morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-03-03
From: Whitley Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Long day of hiking today, but the weather was perfect. Had to hike 1 to 2 miles just to return to the AT. Nice easy graded trail for most of the day until we hit the rocks. They were slick with moss and PO took quite a tumble. He bounced back up and continued on and fortunately didn't do any damage to the coffee container. Bearbag Hanger headed into Helen tonight. Here in the shelter is James, Kinlock, Lapoka, Dennis,PO and Jack. Nice shelter and it was a welcome sight for us tired old folks. we built a nice fire and enjoyed each others company. I will miss these guys when they leave the trail. James was hiking with Sarah, whom he connected with on the internet. She went on today to Tray Mtn. Shelter leaving him with poles and no tent, no matches,or cigarette lighter. He's screwed. I'm happy to be fully self contained. It is now 9pm and tomorrow is going to be a rough day. These guys have to make about 20 miles in the next 2 days with Rocky Mtn. and Tray Mtn. early tomorrow. It will be a real workout for me and I'm used to such. They will be hurting. Time for rest. See Ya. LWOP
Date: 2004-03-04
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Addis Gap Campground
Miles today: 13.0

Up and out of the bags early today because we have a long day planned. Not a good nights sleep with Dennis snoring and PO with his garlic salami farts all night. Happy to get out of the shelter. Had two major climbs- Rocky Mtn. 1000ft in one mile and then Tray Mtn. 1500ft in a couple of miles. The plan was to make it a 13 mile day so we can get to Dicks Creek Gap early enough to hit the Hiawassee post office and then have a big lunch together. I will be saying goodbye to PO, Dennis and my brother-in-law Jack when they drop me off. I will miss them as we had a lot of fun this week. Lots of laughs and these guys were real troopers. I'm usually tough to keep up with ( tough to put up with too ) but they were right there all week. I did hear grumblings about a death march or something to that effect. Thru-hikers always have that keep moving attitude. Maine ain't gonna walk to me. So I have to keep walking. I have done 61.5 trail miles to date. Not a bad start. I may reward myself with a zero day in Hiawassee this weekend. Anyway, the views today from Rocky and Tray Mtns. were impressive. It is possible to drive within about one mile from the summit of Tray Mtn. and hike the rest. It is well worth the effort. Looking north and east you can see massive mountains- all of which I'll be climbing over the next few weeks. Looking south and west you see the many mountains I've climbed already. It is an eyeopener and an impressive feat. I was suffering today from some minor stomach discomfort. Not uncommon out here. A day of rest might help. It will be nice to feel clean again with clean clothes. I also want to get some wholsome food into my stomach. Ok, and to sleep in a bed. I'm ready for a break. With a little luck the weather will hold out. It has been nice. Going up Rocky Mtn. was hot and sweaty. On top of Tray Mtn. it was windy and cold. Never know from minute to minute. I'm tired now, so goodnight. LWOPThe last 6 entries for LWOP'S journal was done by BJC.
Date: 2004-03-05
From: Addis Gap Campground

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: overcast clouds

We were up early and I had my last cup of coffee with the men. Started with a brutal climb of 1000 feet up Kellys Knob. We were pushing to make it to Hiawassee before the rain as the sky was threatening the whole way. I stayed back with the others to enjoy the last bit of comraderee as today is the last day of hiking for PO, Dennis and Jack. I will miss them when I hit the trail tomorrow. Anyway, we made it to Hiawassee where I checked in with the post office. I received a note from Willie Howard (of the Palm Beach Post) along with the full page color article about my hike. I enjoyed it tremendously. A nice balance of facts, figures, and humor. Should create some additional interest in hiking, and mentions the FTA. Next I checked into the Mulls Motel and got my own room for $45.00 with a king size bed. Ate at Daniels Steakhouse-hugh buffet for $5.95. I put a dent into their budget I'm sure. Laundry, food shopping, cleaned and repacked gear, phone calls, and I'm now exhausted. I also mailed some of these sloppy scriblings to Bonnie with the hope that she will be able to read them and put some info on the internet. Not an easy task. I can't read them myself.Many things to be thankful for on this trip: 1) Great companions 2) decent weather, 3) A hot shower and clean clothes, 4) A.Y.C.E. buffet, 5) beautiful No Georgia Mtns, 6) GATC whose hard work keeps the trail in grat shape, 7) A full belly and soft pillow.Goodnight. LWOP
Date: 2004-03-06
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up about 6am to see it pouring down rain. Considering I had a king size bed to myself I really didn't sleep very well. I could use a few more hours of shut eye, but we had arranged for a 8am shuttle back to the trail. It was tempting to stay another day as Lapoka and Kinlock are doing. Bearbag Hanger knocked on the door around 7am and we headed off for a very hearty breakfast. Got back to the motel just as the shuttle arrived. I must add that the locals I met were especially friendly and treated us hikers with a great deal of respect. I hope future hikers continue to earn the same. We hit the trail in the rain about 8:30 and started to climb. I got so hot in my rain gear, I removed it. I would rather be wet with clean water than stinky sweat. Shortly after the rain stopped, the wind started to blow gusts I would guess at about 40 mph. I was nervous that a tree would blow down on me. The temps were dropping and a definate chill had arrived. When you were climbing on the lee side of the mountain you became saturated in sweat. You would start your descent and freeze when the wind hit you full force. Shortly before 2pm I crossed the Ga./ N.C. border. One state down, 13 to go. I had my lunch at Bly Gap near the famous old oak tree - bundled up because it was so cold and windy. The AT in N.C. welcomes you with a very steep, staight up, eroded, strenuous section of trail. Part of this section was almost impassable because of the blow downs and low branches(looked like a bad recent storm). Fortunately I was rewarded with some of the best views to date. I took every blue blaze trail to every view. One was so fantastic I sat there for almost an hour. Earlier I had met some younger hikers who were talking about pulling a 20 mile day tomorrow. They bypassed all the views - some only yards off the trail. What a waste of their energy and time. Oh well, they will learn eventually. I'm enjoying my pace and am very happy with my hike so far. I felt good after eating so well in town and am working on eating well on the trail. I am meeting with the nicest people out here. Had a chat with Sam who did some volunteer work with the ATC. Shared some stories about the FTA and AT with her. Bearbag Hanger came in just before dark. Moving rather slow up these tough grades. Well the temps tonight will probably go below freezing here at 4600 feet. I am getting cold and having trouble writing- besides, this is getting too long. Goodnight. LWOPHappy about: 1) clearing skies 2) good companionship, 3) a very warm sleeping bag, 4) being on the trail with enough time to really enjoy it.
Date: 2004-03-07
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

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

Finally got my ass moving about 9am. Beautiul sunny skies and cool weather. Started with an easy 1200 ft climb up Standing Indian Mtn. Could not find the trail to the view - very disappointing. I made decent time and arrived at 4pm. Thought about moving on but was advised that it may snow tonight. I made beef stroganoff and added fresh garlic and 4oz. of tuna. Not too bad, and healthy I'm sure. I hiked most of the day with Gapper from Michigan. Bearbag Hanger got here a few hours after me. The shelter was full so he used his hammock. Temp dropped very fast and it started to rain. I am so glad I decided to stay at the shelter. Tomorrow I will pass the 100 mile mark. It may be passed in the snow. Right now my hands are too cold to write. This is a very nice new shelter. It only sleeps 6 and some of the crowd that startd on March 1 are catching up to me. Got to go and get warm. LWOPLast three entries were made by BJC.
Date: 2004-03-08
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Wallace Gap/Rainbow Spr. Campground
Miles today: 12.8

The night at Carter Gap Shelter is one to remember. I found out later that the winds topped out at 78mph. During the night snow was blowing in from the rafters and landing in my face. I had to sleep on my side with the bag over my head. I didn't sleep too well since the wind was so loud. We all broke camp early and skipped breakfast. It was way to cold to stand around, so we packed up and hit the trail running. The ground that until yesterday was so soft to hike on was now frozen to cement like hardness. All over the trail were these 2"-3" ice crystals protruding from the mud. When the sunlight hit them just right the effect was indescribable - very beautiful. I hated to step on them. Anyway, I practically ran down to Moony Gap where I stopped to prepare breakfast. A short while later a USFS employee pulled up in his pick-up and asked if we faired ok with the storm that hit last night. Seems the forest service was concerned about us hikers being caught unprepared for such a violent change in weather. The temp dropped about 30 degrees in a couple of hours. I think I was the best prepared out of the group with my minus five degree bag. I still haven't used half of my warm clothes. I'm saving them for the Smokies. After Moony Gap I started the climb up Albert Mtn. The climb is probably the steepest I've ever done on the AT. Some hand over hand climbing. Took some careful planning to negotiate especally with ice on some of the rocks. Thankfully there was only a very light dusting of snow from last night. I made it to the top and climbed the tower for about two minutes. On the stairs to the tower you had to hold on for your life to not be blown away. I was at the top with Gene from Chattanooga, Tn. and Gapper from Michigan. The plan was to hustle to Rainbow Springs campground and get a hot shower to warm up. We got there just in time to see a ditch witch cut the main water and electric line. No water/ no shower - only a towel and bar of soap. Oh well, shit happens. Besides, I had a shower only 3 days ago. Gene pulled up with his car to bring Gapper and I to Franklin, N.C. for dinner. We had an excellent mexican meal at Garabaldi's and then headed back to the campground. Still no hot water. Maybe by morning. Bearbag Hanger came in about the time we returned from Franklin. He seems to be having a difficult time of it. He will head into Franklin tomorrow for some rest while I plan to push on. I was feeling great today and am pleased to have passed the 100 mile mark on my hike. If I do that 21 more times I'll be at Katahdin. Anyway, it is past my bed time and I want to get some sleep. Goodnight. LWOPHappy about: beautiful blue sky all day. Sad about: bad ditch witch. Yea! 9:15, someone just announced we have running hot water. I took a twenty minute shower and feel human again. No more stinky pits. Goodnight. LWOPBJC
Date: 2004-03-09
From: Wallace Gap/Rainbow Spr. Campground

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Late start out of Rainbow Springs Campground, waiting for shuttle. Sat for a while chatting with Cornbread who is working the new outfitter there. I replaced the filter cartridge so that should be ok for a while. Bearbag Hanger headed into Franklin for a zero day, while I hit the trail in spite of the prediction for snow. It started shortly after I hit the trail. At Winding Stair Gap I was offered a ride into town and was warned the weather may turn bad. I delined and headed up the mountain, when I reached Siler Bald the clouds opened up on me. I turned back and headed to the Siler Bald Shelter I had passed about a mile back. The next shelter is over 12 miles and I couldn't get there before dark. Don't want to spend the night in my tent either, so this was the best option. It is strange sitting in the shelter alone all afternoon but the view of the woods with all the fresh snow is beautiful. A couple of birds are visiting looking for scraps from sloppy hikers. Maybe it's my imagination but they seem to enjoy the snow. It should be both fun and challenging hiking tomorrow. If it keeps up like this it may be rough trying to make 12+ miles. I've never set up a tent in the snow before. Many hikers have left the trail - knees, feet, hips, a whole assortment of reasons. I am still going strong - physically and mentally although I prefer to have some company out here. It is so cold and damp it is very difficult to write. My poor wife has to transcribe this for the journal. I can hardly read it myself. Someday, try to write on a little pad while wearing ski gloves with numb fingers. It's challenging. A gust of wind just blew snow into the shelter. I would guess the temp to be about 25 degrees. I plan to take a couple of days off at Fontana. I haven't taken a zero day yet and I'm sure I could use the rest. Fontana is the last resupply prior to entering the Smokies. Well I'm getting chilly so I'd better say goodnight. LWOPBJC
Date: 2004-03-10
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

I hit the trail about 8am - well actually I missed the trail. The blue blaze trail I took to the shelter was covered with snow as were the blazes themselves. I walked about a half mile downhill before I realized something was not right. I climbed back up the mountain and started brushing snow off the trees. Yep, I found the blue blazes and was on my way. It took over an hour to get back to where I turned around yesterday. The snow varied from about 4-6 inches and made forward progress very slow and strenuous. I also lost a lot of time stopping to take pictures. I don't see snow very often and I hope to not see too much more. It makes things pretty tough. I got to the top of Wayah Bald and ran into two guys from Atlanta. They were heading south and stopped for lunch and offered me a peanutbutter and jelly sandwich. I don't think I've ever enjoyed pb and j more - it hit the spot. The hike down was a delight except at the lower elevations the snow was replaced with mud and was very slick. Large chunks of snow were falling from the trees and were always aiming for the bullseye between my head and the backpack. I arrived at Cold Spring Shelter at about 3pm and was greeted by Jim from N.H. Later, Pez came in and setup for the night. It is nice having company after being alone on Siler Bald. It is still so unbelievably damp and cold. I write a few lines and have to put my hands back into the sleeping bag. Too cold. Feet were damp all day. I have to reseal my boots. Tomorrow I have about 12 miles to the NOC where I can get a hot shower, a long hot shower. I plan to stay in Fontana Sunday and Monday night. I will rest, warm up, and eat a few cows. It is 6pm and I am almost ready to go to sleep. Walking 12 miles in the snow with 2500 feet of climbing takes a lot out of you. I am looking forward to spring. I keep flashing back to the hot tub on the porch back in Florida. Who's idea was this? I'm only kidding. I am still enjoying myself. If this were easy I wouldn't be here. It would be to crowded. And by the way the crowds are dwindling. Many have left for good. It isn't an easy task. Goodnight. LWOP
Date: 2004-03-11
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Wesser, N.C. ( NOC )
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

Got up early, had a quick breakfast and was on my way at 7:30. Temps were still way below freezing as there was more ice than liquid in my water bottles. I watched Pez spend about 15 minutes per boot trying to get his frozen solid boots on his feet. I had opened mine all the way before I went to sleep. It didn't feel good putting them on but it did provide some incentive to start hiking real quick. Nothing like sitting your bare butt on a twenty degree toilet seat to get you going in the morning - in more ways than one. Anyway, in spite of the frigid cold, it looked like one of those perfect winter days to out hiking. Clear skies, 10-15mph winds, temps around 25 degrees. This days hike proved to be one of the most physically demanding and most rewarding. After dropping about 1000 feet to Telico Gap, you climb about 800 feet to Wesser Bald. On top of Wesser Bald is an old fire tower which has been remodeled and converted to an observation deck. In my opinion, this deck has perhaps the best view the southern half of the AT has to offer. 360 degrees of spectacular snow covered peaks. Mountains in every direction as far as the eye can see. Over the next five miles the trail drops about 3000 feet (not counting the many ups and downs thrown in) some of which are rock climbs covered in snow and ice. The damage this stretch of trail causes to knees and feet ends many attempted thru-hikes. And many spend the next few days limping and in pain. On the way down you pass "The jumpup" with another fantastic view. How it got it's name I do not know. But with all the ice on the rocks, it should be changed to either "oh shit" or "the fall down". The first because that was my first thought when I saw the icy rock I had to climb down. Well I made it to the NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) around 2pm and checked into the hostel. $15.00 for a bunk and hot shower. Outfitter for resupply and $1.50 for laundry. Even though all the restaurants were closed for the season, there was a sign posted that they will be serving breakfast and dinner to thru-hikers with a limited menu. Well Jim, Pez and I all had a hugh cheeseburger, fries and blueberry pie. It was delightful. Later Wildcat, Captain Hook and Darma checked in. Darma and Captain Hook showed me their pocket mail devices and I was so impressed I ordered one to be shipped to Hot Springs. This will make life so much easier for the poor woman at home who has been trying to read my chicken scratch and turn them into a readable journal. Wildcat and Darma are doing a zero day tomorrow. And Jim and Pez are heading out early. I got Captain Hook to consider a late start and an 8 mile day to see the sunset and sunrise on Cheoah Bald. 8 miles sounds wimpy, but it is all uphill. I'm just hoping for a nice day weather wise. Well, it is past my bed time, so goodnight. LWOPBJC
Date: 2004-03-12
From: Wesser, N.C. ( NOC )

To: Cheoah Bald
Miles today: 8.2

Jim left around 5:30am as did Pez. My plans called for an 8 mile hike and sleep out on Cheoah Bald. It is above 5000 feet and offers one of the best sunrise/sunsets on the AT. Since the weather called for blue skies it offered an opportunity I didn't want to miss. I met Wildcat and Darma for breakfast and we were later joined by Betty, Jason, Mule and a couple others. I departed the NOC at about 10am and immediately started climbing, and climbing, and climbing. For 8 miles I climbed. I really didn't remember this as being so difficult last time. I guess I'm getting older. I arrived at Cheoah Bald about 3pm and started to set up my tent. Captain Hook from ohio arrived shortly afterward and we both enjoyed the beauty of this place. After dinner we headed over to watch the sunset on the very windy side of the bald. I needed all my warm gear and still had to retreat back to my sleeping bag. The temps here have to be at least 20 degrees colder than at the NOC 3300 feet below. In spite of the all day sunshine, there is still plenty of snow above 3500 feet. Looking west and north at the Smokies you can see a lot of white. Well, the sunset was beautiful in spite of the frigid temps and wind. I will by very cozy in my polartec 200 pants and down bag. I received about 5 text messages and was very pleased to hear that friends are thinking about me back home. I am looking forward to getting the pocket mail device and being able to email again. Hook just said the sunset got better after I left. But I just couldn't take the cold anymore. I'm just a Florida wimp - and 30 degrees with 20mph winds don't cut it with me. Maybe I'll catch the sunrise on the not so windy side of the bald. I heard that Bearbag Hanger is only about half a day behind me. He will probably catch up when I hang out in Fontana. My fingers are getting numb so I've got to crawl down into my bag. Todays climb is the toughest I've done on the AT so I should sleep well. Goodnight all. LWOPBJC
Date: 2004-03-13
From: Cheoah Bald

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, I wanted to stay at the Hilton ( Fontana Hilton Shelter that is ) so I headed off of Cheoah Bald right after the beautiful sunrise. I was packed and hiking by 7:15. Most of my water and gatorade were frozen when I took off. It is amazing how much colder it is at 5000 feet then at Wesser or Fontana. Captain Hook put his gloves on his feet they were so cold. I was ok, but I'm glad it didn't get much colder. Anyway, I hit the trail early and stopped at Stecoah Gap for breakfast. They have picnic tables and at 3165 feet it was alot warmer. I ate 4 servings of oatmeal and 2 cups of coffee. I quickly repacked andgot moving. One of the reasons I'm behind my mail drop schedule is because I didn't account for the shorter days this time of year. I will avoid hiking at night- a sure way to injure yourself. So I pushed out of Stecoah and was greeted by some brutal climbs. Staight up, straight down. The feet were definately burning all day. Earlier in my hike I told PO it was a goal of mine to try and not take a fall until I at least reach the Smokies. Well, I didn't make it. After surviving snow and ice and the rocks last week today the mud got me. My right foot slid left which sent my left foot too close to the edge of the trail. The edge caved in and slid down the side of the mountain taking my left leg with it. I landed on my right side in the mud. Yep, I was covered in mud. After getting up and squeezing the mud from between my fingers I took a quick inventory and everything was still in working order. The only damage was to my ego. This will not be my last fall no doubt. They should all have such a soft landing. The climb down to Fontana was a bitch. It's no wonder why half attempted thru-hikes are ended by this point. I couldn't blame anyone. The last mile to the shelter is the worst section of the AT I have ever hiked. Blow downs, dead trees, ugly ugly trail. It should be closed to hikers until some work is done on it. I arrived at the shelter and was advised by Slowpoke that nothing is open at Fontana. You can get a room, but no supplys and no place to eat. I was hoping to rest up and eat well for a few days. Captain Hook and I may opt to share a room at the Hike Inn which includes a ride into town for resupply and eating. I'll still spend Monday night at Fontana, because of my mail drops. The Fontana Hilton is one of the nicest shelters and that is why I hiked over 20.6 miles in tough terrain. I'm about as tired as I've ever been. My feet are yelling at me. My hips are sore. I will enjoy the two days of rest here. In spite of the minor discomforts, I'm feeling good about my hike. Still having alot of fun. Not many others out here with me, Captain Hook and myself the only thru-hikers I've seen all day. Anyway, my body says time to shut down for a while. Goodnight. LWOPBJC