morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-06
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Top of Georgia Hostel
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It wasn't as cold last night as it was the night before and I had my best night sleep yet. And the rain held off til after I started hiking, which was nice also. We only had a very short day of hiking: 3.6 miles to the road at Dick's Creek Gap, plus another half mile (that doesn't count for AT mileage) to the Top of Georgia hostel. On that half mile of road walking I got more soaked than at any time previously on this trip. But, no matter because when you get here they give you a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate to decompress, scrubs to wear while they do your laundry and just a relaxed place to hang out while you plan the next section. This place is a ways out of own but they run several shuttles a day so that has not been an issue. After we got cleaned up, Cherokee, Fiddler and I went for lunch at the local Mexican place where the server made my day by carding me when we all ordered margaritas. There will be plenty for lunch or dinner tomorrow as well and I got more resupply at Ingles for the next few days. The plan calls for about twelve mile days for the next few days, which will get us to Franklin, NC by Friday.Tomorrow we leave after a big breakfast, with a forecast of high sixties and showers all day. I also just noticed that after this day of relative inactivity my feet are swollen. WTH? But if all goes well, we should cross our first state line tomorrow!Open map in new window
Date: 2015-04-07
From: Top of Georgia Hostel

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

I did not sleep well at the hostel. Everyone was nice and reasonably considerate but there were just too many people in close quarters and not enough bathrooms to boot. And the room was too warm. So, I have decided I am too old for hostels and will upgrade at my next town visit.There was a breakfast (at extra charge of 8 bucks which seemed high for what you got) but I found that I just can't eat sausage and eggs at 7 am so I mostly ate toast. Still, it meant I didn't have to worry about food for at least a few hours.We all got dropped back off at the trail and started in misty but warm conditions. Before long I zipped off my pant legs and later I changed into my short sleeve shirt because most of the hike was up and fairly hard work.I was dragging a bit all morning, possibly because of the not so great sleep. But I'd have leftover Mexican to look forward to for lunch! And, after lunch it was only 2 more miles to the Georgia- North Carolina state line! There was a big group there, mostly people I camped with before. Naturally there was a lot of picture taking and hooting and hollering and then we all moved on. North Carolina immediately had our work cut out for us with the climb out of Blye Gap. It was one of those climbs where you think you're at the top several times before you actually are.Eventually we did get here at Muskrat Creek shelter where there is once again a big group. Cherokee, Fiddler and I had a little wine happy hour with crackers, all very civilized... I think they're trying to make s'mores but I think I'll go to bed early and catch up on sleep. Tomorrow we start and end at the same elevation but there is 1000 ft climb and descent in between. Seems inefficient!Open map in new window
Date: 2015-04-08
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I had the best nights sleep in my tent. I'm not sure if it was because I was tired from the previous night or just because the temperature was perfect for sleeping but it was great.I had a nice leisurely breakfast and left camp at 8:20 . I usually am one of the last ones to leave because I can't get out of my bag til things warm up a little.The story of the day was Standing Indian Mountain, which was a 1200 foot climb. But, after putting us all on notice with Blye Gap yesterday, North   Carolina made amends today with a very gradual and well behaved trail up Standing Indian. After that, the trail was mostly downhill to Carter Gap shelter. The large group that was at the camp sites or shelters the last few nights has broken up some, which is a good thing. I think everyone was getting weary of the crowds and the kids (as I like to call them) must have decided to camp a few miles down the trail. There are still plenty of people here but it is a bit quieter. Fiddler and Cherokee built a fire to get rid of the gnats and it is very pleasant sitting here. Some people feel they're getting their trail legs but I'm sorry to say I have not gotten any faster since we started, I don't think. But I'm happy with the pace so far, so no worries. I'll probably increase the daily mileage a little after Franklin, but while the weather is so nice, relaxing in camp is good too!It's 7:20, so almost bed time! Open map in new window
Date: 2015-04-09
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It got windy during the night but it was still warm when I got up. As I was packing up, I smelled weed smoke. Before 8 am, for Pete's sake. Ick. But we were leaving anyway so it didn't matter much.After my remark yesterday about not having gotten any faster, I thought I'd time a stretch today. I left camp at 7:57 and got to the next marked spot in my guide 3.7 miles later at 9:22. So I think maybe I have gotten faster after all, it's just not as big a difference as for a lot of the people I meet. The big story for today was Albert Mountain. When we looked at the profile, Cherokee remarked that it looked like you'd need to be able to do chin ups to get on top of it, so we now call it Chin Up Mountain. It was the hardest climb we have had so far, by a lot, but it was totally worth it. There is a fire tower on the top that gives you 360 degree panoramic views. It reminded me a bit of the views from Yellow Mountain last year, except this was a higher tower so easier views. After that, the hike was what I have taken to call 'well behaved' for a good long stretch.We finished our planned 12 miles by 2:30 or so and we decided to go into town today instead of camping and probably getting rained on and hike in tomorrow. So, we're nice and cozy in our motel and we'll take it easy tomorrow. The forecast for tomorrow is thunderstorms and then sunny for the next few days and if that works out, we once again timed our town day perfectly!I had great reception at Albert (pardon me, Chin Up) mountain so I downloaded my email. Thank you all so much for signing the guest book! It is a lot of fun to read all the comments, please keep them coming!Open map in new window
Date: 2015-04-10
From: Rock Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today we did mostly nothing and it was glorious! I woke up at the same time as I usually do (around 7) but it was closer to 8 when we went to breakfast. At dinner at Miss Lois last night we had seen the breakfast menu and it looked mighty appealing so we went right back there. Good decision. It was your normal American diner type breakfast fare, but it was done very well. No frozen pre-made hash browns or biscuits here, everything was clearly made from scratch in-house and it definitely hit the spot. By the time we left, it was pouring, so we once again congratulated ourselves on our wise decision to go to town last night. (it actually turned out to be a nice day later but we enjoyed our zero day all the same).The next item on the day's schedule was for me to retrieve my mailed box from one of the outfitters in town. Unfortunately this particular place was relatively far from the place we're staying and the shuttles that normally ferry hikers back and forth were unavailable for various reasons. So it took some time, but we were in no rush and in the end everyone that needed a ride got shuttled. My box with my sleeping bag liner was there and Gary had included chocolate and jerky as well, so it was a really nice box to get!I also bought a new short sleeve shirt (gotta look good for all those pictures!) and we did a bit of resupply of, at all places, Walgreens. Between my leftover food from the last leg and the goodies from Gary, I didn't need much. I did get bug spray because the gnats are fierce and they bite! My legs look very sad. Cherokee hurt his hand the other day and was talking to the pharmacist there, and it turns out the pharmacist thru-hiked in 1979 and puts on trail magic for Easter every year. He also wrote a book about the trail we'll have to keep an eye out for ( in the trail museum, he told us).The afternoon was spent catching up on email and journals. Cherokee went to pick up his prescription, Fiddler went to the other outfitter where there is a bar and played music with some of the hikers there and I sat in a local coffee shop and read some trail journals, which is always fun. And we just got back from sushi for dinner. It was good! We also caught up, briefly, with Spot of Tea, who arrived at the same motel this afternoon. He is now ahead of us as he was picked up a few miles north from where we left yesterday.Tomorrow we'll go to the free pancake breakfast that a local church puts up for hikers, and then it's back to the trail. We plan to be at Nantahala Outdoor Center some time on Monday.Finally, a quick shoutout to Ellie Mazur and the volunteers at McLean Nursing home in Connecticut who read this journal to her. Good vibes to you!Open map in new window
Date: 2015-04-11
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

While we enjoyed our zero in Franklin, I think everyone was ready to hike again today. But first we all went to the pancake breakfast put on by the local First Baptist Church. It seems they have been doing these in the southern thru hiker season since 2008. They pick up hikers at 2 or 3 of the most popular accommodations and feed them an all you can eat pancake buffet. It is really very nice of them, even if they do want to tell you about Jesus while you're eating. seriously though, the proselytizing was minimal, the people friendly and the pancakes hit the spot.There was a 9 am shuttle back to the trail (10 miles out of town) and it was packed. Cherokee ended up wedged between the seat and the side of the van, a spot I have occupied myself. He later declared my hips are smaller than his, but I didn't need a shuttle van to tell him that!The hiking was beautiful today and the weather even better. We had lunch (almost) on top of Siler Bald and it may have been our most pleasant lunch spot to date. It didn't hurt that the herd of 6-8 yo boys and their leaders decided to go to the top and then the shelter, rather than have lunch first. We had made excellent time so far despite the late start, so we decided to shoot for Wayah Bald shelter instead of the camp site we had had in mind. And of course that's when the trail started climbing again. We passed Wayah lookout (not sure if that's the official name) with its spectacular views and arrived at the shelter not too long thereafter. Level tent sites are in very short supply here and because we arrived relatively late we ended up with less than perfect spots but who cares. Even with the late start, this was the highest mileage day so far at 14.7 and we're all pretty pleased with ourselves. We celebrated with wine. Cherokee and Fiddler seem to have decided that wine is an essential part of the camp experience and who am I to disagree!Tomorrow should be another gorgeous weather day (then rain on Monday) and we are planning for 15.5 and Rufus Morgan shelter. Since it is Sunday, I am secretly hoping we might run into some trail magic...Open map in new window
Date: 2015-04-12
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 15.5

Today? Kicked my ass, y'all! Actually, it wasn't even today, it was just the afternoon. But let's start at the beginning.Despite my slope-y tent site and only being able to lay on one side, I did have a reasonably good night sleep. I am very happy to have my old bag liner back, though I think the clamminess might've been caused by the sleeping bag more than anything. Still, I was far more comfortable than before so I'm happy.For the first time in the two weeks that we have been camping together, I was the first one up this morning and also the first one to leave Camp Snugly. The plan was to hike 15.5 miles to a shelter and camp site just a mile before the Nantahala Outdoor Center. It would be our longest day yet. The first part went by fast. I have found that the hiking in the morning just goes faster. There was a fairly long and I thought steep descent into Tellico Gap , but as it turned out, I had seen nothing yet!Before the gap, there was a ridge. Initially the views were disappointing but then there was a side trail to Rocky Bald which gave us the first spectacular view of the day. We could see the Smokies, where we'll be in a few days!After Tellico gap we climbed up Wesser Bald where again there was a fire tower and awesome view. I used the panorama photo option for the first time, we'll see how that comes out.We ate lunch at Wesser Bald to fuel up for the last 5.7 miles. They were all downhill which would lull you into believing that it couldn't be that hard. You'd be wrong. I think those last 5.7 miles took about as long as the 9.8 before or at least it felt that way. I was thoroughly pooped when I got here but after resting for a few hours I feel ok. On the bright side also, while my knees are sore , it is a regular general soreness and not an itb flare up, so that's good!The shelter didn't have any camp sites listed in the guide but it has really nice sites . It is close to 8 pm, so pretty much hiker midnight.Tomorrow we will go down to NOC to have breakfast and/or lunch and retrieve a supply box for Fiddler, before climbing 7 miles to the next shelter. I expect it will be about as much fun to do that climb as it was to go downhill today, but I shall report back!Open map in new window
Date: 2015-04-13
From: Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: light rain

Today is the day where I rediscover how much more fun camping is when the weather is nice. There was rain predicted for the next 7 days and it did rain some during the night but we were lucky enough to be able to pack up while it was dry. Plus we only had a one mile hike initially, down to NOC. The restaurant was already open so breakfast was the first order of business. I had some awesome hash browns with veggies and eggs and cheese. Mmmmm.Fiddler had a resupply box shipped to some town in the back of beyond, which we had contemplated retrieving from Franklin. But it turned out to be easier to get to from NOC and we met some guy at the pancake breakfast who was willing to get it for us and get it to NOC by today, the decision to go that route was made. Except we told the guy we'd be here by lunch time and due to our longer-than-planned day Saturday we got there early. But after killing several hours and calling the box place, it became clear that the box wasn't go to arrive soon enough for us to still be able to hike to the next shelter. Especially since that was 6.9 miles uphill the whole way. So we made the decision for Cherokee and me to go ahead and Fiddler was going to stay behind.So now we are camped with part of camp snugly and part of the traveling circus (more about them in a later entry) plus Star Crunch and Double Back. It isn't raining but it is chilly and damp and I am fairly sure it will rain before morning. Oh well, we had a great run here for two full weeks so we really can't complain.Fiddler is going to catch up with us by Fontana in a couple of days. We will dry out and get ourselves organized and then it's into the Smokies. First we have to get through tomorrow though. We're planning another 15 miler but aside from a climb called Jacob's Ladder it should be easier than yesterday. Fingers crossed!Open map in new window
Date: 2015-04-14
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: moderate rain

With the nice fire close to our tents and hikers (who were staying in the shelter) visiting, I went to bed much later than usual on the trail. But it was a very fun evening in the end. And it sure didn't look like it would be when we first arrived!It rained pretty hard during the night and everything was wet and muddy. But it wasn't cold and it didn't rain when I got up around 7. Cherokee and I had tea (because we're civilized people!) and a granola bar for breakfast (because we're not that civilized) and off we went.The miles did not come easy today. The profile didn't look all that bad with the notable exception of course of Jacob's Ladder. But when I came to the first road crossing I had only gone 6.something and it felt like it should have been around 9. It started raining again while I was there so I just got rid of my trash in the trash can and hiked on. Despite the less than stellar weather, I actually hiked in shorts and short sleeves all day since it was fairly warm.I also had my first fall today. After all the rain, the trail was messy and wet and muddy and sloppy and at some point early on I somehow slipped. I am bit scraped and had mud all over my leg and arm but no real harm done.Jacob's ladder was a real ass-kicker and the fog made it so you couldn't see the top. And of course there were no real views today, since we were in clouds for a good portion.I gave serious thought to stopping a little earlier than planned but that would have meant a nine mile hike to Fontana tomorrow and I like the idea of a 6 mile hike much better!I called and made a reservation from one of the mountain tops (good reception) so we are all set. Hopefully Fiddler will make it back into the fold as well and camp Snugly can be reunited. Open map in new window
Date: 2015-04-15
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Since Cherokee and I paid our dues with a long day yesterday, today was a short hike down to Road 28, where there is a shuttle to Fontana Village. And Fontana Village doesn't have much, but it does have a lodge with restaurant, a general store/outfitter and a laundromat so really, it had all we needed. Oh, and strong wifi too!I left just before Cherokee (a rarity) and though the hiking was muddy and messy, got to the road in short order. 4 guys who had stayed at the shelter where we had camped had all gotten there before me (they all passed me while hiking, I get passed a lot these days and pass very few if any myself) and they had already called for the shuttle.One of the great joys of long distance hiking has got to be walking into a nice dry place where you can take a shower! So that's what I did and when I left to go do laundry, Cherokee arrived. Later, while he and I were enjoying the chips and salsa (home canned, nothing but the best for us) that had arrived in his care package, who shows up but Fiddler! Camp Snugly was reunited once again! I did some resupply at the general store because unlike the guys I am not getting supplies shipped to me and we also spent time at the gas station cum hot dog and beer place a little ways down the street. And all this time it rained,sometimes quite hard. We had dinner at the lodge, got our GSMNP thru hiker permits printed and we are all set to take the first shuttle back to the trail tomorrow.I got caught up a bit on trail journals today so that was fun, and I sent some more pictures to Gary to upload. I also love that the map app is now part of each page! So profi looking (I don't think that is a word in English but it should be).I am not caught up responding to comments, sorry! But don't let that stop you from posting them, I love getting them in email whenever I have a connection on some random mountain top!Open map in new window
Date: 2015-04-16
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: overcast clouds

This entry is a little different in that I'm writing it a day late. I did write one yesterday but I accidentally deleted it after I was done. Doh!It was an ugly day, and not just because of the journal entry mishap. It didn't start out ugly, in fact it started out rather nice. When we went down to the lodge restaurant for breakfast, there was blue sky visible! It had been days since we'd seen blue sky so that was very encouraging. Sadly it was also short-lived.We took a shuttle back to where we had gotten off the trail before and hiked the easy 1 point something mile to the Fontana Dam Visitor Center. We knew that was the only easy hiking for the day because we were to climb the ridge into Great Smoky Mountain National Park right there. At the visitors center they told us (almost giddily) that this would be the longest continuous climb of the entire trail. Oh Goody!We took our pictures with the park entry sign and deposited our permits in the box and climbing we went. It wasn't actually too bad, even though it started raining. After a while, I started to get chilled enough that I wanted another layer under my rain jacket and I also needed to warm my hands. Of course the mittens were in the bottom of the clothes bag in the bottom of the pack. I had hiked on the rain without any problems the two previous days but that had been a warm rain whereas this was cold. And that makes all the difference.The climb wasn't too horrible but it was very muddy. It turned semi-nice for a while so off came the rain suit and mittens but it turns out that was a fake out! About 3 miles from the shelter the rain started up again, and I made the crucial mistake of only putting on my jacket and not the rain pants. And then it began to pour in earnest. And the wind picked up. And it poured some more and before too long my shorts were soaked through to my underwear. It seemed to take forever but eventually the shelter did emerge in the fog, so I got water and changed into dry clothes. By now, the temperature had dropped as well and we could see our breath inside the shelter. But I was toasty in my long johns, puffy and (tada!) my down footies! Those things earned their keep on the trip by yesterday alone.The shelter was full but nobody had to tent in the downpour. And there was a fire place, which didn't do a lot for the temperature but was nice for drying socks. And Fiddler played for a little bit, before we all went to bed around 8 or so.As expected, reception has been extremely spotty. I think I got a text with the mileage stats out today but that was all. The sad thing is that the weather forecast is basically predicting the same weather for the next 5 days, after which we'd be out of the Smokies. I don't see a lot of views in my future...Open map in new window