morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-02-25
From: Springer Mt Parking Lot

To: Cooper Gap
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

My first full day on the trail. Dropped at the Springer Mt Parking Lot at 10:30, it was 43 degrees, sunny and with a slight breeze. One other car in the lot. Said hello thinking a short chat. Fellow was from Williamstown, MA which is two towns from my home town. We were both stunned to find someone from the old neighborhood. 15 minutes later I hit the trail with a double smile. Since I had hiked the .9 mi to the summit yesterday, I headed north from the parking lot. This was a wonderful stretch of trail and I easily acclimated to a comfortable pace. Slight downhill well groomed trail and a beautiful Rhododendron forest. The trail was surrounded by them. In some cases even overhead. They must be spectacular when in bloom. They maintain their green foliage through the winter season, A welcome splash of dark green color. Since it was winter though they had a droopiness to their leaves, it seemed to me, much like the hang down droopy eared look your puppy has when you are leaving the house without it. This was the trail for quite a ways until approaching Long Falls where it started to ascend. Lunched sitting at the falls, very soothing. Three fellows from the Atlanta area arrived on a day trip and we took pictures for each other each others camera. One took my picture with his blackberry and emailed it to my wife who had it before I even got back to the hostel. Thanks guys. You helped make her day. The rest of the day was fairly evenly split between uphill and downhill at about the same level of steepness either direction. In some cases, pretty steep. I saw one southbound hiker early but no others all day, except for the people who were at the falls. Got picked up at Cooper Gap at 5:30. There was a carful and I was the last picked up. Eight of us counting Leigh who was driving.We all ordered pizza from Dominoes, the only pizza place who delivers to the Hiker Hostel. I won't normally bad mouth anyone who brings me food, but the pizzas they delivered were terrible. The delivery guy didn't seem to mind holding the boxes on end as the pizza in my box, and others as well, were crunched to one end overlapping other slices within the box. I could have lived with that. It was, as one of the others said, a coin toss whether to eat the pizza or the box. I couldn't agree more. It arrived in 30 minutes, cold, rock hard and partially burned crust, and fairly tasteless. When hikers don't eat all their food and won't even take the leftovers for lunch the next day, something is very wrong. I will not order again from this particular Dominoes. Stayed up until about 10:00 talking with fellow hikers and went to bed.See you on the trail.John
Date: 2009-02-26
From: Cooper Gap

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Began at 9:20. 48 degrees, gray, misty, overcast, windy and it began to spritzel a few minutes after I started. Spritzel, more than a sprinkle less than a drizzle. Yesterday it spritzled, today it is spritzleing, tomorrow it will spritzel....Spritzel. It was enough to put on the pack cover in case it went to the next level, drizzle, but not enough to put on rain gear. Between the mist and the spritzle, I still didn't get wet. These conditions lasted all day. Not much to report except that I hiked and I enjoyed being outside. Could barely see the next marker sometimes. Passed at least two areas that probably had a good vista. Ate lunch at the second one. Another day without wildlife. Okay, I saw some Robins. Made it to Woody Gap at 2:00 and was picked up by Leigh who had Rockstar and Gung Ho AKA Groupie with her. They were finishing up a section hike and heading home.Only saw one other hiker on the trail again today. He was going southbound.That's all for now. See you on the trail.John
Date: 2009-03-03
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Hiawassee Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

This was a scheduled zero day from the beginning. A zero day is a day without hiking. it can be taken on or off the trail. In this case off the trail.Spent the morning figuring out what to do with and how to best use my new pack. Went to a few locations before I could find a box at Ingles Supermarket. I needed the box because I was sending stuff I think I can do without home. Got everything boxed up and mailed. Afternoon spent looking around town and at the library to post on the journal. Didn't get to the library until late afternoon so didn't get everything done.Had a good old greasy patty melt at the first cafe I came to for lunch. Did a little sight seeing and went back to the Inn. I made the decision to spend another day off trail because my knee was sore just walking around town without my pack on.Went to the Inn's office to make sure there was room for me for tomorrow night and was forced to eat another bowl of good hot food, chicken noodle and rice casserole for dinner. These guys are just too much. I have really enjoyed talking with them.Taking vitimin I regularly. Vitimin I is the trail term for Ibuprofin, Motrin for me. On the trail there is a language all to itself.Took a bottle of wine to Ron and Sam for hospitality above and beyond the call of duty. Red Zinfandal, as they prefer red wine. A little TV, call to wife and then a shower and bed.See you on the trail.John
Date: 2009-03-04
From: Hiawassee Inn

To: Hiawassee Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Another zero day.Already have plans for dinner. When I went to the office at the Inn for morning coffee, Ron and Sam said we are having Cajun style red beans and rice with a ham bone added in for good measure, for dinner. It will go well with the bottle of wine I gave them last night. They opened the pot which was simmering nicely and it smelled great already. Talk about soothing the weary soul. A much more leisurely day. Morning at the library and am caught up to date on the journal. Knee is feeling somewhat better, but have to get on the trail tomorrow regardless. If it isn't going to hold up I need to know. Decisions to be made and all data will be considered. For now, forward ho! Pressing on and will report next from Franklin. I should leave Georgia tomorrow and enter Tennessee. I am estimating four days until my next town stop. New places to see and new wonderful people to meet.Another non trail lunch and red beans and rice for dinner.Pack is ready, and I am anxious to get back on the trail. Weather is supposed to cooperate for the rest of the week. See you on the trail.John
Date: 2009-03-05
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Begin at 8:55 temp 30 degrees clear, forecast for warming.Felt pretty good after spending a couple days with Ron and Sam at the Hiawassee Inn. Superb Hospitality. Very nurturing people.The trail was about the same degree of difficulty as the previous days. Met Walk About and Easy Going at the North Carolina State Line. They graciously shared their state line wine with me. Holy **** where did the hill from state line to Muskrat Creek Shelter come from. Straight uphill with minimal switchbacks for three miles. Until now I haven't had to stop for the hills, just very slowly plod up them and rest at the top. Had to stop and take the pack off several times and have a snack for this one. Got to the shelter at 5:30 and had dinner. Hung the food bag and it was getting dark so it was bedtime. Brandon and Zack in the shelter with me and Walk About and Toby his dog in a tent with Easy Going in his tent. Pack of coyotes came through at 8:30 and sang and scolded us, mostly at the tents. I think they really wanted the dog. Stayed a little while and moved on. Give Walk About credit for having his dog under control, he never left the tent, fortunately. A half hour later the coyotes were back and set up for another go at the camp. Probably only there for a couple of minutes and moved on for good after that. Quite a chorus for a while.A relatively mild night compared to what we have had lately.See you on the trail.John
Date: 2009-03-06
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We woke to 32 degrees and a low grey ceiling. I thought we were expecting clear and warming for the week. I was the last to leave the shelter at 9:00. Got to get better about getting out of camp in the morning.Noticed right off that something was wrong with my hips. They were very sore especially my right hip, right at the ball joint. Things got progressively worse as I continued. I had set out trying to get to Carter Gap Shelter a distance of 12.5 miles. I could tell I was not going to make it there today. Soon I could barely lift my right leg and had to stop very frequently to rest. As if I wasn't hurting enough already, I took my first fall this morning. Slipped and fell forward on a slick root covered with wet leaves, by this time it was raining. Landed on my knees, of course, and my knuckles. Must be a "kn" body part thing. Knuckles becuse I didn't have time to get rid of my trekking poles. Cut up the backs of my hands a bit and further bruised my already battered knees. I got to Standing Indian Shelter at 1:00. Five miles was way too short a distance for that amount of time hiking. I had to make a decision because I knew I didn't have nearly enough food to make it to Franklin, NC for resupply going at my current rate. Called Hiawassee Inn and coordinated a short notice pick up at USFS Road 71. Had to backtrack 1 mile to the road and hike down to where the gate blocked the road. Ron was waiting for me there. I was so sore I could hardly get into his car. Went back to the Inn and they gave me a bowl of chicken noodle cassarole. Went and took a hot shower and called my wife to let her know where I was. Crashed shortly thereafter.I went to sleep really thinking my hike may be in jeopardy.See you on the trail.John
Date: 2009-03-07
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Hiawassee Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Still wondering if my body will be able to recover with a vitimin I diet.Spoke with my wife and Flash (he is a paramedic) last night about my situation. We have decided, I decided with their input, to give it one more try before making any difficult decisions. Here is the skinny on those conversations. I had promised my wife to come home in one piece and able to live a long active life with her and still be able to travel and day hike with her. She reminded me of that promise and added that she will support my decision whatever it was. Man I got lucky with her 38 years ago. Will give myself some rest and see where we get in that time, recovery wise. Met Eric and Jack Straw this morning and drove them to the Unicoi Gap Trailhead for Ron and Sam. They are having a particularly busy day at the Inn. More on that in a minute. With additional consultation with hikers my age and with their encouragement I felt a bit better about the possibility of continuing especially if I could hook up and hike with them. They are a good week behind me and going at a pace that would benefit me. Told them to look for notes in the shelters if I get back on the trail. With any luck I will join up with them at Franklin.Besides a full house at the Inn there was to be a wedding and reception here today. Helped out by shuttling a few more hikers both to and from various trailheads. Cleaned up all the plastic chairs, tables, and outdoor ashtrays around the Inn. It was mid afternoon before I sat down to rest, otherwise called a nap. Came out of my room and was invited to eat at the reception. I had on my formal hiking outfit anyway so what the heck. Thank you Randy and Rebecca for dinner.Went back to the room and watched some TV and called home as promised to give a progress report. Hips still tender to the touch. No decision has been made about continuing on. More Vitimin I.The Inn was full because there was a Merle Haggard concert somewhere in the area. Apparently that is enough for people to come back to the Inn and party loudly until 2:00AM. Not getting much sleep tonight.See what tomorrow brings.See you on the trail, I hope.John
Date: 2009-03-08
From: Hiawassee Inn

To: Hiawassee Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Easy day again today. Not as much pain in the hips but still sore. Laundry in the morning and then more exploration of downtown Hiawassee. Needed a few small items. Not gonna happen on a Sunday. Every place I wanted to go in was closed on Sunday. Went to Ingles Supermarket and bought one nights dinner for the increased time on the trail to Franklin. They have an option at checkout of cash back on your credit/debit card max $100.00 per visit, no ATM fee. I thought that was right neighborly of them. Went back later and bought some milk for the Inn and got a little more cash.Drove with Ron to Standing Indian Campground to pick up a section hiker for something to do. We took him to Unicoi gap where he had left his car. He had great hiking information about where to get back on the trail and resume my hike.Made the decision to give it another go. It is so hard to make the last section hiked, the last section hiked. Will live up to my promise to my wife regarding hurting myself for the long run.By the way, we will now refer to my wife as Grey Squirrel. I see them the most and they do chatter at me as they hurry about their business. My wife finds it very difficult to sit for a very long time also. She is always working on something. I will be reminded of her when I see the squirrels in the future. She has a very animated little song about the grey squirrel too, that she does for the children at the library sometimes. She liked the idea of Grey Squirrel as a name as we have many in the yard at home.I will give the trail another try tomorrow unless I feel differently in the morning.Thank you to those who have written me notes of encouragement and advice about my knees.See you slowly on the trail.John
Date: 2009-03-09
From: Hiawassee Inn

To: Standing`Indian shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I'm antsy to get back on the trail. This Afternoon Ron will take me to the Kimsey Creek Trail, orginating in the Standing Indian Campground, which will take me back to the point from which I left the trail. Have to wait for him to get back from a doctor's appointment first.It was 72 degrees, sunny and humid when I started out at 2:45 PM. This is an absolutely beautiful trail. Following a stream that was just right for fishing, or in the summer, lazing in the numerous still pools that intermingled with the riffles. Wish I had my fishing gear and the time. It was about a 4.5 mile trip and got back to the trail at 5:00. Called The Hiawassee Inn to let them know how the trail was. Called Grey Squirrel to let her know I was back on the trail and reassured her that I was going to go at a much more leisurely pace. Made the 1 mile trip to the Standing Indian Shelter and did all my night time duties, water, bed pad, sleeping bag, cook, eat, the standard trail stuff.There was a group of ten students and instructors from Bowling Green University at the site. They deferred all shelter space to thru hikers. Thanks guys. Enjoyed your campfire too!Mild evening and night. Too mild for my sleeping bag which is geared for a bit colder night. Looking ahead and thinking there will still be plenty of cold nights.Hip and knees hanging in there for the day.See you on the trail.John
Date: 2009-03-10
From: Standing`Indian shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up to 40 degrees. Not exactly in a rush to move out since I'm going to the next shelter. I was the last one out of the shelter at 10:00. The College group was still there doing some slack rope work.It was a gracious trail today. No pounding ups or downs. Not level mind you but leisurely ups and downs. No jarring, jarring, jarring, all day like the last few sections. There were some views through the trees but the ever present blue haze made them just fuzzy enough for me to decline taking their picture. They seem to have the same attitude about being in a picture as I do...No Thank You.Lost my long handled spoon this morning, looking for it was one of the reasons I was so late getting out of camp. Rehab had an extra plastic spoon and I was able to eat breakfast. Found my spoon buried in my pack at Carter Gap Shelter tonight. The Shelter was full by 4:00. I have a spot next to the west wall. Another good day for knees and hips. One day, one shelter. Helpful now, but will take a long time at one shelter per day. If I can get and stay healthy I can stretch out the milage later on.See you on the trail.John
Date: 2009-03-11
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I really have to work on my shelter exit routine. Last out again today, 9:15 and 52 degrees. It was overcast. It got down to 30 degrees last night.Very pretty hiking this morning. Long green Mt. Laurel and Rhododendron archway. This will be spectacularly beautiful when everything is in bloom.The weather was mirthful today. All morning, sprinkle, stop and be warm. Put on the rain cover, put on extra layer because it got chilly and windy with the light rain. Strip down to base layer shortly thereafter, repeat. Eventually it settled down to overcast and windy. Nice views and a bit of concern walking along Big Butt Mt. with the cliffs on my right side for several miles. No looking around on the move here. It's a long misstep down. Pace was good. Played leap frog with the Bowling Green crowd as we just took our breaks at different times. Near the end of the hiking day Albert Mountain loomed ahead. The easy terrain was quickly over. If grey Squirrel were here she could tell you exactly how many steps we just climbed, broken down between log and rock. A long way straight up to the fire tower. Log steps with varying step heights mostly toward twice the normal rise intermingled with rock steps. These steps were often carved out of a rock face and were only deep enough to get the toe of your boot in. Although it was not raining, the way was wet and slippery. Half way up I noticed a trail marker on a rock wall. Just above the white blaze I could see a distinctive face in the rock. The expression indicated to me that I could make it. I hope Flash can enlarge it enough so you can see it. The nose is darker than the eyes and mouth. The steps went on for a very long ways straight up the mountain. In one of my pictures, there is a view looking down from the fire tower. The way up was 100' to the right but about the same look as far as rock face.When you get to the top, there is a fire tower. What the heck. My legs were burning but I climbed to the top anyway. The wind was just enough to put a little sway in the old structure and I took my pictures and got off it pretty quickly. The views were great though. Not sunny but clear enough to see for quite some distance and several mountain ranges in the distance.The shelter was just another half mile down the gradually sloped back side of the mountain. Got to Big Spring Shelter (which should be called barely a spring) at 1:45 and no one was there yet. Most were pushing on to the next shelter. Knees and hips sore but seem to be manageable with vitamin I.The mice were terrible at this shelter. I lost my towel to them.My Steri-Pen quit on the third and last bottle of water so only had two 20 ounce bottles and a pot full I boiled for dinner. Eventually there were three in the shelter and two in tents, not counting the Bowling Green group.See you on the trail.John
Date: 2009-03-12
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: overcast clouds

My usual leisurely self this morning but getting faster at it. Jim from Chatanooga was finishing up a section hike and had a car waiting for him at Winding Stair gap. He was planning on getting to it at 1:00. Said I could have a ride if I can get there. I had been planning on going to the next shelter at Rock Gap but a bed and good food sounded great too. He left at 7:30 I got out at 8:40. Early for me but I was still in my bag when the offer was made. I had 9.3 miles to go and Jim had more than an hour head start. This was really going to test my knees and hips, especially after the big climb to the fire tower yesterday.It was 43 degrees.I hustled along pretty good. There were some good climbs and descents, but not bone jarring at least. Let's face it: trucking along with 35 extra pounds on your back jars you with every step. I had minimal water since I didn't want to drink untreated water, another reason I wanted to make it to Franklin, NC, 10 miles down the road from Winding Stair Gap.I must have been working hard as I got to perspiring (sweating) pretty good. Caught Jim a half mile from the parking lot and we walked out together at noon. I'll let you do the math regarding rate per hour.This was double trail magic time. Jim was going in the direction away from Franklin but drove me in to town. Thanks Jim that was super. When we got to the parking lot at Winding Stair Gap, the Macon County Baptist Church had a tent with cold drinks. I made a bottle of water gone in short order and we were off to town. Thank you Macon County Baptist Church. I really needed the water.Got to Ron Haven's Budget Inn and registered. My pack exploded all over my room to dry and air everything out. Made assessments on how each item was performing and took a much needed hot shower. Mexican for late lunch and had a large beer. Turned out to be a 24 oz mug. Full, I went to bed and didn't show my face again until the next morning.See you on the trail.John
Date: 2009-03-14
From: Haven's Budget Inn

To: Haven's Budget Inn
Miles today: 0.0

As predicted, by the weather people, the day was terrible weather wise. Just above freezing, rain and breezy. Hypothermia city. Almost all people that were here stayed here. Many have joined us from wherever they were on the trail. No one wants to be out in this weather. It did rain all day and night as well. I waited until the last minute just before the 11:00 bus left for the trailhead, to register for another night at the motel. Just in time because there were people waiting to register.Since I had done all my chores yesterday, I had a very quiet day. I did not want to go out much in the rain anyway.Went to the ATM, and had brunch at the Motor City Grill, and went back to the room. Ordered Pizza delivered from Vitos for dinner, which was great.Had some very good phone calls with Grey Squirrel and her brother and family who were visiting to ski. Had a really good phone call with son in law. Thanks a bunch to him.Other than that did a lot of trail planning, made some reservations for down the road, watched a little television, and all from the comfort of my dry, soft, and warm motel bed. Some of that last could even be called resting.By the way, I need some help. I am going to a wedding in Charleston and estimate leaving the trail for a few days in Roan Mt, TN vicinity on or about April 14 (wedding on the 18th). Are there any rental car agencies in the vicinity? How far to the closest? Any help would be greatly appreciated. ThanksSee you on the trail.John
Date: 2009-03-15
From: Haven's Budget Inn

To: Haven's budget Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I swallowed hard and stayed another day as the weather is just not cooperating. On a positive note, my knees and hips are benefitting from the weather delays.I have to go tomorrow no matter what.It frazzels me mentally to sit in the motel room another day.See you on the trail.John