morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-02-28
From: Springer Mountain--Start

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

Springer Mt to Hawk Mt Shelter 7.6 miles.Michael: A great day to start our hike. It's around 6:30 pm and we have already cleaned a heaping pot of chicken "#%$^", washed our pots and are now enjoying some hot tea before heading to bed. I am feeling very good and am confident we will make great time before we head to Beth and Jason's wedding.No unexpected aches or pains to speak of. A re-occurring issue with the pinky toe made it's appearance today as expected, but we will just have to live with this. Will probably lose the nail, but how important is the pinky toe nail anyway?If we are up and at em' early tomorrow, we should see a 13 or 14 mile day....we will see.Patrick: We could not have had better weather. It was sunny and warm all day. The hike through the virgin hemlocks was spectacular. The sights and smells took me back to hikes of my youth. What great way to start our trip.I'm a little sore but not too bad. It is getting a little chilly now that the sun is down, time for bed.
Date: 2004-02-29
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Patrick: We made it to Gooch Gap shelter earlier than expected. It seems that this is the "new" Gooch Gap shelter built just last year. It is located about a mile or two south of the old shelter so we were surprised when we arrived so early. It just means that we will have to walk a few extra miles than planned tomorrow.We think that we may have had the first dropout from the group that we have been traveling with. A girl thru-hiker was starting with her father who was to leave her after the first week. We passed them climbing Sassafras Mtn. She was moving very slow with her father right behind. We have been asking the late arrivals about them, but no one has seen them in a while. The oldest of our group, Arlene, last saw them talking to a biker that was strapping her bike on her car. Maybe asking for a ride?We're staying in our tent tonight. Hopefully we will sleep better away from the crowd. It's almost 5pm and the sun is dropping fast as is the temperature. Time to start dinner and put on some warm clothes.Michael:Did not get much sleep last night, but amazingly felt pretty good and ready to put some mile past us. Arlene, our "most experienced" hiker at 66 years young, awoke last night in a quite a fit screaming into the night from her tent. It seems that Arlene was certain a bear was outside her tent. This was repeated once more a bit later into the night and then she called out to the hikers in the shelter, "Is there a bear out there...outside of my tent?"....a single reply - No.   I am thinking that she was dreaming..as there was no such activity to suggest a bear was stalking us hikers, but as a hiker who has spent many a night in a tent, it does not take much rustle outside your ever shrinking dome to get the imagination running wild. It was later discovered that Arlene had mistakenly left a few granola bars in her jacket pocket and had become paranoid they would be discovered. With the exception of one late arrival, Pat and I were the last to leave Hawk Mountain Shelter(imagine, that...but a mutual decision). By the end of day 2, we found ourselves having past all our shelter mates with the exception of Dharma(Peter). Many new faces this evening at Gooch Gap Shelter, and most opting to tent camp...around us. I am hopeful to catch up on some sleep.We have now retired to our tent, just after dark...7:30 pm. I am listening to some tunes on the MP3 and waiting for the younger hikers to get settled. Will do a little reading and then hit the sack.   PICS: Pat at Gooch Gap Shelter composing an email along with Dharma, Dominick and Kurt, Arlene.
Date: 2004-03-01
From: Gooch Gap Shelter

To: Blood Mountain
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Gooch Gap Shelter to base of Blood Mountain, .4mi past Woods Hole Shelter.Michael: and again the last to leave the shelter. We will need to get better at getting up early and not piddle around so much. Leaving just before us were Pete and Colin-two young men, looks like just out of High School or Early in their college careers. They appear to be having a ball and not as put out by the body strain.First double digit day: Our 11.9 day turned into 12.3 miles. Pat and I opted to skip Woods Hole Shelter and make it further to the dreaded hike up Blood Mountain. It would appear everyone else stopped at the shelter for the evening.The hike today was not too bad, but the overall mileage did take its toll on my feet. No real issues, just sore. Tomorrow, we will be arriving at Neels Gap and will have the opportunity to take a shower, do laundry and shop, we have decided not to stay the evening to make up a day to assist us in making it the wedding March 20th. There is also an outfitter that will be able to sell us fuel by the ounce. This is a good thing as we have just about run dry(may pick up a small spare fuel bottle or upgrade to a larger size.Tomorrow "may" be our last time hiking with Arlene, as we attempt to make better time...the funny thing is Arlene is probably writing the same thing in her journal.Also met Alex - another thru hiker.
Date: 2004-03-02
From: Blood Mountain

To: Neels Gap 
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: light rain

Day 4: Base of Blood Mountain (highest peak on the AT in Georgia @ 4,461 ft). Michael: Awoke to more rain...rained off and on all night. The tent performed very well and although a tight squeeze, is pretty comfortable with there being two of us. We set the alarm for 6 am, but with the sound of rain, we decided to give it another hour. At 8 am we decided we should get on with the inevitable. Getting up was a little difficult and time consuming as we needed to be careful not to get all our gear wet. All in all, we did a pretty good job, with exception of our tent(of course). The draw-back is we did not get on the trail until 9:20 am or so..there goes another attempt at an early start. Arlene was just passing our camp site as we departed.We hiked up the 1.4 mi to Blood Mt. Shelter and discovered the hike not meeting our expectations as being quite a butt kicker. It appears that we should have pushed on the night before to find shelter from the rain-we were concerned the shelter may have been closed as the data book suggested. It was of course open and it also did not appear as if it could really be closed as there was no door. Summitted Blood Mountain with Dharma and Alex from Alabama, the nicest young man you could meet, who is presently reading from the bible to Arlene as she drifts of to sleep. The hike today was very muddy and slick. We never left cloud cover until we reached Neels Gap and the Walasi-Yi Center 2.4 mi from Blood Mt. Shelter. Most of the day we hiked w/ Dharma and Alex from AL.Walasi-Yi Center is well equiped for hikers and we made use of their hospitality: picked up more fuel, camp shoes(Crocs-Waldies w/ heel strap), food for the next leg, mailed back 2 rolls of film and called "the women" (including Mom!), took well needed showers, did laundry and decided to stay the night.Sarge shuttled 6 of us into town for dinner. Dined with Dharma, Alex from AL, Dominick and Kurt(Grover). Ribs, Ribs, Ribs with fries, cole slaw, apple sauce and of course a tall, cold...wait, what is going on here...guess what? The county is dry and no chance for a beer. We will have to wait until Hiawasee. But a heaping bowl of Peach Cobbler a la mode sure made up for the absent beer..well, all most.Tomorrow: get up early and hike past our original stopping point of Whitley Shelter and straight through to Low Gap Shelter(10.6 mi). Wish us luck...on a successful early start...remember, we are Deaner's.After Low Gap Shelter, we will settle into The Cheese Factry Campsites (13 mi).
Date: 2004-03-03
From: Neels Gap 

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Day 5: Neels Gap-Low Gap Shelter (10.6 mi) 8:20am - 3:30pm.Stayed in ShelterMichael: Slept my best night at the hostel courtesy of the Walasi-YiCenter at Neels Gap($15), with hot shower. The secret to a undisturbednights sleep is a $.99 piece of equipment no hiker should bewithout...EARPLUGS. They are working well in both the hostels andshelters.We got up at 7 am @ Neels Gap and on the trail by 8:20 am..yeah!!! Ourfirst early departure. Pack weighed in @ 42lbs. Will cut some weightat Fontana Dam. Georgians are not aware of switchbacks. You are either going straightup or straight down. This days hike had a lot of very steep downhills:Cowrock Mountain and Wide Gap decents especially. Murder on my kneesThe hike was hard, but the early arrival awarded us the opportunity tobathe, put out the tent to dry, wash socks/liners/gaitors sandunderwear...sun was out and the sweat was flowing. At Low Gap Shelter for the evening: Alex from Alabama, Grapper,Dominick and Kurt, Dharma, Rocky(Dave), Hoss, Stewart and two of theirfriends(not sure their names yet)..."The Lost Boys".Not sure how the feet will hold up tomorrow, they are extremely sorewith one small blister on the other pinky toe(left).Pat and I wil make another attempt to hit the AT early as we going totry and pass our original stop point @ Blue Mountain Shelter and go tothe Cheese Factory Campsite, a 13 mile day. This will be our longest.This will be up to the feet. Pat is presently lancing a blister of hisown.PIC: Pat and Gapper sitting on picnic table at Low Gap Shelter.
Date: 2004-03-04
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 6: Low Gap Shelter - Tray Mountain Shelter(14.9 mi).So, you may have noticed that we not only skipped Blue Mt. Shelter, but theCheese Factory Campsite as well. We ended up about two miles furtheralong the trail and you can be sure they were both straight up. Quitean acheivement aye? Wrong! Both my knees are shot for steepdescents(the only kind in Georgia), my right ankle screaming on theuphills and as I pealed off my boots @ the shelter discovered a familyof engorged blisters on the left pinky toe.All in all, pushed my body way too hard and will need to cool it a bitbefore serious injury. Tomorrow is Deep Gap Shelter(7.1mi)Tray Mt Shelter is way up @ around 4000ft and the gusts are picking upas the temp drops. Tomorrow promises rain, one reason why we pushed forthe shelter, and by Sat. we should be in town for a break.Going to hit the sack and try and recover. At Tray Mt. Shelter: Gapper, Pete & Colin from Mass, "The Lost Boys",Rob & Doug who began their thru-hike Feb 27th. Left Dharma back at theCheese Factory, but will probably see him in the morning as we areplaning to sleep late.
Date: 2004-03-05
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Tray Mt. Shelter to Dick's Creek Gap and eventually Hiawassee, GA, 10.6 miles. Stayed in Mull's Motel.Michael: Hiked to Deep Gap Shelter(7.1mi) from Tray with Dharma, who indeed, did meet us in the morning as we slept in to recover from the days previous hike. Also, meeting us in the morning Alex from AL and "Boy Wonder". Alex and Dharma experienced a bit of trail magic as they were about to ascend Tray Mt. from the Cheese Factory. It would appear a kind soul(s) left among other things: Mt. Dew, Little Debbie cakes, Honey Buns and rumor has it a beer or two which they left. Alex from AL was nice enough to share some of his L'il Debbies with Pat, Boy Wonder and I.Once we reached Deep Gap Shelter, Pat and I thought we should add insult to injury and push into Dick's Creek Gap, another 3.5 mi from the shelter. From here we hitched a ride into Hiawassee, GA and reserved a room at Mull's Motel for the next two nights. Pushing it in to Hiawassee early gave us the opportunity for a true "0" mile day.Once showered, we made our way to Daniel's Steakhouse for an all you can eat buffet for the small price of $6.50 ea. Luck had it that Friday's are fish and shrimp night! After dinner we ran by the grocery store and into "Dragon Slayer", who had come into town the night before. She was nice enough to share some restaurant info with us as we all looked through the Band-Aid/Mole skin/Ibuprofen aisle.Had a few beers back in our hotel room, since the restaurants don't serve alcohol, and gazed into the black box.
Date: 2004-03-06
From: Dick's Creek Gap/Hiawassee

To: Dick's Creek Gap/Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

3/06/04-Hiawassee, Ga.No miles, "0" day/town stop. Stayed in Hotel.As suggested, we found ourselves at the Misty Mountain Cafe the next morning for a bagel/pastry and latte. Then it was laundry time. We were also able to check the website at the local library and see that Tommie has been hard at work with the updates. Two rolls of film have made it back and Sam (there at Springer) will soon send his pictures of our first few steps and they should make it on as well.During the Day we ran into Sugar Daddy, "Grass"(Sarah), Haiku, Katherine, Captain Hook and more.      Towards the end of our day, we ran into the "Cotton Club"-Brianne, Sarah and Lindsey(Scarf) from Michigan who were hiking during Spring Break. Pat, Dharma and I had a blast chatting with them as we relaxed in rocking chairs at the motel. Then we all headed to Daniel's for steak dinner. The next morning, the three ladies graciously offered to give us a ride back to the trail after breakfast to begin again....Thanks for everything and we hope to hear, or even better, see you very soon(maybe VA/Shenandoah?).
Date: 2004-03-07
From: Hiawassee

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

The day was beautiful and sunny. I was feeling good all day, not too much trouble with the knees, ankle or toes..."do not skip your "0" days!Our days hike found us leaving GA and entering North Carolina. Kinda makes you feel like you are getting somewhere. Even if it's only 78 miles or so. PIC: Pat and I at the GA/NC border, Pics with the Cotton Club I believe, if not, copy them from Dharma's site.The shelter is swimming with thru-hikers: Dharma, Arlene, Dominick, Haiku, Katherine, Grass(Sarah), Sugar Daddy, Capt. Hook, Heald and Wonder Dog, Rob & Doug, Alex from AL and many more. There is not a flat spot without a tent on it.I arrived a bit before Pat, who was tied up with a little first aid at lunch, and quickly found us a spot and set up the tent.Pat was kind enough to pick up some winter weather on his way up the mountain and a few moments later a little rain and then sleet was falling(not as fast as the temperature). It took a while for our turn to cook dinner under the roof of the shelter, but made quick work of it as our fingers were going numb. Just as we finished dinner we headed straight for the tent and have not left since.IT IS COLD!I left a wet bandana outside the tent and now it is stiff as a board (8pm or so right now). Pat is deep in his sleeping bag and I do not expect to see him until well into the morning. The sky is crystal clear now with gusty winds (warnings of up to 50mph).Can ignore the cold no more, must get mummy-fied.
Date: 2004-03-08
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

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

Muskrat Shelter to Carter Gap Shelter(12.5 mi).Stayed in tent.Michael: Slept in to 8:45 or so and did not break camp until 10:30 am. The last to break camp...go figure. Please understand that it was well below freezing in the a.m. Just getting ready (brushing teeth, breakfast, tearing down tent, etc) was a challenging as our fingers were going numb.Once we got moving, things quickly improved. The hike was easy and beautiful. The sun was out but the temps stayed low. We crunched along the frozen trail all day. There was a freezing wind from the West that plagued us all day. The cool temperatures kept the sweating at bay.We arrived at Carter Gap Shelter(s) around 5pm to a full house. This included all with the exception of Dominick and Grass (Sarah) who decided to blue blaze. A new comer who passed us at Muskrat Shelter as we were preparing to leave was Deja Vu.This evening after all had prepared their dinners, Katherine made a great and warm campfire around which I, Pat, Katherine, Deja Vu, Haiku, Sugar Daddy, Capt. Hook, Dharma, and eventually, Heald and Annie(Wonder Dog) talked and laughed into the night...Good times.Katherine: "B-O and campfire smoke is sexy. Shows you're hard working, but can relax". In the tent now relaxing. It is going to be another below freezing night. Tomorrow we head to Rock Gap Shelter (12.1 mi). Difficulty looks pretty easy, but forecast is for showers. I hope the weather misses us.
Date: 2004-03-09
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Wallace Gap
Miles today: 12.8

Carter Gap Shelter - Wallace Gap (12.8 mi). Stayed night @ Rainbow Springs/Mt. Crossing Hostel (1mi off AT).Pat and I actually awoke early this morning, but to a ghost town at the shelter. All other occupants got up before light (5am or so) and broke camp without breakfast. It was another cold morning.Weather included sunny and cool to cold and snowy. As we walked up to Rock Gap Shelter (our original stopping point, we discovered the shelter full, but without our previous shelter mates with the exception of Alex from AL(who had already claimed dibs on the picnic table-location, location, location). The temperature was dropping fast as the sun began to fall behind the mountains. "Dragon Slayer" invited us to stay and join the group in "hot dogs and beer". It appears "Red Dog" continued on to Rainbow Springs Campground/Mt. Xsings to pick up the supplies and having promised to return to his hiking mates with the loot.With hot food, warm bunk, shower, laundry so close (only 1.5 mi away) Pat and I chose to pass on the Slayer's invitation and push on.Not 5 min after we continued up the trail, the snow started coming down...and coming down. Soon, everything was covered in 1 inch or so of the white stuff. Once we reached the road that runs to Rainbow Springs, we took shelter under a cedar and put our rain pants on. This turned out to be a good idea as our legs were getting quite cold. A mile or so later we reached our destination and the snow has accumulated to about 2 or 3 inches. There we saw "Red Dog" and friend picking up 5 Red Baron pizzas and some soda (no beer at Rainbow Springs) and preparing to return to Rock Gap Shelter to feed "Dragon Slayer" and company. So much for hot dogs and beer, but better than Lipton noodle pack creations...again.Now we are both warm, clean and our bellies are full.   Tomorrow, we will buy food, fuel, etc. and hike to Siler Bald Shelter, but not before we back-track to see the 2nd largest (?) standing Poplar tree in the universe or something. It is supposed to be quite impressive.Time to sleep.PIC: Pat at Ranger Study tower, steep hiking photos, hiking in snow.
Date: 2004-03-10
From: Wallace Gap

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: clear sky

Wallace Gap - Siler Bald Shelter(6.7 mi).MICHAEL: Left Rainbow Springs campground and was given a lift back to Wallace Gap. Pat and I decided to backtrack about 1/2 mile to see the Wasilik Poplar tree(2 pics)-2nd largest poplar in the Universe(it was dead). Once we accomplished this mission, we headed back North on the AT for a short days hike to Silers Bald Shelter. Arived at around 3pm. At shelter: G-G(Arlene), Red Dog and his dog Buck, Dragon Slayer(Sara), Biscuit(Pete) and Slim(Colin), Mickey One Sock, Talks w/ trees and his buddy(of the Lost Boys-Stewart was taken into Franklin sick).Another Cold night. Later in the days hike I suffered an ankle sprain/bruised heel maybe and had a bit of trouble with the last stretch. As I bed down this evening, I am suffering back pain, believe I strained it tossing a stick to Buck left handed. 3 Advil should take care of it...I hope.Red Dog, Biscuit, Colin and Dragon Slayer hitched a ride into Franklin and returned with food and wine in a box(minus the box). A fire was started for them to cook their food and we all gathered around and had some White Zinfindel(not a bad week). It was nice of them to share. We'll return the favor when we can.Today before lunch we reached another milestone. If you add up all our climbs since the start at Springer Mt the total is higher than Mt Everest!
Date: 2004-03-11
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Cold Springs Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

Siler Bald Shelter - Cold Springs Shelter(12.6 mi)Michael: Another cold night. Did not sleep much as my back has been very sore. I also find myself sleeping much better in the tent vs. shelter. The shelter floor is so hard and my ultralite thermarest just can't keep my bones from the hard planks. Beautiful sunrise this morning as I crept out of the bag to pee. Mickey One Sock, GG(Arlene), Talks w/ Trees and buddy were getting ready to move on(very early). Got ourselves moving a bit later with Dragon Slayer, Red Dog and Buck, Biscuit and Slim.Started the morning with a hike up Siler Bald for some great views(numerous pics).Hiked up to the John Bernard Byrne Memorial Tower and had a break for Lunch. Wonderful views! (PICS-The before mentioned having lunch at the JBB Tower(Slim, Dragon Slayer, Pat Red Dog and Buck-). Also one of the group with me in it.Hiked hard for 6 more miles to Cold Spring Shelter to find it full(very small/old shelter). Did not mind as I was leaning toward a tent night. Dragon Slayer, Biscuit and Slim have joined us up on the ridge for the evening. Cooked dinner as the sun set..."it's a good thing". Looking forward to the sun rise. Later after dinner we had Dragon Slayer over to our tent for some games and talk of travel, Italy and such. Now preparing for bed. It will be another night in the 20's.
Date: 2004-03-12
From: Cold Springs Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Cold Spring Shelter - NOC: Nantahala Outdoor Center(11.5 mi)Slept in HostelGood days hike. Made it into NOC just before the offices closed and arranged for a night in Tsali bunkhouse along with Biscuit and Slim. One of the most satisfying meals to date on the hike. The fine people at the NOC served a large group of us chicken fried steak w/ gravy along with french fries, zuccinni, lemonade, coffee and chocolate pie for desert. It was wonderful. At dinner: Pat and Michael, Dragon Slayer, Talks with Trees, Mt. Goat, Red Dog, Han Solo, Slim and Biscuit. GG(Arlene), Northern Harrier, Bear Bag Hanger and Mickey One Sock.
Date: 2004-03-13
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

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

NOC - Locust Grove Gap(10.5mi)Slept in tentHappy Birthday Pat!!!The original plan was for a 16.2 mi day to Brown Fork Gap Shelter. This was the plan before we had taken a look at the elevation changes for this section. It would appear that the first 9 miles out of the NOC would be a steep ascent. The only hikers to join us out of the NOC past Cheoah Bald are Alex from AL, Han Solo and Bear Bag Hanger.Pat went to bed early as I stayed up late composing emails. Hope to dream tonight,Michael.todays craving: Hopewell, Va's Quick Lunch chili dogs w/ mustard and onions