morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-03
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Rescued From The RainToday we got up early, packed and had breakfast so we could get on the trail in time to meet my parents for lunch. It was still raining in the morning, after a really rough night of rain and wind, so our gear was even more wet and heavier than the day before. Everything we had laid out and hung up in the shelter had blown out and gotten wet as well.But once we started hiking around 10am it got much better. We made a quick pace today over several mountains to cover the 5 miles to Woody Gap where we met up with my parents. The original plan was to go with them into the town of Suches and get lunch, exchange some gear, and get back on the trail. But it was very cold when we got to the gap, and we were dreading camping there and dreading hiking further even more. We also found that Suches, GA had no place to eat, so we drove 20 miles up further into the mountains to Blairsville, where we found a small shopping village along the river with a restaraunt - where I found a great hamburger (to my mother's dismay, since it was Friday and still Lent). The place was called Pappy's, and had a large antique store, fudge shop, raft rental, and several other shops and botiques.After dinner, we decided we were not up for getting back on the trail, so we went to a cabin/RV resort called Goose Creek and checked into a small 1 room cabin, with a kitchen, fireplace and shower. It felt like the height of luxury at that point. We were able to rinse everything off and hang up everything to dry. The resort even did our laundry for us. The people running the place were great, and I highly recommend it to any hikers wanting a break before taking on Blood Mountain.After exchanging some gear we realized we didn't need, for some other gear we left with my parents that we realized we did need, my parents took off and we had a relaxing evening by the fire warming our chilled bones. I took a hot shower that night, and another in the morning. It was wonderful. A good night's sleep, a couple of hot meals, and all clean laundry was just what we needed after a couple of miserable days on the trail.
Date: 2009-04-07
From: Helen, GA

To: Helen, GA
Miles today: 0.0

Crazy HelenToday was a 'Zero Day', as hikers call a day where we put in no miles on the trail. We spent the entire day goofing around in Helen, GA. Sometime in the late morning, we headed out to the Helen library to use the computers, went to Betty's Grocery for resupply then hit a local grill joint for brats, Reubens and Corndogs. I also bought a pair of Croc sandals which are turning out to be one of my best investments on this trip. So nice to have something to wear when I take my hiking shoes off each night.After returning, Liz and I offered to throw everyone's laundry in with ours, and headed over to the local laundromat. There we ran into two of the Tampa firemen we had camped with a few days before. They had spent the night before on Blue Mountain, and had some harrowing stories to tell. They woke up that morning to find all of their water frozen, including what was in their bladders and drinking tubes. They said it was very rough using the privy that morning. Liz and I were very happy we had made the decision to move on from the mountain shelter into town. We also made friends with John (now Bigfoot) and Tony (Green T), two more hikers that just came in off the trail.Even though we had celebrated Ten Sticks birthday the night before, we had another celebration with a key lime cake, a card and as many candles as would fit on the cake. We scrounged up whatever liquor we could and had a party in our room, which now had 6 people and 2 dogs staying for the night. We also took advantage of the pool, which was heated and had these great jets that alternated pumping hot water in to the pool. It was great until the pool nazi showed up and kicked us out at 11pm. Einstein got caught (no dogs were allowed at the hotel). Patience Jr. was OK because he was a 'Service Dog', but she said Einstein had to go. After some polite inquiries about what to do with him, she let him stay.
Date: 2009-04-08
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Trey Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: clear sky

The Party BusWe got a shuttle this morning back to Unicoi Gap to get back on the trail. It was clearly a party bus, since it was decked out with a nice stereo and still had green beads with shot glasses hanging off every seat. On the way off the bus, the driver pulled out a box of shot sized liquor bottles and we all grabbed a handful for that evening.It was a great day for hiking. Sunny and upper 60's. The hike was pretty smooth and we were treated to a surprise round of Trail Magic when we reached teh site of the old Cheese Factory - of which no trace remains. Two couples had driven up the forest road and set up lunch with hot dogs, beans, chips, soda and BEER! A very welcome surprise. And we got a chance to meet a few more hikers: Groove; Beechucker; and a couple called Green Hornet and Scully. We also ran into Bigfoot and Green T - two hikers we had met the night before at the laundromat.After a few hot dogs and a beer, we set off for Tray Mountain, which culminated with a steep climb of 500 feet over a distance of only a mile. But the weather was nice and it was a very scenic climb. Tray mountain had some great views and a nice shelter with a big firepit in front.We were joined by our regular crew (Ten Sticks, Maxwell, Muscles, Ezra, Julio and Patience Jr.) and two girls we had been seeing along the trail - Jen and Calamity Kate. A young guy named Macaroni, because he was a former chef and made his own homemade Mac and Cheese, came into the site later. Macaroni was from Tennessee and familiar with the mountains there, so had some good advice. We were also joined by 3 ex-marines who were doing a section hike to Fontana Dam.We all pooled the alcohol we got from the party bus and shared spirits and stories around the fire. We turned in and slept in our new tent, which was great, but the high winds on Tray Mountain made for an extremely chilli night.
Date: 2009-04-10
From: Dick's Creek Gap (Hiawassee, GA)

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Stormy WeatherTook a zero day today to allow Einstein to recuperate. (Nice excuse, huh?) There was also a forecast of a nasty storm coming through. So we just stayed another day at the Hiawassee Inn. Didn't do much else except take a trip to the local outfitter to buy a set of Frog Togs rainwear. Cost $50, but now I can fit in with all the bikers.We met up with some people we had met earlier on the trail, including Groove, Pheonix Rising, Beechucker, Green T and Bigfoot. I also met a guy called Broken from Madison, WI, who had to cut his thru-hike short for an emergency. I later found out that the 'emergency' was that he had broken up with his girlfriend right before leaving to hike the trail, and realized it was a mistake. So, he was going to follow her to San Francisco to get back together with her. Liz found that quite romantic.I also got to meet a trail legend named Miss Janet who used to run a hostel in Erwin, TN, but lost it in a divorce. So she is now running a hostel up in Franklin, NC - where we'll be in a few days.The rest of the gang took off and got back on the trail. Jen, Calamity Kate, Ten Sticks, Tapeworm (formerly Ezra), Muscles and Maxwell all got back on the trail early. Julio and Patience Jr. stuck around debating whether to get back on the trail or not. Several hours later they decided to risk the storms and took off.That night the storms hit. 60mph winds, softball size hail, tornados - all headed out of Tennessee and moving right up the trail. We worried about our friends on the trail, and wondered if we would ever meet up with them again.
Date: 2009-04-12
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter, NC

To: Rock Gap Shelter (Franklin, NC)
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

Blue BlazeWe got up early and got out of Muskrat Creek in the mid-morning. It was a beautiful Easter morning and we were looking forward to great weather for that day's hike. What we hadn't expected was the trail magic we would receive at Deep Gap.Upon descending into the gap, we were greeted by the self-named 'Omelet Angels', who immediately handed us a menu. They were making 6 egg omelets to order, complete with homemade bread and hash brown casserole. I had them load mine up with everything they had, and it was without a doubt the best omelet I had ever had. They also made up a sack lunch for us, including sandwiches to order on homemade bread, fruit, snacks, etc... to take with us for later in the day. It was a beautiful day, we had a delicious Easter brunch, and had another meal packed up for later so we got back on the trail.This time, however, we took what's called a 'blue blaze', one of many side trails you'll find branching off from or crossing the Appalachian Trail. This was a trail called Kimsey Creek trail, and would be a shortcut for us around Standing Indian mountain. Turned out to be an outstanding choice, for the trail followed a series of mountain streams (sometimes right down the middle of the streams) until they all converged into rushing rapids along Kimsey Creek. It was a very scenic trail and the weather was great, so it made for a very pleasant afternoon.We stopped at Standing Indian campgrounds to eat our sack lunch and met a woman who had hiked the AT with her son a few years earlier. She was out there with her entire extended family who camped at Standing Indian every year for Easter. She had no room in her vehicle, but volunteered her other son to take us into town - a 12 mile trip into Franklin. We didn't realize it when we got in his SUV, but he was planning on staying there for the rest of the week with his family. So this trip into town was just for us, and he did it most eagerly and graciously. The generosity and willingness of people to go out of their way for hikers continues to amaze me.We finished up our day by checking into the Budget Inn, one of the motels run by Ron Haven, a retired truck driver and former professional wrestler. Many other hikers and a few bikers were also staying there, but we were pretty worn out so we kept it low-key and turned in early.
Date: 2009-04-14
From: Rock Gap Shelter (Franklin, NC)

To: Franklin. NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Gem Hunting in FranklinWe took a zero day at the Budget Inn ran by Ron Haven. Ron is a former truck driver and professional wrestler that now runs a hostel and a couple of motels that cater to thru-hikers and gem hunters. Ron has a short school bus he uses to shuttle hikers to and from the trail and around town. Along the way he entertains the passengers with stories of the area, history of the Cherokee and various tales he has collected from growing up in the area and his years of servicing hikers. Nearly every story he tells begins and/or ends with 'and another thing' or 'but what I was going to tell you'...Ron appears at first to be a rough and burly man, but he's as kind and friendly as can be. And he probably knows more about services for hikers along the southern half of the trail as anyone. He filled us in on all the right people to call about helping with Einstein in the Smokies, getting shuttles, hostels and motels to stay at, and the places for the best cheeseburgers along the trail.Apparently the Franklin, NC area is the gem capital of the country. There are two local gem and mineral museums that house some of the largest sapphires and rubies in the world. People come from all over to purchase gems, or hunt for themselves in the mineral rich mountains surrounding the town.After meeting up with some of our fellow hikers, we ended up taking a second zero day, as the company was good and the lodging was cheap. We spent some time exploring downtown Franklin. There's not much there, but what is there is quite nice. About 4 blocks of art, gem, candy, gift and ice cream shops, along with a few nice cafes and restaraunts. Ron took us to the Normandie restaraunt for a super cheeseburger. As Ron said, the service is slower than 'steam rising off a pile of s#$t, but the food can't be beat'. After lunch we stopped in at Peppermint Patty's where Patty (the owner) treats all AT hikers to a free candy stick and sticker, and even gave us a treat for Einstein. Of course we each ordered a handmade shake to drink on the walk back.I was also happy to spend time getting to know N'Da'Wind more. N'Da'Wind is the fellow thru-hiker that treated us to dinner in Helen, GA. She's a rough talking biker girl and construction worker with a weathered appearance and a mouth like a truck driver. But she's one of the nicest and most generous hikers I've met on the trail.After 2 zero days in Franklin, we decided it was time to get back on the trail.
Date: 2009-04-15
From: Franklin, NC

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Land of the WolfIn the morning, Ron Haven gave us a ride back to Winding Stair Gap to get back on the trail. Along the way, he had more stories about the meaning of many of the names of upcoming mountains, gaps and other landmarks. Many have Cherokee origins: for instance Wayah Bald which we would reach later today, means "wolf" and was named for a spirit that inhabited the bald; Nantahala, which was the name of the forest, river and a neaby gorge, means "land of the noonday sun", because the steep mountains on either side of teh rier and george resulted in a very late sunrise and early sunset; Tennessee was teh tribal area that the Cheorokee and Creek used as a neutral territory following the bloody wars over Blood Mountain and Slaughter Gap.We shuttled over with Jen, Calamity, Green T and Bigfoot. We quickly left Green T and Bigfoot behind and begin the long climb up Wayah Bald. Jen and Calamity are both young and met in AmeriCorps, where they decided to hike the AT together, along with Calamity's boyfriend who later backed out.It was a tough climb up to Wayah Bald, but the view was worth it. At the top was an old stone lookout tower build by the CCC. The sun was low in the sky, so it started getting cold, but the views were spectacular.After leaving Wayah Bald, we hiked about 2 miles to the Wayah Shelter, which was very crowded. After searching for a while we finally found a flat spot up by the trail to pitch our tent. It wasn't ideal, but it would work for the night.
Date: 2009-04-17
From: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 6.0

The Tail of the DragonWe left camp before 10 am, which was something of a record for us. We wanted to get to the N.O.C. (Nantahala Outdoor Center) so we could call Sarah, a woman from Chattanooga who had offered to take Einstein for the week while we hiked in the Smoky Mountains. Dogs are not allowed in the backcountry of the Smokies, and most of the nearby kennel/shuttle services charged upwards of $300. So, we were thrilled when Sarah found our posting on whiteblaze.net and made her generous offer. Unfortunately we got a message from her the day before, in the brief moment we had reception at Wesser Bald, that she was in a car accident and might not be able to come get him.The descent into the N.O.C. follows a mile of switchback trails that quickly drop over 1000 feet into the gorge. The Nantahala river rushes through the gorge, has class 3 and 4 rapids, and was the location of the Olympic kayaking events and the movie "Deliverance". We tried to call Sarah, but had no luck. So I went into the outfitter and bought a new sleeping bag. I knew the 35 deg. bag I had been using would not get me through the Smokies or remaining mountains of TN and NC, so I splurged and bought a 15 deg. North Face bag. It was pricey and a bit heavier than my other bag, but I knew I would not regret it.Braden, a woman who worked at the outfitter, gave 6 of us and Einstein a ride to Fontana Village, a small resort town up the trail that supposedly had a festival going on that weekend called Hayak (a combination of Hiker and Kayak). Fontana Village is popular among bikers and drivers because its the southern tip of "The Tail of the Dragon", a 7 mile stretch of road near the Smokies that has over 300 curves.We checked into the Fontana Village Lodge and tried calling Sarah again, but no luck because there was no phone coverage. So we called a place called Standing Bear Farm, that Ron Haven had told us was thinking of boarding dogs. Curtis from standing bear offered to pick up Einstein at Fontana Village on Sunday and take him to Standing Bear until we finished the Smokies.We took showers, threw in a couple of loads of laundry, and picked up a package from my sister at the Post Office. It was loaded with goodies. Because there was no place to eat except for the lodge restaraunt, which was outrageously expensive, we stuffed ourselves on hot dogs at a local Harley themed convenience store called the Pit Stop. There we met Jess and Julia, two recent college grads from NY, who we went to the festival with afterwards to drink $2 Red Hook drafts and listen to some accoustic music. Not much for a festival, but it was a nice break.
Date: 2009-04-23
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

An Amusement Park Without RidesSpent a day recuperating in Gatlinburg, TN. Graveyard and Jess knocked on our door at the Grand Prix Motel in the late morning. They had just checked into the room directly next to us. Later that day, Colin and Anna joined us and we spent the day exploring the town. Stone Skipper (Jen) and Calamity showed up as well and hit the town with us.Gatlinburg is like an amusement park without the rides, except for a sky lift going up the mountain. It is one very long strip of motels, restaraunts, novelty shops, funhouses, miniature golf, wedding chapels and a collection of Ripley's museums. We hit the local outfitter to get some gear, resuppied at the grocery, dropped way too much money at the local brewerey and had a late night party back at the Grand Prix.
Date: 2009-04-28
From: Davenport Gap (Standing Bear Farm)

To: Max Patch
Miles today: 8.0

Long Hike Up the PatchAfter a few zero days at Standing Bear Farm waiting for N Da Wind, Jen and Calamity to catch up, we took a yellow blaze to the summit of Max Patch so we could slack pack for the day down a creek trail. We headed up in Curtis' big van with Heather, Bobby, Classic Rock, Jr, Odin and Maxwell. Max Patch is the site of a large bald that used to be an old homestead and landing strip on to top of the mountain. The bald is nearly 400 acres at 4600 ft and give a clear 360 degree view of the Smokies and Mt Mitchell. Late that afternoon, we sat on the south side of Max Patch where the Appalachian Trail entered heading north. Einstein served as the welcoming committee, waiting to see if he recognized a hiker, then running madly to meet them if they called his name. We camped a short distance north of the bald in a crop of trees because the wind was blowing pretty well by the evening. Crickey, Father Time, Muscles, Ezra and Ten Sticks joined us. Maxwell worked on an art project for school while the rest of enjoyed a fire and cooked dinner. Several headed back to up to the bald to watch the sunset over the mountains but the clouds had rolled in. After the clouds cleared a bit, a few of us headed back up to look at the stars. Einstein sensed something near and kept giving a low growl but we never did see anything.
Date: 2009-04-30
From: Bluff Mountain

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Slumping into Hot SpringsIn the morning, we surveyed the damage. All six bags hung together survived but from the signs of claw marks and broken branches, it wasn't for a lack of the bear trying. In the end, the only casualties were two slashed food bags, a toothbrush and a spork. So at least the bear had utensils for his next meal. The hike up Bluff Mountain was tough going on such little sleep. Once we reached the top, it was a fairly easy walk until the last big downhill into Hot Springs.   Earlier that day we had stopped at a cascading waterfall for lunch and discovered we had phone service. So we got our guidebooks and called around for a good deal. Unfortunately for us, we hit town on the wrong weekend - a big music fest was in town and every motel, hotel and hostel room was taken. We eventually settled on a cabin at the Hot Springs Resort that could accommodate four of us (Liz, Stone Skipper, Calamity and I) for a reasonable price. The final descent into Hot Springs was a 3 mile stretch that ended with a series of switchbacks down the side of the mountain overlooking the town. A the the bottom of the mountain, the trail leads to a sidewalk that literally stretches down the center of town for the entire length of town - about 6 blocks or so. There's no more then a couple dozen businesses and most are directly on that six mile stretch of Main street - including a diner, laundromat/convenience store, a gas station, post office, library, bar, outfitter and one fine restaurant. On the far end of town sits the Hot Springs Resort and Spa directly on the French Broad River. The spa is a pretty cool place - it is a series of semi-private wooden stalls along a babbling brook, each with a hot tub that has hot spring mineral water pumped in. Our first order of business was to get giant cheeseburgers. We stopped by the Smoky Mountain Diner on the way into town for their famous Hungry Hiker burger, a 12 oz double cheese burger. After gorging on burgers and fries, we checked out the hostel, motel and other options to see if we could get a real bed for the night but everything was filled for the music fest. We settled for the cabins we had reserved even though it was more then we wanted to spend and we weren't getting much - just a place to sleep without even a bathroom or kitchen in it. And they were going to kick us out early the next morning for the festival unless we wanted to fork out the $70 per person ticket fee. It wasn't ideal, but the only other option was to stealth camp across the river just outside of town, which none of us had the energy to do with a forecast calling for rain. So we sucked it up, got the cabin, picked up a 12 pack and had a quiet evening listening to the river.