morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-20
From: Bethel, Connecticut

To: Bethel, Connecticut
Miles today: 0.0

June 21, Bethel, ConnecticutOkay, so Yesterday was spent mostly sleeping and napping. Foot up on pillows when in bed, foot up on side of couch when napping. Foot feels better, so this morning, Socks and I went over the elevation topos and the rules of camping in Connecticut and we have a plan that will get me to Dalton in time for me to head home. The first three days average about eleven miles a day. This will be painful in that it will get me to a shelter point early in the day, but the more time off the foot the quicker it heals. So, I will exercise patience. For excitement today, I tagged along with Socks doing Trail magic. It was interesting from the angel point of view. Until today I have been graced by the generosity of unknown people who kindly give of themselves, their time, and their money. Today, I got to be an angel and give of my time. We got a late start since Sock's daughter came by in the morning, but we managed to grace seven hikers. We found three taking a break at the crossroads to Fahnstock State Park. SweetTea, AnotherDay and Trudge. The fresh fruit and cold drinks were a hit. At the Friary, we met Mr. Wizard, Rah, MadDog and Pilgrim. MadDog and Pilgrim informed us that there was a large group behind them of about seven. So Socks left chips, fruits and canned soda. There is a trash can there so she didn't feel bad about leaving them something. It was fun to watch the thru-hikers as we offered cold drinks, fruits, fudge, homemade brownies (made this morning), and a hiker's box full of other goodies.For those not in the know, a hiker box is a box of stuff used by hikers that are basically free for the taking. The things in a hiker box range from miniaturized games, toilet paper, packaged tuna, cookies, Lipton noodle dishes, toothpaste, etc., etc. etc. The necessities of trail living.It was great. I got to pass a second trash novel I finished. Good to know the book will be passed along. And so, I'm stocked for a straight shot to Dalton. The maildrop at Tyringham will be called back to Texas unopened. The foot is wrapped for support. All my clothes have been washed. I'm excited and Socks claims to be jealous. And so the adventure restarts. Good thing the forecast has rain for the next four days. Namaste'
Date: 2006-06-25
From: The Hemlocks Lean-to

To: Mt. Wilcox South Lean-to
Miles today: 19.7

June 25, Mt. Wilcox South Lean-toGot up early and was very quiet, left all the guys sleeping when I packed out.The rain last night never did come. But the morning is grey and cool. My socks never did dry out. The big threat this day is in the morning, The Jug End. It's one of those hair raising descents. One big pile of rocks. But I'm rested and feel good. Tedious but not that bad. Really does depend on the time of day these things show up. But I remember something the shake down hiker said. After Jug End is the swamps. He said he normally doesn't use DEET but the swamps are a cause for chemical warfare. When I look at the topo maps, it shows swamps for miles. So when I get to the bottom, I smear myself with DEET. And it isn't enough. The mosquitoes are merciless. The walk is under a heavy canopy, the day is grey and cool, and swamps can be seen on both sides. I walk as fast as I can. I inhale mosquitoes. They are impervious to the repellant. When I stop, they swarm on me. I decide I will not stop for anything for the duration. Finally break out of the forest onto fields. But still no reprieve. But not as thick. In the fields, I see some new flowers. I even recognize some. BlackEyedSusans. The wild predecessors of the cultivated carnations. Very tiny and dainty. Queen Anne Lace. Dill? The walk is more pleasant even though the mosquitoes are still waiting for my DEET to wear off. And it's apparent when it does.Then a walk beside the Housatonic River again. Here it is slow. Still the smell of river water. Took a lunch break at the Kellogg Road Bridge. Sustenance for June Mtn. Not really a bad hill. Just it's the middle of the day and I've burned some calories already. Then as I was heading up, the rain is back. I get passed by the thru hiker boys. Arlo was first, but he has four legs. The SherpaChef and Barefoot. Later Snickers and PondWater. The rain at least keeps the mosquitoes down. The rain is not quite chilly. It really invigorates me and I make it to Mt. Wilcox South Lean-to. The boys have gone the extra two miles to the north shelter. And I'm glad they do. I have this place to myself. I can strip out of wet clothes without asking them to close their eyes or try to change under the sleeping bag. Hot cocoa and soup for tonight and I'm pooped. Maybe no reading tonight. Walking 19 miles was not in the plan but I really want to stop at Upper Goose Pond cabin. I read somewhere that it is apparent that conditions on earth are changing by the frog count. The scientists haven't walked the AT. I saw at least four different kinds of frogs and a baby snapping turtle today. They like the rain.The fun thing today, pig tracks. One of those things that I do to amuse myself if there is no flowers, tracks. Its fun to see what has been on the trail before me. Normally I'm first on the trail so there are animal tracks. Today, I saw a familiar track that took some time to figure out. Then I saw the sign, snout routing. Then I realized it's a pig. I kept an eye out for it but I never did see it. Oh well. But it was fun.Namaste'
Date: 2007-08-01
From: Dalton, MA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Okay, the first entry for this season's hike. I've been day dreaming about getting back on the trail. I've started researching ways to get back to where I left off. I've got some ideas from folk via the forum. Now comes the hard part for me. Getting on line and finding which airport is cheaper to fly into.Meanwhile, I'm looking over the elevation maps and trying to figure if I can do fifteen miles a day. Last year I planned ten mile days and found myself sitting at a camp site in the early afternoons. The one day I walked nineteen miles, in the rain, I was at the planned shelter around six. I think through Vermont it will be easy but I've looked at the tail end of New Hampshire and I know ten is probably more realistic.I've also been looking over my gear and asking myself if they did me good Last year. Then there is the ever present question of are there better gear out there this year? After all, I bought my first internal frame pack in 2004. They finally started making them for short women that weren't a ton in weight.Training will include some cardio this year. I have an appointment nest week to make sure I'm good to do that. Should be interesting.
Date: 2006-01-19
To: Pre Hike Prep
Miles today: 0.0

My dream of hiking the AT has been in my mind for years. I first section hiked the AT in 1997 or 1998. I've hiked all of the trail in Vermont and maybe about 250 miles total on differnet sections as far south as Watuga Lake and as far north as Mt Katahdin. I'm committed to starting northbound from Georgia on Feb 15th, 2006. I don't know how far I will go, but at least I can tell myself I tried.
Date: 2006-02-05
To: Pre Hike Prep
Miles today: 0.0

Returned from our western caribbean cruise last night. Didn't think much about the hike or getting ready for it while we were on vacation. Now I am down to 1 week before I depart for Gainesville. Today I worked on my mail drop plan, preparing mailing labels and contents, etc. Need to make sure I get to all the rest of the details this week.
Date: 2006-02-06
To: Pre Hike Prep
Miles today: 0.0

Have already been back from vacation for 4 days, which is exactly 1/2 the number of days I have to wait from from my vacation ending until the day I depart for Gainesville, then on to the Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega. Still spending a lot of time in the kitchen prepping meals. Will be glad to just start the hike. Once I get on the trail, I won't have the ability to control (or trying to control) everything going on around me and all this perfectionist planning crap will just be over and probably completely out the window.
Date: 2006-02-11
To: Pre Hike Prep
Miles today: 0.0

Last day at home. Spent way too much time trying to get to all the details. Had a lot of other things going on during the week that took me away from trail prep. I have a big bowl of cookie dough in the fridge. Never got around to making them. bad thing is I didn't get enough quality family time today. Most of my focus was on getting my mail drop plans finalized (among the other 100 things I had to do). Leave tomorrow morning at 6:30 a.m. Headed to Asheboro to catch a bus to Gainesville. Will be picked up by Josh from the Hiker Hostel in GA. So my next entry will sort of be from the trail. Yahooooo!!!!
Date: 2006-02-13
To: Hiker Hostel, Dahlonega GA
Miles today: 0.0

Today I boarded a bus in Asheboro, NC at 8:30 in the morning and began my mobile travel to Springer Mountain. At 7:00 p.m. I was picked up by Leigh at the Gainesville, Ga bus station and transported to the Hiker Hostel. Along the way I met Bruno (trail name "Nuts") who flew in today from Germany. Harry and Katie are also here at the Hostel. Today seemed like a very long day. I plan to stay here tomorrow, so it will probably be a longer day. Wednesday morning I will be dropped on USFS Rd 42, hike 1 mile south to Springer, then turn around and begin my journey north.
Date: 2006-02-14
To: Hiker Hostel, Dahlonega GA
Miles today: 0.0

Last day of civilization. Went to Amicalola Falls SP with Josh today to drop off Harry and Katie then went to pick up "Crutch" at the Gainesville bus station. Josh dropped us and Bruno off at Wal-Mart then went to Woody Gap to pick up a few hikers getting off the trail because of the snow. They were cold and making slow progress. All of us will hit the trail tomorrow; Crutch, Nuts (Bruno) and myself at Springer and the others will continue on from Woody Gap. That is all.
Date: 2006-02-15
From: Hiker Hostel, Dahlonega GA

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Todays the day. It is about 6:15 a.m. Somebody in the bunk room had a watch alarm go off at 5:30 a.m. so I got up. Josh had a silver bullet in the kitchen ready to go so I plugged it in and then went to the porch to do some meditation. Bruno the German came out and disappeared around the corner of the cabin, probably thinking to himself what about what lays ahead today. My pack, minus water, is about 39 pounds. I think that is manageable for me. Not ultra-lite by any means, but it is my pack and my hike. Only need to hike about 9 miles today so I will only carry 2-3 liters of water, about 4-6 more pounds.I called Linda last night and told her about Bruno coming here from Germany, She said "what, is he crazy?". Maybe, thats why his trail name is "Nuts".Anyway, once I reach Neels Gap in a few days I may be able to post another message. I've heard from another hiker here that the Hiker Hostel is much nicer than the one at Neels Gap. I may consider coming back here for the re-supply that night. Need to discuss cost with Josh. His price list shows $20, but I don't know if that includes a stay or just a ride. That is all.
Date: 2006-02-16
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: broken clouds

At Hawk Mountain shelter, Crutch, Nuts and I met Bull, a 74 year old from Michigan and Sunset, an 18 year old from L.I. NY. Hiking yesterday and today was pretty good weather wise. Low's at night in the 30's, highs in the 50's. Found all kinds of goodies left in "trail angel" totes provided by Appalachian Outfitters of Greenville SC. MSR cups, cocoa, tea, candy, socks, fire starter and some other misc items. The shelter was two floors. I slept upstairs with Crutch and Nuts.
Date: 2006-02-17
From: Gooch Gap Shelter

To: Woodshole Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Caught up to Nuts just as we approached Woody Gap. We were able to catch a ride from there to Suches, GA for our 1st "town day" (and only on the trail for 3 days, imagine that?) At the general store we had pizza, a blueberry muffin, coffee and gatorade. Then we happened to be leaving when Maniac (a section hiker from Maine) arrived and drove back to woody gap.At the shelter, Red Blaze, another 18 year old from Vermont arrived. (Bull did some yellow blazing on the forest service road then disappeared. We caught up to him in a few days at Neels Gap). The first mountain to give me trouble was Big Cedar. Kind of a steep climb, but a beautiful view at the top. I hiked from there to the shelter with no shirt. It was about 60 degrees.
Date: 2006-02-18
From: Woodshole Shleter

To: Neels Gap, Walasi-Yi Hostel (Mountain Crossings)
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: broken clouds

Nuts was the first one up and he announced it was starting to rain. At that point the rest of us jumped out of our sleeping bags, had a quick breakfast, packed up and hit the trail. Red Blaze was the first one out and he was blazing! We crossed Blood Mountain, the 1st 4000' peak and stopped at the old stone shelter at the top for lunch. The rain was freezing on my pack cover and rain hat on the way down to Neels Gap.We got to Walasi-Yi Hostel around 2:00 p.m. The first thing I did was get a hot coffee and a hot shower. There were a few other hikers there: Bull, Pirate and Gary (from Hawaii). Gary is toting the monster of all packs weighing in at 100 lbs. Maybe he is the one who should be called nuts.Mrs Sunset drove us to Blairsville. We resuplied at Ingles and then had, you guessed it, another pizza. Sunset even shoveled in a burger at Burger King. The rain kind of slowed as darkness came on but the temperature really dropped and it was windy.
Date: 2006-02-19
From: Neels Gap, Walasi-Yi Hostel (Mountain Crossings)

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

Woke up to an icy winter wonterland. A pick up and a car, both forest rangers, slid off the road right in front of Mountain Crossings and took out a couple of signs. Ironically, the first sign to be hit said "caution ice on road". There was no precipitation coming down so I left for Low Gap about 9:30. (Bull took off at 7:00)It was fairly easy going to Low Gap. Saw Lone Star camped in his tent, covered with ice, a few miles from Neels Gap. Also saw a south bounder hiking with a Saint Bernard. He was funny. His fur was getting a little icy. The access trail the shelter was blocked by several trees. Of course Red Blaze was the 1st one in. The shelter is old, built in 1953 I think and some inconsiderate people left a bunch of trash there.
Date: 2006-02-20
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Long, tough day today. Crossed three 3 4,000'+ peaks. Took 10 hours to reach the shelter. Left Low Gap later than I wanted to. Nuts and I got to Tray Mouintain with just barely enough light to find the spring. It was really foggy. Still cold and windy with tress covered in ice. Of course Red Blaze and Sunset beat us there.In Unicoi gap, Mrs Sunset had hot pasta, sauce and hot water for cocoa waiting on us. She was a real trail angel there. (She is a littel concerned about Sunset and is providing him a little bit of road support until he gets thru the Smokies). Think that gave me the boost I needed to get up out of the gap, about an 1150' climb.
Date: 2006-02-21
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel
Miles today: 10.6

Got to the the Blueberry Patch Hostel today. Met George Owen(?) on the trail, a GATC member and construction supervisor for the Benton MacKaye Trail. He gave me a ride from Dicks Creek Gap to the Hostel. I could have waited for Mrs Sunset. She was dropping off Sunset and Red Blaze. Had over a 1000' drop into the gap from Kelly Knob and the next peak after Kelly Knob and my knee really hurt today. Worse than any other day so far. I think if I try to travel too fast, it hurts. (On a nice flat, stretch of ground to Low Gap I kicked up my stride and my knee started hurting). I didn't think I was travelling really fast today but I guess I should also take some glucosamine and Vitamin I (ibuprofen) when I eat my lunch/snack too.The Blueberry Patch hostel is so cool. It is on a small farm. Gary and Lennie Poteat are really fine folks. They have a goat ready to give birth and Gary was building a smaller shed for it so that some of mules (donkey's?) there don't hurt the little one when it comes.Drove into Hiawassee and Nuts discovered what an All You Can Eat (AYCE) buffet is all about at Shoneys. Think Red Blaze put away about 4 plates, including his main dish of chicken fried steak.
Date: 2006-02-22
From: Blueberry Patch Hostel

To: Zero Day (Blueberry Patch Hostel)
Miles today: 0.0

Gary and Lennie fed us a great breakfast at 8:30. Gary did a great job with the blessing and made me realize that the rain we are getting today (good reason for a zero day) is needed by Mother Earth. Also made me realize there is much to be grateful for.Hope to let my body recuperate a little bit and hope my knees feel a little better. We are about 9 miles from North Carolina and the mountains will now begin to reach 5000'. Also Nuts and Sunset are taking a zero day and I like hiking with them. Red Blaze was gonna move on later but think he is staying another night too.Forgot to mention that Bull had to go to town from Unicoi Gap. He got the wrong stove replacement part at Mountain Crossings. Saw him at the Patch yesterday. He dropped in to get his package. He is staying in town. He also had to go to the hospital and had a toe nail removed. He might be off the trail for a few days.
Date: 2006-02-23
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muscrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Wayfarer arrived at Blueberry Patch in the morning. Another great breakfast served by the Poteats. Gary drove Nuts and I back to Dicks Creek Gap and we started hiking around 10 a.m. Stopped at Plum Orchard shelter for lunch. Met Peacemaker as he came in. He reported that Bull will be off the trail a few days because of a bad toenail he had removed. While at the shelter Braveheart & Messenger went by. We all met up at the NC/GA state line where RB caught up with us. We had a great party. Free drinks, free food, a marching band, photographers and dancing girls (read as water, GORP, Nuts blowing his whistle, us taking pictures and a figment of my imagination.Arrived at Muscrat Creek shelter to find 3 hikers and a dog (I will call them the Tennessee Boys, because that is where they are from). The shelter was kind of small so I used my bivy and Nuts pitched his tent. It was a cool night, in the lower 30¢s but the wind chill was kickin in. Day time hiking temps were in the 50¢s.
Date: 2006-02-24
From: Muscrat Creek

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: scattered clouds

28 degrees when we (Red Blaze, Sunset, Nuts and I) got up. Left at 10 a.m. and arrived at Carter Gap shelters about 4:30. The day warmed up to 68. We crossed Standing Indian Mountain at 5,480 feet, our highest peak yet. It was a nice climb. Well graded switchbacks. We made our first fire tonight. It was pretty nice so we were up until about 10 p.m.
Date: 2006-02-25
From: Carter Gap

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

(Note on mileages: give or take a few tenths because I¢m using a 2003 AT data guide, might be including distances to and from shelters and some are from memory, which of course is flawed).Started out warm this morning, around 40. We went over Albert Mountain. Wow. Only 3/10th of a mile horizontally, but what a climb. Awesome views from top of fire tower. Sunset reported some snow flurries on top when he first arrived.Left Carter Gap at 9:30, arrived at Rock Gap at 4:30. Except Albert Mtn the going was good with a lot of ridge walking. Mother Trail Angel (Sunset¢s mom) made Thai chicken for dinner at the shelter. It was within walking distance of a parking area. The Baton Rouge Boys (Stacy and Bruce from Louisiana) were at the shelter. They were hiking north to the NOC. Braveheart and Messenger pulled in after dark. The shelter was full, but warm.
Date: 2006-02-26
From: Rock Gap

To: Wine Spring Campsite
Miles today: 12.0

Made it to our first campsite at Wine Spring. Brrrr-Rabbit. 18 degrees at bedtime and felt even lower with the frigid wind chill. Used up a lot gas cooking dinner and cocoa. The campsite was in a draw covered with snow. The daytime temps were about 40 but cooled as the day progressed.Started hiking at 9:10 a.m. We crossed the base of the 1st NC bald, Siler Bald. I didn¢t walk to the top for the view. Overall it was a hard day, with a lot more uphill than downhill. Wine Spring is about 5,300 feet elevation and arrived there about 4:00 p.m. The Baton Rouge Boys moved on a ways. Across the draw the Tennessee Boys are camped on the high ground.
Date: 2006-02-27
From: Wine Spring Campsite

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

Real cold this morning, low 20¢s, but I stayed relatively warm in my bivy. Crossed Wayah and Wesser balds today. Incredible views from both. Stone observation tower on Wayah and an observation platform on Wesser. Could see Clingmans Dome from Wayah. Tough climb up Wesser. Long and steep. Stopped at Cold Spring shelter for lunch. Nuts stayed there today; Sunset and I made it to Wesser Bald Shelter. A little more mileage today and it took 8 hours.
Date: 2006-02-28
From: Wesser Bald

To: NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center)
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: clear sky

Hiked into NOC. Mother Trail Angel rented a cabin. Nuts burst through the door a half hour after us shouting ¢Honey, I¢m home!¢. Did laundry, visited the outfitter store, made a re-supply run to Bryson City and them had BBQ at the cabin: beef ribs, burgers and dogs. We¢re trying to figure out why people don¢t like hiking.Big climb tomorrow up to Cheoah Bald which is over 5,000 feet. The Nantahala River, which is in our back yard, is at 1,740. We will walk uphill about 6 miles. There was a little fox slinking around in the woods off the back porch. Will get internet access again in about 3 days (I think) at Fontana Dam at the Hike Inn. Stay tuned. Thanks for reading my journal. I¢ll try to spice it up with more humor later with ¢The 10 biggest lies on the AT¢ and the trail song I¢ve been working on in my head.
Date: 2006-03-01
From: NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center)

To: Sassafras Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Didn't feel so good starting out today. Knees and ankles were kind of stiff after hiking down over 2000 feet to the NOC. Wanted to do about 10 1/2 miles today and tent out, but Swim Bald changed my mind. About 6 miles of uphill took about 5 hours. It was pretty STEEP in parts, so decided to stay at Sassafras Shelter (it was really Nuts' idea; Sunset beat us there by an hour or so and was ready to move on). Besides, Cheoah Bald, over 5000', was still in front of us. The shelter was nicely constructed except for the black dirt that got tracked onto the floor. It seemed to cover everything like coal dust. weather was pretty nice, about 60 degrees. Found a nice rock outcropping with a built in seat where I had a lunch break. Could view the whole valley below me and 2 hawks soared overhead.Jessica and Jason joined us before the day was over and took the upper level. They have hiked all the way from Ocala, FL.Some humor: The term GAP is not a terrain feature (as in Sassafras Gap). It is an acronym which stands for "Grunt and Puke" which is what you do as you climb the next hill past the Gap.