morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-03-12
From: Rocky Mountain

To: McClure Gap campsite
Miles today: 12.4

Woke to another very windy morning, so we broke camp fast and were on the trail by 7:40 am. King Alabar had left by 7:10, to find a spot to make his coffee.   Walked until we found shelter for breakfast. While eating, Robin told us that he had some medical issues, and needed to get to a hospital. To continue in the direction we were going, the hospital in Hiawassee was 2 days away - if he could do the mileage. That would also put us to town on the week-end & he may not find a doctor. For him to turn around, go back to Unicoi Gap, and catch a ride into town, meant that he could be in the hospital by lunch time, today.We made sure he was ok to go back on his own, made arrangements to meet via e-mail on Saturday, wished him well and to be safe, and parted ways by 9:10 am. Carter and I walked on, sharing our concern for him, and wondering what this could mean.Eventually, we had to re-focus our thoughts on the day ahead, in order to be in town by noon, the next day.We had a good day of hiking- sun shining, wind cool- great for walking.Climbed from 3115 feet, at Indian Grave Gap, to 4930 feet, the peak of Tray Mtn. Panaramic view of nothing but blue sky and mountain peaks! No sound, except the light wind and some birds singing!Later, that afternoon we met up with King Alabar, again. Enjoyed a long break with him. Then, Carter & I pressed on, telling him where we'd be for the night - in case he chose to tent with us.Then it was all a blur...we were climbing Kelley knob, no big deal... been doing this for a week now. I can do this...but the end was nowhere in sight...the wind howling...cold... up..up..up..a bend in the trail..the top?..NO.. more up..up..up..very cold ..wind taking my breath..can't stop>..Carter's words of encouragement.. the end must be soon...another bend..>another let down...can't do it... gotta stop...head aching from the cold..gotta press on..up..up..around.. up..up..up...curse words flying..I'm losing it...visions of freezing to death on this miserable mtn racing through my head...sooo cold...thirsty ..tired...more cursing...very steep.. level.... flat...the top...yes the top...50 minutes of HELL...the tears ...collapse on the spot...more cursing..a few hand gestures at this monster ........hugs and kisses. As soon as I recovered, from my near death experience, on went the pant legs, sweater, & gloves. Carter seemed to deal with it much better than I...........says it wasn't that bad....but I know better!Finally made it to camp @ 6:00 pm. Pitched tent -ate supper inside,getting dark. Washed up & hung food bag. Snuggled in cozy sleeping bag by 7:10 pm. Sleep crowding our thoughts. Hope Robin is ok...Man, I had a close call today......King never made it to camp...Robin?
Date: 2004-03-13
From: McClure Gap campsite

To: DicksCreek Gap
Miles today: 2.4
Weather: overcast clouds

   We were up, had breakfast, packing up when King Alabar happened upon us. On the trail by 8:40 am, down tot he road by 9:20 to hitch the 10 mls into Hiawassee.    The 1st car we tried pulled over and we were on our way to town by 9:27!! He had thru-hiked 20 years earlier, and was more than happy to help. Dropped us off at DQ, checked e-mail & found Robin. Off to the golden arches for some grease!   Checked into the Holiday Inn Express - great price, rooms were suites, free continental breakfast.   Robin & the King are just down the hall from us. Ahhh ..a shower...Yes I know Gordon, we have a shower, but the weather¢s...well you know the weather in Georgia this time of year! Mark My Words - Carter's determined - that shower will work!! Smiles :}   Trail Names - Robin is "Rigpig", because of his work out west. Carter would prefer not to have one...but we're calling him "DILLIGAS" {Do I look like I give a shit} thanks to Stu... I have been dubbed "Close Call" because of all the near death experiences I've had - like the one on the mountain, and the time we were tubing down a river & I flipped over ...death was close, until Robin said stand up - I would have sworn the water was higher than my knees... Then, there was the time I got lost at the Mall... I could go on, but I'm sure you get the point!   Lazed around room a while, then hit the grocery store to re-supply. I think our eyes were bigger than they should have been...where are we going to put all this food?   Out to an AYCE Fried chicken, beef, veggies and Salad Buffet..mmmBack to room to watch Cops. Called home and finished journal.      Sorry that Robin's health is pulling him off the trail. He has a shuttle to Atlanta, in the morning. Then flies to Halifax Monday am. :{ It will be different with-out him by our side.....   We leave for the trail in the am, Next town 40 miles away. Will send more Journals then.
Date: 2004-03-14
From: DicksCreek Gap

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: broken clouds

      At check-out time, 11:00 am, we paid, then waited with Robin, until his shuttle arrived to take him to Atlanta. Made a quick stop at the grocery store for a couple of pepsi, before heading out to hitch a ride back to Dicks Creak Gap.         Decided to stop at Dairy Queen for a quick bite, & for about 5 minutes, considered staying in town an extra day...but the trail was calling :}   Second vehicle that passed picked us up, an older gentleman, went 10 miles out of his way to return us to the trail :} very pleasant man, picks up hikers often. Started the trail again at 1:00 pm. Both of us kind of melancholy {sp?}. Something's missing...or someone :{ Planned an easy day, only to the next shelter. We both felt a relaxed pace was fine - no desire for a big mile day. Arrived at shelter @ 3:45 pm, King Alabar had arrived 1 hour earlier. Met a few other people staying at the shelter tonight. We chose to pitch the tent. Had supper, then visited for a bit, before retiring for some pepsi & chips! Weather is warmer tonight, no need for mitts and hats. Food bag is hung, teeth clean - good night to cuddle up with a book. Hear a wood-pecker in a tree. Sounds so close. Tomorrow is a new day...which means a new adventure. Until then my imagination will soar.......
Date: 2004-03-15
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: moderate rain

   Rained hard all night. We packed everything we could then made a run for the shelter. Did not get on the trail until 9:30 am today. The rain had slowed to a light mist by that point and the sun came out by 10:30.   Proud to say we had a milestone today - crossed the Georgia / N. Carolina boarder at 12:00 !! Carter took my picture with the sign. One down, thirteen to go! :}    Trail was easy going in the am, then, turned to a lot of ups and downs by noon. Went from 3400 feet to 4520 feet in 3 miles - view was blocked by a fog bank and dark clouds moving our way fast :{    Wanted to get to the next shelter, another 5 miles away, but the sky opened up, and drove us into Muskrat at 3:20 pm. We were #'s 4 & 5. King Alabar # 6. By 7:30 pm there were over 20 people here! Only 6 could sleep on the shelter platform. Carter & I claimed a spot beside the table. It was roof covered, but on the ground. 4 x 4 beams border the base, so rain isn't getting in. We're dry for the night - I hope.   As for everyone else - tents were their home for the night.   Heard, via the trail grape vine, that Melissa is 1 to 2 days behind us. She says good-bye to dad soon, so I'm sure she'll make the extra time to catch us. Been leaving notes for her in the shelter registers.   Well, it's 8:10 pm and all is quiet, except for the rain on the tin roof. Hope sleep comes soon... Carter's already out.    What adventure will knock on our door tomorrow?
Date: 2004-03-16
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

   At 6:00 am we were suddenly shaken awake by King Alabar, because the wind had shifted and the rain was pouring in, on us. Our sleeping bags, mats and ground sheet were soaked! He rescued our packs - yet a little too late.   It took us a bit of time to sort through the mess, but eventually everything got packed - soaking wet!We ate a quick breakfast and got on the trail by 8:10 am - good thing 'cause all the tenters were starting to arrive at the shelter, to dry out.   The rain stopped by 8:20, but the wind was blowing it from the trees, thus, we continued to get wet. But hey, it's an adventure!    The going was fairly easy, but wet, with a lot of rock scrambles. The sun came out before lunch. We summitted Standing Indian Mtn. {5498 feet} then stopped for a well deserved break.    The majority of the day was ridge walking - but you really could not see anything because the Rhododendron thickets were so big. Felt like we walked through a really long tunnel.   Arrived at Carter Gap at 3:40 pm. Wanted to continue on, but knew that the sun would dry our gear. So we stuck around, and by 5:30 pm, all was dry again.    We tented for the night, along with 4 other tents {King included}. Both the old shelter and the new one, built recently were full - with six people each.      Carter and I turned in early. Feels good to be dry! Looking forward to tomorrows adventure! Until then ....Close Call
Date: 2004-03-17
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

   Happy St. Patrick's Day!! A damn chilly one for us. Brrr... woke at 6:50 am to temperature of 28 F / -3 C.Did NOT want to get up, and when I did, could not get myself moving.   We did not sleep well at all. In our excitement of getting our gear dry, we pitched the tent on a slope - not realizing it. Both spent 90 % of the night in the bottom right corner.   We finally got on the trail at 9:00 am. Beautiful day - no wind, lots of sun, air temp stayed cool enough that we didn't over heat. Lots of ridge & slight downhill walking.   Highlight of the day was definitely Albert Mtn! In 3/10's of a mile we climbed from 4720 feet to 5220 feet. My calves were feel'n it!! We even had some major rock faces that we needed to use our hands!    When we got to the top the view was breathtaking! You could see forever - and down...a long way! I actually got quite dizzy & had to sit for a few minutes - I don't know if it was the adrenalin {sp?}, height, or a combination. A firetower stands at the top. Carter went up it, but, I obviously, chose to stay at the base.      We met Jack Corrier, an AT maintainer, in his mid 70's, who pointed out the Smokeys off to the north. He walked with us for a bit, sharing stories of his 20 year section hike experience. He explained that since he's no longer able to do the heavier maintainer work, he now takes care of the white blazes, that mark the trail. Very nice man!   Met up with King Alabar and Missouri - a girl from Mass. thru-hiking alone, while taking a break and we all headed to the shelter together.    Arrived at 4:15 pm. Just the four of us and Scuba, a thru-hiker from Virginia, at the shelter tonight.      Great hike, great company, great adventure!    Close Call
Date: 2004-03-19
From: Winding Stair gap

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

   We checked out of the motel at 11:00 am, stopped by the outfitters. Had my picture added to the "Hiker's Wall".    Went to Fat Buddies for lunch. I can't believe I'm saying this but... the ribs are better than the Ground Rounds'! So tender, just fell off the bones. mmmm    Jack Corriel {the maintainer we met the other day} shuttled us from Franklin, back to the trail head. He gave us some insight in to what we should expect over the next part of our trek. When Carter offered him $5.00 for gas, he would only take $2.00.   When we finally got on the trail, our packs felt 10 times heavier than ever before. We started at 1:30 pm, and climbed from 3750 feet, at Winding Stair, to Siler Bald Shelter at 4670 feet, ending at 4:03 pm. It was the longest 2 1/2 hours I have ever hiked!    But, at the same time, it was so rewarding - as much as I enjoyed the time in town, being on the trail, again, I had a such a sense of hope and enthusiasm {sp?}, for the miles yet to come.   We set up our tent, down from the shelter, and by 6:45 pm, were eating our junk food! Hung the Bear Bag & did some star gazing - beautiful sky! Weather report says clear tonight and tomorrow.    The lights from Franklin - Wow, there's so many! Ready to snuggle in a warm sleeping bag, and for sleep...   Close Call
Date: 2004-03-20
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Burnington Gap
Miles today: 10.9

   Wow - what a day! Up & on the trail at 9:00 am. We both slept so well. Stopped for lunch at the stone Observation Tower, on top of Wayah Bald {5340 feet}. Could see for many, many miles. A beautiful sunny day - hiking is easy, both feeling really good!      Then, at 3:30 pm, we met Apple, a wonderful trail angel, from Austin Texas. He happened upon us, asked if we were thru-hikers, and said he had heard about 2 'Nova Scotians'. He asked if we would like to have some refreshments. Very quickly, we smiled, and said we would appreciate anything he had to offer.    We walked another 10 minutes down the trail and could not believe our eyes - a large dome tent, with a sign "Welcome Thru-hikers: free food".Heaven! We ate hotdogs, candy, bars, and pop! mmm   Our destination was supposed to be 1 mile further up the trail, but Apple offered for us to stay at his tent, for the night. He was staying at a motel and said, he'd be more comfortable, knowing that someone was here, with his gear. Another hiker, David from Florida stayed, as well.   Before leaving for the night, Apple told us to use all the fuel, food, & drinks we wanted, because today was his last day. He'd been set up for 1 week, but needed to break camp and head home tomarrow - work on Tuesday.   Glad we took Apple up on his offer - a thunderstorm started at 7:30 pm. It's pounding down out there, but we're dry. Hope everyone at the shelter is too. Tonight's menu - popcorn! Close Call :}
Date: 2004-03-21
From: Burnington Gap

To: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: clear sky

   We woke early- very chilly, around freezing. Rain stopped a while ago, but quite windy. Apple left us lots of hot chocolate and a package of Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls! I fired up the stove and oven and breakfast was on it's way :}   Apple arrived at 8:00 am, had a roll with us and conversed some more. Felt bad for him - he did not want to leave. He really wanted to stay to help out more hikers. Gave us his card, and asked us to keep in touch, let him know how our adventure turns out.    By 8:35 am we had said our good-byes and were heading up the trail - a 680 foot climb in the 1st mile! Felt good 'cause the wind was nippy.   Excellent hiking day! We had a lot of ups and downs. Our bodies must be adjusting, because they didn't seem to bother us. Carter's been teasing me that he'd have to add more weight to my pack to slow me down! Had a huge down hill today, from 4630 feet to 2300 feet in 5.5 miles - the knees even felt ok. Not 100%, but not in great pain either.         Took pictures from the top of the firetower on Wesser Bald Mtn. {4630 feet} Could see Fontana Lake and the Smokies!    Arrived at the shelter at 4:50 pm Settled in for the night - supposed to be just below freezing. Here with us tonight are Moonshine {Neil} college graduate from NC thru-hiking, and his friend, Cory, hiking for the week-end. Met them briefly, at Apple's tent yesterday, and have been playing leap frog with them all day on the trail. A couple of real fun guys. Team Gringo vs Team Nova Scotia. Thanks for the laughs guys. :} Until the next adventure...   Close Call
Date: 2004-03-22
From: A.Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Wesser
Miles today: 0.7
Weather: clear sky

Brrr... cold morning. We were up, packed and headed down the trail to the Nantahala Outdoor Centre, in Wesser, for Bacon & Eggs by 8:00 am. Moonshine & Cory not far behind us!The NOC is an outfitters, food, cabins, laundry service, and a hostel for thru-hikers, and the AT goes right through the middle of it! What more could we ask for... Much to our disappointment, when we arrived we were told that the restaurant, and the snack shop were closed until Friday...This is Monday!So... we ended up hitching a ride, into Bryson City, 12 miles away. It's just as cheap for us to do the motel & free continental break- fast, as opposed to paying $15.00 each for the hostel. And, being married, privacy is a plus. Subway for lunch then, off to explore Bryson City. A very neat area, lots of older "western style" buildings. Seeing a lot of white flowering trees, which I later found out are Bradford Pear trees - non fruit bearing, but very decorative. Went to an AYCE Chinese Buffet, for supper, mmmmm. Great walk back to our motel - air cool, but no wind. Streets are quiet. Sky filled with stars. Wonder if anyone at home is looking at them tonight....
Date: 2004-03-23
From: Wesser

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

   Hitched a couple of rides back to Nantahala Gorge. Took some time to look around the NOC. Got some cement to repair my boots - one sole pulling away. We both had to buy belts - the weight loss is becoming noticeable.   At 12:45 pm we started the 8+ mile climb that lay ahead of us. Started at 1750 feet and climbed. Then we climbed...and climbed...and climbed some more... stopped for an energy boosting snack, and again, we climbed some more...   The day was quite warm and views were great. We ended our day at 4330 feet, arriving at the shelter at 5:50 pm, choosing to pitch the tent for the night.    We filtered water and made camp quickly, as the air cooled off fast. Ate supper & had some hot chocolate. Ready for bed by 6:45 pm. Sleep is coming fast...what a great day!Can't wait 'til the next adventure...Close Call - My trail name...for family that seemed to forget :}
Date: 2004-03-24
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: few clouds

Entry # 26 Day # 21Wednesday March 24, 2004Destination: From Sasafras Gap To Stecoah Gap Distance: 6.7 miles {10.72 km} Total AT 147.7 miles Plans changed today. We were supposed to hike for the next couple of days, and re-supply at Fontana Dam. However, we heard via trail grapevine, that the Grocery Store there, is seasonal, and won't be open until mid April. We didn't have enough food to get to the next stop beyond that, so... We continued the upward hike, to Cheoah Bald, at 5062 feet - wow, the view simply breathtaking! Sunshine! Slight breeze Great Day! Then we started the hike downward. From 5062 to 3165 feet - the legs definitely feel it! When we got to the road at Stecoah Gap, we hitched a ride 10 miles into Robbinsville @ 12:30 pm. Great town, friendly people... We decided to spend the night and head back out in the am.Vegging in front of the tv! Ooohh gotta go...West Wing is calling!Close Call
Date: 2004-03-25
From: Stecoah Gap

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

Thursday March 25, 2004Destination: From Stecoah Gap To Cable Gap ShelterDistance: 8.5 miles {13.6 km} Total AT 156.2 miles Hard night for me - my feet & calves ached all night. Carter slept like a baby! We tossed around the idea of spending an extra night in Robbinsville, but then I pushed to get back on the trail. What was I thinking?! Hard day ! My feet throbbed all afternoon, and are feeling quite sore tonight. Took some extra strength Tylenol in hopes of getting some relief. We've been told, by several sources, that the first 160 miles of the trail is the hardest - especially the stretch from the NOC to Fontana Dam {30 miles}. So much extreme up and down. I think this is why my calves and feet are protesting, but in 7 miles that'll all be behind us! Got a ride right away and we were on the trail by noon. Pleased to meet up with Moonshine - half of Team Gringo. Cory is back to school but plans to meet at Newfound Gap for another week-end hike. Great guys! Excellent weather day - bright sun, slight breeze. 20 degrees, in the shade. Saw our first butterflies and dandelions today! At 5:00 pm we crossed a water source and I said I was ready to find a home for the night. The shelter was only 1.3 miles away so... somehow I managed to find the extra strength, pulled it up from my toe-nails, I think! and arrived at the shelter at 5:35 pm. Signed the register, chatted with the 5 at the shelter {all new faces}, set up the tent and melted into the sleeping bag at 7:45 pm. A good leg massage before finishing this entry. The sound of the brook beside us is very soothing.......zzzzzzzzzz Close Call
Date: 2004-03-26
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: broken clouds

   Great sleep for both of us - my legs feel much better! Up and on the trail by 8:10 am. Beautiful morning for hiking - sun warm, cool breeze.Saw lots of flowers starting to bloom - dogwood trillium, wild geranium, and little pink and purple flowers, that I haven't got a name for yet.   Arrived at the road crossing for Fontana Village at 11:00 am. For $1.00 each, we could have taken a shuttle into the restaurant, but it wasn't opened until 5:00 pm. Although reluctant, Carter agreed to move on.   The dam, an impressive 480 feet high, is the highest dam east of the Mississippi and the trail runs right over the top of it! Got lots of great pictures.    Hung out with some other hikers for a while, then headed for the Fontana Dam Shelter. Due to park regulations for the Smokies, hikers have to stay either at, or with-in sight, of the shelters. The first one is 10+ miles into the park, so we opted to hold up here, and start fresh in the am.    Great shelter - best one yet, and we have access to actual washroom facilities! Arrived by 2:30 pm, and had the place to ourselves until 5:00 pm. Carter even used his portable shower!!! Boy is he a happy camper!   Sharing the shelter tonight with Sir Fix Alot & Blue Bird {Florida}, Ashtray {Virginia}, and 2 guys from New Zealand - can't understand a word they're saying. Air is warm, and all are snuggled in their beds. Time for me to snuggle too! Close Call - take time to see what's around you.
Date: 2004-03-27
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

   Milestone day - we entered Great Smoky Mountain National Park this am!Also, the trail weaves between Tennessee and North Carolina. And, if I'm not mistaken we are in Tennessee, right now - saw 2 survey markers from that state.    Hiking was hard, at times today. A lot of ups, and the sun was baking. Entered the park at 1715 feet. First climb of the day was to the top of Shuckstack @ 4020 feet.    Carter's appetite hasn't changed much yet, but my appetite really kicked in today - I could not get enough food in me! We had to stop and eat 3 times, before our day was over! As I type this I want more food...but the bear bags are hung for the night. :{   Tonight we pitched the tent beside the shelter, while Ashtray and a couple out hiking for a week are in the shelter.    As we're laying here, reading and journaling - an elk blows, 3 times ! Wow, so cool! A tingle ran up my spine. Minutes later...a howl... very close. Then another... a few barks.. and several howls all at once!! WOW!! Coyotes or wolves - VERY close by!!   Carter asks if I'm ok. Surprisingly, I'm not scared... very excited.      Going to shut off the lights and listen....We climb Rocky Top tomorrow.Close Call