morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-18
From: Stove Creek Shelter

To: Justus Creek Campsites
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

Well here I am, the second day into the trip. I have had beautiful weather, sometimes a little to hot but not bad. The highs are in the upper 70's to the low 80's. The skies are just so blue with no clouds to be seen. Since the leaves are not out yet the sun just beats down, turning me a nice shade of red. I do what I can but I can't do much...trust me on that. The approach trail out of Amicaola Falls was quite nice. Some good ups followed by nice flats so it was a great walk. I made good time by hitting the summit of Springer Mountain just past noon to be greated by a bunch of people, some thru hikers and some friends of hikers. I spent just a short amount of time there and moved on. The hike was just filled with emotion. I must have had the biggest smile on my face, 10 years of dreaming had just begun. I am so glad to finally have started so everything is now in the past, all the planning, thinking and wondering. The only thing I can do now is just walk. If something didn't get done it will stay undone. Worrying will get me know where so I wait. I will just walk one step at a timemoving ever further north. The idea of that as my only goal is quite relaxing with no pressure involved. So you may be asking yourself what is involved in your day? It is easy to say the least. I get up, the time depends on how far I will go. Pack up, which takes no time at all because everything has it's own place and the only thing you gain or lose is food. Then you walk, when you get tired you stop. And so it goes until you get to your camp. Set up, eat dinner, relax and go to bed around dark. Repeat daily. So that is how I spend my days just walking. The scenery has been beautiful with mountain views and babbling brooks. The trail is in great condition and there are some beautiful steps around Horse Gaps. Kudoos to the trail crew! I am also bouncing around 2 parties of people last few days. One is a solo woman from Maine and the other are two women from Colorado. They are about my age and we all seem to stop in the same places. It is so nice to have someone around. I have also met a few others. Everyone is very nice and friendly yet lets you do your own thing. Well night is descending upon me here next to the creek. It will be another night without setting up my tent. No rain is forcast so keep your fingers crossed so that I may be dry. I head towards Blood Mountain and Neel's Gap for resupply.Tim
Date: 2004-04-19
From: Justus Creek Campsites

To: Wood's Hole Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a good day. I left camp around 8:30a.m.. I passed Zac and the two girls shortly into the first climb. Then all by myself most of the day. It was very nice today. There were some good steep ups but then flat for a bit. Some nice views along the way at Ramrock and Big Cedar Mountains. Not to bad. Here at the shelter it is crowded tonight. There is myself, a woman I have been leap-frogging named Alexa, 6 other thru-hikers, two section hikers and a few more may still stroll in later. I thought it strange that as I was talking to them they thought the hike today was really hard. While to me it is not that bad. I have really hiked worse. I mean I still have not covered over 1000 ft. in a vertical climb yet. I guess since I have seen the CMC Route on Moran nothing could be worse, I mean NOTHING. But that is another story from another time. I can't wait to see Blood Mountain tomorrow. It should be beautiful up there around mid morning. Then to Neel's Gap for re-supply and keep moving.Tim
Date: 2004-04-20
From: Wood's Hole Shelter

To: Hogpen Gap Campsite
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Well today was a good day. The climb up Blood Mountain was quite easy and went in no time. The view was well worth it. There was a shelter that was pretty old. The whole thing was built out of stone and had two rooms, probobly pretty mouse infested. There also was a huge rock that was just as big as the shelter right next to it and from there you could see forever. Then down to Neel's Gap for a re-supply. The best and worst days I could have. The best because I can go to a store that sells food and eat whatever I want. On the other hand it's the worst because my pack gets 10 lbs. heavier from re-supply. So that went well. We all just sat and relaxed a bit before we went on. The group from last night has split to different locations. Some behind and some ahead. Tonight there is myself and Alexa from Maine. She is a cool girl and we are hiking the same speed. So far everynight has been in the same camp. The hike has been great, not to hard but challenging at the same time. The days and nights are just relaxing. Walk all day, go to sleep at dusk and wake just after dawn. So, about 40 miles until I enter North Carolina, I should be there in about 3-4 days. Just remember, a mile remains the same it is the mind that makes some short and others long.Tim
Date: 2004-04-21
From: Hogpen Gap Campsite

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a good day. I hiked with Alexa and a hiker named Gaul. We walked together all day. I was nice to have company for a change. Laughing, talking, keeping up spirits. The hike was also nice, pretty views and nice gradual ups. Then there was tonight, a very interesting group, all thru hikers except Jue who is about 70 years old and is just walking shelter to shelter till he gets tired and will then go home. He is also from just north of Pittsburgh and is a typical Pittsburgher (accent and all). Then there is a couple from Driggs, Idaho just over the hill from Jackson. All converging on Blue Mountain shelter in north Georgia on this beautiful night. Gail and Alleghney are here as well as Hermes, a 17 year old guy, from Chicago. Alexa pushed on for another couple miles so she can re-supply in Hiawassee early in the day. So I will see her again in 3 days. That is the life out here, you know people in front and behind you and we are concearned about how they are doing. Then as you pass people and are passed yourself you find out where everyone else is. One big community that cares a lot about you even though they are a complete stranger or someone who has only heard of you. It is a very different yet similar experience for everyone. Well I should go to bed because I have two big climbs tomorrow. Thanks to Alleghney for the extra dinner tonight- That Rocks!Tim
Date: 2004-04-22
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Addis Gap
Miles today: 13.0

Today was the first day of big climbing. In twomountains I covered 2300+ vertical ascent and -2000 vertical descent over 6 miles. So that was straight up then straight down and repeat. Very challenging and Ifelt strong (slow but strong). And after only six days that is not bad. I will be in hiking shape after about two weeks which is right before the Smokies. My feet did well today. I popped my blister so that felt 100% better and the boot bite is going away. Everyday, for right now I hope, you get a new pain somewhere in your body and one goes away. For example my blister pain decreased greatly today while now my shoulder is sore. So I have a great many pains in my body but nothing to bad. Hopefully they will all disappear, preferably sooner than later. As for that I got to take a bath and wash my clothes in the creek at camp. Tomorrow will be another day and hopefully I will cross the Georgia/ North Carolina border. Wish me luck.Tim
Date: 2004-04-23
From: Addis Gap

To: Plum Orchard Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: broken clouds

So I decided that I would sleep in this morning and get a late start. So I left camp around 10:00a.m. instead of 8ish like normal. I would also do a low mile day at 9.6. Not to low but not bad. The hike was nice and enjoyable with only one hard climb. Everyone else that I have been hiking with went to Hiawassee today for a town day. I hope they are having fun. Allegnhey should be drinking one for me. I decided to push on. I am sure they will catch up. Most likely I will see them at the NOC. The hiking has been great. I have been out now for 7 days and nights. I am really enjoying my time and feel very lucky that I can be experiencing this. I am excited to hit Bly Gap tomorrow and the Georgia/ North Carolina line. That means one state down. So then I will be able to answer the question "Where did you come from?" by saying Georgia.And the trek continues.Tim
Date: 2004-04-24
To: Sleeping Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.2

Today was a great day. Blue skies, birds chirping, my first state line, one nice climb and a lot of gentle grade. So I am now here in good old NC. Although last night I got to listen to the owls hoot all night-it was great to hear. That just started out the magical day. I met some very interesting hikers today. One guy is thru-hiking, but just day-hiking. Two others who are doing big mile days (18+ everyday). My favorite was Friendship, he started in Harper's Ferry heading south. It all started as a five day hiking trip that turned into a thru-hike. Everything he is carrying he bought at K-Mart and it is in really great condition. Just a really neat guy. Camp has been cool tonight. Some really cool people and we have had a maurading bear, so everyone needs to hang food. All people are hanging on different lines. Everybody is doing a good job, but no one counter balances, they just tie off. The sunset was a beautiful orange tonight, but they are calling for rain-so we will see. Tomorrow hopes to be a big day and hopefully everything will cooperate. See you after 14 miles.Tim
Date: 2004-04-25
From: Sleeping Indian Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow-today was a big day for two reasons. First, it was my first 20+ mile day. Until this time my biggest was mid-13. I was only going to go 15 miles, but I got to the shelter around 4:00 and decided to push on. Why? Because everybody else from last night was going to do it. So yes, if everybody else was going to hike 20 miles-so was I. It was a great hike, over-cast all day and not too hot. I also felt really strong. I started at 8:11 and got to the shelter at 6:30. So I was on the trail for 10 1/2 hours including 2 hours of break. Like I said I felt really strong. The other big milestone is that I have finally hiked my first 100 miles. Camp tonight is mile 103, and that does not include the 8.8 mile approach to Springer Mountain. So almost 111 miles in 9 days-I am very pleased with that. The hike is going well. No major problems or issues to report. I plan on going to Rainbow Bridge Camp Ground for snack food resupply. That is what I am eating most of right now. Then off to the NOC which is three days away for a food drop and a zero day.Tim
Date: 2004-04-26
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Siles Bald Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: light rain

Today was the first day of rain. It actually rolled in last night with a mighty roar. At 10:30 there was a bolt of lightning in the distance, then 15 minutes later the skies opened and 9 days of rain came flooding down in one swoop. Luckily, the lightning woke me up as well as a full bladder so I could get into the shelter before I drowned. It rained most of the day. I stopped at a private camp ground for some snacks and a Red Barron Pizza that was gone in moments. Then back into the rain. I ended up meeting Ann and Brian here again. We have been together now for 3 nights. They went to town for resupply and a good ol' fashion wine-in-a-box. When we arrived here there were already 8 other hikers drying out and warming up. So about 11 people here tonight. It is quite a sight to see, clothes lines everywhere draped in wet smelly clothes, stoves everywhere, poles, packs, water bottles-everything you could imagine. Some very nice people. I have also run back into Alexa. She has actually been ahead of me by a few miles, all the while I thought she was behind me. Goes to show you never know who is where. Which is really interesting-you meet so many people out here and as you travel around people come and go. Then as you talk you find out where others are. It is a huge community, but we happen to be moving north together instead of being settled. Everyone cares for everyone else and you know common people. You also watch out for the other people out here, you realize that you would do anything to help out another hiker, even if it means you may run short. It is not restricted to hikers. There are people out here called Trail Angels that do little things that make a big difference. One angel carried in a pizza and a 6 pack to a shelter. Others leave coolers of food, some offer rides and more. It is the little things that help you out to give you a boost. So that is part of the experience out here-things like that.Tim
Date: 2004-04-27
From: Siles Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: few clouds

Wow, what a day. 18 miles is a good distance and I even felt strong on the final climb. It was sunny today with some mid-dark clouds rolling by. I am starting to hit a few balds (mountains without trees on top) which is nice for views. I also passed 3 fire towers today. They had some excellent views but with the wind was howling and cold temps, you couldn't enjoy them for too long, you always had to keep moving to stay warm. I am here at camp with three people from last night, Alexa, Chuggs, and Mainiac. Also two new people, Disco and another Brian. Brian and Ann pushed on to NOC as well as a British couple. That will make for a 24 mile day for them which is huge. I also ran into Red Dog, who I met at Standing Indian Shelter. A really cool guy from Pittsburgh. (Yes, that's two from Pittsburgh and two from Jackson so far.)We thought that he was ahead of us but he took a zero day so we passed him. I was shocked, Brian, Anne, and Pyro will be shocked as well as he passes them. Well, tomorrow is a resupply day at the NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center). I only have 6 miles until I reach it. I also plan on taking a zero day there as well. I think, no I know, I need it. Even though I am feeling strong and good, it will be nice to take a day off and let small bruises and sores heal, as well as to get ready for Smokey Mountain NP which has some hard climbs. I plan on sitting down by the river and just relaxing, taking a shower, doing laundry, going to town, and stuff like that. I also plan on eating in town. Well that's it, as of tomorrow I will have gone 12 days and 134 miles, which averages out to be 11.2 miles a day.Goodnight, Tim
Date: 2004-04-28
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: The Nantahala Outdoor center Hostel
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

It was a nice day today down to the NOC. The descent is quite steep and hard on the knees. The NOC is a beautiful place. It has a nice outdoor center for hiking, biking, and kayaking. The river is really nice but cold. I plan on taking a rest day tomorrow and hitting the trail again on 4/30 to head up to Fontana Dam and the Smokeys.Tim
Date: 2004-04-30
From: The Nantahala Outdoor Center Hostel

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

Today was a short day coming out of the NOC. It was hard to get motivatvated this morning. I had to pack my food and my gear, mail a box home of stuff I wasn't using, eat, shower and send off my journals. So I left about 11:15, nice and late. When I left there were grey skies and a light drizzle. Luckly it stopped and was just grey and ugly. The whole hike was all uphill. Coming out of the NOC i had to climb about 3000 feet, so I took it pretty easy. It was beauthiful. A bunch of flowers were out in all colors: red, purple, yellow pink and orange quite a nice sight. There is only one other person at the shelter tonight and her name is Inchworm. She is a very intersting woman, she has never been backpacking before but every year she does something new for her birthday. She has also run the NYC marathon and biked across Iowa as well as other adventures. Well I will talk to you later.   Tim
Date: 2004-05-04
From: Russel Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter (GSMNP)
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Sorry I havn'e written in a while but it has been cold and rainy and I have been wet a tired. We have had 4 days of clouds and rain and cold temps. When I was hiking to Russel field shelter it was only abou 30 degrees and snowing wow on May 1st who would of thought. Last night it dropped well below freezing and we all froze our asses off. Finally today it was nice again and the views from Thunderhead Peak and Rocky Top were amazing. The park in beautiful and not as hard as I expected. Tommorrow I am going over Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the AT at 6643 feet. Then into Gatlinburg for a night and resupply.   Tim
Date: 2004-05-07
From: Tri-cornor Shelter

To: Next to Waterville School Road
Miles today: 18.1

Well, I'm back and out of The smokies. Let's do a quick recap of the last few days. I went over Clingman's Dome in rain and fog so my veiw from the observation tower was about 5 feet. Oh well just a breif stop and off to Newfound Gap and by the time I got there 3 hours later it was nice and sunny. This was my first place with a bunch of tourist and well to be honest I became a tourist attraction. All I wanted to do was change my shirt, grab a bite and hitch to town but people would come over and ask me questions and call other people over for pictures with the crazy person who is walking to Maine. Well I finally broke away and got picked up to go to town. The ride was from a cop who was skipping a conference. He was actually a DEA Agent in Kentucky. Town was nice and touristy but I found a small hiker friendly hotel and checked in. There were a buch of hikers there: Alexa, Chuggs, Samuri, Moxie, Whoo, Gaul and a few others. I went to the brewery for dinner and drinks then back to the room to sleep and pack. Then back to the hike and it was the best day so far. I had great temps and sunny skies. The walk for the next 2 days were along a ridgetop with views up to 50 miles. I would give both days 5 stars, I guess it mad up for 5 days of rain. Now I have 2 days till Hot Springs for another 0 day and resupply The next 2 days will be 18 and 15 miles, ending my first big week 120 miles in 8 days. Untill tommorrow.   Tim
Date: 2004-05-08
From: Next to Waterville School Road

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

Wow, what a ruff day. It seemed I spent most of my day climbing up and up and up and up. The day started with 2 hours of climbing stragiht up. I also got to go over Max Patch Bald today. I hiked this section once before witht the Discover Center at school. I remembered how nice it was up there so I was going to hang out for about a hour, but when I got to the top the clouds began to build and the skies rumble so I figured I would get myself down and to the shelter. But I did get caught once I hit the valley. Hail the size of peas, lightning strikes hitting the ridge, thunder so loud I was jumping off my feet, and nice big rain drops falling. Luckily, I only spent about 50 minutes in it since I was flying to get out of it. Now, I am here warm and dry. Here at the shelter I am the only thru-hiker. There is a guy who is on the AT for one night and two college kids from the University of Tenn. I will be up and moving to hot springs tomorrow for a little well deserved R & R.Tim.
Date: 2004-05-10
From: Sunnybrook Inn

To: Sunnybook Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Well here I am soaking my feet in the French Broad River. The hike yesterday was a crazy 15 miles. I spent last night and tonight at the Sunnybrook Inn (aka. Elmers) It is by far the coolest place I have stayed EVER! It is an old house built 120 years ago. The house has 2 dining rooms (one seats 11, the other 20) where they serve B/D. There are seven rooms, a music room, library, study, living room, 4 bathrooms and a kitchen. The house is full with antique furniture everywhere. We can use every room but the kitchen. There are books galore for the reading, instuments for playing, and porches just to relax. I started to stress a bit about carring 8 days of food but shortly realized that it didnt matter because if I need to carry 8 days, I need to and stressing was not going to solve anything, So now just to take it easy I came to the river. Being in town is strange, even though it is not a big one. The biggest problem I have is paying attention, especially to cars. I have almost been hit 5 times today because I forget to look both ways before crossing the street. I will be back on the trail tomorrow heading towards Damascus VA. I am about 200 miles away and it will take about two weeks till I arrive. Hopefully, I will push 15 - 18 miles a day. I believe that I forgat to introduce my scribes since I am not doing this myself (I will do some though). They are from both sides of the country in CA and CT. Of course they are my brothers John (in CA) and Bill (in CT). Thanks guys, you are the best brothers a guy could have. Well now just time to listen to the river and relax. Quick recap of what I learned today:1) Don't stress because it won't solve your problem.2) Look both ways before crossing the street or else you might be the next meal at the Roadkill Cafe.Tim
Date: 2004-05-12
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Well, I'm back on the trail. Hot springs was great. Thanks to everyone at Elmer's (Sonnybrook Inn). The dinner and breakfast were both fit for kings and I ate like one. After my errands in town off to the trail. Not to bad. It had some nice hard ups to climb and it lust seemed like everyone was dragging a bit. But today was great. It started with a nice 4 mile hike down hill for a warm up, then 6 miles of good hard climbing totaling 2500 vertical feet. The hike ended with a beautiful ridge walk with great views of North Carolina to the east and Tennessee to the west. We also had a nice light rain for an hour which was great because it just cooled me off. I also had two more wildlife sightings to add to the two deer, one squirrel and a rabbit. The first of the two was yesterday as I was climbing uphill focusing on my steps I came within 4 feet of a rattlesnake. What kind you may ask? I don't know, I'm not that kind of a ranger. All I can say was a big one. Three feet long about as wide as the middle of a baseball bat. I waited for about seven minutes and it finally moved on. The second was today leaving camp. I came upon a peacock grazing in the mountains. I can only assume it came from someones house since no one I know is hiking with a pet peacock. A pretty neat thing to see as you begin your day. Well off to bed for another 15 mile day.Tim.
Date: 2004-05-14
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: broken clouds

Well I took it easy today with only 10 miles. Took me a while to get going this morning. The hike has been the same for the last two days. Filled with good long hard climbing. Small light rains and cloudy skies with pretty good humidity. Some excellent views from Big Bald Mountain today. Last night the shelter was full, seven people in a six person shelter due to rain. And tonight just me in a 12 person shelter. Tomorrow I will head to Erwin for snack food. That is ne thing I can't judge and always end up having to pick up more. Oh well. I must head to bed.Tim.