morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-03-15
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Here Comes the SunThere were whoops from some of the campers staying in Low Gap the following morning as rays of sun appeared. We had hiked in rain for the past five days.The nice couple huddled in the corner of the shelter were cutting their outdoor experience short and were handing out their remaining food so they did not need to pack it out. I gladly grabbed two granola bars as I knew that I was leanly provisioned.I hoisted my pack and headed down the trail, happy to leave the oafs and rain behind. I stopped for a break on a ridge where I could feel the sun on my face. Unfortunately a cold wind was building, so I didn't stay too long. There were some pretty stretches through tunnels of mountain laurel and rhododendron. I arrived at Blue Mountain Shelter in the afternoon and found a flat tentsite. Disciple, a thru-hiker from Maine was already there. I had not met him previously. He was doing about 5 miles per day due to foot pain and must have camped north of Low Gap last night. I started making supper early, but ran out of stove fuel about halfway through cooking my rice/broccoli side dish. I should have bought a new fuel canister at Mountain Crossings. Thankfully, the rice was soft enough to eat, but all of the water had not absorbed, and the dish was soupy. I also realized that my food bag was very light. I had planned on walking from Low Gap to Tray Mountain Shelter in one day. Given this early stage of the hike, I knew that my legs were not up to climbing the three substantial mountains in one day, so I split the segment into two. The only problem was that I did not provision for the extra day on the trail. I would simply need to ration and suffer a bit for the next two days.I retired to my tent early as the wind continued to build and temperatures dropped. It was 35 degrees inside of my tent, and I needed to stay inside my sleeping bag to be comfortable. Getting out of the sleeping bag tomorrow is not going to be easy!Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former. -Albert Einstein
Date: 2010-03-17
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap (Hiawassee)
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Hustle to HiawasseeNothing gets the trail legs moving like the prospect of a shower and real food that comes with a town visit. I awoke in the dark and started to break camp. I was on the trail by 9 AM (8 AM EST), a new record! Last year in the excitement, I hiked the distance without dropping pack. I was a dead man walking on the last two miles. I decided against doing this ever again. Somehow, getting over Kelly Knob seemed a lot tougher this year. It is a long pull over that mountain. I got to Dicks Creek Gap by 1:30 PM and was met by some more trail magic. A nice couple from the area were picking up Bulldog and Hitchcock. They brought extra orange juice and bananas and offered them to me. I gladly accepted. I was collapsing my poles, getting ready to hitchhike down the hill into town when the woman asked me what I was doing next. I told her about my hitchhiking plans. To that, her husband responded that they were not going into Hiawassee, but were going in that direction and could take me into town. I threw my backpack into their pickup truck and got into the back seat of the cab. I met Bulldog who is a retired lawyer who happens to be blind and is attempting a thu-hike with the assistance of a GPS system and his hiking poles (used as a cane). He was accompanied by documentarian and videographer Hitchcock. We had a great conversation as we headed down the mountain. I was dropped at the door of the Holiday Inn. I know that trail magic this good is not always going to be there, but I am loving it now! I gave the kind woman one of my cards so she could follow this blog. Thanks again!There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle. -Albert Einstein
Date: 2010-03-18
From: Hiawassee

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

And On the Ninth Day, I Took a BreakMy knees and legs were screaming out for a zero day, so when I checked in at the Holiday Inn Express, I said, "wait a minute, lets make that for two nights."This has given me time to enjoy this great trail town and update this blog. I also met many of the folks that I have hiked with who had similar ideas to remain in the town vortex for a little while.I must say that I am touched by the kind and encouraging comments that have been posted in my guest book. I cannot thank you folks enough for your support. And thanks for following along.Catch you down the trail...Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school. -Albert Einstein
Date: 2010-03-19
From: Hiawassee (Dicks Creek Gap)

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Only Thirteen to Go!I finally broke orbit from Hiawasee in spite of the strong gravitational pull. Although it is nice to clean up and eat real food, existence in town begins to feel uncomfortable and artificial after a while. It felt good to be back on the trail this morning walking in quiet contemplation. The day dawned cold and crisp with clear blue skies. The trail climbed steadily out of the gap. I stopped to strip down to my longsleeve t-shirt after an hour or so as the sun rose higher, warming the woods. Hardwood trees were more prevalent and the trail was covered in a layer of brittle leaves. Patches of ice and snow became more common as the trail continued to climb. Midway through the morning I happened upon Bulldog and Hitchcock. Hitchcock asked to interview me on camera and I obliged.Nine miles in, I walked clear out of Georgia and entered North Carolina. Only thirteen more states to go! Shortly after crossing the state line was an oft photographed twisted tree (now dead) that sat in a sunny clearing at Bly Gap. Young One was laying in the clearing soaking up the sun. I decided to do the same. It was great to be laying in the sun in a T-shirt.The climb out of Bly Gap was surprising difficult, ascending a steep rocky trail that seemed to go on forever. I plodded slowly, one foot in front of the other. About two miles prior to reaching the shelter, I sucked on my hydration tube and pulled only air. Out of water on a hot sunny day. I kept my eyes peeled for springs and creeks as I walked. I came around a bend and found a spring on the uphill slope of the trail complete with a PVC pipe spouting clear cold water. I was too thirstly to pull out my filtration paraphernalia so I unclipped the cup from my pack and took a drink (I will let you know in a couple of weeks if I develop giardiasis). Just then, Walkin' Man came up. I offered him a cup of water which he enthusiastically accepted. Now sharing a cup between strangers in civilized society is not routine, to say the least. However, there is a fundamental bond that develops between thru-hikers that is rather unique out on the trail.I arrived at the shelter by 3pm and found the Traveling Circus taking a break. Kate (now Ringleader) asked if I would agree to an interview on camera for their documentary. I was interviewed by Jay (Jaybird) regarding why I was on the trail, my expectations, and impressions thereof. By evening, a large group had accumulated at the shelter and a tent city materialized on the forest floor. Bulldog (Mike) and Hitchcock (Gary) arrived to the shelter around sunset. They were in good spirits in spite of a long day on the trail.Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves. -Albert Einstein
Date: 2010-03-20
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

Snow on the MountainI awoke to a wet tent. The cold night caused water vapor to condense on my sleeping bag, tent, and rainfly. I got organized and headed out on the trail by 9:10 am. It wasn't long before I passed the intersection of Chunky Gal Trail. I had to stop to take a picture of the trail sign. A few miles later, I stopped at Deep Gap for a snack break, to steel myself for the long pull up Standing Indian Mountain that tops out at about 5,500 feet. I was soon joined by Zip Code and Moonpie. Moonpie gave me beef jerky as he was trying to lighten his food bag. Zip Code gave out Tootsie Rolls. I like to think of them as the "Good Ole Boys from Virginia." They are a hoot to hang with. I was the first to leave to begin the climb up Standing Indian. As I reached the upper slopes, more patches of snow appeared. Near the summit, I slipped and slided through one to two feet of packed snow and slush.As I labored over this obstacle, my thoughts turned to Bull Dog (Mike) and the many obstacles that he has overcome to be hiking this trail. This morning, I couldn't help but notice how efficiently he performed his camp chores: getting dressed, packing up his gear, lighting his camp stove, all without the benefit of sight. It is truly amazing to contemplate what he goes through when I think of the difficulty that I have negotiating the hazards of the trail: rocks and roots, logs and blowdowns that cross the trail, precarious stream crossings, ice and snow. I hope that Bulldog achieves his goal and that Hitchcock (Gary) is able to tell his story through the documentary; it will be an inspiration to many confronted by similar barriers.I was beat by the time I reached Carter Gap Shelter. I don't think that my legs had another mile left in them even though I had only gone 12.5 trail miles. Walkin' Man was right, the Nantahala section of the trail is not easy.I pitched my tent on a level spot in a cozy rhododendron grove that sheltered me from the howling winds that blew through the night.By the way, I crossed the 100 mile mark on my trek today!What is important in life is life, and not the result of life. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Date: 2010-03-22
From: Rock Gap shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap (Franklin)
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: light snow

Frozen Fingers and Curled Rhododendron LeavesI got up after midnight to make a privy run. The thunderstorms had passed and the sky was awash with stars on a sea of black. It was getting colder.I awoke at dawn in sub-freezing temperatures. My bandana had frozen into a rigid board. A light snow was falling. After hiking a couple of days under blue skies, nature had delivered a can of whup-ass with the rain followed by freezing temperatures. The defeated hikers packed up and headed down the trail. I was the last to leave as frozen fingers and mind were not moving too quickly.After hiking for about 45 minutes, feeling returned to my fingers. I began to appreciate the beauty of the snow falling on the trees on forest floor. I could see trillium leaves springing up through the moldering brown carpet. Rhododendron leaves curled and drooped in the cold. White crystals clung to the green moss on decaying stumps. Life was good again; I would soon be in town.There was a crowd waiting for the shuttle when I arrived at Winding Stair Gap. Someone had called a while ago, but they were still waiting. I pulled out my Droid phone to see if I had service, and read some emails. I played some Bob Dylan (It's All Right Ma) over the small speaker which seemed to cheer the group up a bit. Soon many toes were tapping and bodies were swaying to the rhythm of the song. Before the song was over, the shuttle arrived, and we began the 10 mile descent down the hill to Franklin, NC.I decided to stay at Haven's Budget Motel as they had a coin op laundry, and the other places owned by Ron Haven did not. While loitering around in front of the motel office, I heard a voice call out: "May I help you sir?" It was Landwalker (lndwlkr), reknowned trail artist! I thought he would have been days ahead of me on the trail by now. However, he had taken a zero day in town to get a new pair of trail runners. It was great to see my old friend again!I went to my room and started on my town chores: resupply, laundry, gear repair, etc. I'm taking a zero day tomorrow, that's for sure!An unused life is an early death.-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Date: 2010-03-23
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Franklin, NCTakin' a zero in Franklin. Nice trail town with all of the amenities.Ron Haven is a great friend to A.T. thru-hikers.I had a chance to update this journal and add photos. Just click on the "photos" button on the blue column to the left and scroll through them by clicking on the "next" link above the photo. Thanks for following along!Catch you down the trail...You lose yourself, you reappearYou suddenly find you got nothing to fearAlone you stand with nobody nearWhen a trembling distant voice, unclearStartles your sleeping ears to hearThat somebody thinksThey really found you-Bob Dylan
Date: 2010-03-24
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Shelter 
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Balds are BeautifulRon Haven dropped us off at Winding Stair Gap at 9:30 AM. The trail climbed gradually at first and crossed a wooden bridge next to a small tumbling creek that formed a waterfall. It was a beautiful, sunny day and it wasn't long before I stripped down to my longsleeve T-shirt.In no time, I reached Siler Bald where I found a hiker laying in the field, soaking up the sun. Balds are open, treeless fields at the tops of some of the mountains. No one really knows how the balds formed, whether from past forest fires, grazing cattle, stealth lawnmowing, or UFO's. At any rate, they are kinda neat. The real fun began after Wayah (say "where are ya" really fast to get the proper pronounciation) Gap with endless climbs and long traverses through slippery snow. The reward, finally reaching the tower near Wayah Bald, was well worth it. I could see Standing Indian and Albert Mountains off in the distance. I had hiked over these 5000 footers just a few days ago. Now they looked so rugged and distant. Snow was still visible on the top of Standing Indian. The profile of the Smokies could be seen when looking north. Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the A.T., was snow covered.I set up my tent at Wayah Shelter which is a mile and a half down the mountain from the tower. The sky is clear and the moon and stars are shining brightly.It is supposed to rain tomorrow afternoon, but I am enjoying this fine weather while it lasts! As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Date: 2010-03-25
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Technology on the A.T.The wind is blowing dry and cold as I type this entry in the comfort of my tent. With this phone I can send Ground Control, my loyal editor, e-mails which she then enters into this blog (after spending a fair amount of time correcting spelling and grammer faux pas). I can also check weather and locate my position on a map via GPS. Pretty amazing technology in a phone that weighs a few ounces!The skies were overcast today, but the clouds were high enough to allow views of the surrounding mountains. There were intermittent light showers that passed quickly. I did not bother to get out my pack cover or wear raingear. I smelled a cookout as I descended into Burningtown Gap. Could it be trail magic?!! Grits, who had thru-hiked last year had a hiker feed going. I dropped my pack and enjoyed a great grilled cheeseburger and a soda. It was great to chat with Grits and learn from his experience. Thanks Grits! I hope that I can make it to Trail Days so I can stop by and say hello again.In spite of a couple of challenging climbs, I made good time and arrived at Wesser Bald Shelter before 3 pm. I pitched my tent, fetched water from a spring, and had an early supper. Plenty of time left to listen to music on my phone's MP3 player!Catch you down the trail...Fresh activity is the only means of overcoming adversity.-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Date: 2010-03-26
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: light rain

The A.T.: An International TrailIt rained through the night. I was warm and dry, but the tent was soaked. I broke camp in the drizzle and headed north.I was pleased to see Where to Go and SidKid arrive at the shelter last night. Where to Go is a German language and art school teacher from Germany who is on sabbatical. She is hiking the trail with her 12 year old son, SidKid. They also began their adventure on March 10th. I caught up to them on the trail and enjoyed conversing with them. Apparently, there are no places in Germany that are as wild and undeveloped as the A.T. The pair proved to be able hikers and arrived in the NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center in Wesser, NC) a few minutes ahead of me.In spite of the clouds and fog, the trail was spectacular involving exposed knife-edge ridges with steep drop offs on either side and dramatic traverses where the trail was chiseled into a mountainside. The stunted trees veiled in fog and moss had a dream-like quality. I expected to encounter Hobbits and Dwarves around every bend.Once at the NOC, we cleaned up at the hostel and had a great meal. Tomorrow will involve a long climb out of this river gorge.On all the peaks lies peace. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Date: 2010-03-27
From: NOC

To: Locust Cove Gap Campsite
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

Ya Meet the Nicest Folks Out HereIt was during the planning process that I began to fear the 3,300 ft climb over eight miles from the NOC to Cheoah Bald. This would certainly be an early test of my ability as a backpacker. The day was sunny and crisp with morning temperatures in the upper 30's. I hoisted my pack, crossed the railroad tracks, and headed up the trail. Within a half an hour, it was time to strip down to my T-shirt. Stumblewolf came along as I was changing. He suffered partial paralysis when a cavernous hemangioma ruptured in his brain. He is a courageous young man who loves to sing and is hiking the trail in spite of his serious neurological deficits. I enjoyed conversing with him as we walked. After a bit, Walkin' Man and Big Dipper joined the train. We came upon a basket of granola at a road crossing where two of our members tarried and Big Dipper and I pressed on. I let Big Dipper go ahead as he appeared to be in his early to mid 20's. Big Dipper played football for Bates College in his home state of Maine. I found him to be inciteful, possessing wisdom well beyond his years. Thanks to his companionship, the climb passed quickly and pleasantly. We said goodbye after a lunchbreak at Sassafras Gap Shelter as he was going to camp further down the trail.I crested Cheoah Bald about 45 minutes later and enjoyed sunning in the open field. Panther and Ridley arrived while I was on the bald. They are a young couple attempting a thru-hike as well. They were also planning to stay at Locust Cove Gap, so we chatted as we descended down the mountain.I was rewarded by a view of the sun setting over the high ridgeline of the Smokies to the west, and then by a bright full moon.Just another day on the trail...The hardest thing to see is what is in front of your eyes.-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Date: 2010-03-28
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: moderate rain

Howlin' WindI awoke in the dark to the sound of rain pattering the tent and gusts of wind that bent and swayed the tent. Great, I love packing up a wet tent in high winds. I rolled over and went back to sleep. As the morning light came up, I sat up and did what chores I could inside the tent. I caught up on my journal as it seemed that the rain was letting up. After a quick cold breakfast, I packed up a muddy tent and headed down the trail.It showered lightly on and off. The trail followed the ridgeline for much of the way, at times allowing a view of sun dappled valleys far below. They seemed to be having better weather down there. Up on the ridge, the wind continued to howl. The trail was challenging--skirting slippery rock outcroppings, climbing and falling steeply over mud, roots, and wet leaves. Several trees on the trail had fallen down the slope leaving a large muddy crater to traverse. I cursed my boots repeatedly as I slipped and slided over this hazardous terrain. The trail was slick as snot on a door knob.I removed my rainpants prior to the seemingly vertical climb out of Stecoah Gap as I knew that my legs would be drenched with sweat otherwise. As fate would have it, a violent thunderstorm with torrential rain erupted a few miles later and my pants were quickly saturated by the cold rain. As I was on a mountain ridge with lightning and thunder cracking on all sides, I quickened my pace considerably. As the trail would rise even further in the storm, I began to wonder whether I would be presented with a pair of stone tablets around the next bend or if it would be my fate to be flattened by one of the groaning bending trees. I sure felt alive!Eventually, the trail dropped off the ridge and decended into a gap. I near ran the last few miles to the shelter. Soon after getting under the roof and the adrenaline dissapated, I realized that I was cold and soaked. I quickly stripped off all of my clothes and got into my wool long underwear, fleece shirt, and down jacket. Tonight I was staying in the shelter!Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens. -J.R.R. Tolkien
Date: 2010-03-29
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Route 28 (The Hike Inn) 
Miles today: 5.5

On to Fontana Dam, Gateway to GSMNPThe shelter kept five of us dry through the night. Thankfully, the resident mice did not make an appearance. The morning drizzle and fog made me look forward to my night in The Hike Inn.The trail immediately began a thousand foot ascent followed by a long slippery descent to Fontana Dam. I crossed Rt 28 and found the restrooms and the phone to call for a ride. There was also a station to fill out forms for the backcountry permits necessary for entry into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). Here I found Moonpie, Zip Code, and Boston! It was great to see these guys again.I was soon picked up by Jeff of The Hike Inn. He asked how my hike was going. I said "Great!" without hesitation. He said, "that's three, 'greats', in one day." He mentioned that many more than usual thru-hikers had abandoned the trail this year due to the weather and that reaching Fontana Dam was a very significant milestone and a good prognostic indicator for success, as I had just traversed the most difficult section of the A.T in the southern states.At The Hike Inn, I met Nancy, Jeff's wife, who showed me my room, took my dirty, wet laundry, took my lunch order, and made me feel at home. They are a great couple who run a fine establishment. I enjoyed my stay-thanks again!Tomorrow I walk across Fontana Dam and enter the Great Smoky Mountains. Not all who wander are lost. -J.R.R. Tolkien
Date: 2010-03-30
From: NC 28 (The Hike Inn)

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

Welcome to Tennessee!It was exciting to awaken to clear blue skies. The weather was forecast to be clear for the next three days. Jeff of The Hike Inn dropped me off at the marina at 9 am. My pack was weighted down with too much food from my resupply box, an extra canister of fuel, two liters of water, and Yak Tracks. I was not encouraged as I had to gain about 3,000 feet of elevation to regain the mountain ridge.After a mile, I crossed Fontana Dam, the highest dam east of the Mississippi. After reaching the other side, I entered the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The long ascent soon began. The trail is less rugged in the park as it is graded for pack animal use. After gaining a couple thousand feet, I reached a side trail to Shuckstack Mountain firetower. The climb to the top of the rickety tower was well worth it. There were great views of the mountains and the lake far below. Snow could once again be seen on Clingman's Dome.Further up the trail, once the ridgeline is reached, the A.T. straddles the Tennessee/North Carolina line. I had entered my third state! I reached the shelter before 5 pm and got on with camp chores.Courage is found in unlikely places. -J.R.R. Tolkien