morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-10
From: Neels Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Spent day at the Hiker Hostel trying to dry out the blisters and soaking the toes.   I guess that at least three toenails are history, maybe more. The "Old Man" drove me to Neels Gap where I bought another pair of Asolo hiking shoes. I'll get back on the trail tomorrow.I have to say a word or two about the !Oldman. Oldman (Paul) is a Marine that stepped on a mine in Vietnam. He is lucky to be alive, much less to have a leg. Last year while attempting a thru hike he shattered his ankle in the Smokies. This year he started the trail with his wife Jeannie but she got a stress fracture at/near Bird Gap. After going over Blood, she went to hospital and ended up in a cast and became a resident at the Hiker Hostel. She went back to Florida yesterday and the Oldman will be back on thr trail on Sunday. His custum made boots arrive today. It is wonderful that they can make boots the he can hike in.I stand in awe of the Oldman's determination, patriotism, and strength. With everthing he has had thrown at him, a lessor man would have given up. He is a Marine's Marine!
Date: 2004-04-11
From: Neels Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

This morning, the Oldman did not help cook breakfast at the hostel. He has been preparing since his boots arrived yesterday. I went out the front door and the rain was coming down in buckets? I came back into the hostel, looked at the Oldman, he looked at me and we decided to take one more down day. I don't think it took much convincing. Thank goodness for the hospitality of Josh and Leigh. If I stay much longer, I think they will be able to claim me on their income tax.
Date: 2004-04-12
From: Neels Gap

To: Hog Pen Gap
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: light rain

Raining again today! Can't stay any longer, so the Oldman and I leave for Neels Gap. We leave Josh's car in the parking lot and head thru the arch in the Wa ah lasi center. The only building the AT goes through. The Oldman is feeling good and moves out with a quick pace. I catch up with him ever couple of miles, but the man can hike. The views are beautiful I'm sure, but I can't see more than ten feet in any direction. I make good time and end up in Hog Pen Gap by 2pm. I call Josh and he said he is running late with his shuttles and couldn't get to me until 4:30. I asked him if he would mind if I hitchhiked back to Neels Gap and brought the car back to the hostel. He said fine, but I wondered if he thought I could get a ride. I stuck out my thumb a couple of times with no luck. Finally a Gov't car going the wrong direction stopped and asked if if wanted a ride. I won't describe her in any greater detail because I wouldn't want to get her in trouble. Anyways, we agreed our destination was Neels Gap then proceeded in the wrong direction. I figured she knew a different way to Neels Gap. After about eight miles , she said we better look at the map. Back up to Hog Pen gap we go but this time we are looking for Forest Service Road 603. We don't find it, but we find a road to the left. "It must go through!" Left we go, after fording two streams, going into two dead ends, down a path with tree limbs hitting both sides of the car, turning around, down someone's driveway, we finally decide to go back to the main road. A left turn, another left turn and low and behold we are on the road to Neels Gap. What an adventure! I am ever so grateful to this unnamed Government servant. (Maybe she picked me up for my good looks, and maybe she wanted to go into the woods with me.) Nope, she was just doing a good deed. Everyone around the trail are so helpful to us poor pitiful hikers. When I finally get back to the Hostel, there is Jeff (Cheapsuit). Tomorrow we hit the trail.
Date: 2004-04-14
From: Blue Mtn Shelter

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

If you were following yesterday's journal, you're aware we were having a condition this morning at the shelter. James, was shivering badly and his pulse was down to 60 beats/minute. We got him a hot breakfast of Lasagna and hot coffee. I asked James if he thought he could hike to Unicoi. He also admitted that he was in trouble and maybe could use some help.   He packs his gear which consisted as plastic shopping bags, his blankets rolled in clear plastic andtied with clothes line. I tell Cheapsuit to start down the trail and I would catch him. Just as he left the 911 dispatcher calls and I explain that we are on the move to Unicoi, three of us, but only one (1) patient. In the meantime, Cheapsuit is gone with James right behind him. I start out trying to catch up. Just after climbing hard for 15 minutes the 911 dispatcher calls again. I'm barely able to answer, huffing and puffing I say we are moving to Unicoi, but the "patient andCheapsuit" are about 5 minutes ahead. She tells me that there are a lot of people coming to meet us and the helicoptor is in the air. No sooner than she tells me the helicoptor is on its way I see it pop over the mountain. What I can't see is Cheapsuit and James. I push hard, almost running. When I can see the crossing at Unicoi, I see Cheapsuit and James surrounded by about 20 rescue personnel. Quenton from Neels Gap had also dispatch !Famous Fred to shuttle us back to Neels.   I told Fred that I was surprised to see all the excitement and he said, "you probably saved that mans life." Didn't feel like that, only escorting someone in trouble off the mountain. Cheapsuit was a little nervous of James during the night, but by the time they reached the bottom, cheapsuit had developed a bond with James. Not only that, cheapsuit gave James his trail name. Cheapsuit notice that James was missing his hand about mid-forearm. Cheapsuit asked if he lost his arm in machinery and James responded yes. Cheapsuit then asked if he had a trailname. When he replied that he did not, Cheapsuit said howabout "Lefty". I swear that was the first smile in two days, and he said he liked it.
Date: 2004-04-15
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today Cheapsuit went home to MN. Must have been something I said. He planned on hiking through Friday, but equipment malfunction took its toll. He will be back on the trail with me when I get to the Smokies with revision 12 of the travois. I should change his trail name to Persistent. I will miss walking with Cheapsuit. We may go for miles without saying a word, or I would listen to him sing Reba songs he had on the radio, or listen for the mating call of the hairy chested ??? scratcher blasting through the woods scaring all living man or beast. No one ever forgets Cheapsuit and they always say he was walking with some retired Marine! Josh put me to work today. I shuttled three hikers to Neels Gap, rode with Josh to Gainsville, then I went to Amicalola State Park to pick up two hikers and shuttle them to Woody's Gap. Finally, I went back to Neels Gap to pick up Kevin from his day hike from Woodys. I plan one more day at the Hostel awaiting a letter from Skippers Mate, that I need to sign and get back to her. Although busy, I still want to get back on the trail and continue my trek north. I was remiss in not mentioning that Cheapsuit and I ran into Stacy and Joel at the Outfitters at Neels Gap yesterday. Stacy slowly walked up to me and asked are you Joe Lape? That surprised me since most people call me Skipper. Then the lights went on and I realized it was Stacy and Joel. We had a great conversation. Also, Cheapsuit found !Haywire in the hostel and dragged him into the store were I was sewing my down bag. (A story in itself.) It was great to see Haywire but I only got to talk to him for a short time because he had lunch cooking. I hope to see him again futher up the trail.
Date: 2004-04-23
From: Winding Stair

To: Cold Springs Shelter 
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Back on the trail again! Feels good, feet are so much better, the anti-biotic worked. Went through my pack again, and again, and again (then last night, late, one more time). Hopefully lightened the load by a few pounds. Sent home some "stuff" and some I put in my "bounce box" to Fontana Dam. Trying new system with the water. Sent my filter on to NOC, and will use the iodine tablets. I have plenty of Kool-aid to block any tasteMade it to Cold Springs shelter. Some hot spots on my feet but after 17 miles I don't wonder why!Hope to make it to NOC on Saturday (tomorrow).
Date: 2004-04-24
From: Cold Springs Shelter 

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Made it to Tellico Gap around 10 A.M. Hope to arrive at NOC around 4 or 5. Just finished talking to home,trying to talk myself up Wesser Bald! Then it's downhill all the way to NOC. I now know I'm not a mountain climber, but I go great downhill.
Date: 2004-04-25
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Arrived at NOC on 24th at 10 minutes before 5- retaurant closed at 5! Not serving anymore food! Went to Slow Joe's Cafe for chilli and sandwich. Too tired to hold my head up. Called home then went to hostel to shower and put my head down. Very tired, but feet are fine, no blisters and toe nail infection gone. Going to take zero day to go through my bounce box and mail things home. Too much food. Planning for Fontana Dam where I will receive a mail drop from home. I don't want to carry too much food through the Smokies!When I looked across the bridge here, I had fond memories of last year's trip. I look at that day as one of the best days of my life. Ted and Marsha met me here. Hard to look at the bridge this year. I guess I'll have to wait till Virginia before they head home from Fl. It'll be great to see them.The flowers are out, seems like all of a sudden. Honeysuckles smell wonderful. About 2 feet from my right foot, I saw the biggest black snake! Appeared to be 6 feet long and as big around as my wrist! I stepped back, he looked up at me, I thought, well if you are going to pose, I'll take your picture. Took about three pictures, then walked far around him, and continued on my way. Picture on website to follow.I took some great pictures, panoramic on Wesser Bald. Not sure how many states you can see, but it was beautiful. Old tower to climb up to get a better view. Last year it was in the fog, so I never bothered to climb the tower.Starting to rain, so I'll get off the pay phone. In case anyone wondered, Barb (Skipper's Mate) is typing this in for me.Going to slack pack for two days to Fontana Dam. Staying at the Hiker Inn tomorrow and Monday night, then on up Shukstack into the Smokies. Hope to meet Cheapsuit at Newfound Gap next week. I'm not sure when I will be there, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.
Date: 2004-04-26
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

It's the beginning of the day. Monday- my legs feel like bouncing and I'm ready to climb. I'm sure they will feel like rubber in 2 hours, but that's life on the trail. All my mailings done, sugar levels low, so I'm going for breakfast to raise them a bit. Only taking one pill a day now! Excercise is the key for sure. Called Jeff at Hiker Inn to tell him I would be at Stecoah Gap around 5 or 6. He said "not 5, because that's my run into Robbinsville. You don't want to go into town smelling the way you're gonna smell!" Ok, 6 then! Nice to know I have a place to sleep inside tonight again also! Rainy now, but warm rain and I have my rain gear on. Looking for sunshine around noon. (I've been "Looking for Sunshine" for many days now, and I seem to find it each day! My neck had hurt so much, I couldn't hold my head up. Put Tiger Balm on and it's like magic. 5 minutes later my neck feels so much better. Update tonight. It's 14 miles to Steacoh Gap. 9 miles up to 5000 feet, then down into the gap for 5 miles.Update at 5 PM. Feeling great at the top of CHEOAH BALD. Took lots of pictures,the fog is coming up the mountain.Called home now because at Hiker Inn at Fontana Dam no phone usage. 5 more miles to go, but they are down hill, my kind of miles.
Date: 2004-04-24
From: Springer Mountain GA

To: Neels Gap GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Saturday April 24th, the big day has arrived. I just made my decision last night to hike the Appalachian trail. My younger brother Adam (trail name Gather) has been preparing his hike for some time now. I have been buying gear in preparation (letting little brother do all the gear research) not really knowing, or sure if I will go through with this.Last night I called my Dad and asked him if he would drive me to Amicalola State Park GA and drop me off at Springer Mountain which is the southern starting point of the Appalachian trail. Springer Mountain Ga to Mt. Katahdin Maine is 2,168 miles in length. I have not done any hiking to prepare for this journey what so ever, that's what has me worried jumping straight up off the couch and onto the trail with no preparation. Adam ( Gather ) started his journey last month on Sunday March 21st, but Blood Mountain kicked his butt, he had to come home and lick his wounds (blisters) for a couple of weeks. Adam (Gather) went back on the trail last week, April 17th and is a week ahead of me.Dad picked me up at 7:00 am Saturday morning and we drove to Georgia, we pulled off an exit off I-85 near Homer GA, pulled up to the stoplight and the engine cut off, would not start. It was downhill and we rolled into the Waffle House parking lot. Dad checked the engine and concluded the timing belt had broken, he then called AAA road service. Now here we are almost 80 miles from Springer in the middle of no-where. Dad says not to worry, I will get you to Springer today, don't know how yet but I will.The lady from AAA told Dad he was a Plus member and could be towed 100 miles in any direction, Dad said good, and the tow truck is on the way.As we were setting in the Waffle House eating and waiting on the tow truck to arrive, Dad said I know how you are getting to Springer, the tow truck will take you. Tow truck arrived, driver was hesitant about Dad's request to take us to Springer, after a call to the owner of the tow truck service from dad we were off to Springer riding up front with the driver.Dropped the car off in Dawsonville GA and on to Springer we went. Got to Forest Service Road #42 and that's where my journey begin. The tow truck was too big to take me up to the parking lot, so we took pictures and said our goodbye's there.I put on my pack and never walked 30 feet, car pulled up and I hopped in with a local man who took me to the parking lot at Springer Mountain. I wasn't worried about Dad getting home as he is a very resourceful person.Journal Really starts here:One mean day! Hitched a ride to the top of Springer. Talked to the caretaker (wild looking dude). Top was crowded, boy scouts, other hikers. Signed the journal and started back down the mountain, I'm on the long journey north.Made it to Stover Creek Shelter 2.5 miles.Note: Judy and Leon Hale are (Jorma's parents) Jorma's Transcriber's, we have almost four (4) months to catch up on, so please be patient with us.
Date: 2004-04-25
From: Springer Mountain GA

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it to Stover Creek Shelter 2.5 miles, place was empty. Fixed dinner, saw trout in the stream. Trey from Alabama walked up with his dog. He's a thru-hikerhad lost his job and was fed up with it all he said. His dog was very obedientwith her own little pack.Turned in, got very little sleep. Heard something running in the woods. Bears are everywhere I'm told. Have to hang up food every night using cables.Next morning Trey and I both woke at the same time, he said he didn't get much sleep either. I left before he did and followed the trout stream for a ways, saw a brook trout in the creek behind the shelter.Met up with three guys very much in shape with huge packs, ran into two more thru-hikers. One of them was wearing flip-flops, he was some kind of ticked offsaid during the night a bear ran off with his boots, all he had to wear was the flip-flops ( and this is not the place for them) his trail name was Bear Foot.I screwed up totally, pushed too hard ran out of water, was in serious trouble. Had to hike over two mountains to find water ! Completely exhausted. Made camp at creek other hikers camping beside me. Only one mile to next shelter, my feet say no. A mild shower comes while in my tent, saw Trey on his way to the shelter. Am worried about bears tonight.
Date: 2004-04-26
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Neels Gap GA
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: moderate rain

Last night was horrible! Heavy winds and thunderstorms all night long. Tent leaked, but considering conditions that's normal.Tent's wet, pack is now heavy! Walked one mile to Gooch Gap Shelter, very nice, has a loft and porch. Other people started showing up, everybody is wet ! Clothes, tents, packs are hanging everywhere. Upstairs are two guy's from up north and a guy from England. Downstairs me and an older fellow from IL who has hiked most of the trail. I hate it when gear is wet. Trey is ahead of me.Very hungry today, I decided to rest today because of a blister beginning to form. Felt like I've wasted the day, but it's 13 miles to the next shelterHomeless man named Johnny slept beside me last night and snored heavy all night. Left the shelter early as I could.
Date: 2004-04-27
From: Springer Mountain

To: Neels Gap GA
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: few clouds

Left early this morning at daylight from Gooch Gap Shelter, did 14.6 miles today. Pushed hard through the woods, met a hiker who took my picture. Reached Blood Mountain, very hard climb, beautiful view's. Pushed hard down the mountain, want to make it to Neels Gap Hostel today.Hostel is nice but full of mice, running all over the place and my pack. Met hiker Stephanie, Haywire and another hiker we ordered pizza and shared it.Haywire was just finishing up a section hike and is a great guy, someone I could hike with. Stephanie is a Marine Biologist, she has been staying at the Hostel a few days with an injured knee. The Hostel owner has been loaning her his car to go see the doctor.Also met Butterfinger and Wideload there at the Hostel.
Date: 2004-04-28
From: Neels Gap GA

To: Hiawassee GA
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke up late, most of the other hikers had already left except Haywire and I. Went to the outfitters store and bought some junk food. Lady from MA asked me to take her picture.Hit the trail, pushed hard, very, very hard climb, almost puked when I peaked out. Five (5) miles into the hike my left knee begin to swell up and hurt like hell. I am very worried about this, very upset. Had to push myself up the mountain with my hiking poles as crutches. Pitched my tent beside the trail close to other thru-hikers tonight on top of the mountain. Cooked and ate dinner.I am very worried about bears here. May decide to stay here tomorrow to give my knee a chance to heal. I thought blisters would be my problem, but now I have bigger problems.
Date: 2004-04-29
From: Neels Gap GA

To: Hiawassee GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

When will the bad days end ? Woke this morning to find myself in the clouds (Really) being on a mountain top you are in the clouds.Saw a Helicopter fly by and I was looking down on it instead of looking up at it.Made breakfast, I'll never eat oatmeal again, ever! Knee is swollen real bad and stiff, I am very worried, think I'll set out the day here, don't have a choice, cannot walk on this knee at all. All the other hikers have gone, nothing to do but sleep and wait. Occasionally I see hikers go by, this is very depressing, I want to be walking too.My feet seem to be ok, beginning to harden up. Weather is sunny, warm and breezy, will eat dinner and go to bed.Had chicken flavored noodles for dinner and instant Gator-Aid.
Date: 2004-04-30
From: Neels Gap GA

To: Hiawassee GA
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up this morning, it had started raining last night, had to go outside and drag my pack inside. Heard bear foot steps close to my tent last night, too heavy to be anything else and the smell was awful, slept with my hunting knife in my hand. One corner of my sleeping bag is wet, but the rest is pretty much ok. I feel like a hermit in this tent, during the night I was scared to go outside because of my knee. If this knee doesn't get better fast it's game over for me.Heard a hiker pass through this morning in the rain. Have three days food left and very little water, but water is only 10 minutes away, with my knee like it is that's a very long way. Very depressed everyone else is way ahead of me . I said let's do it ! Packed up and left camp slowly. Fine at first then the pain returned in my knee. I'm devastated. Made it into Blue Mountain Shelter late tonight.A fellow is here, retired engineering consultant from Greenville SC. Soon afterward an Australian showed up. Eleven years ago he hiked the AT to Harpers Ferry WV. This time he's going all the way. He's a well traveled experienced hiker with dreadlocks, nice guy.A father and son showed up close to the end of their hike. We ate dinner and went to bed.
Date: 2004-05-01
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Hiawassee GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up, the consultant takes off grumbling about the rain, We're up in a cloud, everything is completely wet, misting inside the shelter, nothing will dry.A hiker from Denmark comes in to rest, so does a British man. Here we have an American, a Brit and an Australian in the same shelter. The conversations and different accents are amazing. They pack up and leave. Soon afterward three guys come in, all thru-hikers. They look as though they are math wizards or computer hackers. One of them is a real character, big floppy western hat, Army surplus jeans rolled up above his ankles, all were very nice, I like this group.They leave for the next shelter, all alone now. Three day hikers come in to get out of the rain, they ask the usual questions and offer to take me to Helen GA to a Doctor, I decline, I'll probably just stay here again tonight. One of them gave me a box of chocolate bars, how wonderful. I feel frustrated and disappointed because of my knee. Very discouraging to see older men and women passing by while I'm not.Later Armando from Brownsville Texas comes in, he and I have been bumping into each other off and on. Armando is having ankle problems. His friend, Bear Foot the one who lost his boots to the bear is way behind with a knee problem.A mouse chewed a hole in my food bag over night. All over the walls of the shelter things are written about " Beware of the mice"Armando fries himself a big tortilla on his alcohol stove. I made a mental note to try this later on (if there is a later on).Two high school kids come in from a local hike. How I wish I were in their healthy shape! Laid tent out to dry, Armando is snoring up a storm. For the first time the weather broke and I can actually see the mountains. This lasted for an hour then the clouds moved back in. Two more people came in, a full shelter. Stomach is growling loudly, very embarassing, next time maybe I can eat more food if there is any (running out of food). Laid around listening to everyone talk, then went to sleep.