morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-07-13
From: October Mountain Shelter

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

I'm not sure where to start today's report; I've been at this for quite awhile and it's been the same thing every day. Until today.Today is the last day for 2016 AT. A normal morning's walk; 12 by lunch through northern mountain woods of roots, rocks, short rock climbs,tall grassy rocky meadows, and boardwalk wet areas full of dark water and darker (black) soil followed by a descent into town with hot road walks and a hamburger. But it was not a normal day. At about 9 miles, I hit 2000 miles for my personal trek. There was a moment of euphoric recognition and fist bumping between brothers and then more walking. I had a personal special moment a mile or so later when I (Will I? had gone ahead) started down off the mountain and came to a crystal clear stream,the first nice water in quite awhile. I stopped for awhile, filtered some water (pouring out the skanky water I got from Cookie Lady's house faucet), and took a sponge bath by the creek. This has always been one of my favorite parts of the trail day and I was grateful to have the chance to do it once more. Refreshed and full of relief and satisfaction for where I've been, I prepared to pass through the portal out of the woods and back into the insanity we call normal life. As I descended into town, I had this overwhelming sense of apprehension, knowing I wouldn't have the security and simplicity of the woods and simply walking for quite awhile. My mind raced with thoughts of the logistics of getting out of this trail town back to civilization and, on a larger scale, what to do with myself after I land. In one sense, now I am actually entering retirement and all the choices to be made about how to make it meaningful. I have had a clear purpose for 76 days (66 'on trail' plus 10 off for leg injury) and now I'm entering a world of a thousand possibilities.I've learned that it'll work out; just be honest, positive, and pay attention and good things will happen. I'm looking forward to what comes next. So my journey ends for this year. I'm going to 'off trail' status on this website but I welcome any closing comments on my guest book. Thanks for being part of this adventure.
Date: 2012-05-13
From: AT mile 17.3

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a proper tough christening of the AT, in the truest sense of the word. It rained for 28 straight hours. Is in fact still raining. As newbies we both started with overweight packs which of course felt even heavier, much, much heavier, with the added water weight. Spirits were great until late in the day, but being constantly wet and cold is truly as tough as others have said. Plus we walked extra miles hoping to stay in a hostel and I think both of us were dreaming of Oreos and milk as the payoff! Not to be, though hopefully a hostel stay is in the cards for Monday. Regardless, both of us will make drastic cuts to pack weight at the next stop. Lesson learned. Thankfully despite the extreme soaking and new wounds to go with it, lots of rubbed raw skin, it wasn't the hardest day of my life which simply confirms to me that Mustang, my father, and I will succeed!Cheers!!PS - we had both committed to not staying in shelters and that is working out for at least a couple of reasons. We stopped for breakfast at one this morning and saw firsthand some pack destruction caused by mice on several hikers gear. On their first nights on the trail. And unfortunately the weather caused serious overcrowding. Many staying wouldn't even leave except a few hardy folk and others that threw in the towel. We skipped the 3rd shelter after seeing that in both of the first two.PSS - Even in just two days, food thoughts drove us extra mileage. I seriously want a giant back of Oreos and 2L of Pepsi right now!!
Date: 2012-05-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 4.0

Unfortunately I forced Mustang to take a day and a half off so I could recover from brutally abraded skin caused by a poor equipment choice. So a great hostel in Suches GA called Wolf Pen Gap Store is we are spending two nights. Great people and very helpful. And it's only $15 a night. Really the best thing is we are reducing our combined pack weight by close to 30 lb! Lesson learned and we'll be eager to move on. As thru hikers we need to start having some pretty high mileage (20+) days but the heaviest elevation changes lie just ahead. I'm proud of Mustang for persevering against mother nature and really quite a challenging start. I know he's eager to move on and so we shall. Update in a few days after we put away some miles. Oreos were in fact the first thing we ate upon arriving here! With milk and followed shortly by pizza and pepsi. Even though we only did 4 miles of trail before coming off into the hostel, it was a truly beautiful morning. Mist so dense that you could only see about 50 yards, unseen birds calling. Massive waterfall right on the trail that is normally probably only s trickle. What a true pleasure this trail is.
Date: 2012-05-15
From: Suches, GA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Our hostel stay came to an end at 5:30 am yesterday morning. It was followed by a 3 mile uphill walk to get back on the trail and 18.5 miles on the trail. Long day, tiring, but with beautiful views along the way. We met the Georgia ridgerunner Razor, part of the Georgia AT group, who helped to temper our expectations a little. Later we ran into Old Reb, another Georgia AT fellow, who was husbanding a group of teenagers. Good for him. Both Razor and Old Reb have previously thru hiked the AT. Nice to meet and both enthusiastic for us.The hostel stay was made especially nice by the addition of Sarge and Rick. Both ex-military, though Sarge had just finished 37.5 years in. It was fun to watch and be a part of the camaraderie they shared with Mustang. Tons of laughter. A side note - military guys keep things clean and organized, they make great housemates!12 miles into today we are both a little bruised and battered. Blisters for all and a few extra hurts besides. Fortuitously stopped right past the 50 mile marker just as more rain came in. Hammock and tarp up, I'm content to nap through it.DPS - what currently comes to mind is the phrase "biting off more than you can chew."
Date: 2012-05-16
From: Hiawassee

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Once again Mustang and I came off the trail after short miles to tend wounds. Great hiker friendly town here - one fella, Jim, offered us any help he could give us just meeting us in the pharmacy.We have been overwhelmingly cheered by the folks we meet both on and off the trail. It's a simple reminder that despite the ease of social networking, including this journal, nothing beats looking someone in the eye and enjoying good face to face communication. Though physically challenging the trail is amazing. Mustang believes we've entered a place where Newton's idea of physics is reversed, as in "what goes down must go up," and quick! Any slight downhill is seemingly immediately followed by an elevation gain.We shared a fire made from wet wood last night between us and it was quite nice. Mustang set fire to some of his socks in what I believe was a subconscious attempt to root out the blister causing evils. I'm happy. I take great joy in the views and wildlife and especially the company of my father. We've come across rabbit and toad and a copperhead snake. Heard tales of baby black bear. Many varieties of flowering and perfumed plants and shrubs. Endless birdsong.Nurse BettyPS - to those that will understand this, not a hairy leg in sight. Either shaved or wearing pants!
Date: 2016-04-22
From: Georgia

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

nurse Betty is just over a week from seeing the trail again. This is a bit of a surprise as two weeks in arrears there was no thought of this side adventure. Spring has spung where I currently live, already the brown grasses of summer have tapped in. The green tunnel beckons in a surprising way. The pain that is it's own reward. The sudden surprise of completely unexpected and unguessed at natural phenomenon (you nature enthusiasts and vigilant life observers are shaking your head in complete understanding, while the balance of you are unimpressed). The "what seriously!! more uphill?!" The adorably crazy loons who randomly appear in your path, sometimes repeatedly. Looking the part of the loon after a hard, sweaty, unfulfilling day. The lovely knowledge that what you are doing is truly only important to you.I can't wait to miss a Pepsi so bad I think about it for an hour (or two) straight while walking.I'm not sure why this is suddenly happening again!! It's good. Or scary. Nurse Betty out! Next message from that place where daily discovery is the penultimate prize!
Date: 2016-03-20
To: On our way
Miles today: 0.0

So, I have been putting off starting this journal since my buddy, Lee and I have planned numerous trips and all have fallen through for one reason or another. I didn't believe it was actually going to happen but here I sit in the back of the car with our wives driving us up to GA to start our hike. I am not sure either of us is ready.Long hikes, short hikes, discussing gear, buying gear, trying food, etc... Not exactly sure what to expect as we have only hiked in Florida... You know, the flatlands.Lee is like a 5 year old, all excited and giddy... OK, I'm the same... But most who know me will tell you that I'm really a 5 year old in a 53 year old body... Never grow old, from what I've seen, it doesn't seem like too much fun.We shall see... On our way!
Date: 2016-03-22
From: At the Falls

To: Springer Mtn
Miles today: 11.6

Kissed the wives goodbye and we were off! Excited, loaded down and at the first climb... Slightly winded. Finally, got to Springer and did it all... Photos, signed the book, hello to other climbers and headed to the shelter. My buddy was not happy about it so we decided since it was early to head out and see where we could get.   Ended up at the Stover Creo shelter and pitched outlet tents. Day one behind us and even though it was only 6pm, I asked if it was too early to go to bed... All around said yes, so we talked for an hour and turned in at 7.Great first day!
Date: 2016-03-23
From: Springer Mtn

To: Justus Creek
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Up early and out the door ! Still excited, feeling good ready to go.The first food bridge and I almost had a problem but I regined my balance and only dropped one pole in the water... I was trying to do something and it clearly didn't work. Very pleasant walk and then we got to Long Creek Falls . Awesome sight . Then on to 2 big climbs and desents.   I'll just say walking on rocks is not fun but made it in time to Justus creek to get a great spot right next to the creek.Tired so we turned it early. (I'm seeing a pattern).
Date: 2016-03-24
From: Justus Creek

To: Henry Gap
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Sassafras Mtn was tough yesterday so I may look at my Guide more so I can get psyched up as needed... Not knowing what is ahead is scary and at the same time cool.Some really awesome views today. We talked about heading into a hostel tonight as the weather is not good and supposed to rain all night. John and I convinced Lee to press on to Lance creek and hunker down in our tents and ride it out. Unfortunately, all tent sites were occupied there so we had to move on.   Decided to go to Henry Gap @1 mile away as Lee said it didn't look too bad of an uphill climb, well and it gets us closer to Blood Mtn(4500ft) which is suppose to be pretty tough. So here's the thing... We think we missed Henry Gap... Pretty sure we did. Found a campsite at a small gap just after there... Again, we think.I am snug in my tent as the rain falls... Another successful day.BTW, I stood on Preaching Rock today... And did not get hit by lightning. Whooda thunk!
Date: 2016-03-25
From: Henry Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 6.6

Woke up early to a cold, windy day... Went back to bed which was warm and dry.Not often I get to do that.Finally got going on the trek to Blood MtnThe first climb was tough and it took me a good hour before I was feeling good. Lee left early and I caught up with him on the climb before Blood.I found the climb up Blood not a bad as I had envisioned but was still thrilled when I came around the bend and saw the shelter. Had lunch on the outlook with a group of college kids on spring break... From Florida, no less.The descent was difficult at first with all the rocks but got better, probably because we knew Blood Mtn cabins and a hot shower were at the bottom.Checked in and ordered a meat pizza and wings as an appetizer.I am now sitting on the back deck of the cabin in the sun, CLEAN, relaxed and content.Not sure what our plans are for tomorrow yet but will advise.First phase of the hike completed successfully!
Date: 2016-03-26
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

Left Neels Gap after a great night sleep and another shower.Saw some really great views today.I felt great all day, almost like my trail legs had arrived.It seemed that there was one great view after another and the hiking wasn't too difficult If only it could all be like this...Got to Low Gap shelter around 3 and set up Note to self... Level tent site will always make for a better night's sleepSet my tent up on a slight incline and kept sliding off my pad during the nightAwoke feeling a little tired, but packed up a wet rent as is rained all night Another note.... Helpful hint...a single wall tent accumulates condensation on the inside so you either need to wipe it down or dry out the tent... Go with a double wall, it will make life easier.Thought about my family a lot today, wish they. Plus all be here to experience this!Another night and some tough days coming...
Date: 2016-03-27
From: Low Gap shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: few clouds

Left low gap shelter pretty early and the fog was here.We were to be up over 3000ft all day and it felt that way The walk was awesome and different... No views other that the feeling you were in a Wes Craven movie set, eerie, fog and a soft drizzle most of the day. My legs felt strong and the miles were flying by, very enjoyable.Lee left camp before me but we had decided to go into Helen tonight to see the city, so we only needed to go to Unicoi gap @ 9.7 miles out ending with the descent down Blue Mtn... @1100 ft in 1.5miles... I can't really explain that descent, one of the hardest so far, slippery rocks, roots and mud... One of the best feelings so far was reaching the bottom... I had called Tammy from the top of Blue and got to talk to Talley and Seth also.... They were preparing Easter birch for the family... Very cool, but I was thinking about a mamossa ....When we got to the Jnicoi parking lot it was raining pretty good, but apparently a group of folks had set up our Easter brunch ... More trail magic... WoohooI facetimed the family to show them our brunch and got to talk to them all including Braxton, my grandson who had to show off his e aster basket and a large egg he was chasing around... A great dayGot even better when Boy Wonder(a southbound they hiker in 2010) showed up and offered us a ride into Helen... Very cool to all involved
Date: 2016-03-27
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Helen
Miles today: 0.0

Walked around Helen this afternoon and decided to sit at a restaurant overlooking the Chatahoochie river and order some German food for dinnerThe rest is needed and decided that we would zero tomorrow to let our aching bodies recover Works good for me as I have a few business issues to deal with anyway.Dried out all my gear and made sure we a re ready to go...Man have I missed coffee.Ok and beer!Watched a guy fishing during dinner hook and lose one trout then catch a nice 3lb brown trout Perfect dinner entertainment if you ask me.More to come as we get back on the trail...
Date: 2016-03-29
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Deep Shelter Gap
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Got back on the trail after a hot shower and breakfast at Huddle HouseFelt great right out of the shoot and it was good as we had a tough climb up Rocky MountainKept going strong right onto Tray Mtn and made it to Sassafras Gap for a break, some stretching and refill of water.It was only 2 so we decided to head for Deep Gap Shelter... It was just under 4 miles but a tough long climb over Kelly KnobMade dinner, chatted around the fire and ready for bed Gonna be cold tonight so I have on most of my warm clothes just in caseTired but satisfied with our longest hike yet 3 ups and downs and I'm down for the count...
Date: 2016-03-30
From: Deep Shelter Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: clear sky

A quick trip to Dicks Crekk gap and we headed into town.2 big climbs and descents took its toll and we needed some rest Going well, feeling good... Only issue at all is my feet tend to hurt on the downhills.Looking forward to a shower and finding out about HiawasseeStaying at the HI express Ended up staying in town for an extra day when we heard about the weather forecast Thunderstorms and a lot of rain, as we watched it rain out the window we were thankful for the decision
Date: 2016-04-01
From: Hiawassee

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

First real milestone as we crossed from GA into NC today.Fairly easy day until we hit the climb after lunch over Courthouse Bald... Not sure either of us was ready for that Some really cool views and trees.Enjoyed the walk and a nice lunch. Have met someCool people and enjoyed ourselves.It doesLeave you a lot ofTime to think while you are out here.I miss the family a lot but am getting updates form Tam about what's up here and there.
Date: 2016-04-02
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Left the shelter a little after Lee as he is an early bird.Nice walk to get going as I was freezing.Haven't been sleeping well in my tent but doing fine.Note to self, find a flat tent site or else you will slide around during the night...duh!I have been tying to find a nice site to give my mom a view and the climb up Standing Indian Mtn led me to believe this might be the right spot.Got to the top and took the side trail to the outlook and it was spectacular.Buried a photo and a bible for my mom, had a nice conversation with her and was on my way. I'm sure she will enjoy the view.Our first summit over 5400 ft. Made the gradual descent to Carter Gap shelter and was thrilled after the long day when we got there.Weather tonight is a little scary as it calls for 24 degrees and wind gusts up to 65mph Pitched my tent securely and was ready for the night.
Date: 2016-04-03
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 12.2

Rough night as it was very cold and the Wind... You could hear the gusts coming from a long way away until it got to the tent and shook the whole thing. Didn't sleep well and woke up with numb toes and fingers. Loaded up and got on the trial pretty quickly. I think I had all the clothing I had with me on, including my rain gear pants. Fairly easy going for the first couple of hours and then we got tot the climb to Albert Mtn... The way up was cool as you are on a small ledge of a trail with some great overlooks then it lulls you into comfort as you approach and see the fire tower atop Albert MtnThe last 1/2 mile or so was brutal and awesome at the same time as it was very vertical and you had to use hands and feet to climb.The view at the top was worth it allI took a few panoramic pix and climbed up the observation tower and took more... Beautiful day for pictures.   The walk down from there was pretty smooth sailing but I had some foot issues flair up and by the time we got to Rock Gap for pickup my dogs were barking. Fortunately, a hotel, a shower and a good meal are not too far away.Ready for a break and some R and R.Sorry for the sporadic updates but cell service in NC is sporadic.On to tomorrow!
Date: 2016-04-04
From: Rock Gap

To: Franklin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Enjoyed a very much needed zero today. And decided to adopt the trail name "Uplink" given to me by 11:30 the other day.   He claimed I was always connected and I agree...Had dinner and drinks with Bushwacker, Yacky and Lee tonight and realized the closeness of the hiker community as we saw some familiar faces all over town.A few beers at The Lazy Hiker, dinner at Fat Buddies where Lee and I ate way too much and then a nightcap (@8:30 mind you) at Fatz watching part of the NCAA finals.Spoke to Tammy and realized some of the things I am missing being out here, especially her.I still think and feel that this is one of the coolest things I have ever done, just wish I could share it with all of those close to me. BTW, still got my miles(@3 or so) in today as I walked to do laundry and then to the library in town to do a few hours of work...Three days and into NOC for the festival, should be fun and I can't wait...Onward...
Date: 2016-04-05
From: Franklin

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

Started out of Franklin after a nice breakfast and the thought of doing 10-12 miles as we are only @30 miles to the NOC... Started out great, got to Winding Stair Gap pretty quickly and easily (@3.5 miles)... Things going well with my legs in great shape after the rest... Out of nowhere came out into a meadow just below Siler Bald.... We took about a ten minute nap, ate something and some of the other hikers convinced us it was a good idea to walk up the hill to the bald.   Wow! The 360 degree view was unbelievable... Took some great pictures including the panoramic. Took a few minutes to enjoy it and we were back at it.   Thought we would go @12 miles as we were feeling good but at 12 miles decided to plug along... Got to the Wilson Lick trail and I was shot but we still decided to go on, and made it to the Wayah Blad tower... Man, more awesome views... Made it to the shelter but late so the tent spots were not good and we were spent, no energy even to make dinner. Sat by the fire trying to warm up for a few and hit the sack.   My tent was on a pretty bad incline so I kept slipping off the pad and had a very poor nights sleep... After 14.8 miles that dors not help, even the cold was cold. Note to self...listen to your body and stop when it tells you... You will regret it.Also early to the shelters means picking the best spots (in my opinion, most level)...something to keep in mind.A very long day with the last few miles very tough and my lower legs felt it.Tired, sore and a little weary...Onward !
Date: 2016-04-06
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Tellico Gap
Miles today: 8.4

So, did I mention the 14.8 miles , rough the last 2 hours and a very poor night sleep...It really caught up with me today.Lee was up and gone trying to get warm but I couldn't get going. Got out of my tent @ 30 mins after he left and went straight to the closest fire to try and get warm. Sat for a few and talked with a few guys about the conditions and went and got packed up...so cold as my fingers and toes were numb so I packed up and went back to the fire before heading out.It was rough going from the get go...My legs were sore from yesterday and had a tough time getting in the rythem of walking... Tried slow, fast, anything I could think of but just a tough day.Texted Lee and he was a good mile agead of me, no chance I was catching him but kept plugging along. Next time I got a signal Lee told me had called and got a cabin at the Nantahala Mtn Lodge, it was the best news I had heard in a while...gave me a little pick-me-up and got going. 20mins later I was just sore and going downhill off of Copper Ridge Bald... there at the bottom they were waiting.A sight for very sore eyes to say the least.If you have a chance stay with Steve and Maggie at the lodge... Northcarolinalogcabin.rentals/atThey are awesome and the facility is fanfastic.It's like they are welcoming their own family to their place... Really can't say enough about it.Onward !