morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-02-28
From: Amicalola Falls State Park (Approach Trail)

To: Big Stamp Gap, Ga
Miles today: 1.0
Weather: few clouds

Wednesday morning, Feb 26th, Nancy and I were heading south towards Georgia by 5 AM. It was slow going through Washington DC, with stop and go traffic along with snow showers, but we still managed to get to our hotel by 5PM in the town of Spartanburg SC. We arrived at our final destination Thursday morning Feb 27th, about 11AM at Amicalola Falls State Park. The first order of business was to sign in at the visitors center. I was thru- hiker number 112. My wife and I bought a few souvenir shirts and I bought snacks for the Approach Trail hike. Next, was the official weigh in of my pack. With winter clothing and gear and 70 ounces of water and four days of food supply, my pack weighed 31 pounds. It will probably fluctuate between 26 and 32 pounds throughout most of the hike, so I am happy with that. I went with my Go-Lite Quest pack because it has many access points to my gear. Until we were able to get into our hotel room, we toured the state park and had a good lunch. We have a nice room at the lodge with a balcony looking out over the mountains.I had good weather for my first day of hiking. It started out at 28 degrees but warmed up to 50 degrees. The Approach Trail is 8.8 miles long which includes 604 steps that climb up along side of the Amicalola Falls.These falls are the highest cascading falls east of the Mississippi River. You will notice in the mileage count above it only shows that I hiked one mile, but I actually hike 9.8 miles today. The Approach Trail mileage, is not calculated in the official mileage of the trail. I will hike many miles not tabulated in the actual mileage. I will only be entering official AT mileage throughout my trip. Ron Brown Shuttle Services picked me up at the parking lot one mile below Springer Mountain. He dropped me off at the Amicalola Lodge to have one more evening with Nancy. Ron Brown will pick me up at 9AM tomorrow morning and take me back to the exact spot where he picked me up today and I will start traveling north. Nancy will drive to her daughter's home and spend several days there before going home. I have been communicating with you since early August. I have enjoyed writing of my experiences. You all are great folks and I appreciate your support. I have talked the talk, now please join me while I walk the walk.
Date: 2014-03-01
From: Big Stamp Gap, Ga

To: Cooper Gap, Ga.
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

Saying good-bye to my wife this morning in front of the Amicalola Falls Lodge, was one of the hardest moments of my life. We have never been apart for much more than a week and my heart is as heavy as my pack.Ron Brown had me back on the trail by 10 AM. I highly recommend Ron Brown's Shuttle Service, plus he has a wealth of information that he willingly shares with you.Remember the 604 steps I mentioned near the Amicalola Falls? I met a man, Jack Fussell, who ran up and down the steps 50 times. He also ran and walked across America. His website is acrosstheland2013.com if you are interested.I have met many interesting people so far. Tonight I am camped at Cooper Gap with Turtle and Junebug. I am in my tent and I suspect most nights I will be. It was a good hiking day; I felt strong.I have eaten and hung my bear bag, and now I am going to say goodnight. Time to read the Bible.
Date: 2014-03-02
From: Cooper Gap, Ga.

To: Lance Creek, Ga.
Miles today: 12.0

I slept well last night. I was up at 6:30 am, packed up, and I was on my way by 8 am. I forgot to mention yesterday, that I went over Sassafras Mountain which is 3,342 feet high; the highest climb of the trip so far.As I approached Woody Gap, I could smell good food. When I came out into the clearing, I was called over by Fresh Ground. He yelled out," I've got hot dogs over here!" He had a very nice setup, all kinds of food. Three hotdogs and three glasses of cool aid later, I thanked him and I was on my way.Tonight I am tenting high on a ridge with many other hikers, at Lance Creek. Cooled my feet off in the creek. The reason this place is so popular is because between here and Neels Gap you are not allowed to camp unless you have a bear canister. Too much bear activity in this area, and too many interactions with people.So I plan on being at Neels Gap at about 1 pm. Here I will get my first resupply at Mountains Crossings. They are a full service outfitter and I have been told the AT runs right through the store. Its like when you visit a museum and the exit is through the gift shop, except I think most people that go through Neels Gap will be buying something.I had to pull my belt tighter this morning, losing weight already. I predicted my weight would go down to 165 toward the end of the journey. I started out at 187. Don't worry mom, I am eating good. Time to think about sleep. Bible time. Good night.
Date: 2014-03-03
From: Lance Creek, Ga.

To: Neel Gap, Ga.
Miles today: 7.4

Last night it was nice to be with all the thru hikers at the campfire having good conversation into the night.For my first three days of hiking I had good weather. Temps between mid twenties and mid sixties. Cloudy to sunny days. But that all changed today. It started raining about 4:30 am ,so I was up at 5 am packing in the rain. I left camp with my headlamp on.The rain made the hike up and over Blood Mountain (4458 feet high) difficult. Everything was soaking wet, me and most of my gear, so I was probably five pounds heavier because of the soaked pack. One theory for why it is called Blood Mountain is because of the Indian battles on the mountain that made the mountain run red with blood.I made it to Neel gap about 11 am. I purchased a bunk, a hot shower, and I washed and dried my clothes. I had to buy a pair of socks and some batteries at the outfitters, and like the person said in my guest journal, "very expensive." Not much to eat here: sandwiches, pizza, hotdogs, and various drinks. It is now 5 pm and there are about ten hikers here. A barracks type atmosphere, reminds me of basic training in the Army.Tomorrow, I am heading out early with Four Fingers and Bangerang. I met them yesterday and I really like them a lot. We will be going about 11 miles.So many of you have signed my guest book in the last couple of days. I read them all. I hear you. Thank you. It gives me energy. Bless you for that. I better go eat before they close.Good fortune to you all.
Date: 2014-03-04
From: Neel Gap, Ga.

To: Low Gap Shelter, Ga.
Miles today: 11.5

I am glad I pack earplugs. If you are a light sleeper like me, you are gonna need them in the hostels and shelters. Earplugs and trekking poles, I wouldn't leave home without them.Leaving Neel Gap this morning, was like walking through a winter wonderland. The temperature was below 32 degrees, and ice had frozen on all the trees in the forest. It was like walking through crystal.I am in a shelter tonight because all the ice is now falling and it is too dangerous to put up a tent. It could put a hole in the tent and ruin it.The temperature right now is about 32 degrees, and there are 8 people in this shelter. It is packed tight. It's getting late so I'll say good night.
Date: 2014-03-05
From: Low Gap Shelter, Ga.

To: Unicoi Gap, Ga.
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: broken clouds

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY GRANDDAUGHTER JESSICA !The ice was falling from the tops of the trees onto the roof of the shelter until about 4 am.Everyone in the shelter seemed to get up around 6:30 am. I did not see any mice or mice damage, for which shelters are notorious. We ate and packed and were on our way by 8 am. Ice crystals from the trees were still falling all around us as we hiked along. Finally, the temperature was high enough to turn it to water.Yesterday, as we entered Tesnatee Gap, at mile 37.7, we again walked into trail magic. A church group was waiting for us with coffee, hot chocolate, all varieties of snacks, and hats that were woven by the church ladies. Its a great way for them to witness their faith.It was time for me to resupply, so at Unicoi Gap, Four fingers and I got a shuttle into Hiawassee, and we split a room for the night. Four Fingers received his trail name because while cutting wood with his knife, he badly cut one finger, and he can't use it much right now.Two needs have to be met right away, the need to eat (hikers eat a lot), and the need to be clean again. Eat a lot, is first for me, so at the Dairy Queen down the street, I consumed four cheeseburgers, large fries, and three glasses of Dr. Pepper. (Happy Mom?) After that a shower, and I washed and dried my clothes. I then went to the pharmacy and the bank and the grocery store for another week of food.We just ordered a big pizza for supper and soon I will relax and sleep.Tomorrow morning, I will get up at seven and go to breakfast at the Subway down the street. The shuttle will take us back at 9 am to the exact spot we left yesterday, and I will continue my hike north.I am getting my trail legs and starting Friday, I will start pushing for 15 mile days. It can't always be done because of the numerous mountains we have to hike over, but I'll do my best.AgainThank you for your support
Date: 2014-03-06
From: Unicoi Gap, Ga.

To: Deep Gap Shelter, Ga.
Miles today: 13.1

My first trail town resupply in Hiawassee was a good experience. Everything went well. The hotel manager shuttled us back to Unicoi Gap and we were hiking north by 9:30 am.We made good miles today despite the fact that we were going slower and started later because our packs were probably 10 pounds heavier. I now have about seven days of food.Tray Mountain was the big climb today at 4,430 feet.I didn't plan on staying at a shelter tonight, but the weather is cold and windy, and it is presently snowing. We have a tarp across the doorway to block the cold air from coming in. There are about six of us here tonight.There is a chance that I might enter NC tomorrow. I think the weather forecast is for rain most of the day.Time for bed. Goodnight.
Date: 2014-03-07
From: Deep Gap Shelter, Ga.

To: Bly Gap, NC
Miles today: 12.6

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY GRANDDAUGHTER DANIELLEEveryone in the shelter started to getting up at 5:45 because most of the hikers had to go into town and resupply. I didn't need to. So with my headlamp on, I cooked breakfast; oatmeal and coffee.By 12 noon the rain had stopped, but I was soaking wet despite having rain gear on, so I needed to get to the next shelter to put on dry clothes. After arriving at the shelter, I changed out my clothes and decided to cook supper in case it rained again. I could just have a snack later.So I had Raman noodles and I cut up Spam and mixed it all together in my pot. It doesn't sound too good, I know, but out here it's like steak and spaghetti.I had two personal achievements today. Number 1-I surpassed my personal continuous hiking record of 75 miles. Now every day I will be breaking that record. Number 2- today I crossed into North Carolina. One state down and thirteen to go.I am camped at Bly Gap tonight (3833) and from my tent I can see the mountain range in front of me. Four Fingers can't get the fire going because the wood is too wet. My clothes are hanging in the tree out front in hopes that they will dry. Not supposed to have rain tonight. It is 6:30 pm and I can still see the outside without a headlamp. Bear bag is hung, I am in my tent listening to country on my radio, and writing this.I spoke too soon when I said that I wanted to start 15 miles today. Looking ahead, the North Carolina mountains are higher and tougher than the mountains in Georgia, so for now I will do the best I can as I travel north on this amazing Appalachian Trail.Good night.Bible time.
Date: 2014-03-08
From: Bly Gap, NC

To: Carter Gap Shelter, NC
Miles today: 15.3

Last night, about 11:30 pm, I thought someone was shining a light into my tent. I went outside to check and saw the brightest half moon ever, and hundreds of bright stars lighting up the mountain top. If the weather were warmer, I would have taken my sleeping bag out and slept under the stars.The tree in the photograph is probably the most photographed tree on the AT. I was camping about 50 yards away.We were up at 6 am. My hiker friend does not have enough food, so I am sharing my food with him. I will have to make an unscheduled visit to Franklin, NC, to resupply my food. We only have enough food till Monday breakfast, but I should be in Franklin by Monday afternoon.I will take advantage of this, and in addition to resupplying food, I will shower and do laundry. I haven't shaved since I have been out here; don't care so far. Maybe a growth of beard will help me stay warm.Well what do you know, I did fifteen miles today. I am up higher in North Carolina than I was in Georgia. Most of my hiking today was ridge line hiking which wasn't too hard.It wasn't my intention to spend so many days in a shelter, but until my friend gets his food, I need to stick close to him and he likes the shelters.Thank you everyone for your inspiring comments. I think about them all the time while I am walking this great trail north.Good night.
Date: 2014-03-09
From: Carter Gap Shelter, NC

To: Rock Gap Shelter, NC
Miles today: 12.1

A big hello to my friends at EM. I have seen your posts and I thank you. I like my new day work job and the pay is first class.My, how did I sleep so late? I didn't. I forgot it was daylight savings time. We sprung ahead.I observed the Lord's Day of rest by hiking slower and contemplating all of God's goodness.My tough climb today was up Albert Mountain. Parts of the climb were hand over hand. Some parts were pretty steep. But the reward was climbing the steps to the fire tower and seeing the amazing mountain ranges shown in the photo.Another milestone today. I completed the first 100 miles of the AT. Yesterday was sunny and cool., today was sunny and warm. But as I write this at 7 pm, it's getting cold.I have a feeling I will be hiking into winter. The Smokies are in my sight. The elevation is 6,000 feet where it is much cooler and there is probably snow.I have not seen a single critter, not even a squirrel, since I started this journey. Maybe as it warms up I will see them.Good night.
Date: 2014-03-10
From: Rock Gap Shelter, NC

To: Winding Stair Gap, NC
Miles today: 3.8

I was up this morning at 6 am. Hiking by 6:30. With headlamp on, I hiked through the dark 3.8 miles in one and a half hours. At 7:30 I could finally see by natural light.I wanted to be sure that I didn't miss Ron Haven's shuttle into Franklin, NC. Today was going to be a home, personal business day.At Winding Star Gap(Rte. 64)where Ron picked me up, there was trail magic left by some loving and caring person waiting to help hikers. Thank you whoever you are. Many times the trail angels remain anonymous. They purely want to give back and take no credit for their loving acts.Upon getting into Franklin, in addition to the regular chores that hikers must do, I had to use the hotel computer to research and correct some personal home business.My major problem today, however, was my cell phone. All of a sudden, I lost all sound on my phone. But at the time I discovered this, I didn't know how extensive the problem was. I got a taxi to the closest Verizon store. The nice taxi driver waited outside the store for me. The Verizon fellow checked it out but could not fix it. It appears everything else is working. So if the phone rings, there are no sound alerts, no voice recorder, etc. If I were home, I could get my phone replaced. But I have so much valuable data on this cell for this journey, that I want to try to keep it to the end, because replacing the phone would be too much trouble for me and my wife right now. If I am forced to get a new phone. I will, because I really want to stay connected to all of you.I had to shave; I didn't like the look in the mirror.Good night.
Date: 2014-03-11
From: Winding Stair Gap, NC

To: .10 Mile North of Cold Spring Shelter, NC
Miles today: 15.9

The shuttle picked me up at 9 am and I was hiking north by 9:30.I was hiking in my T-shirt today. Temperatures were into the seventies.When I hiked to the top of Wayah Bald this afternoon, it was quite warm and there was no mountain breeze. The sun was bright, so I ate lunch and then took off my boots and socks and massaged my feet. I then took a five minute nap. Wayah Bald is 5,342 feet high and the views are incredible.When I took my cell phone out to turn it on to take pictures, all the phone sounds were back, so it probably had moisture in it and the warm day dried it out.This is my biggest hiking day so far at 15.9 miles. I am camped on top of a mountain with good views. I have a strong phone signal, so I called my wife who was with my children and grandchildren. It was good to hear from them.I am now in my tent, it's dark outside, and I am tired. It was a good day to hike north on the AT.Good night.
Date: 2014-03-12
From: .10 Mile North of Cold Spring Shelter, NC

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

It rained lightly on and off all night. My alarm went off at 6 am so I reset it for 7 am. Since daylight savings time began, it has been much too dark at 6 am to move about.Throughout the night, I could hear the winds developing in the mountains behind me. They would flow over me and into the distant mountain ranges.Once I was up, I had to break camp in the rain. It's too uncomfortable to cook in the rain, so I ate one of my portable meals; pop tart and peanut butter.It rained until I was at Wesser Bald Shelter, where I cooked a hot meal and made coffee. In short order, I was off again. The sun came out and I peeled off clothes down to my T-shirt. I was being dried off by the mild breeze.I needed to go to NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) to buy cooking gas, a new spoon, and camp soap. I also needed to download and print off my permit to enter the Great Smokies. You must have a permit to enter the Smokies. It costs $20., but you can do it online. I was able to get this done at the outfitters, on site, where I purchased my supplies. You can also do this at home before you start your thru hike. You just need to estimate when you will be traveling through the Smokies. Go to the Smokie Mountain website for instructions or call them for details.After all the official business was completed, I purchased a bunk and a shower. I just finished a pasta and a salad dinner at the restaurant. This is a great place and I highly recommend it to you future thru hikers. The prices are very reasonable (unlike Neel Gap).I finally realized that I have been here before. In 1997, my two sons, Russ and John, came here with me, to go white water rafting.The hike down from Wesser Bald to the NOC was hard on the knees, constantly holding back for six miles. It was all downhill.Someone asked what happened to Four Fingers? After our resupply in Franklin, we were taken back to the trailhead to resume our hike. His pack was loaded with food. I haven't seen him since. I am sure we will meet up the trail somewhere.I have a nice room (six bunks) , but so far I am the only one here. These rooms have key cards like they do at hotels.Tomorrow morning, I plan to eat breakfast in the restaurant that opens at 9 am. After that is done, I will continue this amazing journey north on the Appalachian Trail.Good Night.
Date: 2014-03-13
From: NOC

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter, NC
Miles today: 15.8

Breakfast was at 8:00 am at the restaurant, and by 9 am I was hiking away from the NOC. I took my time stopping and turning back to see the complex from above. You never forget the people or places that provide you comfort, food, and warmth, when you are cold, tired, and hungry. By 9:30 I was hiking steadily north with Maine on my mind.I met Maketime and Walks Softly several days ago. Maketime thru hiked the AT in 2010. Now his wife, Walks Softly, wants to thru hike the AT and he decided to hike with her.In about 2 days, I should be entering the Smokies. I will be there for about 75 miles or six days. They have strict rules in the Smokies. One of which is that you have to stay in the shelters.There are five of us here tonight. Maketime and Walks Softly are tenting. I met Sunshine earlier today, and she is here too, as well as one person that I do not know. There is a fire going, and I am in my sleeping bag trying to stay warm while writing this. It is cold here tonight.The weather changes rapidly, warm one hour and cold the next.Time for bed.Good night.
Date: 2014-03-14
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter, NC

To: Fontana 28 AT Crossing,Fontana Dam NC
Miles today: 11.6

It was a cold, but moonlit night. After cooking breakfast, oatmeal and coffee, I headed out.It was cold going for about an hour, and then I had to take off a layer.My goal for today, was to hike to the pick-up shuttle place for the Fontana Lodge, for a little bit of luxury before heading into the Smokies tomorrow.I arrived at 2 pm, checked in, showered, and washed and dried laundry. While waiting for laundry to wash, I walked to the Pit Stop and had a small pepperoni pizza, a soda, and a small bag of chips. Then after walking back to the lodge from doing all my chores, I went to the restaurant and ordered a salad, vegetable primavera, and sweet tea. The Fontana Lodge is another great place on the trail.Tomorrow morning around 9 am, I will be shuttled back to the trailhead at the point where I left, and all these vegetable and protein calories will help propel me north toward Maine.Good night.
Date: 2014-03-15
From: Fontana 28 AT Crossing,Fontana Dam NC

To: Russell Field Shelter, NC
Miles today: 14.9

The Fontana Lodge was great, except they had poor Verizon Wi-Fi. I could not talk to my wife in my room, so I had to go to the main lobby for the signal to go through. I was not able to send out my journal entry, and it is still in my e-mail outbox.I was shuttled to the trailhead, and I was hiking in my T-shirt, by 9 am. I crossed over Fontana Dam and headed into the Smokies.About five miles into the hike, I ran into a Ridge Runner. Ridge Runners go up and down the trail in the Smokies, making sure hikers and visitors follow the park rules. He asked me if I had my permit, and I said that I did. I started to get it out, but he said that I didn't need to. He asked me if I was thru hiking, and I told him yes. Then he said," You're traveling with a nice head of hair", so I thanked him. With that, he headed south and I headed north.I ate lunch at the Mollies Ridge Shelter, took my shoes and socks off, and rubbed my feet. I signed the shelter register and I was off.I don't know what they do to the iced tea here in the south, but it is really good and it has become my favorite beverage when I am in the towns.There are about ten of us here, tonight, in this shelter. And as usual, it's starting to get very cold. Tomorrow, if the weather cooperates, I need to do close to 17 miles. I need to be somewhere on Monday afternoon. More on that later. It's late.Good night.
Date: 2014-03-16
From: Russell Field Shelter, NC

To: Silvers Bald Shelter, NC
Miles today: 14.7

Hiked almost 15 miles today in the rain. Wind blowing very hard all day. Walked through mud all day, also. I am in my sleeping bag trying to get warm with the only dry clothes that I have left. Very cold with high winds.I saw wild turkeys today.Good night.