morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-03-11
From: woody gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: light rain

Home Girl reporting form the Man Cave for Strider:Hiked 11 miles and made it to Neels Gap in the rain and wind.He had to climb 3 mountains, the fog was so thick that the visibilty was less tham 50 yards. he is heading out again today in the rain but his gear is staying dry. Strider will edit this as he gets time. Felt pretty good after a 10+ mile day yesterday. Again the day rain, wind and fog. My gear is holding up real well. All my preparation and gear choices have already proved to be valuable. I'm staying dry, my feet are not blisterd or wet and I am staying warm. From the skin out I am good to go. Beneath the skin is another story. Getting used to the weight on the back is a bit rough on the shoulders. The back is a bit sore after a long day. The feet ache and the ankles arn't too sure that this is a good idea. The brain says I'm going to Maine but the rest of me has yet to commit to anything. Sore for sure but par for the course.
Date: 2010-03-12
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another good mile day today. I felt physically stronger today and the discomforts that I have been experiencing seem to take longer into the day to start acting up. The trail was mostly mud and fallen trees that needed to either be scaled or redirected around. Whereever there was a potential veiwpoint the trees were bent, twisted snapped and laying all over the place. The wind blew hard all day and drove the rain sideways. Made good time and miles early and at the 5 mile marker for the day a flash of lightning lit the fog darkened sky. Booming thunder followed and torrential rain fell. This sequence lasted all day and the muddy trails became slippery and thick. Unicoi Gap was at the 9+ mile for the day and many hikers were going into Helen for the night. I made it to that point by 2:00pm. Coming down Blue Mt at the bottom I could see before I got there that a tent was set up in the parking lot. A couple of Trail Angels were there passing out sandwiches, potato salad and drinks for the hikers. Trail magic at its best. I took advantage of Linda and Dwaynes kindness and headed back up the trail. Moonshine and Terrapin passed me by soon after and they were headed to the Cheese Factory Site another 4.6 miles. I wanted to get up and over 4017 Rocky Mt and down into a lower area to be out of the continuing lightning and thunder. The weather eased a bit and the back side of Rocky Mt provided only steep gullies and nothing good for pitching a tent. Luckily I made it down to Indian Grave Gap and found a level spot to set up my tent. The rain had stopped long enough for me to get set up for the night and eat. Even after woofing down sandwiches at Unicoi I was able to eat a double Mt House(chilimac). As soon as I was done the lightning and thunder began. Unbelievable. The show lasted for a couple of hours and I sure was glad to be down low. The rain fell with increadable force and pounded my tent. I called Homegirl and she made me get off the phone for fear of getting fried. I fell asleep early and woke at 5:00. I decided to get packed up as it wasn't raining but still very dark. I opened the tent to find clear skies and not to cold. Not to far away a turkey greeted the first appearance of light and a brand new day. I was on the trail by 7:00.
Date: 2010-03-13
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

The cheese factory site was only a mile away. It was a steady 400ft climb and I was there in about an hour. There were 3 tents set uo and all was quiet. Moonshine was standing outside his tent looking like he just woke up. I said my hellos and continued up the trail. The trail again went up and up and up as I climbed Tray Mt. Today was the first day since Springer that I was able to get a look at the world below. Up until that point it had been a differant mountain but the same view. FOG. A rabbit scuttled up ahead and a couple of junco's (small grey birds)hung around me as I continued to move. So far at all the 4000 ft plus peaks the ice on the trail has been very difficult to go up and this was no exception. Thanks to the trekking poles for keeping me on my feet and preventing me from rolling an ankle. Many times they have been a very valuable piece of equipment. I stopped at Tray Mt shelter for water and met 4 guys getting ready to hike out of there. We talked about the storm last night and I was curious on how close the lightning actually was as they were at 4200 ft. They said that a few were like right there. The thunder and lightning struck at the same time. The path down from Tray had the most downed trees so far. Had to manuver around and over trees for a very long way. The sun came out so I took off my rain jacket and hung a shirt on my pack to dry. !0 minutes later it was raining again. Go figure. The fog rolled in and the winds kicked up and the rain began to fall. Since I got an early start and most hikers went into town yesterday I figured I had a good chance to make it to the next shelter and get me a spot inside. I had another Mt to cross called Kelly Knob which was at 4276 and a mile up. Then another .09 to the shelter. As I climbed Up and Up and Up the weather began to change for the worse. First off the fog thick as soup rolled in with the help of a cold howeling wind. Then the sleet began to drop. Then the snow began to fall. The top of the mountain was out of sight and I had no idea how much further I had to go. Up Up Up I went. One baby step after another. It was the longest mile that I have ever seen. Finally I got to the blue blaze trail that led me to Deep Gap Shelter .03 miles from the trail. The shelter was located on the east side of the Mt and out of the wind. When I arrived I had the shelter to myself. I unpacked all my gear and got situated on the second level. Before dark Wait&See, Patch and Gravy Crocket showed up. It rained and snowed all night.
Date: 2010-03-14
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 3.3
Weather: light rain

Decided to go into Hiawassee and dry off and sleep in a bed for the night. On the way down from Deep Gap the ice that accumilated on the trees fell as the wind blew sending night crawler size ice chunks down on top of us. It was cold last night and a considerable amount of snow had fallen. Hyway, Wait&See and myself split a room at the Holiday Inn Express. Had a little trail magic on the way in. Got some cheese crackers and a great tasting apple. Picked up my maildrop at the Blueberry Patch and was at the hotel by noon. A hot shower and all you can eat buffet is on the schedual for tonight.Wait&See and myself are going to continue back on the trail with the intention of staying together until N.O.C. We should be out of Georgia and into NC. All is good and I'm still moving north. Thanks again for signing on and becoming a "Hike for Food" partner. I'm loving every day. Strider
Date: 2010-03-16
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: few clouds

Began the day at first light. Usually I am in my sleeping bag when it gets dark and try to catch up on my journal. I am usually very sleepy and before long am fast asleep. Haven't recieved much in the way of complaints on my snoring but as usual am fast asleep within seconds. Problem with that is i am wide awake and ready to go long before the sun comes up. I do prefer to sleep in a tent so that my early departure does not affect others. I was out of Muskrat before 8:00 and glad to see that the snowy trail was hard. It made for easy walking and I made good time. WaitnSee was also up early and passed me within 1/2 hour. My legs and feet were sore from the previous day but got better as the day went on. Had a nice clear day and after a short up hill the trail decended into more dryer and favorable hiking conditions. Had a couple of big climbs and the first was Standing Indian Mt. It was a 1000 ft elevation gain that was more gradual than steep. It's still a put your head down and step one foot after the other. Remember to breath and keep moving slowly up the hill. This was one day that actually provided some views. At the bottom of the Mt I ran into Trinket and his brother Qtip. Trinket saw a doctor in Hiawassee and was now back on the trail. About 1/2 way down Standing Indian the trail remained mostly on the south facing slope and provided a dry and good cruising trail. Dropped back down a bit then had one more climb to get up to the Carter gap shelter. Almost at the top and coming up from behind was WaitnSee. Where have you been. Turns out he lost his gloves and back tracked a couple miles down Standing Indian then hiked all the way back up. He said he had his pack on the side of the trail and was sure I would see it. I didn't. When I climb up a steep incline my head is down and all I see is my next step. It would have helped a great deal if I would have seen his pack because I did find his gloves in the middle of the trail. We had a good camp at Carter gap and it stayed dry with many stars throuout the night.
Date: 2010-03-17
From: Carter Gap shelter

To: Rock gap shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

Again the first one up and out. Heard an owl hooting in the night and then had the pleasure of seeing one silloetted ? Against the grey sky of the morning. It flew off before I got close enough to identify it. Good omen. Made 3.5 miles by 1030 and that is where WaitnSee caught up to me. He said I was hiking well because of how long it took him to catch me he was probably walking on his hands. The climb of the day came soon after and it was Albert Mt. One of those pick and choose every step with hand holds and lots of help from the trekking poles. Finally up top where they say there are great views all that was seen was heavy fog. Not at all dissappointing. The views are great but there is a great deal to be said about the effort put forth and the crazy things that go through your mind as your gasping for breath. Like I gave up a job that required nothing more than cleaning throw up from the carpet and and fishing soiled underware from the 4th grade boys toilet. It was a tough climb as I was trying to get over thato craggy rock Mt top. Hiker after hiker passed me. Even a schnouser dog carrying a pack leaped passed and growled at me to boot. All in all it was a good day and I accomplished some good miles and my body is beginning to feel better. Finally I went over the 100 mile mark. I know some of you have been itching to get that can of yams or prunes off of the shelf. I hope the next 100 miles comes a little quicker. Thank you all very much you are great
Date: 2010-03-18
From: Hiawassee

To: NOC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Home Girl reporting from the Man Cave for Strider:Strider called this morning at 5:30 ( my time) to check in, had to hike to the top of a mountain in the freezing cold to get reception( he must really love his home girl). As I write this he is on his way to Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, NC. For those of you participating in the caneed food drive he has now walked his first 100 miles, so Can him! On a personal note from his home girl thank you to all our friends, family, and readers for offering all your words of support to him. He is so enjoying reading the guest book, and getting a good laugh at some of them( you know who you are). Strider will edit this journal as time permits.--Home Girl
Date: 2010-03-18
From: Rock gap shelter

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

Got an early start again. I need to get up early and get moving if I am to make good miles it's not like I am doing anything else anyway. Coming out of Rock I came down to Winding stair Gap and WAs met by some Trail Servents. They are with the Bible Baptist of Macon and felt a little uneasy about being called angels. None the less they had goodies coffee and cookies, chips , juice and all kinds of food that one could not pass up. The Elams and Stephens and Bradingtons were out there bright and early filling hikers bellies and bringing good cheer. There the elevation was at 3700 and the destination for the day was at 5300 with 2 hard climbs to conquer. It was a beautiful day and every lookout provided a nice view. Got up to Silers Bald at 3600 and had another 3 miles Ito complete the day. The trail all day was dry but suddenly turned around to the north side and was knee deep in snow. Rather slush. I spent the next 3.5 hours trudging through the worst conditions yet and was afraid I was not going to get to my destination before dark. It was hell. I had deep and steep ravines the whole way and imagined laying my sleeping bag on the snow against a tree so i wouldn't roll down the mountain. Needless to say I did make it and did live to see another day. So far my lest favorite day was today. I was sore and worn out and expected a very uncomfortable sleep and a hobbling day to follow.
Date: 2010-03-19
From: Wayah Shelter

To: Rufus Morgan shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

Much to my surprise I had a great night sleep. It was not to cold and the stars and a sliver of new moon was out. Heard owls in the morning and got up at first light. Before I new it I traveled 3.5 miles and was feeling very strong. It was another nice day. When I got to burningtown gap another trail angel was setting up a canopy tent, coolers and a large gas grill. It was going to be another hour or so before the fixins were going to be ready so I continued on. I traveled almost 11 mules before I was passed by other hikers. Wanderer was the first and he asked if I got any of that trail magic. I said I passed to early. He said they were giving out hamburgers hotdogs and beer and moonshine. He stopped talking when he saw the dissappointment in my face. I continued on and climbed the tower at Wesser Bald. A 360 gorgious view on a clear day was really nice to see. I saw where I been and where I am heading. I could see the snow covered peaks in the Smokies to the north. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. From Wesser I had s couple more small climbs and then a very long decent that turned out to be the toughest trail so far. Long reaches down on rocky ledges that required hand over hand and some backward manuvering. At times pretty scary. It was another great day to be on the trail and I wanted to get as close to town as I could so I could have a long day getting ready for the next stretch. I made it over 16 miles and felt very good. I think I am getting conditioned and better prepared for hiking. I want to thank everyone for joining the "hike for food" it really is inspirational for me. Also everyone at home who is helping out with the dogs and keeping Eileen busy. Oh yeah. Bob thanks for all your efforts I know that you are trying to do the best that you can but you should have known that she did not need a little boy what she really needed was a man. Thanks anyway.
Date: 2010-03-20
From: Rufus Morgan shelter

To: NOC Bryson City
Miles today: 0.08
Weather: clear sky

Had a great sunny day. Got showers and laundry done early. Spent the rest of the day sitting on the wall watching kyakers manuvering down the river. Many hikers spent the entire day enjoying a day off the trail. The first substantial day of getting to know a little about theany hikers I've been seeing since Springer and met a few others. Sitting around drinking beer and going over our trail war stories was great fun. There was moonshine and terrapin, ghost, upgrade, bigred, gravycrockett, waitnsee, little buddah, catman, bud, Stuart, and a couple others. Moonshine told me that he sees me as a father figure. Not because I look old or move slow I was thinking. Pretty soon my trekking poles will start looking like canes. Kidding. I know what he ment? I think. I went across the street and bought some mayo and ritz crackers and broke out the jar of smoke salmon I'd been carrying since Hiawassee for such an occasion. Rented a cabin with waitnsee and will be back on the trail early. It begins with a long climb out of NOC.
Date: 2010-03-21
From: NOC Bryson City

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Home Girl reporting form the Man Cave: Strider reports making it into Fontana Dam, has had two very cold nights(has gotten down into the 20) but he seems to be staying warm. Has had many climbs over the last couple of days, a 3000ft climb but very rainey and cold.yesterday he walked a good 15 miles, his legs felt like rubber but was luckey enough to get the last place in the shelter. good thing because he woke up to snow!! He will begin the smokey mountains tommorrow and will head towards Gatlenburg,catching a ride to the hotsprings to meet up with his brother chris who will be hiking with him for a few days. What could his trail name be? Thank you all for joining in the canned food drive and also for visiting his gurst book and leaving your messages. I know he is enjoying reading them.
Date: 2010-03-21
From: NOC Bryson City

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

Left Noc about 9:30. A little late with the expected shuttle back to the trail. Not a good choice of lodging. The trail began at 1723 and went up and around the surrounding hills. Knew ahead of time that it was going to be uphill all day. Took it nice and easy trying to keep a pace that would not burn me out later on. Bad weather was expected to roll in later so I wanted to hit the shelter Asap. It began dark and gray and stayed that way. Whenever I crossed a gap the wind came rolling up from below. After climbing to about 2700ft huge maples were lying uprooted all over the place. The higher I went the stronger the gust. Tops of trees were swaying back and forth. Trees that had toppled but got hung up on another tree creeked and moaned as they rubbed together. My eyes were on the tree tops aheah and not on the trail. Pretty scary. Finally finished the day at 4710ft and got a spot in the shelter just before the snow/rain mix began to fall. Throughout the Smokies the use of shelters is mandatory. Another cold night
Date: 2010-03-22
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light snow

Early start. Low 20s last night. Getting close to being out of the Nantahala wlderness but before I do that I had to climb over Cheoha Bald at 5062ft. The mountains are getting higher which doesn't lessen the cold temps at all. A little rain mixed with snow and enhanced by a whole lot of wind. I find it incredible that the rododendrons and mountain laurel are/stay green even through the heavy snow and cold. The trail was wet and slippery all day. Thought about only doing 9 miles as I headed into Brown Gap Shelter for lunch. Nobody else was there so I knw they went on to the next one. Upgrade stopped in for lunch and moved on. My legs had already felt like rubber but I went for it anyway. My guidebook has left out many elevation gains on the trail and when you think you only have 1 more climb and it turns out to be 3 dirty words spill from your mouth uncontrollably. Worked hard all day and finally made it to Cable Gap. The final 6 miles were not difficult as difficult goes but it really wore me out. Got the last spot in the shelter. Been keeping up with tup - upgrade - moonshine & terripin - waitnsee.
Date: 2010-03-23
From: Cable Gap Shelter

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

Cold again last night but had only a short walk into Fontana. Ice accumulated on the trees and was showered as the day got above freezing. Could see the Fontana lake below but could not get any good photos because of the trees. It was a mice walk in and I guess subconsciously when your day has only 5 Miles your mind reacts differanty. Got into town and picked my mail drop up at the PO. Actually I had 3. I mailed excess gear from Dahlanega to lessen my pack weight. I kept a few items but mailed the rest home. Hung out and sorted everything before goin to the Hiker Inn. Got a ride into robinsville for some cash and a Mexican dinner. On the way I was undecided on a couple cold coronas or a few margarettas. Turned out to be a dry town. Just my luck
Date: 2010-03-24
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: few clouds

Another long uphill day. Crossed the Fontana Dam and began the day the same way it was going to go all day. Up. Starting at 1700ft and ending at 4570. Some were looking to accomplish another 15+ mile day and I would have liked to keep up. It was a perfect day. Clear skies and a warm sun. The condition of the trail was nice and clean. Wide with not much rock or roots. It was all up. At the 6 mile mark for the day I reached the fire tower. Had a rare and beautiful view of the entire mt range. Got a call into Homegirl and filled her in on the past week. Verizon is the service that gets the most service around here with AT&T o am very limited. Had a block of cheese lunch and continued north and up. Did contact Chris and made plans to have him meet me in Gatlenburg to hike into Hot Springs so I wouldent have to shuttle myself to meet up with him. So up up up from there I went. Kind of like being on a roller coaster when the row of cars start acending the the high point of the ride. Under you you hear the click click click of the chain and sprocket slowly bringing the cars up to the top. Strange visions and thoughts enter your mind and help propel you along up up up click click click. The rise was not very steep but it was continuous. Began light with my water and never found anymore. Finally at onemore climb I made to Mollies Ridge Shelter under still clear and sunny skies. A couple of spring breakers were there. I got water from down below and decided instead of tacking 3 more miles I would settle there for the night. I lost the rest of my crew but I had had enough for this day. I had a bottle of schnapps and some hot chocolate and was able to trade out for other dessert options. Now I know why they call it the Smokies.
Date: 2010-03-25
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

A strong wind blew all night. Didn't affect us in the shelter much as it came from the back side. A large tarp covered the front which flapped a lot but kept the wind out. Little Buddah came in later last night and was the first to get up and go. He wanted to try and catch catman who had moved ahead the day before. The 3 spring breakers were going the other way to Fontana and began the day off the same way they ended last night. In a foggy haze. Nice kids. The wind stopped completely at 7:00. Like someone shut it off. Twenty minutes into the hike the snow on the trail began. Now and again the trail became snowfree but the trail became running streams of water. The combination of snow, water and mud made slow going. The wind again picked up and the gust were very strong. A place called Spence field is a wide open area that had me totally exposed to the winds blasting me with rain and almost knocking me to the ground. I had to dip my weight into the wind to maintain my balance. These conditions continued as I made my way up Thunderhead Mt at 5527. The old huge trees were swaying and creaking with entire trees ripped from their roots and branches scattered everywhere. It's hard not to imagine something come crashing down on top of me. Very tough day today but better than yesterday. Tomorrow I cross the highest point at 6643