morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-01-03
To: 2010
Miles today: 0.0

Hello anyone who still checks my blog! Happy New Years. I hope it will be better than 2009. Since summiting Katahdyn in July I have been skydiving twice and finished a semester of college in East Tennessee. I made Dean's List with a 3.59 which I am very proud of. I did not do nearly as much hiking over the fall as I planned on doing. Hopefully this spring I will do more. After finishing my first year in May I plan to head up North and start hiking some of the pieces that I skipped (pretty much all of up north). Pogo may come with me, he may not. We haven't worked out all the details yet. We do still talk occasionally but I'm afraid it might never be like over the summer again. Anyways in June I am hoping to work at a camp that I have gone to since before I can remember and then go hike some more after the camp season is over in July. I will not be going back to Tennessee next year. I am trying to transfer to Jefferson College of Health Science which is in downtown Roanoke so I'll be movin back home with the family. Bennett is in the middle of his sophomore break and runs Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track. Mom and Dad are doing great. This 18 inches of snow we got has kept us kindof cuked(I don't know how to spell that) up in the house keeping Dad from hiking as much but he still runs some days. It's hard to believe this time last year I was preparing for my hike. I wish I were doing the same this year. It's crazy how when your out there you may be miserable but as soon as you get home your ready to be right back on the trail. I miss it and wish I were there everyday. But theres an overview of the fall. More to come in May!
Date: 2009-03-24
From: Time to Start my Long Cruise

To: Three Forks Camp
Miles today: 4.3

What a fantastic "launch" of Day1 of my Long Cruise. Delightfully cool with threatening rain which started when Ned and I climbed the backside of Springer on the forest service road following a road grader doing a good job of roughing the surface for Ned's chevy van.Arriving at Big Stomp Gap for the 0.9mile walk up Springer to the official start of the A.T. we met Jonathan & Dorothy Carter from Bigelow Mtn, Maine. Not thru-hikers but they had a plan... a two part play. Part one, was set at Springer Mtn dressed in blue suit, white shirt, tie, American Tourister luggage - you get the idea. Scene two, will be at Mt Katahdin... same outfits but torn, filthy, as if they had hike all 2,158 miles in as "tourists". I promised to see them for dinner when I reach Maine.Also arriving at Big Stomp Gap was Graham with his Dad after completing his southbound thru-hike; starting Mt Katahdin in September and finishing the same day as I was starting North. He hiked all winter - think about it!!Ned and I finished the day at Stover Creek along with a foursome from Canada and traded stories around our campfire.What a "launch" !
Date: 2009-03-25
From: Three Forks Camp

To: Gooch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: light rain

Bitter SweetAs I said my farewell to Ned and disappeared up the foggy rain-drenched path, I was literally drifting into another world. I cried a little as Ned's words echoed behind me, "I love you man". It had started raining in the night and was to continue for the next four days.All newbie hikers were heading for the next shelter. My destination was Gooch Gap, a relatively new on with two sleeping platforms. I arrived soon enough to land a sleeping spot between 'Journey' and 'Liz'. Liz was with her sister, Cary and dog, Jumar, huddled in the corner. Wet hikers kept appearing from the mist and of course we had to make room. Besides all the tent campers, there were a total of 19 humans and 2 dogs all crammed into a shelter designed to hold a maximum of 12. One on top of the picnic table, one under the table and two under the shelter floor. Welcome to the A.T.That night I remembered that Ned had 'borrowed' my toilet paper the previous day and failed to return any. That boy must use a lot of TP. No problem... I planned to use the system the rest of the civilized world has used like forever; before the Sear's Robuck catalog graced the modern outhouse. You figure it out.
Date: 2009-03-26
From: Gooch Gap Shelter

To: Blood Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Wet trail, wet boots and sloshing socks worked my toes into blisters this second day of nonstop rain. Had planned to campout at Slaughter Creek below Blood Mountain. But I arrived early enough to stop for my dinner which gave me enough energy to finish the climb up to the top of Blood Mtn. It's one of the oldest shelters in the system, all stone with two rooms and a bricked up fireplace. Two young women had arrived earlier to set up tarps over the north facing 'window', preventing the rain from the dark stone recesses and giving us a drier spot to lay out our sleeping bags.Liz, Cary and Jumar came up just before dusk and the rain relented for a bit. It actually cleared just enough for us to enjoy this awesome sunset. A treat that other hiker, who stopped below the mountain peak didn't get to witness.
Date: 2009-03-27
From: Blood Mtn Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 2.4
Weather: moderate rain

I found out the meaning of "Trail Magic" when I hiked into Neels Gap where Winton Porter's establishment, Mountain Crossings leased the classic stone structure from Georgia and turned it into a first class Outfitters and Hostel. The Trail Magic could be traced by the aroma of burgers grilled under to breezeway. As ghostly hikers appeared out of the drizzle they could help themselves to unbelievable huge freshly made hamburgers with all the fix'ns. I had three; all for free; all provided by ATServants.Org, a Christian based group that supports the A.T. Hiker community. I was learning that this 'new' world that I hiked into was truly a community.The hostel filled up quickly. Wet gear quickly turned the warm inviting 'bunkhouse' into a funky smelling jungle of boots, raingear, packs, tents, underwear, socks, etc. It's amazing how people keep track of all their gear spread all over the place...'are these your wet socks or mine?". The single washer and dryer were working overtime all night.I bunked next to Matt from Boston, Peter and Tim from Shenendoah, VA (Tech 2002), Liz, Cary and of course the dog, Jumar, and many, many more.Big storm, high winds, possibly hail was forecasted for the next day. Should I go or stay. The Low Gap shelter would most like be full so I would have to tarp. Read the next entry to find out.
Date: 2009-03-28
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: moderate rain

As expected, the shelter was full... Jaybird, Brendon,Matt, Kevin and two others were firmly planted. When I approached the shelter, there was obviously no room for negotiation so I set up my tarp in a site above the shelter.Called Linda & Sheila.. at least there was cell phone reception. A drizzling mist blew up the gap all night which got my sleeping bag damp but otherwise a comfortable night in the rain.
Date: 2009-03-29
From: Low Gap

To: Cheese Factory Site
Miles today: 13.0

The cold front that had been threatening finally arrived. The wind sounded like a jet airplane as it blew thru the trees, along the ridges and up the gaps. I didn't get an early start from Low Gap as I diddled around with my wet gear. Now I had both... wet gear and wind chill. Other hikers bailed out at Unicoi Gap where the road to Helen, GA afforded an alternative to the steep cold climb up Tray Mtn. Blazechaser and I arrived at the Cheese Factory campsite about the same time and camped below the group that were already settled into the sites sheltered by Mtn Laurel thickets. I ate quickly and jumped into my sleeping bag to let my body heat drive the dampness out. I was determined to get an early start in the morning.
Date: 2009-03-30
From: Cheese Factory Site

To: Dick's Creek - Hiawassee
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

Actually slept pretty good and forced myself out into a 28F / windchill 18F morning by 9AM start. The goal of a warm bed in Hiawassee kept me moving well all day. In the afternoon, the sun tried to break through a few times. Still no "views" but good hiking weather, actually the best since day #1. I called Ron at the Hiawassee Inn, the traditional hiker friendly motel. Together, we estimated when I would arrive at Dick's Creek Gap - 4:30. At 4:20PM, I actually arrived and the shuttle van was waiting. What a welcome site. Ron was quite the host, even did our laundry for us, shuttled us to the local AYCE at Daniel's Steakhouse. I decided to take a zero day tomorrow to all my blisters to try out. I was being plagued with numerous toe blisters. I picked up my maildrop and was able to dry out my gear.
Date: 2009-04-01
From: Dick's Creek - Hiawassee

To: Water Oak Gap
Miles today: 13.7

Early out from Hiawassee. Morning rain and afternoon sun. Met up with Tim (aka "ACE"), the young electrician from Shendoah VA. We visited the plane wreck and took a few pictures from Rocky Point on a 'blue-blaze' trail just up from Muskrat Shelter.The big milestone today was crossing our first state line from GA to NC.ACE and I picked a nice campsite halfway between Muskrat Shelter (which would be full by nightime) and Standing Indian Shelter (also full). ACE started a nice warming fire from the wet wood and we enjoyed the comraderer of sitting around the fire, a little bourbon and updating our journals. This evening was another memorable experience on the trail. The rain started again during the night, but I was getting smarter on how to set up the tarp and didn't get everything wet this time.
Date: 2009-04-02
From: Water Oak Gap

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: moderate rain

(Picture is from previous day when I crossed into NC)Arrived early enough at the shelter to obtain choice floorspace. A good thing as heavy rain began at 6PM and continued until early morning. Slept next to ACE and Blazechaser. Bones showed up just as it started raining in his skimpy shorts and light windbreaker. I don't know how he keeps warm.
Date: 2009-04-03
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap - Franklin, NC
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Too many miles for the toe blisters -require constant attention.Although not on the original agenda, this weekend was the big "Hiker Bash" in Franklin, NC. Since these special town festivals are part of the whole trail experience, I decided not to pass it up. Anyway, my blisters were getting worse not better. ACE, Blazechaser and I all hiked our personal bests - almost 16 miles and arrived in Franklin by 6PM for a great dinner at the Cody Steakhouse.Tomorrow is the festival.
Date: 2009-04-04
From: Winding Stair Gap - Franklin, NC

To: Winding Stair Gap - Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Saturday's "Hiker Bash" in Franklin, NC turned out sunny and warm. Bluegrass bands, displays and products by outfitters, Boy Scout activities and of course lots of A.T. Hikers enjoying a relaxing day. Hikers caught rides into Franklin from up an down the trail, from Davenport Gap in the Smokies to Neels Gap. Ron Haven hosted the evening festivities at the Saphire Inn - more music, great home cooked food by Miss Janet (transplanted Hostel from TN to NC) and Georgia Dog; Breakfast at the Baptist Church. All in all, Franklin rolled out the welcome mat for hikers and Ron was the key organizer. Thanks!
Date: 2009-04-05
From: Winding Stair Gap - Franklin, NC

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

A beautiful warm day following the "Hiker Bash" in Franklin. Climbed up Siler's Bald and Wayah Bald where stands the solid stone observation tower. Today, I could actually see a view from the top. After all that climbing, I didn't have energy or feet to go further. Set up my new "lightheart" tent that I obtained from Judy Gross at the festival. It weighs only 1 lb 10 oz and has loads of space inside for my pack and gear plus vestibules on both sides... a slick design that uses my trekking poles inside the tent and only needs four stakes to guy out the corners. Check it out at heartfire@heartfiregowns.com.
Date: 2009-04-06
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

We had planned on staying at Wesser Bald but decided to push on to next shelter which was a brutal downhill on the knees. It was snowing which made the downhills even more treacherous. Rufus Morgan in the last shelter before Nantahala outdoor center. Pitched my down on downhill slope using a log at my foot end to keep from sliding. My sleeping bag and gear inside the tent stayed dry even though it rained / sleeted / snowed all night.
Date: 2009-04-07
From: Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 1.3
Weather: light rain

After a short downhill from the campsite, we come upon this ski village at the Nantahala River. After securing a bed in the bunkhouse, we crowded into the riverside restaurant for a large breakfast. Received Sheila's food drop with the most impressive assortment of homemade dehydrated meals, brownies and trailmix. Wow !!Linda sent my backup boots - attempting to remove the cause of the toe blisters. But... big problem, the replacement boots were even more snug then my originals, so I sent them back and continued living with my old sotty Garmonts.Sad news... Jim McCoy aka Blazechaser had to bow out because of heart palpitations. We will all miss his companionship on the trail and I plan to look him up when I get to his home turf near York, PA. A tru bummer.
Date: 2009-04-08
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: few clouds

Since it had snowed all the previous afternoon and much of the night, the accumulation at higher elevations was 5 - 8 inches. Today's hike was gorgous up into the mountains (pictures). Pushed down the North side of Cheoh Bald to avoid having to navigate the same steep trail after the inevitable nighttime freeze. I didn't bring my snowboard.Ace made a great fire from wet wook and two other hikers, a couple named Jazzman and Turtle joined us. Good campfire discussion until it was time to bed down.
Date: 2009-04-09
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Cap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

What a glorious hiking day as the glistening white retreated into cotton patches accenting the rich browns and greens underneath.We had decent views of Fontana Water Shed and the line on the other side would be the peaks of the Smoky Mtns. Camping is becoming more comfortable, washed my socks and shirt and then settled in for the most awesome Chile dinner sent by Sheila. Clear and no wind at night as I make up my 'To Do' list for tomorrow's Fontana Dam visit.
Date: 2009-04-10
From: Cable Cap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: light rain

Pleasant 6.6 mile hike down to the dam in the rain with lightening strikes urging us onward. I stayed at the Fontana Hilton - the largest shelter on the A.T. holds 24 people. ACE chose to share a cabin. Just as I arrived, the family of Caveman had set up 'trail magic' with all kinds of high calory food available for eveyone.I walked another 2.5 miles into Fontana Village to pick up my drop box and then sorted eveything out back at the shelter for upcoming 6+ days in the Smokies. Almost 12 lbs of food ! I'm anxious to start my journey through the Smokys tomoorrow - rain and all.
Date: 2009-04-11
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

Crossed the famous Fontana Dam and entered the equally famous Smoky Mtn National Park. Climbed steadily up Shuckstack Mtn in a dreamland of fog and quite solitude. At Mollies Ridge Shelter the A.T. Ridgerunner urged some of us to go on to the next shelter as there were 30 people in Mollies last night. So, I pushed on for another 2.5 miles in the muck. Fortunately, PyroFly also came to the shelter and immediately stet about building a fire in the stone fireplace common in the Smoky's. All 14 hikers in the shelter enjoyed the building and the warmth from that fire.Just as we snuggled into our bags for the night, Brendon, Spencer and Mr Pink showed up all excited about making a night hike to the next shelter; which they made OK even though the cold wind was the devil.
Date: 2009-04-12
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Easter Sunday and beautiful day in the Mountains (check out other pictures).I hiked across Rocky Top (theme for bluegrass song) and Thunderhead. A physically tough section headed towards Clingman's Dome but I just had to stop at Silers. At dusk the winds picked up and my midnight the gusts were 40 -50 mph threatening to tear the roof off the shelter. The tarps strung over the front of the shelter helped keep some of the cold wind from us but they rattled and shook loudly all night. That usually means the rains are following.
Date: 2009-04-13
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Newfound Gap - Gatlinburg
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

The winds last night were horrendous. They would have ripped my new but delicate tent to shreds. In that sense, I'm glad that hikers must stay in Shelter in SMNP unless overflow of people.From Siler's Bald, I climbed up to the top of Clingman's Dome 6,643ft - the highest point on the A.T. It might as well have been Mt Everest with the winds shrieking up the sides at hurricane strength making me weave drunkenly between paths as my top-heavy pack acted like a sail. At one point, Brad and I took the wrong trail down from the peak and had to climb back to the top to find the correct route down.In the end, I decided to stop at Newfound Gap and hitch a ride into Gatlinburg. Dave Van der Meid, a previous 5 yr section hiker was more then happy to help me down the 13 miles into town. As we came down thru the park, everything started changing... the sun came out the winds became gently breezes, the trees were in flower and Spring was in the air. I stayed at the Grand Priz, a favorite for hikers. Called Linda (at the Beach) and learned the I needed to visit my local unemployment office... like now.
Date: 2009-04-14
From: Newfound Gap - Gatlinburg

To: Newfound Gap - Greenville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Rented a van, drove home, did my business with unemployment, exchanged my boots at Appalachin Outfitters, other chores and updated my online journal. Must be up early tomorrow to drive back up to Gatlinburg, return the van and then hike 10 miles to my next shelter. No peace for the weary!!
Date: 2009-04-15
From: Newfound Gap - Greenville

To: Peck's Corner
Miles today: 10.4

Returned from GVL to Gatlinburg early morning; returned the van rental and hitched a ride back up into the Smokies to resume my expedition acrosss the north sections. The new boots from Appalachian Outfitters (Jonathan) worked GREAT!! However, now I was fighting bronchitis (hacking dry cough, rasping, larangitis). Tented tonight to isolate my infection from others, plus I couldn't talk anyway.
Date: 2009-04-17
From: Cosby Knob

To: Spanish Oak Gap
Miles today: 13.6

Hiked down from the Smokies this morning, had lunch at Standing Bear Hostel and climbed to a ridgeline for the night. View related pictures - gorgeous day.Ned A. and Dan T. would love the hostel. Next year,I plan to take a week of visiting the Smokies, staying at the Bear and camping up on Max Patch and dispensing trail magic to th 2010 thru-hikers. This a great section with plenty of road access
Date: 2009-04-20
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

A true ZERO Day with Linda touring around Hot Springs. Drove back to the top of Max Patch. Even though cloudy with rain showers, she was able to catch the awesome views of mountain ranges all around us.I've got to log off because we scheduled a session in the natural hot spring spas before dinner. Then resupply for a long 6 day stretch to Erwing TN starting tomorrow morning. Great R&R !
Date: 2009-04-21
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

After another big breakfast at the Duckett House, Linda & I bid farewell and I climbed 2000 ft from the French Broad River up to Rich Mtn. I was able to get a few pictures from this fire tower before reaching the shelter site where I tented. Campfire with trail friends... Ahab, Rainman, Porkchop, Pop-a-Squat, FeatherFoot (Bruce), Denver Dave and others. Attempted a little campfire cooking with olive oil, fresh garlic, noodles and tuna. mmmm good. But the olive oil is leaking all over everything.
Date: 2009-04-22
From: Spring Mtn Shelter

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

Light snow had covered the tent last night. Broke camp quickly to stay warm. Hiking by 8AM with no breakfast. A little note on the roadsign for Allen Gap spoke of 'trail magic' 350 yds up the road.Wow!!! Jodie & John Nelson (previous thruhikers) had purchased this beautiful cabin near the trail so they could dispense trail magic Monday - Saturday during season. The provided a fantastic 3 course brunch: 1. Belgian Waffles w/ egg puff quiche   2. Chicken Gumbo Stew   3. Fruit Cobbler w/ Ice Cream. All home made, all served on real china plates in a beautiful home by beautiful people. They took a picture of each of us and display it in a journal along with our trail names. It was fun to see the faces connected to the names of people ahead of us.After an hour of feasting, it was time to get back on trail... ugh. There was a challenging rocky ridge section toward the end of today's section; great views but a real workout. Another campfire with friends discussing the trail magic and trail challenge.
Date: 2009-04-23
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Street Knob
Miles today: 18.8

I slept "under the stars" tonight on a grassy knob with sunset views of Big Bald Mtn. I pushed a few extra miles so that I could get into Erwin by noon Saturday before the PO closed.What a great hiking day - sunny & cool - particularly the section up on Big Butt Mtn. Once on top, the trail followed an old roadbed through meadows sprouting their mantel spring flowers. Check out the picture of Shelton's Grave for an interesting story.The climb from Devil Fork Gap up Lick Rock on Sugarloaf Mtn was hard but I was able to cool off in a beautiful little waterfall part of the way up. Sheila's spaghetti was mmm delicious after long day.
Date: 2009-04-25
From: Temple Hill Ridge

To: Nolichucky River - Erwin, TN
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

After an easy walk down to Nolichucky River, I checked into Uncle Johnny's Hostel for a tent site and was able to get to Erwin's Post Office by 10:30AM. Instead of a resupply maildrop, the only thing waiting for me was a card from my Mom. Apparently, I was confused on where the food drop was going. No problem as Erwin is a great trail town and had everything I wanted and then some. After an all-you-can-eat breakfast, I had an AYCE pizza lunch and a huge Mexican Fajita dinner. I was satiated and sick all at the same time.Right across the river from Uncle Johnny's, they were conducting whitewater guide rescue training. That got me thinking about taking a raft trip tomorrow. Should I do it? Patrick was taking a group and could squeeze two of us in. Yes... Bruce and I signed up.