morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

(Apologies to those hoping for trail stories, still six days to go!)So my wife's car backed into a pole in December. Actually, I'm the one responsible. Joe (older son) was home and wanted to go to a new independent brewery to get some sour beers (yes, that's a thing) while he was visiting from Chicago. We borrowed Deb's car, and arrived at the brewery location ... except we couldn't find it. It was that new, and independent, and in a commercial building behind a building site. There were plumbing supplies, refuse collection offices, umm, where's the brewery?So we entered this dark, tight, parking lot, couldn't find the place and backed up - into a dark grey metal pole. What a wonderful place to put a dark grey metal pole. First accident in over 25 years. With a pole. In a garage. While driving my wife's car. Priceless!Fast forward to today, the car (actually its an SUV) is ready near Deb's job in Hudson, and she's saying how she'll come home in my car, which she's been using, pick me up, and we'll go together to pick up her SUV.In my new brain, I say "I can just walk over there." We do a quick check, its a bit shy of six miles.Two months ago this would have never have crossed my mind.___Lots of people on the Appalachian Trail now, reading the blogs every day. Its encouraging to see Infinity, Three by Five, One Day, and others making great progress. One hiker's brother is managing a website for him (Red Beard).Last night my neighbor Bob came over, full backpack in hand. I had walked by his house a few days ago as he was backing out to head to work, and stepped up to the car to say hi. He didn't recognize me in my pre-trail beard and multi-colored hiking gear (think "vertical autumn leaf pile"). It was there I learned he's an avid hiker, and he generously offered to take a look at what I was bringing for a second opinion, which I gladly accepted.We went through both packs (mine, his) and I got a general thumbs up and some questions answered, most notably the value of a rain cover for the back pack (get it), rain pants (forget it), gaiters (still thinking), and stove (staying with my low-weight alcohol stove, but a weak point in my system?) Thanks Bob!And to take you out, a little uphill hiking music... THE MOWGLI'S - San Francisco
Date: 2014-03-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Did a final training hike yesterday. Dropped my car off at a different repair business (Beetle III in Hudson, great guys), pulled on my backpack with effectively all my items in it that I'll be starting the trail in. Total, 38 pounds, which included food for 4 or 5 days plus two liters of water.Walk went from near the Berlin line, into Bolton briefly, then Stow, and finally Harvard. Total seven miles in about 2:20 (or three miles an hour). Elevations were minor, so not a true representation of trail speed, but continue to gain confidence with the weight and the backpack fit. We'll see how comfortable this all is next week.Most memorable thing, except for the number of empty and crushed alcohol containers on the side of the road, was seeing a coyote. There's a 1/10th of a mile stretch in Bolton with undeveloped land on either side. This coyote is cruising through the woods to my left heading toward the road, head slightly forward not looking around, so I stopped. Coyotes are active in this area, but this is only the second one I've seen in 15 years.It continues, and like any road wary critter, glances to its right to check for traffic, and there I am. I'm not entirely sure how an encounter will work out, and am surprised by this coyote's cartoonish reaction. Paws stop and begin furiously reversing with wet slushy snow flying in all directions. Rapid turn back the way it came with a furtive look at me saying "I'm leaving, I'm outta here, leave me alone!" while I'm saying "It's okay, it's okay" to no avail.This is the last of the preparation posts. Will likely update again Monday as wireless connection should be available on the train until mid-day.Thanks for those who have posted here and are keeping an eye on us thru-triers. Updates may be erratic depending on cell/wireless service on trail.
Date: 2014-03-18
To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.9
Weather: scattered clouds

(Finally on reliable wireless a week later.)Arrive in Gainesville on a delayed Amtrak train, and because of delays, lost shuttle spot. Yes, could get taxi but feel some support is needed for shuttle drivers, so decide to wait. Shuttle shows up at 4:45. Went and picked up a second hiker Jake from Maine.Fast forward, we get dropped off at the to of Mount Springer, and walk the 0.9 miles to the camp area and shelter. Decide to camp to get the practice in. Supposed to be warm, but turned into windy, rainy, and a little bit cold. Say hi to other hikers (Billy Goat, Achin, Boone, among others) but it's not a night for socializing so I raggedly put up tent and try to get some sleep.
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up at 6 after a restless sleep, which I expected. Made oatmeal then hiked to summit to sign the book. Returned, packed up and left a little before 9 Am.Going eight miles to Hawk Mountain shelter. Trail was muddy from the rain,and lower half of pants and shoes got pretty muddy as well. Walk was okay, still stopping a lot on inclines to catch my breath. Stopped at one point for tea and others for water and snacks. Arrived at shelter around 1:30, and decided to camp again versus attempt shelter. Everything is a little wet and muddy.   Water is amount 1/3 of a mile back the way I came, and I'll need a lot for tomorrow so loaded up with 5 liters. Dinner was at picnic table in front of shelter. Starting to meet some of the other hikers, and most are novices too. Raman noodles and tuna. Later two hikers entertained us with banjo and fiddle playing root (mostly Appalachian folk) music. Meanwhile Billy Goat starts flipping around a fairly large ( by Trail standards) knife. Cuts two of his fingers pretty severely but he manages to stop the bleeding with moss.The Music BoysOther than that, all in, a good first full day.
Date: 2014-03-20
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

Went to bed at 730 last night, so was awake at 6. Night was cool but comfortable. Got up to get some water to cook with, got food bag down from bear cables (a luxury in Georgia), and started some oatmeal. Have cooking breakfast inside my tents vestibule so i can organize and pack at the same time in the other vestibule. Today should be a challenging day with two peak sum Sassafras and Justus. Since there's no water resupply for about seven miles, have full supply of water in pouch (3L). Day is pretty uneventful as I'm before most are even awake (7:50), but eventually get passed or pass hikers who camped farther up the trail. The views are plentiful, but mostly afforded by the lack of leaves. As I did yesterday, pass through sections of rhododendrons, some of which appear ready to bloom in just a few weeks. Met one Georgia couple when their yellow Labrador came up to say hi. After returning to his masters to say "I checked 'em out, he's okay", it then took to sliding down the hill on its belly on the leaves. Made it to Gooch Mountain Shelter around 2 PM, and it's comfortably warm. Strung up some line so my fleece, which got soaked catching condensation from the side of the tent, can dry out. Got water and met Count Estry (?) from northern PA doing his second thru with his wife Sunshine (first was in 1997). Continue to hike-frog with hikers such as Jan from Germany and Achin. Ate, read some, then to sleep.
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Lance Creek camping area
Miles today: 8.5

Got up a 6 am, somewhat cold but wanted to get going as had some summits to cross and the camp area would likely get overwhelmed because the state rangers are requiring bear canisters (heavy bear resistant) in the next two shelters before Neels Gap (my first resupply). Got out at 740 AM.Trail today similar to the previous days, reasonably narrow, rock and root strewn, and drop offs at 25 degrees plus. Must watch trail, must watch feet. Frequently get trailing foot caught briefly on something, using poles to steady myself. The day is mostly sunny and warm, and most hikers are shedding layers to stay cool. At Woody Gap, "Georgia Jim" is offering water at this fairly elaborate trail head. It has a place to put trash (which we all carry). has bathrooms, but to my disappointment no running water for a quick cleanup. Drink a couple waters and get something to eat along with the others here, including Achin, Muriel, John (soon to be Pope) and Blaine. Back up the trail for some serious ups, with a spectacular views at the top of Big Cedar Mountain, and then some nice down hills. Arrive at Lance Creek campground with about 12 here, but by 6 pm closer to 30. No real good place to hang food away from bears. We got a little bit of luck late, two guys showed up with their dog, so hopefully that will help. All us newer hikers are finding we have too much food. My five day pack is about half full still, and getting more food (3 days) tomorrow by a mail drop. Going to probably just get rid of some in the hikers box. Tomorrow hike to Neels Gap, my first resupply. One of the hikers, Trudger from Peru, suggested we might split a cabin if the hostel is full for the night. We'll see. First have to get over Blood Mountain, the tallest yet at 4,461 ft. Realize I have a lot to think about during this hike, but am fully focused on learning how to hike. There are so many aspects to learn, from eating, doing repeated elevations, setting up the tent correctly, trying to stay somewhat clean, etc.Rain expected Sunday and snow on Tuesday.
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Neel Gap

To: Low Gap shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Decide to give knee and legs some rest by just going to a campsite 4 miles out today, and then the Low Gap shelter seven miles farther the next day. Start at a leisurely 10 AM and decide to rest early and often. Nice day, although with a light rain. More rocks. More hills. Keep walking, and run into windier and colder conditions. See two woman separated by about a quarter mile, talk to the second one and they are slack packing, going to Tesnatee gap, some 4 miles away. Continues to get colder and windier, so swap in most of my winter gear. First time think of hypothermia, and worry a bit for the women. Just try to walk faster and keep head tilted toward wind. Eventually get to a section where things settle down and keep checking map for camp site but like much of this trip the only thing I'm pretty sure of is I'm on the Appalachian Trail. Finally come to a Gap, coming down trail seeing road and parking lot. For some reason, burst into "Day-O" as I come down, but no one is there. Their loss. Check the sign and I'm at. Tesnatee Gap, 5.5 from Neels and the same distance from the Low Gap shelter. Now what? Well I'm running low on water, but my knees and legs feel good. It's about 2:15 and if might be able to get to Low Gap by 6:30 or so. Decide to give it go. More of the same terrain, weather gets colder again but just keep at it and make shelter area at 6:15. I am cold and hungry. Set up tent ( going much faster now), get water and make Raman with pouched chicken while hanging at the shelter. Decide to just head back to tent and get in to make sure I'll be warm enough. 20 degree bag and 20 degree liner work great. Very warm as temperatures continue to drop. Can not sleep but drift in and out all night. Around 2 AM hear consistent sniffing and scrabbling around tent. Put on headlamp and look outside, see nothing, maybe it's the wind. Then realize I still had the unused chicken in my cook pot, and even I can smell it. Decide to bring cook pot in tent, and cover with rain and winter coat. This keeps me up for a while, but try to sleep since anything going after the pot would be noisy and surely wake me. Rest of night is uneventful, although little sleep.
Date: 2014-03-24
From: Low Gap shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Today shooting for Blue Mountain shelter, 7.3 miles away. Kind of happy that people are saying this hike is easier, and many are thinking of going off trail for day or two to rest up and resupply tomorrow. Not sure what I'll be doing, but expect that I'll keep heading north for a few days then get some "zeros" in. Hike starts as expected, relatively easy with good weather, although cooler than anticipated. 50+ degrees forecast in valleys doesn't translate to the same temperature in the hills. Take a break at the five mile mark, and up comes Muriel (NC), her hiking partner John (NH), Ent (because she walks like one, from VT), and Muriel's friend who's working, and on the trail for two weeks. We have.a really nice lunch break, set on this cross roads between two trails. John just got the trail name Pope, because someone found out his middle name is Paul, and we need a Pope traveling with us. Muriel just finished school in December and is trying to figure out what next, and Ent is taking some time off from writing government grants and editing her first book. I'm also watching what they're eating, and it's a lot better than me. Couscous, cheese, dried fruit while I munch on trail mix. Hmmm.Also talk to a pair of day hikers who are sitting some distance away, former thru hikers, who said the most important thing they learned about the trail was after the got off Mt. Katahdin - reduce your pack weight. Hmmm. We all get started up again separately, with less than three miles to go. I'm feeling rested and good, and then hit the rocks. And the roots. And the elevations. Eventually everyone passes me and I'm going slower, stopping more often. Drinking water, eating trail mix. Get to the water supply about 0.15 miles before shelter, and there's Achin. I tell him I've hit the wall for the first time. He says that Trudger and he are going to Hiawasee for two days and they are sharing a room if I want to go. I said absolutely, I need rest and calories. He heads up to shelter, I fill water bottles and can see the shelter. Yes, I can see it. There it is, right up there.My legs have and I have a conversation, with my legs telling me if it's the shelter you want, it's your turn to carry me.After five minutes, or maybe two, I get up and make it to the shelter realizing I have to fix my diet and reduce weight. Hiawasee sounds like a good place to do both. About 12 hikers eventually show up, and a light rain is expected in the early morning. I decide to try sleeping in the shelter for the first time, just to see how it goes. Sleep fitfully but wake up at 3 AM to find snow swirling around in the shelter. I have a down bag, which is really warm but if it gets wet it gets really cold. Quickly and noisily pull my ground cloth (Tyvek) out and create a quick shelter over my bag. Big Shep in the middle does the same thing.Finally get to sleep, kind of.
Date: 2014-03-25
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 2.3

Trudger, Achin, and I are getting on Trail early to make the 9:15 AM Budget Inn shuttle to Hiawassee, Georgia. Trudger is off first, as he usually is. Achin and I head out, using our headlamps to help make stones and roots more visible.. There's 1/2 inch of snow on the ground when we start at 7 AM, hoping we have enough time to cover the 2.3 miles of anticipated steep down grades. It "only" takes an hour and fifteen minutes to arrive at Unicoi Gap, as the three of us become the vanguard of a pack that will eventually become eleven. Other hikers we've seen over the last few days, having arrived the previous afternoon, are being dropped off at the trail head from their overnight stay. The shuttle is late, and it is cold where we are. Spend a lot of time pacing trying to stay warm. Shuttle arrives, a well used white van which manages to hold all 11 hikers, our trail packs, and the driver. We get going with the driver explaining that the van wouldn't start and it had to be hot wired. He calls the van "a collection of car parts generally moving in the same direction."We arrive at the Budget Inn, and get our room. Two double beds, so Achin and I agree to take turns on the floor (after sleeping in the woods, the floor is no issue). For the next two days we've been eating, packing and repacking bags, walking the main street to see what's here, updating our respective blogs, and occasionally running into other "thrus" for animated catch ups. All the motels in town are full of hikers the locals tell us, in part because of the cold weather coming through. We try Daniels all you can eat for dinner ($7.95), the Ingles supermarket, the Dairy Queen, all the havens of big calories. The people here are really friendly, want to know what it's like to thru, and are supportive, wishing us best of luck. Tomorrow, back for a two day run up to Dicks Creek Gap for Top of the Mountain hostel, and one more resupply before crossing into North Carolina. The number of updates will slow again once we're into to NC.
Date: 2014-03-27
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Last night agreed to my trail name, given by Trudger, "Paul Bunion". He saw my feet.The three of us are up and ready when the 9 AM shuttle leaves the Budget Inn, this time with 12 hikers. We have agreed to go for Tray Mountain shelter, about 6 miles out, or possibly Deep Gap Shelter 13 miles away. Achin is "not 100%" but Trudger seems ready to try Deep Gap. Our two day plan is to get to Dicks Gap, go to the brand new Top of Georgia hostel so we can get their shuttle for a ride into Hiawassee for a larger resupply before pushing for and into North Carolina. From the first hill off of Unicoi, I go very slow compared with prior days, trying to get up hill without repeatedly stopping. 45 minutes later, 1.2 miles, I'm standing next to Trudger without having stopped once. I'm elated, and feel good. We wait a few minutes to make sure Achin is proceeding okay, then move on. A few miles in we run into our second big Trail Magic. Two couples who had thru hiked 10 years ago we're putting on a food fest. Fresh apples and bananas, egg sandwiches from Hardee's, Oreos, orange juice, water, I lose track. Nice little pick me up.Continue on over next summits, including the tallest, Tray Mountain, with a nice view. Soon after arrive at our target, Tray Mt. shelter with Trudger ready to push for Deep Gap. I say I might try, but more likely to continue and stop at one of the many camp areas enroute. Off he goes. I join two Australians and their American female friend on the grass for lunch. I have much better lunch food now, eating hummus with pita, some Colby cheese, and a peanut butter and dried cherries on pita. Up comes Achin. He looks a little beat but seems willing to continue. It's now about 2PM with six miles done and seven to go, so a push to Deep Gap, mostly on flats and down hills except at the end, seems possible.I make it to Deep Gap around 6:15, including one brutal (1 mile, 800 feet elevation) hill close to the end. Others at camp express similar displeasure at its placement so close to the end. Perhaps someday I'll laugh at how easy that hill might seem. Talk to Achin, he made it to Sassafras Gap about two miles away and will stay there. Stay in the shelter on the second level, tucked tight under an eave. Sleep little as two hikers take turns as the loudest snorer.
Date: 2014-03-28
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Dick's Gap
Miles today: 3.6

The following morning, leave at 830 and get to Dicks Gap. No phone access to see where Achin might be, so walk along the side of US 76 for a half mile to the Top of Georgia hostel.This is a new hostel, run by a wilderness expert and thru hiker Bob "Sir Packs A Lot" Gabriels. Trudger and I get settled into our bunks while we wait for Achin, who arrives an hour later. I take the 5 Pm shuttle into Hiawasee to get resupply. Bought a huge salad at the salad bar of Ingles supermarket and eat while waiting for return shuttle, the first meaningful vegetables in a week.Go to bed at 8 and 30 minutes later Bob comes in to the bunk house and says he's doing hot Epsom salt water with marbles to run your feet over. This sounds good, which it was.
Date: 2014-03-29
From: Dick's Gap

To: Plum Orchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.5

As expected, rain arrived overnight and it was raining this morning. Woke at 6, and was pretty much packed and waiting in the hostel's common room for breakfast at 640. Enjoy some coffee while talking with others while waiting. Breakfast is a little bit of disappointment, lots of carbs but low protein. Take the shuttle the half mile back to Dicks Gap, and Bob is telling us the only time he's been concerned with hypothermia was during conditions we're going in to - rain and possibly 60 mph winds.On trail at 805 with just Achin. Trudger concerned about rain and possible heavy winds and is staying another night. Achin and I agree to meet at first shelter and see how things are going. I arrive first, it has been raining the whole time and made the four miles in about 1:40. Am concerned with winds, Bobs warning about wind, hypothermia and the limits of upcoming shelters, and decide to stop here. Wait 20 minutes for Akin to meet at blue blaze trail to shelter, but getting cold, create a sign using branches with his name and arrow toward shelter path, and head towards it.Mutton Chops and Big Shep are here, and the shelter fills quickly, full at 2. Achin doesn't show up so assume he missed my makeshift sign and went to the next shelter, seven miles away. Most coming to this shelter are dropping in here for the same reasons as I. This is a great shelter, three levels so climb up to top level figuring, correctly, it will be most sheltered.Little frustrated when I review my overall progress and only doing 6.7 miles average over 11 days, versus my at-home plan of 8. I know this is not a race, but still.Good group here, mostly 20s and the spirits are high. Intend to get up tomorrow and head to two shelters away, about 12.2 miles. Need to do that three days in a row to get near Franklin TN. Realized I under bought entrees, and will likely be quite hungry by then.
Date: 2014-03-30
From: Plum Orchard Gap Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Winds were howling outside all night, but tucked in on the third level, and no bad snorers, get best sleep since starting not in a hostel. Get up early, don't cook breakfast, on the trail just after 8.First big milestone is the North Carolina line 4.4 miles away. I'm sluggish, not the same energy as yesterday. Some of my shelter mates pass me, and not soon after come to the border. It's just a little wooden sign, I could easily have walked by it if the others weren't all clambering for pictures. Continue up the trail a bit, come up on this ridge line and - boom - gusting cold wind. It is sunny and warm, then cold, all day. So I look like a minstrel with all my layers, gloves, hat, on, off, this one on, that one off.Lunch near a trail side stream, tired and considering stopping at the shelter just ahead. But eat, fresh cool water from the stream, sun streaming into the rhododendron forest I'm hiding in. Finish refreshed.Check the nearby Muskrat Creek Shelter, but move on. Trail at this point is good, so make good time until hitting the NC version of a GA rock trail. Tough last two miles.Arrive at Standing Indian Mountain shelter, and Achin and Big Shep are here. Achin and I compare notes about how we missed the prior day, and all is well.Will figure what we're doing tomorrow in the morning.With no cell service had no chance to talk to my wife on her birthday, first time in probably 30 years.