morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-03-15
From: Hightower Gap

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Tagalong dropped me off at Hightower Gap this morning about 10. Yep, when I got up this morning, the trail was calling, so after breakfast, off we went.He met me at both Horse Gap, and Cooper Gap along the way. At Cooper Gap he had the opportunity to be a Trail Angel to another hiker who had injured his foot on the trail and drove him back to Dahlonega. Of course, Tagalong could really empathize with this guy's pain.At Cooper, I told him to meet me at Woody Gap later in the day, which was roughly another 8 miles. Had a beautiful off of Sassafras Mountain. And I have met a number of really nice people along the way. There were a lot of hikers at both Horse Gap and Cooper Gap, but it really thinned out on the way to Woody Gap. Saw a few people, but mainly hiked by myself most of the way.Stopped at Gooch Mountain Shelter for an afternoon break, and met a group of college students from New Hampshire that were there doing trail maintenance. Thank you! There was also another trail maintenance crew further up the trail taking care of the blowdowns from the last storm.There were rumors that there was to be trail magic at Gooch Gap, but to be honest, I was so intent on getting through to Woody, that I forgot all about when I passed through!! Oh well, my trail magic came when I saw Tagalong upon my arrival at Woody Gap. I am so thankful for his support on this hike.We had a rather wild night again last night with the weather. A storm rolled in around 1 AM, and you could hear it coming for about 15 minutes up the Gap. We were darn near blown away at one point. The winds had to be at least 40 mph. Once the winds died down, I was able to fall back asleep with the rain coming down on our tent.All in all, it was a great first day. And, I got to talk with Willy from the Hiker Hostel for awhile as he was waiting to shuttle hikers. Good to see him again.
Date: 2012-03-16
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

I headed out around 8:15 this morning. The trail immediately went up, and up, and up.......Today was the climb over Blood Mountain. This is the highest mountain in Georgia at 4461 feet in elevation. Believe me, you know you have climbed when you do this one! There were times that I was not sure which of us would win, but I conquered that sucker.Took a nice break at the shelter on top of the mountain and met a number of people ranging from day hikers, to section hikers, to thru-hikers. I played leapfrog most of the morning with a young couple from Iowa who were finishing up their section hike at Neels Gap today. Really enjoyed talking with them.I was looking forward to the descent from Blood Mountain into Neels Gap - that is, until I saw the terrain. The At descends over 1350 feet in about 2.4 miles. Now, that in and of itself does not sound bad, but it is all rock, ranging from boulders, to flat slabs on a downhill pitch. Bottom line is, it was tough. The trail trekkers clearly are not working for me, so upon arrival at Mountain Crossings (outfitter) when you get off the trail in Neels Gap, I promptly had them fit me for some new boots. Hopefully, these Merrells will do the trick.Another great day on the AT! But that mountain kicked my butt!
Date: 2012-03-17
From: Neels Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

As they say, it is not about the destination but about the journey.Ended up taking a zero today (unplanned) as my feet are pretty torn up from yesterday's trek over Blood Mountain. We are staying at Blood Mountain Cabins, which are fantastic. Our back porch has a beautiful view of the mountains, and I was able to put up my feet today. The owners here are absolutely wonderful - and better yet, they have a thru-hiker rate for lodging!Back on the Trail in the morning.
Date: 2012-03-18
From: Neels Gap

To: Hogpen Gap
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: scattered clouds

What a glorious day for hiking! The weather was perfect today, sunny with a slight breeze. I left Neels Gap around 8 this morning and hiked by myself for the first few miles, then met up with Grog and leapfrogged with him for a couple of miles. His destination was further than mine for today, so we parted ways hopefully to see each other another day on the Trail. The views were beautiful off of Cowrock Mountain. Can't say the same for the bugs - nasty little things..... It is clearly spring in the south and the flowers and trees are in bloom. Due to my own fault (not paying attention to blazes) I got lost coming down Cowrock. After about a quarter of a mile, I realized that there was no way that this could be the trail. I looked back up from where I had come, and saw two hikers. I shouted to them, asking if the trail went the other way, and they responded that it had forked to the right, not the left. Thank you fellow hikers!! So, back up I went, and right in front of me was the big white blaze - oh well, you live and you learn. A nice surprise was waiting for me at Tesnatee Gap, in the form of Tagalong! I had not expected to see him until I got off the trail in Hogpen Gap. I really needed more water, so he was a welcome sight. Also learned that he had been once again a Trail Angel, as Grog had hiked down, and was in desperate need of water - next water was at Hogpen Gap. So Tagalong gave him some water so he could make it up over Wildcat Mountain. I took about a half hour break or so with tagalong, drank some Emergen-C, and hiked up and over Wildcat in no time flat. It was amazing. We are stealth camping tonight on the mountain. Heading to set up camp now. Nice and full after a fantastic lunch at North Georgia Bar-B-Q in Helen, GA. What a feed! These boots are wonderful, and feet are feeling good. A longer day is in store for tomorrow. Until then.....
Date: 2012-03-19
From: Hogpen Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: few clouds

Today was a long day hiking, and on the warm side (86) but the trail was relatively level until the end of the hike.I hiked a quick 5 miles into Low Gap Shelter, where I took a morning break. Then back on the trail for lots of ups and downs along a ridgeline. Due to the heat, I had to filter water 3 times today in order to stay hydrated.Okay, I saw my first snake today. Yuck!! Of course, it appeared at a time when I was busy taking in all of the beauty around me, and happened to look down and there it was. I did not know that I could backstep so quickly! So, as it laid right across the trail flicking its tongue at me, I quickly looked to the left of the trail to see if it had any relatives, and seeing none, walked around it, and on down the trail. I asked some other hikers tonight if they had seen it, and they had not.I was thankful when the trail turned through a growth of rhododendrons, as it was about 10-15 degrees cooler under them. The reprieve was delightful and came at the right time - sufficient to rejuvenate me for awhile.The last 2.5 miles of today's trek were the toughest. Lots of rock climbing and hopping. After a long ascent up Blue Mountain, it was then the long 1100 foot drop into Unicoi Gap over a lot of rocky trail. Tagalong was a welcome sight at the parking lot.I told him that I needed a shower badly (was a black fly magnet all day!) so we headed into Hiawassee to the Holiday Inn Express. Aaahhhhh! After a wonderful shower (never knew cleaning up could feel this gooood)I did our laundry and then we went and sat in the hot tub to ease my aches and pains. Dinner was at Daniel's next door (buffet) where I feasted on fresh salad and chicken.Tomorrow will be a shorter hiking day. The legs are getting stronger, though!
Date: 2012-03-20
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Tray Gap
Miles today: 4.4

The title of today's journal is ADVENTURE!! Now, one would think that was for me as I am the one hiking, but it was actually for Tagalong!So, the day begins with a great breakfast, and then we are off to Unicoi Gap to get me back on the Trail. Even though it was going to be a low mileage day, I had a two pretty steep ascents, and furthest road out that Tagalong could meet me at was at Tray Gap.Going up out of Unicoi Gap was tough, but then the Trail settled into a number of manageable ups and downs. The views off of the summit of Rocky Mountain were spectacular! Before I knew it I was at the old Cheese Factory site, and only had .7 miles up to Tray Gap - the base of Tray Mountain. So I get into Tray Gap around 12:30 and.......no Tagalong.I was a little concerned as he has ALWAYS been to our planned meeting points early....sometimes HOURS early. So this was a change. I turned on my phone, got service, and placed a call to him. It went to voice mail. So, I happened to look at my phone and there was a missed voicemail. I called in, and it was him calling about 5 minutes earlier, telling me that I might have to stay in a shelter on the mountain tonight as he cannot get up the road to me. Hmmmmm.. I look at my pack, which does not have a sleeping bag, warm clothing, supper, etc. and I start thinking this is not good. So I call him again and he answers saying that he is trying to get up to me, it is somewhat hairy, but he is only about 2 miles from me. Okay. So, I make some lunch, eat, and continue to wait, and wait, and wait. An hour later, a hiker that I had passed 4 miles down the mountain comes through. So, I call Tagalong again. He says that he cannot get up to me, due to the road. He says he is talking to 3 other people who agree. Okay, so I tell him I will backtrack and hike back down to Indian Graved Gap, and if he can get off of the mountain, he can come around and come up that road and pick me up.He had met some people up on the mountain who drive a 4-wheel drive, of course, and they tell him that they have never seen anything other than a 4-wheel drive up that high on the mountain. And it turns out they could not get up there either, as there are blowdowns from when the tornadoes came through. They were trail angels to him, however, and guided him down off of the mountain. He finally made it to Indian Grave Gap around 3:00 PM. He had had to drive through washouts, deep water, etc. and even though he drove for a living, he said he has never shaken so bad in his life. After hearing his story, and seeing the pics he took with his camera, I did not feel bad about backtracking.So, tonight we are assessing what we are going to do. Stay posted.....will let you know. This may become a section hike, very quickly.
Date: 2012-03-21
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Bald
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

Decisions have been made. Due to the inability for Tagalong to access a number of road crossings on the AT, we have left Georgia and are now in North Carolina roughly 50 or so miles north of where I last hiked in Georgia. I will have to go back at some point and finish that section.I actually hiked south today. Tagalong drove up to Wayah Bald where I started and I hiked south to Winding Stair Gap where it crosses US 64. I started around 10:30 this morning and had hiked the nearly ten miles by 3 PM. Wayah Bald was socked in with clouds and fog, so I am saving the tower for tomorrow. It was perfect hiking weather this morning - low 50's and an absolutely gorgeous hike. The day could not have been better.I had one fairly steep ascent up to Siler Bald (5012 ft.), but other than that, the trail was mainly downhill today. I took a little breather on a log on my way up the mountain, and lo and behold who is trekking down the trail - our friends Headnout and Tagnalong! Were they ever surprised to see me! We had a short conversation and then we were both on our way - they heading north, and I heading south. Siler Bald was amazing, and the views were far reaching. So far, the trail in NC makes much better use of switchbacks than in GA.I saw around 15 hikers today, but most of the day was by myself on the trail. There were a number of water crossings, and a beautiful waterfall just before Winding Stair Gap.I am happy with my decision as it allows Tagalong to stay with me and enjoy the sights. Heading north tomorrow out of Wayah Bald. It's a good day!
Date: 2012-03-22
From: Wayah Bald

To: Tellico Gap
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: overcast clouds

It was surely an eerie morning - at least for the first 3 hours. A dense fog blanketed the mountains, and the trees were dripping from the overnight rain. I was concerned at one point that I might not be able to see the blazes for the trail!The day began with a hike to the stone tower on Wayah Bald. As I continued down the trail, it was utterly eerie in that you could only see about 15 feet in front of you. A couple of miles into the day, I was on a descent and came upon a spring. I must have been engrossed in listening to the water, because I certainly did not hear a hiker come up behind me. It had begun to rain just prior to that so I had changed into a rain poncho, and I happened to turn and see another person in a poncho right behind me. Scared the bejeebers out of me!! He apologized and said that he loves hiking in this type of weather - me....not as much.Soon I was on the ascent and before I knew it I was at Cold Spring Shelter. I sat down for a little rest and someone says, well good morning Gungho. It was our hiker friends from Michigan Headnout and Tagnalong, and the other hikers at the shelter were Hat, and Craftsman. We chatted for a while, and then I was off down the trail.Within 30 minutes, the sun was starting to peek through a little, and the fog lifting, so I shed the poncho. After a hike up to Rocky Bald, it was descent for the rest of the hike.Overall, I had over 3100 feet in elevation change today. I was finished and off the trail by 12:15 and Tagalong was waiting for me at Tellico Gap.We are taking a few days off the trail now to do some sightseeing in the Smokies. Stay tuned.....
Date: 2012-03-23
From: Cherokee, NC

To: Cherokee, NC
Miles today: 0.0

Today is a zero day to spend some time with Tagalong. I ended up going to Sylva to the Med Center today. When I was hiking in Georgia there were a lot of nasty black flies and I had been bitten numerous times. So at first I thought it was the bites - except that all of a sudden I had more and more of them and the itching would not stop. So I decided a trip to the doc was in order. It turns out that I have either poison ivy or oak. So now am on an Rx and feeling much better. It was a rainy day, so we pretty much relaxed at the hotel in the pool. Another zero day tomorrow!
Date: 2012-03-24
From: Cherokee, NC

To: Cherokee, NC
Miles today: 0.0

We enjoyed ourselves in the Smokies today. Drove through the mountains to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge - wow! it is a shock to enter all of that humanity again! It was good to get back in the mountains! I walked up to Clingman's Dome today and met another thru-hiker. It was great chatting with him about our hikes.Later, we stopped and took pics of several waterfalls along the road and went to the Mingus Mill site. This was a pretty interesting place as it is a restored and working mill again since the 1960's. Enjoyed talking with the worker there, who grew up in these mountains.Now we are back at the hotel again and relaxing. Back to the Trail in the morning!
Date: 2012-03-25
From: Tellico Gap

To: NOC
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

The trail today had a number of sections that were just plain wet, muddy, rooty, and slippery. I went slip-slidin' away as the song goes, a few times, but managed to stay upright in the end, and that is all that counts. At times it felt like I was skiing back home in Michigan!I decided to climb the fire tower at Wesser Bald, and was rewarded with a clearing in the cloud bank to the valley below. Talked with two day hikers up there for a bit. It was then on to Wesser Bald Shelter, which was empty, and a chance to use the privy.I had been somewhat intimidated by what I had heard regarding the Junp-off and the descent into the NOC. However, it was only about a 5 ft drop at the jump-off, and I was pleasantly surprised. The descent into the NOC, at least to me, seemed to be far better than the one into Unicoi Gap.I passed 2 more hikers on the way to A. Rufus Morgan Shelter, where 3 hikers were leaving the shelter. I took a short break there, signed the log book, and continued into the NOC.It was perfect hiking weather today - 49 degrees when I started this morning. The hike went quickly into the NOC, and then I had to make a decision - hike to 143 or stay the night at the NOC. Physically, I felt that I could easily do the 13.4 additional miles. However, I was concerned that I would have to finish in the dark and didn't feel I was up to that yet. So, we are tenting near the NOC. And as a bonus, we got to watch a portion of the 2012 Kayak US Open on the Nantahala River. A lot of fun!! Going to peruse through the NOC for a bit and perhaps have dinner at the River's End.
Date: 2012-03-26
From: NOC

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

It was a longer hiking day today. I began around 8 this morning and finished around 3 PM. Today I had over 7400 feet in elevation changes - lots of ups and downs, and a really big up, and a really big down.I chose to flip-flop again today and hiked south to north. My feet were SCREAMING by the time I came down 3000 feet into the NOC. I immediately took off my socks and boots, put on my crocs, and headed for the river to soak my feet. It was cold, but felt oh so good!The views today from both Cheoah Bald and the Jump-up were phenomenal. As I was taking a break at the Jump-up I commented to another hiking couple that I wished I had a parachute or hang-glider and could just fly down into the NOC! But, I still have miles and miles to go before I could sleep....... The morning started out a little cool, but warmed up very quickly, and was soon in the 80's making for a very warm hiking day. Sleep will come easily tonight......
Date: 2012-03-27
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Today was a longer hiking day as well. I finally feel like I am starting to get my hiker legs!The morning began at Stecoah Gap. After the first mile, Jacob's Ladder began, for one vertical mile. It was a tough climb, and I don't think I have ever been so glad to see a mountaintop.The morning started out cool again at 46 degrees which is perfect for me for hiking. Took my first break of the day with Rainbow, Unbreakable, No Trace, and Cowtail. Cowtail and I leapfrogged one another for the rest of the day on the Trail. About noon, it really warmed up again, and the afternoon hiking was tough due to the heat. Tagalong met me at three places today - Yellow Creek Mountain Road, the Fontana 28 AT Crossing where I enjoyed an hour break and a huge iced tea thanks to him, and the Fontana Dam Visitor Center where I finished my hike for the day.Also took some pictures of flowers along the trail today, but I am not going to post them until I figure out what they are called.We are back in Hiawassee, GA tonight, so that I can start hiking that 50 or so mile section that I missed earlier.The current plan is to start the Smoky Mountains on April 2.
Date: 2012-03-28
From: Tray Gap, GA

To: Dick's Creek Gap, GA
Miles today: 12.3

After pondering the routing of the AT while I have been hiking, I think I finally figured it out. When hiking, look on the horizon for the tallest peak, and you can be assured that the AT will go up and over that mountain!Thank you to everyone who has called, emailed, posted, and signed my guestbook. Trying to keep connected can be trying at times, especially without a ready power source available. Know that your messages are read and thoroughly enjoyed - I just have to conserve my phone battery until I get to the next source of power. The notes and posts are uplifting and truly appreciated!!Today's hike began chipping away at those 50+ miles I still have to do in northern Georgia and southern North Carolina. The start was at Tray Gap, which Tagalong navigated up to (successfully this time thanks to a new map!). Ha a little later start this morning at 8:45 as it took us a while to get up there.I immediately had to climb Tray Mountain, but did so in good time. In fact, the first couple of hours were great and I made fantastic time. After that, not sure what happened, but I was spent. It took me almost an hour to climb Kelly's Knob which was 1 mile up. I just seemed to drag the rest of the day. It was good to see Tagalong at Dick's Creek Gap around 2:15. I am hoping I re-energize tonight!Water sources were very scarce today. I finished all of my water just prior to getting off the trail. It is very dry right now - a good rain is needed. Parts of the trail are like a cinder box.Still enjoying the trail and starting to feel one with it!
Date: 2012-03-29
From: Dick's Creek Gap, GA

To: Blue Ridge Gap, GA
Miles today: 5.7

Another beautiful morning of hiking - and a day of changes---again! The original plan was for Tagalong to meet me at Blue Ridge Gap and I would assess if I was going to on to Deep Gap or not. The good news is that he did meet me there, and today I seem to have my energy back again.On the other hand, the road to get to me at Blue Ridge Gap was horrendous and he said he would not be coming up it again. So, out comes the map. There is a road that comes within .9 miles of Bly Gap (about 4 miles north). I would have to hike out to him. Talked to another hiker from the area, and he said he has never been on that road before - so that would have been an iffy plan. I then took off my backpack and all of a sudden my neck started to hurt. Today I was carrying the full pack again in preparation for the Smokies. It appears that I had a strap out of place and I now have a HUGE blister across the side of my neck. So......that scrapped the plan to hike to Deep Gap.We came down that awful road, and at times, I thought I was going to have to get out of the van so that we would not scrape bottom! Tagalong says this road ranks right up there with the first time he tried to come up Tray Mountain Road. He is truly such a saint for assisting me!I hiked by myself most of the way today - met Jay as he passed me by and he snapped my picture along the trail. You could hear the whispering of the pines, the woodpeckers drilling trees, and all kinds of songbirds. A truly peaceful morning with ups and downs. The ups were steady, as that is the climb out of Georgia into North Carolina. Dick's Creek Gap where I started this morning is the lowest elevation on the AT in Georgia.So, the plan for now is tomorrow to hike south from Deep Gap to Blue Ridge Gap - about 10 miles. Hopefully the neck is better. Good thing I have lots of moleskin!!!
Date: 2012-03-30
From: Blue Ridge Gap, GA

To: Deep Gap, NC
Miles today: 10.1

As the saying goes.....timing is everything.The hike started early this morning from Deep Gap hiking south to Blue Ridge Gap where I would meet Tagalong. The first 2-3 miles were boulder scrambles and rock climbing. At one point one of those rocks moved, and I fell down flat on my bottom on it! Nothing hurt except my pride. Funny how even though you know you are alone out there, you still look around to see if anyone saw you.I had something following me along the ridge line for about 2 miles this morning. I thought I heard a growl once; I stopped, but nothing more so I continued on. I soon came to Muskrat Creek Shelter, where I had my first break. A couple of hikers were packing up to head out, so we chatted for a while. Then it was a the climb up Couthouse Bald, which was a workout, but it was pretty much all downhill after that.The big achievement for today was hitting the state line. A true sense of accomplishment to have finished one state. It is not much in the whole scheme of the AT, but a significant personal achievement - at least for me.About an hour before I finished there was a change in the air. I could not see the sky through the forest, but when I got to the point where I could, I could see there was weather coming in. I met Tagalong just as the first drops of rain came down. Timing is everything!