morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-02-21
From: Springer Mountain

To: Horse Gap-10 miles
Miles today: 10.0

Rain and strong winds last night. This made the Trail very muddy and slippery. There were several hikers ahead of us and we could see where they were sliding all over the trail. Seeing where they were bogging made it easier for us to pick better footing. We always try to stay in the foot path.It was damp, cool and foggy when we left to start our Northbound hike. Later in the morning, visibility was much better. After about 3 miles into the hike, I told Comer we had to stop and get the DUCT tape for my left heel and the balls of both my feet. Now, for those of you that read our journal the first time we hiked in 2001, will remember that I had issues with blisters and hot spots on my feet and used duct tape which did the trick for me..we had gotten lots of responses on this method, but I am here to tell you that it WORKS ( no matter how strange it may sound )!!We didn't meet or see anyone until we arrived at Hawk Mtn.Shelter. There we met Big Maguro, The Pilgrim and Dude. Four other hikers arrived before we left. We filtered water and ate a meal before continuing on to Horse Gap where we are tenting for the night.We hear a screech owl in the distance and it sounds spooky as I'm sitting in the tent with my headlamp writing my journal notes. The ups were a real challenge for us even though we hiked 10 miles today. We stopped at Long Creek Falls and other places along the Trail to make photos ( which will follow soon ). We were expecting to find snow and ice this time of year, but so far it's MUD and MORE MUD. We must THANK Johnny & Linda for driving us up for our hike and for taking care of things at home for us. Also, THANKS Don for the Caramel Apple Cobbler..it got us through the day!SPECIAL NOTE: This is Teresa (daughter)..as those of you remember from following their first hike, I had met them along the way with my infant daughter Sydney and had first hand at listening to them BOTH relay their tales of the trail..you remember..the BICKERING about one another and so forth. Well, I am not able to meet them as much this time, but will be sure and figure out what is "really being said between the two of them", but rest assured, I will get to the bottom of it and inform all of you!! Lol!! Last hike, in the beginning, my Mother was making it sound like it was a walk in the park, but having been around them and listening in on the "complaining about one another", I was able to see the REAL picture!! Anyway, I am so thrilled that they are taking this adventure on for a second time and look forward to their thoughts along the way! THANK YOU to all who have responded to their guest book and thoughts and prayers and words of encouragement. It means so much to them both and sometimes it is your encouragement that gets them through the day!
Date: 2007-02-22
From: Horse Gap

To: Gooch Gap-6.3 miles
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: clear sky

Last night the wind was roaring through the gap. It continued blowing all day and sounds like it is going to be another windy night. Today was sunny, making for comfortable walking. The ups were a challenge for us which made for less mileage today. Ol' Sassafrass Mtn. was hard for us to climb in 2001 and was NO easier for us today. The 78 miles in Georgia are tough.We met Jennifer, another Northbounder, today. We also met our first 2 Southbounders as we were setting up tent. The Trail was not as muddy as yesterday. We are TIRED and are calling it an early night.
Date: 2007-02-23
From: Northbound

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello Everyone,This is Teresa..I just received a phone call from Mom & Dad..they have made it to Neal's Gap and will be spending the night in the hostel and plan to start hiking again first thing in the morning! They both are in very high spirits! Mom has mailed me her journal notes and I will post them this upcoming week as soon as I receive them. I will say that Mom has blisters on her feet again (and YES, duct tape was used)!! She said that they have mailed 2 boxes of stuff they no longer wish to carry..about 25lbs worth! We will all have to wait on her notes to find out more info.!! That is all she shared with me! I am expecting to hear from them again in about 7 days!...
Date: 2007-02-23
From: Gooch Gap

To: Jarrod Gap-9.2
Miles today: 0.0

We broke camp and were on the Trail at 7:45am. Very strong winds during the night with gusts up to 30mph. That's one hazard of camping in the Gaps because of the strong winds crossing the mountains. Once the sun came out, we met 4 day hikers near Woody Gap. Sweeper ( a hiker from Florida AND who also was on the Trail in 2001 when we were ) breezed by us today, and we had to take a second look to be sure it was really him because of his speed. He left Springer Feb.22nd.The footpath in some areas were dry and had lots of leaves. In some areas the ground was still frozen. On the southside of the mountains, the ground was muddy. We have not seen any type of wildlife. Earlier, I had put duct tape on my left heel and today, I have a blister on my right heel. We put mole skin on the blister. We will further check the damage of the blister at Neel's Gap tomorrow. Weather has been unusually warm during the day...but forecast is for storms Saturday night and Sunday.
Date: 2007-02-24
From: Jarrod Gap-9.2

To: Neel's Gap-5 miles
Miles today: 5.0

Arrived at Neel's Gap around noon for our first food drop. Dude was already here and Lady Bug and Mountain High came in later. Later in the day we met Mountain Man who started Feb.20th, but had to slow down because of knee injury. We are doing LAUNDRY, SHOWERING, HOT FOOD and BED for the night! This morning when we got up there was a brisk, cool breeze which delayed our breaking camp. My feet were bothering me so much that I decided to change boots here. Unless the predicted storm comes in tonight, we plan to continue NORTH tomorrow morning.SPECIAL NOTE: Mom & Dad phoned me from here and sounded TERRIFIC and in very high spirits! I am not sure why Mom didn't include this in her notes, but she said that her & Dad had mailed 2 boxes home ( weighing around 20+ lbs )...she claimed they were lightening their backpacks as much as they could ..I believe she said that they bought Down sleeping bags which are much lighter to carry and of course, mailed boots home when she purchased new boots! They, of course, are missing their Grandchildren, but are enjoying taking the beauty in of all the Trail has to offer!
Date: 2007-02-25
From: Neel's Gap-5 miles

To: Low Gap Shelter-10.6
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

It was raining when we started out this morning, but it stopped before noon. After a couple of hours on the Trail, we met Hunter and his wife who are from Macon, Ga. ( 30 min. from our home in Perry ), and who had already gotten in touch with us before we left home through our journal on Trailjournals.com. He hopes to thru-hike in the near future! What a nice treat on such a wet morning!!By the time we reached Cowrock Mtn., it was very foggy and there was no double white blaze...so, we continued for a few hundred feet and found an abandoned tent, sleeping bags and grill all piled up. A short distance from there, we realized we were NOT on the A.T..The trail actually made a 180degree turn left on the Cowrock and we just didn't notice....hhhmmmmmpppphhhh!About 3pm, a young hiker Kevin came by us like a breeze. When we arrived at Low Gap Shelter, Kevin, Lady Bug, Natural High and Mark were already there. We enjoyed their company..as this is the first night we have spent in a shelter.
Date: 2007-02-26
From: Low Gap Shelter-10.6

To: Cheese Factory Site-13 miles
Miles today: 13.0

We arrived at Blue Mtn. Shelter around 12:45pm and ate a hot meal ( freeze dried Mtn House ). The ups were HARD on us today. During mid morning, we heard 2 deer dogs up the mountain. Later, they came walking down the A.T. path where we were having a snack. About 20 min. later, they came barreling back up the mountain chasing another deer. We kept hoping for a glance of the deer!The LONG down Blue Mtn. and the LONG up to Rocky Mtn. was a HARD STRUGGLE. We are camping near Cheese Factory Site tonight.
Date: 2007-02-27
From: Cheese Factory Site-13 miles

To: Campsite near Little Bald Knob-13.6 miles
Miles today: 0.0

We got our earliest start today. It was another clear day for hiking. We met 2 day hikers and one said rain was predicted in a couple of days. The ROLLER COASTER today really worked on our calves, hips and back. It was one of the hardest days thus far. The ups were VERY SLOW with lots of stops. The downs helped us make up for the slower ups. We feel our hot, noon day meal gives us the energy to finish the day. Today, our meal was freeze dried ( Mtn.House ) sweet and sour pork with rice!It was dark before we set up camp for the night.
Date: 2007-02-28
From: Campsite near Little Bald Knob-13.6 miles

To: Deep Gap-15.2 miles
Miles today: 15.2

We met a local day hiker late yesterday who said thunderstorms were predicted for tomorrow. We were up very early to get in longer miles today. We thought climbing Brizzard Knob (sp?..can't read my Mom's writing) was a GOOD work out for us , but found out later that it was NOT the challenge of the day. We stopped at the sign leading to Plumorchard Gap Shelter for a break and photo. From this point, the roller coaster of ups and downs began and continued for the remainder of the day. We stopped for another break at WHEELER Gap (Wheeler is the name of the county that we have a river home at) where we paused to remember family and friends from home...Wheeler County. We usually stop about every 2 miles for a break. After this break, we were off for the GEORGIA-NORTH CAROLINA border! When we stopped at the border, a young Northbounder (who had started 3 days after we started) caught up with us and made our pictures at the MARKER.On the GA-NC border tree there is a pipe that is used for what us hiker's call a "Trail Mailbox". We left a note for our young friend "Sweeper" whom we met on our 2001 thru-hike. He will begin in a couple of weeks and will catch us in a few weeks....SPECIAL NOTE: I misread Mom's notes a few days past about Sweeper and have not had an opportunity to go back and correct it, but will as time allows me...so sorry everyone! Now back to their journal notes.....As we started up Bly Gap, the trail was well marked on which direction to turn. This was where COMER made the WRONG turn on our 2001 thru-hike and we walked several hundred feet in deep snow down the wrong trail!! THANK YOU North Carolina Club Members for putting an A.T. sign at this turn!! After we left Bly Gap and started up Sharp Top, there were many "Red Lights" (meaning walking 5 or 10 steps and stopping to take DEEP breaths for much needed oxygen). Then the Trail went down 3/10 of a mile for needed relief. To our dismay, looking straight up, we saw MANY, MANY "Red Lights"...It was a SLOW, SLOW climb up Court House Bald. At the summit we took a long snack/break. While we were on break, a young hiker friend, Kevin, who had gone to Helen, Ga. to resupply, caught up with us again. He said 3 other fast hikers were behind him. We saw all 4 of them again when we stopped for water at Muskrat Creek Shelter where they spent the night. We continued on for 4 more miles and are tenting at Deep Gap.
Date: 2007-03-01
From: Deep Gap-15.2 miles

To: Betty Creek Gap-12.2 miles
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: moderate rain

We broke camp before daylight to start the LONG 3 1/2 mile climb up Standing Indian Mtn...elevation 4340 to 5498 ft..Two hours into the hike it started raining and rained all day. This made the Trail slippery and treacherous walking. We took many short breaks using our hiking poles to lift the backpacks off our shoulders as we stood in the footpath of the Trail. We saw no hikers today and kept moving at as steady a pace as possible in the blowing rain. FINALLY, it slacked up long enough by the time we reached Betty Creek Gap for us to set up tent for the night.
Date: 2007-03-02
From: Betty Creek Gap-12.2 miles

To: Winding Stair Gap-12.2 miles
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

It rained most of last night. We were up before daylight again today because we knew we had to climb the much talked about ALBERT MTN...part of Albert is a BOULDER climb. With the rocks wet and slippery, we had to be very careful. On the summit there is a fire tower. Comer asked, "Do you want to climb up for pictures?" I quickly replied "NO WAY!"From Albert to Winding Stair it is mostly RIDGE walk. When we got to Winding Stair Gap, a local was fixing to get into his truck, and gave us a ride to Franklin, NC.We have met 2 milestones.....1) We have COMPLETED the GEORGIA section of the A.T. with 13 states to go!!!!                           2) We have HIKED 100 miles and have over 2000 to go!!!!!
Date: 2007-03-03
From: Winding Stair Gap-12.2 miles

To: Wayah Gap-5.9 miles
Miles today: 5.9

Franklin Motel supplied us with a list of people who would shuttle us back to the Trail, and we found them most helpful and very hiker friendly. I have 3 very SORE toes and both heels are healing from recent blisters. I made sure I had bandaged all areas before the shuttle arrived to take us back to the Trail.We started up the mountain with our HEAVY, resupplied packs with enough food to get us to Fontana Dam. I haven't mentioned this before, but I have been following REAL CLOSE to Comer this trip. Being so close, I keep poking him on the heels of his boots and/or his legs with my hiking poles from time to time...Today, he obviously had had enough, because he stopped (abruptly..which made me run right into the back of him because my head is down focused on where I step and all), turned and looked straight at me and told me (not so very nicely) to BACK OFF...obviously, this had been warying on his last nerves!! It was SLOW getting back in the groove because of our late start today. We are looking forward to a zero day at Fontana Dam. It was getting late when we neared Wayah Gap, so Comer picked us a camp site off the Trail that looked fairly level to set up camp. We set up the tent..YES, I said WE!! Some of you may remember that on our first thru-hike I was not really a helper in this area, but I know how to set up the tent with Comer this go round! Ok, we set up the tent, ate supper and got ready for bed. Comer was already in his sleeping bag when I started trying to get into mine. Some of you already know that COMER proclaims to be a TRUE SWAMPER...well...as I tried to slide into my sleeping bag, I started SLIDING off my sleep pad DOWN hill toward Comer pinning him to the side of the tent. He wanted to know what I thought I was doing...I told him I was trying to stay on my sleep pad, but the tent was leaning...I would hold onto the pad trying to get back on, but as soon as I turned loose of the pad, I would slide back down to Comer. Comer got up and placed both our packs between his pad and the side of the tent in order to keep his sleeping bag from touching the side of the tent and getting damp. Whenever Comer wanted to change positions during the night, he would punch me to move over so he could turn. Needless to say, it was NOT our most comfortable night on the Trail..however, I got a lot of chuckles! Comer, on the other hand, didn't think it was as funny as I did!!
Date: 2007-03-04
From: Wayah Gap-5.9 miles

To: Wesser Bald Gap-16.9
Miles today: 16.9

There was snow flurries during the night and until about mid morning. Our fingers always get painfully cold when it is in the low 20's. My fingers usually warm up within the first half mile of walking. It takes Comer much longer for his hands and toes to warm up. During the morning, we met 3 young Southbound section hikers. They had slept in the Wayah Gap Observation tower and were very cold. Their water had frozen. We arrived at Cold Spring Shelter around 2pm, filtered water and hiked 6 more miles to Wesser Bald Shelter. While we were setting up camp, the wind was getting much stronger. As soon as it was dark....the mouse came out to play!Comer made my day today....he did not lace his right boot up all the way...as he was fixing to step down, the lace hitch on his right foot caught on his left boot lace string and DOWN he went!! SO FAR, COMER IS THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS FALLEN!!!!
Date: 2007-03-05
From: Wesser Bald Gap-16.9

To: Campsite Before Grassy Gap-8.2 miles
Miles today: 8.2

We woke up to another cold, windy morning..prepared our Granola with Blueberries and milk and were hiking by 7:10am. I led the way this morning because I could hardly wait to get to the N.O.C. to get one of their very LARGE Wesser Burgers, French Fries and Dr. Pepper! There were lots of ups and STEEP downs, and we found the 6 miles really DRAINED our energy. We took a long lunch break, filled our water bottles in the restaurant, and started the long climb up the mountain. We decided to make camp at 3pm.
Date: 2007-03-06
From: Campsite Before Grassy Gap-8.2 miles

To: Sweetwater Gap-12.1 miles
Miles today: 12.1

A SKUNK visited our camp about 4 times last night trying to get to our shoes! We were LUCKY that it never sprayed the tent when Comer ran it off by banging on our cooking pots!! This morning was a very TIRING 6 miles from an elevation of 2880ft. to 5062ft. When we arrived at Sassafrass Gap Shelter, we stopped for a quick lunch of Long Grain & Wild Rice Pilaf (Mtn. House) and filtered some water. Then we were off for another 6 miles of TIRING, CONTINUOUS UPS. We should have on for another 1 1/2 miles to the shelter, but we were too tired to make the last up.
Date: 2007-03-07
From: Sweetwater Gap-12.1 miles

To: Fontana Dam,NC-13 miles
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: few clouds

We needed to walk 13 HARD miles to get to Fontana before the Post Office closed. We started hiking a little before daylight. The ups were PAINFUL and the down Trail was full of leaves, rocks and roots. We had to be aware of what was under the leaves. Our hiking poles were used to break out down momentum and to help keep our balance. After about 2 miles, the walking became much easier and we made better time. We stopped to get water at Cable Gap Shelter and took a short break. After the last climb, which was up HIgh Top, then it was all downs until we reached NC Highway 28. It only took a few minutes before we caught a ride to Fontana Village.
Date: 2007-03-08
From: Fontana Dam,NC-13 miles

To: Mollies's Ridge Shelter-12.4 miles
Miles today: 12.4

We ate a big breakfast (2eggs, grits, bacon and toast) at the restaurant in the lodge before beginning the Smoky Mtns. Everyone we came in contact with in the village and at the lodge were very friendly and helpful. One of the staff members shuttled us to the dam to begin our 12.4 mile hike. The first 5 miles were very HARD for us with LOTS of STEEP ups. During this time, Pilgrim, Jennifer, Mark and Otto caught up with us and passed us. We all met again later for lunch and all except Mark are spending the night at Mollie's Ridge Shelter. The rest of the day was ridge line walking with smaller ups and downs...but still, a LONG, TIRING day. This shelter did not have the chain link fence, but did have a large tarp across the front which kept out the strong winds.
Date: 2007-03-09
From: Mollies's Ridge Shelter-12.4 miles

To: Derrick Knob Shelter-11.7 miles
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: few clouds

Again, we began our hike with very strong winds that lasted until mid morning. The chill factor was very cold to us this morning. After about 2 hours, we were too warm with our wind suits, so we stopped and took them off. The first 6 miles were our EASIEST today, and we did those before lunch. After lunch, we began the STEEP climb up Rocky Top Mtn. The 3 faster hikers who stayed at the shelter with us passed us for a second time today. We found the footpath to be DEEP and NARROW in lots of places, making it tedious walking. There were also many BOULDERS to climb. Jim, the ridgerunner came in shortly after we reached the shelter, and stayed overnight with us. He let us listen to the weather report on his two way radio. A little later, 2 strangers came in to repair the bear cables. It was a noisy night in the shelter with 4 men snoring all night! Jennifer used ear plugs...I will need to get some for myself!!
Date: 2007-03-10
From: Derrick Knob Shelter-11.7 miles

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter-7.2 miles
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: broken clouds

The forecast was for 50% chance of rain, but was a fine mist for part of the morning. We only did 7.2 miles...we were told by the Ridgerunner and a Southbounder that the North side of Clingman's Dome was iced over and felt it was too late in the day under those conditions for us to do another 6.3 miles. That was the distance to the next shelter..plus the 6643ft. elevation up Clingman's Dome did not seem feasable with the ice. We weill feel better attempting that when we are fresh in the morning.Pilgrim and Jennifer went ahead and tackled the 6.3 miles today. They are much "younger" and both can do longer miles than Comer and I. The sun has come out and Comer has prepared Beef Stroganoff with Noodles for our meal. NOTE FOR HAMMOCK HANGER: The SCORE on falls is Comer (1)..Jean (0)!!!! Comer said I MUST be listening to his advice...that I'm better at hiking the Trail this thru-hike than he is...I THINK that is suppose to be a COMPLIMENT!!Someone reading our journal wanted to know what we had mailed home to lighten our packs..we had OVERPLANNED on food to begin with, so we sent extra food home; we sent our 25degree sleeping bags because they were too BULKY and we bought and are using 20degree DOWN bags (they weigh less and take up less space in our packs); my boots were blistering my feet so I had to get different ones (which have NOT caused any problems). Changing boots has been the BEST thing I've done to far. We also had a third layer of clothing for extreme cold that we sent home, because just have not needed to use it. That was all that we sent home and the lighter packs have made a huge difference!!
Date: 2007-03-11
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter-7.2 miles

To: Icewater Springs Shelter-13.8 miles
Miles today: 13.8

After we went to bed last night, several hikers who were out for Spring Break came in for the night. This morning, the shelter was full..there were 14 of us at the shelter. During the night, we had a heavy rain and some hail. We started our hike in a heavy mist and walked in fog until mid morning. This afternoon was very sunny , but it was still chilly. Our 3 mile climb up Clingman's Dome was VERY SLOW and STRENUOUS. The path up was muddy and icy near the summit. When we started down, the North side had large patches of ice that made walking very hard. No falls, but lots of near falls for both of us!WHEN I STARTED DRAGGING AND SLOWING COMER DOWN..HE MAKES ME TAKE THE LEAD..AND THEN ENDS UP TELLING ME TO SLOW DOWN!!!!! Now, I haven't figured out his reasoning or rhyme for that remark, but....... When we arrived at the path to Mt. Collins Shelter, we decided to push on to Icewater Springs Shelter. On the turn of to this shelter, we met another "older" couple by the Trail name of "Toesocks". There are 9 of us sheltering..but more may arrive during the night. We have now walked over 200 miles!!!! Another milestone!!!!!