morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-06-06
From: 501 Shelter

To: Hamburg / OFF THE TRAIL
Miles today: 0.0

Dad's entry -We got a second phone call from the boys a couple of days later in Port Clinton - MountainGoat's condition had continued to deteriorate. He was now barely able to proceed and had developed an obvious target lesion on the back of his leg. Along with his other symptoms it became obvious that he was suffering from a nasty case of Lyme disease. We advised them to locate a pharmacy so we could get him on antibiotics. After consulting with a few physicians Doxycycline was the drug of choice. Unfortunately they had to drag themselves another 3+ miles to Hamburg to get to a pharmacy. The pharmacist there was very kind and knowledgeable and agreed totally with our 'phone' diagnosis and the treatment recommended. He began taking the antibiotics immediately but after 24hrs laying around and sleeping in a hot tent, he wasn't improving noticeably. Through a friend in Huntsville we made contact with her sister who lived in PA. She graciously offered to go to Hamburg and carry Mountain Goat to her home. Since her husband was a doctor and they had all the cool air and food he could stand, we quickly thanked her and got her on the road. After looking around Cabello and Hamburg she found the boys. They of course had no idea who she was and why she was there, but given the state of things, they accepted this bit of Trail Magic and loaded Jason up. Adam chose to stay behind and attempt to continue without his brother.After a couple days in Mechanicsburg under the watchful care of this kind couple and their two dogs, MountainGoat realized he was not getting better fast and he knew he could not return to the trail. He cried himself to sleep that night, we later learned. He was in for an extended period of recovery. We arranged to go and pick him up and bring him home to Alabama to get him medical followup. Before we got there his brother had walked alone two days to Palmerton and had decided it was just not the same without his brother. He asked to be picked up also. They are both home now. For how long? Only God knows. MountainGoat's headaches, stiff neck and fever have receded, but his stamina and strength are far from being enough to consider returning to the day to day grind of the AT. We will recuperate for a week and then try some hiking around here. Maybe they can at least make a dent in the 900 miles they have remaining before their Aug 10th deadlines. We'll keep you posted - Dad to MountainGoat and TalksWithTrees
Date: 2004-03-09
From: Amicalola Falls State Park

Miles today: 0.0

Hi Everyone! I just reached the lodge at Amicalola Falls State Park last night after a long day of travelling from New York City where I spent the weekend with my family. All told, it took me a plane, shuttle, bus, train, and taxi to get here at around 11pm. Today, I walked outside the beautiful lodge here to find it snowing a bit before heading down the Approach Trail to the Visitor Center to get some fuel. After that, I wandered around the park to check out the incredible falls here (tallest East of the Mississippi) before heading back up to the lodge for lunch and some rest before hitting the trail tomorrow. Hope it's not snowing tomorrow!
Date: 2004-03-10
From: Amicalola Falls State Park

To: Springer Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 8.8

Day #1 of my adventure is finally here!!! I left the lodge at 9:30 this morning after a nice breakfast, and walked under bright blue skies all day on very level and easy trail to Springer Mt. and the southern terminus of the AT. Saw a few local day hikers on my way to Springer who were amazed to see me in shorts and t-shirt, themselves bundled as if it was still mid-winter on such a nice day. I had to re-assure them that I wasn't crazy---I was just from Vermont. Who knows, to them it might mean the same thing! A beautiful day to reach the start of the trail, and I was the first thru-hiker to do so today. Met Seiko at the shelter, a 13-time thru-hiker who is attempting his 14th--pretty amazing, especially considering he went through 3 cigarettes in the 10 minutes or so that I spoke with him. Also met a young guy just out of high school who, as coincidence would have it, grew up in Baldwinsville, NY which is only about 30 minutes from where I went to high school. Real nice sunset on the summit before I grabbed my stone to carry all the way to Katahdin and made my way into my sleeping bag for a chilly first night.
Date: 2004-03-11
From: Springer Mt. Shelter

To: Gooch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

The weather was so beautiful today that I decided to leave my schedule a bit and push on a bit further. Went past Hawk Mt. Shelter all by myself and up and over some sun-soaked hills (albeit still dead and leave-less since it's still early for Spring even in Georgia) where I promptly did a nice job of starting myself on a good sunburn. More easy going today, and I'm amazed at how level the trail is so far, without any rocks of any kind nearly, whether it is uphill, downhill, or just plain flat. A far cry from what things are like up north in the 'Daks, Greens, and Whites, but it sure makes for pleasant hiking. Arrived at Gooch Gap to find another thru-hiker named Chestnut, who also thru-hiked in '02, and a man named Claude just out for a few days to Neels Gap. Spent the night in this nice shelter with some U. of Georgia kids who were also out on the trail for spring break.
Date: 2004-03-12
From: Gooch Gap Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Another carbon copy day today as the first few with more blue skies and beating sunshine, although the temps are still around 50 in the mountains and around 30 or so at night. Pushed on ahead a bit more today, opting to get to the Hostel and Mountain Crossings Outfitter Store at Neels Gap (Walasi-Yi). Ran into Chestnut and Claude again on the summit of Blood Mt. at the end of the day, where there were excellent views in every direction. After a quick rest, the three of us and another thru-hiker named Semicolon hiked the last 2 miles down to Neels Gap. At the Outfitter, I re-supplied and checked into the Hostel where I met a dozen or so other thru-hikers, including Gaia and Sasquatch, Grizzly Dave, Denver Dave, JJ and TK, and of course Chestnut and Semicolon.   Deciding it might be nice to try and lose a couple of pounds off my pack, I laid out all of my belongings on the floor in the Outfitter and went through it piece by piece with Skittles to weigh every piece of gear and see what I might be able to eliminate. Among other things, I got rid of my heavier bear-bag rope in favor of some nearly-weightless parachute cord, sent home my white gas stove and replaced it with a fool-proof Alcohol stove that weighs 1 oz. That and along with a few odds and ends here and there, I shaved about 6 pounds or so off my pack weight, which was definitely more than I expected. As the summer comes, I hope to ditch a couple more pounds worth of cold-weather gear, and I might consider switching to an ultra-light little pack since my Dana Design pack weighs about 5 pounds on its own. For now, I'm very comfortable though.   Had a great time tonight getting to know all the other hikers, and everyone seemed to get along and share some laughs right from the start. The only question is....which hiker will snore the loudest tonight??
Date: 2004-03-21
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Last night, Semicolon and Professor T and I were treated to an incredible thunderstorm that lasted for over an hour. Rain pelted the aluminum roof of the shelter on Siler Bald like marbles on a snare drum. Good thing we had two electrical engineers to figure out who'd get fried first if the aluminum roof got struck by lightning. But today, we're safe and sound hiking 12.2 miles under more blue, but windy and colder March skies. Temps will be well down into the 20s or lower tonight here at just under 5000' of elevation. Saw 2 of our first bald summits today (famous down here in Southern Appalachia) on our first day of hiking with Steve Titcomb (Professor T--a professor of mine from college). Another shelter tonight w/Semicolon also, and we're beginning to wonder whether we're going to see more NOBOs (northbound thru-hikers)--it's been awhile. Tomorrow, down to Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) for food, shower, and laundry. Feet are doing a touch better since I rigged up some night splints for them with some ACE bandages I picked up in Franklin yesterday--my mom would be so proud.
Date: 2004-03-22
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Brrrr. Very cold night last night at Cold Spring. Temp was down around 10-15 degrees, and no one was toasty; convinced me to call Mountainsmith at the N.O.C. about the down feathers that appear to be shifting in my sleeping bag. Feet a little better today after another night of therapy, and they didn't get worse in the 6 miles of downhill to the N.O.C. Really neat whitewater kayaking place here, and Semicolon, Professor T and I are more than happy to be out of the cold tonight and in the bunkhouse with hot showers and laundry. Great dinner and easy hitching to Nantahala Village Restaurant. Met Sir Fix-A-Lot and Blue Sky today.
Date: 2004-03-23
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

Finally, our drought of not seeing other thru-hikers has come to an end. Another blue sky day, though a bit warmer than the last two thankfully, and Semicolon, Professor T, and I waited til 10am so we could get stove fuel at the Outfitter. Also heard that Fontana Dam grocery store up the trail is closed, so I hope my Mom can come through with an express package of food to the Fontana post office! If not, it's grubbing on bark and leaves all through the Smokies! With the late start and long climb out of the canyon at Nantahala ahead, we're only doing short miles and taking our time. Warm weather is on the way! In tonight with Dave, Semicolon, Professor T, Slick, Ben, and Curious George.
Date: 2004-03-24
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

You know, I'm really getting tired of these gorgeous weather days. Nice and warm today in the 60s, and all sunshine. Wonderful views from the top of Cheoah Bald, a natural bald summit (some of the southern "balds" are actually mowed to maintain their bald look). Most of the group from last night is here--Professor T, Semicolon, Curious George, Ben, Slick, and Mo, along with a group of Boy Scouts. All the thru-hikers are in tents tonight having gotten here after the Scouts, but it's a beautiful night for tenting--my first on the trail so far. All the thru-hiker tents make it look a bit like a crowded base camp scene. Nice chatting with the Scouts around their campfire and answering some of their thru-hike questions. Fontana Dam and the Smokies await tomorrow!
Date: 2004-03-25
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: broken clouds

An amazing day today rollin on into Fontana Dam, the southern boundary of Great Smokey Mountains National Park, under more beautiful skies and temps in the 70s. Oh yeah, and my Mom is an absolute superstar. Having overnighted a week's worth of food to me here, I'm ready to roll through the park with Professor T to Hot Springs. Without her, and no open grocery store anywhere near, I would have been proverbially screwed. As it is, my Mom is the greatest ever, and me, Professor T, Semicolon, Mo, and Curious George are shacked up at the Fontana "Hilton" Shelter with beautiful views of Fontana Lake right out the door. Great relaxing day meeting some locals, eating fried food (my hiker food craze has finally set in), getting a shower, and soakin it in next to the lake. Tonight it's soon time for stargazing and tomorrow it's over the dam on my first day into the Smokies--only 3 days to Clingman's Dome and the highest point of the entire trail.
Date: 2004-03-26
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: broken clouds

The Smokies are here!! First day entering the park after snapping some photos down by Fontana Dam. After waiting so long to visit the park, I had this feeling we might cross into the park, leave behind a trail of dry earth and no foliage, and enter a springtime paradise of green and blooming trees and wildflowers. But, it was not to be--apparently crossing a single road doesn't spontaneously change seasons. Who knew.   Warm today with temps in the 70s and more bright sunshine (yes Mom, I do have sunscreen now)--hope it continues to hold out. Stone shelter here with bear caging in the front, and an open field where I'm sure bears and deer must forage in the spring/summer. Lots of people here tonight with several day-hikers also due to the great weather at the start of the weekend: Professor T, Semicolon, Slick, Gaia & Sasquatch, and Mo.   Feet were great today--almost no plantar fasciitis pain. Hopefully, it's on the up and up with my nightly therapy. Starting to get a couple of baby blisters now though--think my feet have swollen from all the walking. Trail shoes in Hot Springs, here I come!
Date: 2004-03-27
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

Another absolutely amazing day. Really started to get into the heart of the Smokies with Professor T today, walking over several grassy balds and open fields. The sun made it very warm and sweaty on some of the tougher uphill climbs, and my feet were definitely complaining more today than yesterday. Pushed a couple extra miles over the "Narrows" (GSMNP's version of Katahdin's Knife Edge, though grassy) up to the shelter here at about 5500'. At this elevation, it's the first stand of conifers I've seen on the entire trail thus far--makes me feel like home in Vermont! Perched up here, Professor T and I are planning on waking at 4am to catch the sunrise from the summit of Clingman's Dome tomorrow--only 3 miles up the trail and the highest point on the A.T. 4am.....yes, it's definitely time for bed (7pm).P.S. Very sad--my first night at a shelter without my hiking buddy Semicolon since Neels Gap. Hope I see her up the trail again soon!
Date: 2004-03-28
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Don't know where to begin about this incredible day--start to finish. Professor T and I woke up at 4am and headed up to the summit of Clingman's Dome for a sunrise at the trail's highest point (it's all donwhill from here, right?), and we weren't disappointed. As the sun came up and the sky changed colors, one-by-one the mountains and ridges appeared out of the mist in their typical wave-like fashion, all in varying shades of blue-gray all the way to the horizon--an awesome way to begin today's hike. Hiking down toward's Newfound Gap, the park's only major road, the sun again shone through more clouds but with more very warm temps just the same. The day only got better when I was treated to my first Trail Magic by Papa Smurf and Flame, who were waiting in the tourist-mobbed gap with hamburgers, chips, soda, cookies and even some supplies. We stayed to chat with these two incredibly nice trail angels and former thru-hikers for quite awhile.   After answering lots of questions from curious but shy tourists and day-hikers, and quickly meeting Zip-Drive (founder of this Trail Jorunals website!), it was off to enjoy the views, sunshine, and a beautiful afternoon in front of this newly renovated shelter. Great to see the familiar face of Mo show up at the end of the day. What a great day--best on the trail so far.
Date: 2004-03-29
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: broken clouds

Started off in fog and mist today expecting rain, but we never got a drop as the clouds mixed with sun in the afternoon. Didn't have any view from Charlie's Bunion in the morning, but had some decent ones in the afternoon of the mountains on both sides of the trail (the trail is also the North Carolina/Tennessee border here). With limited views in the morning, it was easier to appreciate the incredible ecosystem that exists here in the Smokies--with more varieties of trees and shrubs than can be found in all of Europe. All that in this park surrounding me.   Today, Professor T and I dusted off our 20-mile shoes for the first time, and the ridge-walk from Icewater made the miles much easier. Hope to see this narrow and impressive stretch again in the future when there is nicer weather.
Date: 2004-03-30
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

Last day in the Smokies with about 8 miles to the northern boundary, and we awoke to another drizzle of rain that again split into sunnier skies. Lots of great wildflowers to see as we got closer to the park's edge at Davenport Gap. The good news is that I finally figured out how to take a good close-up with my camera! Saw lots of violets, bloodroot, false and true Solomon's Seal, as well as some crested irises starting to poke up. Passed over a stay at the famed (or perhaps infamed, depending on the hiker you listen to) Mountain Mama's for a night at Standing Bear Farm Hiker Hostel. Enjoyed a night there in the bunkhouse and some pizza and Guiness for dinner with Professor T and Tacoma Ted. Great day to relax after making early miles and reflect back on an amazing walk through the Smokies--wildflowers, views, beautiful warm weather, sunrise on Clingman's, and Trail Magic. My only complaint about the park: that day-hikers have priority over thru-hikers for space in all of the park shelters. Does that seem backwards to anyone else?
Date: 2004-03-31
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: light rain

Well, it was bound to happen eventually. Celebrated my third-week trail anniversary today as our good weather came to a screeching halt as 70-degree sunshine was now a steady day-long snowstorm. And, yes, for those of you back home up north, this is still North Carolina. You never quite know what you're gonna get in the mountains whether it's north or south, and today it's the white stuff and a lot of it. Professor T and I chugged along over Snowbird and Max Patch, the latter in a very windy sleet/snow. This is the place (Max Patch) that you often see beautiful summertime pictures of as the quintessential southern bald summit. Yet there we were on the expansive bald grassy summit thinking it was more like a mini version of being on Mt. Washington. Only had posts with white blazes (not the best color in snow) to show us the trail for the mile up and over the grassy/snowy bald top until we got back into the woods. Full shelter with Seiko, Takoma Ted, the Wrens, Rainbow Bright, and of course Professor T. Chilly night with some beautiful snow. Feels like home!
Date: 2004-04-01
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: light rain

Knowing a warm town was only 15 miles away made it pretty easy for everyone to get in gear early this morning and boogie on down the trail to Hot Springs. A wintry stretch of trail this morning up and over Bluff Mt. through 3-6" of fresh snow in some places, but it was all downhill for the most part after that down into town. Saw the Wrens and Rainbow Bright, who we shared a snowy shelter with last night, and I spent most of the day with Professor T doing laundry, eating, and relaxing at the Duckett House where I'll be staying the night in a much appreciated actual bed. Hostels in town are all nearly full with all the hikers trying to make big miles to escape the wet and cold of the snowy mountaintops. Nothing like a hot shower to wash the day away.
Date: 2004-04-02
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Taking my first "zero" day today, after rolling into Hot Springs a day ahead of schedule with Professor T on our last day of hiking together. We've had a great time hiking together with gorgeous weather and scenery for 2 weeks across the Smokies and then some. Nice to have a friend along as a hiking buddy, and although it would be real cool to have him go all the way to Maine with me, I'm sure his wife would kill him promptly upon return.Staying the night at Duckett House again since all the hostels are still full, and I've spent most of the day doing errands, re-supplying, and hanging around the outfitter. Bought a new pair of shoes since my feet have already swollen (very common among long-distance hikers after spending so many hours a day on your feet) to a size too large for my current pair of boots. Read some emails (Hi Hillary in Nicaragua!) and also chatted with some familiar thru-hikers like Flora and Fauna, Ben, and Mo.Finished out the night with another dinner and a couple pints down at the Paddler's Pub with Ben, Moonshine, and Yurdle, where a live bluegrass band was playing. By 9:30pm, I was toast. In fear of turning into a pumpkin and falling asleep right there, it's back to Duckett House and a cozy bed for me!
Date: 2004-04-03
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another zero day today as I wait for my friend Emily to come into town this afternoon for an overnight with me on the trail when I head back out tomorrow. Ate most of the day and ended up back at the Paddler's Pub for some beers with Emily and my thru-hiker pals. I'm still mourning the loss by my Blue Devils to UConn in the Final Four. Too overwhelmed to write any more...Other than that, nice relaxing day and nice band at the pub.
Date: 2004-04-04
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

Great day to get back on the trail with Emily B. along for the day. It's been great to see her, though actually seeing a familiar face seems to be the only thing that makes me homesick for some reason.   Chilly but clear day for walking up to the first shelter north of Hot Springs, and Emily and I had some nice chat with Condor, Mo, and Hop-Lite around a rare thru-hiker campfire, courtesy of Moonshine. A cold night is on the way--good thing the shelter is full for warmth.
Date: 2004-04-05
From: Spring Mt. Shelter

To: Rector Laurel Road
Miles today: 24.6

After saying goodbye to Emily this morning and getting a late 9am start, I hiked all day today until just a few minutes after sunset. Tenting out next to the trail for just the second time so far, this time without a shelter in sight. Blue sky all day with lots of sun and snow covering the trail above 4000'. The snow only drained my energy even more by all the slipping and sliding I did just to take one step forward. Still, I managed to post a big-miler regardless, and my legs still feel good after nearly 25 miles. Met a group of thru-hikers today: James "The Wandering" Nunn, Wounded Knee, Honeypie, and Hoss. Also, thanks to Tinder, Grass, MC, Sevy, K-Less, Georgia, and Uncle Ben for the cheeseburger! Just goes to show you that Trail Magic comes in all forms, even from fellow thru-hikers. Normally, I wouldn't eat a cheeseburger without first taking a good look at the toppings, but hungry as I was, I just gobbled, nay, inhaled it down without the slightest care. Thanks to this great gang of thru-hikers--that burger really got me down those last 3 miles!
Date: 2004-04-06
From: Rector Laurel Road

To: Bald Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 15.5

Started out the day with not much going right. Slept very little in my tent as coyotes pranced around it and animals from nearby farms made noise all through the night. Add to that some swollen glands in my neck from some bug I must've caught, and tired legs for some reason, and it was tough to get going. Legs felt better spontaneously around midday on the climb up through more mud and snow to Big Bald. Stayed awhile on top chatting with Tailwind and taking in the 360 degree view from the windswept grassy summit.   Full house at the shelter here with The Camera Crew, Nuffy, Sweet Cheeks, Willow, Castro, Georgia, Tinder, Mc, Uncle Ben, and Tailwind. Everyone has plans to do some night hiking to get in to Erwin, TN early tomorrow--still thinking it over myself. Great crowd of hikers here.