morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-09-17
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to

To: Mt. Algo Lean-to
Miles today: 7.0

Stopped in Kent to do some updates. Now that I am at a slower pace, I have a lot of time on my hands. The leg is feeling a little better as I pray that it heals quickly. The hike today went well but I'm not quite finished yet. I still have about a mile to go before I get to the Lean-to tonight. So I'll hang out in town until it is time to go. I saw two deer today on the trail. I tried to get some good pics but they blend in so well in the woods that I couldn't get a descernable shot. So, I just sat there and watched them for a while. I hope that all of my SOBO friends are still hanging tough through this weather and the Hurricane around the corner. We will all make it!
Date: 2003-10-27
From: Mt. Algo Lean-to

To: Waynesborro
Miles today: 0.0

Where do I begin to explain my journal absense the last month? Well, My leg had gotten progressively worse and finally I stopped just shy of the Hudson at Greymore Monistary and ame home. I saw the doctor who said I needed to take a three week break to let it heal or it would become a stress fracture. So I did! But I did do some pretty cool stuff while on my break. I hiked the Badlands in South Dakota, Devils Tower in Wyoming, and 4 of the 5 highest Mts in Colorado all over 14,000 feet. Don't tell the Doc (keep it on the QT). Any way I am back on the trail. I started in Linden, VA. on the 20th and I am now in Waynesborro some 125 miles south. I started slow with small hikes between 11 and 15 miles but then felt so good that I had to do more. On the 25th, I did a 21 miler which was good but hurt a little. The next day I started a little slow but then felt good enough to turn it into a 26'er. That left me only seven miles to get into town this morning which hurt worse than the two previous days, go figure! Then trail has taught me so much about life and myself it hardly seems real anymore but I can definately say that I am absolutely happy to be back on the trail once again.
Date: 2003-04-11
From: Amicalola Falls

To: Black Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: overcast clouds

32 years since my ordination in Kiltegan, Peggy, Jack and Andy drove me to Amicalola Falls and by 12.40 pm, I was nervously on my way. The first 8.8 miles to Springer Mountain are sheer hell. Some people say they are the worst 10 km on the Trail. I was too late starting, but I didn¢t like the idea of hanging around the Falls. I walked till 19.00 hrs. when I came to Black Gap Shelter. It was like the Hilton, a mirage and I had it all to myself. It was cold and the wind howled through the tall trees. No wonder, it was 3,400 ft. above sea level. I dumped my sack and walked to the stream for water. Memories of Golden and the well and the trip for water with Ned Cahill to Donnell¢s well. Hoping to light my stove when lesson 2 kicked in. The kerosene which I had sought all over Atlanta would not burn. I learned next day that I had an alcohol burner. I drank water and ate some energy bars and made myself good and comfortable. 20.30 hrs. I was fast asleep in my ¢three¢ sided wooden shelter. The wind howled and at some stage I looked out and imagined I saw a bear. When I shone my torch, it was only the colour and shape of a tree. Mice scurried and investigated all night. But I slept in spite of it all. I wouldn¢t have slept so well if I had read the log book which people write in. Next morning I read some of the previous entries. Two nights before, a bear had visited the inhabitants, then shredded their packs and made off with all their food, even though they had hung their packs on the porch behind the shelter.
Date: 2003-04-12
From: Black Gap Shelter

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: clear sky

Next morning I walked the remaining two miles to Springer Mountain. It took me two hours and now I know why people think of quitting. At the top I took some pictures and met my first real friends. A group of middle aged - around about my own age - American men heading off. They were driven by car to the summit. They gave me some alcohol. The driver who was returning to Atlanta, Dale ¢America¢ Moore, gave me some fuel and went through my luggage. Back went half of my cooking pots, lovely ¢journal book¢ which Chris gave me leaving Melbourne, two towels, more books, Candle ¢holder¢ light, plus 3 candles. Never before did weight become such an issue. A lot more will have to go along the road. But you only learn as you go. Yesterday, I only travelled on from Springer Mountain, a mere 2 12 miles to the next shelter, which I share with two young men from Albuquerque. Jes, he couldn¢t take any more of American TV or G.V.B. or Fox coverage of the war. The other was from Maryland. Good walking in the afternoon, after I cooked up some food and headed down to the nearest shelter. Here they have ¢pulleys¢ to hoist your food bags aloft for the night ¢ out of the bear¢s reach.
Date: 2003-04-13
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: clear sky

Set out this morning after coffee and grits, Georgia¢s version of porridge. Slept well with no sign of the bear. Walked up to Hawk Mountain Shelter, a mere 5 miles today, weather glorious. The next shelter is 8 miles away, no way can I attempt the 10 or 14 miles yet. I intend to walk well within my limit for the first week or two and keep these legs in good shape. Miles take on a whole different meaning out here. The pack weighs a ton !!!!. A great line for thinking, remembering and praying. Enjoying a lovely day here at the shelter. All my clothes hung out to air. Soaked my feet for 20 minutes in a cool mountain stream
Date: 2003-04-14
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

Here I am at Gooch Gap Shelter (2,784 ft.)¢ 8 miles today. Sounds very little but it was some walk over three mountain peaks. Slept well last night in a crowded shelter where snoring, farting and fellows getting up to ¢pay water rates¢¢the bear visited again claiming the food of a young couple who camped by the stream. He also came up close to the shelter and tried to dislodge the food sacks from the hoist. ¢ I never heard nor saw the bear!!¢. Set out at 7.45 a.m. and walked well all day ¢ the climbs were hard but I teamed up with a fellow hiker, Brian (46 yrs) and who weighs in at 320 lbs. He was good on the hills but tired in the evening. I helped him home. We stopped at Justus Creek for water, a foot massage with cold mountain water and my first bath on the Trail. I felt great for the last 2.5 miles to this shelter. A beautiful walk through rhododendrons and all along the river, it was heaven, knowing that it was nearing journeys end. My feet are holding good, no blisters yet. The boots are excellent, the weather great. This is reputably the toughest section of the Trail. The whole trail through Georgia is up one hill or mountain and down the other side only to be met again by another stiff climb. Today for the record we scaled Sassafras , Justus Mountain (3224 ft.) and Phyllis Spur before coming to Justus Creek (2500 ft.) where we stopped for one hour.
Date: 2003-04-15
From: Gooch Mountain shlter

To: Jarrard Gap
Miles today: 8.9

Brian and I walked all day, up hill, down hill and some stiff climbs, Ramrock (3,200 ft.) then down and up to Tritt Gap (3,050 ft.) and on to Woody Gap (3,150 ft.) where we had our lunch. I will send you the booklet and maps of this area when I have finished this section. Walked to Jarrard Gap (3,250 ft.) , 8.9 miles today, where we camped in the open and hung our food bags in the tree and out of Mr. Bear¢s reach.
Date: 2003-04-16
From: Jarrard Gap

To: Baggs Creek Gap
Miles today: 9.6

Left Jarrard Gap and headed for dreaded Blood Mountain ( 4461 ft.) No bother climbing but going down the other side was awful. Reached Neels Gap (3,125 ft.) where we had our first contact with ¢modern stores¢ lunch and rest so we decided to motor on as the evening was fine. We walked on a further 4.2 miles to Baggs Creek Gap. Here it is roughly 1 mile per hour, sounds very little but when you are climbing some of these hills, it is something else. I am using this first week or two as training but generally I am keeping up with the gang. In fact, ahead of most except for those who came well trained and travelling extra light. Camped in the open with three young Californians, Christina, Kelly and a Sam Crowley.
Date: 2003-04-17
From: Baggs Creek Gap

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

Thought the rains were about to break so we left camp at 5.30 (crazy), still dark. Luckily the moon was kind as we stumbled along. Reached Tesnatee Gap (3,138 ft.) where we had a rest and snack. Walked on to Low Gap Shelter(3,050 ft.) where we cooked lunch and rested. Then the fatal mistake -we decided to hike to the next shelter, 7.2 miles away. The terrain looked level on the map. The rains started at 3 and for the next four hours we walked in a down pour reaching Blue Mountain Shelter at 6.50 pm., tired, weary and with almost everything soaked. Luckily my sleeping bag was dry. A good night's sleep and in the morning I tried to mke sense of a bag of wet belongings. I did not leave camp till 10.15. Brian left around 9 but I caught him by lunchtime.
Date: 2003-04-18
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: light rain

Walked mostly on my own and decided to stay at Tray Mountain Shelter along with two other guys, Pokey Pete and George, was walking in a cloud all day, no rain but could only see 20 yards ahead. A Good Friday experience. The shelter at 4,430 ft. was the coldest and dampest I have ever known. The sleeping bag was great. I was in my bed before 8 pm and didn¢t wake till 7.30 next morning. Brian went ahead as he was finishing on Saturday and his wife was meeting him.
Date: 2003-04-19
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dick's Creek
Miles today: 10.6

Walked 10.7 miles to Dicks Creek (2,675 ft.), leaving at 8.30 and aiming for a 5.30 arrival as I had a promise of a ride into town. I made it by 4.30. Good day walking carrying heavy load with all the wet clothes. The past two days have taught me that a lot ¢must go¢. The Gortex jacket weighs a ton when wet, extra socks, books etc. I hope to celebrate Mass at 11 am here and maybe will stay the night moving off on Monday. I will try and get some phone cards
Date: 2003-04-20
From: Dick's Creek

To: Blairsville
Miles today: 0.0

Came off the Trail on Saturday evening at Dick¢s Creek Gap and got a ride into town, Blairsville where I located the local Padre, and celebrated the Easter Vigil and am now watching my washing and trying to catch up a little, strange country this Georgia - Bible Belt, mainly Baptist ¢ this is a ¢dry county¢ no drink !!!.I did my washing early morning at the Parish House and concelebrated Mass at 11 a.m. Again, a great liturgy and the priest introduced me to the congregation. Many people were waiting to talk afterwards. I met a lovely young woman from Brazil. She & her husband,John were up for Easter to his parents Don and Eileen Grimes whose people come from Kerry and Roscommon. Spent the day with them. Went to see the sights of Hiawassee and did some shopping in the evening. Stayed with the Grimes family that night and they had me back on the Trail head by 7 a.m. the next morning, after a huge breakfast.
Date: 2003-04-21
From: Dick's Creek

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Began at Dick¢s Creek at 7.15 a.m. walking alone for two hours. Began to rain so I decided to stop and put up my poncho. I was joined by Mountain Mamma, a doctor and mother of two young boys. We walked all day in the rain. She was to be my walking companion for the rest of the week. We reached Muskrat Creek Shelter (4,600 ft.) and were joined by 5 others. The usual routine, unpacking, getting water from the nearby stream, cooking the evening meal, and getting ready for bed. When in the shelters, the tent is not needed. But now that I am getting used to the tent, it really is more comfortable, takes a little longer in the morning.
Date: 2003-04-22
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

Left camp with Mountain Mamma, a long 12. 5 miles hike to Carter Shelter. Lots of time for story telling. Climbed to Standing Indian Mountain (5,498 ft.) and on to Carter Shelter. Met the same group as the previous night, Jim (2), Brian, Tai, Mamma and I freezing cold. A big fire and I brewed tea for everyone. . All slept side by side in the shelter and a sing- song developed. Then a very heated discussion as to how we should address Mr. Bear if we chanced to meet him during a visit to the woods in the night for a pee. It was finally decided that the correct form of address would be ¢Sir¢.
Date: 2003-04-23
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rainbow Springs
Miles today: 9.8

Again walking with Mountain Mamma, reached the summit of Albert Mountain (5,200 ft.) where we had lunch. A huar of a climb to the top. At times of great pain and struggle, I think of Daddy in the bog and the phrase, ¢now we are on the stone turf¢, keeps surfacing. We walked 12.3 miles to Wallace Gap( 3,720 ft.) and took a ride into Rainbow Springs. $15 for a bunk bed and hot shower (heaven), devoured some ice cream cake and a full pizza plus I litre of milk (fit to burst). Great nights sleep. From Wallace Gap an elderly couple in the 70¢s plus gave us a ride to the hostel and while we were eating they returned to know what time we would like a ride back to the Trail in the morning. They call it ¢Trail Magic¢ around here.
Date: 2003-04-24
From: Wallace Gap

To: Wine Spring
Miles today: 11.4

Our friendly couple were waiting for us at 7.25 a.m. and dropped us back at Wallace Gap. We walked 11.5 miles, hard day to Wine Spring (5,200 ft.). Pitched tent just before the rain. Getting used to the tent, putting up and taking down, while the water boils for breakfast or supper. Jim from Boston, Mamma and I camped together, hanging our food bags with two ropes slung between two trees out of Mr. Bear¢s reach. Some Lutherans camped upstream from us, very friendly. Tired and sore, I was in bed by 8.30 p.m. The feet are holding good. Today the left knee began to feel the pinch, no major problem.
Date: 2003-04-25
From: Wine Spring

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: light rain

A stiff climb to the top of Wayah Bald (5342 ft.), not feeling great, a touch of the runs, but nothing serious, Luckily we were doing a short hike today, 7.5 miles. Yesterday, I learned another hard lesson. With four miles to go (mostly downhill, I thought) I drank the last of my water, and even passed a few creeks where I could have refilled. But the task of unloading and treating the water seemed too much. On the last two miles, Jim came to the rescue with some much needed water. Today we arrived at the shelter at 2 p.m. to find it already full of day- trippers. We went uphill to a nice camping spot at Cold Spring Shelter (5,130 ft). The clouds cleared and we had a lovely evening setting up tent, I had to visit the privy two or three times, Camp fire and more tea, the last of Peggy Quinn¢s tea bags!!! At bed- time, the rains came, mighty thunder and lightning on the mountain top. The tent was excellent, not a drop of rain inside, and it stood firm in the wind. So I must have tied it down correctly, slept well, rained most of the night (I¢m told).
Date: 2003-04-26
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala river
Miles today: 11.5

Early rising, packing and preparing breakfast and down comes the rain again. Not easy to take down the tent and pack in the rain. The wet tent weighs a ton. Started walking at 8 on a long hard 12 mile day. Met two hikers, Jigsaw and Jay Bird at 10 a.m. They were giving out chocolate bars, had too much food and were getting a mail drop at NOC (where we were headed that day). I walked with Jay Bird for about an hour ¢up a steep climb to Wesser Bald (4627 ft), beautiful view from the top. Then Mountain Mamma hit off at a blistering pace. This was her final day. She was meeting her kids at 4 p.m. I kept to my usual pace and enjoyed some magnificent views on the long decent to the Nantahalla River. We had dropped to 1,000 ft. at the Nantahala Outdoor Centre from where I phoned. It¢s just a tourist stop, 10 miles from Bryson City , mainly for White Water Rafting. After the morning rain, the day cleared and the sun was lovely all day. I reached N.O.C. about 3 p.m. and booked in for a bunk bed and shower ($16). I share with Jim , Purdy and another older man from Bermuda, a doctor, who was walking 4 days, bird watching. A great meal after making that call to you. The special on the menu was a massive Portobello mushroom covered with cheese and a whole lot of Southern stuff. No beer in the area. The local drink is ¢Iced Tea¢ in a huge tumbler, which they keep refilling at no extra cost. Things are fairly cheap here in the south in the food line. When I got back to my bunk there was a message from Jay Bird, ¢ come to his room and collect a box of food¢. There was everything from Trail Mix, precooked hiker meals, bars etc. Jim and I took what we needed and shared the rest with other hikers. (More Trail Magic) had a great night¢s sleep.
Date: 2003-04-27
From: Nantahala river

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

Rising early and waited for Hotel to open for breakfast. Massive meal for $9 and headed up the Trail at 9 a.m. The next shelter is only 9 miles away but what a climb. I started at Nantahala Outdoor Centre at 1,700ft. and climbed to 4,700 ft. over the next 6 miles. It was agony, but the day was lovely and I knew I would have a good rest at the shelter. Jim passed me near the summit and we walked downhill to the shelter at Sassafras Gap. Just after giving my feet the usual 10 mins. in the cold mountain stream. The knee is sore but hopefully I can travel well tomorrow. Later in the evening as I cook my meal the knee is really ¢bollixed¢. Tod does a massage and says it is only muscle pain. In the hay for the night.
Date: 2003-04-28
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Rising at 6.30 a.m. with first light. Jim is also an early riser. The knee feels fine after a good night¢s rest. The gang are doing a 15 miler today but I decided to hold back and see how the knee performs. Left camp at 7.15 a.m. and straight away a mile climb to the top of Cheoah Bald (Grassy Summit 5062 ft.). I was there at 8 a.m. to watch a beautiful scene as I got my first view of the Smokies in the distance. A lot of ups and downs before I reached Stecoah Gap (3165 ft.) around noon, lovely sunshine. I saw my first snake as it crossed the path a few yards ahead of me. It seemed to be more scared of me!! as it plunged headfirst into the undergrowth. Had lunch with Tod, but could find no water. Eventually, I located the spring, but then more Trail Magic. A group of Bird Watchers returned from their activities and had a picnic. They gave us bananas, apples, apple juice, cranberry juice and invited us to clear up the table. I set off in happier mood ¢up the hill¢. And again, what a climb up from Clearwater Gap. When I reached the shelter at Brown Fork Gap (9.1 miles for today, my body said ¢enough¢. The knee was great, no pain or ache, T. God. Just after bathing my feet in the cold stream, it works a treat. Cooked some supper and now must hang the food bag before retiring. Tomorrow, I hope to reach Fontana Dam, but we¢ll see how it goes.
Date: 2003-04-29
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: few clouds

Rose early with mice ¢scurrying¢ around the shelter all night. Ellen¢s birthday, so I said a wee prayer for her & Michael before setting off. A stiff climb to get the body warmed up and then the usual series of ups and downs. Stopped for water at Cody¢s Gap. I thought it was near the Trail but walked about 500 yards down a steep section. Worse, I had to walk back up again. Reached Yellow Creek Gap (3,780 ft.) around 11 a.m.(where the boys slept the night before). I knew I took the right option in staying back. Filled up again with water and headed up High Top ( 3,780 ft. ) It was hell in the sun. Then a long decent to Fontana Dam . I came in to the ¢Village¢ and got a hotel room ($28) with hot shower. Many of the others were already here, some staying over a day or two. Tomorrow, I hope to do some laundry, buy some food and generally rest up before heading for the ¢Smokies¢. I will try and send this today.         Give my love and best wishes to all the family, the Aussie, Mooneys, Cussens etc. Explain that it aint easy to write on the Trail. My love to Patricia, Vincent and baby May, will be thinking of them every day during the next month.
Date: 2003-04-30
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: few clouds

Woke in a comfortable bed and had to wait till store and Post office opened. Bought a new pair of shorts and had hoped to put everything else in the wash, not to be, washing system out of order. Bought some ¢goodies¢ for the 7 days in the Smokies (71 miles). Posted a letter with some maps and the rolls of film, no point carrying extra weight. Got a shuttle back to the Dam and started into the Smokies at 12 noon. Beautiful sunshine and a steep three hour climb of 4 miles to reach the summit of Shuckstack ( 4020 ft. ). My Trail Guide Book told me there was a shelter at 5.2 miles, but the book was written before they took down the shelter last year. The next shelter was at Mollie¢s Gap 10.3 miles. Then the thunder, lightning and rain began around 3.30 pm. We must stay at a shelter in the Smokies because of the bears. The shelters here are more like cages. I put on the poncho and decided to go for it. Luckily the rain eased off and with the help of two bottles of Gatorade, I put down my head and ¢hauled ass¢ as they say on the Trail. I reached Mollie¢s at 6.30 pm which was good going. I was too tired to cook, a snicker bar and water and I was ready to join 13 others in the two- tiered bunkroom.
Date: 2003-05-01
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: few clouds

First day of May. I decide to offer this day for Patricia, Vincent and baby May, and what a day it was. Left Mollie¢s Ridge Shelter at 8.15 a.m. They said it would be an easy 12 mile hike, but there ain¢t no easy 12 mile hikes at my age. In the morning there was two stiff climbs., the first to Russell Field Shelter ( 2.6 miles) where I stopped to eat some ¢Trail Mix¢. Then another climb Spence Field Shelter ( 2.5 miles ) where I stopped for lunch and fill the water cans. Just as I reached the top, I came on to a lovely grassy area (Bald) with splendid views in all directions. Ate some sardines and bread and headed off again. A long 1.8 mile climb to reach the top of Thunderhead, East Peak (5527 ft.). What a view? I thought the rest of the evening was downhill but that was a mistake. The next 4.7 miles were as tough as they come. When I reached Sugar Tree Gap (4,435 ft), I thought I was there only to discover that there was another 1.1 miles to Derrick Knob. I really struggled on that last climb, so Patricia, I hope you get some good vibes. Each day I offer the day for somebody, it helps when the going gets tough. Today, Chrissie was very much present, its amazing how people from the past keep appearing.