morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-12-04
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

The overnight fog had lifted by the time we got organized and hiked out at 9. The temperature throughout the day was in the 50s and the sky overcast with some bits of sun. We began with a nice downhill to Burningtown Gap, then a gentle uphill with a little up and down to Wayah Bald Shelter -- a nice one -- where we had an early lunch. Marathon Man had stopped in on the 30th but said he planned on sleeping at the tower on top of Wayah Bald. We got up there a little after noon. Talked with a woman from Burningtown and a man from Kentucky. Checked the views from the stone tower and hiked on. We had a short downhill, a short climb, then a long downhill and a climb to the trail to the shelter near the summit of Siler Bald. It seemed much longer than 1.3 miles, and we still had a long .3 down to the shelter. Got here at 4:40, so we had plenty of daylight for getting organized.Again, we have the shelter to ourselves. There are tarps tied around much of the open cooking area under the roof in front, so we are well-protected from the wind. A short sprinkle after we got here, but now the almost-full moon is visible through the clouds. I am trying to eat my heaviest food first to lighten the pack so last night and tonight ate the package of chicken, last night with a rice side and tonight with a pasta Alfredo side. I am getting weary of eating a big pot of all the same stuff each night. The dried veggies I add help, but I would love a big salad and some variety of tastes. I do seem to be keeping weight on, so that is good. Just need to lighten the pack by eating even more!Yesterday we made reservations at the Microtel in Franklin for tomorrow night, and tonight we connected with Nancy, who will pick us up at the trail tomorrow at noon. Our hike out is only 4.7, including the .5 back to the trail. I have decided to participate in the reconciliation process run by the Lombard Center at GTS that begins the evening we fly back from Georgia. I had originally thought I couldn't make it, but Lee will go also, and we have an invitation from friends to stay the night with them. We are flying in to Hartford so will have to drive to NY and hope we can make it on time. That means that a good part of my time at the Microtel in Franklin will be devoted to answering the questionnaire and getting registered. Not a really relaxing nero day, but it is important to me to be there. We'll see how hard it rains on Saturday. May decide to zero and make up the miles. Weather reports for the early part of next week are good.
Date: 2014-12-10
From: Unicoi Gap (NOBO)

To: Dick's Creek Gap (Top of Georgia Hostel)
Miles today: 16.7

BreakfastLeft at 8:45. Good bye to Smooth D, who planned to go to Neels Gap (21 miles). He will finish Friday. Bob said this section is hardest in GA. We were happy to slack pack it.Cold and windySteep and long climb out of gap to Rocky Mountain got us warmed up. Saw Sawbones and took his photo. He will finish Saturday. Then down to Indian Grave Gap and immediately up 1300 feet to Tray Mountain (4430). Lots of hoar frost on top.Lunch in sun and out of wind on the way down. Saw Sweets, who hopes to finish Saturday.We kept going the rest of the day, mainly to keep warm. I don't think the temperature got above freezing until we got down near Dick's Creek Gap. Wind chills were likely in the teens. The result was that we did the 16.7 miles in 8.5 hours, including lunch and breaks.Saw a guy, Sam, at the road who said Buttercup had picked up two hikers and said she was expecting us.Got to hostel and it was locked. Buttercup had taken the guys to town. We sat outside for nearly an hour. Buttercup was very apologetic, but she is the only one here, since Bob is out on a guided hike with the couple who were here last night. The two guys turned out to be Rhodie and Roadrunner. We bought a couple of pizzas and some ice cream cones and went back to the bunkhouse. I grabbed the first shower and then cooked the pizzas. Traildog gave Sam some $$ so he could stay in the bunkhouse rather than outside, and I gave him a quarter of my pizza.Chatted for a while with the guys and went to bed while they watched a movie.
Date: 2014-12-11
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

Buttercup made blueberry pancakes for breakfast. Think I had 8. Yum. She is planning a thru hike next year. She started in 2013 but had to leave the trail to be with her mother, who died in May this year. I encouraged her to try a flip flop. Work at the hostel until trail days and then start from Damascus. I gave her contact info for when she comes through VT. Buttercup had to wait until check out time to take us to the trail, and she kindly made a short detour so I could go to an ATM. We got started at 10:40, but given the short mileage and what looked like relatively easy terrain after the initial climb up Blue Mountain, we were in no rush. The weather was blue sky beautiful but still cold and windy. The forecast is for gradual warming throughout the week and sun through Monday. We took a break at the Blue Mountain Shelter -- a nice one -- and stopped for lunch a little after 2 near Cold Springs Gap. We found a nice big log out of the wind and facing the sun. The temperature probably stayed in the 30s -- warmer in the sun, but the ground was frozen, and we did encounter some ice. The trail had a few Rocky areas but was mostly easy walking.We got to the shelter about 4:30. A young couple was having a meal but said they planned to night hike to the Blue Mountain Shelter. Doodle and JD Mountain and their service dog, Ruby, have just started a northbound thru hike. They will take January off to be with family near Asheville, but I sense they have some tough days ahead. They have no tent, and both are in Carharts and heavy jackets.After they left, we set up our tents in the shelter. I went for water and then got in my sleeping bag to warm up. Carefully filtered the water and cooked without getting out of the bag. Maybe my last Knorr's Pasta Side -- chipotle rosa. Am trying to plan food so that I don't have any left.Have been texting with Lee. Her power is finally back on -- it went off yesterday. She has talked with Doyi, and both he and Lou are coming to Springer. I am so touched. They will meet Lee and Patricia in Elijay and lead them to the parking lot near the summit. The hike from there is just a mile, and it will all be over. Wow! Lee says we will have a "pardee." She is bringing maple syrup for Doyi and Lou.
Date: 2014-12-12
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Neel Gap (Mountain Crossings Hostel)
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

Last night was cold. After I got up at midnight, I dug out the toe warmers, and they were a big help for my cold feet. But nothing could help the fact that my uninsulated air mattress was on a shelter floor with cold wind blowing beneath it. I did not sleep well and was actually glad when the alarm went off at 6:30. Not that I was any warmer eating breakfast and packing up, but there was some hope that getting moving would take care of the numb fingers and toes. Fortunately, I blew the water out of my Camelback tube before going to bed, because the water in the bladder was slush. Also ice in the folding water bottle and the one I left outside the tent. Had to put the former in the top of the pack.The day was again blue sky beautiful, but we walked on frozen ground and had pretty high winds on the northwest sides of hills and the ridges. We began with a climb to Sheep Rock Top, then down and up Poor Mountain. The greatest single elevation gain of the day came right after lunch from Tesnatee Gap to Cowrock Mountain (about 700'), but there were plenty of ups and downs. Roadrunner passed us as we started up Levelland (a real misnomer) Mountain. He will finish Sunday and hoped to get over Blood Mountain today. It is the last over 4000' mountain on the hike and will be on our agenda in the morning.We got to Mountain Crossings in Neel Gap at 4, in time to go to the store and pay for the hostel. I got a Mountain House dinner for Sunday night and a nukable cheeseburger to go with my black bean soup for tonight. Also picked up a couple of sets of hand warmers for my feet for the next two nights. When I unpacked, I discovered that the water bottle I had put in the top of my pack had leaked. When I poured it out and folded it up at lunch, I should have noticed it had less in it. Fortunately, most of the water soaked into my floppy hat, but there were some things to dry out. I managed to get within three days of the end of this journey without letting something like that happen. Dumb.The bunk room is in the basement, with a living room and kitchen that do have windows. There are three guys here plus us (Brozealand, and section hikers, Rising Sun and Splitter), and when they made a town run, Traildog asked them to get B&J and beer. They all watched some Mel Brooks movies, including Blazing Saddles, but I came into the bunk room and read my book (Eat, Pray, Love). Couldn't call Leigh and Lee, unless I wanted to go outside in the Windy cold for a signal. Was able to text them. Lee sent pics of the snow on Cascade and Flume. Beautiful. I am looking forward to skiing.
Date: 2014-12-13
From: Neel Gap (Mountain Crossings Hostel)

To: Ramrock Mountain
Miles today: 12.7

When we left Mountain Crossings at 8:30, a cold wind was blowing hard through the gap, but the sun was shining on our immediate destination, the top of Blood Mountain. Before we got to the top, a climb of about 1300 feet, I had shed my heavier jacket and gloves but kept on the wind shirt and mittens. The climb was steep in some parts, with some rocky sections and bedrock slabs, but overall not bad. There were magnificent views to the south from near the 4461' summit.The descent to the low point at Lance Creek (2880') had a few short uphill sections but was fairly easy hiking. Lots of day hikers out on this beautiful Saturday. We had lunch on the way down and then began the climb up Big Cedar Mountain with good views from rocky areas. I had a nice chat with Eric and M...at, who have started doing weekly 10-12 mile day hikes and who gave me big congratulations for my hike. I encouraged them to keep at it and maybe someday try the AT.Traildog was not feeling his usual self today, and his right leg was bothering him, but he was a trooper and kept plugging along. I had already decided to stop at Liss Gap, 1.2 miles short of Gooch Gap, but we needed to get water. We found some at a trickling spring and got enough for dinner and breakfast. When we reached the summit of Ramrock Mountain, .6 before Liss Gap, we decided to stay at a campsite there. It is somewhat protected from the wind, and we thought it might actually be less windy than in the gap, if Liss was like the last gap with the wind funneling through it. We got set up as the sun was setting, turning the distant horizon pink and then red. Lights began coming on below, a sight we have not often seen. I heated water for my last instant potato meal -- hooray! -- and ate in my tent out of the wind. Hard to believe we have just 19 miles left, and Ramrock Mountain is the start of the last page of the AWOL Guide! I talked with Lee, who has her boarding pass and will be leaving tomorrow right after church to fly to Atlanta. I am excited to see her, excited about the end of the hike, but also a bit sad that the adventure will be over day after tomorrow. She noted that she has not heard me complain about anything during the whole hike. There have certainly been difficult and even painful times, but I have felt they were part of the journey and to be taken along with the much more prevalent good times. How could it be a challenge otherwise? I have loved the whole thing, and as I often say -- and have heard others say -- "It is what it is." Also talked with Leigh, who wants a call from Springer and wishes she could be there. I'll make a point of visiting the DC area crew early in the new year.
Date: 2014-12-14
From: Ramrock Mountain

To: Campsite near Three Forks
Miles today: 14.3

I slept pretty well, with one trip out about 2 AM. The stars were bright, with Orion overhead, and the lights still shining from the town below. I used the hand warmers I bought at Mountain Crossings between two pairs of socks, so my feet were toasty. The morning was windy and cool but again beautiful. I moved the hand warmers to my mittens, and they lasted just long enough for my hands to be warm when we started hiking at 8:30.We took a break at Gooch Mountain Shelter, and I told Traildog that my introvert self would need some space today to reflect on the journey that is about to end. We hiked separately most of the day, meeting at a couple of spots along the way. The trail had several short and a couple of longer ups and downs, some fairly steep, but the footing was good, and there were views through the trees. I do like hiking in stick season, though the colors are mostly browns and grays with the occasional greens of rhododendrons, mountain laurels, and some evergreens. I am so grateful I was able to do this hike, grateful for a body that could hike 2185 miles at my age, grateful to Lee for her amazing support, grateful to my sister for her enthusiasm and keeping my parents informed and supplied with pictures, grateful to the Anderson crew and the extended Crawford family for their love and support, grateful to all the trail angels I encountered (including HOBO and Anita, Doyi and Lou), to my fellow hikers -- especially those with whom I hiked for extended periods (Traildog, Sherlock, Cyclone, Kentucky, Movin' On, Journeymen, Bismark, Hopper, RW, and Smooth D), to those section and day hikers I met who were so encouraging, to those in hostels, B&Bs, and motels whose hospitality went beyond the usual, and to all who followed my journey and offered support through Lee's FaceBook postings and my sporadic Trailjournals postings.We are camped for the last time along a fast moving creek about 4.2 miles from the end of the AT at Springer Mountain. Because we are in a valley, I expect it will be quite cool tonight, but I'll enjoy the sound of the water. I have no cell signal, but I did get a text from Lee that she was on the plane and would soon take off for Atlanta. Yay! This has been our longest time apart, and I miss her very much.
Date: 2014-12-15
From: Campsite near Three Forks

To: Springer Mountain, GA
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: few clouds

So hard to believe this long adventure is over. Will finish this entry, add photos, and fill in the blanks in the next several days. Sometimes it seems it is taking longer to get this journal finished than it took to hike the trail, but I WILL get it done!
Date: 2014-01-22
To: Forty-seven days and counting!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

A month and one-half until I start my trek. Look forward to meeting other like-minded folks on the trail. I will plan to stay on trail for 8-10 days with first resupply in Franklin, NC. We'll see how that works out, as flexibility is the key!Physically, first few weeks should be challenging. Hiked Half-Dome in Yosemite last June, but not much since. I've been up and down stairs at my condo with 80% pack weight, boots and other gear, and plan to continue the 440 steps daily until the start on March 9. I'm giving myself a great present, for the 9th is my birthday.
Date: 2014-03-09
From: Amicalola Lodge

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: overcast clouds

My brother David drove me over from Charleston for the start on Friday the seventh which is his birthday. We had a nice weekend at Amicalola Forest State Park, and were there for the Appalachian Trail kickoff. We hiked up the falls on Saturday. Sunday morning, my birthday, we hiked up Springer Mountain for the start. After signing into the logbook, we continued down to the parking lot, 0.9mi., where David got a ride back to the car. I kept hiking for another 3 miles to a beautiful spot next to a stream and was joined later by another solo NOBO, Austin for the night.
Date: 2014-03-10
From: 0.2 miles South of Three Forks

To: Katahdin
Miles today: 10.3

Very pleasant night for first night in my tent. Got up around 730 in the morning, made breakfast, got packed up and on the trail by 845. Had no definite plans that day however ended up hiking 11.1 miles to Justus Creek. Realized even more that day how unwise I was to end up with a fifty pound pack. Every climb difficult and slow. Did not read the guide well enough, so ran out of water on the way to Horse Gap on a very hot day. Almost stopped to overnight on flats of hilltops, but lack of water drove me on. At Cooper Gap ran into first Trail Magic as Trail Angels gave me a couple of liters of water. Had just summited Sassafras Mountain (with difficulty) and had 2.1 miles to go to make Justus Creek. First, of course, came Justus Mountain another although shorter climb. By the time I reached the campsite at Justus Creek I was totally exhausted. I set up my tent, with difficulty, then crawled inside and stayed there for 12 hours until the next morning. I had hiked 11.1 miles and nine hours that day and was so tired I couldn't prepare a meal.
Date: 2014-03-11
From: Justus Creek

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 6.9

Picture taken 33 years ago of my father Red, fording a stream as we worked our way around Yellowstone Lake. Not an experienced backpacker, he thought his Timberlands would be adequate. We were hit with an unexpected near gale force wind and snow storm one night. His shoes got wet of course, and in an attempt to dry them out fireside, ended up with shrunken and curled up toes. We've had lots of laughs over the years about that trip. Now I understand his difficulty in keeping up with his 29 year-old son.Packed up and moving around 9AM, stopped at the first small stream to filter water. Hiked 1.4 miles to Gooch Mountain Shelter for breakfast and coffee. Had rather mild ups and downs all day, but fatigue came quickly and I started figuring out where I could go to ship my extra weight away. Ended up hiking 6.6 miles to Woody Gap, called the Country Store Hostel for a ride and settled in. Decided to take a "0" day to let my legs recover a bit and shed some weight. Still here on the 12th, catching up on posting and resting. Tachycardia continued until the wee hours, but much better now. Maybe lactic acid finally leaving overworked leg muscles. Shipped as much gear as I could this morning, guessing 12 pounds, reducing pack weight to a manageable 38lbs. Plan an early start tomorrow to make Neel Gap for my next overnight. Will summit Blood Mountain, one of the highest in GA before descending into Neel, 10.7 miles.
Date: 2014-03-13
From: Suches, GA

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 10.7

We got started at a quarter to nine this morning and had a great day trekking up and down Blood Mountain to get to Neel Gap. Hiking with Shark today, started with temps in the twenties and wind blowing 20-25. Water tube frozen after a couple of hours until melt about 1PM. Otherwise clear and beautiful, with a dusting of snow on the ground. Got lucky and found a cabin available at Neel Gap and snugly settled in. Until next time,HiC
Date: 2014-03-14
From: Neel Gap

To: Poplar Stamp Gap
Miles today: 11.9

After a great night in the cabins at Neel gap, started hiking at 8:45. Had and absolutely beautiful day. The temperature ranged from 40° in the morning to about 65 midday. I had lots of company on the trail today including Shark and Winging it, Kennedy, Cheesin', Brad and Bottomless Pit. Had first real Trail Magic at Tesnatee Gap from a Christian Church affiliated pair of guys who let us know they had been Trail Angels at the same location for 11 years straight. They had just about anything you could think of including food drink medical supplies and knitted hats. I got one of the wonderful knitted hat made and donated by ladies from the first Methodist Church nearby. I had planned to stop at Low Gap, but when I got there I decided to keep going to Poplar Stamp gap about 1.4 miles further. I arrived at 4:30 and my tent was up by five. I prepared a nice reconstituted meal and enjoyed it has a few other hikers went by. By the way, what an extraordinary difference 10 to 12 pounds makes. My pack now rides better feels better and I certainly have a lot more energy for making these hills.Until tomorrow--HiC (Head in Clouds)
Date: 2014-03-15
From: Poplar Stamp Gap

To: Cheese Factory Site
Miles today: 12.0

Another beautiful day on the AT! As usual got started at 8:45AM and proceeded to walk up and down, up and down, up and down, etc, etc, etc. Had a very fine day for hiking with clear skies, beautiful views, and mild temperatures. Wingin' It, Kennedy, Brad, Bottomless Pit, Mustard Fingers, and TBD seesawed back and forth with me all day. Getting hungry and in need of a rest , I rounded a switchback on the way down from Blue Mountain and saw a wonderful and welcome sight. Two separate two-man groups of Trail Angels had set up in Unicoi Gap and had several hikers enjoying their magic. The trip downhill became much easier anticipating goodies for lunch. Two men set up there said this was the eleventh year in a row for them in the same spot. They picked one day per year and I just happen to be lucky enough to walk by on that day! I was there for about twenty minutes for a couple of hot dogs, fluids, and drinks. By the time I left there were twenty or so thankful hikers enjoying their largesse. Next came a 1000ft climb to the top of Rocky Mountain, then a couple of miles further to my camping choice at the Cheese Factory Site. Trail Magic appeared again in the form of four guys up from Augusta for the weekend, who offered me coffee, all the trail mix I could handle and a cold beer!Thanks to all the Angels,HiC
Date: 2014-03-16
From: Cheese Factory Site

To: Dick's Creek Gap and Hiawassee
Miles today: 13.0

How do I begin? Let's see, the rain started about 5AM. Wanting an early start, I prepared to strike camp at 6:45. It was the first time I had been rained on this trek, so I planned carefully and did a pretty good job of keeping everything dry during the process, even leaving the tent fly up while I folded the tent beneath it. I started the walk up Tray Mountain just after 8AM in rain and 40 degrees. I had not bothered to look at the weather closely, as I had been hearing about this rain for days. I started out without gloves, anticipating a gradual warm-up during the day. Full rain gear and pack cover were on. Soon after passing Tray Mountain Shelter, I passed Bottomless Pit, Mustard Fingers, and TBD on the trail as they rigged their gear. They were by me within the hour after they got moving. About that time, I first encountered the brutally cold and piercing wind on the windward side of the mountain. Not wanting to stop to open my pack in pouring rain and no shelter to add gloves, down jacket, and woolen undies I carried on for a couple more hours, all the time thinking the extreme weather would abate and the temperature would go up. It didn't. When my hands went numb and I was starting to have chills, I decided it would be worth it to open the pack just to get my glove shells. With difficulty, I found the gloves and attempted to put them on. My shells have a thin liner, and my little fingers refused to go into the right spot. After a struggle, I got the left one mostly in place, but really struggled for some time with the right and finally just had to go with my right fifth digit bent down half-way because I was starting to shake with cold. My hands were wet and numb and just refused to go into the gloves well. I was able to grip my walking sticks just well enough to start walking again.I hiked under these miserable, cold conditions for almost nine hours and saw only a few other hikers on the trail, because no one else was dumb enough to be out there. I slipped and fell three times despite being extremely careful on the slick muddy downhills. All in all, I must say this was an epic miserable day, and I hope the worst I will experience on the AT.To better times,HiC