morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-01-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Prep. 5Less then seven weeks to go, March 26 is approaching fast. All of my equipment has been purchased or gathered. I was able to find a used duffel bag at a local Good Will store to put my backpack in for the air flight. Once in GA, I hope to put the duffle bag in a hikers box for someone else to use. I am now working on my food re-supply and am still trying different food combinations for the AT. I took a sample amount of food for one day and the average weight is approximately 1.3 pounds. Several weeks ago I started to add weight in a day pack for my daily walks and have been averaging 6 miles a day.It's great to see more hikers submit their journal entries. I enjoy reading the journals of everyone and hope to meet most, if not all of you on the AT. Good luck to everyone hiking this year. For those of you starting this month, I hope the weather gets better.
Date: 2014-02-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Prep. 6Over the past several months friends and family have asked why hike the AT. I have been telling folks several reasons, but today I believe I have the number one reason; I do not know what tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year will bring. You see today I lost another brother, the second in 6 months and if include my brother-in-law, 3 brothers in 9 months. So the top of my list of why hike the AT, it is because I am not sure what my tomorrows will bring. I will dedicate this hike to Bill, David, and Bob.All of my gear has been assembled. I now plan on organizing and going through my gear to try to reduce ounces. For those on the AT now, or about to start your hikes, I am enjoying reading your journals.
Date: 2014-02-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Prep 7,There is less then two weeks before I hit the AT, time is getting short. To all my family and friends, and anyone else who have found their way to this site, I hope you will follow me as I go northward on the AT. I have been trying to walk everyday, for 6 miles, but life has a way to throw twists and turns preventing a perfect attendance for my walks. I hope my training will be enough, but if not, I'll just start slow and increase my daily distance as the days pass, after all "everyone walks their own walk". Tomorrow is my last doctors visit which includes a stress test. So far all is good for a walk of a lifetime. I have all of my equipment assembled but I am still trying to eliminate ounces each time I go though my pack. I hope those ounces will add up to a pound or two.My goal is to make these entries more interesting when I finally get on the trail March 26, so I hope you'll be patient and return.
Date: 2014-03-25
To: Hikers Hostel Dahlonega, GA
Miles today: 0.0

Prep 8Today I flew out of Florida to Atlanta, wow, time went fast since I decided this was the right time for me to hike the AT. I started wearing my hiking shoes again 3 days ago, they were broken in months ago, and they feel very comfortable, and are ready to go. For those of you who might be thinking of Hiking the AT, the travel here was easy so far. The MARTA line is real close to baggage claim and you just take the Red Line to the end of the line. I was picked up by Hikers Hostel van and taken to their wonderful place. To all of my Heartland RV Owner friends, I'm happy to see you found my journal and I hope you will follow me north.To the folks at New Visions Adult Day Training Program, I also hope you will follow me on the map I hung on the wall in the classroom. Tomorrow the trail begins.
Date: 2014-03-26
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 1Started with a group of 14 who also stayed at Hiker Hostel we started at about 9:45 am Springer Mountain parking lot. At the Hawks Mountain Shelter most hikers admitted the trail was tough, 8.2 mile mark was enough. There were many hikers around the shelter, most stayed in tents. I arrived just before sunset so I rushed to set up camp. In the rush, I misplaced the tent fly which I panicked and thought I left it home. I ripped everything out of my backpack only to find it stuck to the bottom of tent. During the night coyotes were near or in the camp barking about 1:30 am. In the morning I could not find the storage bags for the tent, so again I tore the backpack apart never finding the bags.   Best experience of day: Seeing the AT plaques on Springer Mountain, a 32 year wait. A hike of 5 million steps starts with just one step, so here I go NB, one foot in front of the other with a smile.
Date: 2014-03-27
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Justus Creek
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: clear sky

Day 2Well I have to work out a system for my gear. I packed up and was taking the tent down, but could no find the tent bags and stakes? So unpacked everything, no bags. I left campsite at 11:00 am, late start, darn those bags. The trail is beautiful with many views. I found the ups tough, but the downs surprised me they were tough too. Thirty years ago I used to just about run down mountain trails, not anymore. I did not make my goal of Gooch Mountain Shelter, but instead stopped at Justus Creek and camped with several others from last nights shelter. First trail magic, was just some jugs of water at Horse Creek. One of the hikers said they are left by soldiers from the Military Base there, but there was no sign. Whoever you are thanks, drinking extra water helped. At Justus Creek I camped along a stream and had the pleasant sound of water all night. It was nice hearing the sound of water since the trail is so quiet. Getting into the sleeping bag I found my lost tent bags and pegs. In the middle of the night I took my clothes into the bag to warm them, guess I grabbed the tent bag too, oh well lesson learned. Best experience of day: The sound of silence. In the woods, on top of the mountains, it is so quiet. No distractions, just your own thoughts.
Date: 2014-03-28
From: Justus Creek

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Day 3Rain last night, not a lot, just enough to make packing up tougher. First time for hanging a bear bag from a tree on this trip, and I guess it worked, food was there in the morning. After talking to an interesting couple from RI it was back on the trail up a climb and I could feel it in my legs right off. I got to Gooch Mountain shelter about 11:30 am only to find several hikers that I had already met were taking a Zero Day (rest). Some of these hikers were in there 20's resting, so I decided that a Nero would be good for me, to rest, re-organize, and modify my pack and maybe even a nap. While at the shelter, I had my first hot lunch, Ramen and some dehydrated cut beans, not bad. I then foolishly decided to wash some cloths, big mistake. On a damp 98% humidity day, clothes do not dry, another lesson learned. The water source was a pipe coming out of a spring, real cool. About 35 hikers at shelter tonight. I also found out the water trail magic from yesterday was from other hikers. Seems the military leaves a trailer with water tank there for hikers to use and some hikers had filled water jugs there for others hikers, mystery solved. Best experience of day: Taking the time to enjoy the outdoors instead of just rushing the hike.
Date: 2014-03-29
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 5.2

Day 4,First let me thank everyone who has signed the guest book. I have been reading them when I have time and iPhone service, they are a great. Well part of camping is rain, and it rained most of the night, however, I enjoyed the sound of rain on the tent all night. Down side, packing a wet tent in the rain and other wet gear. Because of the rain, most, if not all of the hikers delayed their days hike, which means we all were huddled around a covered table. Some campers left gear because of the confusion of packs.Many parts of the trail had standing muddy water so slipping and sliding was common place. I saw so spots where a hiker in front of me slide 5-6 feet, boy I hope no one got hurt. The two trail poles I use were most useful in keeping my balance and to my surprise I did not slip or fall once. I guess all of your prays worked.Walking the trail and seeing the fog and clouds below you in the valley below from a mountain top was a blast. Even walking in a fog is interesting. And then there was Trail Magic at Gooch Gap. The Atlanta Outdoor Club offered Trail Magic, and what a spread it was. They had about 9 volunteers serving Thru Hikers food and drink, wow. There was Hot Dogs, Ham Sandwiches, fruit, cookies, bags of chips, coffee, soda, and a whole lot more. These Trail Angles were out in the rain and cold. Thank you so very much, you do not know how much it meant to all the hikers. All day my legs hurt, but just a little less then yesterday and then about my last mile or so I changed my stride and there was less pain. Could this be the beginning of trail legs, boy I hope so. At Woody Gap there was more Trail Magic, a gentleman whose trail is "Courtesy" was showing his Cub Scout son the idea of giving. Six of us hikers decided to shuttle to a motel to dry and clean up for the night. We even ate like humans in an Italian Restaurant, I had Chicken Parm. Best experience of day: Two experiences today. First thanks to Privy Queen and her two Privy Princesses for maintaining the privy and letting me be the first to use it, you are great volunteers. Second has to be the Atlanta Outdoor Club for the outstanding spread.
Date: 2014-03-30
From: Woody Gap

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 3.3

Day 5Went to the motel lobby, and to my surprise they had Eggo Waffles. Now if you know me, two Eggo's is my normal breakfast at home. The van was on time and off we went to the AT. The temperature was 32 degree with gusts of wind that cut right through you. Lighting man had trail magic set up already. Thank you Lighting Man. He received his trail name by being struck by lighting 10 times in his life, I didn't close to him. The trail was fine once you got moving. I meet several people who spent the night on the mountain walking off, they were cold and wet from the day before and everything was frozen. Most were going to zero at a hostel or motel to regroup. Seems now that I made a wise decision yesterday. The trail was beautiful with ice covering everything. Not too bad of a trail today. Stopped a Lance Creek where I spent most of the day exchanging stories with Animal and Jeff. Tomorrow is Blood Mountain then a Neel Gap for re supply.
Date: 2014-03-31
From: Woody Gap

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 7.4

Day 6Today is Blood Mountain, the highest point in Georgia. I was on the trail by 9:30 am. Leaving camp there was upward grade. At Jarrard. Gap I could feel a hot spot starting to develop on the underside of my foot. I used moleskin to pad the area. I now have two blister between my toes which I also addressed, I guess the blister came from the down hills. During the day, I climbed up and down several mountains until Blood Mountain. This mountain was a tough one but everyone was having a time climbing it. The top of the mountain had a great view. There is a stone shelter, but you have to have a bear canister to stay overnight. Then came the trail down, wow, what a job trying to walk over large granite fields without slipping. The AT runs right through the breezeway of an old historic building which is now a hostile and store called Mountain crossings located at Neel Gap. Staying the Night in hostile. More trail magic by a church group who supplied chicken and rice and salad for diner. Best experience of day: having Blood Mountain behind me.
Date: 2014-04-01
From: Neel Gap

To: Whitley Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: clear sky

Day 7,I did not get on the trail till noon. I was up early and waited for others to start moving, it seems everyone was slow to move. We were all walking around with headlamps on in the hostel trying not to wake others up when we finally realized everyone was up, the room was so dark. I went through my pack and sent my water filter home, a light weight flying pan, and a knife sharpener. The backpack is now 3 pounds lighter. I replaced the water filter with a smaller lightweight model. As I was starting to walk so were Cadi and Poppy and we all seemed to walk the same pace. The trail was tough right from the start and was like that most of the day. If we were not climbing, then we were going down sharp inclines. Late in the afternoon we came across more trail magic at Tesnatee Gap. A family was picking up other family members "Ain't Right", trail name, had some magic from the back of their truck. They had some cold soft drinks and some fruit. They also let us have all of the water from their cooler which worked out great since this was a dry part of the trail. Just before dark, we got to Whitley Gap Shelter. Only 4 of us here tonight. Great water source. Water comes out of a pipe from an old well.Best experience of the day: Water from the trail magic cooler, water just when we needed it most.
Date: 2014-04-02
From: Whitley Gap Shelter

To: Low Gap shelter
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 8,Today we broke camp about 9:15 am   after a beautiful sunrise. We walked an extra 1.2 miles straight up from shelter area back to the trail. The trail was up and down all day but no big mountains. We saw a lot more people on the trail today and many hikers are now sporting knee braces. There are also several kids on the trail, some are Thru Hikers. We walked on several mountain ridges so we were able to have beautiful views of the valleys below. While on a down hill narrow path a hiker who is running the trail flew past us, not sure what that is about. We arrived at Low Gap Shelter about 2:30 and set up camp. There is a spring coming out of the mountain about 200 feet from my tent. Best experience of day: Taking my backpack off and having a nice long lunch in the woods. PS: To everyone who has signed the guest book, thank you for you kind thoughts and prays.
Date: 2014-04-03
From: Low Gap shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 9What a beautiful day we had today. I am still hiking with Cadi and Poppy. Many hikers are getting sunburned, hard to believe in the woods, but there are no leaves yet to block the sun. We started the day on the AT on an old roadbed, probably a lumbering road. The grade out of camp was a gradual up grade for what seemed like forever. Much of the day we walked on mountain ridges which we had great views. Much of the last 3 miles were on narrow paths circling mountains. We also came across our first boulder fields on the trail, they were a challenge. And then there was "Will Alone". Poor Will is having ankle problems, he can hardly walk. We met Will in camp yesterday. He decided to only walk about 2.5 miles and camp to rest his feet. We offered to carry some of his items, but he said no. We couldn't leave him with such a sad name so we changed his name to "Johnny Cash" since he is all in black clothes. Johnny likes his new trail name because his brother sings Johnny Cash songs. We keep thinking we are so slow, but there are many traveling our pace. As for me, my legs are getting stronger, but I still have upper leg pain. Now a new for the AT, but something I live with, my back pain is increasing. Best experience today: I love meeting so many different people and hearing about their experiences and stories.
Date: 2014-04-04
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: moderate rain

Day 10Earlier start on the day, left camp at 8:15 am, it takes so long to pack up. I thought it was going to be downhill out of camp, but no, another uphill climb, but not too bad. At Unicoi Gap, GA, we were met by more Trail Magic. I can not believe how generous people can be to complete strangers. "Bow Tie", thru hiker from 2010, with his parents put up a nice spread. They cooked up some sausage and bacon sliders and they were great. In the back of their car was full of goodies, fruit, and my favorite, soda. This was their first trail magic so we dubbed, "Trail Angles", like we have that authority. After we left Unicoi Gap we had a real big climb and then another steep descend, then the last very long climb to Tray Mountain Shelter. Tray Mountain Shelter reminds me of an old homestead. Besides the shelter there is a spring coming out of a concrete structure and an old concrete foundation. At camp we also came across another hiker with no name, so we named him Cookie, and he was also dubbed. Equipment review: I have found one of the most useful items I am carrying are my hiking poles. I paid over $100 for the pair, but they are worth every cent. The poles have saved me from many a fall. Best experience of the day: No rain. It was forecast to rain all day, but there were only sprinkles, ya.
Date: 2014-04-05
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.5

Day 11Today was the longest hike yet. Our group, Cadi, Poppy, Trillium, and me, left camp about 8:30 am. It was difficult packing when the temperature was approximately 34 degrees with cutting winds. The first part of the trail was downward and then came the ups, Kelly Knob being the steepest clumb of the day. The downs were just as tough with your toes being pushed into the fronts of your shoes. We took several breaks during the day taking our packs off to rest and to take layers of clothes off as the day grew warmer. The last 1/4 mile before Dick's Creek Gap we found trail magic in a stream. Some Trail Angel set several 6 packs of soft drinks in a stream and on the banks were packages of Wet Ones. There was an arrow made out of stones on the trail to draw attention to the trail magic. There wasn't even a sign saying who left the trail magic. We are staying the night at Top of Georgia Hostel which only opened March first of this year. It is so good to get a hot shower and have your wash done. Best experience of the day: Seeing all of the new blossoms along the trail.
Date: 2014-04-06
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 12Today we left the Top of Georgia Hostel to re-supply our food. I had look for Mountain House or other backpacking food, but it seems everyone is sold out. I purchased several noodle products and with dehydrated chicken that I have, I'll be fine. We got to Dicks Creek Gap at 11:30 am and there was Trail Magic. A couple was handing out Trail Magic in honor of there granddaughter who is on the trail. The gentlemen has a trail name of "Oda", and this was there first Trail Magic. So we dubbed then Trail Angles with our hiking poles. Thank you folks. The trail today was full of ups and downs again, but real nice. We stopped for nearly an hour on top of Buzzard Knob for a long lunch. Tonight we are at Plumorchard Gap Shelter. This is a very different shelter, it looks like part of an old barn that was air lifted in. This shelter has 3 levels and large beams held in by pegs. Best experience today: Plumorchard Gap Shelter. This is a well constructed shelter and the entrance to the camp passes a small stream. PS: Picture is of hanging food bags to keep bears out of food.
Date: 2014-04-07
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: moderate rain

Day 13Tough day today, rain and wind. I left camp after packing up a wet and muddy tent. While walking the trail you had to keep a close watch on the trail because it was so muddy. There were only short times of the day when the rain let up. The whole day was like walking in a cloud. There was no views from the overlooks. After a great long lunch yesterday, I ate lunch on the move because everything was so wet. After approximately 4.5 miles I entered NC which was noted by a small sign on the side of the trail. So that is one state down and 13 states to go. This whole day it seems like I walked mostly upwards, I guess the downs are tomorrow. Cold tonight in the tent. All of my wet clothes were replaced with dry clothes and my 7° sleeping bag should keep me warm. Best experience of the day: Crossing the state line into NC, one goal down. PS: Again, thanks to everyone who has signed the guess book, I have read your comments and love your good thoughts. I can not reply to all your comments because of limited internet in the mountains. New Visions program, I hope you are able to follow my journey. Picture is of trail, Walking in the clouds. I can not seem to label pictures.
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

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

Day 14What a difference a day makes. Yesterday was a very testing day and today was a delight. The sun was only partly out, but still chilly enough for a jacket. Most everyone hung wet clothes from yesterday's rain on their backpacks as they walked. There was only one big mountain to cross today which was Standing Indian Mountain which unfortunately came at the end of our day. The terrain was not too hard. We did some good mileage, 12.5 miles hoping to get to Franklin by Thursday. I thought I had gone through all of my equipment at home and tried everything out. Well today I wanted to make Ramen Soup for lunch while I took my tents and dried them. I tried to get water from my water system that has a bite valve, but no water came out. Seems if you turn the valve 90°, the water is shut off. Lesson learned. Best experience of the day: The sound of a mountain stream in absolute silence in the woods. PS: To all of my friends at New Visions program, I miss your smiles and hellos when I come to the program.
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Long Branch Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 15Wahoo two great hiking days in a row. Cold again in the morning, it was so hard to get up. Today I crossed into NC. The only reason I knew I was going from GA into NC was a small sign on a tree. The trail was real great for hiking with gradual ups and downs until we got to Albert Mountain where the trail went straight up over large boulders mixed with water flowing over the rocks. What a tiring climb, but the view was outrageous. At the mountain top there was a metal fire tower that you could climb and see forever. This tower provided an even better view of the valley below. This tower also marks the 100 mile mark on the AT. We got to Long Branch Shelter where we were pleasantly surprised. This shelter is a 1 year old shelter with a second deck. The shelter was so nice, I decided to sleep in a shelter for the first time. Best experience of the day: The Trail Magic presented by the Lippy family at Mooney Gap. The grandchildren were helping with their first Trail Magic, so we dubbed the children Trail Angels. Again the generosity to strangers is fantastic.
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Long Branch Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

Day 16Another great day on the AT with partial sun in the morning and full sun in the afternoon. The trail in NC seems to have a more gradual up grade than GA. Today the trail was fairly easy with the exception of the last mountain before US 64. I just corrected Day 15 entry and included that yesterday we crossed into NC and hit the 100 mile mark at the Albert Mountain fire tower. Yesterday we also gave Sam, an 8 year old boy hiking the AT with his dad, Chris, a trail name of "Yosemite" and dubbed him. Yosemite seemed excited with his trail name. We also helped "Cheer up" with her new trail name. This afternoon we were picked up by Cadi's friends John and Pat and brought to their home. After a shower and having our clothes washed, John brought us to Franklin, NC for re-supply. And what a spread of food. For lunch Pat made us great tasting chicken soup and for diner spaghetti with meat sauce. Best experience today: Besides being with Trail Angels John and Pat, the AT community. It is very encouraging to see total strangers on the trail helping and assisting each other, it's actually is an informal community.