morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

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

We srated out early ( 8:00 AM )to beat out the rain and hiked hard to Carter Gap Shelter. Up and over Standing Indian Mountain ( up for 2.5 then down for 2.5 miles ) then on to the shelter. Once again we were the first to arrive at 1:00 PM. 12.5 Miles in 5 hours, not bad at all. We decided to stay put and around 3 PM the rains came and came hard. Good day to stay put.The shelter filled up quickly as people poured in to get out of the rain. Glad to be dry and in a dry place. We are in the middle of a big wave of people, so we have to leave early to get a spot at the next shelter. I hate shelter racing, but we are good at it Big Brother ( John ) and Boogie are doing well.
Date: 2007-04-15
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

Ok we got lucky again. The rains stopped this morning, so we got off at 8:30 to begin the day. Today was when we go over Albert Mountain, so we didnt need any rain. Albert Mountain is 600 feet up over .3 miles, so its a straight up climb up and over big rocks, yes rocks the size of a VW Beetle. We did good and Big Brother and Boogie both had a great time and alot of fun doing Albert. It was fogged in, so no view at the top, so we didnt hang around long.The temperature starting dropping fast and we had heard of possible snow. We hurried along and got to Rock Gap Shelter by 2:30 PM. It wwas getting cold and was still early in the day, so we decided to go on to Franklin, getting off at Winding Stair Gap.We hitched a ride to the Budget Inn, but it was full, so we went to the Sapphire Inn and checked in.Warm, dry and well fed, we were again happy. Tomorrow we plan a Zero day as the wind is expected to reach as high as 45 mph and we need to go to the outfitters anyway and Big Brother and Boogie need to resupply. Since we did extra miles, then we are still on schedule, even with the zero day.
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Franklin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We are still here in Franklin letting the weather get better. Lots of people here, Baltimore Jack, The Dude, the Hobbits, and lots of others. Tonight we get to go to the AYCE Steak Place here and pig out.Tomorrow we go back out for 2 more days headed for NOC. Boognish is going to meet 2 of his friends at Wayah Bald for a few days of AT Hiking. Lets see how they do Cya on the Trail
Date: 2007-04-17
From: Franklin, TN

To: Cold Springs Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

We got to Wayah Bald by 2:00 PM and met Boogies friends, then hiked about 6 more miles to Cold Springs Shelter for a 15.8 mile day. Lots of people at the shelter and I was lucky to get a spot. Rain was predicted and of course it came. Met many new hikers as we are catching up to new groups fast.Big Brother, Bogie and Friends all tented on top of a ridge to catch the sunrise.Wayah Bald was nice as its a stone observation tower on top of a ridge and you can see the Smokies from there. There was still snow on Clingman Dome and the view was great. We passed Lick Log gap as we walked today which brought back old memories of my previous hikes. I have stayed there twice now, but not this trip.
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Cold Springs Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

Today we had a very long downhill into NOC. We had orginnaly planned to stop at Rufus Morgan Shelter but decided to go into NOC as we had made good time.Checked into the Bunk houses, got cleaned up, resupplied food and went to the Rivers End to eat. Great food at good prices.The plan was to leave after breakfast in the morning and get up that 6.9 mile mountain and break early in the day. We shall see.
Date: 2007-04-19
From: NOC

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Well it was a long pull up that mountain out of NOC, but not too bad. Boogies friends are still hanging in there, but Ryan has a bad knee problem. Nick is doing well. Rain was predicted, so we stayed put for the night with a plan to get up at 5:30 AM. get ready and hike up to Cheoah Bald to watch the sunrise.The shelter quickly filled up as our plan to watch the sunrise became known to others. Looks like a big group was going to go. Fun, Fun, Fun.Early to bed to get ready for tomorrow.
Date: 2007-04-20
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

The sunrise on top of Cheoah Bald was beautiful. We made it up on top in plenty of time and everyone was laying in the grass, leaning against their packs watching for the magic moment. Their she was, a big bright Orange globe in the sky rising from the mist. What a sight !!.Off to Stecoah Gap for lunch, then to climb the UNNAMED Mountain. Yep no name in the books, but we sure named it. It was Very Steep and Long. Everyone said it was the hardest uphill pull yet.Off to Cable Gap Shelter, putting in extra miles again to make it easier the next day to get to Fontana Dam.At Cable Gap, we saw Chris and April again, and we were surprised we had caught up with them. They carry 18 Lbs each and can Haul butt for mileage. They left later that day to try and make Fontana Dam.
Date: 2007-04-21
From: Cable gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: broken clouds

Ok 6.9 miles into Fontana and we make it in great time to the Dam. I place a call to Jeff and Nacy at the Hike INN and they come to pick us up.The Hike INN is one of the best places to stay on the whole trail. Jeff knows everything going on in the Smokies and Nancy makes you feel like you have known her for years. They wash your clothes, shuttle you into Robbinsville for some Real Food, Resupply and then back for a nice nights rest. The next day the shuttle you right back to the Dam where you left off. All you have to do is sit back and relax. Boy do I love it here. Big Brother and Boogie agree that this place is tops.Ok tomorrow we go into the GSMNP ( Great Smoky Mountain National Park )Off to sleep on a real bed with sheets, quilt, the whole nine yards. ZZZZZZZZZCya on the Trail
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Fontana Dam

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

Jeff gets us up and away by 7:15 AM for a early start into the GSMNP.Boogie discovers that his back is messed up as he tries to lift his pack up. He makes a wise decision and returns to Fontana for a another day of rest and make sure its ok. Big Brother and I head out with plans to meet back up with him at Gatlinburg or maybe Standing Bear Farm.We make great time again passing up Mollies Ridge Shelter at 11 miles, then passing Russel Field Shelter at 12.6 miles, then on to Spence field shelter at 16.4 miles, our biggest mileage day yet and thats through the Smokies. Of course it helps when you have hiked this section as many times as I have Spence Fields is one of the new improved shelters with a skylight, breakfast bar, Overhang and a nice privy. Good water source also.When we arrived we were the only ones there, of course we expected this as we were the first thruhikers coming up the trail from Fontana. However I wondered where all the section hikers were. The Trail Runner we met earlier ( Greybeard ) said the shelter was all full except for 4 spots reserved for the AT Hikers.Well abvout 6:30 all hell broke loose. A large group of High School seniors appeared out of nowhere. They were a nice group taking a week off school to hike the GSMNP. One of them, Alex was accepted into the Naval academy. A nice guy to see make it.
Date: 2007-04-23
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Ok get a good start about 9:00 AM and hiked to to Rocky Top for some great 360 Degree views. Then on to Thunderhead. Half way to Derrick Knob shelter, Big Brother fell and broke a buckle on his shoulder strap. We tied it back together until a better fix could be done.Had lunch a Derrick Knob shelter, then off to Silers Bald to stop for the night.A large group of our friends caught back up to us at Silers and stayed there also. It was nice to see everyone again. Mitch, Lucas, Lightweight, Chris and April, Joe, Gopher and Casey from Austrailia. We were hoping Boogie was just a few shelters back and within distance to catch us.
Date: 2007-04-24
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

We hiked off to clingmans Dome to the highest point on the AT. Too bad it was raining and we were hiking up in the clouds. At the Dome, the wind was blowing hard so we leave quickly and hiked down the trail to eat lunch, found a big downed tree and stopped there.Off to the side trail to Mt Collins, and in for the night. Another short day. Boogie, where are you???You see you dont know anything going on behind you and you know everything going on in front of you.Tomorrow my wife is to meet us at Newfound Gap and take us to Gatlinburg, so this is a good place to stop anywayBTW, I forgot to mention that on the way to Spence Field, my right foot started to hurt just before we got to the shelter but I thought it was just the big mileage day. Well yesterday it started to hurt again after a few miles and today it hurt right away and really bad on the downhills and stepdowns. It has me a bit worried as I dont know whats wrong.
Date: 2007-04-25
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we hiked to Newfound gap then met my wife and off to Gatlinburg. Yep my foot is still hurting.We get a room at the Grand Prix Hotel, wash up and get our clothes washed and dried. Then off to the Post Office and to Lunch.After we get back from lunch and do resupply for Big Brother we go back to the Motel to rest. Guess who calls from the front office? Boognish Rising !!!! He made it and his back is fine. Good to see him again.That evening we go to the Smokie Mountain Micro Brewery for a good meal and Beer. Everyone loved the place.Back to the motel to rest and sleep.
Date: 2007-04-26
From: Gatlinburg

To: Pecks Corner
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

My wife takes us back to Newfound Gap and Big Brother and Boognish head out. I have decided to go into town and have my foot examined while I'm close to home.I will enter mileages just like I was hiking along, because I have done the next Smokies section several times, so no harm done. Ill let you all know what the foot problem is as soon as I find out.
Date: 2007-04-27
From: Pecks Corner

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: broken clouds

Ok I went to a doctor and a have a nerve problem in the bottom of my foot. Morton Neuroma, its called. I got a Cortisone shot and advise on what to do to keep it from getting worse. I was told to not hike, but thats why I got the shot, so Im going back to the trail. I'll try to meet back up with Big Brother and Boogie on Saturday at Standing Bear Farm.Ill try to update again in Hot Springs, NC, and see how it goes. Wish me luckCya on the trail
Date: 2007-01-22
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

So it's actually happening, and March 24th is the date.This hike is real and after months of preparation, having bought the plane ticket solidifies that I am really going. This whole thing started when my friend Bryan, whom I work with at our dead end retail job, told me about his plan for the AT. Soon enough, I joined on the bandwagon and the excitement grew. Hiking the Appalachian Trail has been a life long dream of mine, one I never worried about because I knew it was going to happen, I just didn't know when.Currently, I am taking a year off of college in so that I could earn enough money to pay for both school bills as well as this hike. To my surprise, things are working out pretty darn good as far as this plan goes; since my job is selling outdoor adventure gear, I'm getting a decent discount as far as gear goes. A lot of my friends are asking, "why are you taking six months to be out in the woods?" or "why are you doing it?" The short answer is because I feel its important and something I must do in my life. Its not just connecting with nature, but its connecting with yourself, the journey on the trail as well as the journey within. Not to mention, nothing is more fun that hiking, meeting new people, and living with nothing but whats on your back for 5-6 months. I already have most of my gear now, and am finishing the planning now with Bryan, pretty much mail drops, menu, footwear and such. If I don't have my daily freak out about maildrops or footwear, its having a daily freak out about shelters. More or less I've come to an understanding that I will be fine with whatever choices I go with, and if it doesn't work out perfectly, I can either deal or swap it out.Enough for today, Ill be blunt with my conclusion. I am wicked excited for this! And Im freakin pumped that its only two months away!
Date: 2007-02-14
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Well it¢s been a real long time since my last entry, what have I been up to? Thinking I should probably make another entry on trailjournals, ha! I finally decided that my excitement for being able to share this experience with anyone who comes on here should outweigh my nervousness which has been consuming my life. Plane leaves in three days, and I¢m still doing laundry.I have been trying to figure out how one prepares oneself for the AT. Physically, I mean, it is almost 2200 miles worth of hiking, and as someone trying to maintain both a job and modest social life, being able to train with smaller hikes can prove to be quite a challenge. However, I put this hike before everything, make sacrifices and find the time to have some fun in the outdoors¢¦ I mean ¢pre-hike¢. That¢s what being excited, nope that¢s not the word, that¢s what being AMPED to hike the AT will do to you; you find yourself choosing reading gear reviews or scouring over your gear instead of your old pastimes. An AT obsession takes over your life, watch out¢¦ you¢ll love it. I have been able to fit in about eight to ten half day hikes over the past two months, with everything from trail running and snowshoeing, depending on what New England dishes out to me. I¢ll be blunt, I could be in better shape for this hike, but I could be in worse shape too. I¢m a faster paced hiker, with strong legs; I know how to take care of myself on the trail. Never having a problem stacking up the miles, I¢m not worried about fatigue or issues as a result of my physical shape. How do I feel I am prepared mentally? I am as prepared as my mind will allow me. I always seem to convince myself I should be nervous, thus making myself nervous, so well, I¢m nervous. Here¢s the weird thing though, I¢m not nervous about hiking the trail, or being 2000 miles from home, or surviving with only what on my back¢¦ That¢s what I¢m looking forward to! I¢m nervous about my mind being an imp, because it always seems like its working against me lately. Its not a huge problem, but when I¢m totally comfortable in a situation, I begin thinking ¢wow, I¢m not worried at all, I feel confident¢ triggering my mind to be like, ¢are you sure?¢ Its so frustrating! I think what it is though, is me coming to terms with who I¢ve matured into; my teenage mind coping with the fact that its on the way out.Five months of clear thinking and fresh air, three days away. Just what I need; some peace and tranquility doing my favorite things in the world: being outside. Hiking. Camping. Filtering water. Cooking on a beer can. Do I have enough food? Rain. Sun. Grass. Tree. Trail. People. Life.Go Hug a Tree
Date: 2007-03-25
From: Springer Mountain, GA

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

ITS ON! We rolled into the forest station about .9mi from Springer, after about an hour drive up the windiest unpaved mountain roads. So unclearly m arked, that we couldnt help but make a few wrong turns. Loaded that pack on my back, and sobo-ed up to the peak. In all honesty, not a very impressive mountain, but the significance of it made up for all. So back home its mid 30s, it was hitting between 85 and 90, humid as heck. Not expecting this, I hiked to the top with my pants on, zipped those off as soon as i got there. After a few ceremonial pictures, we headed down and on the trail, I could feel the sun beginning to take me over. I was expecting cooler weather, so I was withouth sunblock and bug dope. I wasnt sure what to expect of GA itself, but its tree size Rodadentrens lining the trail. Didnt run into anyone until we hit Hawk Mt shelter, about 25 ppl, and a full shelter. We set up our tarp, cooked dinner and just about called it a night. I had a lot of trouble falling asleep, i underestimated my need for a more supportive pillow; ibuprofen remedied that within ten minutes. Really excited to get rolling tomorrow and hit the trail, aiming for Gooch.Go Hug a Tree
Date: 2007-03-26
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Justus Creek
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We cut it short today, Crazy horse passed on the word that Gooch Shelter was home to about 55 hikers, so when we came upon the creek, with no water sources for the last 6 miles, it was hard to say no. Met our first few hikers there. Ron and Kelly, a couple hiking from NC, Paloma outa OH, and Rob, just a really chill guy that reminds you of a mix between that cool summer camp counsellor and the older brother. Crazy horse was full of trail storeis, hes hiked it 5 times, and is now limited to section hiking due to cardo disease. The fellowship of the trail started to seem real, where you meet people, share your stories and gripes and loves of hiking the AT. We had our first fire as well, I wish we had lit it more ceremonially, but alas a flick of the bic was all it took. I am sooooooo sun burntMy arms and face are pretty red, ive been soaked bandanas in the creek and wrapping my arms in order to keep cool. Its working OK but I wish i had something for it. So 85 degrees out, im still carrying my down jacket, but more than anything, its the most comfortable pillow Ive ever used and wwill carry it the whole trip even if just for that reason.Sleeping under the tarp is an adjustment to make. Those bump in the night sounds seem a lot closer when you have no walls. The moon lights up most up the tarp, but its still eerie to hear the owls, birds, bats and rodents scurrying feet from your head. Dont wish I was in a bed, this is what I love, and couldnt imagine being anywhere else.Go Hug a Tree
Date: 2007-03-27
From: Justus Creek

To: Slaughter Creek Campsite
Miles today: 13.7

HUGE day for us today, it was hot, it was muggy, but with the help of a few powerbars, and strategic breaks, we made good. Its really starting to feel like hiking the AT now, even though I had no idea what to expect. Long ups, long downs and long flats. Stopped at a stream for dinner, met Day walker, an interesting guy with a interesting story. Seems like life delt him a crappy hand, but hes making the most of it and using the trail to redirect his life. I wish the best to him.When i first starting hiking, i guess i though the trail was going to be some mystical creature full of strange times, but now im realizing its 5 months of hiking camping sleeping, which is awesome, but I cant wait to meet people, which from what everyone says is what its all about. Havnt really run into too many people yet, which is really disappointing, its just the luck of the draw though that we're a few days behind a huge group and a few days ahead of the next wave. Planning some town trips to run into people and catch up with a group. Night hiking. Real Cool. Pushed on about 4 miles in 2 hours in the dark to get to the campsite, hoping not to wake anyone up, we took the closest site to the trail, the tyvek still got Rob up though as he scurried to grab a snickers from his bearbag. The Gnats are rough, if you stop walking for 5 min, theyre all over you, best thing you can do is cozy up in your bag and pull the drawstrings tight.Go Hug a Tree.Peace
Date: 2007-03-28
From: Slaughter Creek Campsite

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: broken clouds

Neels Gap, for me at least, this feels like a huge landmark, its the place that everyone talks about, and where many people get off. We have a blast! Laundry, shower, burger, gatorade. Used the inversion table, basically you get strapped in and turned upside down to decompress your back, felt great.Came down off Blood Mountain today, wasnt too hard going up, the comedown was quite strenuous though, we sang muppet songs the whole time... Key Largo, Fontego, baby why dont we go to.... ooooo man, too funnyI was able to get some Burts wax for my arms, they feel better already. Set up the tarp behind the Yi center and gathered wood for a fire, Great way to end such a momentous day. Relaxing, great for planning and hearing other peoples plans too, getting up earlier each day, so for two night owls like us, itll only be probally about 2 weeks where we are up every day with the sun... and actually get up too...oops Peace
Date: 2007-03-29
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

Our first shelter!Its been a combo of not timing getting to shelters right, them being full, and not really wanting to stay in one yet, but it was cold and we wanted someplace good. Got to the shelter around 5, three older guys were there, almost ready to go to sleep! Got some grub in us, and gathered wood for a fire. It had been drizzling all day and nothing was dry, but after about 10 min of trying, we got a good blaze going.I didnt sleep well, in fact I slept horribly, couldnt stay warm, couldnt stay asleep. Ill have to try something new tomorrow, whether its using the liner, or sleeping with socks. Still high spirits though, and keeping positive is working for me.Peace
Date: 2007-03-30
From: Low Rock Gap Shelter

To: Helen, GA
Miles today: 9.4

Helen... what a screwy town.Hitched in with Peter, got a ride in from a nice southern man. Rolled into town, and wow... off the trail 10 miles and its an Alpine themed tourist town.Hard to describe, pictures are the only thing thatll do it justive, google it, Helen, GANice to get a warm meal and hot shower, now its just worrying about how to get back on the trail tomorrow.eek
Date: 2007-03-31
From: Helen, GA

To: Tray Gap
Miles today: 3.8

Just not having good luck with weather and trying to time where we will end up, not to mention we camped on a cliff and saw that huge storm system from Texas come in at full force! The cluds are black and winds are strong, we pitched the tarp to accomidate, but even that was ppushing it.It poured all night... But I stayed dry!Got our first trail magic from the troup 605 scouts, some burgers dogs and gatorade at the trail head. Soooo good, after eating ramen and lipton for a week, it was nice to get something greazy in ya.My biggest problem is just not being able to get enough calories in me. Burning 6000, barely taking in 1600, but when i go to eat, i simply cant get enough in me. I mean im hungry, but when i eat it, i fill up way too fast, then after starting to hike again, I feel tired, just as if I dont have enough energy. Im starting to carry some powerbars on me, hopefully they will do the trick.Peace
Date: 2007-04-01
From: Tray Gap

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

SOAKED TO THE BONE!Didnt stop raining all day, poured and poured, windy non stop. When youre hiking on the ridge, the weather is relentless. So foggy, you cant see 15 feet in front of you. After you get soaked though, you cant get any wetter, so you just push on, keep moving to stay warm, thats whats so great about wool, itll keep you warm even when youre wet. Wasnt planning on coming into town, but being so wet and at Dicks Creek, We decided to come in both to dry off, but also knowing its a big trail town, to meet hikers and let that group behind us catch up. IT worked, we met so many new people and are having a blast.My 60 min on the computer are up, so unfortunately I cant keep going, Franklin, NC in a few adays, So i can continue my tale then, hope everyones healthy and happy! I sure amPeace