morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-03-26
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: broken clouds

This wonderful day started with mist winding down Standing Indian toward our hammock campsite below the shelter. We were up and away by 0700. On top of Standing Indian, there was pervasive fog and no views were to be seen.As the day wore on, the views became better and better. The hiking was great with PapaJohn. On this trip I first began to think how to prepare mentally for the possibility of failure and ways to prevent failure. I really liked PapaJohn's rules: 1) never decide something major when the weather is bad or in the dark; and 2) Never decide anything major without talking it through with a friend.The day ended with an ascent of Albert Mountain and a quick sponge bath in the stream below the spring at the campsite. That evening, we sat around the Cowboy TV to tell stories and get to know one another.Unfortunately, my camera gave up at the end of the day and I have no more pictures from the rest of the hike.
Date: 2004-03-27
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: clear sky

On this last day of the section hike, PapaJohn and I walked to Rainbow Springs and then took a day hike all the way to Winding Stair Gap. I used the time to test a pair of OR gaiters. On the last day hike, it was getting warm outside. The temperature inside my shoe with gaiter was 94 F. Without the gaiter, the temperature was 71 F.
Date: 2004-04-05
To: Smoky Mountains
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The beginning a journey is always full of excitement. Last evening was full of last minute details, stowing everything in the camper and getting ready for the trip. This morning, we rose at about 0430 to attempt a start time of 0500. We just about achieved it too! Traveling with me are my wife and son, EllieD and Crow (Diane and Will).First order of business is to drop R2 off at Mary's apartment. Then the journey begins. We get south of Knoxville, in Townsend by noon, and set up a campsite in Cades Cove by 1300. Next, for the fun of the day! Having stopped at the store, we bought a couple dozen Snickers bars and some cokes to do some trail angel duties.Making the long climb out of the Gatlinburg area to Newfound Gap, we park along "the wall." The first hiker I see is Chef, from New York. He gets a candy bar and a coke. Soon after, we hike about a mile point five up toward Ice Water Springs shelter in the snow and ice. Going is not easy, but not too difficult either. We are able to give away several more Snickers on the way back. We meet Texas Bluebonnet, Eagle Eye, and a couple who have no trail names. Several people have heard of the group I camped with south of Franklin, but that group is still a day or two south right now. Evening is spent walking around Gatlinburg and then driving the many miles back to Cades Cove. It is a satisfying vacation day.
Date: 2004-04-07
To: Smoky Mountains
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today made for an end of the 3 day vacation we (EllieD, Crow, and I) took to the Smokies. It was a successful trip in our truck camper, and included a number of day hikes as well.We woke next to the Little River, in Elkmont Campground. The stream makes a great deal of rushing and splashing noises. I woke first, as usual, walking to the restroom to wash my hair in the sink and dry off with my little HandyWipe towel. After a nice hot breakfast of coffee and oatmeal, we drove to the parking area for Laurel Falls. There were already two or three cars in theparking lot, day hikers who had beat us to the lot at 0930!The trail has a great guided nature trail booklet. Will (Crow) was elected to read it. The path is 1.5 miles each way, but it has an asphalt surface the whole way! Luxury in the walking department.The falls themsleves are quite pretty. There is room to have a picture made. We stood next to the falls and let another tourist father take our picture next to the falls. We were happy to do the same for his family. Then we began the long drive home. We ate in Sevieveville at a fast food restaurant. We ate supper in Richwood KY. In between, we waited for a wreck to be cleaned up on I75 near London, Ky, and we worked on finding out more about one another.Arriving home, we checked up on our cat, R2, who had surgery the day we left on our trip. Sweet Mary, our college enslaved daughter, had taken over the farm chores while we were gone. Everything was in great shape. As I walked to the barn in the late evening, the sheep and the rest of the animals awaited my feeding time with them in glee. I was happy to be back on a warm spring day, anticipating a beautiful flowering couple months in our woods.
Date: 2003-12-15
To: And in the beginning.....
Miles today: 0.0

Welcome everyone to my trailjournal! I just completed my first semester of graduate school at Grand Valley State University and am at last able to focus solely on preparing for my journey along the Appalachian Trail with my buddy Ben (he also has a journal). The tentative plan is to begin Februrary 1st, 2004....a start date that has been established for nearly two years.It was during Spring Break 2003, trudging my way up Shuckstack on a clear crisp February day that I confirmed my willing intentions for hiking the AT. In the preceding months I had scoured through people's trailjournals, AT handbooks, and numerous websites obtaining as much information as I could to plan an intinerary, with the goal of one day thru-hiking the trail. One breath of mountain air and an amazing view was all it took to put my plan into action.Figuring two is better than one I threw out the proposition to Ben, being the swell dude that he is (who was also hiking with me that spring break). A day later and a "Hell's Yeah" we had the makings for "Andy and Ben's most prodigous AT adventure" Excellent!Now, convincing the parents remained an entirely different proposition. Here follows the sequence of events:First Warning:Mom...Dad, I am going to hike the AT. "Okay." (in that nonchalant are you stupid tone of voice).Second Warning:Mom...Dad, I am beginning my trip on February 1st. "Don't you have school then???" No, I'll be hiking.Third Warning:Yeah, hiking the Appalachian Trail with Ben is going to be awesome. "You're seriously considering hiking the trail???" Yep!Fourth Warning:Sweet, my trail maps came from the Appalachian Trail Confrence! "You're really going to go?" Yep. "Okay."And, in a nutshell that was the process of informing and convincing the parents of the trip. Although hesitant at first, I must thank them for their support up to this point (although my mother just knows I'll be killed, mulled by a bear, robbed, get lost, and die about 12 times over while I'm out there). Its all in a good adventure though!But for the meantime I am consumed with putting the finishing touches on the itinerary, verifying maildrops, checking and rechecking my gear, and getting our food supplies in order. Only a few weeks to go!Andy
Date: 2003-12-16
To: A dash of inspiration
Miles today: 0.0

I am not sure just how people come to learn of the Appalachian Trail, or what exactly inspires each person to attempt such a challenge. However, the most certain commonality is that every hiker has a unique story that has led (or will be leading them) to take their first steps on the trail. I certainly am no exception to this rule.My first introduction to the Appalachian Trail, in retrospect, seems more accidental than anything. Eons ago, back in 1999, as a college freshman I happened across a meeting of the GVSU backpacking club. So for kicks I decided to see what the organization was about. As it happened, they had a guest speaker who had hiked roughly half of the AT. This particular hiker registered for classes, got his student loan check, dropped his classes and funded the trip on FAFSA! How kick ass is that? Anyways, that was the one and only backpacking club meeting I have ever attened. At the time I thought the idea of hiking was cool, but man, for 6 months...that was crazy.As time would have it, I became quite involved with the GVSU Rock Climbing club and went on several climbing trips to Canada and Kentucky (nailed down a couple 5.10's while I was at it) and had my first ever introduction to camping. Needless to say, I loved it. The outdoors has since been a consummate passion.To fund my desire for more bodacious expeditions I got a great job with an outfitter store, and took full advantage of generous discounts on mighty fine gear. Now equipped with a pack, tent, some comfy hiking clothes I set out on my first backpacking trip with my close friend Craig and his girlfriend. As planning would dictate, we hiked along the AT from Newfound Gap. That was the Fall of 2001. I returned on a solo adventure during Spring Break (late Feb, early March of 2002) and met my first thru-hiker "Rambling John," at Icewater Springs Shelter. I considered myself very privilaged to finally meet a thru-hiker. He gave me ample information on the trail and introduced me to this website and Wingfoot's handbook.It was from that day -- Sunday, March 3, 2002 -- I knew that I would have to hike the Appalachian Trail. (I am even mentioned in his trail journal for that day!) The rest has been slowly acquiring gear on the limited college budget, planning, hiking sections of the smokies on other trips, and deciding the optimal time to begin the trail. God willing my first steps will be taken -- Sunday, Feburary 1st, 2004 at 12:00 noon.Andy
Date: 2004-02-05
To: Achilles Update
Miles today: 0.0

I just got back from the podiatrist about an hour ago, and I am pleased to say that my achilles heel is steadily improving! The inflammation has subsided, for the most part, flexibility has dramatcially increased, and I can do things like stand on my tippytoes without discomfort. At my current rate of recovery I should be running and active again, without risk of re-injury, by mid-March!I am so elated by the news I got today! I am so very excited about how fast things have been able to improve. Here is a breakdown of my injury and recovery:1st week of November - Hiking and screwed my foot up at Pictured Rocks.3rd week of November - Family doctor prescribes anti-inflammatories. Socks on fire feeling subsides.4th week of November - Visit the podiatrist. Wear knee high air cast for 6 weeks.December - Take the month off work, wear air cast, and icing foot 8-10 times a day in a bucket of ice water.January - Done wearing air cast, reduce frequency of anti-inflammatory medication, begin gentle stretching routine. Continue icing 3-4 times a day.February - See podiatrist, ankle flexibility has increased from 2 degrees to 10. Goal by March is to be at 15 degrees. Periods of inflammation are few and far between with increased flexibility. Wearing orthodics to support achilles.Things are getting better, and I more excited than ever to start the trail in April!
Date: 2004-02-19
To: A Battle of the Ages...
Miles today: 0.0

The annals of time are filled with tales of epic battles that have forever changed the course of mankind. Valiant struggles between good and evil. Bold uprisings to overthrow a tyrannical ruler, noble defenses against a hideous aggressor. I can¢t help but feel all warm and violent inside just thinking about the Spartan uprising¢¦Roman conquests¢¦Mongol hordes¢¦the U.S. Military obliterating all enemies that have stood before us.But I assure you, for the many great battles that have been fought¢¦.none shall ever be greater than what lies ahead at Mollies Ridge in May of 2004. Preparations are being made, the troops are being rallied, war is amongst us my fellow hikers! THE MICE WILL DIE!!!**********I got off the phone with Officer Taco tonight, he made through the Smoky Mountain National Park in one piece¢¦..minus a horrifying brush with the varmitcong. It seems that mice simply do not know when they are defeated¢¦.stupid mice. While at Mollies Ridge, Ben and Jacob (from the Solemates) were viciously attacked in their sleep. Jacob suffered a life threatening bite to the ear from a VC, and the bastards infiltrated Ben¢s mummy bag as he rested. Unfortunately, Ben and the Solemates stood no chance against the barbaric hordes that assaulted them throughout the night, and escaped Mollies Ridge Shelter barely alive.So it is with redemption in mind and heart, that I now carry the burden of assured destruction that awaits the mice in May. Mice have eaten my smartwools, gnawed on my trailmix, scampered and crapped in my pack, and boldly climbed all over me in my sleep. War was raged last March, but they did not learn. And now they have savagely attacked a close friend and his hiking companions. This cannot be tolerated¢¦..their stupidness will not go without consequence¢¦.I will be assaulting Mollies Ridge Shelter sometime in late May. To disclose an exact date could blow my cover to the mice. However, they will be defeated at their own cleaver game. Lured in and destroyed. One shot¢¦..one kill. The snap of the mouse trap, the squeal of the dying VC as it writhes in its last moments of pain¢¦. Mollies Ridge will be forever cleansed of the evil that is the varmitcong! The greatest battle will soon commence¢¦.I must prepare.Eat the peanut mouse, I dare ya¢¦..
Date: 2004-05-03
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: broken clouds

Plumorchard Gap ShelterStart: Dicks Creek Gap @ 1608Finish: Plumorchard Gap Shelter @ 1810Miles: 4.5Weather: Cool day out, probably in low 50's with steady breeze, sunnyBreakfast: NoneLunch: Honey Comb and fudgeround, twixDinner: Mountain House Chicken & Noodles, Star Crunch, Oat n' HoneyTrail Conditions: A good climb today out of the gap. To be expected though.Animals: Plastic snake at the shelterPeople: Jennifer & Roy (attempting a thru), Matt & Bryan (Matt is going to Fontana, Brian all the way), Simon (attempting a thru), Yagal & Merav (from Israel attempting a thru).Ah yes, another fine morning at Nancy's house. I got up around 1000 and packed up my gear. I helped Nancy with several chores and tinkered with the computer. We left for town around 1400.On the way into town we tried to find a locally owned shop called Alexander's. However, we never found it and took the scenic route into Hiawassee. I quick stopped at the library to check my e-mail and grades. Misty sent me several pictures of her car, it was totaled. Spooky. I did okay in school, however, my GPA dropped from a 3.7 to a 3.56 because I could only muster a B grade in Policy Analysis. Life goes on I suppose...We have 10 people at the shelter tonight. The shelter is sweet, it has three floors and was built by the Army Rangers and Georgia AT club back in 1992. Hooah! I whacked my head really hard on the 2nd floor as I stood up. I saw stars and it hurt! Note to oneself...don't do that again.I am going to catch up on my bible readings and hit the sack. My Michigan senses tell me it will drop to the low 30's tonight. Perfect sleeping weather.One Year ReflectionI got a super late start to the trail that day. In the morning I helped Nancy with some chores around the house, and then we headed into Hiawesse. When I finally got to the trailhead another hiker came hobbling out. It turns out it was Jorma "Slimer."I had spent the night with him at Gooch Gap Shelter. Since that time he had developed some terrible swelling in knees and could barely even walk. They were all poofy and disgusting looking. Nancy was gracious enough to drive him into the hospital in Hiawasse on her way back home. I wouldn't find out what ever came of Jorma until I was in the Shenandoah and met his brother. The only other time I would meet up with him would be in Harpers Ferry by a matter of coincidence.The days hike was short and uneventful. I felt fortunate as it had rained the past two days. When I arrived to the shelter everyone was wet and my stuff was dry and smelling fresh...a luxury that lasted only a day or two.
Date: 2004-05-08
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahalla Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

Firefighter MemorialStart: Cold Spring Shelter @ 0830Finish: Nantahalla Outdoor Center @ 1330Miles: 11.4Weather: Hot! Close to 90. Sunny, no cloudsBreakfast: TrailmixLunch: Granola bar, Orange Gatorade, Oatmeal Creme PieDinner: Tuna Fettuccine, Snickers popables, hot cocoaTrail Conditions: Step and long descent. Many pointless ups and downs (PUDS)Animals: Bees, Lizard, snail, Squirrel, Bird, dogPeople: Butterfinger, Stephen, Slimjim, Kevdog, tons of kayakers at the NOCI¢m not sure what the deal was, but I was not mentally focused at all today. The hike seemed to go on forever and I could not fall into a good walking rhythm at all. Oh well. It¢s all part of the challenge.I was supposed to be at the NOC at 1000 to meet Nancy, who was delivering my third food drop. Unfortunately, I underestimated the difficulty of my hike and showed up several hours later. Nancy was with Lauren and they gave the package to the staff at NOC. Nancy and Lauren I am sorry to have missed you and been so tardy. I truly appreciate your bringing the package. The good news however is that Lauren will get to hike the AT and started today. Remember Lauren, the faster you hike, the sooner you¢ll lose the GB challenge!The descent to the NOC was a total BHR. Very steep and very long. I killed my knees and ankles. Coupled with the hot and blazing sun it made for an arduous 11 miles. I finally made it to the NOC and was immediately overwhelmed by all the activity at the place. Tons of things going on. I ran into some other hikers, got my food, and paid some cash to get a bed at their hostel. I took a refreshing shower, cleaned my clothes, and did other necessary tasks. I hit the outfitter and bought a pair of Waldies, as I lost one of my Teva¢s on the night hike. I also got a lightweight long sleeve T to shield me from the sun. The burn on my right arm is really bad and has blistered up. When I sweat my forearm looks like raw meat. All part of a good adventure though.We got a really big and much needed thunderstorm in the late afternoon ¢ early evening. The temps cooled down nicely. I cooked a hearty dinner of Tuna Helper-Fettuccine and talked religion with Roy & Jennifer. Roy used to be a minister for a Lutheran church in Idaho. Thanks for the insight.After dinner I returned to the bunkroom hostel and caught up on my journal. I am spending the night with Slimjim and Kevdog. Goodnight.One Year Reflection
Date: 2004-05-09
From: Nantahalla Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

NOC @ 1015Finish: Sassafras Gap shelter @ 1330Miles: 7Weather: Overcast. Turned to afternoon thunderstorms, became sunny & windyBreakfast: Mountain House Granola, Chocolate CIBLunch: Snickers, Oat n' Honey, Snickers popables, Lemon-Lime GatoradeDinner: Homemade Mountain Chowder, Starcrunch, Teddy Grahams, CTPLTrail Conditions: Very steep and very long. Incredibly rocky at placesAnimals: Lizard, brown frog, bees, red-headed woodpecker, millipede, bees, insectsPeople: Roy & Jennifer, Mercury (NOBO section hiker), Slimjim, Singletrack, Montana & Baloo, Tom, Argo, Hobo Joe, Trashbarrel Carol, Trey and dog Kaya, K-bear I slept like a rock last night on the bunk bed. I caught up on sleep for sure. Slimjim rolled out about 0630, Kevdog and myself got up about 0830. I ate a good and hearty breakfast and paid an important visit to the bathroom. Afterwards I checked out of the NOC and began the climb. It was by far the hardest, steepest and longest climb yet. It seemed like it would never end. Over the course of seven miles I gained 3,000 feet in elevation! The climb came in spurts ¢ it would be a nice gradual incline followed by mega steep. It was definitely a BHR. About one mile from Sassafras Gap Shelter it started raining and thunderstorming. It began raining very hard with loud claps of thunder and flashes of lightening. The rain was a welcome relief from the sun and heat of this week. However, standing atop a mountain with a thunderhead above you, surrounded by trees with two aluminum trekking poles is not where I wanted to be at that particular moment. I prayed I wouldn¢t get zapped by lightening and hustled the final mile to the shelter.Slimjim was already at the shelter. He started early enough to have missed the rain. Mercury sat the storm out and pressed on. The rain has stopped and the sun has come out. It is also breezy. Slimjim and I really want to press on, but we¢re pretty sure another bout of rain is going to blow in. Tomorrow I think I will just slam out the miles and push it to Fontana Dam and take an extra zero day. I have a bunch of tasks to take care of. Oh yeah, Happy Mothers Day mom!Spent the rest of the afternoon bumming around the shelter relaxing and rehydrating. We¢re going to have a full shelter tonight as several late arrivals just got here. Today was another good one on the Appalachian Trail. Paddle on!One Year Reflection
Date: 2004-05-10
From: Sassafras Gap shelter

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

Morning View from Cheoah BaldStart: Sassafras Gap Shelter @ 0658Finish: Cable Gap Shelter @ 1507Miles: 15.2Weather: Cool and Sunny in the morning. Thunderstorm in the afternoon. Sunny in the evening.Breakfast: Chocolate Frosted Poptarts, strawberry CIB.Lunch: OCP, Trail Mix, Snickers, Oat n' Honey, Orange Gatorade.Dinner: Hamburger Helper Philly Cheese steak, Starcrunch, fruit punch Gatorade.Trail Conditions: Well maintained. Rock piles in places. Steep.Animals: Redheaded woodpecker, Millipedes, Beetle, Rabbit, Lizard, Birds.People: Roy & Jennifer, K-bear, Singletrack, Slimjim, 3 day hikers, Montana & Baloo. I got up early today at 0600. After quietly traipsing around camp and packing up I hit the trail around 0700. Singletrack got off about 15 minutes before me and Slimjim left about 15 minutes after me. We were hoping that by leaving early we could hit our first shelter before the daily thunderstorms in the afternoon. Slimjim, Singletrack and I were all quite frustrated when the second rain didn¢t come yesterday. We could have done more miles. Oh well. I pushed hard to Brown Fork Gap shelter covering the 9.1 miles in 4-1/4 hours and that included a 30-minute stop. The climb out of the Stecoah Gap is one for the record¢¦ good and steep. I tell you when the good Lord made the Nantahallas he made them right! I got to Brown Fork about 20 minutes after Singletrack. We loafed for 1-1/2 hours waiting for Slimjim, or any other hikers, but no one came. Seeing the skies darken with another afternoon shower we decided it would be best to get moving on. When Lightening Strikes!The walk to Cable Gap although only 6.1 miles seemed much longer than it really was. Atop one of the mountains was a tall tree that had been blown apart by a lighting strike. The force of the strike was incredible, as the 40 ft high tree was split down several ways and debris tossed nearly 30 feet in all directions. Shortly after passing it started storming and lighting again. But since I am still here to tell you the tale, you know I survived. The only thing crazier than the blown up tree was the dude hiking with no shorts or undies, wearing only a poncho. I just shook my head and told him to say hi to Slimjim when they crossed paths.I got to Cable Gap shelter shortly after 3:00pm. I wanted to push to Fontana but was too sore and tired. I chilled with Singletrack and the rest of the crew started arriving at camp around 6:00pm. We had a full posse and we all BS¢d until the sun went down. I am proud to say that I have dubbed two more hikers with trail names. Roy will be hereby referred to as ¢Waterboy¢ as he always pumps for himself and wife Jennifer, who is now being called J-Lo, courtesy of me. After poking fun of southern names with two parts (Peggy-Sue), Jen admitted her full name to be Jennifer-Lynn. Thus, I arrive at J-Lo and everyone else concurred in a fit of laughter.I spent the night in the shelter with Singletrack, Slimjim, Kbear. We told some fart stories, tried to predict who would snore and zonked off for the night.One Year Reflection