morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-03-23
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Justus Creek
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: broken clouds

Day 2We awoke to the sunrise at Stover Creek and quickly packed up and headed to Long Creek Falls for breakfast. It was the highlight to a grueling day. This Appalachian trail is NO JOKE, it's rocky, rooty, slick, it's steep and slippery and it's decent is even worse. It has elevation changes without warning and it fools your mental fitness with the false summits. We did over 10 miles today, climbed and descended 3 mountains with Sassafras really kicking my butt with its steep ups and straight down decent. It was around 3400 feet and if you forget about the pain we did have some incredible views, cool rock ledges and we walked for miles along rhododendron tunnels along the creeks. Tonight we are beat but did tent along Justus Creek in a great stealth camp site. Bob just hung the bear bag and we soaked our sore feet in the creek so now it off to bed at 7:30. Still before hiker midnight. Lol I am safe and warm, until tomorrow....
Date: 2016-03-24
From: Justus Creek

To: Henry Gap
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

Day 3It was so refreshing sleeping next to Justus Creek, the sound of the rushing waters made me sleep like a baby. We were up, ate and all packed by sunrise and headed off down the trail. We arrived at Gooch Gap and were treated to some Trail magic from a previous thru hiker. I wolfed down 3 chocolate donuts and the sugar rushed carried me up and over Ramrock Mountain at 3200 feet. We stopped at Woody Gap for lunch and we saw a lot of familiar faces that we have been leap frogging with the last 2 days. We meet Rainbow Express on the climb to Preaching Rock, he thru hiked the trail in 1980 and is doing it again. The weather called for afternoon rain so we hiked to Henry Gap, set up camp and are getting ready for our big push tomorrow to Neels Gap Mountain Crossing, but we need to climb Blood Mountain in the morning at 4457 feet before we get there. We have a cabin rented and are looking forward to a shower.I am safe, warm and wet. Until tomorrow....
Date: 2016-03-25
From: Henry Gap

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 6.6

Day 4It was a very windy, wet and cold morning. I woke up just before sunrise and almost stayed in the warm sleeping bag. I hit the trail at daybreak and didn't see anyone all morning till Woods Hole Shelter. I stopped at Slaughter Creek Spring to fill up with water and meet a group of spring breakers from Florida getting ready to climb the infamous Blood Mountain. Also Bob caught up to me so we filled our water bottles and proceeded up Blood Mountain together. Blood mountain at 4457 feet is the tallest mountain in Georgia on the Appalachian Trail. Some believe that the name of the mountain comes from a bloody battle between the Cherokee and Creek Indians. The ascend to the top was strenuous and worth the effort to see the beautiful views in all directions. We had lunch on top with all different people and discuss the beauty of the mountain. We explored the old stone shelter built in 1920 and the surrounding areas. It was quite a treat. We made our way down the mountain, all grueling 2.2 miles with an elevation drop of almost 1500 feet. We arrived a Neel Gap and Mountain Crossings Outfitter. We walked a quarter mile to Blood Mountain Cabins and checked in and staying at the Mountain Lion Cabin with an excellent view. John from Las Vegas has been hiking with Bob and I and will be staying with us. It's time for some NCAA basketball, then back on the trail tomorrow. I am warm safe and full tonight on the delicious pizza from Blood mountain resort.
Date: 2016-03-26
From: Neel Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: broken clouds

Day 5Our stay last night at Blood Mountain Cabins and Country Store was delightful, the owners were great, the pizza's were perfect and they had an awesome shower too. I would highly recommend these accommodations. Left the cabin and swung by Neels Gap, Neels Gap is where more than 25% of thru hikers who start the Appalachian Trail QUIT..... So I am headed up up up the ridge for another glorious day of hiking. Second Goal Completed...Hike out of Neels Gap.....We pasted Cowrock Mountain, Wolf Laurel Top and Tensatee Gap all with beautiful vistas with amazing views. We climbed Wildcat Mountain with a 500 foot ascend in a half a mile, it was straight up and exhausting. Once we arrived at Hogpen Gap we were treated to an amazing act of kindness by the Echo Ministries from Atlanta, Georgia with trail magic of hot dogs, cheeseburgers, drinks, fruit, etc,etc, etc. With 2 dogs and a cheeseburger plus an assortment of chocolate including mint Oreos and other desserts. I power forward with full belly to Low Gap Shelter. The tent is up, belly is full and I am safe and dry....until tomorrow.
Date: 2016-03-27
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 6Well it rained all night and the temperature dropped into the low 40's so I awoke before daylight, cold and to the pitter padder of the rain. I started to pack my gear in the dark. Once dressed and layered up for the day, I than added my rain gear and headlamp and made my way over to the bear bag cable in the dark. I didn't realize that there were so many campers here but I counted over 20 bags in this one spot. I retrieved my bag and went back to my cold and wet tent to eat breakfast. I also dropped Bobs bear bag off at his tent and told him I was taking off at daylight. Just before daylight I packed my wet tent up and added it to the backpack and set off in the rain with my headlamp shinning. It was an great morning to be hiking in the rain, the first 4 or 5 miles were on an old logging road with numerous springs for water. There were absolutely no views today as we were above 3000 feet and were fogged in. It felt like I was in the Blair Witch movie. Once the trail veered off the logging road it became difficult as we cut across mountains like mountain goats. The terrain was so rocky and slick and we just kept going up up up than back down a little just to head back up. I finally crested the top of Blue Mountain at over 4000 feet in the pouring rain. It did not stop raining all day. Well it was a tough climb up but the decent was toughest with the wet rocks, slick mud, and tangle roots. Bob and I took it slow and steady and when we finally made it down to Unicoi Gap there was a thru hiker and his family throwing a trail magic Easter Brunch. The was ham, baked beans, potato salad, plus much much more. I want to thank them again and again. It was so awesome coming off the slick mountain to find tents and food. We made it to Unicoi gap by 1PM so we banged out 9.6 miles in the rain and decided to accept a ride from Wonder Boy into Helen Georgia for the night. Wonder Boy hiked the whole trail in 2012 and received his trail name because everyone always said. Boy: I wonder if you will ever make it to the end. We checked in downtown Helen and dried out all our stuff at the hotel. There has been a steady stream of hikers checking in and we are having fun hanging out and being dry. We have decided to take our first Zero Day tomorrow in Helen. Which really means we get a day off from hiking and I can rest my sore body. Did I say I have pain in places I didn't even know I had. Lol. I am finally dry and warm, until tomorrow......
Date: 2016-03-28
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Helen, Georgia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Day 7. Zero DayWe took our first Zero Day in Helen Georgia. It was supposed to be a day of rest and relaxation. We ended up walking around the town and eating at all different places. Basically, we turned into tourists and had an awesome day exploring. Helen was formerly a logging town that was in decline, the city resurrected itself by becoming a replica of a Bavarian alpine town, in the Appalachians instead of the Alps. It has charm, charisma and lots of friendly folks who go out of their way to make you feel at home. So it's way past hiker midnight and we are packing up in anticipation of our ride to the trail bright and early tomorrow morning. I am full, tired and sore from my first zero day. Until tomorrow........
Date: 2016-03-29
From: Helen, Georgia

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 8We awoke and had breakfast at the Huddle House and right at 7am our driver John from Hiker's Shuttle Service arrived and dropped us off at Unicoi Gap. It was a tough day with three climbs over 4000 feet, first Rocky Mountain with some awesome views. Than Trey Mountain at 4430 feet with a few views and last Kelly Knob with the trail following the ridge with great views. We arrived at Deep Gap Shelter around 5 pm and set up camp. After our Zero Day in Helen we lost our bubble of hikers and our now meeting other groups who have hiked together so it's been an interesting day. I hiked with Bushwacker for a while today. We pushed out our best hiking day at over 13 miles and I am still hiking with Bob, and John from Vegas. We will be at the Top of Georgia Hostel around noon tomorrow to pick up our resupply boxes, so it's up in the air whether we will stay or move on. I hear the owner Sir Packs A Lot is quite the character, we met him briefly at Woody Gap a few days ago. I am tired, full and ready for bed. Until tomorrow......
Date: 2016-03-30
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap, Hiawassee GA
Miles today: 3.7

Day 9. Nero DayWe arrived at the Top of Georgia Hostel around 11 AM. It was a very cold and windy walk up and down the mountains this morning. The highlights were an amazing view of Lake Chatugue from Powell Mountain Vista and the long walk along Dicks Creek with the sounds of rushing water and a few beautiful waterfalls. It's was not a big mileage day, it is what you call a Nero Day, very few miles hiked. We were scheduled to resupply with the box of items we had shipped. Plus Bob and I had some work items we needed to address and John was still having calf issues. So we decided to stay in town for the night, catch up, eat a few good meals and hit the trail tomorrow. The only schedule is to be at the NOC for the Trail Magic Festival April 8-9. Which should be an easy goal and than the following week we should be halfway thru the Smokies. Happy to be in a real bed tonight, real food and heat. Until tomorrow........
Date: 2016-03-31
From: Dicks Creek Gap, Hiawassee GA

To: Dick Creek Gap, Hiawassee GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 10. Zero DayWell today was an unplanned Zero Day, we awoke at the hotel to a cold rainy morning with a bleak forecast. So we decided to call it a work day since it was the last day of the month and quarter. I was in touch with the office and clients most of the day. We did sneak out to the all you eat buffet for $8 at the Georgia Mountain Cafe which was a better deal than Daniels all you can eat buffet at $9, which we tried last night.   Not only was the food better, but we saved a buck. The hotel is full of hikers getting out of the rain and we are telling our trail stories around the jacuzzi as we soak our sore and tired bodies. We visited Bacchus Beer and Growlers and tried a sampling of their seasonal mountain taps. I would recommend a stop here, very friendly and knowledgeable. It's funny to see a big hiker box in the lobby of the Holiday Inn. The boxes are where hikers discard their extra or heavy stuff and other hikers can go thru the box and get what they need. Usually at resupply stops the boxes are full of extra food and it's tough climbing out of a gap with a heavy backpack full of unwanted food items. We are all packed up and will be escorted back to the mountain in the morning by John from the Hikers Shuttle Service. We plan on a 3 day hike into Franklin, N.C. for our next stop and resupply.
Date: 2016-04-01
From: Dick Creek Gap, Hiawassee GA

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light rain

Day 11We were dropped off at Dicks Creek Gap by John from Hikers Shuttle Service at 8:30 in the rain and fog. We proceeded to get in our rain gear and off we went, up up up the steep wet muddy trail. We climbed over 1000 feet over Coward Gap to Buzzard Knob. It was so foggy there were no views in any directions. The trail was so muddy it was like being in an ice rink and trying to stand with no skates. You had to be extra careful not to slide off the ledge on the steep declines. We passed the Georgia and North Carolina State Line and we were immediately presented with another tough, butt kicking 1000 foot climb to 4800 feet, our tallest summit yet. We covered the 6 miles at over 4000 feet doing the pointless ups and downs (PUD) dance and arrived at Muskrat Creek Shelter. We were reunited with John as we caught up to him after our Zero. There were about 40 of us here tonight with a few familiar faces.Bob and I are getting very creative in the preparation of our freeze dry dinners. Tonight we had Mountain House Beef Mac and Cheese, we added freeze dry green beans and instant mashed potatoes, mixed it up and had a successful great tasting dinner. I am safe, warm and drying out. Looks like someone has just hung their bear bag real close to my tent, maybe I am not that safe. Lol.
Date: 2016-04-02
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter 

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

Day 12Well no problem with the bear bag last night, I survived. I left Muskrat Creek a little after sun up and within a few hours and a 300 foot elevation drop, I arrived in Deep Gap and was treated to trail magic of pancakes and sausage. It was an awesome treat considering last night and this morning the temps were in the low 30's. Plus the trail was still slick from some overnight showers.I climbed Standing Indian Mountain and summited at 5435 feet to some awesome views and then it was downhill for the rest of the day. We made Carter Gap around 3 and didn't want to push to the next shelter, we were both exhausted. We had to get ready for an overnight monster storm with temperatures in the low 20's and sustained winds of 25-35 with gusts up to 65mph. Bob and I found 2 tent spots somewhat protected by smaller bushes and the ground was flat. We put our tents up and fortified them with stick stakes and extra cord. Let's hope it enough. I am cold, bundled and hoping my tent doesn't blow away......until tomorrow.
Date: 2016-04-03
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 12.2

Day 13.   100 Mile MarkWhat a night, the wind howled all night long and it was like a prolonged freight train that never ended. It was still windy and cold when we left camp this morning and our water bottles had ice in them. We passed a few great views but it was to cold to linger, until just passed Mooney Gap. The view was one of our best to date, so we took some photos then moved on. Then we started up Albert Mountain. Maybe they should call it Sir Albert. It was a beast, almost 800 feet and the last 400 was a hand over hand crawl. When we hit the summit at 5250, there was a fire tower on top which we also climbed. Also after summiting Albert we hit the official 100 MILE MARK on the Appalachian Trail, not including the 8.6 miles for the approach trail. We quickly pushed thru the last 6 miles of roots, rocks, streams etc, to Rock Gap and called a shuttle to take us to Franklin N.C. for another rest day and town food. I am showered, full and happy.....Until Tomorrow.
Date: 2016-04-04
From: Rock Gap

To: Franklin NC
Miles today: 0.0

Day 14Here we are at the Microtel Hotel in Franklin, North Carolina letting our poor feet rest for a day. YES, the trail is brutal and any step my be your last. You must constantly look down and plan almost every step or else you can turn an ankle, break a leg or fall off a ledge and that's not exaggerating. It's amazing that a change in altitude can make all the difference. It's a beautiful sunny spring day here at the hotel and I am lounging around in the sun having an awesome day off. But I am still making office calls so it's all good. We are planning an evening of social events at the Lazy Hiker Brewing Company to catch up with some trail buddies. Bushwacker and Yacky have made it down the mountain and that should be some added entertainment this evening. The beard is coming along nicely and the kids want me to keep it. The wife is now calling me Santa Clause. I am sure the office staff will get a kick out it when I get back. I would like to thank my spouse, my children, my office staff and especially my loyal clients for the opportunity to embark on such an adventure. I will cherish these moments on the trail forever. I am happy happy happy....Until tomorrow.
Date: 2016-04-05
From: Franklin NC

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 15It's was an awesome night in town with lots of hikers everywhere. We watched the final Game of March Madness and hit the hay well after hiker midnight. We were picked up by the hiker shuttle at 9AM and were soon back on the trail heading for out next destination at NOC which is about 30 miles or so. We plan on arriving Thursday and staying for the big hiker bash on Friday. It was a long day filled with 2 strenuous climbs and than 2 beautiful views. We are now climbing BALDS, which are cleared out sections of land on top of mountains so that you have 360 degrees of pararamic views. The first was Siler Bald at 5228 feet and than Wayah Bald at 5342 with an excellent stone tower and lots of historical facts surrounding the Bald and park. We passed today Winding Stair Gap, Swing Lick Gap, Panther Gap and as we approached and passed each the weather became colder and colder. We missed our Campsite at the top of Wine Spring Road and had to hike an additional 2.4 miles to the next shelter as we could not find a descent stealth site. When we arrived it was almost dark and all the level spots were taken. It was a cold, cold evening of sliding off my air mattress. The 14.8 mile day took its toll on our bodies and Bob and I skipped dinner and went right to bed after we set up our tents. The temperature was below freezing again and that didn't help for a getting a good night of sleep or hanging around the shelter fire. I am cold, tired and hungry......Until Tomorrow.
Date: 2016-04-06
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Tellico Gap
Miles today: 8.4

Day 16It was a rough cold night of slipping and sliding off the air mattress. So at sun up I was dressed and leaving camp, I wanted to get warm and the only way was to walk, so there I was walking in the freezing cold at 7 AM trying to warm up with every piece of clothes I had in my backpack on. I meet a father and daughter as I approached Cold Springs Shelter and they said they were hiking a short day and we're going to stay at Nantahala Mountain Lodge and were being picked up at Tellico Gap at 1 PM. About a mile later I had 1 bar of reception and called the lodge and rented a cabin for Bob and I. I finally reach Bob and I told him of my executive decision of the warm cabin, shower, food and told himself to step it up that our ride would be there soon and he was a mile behind us. He was as cold and miserable as I was from our long day yesterday. So after just a little over 8 freezing cold miles today by 1pm. I can barely remember the excellent views from Licklock Gap, Burningtown Gap, Cooper Ridge Bald and Rocky Bald as I am just starting to feel my numb hands and feet. We were picked up and transported back in time as we ended up at the Nantahala Mountain Lodge. The Lodge was run by Wiggy a 2010 Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker and his wife. They are an English couple with the best British accents and treat you like royalty. It's a down town Abby feel and once you arrive they give you the Royal Treatment for sure. Once in the shower they give you clothes and wash all your hiker stuff, the lodge is immaculate and the breakfast and dinners are home cooked and delicious. It is highly recommended that you stay here if you are ever in the area. Once we thawed out in our cabin and ate our delicious 3 course meal of slow roasted pork and homemade mashed potatoes. Not to mention the supreme Pizza we wolfed down upon arrival. Bob and I were happy to be in a warm place for the evening as the weather outside called for freezing rain all night. I am warm, full and content.....Until Tomorrow.
Date: 2016-04-07
From: Tellico Gap

To: NOC
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 17After a great breakfast, Steve from Nantahala Mountain Lodge dropped us off at Tellico Gap. We had a short day into the NOC with so many great views and so much in elevation changes. The trail was its usual self with rocks, boulders, branches, roots, sticks, twigs and anything else that could make you trip and fall. We started out at 3800 feet up to almost 5000 at Wesser Bald and than finishing up at 1700 feet at the NOC. It was wet, slippery and cold at the higher elevations But as we went to lower levels, spring was in the air. The trees were spouting green buds, the array of all different color flower arrangements in the hillside made us feel like we moved from winter to spring in just a few hours of downhill hiking. We reached the jump off view at 3900 feet and it was spectacular, it is what this adventure is all about. We leapfrogged with the father and daughter team all the way down the mountain today and into NOC.We reached the NOC or Nantahala Outdoor Center around 1:30 and made our way to the River's End Restaurant where we ordered appetizers of trout cakes and the famous hiker burgers. We indulged in some suds and discussed the awesome complex of the NOC which is a world class rafting and kayaking facility. We checked into our cabin an than we talked with some familiar hikers about the upcoming events tomorrow at the annual Trail Magic Festival. We expect to be grilling steaks tomorrow on our cabin deck as we listen to music and enjoy the festivities. Yacky and Bushwacker should arrive at the cabin tomorrow so there will be added entertainment.
Date: 2016-04-08
From: NOC

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Conclusion To those who have read and followed me on my journal I want to Thank You for being part of my adventure. It has been an eye opening experience and one I will never forget. The volunteers who have spent hours maintaining and keeping the trail in pristine condition are the heroes of this story. They have made this experience much better than I would have ever hoped. My hat is off to all of you on a exceptional job well done. To any followers of the journal, the Appalachian Trail is addicting and I would recommend that you give it a try. It will change your perspective on life, love and happiness. Whether it's the beautiful scenery, the challenging environment, the companionship one finds with strangers on trail or just the mental solitude of nature. It's is just a fantastic journey that will test all your abilities good and bad. I want to thank all who have made this excursion possible for me. It is one I will cherish daily as my mind wonders back to the trail and my heart is filled with joy. It is now time for me to return to the real world of the hustle and bustle and I feel I will be a better person to all because of my walk in the woods. I am leaving this adventure on my own terms, there is no injury, no feeling of discontent, it's just that at this point in my life I miss the rat race, the stock markets, current news and events and most of all I miss my FAMILY and friends. I would rather spend my time in the real world now and daydream of adventure. I look forward to my next section hike of this magnificent trail whenever it may be. I hope when the time arrives I will see you on the trail or find you reading my journal again. Thanks again, I still have that little boy smile as I think of the trail and will continue to have as the weeks, months and years pass. I am content, joyful and smiling....Until next time.