morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-10-20
From: Pole Steeple Trail Crossing

To: Trail crossing at Rocky Mtn Shelters
Miles today: 25.4

Frost on the pumpkin this morning. Well, frost in the woods anyway. It was a clear night and a chilly morning on the ridge. The thermometer read 38 degrees. A chilly start to a nice day in southern PA. I was packed and on the trail before dawn this morning so I needed the headlamp for a short while. I hiked a few miles to arrive at the Pine Grove Furnace State Park. It is a very nice park and the home of the new Appalachian Trail Museum which opened in June of this year. Unfortunately, it wasn't open today as it only opens on the weekends in the Fall. I definitley plan to drive up in the next few weeks to check it out...it's only about 90 minutes from Winchester.The terrain and trail was gentle today so the miles flew by. Originally, I had planned to stay at the Quarry Gap Shelters tonight leaving 18 miles to finish tomorrow. However, I arrived there at 2:30 this afternoon which was much too early to quit hiking on a beautiful Fall day like today. So, I kept going for a few more hours enjoying the late afternoon. I stopped this evening at the side trail to the Rocky Mountain Shelters. The shelter is a distance off the main trail and down the mountain a bit so I opted to camp here on the ridge along the main trail. I usually prefer my tent so I saw no need to hike down and then, back up in the morning. Guess I'm getting lazy :-)I have about 12 miles left. It's hard to believe tonight is my last night on the trail. Tomorrow afternoon it will be over. I spent much of today thinking about the past several months and all that has happened.Memories that will last a lifetime...the great adventure of 2010.
Date: 2010-10-21
From: Trail crossing at Rocky Mtn Shelters

To: Rt. 16, Blue Ridge Summit, PA
Miles today: 11.9

I finished the trail at 11:30 this morning.It was a little emotional and, as expected... Bittersweet. Donna, Kim, Andrew, and Florence were waiting for me at the final road crossing with a finishing tape stretched across the trail. It felt great to cruise through the tape and meant a lot to have them there cheering me on. I lack the words at present to describe the feelings and emotions brought by crossing that road and touching the final blaze. I will be back in the next day or so with some postscript and some updated photos. Tonight, I am home having enjoyed a huge dinner with my family and a relaxing evening. The trail is a wonderful place... tonight it feels wonderful to be home. Thank you so much for all the encouragement, best wishes, and your prayers. You have been an inspiration.
Date: 2010-10-24
To: Finish at Blue Ridge Summit
Miles today: 0.0

Blue Ridge Summit, PA?If you¢ve been reading my journal from the beginning you know the original plan was to hike northbound from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mt. Katahdin in Baxter State Park in Maine. Due to my minor illness in June, along with refusal to hike in the intense heat in June/July, I changed my plans and converted my hike to a ¢flip-flop¢. This turned out to be a good decision and I really enjoyed the southbound hike in the cooler temperatures. I thought one disadvantage of the flip-flop would be the less than dramatic finish on a rural route in PA where I stopped in June. If one hikes north or south all the way, there is a pinnacle upon which to celebrate¢¦ Springer or Katahdin. Both are notable terminus points. But, What about Blue Ridge Summit? What¢s special about that?I began thinking about this as I approached the finish and it dawned on me that, in fact, it is special in its own way. I literally grew up in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains. My childhood home on 29th Street in Buena Vista, VA lies at the foot of the mountain 4 miles west of the summit and the Blue Ridge Parkway. For many years I awoke in the shadows of the Blue Ridge. To end at a place called Blue Ridge Summit seemed appropriate. Interestingly, about 2 miles south of my finish point, the trail crosses a small rural road¢¦ named Buena Vista Rd. Most important, the finish at Blue Ridge Summit made it possible for my family to meet me at the finish. That¢s what made it special.
Date: 2010-03-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The Time Is Upon MeThe time is upon me to get my gear into the pack and the feet into motion to hit the trail! This past weekend an official kick in the rear was delivered when a Split The Pot to Fight Breast Cancer was initiated. Supporters, disbelievers and those who fall in between will be guessing the number of days I will hike / survive the AT trail. Many thanks to those who helped pulled this off on such short notice.I am trying to finalize the gear I need based on the current weather conditions and getting the necessary "While I'm Gone From Home" list written up to be crossed off @ the appropriate date.Taking a step forward.
Date: 2010-03-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Make Up My MindNeed to make up my mind on what rain gear to go with and get over it. If it's the wrong choice and I get miserable then I'll just suck it up and get better stuff at the first opportunity!Need to suck it up now and finish getting the odds and ends stuff - first aid kit, bandana, insect repellant, bear bag & rope (to hang up food + garbage), head cover and sunscreen, water treatment drops, more food ...... and so forth.Reading the latest hikers trail journals telling about the nice start day, cold nights, foggy views, rainy/snowy/sleet days, great company @ the shelters and the "Trail Magic" already recieved. Can't wait to be "alone" out on the trail! Taking a step forward.
Date: 2010-03-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Checking Things OffTime to set out all the clothing, food & water, cooking items, sleeping gear, first aid, etc. and mark it off the check list I have from the Outfitter I've been working with. Still need to get quite a few necessary items - headlamp, water treatment, longer lightweight spoon, sun protection, cash/debit card/credit card. These items are found easily in town so no big deal. Well, maybe the moolah - the cash cow is drying up. Taking a step forward.
Date: 2010-03-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Start Date Set In StoneStart date is set - April 10th (my anniversary date of my shoulder surgery). Well, maybe earlier if I get everything worked out & ready to go.I got good news about mom's health so I decided to give myself a kick in the rear and set a date. Got more gear heading my way from Washington, tried on many types of rain gear, discovered convertible pants (removeable pant legs to make into hiking shorts) aren't for me. Guess I'm too skinny (none will fit) and I'm afraid that "The Bear" will laugh himself silly, forget to eat me - thus voiding the rumoured guesses of some Split The Pot chances. Yea for me!!For those enquiring minds, I have been calculating possible mileage days and corresponding trail jump offs for my mail drops. I will have it posted to the link on the left when the time comes. If by some chance I acquire too much food to carry I will gladly share with those around me - thus ensuring my safety of reaching the next mail drop. Just kidding or maybe not..... Taking a step forward.
Date: 2010-04-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Stop The InterruptionsStop the interruptions - please! I'm trying to get things done ahead of time - well, at least before I head up Springer Mountain.Yesterday I decided to set up the new "home" in the front yard and give it my own April shower to see what's what. Am I going to stay dry? Need to bring absorbent towels? Or start thinking of applying a layer of water repellant coating? Before I could even get that far I got an eye opening experience.Decided to save some $ by buying a plastic leakproof drop cloth to put under the tent. It acts as a water condensation barrier so the bottom of the tent won't bring in moisture - thus a dry sleeping bag. It's 9' x 12' and I'm going to custom cut it to the size of the tent - cut that extra weight! So here I am trying to spread this large lightweight sheet on the grass when the wind decides to assist me. After retrieving "my kite" I try again, again & ... so on. Is this what the trail will do to me? I learned to have all the pieces of the puzzle out to be used as weight until they are needed. Don't want the rain fly cover taking off to Kansas (or home to Ohio). On with the testing - Oops, better hook up the hose. Ready, aim, turn on the water - what the ..... Why am I getting soaked? Seems the sprayer has cracked it's cheap plastic handle. Borrow the sprayer next door (thanks neighbors) and Project Thunderstorm is a success! The ant inside the tent was crawling around as dry as can be. Seems I didn't zip up the door all the way.Next up - food/mail drops. Wait. Can't do that - someone wants to work on taxes. Now I need to get all medical, chiropractic & therapy bills, COBRA payments, etc. in order to itemize deductions. Needless to say, things didn't go that smoothly last night. Boy do I need to get away from it all! Maybe tomorrow will be a "hike" day.Taking a step forward.
Date: 2010-04-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I've Lost 3 DaysThe beginning of this week I lost 3 days of final preparation time dealing with taxes, COBRA insurance & a surprise $1,000+ bill concerning my shoulder therapy (which was explain to me that I would not have to pay anything - insurance would take care of it). Then came the deal of getting a new phone with better coverage for being on the trail to update the journal & keep in touch. Do you see me banging my head against the wall? It will work out, it will work out ...Managed to squeeze in the trip to the Outfitter (thanks Andrew for the help) to obtain final rain gear, water treatment, bear bag for food + hanging rope, knife, medicial kit and advise on how to load the backpack. Just need to get a few more items and then the check list will be done. Still need to finish the home check list or take it on "Faith" that it will be remembered and taken care of. I am sad at the thought that I won't be able to leave for Georgia tomorrow as planned. Not being totally prepared & being confident that I could leave with a clear conscious just didn't set right with me. Other issues are lingering out there and need to be dealt with. Maybe I should have stuck with the original thought of starting from Maine in May/early June. Oh well - most likely will be doing a "flop" (stop going North at some point and then get to Maine, climb Mt. Katahdin and then head South to where I stopped). Time will tell.Taking a step forward.
Date: 2010-04-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

T- 24 HoursOn the way South to GA ................ then to Maine tomorrow!Update: Today I traveled 500 miles - by car. It felt surreal knowing what is going to happen soon as I saw the mountains in the distance. Seeing signs to the towns & parks I will be passing through within 2 months was eerie and yet exciting.Taking a step forward.
Date: 2010-04-13
From: starting point at top of Springer Mountain

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

I am hiker no. 608 and officially began 4-13-2010 around 2:30 afternoon and completed my first day hike of 7.8 miles to Hawk Mountain Shelter. When I have time and more cell phone power, I will update further. (JD)
Date: 2010-04-14
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

Day 2 takes me 7.3 miles making my way up and down 3 mountains. Tonight I am at Gooch Mountain Shelter where I am staying with 15 other hikers. I am eating somewhat, although it's a bit of a learning curve that I need to get use to. Used anti-blister patches today to help protect the feet. It was hot walking. Meeting dad around noon tomorrow. (JD)
Date: 2010-04-15
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Dockery Lake Trail Campsite
Miles today: 7.9

Day 3 - Met up with Dad and was with him almost 2-1/2 hours. Could only charge up my phone a little. Walked 7.9 miles and am camping alone at the Dockery Lake Campground. Everyone else moved onto the next shelter. I'm hoping I did a good job tying my bear bag to a tree. We'll see how it holds up. Hoping to make my way to Neels Gap tomorrow. May spend the night there at a hostel. (JD)
Date: 2010-04-16
From: Dockery Lake Trail Campsite

To: Neels Gap, US 19
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: few clouds

Day 4 - Survived the night alone. Was up and out by 6:50am. Walked 7.7 miles up and down Blood Mountain, the highest GA elevation on the AT. Attached is a photo of Blood Mtn showing its 4,458 ft. elevation. Staying in a hostel tonight at Neels Gap. It's 10:20pm and time for lights out. (JD)
Date: 2010-04-17
From: Neels Gap

To: Whitley Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: broken clouds

Day 5 - left Neels Gap @12:30pm after shakedown of backpack. Sending 2 lbs. of unneeded items home. Walked 6.2 miles to Whitley Gap Shelter and tenting it with 3 other guys. One guy is from the hostel. Feeling good with no major/minor problems. Going to work out food logistics tonight. (JD)
Date: 2010-04-18
From: Whitley Gap Shelter

To: Campsite before Rocky Knob
Miles today: 10.9

Day 6 - Hope I don't have a night like last night. Set tent up aways from shelter and got ready for bed. I went in search of the "Privy" but too dark to find the path to it so I headed back past the tent into the woods. Switched from the red light to white light to find my way back to camp. Felt like something wasn't quite right - as if I was off track because of walking around trees. I stopped and kept turning my head left to right to look for something familiar in the dark. Silly me, don't all trees look alike in the dark?Luckily, one of the guys had a light on at the shelter so I was able to pinpoint my tent area. Lesson: Leave a light on as a beacon in the tent.After getting tucked into the sleeping bag the temps went down and the wind kicked up a big knotch. For the next 6 hours I wondered if I had really secured the rain fly on. Only got a few winks in before heading back out this morning. Needless to say I got confused when getting to the trail - go right or left? Anyway, I moved on and made it to the campsite before Rocky Knob for 10.9 miles.
Date: 2010-04-19
From: Campsite before Rocky Knob

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 7 - Arrived at Tray Mountain Shelter around 8:00p.m. Went to Unicoi to resupply but not good. Lost time dealing with that. More info later when more time and battery power. (JD)
Date: 2010-04-20
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: light rain

Day 8 - Start of week two was a bit cool and a rainy one. Had to learn how to adjust to the changing conditions. Made it to Deep Gap (7.5 miles)at 5:00pm, my earliest yet. Plan to get to Hiawassee tomorrow. (JD)
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap, US 76
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 9 - After thinking things out, I decided to head into town so the phone could get charged up, get a shower, sit down to figure out where Dad will meet up with me.Got up early to start packing up since I was the only one in a tent. Need to try and dry things off so I'm not carrying extra weight. It was a short hike of 3.5 miles to Dicks Creek Gap then caught a shuttle to the Blueberry Patch Hiker hostel. Had a shower, clothes were washed, was dropped off at a pizza place, walked to grocery store, then to the library to use the internet before they closed, then hitched a ride back to the hostel. Tried to sort things out but before I knew it, lights were being turned off. Goodnight folks! (JD)
Date: 2010-04-22
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: clear sky

Day 10 - Breakfast was @ 8:30am sharp. Had pancakes w/ the famous blueberry sauce, biscuits, tea & orange juice. Packed up and was driven into town to go to the library & Outfitter. Arranged for a shuttle ($5.00) to leave from DQ to go back to the trail.Started around 2:30pm with some tough uphill climbs due to the extra food weight. Tonight was the first time I actually ate all the food in the dinner packet. Two Canadians & a guy from Connecticut also were staying at the shelter with myself, Shelby & Robert ("hiking partners"). Stayed by the fire and chatted for a little bit before turning in.
Date: 2010-04-23
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Deep Gap, USFS 71
Miles today: 11.3

Day 11 - On the trail @ 9:30am because I knew it was going to be a long day & I was meeting my Guardian Angel aka "Way Out" (if needed)- my Dad. Started with an uphill climb - always tough in the morning.Around noon I got Georgia off my mind and was thinking about another girl - Carolina. Passed by the GA-NC border sign.Shortly after that I began to hike by myself as each one of us got into their own stride. As it neared the time frame to meet Dad, I pushed a little harder to get to Deep Gap. A minute to spare but no Dad. Of course, phone signal was next to nothing. Long story short - 3 1/2 hrs later Dad & I are in Franklin eating dinner after getting rooms @ a hotel.
Date: 2010-04-24
From: Franklin, NC

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Due to an unfortunate situation I will be leaving the trail - hopefully for only a few days. I am driving my Dad back home & then start arranging for a way to return.Update: Dad was involved in a minor car accident and had to wait over an hour for the State Police to show up. It was kind of disconcerting to see the car with a crumbled up hood making its' way down the road towards me. He was shook up & aggravated when he got out of the car trying to explain why he was late, how things happened, what he has to do before the court date.... Needless to say, I decided that I would be driving him back home & that there would be no more road trips for him on account of me.A special heartfelt "Thank You" to Trail Angel's: Tater & his wife.They stayed with me while I kept trying to make contact with Dad to find out his situation. They provided me a ride up the mountain a bit to be able to get phone service and back down to the meeting point. Thanks again for all the support.
Date: 2010-04-27
From: Deep Gap, USFS 71

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: moderate rain

Good afternoon virtual hikers!Day 12 - I'm all charged up (battery wise) and itching (bug bites) to head North. After a 3 1/2 days time out I'm anxious to see if the legs & knees are going to rebel.I headed up the trail around noon in cold, drizzle and wet conditions. Glad I decided to go with a rain jacket instead of a poncho - otherwise there would be one frozen skinny popcycle stick planted on the trail.I hiked all day by myself, which was great. Meant I could go slow & steady up the trail, dig out food or clothing as needed and find a spot to hang out when the sleet/ice balls showered down. Felt pretty good as I moved along the trail. I had my first creek crossing - no I didn't get wet as it wasn't that deep.Made it to the shelter about 5:00pm - not bad for getting back into the swing of things. Set up the tent, fixed dinner, hung the bear bag and now getting ready for a cold night. Brrrr... Goodnight & sleep warm.
Date: 2010-04-28
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 13 - Brr.....was still cold this morning. Didn't sleep much last night as the feet weren't getting warm with 3 pairs of socks on. Had to heat up some water & put in a bottle to slowly get the feet ready to hike.Was the last one out of camp @ 10:30am. Day began with an uphill climb with several creek crossings. Since I made good time to the first shelter (3:00pm) I continued on to where last nights group was headed. Little did I know that I would have to use my hand and poles to climb up, up, & over big boulders. Had to push it a little bit in order to arrive not to late. Goal achieved.Not supposed to be as cold tonight - hope so because I need to get an early start tomorrow. Trying to hook up with a mail drop.
Date: 2010-04-29
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 14 - Rough getting up due to not much sleep trying to figure out how much time it will take me to be @ the drop off place to get my food box.   Decided to go for the later shuttle time of 11:30am. Got on the trail @ 8:30am with a climb first thing. Received the food at 12:17pm and continued on.Hiked alone but there were several others ahead. Got to the shelter around 3:00pm but since I felt good onward to the next one. Had a real tough climb the next several miles as there was an 1200 foot elevation increase. Just kept looking a few feet in front of me and slowly inched my way up Wayah Bald. Finally made camp around 7:00pm. Pretty many people here tonight.
Date: 2010-04-30
From: Wayah Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 15 - Start of week #3 had me getting up later because I was a bit tired and sore. Heard the hoot owls talking away late last night. Sounded as if they were above my tent area.Was the last one on the trail - breakfast wasn't that great. Cream of Wheat doesn't mix that well in a small cup used for a bowl. Needs sugar & butter. An hour into the trail it was time to change clothes. The sun was bright and I could feel that the right ear (East side) was getting sunburn. Thought about changing my name to: "Many Breaks" because it seemed that's all I was doing. Today was in the 80's with little breeze. By the time I got to the last uphill climb I was whooped but slowly made it to the top and then down 9/10's to the shelter @ 5:00pm.
Date: 2010-05-01
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 16 - Happy feet last night! Guess since it was a hot day the tent was still warm @ bedtime. Left camp and headed the few miles to NOC where a food box awaits.Did catch up with 3 ladies (Ky. people) who stayed at the shelter tent area. They are very much into the floral aspect of the trail. I got a lesson on how to identify different species. Flowers are finally making their presence known. Seen purple, yellow, & white species but no roses as of yet. Got my food box, ate a roast beef sandwich & root beer float and then headed up the trail which is a 6+ mile climb with an increase of +3000' elevation. I was going to the campsite 2 miles up but it didn't have a water source. So on I go - rationing water until the next water spot. Slowly making my way up and wondering when will I hear the sound of flowing water. Yea, now I can relax and continue on to the shelter. Around 5:30pm I was wondering if it was going to start raining on me. Fortunately it didn' t & I made it to the shelter around 7:00pm.
Date: 2010-05-02
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

Day 17 - After yesterday's tough day I decided to take it a bit easy and took my time this morning. Had breakfast (3 packets of oatmeal) & a cup of hot tea.   By the time I broke camp everyone was gone and a young guy had just arrived from climbing the Swim Bald.After a clothing change on the trail :o I made it to the summit of Cheoah Bald (5,000') with the help of the mountain breeze. Had to sit and enjoy the view while the breeze refreshed me. More ups to do before I can make headway to the next shelter.Arrived around 7:00pm and as I was pitching the tent, the number of bites I have probably doubled! Ate, hung bear bag, looked over tomorrow's route and heard the patter of rain hit. Started @ 9:30pm and still at it as of 11:30pm. Guess I'll be seeing how seam sealed the tent is. Goodnight from wet NC.