morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-03-07
From: Muscrat Creek Shelter

To: Beech Gap camping area
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: scattered clouds

What a fantastic day!No doubt, it was a cold start - my bag was so warm, I really did not want to get out of it...and trying to light my stove was painful with my fingers being so cold! I was really moving slow. But the sun was out, and the sky was clear, and as soon as that fiery ball in the sky rose above the mountains and came into full view, in all its glory, the temperature soared, and we all stripped down to our bare skin and basked in its glow...OK, so that didn't really happen. But the sun was out, and the temps did rise, and it was a gorgeous day to hike!I met a gentleman back at Neels Gap (at the hostel), with whom I have been hiking these past couple of days. His trail name is Jingles...great guy, and we've had some very good conversations along the trail. We will be continuing to hike together for a couple more days before he skips ahead. Hopefully we will meet up again further north!Our destination was originally Carter Gap Shelter, but we were spent a few miles before so stopped at a campsite at Beech Gap (the climb up and down Standing Indian Mountain was a workout - not tremendously steep, but a long stretch!). After our evening chores, I managed to get a fire going, and several other hikers also camping nearby came and joined us at the campfire. Its amazing how a sunny day and a campfire at night can really lift your spirits!
Date: 2015-03-08
From: Beech Gap camping area

To: Long Branch Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

What an absolutely gorgeous day!I was awakened by the sun this morning. Yep, that's right...the sun! I slept very well and warm, as the temps stayed reasonable warm overnight. Go figure - I had to hike north to find warm weather!We had a late start (forgot about the time change - funny, but time really doesn't mean much out here except when trying to meet a shuttle!), but we made good time. Having warm temps and blue, sunny skies makes such a wonderful difference! At some point late morning Jingles and I stopped at Carter Gap Shuttle for lunch, and we met up with a small group of section hikers we had run into previously. They seemed to be a good group of kids, and we enjoyed our conversation with them. Afterwards, I must have shifted into high gear because I pulled away from Jingles...must have been that Starbucks Via brewed in filtered creek water again (I should bottle and sell that stuff...). I did, however, stop at a point just prior to the climb up Albert Mountain. This was our point of no return, a "go, no go" decision point for us. Albert Mountain was our first nearly vertical climb, a distance of several hundred feet seemingly straight up, with no exit points other than at the top. After over 9 miles already for the day, did these two old farts have it in them to climb that beast? Tune in tomorrow to find out!Just kidding. We made it, no problem. But we definitely worked up a sweat doing so!! Afterwards, we had a quick mile and a half walk mostly downhill to the shelter, where we did our chores and went to sleep. Just another day...
Date: 2015-03-09
From: Long Branch Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Another great day!As Jingles and I strolled into the Long Branch Shelter last night, we were greeted with a dozen or so smiles from a group of college students spending their spring break hiking in the woods. As continued evidence that it is indeed a small world, they were all from Illinois State - you can imagine the even bigger smiles when I explained that I was from a small town in Southern IL, one they all recognized! And when I said that I used to work for Schnuck Markets (a grocery retailer with stores all over IL and MO, to include one in Bloomington), we had lots in common to discuss!After a good night sleep even with the guys in the class being noisy in their tent, I woke this morning to a steady but light rain. We had an easy hike planned for today, heading off the mountain at the gap and hopefully catching a ride into Franklin, NC, so we waited the rain out before packing up. It was nearly 10 by the time we headed out, and we made the gap by mid afternoon. Additional hikers came down out of the mountains, including the small group we met at the shelter the day before, and a father/son duo named The Dynamic Duo. As we stood in the parking lot, a very kind lady stopped to provide Jingles and I a ride into town - she was our Trail Angel! The others were picked up by a shuttle service offered by a Budget Inn.Jingles was meeting up with a friend once in town, and will be skipping ahead to a point further north on the trail. I will miss my new friend, but hopefully will remain in touch (and I may eventually catch up to him!).Checked into my hotel, grabbed dinner, allowed my pack to explode gear all over my room, and proceeded to crash after another full and satisfying day!Thanks again to all for reading my journal and joining me on this trek. I appreciate your kind words of support and encouragement!
Date: 2015-03-10
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Yet another wonderful day!I was asked why I start each journal entry with pretty much the same exclamation, the implication being that surely not every day is wonderful. Well, after 30+ years of working indoors, under the strain of fluorescent lighting and stuffy air quality, and the monotonous view of cubicle and/or office walls, EVERYDAY that I am out in this beautiful land with which we have been blessed is a blessing in and of itself. So, yeah, everyday is wonderful!I did not mention in yesterday's post how badly my knee was squawking during the final couple of miles of my hike. Very painful, and my limping was noticeably worsening as the day continued, to the point where I struggled walking back to my hotel after dinner. I was hoping that by ignoring it, the pain would go away...guess I was living the old John Wayne'ism "If you are going to be stupid, you better be tough".   I figured that by icing it overnight all would be ok in the morning, or at least good enough.Well, I took a zero today to have someone much smarter than me evaluate the situation, and I was concerned that I may have to stop the hike. Fortunately, no tear or other such damage, and with a new brace and prescription-strength vitamin I, back to the trail I will go!So, no miles today, but productive nonetheless!
Date: 2015-03-11
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Stealth Camp near Wayah Bald
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: moderate rain

A beautiful morning!I had a restless night, anxious to get back on the trail but knowing I had business to handle first thing in the morning. My goals for the day included initiating a couple of changes...primarily focused on reducing weight.First, I've decided to replace my hammock with an ultralight tent. In doing so I hope to shed at least 4 pounds, possibly more. The new tent has been purchased, and will be waiting for me at the NOC.I have also switched out footwear. My boots were too heavy, and my new hiking shoes fit like a glove. I also picked up a new sleeping pad for use in my tent and the shelters in the Smokies.As for my shoes...thank you, Rob of Outdoor 76. Your patience and thoroughness, and an obvious expertise, in finding the right shoe for me is greatly appreciated!It was nearly 1:30 by the time I restarted my hike at Winding Stair Gap. My plan was to hike only a short 4+ miles to the first shelter and call it a day. But as I approached the trail to the Silver Bald Shelter, I decided not to waste my energy walking half a mile down into a steep gully (and then back out again in the morning!), and instead continue north. I finally found a campsite a few miles further and set up for the evening. It was raining all afternoon, not hard but steady, up until the last few minutes of my hike. Not sure of the elevation, but it was as if I had walked above the rain. In the valley below I could see thick clouds, almost like smoke, floating around the hillsides below. My pictures could not capture it well, nor can I find the words to describe it, but it was fascinating. Eventually I noticed that those puffs of smoke were coming together and rising, heading for me - so I quickened my pace so as to get my camp set up before the rain started again!
Date: 2015-03-12
From: Stealth Camp near Wayah Bald

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

A great day for a walk in the woods!The rain held up all night until around 5:30am, and the downpour lasted until after 8. Which meant I was trapped in my sleeping bag. Staying warm and dry. Darn the luck...Poptarts for breakfast, a quick breakdown of camp, and on the trail before 9. A couple good climbs this morning, including a fairly steep one up to the Wayah Bald stone tower. On a clear day, this tower provides spectacular views. Being cold and rainy, the view was a sea of white. Oh, well!I stopped in at the Wayah Bald shelter for lunch, met a few other thru hikers and learned of trail magic at the next gap. I finished lunch quickly (ah, Ramen noodles!), and ran to the gap (OK, I didn't actually run...but I walked really fast!).For those not familiar with trail magic, it is an act of kindness usually done anonymously, many times in the form of food or drinks left on the trail for hikers (I.e., sodas in a cooler). Well, this one former hiker - trail name is Fresh Grounds - has for years now provided outstanding trail magic in the form of hot meals! I had a couple of hot dogs and french fries, plus a hardboiled egg and two glasses of koolaide. Definitely hit the spot!The last mile to the shelter was tough, all uphill on a very full stomach. I'm staying in the shelter instead of my hammock, to test out my new sleeping pad and to avoid the rain that's forecasted for tonight. Tomorrow may be a full day as I am considering going all the way to the NOC, a nearly 12 mile hike.
Date: 2015-03-13
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm never gonna stop the rain by complaining...so I won't complain!The day started out cold and rainy. And it never really changed much. But it sure beats the snow and ice! Today's hike was, well, interesting. Had a couple good climbs, Wesser Bald being the toughest. But the majority of the day was spent going downhill. Several short but steep uphills strategically placed just to make the next downhill more "fun"! The rain and resulting mud made the trek even more interesting. In fact, there were a number of places where to be safe, I had to sit down to reach the next step, out of fear that next step would be slippery. This was especially true of a spot labeled " The Jump Off". The view from this spot is incredible (I saw it on a hike last Fall)...but no views today's.I do have some bad news to report, though. After over 130 miles, I experienced my first fall. I made it thru snow, ice, and slush without a fall, but I guess today's mud won - both feet slid out in front of me and I fell on my back. Nothing hurt, as my pack caught the worse of it. But then I was like a turtle upside down, arms and legs flailing away uselessly, until finally I could grab a small tree and pull myself up. And the first thing I did then? Looked around to see if anyone saw me, of course! And nope...noboday around!Well, after getting that first scratch on the new vehicle, the next couple of scratches came quickly. Added extra layers of mud, but no injuries!I was cold and wet, so pushed to the NOC in time to get a bunk for the night and a very filling hot meal. Will be heading out again in the morning!All in all, another great day!!
Date: 2015-03-14
From: NOC

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: light rain

Another great day for a hike! And what a hike it was!I slept in one of the NOC bunkbeds last night. Well, not really...I occupied space. There was another hiker in the adjacent room sawing logs so loud, none of us could sleep (yes, Diane, his snoring was even worse than mine!). A couple guys in his room actually moved their mattresses and sleeping bags outside!By 4:00am, I gave up, and left to take a shower and have breakfast (coffe and a cold cliff bar). When I came back around 5:30, he was quiet and I fell asleep for a couple of hours. After packing up, I headed for the restaurant for a second breakfast...burning thousands of calories a day means I can eat what and how much I want, and still lose weight! The hike today was difficult. Uphill for practically the entire day, and in most cases, very steep. Add to that a steady dose of rain and cold, and it was a challenge. I was exhausted by the time I reached the shelter! Roughest stretch so far - but it still beats being in the office!Forecast calls for sunny and warm tomorrow...yippee!
Date: 2015-03-15
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: broken clouds

What a glorious, absolutely wonderful day!I slept on the top platform of the shelter last night. I was cold and wet, so it was good to put on dry sleeping clothes and slip into my warm sleeping bag. Had no problem falling asleep!The shelter faced east, with windows at the top that let the morning light in. Thought I was dreaming, but there it was - sunshine! This was a first since last Sunday - what a great way to start the day!The hike today was great. Started out with a good warmup up to Cheoah Bald (the last section was a bit rough, though - really steep!). But at the top, the view was incredible, well worth the thigh-burning to get there!The rest of the hike was a series of steep but short ups, followed by steep but short downs. With a great deal of large rock strewn about (think rip-rap, but larger). I normally would have enjoyed that terrain, but my knee is still bothering me, and by the time I made it to Stecoah Gap, I could barely walk. Fortunately, trail magic was waiting for us at the gaps - gatoraide, fruit and candy bars generously provided by Doyi, a past thru-hiker himself. Thank you again, Doyi!The hostel (Cabin in the Woods) down the road was full, but the owner Donna help me secure a room at a hotel in town. And Doyi gave me a ride! Great people in this hiker community!Going to give the knee a good icing tonight, then back on trail tomorrow, if possible. Tough going making so few miles these past days, but trying to keep heading north.
Date: 2015-03-16
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

Great day today!First, a big thank you to the clerk at the hotel I stayed at last night. She saw me hobbling out the door to get dinner, and loaned me her car to run down to Subway. Robbinsville appears to be a nice small town, but don't expect anything to be delivered (or even open!) on a Sunday evening! But everyone I ran into was friendly and helpful. And I did not have to walk more than two blocks before a gentleman stopped and gave me a ride to the gap! I started my hike shortly before noon, with absolutely beautiful weather for a walk in the woods. There was really only one significant climb to conquer before my intended stop, the rest of the path loaded with relatively minor ups and downs. But that one significant climb...named Jacobs Ladder, this climb was very steep, 600 feet over a short half mile stretch!After a few minutes rest to catch my breath, I continued down the trail. The cool breeze felt wonderful on this warm day, and because I planned for a short day, I took my time and really enjoyed the day.Another lesson learned...don't pass up a water source! I ran out of water about 3 miles from my destination, not the end of the world but I was very thirsty by the time I reached camp. Funny how the mind works...I kept thinking about movies like The Flight of the Phoenix, or songs like A Horse with No Name. Definitely did not help - guess it was my body's way of saying, "hey, stupid, you should have gotten us some water back there!". Lesson learned!I met up with a great group of folks at the shelter. Good mixture of young and old, a great deal of laughter. And as a bonus, a guy from a local Outfitter brought a fresh pizza and cold beer out to the shelter! He walked nearly a mile of the trail carrying this for no other reason than to provide some trail magic! Incredible...thank you, Steve! And as a second bonus, I also was given the ice from his cooler which I used on my knee!Well, time for bed. Next stop, Fontana Lodge!
Date: 2015-03-17
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Village Lodge
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: broken clouds

Another beautiful day for a hike!I was slow in packing up this morning. Planned to overnight at the Fontana Village Lodge, so had a short hike planned. It was another sunny and warm day - what a great stretch of fantastic weather! The hike was relatively easy, with only a few steep uphills...ending with a long and sometimes steep downhill to Fontana. The views were limited, until I wrapped around a hill and BAM - the lake came into view between the trees. Wow, what a beautiful lake! Equally impressive is the dam, which looked massive from the trail (I don't think you can really appreciate the size of the dam by driving by or over it...).The lodge offers a shuttle service of which I took advantage, checked into my room, picked up my mail drops, then hobbled into my room. The downhills really tear up my knee, so it felt good to ice it down!Another great day. Will be taking a recovery day tomorrow, in preparation for the Smokies.I've received a number of messages from friends, family and followers of my journal, all of which I greatly appreciate. Thank you for support and well wishes! While discouraged by the low mileage I have been able to walk these past several days due to a nagging knee issue, I do realize it is a long journey, and am taking the steps necessary to complete the entire hike. Your concerns and advice is definitely being heard and heeded!
Date: 2015-03-18
From: Fontana Village Lodge

To: Fontana Village Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Heeding the advice of several, I took a zero at the Fontana Village Lodge to allow my knee some time to heal.The season is just starting for the lodge, so not all of its facilities are open and/or fully operational. Not much to do but relax and enjoy the scenery - as you can imagine, this lodge is surrounded by mountains. From the restaurant, you can see Shuckstack tower, one of the first climbs of the Smokies. And it is waaay up there!So far, I've managed to hobble from my room to the restaurant for dinner, and from my room to the ice machine several times, all without being spotted by the prison guards. Just a couple more details to finalize, and my escape plan should be complete. I will keep you informed!
Date: 2015-03-20
From: Fontana Village Lodge

To: Fontana Village Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

My knee is not responding as hoped to the icing and Vitamin I, so am making arrangements for a doctor visit. Down, but not out... Hopeful this is just a minor setback to a long journey!Thanks again for all of the kind words of support and encouragement!Hope to be back on trail soon...
Date: 2015-03-21
From: Fontana Village Lodge

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Remember my mention of pizza being delivered to the shelter prior to Fontana? Well, trail angel Steve helped me again, this time with a shuttle to the nearest Enterprise Rental Car shop. Thanks again, Steve!Headed home for medical treatment. Although hate the interruption to the hike, need to get this fixed. Plus, it will be good to see my family.Will keep you posted!
Date: 2015-03-22
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I visited an urgent care facility today...seems everyone in town had same idea, and the office was packed! After a two hour wait, finally got to see a doctor.Some good news...Definitely strained the knee, but no tear. Rest, ice and new meds. Hopefully back at it within a week or two. A new countdown begins...
Date: 2015-03-27
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Update: Still unable to put weight on knee without significant pain. Saw my doctor this past week, and she suspects ligament damage, so is ordering an MRI. Until then, new meds and orders to continue icing and resting the knee.I have not given up on this journey, just an extended "time out". Good news is that this delay may allow for a friend to join me hiking the smokies.Anxious to return to the trail...
Date: 2015-04-18
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. It's been an up and down several weeks, and I wanted to wait until I had a better idea of my "what's next" before posting an update. The diagnosis from several different doctors continued to be a strain of the knee. The standard "tests" performed - physically twisting and/or applying pressure to the lower leg to determine stability and to localize the pain - suggested there was no tear, and the lone x-ray showed no signs of damage or evidence of arthritis, all of which was good news. Except, of course, the fact that I could not put weight on my knee. I finally saw an orthopedic surgeon, who ordered an MRI (he suspected a meniscus tear), and bingo...the problem was discovered. I had fractured my tibia! Now that was a shocker, at least for me! It was a stress fracture, right below the knee, along with some bone bruising.So now I am on crutches, staying completely off my leg (or at least as best that I can), allowing it to heal. It's a long shot, but I may soon be able to continue my journey north (4 - 6 weeks recovery time needed, plus some time to strengthen the legs). I am also considering other options, such as a flip flop, or restart next year, or convert to a section hiker...but for at least right now I am holding fast to continuing my GA to ME route. Time will tell.Also, thanks again to you all who have been following this journal, and signing the guestbook. Your thoughts and well-wishes are as always greatly appreciated!
Date: 2015-07-13
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Well, maybe not quite yet. But soon...The stress fracture is healed, and the mountains are once again calling. So I did what any reasonable person would do - I talked myself into returning to the trail to complete my thru hike this year!As it is too late in the season to pick up where I left the trail (Fontana Dam) and make it to Katahdin before the snow hits that region, I am instead restarting my hike from the top. All reservations have been made, and my flight leaves at 5am on August 1st. Weather permitting, I summit Katahdin on the 2nd, and restart my "Great Adventure".Not sure yet if I will be a "flip flopper", and complete my hike at Fontana Dam (where I left the trail), or be a SOBO and continue all the way to Springer. But then, I do have several months to make that decision!This should be fun...
Date: 2015-07-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Getting closer, but the anticipation (with some trepidation!) is much stronger than this past Spring!I think I have everything ready...some odds and ends around the house remain, but nothing big. My flight to Boston is this Saturday, followed by a long bus ride to Maine. The weather forecast looks decent with a slight chance of rain, so should be able to summit Katahdin on Sunday as planned. Fingers crossed!Looking forward to meeting fellow SOBO'ers and hopefully running into some of the NOBO'ers I hiked with back in Feb/Mar.Also looking forward to my next entry, describing my ascent (and descent!) of Katahdin!!Dakota