morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-03-14
From: Gooch Gap Shelter

To: Dahlonega, GA
Miles today: 13.5

Last night I tossed and turned because I set the tent up on an unlevel site. Tent and all wanted to roll down the hill. If the stakes had pulled up it would have been a sight to see. Got up this morning and began packing after eating some oatmeal and an energy bar. Now, do you recall me saying pay attention to the watering holes. I need to take my own advice!! Did it again run out of water. I will start carrying more in my camelbak. Had a pretty good climb up ramrock mtn. First views that I have actually had that I could take pictures During the climb there were some buzzards hanging around. Probably saw me struggling and rang the family dinner bell. Got out the mountain at Woody Gap. Had some lunch and sat looking at my guide book. I only went about 7 miles today but that first 13 mile day kicked my ass by today. I decided to get a ride into town at a campground. Well first fandal trip. Our homeland security had it booked solid. So adjustment made. Went into town and stayed at a cheap motel. I ate half a medium pizza and 8 chicken wings at a pizza hut. Oh!! I made up for my 7 mile day. 1 mile downhill and yep! Back the mile uphill to get back. No wonder nobody walks in these mountain towns. Washed (kinda anyway) what i wore the last 4 days. Figuring out my schedule and where I will resupply next will get a ride back to the trail tomorrow. One reason I stopped when I did today is a steep climb I will start out with tomorrow. I have to get to neels Gap by tomorrow night. There is a five mile section that requires bear canisters if you choose to camp in that area. Well i choose NOT!! Those things are heavy!! Anyway, good day today. Thanks to everybody that has given their support and encouragement. It really means alot during those climbs. Take care and see ya on the trail. Swamprat
Date: 2012-03-15
From: Dahlonega, GA

To: Whitley Gap
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Well today I started out great 3.5 miles in I rolled an ankle. Just finished taking a picture of a great view and was headed down. Guess I was going to fast and stepped on a rock that rolled. Made it down the next 2.5 limping. What a place for trail magic at the gap. A church group had ice and i put a pack on the ankle and went to the shelter. The ankle is pretty ugly but i think it will be ok. I have a 12 mile tomorrow but it looks pretty easy. Dania will post a picture later. Ok day on the trail. Just heard a scream from the shelter followed bt an oh sh)$&t. mice!! Now you know why i am not in the shelter and in my tent. Swamprat
Date: 2012-03-18
From: Blue Mountain

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: few clouds

Randy hiked 7.8 miles to Tray Mountain Shelter today. He said his ankle feels good. He received 2 trail magics today- he had hot dogs and coke at the first gap and potato chips and beer at the second gap. He said he had a great day and his legs feel good. He is planning to hike to Hiawassee, GA tomorrow and will update his journal.
Date: 2012-03-19
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dick's Creek Gap/Hiawassi/Budget Inn
Miles today: 11.1

No rain last night!! Actually woke up and packed a dry tent. I got an early start this morning. I knew it would be a pretty tough day. Anyone atempting a thru- Do Not under estimate the 11 miles from Tray Mountain to Dick's Creek Gap. There are several short climbs and one 1000 footer over a mile and then down a 1000 in the next mile. After that I thought it would be smooth sailing, NOT!! Several ups and downs. I didnt think I would ever get to the road. I called the Budget Inn for a free shuttle, however they were full. Many hikers taking re-supply in Hiawassee. The Budget Inn did come and get me and another hiker froms the gap for 10 bucks!! 5 a piece not bad!! I could have rented on their property for 10 bucks and got access to the laundry and showers. I went to Mull's Inn instead. Room with bed and shower!! 45 bucks. Did the laundry in the tub!! Not many cloths anyway. Man was I rank by the time I stopped!!
Date: 2012-03-20
From: Hiawassee, GA

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

This was my first zero miles day. I am at Mull's Motel. Hiker friendly staff and clean rooms. The decor is straight from the 70s!! Stripped couch, flowered sheets, dark gray carpet, green panel walls. I kept my ankle up most of the day to try and get most of the swelling down.. I still had to walk around the town to get a mail drop and re-supply so at least I walked about 3 miles total.    I got some good stuff from Dania in my mail drop. Thanks baby, I love you and miss you!! I plan to hit the trail early tomorrow. My next re-supply will be in Franklin, NC. Yep, I should cross into NC on Thursday. Only 13 states left after that!!!   Hey Jenkins, I plan on taking a picture from the mountain with me in it to prove that I am really hiking. Just make sure everybody on the shift ponies up with a pledge!! I want to raise that 10K for Grant A Wish!!!   That's it for now. See ya back on the trail!Swamprat
Date: 2012-03-21
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Randy hiked 11.7 miles today and crossed the Georgia-North Carolina Boarder. He is staying at Muskrat Shelter tonight. He said the hike today was difficult due to the elevation change when he crossed the boarder but he is doing good. Randy was upset when he heard about the Saints today but we still love the Black and Gold and he will be back before the season opener! Who Dat!!!Just a couple of additions since i have some service. Saints wasnt doing anything any other team wasnt doing. Its BS!! NFL just using the saints to make a point. Guarantee Jeremy Shockey sturred the pot!!Anyway, yep, made it to Muskrat shelter. I was trying to shake this one dude but somehow he caught up. He wears SIX, ya hear me 6 bear bells on his pack. I know everybody's normal is different but thid dude aint my normal!! More on that in the next entry!! Swamprat
Date: 2012-03-22
From: Muskrat Shelter

To: Carter gap shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Ok! Getting use to picking up a wet tent. It rained most the night. Packed up and think I left jingle bells behind!! He goes by roadside but I promise if he stays out here, he will be known as jingle bells.   Got a good start. Feeling good. Very foggy, good morning to slip up on some kind of animal. Walked about 1.5 miles and heard bells!! No!! He had all six bells working overtime!! No animal within miles I guarantee!!    I made pretty good pace to the next shelter at Carter Gap. I get a good 9 miles then my feet start hurting.. Hopefully that gets better with distance. Notice I didnt say over time!! Got to the shelter and set up my tent. While doing so, jingles could be heard coming in. Tomorrow I shake him. I might sneak into Franklin tomorrow evening and re- supply really fast and get back out the next morning. He might lay up in Franklin. I hope!! If not I may hitch 10 miles ahead. He's gotta go!!   Just finished eating my gourmet ramen noodles with added spaghetti and even some tuna fish added for flavor. Well thats about it for now. See ya. A good day over all. Swamprat
Date: 2012-03-23
From: Carter gap shelter

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: moderate rain

Well looks like just about everybody ran out the mountain this morning after a very stormy night. It was either wait till tomorrow to go into Franklin or just go today in the rain. Most chose today. Ron Haven is the owner of all three hiker motels in Franklin. All are full today!! There has been a steady drop out rate so far. Seems to be a handful of us still out here. I managed to hitch a ride with one of the trail maintenance folks. Great guy. Retired Deputy from this area.    Everybody is drying their gear from the handrails or anywhere else they can find. Oh, guess what. I may have left roadside (jingle bells) behind. I snuck out a side trail after getting well ahead of him. He thought I was going to the next shelter so I figure he will be coming into town tomorrow and I will be north bound on the trail again. Hehehe. Tired of hearing them damn bells!! My best calculations have me at Fontana Village by Friday. It will take several days to get through the Smokies but looking forward to it!! Ok, to bed it is. Back on the trail early. See yaSwamprat
Date: 2012-03-24
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

Ok, note to self, self if it aint broke dont fix it. I have worn these shoes for many miles with no blisters or problems. I just had to try some cushioned insoles. Yep today I started getting a hot spot on my right heel. I think I caught it in time.    Got on the early shuttle this morning to get back on the trail. Guess who was on the bus. Yep, ole jingles himself. I sat right next to him. Had to gather some intel from him. He was getting off at the first drop so I went three miles further. I know he aint gonna catch me today. Great views today. Hiked into the wayah bald shelter around 4 pm. Two others were already there. Free fall and Double back. Seems double back saw the same mountain twice after heading the wrong way one morning. I am glad I started with the name swamprat. They would have named Clutz after the ankle incident. Today I went down face first. When you trip and start going down with 40 lbs on your back there is just no stopping the fall. Bent a trekking pole on that one. If it were not for those poles I would have broken my ankle for sure the other day. I want to give a couple of shout outs. Ronnie Dunaway of Slidell's Who Dat Shop, thank you again for you wonderful pledge to Grant A Wish. Also your challenge seems to have worked. Citizens Savings Bank matched your pledge. Thank you guys. It is great to know the journey is being followed. It gives me more motivation on these cold rainy days when everything is soaked. Thanks again and see ya'll tomorrow. TLhe Smokies are a week away. ISwamprat
Date: 2012-03-25
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Randy hiked 15.5 miles today from Wayah Bald Shelter to Rufus Morgan Shelter. He said the last 5 miles were a steep down hill. He said his ankle and feet feel good but he was exhausted. He said he will edit and update his journal tomorrow. Thank you for all of your support! It means the world to Randy (and me too)!
Date: 2012-03-26
From: Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 1.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke up this morning and was planning on picking up my bounce box from the center and getting back on the mountain. Hiked the 1 mile to the Nantahala Outdoor Center ( known as the NOC ) and noticed the right ankle hurting a little from that 15.5 miler yesterday. There were some very steep downhills yesterday. So, while here at the NOC I will take a shower, wash my disgusting clothes in a real washer and dryer, eat some fairly decent food and yes even drink a cold one this evening. What the heck, maybe have a cold one at lunch too.    I am really happy there are so many friends reading this journal. There are many struggles out here but keep in mind the struggles at home as well. Dania picked up that stomach virus over the weekend and had to have an I V to get herself re-hydrated. I felt helpless out here. She said she feels 100% better and for me not to worry. Love you Dania and sorry I wasn't there.    I did find out that Jingles made it off the mountain and to the NOC. I can' believe he came out here with no tent. Man he did not think that one through. Shoulda bought a tent instead of 6 bear bells!! Anyway just so ya know, i was kinda worried about the guy. A mistake like he made by continuing to hike into the night while it is raing and freezing rain at that could cost you your life. I hope he has learn a lesten. Jingles, by a tent at the NOC!   Well, good day to chill. I will have 8 miles to the next shelter tomorrow it is all uphill 3000 feet   Take care all. About 3 days to Fontana Dam. Swamprat
Date: 2012-03-27
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafrass Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

Started day by gettin fuel and a waterproof compression sack from NOC outfitter. Started 3000 foot climb at 9:15 and finished climb at 2:00. I was beat so I shut down and tented at Sassafrass Shelter.
Date: 2012-03-28
From: Sassafrass Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Felt good the first 4 miles today then steep downhills. Killed my feet and ankle. Had some lunch at a highway crossing. Took shoes off and took ibuprofen- man's best friend out here. Started Jacob's Ladder. My South Louisiana coon ass self asked my want to be a mountain man ass self- what the hell are you doing! Actually, that's the watered down version of what my coon ass really said. Got to Brown Fork Gap and set up camp. Ate and going to bed. Shelter filled up before dark. One recent college grad said he did 22 miles today- PUNK!
Date: 2012-03-29
From: Brown Fork Gap

To: Fontana Hilton Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

I pitched the tent last night at the bottom of the hill below the shelter. It was a neat site. Right by the water source. Well you know what else uses the water sources right. NO! Not bears!! I know thats what you were thinking. But every other four legged critter was down there. One little guy walked around my tent several times. Guess he was checking it out. This went on most of the night. This morning, the shelter was crowded, people packing up trying to get to Fontana. All I wanted was my coffee. Look, I might be in the mountains but I still gotta have my Starbucks!! Starbucks Vias. That little bit of comfort from home!! After I had me some breakfast I headed to the last shelter before Fontana Dam. It was only 6 miles and some change. Made it by 1130. So I headed to Fontana. The last 5 miles into the Fontana Village were fairly brutal with several steep ups and downs but got to the marina around 330.    Wow! A coke machine. 1.25 cents. Put in 2.00 but no change!! The coke was well worth the 2 bucks. Even bought Turtle a coke. His wife Hare didnt want him to have one but I knew how good it tasted so I snuck him the 2 bucks!!   I then walked to the Dam and the visitors center is not open yet. Took a couple pictures and went to the shelter. Double decker, holds like 24 people. By 5, I had gotten a ride into Fontana Village. Swinging Jane and Spirit needed to get a few supplies and I heard the Pit Stop at the village had hot dogs. I'm in. Got the driver to let me off there. Had a hot dog, snickers bar, bag of potato chips and two ice cold drafts. Some brewery from PA. Around 630 caught a ride back to the parking lot above the shelter. There is a reason they call this shelter the Fontana Hilton. There are hot showers 300 yards from the shelter. Sat by the fire and chatted with the newly wed couple from Australia, Turtle and Hare and a few others. They are very intrigued by the trail name Swamprat. Many have got to ask about the show Swamp People. I just laugh. Anyway to bed it is. I am tenting near the shelter. Thanks for the comments in the guest book.   I miss my family very much. Dania, Matt, Mark and Mallory, I love you guys and thank you for your support along this journey. Dania, I will see you next week in Gattlinburg!! Congratulations Matt on the Life Saving Award!! Job well done!!Swamprat
Date: 2012-03-30
From: Fontana Hilton Shelter

To: The Hiker Inn
Miles today: 0.0

I took a zero today at the Hiker Inn just outside of Fontana Village. The people here are very nice and helpful. Cost 60.00 for a clean room. They provide a laundry service, a shuttle into Robinsonville, and a ride back to the trail the following day. These guys went out of their way to help me while I stayed at their Inn.
Date: 2012-03-31
From: Fontana Hilton Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

Left Fontana Dam about 915 this morning. The wal to the trail head is 1.4 miles. Started up into the Smokies. Todays climb was fairly intense but it feels like my leggs are getting use to the trail. Now if my feet would only cooperate. After 9 miles the feet begin to hurt. Actually the back of the heel. Anyway, got to the shelter around 3:30. I was hoping the shelter would fill up, that way I would tent. While in the Smokies you have to stay in the shelter if there is room. So, i will be in the shelter. I would much rather tent. There is a totally different group tonight. A retired couple from AR. A student from Washington. The ridgerunner that stays up here five days a week, and several other younger guys that cut and chopped wood for two hours. And No, they didnt keep the fire going. They would never make it on survivor!! It was actually comical to watch. Tomorrow I will head to Derrick's Knob Shelter. Only about 10 miles but the last six are suppose to be pretty brutal. Well, thats about it for the night. Seamprat head'n to bed!!
Date: 2012-04-01
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it to Derrick Knob Shelter. The ridge runner told me yesterday that today's hike was one of the hardest in the Smokies - he was right. It was the highest elevation change so far to 5,527 feet- brutal day. Next couple of days are suppose to be easier. I slept in my first and last shelter last nigh. The snoring was incredible. Stereo style. The person to my left and right snored without stop all night. To make things even worse, a couple of weekend hikers decided to stay up by the fire until 1130. Not a problem unless you dont care how loud you are. I even heard the ridge runner say damn at 1100. So I am tenting from now on. The climb up to Rocky Top Mountain was intense but well worth it. 360¢¢ views of the entire area. Then it was downhill and back up Thunder Mountain. 5,527 feet. Made it to Derricks Knob Shelter around 430. Just before the shelter I saw a huge Tom Turkey. Made him gobble several times, it was neat. Well at the shelter and in my tent, good night. Swamprat
Date: 2012-04-02
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Wow what a day this has been, emotionally and physically. Woke up this morning at Derrick's Knob Shelter with no cell service. I began my day as usual by walking!! I only went a couple hundred yards and was able to call Dania. She asked if I got her text, but I hadn't. Our son Mark was taken to the hospital over night and they discovered a blood clot in his upper arm. That was really all she knew at the moment. They were waiting for the Doctor. I told her I would call back as soon as I could. Here is where things began getting worse. I was concentrating on my phone, worried sick about Mark. I wasnt paying attention , and realized Something wasnt adding up. I had walked 4.2 miles down the wrong trail. Good thing I had a smokies Trail map. I was able to make a 6.5 mile loop back to the A.T.   This entire way, no cell coverage. I had gotten to low in the Mountain. I finally was able to make a call around 230. The news wasn't good. Mark needs to have the blood clot removed surgically the next morning. Here is where I share with you a very emotional moment on my journey. I am 1.5 days out of Gattlinburg and my son has to have this procedure in a little more the 12 hours. I am at a loss of what to do. I cant get there, it's impossible, so I talk to Mark. He assures me that everything is fine. His heart is as big as the man he has become. He tells me, he knows how important the trail is but I remind him that nothing means as much to me at this moment than to be there with him. This is how tough this trail can be. It can throw you some sort of curve every day!! I made it to the shelter and called again. Dania said Mark was doing well and in good spirits. The Dr said Marks condition was somewhat common. The vein was being sqeezed off between his rib and collar bone. We decided the best course of action was to get into Gattlinburg where I would have access to phones, cars or anything else I may need. So here I am in my tent trying again to overcome another obstacle. Don't worry, my next post isnt any better, however It is clear now what I must do.Seamprat
Date: 2012-04-03
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Clingmans Dome
Miles today: 6.2

Ok, here is how the day has begun. I had cell coverage and called to see how things are. They took Mark into the operating room at 7:00. So I continued my push into Gattlinburg. I hiked about 6 miles to Clingman's Dome. I kept in close contact with Dania. About a mile from Clingman's, Dania told me that the procedure went very well, however, Mark will have to have surgery next week to remove the rib that is causing the problem. It's decision time. I have every emotion going that you can imagine. I was mad at myself for being out here, i was worried about Mark, i don't want to give up on my challenge. I look up, across one of the most beautiful views of the entire trip. It doesnt take but a second, God, Family and self come to mind and a calm came over me. I will be on my way home by Saturday. I will spend several days at my son's side. The trail will not beat me. As soon as i know he is ok, Dania will take me back to the Smokies where I will resume my journey North. You can be given many things in life but the ones you achieve are the ones most fullfilling. For this moment I am doing what is right for my family but don't give up on me for I will be on the trail again by next Saturday. Swamprat
Date: 2012-04-07
From: Gattlinburg

To: Slidell
Miles today: 0.0

Hello out there. I want to thank everybody for their comments and prayers. The last several days have been relaxing. I got a ride to Gattlinburg from Newfound Gap by a great couple. They were from Florida and were hikers. They set up trail magic from their tailgate while at the parking lot at Newfound Gap. As I walked up, I heard someone call out Swamprat. It was F100 and Steady. A super couple from Arkansas. I think the couple from florida is known as The B Gang.   By this point I knew Mark was going to need surgery next week, so I decided to go to Gattlinburg where I had planned to meet Dania on Thursday anyway. The B Gang let us pile into the back of their truck and gave us a lift to Gattlinburg. Once their we checked into the Bearskin Lodge. Great place, even had a jacuzzi in the room. Man did that feel good on the ole bones. The next day was spent chill'n in Gattlinburg. Had a good time visiting with F100, Steady, Plus Two, Mouse, and a few other hikers I have had the pleasure of spending time on the trail with. Everone I have met along the trail are oustanding folks to be around. Even ole Jingle Bells has his place out here. He keeps the Bears away, correct?    On Thursday, all the hikers were getting back on the trail early. I walked around for a couple of hours. After lunch, I couldn't wait for Dania to get here. I hadn't seen her in a month and missed her terribly. Man was it great seeing that blue Chevy P/Up pull up with her in it. We spent the next day enjoying each others company and walking around Gattlinburg. Here is my plan to attack this trail again. You bet I will be back out here. If nothing else, I am persistant and glutt'n for punishment!! After Mark's surgery, I will spend a couple days with him and as long as he is doing well, and the Doctors say he should do fine, Dania will bring me back to the Trail. I plan on skipping about 70 miles and beginning around Hot Springs. This will allow me to continue North with most of the same group of hikers. Dania and I may return in the fall and hike this part that I skip. Hike your own hike right. Hey, I still have 2000 miles to do, thats not a small task by any stretch of the imagination.    So, keep following my journal. I have been told by a few other hikers that I have got to have one of the most interesting of journeys out here!! What did you guys that have known me for years expect? Anything less than being Fandalized would fall short of a Fandal trip. Keep following because I guarrantee an interesting next 2000 miles. See ya on the trailSwamprat