morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-19
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Lucy & I slept well with the double feature again of being in the tent pitched inside the shelter. There hasn't been a problem with mice in any of these shelters it just feels more secure for both of us to have a "place" set up. Probably won't be able to do this much in the early stages of the thru as don't feel it's right with other people there (even if there is space). Tried to get off quickly with a cold breakfast, etc., but it inevitably takes me 1-2 hrs to get going. We left at 8:45 and had good hiking terrain. It was warm, humid a drizzled a bit so we both needed a lot of fluids. We passed Pedlar Lake (city of Lynchburg's water supply) which was a nice view. We struggled the last 3 miles (as the legs were gone). Lucy seemed gimpy and it was threatening rain so I strapped her pack on mine. In hiker-speak this is called "Slackpacking" when someone transports your pack for you while you hike. Not a bad thing, that & I hope to have the opportunity at some point on the thru. I had done this for her for a couple of part-days as I worried about her leg, which I think was the one she seemed to injure the day before we left when she scrambled up off the floor suddenly when she was spooked by something falling in the kitchen. Nervous Nellie! I had made her a tyvek raincoat but it was only designed for wearing over the pack and so she got a bit wet when it started to rain.Covered my pack and we reached the shelter just as the rain really picked up. I passed the remainder of the day with music, reading etc. I had loaded a audiobook onto my phone/pda, but "The Universe in a Nutshell" by Stephen Hawking just didn't appeal to me as much as I thought it would I'm excited to finish and see Connie tomorrow.
Date: 2008-03-28
From: James River Footbridge

To: Wrapup
Miles today: 0.0

Wrapup - It was a nice ending to a great trip! We picked up the resupply bag (again still intact) had a pizza and Waynesboro, then headed down out of the mountains to home to plan the remainder of this quest. Lucy/Starlu loves to hike and is an athlete. She doesn't enjoy the camp part so much and always is watching the woods to see what might come our way - nothing ever did, thank heavens, or I'd never have caught her! I take that back, I think she'd go with me into a scrap anytime (after she realized I was in trouble). She is a daredevil when it comes to heights, cliffs and sheer drops, having no fear of going straight to the edge, and over if that's where we're going. But she needs her belly rubs at other times to reassure her. This trip was all I hoped it would be - I got the miles in & refined the gear a bit. The new boots (Vasque Breeze)and socks (no liners anymore) worked very well. I believe now that so many of my issues were caused by the Garmont boots (heavy leather traditional hiking boots). Of course the jury remains out on how the boots will do, and more importantly how I'll do at 15 or 20 miles a day. All I can do is be smart and build up gradually to the high mileage days on the trail. I will need to take very good care of my feet to avoid the hamburger helper look of many hikers feet that I've seen from pictures posted in their journals. Another good thing was that I had a down day after I had hurt my back and struggled with my will to continue a bit. Coming through that with my back doing fine and finishing stron will make me stronger and more confident on the thru. Connie - a shout-out to you for helping me through that. Even if it was to say that you just couldn't come to get me then (kidding, kidding) Lucy has completely recovered and I'll have to think about whether she could/should do any of the thru with me. Another week and I'll be back out there, this time alone, and focused on my goal of reaching Katadyn!
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Amicalola Fall State Park

To: Springer Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: broken clouds

Up to Springer.It's hard to believe that I'm starting today! I will hike the approach trail to Springer Mountain (where the AT officially begins) and camp near the summit. Tomorrow I officially begin hiking the AT, bound for Katadyn in Maine. The approach trail starts in Amicalola Falls State Park and Connie and Starlu will hike with me up to the falls. I'll then push on the 8.8 miles to Springer. It's a bit rough to have to hike almost 9 miles just to get to the start of the trail! I think that's emblematic of what this hike is about and what it will be.FreeWil
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Amicalola Falls State Park, Approach Trail

To: Springer Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

Enjoyed my last night pre-hike in the Days Inn in Dahlonega with Connie (my wife) and Lucy (our dog). Weighed myself and the pack to benchmark for later comparison. I was 157 and pack 40 lbs w/ 2L water and 4 days food. Not bad but I know it will have to improve. We started out for Amicalola SP in a later morning fog, which also applied to us as we made two wrong turns on the way. No matter-on a journey of this length a few wrong turns are inevitable. Thankfully the trail is well-marked. Signed in as a thru hiker at visitors center (I was #566 this year, but they said many don't sign-possibly a third of the hikers). It became a warmish humid day, which was a little surprising. Started the approach trail at noon and had a good hike to the water falls with Lucy leading the way for Connie and me. Had a bite of pizza at the top and said our goodbyes. Started to tear up so had to make it quick. Folks it is tough to leave for 6 months. Had a hard time finding the trail and Lucy wanted to go. Good days hike with climbs. A fellow thru hiker blew by me early and I hiked faster to keep up and talk. His name was Marty and he was going to hike fast and light. When I asked him where he was going, he hesitated and said I'm not sure I should say. "Let's just say it", I said, and we both said "We're going to Katahdin!" We talked for about an hour as I used adrenaline to keep up with him until finally saying (wisely) "I think I'll let you go on" I will never see him again, but perhaps will read about his progress north in the shelter journals. Arrived at Springer to a ton of gnats making it difficult to stop and take the obligatory picture. But I did and walked on to the shelter, where they had a ridgerunner ('96 thru hiker - looked in his 60's) to sign in the thru hikers. That was kinda cool. I was surprised to find so few people at the shelter area, but others trickled in and there were a group of about 5 of us tenting, 3 in the shelter and a larger family group hiking with their daughter and son-in-law (hippy chick and Poet) to see them off. The father, Old Man, runs the last hostel in Maine so I hope to see him again. They shared their chips and dip and cheese so I felt I had my first hiker community encounter. Then a guy (Mountain Squid) came in and started asking who the thruhikers were and it turned out he knew me! He helps run the hiker-info website WhiteBlaze.com and had remembered registering FreeWil. It was pretty nice to now have my new trail persona. Out here you don't even bother telling anyone your real name and no one seems to want to know. Great first day covering a total of 0.2 miles of the trail!!!
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Hawk Mtn Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked w/ Mr. J again. Saw lot's of people. Many hike the AT for the peacefulness of the trail. Today felt more like we experienced Baghdad as we happened into an army exercise where two attackers set up near the trail and fired on a company of 40-50 soldiers just exiting their vehicles (modified dump trucks). The attackers were hidden just in fron of us and threw a fake grenade that was very load then opened up with their M-16's. The soldiers below opened up with heavy machine guns and of course would have wiped us hikers out in the process. The attackers took off up the trail, chased by the dog of a hiker with us. Caught some of it on video that I'll post later. Crazy experience to have on the trail.
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Gooch Mtn Shelter

To: Slaughter Creek Campsite
Miles today: 12.4

Weather sunny and warm, but with a breeze. First double digit day. Stopped at Woody Gap at a tourist spot and learned the art of Yogiing from the master (a guy named Worldwide). Yogiing is looking pitiful enough for tourists to offer you food and drink. Looking on with Worldwide, we scored a loaf of white bread, partial loaf of raisin bread, and 6 cans of tomato juice and grape juice. A long, but good day.
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Slaughter Creek Campsite

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: clear sky

Did an easy "Nero" day (Near Zero) to hike to the first milestone on the trail, the historic Walasi Yi, which includes a hostel and outfitters. Had a great day and eve there with a bunch of hikers. Got a shower and washed clothes and had an AYCE (all you can eat) spagetti dinner. Many people are trading out gear and sending gear (weight) home.
Date: 2008-04-11
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: broken clouds

Met with outfitter this morning and shed 6 pounds from my pack. Sent home down coat, fleece pants and heavier gloves plus the filter (to use Aqua Mira drops to purify from now on). It didn't feel much better than the day before because I also picked up my first mail drop (food and resupply package from Connie) which added back the 5-6 lbs I dropped. Oh well, it will feel better after I eat the food!
Date: 2008-04-12
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Stream after Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

First day of camping off-the-grid (i.e. without a shelter nearby). We just decided to aim for a stream to have water supplies and then hoped for a level spot. Hiked with headphones on to start the day. It was the first time I had done that and it helped me to put it on cruise control and just go. However, hiking with headphones could be a disadvantage, say if you came across an animal-perhaps a bear, which I did! Fortunately for me, some other hikers in front of me had spied it and were still on the trail looking at it. The bear was about 40' up in a tree approximately 125' down a hill to the right of the trail. The bear appeared to be an adolescent as it was kind of small for an adult and we did not see a mother around. It definitely knew we were nearby as it would turn and look at us periodically, as if to say "okay, time to move on you interlopers." I figure the bear may have been scared up the tree by earlier hikers coming through. It was a neat experience though to see fairly early the animal that we knew we would see at some point in the hike. I felt a surge of excitement when I saw the face of the bear with its long brown snout. There was no sense of fear due to the distance and the fact that it appeared to be more scared of us than us of it. Hiking and camping tonight with Mr. J, a guy named Jason and girl named Jenny. Wind picked up in the eve and it was a cold and windy night.
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: light rain

Another Nero day to get to a hostel. Was cold all night in the shelter and it sounded like a symphony of snoring with at least 3 of 7 people going at it. Will stay in the tent from now on I think. Got up and walked a mile up the trail to get warm. Didn't work for long so I had a hot breakfast. Also didn't work so packed up and got going. Hostel proprietor met us on the trail (what service) and took us to the hostel where we showered, laundered clothes and ate, ate, ate. Another resupply so I'm loaded with weight to hit the first 5,000' peak in a couple of days. Again, I'm in a bunkhouse with snorers so am not excited about that. I think I'll spring for a private room or hotel next time with my hiking buds (who don't seem to snore much) to get better rest. I soaked my feet and they seem to be okay (big problem for some people at this point). This week will be one of firsts - Hiking into NC tomorrow so GA will be behind. Also will exceed longest continuous hiking in terms of distance (100 miles) and time (2 weeks).
Date: 2008-04-15
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: broken clouds

Day 10 - Sunny with temps in the 50's. Thoroughly enjoyed the day yesterday at the Cloud9 hostel relaxing, soaking feet, using their computer and talking to the other hikers. Many people already have some sort of issue, be it a knee or ankle ache or more likely blisters. Many folks there had taken a zero (non-hiking) day here as the hospitality is great, but for me I was not ready for a break yet. I got a late start as I needed to do a bit of catching up on the computer and to talk with Connie about her grad school decision before I left. I also wanted to eat everything I could before I left so, even though I had 4 eggs scrambled for breakfast, I hard boiled another 4 and ate them in rapid succession. Seemed the thing to do as I'm eating mostly vegetarian on this hike (with a bit of fish now and then) and I need to make sure I get my protein. Hiked fast as I was alone and felt very strong today. Stopped at the milestone of the border crossing from Georgia into NC for a quick self-portrait with the sign. Arrived in Bly Gap to find Mr. J and Jason already set up. No sign of Jenny so we wonder if she is ahead or behind us.
Date: 2008-04-16
From: Bly Gap

To: Standing Indian Mountain
Miles today: 9.2

Weather sunny & warm. Slept well last night. Temps got down to 40 degrees in the tent, but I was comfy in my 20 degree bag and silk liner. Shouldn't need a silk liner at 40 degrees, but that tells you a bit about sleeping bag ratings. Cool start to the day, but with a good climb to get the blood pumping. Stopped in two shelters to check and sign shelter logs. Saw no sign Jenny had been through here so Jason, Mr. J & I assume she is behind. Finished the day with an 1100' climb to Standing Indian Mountain, our first 5000 footer (5498') and were extremely glad we did when we found the perfect campsite right on the tippy-top of the mountain. It was a grassy area looking off to the south (the way we had come) and we could see Blood Mountain, which we had crossed over coming into Neels Gap on Day 4. Our only hitch was finding water-we went an extra mile after missing the rock cairns marking the turn to the tiny little spring. We were rewarded for our stay on the mountain with a panoramic view of an incredible sunset. The sunset continued to dazzle for an hour it seemed until the twinkling to life of a town in the valley below. On this clear night, the stars were amazing as well. To celebrate our good fortune we (MR. J mainly) built a fire and stayed up listening to a baseball game on Mr J's radio until something like 9pm, when we crashed. Don't laugh-typical bedtime is 8!
Date: 2008-04-17
From: Standing Indian Mountain

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

Weather started chilly, but warmed up nicely to a perfect day in the 70's. We enjoyed the view some more before starting our hiking day. Stopped at Carter Gap shelter and by accident discovered a new taste treat. I've been using a protein/electrolyte drink powder called Endurox, which tastes pretty good. However, I mistakenly grabbed the bag with powdered whole milk and made up a liter of milk. That didn't sound too good for mid-hike, so I added the lemon-lime powder, creating what could best be described as a lemon-lime creamsicle. It was warm enough for shorts and a T-shirt for the first time and heat was a factor making it a bit tougher and more important to drink lots of water. Unfortunately we finshed a long day with a brutal climb up Albert Mountain, gaining 500 feet of elevation in 3/10ths of a mile. Again with a reward-this time a panoramic 360 degree view of the valleys all around from a fire tower at the top. Another 6/10ths downhill to the shelter was okay and Mr. J, Jason and I set up tents there. Creeper and a few others were there as well. Looking forward to catching the shuttle into Franklin tomorrow and we're considering taking a zero day there. We found a taunting (playful) message in the shelter log to us from Peach and Fuzz suggesting we should be catching up to them! We'll show them by taking a day off and keeping them guessing as to when we might catch up.
Date: 2008-04-18
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Wallace Gap
Miles today: 6.0

Weather-cold start and then very warm. I was cold and Mr J and Jason were not ready to leave to I took off to warm up, with the understanding we'd meet up at Rock Gap shelter. Felt great and hiked very fast for me 2.8 mph or so to arrive there in great time and still feeling good. We had planned to hike on another 4 miles to make it a 10 mile day and get picked up at Winding Stair Gap, but at the shelter discovered that they also pick up near the shelter. We hiked a bit further, got a cell signal and called the hostel/hotel (Haven's Budget Inn) and they wanted to pick us up at Wallace Gap. We were happy to end the day earlier than we thought and go into town on a very nice day and they sent someone up the mountain to pick us up. It truly is a great service to hikers what these places do to accomodate hikers. They particularly recognize that when we get into town we really don't want to walk a lot. Franklin is a neat trail town and the Budget Inn is perfect for hikers. We immediately went out for a lunch at a Mexican Restaurant and then washed clothes and got showered up. At checking in we did decide to take the zero day tomorrow. We decided it mostly based on the fact that there is a high probability of rain tomorrow so it seems perfect timing for a day in town. So far we've only hiked in good weather so no need to change that now.
Date: 2008-04-19
From: Wallace Gap

To: Franklin, n.c.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

zero day in Franklin. stayed in Ron Haven's Budget Inn, which caters to hikers with pick up and drop off from/to the AT and trips daily into town for shopping and eating. As forecasted it rained overnight and into the morning. Spent the day eating, planning, catching up on the journal and resupplying. Started with a walk in the rain to a huge breakfast at a local spot Wilson's Rest. Ron took us in his old school bus (how many hotels do you know with their own bus?) to the local outfitters, grocery store and liquour store (for some the most important stop). I picked up a pair of liner socks that I hope will help prevent more of the friction blisters many are getting. So far I count myself very lucky to have only 2 pinch type blisters. We also went in on a foot soaking tub and epsom salts. The feet are about the most important thing to care for. The day turned sunny and warm after the rain passed. Finished the day with an enormous pizza.
Date: 2008-04-20
From: Wallace Gap

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: broken clouds

Beautiful weather today. Left Franklin on the shuttle at 11 with the others for a shorter day of hiking. Took a nap in the tent in the nice sunshine. After dinner, Mr J, Jason and I walked up to find the nice views of the top of Siler Bald. After taking one wrong turn we found the trail, but they didn't want to go on. Perhaps it was having taken a nap, but I'm glad I decided to go on alone as I found the bald (Bald = grassy covered mountain top) after a long walk. On the way to the top I met a couple camping halfway up who said it was an incredible view and it certainly was. From the top I had 360 degree views of all the mountains we had traversed and the others yet to come. Right then I decided that I had to camp outside on that bald. It was a clear sky and would be cold, but the sunset, stars and sunrise would be worth it. So I literally ran almost a mile back to camp, grabbed just what I needed (leaving the tent there) and ran back up before sunset. I set up my sleeping bag right on top and was alone sleeping under the stars that night. It was cold, but well worth it. I saw the moon rise, sunset, stars, a shooting star and the sunrise-all incredible sights. Sleeping outside in truly an amazing experience in a place like this. I hope I'll have the opportunity to do more of it.
Date: 2008-05-03
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 3.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up early today with threat of rain. I was excited to get to the Standing Bear Farm Hostel, which I've been told is a classic hikers joint. No sign of the bear this morning and I was relieved to make it to first light when I could open up the bear fence and go out to pee, something which I had decided not to do in the dark of night. Ate a quick breakfast and headed out with Mr J., Silent Prayer, Poet and Hippie Chick. Enjoyed getting Poet to identify a lot of the wildflowers, fern varieties and other trees and shrubs we saw. Hiked into the farm at 10:30 and it was an incredibly neat place. A lot of rustic-looking buildings on a nice piece of property. There was a bunkhouse, cabin, kitchen, internet/laundry, shower and privy buildings AND most importantly a building laden with great hikers foods for eating here and for trail resupply. First order of business was to buy a big cookie and toffee peanuts to snack on and at noon to buy a cheese pizza to heat in the pizza oven. It was great to load up on calories again. I then got a shower and hand washed clothes using their old-fashioned washboard and hand cranked wringer before throwing them into the regular electric dryer. This place is a piece of heaven! Many other hikers showed up and it was a mini-reunion of those we'd seen before.
Date: 2008-05-04
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Max Patch Summit
Miles today: 13.6

Left the comforts of Standing Bear after Jared (Poet) bought and cooked a group of us a full breakfast with eggs, biscuits (and bacon for those who wanted it). I had already eaten 2 Otis Spunkmeyer muffins (for the calories you understand) so would have been satisfied, but when he suggested a REAL meal I jumped at the chance. At this point my hunger is such that there is always room for more food. After eating all that and leisurely getting ready we left with high hopes of a nice evening to camp on top of Max Patch (the biggest bald on the trail) where we hoped to sleep outside and enjoy the stars. I also had conceived of the idea of having my cousin Kent meet us on the top for breakfast (that is to bring us breakfast). There is a road that goes almost to the top and he could hike the morning with us too. Along the way we came across a smaller bald with an aircraft communications building on top and we ate snacks and I left Kent a message outlining the idea for the morning. The hiking got tougher as we walked on towards Max Patch and we stopped 3.5 miles away to stock up on water as there didn't appear to be any more water sources on the way and the top had no water sources. So I loaded up with 6L of water, taking my pack weight up over 40 lbs for the first time in a good while. As a liter of water weighs 2.25 lbs, I was carrying 13.5 lbs of water alone! But as Connie would say, I seem to love those challenges and as most people didn't have the capacity to carry that much I was carrying some for the group as well. The real bummer was that less than a mile from the summit we came across a stream that have saved me 2.7 miles of carrying all that weight. We went ahead and pushed on up the hill to the summit and when we arrived, there befoer us was a beautiful scene. First off we met two women photographers who took our pictures (me, Mr J, SP and a nice older guy named Warren) and said they would email them to us. Then we went to the summit and found a group of people finishing their picnic. Unfortunately other hikers had gotten to them first, but we asked for any remaining leftovers with no shame whatsoever and were rewarded with drinks, fruit, honey grahams and some cheese, thus continuing to master the hiker tradition of yogiing. We then hiked up to the very top and set up our tents in a cool wind of about 20 mph.