morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-15
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: few clouds

Short miles, but long day. Met Bethie BaseCamp at the Mohican Outdoor Center. It was great to see her. We said hellos to the full house of hikers and then she took me into town for some pizza. Really, really good pizza. And, of course, lots of laughs. We also brought back some tubs of ice cream for everyone at the Center to share some yummy goodness. It's amazing how much ya crave foods while you're hiking long distances. For me, apparently, I crave ice cream, watermelon and green veggies. But for other folks, the list usually includes sodas and chocolate.
Date: 2005-06-16
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Rt. 206
Miles today: 17.9

When you're thru-hiking you wake up really early. For me, it's usually around 5 or 5:30 - when the sun comes up-ish. Bethie BaseCamp was having no part of the early-ness, so we decided to let her continue to sleep at the Center and meet for a roadside lunch and say our good-byes then. It's always hard to say good-bye to folks that come see me. Especially when I don't exactly know when I'll see them again - maybe September? But some extra hugs and a mystery card stashed in my pack helped. Approximately 200 yards from the shelter I planned to stay at, the skies opened up that afternoon. I made it to the shelter relatively dry, but it was pretty early in the day. And then there were mosquitos. Oh boy - they were vicious. So I left and kept hiking. There was some more rain and leftover rain on the trees. By the time I got 4 miles down the trail to Rt. 206, I was pretty much soaked, tired and hungry.Luckily, Skeeterfeeder (a fellow hiker) was waiting by the side of the trail and the road for me. He said he figured I would be along eventually. So he showed me where everyone ate dinner and then a whole bunch of us got hotel rooms at a local hotel where we blissfully dried out.
Date: 2005-06-17
From: Rt. 206

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Hiked up to the Culver fire tower in the morning with Skeeterfeeder, Raz and Foxy (the dog). The view was breath-taking. Northwestern New Jersey was more beautiful than I ever expected. This particular view made me take back every bad thing I've said about New Jersey. Ever. It was just that great!After finding out the concession stand at High Point State park was closed, I was feeling kind of down in the afternoon. I had been craving a concession stand cheeseburger for maybe 3 days.... and then the thunder started to roll in. So another mad dash to the shelter was in quick order, but Skeeterfeeder and I made it in safely and dry!
Date: 2005-06-18
From: High Point Shelter

To: Glenwood, NJ & My Uncle's Place
Miles today: 15.1

I'm a little disappointed. There wasn't a bear hunt in New Jersey last year, so there are supposedly lots of bear around. There are signs everywhere about bear activity. Other hikers have been seeing a couple a day. Me? Nothing. Zip. There are about 1,500 bears north of I-80 in NJ, which is not a very large space, and can I see any of them? Nope.
Date: 2005-06-19
From: Glenwood, NJ & My Uncle's Place

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

Met up with my Uncle Vaughn last night. We ate food and talked trail for a while. It was great to catch up with him and his family! We all walked down the trail for a ways together, which was boardwalk this morning. It was really cool. According to the Appalachian Trail Conference, the boardwalk construction through this section of NJ is the largest construction project the ATC has ever done. It's probably a couple miles long and did away with a lot of road walking.
Date: 2005-06-21
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: broken clouds

I've been hiking with Skeeterfeeder for a little while now. It's been fun. We stopped this afternoon at Island Pond, NY and took a swim (that's why we're smiling so big in the picture - we're relatively clean!) We talked with some fishermen that were there while we swam and learned that the only access to the area is by hiking in or you need a key to unlock the gated road. How does one get a key you ask? You basically have to be at the right place at the right time. One applies for a key between March 15 and March 30 and you need a boat registration and a fishing license. After we swam we went through an area called the "Lemon-Squeezer" which is an area with huge boulders that you basically have to squeeze through. We had to take out packs off and think skinny thoughts, but we made it. After getting our lemons squeezed, it was a relatively short hike to the shelter.
Date: 2005-07-13
From: Just to keep ya in the loop...

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hey Everyone - Hope all is well with you guys. It's been so much fun keeping everyone up to date with the trail stories, but this will probably be the last one for a while. I had to stop hiking at Bear Mountain, NY.... here's the short version of the story....I was reallllly tired hiking into Bear Mtn. I just couldn't shake it, so I decided to take some time off to sleep. Then my body started to hurt. I thought it was just a month of hiking that made me so tired, but then I woke up one morning and my smile was a little off. Long story short... I have lyme disease. I developed bi-lateral facial palsy (which means I lost control of the muscles on both sides of my face), I couldn't close my eyes, I lost feeling in most of my right hand, I lost my sense of taste. I spent last weekend in the Fairfax County hospital where they pumped me full of antibiotics and poked at me most of the time. I'm at my parent's house now recovering and taking lots of meds. I've got a PICC (peripherallly inserted central cathider) line in my arm that I'm using to give myself IV antibiotics every day - I'll need to keep that up for 4 weeks. I'm spending a lot of time resting. It's all starting to sink in. One minute I'm hiking the AT like I always dreamed of and the next... well, let's just say I'm trying to get used to the idea of not hiking. I miss it. I really do. I don't know what the rest of the summer holds, but I'm not going to try to figure that out yet.I won't be keeping this trail journal anymore, but please feel free to get in touch with me at audie131@yahoo.com - it would be great to hear from folks.
Date: 2005-01-01
From: Approach Trail

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

Left the Lodge this morning at 7:30 a.m., arrived Springer Mt. Shelter 3pm. Saw day hikers. Saw Heide yesterday near the falls. There was a New Year's Eve party at this shelter last night. I spent an un-party, peaceful night at the Amicolola Lodge. It was a warm, dry day. Hiked in a short-sleeved T-shirt. Four people came in after dark to ponder their 2003 thru hike.
Date: 2005-01-03
To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Someone left a large, white compactor trash bag half way up the bear cables. It's not trash. The bag contains food. Saw one day hiker today. Since I've already done this trail, I thought I'd be able to do it faster this time. Not so. Apparently age is a factor, too.
Date: 2005-01-04
To: Miller Gap
Miles today: 7.0

This is my first night ever sleeping out under the stars in a bivy sack. Let's hope it doesn't rain. Wanted to get to Wood's Hole, but called it a day here at 2pm, as that would have been about two more hours, at least. Summer weather again. I remember this campsite; remember waiting for the bears to come down the mountain while I'm cooking my dinner. Dinner is CAMPFOOD; freeze dried Wild West Beans and Chili. Very good, if you soak the whole thing about an hour.
Date: 2005-01-06
To: zero day
Miles today: 0.0

Was all packed up and ready to go, except had to get snacks at the store, which would mean a late start. Then, as I was leaving, it began pouring rain. Late start, rain, equals a zero day. Also hiking in to Neels Gap today were No Ajenda, Andy and Jaws. Stephanie, a day hiker, is here, too.
Date: 2005-01-07
From: Neel's Gap

To: Whitley Gap
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: overcast clouds

According to Winton at Neel's Gap it is an easy 10 miles to Low Gap. EVERYBODY is going there. I'm not sure I can make 10 miles already. By the time I hit the Whitley Gap Shelter cut off, my energy had run out, and it was another five miles to Low Gap. Weather was cloudy and cool. Forty two degrees this morning at Neel's Gap. No one is here. It seems to take forever to get here on a blue-blazed trail, but the shelter is dry, in a flat area, and has a gushing piped spring. I hear there are five thru hikers ahead.
Date: 2005-01-08
From: Whitley Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Last Night at Whitley Gap Shelter I slept well, warm, and dry while it poured rain. In the morning on the way out, I saw a dry spot on the side of the trail where someone had obviously camped; only a short distance from the shelter. At Hog pen Gap, I met the hiker who had given up making it to Whitley Gap Shelter, because, he said, he thought this must be some cruel joke, and it was nearly dark. About 9:30 this morning I saw three little, fat piglets run squeaking across the trail in front of me. Then, hearing snorting, I looked left and saw two adult pigs. It was extremely foggy. apparently the wild pigs had not heard or seen me. I blew my whistle to chase them off. About 11 o'clock I met four gentlemen out for their annual section hike. They were Rick, Jim, Dave, and Mike (Monster) from Georgia. another short day. (These boots are uncomfortable) and, really, there is no place else I have to be today. The sky is blue, and the sun is making a teasing appearance. Weather temps are still warm. I figured the Boy Scouts would be here - on a Saturday night. About 3:15 a group of males (I can tell by their voices) are making camp on the hill. I appreciate their not trying to jam themselves into this small shelter, though it is nice to have neighbors. It was a large group - about 20 - from Atlanta.
Date: 2005-01-09
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

It was a wonderful morning walk out of Low Gap along an old roadbed. The sun came out bright and early and stayed all day; the first day of sunshine in nine days. I do not have enough food to get me to Hiawassee, so I'll go into Helen, GA, tomorrow morning. Saw one day hiker: Swish. Today I watched the sun rise from Low Gap and the sun set from Blue Mountain. Low Gap is in a hollow with water running right in front of the shelter. It is over used; an unattractive mud hole. It was very cold there last night. Blue Mountain Shelter, although supposed to be cold, is high and dry. The wind hit the back of the shelter, and I was very warm there.
Date: 2005-01-10
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 2.2
Weather: overcast clouds

At Unicoi Gap, a van was waiting there for someone. I stood there hitch hiking. soon a hiker comes out -- right behind me, actually. They offer me a ride into Helen. The hiker happened to be Anthony whose trail name is Trippin ant. He also hiked the AT in 2002. He has done the PCT and most of the Continental Divide Trail. He also has a journal here. Staying at the Super 8 tonight.
Date: 2005-01-11
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Tray Mountain 
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Since I am carrying a bivy sack instead of a tent, I'm restricting myself to staying in shelters at night. So, I get to a shelter at 1pm. The next shelter is 7 miles away. I would not get there before dark. Even though a campsite is 5 miles away, I still would not make that before dark, which is 6pm. Today I left Unicoi Gap at 7:30 am and arrived at Tray Shelter at 12:45pm   The clouds were/are so thick today, it is raining in the clouds. Saw one day hiker.
Date: 2005-01-12
From: Tray Mountain 

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: broken clouds

Foggy all day again, which makes for cold air even though the temperature is warm. Kelly Knob is one right after the other: Extreme Kelly. This is my favorite shelter so far going North. Springer Mt., Gooch Mt., Deep Gap. Deep Gap has a lot of flat area for tents, a sleeping loft, a porch, a picnic table, a steel fire ring, bear cables, a composting privy, and a spring nearby and easily accessible. The least likeable shelters are Low Gap and Tray Mt. Except for day one, I have had every shelter to myself. Saw one day hiker. Heavy fog rolled into Tray Shelter all night, but in the waterproof bivy, I stayed warm and dry. All shelters have had bear cables.
Date: 2005-01-15
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Bly Gap, NC
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: broken clouds

In Hiawassee I sent home the bivy sack and picked up the tent, immediately adding three pounds to the pack and regrets.   Today work crews were out througout the state, and I met crew Hector, Marion, and Mother Nature and Smokestack. Was passed by two hikers going North and three going South. Camped at the Spring just below the gnarled tree. A group of Boy Scouts are camped on the hill. So, Georgia is done.
Date: 2005-01-16
From: Bly Gap, NC

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

I am not thru-hiking: I am just out hiking through until I can't stand it any more. That happened to be today, so I hiked South back to Dick's Creek Gap and into Hiawassee again. My spouse, because he thinks he knows me, advised me to sit still for a few days because he thinks I'll change my mind. So I am sitting at the Holiday Inn Express, which just installed an on-line computer for it's guests, and thinking.....thinking that the best things about backpacking are getting thin, regularity, and hotels.
Date: 2005-01-18
From: Hiawassee

To: Franklin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Got shuttled into Franklin by the Holiday Inn Express. That means I did not hike from Bly Gap to Winding Stair Gap. I will try to pick up the trail from Franklin, seeing how that goes. Am staying at the Microtel. Getting shuttled to Winding Stair Gap in the morning by Lynn Benkis, 828-369-8444, Ladyhawk*@earthlink.net. She is willing to shuttle up until mid April.
Date: 2005-01-20
From: Wine Spring

To: Wayah Gap
Miles today: 2.3

This is the second time I allowed the cold weather to chase me out of the woods. As soon as it was daylight, I stuffed everything into my pack and headed South, back down off the mountain. As soon as I got to Wayah Gap, a car stopped for me. He was going into Franklin, and so was I. The driver said it was eight degrees at his house this morning, and where I was last night, it was probably zero or below. Back in Franklin, however, it is nice and balmy.
Date: 2005-01-25
From: Silar Bald Shelter

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

Fairly easy trail but I was dragging all day. Saw one section hiker, Polly, and a group of 20 from a hiking club. Arrived at 4pm and hurried to get supper and into the sleeping bag. Hands too cold to work. It rained during the night.
Date: 2005-01-26
From: Cold Spring Shelter

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

Left Cold Spring Shelter at 9:30 am. It was foggy until Tellico Gap. Good, easy trail. The body even responded well to the climb up to Wesser Bald. There is a beautiful spring just before the shelter. Someone cleaned the inside of the shelter; very nice. Thank you. It is much warmer tonight.
Date: 2005-02-22
From: VA

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Arrived at the Nantahala Outdoor Center on a beautiful, sunny, warm day after an overnight bus ride and three hitches. Mailed some gear ahead to Fontana Dam. Switched to light-weight Solomon trail runners. The NOC people are very helpful. They have a big sing out front,"Welcome Thru-hikers." Am staying at base camp.
Date: 2005-02-23
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Left NOC's base camp at 7:10. Arrived Sassafras Gap Shelter at 1:25pm. An all day climb on a beautiful, sunny day. Saw no one. This shelter is new since 2002; a welcoming double decker with roof over eating area.
Date: 2005-02-24
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

Left Sassafras Gap at 7:00 am. Arrived Brown Fork Gap at 1:45pm. It began raining sometime during the night and rained a fine mist all morning. At Stecoah Gap the sky began to clear. Since I've been here, the sun came out briefly twice. It was only a tease. There are no decent registers at the last shelter or at this one; no bear cables, either. I left most of my lightweight gear at home, having switched to heavier gear. Why did I do that? The only mistakes I made in January were not having the tent with me when I needed it and not having a warm enough sleeping bag. Now, I love this new Western Mountaineering Ultralight sleeping bag. At one pound ten ounces, this is a long-distance keeper. I am carrying too much weight for these Solomon trail runners, but at least I can move in them. They are grippy, too. Saw no one today.
Date: 2005-02-25
From: Brown Fork Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

Leave Brown Fork Gap Shelter at 7am. Arrive Fontana Dam 5:30pm. It is a glorious hiking day; shining sun, crisp air, the trail mostly winding, sidehill with gentle ups and downs until Yellow Creek Mountain Road. Then the trail gets steep climbing to the ridge. Finally I can see Fontana Dam below. Ages later, I reach route 28, right at water line. Great. I made it. Now where's the dam. As I don't see any blazes I walk down the road a short way, backtracking to find the A.T. crossing the road and going right back up into the woods. Oh, no. Not this horrible, trail again. What you really are doing is climbing to the top of the dam by way of the back door. This is the worst maintained piece of trail since Springer: blow downs.
Date: 2005-02-27
From: Hike Inn

To: Mollie's Ridge
Miles today: 10.6

A cold, windy, cloudy day. Saw two day hikers going south. Apple Pie and Chasing Amy blew by me in the morning. I left Fontana Dam at 7 am; arrived Mollie's Ridge Shelter 3:30 pm. No one is at this shelter. Although this shelter has been remodeled, there is a lot of trash around. A lot of toilet paper piles.   At 5:30 pm it begins to sleet.
Date: 2005-02-28
From: Mollie's Ridge

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

I wake up to about three inches of snow on the ground. This is at 3,000 plus feet. What must it be like up ahead at 4,000, 5,000, 6,00 feet? I am planning to hitch into Gatlinburg from Newfound Gap to resupply. What if Newfound Gap road is closed due to snow? I don't have extra food. P poor P planning. It is 12 miles to the next shelter. I don't know if I can do that up hill in the snow. I turn around and hike South on the A.T. back down to Fontana Dam. I call the Inn and tell Nancy, "I don't want to hike alone, either."
Date: 2005-03-15
To: maine
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Crisp and clean like ice cold 7-up what a way to start this dilly northward. Brutal honesty and a no bs approach and ill get where im goin when i get there. Beware day trippers warriors and wankers im in size 13 boots did a burn ceremony to start things off and took ample notes watch for the bookMAKE NO BONES ABOUT IT
Date: 2004-12-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My wife and I started the final planning for the trip by planning my getaway from Katahdin. Maybe not the smartest way to plan, but definitely the most fun. Amy will drive up to Maine to come get me. Along the way she'll visit family and friends and in general have a good time. The plan is that she will then join me for the final hike up Katahdin. I know that tons of hikers do this with friends and family, so it should be ok. I just need to figure out where she is supposed to meet me.After Katahdin, the plan is to roadtrip back to Atlanta, stopping along the way wherever we feel like it. Did you know I have NEVER been to NYC? Well, I'll probably fix that during this road trip. That's the ending plan. If anyone has any suggestions for towns or oddities to see along the way, let me know!
Date: 2004-12-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Round of thanks...Round One.My wife...AmyMy cats...Sadie and MartieMy guitar...Collings D1AMy house...it's blueMy #1 buddy...SteveMy brother...JohnMy employer...www.ariba.comMy boss...MikeMy boss's boss...Leigh Anne.My boss's boss's boss...TayloeThis list represents those who have supported me 100% in this decision from the get-go. In the case of my cats and guitar, it is that which I will give up the most reluctantly. More thanks to come, and more musings on what it means to know these people. But I can save that for the trail...
Date: 2005-01-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I've just updated my gear list with my Xmas shopping goodies!!! Many thanks to all friends and family who gave me REI gift certificates and cold, hard cash for all things AT!Some big purchases were made - the Montrail shoes and the Highlite being the big two (thanks Mom and Dad!!!). Most of the purchases related to small things - a titanium spork, a new lightweight headlamp, mesh stuff sacks. Other purchases were for second sets of things like the Capilene, Marmot WindShirt, etc. All very cool and all very needed!!!Since my last post I've met two hikers who finished the AT. They have been great sources of information for questions related to the extreme nature of 2,100 miles. 30 miles and a couple of days I can handle. The whole she-bang is another thing. Weird ailments, rashes, etc. begin to occur. Funky smells like you've never smelled before begin to emanate from your personal bubble. Anyway, they have given me strategies for coping with this kind of thing.The departure date is just 40 days away!
Date: 2005-01-19
To: Coosa Backcountry Trail
Miles today: 0.0

This past weekend (MLK) I hiked the Coosa Backcountry Trail as a final "shake down" trip before my hike. (By the way, I leave one month from today!!!) Anyway, I packed all of my stuff as if I were taking off for 6 months, and my pack, gear, water, food (3 days worth) was 41 pounds. This was a heavier load than I've ever carried. I started late in the day and only went 6 miles. I was definitely tired from the increased weight and from the cold/wind that was all around me. I spent a cold night in my tent...I used my silk liner and a hot Nalgene bottle to make it through. Temps were definitely in the low teens, although the lady at Vogel State Park said she heard that it got down to 5 degrees. Whatever the case, I made it - but it was cold.I woke up Sunday morning to ice everywhere - the stream was frozen, the ground was frozen, my condensation was frozen, my water filter was frozen, etc. I packed up, set off, and finished the loop (7 miles) by 1pm. I was ready to pay top dollar for hot chocolate back at Vogel, which the nice woman prepared for me.After leaving Vogel I stopped at Mountain Crossings at Neel's Gap and met Winton. I told him about my upcoming thru-hike, and he offered to give the lecture he apparently gives to everybody about gear. Next thing I know all my stuff (sweaty, smelly, etc.) is spread all over the floor, and he's telling me "this is good" and "rethink that." One piece of gear I was concerned with was my pack, which is an Osprey Silhouette (and weighs in around 6-7 pounds). I looked at several packs, and eventually tried the Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone and the ULA (co-designed by Mountain Crossings). I settled on the Granite Gear just because it seemed an easier transition from my overbuilt Osprey. I wasn't quite happy with the amount of work my shoulders were doing with the ULA - although it was a nice pack and had great "extra" features.Anyway, I'm extremely happy with my pack choice, and extremely glad I camped in relatively extreme temperatures. I'm pumped and ready to go.See you on the trail!