morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-02-10
To: Gear
Miles today: 0.0

Just purchased my last major piece of gear, a sleeping bag. Many experienced hikers told me that a sleeping bag is the most important piece of gear. After much research I decided on the Western Mountaineering Alpine Lite, 20 degree down bag. Gear is the most talked about subject among hikers. Gear is all the stuff one takes along with them on a hike. What one takes along with them is strictly a personal choice. Hikers are always trying to balance what they need with what they want. After all no one is carrying your gear for you so weight becomes a determining factor. I estimate my starting back pack weight to be around 25 pounds. This weight is without my food and water. This amount will vary between 2 and 11 pounds depending on my water and food situation. My total starting weight should be around 35 pounds. As my departure date arrives I will see how close my estimate is. Under the "GEAR" tab you can see what major gear I have listed. Any feed back would be appreciated. That's it for now
Date: 2012-02-27
To: Hiking & Sleeping
Miles today: 0.0

The amount of hiking one does in a day will vary. Training before the hike starts will help, but nothing fully prepares you for hiking up and down mountains with 34 pounds on your back except hiking up and down mountains with 34 pounds on your back. When starting out in Georgia I hope to start out hiking around 11 miles a day and slowly build my miles up to around 16 miles a day.   Most hikers stay at shelters along the AT, either in the shelter or near the shelter in a tent or hammock. The advantage to staying in the shelter is: it will keep you dry during wet weather and is quicker to pack up in the morning. The disadvantage to the shelter is, the floors or bunks are wood and thus hard. If crowded you are right next to someone. There is a lack of privacy. Snoring could also be a problem. Mice also occupy most shelters just waiting to chew thru your backpack and possibly climbing over sleeping hikers in the process.   The advantage to a tent is; the ground is softer than a wood floor. There is more privacy in a tent. A tent can be warmer in cold weather. A zipped screen is also a protection from insects. The disadvantage is; if it rains it means packing up in the rain and carrying a wet tent. It also takes longer to pack up in the morning. I prefer staying in a tent for the above advantages. Although if it is raining I will opt for staying in the shelter. Hikers also make camp along the trail not at a shelter location. Possibly they opt to end their hiking day and are still miles away from a shelter. Maybe they found a nice spot with water nearby and like the solitude of the area. While hiking last year in PA there was two occasions when we camped away from a shelter area and enjoyed the experience. Every three or four days while resupplying and washing my clothes, I will spend a night in a real bed at a motel or hostel. That's it for now
Date: 2012-03-10
To: Gear Adjustments
Miles today: 0.0

My desire to reduce my gear weight lead to making some gear adjustments. The heaviest piece of gear I had was my backpack at 5lbs 6oz. The largest drop in weight would come from purchasing a new backpack, and this is what I did. I still wanted a backpack with a internal frame and rated for 35lbs. I decided on the Granite Gear Blaze AC60. The weight is 2lbs 14oz and with the added hip pockets brings the weight to 3lbs. The first thing I did with the new backpack since it is smaller than my previous backpack, was to load it with all my gear including water and food. After several attempts I got every thing in the new bag with absolutely no room to spare. I also changed out my Nalgene 1 liter water bottle for [2] 1/2 liter light weight bottles. This resulted in a 5oz savings. I also decided to not bring my 19oz fleece jacket. I will still have my 15oz down jacket and my 13oz rain jacket. So with all adjustments my total backpack weight is 31lbs 2oz. I feel good about this weight considering I was trying to keep my pack weight under 35lbs. I'm sure my legs will appreciate the lighter load. Now if only I could lose 30 lbs. Hopefully that will happen on the trail. Exactly one month left till the start.   That's it for now
Date: 2012-04-04
To: All Systems Go
Miles today: 0.0

ALL SYSTEMS GO This time next week I should be on the trail. I'm flying into Atlanta on Monday morning. Then taking the regional rail line close to my friends house, Warren and Saundra. This is my first trip to the Atlanta area and looking forward to seeing the area along with my friends. I did make one more change with my gear before sending it off to my friends house. I used a gift card from my son Grant to replace my sleeping pad. The new pad is longer{6' vs 4'], thicker[2.5" vs 1.25], lighter[12oz vs 15oz] and packs smaller. The only down side is it takes about 30 breathes to blow up compared to 5 for my old one and it makes a crackle noise when you move on it. The excitement is building. That's it for know
Date: 2012-04-11
From: Springer Mountain

To: Sassafras Mountain
Miles today: 11.0

The adventure finally started at 9:55 am atop springer mountain. A special shout out to my friends Sandra and Warren who put me up for two nights, treated me to wonderful food and a round of golf. Then drove me to the Springer Mountain parking lot, which was an unexpected adventure. Thank you very much Sandra and Warren. The first 4.5 miles I walked with a young man from TN (trail name Donut). I was able to keep up with him due to the easy down hill terrain. Or maybe it was because he was carrying a 56lb pack compared to my 32lbs. Either way reality set in as the trail started up hill. I had to stop and rest, Donut continued on with out me. The rest of the day I hiked by myself. I got to Hawk Mtn. Shelter at 3pm and decided to continue on and camp at Horse Gap 2.3 miles ahead. Upon arriving at Horse Gap tired and ready to make camp, I did not like the location because two forest roads converged at this location giving access to my camp by people in vehicles. My option although tired, was to start the climb up Sassafrass Mtn., the hardest climb thus far. The climb was very hard. As it turns out my effort was rewarded with a good camp site and a 270 degree view of the north Georgia Mts. In my sleeping bag by 8pm I prepare for the expected cold night of 29 degrees.
Date: 2012-04-12
From: Sassafras Mountain

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: clear sky

Although the temperature dropped to 32 last night I slept very hot. I will try wearing less clothes in the future.Hiked by myself today. Started by desending Sassafras Mtn. Then immediately climbing Justice Mtn. On my way up I heard this hammering sound in the trees. Finnally I saw a large 12" Wood Pecker that resembled the cartoon caracter. My only experience with wood peckers was the 4" size that taps like a machine gun. Stopped in at Gooch Mtn Shelter for lunch and found A head light that some one must of left the night before. Headed over Ramrock Mtn. and arrived at Woody Gap around 4:30pm. I called A nearby hostel that will pick up at the Gap, but they were full for the evening. So once again I will make A climb late in the day, up Big Cedar Mtn. There was a nice vista view near the top. Upon arriving at the top the only suitable camp location was surrounded by 3 dead trees. The fear of one of the trees falling on me during the night encourged me to continue on. I descended the Mtn. and eventually ending up at Lance Creek at dusk and very tired. Unlike last night when I camped alone, there were many people here. I met two fireman from Philadelphia, one retired and the other on a 30 day leave. Since I am from the Phila. suburbs we had a connection. Just enough time to set up camp and eat before dark, then off to bed.
Date: 2012-04-13
From: Lance Creek

To: Neels Gap,Mountain Crossing Hostel
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: few clouds

On my way by 8:40am. I walked early on with Tom and Bill (the Philly boys).The walk started out with a 5 mile up hill climb finishing very steeply atop Blood Mtn. There was a large rock on top where about 10 of us enjoyed our accomplishment and a great southern view. There is also a large stone shelter (Bloob Mtn. Shelter). This is the oldest shelter on the AT. The climb down Blood Mtn. was the steepest to date. At one point Bill and I missed a turn and found ourselves looking for the trail. Back on track we made our way down to Nells Gap by 3:30pm. There is an outfitter and a hostel here. First thing I did was secure a spot at the Hostel (about 20 bunks in a large room). After a quick snack I took a shower and washed my hiking clothes. A local group brought in a home cooked meal for all the hikers, now this is southern hospitality. I also found the owner of the head lamp I found yesterday. The hike so far has been very tough. I am told that there is a 30% drop out rate at this spot for hikers who had planned to thru hike. The Hostel is full and some had to camp out back. I also met "One" a hiker from Bucks County that the local paper had an article about.
Date: 2012-04-14
From: Neels Gap,Mountain Crossing Hostel

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: few clouds

After the pancake breakfast served at the hostel I went next door to the outfitters to resupply for the next three days. Pancakes were weighing me down at the start. Lots of up and downs today. The leaves the leaves where are the leaves. In the sun more than I expected and it's hot. Walked alone today. Went over Cowrock Mtn., Poor Mtn. and Sheep Rock Top. But the hardest climb of the day was Wild Cat Mtn., not the highest but very steep. For the first time I put on my ear buds and cranked up some George Thorogood songs to motivate me over the top. In to Low Gap Shelter camp area about 6pmThat's it for now
Date: 2012-04-15
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Rocky Mountain
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Slept good last night but kept sliding due to slanted camp site. I walked with four different people. It was an easy start, but after 4 miles we hit alot of small up and downs than a rocky difficult climb up Blue Mtn. While eating lunch on Blue Mtn. We met a 73 year old man who was hiking from Key West too Canada, Wow! After a 1000ft. drop Into Unicoi gap we immediately assended the 1100 ft. Rocky Mtn. It was not our original plan to camp her, mainly because we were all low in water, but our legs were done, so we made camp and enjoyed our first camp fire.
Date: 2012-04-16
From: Rocky Mountain

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Very windy all night due to camping on top of the mountain. Everything was also damp because of the clouds going across the mountain tops. Being very low on water we had to break camp without breakfast. After two miles down Rocky Mtn we reached the water source. Just like in Georgia fashion we immediatly started up the very long 2.6 mile trek up Tray Mtn. Along the way we passed the Cheese Factory camping site, famous for the "Deliverane" movie location. Near the end of the day we had the steep 975ft. climb over Kelly Knob. and .3 miles off the trail into Deep Gap Shelter at 5pm. There are about 12 people in and around the shelter. I set up my tent 50' from the shelter. I got to talk to A 77 year old English chap from London. His hiking partner and himself only do low miles but seem to enjoy the small things we just walk by. Apparently the AT is famous with the Europeans.Philly Tom is not at the shelter and we assume he headed further down the trail to the gap and into town. He has been tending to some nasty heel blisters. Since cell service has been spotty and being at a low elevation we can't contact him.
Date: 2012-04-17
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap, Hiawassee
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: light rain

Only 3.6 miles to Dicks Creek Gap and the 11:15 shuttle into Hiawassee GA. Four of us booked two rooms the night before (The two Philly boys, Tom and Bill, Kyle a software engineer from GA and myself). I was the last to break camp and found my self moving quickly down to the Gap parking lot because of the down hill terrain or maybe the thought of town food. I arrived one hour early and find the shuttle loading up. So its off to town an hour early.First thing is registrartion, breakfast, laundry, relax and update my journal. Philly Tom was in town as we assumed. We walked (of course we walked) to an all you can eat restaurant to load up. We had to walk in the rain to the grocery store for our three day resupply and back to the motel. We are glad to be in town on this wet evening.
Date: 2012-04-18
From: Dicks Creek Gap, Hiawassee

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

Up early and off to breakfast for one last town meal before we catch the 9am shuttle back to the trail. Due to the heavy rain we take the 11am shuttle. Like all hikes out of a gap we head up hill. I find myself hiking alone taking my rain gear off and on many times. Either way I'm getting wet. At 4:30pm we find the four of us at the GA/NC border taking pictures with each others camera to preserve the occasion. One state downUpon entering NC we see the famous twisted tree (click on the photo tab). North Carolina did not welcome us kindly as we ascended the steep Courthouse Bald. We reached Muscrat Creek Shelter at a late 6:45pm. The area was crowded because some stayed all day at the shelter due to the rain. I pitch my tent on the wet ground and in a light rain. I change into my dry camp clothes and off to bed to warm up.
Date: 2012-04-19
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept cold and damp the first hour due to the rain. Started my hike for the day at 8:30am. Nice steady down hill walk for the first 4 miles. Then a long steady 1200' assent. Then another long decent. The shallow assent / decent is a welcome change. The ground was wet due to the wet weather the last two days. There is around 15 people around the shelter tonight with no one actually staying in the shelter.Today we bestowed a trail name on someone. While in camp a young man was trying to make a fire and not having much success due to the damp conditions. We all thought his effort was in vain. But he stuck to it and started a good fire that we all enjoyed. His new trail name "Fire Starter". We could hear Coyotes off in the distance thru out the night.
Date: 2012-04-20
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

This morning Philly Tom was telling me that Philly Bill had a night mare last night about Coyotes trying to get into his tent. I guess hearing their howling during the night had something to do with it. Today we climb the famous Albert Mountain. The terrain going up Albert Mountain is different than what we have encountered. The trail is going up the steep side of the mountian. I can reach out and touch the mountain, then it levels off for only 18" and then a steep drop off. There is water flowing down and over the trail and the vegetation resembles something you would see in a rain forest. there are portions where the trail is washed out and reinforced with logs. As we get closer to the top things dry out but then become very steep. So steep that we have to collapse and stow our treking poles so we can use our hands to climb up. The trail at this section widens into a free for all, chose your route up. One slip here and you could get hurt. At this very steep section there is a road that one could take that winds around to the top, but that is not the AT. I worked to hard to take the non AT easy way up. Once on top of Albert Mtn. you come to a fire look out tower that the rangers used at one time. There is about 10 hikers at the tower resting and eating lunch.I'm last to leave the tower area and start the long descent. About 200' down the mountain I experience my first slip and fall. I'm not hurt, and I begin to laugh because this was the easiest section of the mountain.I finally make it down to the shelter area tired and ready to rest, only to find Tom, Bill and Kyle walking out of the Shelter trail. Apparently they were creeped out by a fellow hiker and didn't want to stay the night. The new plan is to press on for 5 more miles and make it to a road crossing and get a ride into Franklin today instead of tomorrow. The only problem is we have two large climbs and I'm tired. After we rise in elevation we make a call for the Ron Haven shuttle to pick us up at the road crossing. Those 5 miles were tough and my heel blisters did not appreciate the extra miles. We are about 10 miles out side of town and at a much higher elevation when we meet the shuttle. The ride down the mountain gave us many scenic views. Once we make it to the motel we wash our clothes and walk (yes walk) to a local pizza place for pizza and beer. Since we made it to town late in the day we are staying in town tomorrow also. The 16 miles today is the most I travel on this excurcion.
Date: 2012-04-21
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Franklin NC 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After 10 days of hiking I'm taking my first day off. I have 4 blisters that could use some care. I procured supplies for three days. Franklin was a very nice town, reminded me of the Andy Griffith Show. Of course we had to walk to get any where. To bad those miles don't count.
Date: 2012-04-22
From: Franklin NC 

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

The Ron Haven Shuttle droped us off at Winding Stair Gap at 9:50am. Since we started in a gap, the first thing we did was start up hill, and that we did for about 4 miles, endind atop Siler Bald summit for a 1200ft ascent. Then dropping 800ft to Wayah Gap. Then started the 1000ft climb up Wayah Bald. On the way up a nice family shared with the hikers, sodas candy, fruit and pastry. Not having fruit in a while I took a banana. On the way up we could feel the temperature dropping and getting windy. Once on top, there was a stone observation tower. The view was fantastic and worth the climb. It was a 1 mile hike down to the shelter area. We bestowed another trail name on a fellow hiker. Since it was cold there was about 8 of us sitting around the camp fire. One young man upon standing, lost his balance and stumbled into the fire, then changed direction once in the fire, then again changed direction before exiting. Fortunately little damage was done, except to his pride. From this point on his trail name became "Fire Walker". The temperature continued to drop, then snow and hail started to fall. Inside my tent at bed time the temperature is 32.
Date: 2012-04-23
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: light rain

Cold and windy last night but I was warm in my down sleeping bag. More up and downs. The view from the top of Wesser Bald was the best so far. You could see the view of Fontana Dam area as well as the Smokie Mts. Then it was a 6 mile descent of 2500ft into the NOC. This is a recreational center located on the Nantahala river. I'm staying warm tonight in the hostel.
Date: 2012-04-24
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Slept in A cabin last night with four bunks. There was the two Philly boys, Tom and Bill, also Kyle from Alpharetta GA, and myself. We seem to end up at the same place most nights. After breakfast at the NOC restauraunt we started up hill. We would climb over 3339' over the next 8 miles. This is the longest sustained ascent on the AT. I found myself hiking alone again for most of the day. Stoped many times on the way, either to catch my breath or take in the wonderful views. The above picture is one such view of the NC mountains where we have been. The climb up really tested ones desire and drive because for 7 hours it was up, up and up. One reason I am out here is to increase my drive physically, mentally and spiritually. As I was approaching the top the weather changed for the worse. Wind, hale and cold rolled in. When I finally reached the summit of Cheoah Bald the weather calmed and I got a great NW view of where we are heading [Smoky Mts] It was a 1500' drop down to Locust Cove Gap to camp. Much to my surprise Tom, Bill and Kyle are not here. I do find a note written in the dirt indicating that they are pushing on. I am to tired to continue and decide to camp her as planed. There are also 2 brothers camping here who I have seen on numerous occations [Drift Wood and Wizard]. I get changed, get water and set up my tent just in time to protect me from the rain. I cook dinner leaning out of my tent.
Date: 2012-04-25
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Rain and wind most of the night. The tent held up fine and I slept rather good. At 8:30am I started my hike. I leap froged most of the day with a couple from New Mexico [Yankee and Z]. The morning was spent with moderate up and downs. Then at noon I came to Jacobs Ladder, 750' of the steepest trail that could be made without steps or switchbacks. I had to stop many times next to A tree so I could Hold on. The forest seemed to come alive today with Grasshoppers, butterflys, bees and salamanders. The forest also has a greener look to it. Into Cable Gap Shelter at 4:30pm. I find a great spot for my tent about 200' from the shelter next to a creek. Philly Bill is also near by in his tent. The same thing happens today, rain arrives as I am cooking dinner. Its in the tent early again (6:30pm). This makes for a long night, but with all the physical activity the extra sleep is no problem.
Date: 2012-04-26
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam/ Fontana Lodge
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: light rain

Rained for the first part of the night, then wind for the remainder. By morning I'm happy my tent is dry. Bill and myself plan to hike together today into Fontana Dam. Just as we are about to leave (8:20am) a strong thunder storm rolls thru and we seek protection in the shelter along with 3 others who spent the night in the shelter. At 9:40am we are finally able to leave. The trail is wet and slippery from the rain and sure enough I go down twice on my butt. We can see the Dam thru the trees but don't find a good picture spot. We reach Fontana Dam visitor center around 1:00pm and call for the 3 dollar shuttle into the village. We arrive at the Fontana Lodge and ask for the hiker rate of 60 dollars for a double queen room. This hotel is a beautiful hotel/resort and for the money a pleasant surprise. I am also happy to see my mail drop waiting for me at check in (thanks Dean and Diane). We also see that Philly Tom and Kyle are here (they arrived the day before). Laundry, shower and supply at the local store are chores for the day. We have to fill out a permit to hike into the Smoky Mts and adhere to certain rules. Like staying in the shelter at night and only tenting at the shelter locations if the shelters are full. Planning is more important so your not between the shelters at the end of the day. Thank you, to every one who has left a comment in my guest book
Date: 2012-04-27
From: Fontana Dam/ Fontana Lodge

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: scattered clouds

After another fine meal at the Fontana Lodge we took the shuttle back to the trail. After 1.8 miles we came upon the Fontana Dam, the largest dam east of the Mississippi. After exploring the dam area we crossed over and headed up into the Smoky Mts. When I said up, thats exactly what we did. We hiked mostly up for the next 10.7 miles and gained 2739'. I arrived last of the four of us that started. At the shelter I met Carl, the ATC ridge runner. He was checking every ones permit and telling us to pick a spot in the shelter. When I mean spot, I mean your 3.5' by 7' space. There is two levels in the shelter. By the time night came all 14 spaces were filled. Philly Bill who hikes faster than us did see A bear on the trail. We are so jealous.