morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-06
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

First I want to say that my posts may be sporadic because I am using my phone and have limited battery life. The 60's song by Donavan "first there is a mountain then there is no mountain then there is" was not written here if it were it would be first you climb a mountain then you go down a mountain then you go up. Second verse same as the first. Thanks to the Army Rangers who parked a big tank of potable water where the trail crosses the road. When we got to Gooch Mountain shelter most of the people from last night were already there. Oh, to have young legs. We had enough time to set up our tents and cook dinner before the rain came a little after 4. Not to worry, we didn't get to wet as it soon turned to snow. There are a few people at the shelter but it's not very big so most of us have retreated to our tents to stay dry and try to keep warm. If I get up with the sun that puts me in here for 14 hours. My legs need the rest but I can't sleep that long so I read. No one around here seems to complain about anything - rain, snow, cold, hot, blisters, aches or pains we all have them but the attitude is oh well, what did you expect.
Date: 2014-03-07
From: Neels Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Whew, what a day. The plan was to go about 10 miles but when we got to woody gap we met an angle, four of them actually. Okay these were not heavenly angels they are trail angels - people who come out and do nice things for the hikers. Fresh Ground ,as a ministry, goes from place to place and feeds the hikers at his own expense. He does take donations and move up the trail about a hundred miles at a time until he runs out of money. So the people who do it are called trail angels and what they do is called trail magic. While there we met Jimmy, a retired firefighter whose wife, trail name is I Believe, is hiking the trail. Jimmy is also doing trail magic as a ministry and offered to take our packs to Neels Gap allowing us to "slack pack" (hike without our packs). We weren't going that far but with no packs- why not. We were able to get a cabin for the night ($60) split three ways. We each have a warm bed, a shower and got our laundry done. It was split three ways because another slack packer named Biscuit, a 70 year old retired doctor who we'd met on the trail was also looking for a room. The cabin is a wonderful respite as last night we rain sleet and snow so needless to say things got wet. This gives us and our things an opportunity to dry out. Supposed to be sunny & 60's to maybe 70 the next four days. Looking forward to that. In the morning we will head to an outfitter whose front porch the trail goes across. They have a good reputation for sorting and telling you what are needs and what are wants.
Date: 2014-03-08
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Stopped this morning at Mountain Crossings an outfitter at Neels Gap where the trail literally goes across their front porch. There if you want you can empty your pack on the floor and they help you figure out what is necessary and what is not. Then it is up to you to decide what to pack and what to send home. My pack lost five pounds today. Food is my problem - at home I eat to much of it here I carry to much of it. Just as I get down to a manageable amount we get a mail drop and I get 7 more freeze dried dinners to carry. It's going to take a while to figure this out. After all this we got a late start and pushed to twelve miles, probably to much after yesterday. At one point we told that there was some trail magic going on at two different crossings. I was so excited to see the road in anticipation of something to drink as I was parched. To my great disappointment they were gone. Not to worry we found a little stream and were able to fill our bottles. When we came to the next crossing I didn't expect anything an wasn't disappointed when I saw the angels packing up, but as we walked past they asked if we wanted a hot dog, they had three left. Kim only wanted one so eagerly devoured 2 and downed a coke. God bless those people. Due to our late start we got to our camp spot after the sun had set, the moon is so bright we didn't have any trouble setting up our tents in the not so dark. The weather today was fantastic , warm and sunny with a cool breeze. Because it is clear I expect a cold night tonight. A few big climbs today but the descents are harder on the knees and hips. Tomorrow should be an easier day, shorter and smaller climbs.
Date: 2014-03-08
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Stopped this morning at Mountain Crossings an outfitter at Neels Gap where the trail literally goes across their front porch. There if you want you can empty your pack on the floor and they help you figure out what is necessary and what is not. Then it is up to you to decide what to pack and what to send home. My pack lost five pounds today. Food is my problem - at home I eat to much of it here I carry to much of it. Just as I get down to a manageable amount we get a mail drop and I get 7 more freeze dried dinners to carry. It's going to take a while to figure this out. After all this we got a late start and pushed to twelve miles, probably to much after yesterday. At one point we told that there was some trail magic going on at two different crossings. I was so excited to see the road in anticipation of something to drink as I was parched. To my great disappointment they were gone. Not to worry we found a little stream and were able to fill our bottles. When we came to the next crossing I didn't expect anything an wasn't disappointed when I saw the angels packing up, but as we walked past they asked if we wanted a hot dog, they had three left. Kim only wanted one so eagerly devoured 2 and downed a coke. God bless those people. Due to our late start we got to our camp spot after the sun had set, the moon is so bright we didn't have any trouble setting up our tents in the not so dark. The weather today was fantastic , warm and sunny with a cool breeze. Because it is clear I expect a cold night tonight. A few big climbs today but the descents are harder on the knees and hips. Tomorrow should be an easier day, shorter and smaller climbs.
Date: 2014-03-09
From: Hiawassee, GA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

A shoutout to Buzz a Cincinnati Bearcat we met on the trail. We started out this morning for Blue Mtn Shelter, just over 7 miles but when we got there Kim suggested that if we went another 2 1/2 miles it would make for an easier tomorrow having gotten the climb out of the way. It made sense so we did it. But as for the raiser tomorrow - NOT. Plans evolve. We went into town got a room a decided to slack pack 17 miles the next day. Slack packing involves leaving our packs or having them transported to the next stop. In this case we booked an extra night, left our packs and got a ride to where we came off the trail yesterday. After our 17 miles we got picked up and brought back to the hotel. We will see how this works.
Date: 2014-03-10
From: Unicoi - Dicks Creek Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

This was a tough 17 miles, actually not to bad being without packs - for the first 10 or so but those last 7 were pretty rough. Not worse than the rest of Georgia , just rough because of tired legs. The down hills are the worst for me, not so bad for Kim. Back in town I ran into Tom who we started with, he is taking a zero tomorrow because of a knee problem and is also having trouble with the down hills. Sleep is a bit troublesome because the legs don't relax until after I have been in bed for a few hours. Tonight at the grocery store I got some bananas and some OJ. Hoping those along with ibuprofen will help. So far they have always felt better in the morning but are always tired. I am told this goes away in two to four weeks well were one in now so two to three to go. Heard about one guy off the trail already - he missed his wife. I was going to say "so do I" but I don't know his wife so I can't miss her but I do miss mine. Sorry dear, at this point I don't plan on coming home anytime soon.
Date: 2014-03-11
To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Whole body felt tired, I think I am not able to take in as many calories as I need. Used camelback for the first time so I was carrying 4 liters of water, a lot of weight but I drank every ounce of it and stopped for more. Supposed to rain tonight, windy tomorrow and a low of 20 tomorrow night. I'm not sure this is what the travel brochure meant when it said enjoy springtime in the southern Appalations. I was looking for the Biltmore, perhaps I should have read the whole brochure. We did pass from GA into NC today there's the first major milestone. I can't verify what I heard on the trail but I was told 20% leave by Neels Gap and another big group leave before the end of GA. If old people (my group) are going to quit its before the Smokies. The younger group usually last until Harpers Ferry (half way). If people make it beyond that odds of finishing go up dramatically.
Date: 2014-03-12
From: Bly Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I am grateful for:Dry tent15 degree bagDown coatWool glovesHot foodRained all night last night luckily I was able to keep my extra set of clothes dry and my sleeping bag as the temperature tonight is supposed to get down to about 15 in town so probably a bit less here on the mountain. Right now it is sleeting like mad with a big wind. 6pm and I am in my bag most people went in earlier. Again glad for my kindle. Oh yeah, gonna be in here for 14-15 hours, I am especially glad for my pee bottle. I sure would hate to go out and find a tree.
Date: 2014-03-13
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Brrr. Got up this morning to about an inch of snow and a low of 19. Most everything was wet when we went to bed so most everything was frozen when we got up. My hands and toes were so cold all I could about was how can I go home with my dignity. About a half an hour into my hike fingers still frozen my thoughts were no longer of going home but how I could convince Rachel or Amy (about 3 hours away) to come get me for a week or so until things warmed up bit. Less then an hour later with my coat off although gloves still on I was again thinking of Maine. We move from one campsite to another as kind of a group. We don't actually hike together but end up at the same site at night. However, everyday some move on ahead others fall behind and others arrive. You get to know people for a few days and then they are gone. But you are always meeting new people. So here it is 6:30 I am in my bag shivering wondering how I get...never mind.
Date: 2014-03-14
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Another bitter cold night last night (low 20's) but dry which made take down easier. The day started with a two mile warm up hike and then about 400' of climbing over 3/10's of a mile. At one point it occurred to me that perhaps I should put on a harness and climbing shoes and shout "on belay" (goggle it). The climb got us to a fire tower and a beautiful view. After that it was the standard ups & downs & beautiful views & creeks, etc, etc. this is day ten and got us into Franklin, NC which by my way of figuring is about 5% of the trip (110 miles). We haven't had a day off yet so tomorrow will be our first "zero". A zero is a day when we don't do any trail miles. We will relax around town, rest and resupply. Although we don't have a set schedule, if we did we would be ahead of it. But going 10 days straight at the beginning was foolish and we got lucky not having anything more than a couple of blisters. As I mentioned before it is hard to keep track of what day it is and I just found out when I put the date in my journal that today was my birthday. Kim remembered this evening and bought my dinner.
Date: 2014-03-15
From: Franklin, NC

To: Rest
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Zero day, rest, go to store, talk to people, plan the week. We've made plans and reservations for the next week. Panzer has decided to join us for at least the next four days. He's faster but with weather he has elected to slack pack share rides and rooms , it will give him an opportunity to rest his feet and knee before getting in to the Smokies. Ran into Camel Rider and Swayed who along with Panzer we met day one at the Hiker Hostel, we all went to dinner together - fun bunch. Again trying a new pair of boots and either the guy is a foot expert or the greatest swindler ever. I expect the first. He spent 3 hours explaining feet, sizing, shoes and how they are made. He stayed until after closing and made it clear that their was absolutely no pressure to buy. He said his normal shoe sale takes 2-3 hours if the buyer is willing to sit down and talk. I went in looking for a $50 pair of inserts and came out with a size14 $100 pair of shoes. All he had to do was say buy these not those and he could have closed the sale in 5 minutes but he insisted that the decision be mine. Time will tell if it's the right one. Happy Trails
Date: 2014-03-16
From: Franklin, NC

To: Burningtown Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Decided to slack pack today as it is raining heavily and the temperature is around 40, colder tonight. We didn't want to be soaked putting up and taking down camp and risk hypothermia. It also enabled us to put up a few extra miles. We are at a great hostel call Aquone owned and operated by 2008 (I think) through hiker Wiggy and his wife Maggie who are from the UK. Right now there are six of us sitting around a fire with The Voice on the TV and we are all updating our journals with our phones. The rain & clouds obscured what I'm told are incredible views. The woods with the rain and the fog were kind of enchanting in their own right. Tomorrow the rain is supposed to stop but because things are so wet and still cold we will again be staying in a hostel. Here's to hoping spring will finally get to the entire country. P.S. Today was the first time I went back and reread what I had written and noticed mistakes and auto correct errors. There have probably been many in the past and more in the future. Just laugh and go on because I will probably not make a habit rereading what I have written.
Date: 2014-03-17
From: Burningtown Gap

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Happy Birthday to my sister Julie. A few climbs and a major descent. Rain to start ending a couple hours after later. Trail was messy and at times slippery but by the grace of God I did not fall over the edge. If I had I don't think I would have fallen all the way to the bottom, I expect I would have stopped when I hit a tree. The uphills are getting eaisier, the flats & gentle hills are pretty good but the downhills are kicking my butt. As a matter of fact, today on a particularly big downhill I was passed by a couple of turtles, that's right acutual turtles. You've probably never seen a turtle on a mountain, that's because you walk to fast. Anyway, I told the turtles that if they told anyone what had just happened I would make them into turtle soup. They looked at each other and one said "don't worry he could never catch us." I'm not sure if that really happened or not and it's only been two weeks. Good thing tomorrow is mostly uphill.
Date: 2014-03-18
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hello to Mrs Stackpoles middle schoolers in beautiful Trenton Michigan. For reasons unknown to me today's 13.6 miles totally kicked my big fat (but getting smaller) butt yesterday's thinking about uphills getting better might have been delusional. Today's hike started with a six mile uphill and that pretty much did me in for the rest of the day. It been two weeks today and I'm told 2-4 weeks to get trail legs - mine did not happen in two. Tomorrow we get to Fontana Dam which is our entry point into The Great Smoky Mountian National Park, as I understand it that is the most visited national park in the US. The part we will hike is 70 miles so when we get out we be more then 10% done. Altough sometimes the days or evenings drag the first two weeks have flown by. The dynamics continue to amaze. Last night we met with ten new friends for dinner and sat around talking like old friends. Some will go on ahead, others fall behind, we will catch new people and others will catch us. The group keeps changing but we always feel among old friends.
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russell's Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

If anybody from Mrs. Stackpoles class has questions write then down, give them to her and she can email them to me. If I don't know the answer I will ask around and find an answer. Today was further but felt better. Tomorrow the Smokies and no signal for 5-6 days, I will truly be Nordo. Lost Short Stop today due to an ITB problem, he seemed really down. He dropped out last year after he fell and broke his shoulder. More trail magic when we came on Fresh Ground again, this time it was deep fried hot dogs, fried potatoes, beans, fruit, chips and kool aid. A wonderful way to finish the day. While I am walking by myself I come up with a lot of insightful and witty things to write about but by evening I have forgotten what it was.
Date: 2014-03-20
From: Russell's Shelter

To: Silers Bald
Miles today: 0.0

First time in a shelter, Great Smoky Mountain National Park has the nicest shelters that I've seen so far. You are required to stay in them unless they are filled to capacity, then AT thru hikers can tent. If you are in a full shelter and a section hiker shows up a thru hiker must give up his/her spot & set up a tent because section hikers cannot tent. Blisters today really slowed me down, I hope I can tape them tomorrow and do about 15 miles. We would like to get out of the park by Monday or early Tuesday to avoid possible bad weather.
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Silers Bald

To: Icewater Spring Shelter. 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

A nice clear day for hiking with some magnificent views. However some of the climbs and recents were vicious, 14.7 miles was a lot for where we are in the game but I think I mentioned yesterday we want to get through GSMNP before it snows. Although it gets very cold at night it was a warm sunny day for hiking. That along with some of those climbs caused a lot of sweat. I probably smell as bad now as I ever have. At one point we stopped for water. I guzzled one liter and got four more liters to go. 3 hours and 3 liters later I finally had an inkling to go tinkling, I went behind a tree but there was only a wee bit of pee. I know nobody cares about that but I was feeling poetic. Don't worry I'm hydrated now and will have to get up twice on this cold cold night. Tomorrow we climb Clingmans Dome, the highest point (not climb) on the AT.
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Icewater Spring Shelter. 

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

New plan. We were hiking right along with my legs whining like bored kids on a long vacation drive. Not about being bored, they were just complaining. Day 18 almost 207 miles with just one zero day. Radar knew I was hurting and I didn't want to make the call to go into town figuring I could tough it out. He made the call and we are going to take a zero tomorrow in Gatlinburg and boy are my dog happy. We made it 12.4 miles putting our average at about 11.5 miles. I Plan to spend tomorrow doing nothing.
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Rest

To: Zero
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

ZERO - good and bad. I needed the rest, my legs are tired, my whole body is tired. I've been sitting around reading, napping, and feel like I am coming down with a cold. On the other hand this is an extremely boring day. We ran into Bean Dip, Dinosaur, Quick Step, Graashopper, and Runaway. These are people we've gotten to know along the trail and they've been about one shelter behind us for the last few days. They came off the trail today to resupply here in Gatlinburg.    We are thinking that because of the coming cold and snow we will be pushing it again the next couple of days. Hopefully today's rest will enable me to do that.    Sorry to hear that Infinity had to leave the trail due to sore knees.
Date: 2014-03-24
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

MAJOR MAGIC. Left Newfound Gap, got to the first shelter, sat down and began to open my pack for a snack when Radar said, "You might want to check that post." There was a bag hanging there, I figured somebody had left some food that they didn't want. I was sure there would be nothing in it that I wanted, but I will check. There was a note attached to the bag that said "Nordo, hurry up and get here before everyone else eats it! This cake is for you...Happy Birthday! It's from you daughters! - Happy Hiking Andrew and Kristy" inside the bag was a big hunk of cake with a note that said Happy Birthday Nordo! Love you! Amy & Rachel. Andrew is a friend of Amy's who was coming onto the trail at Newfound Gap on Sunday and they knew I would be in the area. However if we hadn't taken our unscheduled zero on Saturday we would have been ahead of him and never seen the note. As it was that is where he spent the night last night and I got there about 10:30, probably within a couple of hour of them putting it there. Thank you Amy and Rachel. It was enough to share with Hopper, Bismark and Radar and had extra frosting just the way I like it, it was marvelous. I felt like I was in the Hunger Games and Haymitch had goten me a sponsor. The day off did wonders, I wasn't sure even last night because I was so tired but woke feeling refreshed it was a long day and my legs ache again but not as bad. I can't wait until I can hike all day and feel okay when I finish for the day. Incredible views today unfortunately they are so expansive that the camera can't do it any justice. Crowded shelter tonight and they are trying to get a fire going but it looks like I will be asleep before it gets going. Another long one tomorrow to beat the snow. Thanks again Amy and Rachel and Andrew and Kristy.
Date: 2014-03-25
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: I-40 overpass
Miles today: 0.0

The best laid plans. Our plan to outrun the weather turned out to be a total bust, we woke up this morning to 3-4 inches of snow. No big deal the cold stuff dosen't happen until tonight so this stuff will melt right off. I guess that's why I'm not a meteorologist. The temperature dropped and a good part of the day day was spent in a blizzard. We hiked in as much as 6" of snow. Because of the weather we went about three miles further than planned to get to a lower elevation and somewhat warmer temperatures. Tonight is still suppose to be in the teens so we will start later tomorrow so things can warm up a bit. Because we covered three of tomorrow's miles today we will only go 7-8 tomorrow, sounds short now, three weeks ago that was - wow. We are now at mile 240 (11%). On the bright side, Bean Dip, the girl from Australia who had never seen snow was absolutely giddy. A good thing because with the wind blowing and the blizzard conditions I was concerned that it might be to much for her but the last time we saw her she was having a blast.
Date: 2014-03-26
To: Brown Gap
Miles today: 10.6

Knew we weren't going far because we added a few miles yesterday to get out of the Smokies so we got a late start. The book said camping and water at Brown Gap upon arriving we found an old dirt road and a trickle of a creek but the next camping was four miles further and we didn't want to do that. So we decided to clear some brush, mostly thistles, from along side the road and set up camp. With snow on the ground and cold temperatures there is nothing to do so we are in our tents at 6:15. Very glad to have my kindle. By the way, only one vehicle pass in the night.