morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-03-28
To: Just a few more days.....
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday was my last hike in the Whites for a while....I could not have asked for a more perfect day! Well...it could have been a bit warmer. On top of Flume yesterday I was greeted by a cheering crowd of about thirty plus people or so....it was my last peak to climb to complete my quest for the Grid! Insane goal but the journey was more than I dreamed...lots of fun times and adventures and it was so nice to make so many new friends along the way. Anyone wanting to know more about the Grid you can go to this site. http://www.48x12.com/ I will be #11!! So in a few days a new chapter in my life will begin....so exciting it will be!
Date: 2010-04-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Arrived at Amicalola State Park around four this afternoon. Left Boston this morning under cloudy skies and temps in the mid 40's. Arrived in Atlanta to summertime weather! 83 degrees and not a cloud in the sky! Everything down here is blooming and its so wonderful to see color again.Stopped at the visitor center and signed in....I am #500 to start this year...shake and bake! Spending tonight at the lodge and planning on an early start tomorrow to beat the heat.Can't believe I am really here! Dreams do come true.
Date: 2010-04-02
From: Amicalola Falls

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

Started this morning on the approach trail just after 6:30 under the light of my head lamp. One has to hike 8.8 miles to get the southern terminus on top of Springer Mountain. The first mile was the steepest as it goes right up by the waterfall...600 steps altogether I think. The trails down here are very foot friendly compared to the Whites. Lots of switchbacks, no rocks and no roots. I did manage to turn my ankle twice though...that is expected. The slopes were gentle and the hiking went by quickly. Arrived on Springer just before 10:30, singed the register and kept on walking. Too many black flies to hang around! Temps are hot again today but the air is dry so not too much sweating.Took a nice break at Long Falls Creek...the feet welcomed the ice cold water! About a mile further down the trail some fine folks were doing Trail Magic!! Had some homemade cookies and a soda.Arrived at Hawk Mountain around 2:30...setting up camp and doing chores now.The woods down here are extremely different than back home....they are open and the trees stand tall and leafless right now. Beautiful rododondron tunnels along the way too.Lots of very nice people on the trail.
Date: 2010-04-03
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: broken clouds

It stays dark till around 7 in the morning down here....was hoping to be on the trail early to avoid the heat..oh well. Beautiful sunrise! Slept well last night.Got on the trail sometime around 8:30. Still can't believe how nice the trails are down here! Wildflowers are blooming but I do not know the names. The woods are lovely and the gentle grades make the assents and decent very easy on the feet and knees. Did not turn my ankle today or fall so that is good! Feet are surprisingly doing very well. Neck and back are still adjusting to the weight and are tender and sore...hopefully that will go away in a few days.Had a couple of nice climbs today over Sassafras, Justice and Ramrock mountains. The miles slip away fast and I have been able to keep a good pace of about 2 miles per hour.Stopped at Gooch Mountain shelter for lunch...Easy Wind and Laid Back were there as well. Lots of very nice people on the trail and they are all different ages...but everyone seems to be the same age to me. I still do not have a trail name....although someone wanted to name me pipi longstocking because of my braids...I vetoed it immediately! Weather has been most pleasant and I am thankful to have been able to start my journey with such favorable conditions.Met a ridge runner today and he mentioned some places in the Smokies still have over 30 inches of snow! Maybe by the time I get there most of it will be gone.
Date: 2010-04-04
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: few clouds

Headed out from Woody Gap around 7 this morning. The sun still was not up but it was light enough to see without a headlamp. I am still amazed at how incredibly nice the trails are down this way.After going about an hour I came to a beautiful outlook and the sun was just peeping over the horizon...the mountains down here roll on and on for what seems like endless miles. I took a short break and continued on.Along the way I passed several people who had camped along the trail....everyone seems to like to sleep late...I will continue to try and do early starts so I can get most of my miles in before the heat of the day.The trails was easy going as it swirled every whichway...I passed a few weekend backpackers and other than that I had the trail to myself all day.Today I went over Blood Mountain....the first time being over 4000 feet! It was the longest climb yet but relatively easy. There is a stone shelter on the summit and it was creepy! Would not dream of staying there for the night. I took a nice long break on the summit...aired my feet out....the views were fabulous but I really do not know what I am looking at. The decent to Neels Gap was a bit steep to start but than the switchbacks started and it was easy going again.At Neels Gap there is an outfitter and hostel and I will spend the night here. There was a big hiker feed going on when I arrived and I had a awesome lunch of bean burgers, baked beans and some homemade cookies.Life is good today!
Date: 2010-04-05
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: broken clouds

Had a lazy afternoon at Neels Gap yesterday...I could have gone further but I was not sure how far I would have made it...there have been reports of recent bear activity about five miles before and after Neels Gap and the thought of camping alone is still too scaryTo pass the time I had the folks at Mountain Crossings do a shake down of my pack...they managed to make my pack a couple of pounds lighter...I sent home my water filter, wetrib, water bottle holsters, a couple of books and a hat...it will take a bit to get used to where everything will go...I can always have my stuff sent back if I change my mind. Miss Janet came by last night and made us all a yummy easter dinner...it was delicious! Ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn and biscuits! The dinner was made possible by a former thru hiker named Mr. Dick who donated the money to buy the food. Miss Janet is wonderful and I am so glad to have finally met her.I was hoping to get an early start this morning but Miss Janet made us all a pancake breakfast...what a way to start the day! Also had two cups of coffee and that was heavenly too.I headed out sometime around 9 and its another bluebird day down here! Hardly a cloud in the sky and still unseasonably warm. The trails are still lovely but without the canopy of green leaves things heat up fast...on the good side though with no leaves means you can see the mountains! Beautiful they are. About a mile after Hogpen Gap I met Funky Monkey...she is from NJ and is out doing a thru hike too...she is fun and it was so nice to have someone to talk with all afternoon. The men out here out number the women so it will be nice to have some girl company.We were planning on continuing a few miles beyond Low Gap but decided to stay here instead....FM has some horrible blisters that need tending to.
Date: 2010-04-06
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mountains Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Another beautiful sunny but wicked hot day! Slept in my tent last night by the stream and slept ok but I was awake most of the night. I wanted to be on the trail by 7 but no one else was up and I didn't want to wake people...finally around 6:30 I heard someone using the bear cables to I decided it was ok to get going. I was on the trail by 7:45.The trails are still very pleasant and I was able to about ten miles in a little over three hours! Back at home I can barely do two miles an hour with a day pack. There were three big climbs today...Blue Mountain, Rocky Mountain and Tray Mountain which is where I am staying tonight. All these peaks are over 4000 ft and its nice to be up high!Just before the climb up Blue Mountain I caught up with Leonardis and we hiked the rest of the day together. He is from the UK and is out here to hike for 30 days. We ran into a trail maintainer along the way who told us he had a cooler of soda in the back of his truck! Oh yeah!! We boogied down to Unicoi Gap and enjoyed cold soda and a nice long lunch break.The afternoon sun is hot and my arms and neck are sunburned...the climb out of Unicoi Gap was long but not too bad. It was nice to have company again on the trail....I am not sure if I will see the rest of the folks who stayed at Low Gap last night...maybe I will see Funky Monkey later on down the trail. My pace has been a little faster than most folks...that's ok...I am sure I will find someone at some point who has a similar hiking style.My body still feels strong and my feet are doing very well. I have had some discomfort in my left leg along my IT band and hip flexor area....I am doing my best to stretch during breaks and hopefully it will help. My appetite has not been too bad yet....I say that as I am eating the first of two dinners tonight! Getting enough calories every day is going to be a challenge...I will have to make the most on my town stops!Short day tomorrow to Dicks Creek for resupply!
Date: 2010-04-07
From: Tray Mountains Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a nice night at Tray Mountain....a few folks who were at Low Gap made the long day and I was so happy to see Funky Monkey arrive! Four of us slept in the shelter and surprisingly no mice!Enjoyed a beautiful sunset and down low we could see many small fires...they do controlled burns down here.Headed out around 7:30 this morning and it was nice to get an early start. Leonardis and I hiked together again today...it was a nice walk all the way to Dicks Creek. There was one big climb over Kelly Knob and I took a short break up there...too many black flies to hang around for any length of time. A little ways after that I took a blue blaze trail to a vista...very nice spot with some pretty views.I passed a lot of folks today...one is a group of three girls and they are hiking with a dog named Neko...he's a husky I think and he has one blue eye and one golden eye....I think he will be doing more miles than any of us because he likes to run up and down the trail! A good and friendly dog he is!We arrived at Dicks Creek around 11:30 and to our surprise the principal we met the day before at Unicoi Gap pulled in! He gave us a ride to the Blueberry Patch and I picked up my mail drop and than he brought us to the Hiawassee Inn where a bunch of us are staying tonight. Its a nice town with a supermarket just down the road...shower and clean clothes are a wonderful luxury too!The past three days I have been hiking with my glasses and it has not been too bad...I will wait and see what it will be like in rainy weather before I send my contacts home. I sent my water filter home at Neels Gap and have been using iodine stuff called Polar Pure....I was kind of wigged out about the taste at first but adding some propel takes away the nasty flavor.A few of us just finished eating at an AYCE (all you can eat) chinese buffet...I ate three plates and am feeling ike a porkchop right now. Tomorrow they are calling for some rain but after that its looking good for the next four or five days! Whoo-hoo!!Life is good!
Date: 2010-04-08
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Plum Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: light rain

Got up early with the hopes of an early start...after getting back to the hotel the rain started...so plans changed to a shorter day. I did not want to spend any more time in town either.The shuttle back to the trailhead was late so we did not start out until close to one...it was raining lightly but it was a nice change from the blistering heat. The 4.5 miles to the shelter was fairly easy and I was hiking with Funky Monkey and Leonardis and we laughed and talked the whole way so time flew by.Got to the shelter in about an hour and a half and thankfully there was still room. Its a three level shelter and I am happy to be here as it now pouring, thundering and lightening. Hoping to do a long day tomorrow...forecast is looking awesome for the next several days!!Still no trail name yet....
Date: 2010-04-09
From: Plum Orchard Shelter

To: Carter Gap
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: clear sky

The rain cleared out early last night but behind it was cold temperatures and wind!Hunger and privy calls make getting up easy but it was downright frigid! Had to hurry to get things packed up and once I put my wet clothes on from the day before the only option was to get moving! It was a long and cold morning and the trail was steep and slow going....passed into NC so I am done with my first state!! Yahoo!!!At Muskrat Creek shelter I met up with Leonardis and shortly later Funky Monkey arrived. We took a nice break and had some coffee. The next five miles was beautiful and much warmer...the trail was also much friendlier too. The approach to Standing Indian Mountain was nicely graded with lots of switchbacks and best of all we were just under 5500 feet! No views or outlooks though and the trail reminds me much of the Long Trail....minus the mud of course. The three of us hiked together till Beech Gap and than we all did the last three miles at our own pace. My feet are achy and I am glad to be in camp now. Lots of people here tonight. It's a supposed to get into the 20's tonight....yikes! Tomorrow we do another long day to Franklin for some real food! Can't wait....appetite is ridiculous....no matter how much I eat I am still hungry.Thank you to everyone who has signed my journal and sent me notes.
Date: 2010-04-10
From: Carter Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: clear sky

Slept in the shelter last night next to a snore-a-souras. Several times during the night I had to poke at him and tell him to roll over...I think I got some sleep but not much....let's just say if I snored like that I would stay in my tent...oh well. It was a cold night but not as bad as the night before.We got an early start and had motivation to move! 4.6 miles to Mooney Gap and trail magic!! The trail to get there was high on the ridge and there were a couple of outlooks with fabulous views.Having skipped a decent breakfast it was a welcome sight to see all the fine folks waiting for us hikers to arrive....they had coffee, fresh fruit, juice and best of all they made pancakes!! Thank you Oconee Hiking Club...you are all wonderful people! After that we had a nice climb up Albert Mountain...the last part was steep and reminiscent of the trails back home. On the top there is a fire tower with fabulous views all around. Still not sure what I am looking at but it sure is beautiful. After that the trail just meandered through the woods. I did manage to turn both ankles today but did find a nice stream along the way to soak my feet. We had been leap frogging with Lo-rod all day and he had mentioned his friend was picking him up at Winding Stair Gap and that we might be able to get a ride to town with him. We met his friend Don at the gap and he offered us a ride with them....wicked awesome! We all piled in the back of the pick up truck and headed for town....Don also gave us a bag of fresh grapes to eat...oh so good!Arriving at the grocery store Don invited us all back to his house for the night and his wife was making lasagna...there was no option but to say yes!!! It was fabulous! Homemade food and fine company....life is good today.JibbetsI forgot to mention I finally got a trail name today! Jibbets! We had stopped at the outfitters and I saw a display of jibbets and yelled it out...Funky Monkey said that was my new name...so there you go.
Date: 2010-04-11
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Temella cooked us all a wonderful breakfast of eggs, biscuits and sausage...what a way to start the day!Don got us back to the gap just before nine and the four of us headed out. The theme of the day was climbing. The first climb up Siler Bald was nice and easy. The trail passes just below the summit and I took the side trip to the top...well worth the extra distance! 360 views and endless sunshine! The next climb was up Wayah Bald and this one was a little tougher....longer and steeper. On the top there is an old stone tower and from the tower we could finally see the smokies! We'll be there in just a few more days. We hung out on the top for at least an hour if not more. I need to get some sunscreen at the next town stop...arms are burned again. The last climb of the day out of Burnington Gap was long and slow in the late afternoon heat.I hope Funky Monkey makes it here...her blisters are really bothering her.I am sitting at the shelter now debating whether to sleep there or set up my tent. There is a nice stream right in front of the shelter so that is nice.Looking to get to the NOC tomorrow! Weather is still looking good for several days out.Jibitz
Date: 2010-04-12
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Camping
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: broken clouds

Slept fairly well last night...that is until the mice tried to cuddle with me. Pesky little turds they are!Early start on the trail which is always nice in the hot weather. Me, Leonardis and Long Shank cranked out six miles up to Wesser Bald in about two hours! There is a nice fire tower on the summit and the three of us hung out for about a half hour or so. The next leg of the day was a six mile decent down to the Nantahala Outdoor Center....and a long one it was. Knowing beer and food would be there made it all the better!Just finished stuffing myself at the River Bend restaurant....burgers, fries, onion rings, salad and beer! Sitting here now waiting for Lo-rod and Funky Monkey...we are looking at going another 2 1/2 miles to a campsite this afternoon. Hopefully things will cool off a bit.Body is feeling good and strong yet slightly smelly. Feet are tender at night but the discomfort is manageable. Most people have lots of blisters and I have been fortunate not to get any on my feet....I do however have two on my bum cheeks from my pack. The solution? Butt Paste! Seriously! The trails are still lovely and I am making better time than I thought I would. Wildflowers are blooming more each day and they are a beautiful splash of color along the footpath.Hoping to get a shower before heading out.Life is good.Jibitz
Date: 2010-04-13
From: Camping

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: clear sky

Tented last night about 2 1/2 up the trail from the NOC. Had a nice campfire and slept well till about 2 am. Beautiful starred filled night!Woke to the sound of a wooperwill...nice way to start the day. We all got going around 7:30 or so. Another hot day but starting early I beat the heat of the day. Still can't believe I have had only one day of rain! Long range forecast is looking awesome for the next ten days...whoo-hoo! Heading into the smokies on Thursday!Long climb up to Cheoah Bald...we took a nice long break and enjoyed the views...a friend recommended this as a tent spot and a superb one indeed! However the timing was not right so we pushed on. The plan was to do either 14 or 16 miles but me, Long Shank and Leonardis all decided to push on after arriving at the first shelter too early...a hot and sunny afternoon it was!We took about an hour break at Stecoah Gap which was very much welcomed...I ate a bagel and an entire sleeve of sprees....yummy but too much sugar. The climb out of the gap was steep and slow going but after that the rest of the afternoon was relatively gentle and easy going.The three of us are now at Cable Gap shelter resting and eating...not sure how far Funky Monkey and Lorod will go today but we will meet them in Fontana tomorrow. Looking to get a wicked early start in the morning so we can have breakfast in town!
Date: 2010-04-14
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 5.5

Cowboy camped last night! First time for everything....a creepy dude rolled into the shelter about an hour after we did and he set my radar off....he actually set off everyone's. I am sure he was harmless and I hate to make judgments but sometimes one needs to go with their gut. I awoke at my usual time....sometime around 2 am and gazed at the stars for quite some time.Leonardis made us all coffee in the morning and we enjoyed a peaceful and cool walk to Fontana. Down low spring is in full swing...birds were singing, wildflowers blooming and the trees are starting to leaf now. Upon arriving the shuttle pulled up and we got a ride to the village.Enjoyed an awesome breakfast at the motel and than went to the general store for resupply.Big day tomorrow....can't wait to be in the Smokies!Jibitz
Date: 2010-04-15
From: Fontana Village

To: Spence Field
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: clear sky

Long haul out of Fontana today! Seriously, the trail went uphill the entire day! The grades were gentle but it was a super long day. Feet are achy and am out of Advil....will be meeting Supportive Wife in New Found Gap on Saturday and she is bringing some for us...thank you!Lo-Rod, Funky Monkey, Long Shanks, Leonardis and I all split a room last night and it was nice to shower and sleep in a bed. Got started a little late today....9:30 or so. Packs are heavy with five days of food and I just took my time. Thankfully it was cooler today but sunny and beautiful again!A few miles in up Shuckstack Mountain there is a spur path to a fire tower! Wicked awesome views...but I did not dare to go all the way up. Up and up and up we went...hour after hour....it really wasn't bad. The ridge was carpeted with pretty wildflowers and being high up on the ridge was just wonderful walking. We all took a long break at Mollies Ridge shelter but continued on another 5.4 miles to Spence Field. We are all cooking dinner now and it is heavenly to be sitting and eating now.Jibitz
Date: 2010-04-16
From: Spence Field

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

I forgot to mention yesterday that some of the trails in the Smokies are open to horse travel! We passed two big groups of people on horseback....now that is a nice way to travel!Had my best night of sleeping last night and even though today was a short day but it kicked my butt despite being well rested. I guess that can be expected from time to time.The terrain was beautiful again today...the forest floor is green and colorful with wildflowers....mostly spring beauty, trout lily and bluets. The miles today were high on the ridge and we were above 5000 feet most of the time. Its warm, sunny with a light breeze and puffy q....a perfect summer day even though its spring!Today is our last day hiking with Long Shank...he needs to do big days so he can finish by the beginning of August. We might catch up with at trails days which would be nice.Tomorrow we head over Clingmans Dome which is the highest point on the AT! Enjoying a lazy afternoon at the shelter....life is good!Thank you again to everyone who has signed my guest book....your encouragement and well wishes are so nice to read at the end of a long day.Jibitz