morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-03-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

HIKING LIST1 Canon SD 10 Digital Camera1 Gregory Wind River Bag1 MSR Simmerlighter Stove22 Ounce Fuel Bottle1 Spoon1 Salt 1 Cayenne Pepper1 Polar Pure Water Disinfectant1 Ducks Back Pack Cover1 Black Umbrella1 Petzl Tikka Headlamp1 One Litre Nalgene Bottle1 1.5 Litre Nalgene Bottle2 Mesh Food Bags (blue and black)1 5 Litre Waterproof Bag10 Meters blue rope1 Bandana (black)1 Feathered friends Sleeping Bag1 Seratus Stuff Bag1 Tarp Ground Cloth1 Full-length Therma Rest1 Nomad Light Tent2 REI Hiking Poles1 Reef Flip FlopsCLOTHES1 Long John1 Polartec Long Sleeve Shirt1 Quick Dry Shorts1 Rain Pants1 Goretex Shell1 Gators1 Toque1 Wool Gloves3 Pair Wool Socks3 Pair Liners1 Limmer Boots1 TrowelTOILETRIES1 Travel Toothbrush1 Toothpaste1 Dental Floss1 Gold bond Foot powder1 Goldbond Medicated Powder5 Ounces Rubbing Alcohol30 AdvilMulti-vitaminsSecond-SkinMoleskinMED-KITBand-AidsFucidin Anti-Biotic CreamTape1 Thermometer Roll-AidsMetro Nidazole (for Giardia)TOWN CLOTHES1 Short1 T-ShirtINFO BAGAT Data book 2002Through-Hikers HandbookJournalCell-phoneBOUNCE BOX1 Boot Oil1 Hiking Shoes1 Nail File1 Duct Tape1 Gold bond1 Foot Powder1 Rubbing Alcohol1 Pair Liners1 Knee Brace1 Hiking Shoes1 Laces1 USB Cable1 Camera Recharger1 Cell Phone RechargerLevaquin (Respiratory)Vioxx4 Kilos Smarties2 Extra Plastic Bottles
Date: 2004-04-01
From: Springer Mountain

To: Three Forks Campground
Miles today: 6.0

We woke up at 7:30 in Atlanta and ate some bacon and eggs to bolster our strength. After that it was final prep before hoping in the car and heading out.I must admit I was quite nervous at this point, as this trip of mine was finally happening. There is so much uncertainty in an endeavor such as this and to begin to think is to send your mind spinning. Oh well, just plow on I kept thinking.We got to Amicolola at around noon and after checking in and weighing our packs (46 lbs, ouch!), we drove to Springer Mtn.when we got to Springer Pat and I unloaded and Mom, Dad, Pat and I climbed the 1 mile to the top of the mountain. The climb wasn't bad, but the legs were burning!When we reached the summit we signed in and took the obligatory shots. Nerves. We descended and at the bottom I bid adieu to the parents and Pat and I headed out.We only did 6 miles today and are camping at the Three Forks campground. After a delicious pasta dinner cooked by a former thru hiker (and Carleton grad) we moseyed back to our site and settled in for the evening.The skies are clear, but its quite chilly. I'm a little anxious for the first night but I'm feeling that it is to be expected.Love to all,T.O.
Date: 2004-04-02
From: Three Forks

To: Justice Creek
Miles today: 9.5

First full day on the trail !!!!We started out about 8 am with a snickers and a few gulps of water. We broke camp at about 8:30 and started north.We took our first break at Long Creek Falls and this is where I received my Trail baptism.We met Loon down there after hearing from a troop of boy scouts that there was a naked man down there so we'd better watch out. Loon was there dressing as we approached. He told me it was time for my Trail baptism and that I needed to strip down and walk beneath the Falls. I did and it was totally exhilarating. I thought there was a slight chance I was going to have a heart attack and what a shame it would be, but in the end it was awsome. There are some PG photos documenting the event.Now in the club, we headed on toward Hawk Mtn. We ended up eating at Hawk and after that Pat (now named Baby Blue) and I took a silly turn and blew 45 minutes walking up a hill in the wrong direction. After that it was 7 miles to Justice Creek where were are now.The day was great with us spending most of our time with Loon. He's a 62 year old who's completed the trail 5 times! funny enough he is a Carleton grad who now lives in Hastings, Mn. What a small world.The body feels good, if not a little sore. We went a little far for my taste today, but we should have an easier day tomorrow.One last thought, anyone who thinks walking 9.5 miles of the Georgia AT is easy should come and see it for themselves!Much love to allT.O. (now just T.)
Date: 2004-04-03
From: Justice Creek

To: View Entry
Miles today: 6.0

Well we took a short 6 mile day today in keeping with our start slow plan.The hiking was pretty easy and the weather was gorgeous. Sunshine all day.We got into camp at around 1 PM and proceeded to spend the rest of the day trying out our gear and lying in the sun. I was also taking care of my first problem.Despite taping my feet this morning, I have been struck with my first blister. By the afternoon I had a big alien looking bubble on my big toe. Ouch is right!I lanced it this evening but unfortunately it has filled again. We have a tough 10 mile day tomorrow so I will tape in the morning and keep a close watch.We hiked most of the day with Cliff, a really nice 20 year old guy from Kentucky. Depending on how things go (feet etc) I am sure will spend a lot of time with him.We also ran into Loon and Eastwind at various points and ate a terribly burned bowl of saffron rice and beans with Java. Java shares our love of coffee so I am sure she'll be looking for the next tie our friends pass together.It's windy and cold tonight so I plan on just trying to stay warm beneath the brilliant full moon.Much love to allTee Dot
Date: 2004-04-04
From: Goose Creek Cabins

To: Maine
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

A very interesting 4th day on the Trail.We started the day amid gale force winds and 30 degree temps at Woody Gap. Last night started with a beautiful full moon, but after about 9:30 the wind started. I don't think I have ever experienced such high winds for such a long period of time, but suffice it to say, that I was cold and awake for the better part of the night.We broke camp at about 7:30 after I lanced my big toe blister for the 2nd time. Blisters, unfortunately, turned out to be a big part of the day's story. I tended to them just about every hour and fortunately made it through the day. I am looking into getting insoles for my boots to help cut down on the up and down rubbing of my heel. I am hopeful that these will clear up pretty soon.We hiked the whole day with Cliff (now Red Man) and ran into a number of familiar faces along the way. It's really fun to see all the faces and personal ties over and over again along the way.In addition to the blisters, I also committed the bonehead error of the day trying to cut a piece of moleskin with an upside-down knife. the result-a big gash in my finger that bled profusely for an hour. I will be more careful now.the highlight of the day is a two way tie between the view from Blood Mtn. and the pot luck dinner thrown by the owner of the hostel in which we are staying.The view from Blood, Georgia's highest peak (4500 ft) was incredible in that we could see Springer Mtn. where we began.Tonight we are staying in a cabin with Red Man and tomorrow we'll hit the Trail again.I am looking forward to a night in a bed.till next time,Much love to all"T"
Date: 2004-04-05
From: Neels Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 12.0

This was our first really tough day on the Trail.We left Neels Gap at around noon after completing a number of necessary town chores. I picked up my bounce box and re-supplied. As well, after being told that my boots were too small and this was the cause of my blisters, I purchased new lighter weight boots. I am really hoping that this helps solve my blister problems. Time will tell. For the foreseeable future I will be taking special care of my feet. We've been stopping hourly to talcum powder (dry) and change socks.It was tough hiking in the new boots and after starting at noon it was a real push making it the 12 miles before dark. We rolled in at about 7:30 and got quickly to the task of cooking dinner.Two ravens later we headed to bed for the night.I'll have to watch the blisters and take care of the knees. We plan on taking a fairly light day tomorrow.Till later,With love to allTee Dot.
Date: 2004-04-06
From: Poplar Stop

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

After yesterdays late start and long day we decided to take it a little easier today.We broke camp at about 9:30 and walked a fairly leisurely 5 hours to Blue Mtn. Shelter. Compared to what we had heard the terrain was quite difficult. It was up and down all day on the precarious shale type rocks.The blisters/feet feel better today but the left knee was giving me some problems. Other people seem to be having similar difficulties with the knees and I have a sneaking suspicion that it is the new boots. We have a solid 10 mile day tomorrow so I will keep an eye on it.More to come......
Date: 2004-04-07
From: Blue Mtn. Shelter

To: Addis Gap
Miles today: 13.0

Today was a long day on the Trail but that said, BIG dividends in the end.We left Blue Mtn. at around 9:30 after hearing about Red's harrowing tale. It seems as though the mice in the shelters were worse than we thought. The story goes that Red woke up at 3:30 am to a rusttle in his bag. After a couple seconds trying to figure what was going he realized that there was a mouse in the bottom of his bag. Furious, and very uncomfortable, he got out of his bag and carried it to the fire. he then dumped the thing over the fire. he just missed and the mouse lived. The moral of the story is stay in the shelters and live with the mice.Back to hiking.As I said before, we left Blue Mt. at 9:30 and descended 1000 ft. much to the shock and alarm of my knees. We continued up and down for the rest of the day and most everything felt pretty good. It was a beautiful sunny day which made for interesting views on most.Just when the day was really starting to drag, after 8 hours of kiking, we began to see signs of Adis Gap. It turns out that we were just in time for the 11th Annual party at Addis. The party was thrown by the home team -a number of thru hikers from 06.   They set up shop in the huge campground and supplied non stop food and beers from a keg in the river. The beer was great, but the food was amazing. After 6 days on the Trail I can't explain what fresh fruit, baked potatoes, clam chowder and all the munchies you could manage to eat. All they asked was that we sign the guestbook and enjoy.We spent the evening gorging ourselves around the campfire and firing off stories. This was a perfect example of "Trail Magic" and is the thing that lifts the spirits when you seemingly most need it.Tomorrow it is 6 miles to Dick's Creek gap where we'll camp and head into town the day after. I need to keep an eye on the knee and my mangled heels.Till Later,Much love to all T
Date: 2004-04-08
From: Addis Gap

To: Maine
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: broken clouds

TRAIL MAGICTrail magic is what thru hikers use to refer to any gifts received along the way.Trail magic usually comes in the form of food, say an orange here or a cookie there. They are usually simple items that are relatively insignificant to the "angels" that give them, but can turn a day sunny for a hiker.The party at Adis Gap on the 7th would be an extreme example of Trail Magic. but anything will be appreciated.No real news to report. Easy hike from Addis to Dick's Creek-anticipating 1st day in town.
Date: 2004-04-09
From: Hiawassee, Georgia

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

First 0 day in town-amazing!We got a hitch into Hiawassee at 8:30 this morning from a really nice guy named Allen from Haysville N>C>Our first stop was the Hiawassee Inn where we dropped our packs and ran to the local breakfast joint. It turns out my eyes were a little bigger than my stomach and the platter of biscuits and gravy, pancakes, hash browns, eggs, toast and coffee were a little more than I had bargained for. I did eat most of it however, and the $6.50 bill was more than worth it.We literally rolled out of there and headed back to the motel for a hot shower and laundry. I can't explain what a relief it was to finally get in the shower after 9 days out-a clean feeling I will always remember.With clean clothes and a clean body, we headed back into town to buy a couple of things and send home some things that wernt being used. I finally decided that it was ludicrious to be carrying all 350 pages of "One Hundred Years of Solitude" so I cut out the 1st 30 pages and sent the rest forward. These were the things experienced hikers do in order to reduce weight and more fully enjoy their hikes.Next it was to the supermarket for food re-supply which is always a mixed blessing. Your bag is always exponentially heavier than when you got off the Trail which means slower going.the last stop of the day was Daniel's "All you can Eac" AYCE Steak House. The place was a total zoo and the fried food was coming from all sides. At this point, after sizing up the situation, I made the rookie mistake of going big on the fried foods thereby leaving little room for the fruits and veggies. I did manage to get a plate of salad down, but I was disgustingly full upon my exit. The whole thing cost a startingly cheap $6.50 so I was satisfied.After dins it was back to the motel for a couple beers and then packing up for tomorrow.Tomorrow its back out there!Until thenMuch love to all T
Date: 2004-04-10
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Maine
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a long tough day but we crossed our first state line so spirits are high.We crossed in NC at Bly Gap after a fairly routine set of medium sized mountains. I was, however, suffering from my first "town hangover" so the hiking was tough. No more AYCE beffets and hot showers for another week.We ate lunch at Cowart Gap-the usual snickers bars, sardine sandwich and tortilla with peanut butter and nutella. The best part was we were with a whole new crew including Saffron another of the Minnesotans. she is a great girl from Bloomington with a priceless MN accent.After lunch we crossed into NC and immediately climbed 800 ft in just over a mile. Needless to say what they say about GA kicking you in the but and NC punching you in the teeth was totally true.We arrived at Muskrat Creek at 6 pm and made a wonderful dinner of Knorr Three cheese pasta and crackers. It's a little weird being out again, but it feels good.the weather has been a hot topic of conversation as rain was forecast but it looks like we'll continue our streak of 10 days without rain. The fingers remain crossed.that's it for now, but more to comeMuch love to all   T.
Date: 2004-04-11
From: Muskrat Creek

To: Carter Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

More phenomenal Trail Magic.We left Muskrat a little late after getting a good bit of rain from about 4 am on. the tent held up pretty well, but I'd take a shelter any day.Either way, we left around 10 with a moderate drizzle and the hiking was pretty easy. About 4 miles in, just as the stomach was starting to grumble, we came across the 13th Annual Easter Breakfast at Deep Gap, NC.A number of former thru hikers seem to have gotten in the habit of cooking the most phenomenal breakfast for all thru hikers coming through. In addition to the ham and veggie omelets, these "angels" were making chi tea and sandwiches to go. We stuck around for an hour and with swollen belly contd. on and finally reached Carter Gap shelter. We ended up packing 9 of us (Danni, Marinaa, (dog) Saffron, Kinick, Ed, Blue , Carl and I) in the shelter to stay away from the impending rain.Sat around the fire before packing it in. Tent is outside drying so hoping for no rain. T.
Date: 2004-04-12
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Maine
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: broken clouds

First 100 miles crossed !!and then the rains came.I was awakened with a start last night at around midnight to the pitter patter of rain on the tin roof of the shelter.I was awakened as well by the flurry of action as Red and Safron were racing to get on their rain gear to retrieve our "drying" tents.I got up to see what they had brought in and mistakenly identified my tent. I went back to sleep.My alarm went off at 7 and my first look out of the shelter, into the pouring rain, revealed my tent "drying" in a tree. It was soaked. Totally dismayed I rolled over and went back to sleep. We all got up at 8 and sized up the rain situation. Our initial feeling was to hang out and be lazy all day, but as the rain let up we headed out. We walked in the rain the entire day which was unbearably cold by the end. Thank goodness the hiking was pretty easy and we rolled into Rock Gap at about 5:30. the one tough part of the day was the climb over Albert mountain. Albert was a bear with a good part of it being a technical scamper over wet rocks. We stood by the fire for most of the evening and are now retiring.After 12 days and 100 miles I am definitely acclimating to the routine. The knees feel good and the blisters are slowly being reined in.Re-stock tomorrow in Rainbow springs.Till laterMuch love to all   T.
Date: 2004-04-13
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, N.C.
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: light rain

Wow did we have a storm last night!There were 7 of us in the shelter with me on the end. We turned in around 10PM to lightning in the distance. I dozed off. Shortly thereafter I was almost immediately awakened to the crack of thunder and the opening of the skies.It only took about 5 minutes of this torrential downpour to wash Dani and Martina out of their tent next to the shelter. They ran in in the rain and we pushed inside to make space. The storm intensified to a feverish pitch, the likes of which I have never seen. The lightening and thunder were now occurring simultaneously and we all thought Armagedon was upon us.We ended up riding out the storm like sardines packed in tight and as a result I had a pretty sleepless night.The next morning, totally drenched and tired, Red, Blue, Enigma and I made the decision to hitch into Franklin for a motel stop and re-supply.We had a humongous lunch at the local Pizza Hut and then spent the better part of the afternoon and evening shopping for better equipment and ways to drop pack weight. I'll let you know tomorrow how much weight I'll be able to get rid of.Looking forward to a good night sleep in the motel. Three inches of snow predicted for the mountains-thank goodness we're not out there.Till later,Much love to all,T.O.
Date: 2004-04-14
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayu Bald Observation Tower
Miles today: 8.1

And the Snows Came !!We woke up at 7:30 in the motel in Franklin to the news that the snows had come to the Carolina Mountains, with a little protest we decided to head out to the Trail.We got a lift out of town from this really nice guy in a gigantic pickup truck. Enigma sat up front leaving Red, Blue and I freezing in the truck bed.The hiking wasn't particularly difficult at the outset, but as the miles ticked by we gained elevation and the temperature plummeted.At mid day we crested over Siler Mt. and walked out onto our first bald. What an amazing sight! It was a high grassy field high atop the mountain and it was completely covered in snow.The walk after that was incredible. We were traversing the ridgeline in 5 inches of snow and the wind had died.At 6:30 we made it to Weya Bald and its magnificent view. We could see 15 miles across the mountains and all the peaks we'd traversed. Awesome!!!!Despite the views, the temp. was plummeting and we were still at 5,340 ft.We knew it would be warmer lower down, but we didn't have enough sunlight to make the next shelter. After 5 minutes discussion we decided to stay in the observation tower atop the mountain.The four of us froze.I lived to tell the tale, but suffice it to say none of us slept very well. Tomorrow the weather is supposed to break.Till later,Much love to all.T.
Date: 2004-04-15
To: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

What a difference a day makes.We left the tower at 8:30 and immediately began descending in the snow. Needless to say we were all exhausted after last night's fiasco in the cold.We pushed on, however, and as the miles ticked by the temp. skyrocketed. It got so hot by mid afternoon that we took a 20 minute break on the Wesser Bald Firetower and lay with nothing but shorts on. We had a breathtaking view of the Smoky Mtns. and a brilliant sunshine overhead.We did push on and after 11 hours and 16 + miles we pulled into A. Rufus Morgan Shelter.The hike today was strenuous, highlighted by a 4,000 ft. drop into the Nantahalm Gorge. Everyone was hobbling tonight. The knees ache in a good way and I'm looking forward to a good night's sleep.Tomorrow a 0 day at the Nantahula Outdoor Centre (NOC).Needed rest for the knees.Till Later,Much love to all,T
Date: 2004-04-16
From: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Centre
Miles today: 0.7
Weather: few clouds

0 day on the bank of the Nantahala River.Right before bed Red, Blue, Java and I made a deal that we'd all get up at 6:30 and walk the .7 into NOC for the am restaurant opening. Amazingly the plan worked to a T and at 8:30 I was three coffees deep and delving into three pancakes, bacon, two eggs, grits, and two biscuits. I was in heaven!After breakfast I showered, picked up my bounce box and took orders for my trip into town.Java and I got a hitch in no time and were cruising around Bryson City by 12:30.Our first stop was the post office where I sent my brother, Matt,my flash card with my first 80 pictures and forwarded my bounce box to Gatlinberg Tn.We left the post office and got a hitch across town to the local supermarket to re-supply our food stocks. In addition, as a surprise to everyone, we bought a couple of lasagnes and a ton of salad for a feast back at the cabin.Our hitch home took a little longer to get, but we got one in the end. Our ride was from the first true back woods southerner of the trip.this guy spoke in an unintelligable drawl and was missing most of his bottom teeth from his dip infested gums. I managed to eke out a 20 minute fishing conversation before the ride finally ended.We're now back at NOC with full bellies sippin on a couple of cold ones.We head out tomorrow where a 12 mile day and a 2000 ft. climb await. Until then,Much love to all,T.
Date: 2004-04-17
From: NOC

To: Cheoah Bald
Miles today: 8.0

IT IS REALLY HARD LEAVING TOWN!!!!We dined on biscuits and grits, and eggs this morning before pushing off from the comforts of NOC.The climb out of the gorge (the whole day for that matter), was uphill, uphill, uphill.There wasn't much to remark upon except that we spent the night at the most beautiful bald yet.Chesah Bald provides one of the most gorgeous panoramic views in all directions. There were about 15 of us up there hanging out.This is what it's all about.Till later, Muich love to all"T"
Date: 2004-04-18
From: Cheoah Bald

To: Cable Gap Shelter (tent)
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was a really hot, really tough day!I got up at 6:15 at Cheoah Bald and watched the most unbelievable sunrise. Saffron and I were the only ones out there and I really felt like the whole place was mine. It was phenomenal.We left camp at 9 and headed north. The terrain was undulating for the first 5 miles and then came the beast. We climbed 1000 ft. in a half mile in 85 degree heat. It was definitely the toughest climb yet and almost crippled the entire crew.After we made the summit we stopped for lunch and ended up hanging out for nearly 2 hours. We were totally beat.After lunch we did another 8 miles in an equally searing heat and rolled into camp just shy of 7:30.Everyone is totally beat and thinking about a solid nights sleep.Tomorrow we'll do 7 into Fontana Dam to re-supply before the Smokies.More later,Much love to all"T"