morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Icewater Springs Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

We woke up to one incredible day. The rain, fog, and mist had all lifted and left behind some amazing views in its wake. 3 Cats and I got up early and broke camp around 7:30. We climbed our way with ease to Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the A.T. We climbed the tourist clad tower, where one can actually drive their car to, and see the views. My summation is that the views are better on the way up to Clingmans simply because you have to work for them. Anyway, the miles just flew by and both 3 Cats and I kept laughging about the silliest things. At one point, we discussed our unwashed bodies smelling like some stinky cheese, and how all the day hikers would stop to talk then quickly move on as they got a wiff of our vile aroma.As we crossed into Newfound Gap, I was amazed at the number of cars and people that were out. We stopped for a good hour just to take in the sun, and of course answer questions by all the passerbys. It was fun! After the break, we pushed on to the shelter where we hung out and met back up with Sharkey. We continued the laughs throughout the evening and are now settling in for the evening. Side note:Interesting meal of the trip: Sharkey made SPAMITO'S. A combination of Spam, refried beans, hummus, and tortillas.... GAGGGG!!!!!!!!!!In the shelter tonight are 3 Cats, Sharkey, Marathon, Sampson, Rocksteady, and 2 hikers out for a few days, Chris and Christine.More later- Hungry
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Icewater Springs Shelter

To: Davenport Gap
Miles today: 28.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Three Cats and I made a huge push from Icewater Springs to Davenport Gap driven by the desire for beer, hamburgers, and pizza. We knew if we could make it Davenport Gap, we could call for a ride into Hot Springs.Once we arrived at Cosby Knob shelter, we called Curtis at Standing Bear to arrange a ride. We cruised the last few miles almost tasting and smelling the food that was driving us.When we arrived at the Gap, Curtis was there to pick us up within 15 minutes or so, and we made the 45 min drive to Hot Springs. On the way, Curtis stopped and let us grab a 6 pack of beer, which, as it turned out, would be the only one of our cravings we would fill. By the time we got to Hot Springs, everything was closed. I wound up cooking in my hotel room the last dinner that I had in bag. Needless to say, it was the worst meal I think I have had....pure disappointment.... that after 28 miles, another dish of tuna and couscous. We had a great time the next day or so, and we got our fair share of food, so in the end, it worked out great.This is last stop for me on this section. I will attempt to catch up the Davenport Gap to Hot Springs section that I had hoped to accomplish this time. No worries, for me. It's about the good times.Thanks for reading,
Date: 2009-02-27
From: Davenport Gap

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: moderate rain

I drove up Thrusday night, and stayed with Curtis at Standing Bear Farm. On my drive up, I stopped at the store and picked up a bottle of Crown to share with Curtis and Rockhound. When I arrived, they showed me around and we sipped on Crown and talked about trail life, the folks that had come through, and other small talk while we sat around the fire.I was up early as I wanted to get on the trail early. Curtis dropped me off at Davenport Gap around 7:30 a.m. and I started my hike for the day. As soon as I stepped foot out of his truck it began to rain. It would continue for the duration of my trip.As I started the hike, it was an easy stroll back down to I 40, and then the climbing began. For the next 4 or 5 miles, it was up, up, up. I spent my time reflecting on life, work, etc and enjoyed the day even though the rain continued. My original plan was to camp at Roaring Fork Shelter, but there were notices posted all over the place talking about a bold bear that had been grabbing food bags, and that one should use strict LNT (leave not trace) policies. I would think about this off and on through out the day and wonder how I would react if the bear tried to grab my food.As I got deeper into my hike, I started my climb up Max Patch. It is by far the coolest place I have seen thus far. It was socked in with clouds, rain, and strong winds, and the views weren't great, but I could tell this is one awesome place. There were place that the snow still lingered, and I stopped long enough to grab a few pictures and video from the summit.As I descended down towards roaring fork shelter, I arrived to find tracks all over the ground in front of the shelter. I wasn't sure what type theu were, but figured I would cook and eat dinner there, and then move on to Walnut Mountain Shelter another 5 miles up the trail. The food gave me the extra burst of energy I needed to continue the day, and strolled in to Walnut Mountain around 5 p.m.I gather enough sticks and wood to build a fire, and even though the kindling was wet, the rain had subsided and I was able to build a nice fire for the evening. As the fire was going, I set up camp, which I had all to myself, and prepared for an interesting night in the shelter.As I laid down in my bag, and the fire began to dwindle, the mice came out in droves. I think since I was the only one there, they had my undivided attention. The scurried around, sqeaked at each other, and rooted through the few items I had in there with me. After two hours of trying to fall asleep to all their racket, a finally got up and pitched my tent out side of the shelter. Once I climbed in, I slept like a baby and woke up the next morning feeling refreshed.For the first time on the A.T. I saw absolutely no one and had my first night by myself on the trail. It was quite amazing.
Date: 2009-03-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have read AT journals at trailjournals.com for years. It is hard to believe that I am now starting one. My desire to walk the AT began when I went backpacking in the Smoky Mountains NP as a scout many years ago. As I grew older, I decided that I would make the attempt in 2011. A chance at early retirement and a tolerant wife has pushed up the date to NOW! Flight and shuttle arrangements are made for April 4th. My gear is in shape (even if I¢m not, lol). I still have to determine the best mail drop points and how to handle this journal. I want to thank the people of Trailjournal and Whiteblaze for helping me keep this personal ambition alive and my wife for letting me go.
Date: 2009-03-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I put together my pack today. The base weight is 16.2 lbs without consumables. Adding fuel (12 fluid ozs of alcohol), 4 days of food (25 oz/day), water (2.5 liters), the total weight is 28.1 lbs. This is higher than my normal 25 lbs, but I have not done much hiking in April and the extra weight is due to heaver winter clothes and my switch to a Big Agnes air pad (22.5 oz) instead of my normal Therm-a-Rest Ultralite (16 oz). I still have some ideas on how to shave some of the weight gain off.The item that I'm most unsatisfied with right now is my cooking pot. I hate to buy a new one, since my current one is "almost" what I want. Eight days til I leave for Atlanta.
Date: 2009-03-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We have had an unusual cold snap here at home and it is making me reassess my clothes again! This is not doing good things to my efforts to keep weight down.I have also had an issue with login to trailjournals.com using my Lg Vu (AT&T) cell phone. It keeps telling me that i have been idle too long and need to re-login. This doesn¢t work. My original intent was to use the phone to edit journal entries directly. Now it seems I will have to send my wife e-mails for her to post on the journal. I wish this could be fixed.
Date: 2009-03-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I spent part of today researching alcohol stoves. I made a proton type stove about 3 years ago. It has served me well, but I always wonder if there is something better. After making a few new stoves today, I went back to my old one.Just to make a data point for others, these are my stove's performance stats. Design: Basic proton stove type, 2 bottoms of Kroger house soda cans fitted into each other with 17 jets outside of the bottom lip. The jets are ~38 mils made with a stout sewing needle. The center fill hole is sealed with a coarse thread wing nut screw. Performance: Boils 16 ounces of water in ~6 mins using 22 ml of alcohol. The pot holder puts the pot bottom about 2/3 inch above the top of the stove. I have noticed that it is better to load more fuel than you need since the burn tapers down when almost all the fuel is used. I use another soda can bottom I have stretched a bit to snuff out the stove and to recover the unused fuel.So much to do before I leave for Springer. I need to focus.
Date: 2009-03-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I found a way to overcome my cell phone login issue to trailjournals.com. I had to install the Opera mini browser. The default browser on the phone had some type of issue. Now, I can login and post an journal entry directly by cell phone. A course, I plan to use computer Internet access whenever possible, This will allow me to make mini-entries more frequently until my wife can transcribe more complete entries that I email her.
Date: 2009-03-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today has been busy with preparation for the hike. I have replaced my cooking pot. I just wasn't happy with the old one. This is my last gear purchase before I leave for Springer. Also decided to go from a freezer bag cosy set-up to a pot cosy. After buying my new pot, I made a pot cosy using Al milar covered bubble wrap. It came together very well and only weights 2 ozs. Using a cosy saves a lot of fuel and helps the food cook better. My food for the initial 3.5 days to Neels gap is packed. The plan for mail drops is to seal and buy postage for all the packages so my wife just has to drop them at the post office on the correct dates. I have decided on some heaver clothes than I initially planned. Now I'm second guessing the weight. Pack weight with food, water, and fuel is now at 29 lbs. Sure would like to get it down another pound or two, but I think at this point I will just mail back a clothes layer if I have it wrong. I want to button up my pack tomorrow. Atlanta in 4 days!
Date: 2009-04-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The family gathered tonight at a local BBQ restaurant for a send off dinner. To have such a loving family is a true blessing. I know there will be experiences on this hike that I will wish they were there to share.The rush to finish all the little tasks that have to be completed before I leave is in full swing. One full day left before I fly to Atlanta.
Date: 2009-04-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Everything is packed. The mail drops have their postage and are ready to mail on the appropriate dates. I have completed online check-in with my flight tomorrow. I believe I'm ready to start this adventure. ...oops, forgot to take the library books back... but other than that I'm ready. I meet Leigh of the Hiker Hostel at the Marta North Springs Station tomorrow at 2:30. My flight arrives at 10 and the trip to the station takes about an hour. This means I will wander around Atlanta in hiker clothes and a backpack for a few hours, sort of like a hobo type person. LOL I would rather be a little early than a little late. I'm looking forward to my stay at the Hiker Hostel. You read so many good things about the people and place on the journals. Sunday we will be shuttled to Springer. I do not plan to take the approach trail.I'm very excited, but also a little concerned. Change and adventure is like that.
Date: 2009-04-04
From: Dallas, TX

To: Hiker Hostel, Dahlonega, GA
Miles today: 0.0

This was not the best of days. I arrived at the airport at 5:50 AM. The ticket counter was crazy, however I had checked in online. The line for pre-check on had 4 people in it. Unfortunately there was no one clerking that line. It ended up taking almost 30 minutes, which put us behind the security bag check limits. Anyone who had their bag checked by security was in trouble. Guess who had their bag checked. Yep, me. So when I was in Atlanta, my bag was still in Dallas. I had to wait for the next plane to bring my bag. Luckily the Hiker Hostel was making a late pickup. It ended well. I arrived at the hostel at 7:30 PM and ordered a dinner of lo mein. Met Jared, Drew, and Jeff and Robin on the shuttle to the hostel.Tomorrow Springer.
Date: 2009-04-05
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: few clouds

Josh of Hiker Hostal shuttled a group of us to the Springer Parking lot. My first suprise of the hike was the profusion of blood sucking small flys. They did a number on any exposed skin. Each bite left a small red circle. The good thing is they do not itch much. At the top of Springer I met Roger Dunton (trail name: Many Sleeps), the ridge runner who keeps the log of who is starting thru hikes. He stays up there for 10 day shifts. He must be a saint to put up with those flys. I met several other hikers both on the shuttle and where I spent the first night. Several of whom you will learn of later. I was able to maintain a relaxed pace. I do not want to burn my self out at the very start. I found that I had adjusted my hip belt wrong, and by the time I reached the shelter I had some pain in my right hip. By the time I hit the sack. It was pretty sharp. I could only sleep on my back without pain. There were about 30 or 40 people in the shelter. I was not hungry but made my meal anyway. Once I saw the cooked food my desire for food came back. We were entertained by the fire by Backyard Boogy, a past thru hiker who was doing a short trip. I did get a place in the shelter, which I appreciated since it rained off and on all night. At 6:30 in the morning a cold wind came in that seemed like it was trying to cool the earth.
Date: 2009-04-06
From: Halk Mtn Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

The weather predicted snow flurries in the evening. It was already getting cold. When we reached the shelter the high of the day had been reached, 40. I was wearing all my layers: long sleeve cool max tee, North Face fleece, and Marmot wind shirt. I was warm, but I wondered how it would handle the 20 degrees predicted. Again, I was lucky to get a place in the shelter. There are about 20 folk here. All gear seems to be working out. The hip pain issue has gone away after I adjusted my hip belt and let the weight hang from my shoulders during the hike today. I have met some really nice people. We are all putting up with the same problems of cold and minor pains.
Date: 2009-04-07
From: Gooch Mtn Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light snow

This morning we woke up to about an inch of snow and it was coming down fast and furious. The temperature was not that bad but the wind was blowing hard. The weather prediction is for more snow for the next 2 days. The hikers at the shelter discussed hiking to Woody gap and getting a shuttle to Dahlonega. This seemed like a good plan. We called the Hiker Hostel for a shuttle when we got to Woody Gap. The snow got worse as we waited for Leigh to pick us up. She brought a group of 9 of us to town. We are in the Motel 6, all showered and ready to go eat. We plan to eat at an AYCE homestyle place called The Smith House. The one thing that the trail seems to do is allow you to focus on and enjoy the smallest things. Saw my first wild life today, a large owl. He was magnificent backframed by the snow falling. The Smith House was very good, with excellent homestyle cooking. Plans are to shuttle back to Woody Gap tomorrow at 8 AM.
Date: 2009-04-08
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

What a difference a day can make. After the snow of yesterday, I hiked in cool but pleasent weather on some of the prettiest trail to date. The day ended at Neels Gap. The people at Wabasi-Yi Center were friendly and helpful. I was able to pick up a bite valve that I had left at home for my water bladder. They also had a wide variety of gear that I had never actually seen in person, only on the web. The hostel itself was very rundown. I understand from people who stayed at the cabins that are used for overflow, that the cabins were very dirty. On the plus side, it was neat to have that many hikers talking together in the common area. I drank my first soda since starting the trail (grape). Man was it good. For supper, the hostel people made a pizza run. The pizza was tasty.We went over Blood mountain as part of today's hike and it was not that bad going up. The group I was hiking with made it in 45 minutes without any stops. The shelter on top is so airy due to the many windows, that I believe you would have to be desperate to use it. The wind blew right through it. I have some nice pictures of the view. I was surprised how many day hikers had decided to visit the top. The trip down into Neels Gap was much harder then the climb up. There were many areas of tricky rock piles that you had to hike carefully.
Date: 2009-04-09
From: Neels Gap

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

Today was the longest distance I have hiked to date. The weather was beautiful. When the shelter came into view, I was ready to quit for the day. I hiked with Waterboy and Amero. Waterboy has a pace slightly faster than mine and it helps to walk with him. Seems that I snored a bit at the hostel last night (one of many I might add) so I decided to camp tonight. Amero has a weather radio and picked up that it was going to start to rain early in the morning and become severe by the evening. We discussed it and decided to break camp early in the morning and hike to Unicoi Gap and go into town for the night to miss the severe part.I am only carrying the fly of my tent as a shelter to save weight. After tossing and turning while I sleep, I find it hard to keep all the pieces of my gear under the shelter. I'm going to call my wife to include the tent bottom in the next mail drop.
Date: 2009-04-10
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light rain

What a difference a day can make. I think I have said that already. Today Waterboy, Amero, Peggy, and I broke camp around 7:30. It started to rain at about 7:45. Luckly we were ready for it, due to Amero's weather radio. The first part of the trail from the shelter was along an old road way with a lot of old CCC trail work. It made for pleasant walking, and gave you time to see the beauty in the rain and fog. It helped that the wind was not bad and the temperature moderate. The fog limited visibility to about 50 feet. Before we left camp we decided that we would group at Blue mountain shelter to make a final decision on going to town for the evening. When we reached the shelter, we were in all in agreement to head for town. The weather reports were getting more insistent. From the shelter we called Joyce Monroe for a shuttle. It took us an hour to reach the gap. She took us to Hiawassee for a nominal fee. We have asked her to return us to the trail tomorrow at 8:00.So here I set in a room with 2 double beds, a table, couch, and mini kitchen, watching the weather channel. After getting clean (ahhhhhh) and doing the laundry. Our little group of hikers, went to Daniel's steak house, an AYCE, and chowed down on fried fish and shrimp. The fish was excellent and reminded of the fish dinners I used to get in South Carolina before moving to Texas.The weather is truly severe with areas of high wind and hail. So, for 2 periods of really bad weather I have been able to dodge the bullet so far. This type of luck can't last forever, but I'll take it while I can.
Date: 2009-04-11
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Tonight the group of hikers that I'm hiking with camped between shelters. Sassafras Gap has several nice tent sites and a good spring, "John's Spring", down a steep trail. We were joined by Bruce and Dot. They are carrying very light packs and cooking over a fire. We watched fascinated as Dot cooked split peas mixed with oatmeal, flour, and water to make a kind of cookie. She must a made 4 dozen. They cooked them in an old girl scout cook kit pan they had got from a hiker box. My food was less exotic, pouch chicken and mashed potatoes. Firebug made a nice hot fire good for cooking and sitting around. The evening included a lot of interesting conversation about a number of topics. It was a confortable evening. I did find out something about the hostel at Neels Gap that was distrubing. A hiker who had left later in the day that we departed told me that the food that I had put in the hiker box had been taken by an hostel employee. I had left a sealed salmon steak packet and several other nice things that I had in my mail drop but didn't need. She said that the hostel cleaned the hiker box down to only oatmeal. This doesn't seem right.
Date: 2009-04-12
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: clear sky

Happy Easter! We arranged with Joyce Monroe to shuttle us from Dicks Creek Gap to Hiawassee at l1:30 while we were at Sassafras Gap. My right knee started to have twinges on the long down into Dicks Creek Gap. Nothing serious yet, but I need to improve my hiking style on these long downs. The ups are just a matter of putting one down in front of the other, using the rest step. You might wonder why we are back in Hiawassee. This was a scheduled mail drop stop for both Waterboy and me. I planned to go to the Blackberry Patch, but decided to go to the Holiday Inn. Joyce stopped at the Blackberry Patch for me to pick up my package and I got a chance to look around. It looks like a very nice small hostel. The reputation from the hikers that have been there is extremely positive. Tonight, however, I wanted some privacy and room to spread my gear around (and a hot tub soak). It is supposed to start to rain tonight and continue through tomorrow. Joyce is picking us up at 8:30 in the morning. Waterboy and I will be hiking in the rain. The rest of the group we have been hiking with came into town and we all ate at Daniel's Steak house. The buffet was typical Easter fare. Firebug, Amero, and Peggy did some shopping and Joyce returned them to the trail. They will be about 4 miles ahead us. It might be a while before we see them again. After my hot tub soak, I fell asleep until 7 PM. Waterboy was still stuffed from lunch, but I decided to go to the fast food down the hill. I ate dinner with another hiker, and he told me another story of food being taken from the hiker box at Neals Gap by a hostel employee within 15 minutes of being placed in it. In this case it was a sealed packed of Trader Joe fruit that he got in his mail drop. They seem to have serious operational policy issues or a conflict in interest going on. Well, I not going to dwell on it, but it does impact my respect for them. I want to recommend Joyce Monroe for shuttles in this area. She has been very prompt and reasonably priced. The Holiday Inn has her number.BTW, received trail magic for the first time today. As we came out of Dicks Creek Gap there were 2 coolers by the trail. I would like to thank the person who left them. The coke and Doritos hit the spot. One cooler had the name Bolen written on it. Many thanks to the Bolen family.