morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-03-18
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Slaughter Creek Camp Site
Miles today: 12.4

Got a great nights sleep in my tent last night. Up early, but try as I might, I can't seem to get out of camp and rolling down the trail before 9:30 a.m. Hopefully, I'll get better in time. Another beautiful day! Felt good. Today's hike took me over Ramrock Mountain (3260; Big Cedar Mountain (3480); Burnett Mountain (3770)and Turkey Stamp Mountain (3770). Each was a tough climb.The AT is a tough trail in Georgia. Backpacker Magazine states this first 30 miles is the toughest on the entire trail. Statistics show that 5% of those that start quit on the approach trail. 20% quit by Neels Gap and 40% by Fontana Dam. The trail is a great leveler of the playing field. It dosn't care if you are rich or poor, young or old. Everyone is an equal out here.Tonight I'm camped at Slaughter Creek with a beautiful view of the mountains. A quiet spot. I knew it was going to be a great evening when "Hurring Hoosier" nailed the bear bag line toss on the first try. Trying to get a line over a tree limb that is high enough to get food bags out of the reach of bears is not always easy and provides some funny entertainment as well.Tomorrow is a 3.2 mile jaunt over Blood Mountain to Neels Gap where I will hopefully retrive my first mail drop at Mountain Crossings. "Hurring Hoosier" and I reserved a cabin at Goose Creek for the night. Showers, laundry and maybe a ride into town for dinner in a restaurant. The guy who owns the cabins said he'd pick us up at Mountain Crossings. Life is good!
Date: 2009-03-19
From: Slaughter Creek Camp Site

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: broken clouds

Wonderful night a Slaughter Creek campsite. Perfect temperature, great sunset. Only 8 hikers in the very large area so there was much privacy. Chilly morning but was warmed up by the climb up Blood Mountain, the tallest mountain in Georgia. At the top was the Blood Mountain Shelter, a stone cabin built in the 30's by CCC Corps. Kind of a creepy place visited by lots of day hikers who left much trash. Kevin and Dawn, a couple of fellow thru hikers had already filled two large trash bags and were carrying them down to Mountain Crossings to dispose if it. The 3.2 mile hike went fast. On arrival at Mountain Crossings I picked up my mail drop and went outside to the terrace and was greeted by a sign stating "free hamburgers, trail magic". This was being provided by a local church and a bunch of nice folks. I tell you these were the best burgers I've ever tasted! Soon the van from "Goose Creek Cabins" arrived and picked up me and 4 other hikers who were also staying there. The owner is going to take us all to a restaurant, and bring us back. After a shower, shave and clean clothes (oh, the owner also did our laundry. The whole package cost about $37.00) I felt quite good! My knees and body still feel good and are holding up OK. I'm truly glad a spent all those hours over the past months training for this hike. All those 12 mile loops at Slate Run are paying dividends. I've seen hikers who were in extreme discomfort. Blisters, knee pain, etc. These mountains are unrelenting and tough. Over the next six days I'll be increasing my daily milage a bit to cover the distance to Franklin, NC, my next town stop.
Date: 2009-03-20
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

After dinner in Blairsville, GA at an all you can eat (AYCE) buffet I returned to the cabin I was sharing with "Hurring Hoosier" (a retired representitive for the building trades unions in Indiana) I actually slept (like a log) on a great bed indoors. Up early, we shared a microwave serving of beef stew (it was great). The shuttle driver picked us up a 9 a.m. and returned us to the trail. It was another good day of hiking, Temperature 33 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. I was shedding clothes at the top of the first climb of the day and was in short sleeves by 10:30 a.m.Coming down to Tesnatee Gap we were met by a couple from another local church group with water, candy bars, etc.,etc. and chairs to sit on. They were hikers themselves and were just wonderful. Had several big climbs today the highest being Cow Rock Mountain at 3842. Staying tonight at Low Gap Shelter area in my tent. Water in the creek close by. Temperature is falling fast. Forcast is for 30 degrees. I plan to hike 15 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2009-03-21
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cheese Factory Site
Miles today: 13.0

Well, sometimes plans don't work out the way you think. I had planned to hike to Tray Mountain Shelter today but the AT had other plans for me. Today's hike was quite challenging with pretty big climbs and descents that were slow-going. Big rocks that required careful foot placement or risk a hazardous fall. So at 13 miles I decided to call it a day and camp at the "Cheese Factory" site. This was the location of an 1800's dairy farm. I got a nice spot in a grove of rhododendrons. I plan to go into Hiawassee, GA after a 13 mile hike to Dick's Gap tomorrow. "Hurring Hoosier" and "Slagline" are going to share a room with me. I've got to listen to my body and not overdue it at this stage of the hike. Don't rush it. There is a nice group camping here tonight including a young man who went to school with my daughter Amanda. Small world.
Date: 2009-03-22
From: Cheese Factory Site

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Very quiet night except for many, many owls calling to each other. Woke to a chilly morning but was in short sleeves by 10 a.m. Beautiful but challenging hike of 13 miles today to Dick's Creek Gap. All three of us has to visit Hiawassee to shop for stuff. Me for fuel, "Hoosier" for food and "Slagline" for food as well. Had a pickup at the Gap by the owner of the Hiawassee Inn and we elected to share a room ($17.50 each). After showers (the Inn did our laundry) we hit the restaurants. Good food in town. We saw a lot of section hikers, weekenders and day hikers today. During the hike we observed an expensive tarp tent that had fallen from a hikers pack. "Hoosier" retrieved it and about 3-4 miles down the trail we overtook the young man who had lost it. Needless to say he was quite happy and and offered to buy "Hoosier's" dinner. ("Hoosier" declined). Just the way the trail works, looking out for each other.A little story about an oversite by me night before last: I was sitting very comfortably in my tent leaning against my pack, writing in my journal, when I felt a cold wetness under me. Geting up, I saw the floor of the tent filling up with water from the slow drip of the bite valve of the hydration bag in the pack. My sleeping bag was getting wet, etc., etc. I was able to soak up the water using a small chamois I had brought for drying the tent floor in a downpour. Just goes to show you the smallest slip up could be dangerous. A wet down bag has no insulation. Got to keep on top of stuff!
Date: 2009-03-23
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's hike was full of challenging climbs (nothing new there)but it was also a day of firsts. Crossed the GA - NC border. Yea! one state down 13 to go.The shelter tonight was full as were the campsites. I found a pretty good spot to pitch my tent however. Everyone seemed in a happy mood. Up by the shelter a big campfire was blazing and folks were sitting around chatting and keeping warm. It is getting cold, so I expect a chilly morning. We are camping at 4600 feet. I'm really tired and plan to turn in early.
Date: 2009-03-24
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: broken clouds

Slept fine last night. Starting to get used to the trail I think. Up early and on the trail a 8 a.m. A new record!The route today took me over 5498 feet, the highest point on the trail so far. The climb was not as steep as some of the lower mountains and the trail was pretty smooth. Consequently I covered the 12.5 miles pretty fast. I feel I'm getting stronger as well. Chilly up gere on the mountain tonight and rain and storms are forcast over the next 4 days. So far I've been blessed with great weather except for the rain on the first day, so I guess the party's over. It'll be interesting to see how well I fair in inclement weather. Taking down and putting up a tent, cooking, etc., will be a challenge. Oh well, no pain, no rain, no Maine. A lot of hikers who started with me have dissapeared. Maybe they are just behind and still on the trail. The beauty out here is awsome everyehere I look. I am so lucky to be here.
Date: 2009-03-25
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: light rain

Started raining at about midnight and rained all night. I woke to dense fog and rain. Packed up a wet tent and fixed a quick breakfast and set out. The trail was slick with mud and standing water. The route went over Albert mountain. This is a tough climb on a good day. It was very steep with the last 500 feet of elevation hand over hand climbing over slick wet rock with foot holds far apart. Rough! My goal for the day was Rock Gap Shelter, but I was feeling pretty good and decided to do my longest day to date, 16.9 miles. Caught Ron Haven's shuttle at the Gap and went into Franklin, NC. Got a bunk at "Miss Janet's" Hostel for the night. The place was packed. Went out for dinner and laundry. Dry for the moment. Rain is forcast for three more days. Going to decide in the morning if I might take a 0 day.
Date: 2009-03-26
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light intensity drizzle

Got hardly no sleep last night at Miss Janet's Hostel. Nice bunch of hikers and Miss Janet was just great and took really good care of us. But...the place was packed and noisy and after I went to bed (top bunk) the snoring started. The loudest I ever heard. Couldn't fall asleep. Bet I didn't sleep 3 hours.In the morning after considering a 0 day I, along with Hurring Hoosier set out early for an 11 mile hike to the Wayah Shelter. Rained all day and the trail was slick. Walking was difficult. When we arrived the shelter was packed. I set up my tent in the rain to make the best of it. I thought the tent would be quieter than 10 guys in the shelter. It was. I slept great with the rain pattering on the roof of my little tent.No views the past 3 days as fog and clouds are thick. Might try to make the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) tomorrow (16 miles). Would not be too hard if the trail was dry. We'll see.
Date: 2009-03-27
From: Wayah Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: moderate rain

Actually slept very well in my tent rain and all. Got up at 6 a.m. Packed up and boiled water for coffee, ate a couple of pop tarts and met "Hoosier" in the shelter. Sat around and drank coffee while he packed up. While he was packing he noticed that mice had chewed holes in his wool sweater during the night. Bummer.We once again set out in the rain agreeing that we'd try to make the NOC in one day. At Wesser Bald Shelter where we stopped for lunch the die was cast. We'd go all the way. Glad we did. The descent from over 5000 feet to 1700 feet was difficult. It'd be hard on a dry day and it was very tricky on a raining slippery, steep places day. But we wanted to get to a dry place and not put it off another day.On our arrival we elected to share a 4-person bunk room with a couple of other hikers. Let me tell you, the smell in that small room would knock you over. Drying boots, toxic socks and gear was pretty powerful. These guys had turned the heat up full blast to hurry the process and we were looking for gas masks.After showers, a change of clothes we headed to the resturant for a couple of 1/2 pound hamburgers and a couple of beers. Suddenly, everything seemed OK with our world. We checked the weather report for tomorrow and the prediction was for thunder storms, heavy rain and general unpleasentness. Day after tomorrow was to be sunny. After a little discussion it was decided that a zero day was called for. Plus, there was to be an Olympic style kayak race there tomorrow as well. Life is good.
Date: 2009-03-29
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Grove Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept well last night, packed up and headed for breakfast. Great food at the restaurant here.The trail today was almost all uphill out of the river gorge to 5000 feet. The temperature began to drop steadily about 11 a.m. and by the time we reached the Locust Grove Gap campsite it had fallen to 27 degrees with a very strong wind. I quickly set up my tent, cooked some dinner, hung the bear bag, and climbed into my tent. Once in the tent things warmed up. It is vital to have the proper gear on the trail. The weather can change very fast on these mountains and it is dangerous if not prepared. In addition you loose about 3-4 degrees for every 1000 feet of elevation.The forest on today's hike was beautiful. I am so lucky to be out here. This is quite a test for mind and body, but I'm getting to do what many can only dream about. I'm not taking this privledge lightly.
Date: 2009-03-30
From: Locust Grove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Really cold this morning. I decided to eat a cold breakfast, pack up and get hiking to warm up. The sun came out bright and things got better fast.Stopped at the Brown Fork Gap Shelter for lunch and some water and ran into one of the guys who stayed in the bunkroom on the first night at the NOC. He was a strange sort who seemed to complain about everything. He had left the NOC two days ago and had only made it this far. He related that his knee was hurting and he was going to stay at this shelter a couple of days to see if it would get better. Hope it did get better because it is a long difficult hike out of there.The hike today was plesant but had lots of climbing. One climb was very difficult.Arriving at the Cable Gap Shelter, I decided to tent again. I far prefer to tent. Fontana Lake tomorrow!!
Date: 2009-03-31
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

Had a very good night last night. Small shelter and a night with no rain made it a good time to tent. Once on the trail it was a very beautiful 6.9 mile hike to Fontana Dam. The woods were alive with blooming Trillilem and other small spring flowers. Quite a change from the 25 degree night spent at Locust Grove campsite.On arrival to the visitor's center we filled out the mandatory backcountry permits prior to entering the Smoky Mountain National Park. Later Hoosier and I were picked up by the "Hike Inn" shuttle who took us to where we were to spend the night. This small motel is for hikers only and the owners, Jeff and Nancy Hoch provide a nice clean room as well as a shuttle to town for dinner and supplies. Nice folks. I picked up my maildrop they had been holding. Seven days of food for the Smokies. I'll be carrying a heavy pack for a few days. Oh, they also did our laundry for us!The weather reports are for more rain. I am hoping for some clear days on this section because the views are spectacular. In the National Park hikers are required to sleep in the shelters. The only way it is permitted to tent is if the shelter is full. Should be interesting.
Date: 2009-04-01
From: Fontana Dam, NC

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

After a great Mexican dinner in Robbinsville, NC and a good nights sleep at the Hike Inn we awoke to another rainy day. Jeff, the owner of the Hike Inn met us at 7:30 a.m. and transported us to the visitors center where we resumed our hike into Smokey Mountain National Park.We had a long climb up to the ridge, but the trail was great and far less severe than what I had experienced so far. By noon the sun came out, the sky cleared and the day turned beautiful. This is a gorgeous place.The Russell Field Shelter had a chain link fence across the front of the building with a door that latched. Nailed to a tree was a sign that announced that there was serious bear activity here and that there was no fear of humans. So, we hung our food and shut the gate before retiring for the night. No tent tonight.
Date: 2009-04-02
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up early, fixed breakfast and was on the trail by 8 a.m. Rain, high wind and cold all day! Tough climbs. The shelters are crowded. Wanted to make it to Double Springs Shelter but was advised by a Ridge Runner that people with reservations had pretty much filled it up. The way the rules work in the National Park is that hikers with shelter reservations come first and thru hikers can take what's left (if any spots are left). So, I decided to stop at Silers Bald and as it turned out we filled it with thru hikers. Yea! It would have been a terrible night to tent as the winds were 40-50 mph with rain and sleet. A dangerous night to be without shelter.Tomorrow I climb Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the AT. (6643 feet).
Date: 2009-04-03
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

Slept in little this morning and didn't get on the trail until 9 a.m. Started the long climb over Clingman's Dome. Trail was like walking in a stream all day. Muddy and boot-high puddles. Very hard to negotiate and difficult to make any time. Slow up the climb to the summit of Clingman's and slow on the desent on the backside. No views. Nothing but fog and rain.I wanted to make it to Icewater Springs Shelter (15 miles) but "Hoosier" and I decided to stop for the night at Mt. Collins shelter after only 8 miles. We were cold (temp. 37 degrees) wet and tired. The shelter was the worst one so far and the water source was of poor quality. Only one other person at the shelter. A thru-hiker, "Hodge-Podge", from N.C. If we have another day of this cold rain, we've decided to hitch into Gatlinburg tomorrow and dry out. I am so tired of hiking in the cold rain day after day. My spirits are still high, but sick of the rain.
Date: 2009-04-04
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow! The weather changes really fast up here. Yesterday was cold, windy, raining, a muddy slippery trail, ankle-deep water and no views because of the fog. But today...sunny warm and clear. Todays hike was absoutely spectacular! Views where it seemed you could see forever over the most beautiful mountains ever. What a joy!There were a lot of day hikers and section hikers on the trail today. The shelter is full so a lot of the thru-hikers tented. No problem. Beautiful night. This a beautiful country.My spirits were pretty low last night in the rather dismal Mt. Collins Shelter, but seeing the sun come up this morning just erased those thoughts. You just have to make the best of the bad days with the knowledge that there will be good days ahead. Every experience out here is educational and interesting as are the people i'm meeting. The thru-hikers are a great bunch of folks, all with a great story. So far I seem to be the oldest guy out here, but age doesn't seem to matter to anybody.
Date: 2009-04-05
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Crosby Nob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: few clouds

Woke to another warm sunny day. Yea! I'm beginning to feel that this wonderful weather is trying to make uo for the awful first 2 days of rain, cold fog and mud in the Smokies. The views from the overlooks were splendid. The trail was wonderful.Tonight the shelter is full and so is the tenting area. I'm jammed together with about 5 tents in one of the only flat spots to tent. The crowd is young and happy. But loud. Hope they go to bed soon.The trail today followed the Tennessee North Carolina border. Tomorrow I'll be leaving the national park. Forcast is for rain tonight.
Date: 2009-04-06
From: Crosby Nob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: few clouds

Well the forcast last night was spot on. The rain started about 9 p.m. and rained very hard until about 7 a.m. I was in my tent as the shelter was full of section hikers and a few thru hikers. Most of the the thru hikers elected to tent.Got started about 9 a.m. and hiked a short but beautiful route to the Standing Bear Hostel. Quite a place. "Hoosier" and I got the loft in a really charming cabin as opposed to the bunkroom. The "laundry" consisted of two big wash tubs and a hand-cranked wringer. There was an electric dryer however. Actually, this was a great place to stay and I'd recommend it highly. It is great to be warm and dry tonight. Oh, todays hike took me out of Smoky Mountain National Park. I saw 0 bears.Tomorrows forcast calls for a high of 39 degrees with rain and snow. Low tomorrow night is to be 29 degrees. It is snowing very hard as I write this at 9 p.m. The adventure continues.
Date: 2009-04-07
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: light snow

After a nice night in a warm dry bed I awoke to about an inch of snow. It wasn't even sticking to the road or trail. But as we climbed higher and higher going over Snowbird Mountain (4700 ft.) the snow depth had increased to 2 feet and it became difficult. Arriving at the shelter we found there were only two spaces (tight at that). Half of the small shelter was occupied by two families, two dads and three young children from Florida. They were on a spring break vacation and had hiked up here on a warm day. The weather changed quickly and they did not have the proper equipment to continue. They had been holed up here for two days. They were 8 miles from their car and with cotton clothes and summer weight sleeping bags the just huddled up for warmth. With plenty food they were making the best of it. With the temperature continuing to fall I fixed a hot supper and climbed in my sleeping bag for the night.About 8 p.m. (dark and a regular blizzard blowing hard) a young couple showed up. With zero room left in the shelter, they merely crawled under the shelter floor with their sleeping bags for the night. These were survival conditions. 25 degrees.
Date: 2009-04-08
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Max Patch Road
Miles today: 5.6

Up and out of the shelter early. Cold breakfast. We just wanted to get hiking and get warm. We soon encountered deep drifts from the all night blizzard. Some of the drifts were thigh high and exhausting to get through. Hoosier, Hodge-Podge and I took turns breaking the trail.Arriving at Max Patch Road, my good friend Bud, and his friend Betsy were waiting on us. Bud had expected that I would be arriving a the road crossing this morning and hoped he and Betsy would intercept us. They were just about to give up when came up the hill. Boy were we glad to see them!!! Bud is an old bicycling buddy from North Carolina and his friend Betsy is a hiker. Betsy and her husband own a wonderful cabin close by and offered us overnight lodging, dinner and a fireplace. They would also return us to the trail tomorrow. The snow was beginning to melt as the temperature was rising, so possibly the trail over Max Patch will improve. Boy were we lucky! Things change quickly out here.
Date: 2009-04-09
From: Max Patch Road

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

After a great nights sleep in a good bed we awoke to coffee and a good breakfast. Packed up and Betsy and Bud accompanied us back to Max Patch road they hiked with us to the summit. Bidding my friends goodby we hiked on a beautiful sunny day, encountering only remnits of the snow to Deer Park Shelter. A total of 17.4 miles and a new record! Nice evening, so I'm in my tent. Tomorrow it's on to Hot Springs for the night and a mail drop. Life is good and the temperature is climbing.