morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-03-07
From: Zero Day

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Gregg shuttled us back to the Horse Gap Trailhead after our unplanned zero day. Started hiking up Sassafrass Mountain right away-- by far the most prolonged vertical climb to date. Lots of rest stops. We met "Ray" a hiker from Germany during our lunch break. He told us of his recent vacations-- all very interesting places. The rest of the day's hiking into Gooch Gap was pretty good. The shelter was full as well as all of the tent sites.  We got the last level site. As we were setting up camp, we heard a familiar voice call to us.  It was the A Team! "Samson" built a campfire and we enjoyed talking until after dark. Valerie's dad, "The Hiking Viking" gave me a demo of his hammock. Very cool.
Date: 2012-03-08
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We walked through a cloud today. If you were at a lower elevation looking up, it would have looked like the mountains were covered in clouds. To us, it was misty and foggy all morning.Getting into Woody Gap we noticed a dozen hikers sitting around the trailhead.  From one side we heard "Hey Patriot & True Blue! There's Trail Magic over here!". It was Doc. A man named Terry was waiting for his daughter "Tidewalker" to finish her section hike. He was giving out goodies for free: Oreos, Doritos, freeze dried apples, coke, hot chocolate and water. What a boost to our tired spirits. Thanks Terry! Across the road another man was providing another sort of trail magic. He was providing blister & foot care to several hurting hikers. We met a lovely young woman "Prada" during lunch & enjoyed talking with her.The trail up Big Cedar Mountain was steep.  Nice view at the top. The rest of the day was pleasant and we continued to descend. We arrived at Lance Creek in time to snag the last campsite- right next to the A Team! It rained all night. We woke up several times due to the rain & cramped quarters. I ended up using my clothes bag as a pillow and putting my pillow on top of my head to stop the drips of water getting into my ear.
Date: 2012-03-09
From: Lance Creek

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Getting out of bed this morning was a real chore. We had brought all of our gear, food, packs, boots into the already crammed tent. My tent is roomy for 1 person, but was never meant to contain two wide adults and all of their stuff. I laid on my side, backing against the wet tent walls while Tom dressed, deflated & rolled his sleeping pad, stuffed his sleeping bag into the stuff sack, put all of his gear into his pack, and put on his boots. He then pushed his pack out the tent door on to the wet ground and crawled out after it. My turn was next.The trail out of Lance Creek was steady. We were thankful that it wasn't raining. The wind was very strong all day-- and cold. Despite the wind, our bodies were sufficiently warmed by the physical exertion. We attempted to hike in to Woods Hole Shelter, hoping to eat lunch out of the relentless wind. However, it was a bit off the trail so we stopped on the trail and set up a windbreak for our stove. Biscuits and gravy for lunch: filling, warming and delicious. Definitely fortified us for the day ahead.
Date: 2012-03-09
From: Neels Gap

To: Blood Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The climb up Blood Mountain, elevation 4461 ft, was a lot of work. First, you encounter the toaster-sized rocks. As the ascent gets steeper, the rocks get bigger-- suitcase sized. Pretty soon we were stepping up, up, up over rocks knee high. Towards the top, the rocks were car sized, but thankfully, the trail went around most of them. We thought we reached the top-- 4 times. Each time we were fooled. The trail would stop going up, turn and go across the side, then resume the ascent. We finally turned a corner and -- blessings!-- a privy. That meant the Blood Mountain Shelter was near and we were at the top. We stayed long enough to take pictures, eat a snack, and enjoy the scenery. And what a view! Standing on a mountain looking DOWN on the rest of the mountains to the north, west and east-- that is what made the entire day worthwhile. We were told that the descent down from Blood Mountain was difficult. They weren't joking. In the rain or snow it would be seriously dangerous. At first, the trail down was on large sheets of granite sloped at precarious angles. The white blazes were painted down where you walked. At one point, it looked like the blaze led straight off the mountain. Another zero planned for tomorrow so that my calves and IT bands can rest.
Date: 2012-03-10
From: Blood Mountain

To: Neels Gap Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I felt like a five-year old on her first day of kindergarten. I watched out our cabin window as Tom, my last tie to security, drove away. He needed to go back to work. I needed to stay and continue hiking. We were both crying. My calves, ankles and feet recovered quickly after a night of rest. With a full day and another night of rest, I am confident that I will have the strength to tackle the week ahead.Called several friends and my mom. Took a long time to write in my daily journal. I want to put down every experience on paper so that I will remember later.Tomorrow starts a 6-day push to Hiawassee.
Date: 2012-03-11
From: Neels Gap Zero Day

To: Whitley Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: scattered clouds

"I've never been lost, but I've been a mite bewildered for a few days"--Daniel BooneStarted the day off with a good devotional time; reading the Bible, praying and praising. Decided to memorize a scripture that Julie T. gave to me: Isaiah 41:10. Little did I know how much I would need that scripture later in the day.I started hiking with confidence, passing through the stone arch of Mountain Crossings, and on up the trail. In a few minutes, I began to be concerned because I saw no white blazes. I backtracked to Mountain crossings to double check. Yes, I was told, I was on the right path. Up again, I trod. I stopped after 45 min. to consult my map and guidebook. It seemed right, but still no white blaze. I hiked on for 15 min. more, and there was the white blaze. I had wasted 1 1/2 hrs at the begining of my first day alone.I am used to people passing me, so when I heard voices behind, I stopped and moved to the side of the trail. A group of Japanese day hikers quickly walked by. I fell in line behind them. The last man in line asked me "Are you going to Maine?" "Yes", I replied. "Oh! When will you get there?" "In September" "Oh!" The group quickly outpaced me, turned the corner and were gone. I passed them later, while they were eating lunch. The man must have told the rest of the group about our conversation because as I walked by they all started clapping. A standing ovation for being a thru-hiker! I haven't even made it out of Georgia yet.Spent the night at Whitley Gap Shelter which was 1.2 miles off the trail down a long gap. The hike up Wildcat Mountain was strenuous. I would not have normally walked that far off the trail for a campsite, but I was in serious need of water and that was my only choice. I had the campsite to myself. I was so far out in the middle of nowhere. I prayed and trusted the Lord to keep me safe through the night. P.S. Thanks to Laura for the dehydrated salmon. Made a tasty and warm Salmon Mac N Cheese on this cold, windy, day!
Date: 2012-03-12
From: Whitley Gap Shelter

To: Poplar Stamp Gap
Miles today: 7.4

It rained all night. I broke camp in a light rain. Cooked a warm breakfast of quinoa, peaches and yogurt; very delicious. As I left the shelter area, a group of trail workers was hiking down to the shelter. In the rain. They looked like the Seven Dwarves from Snow White: Hi Ho Hi Ho it's off to work we go! They were carrying buckets, tools and ladders. They volunteer to maintain the shelters-- what a dedicated group of people! It lifted my spirits to see people again after my night alone in the woods.I hiked all day in the rain. It didn't bother me much, as I had good rain gear. The exercise kept me warm. Lots of people passed me on the trail: "Making Time", "Walks Softly", "Retread", a group of six young people, a father and son duo, and several day hikers going the opposite way. Earlier I had thought to stop at Low Gap Shelter for the night. But, seeing that there were so many that passed me and figuring that I felt pretty good, I decided to go a little further up the trail and try one of the "stealth" campsites. According to the AT Guide, there were several water sources further up as well. I tried to find the water sources, but couldn't. Twice. I finally decided to stop after 2 miles and make my own camp, water or no water. I was tired. While I set up my tent, I thought to capture rain water for my dinner and breakfast. At the very least, I could eat my lunch of dried fruit and nuts for breakfast. Standing under a tree, holding my cup was not a good idea. I thought to catch the rain as it dripped off the leaves, but that was not consistent. Then I saw the tree. Actually, I believe God showed me that tree. Rain was dripping down the bark. I held up my cup and collected the water drop by drop. It was like a leaky bathroom faucet, one drip at a time. By the time I had enough water for dinner, tea and breakfast, I was cold. I treated that water with Aqua Mira and was able to make a hot meal, change in to dry clothes, and drink hot tea. It was a dumb, newbie mistake to let myself get so low on water. I am thankful to the Lord for providing that water for me!
Date: 2012-03-13
From: Poplar Stamp Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: broken clouds

Answered prayer-- the rain ceased some time in the night. I woke up early, having slept well. Everything was damp inside my tent. Thankfully, my hiking clothes were somewhat dry because I had put them in the sleeping bag with me overnight. My body heat dried them.I had my lunch for breakfast and some water. Started hiking, feeling strong- no calve muscle aches. The hiking was fairly "easy". Several times that morning I saw a cascade or stream where I could get water. I filled up and treated the water for the day ahead. I met "Bogey" and "Blue", two of the young women from the group of six that passed me the day before. The rocky traverse at Red Clay Gap was especially tricky. I fell there for the first time. My trekking pole got caught in a hole between the rocks. I was moving forward, and as I tried to pick up the pole, it didn't move. But I did, with the force of all my weight and my backpack to propel me down. The pole broke in two. Thankfully, it was only the pole that broke, and not an ankle or knee. Also, if I had tilted at all during the fall, I would have tumbled down a very steep incline. Must keep everything in perspective. I was very thankful. A young man in a kilt, "Medicine Man", was very kind and asked over and over, "Are you ok?" "Are you SURE you're ok?". He only continued hiking when he was certain that I was all right. Gathering the broken pole pieces, I sat on a large rock, took off my pack and pondered what to do. I performed field surgery and splinted the pole pieces together with a series of sticks and duct tape.While splinting my pole, a father and two college-age daughters came through the same jumble of rocks. The dad broke his trekking pole too! He was mad and became more mad when one of the girls started laughing at him. They had angry words at the other end of the obstacle and I thought they would turn around and go home. However, they kept hiking. I was sorry to see that girl so insensitive to her dad. It very well could have been much worse.After airing my damp clothes and gear in the sun at Blue Mountain Shelter, I decided that there was still enough daylight to keep hiking. My plan was to go down Blue Mountain and then up Tray Mountain to a stealth campsite. However, my right knee started hurting on the way down. I called for a shuttle and stayed the night at the Budget Inn in Hiawassee.
Date: 2012-03-14
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Dear Tarin
Miles today: 0.0

Dear Tarin,Today I swallowed 7 bugs.I didn't mean to. I just did.This is how it happened: Take a big breath of air in. Now let it out. Now breathe in again, real deep. That is how I breathe when I am hiking up a long, steep mountain. My mouth is open and I take big deep breaths. Only, when I took a deep breath in, whoosh! A gnat flew right into my mouth!I tried to spit it out. Really, I did. But, it stuck in my mouth. So, I took a sip of water, and down it went. How did it taste? It tasted yucky. Love you lots! Gramma
Date: 2012-03-14
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: clear sky

I had a restless night's sleep- maybe 4 hours. When it was time for the 9:00 shuttle from the Budget Inn back to Unicoi Gap, I ran into "Couch". Tom and I had met him at Lance Creek. He had blisters, so was off the trail for a day nursing them.Two mountains today: Rocky Mountain and Tray Mountain. I was so right not to have attempted Rocky Mountain last night. It was a long, long uphill. I ment "Shantee", who is walking the trail for peace. She is a strong hker and left me in the dust.The last mile and a half up Tray Mountain was a killer. At the top is a view- scenic overlook. I was so tired I could only look and keep moving. A young 20-something year old guy came up from behind me, said "That was a killer climb, wasn't it?", snapped a picture and continued down the other side of the trail. I didn't even have time to formulate an answer. Sigh.When I reach a campsite my day is not over. These are the things I still have to do before going to sleep:* find the water source, collect and treat the water with Aqua Mira* set up tent* blow up sleeping pad, throw in tent with sleeping bag, pillow and tent bag* change into camp shoes (crocs)* hang socks and bandana out to dry* put on light jacket for warmth and to keep bugs away* use the privy, wash hands, face & neck, comb hair* gather stove, fuel, dinner, vitamins and water and get to the cooking area* cook dinner, eat dinner, wash up* make breakfast shake for morning* go back to tent site & brush teeth* hang bear bag on cables or tree (food bag plus all items that have a scent like lip balm, toothpaste, sunscreen, etc)* go to tent & change out of sweaty, dirty, hiking clothes into dry sleeping clothes* Write in journal, listen to music, read Bible, map out following day's hike* pray* use privy one last time* bring boots and water inside tent* take insulin* put on hat, gloves and down jacket if needed* kill all flying insects inside tent* make sure headlamp, phone, insulin are inside sleeping bag* go to sleepA good night's sleep. I wore earplugs.
Date: 2012-03-15
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Vista Campsite
Miles today: 8.5

Tom's birthday. I woke up at 6:30 and called him from my sleeping bag. Glad to have a signal; that isn't always the case.The first rays of the sun were just beginning to hit the mountain when I pushed my pack outside of the tent. I was already packed and dressed at 7:00, but a young woman was marcing off down the trail. Fruit Loop, I supposed.A warm day for hiking, like the past few. In the high 50's. Everyone was wearing shorts and t-shirts. Your body gets so warm hiking. Eventually, everyone passed me. I enoyed the day, despite the heat and bugs. I tried to find shady areas to rest during my breaks. My favorites are big, fallen tree trunks where I can sit at a normal height. Too high and your feet dangle. Too low and your knees hurt getting up. I find one or two of those a day-- so mostly I stand and lean over on my poles. This takes the pack weight off my hips and lets me catch my breath.Today's hike was mainly PUDS-Pointless Ups and Downs. The sun and shadow playing on the valley below looked like a giant nine-patch quilt.I met "Brian" and "Tree Boo" coming out of Deep Gap Shelter, where I resupplied my water. Brian had an upset stomach, so I gave him some Pepto Bismol. We had a nice chat. I continued on to the "Vista" campsite, and had the place to myself. I admired the view for a few minutes then set up camp. There were absolutely no trees from which to hang my bear bag. So, I wrapped my food bag in my pack rain cover and set it in the campfire ring. I hoped, perhaps, that the lingering smell of fire from the rocks and ground would outpower the food smell. It was a gamble. The wind was fierce, up on that ridge, and it started to rain.
Date: 2012-03-16
From: Vista Campsite

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: light rain

It did rain last night, but my gear was dry inside the tent this time. I found it very difficult to get out of bed-- it was COLD. Truthfully, I find it hard to get out of bed at home, too. I was on my way by 7:45. I wanted to be early in order to catch the 11:15 shuttle into Hiawassee. At my pace, I knew I would be at the trailhead parking lot around 10. I would have to wait over an hour, but that was ok with me, as long as I didn't miss it.Brian met me along the way. He is a quick hiker and was up early, having stayed 2 miles S at Deep Gap Shelter. Before we parted ways, he asked for my extra T.P. Since I was going in to town to pick up my maildrop, I gladly gave it to him. He would repay my kindness with a kindness of his own.When I arrived at the trailhead parking lot, there was the big white Budget Inn van and T.J., the driver, smoking a cigarette beside it. I wondered out loud if it was 11 already? No, he said. There was a guy who passed him and told him I was coming down the mountain soon. So T.J. decided to wait. That was Brian's kindess to me.Arriving at the hotel at 11 (check out time), I was able to secure a room right away. First thing to do was unpack my pack and gather all of my clothes together. In order to wash all the sweaty, dirty hiking clothes, I had to have something else to wear. Most people wear their rain jackets and pants. However, I have a thin sil-nylon rain skirt. So, with two bathroom towels and three safety pins, I fashioned a towel-skirt to wear under my rain skirt for reasons of modesty. What a hoot.I ran into Medicine Man, still wearing his kilt. He should have been further up the trail by now. He ran out of food, so had to resupply in town. He had his food spread out on a picnic table-- so much food: bubble gum, snickers, tortillas, etc. He took the shuttle out in the afternoon and headed north. I was able to get this picture of him before he left.
Date: 2012-03-17
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Hiawassee Budget Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

First off, I'd like to thank Andrew and Abby from Great Miami Outfitters. When I broke my trekking pole on Tues, I called GMO from on top the mountain. They shipped out new trekking poles to me that day and they were waiting for me Friday when I came to Hiawassee. GREAT Customer Service!Took a zero day today. Woke up early and was at the South Side Cafe by 7:30 when they opened. I had longed for pancakes the past 2 days. Had a great breakfast of Denver omelette, hash browns, tea, and yes, a pancake. Great food at very reasonable prices!Spent the rest of the day doing "town chores". This included going to the Post Office, the grocery store, the drug store, sending pics to Amy (Thanks, Amy!)writing in my journal and catching up on this trail journal.I got a little bleach from the housekeeping staff and washed out my water bottle, water bladder, water hose, trash bag, spork and cup. Aired out my sleeping bag. Turned the tent inside out and took it outside to shake out all the dead bugs, sticks and leaves that have accumulated over the past week. Retied some guy-lines that were persnickity. Sorted my food for the next section.Trail Angels Ann and Gary grilled hamburgers and hot dogs in the parking lot. Also served chips, fruit and cookies. Their son is a hiker and they came up to visit. They decided to be a blessing to the other hikers as well. What a kind, generous thing to do! Thank you!Tomorrow I start out again for a six day stretch. This section will see me complete Georgia and enter in to North Carolina. I will also pass the 100 mile mark. Two milestones! The mountain elevations in GA were betwen 2800ft and 4400ft. In NC the elevations will change to 3700ft to 5500ft. I hope that my lungs are conditioned enough to tackle the challenge ahead.Thanks to all for the encouraging comments on the guest book. I read them over and over and it does keep my spirits up! And to Sawyer, thanks for the sweet video clips.
Date: 2012-03-18
From: Hiawassee Budget Inn

To: Bly Gap, NC
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: few clouds

Today was a hard day. I sputtered and stopped all day-- never really finding my trail legs or a good pace. The ups were slow; the downs were slow. I stopped to rest a lot. The bugs were horrible.I could have stopped at Plum Orchard Gap shelter after 5 miles. But, I was determined to make it to Bly Gap- a campsite just 0.1 mile over the border in North Carolina.I passed the GA/NC sign and stopped to take a picture. Jeanne, I made it out of Georgia!! Exhausted, I shuffled into camp at 6:00pm. Thankfully the stream was only a few yards from the campsite. I met "Bahala Na", "Fatherman" and reconnected with "Somewhere". In my tent by 7:00 and asleep by 8:00.
Date: 2012-03-19
From: Bly Gap, NC

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I was the first one out of my tent this morning. "Fatherman" was soon out of his. I was on the trail by 8:10. In my tiredness, I forgot to look for and photograph what the AT Guide called "old and twisted tree, often photographed." Sigh.According to the elevation profile on the AT Guide, this morning's ascent should have been steep, but short. Lies. All lies. The ascent was steep and immediate- like climbing a 70 story building one stair at a time. It was as if the mountain was saying "Don't think you're going to have it easy in NC. We are just as bad as GA!" By the time I reached the next shelter at Muscrat Creek, I had already determined to leave the trail in Franklin, not tell anyone and take a Greyhound Bus home. I was discouraged and tired.However, I decided to have an early lunch and rest instead. That made all the difference. After an hour, I was in a much better mood. I was able to take on the rest of the day.My AT Haiku:Yellow ButterflyFlitting across my pathwayHow happy you are!Thankful for the small things in my day: the yellow butterfly, the cool breeze in the afternoon, comfortable boots.
Date: 2012-03-20
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: broken clouds

The owls last night had quite a convention. They were really NOISY and LOUD. It was cool to hear the different sounds- there must have been several different kinds.Up early again, but not the first one out. A young couple was on the trail by 7:30. I was out by 8:10. The trail today was not as hard. (Notice that I didn't use the word "easy".) Once at ridgeline, the trail pretty much stayed there. The rhododendron was very thick. I bet that when it is in bloom, the walk through this section is magnificent. I met "Always Late", and the "Matioc Mules" at lunch at Beech Gap. So pretty there!Originally had planned a longer hike today because the terrain and weather were so good. However, after getting to Carter Gap Shelter, I decided to call it an early day. For some reason, I was just tired. Unfortunately, I lost the companionship of "Somewhere" and "Stonekicker" who moved on down the trail. Spaghetti and Meat Sauce for dinner with Apple Pie dessert. VERY good eating! Before leaving home, I had dehydrated the spaghetti and spaghetti sauce. The sauce dehydrates like a fruit leather/ fruit rollup. I just added water to the sauce pieces at lunch, and by the time I was ready to add hot water to the noodles, the sauce was done. Freeze dried sausage bits and freeze dried green beans rounded out the meal. And apple pie for dessert? Come on somebody!