morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-02-27
From: Springer mtn, Ga.

To: Budget Inn, Ellejay, Ga.
Miles today: 0.0

Well, my good friend, Jerry Concannon, delivered me from the beach to the Georgia mountains. We were going up a hole, mud and rock infested pig pathFor about 45 mins until we got to the top. JC and I agreed that it was too treacherous to go down the other side cause he might not get back up. So, I got out and started walkingthinking I had to be very close to Springer Mtn, the starting point of the AT. And, afterhiking for about an hr and a half and not seeing any signs or other roads, I started coming back into civilization, you know, power lines and a few mail boxes, etc. Well, where is the trail? I didn't know where I was or where I was going...must be lost...and, I haven't even found theAT yet!! How embarrassing! Then, the first vehicle came by me going in the opposite direction. It was an ambulance in with no flashing lights and in no hurry at all.A woman was driving and a man was riding shotgun. I gave them a wave and they waved back. About 25 mins later, they came back, going my way. Made up my mind, I'm gonna stop them if I have to lie down in the road. I motioned for them to stop and they did. I asked them where they were going and the lady driving, asked me where I wanted to go. I told her Springer Mtn. she smiled and said "you ain't, gonna find it here". I asked Ana where she was going and she said Ellejay. I asked if I could go with them and she said "sure, get in" and I did. Ana asked me where I wanted to go and I said a cheap motel. She knew just the place, TheBudget Inn. Ana told me she knew where I needed to go cause she was a Mtn biker and knew the mountains well. She said she had to work her other job on Thursday but, if she could work it out, she would come back in the am, pick me up and take me to Springer. Of course, I thought it was just nice talk. At 8:30 am Thurs there was a knock on my door and there was Ana!! WOW! "Let's go" she said. Go we did. We drove for nearly an hour. I learned that Ana was from El Salvador. She is an EMT and she has a shop where she does facials and other girlie stuff. Her husband is an electrician. Ana is also a devout Christian which always impresses me. We arrived at Springer and now, Ana won't take any money from me!! Can you believe it, after what she has done for me??? Well, after a lot of back and forth, I won that battle. She told me she and hubby go to MB every year or so. I told her the next time she comes, call me and my Anna and we will wine and dine them...for sure!! She was my first trail angel before I even got to the trail. What a wonderful lady! Yes, The Lord looks out for children and fools and I'm not a child...and so it goes...Sandman69
Date: 2013-02-28
From: Springer Mtn., Ga.

To: Up the trail from Springer Mountain, Ga
Miles today: 10.5

At 10:33 am, Thursday, 2/28/13, I took my first step from The Southern Terminus of the AT on Springer Mtn. Partly sunny with light flurries and 35 degrees. On Springer, I met Pariah and Neck Bone from SC and Fla. A short way down Springer, I met Lynn and her husband from western Montana. Also met two young ladies with their dog, Senior.Everyone is excited and glad to be underway including me. That FIRST step is the toughest, for sure. All the planning, energy, studying, money and, most of all, the commitment, are reflected in that first step. A GIANT step.Well, right out of the gate, the hiking is pretty level and easy. A few small hills but nothing strenuous. Everything feels good, my feet, my knees, my hips, my shoulders and my frame of mind. My pack feels well adjusted but a little heavy. But,I'll eat it lighter as the day progresses? I am by myself but I don't feel alone. Already, I have met a lot of folks. Without exception, they all seemed to be good, decent folks and I hope they felt the same abou me. Did not stop for lunch. Ate a few Zone bars on the fly. Saw a big beautiful woodpecker. Red plumed head, black body with white fore wings. Also saw a big Tom turkey strutting across a field. Of course, spring turkey season will not open for a week or so. Then, the turkeys will become invisible.As it begins to darken, I come to Horse Gap, my objective for today. I pitch my tent, place my mat and sleeping bag, stow my gear, except for my food bag, and prepare my dinner, chicken flavored ramen, tuna and coffee. First time in my life I have eaten ramen. It was good and hot, thanks to my Pocket Rocket butane stove. Now, what do I do? Go to sleep I guess. Crawled in my toasty Big Agnes down bag and welcomed the sandman. All is well in my little world tonight. It has been a good day. Thank you Lord.
Date: 2013-03-01
From: Horse Gap

To: Suches, Ga., Wolfpen Gap Country Store & Hostel
Miles today: 8.5

Awoke this am at 5:20 to Metallica,s Enter Sandman, my phone alarm. Everything in my tent is wet! I sit up and my head hits the side of my tent and I get a cold shower instantly. Yes, I am WIDE awake now!! Did it rain? No, it's condensation created by my body warmth being warmer than the outside temp. Since my military days many years ago, I have not slept outdoors. That's why I have a home, so I can sleep indoors. So, I had forgotten this condensation phenom. I don't like it. I Got up, broke camp, packed my gear, had some water and thought i would have one of Penny's Snicker bars. Bit down on it and it was like biting a rock. The temp was 29 and it was FROZEN! Then, I thought I would have one of Kim's Tootsie Rolls...same thing but I got them both down. I love breakfast but not when I first get up. Snickers and Tootsie Rolls are a good pre-breakfast. Thank you ladies. Then, I started hiking at 6:44, with visions of spending my second night on the AT in a nice warm hostel. There was some pretty serious climbing today. It amazes me that I sweat profusely when the temp is below freezing. Around 11:00, I stopped for chow. Hot coffee, a Zone bar and trail mix. I Begin walking again by myself. I am never alone, though. There is always someone ahead and always someone behind. Normally, they are out of sight though. I'll tell you an old Indian trick, if you want to see who is behind you, just stop to take a whiz. I did this and had to stop twice before I finished my business! Met some more nice folks though. I met Guyiallme, trail name, French for Bill. An electrical engineering consultant from Green Bay, Wi. Guyiallme took a 5 month leave of absence from work to do the AT. He is 52 and he was with Kevin from Mi. Kevin is just out of college. We hiked together for the rest of the day and I enjoyed their company. But, I exhausted myself keeping up with them. Or, Kevin wore us both out trying to keep up with him. I must always remember the mantra of every hiker, HIKE YOUR OWN HIKE. You cannot hike over your head trying to keep up with someone else...for long. It can literally end your hike. So, at Woody Gap, I bid my friends farewell for now. I called the hostel for the shuttle and they hiked on for Jarrard Gap.At the Wolfpen Gap Country Store & Hostel, I met Mountain Man & Nomad. A young couple from Fla. Nice folks. I put my clothes, all of them, smelly from two days of sweat, in the wash and ordered myself a large ground beef, pineapple & onion pizza. Went upstairs and took a glorious shower. Went down, threw my clothes in the dryer, got my pizza along with two tall, cool, frosty Miller Lites, went upstairs and had a sinfully good dinner. Life on the AT is good.Sandman69
Date: 2013-03-02
From: Suches, Ga., Wolfpen Gap Country Store & Hostel

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 10.7

When I arose this am, I looked out and it was snowing sideways. Nomad was up and she said she and Mountain Man were going to take a zero day, meaning they will log zero miles or take the day off in other words. She went outside and looked at the thermometer on the side of the building and said she had never experienced such a cold temp in her life. I asked her what it was and she said 22. I asked her where she was from and she said Florida. She asked me if I wanted to take a zero day and I said I would think about it and let her and Mountain Man know shortly. It certainly was tempting. But, I decided to strike out. Man, it was cold, snowing and the wind was absolutely wicked. But, after I hiked for about 30 minutes, I felt warm and comfortable and I was glad I didn't take the day off. It was a tough day of hiking. Blood mountain was supposed to be the toughest mountain on the AT in all of Georgia and...it was. Not only was it a tough climb up but the descent was just as bad. Lots of solid rock trail sections and the snow did not help. I fell once but no damage done. When I came to Neel's Gap, there was an outfitter and hostel right on the trail. After a cold, snowy day of hiking, the hostel looked like an oasis in the desert. So, I decided to stay. I met Chewy, short for Chubacca. She was with a four person team doing an AT documentary. She twisted her knee and was afraid it was going to end her hike. Also met Sparrow, a nice older lady from Wisconsin. She had also had a bad day and had to be rescued from the mountains. She was the victim of an unscrupulous sales person. Sparrow wanted to buy her gear locally and went to the only outfitter in town and the sales lady sold her gear that was totally unsuited for long distance hiking. She seemed terribly dissapointed. All the employees at Neel's Gap were required to be AT through hikers. Pirate was the man running the hostel. He cooked for us and it was really good chow. All the folks working there were very helpful and very nice to deal with.
Date: 2013-03-03
From: Neel's Gap

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

Headed out of Neel's Gap at 8:17 am, into a vicious headwind. It was snowing a little and the wind was just ripping. Fortunately, after hiking about 30 minutes, the headwind turned into a cross wind which was much more tolerable. The snow soon stopped but there were two to three inches on the ground. Footing was not a problem in the fresh snow but on some of the rocky spots, it was very slick which slowed my progress. After a few miles, I came upon Guyiallme's camp site. Didn't realize it was him cause he was still in his tent. I just shouted, "good morning" and heard a "is that you Sandman?" from inside his tent and recognized his voice. He said he was about 30 mins away from leaving and would meet me up the trail. Except for two falls which resulted in a few minor bruises, the rest of the day was uneventful. I Arrived at Low Gap Shelter a little after 4. For those of you who do not know, a shelter is a three sided affair with the open side facing away from the wind so that snow and rain cannot blow in. No electricity, no plumming, just a roof, three sides and a floor that will accommodate from four to 16 bagged campers depending on which shelter it is. They are dispersed about every 6 to 10 miles along the AT.One question, where are all the animals, especially the birds? As most of you know, I live in town in NMB. I have been in the Catahoochee National Forest and The Nantahalla National Forest for five days now. I can go out in my yard and see more animals and birds in five minutes than I have seen in these forests in five days. I see many birds, squirrels, a few rabbits, a possum once in a while, even a racoon and a fox once in a while at home. Here, I haven't seen any of those except one woodpecker and one turkey. Oh well, maybe they have sense enough to stay in from the cold and snow. And so it goes in the wilderness....
Date: 2013-03-04
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cheese Factory Camp Site
Miles today: 13.6

Left Low Gap at 7:16 am and 22 degrees. Shortly, I came upon my buddy, Guyiallme, from Green Bay. He had hiked this portion of the AT before and was familiar with it. His objective for the day was The Cheese Factory Camp Site. He said it was a nice level area for tenting and a close water supply. So, that was good enough for me. I kept calling it the Cheese Cake Factory. Guess that was wishful thinking. We were still hiking in snow and it was very cold but a good day of hiking and we achieved our goal of The Cheese Factory. According to the guide book, there used to actually be a Cheese Factory there. We had a nice hot meal thanks to our Pocket Rockets and retired to our bags about dark. I heard this very strange bird squawking that night. It was some sort of owl. Also, heard a dog barking. Surprisingly, quite a few hikers bring their dogs. It is always a welcome sight to see dogs on the AT.
Date: 2013-03-05
From: Cheese Factory Camp Site

To: Dick's Creek Gap/Hiawassee. Ga.
Miles today: 13.3

We lit out a little after 7 with the gusto of the hound dogs headed for CIVILIZATION in Hiawassee. We had a few really hard climbs especially Tray Mountain with a 4,430 elevation. But, we were men on a mission with visions of a warm, dry bed, a hot shower and hot chow, calls to home and, perhaps, some cold frosties dancing in our heads. Things we take for granted at home but are luxuries out here on the AT.We arrived at Dick's Gap a little before 4. Guyiallme had called the shuttle to pick us up at the trail head. We had about a 20 minute wait and the shuttle arrived and we were happily on our way to the The Budget Inn. It was nothing fancy but we couldn't have been happier if it had been The Ritz Hotel in South Miami Beach. I put my clothes in the washer while Guyiallme was showering. Then, I came back and took a shower and he put his clothes in another washer. After showering, I put my clothes in the dryer and then we were off for dinner at Daniel's Steak House. Punkin Pie, another trail buddy from Pa, was with us too. Guyiallme and I shared a room and Punkin Pie got the Honeymoon Suite all to himself. Well, that was the only room left!! While we were toiling away at the laundromat,Punkin Pie washed his clothes in the heart shaped jacuzzi. He chose to go to Subway while we were having a 14 oz. ribeye. And, it was plum delicious!! I'm sure Punkin Pie's sub was just as good. Well, after one day of paradise,we were off again. Guyiallme and Punkin Pie took the 9:00 shuttle back to the trail head while I stayed to do a little correspondence and caught the 11:00 shuttle. So, I am by myself again and that's the way it is on the trail.
Date: 2013-03-06
From: Dick's Creek Gap/Hiawassee. Ga.

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: broken clouds

Got off the shuttle at the wrong stop and had to re-hike 7 miles which means the stated 4.2 miles was actually 11.2 miles, my bad. Guess that day of ez living warped my mind. Still walking in the snow but I have been snowed on very little. Most of the snowing takes place at night. I arrived at the Plumorchard Gap Shelter at 3:00. There I met Nomad,(a different Nomad from the girl mentioned earlier),Brad, Bear, his son, Heart Rock,from Georgia, Torrie, from New Jersey and City Slicker, from Boston. Very nice and friendly folks, like everyone I have met on the AT. We enjoyed ourselves telling trail stories. Then, we crawled in our sacks. Shortly thereafter, I awoke to the loudest sounds I had heard since starting my journey. Thought I was dreaming or, having a nightmare. Sounded like someone had started a chain saw inside the shelter. No kidding, I could see the headline, "Mad hiker goes crazy and murders six hikers still in their bags". The Plumorchard Shelter Chain Saw Massacre. It was Bear snoring. In my 64 yrs, I have never heard snoring so loud and distinct. I have slept in barracks with over a hundred Marines and all the snorers together were not as loud as Bear. He was even three times louder than my lovely bride, Ann. I am not exaggerating!! If they ever make snoring an Olympic sport, Bear has a LOCK on the gold medal!!! And so it goes on the AT....
Date: 2013-03-07
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Left Plumorchard at 7:10 am. After hiking a little over 2 hrs, I came to the NC state line. Goodbye Ga. and hello NC!! My HOME state! The Old North State. The Tarheel state. Of course, being a Wolfpacker, we don,t want to talk about Tar Heels.NC seemed so much gentler on the climbs. Ga had a tendency to go straight up and over the mountains while NC had a series of switchbacks back and forth up the mountain. As soon as I made these observations, the terrain started straight up over Courthouse Bald. The altitude went from 3833 at the Ga/NC line up to 4666 in a little over a mile. So, here I am, huffing, puffing and sweating again despite the 33 degree temp. Arrived at Standing Indian Shelter at 2:55 pm.
Date: 2013-03-08
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

Headed for Carter Gap today. Arrived there and the shelter was full. So, I pitched my trusty tent, cooked some Ramen and tuna, bagged myself and The Sandman took me away to Sleepy Town. Let me tell y'all about Trail Magic. It is a phenomenon that I had read about but had not experienced since I had not done any long distance hiking. Well, when we came down Blue Mtn. into Unicoi Gap, there were some folks from a local church gathered with lawn chairs. They had coolers full of sodas, water, etc. They had fired up a grill and were cooking hamburgers and hot dogs. The folks asked us what we would like. Guyiallme, Hambone and a few other experienced hikers were with me. They said ahhh, Trail Magic, with huge smiles. We had burgers, hot dogs, chips, fruit, sodas, etc, etc. They even had small New Testaments they gave us. And, when we had finished stuffing ourselves with their wonderful foods, they gave us more goodies to take with us. Now, these folks do this on The AT on a regular basis purely as an altruistic gesture for the hikers. They do not solicit or expect anything in return for their services, money, recognition or anything else. The purest form of generosity. God bless you, Trail Angels. We hikers love you and salute you for what you do!!
Date: 2013-03-09
From: Carter Gap Shelter

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

Left Carter Gap at 7:07 this am. About the time the NC terrain leveled out again, I came upon Mt. Albert. WOW!! It was the most vertical climb I have tackled yet. Seriously, it was nearly straight UP! Not that long of a climb, maybe 300 ft, but physically draining. At the top of Mt. Albert was the Mt. Albert fire tower. Planned to climb it but, my camera was on the blink so I didn't bother. Besides, the view was fantabulous from the base of the tower. Arrived at Rock Gap Shelter at 3:31, totally exhausted. Grrrr (as in Tony The Tiger's Grrrr-eat), Punkin Pie, Juggs, a young lady hiker from Va. who could leave most of us guys in the dust, City Slicker, Bear and son, Heart Rock were all there. I was preparing Ramen when this lady walks up and announces she has Trail Magic down the mountain on the road. Man, I quickly stashed that Ramen and fled down the Mountain. Freckles and Sprite, two through hikers from 2008, were grilling burgers. We had a wonderful meal including fresh fruit, cold beer and lots of other delicacies. Freckles was a nurse who visited patients at home. Sprite was retired. What wonderful ladies they were. They told us lots of stories about their AT hike too.Many thanks, ladies, and God bless you for the generous gifts of your time, energy, expense and food. I hope to see you again one day.
Date: 2013-03-10
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap/Hwy. US 64 and Franklin, NC.
Miles today: 3.8

Left Rock Gap and dashed the 3.8 miles to Winding Stair Gap. I had called The Budget Inn for a shuttle pickup. City Slicker, Grrr and Steven the Chef, from Rhode Island were there. City Slicker was hitching and got a ride quickly. Another hiker I had not met, Free Man, was there. We began to chat and what an interesting character he was. From Maine, he rode his bicycle to Franklin in 2003, over 2,000 miles. He stayed in Franklin for six years then, he returned to the AT to live. He said he loved the simplicity and freedom of the trail. Free Man began hitching and he quickly got a ride. The driver offered me a ride too and I accepted. There were other guys waiting on the shuttle so I knew there would be a full load if I went with Free Man. Mr. Bauguess, the driver, was such a friendly man. He was an instructor at the local community college. Just to let you know, it takes a very special person to pick up hikers. I was covered with dried mud from a few falls and had not showered for days. And, Free Man smelled worse than I did.Sandman69 signing out now.
Date: 2013-03-11
From: Winding Stair Gap/Hwy. US 64 and Franklin, NC.

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Stayed in Franklin until 11:00 am and caught the last shuttle back to Winding Stair and on to Wayah Bald Shelter. Pretty uneventful day. Still hiking in snow. I did break through 5,000 ft. Elevation to 5,342 at Wayah Bald. And, I hiked in a cold rain for one and a half hours which was pretty miserable. It made the shelter look like the Hilton when I got there. Lucky, Footloose and Ciento were there. Arrived at 5:59, ate a Zone Bar and some Ramen and hit the bag.
Date: 2013-03-12
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 16.7

Departed Wayah at 7:16 am. Hiked 16.7 miles to the NOC. Pretty gentle hike but my longest hike yet. The Nantahala Outdoor Center is a complex with a great outfitter, two restaurants, a general store, kayak course and hostel. I booked a bunk for $17, took a wonderful shower, put on my only other set of clothes which were clean and had dinner at The River's End Restaurant. It was deeelicious. I was by myself here. The other guys wouldn't go along with my nearly )17 mile day. That's ok though, we shall meet again.
Date: 2013-03-13
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: few clouds

Paid another visit to River's End for a great breakfast and I ran into Hedgehog, from Madison, Wi. We dined together and I had to go by the outfitter's place and get my permit for The Great Smoky Mountain National Park. A new requirement for AT hikers this year. A young British guy helped me but his printer would not work so, he had to email the permit to my phone. Hedgehog had already hit the trail by now and I struck out alone for Brown Fork Shelter at 9:30 and a 25 degree temp. Had a few tough climbs and arrived at around 5:30.
Date: 2013-03-13
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam, NC and Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light snow

Left at 7:16 for Fontana Dam and a night in the the Fontana Lodge. My wife, Ann, and I actually vacationed here on two occasions. But, tonight, I will be sharing a room with Hedgehog. What a nice hotel it was for $59! Two queens with four pillows each. What a luxury for hikers. A great restaurant where I had grilled salmon on a bed of collard greens and risoto. And, of course, Hedgehog and I had a few tall, cold frosties to wash down the good vittles. Hedgehog left ahead of me again and i hiked alone across the huge dam. Crossing into Tennessee on the other side of the dam and into a very grueling climb into The Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Tennessee has a few different rules on the AT. They have no privies. Each shelter has a shovel instead, for obvious reasons. Horses are allowed on the AT but no dogs. Not sure how the hikers with dogs deal with this. My target for today is Spence Field Shelter. And so it goes on the AT...