morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Green Corner road (Standing Bear hostel)

To: Trail side tenting
Miles today: 10.0

I guess every thru hiker that starts in March has a snow day or two.I hope this will be my only, it really wasn't that much fun.I was aware that weather was moving in, but I wanted to try to get to Hot Springs in two days which ment doing 15 today and 18 tomorrow. But I underestimated just how much weather affects your hike.The day started off ok, with a light rain and steady climb up. After about an hour the weather started deteriorating .When I got to the top of snowbird Peak I was greeted with trail magic provided by Apple. After a honey bun and double hot chocolate I was ramped up with carbs and was tearing up the trail. But the further I hiked the colder it got and the harder the wind blew. The steady drizzle turned to freezing rain, then snow.I hiked on, but at a slower pace. I guess the wind and all day rain got under my rain gear, and I could feel my down jacket getting moist and losing insulation. I finally decided reaching Roaring Fork shelter (15 miles) would be too difficult, so I found a level spot and pitched my tent. It was a very cold night I believe from what I was told later, that it got to low teens, and I did wake a few times from the cold, but I have pretty good gear and was warm enough not to be in discomfort. When I woke in the morning, this was what my trail side tent site looked like.Early morning snow I woke up to
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Trail side tenting

To: Walnut Mountain shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

I awoke to a very cold morning. A few items had frozen, but I took precautions with my shoes and wet socks so they were't frozen.It had snowed enough to cover the ground with an inch or so, deeper in drifts. So hiking was slow and tedious. I only wanted to make ten miles so there was no hurry to get an early start, and I was hoping the bright sunny morning would warm up the frigid air. But it was cold hiking, with a stiff breeze and still freezing temperatures till around noon when it became more bearable. I do wish I'd gotten more pictures from the top of Max Patch, but it was blowing a hard cold wind and I wanted to get off as soon as I could.Tomorrow should be 13 miles and I'll make Hot Springs.
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Walnut Mountain shelter

To: Garenflo Gap (Alpine motel)
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: few clouds

Well there was just no longer denying it. I was not feeling well the last couple days. And today after I had packed up and gone a few hundred yards I knew it was time to get off the trail and into town.I won't get into the details, but basically I felt too ill to continue hiking. I'm fine now but will be off the trail till Monday or Tuesday.I called Chuck Norris (no really), who runs Laughing Heart hostel who Bama had highly recommended, and got a shuttle pickup at Garenflo Gap, a seven mile hike that was not fun.Chuck worried about the possibility that I had norovirus, quarantined me from staying at Laughing Heart, which I can really respect. He cared more to not take a chance infecting his other guests, than get one more rental from me. He found me a room at the Alpine Motel.Long story short, trip to ER in Ashville, and back to my motel at one in the morning and I feel much better.Gail decided to drive up to make sure I'm ok, and will spend the weekend with me.Hot Springs is a lovely little town, and I moved from the motel to a very lovely restored 1850's restaurant and Inn, the Iron Horse Station.Three or four zero days, which I just hate the thought of, but as they say, you do what you gotta do.
Date: 2014-04-18
To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Moved over to Iron Station Inn and Restaurant, a really nice restored building with rooms upstairs and a restaurant downstairs. Gail drove up and got in very late. Driving through Atlanta going home traffic can take a lot of extra time. It certainly cheered me up though for her to come up to be with me.Little I can do health wise, except to wait for Monday's doctor appointment.
Date: 2014-04-19
To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Another zero day.I'm overwhelmed with how many fellow hikers have given their support and concern for me. As Gail and I sit at the diner and restaurant, there have been so many well wishes, I am truly humbled.I so wish I could remember all the trail names of my fellow hikers, my memory is not that good, but I what to put down as many as I can to help me remember in the future, as I'm afraid that I will probably not see these guys again.Cupcake, Sprinkle Burst, Southbound, Big Spoon, Big Sexy, Slough, Running Bear, Jersey Girl, Twist, Bama, Kokopelli, Meagan, many more. Thanks all so much.
Date: 2014-04-20
To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Another zero in Hot Springs while I wait for my doctors appointment tomorrow.Gail and I spent the day readying my pack and supplies in the hope that tomorrow I can get back on the trail. Went out to Garenflo Gap where I came off to be sure I could find it to resume my hike tomorrow.If you have to take a required zero, Hot Springs is certainly not a bad choice. Thoroughly enjoy the laid back nature of the town, with plenty of live music and bars, it's been a nice mini vacation with Gail. The only down, is I so want to get back on the trail and hike.
Date: 2014-04-30
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

A few people have asked for an update. I was finally able to see a specialist today. It looks like I'll have a procedure done next week, that may fix me. If so there will be several days of recovery.So my window for completion of the trail is shrinking, but it's still possible that I could complete it this year. I'm not a really fast hiker, and with roughly 1,900 miles to go, and if I could somehow manage to average 15 miles a day, and if I took no more zero days, and if I could get back to the trail by May 12th, I could get to Katahdin September 16th. That and assuming that my medical condition is fixed.A lot of if's for now, so we'll see, at least it's still a possibility.I'll try to update next week when I know more.
Date: 2014-05-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, now I'm scheduled for my procedure for May 16th. With at least five days of recovery, it now looks like I'm through for hiking this year. I'll continue to look at my options, but I've no desire to be hiking Maine in October so through hiking this year is now out.I'll look at either restarting over next year, or perhaps becoming a section hiker and picking up where I stopped at Hot Springs.
Date: 2014-03-08
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

   It¢s been a long hard winter, with all those mounds and piles of snow and ice around, and since it is finally melting, I am feeling a desire to go for a long walk. So shortly after Ash Wednesday, my wife is going to drop me off at the trailhead in Georgia with my pack to spend much of Lent in what Sue likes to call the Chapel of Our Lady Of The Woods. It¢s a trail that I have walked before, but last time, I was in a hurry, with a lot of uncertainty about how the journey would go, and with a deadline. This year, I am only doing a section of the Trail, and I will be taking my time, to enjoy, to relax, to immerse myself in the experience, to observe.    I¢m looking forward to spending time with the curious group of people that hike the Trail. Adventurers, seekers, pilgrims, all here for many different reasons.   Over time, you see a community develop. All have a common goal. Some are well prepared and know how to do it. Others come with very little outdoor knowledge, and have to figure it out as they go.   But they find a lot of help and guidance from the more experienced ones, if they are open and able to listen. And the inexperienced ones bring freshness, wonder, and optimism. So I will be along for the ride for awhile, and will try to be of assistance if I can, and will try to learn from them also.            Being out in the woods for a long period of time is a glorious experience, punctuated by a lot of hardships. The weather can be absolutely wonderful and make your heart sing. And it can be dismal and frightening, too. Sunshine, and rain. Warmth, and cold. Wind.   For me, the wonders of nature show the hand of God in the world.            One of the wonderful parts of the experience is the trail angels along the way.   Their unconditional hospitality, generosity and kindness is always a refreshing experience.       Wildflowers are one of the attractions for me. Early in the spring, there are none to be seen. But as the weeks go by, the hepatica and bloodroot will appear, and trillium and spring beauties and troutlilies. If I¢m lucky the painted trillium will be in bloom, toward the end of my hike. Around home, we usually only see the wildflowers for a few days or weeks, but hiking north on the Trail it becomes like a wildflower parade that goes on and on, from one mountain to the next, for many weeks. It is truly a delight to behold.   Eventually, as the river of hikers heads north, I will leave the stream, and head home for Easter, grateful for the opportunity to spend time in the woods.
Date: 2014-03-11
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

It's Tuesday evening, and we plan to leave Thursday morning for Amicalola. The temps have been warm today, although a cold front is moving in. There is a light drizzle falling on our roof, and the thought comes that soon that drizzle will be falling on my tent. And the thought makes me smile, because I know that I will enjoy it. I feel pretty confident that I can handle the challenges of weather. Lately I have been reading some books by and about Harlan and Anna Hubbard. A quote from Harlan really struck me. "...if one walks far enough, his fast moving feet and mind become tired, and from that condition and distance sweetness begins to return to his bitter life. We turn homeward, planning anew, yet carrying back some of that wilderness which is truth." I am looking forward to the long, quiet hikes to come, to the exhaustion, to the serenity, to the night sounds, to breakfast, to the companionship of the fellow travelers, and to the campfires. With no rigid schedule on this trip, I am planning on more campfires this time around.
Date: 2014-03-12
From: Home

To: amicalola
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Arrived at Amicalola, going to hike out tomorrow. It feels a bit like a homecoming. The weather is chilly but sunny. Sue and Karen will drive home tomorrow, and Sue may do some updates on the journal if I can call her along the way, otherwise I will update when there is computer access which will be rare. The moon is almost full, and I hope to be on the trail until the next full moon.
Date: 2014-03-14
From: Amicalola

To: Three Forks Campsite
Miles today: 11.9

Sue and Karen saw me off at the trailhead after breakfast at the Lodge. I packed up a sack of Karen's Spice Cookies to help me on the trail. The approach trail was rough as usual, although I did skip the "steps" so can't complain. Ran into a previous thru-hiker "Buzz" from near Cincinnati, and ridgerunner "Betsy" on the way up to Springer. Got a nice campsite by the creek at Three Forks. A good start to my hike. Feeling kind of whupped after the hike today, but hope a good nights sleep will make me fresh for tomorrow.
Date: 2014-03-15
From: Three Forks Campsite

To: Gooch Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Stopped for a while at the Long Creek Falls which was very beautiful. Lots of climbs today, including Sassafrass Mtn. Ran into Trail Magic twice today, my lucky day, just before Hawk Mtn Shltr, then at Cooper's Gap. At Justus Creek ran into two guys from Manchester KY, one named Ed Bauer, the other I did not catch. The weather forecast is bleak for tomorrow so lots of people are gathering at Gooch. I found a nice tent site a couple of hundred yards away on a ridge top, and will plan on waiting out the rain tomorrow, since it is supposed to rain all day.
Date: 2014-03-17
From: Gooch Shelter

To: Lance Creek Campsite
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: light snow

Couldn't way around any longer, so started out even though still a bit of a drizzle and mist, popped a couple of Karen's Wonder Cookies to get my body moving and headed out. The rain stopped eventually. Met Dean, Marty, and Chris, some guys about my age. Had nice trail magic again, at Woody Gap. Got an "OK" site at Lance Creek. Talking to Dean today, he is a fan of Wendell Barry, an author from Kentucky, so we had some good discussion. Weather continues to be unfavorable, so will head for Neel Gap tomorrow and hope to dry out.
Date: 2014-03-18
From: Lance Creek Campsite

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: light rain

Up and over Blood Mountain, one of the first real challenges along the way. Got to the top and it was sunny and warm, but when descending to the gap it got cloudy and misty and cold again. Got a cabin at Blood Mountain Cabins with Dean and Chris, a pretty good deal. Really nice couple running the place, they even did our laundry. Got a frozen pizza and cooked it in the over, it tasted great. While at the outfitter I ran into "Miss Janet" who used to run a hostel in Erwin, now she seems to be shuttling hikers all around the trail in her van, and as she says, living out of the van. She seems to love the Trail experience and helps a lot of people along the way. Weather still uncertain.
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Neel Gap

To: Poplar Stamp Gap
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: broken clouds

Great to have a shower and a dry warm bed last night at the cabin. Started hiking in a drizzle, and it eventually stopped. I ran into two people headed the other way, carrying some bags of garbage they had collected along the trail. I stopped for a minute as they were passing, and said "...Grasshopper...?" and sure enough it was a couple I had met back in 2010, Grasshopper and Brakeman, who live near here and spend a lot of time hiking along the trails, and, God-Bless-'Em, picking up the litter left by knuckleheads. Thank goodness for them and all the people with good hearts who love the wilderness and take care of it. A great big thank you to all. Grasshopper and Brakeman are getting ready to head out and do the Pacific Crest Trail this year. Good luck to you!   Hiked on past Low Gap Shelter to campsite at Poplar Stamp Gap, with Dean and Chris. Enjoyed the hike today after the rain stopped, ate lunch with two young men from Germany, didn't catch their names.
Date: 2014-03-20
From: Poplar Stamp Gap

To: Cheese Factory Campsite
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: few clouds

First day of Spring! Started out cold, hard to get up and get started. Stopped for breakfast after it warmed up. Met up with Dean and Chris at Unicoi Gap, and met a guy named "Bowtie" who was doing trail magic and headed in for a few days. Turned out he had hiked in 2010 also, and that we started the same day, March 17th. He got on his phone and called up a picture he had taken of the sign-in log at Amicalola and sure enough we were both there. This evening there were owls hooting in the distance, quite a few of them. I've heard some pileated woodpeckers during the morning, but not too many yet. Keep hoping to see them, but they are reclusive.
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Cheese Factory Campsite

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Just a quick update. I have made it from Amicalola, to Springer, and have been hiking north since March 14th. I have made 69.6 miles from Springer, plus the Approach Trail from the Amicalola lodge, where Sue and Karen dropped me off to begin the hike. All is well, although there was quite a bit of rain the first few days. I did a "zero" day at Gooch Shelter to wait out the rain, otherwise have hiked well each day. Spent one night at Neel Gap at the Blood Mountain Cabins, which I shared with two other guys, Dean and Chris, who have been good hiking companions the past several days. The body is holding up, just a few minor problems with my feet. I am not sure how often I will be able to post, but will probably try to do an update when I get to Franklin NC probably in four or five days. Thanks to all for your support and encouragement. BTW, I believe Dean is doing an Trailjournals blog so he may have more frequent updates, since he has a smartphone and can update from the trail.
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a ride into town with Jeff from T.O.G. to get a few resupply items, and hit the trail around 10 am. Ran into Dan (aka, "Grey Ghost") at the trailhead, and again at the first shelter, Plumorchard. Some tough hikes uphill today. Crossed the border into North Carolina. Met a hiker named Blackbeard, who is carrying the biggest pack I have ever seen. He is really strong. Also met "Meticulous", a young lady from Columbus, who was also at T.O.G. last night. Saw some bluets today, the first wildflowers I've seen. In the evening, some of us did a short hike out to an overlook at Raven Rock, which had a marvelous view. The sun was just setting over the hills in the distance, and it was gorgeous. Near the overlook, there is wreckage form the crash of a small plane many years ago, quite a debris field, you could see how the plane was just torn apart as it crashed through the trees. Weather report is ominous, am considering heading for Franklin to avoid snow and extreme cold.
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Muskrat Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Long day, good hike. Started to drizzle while cooking breakfast, had to hurry to gather everything up so it didn't get too wet.   Called Sue and found out that our nephew Cole and his high school basketball team had won the Kentucky State High School basketball tournament - way to go Cole! First time every for CCH! Tomorrow I head for Franklin, but first have to climb up Albert Mountain...
Date: 2014-03-24
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: scattered clouds

My water bottles were pretty well frozen this morning. Pretty cold last night. Very hard to pack up with frozen fingers.   But as the sun came up it became a beautiful day. The birds seemed really active this morning. Lots of pileated woodpeckers, but didn't see any. Lots of songbirds, too, seeming to do "call and respond" to each other.   Got to the top of Albert Mountain and it was beautiful. Stopped and made oatmeal and coffee, and enjoyed the view. Grey Ghost (Dan) came up as I was there. Later on ran into Trail Magic at Rock Gap by "Tobasco" - hot dogs, chips, home made cookies, drinks - it was a great lunch break. Thank you, Tobasco. Hiked on with Grey Ghost. Turned out his is retired from a career as a mechanical contractor in Atlanta, so we had a lot in common to talk about. When we got to the road crossing at Winding Stair, we decided to head for a motel room in Franklin. Another hiker, Vagabond, was also there, and a wonderful couple happened to be driving by and picked us up and gave us a ride to town, and even a guided tour of the city. We have a nice room at the Microtel, and an outfitter just a short walk away, where I got some new gloves and socks and few other little items I needed. And, a shower. And, a really nice meal.    The weather looks bleak, so will probably do a zero day tomorrow.    I feel like the hiking thing is coming back to me. The last few days have been very enjoyable and my body is responding well to the challenge.
Date: 2014-03-25
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Taking a zero today. Went to the pancake and bacon breakfast at the First Baptist Church with Grey Ghost this morning, that was wonderful, thank you to the congregation at First Baptist. Also, I have spent the past hour and half at the Three Eagles Outfitters store, using their computer to update this journal. A big thank you to Three Eagles. Grey Ghost called his wife in Atlanta to come visit here in Franklin, and so he has offered to give me a ride back to the trail tomorrow morning. The weather is going to be cold, and I can see snow up on the mountains from here, so it may be tough. It is two maybe three days go NOC, then on to the Smokies. Hoping for warmer weather.   Meantime...another warm night and a shower and a nice meal tonight. Life is good.
Date: 2014-03-26
From: Winding Stair Gap

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

What a beautiful walk! Becky dropped Gray Ghost and me off at Winding Stair and we began walking in the fresh snow, no other footprints before us. It was totally silent, no wind, and gloriously beautiful.   Gray Ghost said, no one could see this and not believe in a Creator. You could just feel the hand of God all around, it was so beautiful. It was a long slow hike, sometimes postholing in 12 inch deep snow. Eventually we were following another hikers footprints, coming from Siler Bald Shelter, which made it a bit easier. Sometimes I wasn't sure we were on the trail. Got a nice tent site on the ridge top, should have a great sunrise view. Supposed to be cold tonight, 27 in the valley, who knows how cold up here at 4945 feet. Will bring my water bottles into the tent.
Date: 2014-03-27
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

Water bottles didn't freeze in the tent, that was good, but it was certainly pretty cold last night. Got off early around 7:45 am, started hiking just to get warm. The sunrise was beautiful. It warmed up through the day and was a perfect hiking day. Did a side trail to Rocky Bald, which had great views. Also stopped at Wesser Bald which has an observation deck with 360 degree views, it was spectacular. Stopped to do a hot breakfast at Wesser Shelter, then after a few more upward bumps it began the long, treacherous descent to NOc - Nantahals Outdoor Center, near Wesser. There was still quite a bit of ice and snow on the trail here and there, and the descent after the Jump Off is steep and rocky, so had to be very careful, you could slip and slide a long way with a mis-step. As I finished the descent and approached NOC, I started to see some wildflowers, exactly as I did four years ago when approaching NOC. I believe they were false rue anemonies, and some yellow violets (dogtooth?) and some leaves for sessile trillium. Gray Ghost had alsready checked in and got a two-bunk room which he generously shared with me. Got a shower, cleaned up, and went to dinner at the NOC restaurant with a multitude of other hikers. Forecast for tomorrow is for rain, all day, and we start out with a 3000 foot ascent to Cheoah Bald, a tough hike. Plan to get to Fontana Dam on Sunday eve. Friends of Gray Ghost are doing trail magic tomorrow at Stecoah Gap so will try to make that tomorrow. The body is a bit weary after two hard days, so we will see how I do today. Thanks to all who have left messages in the guest book.
Date: 2014-03-28
From: NOC

To: Stealth Camp near Locust Cove
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: moderate rain

The climb out of NOC is a long way, up to Cheoah Bald at 5062 ft from about 1700 ft at the river. It was intermittently drizzling, but not bad. Only sad part was the large amount of garbage someone had left at Sassafrass Shelter - lots of beer bottles. Unfortunate that some don't have a sense of cleaning up after themselves. Cheoah was socked in with fog so I elected to go further to camp, wound up a bit past Locust Cove, where Wet Dog and Rob were camping and had a nice fire going, but I wanted a nice leafy not-muddy site so found one up on a little ridge, where it looked like no one had camped in years, a nice little hermitage. Gray Ghost had left NOC a half hour before me, never did see him, assumed he went on to join his friends who were doing trail magic at Stecoah Gap, some miles ahead. It was a great hike, I really enjoyed it.