morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-03-21
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

Today is a special day. Robert, my loyal hiking partner, will search for "small lions" on Standing Indian Mountain. "From dust you came, oh, man, and dust you shall return."The climb up Standing Indian Mountain (5,498') is very easy for a hiker. The trail is an old jeep road leading to the summit where a fire tower was once located. The fire tower is gone. The jeep road is fading,but the Appalachian Trail moves down the old jeep ruts.As I approach the summit, I was concerned that the clouds that we were walking through would hinder the view. God provided and the clouds parted. What a view! Dust, and dust on rocks on dust equals a great mountain. One day it will grown, but slightly.Back down the blue blaze tail from the summit to our packs. We walked down about 100 yards and to the left you can see Albert Mountain and the fire tower located on its top. The Appalachian Trail continues to form a massive horseshoe. I love this section of the trail. As we continued passed Beech Gap, we arrived at the creek that must be traversed by the big, wet, round, ugly (Sorry!) log. I heard, "Stand aside." What? A voice from the clouds? No, it was my very confident hiker partner. He stood on the big log, water rushing below, rocks, branches, to imply a nimble hiker (as well as a little Irish creature that hides under bridges) who could not be detered as my lion hunting companion. Robert stepped out on the log and his left hand began to wave like a windmill. Oh, no, not, not, then the right hand began to direct the local symphony, no, not, then calm. The sky (well, I'll calm down). a calm came over my brave companion and down went the left Leki stick into the left side of the log. Then, down the right Leki stick into the right side and as if he was a 20-year power line veteran of climbing telephone poles, he calmly walked to the other bank. No lion hunter in the world would have done better! We stopped at Carter Gap Shelter for our evening meal, actually around 3:00 P.M. At the shelter was Monte, a great person and hiker from Birmingham, Alabama. Also, the "Dude" was at the shelter. he looks like the "Dude" played by Jeff Bridges in The Big Lebowski. We had an additional 3.7 miles to hike which we finished in less than 2 hours. It was our fastest hiking. We arrived at Betty Creek at dusk. Two brothers from Tampa, Florida were camping at the creek. We hung our food bag over my tent from a tree limb and turned in for the night.We saw not one lion today!
Date: 2007-03-22
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Breakfast on the log in front of our tents provided nourishment for a day of fun. We started moving north towards USFS Road 83 which lines the base of Albert Mountain. As we began the cliff climb past Mooney Gap (4,480') the fresh handywork of the trail maintainers provided a much improved trail. I have made this climb several times and this is the best condition I have experienced. Just all the rocks that were placed to improve the safety of this climb had to be extremely difficult to haul up the side of the mountain.We arrived at the intersection of the Bear Pen Trail and the steps that lead up to the face of Albert Mountain.USFS Road 67 is an official alternate route around the steep climb up to the fire tower. Robert said that he was going up the white blazes and up we went. The climb was slow but fun. It id definately not for the weak.At the fire tower, I visited with "Dr. John", a college professor who is hiking the trail. Robert and I stopped for lunch at the well-used Big Spring Shelter. We then went down the 5 1/2 miles to Rock Gap Shelter arriving at 4:30 P.M. On the way down, I met a SOBO finishing his hike.At Rock Gap Shelter, "Swiss", who I met at Cable Gap Shelter in 2004 was providing trail magic. The lemonade was great. "KTR" arrived in 20 minutes and to the Budget Inn we were driven. Mr. Ronnie Haven and his staff are great to hikers.The evening was spent doing laundry and eating at 8:45 P.M.
Date: 2007-03-23
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

Today, we carried less weight in our packs. We pail a small fee for a shuttle to Rock Gap. As a hiker, I appreciate all the effort Mr. Ronnie Haven gives to the hiker community. I was #123 to sign in as a thru-hiker at the Budget Inn. David, the manager, is a master of customer service. "KTR (Kick-the-Rocks), Tom, is a thru-hiker. He is a chef by profession, who is working for Mr. Haven during hiker season. He is a great guy who was a chef in Cape Cod for terminally ill children. God Bless Him!Also, I would like to make a comment on Verizon cell phone service. The cell phone signal from the Appalachian Trail is strong and available between Springer Mountain and Franklin, NC. I am impressed with the quality of signal by Verizon.A short hike to Winding Stair Gap provided a nice respite for our tired legs. Robert is getting stronger with each day. He is very pleasant to have as a hiking partner.As we arrived back at the motel our hiking friend, "Three-Times-Is-A-Charm" arrived at the Budget Motel. He joined us for pizza. He related that while sleeping in a shelter between Dick's Creek Gap and Winding Stair, a hiker during the night screamed, "A bear is coming into the shelter!" Larry thought! He continued by saying, "I pulled the sleeping bag over my head and waited for the bear attack! But, no bear, only a hiking yelling during my nightmare."Bear technique: #1 Pray               #2 Head in Sleeping Bag               #3 Zip up
Date: 2007-03-24
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Gap
Miles today: 5.9

"MALA" gave Robert and I a ride to NC1310, Wayah Gap. This is where the road meets the trail. A Baptist church provided trail magic at Wayah Gap. The church members offered drinks, fruit and cookies. Mr. Haven, owner of the Budget Inn cooked breakfast for the hikers at Winding Stair Gap. Mr. Haven was playing a fiddle for the hikers, too. He also plays the 5-string banjo.Our hike today was very enjoyable. We met several hikers that we knew. It was good to see "Bag Lady", "Willing" and "Able". "Willing" won the gold medal in the Olympics in the 1980's. We also saw "Swiss" jogging north on the AT.This was our first north to south section. We we arrived at Winding Stair Gap, another Baptist church provided drinks, cookies and fruit. One of the church members related that two hikers did a training session at their church on providing trail magic. Robert and I were provided a ride back to Franklin by a couple from the Baptist church.The rest of the day was spent doing laundry, repacking for tomorrow and visiting with hikers.
Date: 2007-03-25
From: Wayah Gap

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

Robert and I began our day with a walk to Hardees for breakfast. When we returned to the motel "MALA" was waiting to return us to Wayah Gap. MALA has been very supportive of our hike. Many thanks! As we parked at Wayah Gap, Tucker, MALA's dog, began to bark. MALA said that something is out here as Tucker never barks. In just a few seconds, a pack of wolves walked onto NC1310. MALA ordered Tucker into his truck. I took out my camera from my shoulder strap and have a nice photo of two of the wolves. MALA also took photos. MALA asked if we still wanted to hike and we both replied, "Yes." As MALA drove away, Robert and I and a pack of wolves began our morning on the Appalachian Trail. It was interesting to watch the alpha male work the pack. We held our ground. They walked into the woods and we hiked. Robert and I camped past the shelter. It was a long hot day. It is so nice to say hot and March in the same sentence. It was another good day on the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2007-03-26
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala River
Miles today: 11.5

To quote Bob Dylan, "No talking, just walking" is an accurate description of our day. The restaurant at the Nantahala Outdoor Center closes at 7:00 P.M. and we established a finishing time before seven. After a stop at the Wesser Bald (4,630') fire tower, we continued to the spring flowing from the concrete cistern above Wesser Bald Shelter. The view from the fire tower provided 360 degree views of the Wesser section of the southern Appalachians. I do not enjoy the hike from Wesser Bald Shelter to the Nantahala River. The good views are not a match for the strain on the knees.I arrived at the River End Restaurant at 6:59. I turned the door handle and it thankfully moved. I dropped to my knees and grabbed the waiters by the ankles and with tears in my eyes I said, "Food." Well, sorry, I tend to be writing a touch dramatic. I entered the restaurant and walked to the patio to the ovation from all our hiker friends. I ordered sweet tea for Robert as he decended from the mountain.
Date: 2007-03-27
From: Nantahala River

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We both needed a zero day. Our morning began with a walk with our packs down the steep hill to the River End Restaurant. We sat with a group of wonderful hikers. It was a nice change from the oatmeal (2 packets) mixed with a crunchy Granola Bar in a paper cup blended with hot water. That is how I begin each day on the trail. Not this morning! Eggs and sausage with two blueberry pancakes.There are a lot of injuries being talked about among the hikers. They range from blisters to damaged knees and ankles. If you would like a hiker injury here is the formula! 1) Too many miles in a day, 2) Mix with too much pack weight and 2) Stirred with long downhills!My health mistake so far was wearing non-breathable Gaiters in this heat! I have two beautiful cases of heat rash designed by each end of both Gaiters. I now smell of RES-Q ointment. It is so strong an odor it will qualify for my animal repellant.
Date: 2007-03-28
From: Nantahala River

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today would be a good day to have our good friend, Phoenix (Curtis) with us on our hike. After a complete breakfast at the River's End Cafe, we jumped into our packs and began the difficult climb to Sassafras Shelter. Robert is the stronger up-hill hiker and I tend to be better on downhills. For us the hardest part began after 6 miles of climbing. Swim Bald (4,750') was the most difficult of our climbs.When we arrived at camp we decided to sleep in our first shelter. Robert and I climbed the ladder to the top shelf. This was not a good decision. Why? Start with the fact that we need to get up during the night! Oh, well, we would have continued our camping streak but Sassafras Shelter is on a steep slope and camping is very difficult to impossible. I know that we could have hiked another mile uphill and slept on the top of Cheoah Bald (5,062') but we were spent! The goal part of the shelter was the friendly people: Billy Goat and her boy friend, Lumpy, who hikes in a dress shirt and tie; Boo Boo; Ghost of Panchon aka "Dirtnap" Smokey Two and others.
Date: 2007-03-29
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: light rain

Today was our first rain day. March has been a great hiking month. Even though it was a cool rain, we hiked without our rainpants. When we reached Stecoah Gap, we hitched a ride into Robbinsville, North Carolina. Because of the close proximity to banking, food, lodging and laundromat, Robbinsville could become a great trail town. The great folks who run the Hike Inn have laid a positive foundation for hikers in Robbinsville. Robert and I were cold and wet. It was a relief to get a ride in the back of a truck. Robbinsville is known more as a motorcycle town, but for hikers it is a jewel of a town.I have developed blisters on the outside bottom heel of my right foot. Also, I have two oddly placed blisters. Each one between the big toe and the adjoining toe of each foot. There are two hikers on the trail a day beyond now who are hiking barefoot. Neither of these two barefoot hikers have a blister. Go figure! Last night, one hiker who cooks by firewood only (coffee and food cowboy style) when it got dark, yes, it was raining, simply laid down by the campfire on the ground and went to sleep. Today, he awoke with a smile on his face. He was injured in the Marines and related how he has gone through so much pain in his recovery, a little cold rain and very little gear can't stop this American who served our nation as a Marine!
Date: 2007-03-30
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: scattered clouds

It is like climbing a seven-hundred foot cork screw! It may not be the longest climb between Springer Mountain and Fontana, but it is the steepest. I now understand why you can't use a pack animal on the Appalachian Trail. It's because it would be an act of animal cruelity! I jest because some dogs adapt and are great trail companions. I have seen both excellent trail dogs and a few who needed to be at home. I love dogs and hike with my beloved, Bentley, who is at home caring for Carol while I'm on my thru-hike.We arrived at Cable Gap Shelter around 5:00 P.M. In 2004, I slept in the shelter. This year we camped above the shelter. We were joined in camp by a young lady, "Lost", who is from New York. She is in her second year of college in Maine. Yes, she is young, but doing great. "Lost" (who did get lost between Springer and Cable Gap) previously walked the long trail alone. She also tented. Her dad will join her today and walk to Davenport Gap, Standing Bear Farm with her. Cable Gap Shelter is a log shelter with wood shingles. It is located in a beautiful setting with both camping and water. The new Appalachian Trail shelters are built on slopes to discourage camping and inhibit the enjoyment of the trail by tenters. In thirty years will this new shelter philosophy be viewed as a major blunder in resources and concept? I am a tent dweller.
Date: 2007-03-31
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Robert and I graduated from boot camp today. We took our time in March. We wanted to reach Fontana Dam healthy. We both have lost weight and inches around our waist. We owe a big debt of thanks to "Low Gear", our friend from Idaho, who taught us the "Rest Step". We can climb the steepest of climbs without stopping. Also, we don't have to strain with our breathing using this method. Thanks good friend for this valuable technique.We arrived at Fontana Dam at 2:30. It was an easy day because the gray and green rocks were dry. When tese large boulders are wet it is a very slow down hill walk.The re-route from Hwy. 28 to the dam is very poorly designed. There are trees across the trail that haven't been cut in three years. On a positive note, the new restrooms at the boat launching ramp near the trail bulletin board are very clean. A big thanks for the opportunity to buy a park map for $1.00. This is done on the honor system and yes, we paid our dollar each.Phase I of our hike is complete. Monday we begin phase II, which is Fontana Dam to Standing Bear Farm. Stay tuned!
Date: 2007-04-01
From: Fontana Dam

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Awoke today to the crowing of a rooster and rain drops. Robert and I have a room that adjoins with a full kitchen in the middle. We plan to cook a full breakfast this morning to begin our rest day. It will be a relief to hike past the "GSMNP". It is my least favorite part of the Appalachian Trail. The "park" tends to be cold and wet, thus, very dangerous. The trails are like hiking in a ditch filled with rocks. Oh, well, I could be home dreaming of hiking the Appalachian Trail. So, onward north!An observation: Georgia should win the moulding privy award! Each shelter in Georgia has an excellent privy.Observation: The trail in Georgia and North Carolina is too difficult for families to enjoy. I saw a Boy Scout troop hiking south by us yesterday and not a smile on any face. Isn't hiking supposed to be fun? One small scout looked at me when he passed as if to say, "Call my mother, I need rescued!"Observation: The Appalachian Trail is not a wilderness experience. It is a hiking experience. Each day since we left Springer, you can hear cars, motorcyles, trucks, farm dogs barking and an occasional sirenFinal Observation: There seems to be less people hiking this year as compared to 2004.
Date: 2007-04-02
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We weighed! Robert has lost 26 pounds and I have dropped 16. Robert said he has lost 1/2 of a backpack. I am so proud of him. The down side is that all I think about is food.Jeff dropped us at Fontana Dam at 8:00 next to the beautiful vistors' center with its dogwoods in full bloom. It is a beautiful day to enter the park. I am forcing myself to have a better attitude about hiking through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It is my least favorite part of the Appalachian Trail. On a positive, the climb from the dam (1775') to Shuckstack (4020') was not difficult. It is a 2,200' climb up but the switchbacks are not steep. When we intersected with the trail to the Shuckstack firetower a Ridgerunner was asking each hiker two questions. !) Are you a thru-hiker? And, 2) what state are you from? He carried a two-way radio and will inform you about 1) weather conditions, 2) trail conditions and, 3) number of reservations at each shelter. It was a full day of 11 miles of hiking in beautiful weather.
Date: 2007-04-03
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

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

Today, was a tale of two distinct halves. The hike from Mollies Ridge Shelter to Spence Field Shelter (179.3 miles from Springer Mountain) is easy. The hike from Spence Field Shelter to Derrick Knob Shelter (185.6 miles from Springer) is very difficult. The most difficult climb was the very steep Rocky Top (5441'). It is a straight up climb. When I reached the top rocks, I was totally spent. Robert and I took photos on the top rock. For Robert, a University of Tennessee graduate, it was "Home-Sweet Home." After we reached the summit of Thunderhead (5527') the wind began to increase and the barometric pressure of my Suunto watch began to drop. It was up and down steep grades all the way to the shelter. This afternoon was the most difficult trail since Bly Gap to Muskrat Shelter. I entered Derrick Knob Shelter as the sun set. Then, I was awaken at midnight with sleet and/or hail beating against the shelter. the winds reminded me of a Category I hurricane that I experienced many times growing up in Florida. It was an electrical show at 4880' above the Tennessee valley.
Date: 2007-04-04
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

The world has changed. The wind was driving a cold front right into the only land barrier between the Rocky Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Robert and i were sitting right in the middle of Nature's Bulls Eye! Now, you know the real difining element with the GSMNP, it's the fact changing weather. We had a much easier hiking day. It was good to reach Double Spring Gap Shelter (5,507') early in the afternoon. It is very boggy around this shelter making it very difficult to tarp or tent near the shelter. This is one of the older shelters that still has the chain link fence enclosing the front of the shelter. The nice feature about this older shelter is the fireplace. A hiker built a nice roaring fire and we hung plastic and tarps on the chainlinks of the fence to help keep in some heat. When we awoke, it was sleeting and spitting snow. No problem! It was the strong winds and freezing temperatures that were difficult. Everything was frozen--water, food and my attitude. I am a warm weather hiker! Today, is going to be difficult!
Date: 2007-04-05
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: few clouds

Robert and I started at 8:00 towards Clingmans Dome (6,643') in very difficult conditions. The climb up Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the Appalachian Trail, is not difficult. It is the weather not the trail. We drink water every 15 minutes. We were drinking ice with our water. Several times our lids were frozen and we had great difficulty in opening our water bottles. We reached the top of Clingmans Dome at 10:30 A.M. Now, to make matters more difficult, the steep hike down Clingmans was covered in ice. Then, Robert goes down. It was so icy he could not upright himself without slipping down. I worked my way back up to him and together he was able to get a hold onto the side of the bank and upright himself without me helping. Fortunally, he was not injured. It was slow all the way to Indian Gap (5,250') where we arrived at 3:45 P.M. Finally, the ice was cleared and we were able to arrive at Newfound Gap at 4:55 P.M. to meet our wives. It was a successful day but a difficult hike. Prayers were answered.
Date: 2007-03-10
To: Dahlonega, GA
Miles today: 0.0

Michael and I had an uneventful trip to Dahlonega. We arrived at the hostel around 5:00. It's a very clean and inviting place. Had a good meal at a Mexican resturant. Feels very good to be back in the mountains. Looking forward to a good start tomorrow. Happy TrailsMississippi Mule
Date: 2007-03-11
From: Dahlonega, GA

To: Justice Creek
Miles today: 13.6

The Hiker hostel in Dahlonega was great. Josh & Leigh do a super job catering to the needs of hikers. We left there about 7:30 and were at the base of Springer an hour later. Short Timer{Michael} and I hiked the .9mi. to the summit of Springer. Then we did the .9 back down to officially start our trek. The morning was beautiful-blue skies and temps. in the 50's-- perfect hiking weather. We set a good pace for the first seven miles. Our pace slowed some when we started up Sassafras Mt. The climb was tough, and it took a lot of energy. We went over several other mts. that pretty much drained our tank. Made it to Justice Creek around 5:30. This is where we are camped for the night. It was a good day. Short Timer is beginning to have a real appreciation for what it takes to hike the AT. Bed time.Happy Trails,Mississippi Mule & Short Timer
Date: 2007-03-12
From: Justice Creek

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: broken clouds

Short Timer and I snuggled a little deeper in our sleeping bags last night because there was a cold breeze blowing from the creek. We started walking about 8:30. With the time change it's dark until close to 7:00am. In the future I should be out by first light. Short Timer and I went up and over many mountains today. By the afternoon we were very tired. Tomorrow will be a short day for Short Timer for he will head home. I'm sure he will leave with a much better appreciation for the AT and the people who hike it. It has been wonderful sharing part of the trail with him. It's a rare experience that we can share for a lifetime. I want to thank him for taking the time away from his wife, young daughter, and job to hike with me. We will be at Neel's Gap tomorrow morning. I may stay in the hostel there over night.Happy Trails,Mississipi Mule------------------------------Sent via PocketMail
Date: 2007-03-13
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: overcast clouds

We stayed at the Woods Hole Shelter last night. As shelters go, this was a nice one. It was built in 1998; so it's still considered new for a shelter. Many shelters on the AT were built in the 70's.Short Timer and I had a short day. The hike over and down Blood Mountain was challenging. Blood Mountain is the highest mt. in Georgia. We stopped at Neel's Gap which has an outfitter & hostel. Short Timer headed home, and I decided to stay at the hostel over night. The weather continues to be near perfect. I understand that it will rain tonight and tomorrow. It could be in the 20's by Thursday. It's going to get interesting. The forest this time of year is barren. As I continue north, I will truly be walking with spring. I will get to see the forest come alive. It will be a magical time.Mississippi Mule