morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Did a shakedown hike with my son Mark and had a great time. It is so nice to have grown children that you not only love as children but like and respect as adults. Again, I am one so fortunate to have a great family. Anyway, I learned some things on this hike. I need to lighten my load, 35 pounds is too heavy. So I have been searching for ways to do so and hopefully wil be able to trim that fully loaded pack with food and water to no more than 30 pounds. Secondly, my tarp tent was great but the condensation was horrible, I will have to reconsider the tent option. Third, I can eat things I previously thought were gross. Smoked sardines are actually pretty tasty. Finally, I may need to find a way to carry an alcoholic beverage. We sat up and drank for a few hours and had a great time. So the countdown continues, I will be starting in 29 days with my flight to Atlanta and then to Springer Mountain on April 15th. I am reconsidering whether or not to hike the approach trail again. I hiked it 2 years ago, a quick up and back hike and so I am wondering if I really need to hike that again. I am starting to think that 2185.9 miles per AWOL's guide book is probably enough for one adventure. Does anyone else out there have any thoughts on that?
Date: 2013-03-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Yeah, that is one pretty shabby junior naval officer, at least according to Capt R. C. W.   Anyway I have been thinking how much easier it would have been to do this hike when I was young and absent of a houseful of preparations. And while there are some benefits of age, I think I can list twice as many detriments. It would have been far easier to prepare for this hike when I could fit everything I owned in the back of my corolla hatchback. Now there are leaky toilets to fix, fences to mend and straighten, weeds to pull, a yard to mow, a mother in a nursing home to look after, a job to quit, retirement to worry about, wills to update and that is just a partial list. If the A. T. is on your bucket list when you are young, hike it when you're young! For the rest of us, we will just have to make it that much more enjoyable. Perhaps that is part of the allure of this trail and the hiker life, it is a step back in time to being young when life was as simple as where do I sleep and what do I have to eat and where will the next trail magic appear. I also look forward to the camaraderie of the trail, that bond that you share with other hikers. I am not sure, but I suspect it is similar the bond that developed onboard ship. Friendships that made that life not only bearable but enjoyable. This entry has been a test for using the iPhone to journal. I think it works but my thumbs sure make it hard.
Date: 2013-04-14
From: Austin

To: Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Farewells should be easy, especially when you are leaving for a fantastic adventure that you have dreamed of for years, but this has been difficult. Yesterday was my final day of work and my friends threw me a wonderful goodbye party. It is hard to think about leaving such good friends and it is sad we that we wait until we we are leaving to realize how wonderful these friends are. I guess lesson #1 is appreciate the friends that we have while we are with them. Today was another wonderful but difficult day. Margaret and our children have helped me celebrate the start of this adventure and we have had a great day. And again it is hard to think about leaving Margaret and my wonderful kids and beautiful grand kids for 6 months ..... But the trail calls and the adventure begins tomorrow. So I leave for Atlanta tomorrow morning and will be at the Hiker Hostel tomorrow night. I will start north on Monday morning. I hope I am prepared. I know I leave wonderful friends and family behind but I also know they will be supporting me throughout this adventure. I am very, very fortunate.
Date: 2013-04-15
From: springer mountain

To: woody's Gap
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Yesterday I started the trail. I flew to Atlanta Sunday the 14th and was picked by the kind people at Hiker Hostel. It was initially pretty depressing, there were several people that were dropping out and a group of cyclists that sat in the basement in dungeon like conditions but after a while a few of us had a lively conversation and struck up a good friendship. I have been hiking with them for the past two days. We have covered about 20 miles so far and hope to ghetto Neel's Gap tomorrow. I'm hiking with Alan now known as Fudgy, Carrie now known as Muppett and Sarah known now as Punky. I have encountered many people from Texas. We seem to be well represented on the trail so far we are all optimistic but I have to admit this is far harder than I anticipated. The climbs have been difficult but downhill is even harder. And the trail does not lack for mountains to climb.
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Horse gap

To: unicoi gap
Miles today: 18.6

Has been several difficult days. On day 2 I hiked from Horse gap to Woody Gap , about 10.5 niles. Just out of Horse Gap was a difficult climb up Sassafrass Mountain. Day 3 then covered a Hike from Woody's gap to Swaim gap with a lot of ups and downs. Developed several new blisters from the downhills. The day was especially hard going over Blood mountain. If that wasn't bad enough the downhill was worse but I did about 13.6 miles. Stopped for a brief resupply at the outfitter's at Neel's gap and also had a burger and several cokes. Yesterday then hiked up to a spot short of Blue mtn.   Today woke to horrible rain and strong winds so after a 5 mile walk down to Unicoi Gap we were able to hitch a ride in the back of a flatbed truck to Hiawassee from Unicoi gap. Was able to resupply, do laundry , eat Mexican food and drink a beer while soaking my feet. Life is still good. But I had no idea how difficult the trail was. But there are magical times out here. After hiking for an hour or so in the cold rain with howling winds, we arrived at the shelter to meet Blues, a guy carrying his guitar along the trail. We said we had heard about him and so he broke out the guitar and played 2 songs, he is really a very good blues musician and singer. It made the day. That was just before getting to Unicoi and the wild ride to town on the flatbed in the pouring rain. So after 5 days, I have covered just about 53 miles. Not too shabby!
Date: 2013-04-21
From: unicoi gap

To: plumorchard Gap shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

On 4/20/13 we, my trail group and I, were able to hitch a ride from Hiawasee back to the gap. A retired Air Force pilot, Buckeye Pete, drove us the the gap and we began another hike with a difficult climb up about 1100 feet in under 0.5 miles. I hiked to Sassafras gap, about 10.5 miles. Not bad considering we didn't leave town until about 11 AM. Camping there was cold, the temps dropped into the mid 30s and since I brought my 40 degree bag, I slept with every thing on and was still cold! This morning I did not want to get up but did get started about 9:30 and hiked about 10.8 miles to Plumorchard shelter. There are a lot of hikers here tonight. I've had my dinner, cleaned up and am ready for sleep. Hopefully will be a better night than last. Tomorrow I will say goodbye to Georgia and will do so gladly. Georgia has beaten me down but I am still standing and still hiking north.
Date: 2013-04-22
From: plumorchard Gap shelter

To: Standing Indian
Miles today: 0.0

I am entering this at Gary's request because he has had sporadic cell service. I'll make entries until he is in an area where he can resume. MargaretDay 8 - Into North Carolina !(see photo) Hiked from Plumorchard Gap Shelter to Standing Indian. Total trip milage hiked: 86.3 miles.
Date: 2013-04-28
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center ,Wesser NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked in rain from Wesser Bald to Nantahala Outdoor Center and stayed in hostel, miserable cold rainy weather. doing laundry. The distance finder shows the Nantahala River as being 137.1 miles from Springer Mountain GA. Update from Gary: April 28- after spending nearly 19 hours in a shelter waiting out the monsoon like rains, huddled in my sleeping bag and fleece blanket, finally a slight break just before noon allowed us to hike about 6 miles into NOC. Got a bunk, did laundry, drank beer and split a pizza with Big Red. Overall a good ending to a lousy day. NOC bunk house is kind of a dump but the facility Otherwise is fantastic with a nice restaurant.
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center ,Wesser NC

To: Stecoah Gap NC
Miles today: 13.6

Per Gary: Hiked up out of N.O.C. over Cheoah Bald and finished at Stecoah Gap N.C. a gain of over 3300 feet. Lots of climbing, but the going down was worse. Hiked with Big Red who had a knee injury and had to get off the trail for a while. Hope he recovers and is able to continue. Total trail miles from Springer Mountain: approx. 145.5 milesUpdate from Gary: April 29- Left NOC about 9:30 and headed up and up. Climbed about 4000 feet over 7 miles up to Cheoha Bald. Then a hard descent to Stecoha gap. Had to say goodbye to Big Red, a nice guy and Afghan war vet. His knee started hurting him so he got a ride to Robbinville and is heading home for several weeks. Fortunately he lives nearby in Spartanburg SC.
Date: 2013-04-30
From: Stecoah Gap NC

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 15.4

Per Gary: Long Day, very warm - hiked from Stecoah Gap N.C. to Fontana Dam N.C. and got the shuttle to Fontana Village Resort (rooms, food, showers). A hard day. Tomorrow will be entrance to Smoky Mountain National Park. Total miles from Springer Mountain GA: 162.9 milesUpdate from Gary: April 30th. Started just before Jacobs ladder, that was a difficult climb, seemed at times like a 50-60 deg incline for about 1/2 mile. Later a tough descent to Fontana dam but a nice evening at the lodge. Split a room with Lauren from Dallas. Got my box from M. Thanks.
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Fontana Dam

To: Birch Spring Gap
Miles today: 5.6

Left Fontana Dam into Smoky Mountain National Park, camped at Birch Spring Gap campgrond. Got my down sleeping bag and air mattress in mail (warm & comfortable tonight). Total trip miles hiked: 168.5 milesUpdate from Gary: May 1st. Entered the SmokiesSaw a bear about 3.5 miles into the park. Looked young, maybe a year old or so. Not threatened just watched. So far have covered about 171.5 miles or so. Good night last night at lodge. Enjoyed Margaret's cookies and care package. Glad to have my Neoair pad and Marmot down sleeping bag although it is warm tonight. Never know in the mountains though.
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Birch Spring Gap

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Birch Spring Gap to Spence Field Shelter, Smoky Mountains, NC. Nice weather. sleeping in shelter tonight. Approximate total trip miles: 179.3 miles.Update from Gary: May 2nd. Hiked from Birch springs camp site to Spence Field shelter. A difficult hike but a nice day for hiking. Stayed in the shelter with about 12 other hikers including a ridge runner that was 73 years old and an A.T. and PCT thru hiker. Also Sue and Harvey were there a retired couple from Ohio that I have been seeing the past few days.
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: few clouds

Smoky Mountain National Park: Hiked from Spence Field Shelter to Double Spring Gap Shelter 13.5 miles. Heading for Clingmans Dome tomorrow, 6643 ft high and the highest point on the AT, and then to Newfound Gap to shuttle into Gatlinburg for resupply. Total trail miles hiked so far: 192.8 miles (my total trail miles are not updating above)update from Gary: May 3rd - liked from Spence Field shelter to Double Springs shelter, over a difficult section past Derricks Knob and then continued for about 12 miles to Double Springs. Hiked part of the day with Circuit Rider a 73 y.o. with a 45 pound pack. He is a retired ER RN with a great attitude and enjoyed hiking with him. A little slow but he knew his limits.
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Newfound Gap, - Galtinburg TN
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

(Gary sent this entry for me to post and I also updated April 28,29,30,May 1,2,and 3)May 4th. A really challenging day over Clingman's Dome the wind was howling all night long at the shelter. I was happy I was not in my tent or I may have landed in Kansas. But today it continued and if that wasn't enough it rained so it was cold wet and windy. First trail magic hiking towards Newfound Gap, encountered Godspeed and Mountain Mama that gave us sodas, brownies, oranges and a drive down the mountain to Gatlinburg. Very nice people. How nice to encounter that kindness! Now in Gatlinburg sipping a beer and doing laundry. Will likely take a zero tomorrow as the forecast for tomorrow is more wind and rain and cold. This is spring in the smokies. One thing that is sort of cool is getting to see all of the people you have met along the trail when you enter town. It's like a hiker reunion, every one is glad to see you and it's fun to share stories over a dinner or drink. Total trip miles: 203.6+
Date: 2013-05-05
From: Gatlinburg TN

To: zero day
Miles today: 0.0

May 5th zero in Gatlinburg. Had a great breakfast at Bennett's. dinner at 5 guys burger place. Also resupplied for 5 days to get me to Hot Springs. Also went to NOC outfitters and bought some super feet shoe inserts. Hopefully will help with foot problems. Getting blisters when I wear the orthotics and arch pain without. So hopefully the new inserts will alleviate issues. I guess I'll see.
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Newfound Gap, - Galtinburg TN

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked from Newfound Gap (Gatlinburg TN) to Tri-Corner Knob Shelter.Total trip hiked miles approx. 220Update from Gary: May 6th. Hiked 15 + miles today from newfound gap to tri-corner shelter. A large crowd a the shelter with a little music and nice group looking forward to leaving the smokies.! Should get out of the park tomorrow. Yay!
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked from Tri-Corner Knob Shelter to Davenport Gap Shelter, the last shelter in Smoky Mountain Nat'l Park. Approx. trip miles hiked: 234.Update from Gary: May 7. Hiked to Davenport Gap. Another 15 mile day, feeling stronger but my feet hurt with all the rocks. Harvey and Sue at the shelter tonite with Glacier, a former marine hiking the trail and a young girl from Germany. Also a SOBO (south bound hiker), Principal, from LA, he has provided a lot of good info about what to expect ahead. He left Maine last June and is nearing the end. Met some nice section hikers, Driftwood and Deep Woods, from St Louis area. I hope to get to Hot springs in 3 days.
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 13.0

May 8th - went from Davenport Gap in the morning and initially went the wrong direction for about a mile. It's easy to get turned around in this long green tunnel. I did hike about 13 miles to a campsite and met Tom, a 70 year old retired Professor from univ of Miami. A nice guy, had a nice conversation, he travels all over in his retirement and stays really active it seems. It rained that evening so into the tent to stay dry and hopefully sleep. I did sleep okay that night thanks again to Neoair!
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Brown Gap

To: Big Rock Spring
Miles today: 16.0

May 9th. Left the camp sight about 8 am and covered almost 16 miles to a camp sight about 7 miles south of Hot Springs NC. It was a difficult day with 4 steep climbs and walking through lots of muck at times from the rain. I feel good having covered 60 miles in 4 days. Uphills are still difficult but my legs are stronger. My feet are getting better too. No new blisters! The old ones seem to be healing! No nails lost but one looks as though it could go.
Date: 2013-05-10
From: Big Rock Spring

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

May 10th. Had a nice hike into Hot Springs, checked into the Laughing Heart Hostel, did laundry in town, prepared a box to mail home in an effort to lighten up, but then bought too much food so my pack will still be heavy. Earlier in the day while hiking met Ring Master, 70 year old guy hiking to Maine that is already knocking out 20+ mile days. Pretty amazing ! Weighed myself at the hostel and it appears I have already lost over 12 pounds so I tried to buy more food but that adds to more weight to carry. It's a challenge! Total miles hiked: approx. 271Thoughts from the trail so far:Many, many great people on the trail- Carrie and Punky, Loren, Pinoy Airman, Simba, big Red, Dibs, Even Flow, Blues, Rambo, Ringmaster, and so many others. Still a few jerks but few and far between. Young or old, age doesn't matter much.The trail is hard on the feet but easy on the spirit.I miss my family and friends but all are so supportive. M has been great support and reminds me I can do this. I think of them often and love getting texts from grandchildren. Leah and Em are so sweet and smart.A fire at night is just the right thing after a long day of hiking.I need to eat more and have been pushing myself to eat more. Hard to believe I have to force myself to eat.Life can be as simple as where do I sleep and what can I eat. I think I will try to simplify my life upon my return.
Date: 2013-05-11
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Hiked up from the hostel in Hot Springs NC to Spring Mountain Shelter. Approx total hiked miles: 282.Update from Gary:May 11- after a great breakfast at smokey mtn diner with hiker friends, stitch and her husband who came to visit her from Ohio, I set out to the post office to mail my box, then hit the trail. I only went to the first shelter, about 1 miles but it was a difficult day as it always seems to be leaving town. At spring mtn shelter met 2 old navy guys, ex submariners who have stayed in touch with each other over 40 years that were hiking to Erwin. Had a lively conversation with them. Also, earlier in the day met Brian and his 2 sons, they were hiking south to Erwin until I told them Erwin was north. Nice man and his sons also. The shelter was dirty and full so I slept in my tent even though it rained most of the night. I actually slept great.
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked from Spring Mountain Shelter up to over 4700 ft elevation then back down to 4150 ft to Jerry Cabin Shelter. Approx total miles hiked: 298 Update from Gary:May12- hiked about 15 miles to Jerry cabin shelter and hit 300 miles for the trip. It was full also so again in the tent. Was a difficult section along the ridge , boulder hopping and climbing up and down on arms and legs.
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Hiked from Jerry Cabin Shelter to Hogback Ridge Shelter.Approx. miles hiked so far: 315Update fro Gary : May 13 - hiked another 15 Or so to hogback ridge shelter. One really pretty but long climb along a Cascading Stream. At the shelter met 2 nurses from Winston Salem, blue tortoise and nightingale. They are moving pretty slowly but are determined. Blue tortoise has a business making an herbal soap that helps with poison ivy. Also met another hiker already doing 30 miles per day. Amazing through these mountains and this terrain.
Date: 2013-05-14
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: spivey gap
Miles today: 15.0

May 14 th. hiked to spivey gap. About 15 miles. A beautiful day and going over big bald was amazing. Great 360 deg view. Nice place for lunch. Joined time out and his dog Oliver here for lunch. It turned out o be a hard day with several hard climbs and descents but will be within 0 miles of Erwin for tomorrow. I plan to share a cabin with Timeout and Oliver if they will allow dogs. It's been 30 days now out on he trail. I've only made 330 miles but I am told the terrain gets easier from Va through Mass so hopefully I can get caught up with miles to finish mid sept. we will see.
Date: 2013-05-15
From: spivey gap

To: Erwin TN
Miles today: 11.2

May 15. Hiked to Erwin and am at uncle Johnny's hostel. Quite a place and quite a cast of characters. Came about 11 miles today and was here by noon. Have resupplied, showered and done laundry, have drank about 4 beers and am enjoying an afternoon free of hiking. Will try to head out tomorrow early tomorrow. So at 9:30 this morning I have been on the trail one month and have gone about 335 miles. The enthusiasm to finish persists but the trail has been hard and I may have to readjust my goals. I will see.
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Erwin TN

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked from Erwin TN to Cherry Gap Shelter.Update from Gary: May 16 - I hiked from Erwin TN, Uncle Johnny's hostel to Cherry Gap Shelter, 17.5 miles, my longest day so far. I was pleased that I covered that in 9 hours with about an hour in breaks so I think I averaged about 2 mph through some difficult terrain with one particularly long climb up Unaka mountain. Had a nice lunch atop a bald with nice views of the area surrounding Erwin. Camped in my tent again tonight near a nice couple from Park City Utah, Smiles and Nameless. I hope I will sleep better tonight. Last night was rough with the beer drinkers and the trains. It seems every 1/2 to 1 hour a train passes through Erwin and sounds its horn. It was loud and persistent throughout the night.
Date: 2013-05-17
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked from Cherry Gap Shelter to Roan High Knob Shelter. Update from Gary: May 17. Hiked to Roan High Knob Shelter highest on the AT. A lot of section hikers with a fire and alcohol. Lots of thunder. Did 17.8 miles in about 8 hours. The morning hike was one of the nicest so far with gentle ups and downs and few rocks. The afternoon was about climbing to over 6200 feet elevation. I am feeling stronger, trying to eat more and feeling more confident that I can do 18-20 mile days as the terrain eases some. I am hoping that this will be my first 100+ mile week. And if all goes well the next few days, I should be in Virginia on Wednesday and will also then take a zero day there most likely.
Date: 2013-05-18
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Mountain Harbor Hostel
Miles today: 17.0

Hiked from Roan High Knob Shelter to Mountain Harbor Hostel.From Gary: "An odd place for sure but having dinner. A really rough day over Jane's Bald, Grassy Bald and some other bald. Is raining and winds are blowing 40-50 mph. I'm glad to be off the mountains."Another update from Gary: May 18-I hiked from Roan Knob to Mountain Harbor Hostel. This was a trying day going across several balds with rain and 50 mph winds. The day went on forever but I still covered over 17 miles. The hostel was interesting but I was able to shower, warm up and get a ride to town to get a great burger.
Date: 2013-05-19
From: Mountain Harbor Hostel

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

May 19- I went to Moreland Gap Shelter, about 18 miles. Slept well in the shelter for a change. It was a nice morning but rain started about 1:30 and poured the rest of the day. My boots and clothes were soaked, my spirits were zapped. But anyway I survived. I finished my first 100 mile week! Actually covered 110 miles this week. That was nice but the past 2 days of rain have been hard.
Date: 2013-05-20
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

May 20- hiked to Watauga Lake shelter, on the shores of Watauga Lake - about 16 miles or so. Saw a beautiful waterfall, Laurel Falls, about half way into the day. With all of the rain, it was flowing. Supposedly there are active bears in the area around this shelter. My food bag is hung!   I am looking forward to Damascus. I hope to take a day off there. Hopefully it will be the start of some easier walking as Virginia is supposedly an easier area to hike.