morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-02
From: NOC

To: Sassafras Gap shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I don't usually do this, but I was up, packed and hiking by 8:20. I don't like being part of the clusterfuck that characterizes early morning shelter activities. The uphill today was fairly well graded and almost easy. I say almost easy because I have never found anything easy about walking uphill with a fully loaded pack. Took a fairly long break at an interesting rock outcropping about halfway there. I was at the Sassafras Gap shelter around 2:30. It's a nice clerestory style shelter with a water supply just a few steps away. Sherpa and Sprout, Blue Eyes and Swee'Pea River Rat and Mary were already there. There's also a whole mess of folks camped nearby. The site doesn't offer a whole lot of level ground to camp on. but they do seem to be doing just fine. The shelter has 2 floors and they're both full. Sherpa strung up his tarp to help block the wind, though it doesn't reach all the way across to where I am set up. Not a big deal, I don't mind at all. I have after all, slept in far worse conditions. We have a large fire going and there is a great supply of firewood. I'm guessing that this gap sees a fair amount of strong winds, hence there is a large amount of deadfall.Two of the guys from the campsite had missed the turn for the shelter and walked about 2 miles past. Their buddies went out and found them, and hiked back with them. UGH! Made up a nice batch of tuna noodles for dinner. The wind picked up considerably as the night went on and I ended up putting a few quarts of water on the fire before retiring for the evening.
Date: 2011-04-03
From: Sassafras Gap shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

Up early for the fairly long day to the Brown Fork Gap shelter. Almost everybody else here went and left even earlier so that they could make it into Fontana. I wasn't that ambitious. The walk went fairly well for the better part of the day. I took a long break and an early lunch on the top of Cheoah Bald. Blackbeard joined me for a while. Took a lot of pictures...Nature Valley Granola moment...ya know? I was also able to determine that the problem with my phone is actually with the phone and not the service. Blackbeard has Sprint service as well and he was getting 4 bars while I had none. Aaaaargh! When I got down to Stechoah Gap, I was out of water, but couldn't find where the water source was. I was contemplating camping at the gap near the birding trail when I ran into a couple who had just come out of the trail from the North. They gave me a very tasty Veggie bran muffin. A few minutes later 4 guys came out of the trail and gave me their leftover Gu packs and Lara bars. Thanks folks...that's some real trail magic. I left for Brown fork and got my ass handed to me just after the Sweetwater Gap by a feature known locally as Jacob' Ladder. The trail just zigzag's up the front of the mountain...not really a switchback and some fairly rugged terrain. I got to Brown Fork about 5...dead tired and out of water. I went down to the water and chugged about 3 quarts before I came back up. I didn't make dinner, just had a few snack bars and went right to bed.
Date: 2011-04-04
From: Brown Fork Gap shelter

To: Cable Gap shelter
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: clear sky

I was up fairly early this morning but as usual I let everyone else do their thing before I packed up. Had some oatmeal and coffee for breakfast. Fairly quick walk to the Cable Gap shelter. Stopped once and my legs felt pretty good...I could have kept on going, but decided that I'd stay the night here. Someone had left 2 chairs at the shelter, so I got my stuff set up and staked a claim to one of them. Other hikers started pouring in around an hour later. Bearcat, DoohDaah Man and Bald Eagle, Greenbean, Diva and Timber. There were 2 others but I didn't get their names. Diva and Timber were arguing about going on. Diva ended up staying while Timber pushed on to Fontana. He said he wasn't going to sleep across the front of the shelter like a dog. He'll be enjoying a nice hot shower tonight. I don't think Diva felt like walking any further...they had come from Sassafras Gap. That's why they call her Diva...at least that's what she say's! The weather looked threatening when he left and it did start to rain about an hour later. It might have been a long 6.6 miles to the Hilton for him. It started to rain pretty hard about 5 or so and then it started to lightning. What a great show! I love the sound of rain on a shelter roof even if this one is made of shingles. And the lightning certainly adds a little excitement! The weather around here plays such an important role in your day to day life. I went to bed with the bag unzipped most of the way and no liner. I wasn't in my thermals either, but by the time morning rolled around it was below freezing and snowy!
Date: 2011-04-03
From: Southern Terminus Springer Mountain

To: Gooch Gap USFS 42
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

Plans Change...Another adventure begins on Friday afternoon with the idea to take a hike. Saturday night we have driven to Amicalola Falls Lodge for the night. Sunday morning April 3 Lynne and I hike out the mile to Springer from the FS42 parking lot. The parking lot is full with overflow along the road. At the summit it's standing room only with many hopeful hikers hanging out. It's a beautiful day, sunny and warm with crisp blue skies. There are gnats and what appears to be black flies buzzing about. I begin hiking after 11, after Lynne and I hike back to the parking lot and we have made ambitious plans for pick up. I walk alone passing small groups breaking or setting camp along the way. For awhile I hiked with a young man named Chris, a hopeful through hiker who appears to have skills. I break at Hawk Mountain Shelter for a late lunch and find many there already claiming spots in the shelter for the night and setting up tents around the area. I head out alone and climb Sassafras and Justus Mountains. I realize it's more effort than I planned so I call Lynne to move our meet time ahead 1 hour. After a break on Justus Mountain I find the way becomes much more gentle and I get into my thru hiker overdrive gear. Along the way I notice big groups of hikers camping together in crowds. I also pass a few camping alone or in small groups. I hear many hikers talking about the crowded camping conditions and wonder why they don't spread out. There are many sweet empty camping spots and I'm pleased to see it. I reach the Gooch Gap parking lot and find Lynne waiting. Here at the Gap it looks like a mini Trail Days with at least 20 tents. Today I passed many lively clear creeks and walked through a very nice hemlock forest, took the blue blaze to Long Creek Falls and found the trail in very good condition considering the amount of traffic. At the end of the day I felt pleasantly sore and ready for a nice rest. Reflecting back on the day I am impressed with the beauty of this section and am amazed at the huge packs that some are carrying.
Date: 2011-04-04
From: Gooch Gap USFS 42

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Day 2 starts with a late leisurely breakfast at our B&B and a drive to Gooch Gap. I talked to 2 hikers named King Kong and Justin (I think) and walk out aways with them. Today's hike will take me to Neels Gap. The way is up many knobs and minor mountains with many gaps between. The trail flows in a way that allows for a recovery after a short push up a hill. Some stretches are long gentle paths and some have soft switchbacks. The forest is ready to bud with little canopy to shield me from the warm sun's rays. There's a nice breeze with some gaps very windy. Again I pass many nice campsites. As I walk along I come upon many hikers discussing the weather. A strong storm is forecast for tonight, ushering in a cold front. When I reach Woody Gap there's a big group of overburdened hikers making plans to bail by either quitting or going into town for lodging. As the trail follows many ridges and takes me to the other side of many mountains I am rewarded with new vistas before finally reaching the climb up Blood Mountain. The way is nicely graded and before I know it I come upon the summit. There's a stone shelter with two guys excited about spending the stormy night out on top of the mountain. I wish them a fun night and start my descent. The wind is blowing big rain drops as I head down. This side of the mountain is more challenging with many beautifully placed rock steps. I finish my walk at a brisk pace trying to race the rain. I had fun today.
Date: 2011-04-05
From: Neels Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today I reward myself with a ZERO so that I can spend the day with Lynne. It's our last day together before she sends me out alone and drives home to Florida. Today we went up to Neels Gap, then took a hike to DeSoto Falls, upper and lower. It was a beautiful day and the lively falls glowed in the sunlight. The big dreaded storm last night produced some rain and lightning but did not live up to its billing. Today I will get my food together and head out tomorrow from Neels Gap with my full pack. We are enjoying our time together here in Dahlonega and I feel good, happy to have had such a great start.
Date: 2011-04-06
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap - Camp Taken
Miles today: 14.0

Today I enter Trail World as Lynne heads home. It¢s always hard to say goodbye but we were both happy today. I started hiking after 11 am. A church group was serving hamburgers to the hungry hikers at Neels Gap. It¢s a perfect day to walk, crisp blue mountain skies, temps in the 50¢s, with a breeze. There are many far view vistas from the mountaintops. The way is up and over and down with minor climbs. There are a few mountains but most are short steep sections. I had lunch at Cowrock. I passed many nice camping spots but kept walking. I reached Low Gap Shelter where a small community has formed. I met Yukon, Slingshot and a few others who had decided to camp here. I moved along up the trail to an old road bed on the top of the mountain. I had camped here with my daughter Taken in 2007. Camp Taken. As I made camp Mark Trail and Flacco said hello and then moved on. I sit with my campfire watching the light fade with the sunset, then the stars appear. I have set up facing east so the sun will stream into my tent in the morning.
Date: 2011-04-07
From: Low Gap - Camp Taken

To: Young Lick Knob
Miles today: 15.0

I woke before sunrise and waited for the big red ball to warm the hilltop. I broke camp, made a morning fire, and brewed some coffee. A hiker named stopped Spot and we shared a cup of coffee. I ended up walking most of the day with Spot, who told me he walked with Earl Schaeffer on his ¢98 through hike. We hiked at a brisk pace considering the challenging terrain. The day was spent descending and ascending the many mountains. When we reached Unicoi Gap we took a lunch break. While we were sitting there I recognized Miss Janet and Diamond Dave getting out of a car. We had a hug and spent a while reminiscing about the good old days. Miss Janet and Fabian are hiking south back to Neels Gap and Diamond Dave is a few days ahead. Hopefully I¢ll see them again. I finished the day climbing Rocky Top and Tray Mountain. I stopped at the shelter for water break before continuing on about 4 miles where I found a suitable level spot with a firepit. I had a good long day of hiking and feel the effort in my legs and back. I¢m in my tent watching my fire and ready for rest. I¢m planning on going into Hiawassee tomorrow to resupply.
Date: 2011-04-08
From: Young Lick Knob

To: Dick Creek Gap
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

It was a warm and humid morning. I broke camp without having a morning fire or coffee and worked up a sweat climbing Round Top, Kelly Knob, Powell Mountain and a few minor mountains and gaps before my final descent into Dick¢s Creek Gap. I had open plans coming down but ran into Diamond Dave. We drove into Hiawassee, had lunch at the steakhouse buffet and then stopped at the Hiawassee Inn, finding no vacancies. The manager let us set up our tents in the field, then we showered and I did my laundry,. Tomorrow we will head north from Dick¢s Creek Gap. Tonight we will have a fire in the hotel¢s chiminea next to the parking lot.
Date: 2011-04-09
From: Dick Creek Gap, Hiawassee

To: Water Oak Gap
Miles today: 13.7

How did I get here? I am tenting under some trees next to the parking lot at the Hiawassee Inn, Yikes. Diamond Dave and I are making one more grocery store run to get some fresh things and then are headed to the trailhead at Dick¢s Creek Gap. There are many hikers milling about preparing to hike. We hike with a group of young strong hikers for a while then come to our senses. We break for lunch at a spring campground where I have camped before with LIIT and Cabot. We celebrated our first state completion at the Georgia North Carolina border sign. After passing Bly Gap and climbing up on a ridge a storm blew in with lightning and grape sized hail, then it steamed when the sun came back. The way was strenuous and rewarding. We reached Water Oak Gap and decided to set camp. Mark Trails and Flacco stopped by to say hello and hiked on in the darkness. Dave and I enjoyed a fire and then turned in. I¢m having that good tired feeling that comes after a hard day.
Date: 2011-04-10
From: Water Oak Gap

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: few clouds

We break camp and start the climb that eventually takes us over Standing Indian at 5498 feet. We¢re into the 5k mountains now. The climbs are gentle with switchbacks. the bugs are out in force and I make a small leaf fire next to my seat under a big log under the shade of the rhododendron trees at break. Midday, it is hot and we take a long break. We pass several streams and springs on our way to Carter Gap Shelter. The old shelter looks like it has fallen into despair. I gather some spring water behind the old shelter and we continue along the ridges and the sides of mountains. We arrive at Betty Creek Gap and set camp. There are many others camped here, mostly broken into small groups. I find the spring here cold and clear. We had a small fire but everyone is in bed by 9. It¢s a short 12 mile day tomorrow to Franklin.
Date: 2011-04-11
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

We break camp and begin the climb to what will eventually lead us to Mt. Albert. It¢s a cool start as we walk on the shady side of the mountain as we warm up. As the stepping rhythm heats me up I slow, trying to regulate my body temperature when I break into a sweat. That works for a while and then I am wet, breathing hard as I am climbing up the hill. At the top of Albert Mountain it gets steeper, unusual for the southern section. The views at the top are rewarding enough and the way softens, rolling around along side ridges and knobs and crossing high gentle gaps. The descent begins, taking us down to Rock Gap Shelter, then up and over a couple more unnamed mountains, leading us to Winding Stair Gap. We were hoping for a shuttle ride there but were pleased to find Diamond Dave¢s van in the lot. Miss Janet had driven it up for him. We drove to the Budget Inn and are doing it hiker style. Showers, laundry, resupply. I have poison ivy or oak all over me and it¢s spreading its itchy rash all over, to the last place I want it to go.
Date: 2011-04-13
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Silers Bald 
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Miss Janet, Diamond Dave, Chef, Liit and I met for breakfast at the City Diner. As we were leaving we ran into Ron Haven and said our goodbyes. After a few last minute town chores, Dave, Liit, Chef and I made it to the trailhead and finally returned back into the forest. A short walk takes us to a beautiful waterfall, then up and over, around and down, but mostly up, the trail leads us to the blue blaze trail to the shelter. We pass a nice camp on the way to the shelter, and pass several creeks and good springs. Then a good up after the shelter and we finally reach the top and the open bald of Silers. We carry a full load of water and as much firewood as we can haul up to the top, dragging it along to the open top. The views are spectacular, 360 degrees as far as these eyes can process. The view is incredible with cold front clouds and the sunset is reflecting along all the cloud layers. Our fire is raging as the sky darkens and the mountains are lit by the moon, illuminating small puffy clouds like a globe in a lamp. We are on a mountaintop and I¢m sure our fire must be visible for miles. The forecast calls for temps in the 20¢s so I hope my 40 degree bag keeps me warm.
Date: 2011-04-14
From: Silers Bald 

To: Cold Spring campsite
Miles today: 13.0

The morning views are as spectacular an event as last night. The sunrise and colors on the mountains in the distance entertain us as we sit by our warm morning fire on top of the world. We enjoy the view and are reluctant to leave this beautiful spot. The way down is much easier and we rejoin the trail north which takes us up and over Wayah Bald. We break for lunch and enjoy another great view from the observation tower, There are many longs ups and arounds providing new views of the eastern mountains soon to be known. We reach our camp at the end of the day after a good hike. Tents and tarps are set, a fire is lit, we tell our tales while dinner is prepared. All are tired and looking forward to a good rest.
Date: 2011-04-15
From: Cold Spring campsite

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We awake in clouds with drops falling from the trees. We break camp and have breakfast at the Cold Springs shelter before heading north. The trail offers roots, rocks, leaves and new cloudy vistas. It looks like rain, it spits and then it quits. We walk and then take a break on conveniently placed sitting logs with views possible. We cross knobs and ridges then slope down toward Tellico Gap. We continue on and climb Wesser Tower, collecting water at a nice spring. Lunchtime at Wesser Shelter. We cross narrow ridges and then take a final break at the Jump Up before our final descent into Nantahala Outdoor Center, Wesser, North Carolina. We have a meal at the restaurant on the river and watch kayakers practice for a big weekend contest. The place is packed. Then it starts raining, and we decide to go to Bryson City for a room, checking in late. The weather is deteriorating and I will see what happens tomorrow when I feel settled and rested.
Date: 2011-04-16
From: NOC

To: Cheoah Bald Summit 
Miles today: 8.0

Last night Liit and Diamond Dave got a ride to their cars at Winding Stair Gap. Liit went home and Diamond Dave came back, rescuing Chef and I and driving us to the hotel in Bryson City. We woke, had breakfast and then went to Ingles grocery store for a good resupply. Back at NOC there is a big weekend event. There¢s a lot of hikers and kayakers around. There¢s band splaying and it¢s a party. Chef and Dave stayed at NOC and I started my climb up into the mountains. The path is consistently up as it moves me away from the river to a place up higher where I could see the river thousands of feet down. I broke at the JumpUp and soaked in the magnificent vista. Mountains as far as I can see. The sky is dark and cold-looking and it is very windy. The wind roars as it races around the valleys and over the ridges. I enjoyed a walk through rhododendron thickets along high ridges with winter tree views. In the lower areas there is much green and it is spring. In some areas there is underbrush enjoying the time in the sun before the trees sprout their leaves. I reach a sunny area where I notice a 5 foot black snake on the trail. I have given it much time and it won¢t move. It begins to come towards me as I back down the trail. I don¢t know what to do so I throw a few things towards it, trying to turn it. It goes high on the slope of the trail. I gather myself and end up on the low side of the trail running by it with my poles ready to defend. All is well as I look over my shoulder to make sure it isn¢t chasing me. I reach the Sassafras Gap Shelter and find a friendly bunch around the warming fire. I gather some water for my empty containers and stop to warm my hands by the fire. I said goodbye and continue on to Cheoah Bald where I set camp. It¢s windy and cold but I have a sheltered spot. There¢s a nice group camping here who are section hiking a big chunk of trail. Their names are Bowl, Shortcut, a father and son named Kite and Evan. They are all neighbors from Charlotte and I enjoyed their company and the warmth of their fire before returning to my home in the tent. I feel good being back out here on top of the mountain. I camped here before with Lynne when we were much younger and also with Taken in 07. Now I am back on this cold windy night with those warm memories.
Date: 2011-04-17
From: Cheoah Bald Summit 

To: Site above Fontana Lake
Miles today: 16.0

Last night the wind howled and moisture collected in the tree boughs with the wind blowing it down on my tent. Last night it went down in the twenties and my 40 degree bag did a good job of keeping me comfortable. I wait for the morning sun to dry out the condensation on the walls of my tent before I break camp, having coffee and breakfast while still in my bag. I dry my frosty tent in the sun and get ready to begin my day¢s walk. Lower elevations are bursting with spring greenery. On the upper ridges it¢s early spring. Songbirds are around bringing sounds to the forest. I reach Stecoah Gap and find Diamond Dave there, putting on a hiker feed with cheeseburgers, hot dogs, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, the works, and drinks. I take a long break and talk about our plans for when he might come back. I start walking again and cruise over the new knobs and gaps and through a beautiful oak forest. I get water at Cable Gap Shelter and begin looking for a suitable camp. I pass several high knobs before coming to the one that looks just right. The site has views of Fontana Lake and the Smokies and I find a nice level spot for my tent. I packed out 2 of Diamond Dave¢s cheeseburgers from Stecoah and warmed them on the fire for my dinner. I watched the moonrise from my tent and now am ready for rest. Tomorrow I plan on heading into Fontana for resupply and chores before heading into the Smokies.
Date: 2011-04-18
From: Site above Fontana Lake

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 6.0

I had a nice fire last night and when I got up in the night I piled on a few more sticks so it¢s waiting for me with warm embers when I get up. I enjoyed the morning fire and a cup of coffee while taking in the scenery. I have Fontana Lake gleaming below with high mountains all around. I started walking, settling into my hiking rhythm and walked into an increasingly green landscape. At the lower elevations along Fontana Lake it is full-on spring with much green, dogwood blooms and wildflowers and green grass all about. I take the $3 shuttle into Fontana Village and check out the resupply options, and do my chores and laundry. I enjoyed a cheeseburger and salad and then got a room at the lodge. I like it here in Fontana Village, it¢s a good stop and a nice rest before the Smokies. The forest is coming to life the birds and squirrels are out and enjoying the weather too. The poison ivy is ebbing, still there but not as itchy and I have gotten used to it. With the leafing of the forest and the vines, I will have an easy time avoiding it. Tonight¢s list includes gathering groceries, checking the weather report and getting a good sleep before heading back to work tomorrow.