morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-08
From: Springer Mtn

To: Cooper Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: broken clouds

Let me tell you a story of two AT trail maintainers. Han came to America from Germany and quickly made friends with Phil. Phil was an avid backpacker and volunteer for the ATC. One day he convinced Han to join him on a trail crew and Han thought that it would be interesting so he agreed.Phil and Han were assigned to break a new trail to replace one that had become overused and needed to be rehabilitated. Phil and Han agreed that they would split up and meet in the middle. Phil took the lower section and would work up the mountain, Han would start at the top and work his way down. Phil being the avid backpacker realized it would be easier to make switchbacks in order to get his gear up the mountain. Han being from Germany thought the fastest way down was a direct line down the side of a mountain. In places where it was too steep he thought he would be thoughtful and carve in steps. When they eventually met in the middle they looked at each other's trails, thought about it, and then gave the other a look of dismay.So let's all give a big hand to Phil, and I'll tell you, but I've had my fill of Han. (Seriously / a big high five to the trail maintainers, but really guys you must learn about switchbacks)A beautiful, cool, but partly sunny day after a day of rain, and lots of PUDS (pointless ups and downs) past Hawk Mntn shelter. The downs hurt my surgically repaired knees and the ups hurt my ego. Another great day on the Trail! "I'm alive again with every footstep setting me free" - Jerry Jeff Walker
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Cooper Gap

To: Stealth Camp beyond Big Cedar Mountain
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: few clouds

The wind howled all night in Coopers Gap but we woke up to a beautiful morning. I was camped near three young men I called The Machine. They walked in perfect unison and would just blow down the trail, nothing would get in their way. They'll be in Virginia by the time I'm out of Georgia. All three were in their late twenties and in the midst of career changes. I helped one if them get his trail name, Kinetic (Energy). He plans on becoming a Physics teacher. When I left them in camp I told them to give me a 30 minute head start, and I'll see them in 35 minutes.The days walk was very pleasant with the exception of a few thigh breaker mountains. Temperatures were in the 60's with sunny skies. I walked part of the time with a beautiful young couple named Zae and Shazz. They had been married for nine months, just finished school and are doing a thru hike before they start their new life. They are a lucky couple to be able to do this when they are so young and just starting their life together. They are very faith driven and will likely take some time to be missionaries.The North Georgia mountains have their own style of beauty, covered with trees, for now still in winter form, Spring just around the corner, ahhh, the promise of Spring. The beauty is in the small and unexpected things, a few flowers pushing through the forest floor, a gurgling spring sending water down the mountain, the mica glistening in the sunlight. I've hiked in some grand and magnificent places, Alaska, the Colorado Rockies, the Sierra Nevada, the White Mountains, and some special very special places like the California Redwoods and Lake Tahoe where the beauty is incomparable and breathtaking. But the AT has its own beauty, the beauty is in the walking, that knowing that if you walk far enough, you'll someday reach Maine. "I'm alive again with every footstep setting me free" - Jerry Jeff Walker
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Stealth Camp beyond Big Cedar Mountain

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 8.3

I woke up to a beautiful sunrise, started a fire, packed up, and had breakfast. Fifty degrees this morning and no wind, just perfect! Zae and Shazz quickly packed themselves up and got an early start on the trail. I hope to see them again, they were a really nice couple and I have confidence they'll hike thru. Today was a relatively easy day and I only planned on doing 8.3 miles to Neels Gap where I could resupply and recharge. But getting to Neels meant a climb of 1500 feet up Blood Mountain, the tallest peak on the Georgia AT at 4461 feet. It was a steady climb but not too challenging. (Although there was a buzzard circling me as I climbed) We were rewarded with fantastic views on a near perfect day.Then is was down to Neels where there is an outfitter that specializes in shipping all the stuff you are carrying, but shouldn't, back home. I shed a couple of pounds of stuff I didn't need, and then had an AT legend, Baltimore Jack, go through my pack to see if there was anything else I should shed. He had only a few small suggestions (carry 3 spare batteries instead of 6, etc.). Dinner was 2 hot dogs, 2 Cokes, and a can of Pringles -- ahh, junk food once again! I'm camped out behind the store with Stitch and Butterscotch, but spent a fun evening hanging out with the hikers in the local hostel. Biggest surprise so far? The lack of critters out in the forest. I haven't seen anything other than a couple of squirrels and of course lots of birds. No deer, no signs of bears, no coyotes, minimal squirrels. Lots of rugged country but not much wildlife yet. "I'm alive again with every footstep setting me free" - Jerry Jeff Walker
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Neels Gap

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

Being at Neel Gap was a fun change of pace. Even though most of us have only been out for four days, it was a nice change to eat hot dogs, microwave sandwiches, or frozen pizza. A number of folks hooked up to rent cabins, some stayed at the Hostel, 3 of us camped out behind the store. I say us, but actually it is just a loose band of solo hikers that ended up in the same place and will generally move up the trail at about the same pace. Hike your own hike as they say. A number of folks also dropped out today.The day started out magnificently, I woke early and went down to the hostel for a stealth shower and to charge my phone and FitBit. The shower felt amazing!! Even though I had to put my dirty clothes back on, I felt fantastic! While the devices were charging I got a lemonade out of the soda machine and watched the dawn arrive. A beautiful morning about 50 degrees and no wind. I packed my gear and after the store opened I bought some more ibuprofen, a microwave pork BBQ sandwich and an orange juice for breakfast, just heavenly!!The trail was not a tough one today, but was a roller coaster, just continuous ups and downs . There was a 700 foot climb out of Neel Gap, and then just up and down, up and down the whole day. There were a few nice vistas, but no big views like Blood Mountain. The view from Wildcat Mountain was excellent.It was late when I finally arrived at Low Gap shelter. Everyone was complaining about the day, but it was kind of fun to be reunited. In and around the shelter were Train Wreck, Butterscotch, Stitch, Doc ( I gave him his trail name after he diagnosed my knee problems), Jeanie, Puzzle, Gentleman Jim, Alpine Squirrel, Neon, and a few others I don't know yet.The thought of the day was Respect. Stitch suggested this theme. There are all manner of folks out here, retired guys ( and gals), students, ex-military, ex-teachers, mid-lifers, folks that just quit their job so they could do the trail. Everyone has there own story, everyone has there own abilities, their own motivations. And the trail is a great equalizer, it humbles us all. Even the young healthy guys came into the shelter saying "man that last pull really got to me." We're all different yet all have a common goal and a common respect for the trail and one another. It was a good day !"I'm alive again with every footstep setting me free" - Jerry Jeff Walker
Date: 2014-04-12
From: Low Gap shelter

To: Rocky Mountain Summit Camp
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: clear sky

I was camped out next to Neon last night, an always cheerful 22 year old red head from New Hampshire, and his parting comment as he moved up the trail was "best 5 days of my life!" That captures the feeling of most of us at Low Gap Shelter. As we were departing the rumor was coming down the trail that there was going to be a hiker feed put on by a local church at Unicoi Gap, only 9.7 miles away. The AT Guide showed the terrain to be fairly flat and for the first 5 miles it was, and we were able to blister down the trail. The next 4.7 became a challenge and and the up and DOWN Blue mountain were excruciating. Panic set in as the Unicoi Gap parking lot became visible through the trees and there was no tent, no group feeding hikers, and the hard push to Unicoi was all for not. "Where's the trail magic?" I had missed it by an hour, they had feed 50 hikers and run out of food. It was very depressing. A group of the young trail studs were at the trail sign in the Parking lot and even they were complaining about the last 5 miles, and missing the trail magic- but they had a new plan. There was a festival in Helen, GA and they were arranging rides and hotels to head for the party. Alpine Monkey, Trail Dust, Pigpen, and David bummed a ride and off they went. I stared up 1100 feet to the summit of Rocky Mountain and started my climb. I was going to try to out in the miles before the rains came on Monday. Stitch was going to be at the top he said leaving Deep Gap, but when I arrived, I was alone. I started settling in to make camp when Livin' for the Day showed up and she said, "Oh Good, I hope you are staying here, I didn't want to camp alone".So what I thought would be a solo night on top of a mountain turned out to be a great night getting to know another thru hiking wandering soul. We ate our dinners, swapped life stories and pictures of grandchildren, built a fire, marveled at a magnificent sunset, and watched the stars come out. Through the magic of the AT, it was another good day. Another lesson from the trail, "Life is better shared.""I'm alive again with every footstep setting me free" - Jerry Jeff Walker
Date: 2014-04-13
From: Rocky Mountain Summit Camp

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a windy night on top of Rocky Mountain, but not outrageous. The sunrise was disappointing and we had a tough 11.7 miles planned to Deep Gap Shelter so that we could be in easy striking distance of Dicks Creek Gap and a shuttle to the famous Blueberry Patch hostel Monday morning.The terrain map showed lots of ups and downs and two long tough climbs up Tray Mountain (1300 feet) and Kelly Knob (900 feet). Livin' for Today walked together all day and it was nice to have someone to talk to for a change. She was a strong hiker and really enjoyable to walk with. We finally arrived Deep Gap shelter at 7:30 pm and were just exhausted. We lucked out to get spots in the shelter as we wanted to make a early get away and didn't want to fool with tents, in addition to the projected rain.Along the way me met Cologne (Mattias from Germany), a German tourist hiking part of the AT for his holiday. He was marveling at the space and quiet of the Georgia Mountains and the AT. It just wasn't something found in Europe. It was interesting to see the trail through his eyes, because when you are tired and exhausted, it's eye opening to appreciate it from someone else's perspective.
Date: 2014-04-14
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel - Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: light rain

We woke up early at Deep Gap Shelter in order to hustle 3.6 miles down to Dicks Creek Gap to catch a 9:30 shuttle pick up. Did I say down? Tthere was still lots of UP on this walk, UP Powell Mountain and it seemed like all the downs had some up in them too; accentuated by the fact they we were trying to make time to catch our shuttle.We made it to the parking lot and were reunited with a bunch old trail friends heading to the Budget Inn. The Machine was there ( Kinetic, Raven, and Lt. Dan) and I was surprised and pleased to see them. We also met the famous Chicken Feathers.We arrived at the Blueberry Patch Hostel and what a relief! It was just starting to rain and we were surrounded by a clean and inviting hostel. The owner Gary is as kind and generous a gentleman you will ever meet. He and his wife have been doing this as a ministry for 22 years and he is a true trail angel. The hostel continued to fill through the morning and many of our trail friends arrived for a grand reunion. At the Hostel tonight are Livin' for Today, Alpine Monkey, No Regrets, Logman, Dexter, Teton, Moose, Chi. Gary took us into town in the afternoon and we gorged ourselves at Big Al's for an AYCE pizza and salad buffet. It was amazing! We then bummed a ride down to Fred's and resupplied for the next week on the trail.As I sit and write this in the comfort of four walls, a roof, and a table to sit at, I'm feeling very blessed. To have the beauty of the trail for a week, and yet still get to enjoy the comforts of civilization for a day is one of life's real pleasures. It will be time to push on tomorrow, but for tonight it is time to relax, recuperate, and rejoice."I'm alive again with every footstep setting me free" - Jerry Jeff Walker
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Blueberry Patch Hostel - Dicks Creek Gap

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: snow

My how wonderful it was sleeping at the Blueberry Patch Hostel! Such a nice change after 7 days of tents and shelters. It rained all night and through the morning so we were glad to be indoors. The highlight of course was the incredible breakfast served by Gary and Lennie to their "family". Gary emphasizes that he considers us family when we stay with them and wants to take care of us both physically and spiritually. What wonderful witnesses they are for Jesus!My friend Scott (Indy) drove down to hike the last part of the hike with me and he met me at the Blueberry Patch. We loaded up, said our goodbyes to the trail family, and headed to the trailhead in the rain. As we arrived at Dicks Creek Gap, Stitch was walking down the trail sporting an umbrella and looking for a shuttle to his hostel. It was great to see him once again.Indy and I left some trail magic at the trailhead, oranges, apples, and Cokes so we hope they went to some hungry hikers. We then left Dicks Creek Gap and headed UP (of course) the trail, bound for North Carolina in the rain. The cooler temperatures were welcome, but we could do without the strong winds and rain. I have come to dread the name "Gap" in Georgia because all that means is that there are two tall mountains on either side. Today's initial climb was 1100 feet up to Buzzard Knob, in the rain, in the wind. Welcome to North Georgia Indy.The rain stopped about 1 pm when we reached Plumorchard Gap Shelter for a lunch break. There was another reunion with several hikers I met on Springer as they cruised in. Raven was moving on but Kinetic and Lt. Dan had taken a zero in Hiawassee, so The Machine was only partially put together.Under partly sunny skies but falling temperatures and blistering winds we climbed another 700 feet over 4.5 miles to get to the North Carolina /Georgia border. A nice milestone! By the time we got to Bly Gap the temperature was down to 30 degF and howling winds. We set up tents, ate a fast dinner and dove into our sleeping bags to try to get warm. Hiker midnight came early, The Trail thought for today was family, trail family. Even though we only get to meet and know each of our fellow hikers for a few brief days sometimes, there is a quickly formed bond from sharing the trail. Shared misery, shared accomplishment, shared beauty. Gary and Lennie are also the embodiment of this family; Gary and his son walked the trail 23 years ago and they are still sharing and bonding with the trail family 23 years later. It's a beautiful testimonial to Family.
Date: 2014-04-16
From: Bly Gap

To: Standing Indian Campsite
Miles today: 7.2

The wind is howling tonight, the temperature dropping into the high 20's, but the campfire has kept us warm and cheered, the stars are out, and there is a gurgling brook by our campsite. Therefore today's trail thought is Campfires, Starlight, and a Gurgling Brook.In the rush to make the mileage to get to Maine, to reduce the weight of one's pack, to fix a blister, to make it to the next AYCE, for all the things that preoccupy a hiker, we so often forget the simple beauty around us. Today we woke up to temps in the teens, a chilling wind, a big climb out of Bly Gap, and a race to get to our pickup point on Thursday. Slow to get around because of the cold, we finally headed out around 10 am, and huffed and puffed our way up 800 feet of Courthouse Bald. After that the trail was easier, but still seemed to have lots of continuous ups and a few steep and rocky downs.Not making the progress we had hoped, we changed our plan, arranged a new pickup point, and looked for a campsite closer to where we were going to end up at 5 pm. And there we found it at Standing Indian Campsite - 2 nice tent sites, a fire ring, and a small stream. As we relaxed and cooked dinner, we agreed tomorrow will still be a big miles day, it will be cold once again tonight, but for the moment we have a campfire, starlight, and a gurgling brook- and all is right in the world."I'm alive again with every footstep setting me free" - Jerry Jeff Walker
Date: 2014-04-17
From: Standing Indian Campsite

To: Beech Gap Trailhead
Miles today: 5.0

When I woke it was still very dark, very cold, and the glow of a waning gibbous moon lit our campsite. The stars still shone brightly and the forest was quiet. Throughout the night the wind had come down the mountain in waves, sounding like a freight train at times, but was now quiet.This would be our last day on the trail for this section hike, it was time to go home for Easter. The day held promise as the sun came over the mountains, the skies were clear with light cirrus clouds, and the winds remained calm. We cooked our final breakfast burning off the rest of our fuel, and eating as much as we could. No reason to carry food out.After we headed out we were greeted with several chance encounters. I met Sherpa Mom for the first time. I had heard of her all along the trail but this was my first chance to meet her. We met Educator and his group of students, out for a Spring Break section hike. Educator uses the AT as a living laboratory for his students. Good show!On Standing Indian Mountain we met up with Medic, Lt. Dan ( he needs new legs), and Kinetic. I had heard of Medic for many days as the guy with the foam roller that was helping to treat injuries along the way. We also met up with Doc and Tex who had started on Springer in the rain the same day I had. I thought they were far ahead of me but were coming off a zero day. They let me know that Alpine Monkey was behind them and he had my Croc with him that we had got mixed up back at Blueberry Patch Hostel. It was a day of Reunions. We climbed to the top of Standing Indian Mountain and it was the easiest climb of the past 11 days, lots of switchbacks and a fairly gentle grade. (See AT trail designers, you can do it! Bravo!) The views from on top were spectacular and we got to take pictures with Educator and his students. It was literally a perfect day on the AT, with warm sun, cool air, deep blue sky, a few high, wispy cirrus clouds, and no wind. As we descended toward Beech Gap, the grades remained gentle and we made great time. At Beech Gap, we had lunch, laid in the sun and waited for Alpine Monkey. One more chance reunion, Stitch came cruising down the trail! I hope I get a chance to see him up North. A few minutes later Alpine Monkey came down the trail, we traded Crocs, and off he went, headed for Maine. Indy and I then left the trail, we took the Beech Trail to the FS road to meet my brother Steve. The end of a wonderful 11 day section hike on the AT.Along the way I've made the comment that the trail is perfect, that any imperfections lie within me. I'm too out of condition, carrying too much, tried to go too far, etc. What also makes the trail perfect is the people, their stories, their motivations, their frailties, their triumphs. Each has a reason for being out here, each has a reason for continuing or getting off, each will go until they can go no more, and I hope that they find what they are looking for, as they walk their way to Maine."I'm alive again with every footstep setting me free" - Jerry Jeff Walker
Date: 2014-04-13
To: Holiday Inn, Hiawasee, GA
Miles today: 0.0

Long hot day in the car driving down I-81 from DC, temps in the 80's, passing Winding Stair Gap outa Franklin, then on to Hiawassee, the road follows a gorgeous lake into town, we very dry and thirsty so after checking into the Holiday Inn we go of in search of food and cold beer.Almost everything seems closed on a quiet Sunday in Georgia, but there's a Mexican restaurant that's open and appears to have beer, we sit to order but alas no beer, they can't sell on Sunday due to state regs, total bummer. Even the gas stations can't sell beer on Sunday so it's a dry afternoon for us.
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Helen, GA Super 8

To: Tray Mountain Shelter Campground
Miles today: 5.7

Hikers Re-Union at Unicoi GapWe ate a nice brekkie at the Huddle House, close to the motel, for a small town restaurant they made a decent egg beater (egg whites only, with some coloring) scramble.We meet up with the group from the previous day, 4 women and 2 strange men all packed into the same room-the women were joking that they didn't tell their husbands that they shared the room with strangers, hikers of course and everyone is on a budget. We need a ride back to the AT, they're done hiking but agree to take us back, since it's on their way anyway, so we cram into this enormous SUV for a ride up the mountain, packs all in the rear and 8 people packed into three rows of seats. It's a sick sounding diesel and seems to struggle to get the load up the mountain, needs some work, hope they got home OK.At the top with see a vehicle stop and out piles Jake and others, they've come from the other direction and stayed in Hiawasee for the night, we have a bit of re-union since we've seen them all before, There's a crowd going up the mountain now, hikers strung out along the trail, Jake is soon in front even with a big heavy pack, those youthfull legs carrying him on.Stormy Weather Over Helen, GAWe bump into a hiker called Naturally HOB (hiking or biking), he's hiked or biked all the globe, including the entire east coast of Australia, from Cape York Peninsula to the bottom of Tasmania.He and his wife used a custom built tandem bike that was only a single speed and of very heavy construction to take the strain of all those miles.He's kinda striking on the trail with bright red gaiters and a matching red top-imagine that, a guy with color coordination.He has lotsa stories and chews our ears off for a while, talking about all the things he and his wife have done over the years.The Dude comes into the shelter, hiked from the previous shelter so we get a nice fire going and chat with him for a bit, the shelter fills up so we trundle off to set up our tent, it's quieter anyway and there are no mice in our tent.