morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-02-05
To: Why I Am Hiking the Appalachian Trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

In my previous post, I mentioned how developing three lists would assist in my mental preparation and, even more importantly, help in keeping my goal in mind during the longer days on the trail. As promised, here they are:I am thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail because...I have always wanted to take part in a great adventure.I feel that this time will allow me to focus exclusively on myself and my goals for the future.I want to accomplish a feat that many consider impossible (or at least really, really hard).I want to feel proud of myself for completing an ambitious goal.I want to disconnect from my normal routine.I want to unplug from the technology I currently turn to for fulfillment, focusing on more important aspects of life.There is always an excuse not to do something, and I'm tired of making excuses.Why not do something incredibly awesome? It seems dumb to settle for another day stuck in traffic on I-285.When I successfully thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, I will...Have acquired the patience and perspective to strive for a faraway goal.Know that I have achieved something great and unusual.Have the story of a lifetime to share with my family and friends.Have extreme confidence in my ability to overcome obstacles.Know what it means to suffer for one's dream.Never complain about walking to my car at the end of the parking lot.Have developed life skills that I may never have in my everyday life.Know how to prioritize what is important in life.Eat an entire blueberry pie. Maybe two. With vanilla ice cream.If I give up on the Appalachian Trail, I will...Not be able to trust myself when I set goals.May have missed out on one of the few chances I will have to hike the AT.Probably sink into a state of depression.Disappoint all of the people who have been encouraging me.Look like a total wuss.Regret giving up on something I've dreamed about for over a decade.Miss out on experiences that I will never, ever be able to reproduce.Sleep on the couch for a year, according to my wife.Hiking the Appalachian Trail is the adventure of a lifetime, but I know up front that there will be days where walking another fifty feet will seem less preferable to sticking my face in a hornet's nest. These lists will help remind me that I am hiking because of these experiences, learning and growing opportunities to help me discover who I really am. Also, I get to eat anything I want for five months or so. My tastebuds can't wait.31 days and counting!
Date: 2014-03-07
To: Becoming a Thru-Hiker
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Leaving everything behind is such a strange thing, something that many middle Americans like myself may not experience too often. So when I locked the door for the last time today, said goodbye to my pets, my house, my normal life for the next five months, it was a strange mix of emotions. Most prevalent of all, though, was my excitement for my adventure that, at long last, is about to begin.At 5:30 PM today, I officially registered as an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker at Amicalola Falls State Park. The people at the visitor's center were all smiles and nodded approvingly when I announced my pack weight: 26 lbs. fully loaded. It will get lighter when I figure out which things I only thought I needed.My mother-in-law was gracious enough to reserve a room for my wife and I at the Amicalola Lodge, a beautifully modern (and slightly out-of-place) building facing a small valley between the mountains. Here I will spend my first night as a thru-hiker, checking and re-checking my gear to make sure that, yes, I actually did bring everything with me. I'm hoping that I can actually get some sleep.Tomorrow is the day. I am ready.
Date: 2014-03-09
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

I slept well last night, though my internal clock is entirely out of whack. Everyone gathered around a campfire and chatted until roughly 9 pm, then the majority of us were in our bags by 9:30. I fell asleep shortly after that and woke up at 2:30 am. Though the moon was only half full, its light and the stars illuminated the entire forest. It was chilly but not cold, meaning I had to shed layers in order to stay comfy in my 15 degree bag.Due to Daylight Savings Time, the sunrise was pushed to almost 8 am, meaning that I didn¢t get up and hiking until 9:15. Most of my camp mates joined me for breakfast; Skyler, who attempted a thru-hike a few years back offered us thru-hikers some advice, mostly to keep us from making some of the same mistakes he had made. Mike from Ohio was the first to head out, and I spent the majority of the day nipping at his heels.It was another beautiful day in the low 60¢s, sunny with a gentle breeze. I hiked alone for the first portion of the day, but met up with thru-hiker Felicia from Canada. We chatted for several miles about our decision thru-hike, differences between the US and Canada, and sections of the trail we were looking forward to. Felicia was actually hit by a car a short time before her hike, but fortunately the damage to her knee was not enough to keep her from hiking. She¢ll be wearing a brace for two weeks, and then she should be good to go.The terrain was pretty strenuous, with lots of ups and downs continuously. Sassafras Mt. was the big climb for the day at 3,342 ft., with more straight-up hiking than switchbacks.I joined with thru-hiker Collin and his friend Sean at the top, where we ate lunch and swapped stories. I hiked with them for the rest of the day to Gooch Mt. Shelter, where we stopped around 3:00 pm. Altogether it was a 13 mile day, and my legs were ready for a break.I did a good deed for the day! My shelter-mate, Mike, dropped his sunglasses about 2 miles in today and I happened to notice them just before stepping on them. I reunited Mike and his glasses at the shelter, and he we extremely happy that they were recovered. It¢s nice how the trail seems to provide what we need.
Date: 2014-03-10
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Lake Winfield Scott State Park
Miles today: 10.9

Today was the epitome of unexpected. Last night was surprisingly restful ¢ the shelter register said that mice were everywhere, but the night was peaceful. The sky was completely clear, and stars and moon were so bright that there was no need for a headlamp.I headed out this morning with Mike, Dumpster, Swamp Donkey (apparently slang for a white-tail deer), and Ethan. We left at roughly 8:30 am and made it to Woody Gap (2 miles away) by 11 am. There we were met with our first major road crossing, but more importantly that was where we found our first trail magic. Across the road we saw the ¢Leapfrog Caf©,¢ run by hiker Fresh Grounds. We gorged ourselves on banana pancakes, home fries, chips, apples, oranges, and fresh coffee. We expected to eat a lunch of tuna and ramen. Instead, we ate like kings.Afterwards, with a few extra pounds of food in our stomaches, we continued our hike and were met with excellent views of the valley below. The big climb today was Big Cedar Mt. (3,737 ft.), and we initially planned to make it a short day and camp at Lance Creek campground. However, we arrived at L. C. at 1:30 pm and were energized by our trail magic, so we powered through to Jarrad Gap where we thought we could camp; we were aware that hikers were required to carry bear canisters between Jarrard gap and Neel Gap, but not at Jarrard Gap itself. A quick call to the ranger station proved otherwise, and the ranger confirmed that a steep fine was delivered to anyone caught without a bear canister. Of course, we had already set up camp by this point, but we begrudgingly took a side trail to nearby Lake Winfield Scott State Park.We fortunately acquired two campsites for the winter rate of $9 each (usually $15), and were met with even more trail magic: Peter ¢Bear¢ Kohlhoff, a fellow Georgia teacher section hiking for the week, paid for our sites, and refused our attempts to repay him. He hiked half of the day with us (along with Canadian hiker Felicia), and he will continue on with us tomorrow. So we ended in a completely different place than expected, but I guess that¢s part of the adventure.
Date: 2014-03-11
From: Lake Winfield Scott State Park

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 5.0

Today was a short day ¢ only 5 official miles on the AT ¢ as I needed to resupply at Neel Gap. There is an outfitter here located in an old CCC building. This is the only location where the AT passes underneath a roof. There were lots of hikers grabbing food, gear, and other essentials, but the staff¢s specialty is performing a ¢shakedown¢: pulling everything out of your backpack and suggesting ways to reduce the weight. Fellow hiker Swamp Donkey reduced his weight by 5 pounds by upgrading some equipment and dropping an extra tarp. Seeing as some people start the trail with 60+ pounds, this service can be essential.Another reason for the low mileage was the amount of elevation gain my group experienced today. First, since we slept at LWS, we had a steep climb out of the park back to the AT. Second, today we climbed over the tallest mountain on the Georgia section of the AT, Blood Mountain (4,461 ft.). This mountain has many switchbacks, which means that although the grade of the path is not steep, the trail has a long, steady incline to the top. Fortunately, the weather has still been on our side with mostly sunny skies and a steady breeze to cool our backs. Even better, due to the high elevation, I was able to get full mobile signal and check in with family. It was the first time I was able to talk for a significant amount of time since starting the trail.My mind has calmed significantly since my first night on the trail. As I lay in the shelter that night, the enormity of my task was overwhelming. Not only is this hike physically challenging, but thoughts of months away from everything in my life came crashing down, finally real after years of hypotheticals. I had been on the trail for 2.8 miles, and all I could think of was how much I wanted to be home.Those desires and trepidations will always be there, but after meeting some great fellow hikers and receiving so much support from family and friends, my spirits have lifted considerably. I have been reminded why this goal was so important to me in the first place. I will continue my march toward Katahdin.Tonight we are experiencing the high life: four of us rented a cabin on Blood Mountain. We have indoor plumbing(!), a full kitchen, air conditioning, and satellite TV. Oh, and an actual hot shower. I washed myself three times just because I could.
Date: 2014-03-12
From: Neel Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Today was my first day of hiking in the rain. Luckily, the rain petered out around midday, but the effects lasted ¢ soggy clothes, fewer views, and slippery slopes. Also, aside from the distraction of raw blisters (one on the fourth toe of each foot, all thanks to the descent down Blood Mt.), my spirits are still high.We hurried to our selected campsite ¢ Low Gap Shelter ¢ because of the impending change in the weather. There are supposed to be very high winds and low temperatures, and since Low Gap Shelter is situated in a small valley, it will give us some degree of wind protection. Since we started around 8:30 am, we were actually able to watch the cold front coming through, slowly pushing the clouds away and replacing it with high winds and dropping temperatures.Thankfully, I thought ahead and purchased some wool tights to help deal with the cold tonight. While hiking, I was warm enough with only my base layer, rain coat, and convertible pants, generating enough body heat to power a small house. Tonight, with temperatures potentially dipping below 20 degrees, I will be happy to have a few more layers.It was a good idea to stay in Neel Gap last night, as clean laundry and a warm shower made me feel refueled. I plan to hike to hike an additional 15 miles tomorrow to Trap Mt. Shelter, putting me in a great position to be in Dick¢s Creek Gap by either Friday evening or Saturday morning.   If Friday, I will aim for the Blueberry Patch Hostel. If Saturday, I will wait in the gap for my wife to arrive. She will be joining me in Hiawassee for the weekend and I can¢t wait to see her only for a few short hours.
Date: 2014-03-13
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Today was an awesome example of nature¢s attempts to thwart our thru-hikes. The overnight temperatures dropped well below freezing and remained there until after 12 PM. The sound of the winds rushing over the mountains sounded like a continuous wave of water crashing on the beach. I awoke at 6:30 am and didn¢t even bother to turn on my stove, inhaling two pop tarts and stretching to warm up my body. We started shortly after sunrise (approximately 8:15 am), and within 15 minutes the water in my Platypus line froze solid. The wind was still blowing from the night before, and a dusting of snow and sleet lined the trail. I walked the 7-mile hike to Unicoi Gap in short time in order to keep warm.At Unicoi Gap I said goodbye to the majority of my hiking group, as they were heading into Helen for resupply. Canadia and I decided to push on to Dick¢s Creek Gap (and a warm hostel) by Friday and then head into Hiawassee on Saturday morning.I think we made the right decision, as warmth returned soon after we left. We were finally able to shed our jackets and enjoy the sun as we scaled the appropriately named Rocky Mountain (4017 ft.) and Tray Mountain (4430 ft.). Near the top of Tray, I saw a red truck parked on the side of a gravel road. My pulse quickened, my eyes dilated ¢ could it be? Yes! Two men from Rome, GA were cooking cheese burgers for thru-hikers. Canadia and I ate two burgers apiece while I chatted with them about Berry College and a nest of Bald Eagles that had nested on campus. After our fine dinner, we finished the short climb to Tray Mt. Summit, where we were greeted with great views and warm sunshine. We then continued on to Tray Mt. Shelter where former thru-hiker, Leprechaun, provided those in the shelter with beer and snacks. It has been a day filled with trail magic.It¢s another night in a full shelter, but everyone seems nice and seem to appreciate having some company. It has been nice spending time with other hikers reinforcing each other with their goals. The sense of camaraderie out here has lived up to its reputation.Lastly, I have been given a trail name: Yo Teach! Ever since some of my fellow thru-hikers discovered my occupation, they always yell ¢Yo Teach¢ to get my attention. So ¢Yo Teach!¢ it is, and now I have an excuse to lecture about literature as I make my way up to Maine.
Date: 2014-03-14
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.0

Last night was clear and cold, but not freezing like the night before. The shelter was also situated where I could see Helen, GA off the mountain to the left, and the lights of the city made it seem like the star light was reflecting off of the valley floor.I woke at 6:30 am, anxious to get started for the day. I had 11- miles to hike to Dick¢s Creek Gap, the last road crossing in Georgia (!), and will be zeroing on Saturday. Though it has only been a week and my wife¢s visit will be short, I am aching to spend a few hours with her catching up on news from home.I started hiking with Canadia shortly after sunrise and we thought we were in for a day with a few easy climbs and descents. Instead, we were met with climbs with no switchbacks and false summits (where you think you are at the top but the trail curves at the last second and continue upward). I was definitely sweaty before 10:00 am despite the chilly temperatures. Canadia stayed behind briefly to view a vista while I powered down toward the gap. I have started to get my trail legs, as I can usually power up and down most mountains without stopping.I stepped into the gap a little after 1:00 pm and walked an additional 0.5 mile west on Hwy 76 to the Top of Georgia Hostel and Hiker Center. The hostel just opened on March 1st and is run by a former thru-hiker Sir Packs-A-Lot. It¢s a full house tonight, with hikers from all over the US bunking in. Unfortunately, it looks like heavy rain and thunderstorms are brewing for Sunday, so I may end up zeroing for two days. I would really like to avoid this, as many of my hiker friends will be heading out tomorrow. However, if the rain is relatively light, I may attempt to power up to the NC state line on Sunday. I¢ll think about that tomorrow night, but now I¢m taking a nap.
Date: 2014-03-15
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was my first zero day, as my wife and her parents drove up to meet me in Hiawassee. It was a day to wash, recoup, and prepare for my first state line crossing. It was much needed, as my opportunities to see family will be limited as I go further away from Georgia.Today¢s zero day gave me an opportunity to reevaluate my food weight and resupply methods, as I always end up carrying more food than I actually eat. I have trimmed the amount of extras from my pack, and I think my new arrangement will be much more conducive to hiking quickly with less surplus.I¢ll cut things short for now since my time with family is limited. I¢ll pick-up with my typical long-winded nature tomorrow.
Date: 2014-03-16
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: moderate rain

Today was a day of mixed emotions. First, the bad: it has rained all day and the temperatures have dropped considerably. Also, I think the trail architects forgot what a switchback is somewhere around mile 75. But today was also a day of victory: I have crossed my first state line! I am officially hiking in North Carolina.I started at Dick¢s Creek Gap at approximately 10:00 AM after spending the night at the Hiawassee Holiday Inn. Immediately after getting on the trail, a group of trail angels handed me two foil-wrapped hotdogs, an offer I simply couldn¢t refuse.The climbs were immediately more steep and difficult than most of what I had encountered in Georgia, compounded by the rain and super-slick mud. I ran into a fellow thru-hiker, Austin, who I hiked with for the rest of the day. We chatted about nature poetry and panted together as we pushed to Bly Gap, crossing the Georgia/North Carolina state line.While at the Top Of Georgia hostel, owner Sir Packs-A-Lot joked about ¢needing a ladder¢ once reaching North Carolina. He honestly wasn¢t too far off. The climb out of Bly Gap was ridiculously steep, gaining over 800 ft. in elevation over a 1-mile stretch. Within an hour, we were finally finished with the climbs and approached my stopping point, Muskrat Creek Shelter (a very appealing name, I think). Austin began his hike 5 miles north of mine, hiking only 7 miles so far, so he continued on to the next shelter. We all seem to have that drive to keep moving, even when the elements are against us.It¢s a full house at the shelter, with many seeking refuge from the cold and rain. We will likely pack in tight tonight, but that will also increase our warmth. I¢m hoping that the temperatures don¢t drop below freezing, as procuring water at those temps is never fun. Either way, I¢m preparing for a chilly damp evening.
Date: 2014-03-17
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light snow

At approximately 1:30 AM, I was awoken not by snoring in the shelter, but rather by a deluge of rain. The downpour lasted until about 9:20 AM, when it finally turned into a white mist. So my day did not officially begin until almost 10:00 AM, which is a very late start by my usual standards.But I am glad I waited. I was able to dry most of my clothes overnight by keeping them in my sleeping bag with me. By waiting, I was able to keep most everything marginally dry today (aside from my waterlogged boots, anyway).Everyone¢s spirits were lifted greatly when they realized the weather was getting better- several people had zeroed at Muskrat Creek Shelter when the wind and rain picked up. I was definitely pleased, and was among the first four out of the shelter.Despite having no views due to the fog (think hiking through a cloud), today was a perfect hiking day. The air was cool, keeping me comfortable while hiking. The big climb today, Standing Indian Mountain (5,498 ft.: the tallest mountain so far) had slow, easy switchbacks to the summit. I covered 12.5 miles in less than five hours, and only stopped to avoid fatigue tomorrow.I was also thrilled to see that the wildlife is starting to come out of hiding. Where it was rare to even hear a songbird during the first week, today I saw and heard dozens, as well as many squirrels and an owl. I also encountered three grouse today ¢ and by encountered, I mean that I nearly jumped out of my skin when they took flight nearby. They sounded like little helicopters.Though I was the first one at the shelter tonight, I decided to set up my tent. I feel as if it has been underused, and it¢s nice to be able to stretch out without risking disturbing someone else. Also, as an evening shower is expected, the patter of raindrops on the nylon always helps me fall asleep.
Date: 2014-03-18
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Budget Inn - Franklin, NC
Miles today: 15.9

After two days of rain, the skies opened up one last time at about 1:30 AM, and then the clear skies finally found the trail again. I woke to find the valleys below me enveloped in a sea of clouds, while sunshine warmed my waterlogged bones. It was a beautiful, comfortable day of hiking.I also hit another milestone today: 100 miles of my thru-hike have been completed! This was achieved at the top of Albert Mountain (5,250 ft.), with climbs so steep that it was more rock scrambling than hiking. The view from the fire tower on the summit made it all worthwhile, however; offering 360 degree views of the surrounding landscape. The rest of today¢s hike went by quickly, with easy rises and descents. It went by so quickly, in fact I decided to hike an additional four miles to Winding Stair Gap, making this my highest mileage day so far at 15.9 miles. On my way there, I ran into fellow thru-hiker, Low Gear, who is reporting his adventure back to his grandchildren. Together we hitched into Franklin, NC, resupplying and grabbing hotel rooms for the night. I also went to a nearby Mexican restaurant and ate a burrito the size of a football. My mother will be proud.After settling into my hotel room, I ventured over to the Outdoor 76 Outfitter and picked up some rain pants. During the several days of rain, the inside of my boots became soaked. This is a major problem when wearing Gore-Tex lined boots, as they take forever to dry. Three days of tromping around with wet boots finally convinced me to bite the bullet and purchase a pair. I will supplement these with gaiters if soggy boots continue to be a problem.I like that I am constantly challenged on the AT, both physically and mentally. I met a couple today that has hiked the same distance I have in only six days. They are tired and hurting, with blisters enough to share between them, but seem to be having a blast. For the life of me, I can¢t understand how they don¢t hate life, but I respect that they have embraced this extreme techniques (as long as they don¢t burn out or kill themselves, anyway). Hike your own hike, I suppose.P. S. Special shout out to former thru-hiker, Lumpy, for taking us into Franklin today. You rock!