morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-03-25
From: Planning

To: Planning
Miles today: 0.0

Well... it is only three days until I take the first steps of my planned AT thru-hike for 2009. I am really getting excited about getting this journey underway. Everyone with whom I have spoken recently, and who are aware of my upcoming adventure, seem to be almost as excited as I. Friends and family members have been very supportive, even though they may be thinking inwardly that I must be slightly "off kilter" to be doing what I plan to be doing for the next six months. I will miss them all [my JRT, "Jack" too]while I'm on the trail, especially those on whom I have come to rely on for encouragement and with whom I have developed the closest bonds of friendship.Yes... three days and counting... after six years of planning, it's finally time to get going! Some of my friends have asked if I'm having second thoughts. I can say honestly and boldly, "No way!" I am looking very forward to realizing this [one of many] dream. I am certain that there is great truth in the statement, "There are good days on the AT; there are bad days on the AT; but all days on the AT are tough!" Physically, I am well prepared. Emotionally, I am ready! Spiritually, I am confident! Mentally, I know what to expect [after reading every piece of AT literature I could get my hands on for the past six years... and doing three multi-day section hikes as well]. Even so... the challenge will be significant for one who hopes to turn 65 years old in June [somewhere in Maryland or Pennsylvania, most likely].Have to close for today! I will try to get some information posted about my gear tomorrow evening. Thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings. Planning information can be boring. My entries while on the trail will likely be of great interest and intrigue. My wife, Kristi and close friend, Patti will be working behind the scenes to make sure that my journal is updated frequently over the next 6 months. It would not be possible without their help. Catch me again if you find the stuff to be interesting [and informative] to you! I'll do my best to provide useful and realistic information concerning the realities of life on the AT. Will... "Roadrunner" on the AT... HIKING with a 39-pound pack!
Date: 2009-03-29
From: Amicalola Falls State Park Lodge

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

9:00 a.m. - AT Approach Trail to Springer Mountain enroute to Stover Creek Shelter. 3:00 p.m. - Reached Stover Creek Shelter and prepared for first night on the AT.Springer Mountain Summit:Cold - 32 Degrees at 1:00 p.m. Foggy, wind at 25+ mph. Registered with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy GATC caretaker.40 Degree sleeping bag definitely NOT adequate - Plan to purchase a 15 Degree bag at Neels Gap. Long, cold, NOISY night - snowing.Approach Trail - Strenuous hike. I met a few people on the way - Retired USAF hiker who was section hiking; plans to SoBo from Maine in June. Hiked with him for two miles. - Bryan from Long Island, N.Y. (No Trail Name) 24 year-old hiking in kilt and aussie hat. Bryan was a Christian. - Met two very "rotund" bikers and wondered how they could possibly thru-hike. Had some help with information by a 1999 thru-hiker from Athens, GA. - Met "Carpenter", "Super Tram", and "Classic Rock".Overall a good day!!
Date: 2009-03-30
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: overcast clouds

9:10 a.m. Leave Stover Creek Shelter.5:40 p.m. Arrive at Gooch Mountain Shelter. Easy terrain for the first five miles. Saw signs and tracks of bear. Next seven miles were tough. Weather is great! Sunny, dry and cool.Met "Spear Tipper" (Indian Spear Head found day 1). Shared my water with him when he ran out - earned his friendship. - Jeffrey Rush from Troy, AL. He is a 36 year-old "retired" Navy-LPN EMT. Hiked with him for the balance of the day. Weather has turned cold and cloudy. Met "Weebles" and "The Law" - two young girls from Alaska. - Met "Hot Rod". Carpenter, Super Tram, Spear Tipper, Brian, Classic Rock, two section hikers who would be stopping at Dick's Creek Gap from Arlington, VA. I was interviewed by a guy doing an Appalachian Trail documentary.
Date: 2009-03-31
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: light rain

8:30 a.m. Start out for Woods Hole Shelter5:30 p.m. Arrive at Woods Hole Shelter for the night.Hiking with Spear Tipper. Weather was cool, windy and rained most of the day. I did NOT eat properly and became hypoglycemic in the afternoon. Spear Tipper "saved" me with GORP (Trail Mix). This was our first night in a tent since the shelter was full. - Met five 70+ year-olds thru-hiking slowly (3-7 mile days). - Mike (61 year-old neuro-surgeon) and his son Jim (26 years old). - Cat and Ed - very nice young couple. - Carpenter and Classic Rock both having leg problems. It rained all night and my tent leaked. I slept okay until I had a nightmare, but Spear Tipper checked on me. Still with "ST" as hiking partner. Tomorrow either AT up/down Blood Mountain or Freeman Trail.
Date: 2009-04-01
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: overcast clouds

8:30 a.m. Start out from Woods Hole Shelter11:30 a.m. Arrive at Neels GapDamp and cold day! I took Freeman BB Trail around Blood Mountain which was a "MISTAKE". "Devil's Rock Garden" - very, very difficult and dangerous 1.9 BB. Slow trek - Met up with Mike and Jim. Spear Tipper not with me, I hiked the 3.7 mile distance almost alone. Got to Neels Gap and rented a cabin room for $55.00. Received backpack clinic by Neels Gap staffer. Spear Tipper arrived; invited him to stay at cabin and share the room - he agreed. Mike and Jim in another room at the three bedroom cabin. We had great conversation and comradery. Bought new tent - $300.00. Bought new 15 degree (Down) sleeping bag - $290.00. Re-supplied food, cold drinks! Shuttled to cabin for a hot shower and bed! Mailed seven pounds back home. Pack loaded now at 36lbs.
Date: 2009-04-02
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: moderate rain

9:00 a.m. Leave Neels Gap Cabin3:10 p.m. Arrive at Low Gap Shelter for the night.Hiked with Spear Tipper, Mike, Jim, Carpenter, Classic Rock, Weebles, and The Law. The day started damp and cool but finished nicely being sunny and cool. Saw a fox squirrel, owl, several birds, and beautiful wild flowers. The tent and sleeping bag worked great! Continued on and hiked with "ST" and was a really good day!
Date: 2009-04-03
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

8:50 a.m. Leave Low Gap Shelter6:00 p.m. Arrive at Tray Mountain Shelter for the night.Hiked with Spear Tipper and Bobbie (on and off). - Met "Legs" who was stopping for some R&R in Helen, GA. Mike and Jim did the same since Mike was whipped. - Met up with Brian and Hot-Rod again at Tray Mountain. Great weather until we got to Tray Mountain (30 degrees with 30 mph winds). Tent and sleeping bag again worked great! It was a very tough climb today with lots of rocks.
Date: 2009-04-04
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

9:45 a.m. Start out from Tray Mountain Shelter.4:00 p.m. Arrive at Dicks Creek Gap for the night.Beautiful weather today - Sunny and warm. The climb to Kelly Knob was tough and it was tough going downhill as well. (We lost 4.5m) Hiking with Spear Tipper - Met two young men "Giddy-Up" and "Mud". It was a long day due to the downhill climb. Called Lee and Pat Wroten, former Scott Lake Baptist Church members living in Hiawassee, GA. They will pick us up at AT and US 76 to spend Saturday and Sunday at their home. GREAT accommodations! Hot shower, bedroom and food, food, food!! Wroten's are real "Trail Angels"! They are inviting and supportive Christian people. They are Mom & Pop of Bea/Don and Kay/John who sing (with me) in the Scott Lake Baptist Church choir. Re-supplied with cold drinks at Ingle's Grocery. We enjoyed Lasagna with a wonderful salad for dinner. We filled up and washed clothes!!![At Dicks Creek Gap there were Trail Angels from Virginia picking up "Still Here" and his hiking partner. They gave Spear Tipper and me a cold brew!! Heavenly!!)
Date: 2009-04-05
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Went to breakfast buffet with Lee Wroten and then to McConnell Memorial Baptist Church with Lee and Pat. Very cordial congregation and good sermon. Bryan from Long Island, N.Y. was there too. Pat invited him to lunch buffet with us. Did more food shopping in the afternoon at Ingles Grocery to get food for six days to cover us ("ST" and me) until we reach Nantahala Outdoor Center on April 11th. (Plans change) Spear Tipper's leg hurting; talking of possibly leaving the trail--Hope not; he's a great hiking partner. Spent balance of the afternoon organizing pack, planning for the next six days and talking with Pat and Lee.Weather Forcast:Today:   70 Degrees & SunnyMonday:   Cloudy & ColdTuesday:   Snow Showers & Very Cold!Wed-Sat:   Temperatures between 40 and 60 degreesPlan for two relatively short days due to weather forcast and ST's leg issues. Had steak, macaroni & cheese and Lima beans for dinner. I have ate more food in the last two days than in the previous seven.OVERALL FEELINGS/IMPRESSIONS FROM 3/31/09 thru 4/5/09.After first seven days on the AT (75.5) miles 8+ 67.5People - Fantastic! Cordial, supportive, helpful, encouraging, informative and honest.Spear Tipper is a great hiking partner--personality and pace match.AT Terrain - Very difficult climbs with downhill rocks and mud.Weather - Quite variable 28 - 72 degrees, rain, wind and sun.Wildlife - Sparce thus far. Fox squirrel and owl with evidence of bear and deer.Water - Plentiful with streams, springs, and falls.Pat and Lee Wroten - The VERY BEST!!Concerns - Cold weather, potential for falling.Equipment - Leaking tent replaced. Sleeping bag replaced. Shoes already "coming apart". Plan to purchase new pair at NOC or in Franklin, N.C.Plant Life - Pine and Rotadendrum. The hard woods have not yet budded out.Shelters - 2 nights in shelters. Tented three nights at shelter. I night at Neels Gap cabin and 2 nights at Lee and Pat Wroten's home. - Some large and clean. Some small and clean.Special Note: GATC working hard on AT maintenance.Privys - OK. Some with roofs, some without. Moldering, compost.
Date: 2009-04-06
From: Dicks Creek Gap AT & US 76

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: overcast clouds

9:15 a.m. Leave Dicks Creek Gap11:30 a.m. Arrive at Plumorchard Gap ShelterShort hike today due to Spear Tipper's leg issue and weather prediction of snow tonight. Met "Gypsie" - very unique personality from Ocala, FL and "Spirticus". Shelter held fourteen and there were only eight of us seeking shelter. "Blackbird" from Maine, "Bobby" and "Legs". The day was short but long at shelter. Very Boring!!
Date: 2009-04-07
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

9:45 a.m. Leave Plumorchard Gap Shelter1:00 p.m. Arrive at Muskrat Creek ShelterStarted snowing mid-morning and got heavier as the day progressed. Six inches of snow at Muskrat Creek. It was very cold with just 21 degrees at 4:00 p.m. Heavy snow! So cold I could not cook. Must have walked in place in the shelter for ten miles just to keep warm. Night temperatures reached 15 degrees and the 15 degree sleeping bag worked well. Not eating or drinking that night was not good. Stupid actually! My three water bottles froze solid during the night. The metal one split in two due to swelling of ice. Lesson Learned! It snowed all night. Seven hikers in shelter - two in tents. Me, Spear Tipper, Bobby, Blackbird, Legs, Spirticus, and Nanneck in shelter. "Old Corpus" and Jeremy in tent.
Date: 2009-04-08
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

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

9:45 a.m. Leave Muskrat Creek Shelter4:10 p.m. Arrive at Carter Gap Shelter for the night.Very cold start to the day. Snowing lightly. This was a very, very, very tough day for me. Water was frozen until after 2:00 p.m. I was dehydrated and weak from having not eaten supper the night before (4/7/09). North Carolina is not quite as difficult as Georgia, but today's snowy, slushy trail (with several uphill climbs) was so tough I just wanted to quit. Had it not been for Spear Tipper's support and encouragement, I might have. We finally made it to Carter Gap Shelter at 4:10 p.m. I was exhausted! Got shelter space again with Spear Tipper, Old Corpus, and Spirticus. Bobby, Legs, Blackbird, Jeremy and three or four others stayed in tents. Weather improved greatly! I ate a warm meal and drank a "gallon" of water and hoped for a good night's sleep. Reflecting, this was by far my toughest day on the AT to date!Special Note: Met section hiker from Winter Haven, FL - "Grinder" who was Janet Blum Addair's (PCSB former employee) ex-husband. Small world! One cannot mis-behave anywhere. You never know who you'll run into!
Date: 2009-04-09
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap, US 64
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

8:30 a.m. Leave Carter Gap Shelter4:00 p.m. Arrive at Winding Stair GapWhat a difference today! With a cool start to the day it was absolutely fantastic hiking weather (cool, dry, and sunny). Water was plentiful and the views were great. This was my highest mileage day at 15.9 miles. I'm still hiking with Spear Tipper. We planned to get to US 64 and catch the shuttle to Franklin, N.C. The plan worked! We're at the Budget Inn, well fed and hydrated. Today's hike was moderate to difficult in terms of ups and downs. One climb up to Albert Mountain was very treacherous with difficult rock climbs. Fortunately, it was relatively short and the view from the fire tower was spectacular. When we got to US 64 there were two Christian Trail Angels with cold drinks, snacks and chairs. They even called the shuttle for us - Spear Tipper, Stewball, Bonesey, Old Corpus, Taligo and me. Legs rode in later. Bobby and Blackbird must have stayed behind at Rock Gap Shelter. I had a great meal at Cody's Roadhouse with Spear Tipper and Nanneck and spent time updating my journal notes. Later.....stay tuned!
Date: 2009-04-10
From: Winding Stair Gap, US 64

To: Franklin, N.C.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

It's great to be in town today with rain and lightning. I washed clothes and plan to go to the Outfitter to get new boots and water bottles. Also need to "proof read" my notes. I called my wonderful wife Kristi and a friend assisting me with my journal. The weather forecast looks great for the next five days after today's rain. Mailed my journal notes through 4/9/09.
Date: 2009-04-10
From: Franklin, N.C.

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

General Reflections: 4/6/09 - 4/10/09Hiking Partner - Still hiking with "Spear Tipper" and it's a very good match with temperament and pace.Hiking Group:Legs - From Bradenton, FLStewball - From Hot Springs, NCSpear Tipper - From Troy, ALBobby - From Port Charlotte, FLBlackbird - From MaineSpirticus - From ?Carpenter - From South CarolinaOld Corpus - From TexasKotito - From Boston, MASSBonesey - From New YorkNaneek - From MichiganBlessed - From MassachusettsRanger - From Knoxville, TNGypsie - From Ocala, FLConcerns: Weather Variation15 degrees with six feet of snow to 72 degrees with sun. Greatest concern is cold, wet weather.Life Lessons:1. Eat or become weak to exhaustion2. Drink or become dehydrated and dangerously exhausted3. Can't plan for everything4. $150.00 Montrail Torre GTX boots don't last - "blew out" at 115 miles.5. LEKI poles do not hold pole slides in cold weather6. Gorilla Tape will not stick in cold weather7. Duct Tape is good!8. Zero days are essential9. I miss my wife, family, and close friends10. The current hiking group are all great guys!Franklin, NC is hiker friendly. Ron Haven is a great supporter of the hiking community. Knowledgeable and helpful! I recommend his Budget Inn as a good place to stay. Taxis are expensive in Franklin. Outfitter in Franklin is well-stocked. Service is good. Weather today (4/10/09) was severe. Next five days look great!
Date: 2009-04-11
From: Winding Stair Gap, US 64

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

9:45 a.m. - Leave Winding Stair Gap, US 643:15 p.m. - Arrive at Wayah Shelter for the nightNantahala Hiking Club gave everyone on the bus an Easter goody bag. They were also at the Siler Bald Shelter doing the same. Volunteers are so very important to the hiking community! I felt great today, almost as if I were hiking without a pack. The time in Franklin, NC was well spent. The only disappointment was being unable to get pictures on Siler Bald and Wayah Bald due to very thick fog all day. We stayed in the Wayah Shelter. Weather cleared overnight and was cool, but dry. Hikers were in the shelter or in tents. Old Corpus, me (Roadrunner), Spear Tipper, Legs, Jeff (section hiker from Virginia), Moxie - from Indiana, Blue Eye and Dad from California hiking south, Bobby and Jeremy (One-Stop). Overall it was a good day!
Date: 2009-04-12
From: Wayah Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

8:07 a.m. - Leave Wayah Shelter4:04 p.m. - Arrive at the Nantahala Outdoor CenterThe weather was great, ranging from cool/dry to warm/dry. Great day with great views along the way. Tough downhill from Wesser Bald to NOC due to length and steepness. (Dropped from 4627' to 1723' over a six mile distance.) Two areas were extremely tough to get down from. Some parts of the trail today were really eroded and need work. Arrived at NOC and rented a bunk in 4-bed room for $17.00 with shower. Ate at Rivers End Restaurant - Wesser Burger and beverage hit the spot! Showered and slept well. Plan on a "ZERO" day at NOC tomorrow. It was a different, but very nice Easter.
Date: 2009-04-13
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

"ZERO" day at Nantahala Outdoor Center began with breakfast at the Rivers End Restaurant. Updated journal, washed and dried clothes. Talked with Spear Tipper, Josh, Bluegrass (from Kentucky). We all enjoyed lunch at the Rivers End Restaurant along with Jeff. Old Corpus hiked on today, as did Ryan and others. Evaluated food supply. Plan to re-stock in Robbinsville in a day or two. Planned route and stops for next two days. Plan to be with Don and Becky Woods on Tuesday or Wednesday. These plans all depend on the weather. I will head north from NOC toward Stecoah Gap by 9:00 a.m. tomorrow. Hopefully, weather will be dry. Time will tell.
Date: 2009-04-14
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: moderate rain

9:20 a.m. - Leave Nantahala Outdoor Center5:00 p.m. - Stecoah GapWe had breakfast at River's End Restaurant. It rained all morning while on our way to Sassafras Gap Shelter. We arrived at the shelter at 1:00p.m. I was soaked! In addition, I had developed cold symptoms overnight while at NOC. It continued to rain as we moved on to Cheoah Bald with 7.5 miles of steep hills. Cheoah Bald at 5,6062' was fogged in deep - unfortunately, no view. Too bad! The rain stopped in the afternoon, but temperatures dropped so it became quite chilly. I decided to call Don and Becky Woods, our friends and true "Trail Angels". Don picked us up (Spear Tipper & me) at Stecoah Gap to take us to his home in Robbinsville. Great accommodations and hospitality! We ate at Phillip's Restaurant in Robbinsville! Warm shower, did laundry and off to bed. Don invited us to take a "ZERO" day on 4/15 and we gladly accepted!
Date: 2009-04-15
From: Robbinsville

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

"ZERO" day in Robbinsville with Don and Becky Woods.Trail Angels indeed! What a blessing they are! R&R at their cabin home. We went to Nantahala Outdoor Center for lunch. Spear Tipper had a package to pick up as well. Stopped for food re-supply at Ingles in Robbinsville. Very much needed rest day for me after 4/14/09. The hike was long and hard with steep hills since I had a cold.More Life Lessons:1. Trail Angels like Don and Becky are necessary for mental, physical and emotional well-being.2. I miss my wife and family more each day. Kristi is so supportive and my life-line emotionally and spiritually.3. My friends in Professional Development are also my encouragers as are my Lakeland Runners Club colleagues.4. On the Appalachian Trail days may be good, days may be bad, but all days are tough.
Date: 2009-04-16
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

9:05 a.m. - Leave Stecoah Gap4:50 p.m. - Arrive at Fontana DamDon took us back to Stecoah Gap. What amazing support! Today was the best weather day on the AT to date! Sunny, cool and dry! We left our food and cookware at Don and Becky's knowing Don would be back to pick us up at Fontana Dam in the late afternoon. As a result our packs were 8 lbs. lighter. Otherwise we carried everything else. Terrain was not easy but it was a very good day! "Toured" Fontana area, shelter, dam and visitor area. Conversed with several locals while waiting for Don to arrive. I had three bowls of Becky's veggie soup for dinner. Showered and washed clothes. This is great! We had dinner guests Jim and Ruthie Hamilton from Andrews, N.C. Jim (now in his 80's) thru-hiked the AT in 1990 and actually hiked some with Bill Irwin and his dog Orient of "Blind Courage" fame and author. Jim shared many stories from his thru-hike. He's a very interesting person! Great conversation! Plan for 4/17-4/24/09. We will leave Fontana Dam by 9:30 a.m. on 4/17/09. Goals - In and out of Smoky Mountains National Park by 4/20/09. Get to Hot Springs, N.C. by 4/24/09. Be safe, dry and healthy for next 8 days!--Communicate with Kristi and others as often as possible dependent on cell service.--Be thankful to God, enjoy His wondrous natural environmemt! What a marvelous gift this earth is!--Update my journal again in Hot Springs, N.C. Entries and pics will be very sparce from 4/17/09 thru 4/28/09. Thanks for logging in so far. Hope you're enjoying the words and pictures.Let me hear from you by writing in my "Guest Book" on this site! May God bless you all! Stay tuned again after 4/28/09.
Date: 2009-04-17
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

Hiked today 13.8 miles from Fontana Dam to Russell Field Shelter, from about 10:20 am uuntil 6:30 pm. Don took us back to Fontana Dam after anothe great night's rest in a warm, dry bed! Again... Don and Becky were great hosts and true trail angels indeed! They are very good friends and great people! It was great weather for a hike, but the day got off to a negative start; we missed the AT trailhead [don't know how; must have been running my mouth and not focusing on the AT]and ended up hiking for 45 minutes on the Lakeshore Trail [a red blaze trail, not well-marked. "Rock me I'm a dufus [or is that douphous?]!" I was so upset with myself, I hiked out, back to the AT Trailhead in 30 minutes.Finally got back on the AT by 11:30 am or so, and we headed North! There were many great views even though it was a very tough climb most of the day, going from a 1700' elevation at Fontana to 4775' at the "Devil's Tater Patch". We didn't get to our target Shelter until 6:30 pm. Stayed in my tent that night- cool but dry! Over all it was a good day. We also met new AT hikers- Juice, Mama Llama, Brave Foot, the Hazmat Crew [Jeff & Robin]. All were supportive and friendly. Juice and Mama Llama are from outside Dallas, TX and The Hazmat Crew [Hazardous Material, must be a story there], Jeff & Robin were from Seattle, WA. Brace Foot is from Davie, FL. Peole like this group help so much to make the AT experience positive! Stay tuned for another update tomorrow. Roadrunner