we will rest and put together a couple of drops. Hopefully Swamp Fox will be well enough to hike on Wednesday.Rocky
Date: 2009-01-14
From: Franklin, NC

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

What a day. We decided to return to the AT via the Kimsey Creek Trail. We groped around trying to find the start of the trail for maybe 45 minutes. By the time we made it back to the AT we had hiked an additional four miles that is not included in todays total. The Kimsey trail was gradual but very wet with several tributary creek crossings. I actually crawled part of the trail because of ice on ledge that dumped into the river. I made it without falling in. The AT was graded nicely today. It is very cold ranging from 20 to 40. It was clear and sunny. We expect the temperature to nose dive. We climbed Standing Indian Mountain at 5498 elevation. Tomorrow is Albert Mountain. We are trying to make miles to get to the Southern Ruck on Saturday. Here's hoping. Night all.
Date: 2009-01-15
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Wallace Gap (old US Route 64)
Miles today: 13.0

NOTE: The mileages have been corrected and the missing Jan. 12 entry has been added. The Trip Miles are taken from "Appalachian Pages", 2008 edition, by David "AWOL" Miller & Rick Towle. We believe this is the best guide for AT thru hikers. We lay in our tent, in the shelter, until it started getting light at about 0730. The temperature was about 10 degrees. As a result we did not move too fast and had our share of difficulty in getting packed up. Our usual breakfast of cold cereal, with powdered milk, mixed with water, was so cold that it became kind of a sludge. Then we were off at about 0845 into a cold, but sparklingly clear, day. For the most part the terrain was not difficult. Then we came to Albert Mountain in late morning. We argued a bit about whether to take the bypass. Rocky won and we went up and over the mountain. The final 300 feet up Albert Mountain is very steep and requires hand over hand rock climbing. There is a shelter not far below the summit of Albert Mountain and we briefly debated whether to stay there for the night. Rocky was adamant about continuing. At a water stop, about two miles further down the trail, Rocky said she want to get off the trail for the night. She could not take another cold night. In fact this night was to be colder yet than last night. The temperature never got above the mid 20's all day, despite the brilliant sunshine. We were able to get Double Healer (DH) and Susan on the phone. They agreed to pick us up at Wallace Gap at 5 pm. I questioned whether she could make the additional four miles, but she was confident, so on we went. Trail conditions were good, with no steep gradients, so we got to Wallace Gap just before 5 pm. We had not even taken our packs off to rest, by the road, when DH and Susan showed up. Off we went to their nice, warm house. We got cleaned up and had a great dinner. It sure is nice to be in a comfortable bed tonight. Today was our longest day's hike so far at 13 miles. We managed over 25 miles in the last two days, if the Kimsey Creek approach trail is included.Tomorow we will do the last three miles or so from Wallace Gap into Winding Stair Gap. We will spend the next two nights with DH and Susan. By the time we hit the trail again, the Weather Channel predicts this cold spell will be over. More Gear Notes:Our tent is an REI QuarterDome tent. It is supposedly a two person tent. However, I bought it in 2005 as a one person tent so I could keep my gear in the tent with me. However, the QuarterDome has served us well since 2006. It weighs just over four pounds, stripped down of extra pegs, guys, straps, peg bags, etc. It is barely wide enough for two thermorests, and our packs must be kept in the vestibule. As with all long distance hiking gear, our tent is a compromise between comfort and weight.