morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-16
To: Last night in luxury, for a while...
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I started the morning at the HI Hostel, Chicago. It was clean, quiet, inexpensive, and conveniently located, definitely recommended. I took the Orange line to Midway airport for my flight to Atlanta. Midway, unlike Minneapolis' airport, has no charging stations. Finding an outlet was like finding a hipster at a Copperhead Creek (TM) show on a Friday night! After a brief delay to de-ice the plane, we departed. I arrived in ATL to clear skies and 74 degree temps, a definite cure for cabin fever! I took the Marta Red line to North Springs, smiling all the way, and was picked up by Josh from the Hiker Hostel. At the station I also met Robin (thru) and John (section). En route we picked up John's uncle Burrito (thru) and his dog Salsa (Rhodesian Ridgeback). Next stop WalMart! We grabbed Subway sandwiches for dinner, I bought a lighter for my stove, and Robin and I bought a 6 pack of Heineken to split. In short order we were at the hostel, which is beautiful! I shared a room with Murray (thru), Tom (thru), and Robin. Everyone was incredibly friendly, excited, and eager for our hike. After settling in our rooms, most folks gathered around the outside fire-ring and we chatted for several hours. There I met Ross (thru) & Cynthia (day). Any fears I may have had about a lonesome hike were quickly dashed as friends were quickly made. Most folks are planning to start tomorrow at Springer, but Maury and I are planning to do the approach trail. The weather tomorrow looks to be partly cloudy with a high of 70 degrees, a perfect 1st day! We were warned it's spring break, so as many as 80 hikers may start tomorrow. It's thought that 20% will drop off by Neal's Gap (30 miles), 50% will drop off by Hot Springs, NC (271 miles),and only 20% will make it to Katahdin. Godspeed to us all!Breakfast is at 7:30 tomorrow morning, then the adventure begins!Dear reader: Journal updates from this point forward may be delayed...
Date: 2013-03-17
From: Amicalola Falls State Park

To: Springer Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

Today started with a terrific breakfast of scrambled eggs, pancakes, oatmeal, grits, coffee, and juice. Thanks to the Hiker Hostel for such a terrific stay! Sleep was less than restful, however, because I had too much adrenaline & the snoring was loud, which was really just a good initiation to the trail. After breakfast, the shuttles began. Most people went to Springer Mtn, but Murray & I did the AT Approach Trail from the bottom of Amicalola Falls. We got dropped off around 10:30am, signed in (I'm NOBO thru #457), and took each others picture at the stone arch. We started at the same time as Morris the Cat (thru) and Stupid (thru). Then we hiked UP, UP, UP, the falls. The AT Approach Trail had a total elevation gain of about 2,000 feet, with ups and downs in between. Although beautiful, the 604 steps were a strenuous challenge! My inner thigh muscles burned! Murray was faster than me but he waited at the top. Afterwards we hiked on and Murray pulled away about 0.5 miles above the falls, and I didn't see him the rest of the day. About mid-day I passed CookIN (thru) taking an uphill break. We both do fine on downhills and flats stretches, but need many breaks for the steep hills. He and I hopscotched the rest of the day, before syncing up at Black Gap Shelter at 2:30pm. I filtered a liter of H2O and rested my feet, but decided to push another 1.5 miles to Springer Mtn. Shelter. We switch backed up Springer to the summit. There were probably a dozen hikers there, some of them from the Warrior Hiker group, enjoying the view and snapping pictures. I took a picture of the "little things I carry" at the plaque, signed the log, picked up a small rock to carry to Katahdin, and texted Sprite (the person transcribing my journals for you all to read, thanks Sprite!). Cook-IN and I then hiked the 0.2 miles to the shelter, our first "official" miles of the trail. At camp we did chores & socialized at the shelter while enjoying our first trail magic, PBR's!! They also had hotdogs, but having already brushed my teeth, I passed. It's cooling off now and is expected to be cooler tomorrow with a chance of rain. Hawk Mtn Shelter is my goal tomorrow. And now, as I lay down in my tent and the last rays of sunlight fade into oblivion, the shelter guitar fires up! Day 1 done!
Date: 2013-03-19
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 9.1

Sleeping in a shelter turns out to be not as restful as sleeping in your tent. A symphony of snoring and flatulence rocked the place all night long. Such is the life of a hiker.The shelter crowd stirred early, but I stayed bundled in my bag because there was no room to move about. After the first floor cleared, I arose, ate my breakfast bars, and packed up. I left camp about ten minutes after CookIn, Stupid, and Morris the Cat. The four of us have been hiking the same pace so we¢ve been hanging out. To my surprise, I quickly caught them all. My trail legs are starting to kick in on the hills. Now I just need to work on my longevity. The four of us decided our goal would be Gooch Gap, making a 9.1 mile day. About a mile out of Hawk Mountain, I passed Hightower Gap. Seconds later, the Hiker Hostel van showed up. Out jumped Diet Coke, and I heard her exclaim, ¢See you at 3:00.¢ My ears perked up at the thought of revisiting the Hiker Hostel, despite having been on the trail for three days. A hot shower, a warm bed, electricity, running H2O, and a delicious breakfast with coffee sounded tempting! When Diet Coke caught me, she exclaimed we had just dodged a tornado. Granted, it was in ATL, but she thought it was severe. She said the airport was closed most of the day. After the weather update, I asked if there were any rooms at the hostel. She said maybe, because a lot of people cleared out.On my way up Sassafras, I ran the option by the other three guys. We were all tempted and, upon summiting, utilized Verizon to call the hostel. Alas, the inn was full, so we soldiered on.For the remainder of the day, I managed to hike in front of the group. I stopped at Gooch Shelter to quickly rest my feet and sign the log. I then continued to Gooch Gap, arriving by 3:00 p.m. I turned on my cell phone and read my emails. The last time I read them was Sunday morning, and it was nice to read encouraging words from friends and family. About 3:30, Morris the Cat and Stupid rolled in, and we agreed this was home for the night. By 3:45, CookIn arrived. The rest of the evening involved standard camp chores. Bubblegum and Ryan joined us in camp, and many other hikers set up camp across the road. Tomorrow we hope to make it to Jarrard Gap before we¢re forced to stop because of a bear canister restriction. Bear canisters are required between Jarrard Gap and Neel¢s Gap, but none of us has them. The day after, we should hit Neel¢s Gap with a chance o stay in the hostel or a cabin. Showers, electricity, laundry, and resupply for all!Footer: After dinner, Morris, Stupid, Ryan, Bubblegum, and I gathered around the fire and chatted the night away. I passed around my Auchentoshan Irish whiskey, and we all enjoyed a couple of shots. It was a clear night, and the stars were brilliant. I stayed up way past hiker midnight, until 9:30 p.m., but then had to call it a night.
Date: 2013-03-20
From: Gooch Gap

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: clear sky

I made hash browns and Spam for breakfast, and it was almost too much to eat. CookIn headed out first, and I was last to break camp. We started with a moderate climb but were rewarded with a spectacular view of the mountains and could even see downtown ATL in the distance. We continued to Woody Gap and were delighted to find our first true trail magic. I had a bag of Lays chips, one half of a PB&J sandwich, one half of a cheese sandwich, and some delicious orange wedges. They said they treated 75 hikers yesterday, which is tremendous. After lunch, there was another climb, but once again, the views were spectacular. It was just an hour or so to Lance Creek, where we stopped for the night. We were some of the first to arrive, but many followed. Everyone is stopping here before the bear canister restriction begins. Tomorrow we¢ll reach Neel¢s Gap, and our hope is we¢ll get a cabin, but not before crossing Blood Mountain, the tallest mountain in Georgia. I¢m sure we¢ll all be ready for some R&R.For now, everyone bedded early for the night. It¢s still daylight, and we¢re all in our tents. We heard the nighttime low might be 19 degrees, so we¢re jumping in our bags to warm them up.
Date: 2013-03-22
From: Neel's Gap

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 0.0

I wasn¢t in a hurry to leave my warm, comfy bed this morning. Nonetheless, I awoke and started packing my bag. The other three guys were all planning to zero. My plan was to hike on because I¢m feeling good. I watched out our windows as the other hiking groups moved on. First was Gray Loon, Lindsay, Jenna, and Wales, followed later by Phys Ed, then Owf and her friend, then two of the Warrior Hikers, and finally Ryan.I sat in the comfy chair in our heated cabin and struggled with my decision to move ahead. I made a list of pros and cons, and since the guys are planning on an 11.5 mile day tomorrow, I finally decided to stay in their company. They¢re an enjoyable group, and I like hiking with them.CookIN has a maildrop scheduled for the Blueberry Patch Hostel, about four days down the trail. Then Morris and Stupid made calls to have their trail support send drops there too. I decided to do the same so that we might be able to follow the same path for at least a few more days. I called my mom and dad, and they agreed to go buy supplies and mail them today. I quickly made a list and emailed it to them along with the hostel¢s address.Since I had a full day, I decided to type up some trail journals and upload some pics using Mountain Crossings¢ public computer. I managed to make one journal upload (3/17) but quickly decided it was too tedious. I then focused on uploading pictures, which was also slow, but I managed to get most of them up from the first five days. I also took the opportunity to ship home a few items, including my water bucket, pack towel, and speaker. I may have those shipped back to me after Hot Springs, NC.Once back at the cabin, I discovered that CookIN had snagged some leftover spaghetti and breakfast scramble from Knutt and Noodle, who had zeroed the day before. We split the portions in four, and the home-cooked meals really hit the spot. Thanks, guys!The rest of the afternoon was spent drinking coffee, reading internet news, and watching Hoosier March Madness with CookIN.I had 3/4 of a DiGiorno¢s frozen pizza for dinner and plan to have the remaining 1/4 for breakfast. We all then sat around the TV to watch the weather. As it happens, our neighbors knocked on the door and came in for a chat. The four of them had started just two days ago and already made it to Neel¢s Gap. Impressive! One of their names was Beacon, and the other three had yet to adopt trail names. We chatted for about ten minutes before they said good night. It¢s a great community of hikers.Tomorrow we plan to break early and hike to Low Gap Shelter (11.3 miles). We¢re all refreshed and ready to get back on the trail. Chance of rain the next two days or so--we¢ll see how it goes.
Date: 2013-03-23
From: Neel's Gap

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

I awoke around 5:00 a.m. to the sound of raindrops on the roof. I decided to roll over like a two-year-old, close my eyes, and pretend it didn¢t exist. Needless to say, it didn¢t work. We all arose at 7:30 to steady rain and fog. We all tried to pack quickly, since we had an 11.5-mile hike planned. CookIN left first around 8:00, and I left around 8:15. Morris and Stupid were kind enough to wait for the office to open at 8:30 to settle our bill before heading out.At Neel¢s Gap, I bought a couple of lunch items, took some pictures, and signed the log. Then I started up the hill at 8:35. The rain and wind were stiff for the first 2 1/2 hours, but thankfully it wasn¢t too cold. The fog was thick and blocked all scenic views. By 11:00 a.m., we were all together. The rain broke just enough for me to drop my rain jacket. By 12:15, CookIN and I reached Tesnatee Gap. I ate a small summer sausage I had purchased from the store, and it was amazing, which is to say, it was disgusting to anyone but a hungry backpacker.For most of the day, my energy was great, but I hit a small wall around mile 9. The last few miles to camp dragged on, but I made it in at 3:30. The shelter seemed full, but despite the risk of rain, I wanted to stay in my tent. I set up next to Couch, and later, Bulldog and CookIN joined us. I set up camp, filtered H2O, cooked dinner, then made my way down to the shelter to socialize. There, Noodles initiated a game of Crazy 8s, Chicago style. I watched the action while studying the guidebook. We¢re about 26 miles from the Blueberry Patch Hostel, which I should be able to cover in about 2.5 days. I conferred with Morris, but we didn¢t make firm plans for our hike tomorrow, which means we¢ll hike and see how far we get.While writing my journal, a guy I recognized from the Hiker Hostel walked past. His name is Chris, from Austin, Texas, and he said he took a zero at the hostel in Suches and hasn¢t seen anyone from our original group since. I said he was the first person I¢d seen, since I did the Approach Trail and also took a zero.Other items of note:1. I saw three squirrels today, practically the only wildlife I¢ve seen on the trail.2. I learned to use my hiking poles as extended arms for rockin¢ out to trail tunes.3. I should be able to upload today¢s pictures to TJ tonight, which means you¢ll see my day long before you read about it.
Date: 2013-03-27
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Like clockwork, we were up at 7:30. It was very cold, which was just motivation to move briskly. The rest of our immediate camp was in no hurry to leave their warm bags. I grabbed our three bear bags and delivered Icarus¢ to his tent. Our goal was the Blueberry Patch Hostel, just 6.3 miles down the trail. By 8:30, we were ready to go. I said good-bye to Knutt, GMan, and Noodle and told them our destination for the day.Our first crossroads was Addis Gap. There we found Nick, GusGus, and their friend. When I spoke to them yesterday at Tray Mountain Shelter, they had said their goal was Deep Gap Shelter. It seems they fell a little short, and since they¢re both young and spry, I felt better about the 10.4 miles we had registered. I started up Kelly Knob with Nick and GusGus, but they quickly outpaced me. A few minutes later, the friend showed up, and he pointed out the incredible view I had been blind to. I snapped a panoramic shot. We chatted a bit and complained about having to put our warm feet into cold boots--oh, the misery. But this hill was helping to warm us. He emailed the picture to his sister to help make her jealous. We marched on.When I arrived at the turnoff to Deep Gap Shelter, they were on their way out with freshly filtered H2O. I checked my water supply and determined I had plenty for the next 3.6 miles. I hid behind a tree to block the wind until CookIN arrived. He didn¢t need H2O either. We decided to call the hostel for a ride when we reached Powell Mountain, since there was reportedly no cell service at Dicks Creek Gap.When I started the descent into the gap, I realized Powell Mountain wasn¢t marked. I called the hostel and we determined we were about 2 miles from the gap. They said they¢d pick us up at 1:00 p.m. We made it by 12:40 p.m. and sat down to rest our feet and have a snack. Gary Poteat showed up on scheduled and shuttled us to the hostel.At the hostel, we met Wrongway, who was zeroing to wait for her friends and heal her blisters. Gary gave us the tour. This place is simple but clean, warm, and refreshing. I grabbed my food drop, showered out back by the donkeys and goats, and then sat down for literally hours to write two days worth of journals. My writing session allowed time for the Poteats to do my laundry. Thanks! I also hung my tent on their clothesline to dry.I think I¢ll make red beans and rice for dinner, along with some summer sausage. Then, folks, I¢m going to try a vegetarian diet. We¢ll see how that goes. Most of the trail food I carry is vegetarian, so as long as I can avoid meat in town, it should work. I do have several drops with beef jerky, which I¢ll have to give away. I¢m sure I¢ll make easy friends while handing it out.They¢re going to provide breakfast at 8:30, with a 9:30 shuttle back to the trail. This is a Christian hostel, and although I¢m not Christian, I¢m grateful for their hospitality and asking price, a simple donation.
Date: 2013-03-31
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Haven's Budget Inn
Miles today: 3.8

Thankfully the rain stopped just in time to break camp. I awoke at 7:00 a.m. to allow plenty of time to hike the miles to Winding Stair Gap for the 11:00 a.m. shuttle. I departed camp just before 8:00 a.m. and was the first to leave. Jolly told me that one of my hammocking friends had a gear failure in the middle of his night. His hammock was packed up, and we didn¢t know where he had gone.Thankfully the rain held off for my hike to the gap. I was the first to arrive, and it so happened that Ron Haven was waiting there with his shuttle. I hopped right in. We then looped back up to Rock Gap, where I had just been, to drop off some hikers. When we made it back to Winding Stair Gap, the rest of the crew was waiting, and they were lucky recipients of trail magic--beer! Everyone climbed aboard, and we rode cheerily to Ron Haven¢s Budget Inn, where we all obtained rooms. I spent the rest of the afternoon doing laundry and cleaning and drying gear. I managed to avoid the temptation of meat during a late lunch, when I ate cheese quesadillas and delicious grilled vegetables.We later found out that Stupid had the gear failure and went to town during an epic journey from roughly 2-6 a.m. in the middle of the pouring rain. He had a room at the Microtel Inn and was sleeping it off. We joined him later for a Walmart run and dinner at the Chinese buffet, where again I ate meat-free.In the late evening, we joined other hikers around the motel. We casually drank beers, relaxed in lawn chairs, and told stories. We joked that ¢thru hikers¢ was just another term for bums, but we had fancier backpacks. Most of them were planning to hit the trail in the morning, but Morris, Stupid, and I were planning a zero.
Date: 2013-04-01
From: Haven's Budget Inn

To: Haven's Budget Inn
Miles today: 0.0

I awoke, naturally, at dawn. I guess I'm officially on hiker time! It's Monday, but breakfast, not work, was the first thing on my mind. The First Baptist Church of Franklin hosts a free daily breakfast with a complimentary shuttle ride. All of the hikers gathered outside the motel office for the 7:15 shuttle. Eighteen of us crammed in to a 15 passenger van and in just a couple of minutes arrived at the church. We were greeted by friendly kitchen volunteers and treated to a breakfast of bacon, pancakes, coffee, and orange juice. They also took your photo, printed it, and allowed you to mail it to anyone you'd like along with a short note. It was AYCE (all you can eat) so we all filled our stomachs. I also signed the class of 2013 poster. The shuttle left at 8:15 and returned us to the motel. Morris and I had planned to check out of our room and in to the motel's hostel because we're thrifty. Prior to check out I walked to the post office to mail home my camera and to buy stamped envelopes. I also got a haircut at Frank's barbershop. Just as Morris and I were preparing to check out of our room, CookIN showed up! We were thrilled to see him and glad he had made it to town. We quickly caught up and agreed to grab dinner later that night. CookIN said he was also planning to spend 2 nights to rest his feet. I spent my afternoon strolling around downtown. I visited the outfitter and bought a new spork. I also caught the 4pm shuttle to WalMart to pick up a few more supplies. Finally, we hit the Mexican restaurant after which we packed for tomorrow's hike. Despite the many temptations of town, I managed to avoid meat at every meal. I've also lost 10 lbs. in the last 2 weeks and I'm feeling good!
Date: 2013-04-02
From: Haven's Budget Inn

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

We had set our alarms to attend the Baptist Church¢s Tuesday breakfast, but neither Morris or I felt like getting up. In fact, we felt like sleeping in, so that¢s what we did. I woke up just before 9:00 a.m., showered, and walked the 0.5 miles or so to McDonald¢s for breakfast. When I returned to the hostel, I packed up and then sat outside with Stupid, CookIN, Two Stix, Morris, and Strider. Morris and I were planning to catch the 11:00 a.m. shuttle, but Stupid and CookIN were both taking another zero. CookIN asked Pam to snap a group picture since it was likely the last time our schedules would be synchronized.The shuttle was a little late, but by 11:30, we were on board, and by noon, we were back out at Winding Stair Gap. We started up the mountain, and by 3:00 p.m., I had reached the first gap. There, I took a short break and some gum was offered by Canadian Bacon and Zen Master.From 3:00 p.m. on, I hiked alone. For some reason, the trail seemed difficult, and I had to gather all of my energy to make it to Wayah Bald. Once there, I was surprised to see a nearby road, which meant the average tourist could have easily obtained the same view for which I had worked so incredibly hard. I climbed the stone tower and snapped some pictures. The wind was much colder, and I had to add some layers for my short hike in to Wayah Bald Shelter.I finally made it to camp at 6:45 p.m., which was by far my latest arrival. I quickly started dinner and then set up my tent. I joined my fellow hikers around the campfire to enjoy dinner. Noodles was there as well as Morris and several thruhikers from last year attempting a repeat this year. After dinner, I quickly hung my bear bag and settled into bed. I didn¢t have enough energy or daylight to filter H2O, so that chore would wait for morning.