morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-11
From: Unnamed Gap South of Bluff Mountain

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

All who were camped at the unnamed gap now known as Moonshine Gap left early; I suspect the draw of Hot Springs was very strong. The trail after cresting Bluff Mountain descended into woodland coves now busting out in spring with carpet of wildflowers blooming.The day was warm, but I was in mountain laurel thickets which provided some protection from the sun. The ups and downs were not quite as steep as previous days.Currahee and I met up for lunch Deer Park Mountain Shelter. So by lunch, we were within about 2.8 miles of Hot Springs. We covered 7.7 miles by just after noon.The views into Hot Springs go on and on for nearly a mile before getting to the road. I was not able to locate the overlook where so many hikers take photos of Hot Springs in the distance.We arrived in Hot Springs about 2:30 pm, but Elmer's was already full. We opted for the Alpine Motel, which was more expensive, but quite adequate. After hydrating, showers, laundry, and food are the order of the day. We checked out the town for restaurants and resupply options. We found several resupply options at the Hillbilly market, Dollar General, outfitter, and a covenience store. We ate at the Smokie Mountain Diner, and our meal filled the craving. We also got oranges, bananas, and potato chips for later.We have confirmed the 6 days to Erwin with a resupply after 3 days near Sam's Gap. This schedule will drive our resupply decisions in Hot Springs.enjoy the journey.
Date: 2011-04-12
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Overnight, we had rain, and the temperature has dropped nearly 20 degree F. Our plan for getting to Erwin seems to have a question mark about resupply before Erwin at Sam's Gap, but in a breakfast conversation with Step and a Half, it became clear that by hitching a ride west out of Sam's Gap, we could get into Erwin to overnight and resupply. The next two days would then be used to hike south out of Uncle Jonnie's back to Sam's Gap. We would then meet our spouses at Sam's Gap and go to Erwin for a zero day. This seems like the best plan.Breakfast was wonderful, just like dinner, at the Smokie Mountain Diner - highly recommended. Laundry and resupply is next followed by journal copying into trailjournals.com.I made a foot gear change in my insoles and hope this helps with some foot pain that I have been experienceing.Hot Springs has been a wonderful trail town. I spent all afternoon updating my journal from the library and updating photos.With laundry done, the only two items left to accomplish are food resupply and dinner.Enjoy the journey.
Date: 2011-04-13
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: broken clouds

I got lots of well wishes from family and friends on 65th birthday. Currahee gave me a card and bought my breakfast before we departed from Hot Springs. It was a nice gesture.We completed our one last chore before we left town by mailing our bounce box to Erwin TN. However, I learned an important lesson. I packed the old bounce box and took it to the PO, and then had to repack it in a new flat rate box. However, I left out a couple of items and the box was already sealed. Next time when we collect the bounce box from the PO I will get a new flat rate box to repack in the hotel.Hot Springs was all spiffed up as it is getting ready for their trail festival this weekend.The AT north of Hot Springs had wonderful views of the town and French Broad River as we climbed out of town.Early in the day we met a group of 25 south bound seniors day hiking. They gave us some homebaked cookies as trail magic.Throughout the day I noted many wild forest orhids in bloom. The mountain laurel are now showing buds. Temperatures for hiking today were much more seasonable.On reaching the shelter, we found full and there are about 20 thru hikers and section hikers camped.It was a wonderful day to be 65 and to be hiking the AT. Enjoy the journey.
Date: 2011-04-14
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jone's Meadow
Miles today: 10.8

Today was another glorious day weather wise. I left about 8:30 am and was underway to Allen Gap. At the gap, a sign indicated that house near the gap was providing trail magic. Two thru hikers, Hercules and Fal, provided Belgian waffles, stew, and dessert - actually the desserts were restaurant quality. I was stuffed and it was hard to negiotate the rest or our day. The five mile uphill seemed harder than usual.We are camped here with many thru hikers. The AT spring deluge is underway. Tomorrow afternoon and evening will be very wet and windy. We will leave early and camp near Flint Mountain Shelter as protected as possible.Thanks to Hercules and Gal.Enjoy the journey.
Date: 2011-04-15
From: Jone's Meadow

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a very strange weather day. It dawned looking like rain storms would develop quickly. It was very windy with dark foreboding clouds. The hiking day started with a 1.5 mile walk on a rocky exposed ridge - Firescald Ridge. It would of had glorious views in clear weather, but the 50+ mph winds from the east wearing a pack threaten to start me into parasailing. The continued up Big Butt Mountain where there was a tombstone for a man who hiked the AT in 1968 at age 64. There was one view of the stormy vista to the south.We passed another trail milestone: we have now traveled 300 miles from Springer Mountain GA.Later, we came to a family plot of two brothers from NC who fought for the Union Army. The brothers were killed by Confederate troops. The plots rested in a peaceful gap.We were early to the shelter, but it was already full at 3 pm. We were able to find a suitable tent spot just past the shelter. The winds have diminished a little and it appears that it will rain overnight. We will probably hike in morning rain tomorrow. Enjoy the journey.
Date: 2011-04-16
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Sam's Gap
Miles today: 11.5

The overnight at Flint Mountain was very windy and rainy. I tented dry, and it fortunately was dry for breaking camp.The morning walk to the second road crossing was dry except for a few sprinkles of rain. At the road crossing, rain began to fall and I put on my pack cover. Within another 1/2 mile, the bottom dropped out and I stopped again to put on my rain gear. We began a hard climb next to a cascading creek. It was a beautiful cove and a very steep climb to the ridge. The cove had been inhabited with remnants of a log cabin and the detrice of human habitation.The afternoon was sunny and warm. I even dried out from the morning deluge.At the Hog Back Ridge Shelter, we ran into several thru hikers drying out from a very hard storm last night. It seems others in the area had a very stormy night.Our plan was to go into Erwin from Sam's Gap to resupply. However, Currahee has been experiencing more knee pain than has been normal. I am a bit fatigued as well so we will spend a few days in Erwin. Our wives will visit on Monday. If it is no longer fun, stop doing it. We need the rest to continue to enjoy the journey.
Date: 2011-04-17
From: Sam's Gap

To: Sam's Gap
Miles today: 0.0

This day off was one of anticipation. My wife will be visiting for the first time tomorrow. I am looking forward to spending some time with her and also for an additional two days of rest. We will have some time at a local Bed & Breakfast.Today I completed updating journal and photos. A little time was spent with planning, but Currahee and I will take on more of this tomorrow as we do laundry, sort through our bounce box, and resupply. The next weeks have four opportunities to use hostels close to the trail. This may provide some breaks from the past several weeks of 6 days between trail towns. The next trail town is Damascus VA in about 160 miles.We had a wonderful lunch at the Cho Cho Cafe in downtown Erwin. the owner shared with us some of the history of the town and had photos from the past hundred years or so of Erwin history. Dinner was at a Chinese Restaurant with no Chinese on the wait staff - small town America.Enjoy the journal.
Date: 2011-04-18
From: Sam's Gap

To: Sam's Gap
Miles today: 0.0

I move from the Super 8 to the Clayton Dogwood Inn - a Bed and Breakfast. The owners - Carol and Jeff - are quite nice and the accomodations very comfortable. All or most of the planning and resupply chores were done by the time Jonnie arrived.I enjoyed catching up on family business during the afternoon. We had an enjoyable feed at the Erwin Hawg and Dawg. Both the BBQ (including a variety of sauces) and the hot dogs were wonderful.Conversation with the Currahee's around the fire were good and I am looking forward to touring the area tomorrow. It is well past hiker midnight, and I am tired.Enjoy the journey.
Date: 2011-04-19
From: Sam's Gap

To: Sam's Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a wonderful day visiting with my wife and completing the last resupply chores. The bounce box was sent on to Damascus VA about two weeks ahead. Currahee and I agreed upon a schedule to make Damascus on May 5th to schedule a visit of his boys in Damascus. We set a resupply box at Uncle Jonnie's. I ordered some boot laces for delivery in Damascus.Finally, I had an enjoyable evening of dinner and a movie with my wife.Tomorrow promises light rain we continue on the trail. I needed the rest to recharge. I am looking forward to the trip to Damascus and overnighting at several hostels on the way. We will be overnighting at the highest shelter on the AT at Roan High Knob and staying at the barn at the Overmountain Shelter.Let the journey continue.
Date: 2011-04-20
From: Sam's Gap

To: Whistling Gap
Miles today: 10.8

We got late start from the B&B due to a tornado and heavy thunderstorm watch. We left Sam's Gap in heavy rain, but within about a mile we had taken off our rain gear and the rain stopped.The climb up Bald Mountain was long, but not very steep. The trail designer did not feel called to go over every peak. The view from the Bald was magnificent in all directions. Although the Bald may not have been as large a Max Patch, it was still quite large and provided 360 dgeree views.The extra rest in Erwin and his knee brace have not helped Currahee's knee - it hurt both ascending and descending; it hurts even when not under any stress at night.At Bald Mountain Shelter, we stopped and made dinner. We moved on about 4 pm and made camp in Whistling Gap about 6 pm. After eating our lunch for dinner, a thunderstorm blew in. I am waiting out the storm in my tent. Hopefully, tomorrow will dawn clear.Currahee and I will discuss our options tomorrow after some rest.Enjoy the journey.
Date: 2011-04-21
From: Whistling Gap

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: overcast clouds

This will be the end to my AT thru hike - at least for a while. I have not looked forward to this entry - obviously, from the length of time it has taken to post it. Currahee needs to come off the trail and consult with an orthopedic specialist to understand what options he has to deal with the pain in his knee.Currahee and I discussed the possibility that one of us might become unable to continue on the trail. We agreed that the uninjured one should decide whether they would continue with no expectation about the decision. Consequently, the decision on whether to end, delay, or continue my journey is mine. Ending this day at Spivey Gap was the right thing to do for Currahee's long term health. At this point, I am tired and was begin to hurt from the pounding of day in and day out hiking. My decision is then to not make a final decision for a couple of weeks. So I will suspend my thru hike at this point.I do not know what my long term decision will be. Thru hiking is hard both physically and mentally. I do not know whether I am up to completion of a thru hike; perhaps, I am destined to be a section hiker - albeit, a long distance one.In many ways, the next section of trail over Roan High Knob through Damascus VA,and into the Mount Rodgers area and Grayson Highlands promises to be a most rewarding hike. I hope to finish this section before years end.I apologize for how long it has taken to put this down on paper - my personal disappointment and in my inability to continue got in my way of putting my decision on paper. Completing a written inventory always makes the situation clearer, but it also makes the situation real, and I apparently was not ready to face that until now.I will hold open this thru hike for another week or so until I get to a decision about when to restart.Thanks to all who have read this journal to date, and who have offered encouragement in many ways.Continue to enjoy the journey.
Date: 2011-05-06
From: Spivey Gap

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

I have thought long and hard about my decision to continue or to leave the AT for this year. In the last week, Currahee - my hiking partner confirmed that his knee will need surgery to repair. I sympathize with his predicament - leave the trail or risk permanent damage to his knee. The right decision for him is to get his knee repaired to not endanger his long term ability to continue to backpack. After waiting for medical confirmation of his need for surgery, I have come to the conclusion that I am not done for the year and want to return to the trail to continue the journey.I will return to Spivey Gap on Wednesday, May 11. The plan will to travel to Erwin and Uncle Jonnie's on the 10th, and slackpack back to Uncle Jonnie's from Spivey Gap on the 11th. I will overnight at Uncle Jonnie's on the 11th and set out for Damascus VA on the 12th.It will take me about 2 weeks to reach Damascus.I am looking forward to my return to hiking. I have appreciated all of the support through emails and the guestbook since I started in March and especially through this last period of deciding whether to continue or to stop.I will resume the journey next week and begin regular posting then.
Date: 2011-05-10
From: Spivey Gap

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: light rain

My wife dropped me at Spivey Gap about 3pm and my intent for this first afternoon back on the trail was a very modest 4.7 miles. Jonnie was able to deliver some trail magic to a father section hiking with his through holing daughter by dropping them off in Erwin before returning.to Georgia.It felt good to be back on the trail. The has held off enough to get my tent set up and to finish dinner.There were still some wild iris and magnolia in bloom. The canopy of the forest at 4000 feet is not quite full, but has a lot.more foliage then 3 weeks ago.I am tired and I will probably fall asleep quickly. Tomorrow's goal is also modest at about 10.5 miles - destination Curley Maple Gap Shelter.I am looking forward to lunch at Uncle Jonnie's Hostel at the Nolichucky River crossing.Enjoy the journey.
Date: 2011-05-11
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Curley Maple Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

A rain storms hit at about 10:30 pm and lasted until about 2 am. Another storm line of thunderstorms hit at about 5:30 am and lasted until after 7 am. This delayed my departure until about 8:15. The hike into Uncle Jonnie's was easy and I arrived at about 11:30 am. I hydrated and had lunch.The hike into Uncle Jonnie's had Mountain Laurel in bloom, Magnolias in bloom, and some azaleas in bloom. The storms overnight must have been strong since there was a number of spots of new blowdown agreeing to the strength of the winds.The climb to Curley Maple Gap was steep for about a mile. I got reminded that I was off the trail three weeks.Tomorrow will be a a longer hike - about 12 miles. I will take it easy and all should be well. The shelter has about 8 people tonight; a far cry from those in late April.Enjoy the journey.
Date: 2011-05-12
From: Curley Maple Gap Shelter

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I was on the trail early and made very good time - covering the 4+ uphill miles to Indian Grave Gap TN in less than 2 hours. I have not been in a good frame of mind - you know hiking in much more about the mind than it is about the physical. I miss the folks we had hiked with from Springer to Erwin, and these folks were now miles up the road after my three week layoff. I miss hiking with Currahee....we did not hike together all of the day, but we met up for lunch and some breaks, and spent the evenings together discussing the day and planning for the days ahead.I think of myself as independent, but I miss the comaradarie and this road crossing with easy access to Erwin seems like a good place to end my hike for now.It obviously has taken me a while to post this....I have had to work through stopping my thruhike was not a failure, it only postponed continuing with Currahee after his surgery. Now several weeks later... Currahee has had knee surgery and is well on his way to recovery. I have begun to plan some day hikes and short overnights for the summer and fall. Perhaps we will be back on the trail in the fall....here's hoping.Enjoy your journey.More later.
Date: 2011-06-18
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Thank you to all who have sent greetings and encouragement. The journey is not over - it just has been delayed. Currahee and I hope to get back to overnights later this summer or early fall. Perhaps we can continue on for a while heading north from Erwin.I have begun posting photos on my Flickr web site from the 2011 hike. These photos are some of the same photos on this site, but they have been edited - cropped and light adjusted. Many more photos have been added. Please enjoy. The web site URL is: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21224413@N02/sets/72157626194504060/.The photo on this page is a beautiful view of the ridges east of Davenport Gap all the way to Mount Mitchell NC.Continue to enjoy your journey.
Date: 2011-08-11
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Currahee's knee has stood up to several day hikes. We have planned a 17 day hike from Currahee's stopping point to Damascus for October 10th through October 26th.I am really looking forward to getting back on the trail if only for about two weeks. I will retrace the trail from Spivey Gap to Indian Grave Gap, and then continue on to Damascus. By October, the weather should be much cooler especially over Roan High Knob, and the fall colors should be approaching their peak. We will make use of the many Hostels between Erwin and Damascus for resupply and a few zero days.The journey will continue.
Date: 2011-08-12
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Our journey must be delayed again. Last Thursday evening I found myself in the emergency room of NE Georgia Medical Center. After a CT scan, I was diagnosed with a ruptured colon. With the help of the wonderful medical team at NE Georgia, the infection has been reduced and I am scheduled for surgery in the morning to remove a portion of my colon.This means Currahee and I must one more time delay the continuation of our northward trek. The plan was to start October 10th and hike north from Erwin to Damascus, but this will now be delayed until some future time.I am grateful that the colon ruptured at home and not on the trail. Once again the Higher Power doing for me what I can not do for myself.Continue to enjoy the journey with a sense of humor.
Date: 2011-05-19
To: The Countdown
Miles today: 0.0

On Monday, May 30th 2011 (Memorial Day), I will be driving from Sevierville, TN to McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, TN. Leaving Knoxville in the early afternoon, I will fly to Bangor, ME by way of Detroit, MI. Shortly after arriving at Bangor International Airport in the early evening, I will be boarding a sea plane. A pleasant fellow named Jim will be flying me over the lovely terrain that will soon be my home and landing the plane in the West Branch Penobscot River at the Boundary of Baxter State Park and mere miles from the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Jim is a pilot/owner of Katahdin Air and has been an absolute joy to do business with!
Date: 2011-05-20
To: Daunting Decisions
Miles today: 0.0

The question now is whether to mail my pack UPS to Jim from Katahdin Air, or to have it as checked baggage aboard Delta Airlines. Checking my bag involves the inherent risks feared by all airline passengers, yet in my situation, lost or damaged baggage could potentially mean serious setbacks for my trip. I have already decided that if I check my pack as baggage, it will be placed inside either a shipping box, or squeezed into an oversized piece of luggage that I do not mind giving away after retrieving my pack. Obviously, it would not be advisable to attempt to give a random piece of luggage to a stranger or new friend anywhere in an American airport, regardless of my generous intentions. While UPS may also have the same risks as checked baggage, it seems that UPS has a much better accountability system in place. In the few packages that I have shipped via UPS over the years, I only recall two (2) which were damaged to the point of contents being lost and/or damaged. It is noteworthy to mention that UPS did an amazing job of value reimbursement. Also, Jim has generously offered to accept my pack as a UPS package at his base, as well as have denatured alcohol (my stove fuel) available for use. What a great show Trail Magic, even before my journey starts!
Date: 2011-05-22
To: Mailing Madness (to Maine)
Miles today: 0.0

The decision has been made. Tomorrow morning while I am at work, my mostly packed backpack will be shipped UPS to Millinocket, ME (Thanks Mom and Dad)! According to UPS, if the pack is mailed Monday morning, it should arrive Thursday, or Friday at the absolute latest. With all the bulk going UPS, I will simply carry on a few small items aboard my flights and not worry with checked baggage.Last night Mom, Amy, and I took a three (3) hour trip to the grocery store to purchase my first food supply. I thanked them many times for their help with comparing nutritional values, as well as their patience with my indecisive nature! The end result was 19 pounds of food packed in two Ultra-Sil 13 liter dry bags. Why nineteen pounds?! The reason for such a heavy food weight is that I am facing a potential wait at Baxter State Park for trails to open due to snow and other conditions. If I camp while waiting I am going to have to eat something, and I would rather not resupply once trails are open. While some, I included, would rather enjoy the thought of traversing Katahdin in the snow, the kind folks at Baxter State Park impose $1,000 fines, confiscation of all gear, as well as ban you from the park when (not if) you are caught hiking while trails are closed. While this may seem to be a frustration, since Baxter State Park holds but a mere few miles of my intended route, it will simply be accepted for what it is and I hope to enjoy any delays that I may encounter.