morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-11
To: Prep 6
Miles today: 0.0

Well, we became tourists and drove to Amicacola Falls and Helen, GA today. Helen is a quaint little tourist trap. They try to make you think you are in the Alps, everything references Germany and Switzerland. There was a bikers group meeting there this weekend - many, many Harleys and black leather! The state park is very nice. Met a couple of "young" guys starting their treks today. Doubt we will catch up with them. Visited the lodge there, and wished we had stayed there instead of Dahlonega. We plan on eating breakfast there tomorrow morning before we start hiking. It has probably been 12-15 years since I hiked the approach trail. I hope the 8.8 miles to Springer Mtn will not be as hard as I remember. Looks like the weather will be good for the approach, but a good chance of rain on our first true day on the AT.
Date: 2006-03-12
From: Amicalola Falls State Park

To: Springer MTN. Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Ate brakefast in the AFSP lodge with my brother and his wife who drove us to GA and saw us off on our journey. Left AFSP visitor center at 9:07 and arrived atop Springer Mtn at 4:00. Temp 50-60, partly cloudy, some breeze. The hike started at 1700' and ended atop Springer at 3728' with several ups and downs. Quite a climb for the first day. There are a lot of people up here - some thru-hikers, some section hikers, and some weekenders. Tomorrow is a short day, 7.5 mi, and much less strenuous. Trying not to "injure" ourselves too soon. Tenting tonight away from shelter. Many designated tent sites here. The shelter is small. A full moon makes it possible to walk around w/o headlamps. Very pretty. Was told it was to rain tomorrow - hope not. We put up the tarp just in case. 8:15 - bedtime.
Date: 2006-03-13
From: Springer MTN. Shelter

To: Hawk Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.8

Took it easy today - only 7.5 mi. Trail was fairly easy. Ran ito a crew from Georgia Appalachian Trail Club working on trail repair. Took a short side trail to see Long Creek Falls, a definate Kodak moment. Army Rangers from Camp Merrill were playing army today near the shelter. Sounded like a war about 4:30 and 7:00. Talked Elaine into staying in the shelter, her first, because they are calling for severe weather tonight. I hope her fear of mice won't keep her up all night. The shelter is full and several are tenting, one in a hammock. Several here are form NC, 4 from Raleigh, 1 from Chapel Hill. Weather in low 50's; drizzle and foggy all afternoon.
Date: 2006-03-14
From: Hawk Mt. Shelter

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

Had the steepest climb today (660'), not too long, but steep. Tomorrow has more ups & downs but should not be so tiring. Terrible thunderstorm last night. Windy all night and today. Temp droped to around 30 early mornig, with higs about 45. Felt much colder with the strong winds. Decided to go an extra mile today and camp at Gooch Gap. This will make tomorrow only 11 mi. Plan to camp at Slaughter campsite at the base of Blood Mtn instead of Woods Hole Shelter (0.5 mi off trail to shelter vs 0.4 mi further down trail to campsite). Loads of people here tonight. Large group from Univ of Ohio, the newlyweds from Elizabeth City, NC, and Elizabeth & John from Raliegh. Haven't seen Creaky Bones (50-ish woman, 2nd attempt to thruhike). Assume she stopped at Gooch Mtn Shelter. Hope to sleep better tonight in tent vs shelter last night.
Date: 2006-03-15
From: Gooch Gap

To: Slaughter Creek Campsite
Miles today: 11.0

Very cold this morning with wind. Ate a cold breakfast in tent (breakfast bars and orange drink) so we could get an earlier start because of our first 11 mi day. Started hiking at 8:25 with a steep climb. Had to stop at the top to shed some clothes. About 1/2 mi down the other side, Elaine realized she left her hat on top. I went back up to retrieve the hat while she continued down (her first solo hiking). Took me about 45 min to catch up with her. Had several more steep ups and downs today. Had some great views from Big Cedar Mtn (pix to come). The campsite consisted of 8 designated sites, each large enough for 2 tents. We got the last site, sharing it with a Scout leader from Atlanta who was solo section hiking from Amicolola to Neels Gap. There was a large group (20+) of spring break highschoolers here tonight. Seems like most of the people here will be getting off tomorrow in Neels Gap. The newlyweds got off at Woody Gap to resupply in Suches and return to the trail - they are somewhere behind usj. Haven't seen Elizabeth & John since they passed us at Woody Gap. Only 3.2 mi to Neels Gap tomorrow where we plan on staying @ Goose Creek Cabins 3.5 mi down the road. Need to reprovision at Neels Gap.
Date: 2006-03-16
From: Slaughter Creek Campsite

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: overcast clouds

The climb up Blood Mtn has been made much easier with a recent relocation. We made the top in 30 min (650' climb). Spent 30 min on top trying to get a phone signal. The only one we got would have charged a 2.99 roaming fee and 1.99/min connect charge so I hung up immediately. We reached Neels Gap @ 11:20 and the cell service was not much better. Ended up staying in the Beaver cabin of Blood Mtn Cabins 1/4 mi from Neels Gap. The hiker rate was $50 for the cabin and included free laundry service. The newlyweds were staying in the cabin next to ours. We all took the shuttle ($4 PP) into Blairsville for the buffet dinner at the Cookie Jar (large collection of cookie jars on the wall). We really pigged out. Made our phone calls while in town. Will resupply tomorrow at Neels Gap and head out to Hog Pen Gap (6.4 mi). We decided to skip the scheduled 0-day and reduce the daily mileage to Dicks Creek Gap. We plan to stay at Blueberry Patch Hiker HOstel on the 21st. Will pick up 1st mail drop there.
Date: 2006-03-17
From: Neels Gap

To: White Oak Stamp
Miles today: 7.3

Left Neels Gap at 11:15 for a short 6.4 mi day. When we go to Hog Pen Gap the wind was very strong so we got water and hiked another 0.9 mi to White Oak Stamp and dry-camped out of the wind. All alone here - nice and quiet. Did about 1850' of climbing in 7.3 mi. The steepest was 460' in 0.7 mi up from Tesnatee Gap - nothing but switchbacks and steps! Met "Hong Kong" on top of Wolf Laurel. He was originally from Canada but now lives in Hong Kong working w/ mainline China factories to improve their effeciency. He had just taken 4 days off in Blairsville because a large callous on his big toe peeled off. He still had the toe bandaged up pretty well. Passed a 1st year dental student from Baltimore. He was going to hike as far as eh could in 4.5 months before returnig to school.
Date: 2006-03-18
From: White Oak Stamp

To: Blue Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Fairly easy day today with 3.5-4 mi on an old road - easy grade. Woke up to a balmy 35 degrees with a N "breeze". Ate a hot breakfast in the tent - coffee and toasted bagels. Temp rose quickly to 45 and we were soon shedding jackets, hats, and pant legs. Ran into the dental student on a break @ Deep Gap Shelter. Chow Chow, Hinds Feet, and Heald were at the shelter last night. Got to the campsite area early so we went another mile to the shelter. 20-25 scouts tenting here. Their leader had told them to leave the shelter open for thru-hikers but we decided to tent because the shelter is known for cold N winds blowing into the shelter and it is supposed to drop into the 20's tonight. Three thru-hikers came after us and are staying in the shelter. Tomorrow we get to descend into Unico Gap and climb out the other side. We may make it a short day. Plan on staying at Cheese Factory but will probably continue to Tray Mtn Shelter.
Date: 2006-03-19
From: Blue Mtn Shelter

To: Tray Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 7.7

Decided to stay in the shelter because of predicted rain. Supposed to rain all day tomorrow. Hope they are wrong! May try for 11 mi tomrrow and stay in hostel (mail drop there) or hotel n Hiawassee if hostel is full. Planed 0-day there, but may forego another one if we feel OK. So far we have felt fine. My orthotics are great! Almost no pain at all. Staying in shelter w/ "Ole Reb" (retiree from Atlanta) and Merlin (young fellow w/ long hair and beard and 35mm SLR w/ tripod - 65 lb pack). Did a lot of long ups and downs today: elevations were 4025' to 2949' to 4017' to 3113' to 4430'. Temp today low 40's and very windy.
Date: 2006-03-20
From: Tray Mtn. Shelter

To: Holiday Inn Express
Miles today: 10.6

Woke up at 6:30 to a cold breeze. It started raining at 7:00 and the temp started dropping. Began hiking about 8:00 in light freezing rain and strong winds (15-20 mph). By 9:30 our hats and pack covers were covered in ice. Temp dropped to mid 20's. Walked 7.6 mi to the next shelter without a bread because of the bad weather. Had a cup of hot tea in shelter. "Lone Eagle" (retired marine of the "walking dead" platoon) was taking a 0-day in the shelter. He is carrying a small American flag and an eagle hat pin to Katahdin to honor two of his commrades. Hiked to Dick's Creek Gap and caught a ride to the Holiday Inn Express stoppng on the way to retrieve our mail drop at Blueberry Patch Hiker Hostel. Ate buffet dinner at Daniels Steakhouse and stuffed ourselves again. The newlyweds (Mike & Laura) were at the resturant. They are 2 days behind us and had gotten off at Unicoi Gap. They will be back on the trail tomorrow. We have decided to take a 0-day.
Date: 2006-03-21
From: Holiday Inn Express

To: Holiday Inn Express
Miles today: 0.0

Went to grocery to buy some items that were not sent in the mail drop. Boxed up extra stuff and sent it on to Wesser. Plan to get 8:30 shuttle to trail tomorrow and hike about 9 mi to Bly Gap. If we make it we will be in NC and have hiked all of GA!
Date: 2006-03-22
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Got shuttle ($6 PP) from Holiday Inn Express to gap with owner of hotel. Started hiking at 9:00. Could see rime ice on tops of tallest mountains. Temp about 25, slight breeze. Only took 3 30-min breaks today. Lots of climbing - over 3700'. Dick's Creek Gap was 2765' and we ended up at 4600' at the shelter. This is the highest we have been so far. Tomorrow we will pass over standing Indian Mtn at 5500'. Hope to see "Mala" tomorrow morning at Deep Gap. He said he would be there with trail magic - hot dogs, coffee, drinks, etc. A lot of hikers here tonight. Neffa (Sarah), GG, Tin Can, Frankenstein, and others (don't know names yet). Heald, Hinds Feet, and Merlin passed thru earlier today. We walked out the Ravenrock Ridge Trail (0.5 mi)to watch the sunset. There is small private airplane wreckage beside the trail to the cliffs. Temp today was in low 40's, and droped below 30 after the sun went down. Expect it to be in low 20's tomorrow morining as the skiy is clear and full of stars.
Date: 2006-03-23
From: Muskrat Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: broken clouds

Cold this morning. Temp around freezing all day. Took 1st break at Deep Gap - 4 mi. Climbed Standing Indian Mtn and took 0.2 mi side trail to top to take pix. Took 2nd break at Beech Gap, then to shelter. Sleet changed into snow by the time we reached the shelter. Snow became snow pellets. Ground was coveed by 7:00. Hope it dosen't snow too deep. We have another 12 mi day with the climb over Albert Mtn tomorrow. If all goes well, wh should be in Franklin by lunchtime the day after tomorrow. Scouts staying in old shelter. GG, Neffa, and Suffering Bastard are in the new shelter. Everyone else are in tents. Frankenstein had to get off trail at Deep Gap - his knees were very painful. He is planning to see a doctor in Franklin. His companions, his gril friend and Tin Can left with him. Ole Reb is tenting somewhere down the trail beyond the shelter.
Date: 2006-03-24
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Wallace Gap
Miles today: 12.8

Temp 27 when we got up at 6:45. Snow had stopped overnight - about 4" on ground. Temp in tent about 50 after we got out of our sleeping bags and our body heat warmed the tent - love this 4-season tent. Started hiking about 9:15 - slow start with cold and snow. Ran into trail magic N of Mooney Gap (the wettest spot in eastern US, over 65 inches annual rainfall) about 1/2 mi S of Albert Mtn. Fishing Fred and Gatorade had a large tent and tarp set up with chairs and a warm fire. They were giving out oragnes, sodas, coffee, and allowed us to cook cheese quesadillas on a large saw blade over the sire. The warm food and coffee were great on a cold day and gave us the extra we needed to climb Albert - 500' in 0.3 mi. After we found out that you could get a shuttle from Wallace Gap we took one more break near Glassmine Gap before continuing to the gap, skipping the last shelter we were planning to stay near. Called the Budget Inn in Franklin and they sent a shuttle to pick us up. They also picked up another 5 hikers who had hiked 20+ mi to get to the gap. We are staying at the Sapphire Inn (sister motel of Budget which was full of hikers) and will take a 0-day tomorrow to wash clothes and re-supply. The motel has free shuttles to anywhere in town and back to trail - really convient. Pigged out at another buffet tnight. A log of hikers are in town, glad to be out of cold and snow.
Date: 2006-03-26
From: Rock Gap

To: Siler Bald
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: broken clouds

Started today with a geat breakfast at the City Diner in Franklin up the street from the motel. Rode the shuttle to Rock Gap which we walked passed on Friday. From there we hid our packs and hiked 0.7 mi DOWNHILL to see the Wasilik poplar - the 2nd largest poplar tree in the US. It is over 8' in diameter (pix to follow). After that 1.4 mi sidetrail we got our packs and re-hiked the 0.6 mi of the AT from Rock Gap to Wallace Gap, then continued on our journey. There was more traiil magic at Winding Stair Gap. "Crutch"was giving away sandwiches, orange sodas, bananas, and apples. Crutch got his name for hiking over 350 mi last year using a crutch after breaking his ankle on his thruhike. The timing was perfect because we were planning to take our first break there. We then climbed about 1200' to Siler Bald where we diecided to tent for the night. After setting up the tent we hiked 0.25 mi up to the top of the bald - a 200+' climb. Excellent view of tomorrows's hike down to Wayah Gap then up 1200' to Wayah Bald. We then hiked 0.6 mi DOWNHILL to the shelter to get water. What was supposed to be an easy 7.3 mi day ended up a 11 mi day. Such is life on the trail. The temp has dropped to below freezing by 7:00. It feels very cold after hiking in sunshine today (1st time in almost 2 weeks). On to Cold Spring Shelter tomorrow.
Date: 2006-03-27
From: Siler Bald

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Very cold (low 20's) when we soke up. Had coffee and toasted bagels for breakfast. Starrted hiking about 9:00. Reached Wayah Bald at 1:00 and took a 1 hour break. Got to Cold Sring Shelter at 6:00 Fairly hard day with about 2400' downhill and 2400' uphill. The ground was frozen the 1st 2 mi. Half the climb up Wayah was on packed snow. Most of the trail from Wayah to the shelter was very slippery mud. Our feet and legs were pretty tired when we got ot the shelter. We are tenting on the ridge above the shelter - everyone else is either in the shelter or tenting below the shelter. Sumo, Morning Fit, Outbreak, Sleeper, and several other here tonight. Into Wesser tomorrow where Elaine will return home and a friend, Gene Walker, will join me to continue to ME. Lots of pix should be on-line withinn the new week or so.
Date: 2006-03-28
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Wesser, NC
Miles today: 11.5

Left for Wesser at 8:30. Much warmer this morning - 30's. Light rain fell overnight. Forecasted occasional rain today so we hiked with jackets and pack covers. We got very hot climbing 700' up Wesser Bald from Tellico Gap. Took our jackets off at the top. The long downhill, over 2400', was as hard on the knees as I remembered. By the time we reached Wesser, the temp was about 60. We picked up the mail drop I forwarded from Hiawassee and then ate sherpa rice with meat chili at River End restaurant. Paid for a shuttle to Bryson City where my brother is bringing my friend Gene and a large box of supplies. Taking a 0-day at NOC in Wesser before we tackle the 3000+' climb over 7 mi to the first shelter N of Wesser.
Date: 2006-03-30
From: Wesser, NC

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

Ate a hot breakfast (eggs, grits, bacon, biscuit, coffee) at NOC. Elaine has left the trail and gone back home to await the birth of our two grandchildren. Started the climb out of Nantahala Gorge at 8:30. Climbed from 1740¢ to 4710¢ then down to 4330¢ then up to Cheoah Bald (5062¢) then down to camp at 3690¢. Quite a day. Water was DOWNHILL 150 yds. Tonight we are camping with Double Shot and Handlebar (large mustache). Gene is using the trail name Otter (from Animal House) and I have decided on Cohiba, my favorite cigar. Got pretty warm today. We hiked in shorts and short sleeve shirts. Quite a bit different than the last 2.5 weeks with freezing temps. Calling for 20-30% chance of showers the next couple of days ¢ hope they miss it again. Looks like we will try to save another day on the schedule by getting to Fontana Dam on the 2nd. We will see how things are tomorrow as today was Otter¢s 1st day on the AT and he was pretty tired when we got to camp.
Date: 2006-03-31
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it to Stecoah Gap in 1.5 hr but slowed down tremendously on the climb out of the gap. One climb was 700+ ft in 0.8 mi., mostly up the ridge without switchbacks. The rest of the day was just ups & downs. Staying in the shelter ¢ predicted rain. Handlebar is tenting and Otter, Sleeper, Bloomer, and I are in the shelter. Just 6.1 mi to Fontana Dam where we will call for a shuttle to Hike Inn. Then it¢s a hot shower, laundry, shuttle to Robbinsville for dinner, and a shuttle back to Fontana Dam the next morning. Then we start the climb into the Smokies.
Date: 2006-04-01
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

Glad we stayed in the shelter as it rained most of the night. Got up early and was out by 8:00. Easy 600¢ uphill from the shelter but then several steep ridge humps soon followed. Finally the downhill began to Hwy 28. The next 1.2 mi to the Fontana Shelter was quite a hike. It went up and down and up and down and up and down instead of following the road. Guess they want you to know the trail is still in charge. Marco Solo, I¢m Still Adam, and another (forgot his name) were at the shelter. After a short break we walked 0.3 mi to the dam to call Hike Inn for a shuttle and the phones were not working and there was no cell service. So we walked back up to the shelter and the shuttle was there because someone else had called with a cell phone that get service. The hot shower was great and we are waiting for the shuttle to town to ¢pig out¢ again. Tomorrow starts the LONG climb into the Smokies. Can¢t get over the weather change since Wesser ¢ it has been hot and muggy. Hope it stays warm in the Smokies. Just got back from town ¢ ate Mexican (great for a change) and stopped by Ingles grocery to pick up some extra food to add to that we had in the mail drop.
Date: 2006-04-02
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Field Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

Daylight saving time took us by surprise this morning when we woke up. My watch said 6:30 but the 7:00 news was on the TV. Got the shuttle to the dam and started hiking at 9:00 DST ¢ oh well. We planned to hike 5.6 mi to a campsite (old shelter site) but got there at 1:00 so we decided to continue on another 5.4 mi to the shelter. Had about 4000¢ of climb today. Legs feel good and feet only ache from the walk. Shelter holds 14 and is full of thru-hikers. Not sure what we will do tomorrow. We planned on 8 days to do the Smokies. Time will tell.
Date: 2006-04-03
From: Mollies Field Shelter

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Severe storms last night ¢ lightning, rain, wind, hail started about 3:30 in the morning. Quite a light show and noisy heavy rain and hail on shelter roof. Glad we chose to go to the shelter instead of tenting earlier. Stopped at Spence Field Shelter for lunch. Decided to stay there for the night when it started raining, hailing, and strong winds. Will make up miles tomorrow. It¢s sort of hard to set a schedule because of the spacing of the shelters, especially near Newfound Gap. Still plan on 8 days to do Smokies. Getting colder. Passed a milestone today ¢ less than 2000 mi to Kahtadin!
Date: 2006-04-04
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Got up last night at 12:30 for a potty break but didn't go too far from the shelter as the fog (clouds) were so thick I couldn't see 10-15 inches. Woke up to a ballmy 30 degrees with rime ice on all the trees and food bags on the bear lines. Beautiful views of ice on mountains from Rocky Top. A lot of steep climbing today but not too hard. Legs must be getting stronger. Lots of hikers here. Two girls from Raleigh- Dinosaur and Hellbender did 17 miles to get here. They know Teddy Rupskin (Elizabeth) also from Raleigh. Easy 8.5 mile day tomorrow over Clingman. Only 1983.5 miles to Kahtadin!
Date: 2006-04-05
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

Windy and 28 when we woke up. Didn¢t waste much time eating breakfast and packing up. Quite a bit of climbing today ¢ up and over Clingmans. Trail follows the NC-TN state line. It was windy and cold in TN and sunny and warm in NC.   Found a nice sunny spot to take a break before the final climb. Went to the top of the tower on Clingmans. Only stay there 15 minutes. It was very windy and COLD! Made it to Mt. Collins Shelter about 4:00. Old shelter but had great privy. Dinosaur, Hellbender, Slowpoke, Handlebar, Merlin, Otter, and 4 others here tonight. I decided to tent as the shelter was rather dark and dirty. The 3/4-season tent sure would be great right now. Thinking of exchanging this 3-season tent for it in Hot Springs. I think it would come in handy until at least thru Mt. Rogers. Only an 8 mile day tomorrow thru Newfound Gap to Ice Water Spring Shelter. Only 1975.5 mi to go!
Date: 2006-04-06
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Made the 5 mi to Newfound Gap at 11:30. Fairly easy 900¢ downhill. Parking lot almost full of sightseers. Planned a long break there but it was windy and it started raining. Actually tried to ¢YOGI ¢ some refreshments, but no luck! Got to Icewater Spring Shelter at 1:30. Staying here for the night.   Several others decided to go on another 7.8 mi to Peck¢s Corner Shelter. Ridge runner said stormy weather was starting tomorrow afternoon and cooler temps ¢ highs in 30¢s. We¢ll be out of the Smokies in 3 more days. Only 1968.0 mi to go!
Date: 2006-04-07
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to somewhat warmer weather. Started hiking in shirt (no jacket) for a change. By lunch time I was in short sleeves and shorts. Sunny warm day with great views. Pretty much the same crowd here tonight as last night. Staying in shelter to avoid predicted rain. Got to shelter at 3:30. Seem to be making better time on trail. 1955.4 mi to go!