morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-15
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray mountain shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Okay once again I'm almost a week behind on entries so these next few are coming from memory. Left low gap around 8 am and btw I heard my first hooting owl the night before. What stands out in my memory from that day was my trobbing knee. It was due to the descents and also my over pronation I figured out later. My hiking partner NAte from RI aka Big Yankee and I had split up for the day after lunch at blue mountain. I had been going for hrs rocking out to allman brothers and iron maiden just to get my mind off the throbs. I was descending rocky mountain I believe, more hobbling than hiking, like Quasimoto, when I thought my eyes were fooling me. At the bottom was a sliver of hope, a gleaning pickup truck with people. I thought surely I was wrong but right I was: trail magic. yes folks 2011 thru hikers Fishhook and Panda were there with a cooler full of Gatorade and assorted candy bars And cakes. I was too late for the piZza and beer, but I attempted to walk straight as if uninjured and refueled. Man was that nice. Thanks fellas. It helped me get to tray mountain shelter which had an epic view en route. The water source was also peaceful. Main, Yankee and I had the whole shelter to ourselves with Hobo and 2others tenting nearby. What a lovely night. No mice no winds no bears. Knee still ached but the anvil kept it at bay and the next day we'd be in Hiawassee....
Date: 2013-03-16
From: Tray mountain shelter

To: Hiawassee Ga holiday inn
Miles today: 11.0

This morning Main, Nate and I woke up at 4:30 am in order to make it into town at an early time. Main went ahead of us about 45 mins while we rookies sat in the dark contemplating life and star gazing and eating gorp. The first 3 hrs or so were only lit by our lamps and the stars. Saw a lot of spider eyes reflecting from our lights and also a bat. We almost got a turned around due to a fallen tree but saw the white blaZe up ahead 100 yards and probably freaked out some sleeping renters in the process. Sorry guys. We eventually made to Dicks Creek gap us 76 by noon and immediately had an offer for a ride from a couple who were heading back to their car after checking out the trail. Score! Also we had some more trail magic from 2 gents in the form of candy chocolate and rice crispies. Damn if I don't get any cavities As this diet of Junk food tends to worry me. Upon arriving in town we check into a holiday inn and split a room. A bit lavish for my tastes as it had a flat screen tv but it was nice to shower and stretch out. We then went to ingles to resupply which was tough because I was starving and wanted everything. Ended up buying a little too much food but thats ok. I also got beer and a footlomg from the deli that I split for lunch and dinner. For the remainder of the night I caught up on phone calls, texts, letters, emails and entries. Slept like a baby that night.
Date: 2013-03-17
From: Dicks creek gap

To: Standing Indian shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

So many days have passesd since neel gap. The hostel party was fun. 15 of us were piled in while PIrate fed us great food and cheap beer. Pirate is a legend. He's thru hiked the at 10 times and now helps out jokers when they pass thru so if you're up there stop in for the night. Day 4: From the hostel we hiked 11.5 mi to low gap. It was the panama city beach of camping that night if you will.. 40 plus hikers were camped out it was awesome. Multiple fires were going, stories were shared, wounds were tended to. FinAlly got a little service and talked to my girlfriend which was nice. bedtime came early and soundly I slept iny hammock temp got down to 25 degrees that night. Brrrr......Fast forward to sunday day 7. That day I did 16.7 miles. I wanted to try and get ahead of my original schedule to try and beat am on coming storm approaching. Let me also say hitching a ride back to dicks creek gap was funny. People were gawking at us, waving at us, couple ladies even turned their heads. It took about 15 mins but a carpenter named Jerry in an old ford pickup was kind enough to give us a ride. The hike from the gap was a slow ascent with lots of tiny up and downs the whole way. At this point, I departed from BIg Yankee. He was planning for a zero day on Monday and I was on the opposite schedule. Rather than stay at muskrat Creek I went ahead to standing Indian. The last 3 or so miles were beautiful. Overcast, tall mossy trees and rocks. Rhododendrons. A moistness in the air. Arrived to a full shelter by 630ish so I immediately set up the hammock and tarp. Knowing it was going to rain at some point, I suited up in my raingear and pack away my dry clothes. Also, I crossed in to north carolina that day. Later that night I was awoken by coyotes and hooting owls in the near distance. Doesn't get any better than that.
Date: 2013-03-18
From: Standing Indian shelter

To: Long branch shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Doing this all from memory... Woke up around 630 that morning to the pattering of rain drops on my hammock tarp. I checked the feet end of my sleeping bag and it felt slightly damp.. Rookie! Didn't hang my hammock tight enough. I packed up quickly while the rain was light and intermittent, grabbed my bear bag, and was on the trail at early dawn. Hiked through the misty fog all day and didn't really see much scenery or other hikers until I stopped for a lunch at Carter gap shelter. There I met Quaker and Bumpkin who were also snacking. Quaker is a very kind a sincere hiker, with refreshing optimism for this nasty section of the season. After lunch I kept pushing with haste. I knew I had a long day ahead. The trek up Albert mountain was fun. I had to throw my trekking poles up and climb with my hands on a couple parts. The wind kept picking up but not really raining. Unfortunately, when I reached the fire tower I could hardly see my hand in front of me so I didn't get a good view of the mountains. I pushed along, startling Turtle Tracks and finally arriving to the fresh newly built Long branch shelter. Not sure how many it slept but we packed in like sardines there. There I met Logan, Whiteout, Ned from Wales, Ray, Toast, Hancock, gypsy, and then 7 more showed up! It was a party. An hour after I arrived it began to dump, then hail, the dump some more. The water source was a little ways around the bend, but nestled under tall mossy trees. I enjoyed it. Don't remember it getting too cold, just muggy.
Date: 2013-03-19
From: Long branch shelter

To: Rock Gap/ Franklin NC
Miles today: 3.6

This morning I trekked the miles through mud where I waited with a few others to be picked up by Ron Havens shuttle. I was in desperate need of shoes more than anything so I was eager to get into Franklin. After checking in to the Sapphire Inn, and soaking in the tub, I ventured out into the Streets of Franklin. I located the outfitter Outdoor 76 and was treated with the most outstanding, professional shoe service I've ever experienced. The owner (Rob I think is his name) spent over 2 hrs with me, asked me questions, identified and explained the issues with my feet. I had hiked all the way to Franklin in pronation neutral trail runners and since I over pronate I needed something with much more support. I tried on 6 different pairs of shoes and ended up settling on some Montrail Fairhavens. Excellent support, breathability, although a bit different tread than the cascadias i was wearing before. It is rare that you find that type of treatment so please support those finefolks. Their new store should be open now across the street from the old one. Thanks rob and holly. The rest of that day was spent eating. Oh, since I spent over 50 bux at the outfitter I received a $10 coupon for a country diner type lunch. I feasted, paid $2, left a $6 tip and eve got dessert! Nanna puddin hmm hmm gooood. Resupplied at mtn valley health food store ( friendly staff there too), wrote letters, walked across town for hand sanitized, tub washed clothes, hung em to dry and called it a night.
Date: 2013-03-20
From: Rock Gap/ Franklin NC

To: Wayah bald shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: few clouds

This day was fun. Ron havens shuttle took us back to the trail head and away we went. I ended up meeting a couple from my hometown in Brandon, MS, Joel aka ice-cream and Charlotte. The day was mostly long gradual climbs with a few decents. On the trail I also met a few new faces, Griff from Knoxville, and Fits and Foxy from Bavaria, Germany. Siblings, they are extremely fast hikers, but really great and lively personalities. Fits smokes Marlborough reds before and after his hike, it's incredible. At the Wayah crest picnic area, Fresh Ground was set up in full trail magic effect. What a nice surprise. He went above and beyond with a full sun canopy, grill, hotdogs, soup, coffee, hot cocoa, fruit, and chips. He even had a mirror and a scale to weigh your packs. Astonishingly, mine weighed in at 40 lbs 11 ounces! Couldn't believe it. I will add I had just resupplied on food, too much I think, and was also carrying 2.5 liters of water. Main weighed his and it came out to 30 lbs. Griff's held the title for lightest pack: 19 lbs! He's also what they call eating "cold" ( where you don't use a stove or cookset. And I think he packed less clothing than I did. After filling up on fruit and chips I continued on to the Wayah bald tower where I caught an incredible panoramic view of the southern appalachians. In the distance I could see the Albert mountain tower where I had hiked from and Also the smokies, which await me. That night at the shelter was Main, Griff, Anita, and myself. Ice cream and charlotte tented nearby, a guy showed up with his hammock and the 2 Germans finally showed up after taking a ten mile detour. Apparently They followed a yellow blazed trail rather than turn off for the shelter. It got a little confusing I'll admit and GRiff expressed concern that they may have gotten off track, so we were relieved when they arrived at the shelter. They were angry for getting lost, but we couldnt help but laugh. The next day they cranked it out to the NOC. Bedtime came early as it got nippy that night.
Date: 2013-03-21
From: Wayah bald shelter

To: Wesser bald shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Getting up this day was tough. It was so cold out i found it difficult to get out of m sleeping bag. I was also greeted with the surprise of 2 inches of snow. Once I got up and stretched I ate my usual breakfast of nuts, dried fruit and vitamin tablets. was packed up and on the trail by 845. called my sister back home in atlanta to wish her a happy 33rd and set off for the day. A few people had gone ahead of me, so the trail wasn't a bad as I'd imagined. The hike wasn't bad in my non waterproof trail runners. Feet stayed dry and as long as I kept moving I didn't get too cold. Don't think it ever got above freezing that day though. a couple guys ahead of me got rides to a nearby hostel at Tellico Gap. I pushed on ahead to the shelter. By afternoon, the snow had begun to melt in some of the areas. I climbed the Wesser bald observation tower which provided yet another stunning panoramic view of the Appalachians. I could see Clingmams Dome from where I was. At the top of the tower were a group of twenty somethings. A mix of zip line and rafting instructors and the rest were visiting spring breakers. Nice kids. They even offered me a place to crash for Friday if I needed. The wesser bald shelter was happening that night. Shelter was quaint and packed, but plenty of others tented up the hill. Got a small but cozy fire going with good coals and we all moved around. Logan had an interesting pot of chum like gruel containing potatoes, crushed cheese it's, frozen fish blocks, and something else. It smelled horrid. Me, whiteout, Charlotte and ice cream had all studied art so we chatted about artsy stuff. Whiteout and I got romantic and wrote in our journals under the stars by the fire. Then, out of no where, Cody coyote appeared. It must have been around 9 which is late in hiker time. He said he had done a 20 mile day. Coyote is yoyoing And began heading south from Maine last august. He reached springer a couple weeks ago and is already heading back to Maine. Insanity. And the kid was carrying bare bones gear. He slept in his sleeping bag that night on the ground. What a machine. Ray offered him space in the shelter but he declined. I soon went to bed and slept fairly well that night. I was dreaming of the NOC food and beer that awaited me the next day.
Date: 2013-03-22
From: Wesser bald shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Thankfully it didn't snow or rain any more this day even though we were all worried it would. Nearly a dozen of us were bound and excited to reach the NOC. The hiking that morning was, again, misty and thick. It really didn't even come down more than a light drizzle. The decent down into the NOC wasn't too painful on the knees. Once again, the foggy weather killed any chance for views along the trail, like at the jumpoff. Browsed around at the outfitter and bought a mountain house pasta bag and some probars. There was a nice marked down Montbell down jacket that ice cream and I were debating purchasing. Kinda still wished I pulled the trigger and got it, but it's behind me now. The NOC outfitter has a nice selection of really nice gear. Highly recommended. We then moved to the restaurant and ate pizza and drank beer. By 130 we were back on the trail. hiking the 6.5 miles all uphill to SAssafras gap shelter was tough on a full stomach of carbs but I made it. Pound puppy and coyote were already there getting a fire going. Jander, Squeak pot, main, wolfgang, whiterain, ice-cream, Charlotte and 1 other lady all piled in the shelter and slept the night away. Didnt recall it getting too cold that night or even raining that day for that matter. Later on most of us were woken up that night by someone talking really loudly in their sleep. It was funny, he said "I don't caaaaaare" really loud, among other ramblings. I think it rained a little but was done by the time I got up and moving.
Date: 2013-03-23
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable gap shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I did not anticipate how brutal this day was going to be. Started out at 4400 feet and ended at 2905 feet, with a lot of really fun downs and ups. (sense the sarcasm in that). Maybe I didn't eat enough junk in the morning, but I felt rather slow for the first half of the day. Again, another fabulously grey and misty day so when I got to CHeoah Bald I had very little to marvel over. Since Big Yankee and I split back in Hiawassee I've been primarily hiking solo. Every few hours or so I end up crossing someone that I usually end up at the shelter with that night. At Stecoah Gap pound puppy and Coyote were just finishing lunch and heading back on the trail when I was just arriving. Squeak pot was just behind me and I saw Main hop in the back of truck to catch a ride into town. after a 15 min break squeak and I headed up Sweetwater Gap, also known as "Jacobs Ladder". What an exercise is misery this was. On the AWOL guidebook it looks innocent, unassuming. It was .6 miles of straight climbing and gaining 598 feet in elevation. I was stopping and cursing out loud. A really fun time. When I finally made it to the top an older thru hiking couple were there eating lunch and I stopped a minute to chat with them. I remember at that point I was down to about half a liter of water and still had 6.1 miles to go. I thought I'd be able to refill further down the trail but the stream at Cody gap was .2 miles off trail and all I wanted to do was arrive at that bloody Cable Gap Shelter. I came across pound puppy resting and he graciously offered me a drink from his bottle. Thanks pup. About 1.2 mi from the shelter I came across the bountiful stream at Yellow Gap and proceeded to fill my powerade bottle with much delight. Upon arriving at the site, I found 2 worthy trees, pitched my hammock and tarp, filtered my water. Ate peanut butter, corn nuts, bacon bits, grits, a pasta/rice side for dinner. Brushed my teeth. Wrote my letter to Holly and called it a night. It was close to 5:40 when I arrived and I was beat. Squeakpot, poundpuppy and 8 new faces were all there that night. Only 5 could fit in the shelter so the rest tented and I hammocked. I new it was going to rain at some point Sunday so I made sure to pitch the tarp extra close, the hammock extra tight, and I slept with my shoes to keep them dry. Didn't get very cold that night, so sleeping was pleasant, considering I had been staying in shelters since standing Indian.
Date: 2013-03-24
From: Cable gap shelter

To: Fontana Dam visitor center/ hike inn
Miles today: 6.9

I was woken up by the sound of rain against my tarp this morning maybe as early as 3 or 4. I felt the bottom end of my sleeping bag and hammock to check for any water and was relieved to find it somewhat dry! Meaning Im getting better at hanging my tarp. I laid cozy like a caterpillar in a cocoon until about 745. It's hard to move when you're comfortable and have to break it in order to face the elements. But onward and upward I went, and the rain had settled down to a light trickle. I think squeakpot was the only camper left when took off. He may still been asleep. There was a small climb early on, then the remainder was downhill. Which was challenging in trail runners. I was slip sliding my way (think of Paul Simon song) down the hill and apparently someone else ahead of me was too because I kept coming across streak marks along the muddy trail. Oh, by the way I forgot to mention the day before my foot slipped out from under me while stepping on a mossy wet rock. All of my weight plus my pack came sailing down on along with my butt. I felt like one of those carnival games where one smacks the mallot on the base and a bell dings. A banana peel may as well have been under my foot. All I could do was laugh it off. The pain went away quickly. Anyway, I made it to Fontana Dam. There I waited with dragonfly and onyx and 1 other ladyfor our shuttle to the hike Inn to arrive as we were all staying there. Jeff and Nancy, the owners of the hike inn are great folks. Really kind and hospitable. Although they only offer 4 rooms, the Inn is specifically for hikers only which is unique. After showering and doing laundry we were taken into Robbinsville where I ate Mexican food and resupplied at the local ingles. That whole day had an ominous grey sky looming overhead, which was a sign of things to come... I prepared my bag and was ready to enter the smokies the following day, however....
Date: 2013-03-25
From: Fontana Dam visitor center/ hike inn

To: Microtel, robbinsville nc
Miles today: 0.0

This morning there was no way I was entering the smokies. Snow was fAlling fast and didn't seem to be letting up any time soon. The forecast was calling for ten inches in the mountains, with 3 foot drifts. I felt bad for those who decided to push ahead into the smokies. Dragonfly, onyx and myself got rooms at the Microtel in Robbinsville to wait out the storm. I've run into Griff and 5 others who are also waiting for this to pass. We arrived early enough for the continental breakfast, so I took advantage of it while I could. No eggs!!! WTF but they did have one of those do it yourself waffle makers, so I made 2 and drank oj and chatted with Griff about updates and when we last saw each other. later on i printed some pictures from my digi cam memory card at the nearby drugstore to send out as postcards. Then strolled over to ingles and the dollar store. For lunch I ate subway. For dinner I ate a mixed veggie bag of broccoli/cauliflower/carrots with ranch dip and a bag of popcorn. The restaurant choices around here were slim for my tastes. Back at the hotel room I finally got a chance to update my trail journal and also catch up on emails.
Date: 2013-03-26
From: Microtel, robbinsville nc

To: Microtel
Miles today: 0.0

Feeling a little stir crazy being indoors, but the weather didn't look any nicer today, and I was glad to be in a hotel. Made it to the breakfast again, and saw Griff and 4 other guys. We all chatted and filled our gullets. Sat I'm my hotel room writing more journals and looking at snowpeaks website and other camping gear (it's addictive). Took a break and ran over to ingles to buy lunch: Naked supergreen juice, Amys frozen veggie pot pie and a bean burrito. Hmmm how gourmet! when I returned I had a box waiting for me from Holly which I was eagerly waiting for. Inside were some encouraging notes, probars, builder bars, protein powder, quinoa, tea, hot cocoa, dark chocolate and a birthday napkin and noise maker. Plenty prepared for the daunting, snow covered journey ahead of me. I plan to make a break for the smokies tomorrow. Weather should clear up and warm up just slightly. Hopefully enough to make some progress. The snow hasn't stopped all day. As I look out my window now it is still coming down in a flurry. The lows for the next few days will be in the 20-upper 30 degree range. I just can't stay put any longer. These hotels and wifi and town foods are nice, but they are eating into my budget. My next entry probably won't be until April 1st when I make it through the smokies and into the Standing Bear Hostel. That is my plan any way. Time for some dinner. Hmmmm decisions decisions
Date: 2013-03-27
From: Fontana dam visitor center

To: Russell field shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

It's been over a week again since my last entry, so again, let's see how well my memory does. I was nervous while in the shuttle with Jeff from the hike inn. I knew I had to break for it, as the snow was going to be stopping. He warned me of the 3 ft drifts, or hypothermia, of the importance of having dry clothes. An unfortunate hiker was found dead In a shelter earlier in January. He had hypothermia. I was trying to not worry about it. Upon my entry at the trail head I came upon a group of 5 younger thru hikers. They were fast, so I trailed behind them for the day. Most of the snow was packed and frozen, making the hiking difficult, yet slightly tolerable. My feet were still soaked but I didn't mind. On my way up I passed Mollies Ridge shelter and saw 3 hikers making a snow couch. I stopped and talked for a minute. They along with about 20 others had been holed up waiting for the snow to subside. I passed 7 or so that were heading back to Fontana because they had run out of food. Most didn't leave their sleeping bags for 1-2 days. I'm glad I waited in Robbinville. Once at Russell Field I threw on my layers and dry socks and got to business: keeping warm. There I met a really awesome couple from New Hampshire, Yardsale and Mudmouth. they thru hiked the PCT in 08 and Yardsale had hiked the AT in05. They somehow managed to start a nice fire with which we were able to dry our socks with. They were hung like stockings in front of a fireplace. Santa didn't come that night... I believe Mack was also with us that night.
Date: 2013-03-28
From: Russell field shelter

To: Silers Bald shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

My memory of this day is a bit blurry. The sun was still out but I don't think it got above freezing. Shoes were frozen when I started. Feet stayed wet and cold. Stopped for a photo on the famous Rocky Top mtn. The scenery was incredible. Mesmerizing, yet at the same time deadly. I was ill equipped for these conditions but knew I had to push through with what I had. I really did not want to stop and take too many breaks for fear of losing toes and fingers. I got into the habit of keeping my food in my cargo pockets so that I could eat while I moved at a slower pace. I do remember getting hit with melting snow globs falling from the trees. Another day of hiking through Fairy Tale weather. That night the shelter was full. I remember seeing Main again, Yardsale, mudmouth, Toast, Ray, Scraps, and 2 southbounders, Snowman and 1 other guy. Another darn cold night but kept warm in my WM bag.