morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-14
From: Hiawassee, GA

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Had a great time in Hiawassee with my hiking friends. What a beautiful day today. Started out a little late than I hoped. Getting a shuttle out of Hiawassee was a challange. Hitch Hiking probalby would have been faster. The Holiday Inn Express was not expressing. Didn't get to the trail until 11:35AM. However, it was a great day to hike. Of course it was all up hill. The scenary is really starting to take a hold. The biggest news of the day was crossing the GA/NC border. It really was an accomplishment. At that exact moment all the pain, struggle, and pain had been worth it. As I looked at that sign, a tear began to fall . Well, I was only emotional because I knew I had to start climbing uphill again, not because of the sign. HA! No really the hiking today was long and tough. My feet really needed that day's rest. It didn't take long for my big toe on my right foot to start whailing again. Sometimes I feel like it's broke. But the sun is out so all is well. Muskrat Creek Shelter is a newer shelter (so I'm told). Looks pretty nice. However, I am going to set up camp near a nice view overlooking the mountains. Tonight I'm cooking chili tortillias. I usally make my heaviest food the first night back out. Didn't make it to camp until late today. Got here around 5:30PM. Took some nice pictures today. Starting to get into a routine as far as how I pack my gear. Getting easier to "pack n go". Hopefully tomorrow will be nice again. Really tired. A nice group of hikers here tonight
Date: 2003-04-15
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: few clouds

Today I came to the realization that my boots are just not working. By now, if they hadn't broken in, they don't fit. My feel are swollen and my big toe is very sore. The ups & downs today were very tough. Or maybe my foot was so sore it just seemed that way. The sun was out for awhile and it was in the high 60's. Nice weather. The views from Standing Indian Shelter and Mountain were very nice. Took some good pics. The climb to Standian Indian Mt was about 5,550 ft. The last 6 miles were all down hill. But I think it's the downhills aggervating my toe. I'm going to have to find an Outfitter and get something different for my feet. That could be an issue breaking in new boots or shoes on the AT. Two of my hiking buddies are hiking in tennis shoes. I'm giving that serious thought. I heard there is an Outfitters in Franklin. I might have to go a half size larger, or a wider width.I was the first one to arrive today at the Carter Gap Shelter. I am so tired today, can't wait to just lie down and go to bed. I have been sleeping so much better. Going to cook some cheezy potatoes tonight along with chicken noodles. Huge craving for ice cream however I would love to make it to Winding Stair Gap tomorrow and then hitch into Franklin. That's like 16 miles..ouch! We'll see.
Date: 2003-04-16
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Wallace Gap/Rainbow Springs Campground
Miles today: 13.0

It's official...Something is dreadfully wrong with my big toe. It's the joint, not the toe itself. I am thinking about hiking barefoot tomorrow. (not really). A little cloudy today, but all in all pretty nice. It has been rather cool in the evenings. I was thinking about getting a cabin here at Rainbow Springs Campground, but kind of $$. They charge you to take a shower, and charge you again for the shower. YIKES!. Todays' hike, wasn't to bad except for my f_____n toe. I saw a really cool fire tower on Albert Mountain. I climbed some of it and took a few pics. Sure was high. You can see the Smoky's from it. The rest of the day was going down the mountain. It's kind of strange how much I dreaded going up, now with my toe is so much pain going down, I dread going down hill, and look forward to going up. There is internet here, but I just want to set up camp and get into Franklin tomorrow to address my boot issue. I did not want to take another zero day so soon, but not sure what will happen tomorrow. The last part of my journals are starting to sound like a broken record..."really tired, going to bed". However..I'm really tired and going to bed.
Date: 2003-04-17
From: Wallace Gap/Rainbow Springs Campground

To: Franklin NC
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was spent in town looking at my foot wear. I first hit the Outfitters where I tried on at least 6 new pair of boots and shoes. The issue with my feet are: they are just getting to swollen to fit in my boots. So today I bought some Columbia Sawtooths 11.5 Wide. Not sure how long they will last. Hell, I don't know how long I'll last. I have walked in them most of the day and they feel really good. Ofcourse that was $70.00 bucks I did not want to spend. I'm here at the Franklin Motel where I will catch up some sleep tonight. They have been nice enough to let me use thier computer to update journals, and e-mail. It was great to talk with some friends today, and get some e-mail. I'm resupplied and ready to hit the trail early tomorrow. Heard we are suppose to get some wet, and ugly weather for tomorrow.
Date: 2003-04-18
From: Franklin NC

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got to the trail early this morning. Couldn't believe when I saw Old Smoky getting out of the same motel as I. I was really happy to see him. He took a zero day so I was able to catch him. However, about 30 minutes into our hike..major Thunderstorm. Last night it Thunderstormed bad, but I thought I might have blown by. Should have realized these are the mountains. The climb out of Franklin is up for 4 miles. At one point this morning it was raining so hard, I just sat down on a rock and prayed it would stop. It was the first time I have gotton caught in a Thunderstorm. It rained off and on the whole day, but the bad stuff ended in about 30 minutes. The scenery today was awesome. It was really the first day I was constantly running into picture opps. The climbing wasn't that bad once we got high. Only until later in the day did I really feel the last climb in my legs. We saw a really cool firetower on Wayah Bald, and ofcourse climbed it. We also noticed allot of Licking going on in this part of the trail. "Swinging Lick Gap", "Licklog Gap", MMMMmmmm? We stopped and had a nice lunch at Siler Bald Shelter. One minute it looked as if it was going to be a nice day, the other minute, it would start rainning. We had a great hike today all the way to Cold Springs Shelter. This Shelter is at about 4,500ft. My feet feel so much better. Guess after 15 miles I would know if they were not working. My feet are still sore, but feel sooo much better. Really hungry, and really exhausted.
Date: 2003-04-19
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Very cold last night, and this morning. Can't be that much over 40 degrees. Glad I have my fleece. Broke camp at 8:00am and were on the trail by 9. Old Smoky said he wasn't feeling to good today, so we are going to do a short day. Plus it would be nice to hike with someone who started with me originally. Not to long after we started the fog just dissapeard. I have seen this before, but not so dramatic. I mean one minute you couldn't see 25 ft in front of you, and the next BOOM! Gone! Once we got over Cooper Ridge it was all down hill. I could have hiked all the way to NOC. Feet feeling good. Got to the shelter right around noon. Tonight Old Smoky is not feeling very good, thinks he is getting the flu. Tomorrow will be Easter and we will be at NOC so he get get some medicine. I hiked a little down the trail and then back just to keep from getting stiff. Gonna be cold tonight.
Date: 2003-04-20
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Started very early today. I was glad because it was freaking cold last night. We broke camp at 7:30am right after sunrise. Again foggy. Getting much better at breaking camp fast. Smoky said he was feeling a little better, but I think he just wanted to get to NOC asap. We did have some laughs today trying to think of a trail name for me. He thinks it should be Ghost. When I wear my Poncho, he says I look like some sort of ghost coming down the trail. As we were trying to pick names I tripped and biffed hard on the trail. I mean I flew and landed hard. I quickly did a systems check like a pilot does. "Feeling in my legs" CHECK!, "Head Injury?" CHECK!. We started laughing so hard when I started outloud doing my "systems check". We could not stop laughing. But no damage. First time since I have been hiking, I biffed that hard and fell. I probably needed the laugh.When we got to NOC there was a man dressed up as an Easter Bunny passing out food to Thru-Hikers. Was some very nice Trail Magic. We got there around lunch and got a ride into town to resupply. Not much open, but we did manage to dig around some drop boxes of hikers who never made it. Then we sat down and a great home cooled easter dinner. The owners are very nice people. Gonna sleep in a nice bunk house tonight. Very nice day.
Date: 2003-04-21
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Brown Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

Today started out rainy off and on. But it was a nice hiking day. Spring has definately arrived here in the mountains. Saw some beautiful flowers budding today. (pic) Old Smoky got some flu medicine is feeling better. Tough climb today out of the NOC. Started at 1,700ft and climbed over 5,000. Not sure how much more we have to climbe now. We are getting close to Fontana Dam. Feet feeling better, but toe is still sore. Much better weather today as it got up to the 70's. Not as cold last night. Gonna eat and light a nice fire tonight.
Date: 2003-04-22
From: Brown Fork Shelter

To: Cable Cap Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a great hike. Didn't do to many miles because of my feet, so just wanted to take my time. Plus, I didn't get out of my tent until 11:00am. Wasn't to cold last night. I cooked some scrambled eggs for breakfast. Some of the pouch food that the Outfitters sell is worth the extra few dollars. And its very light wieght. I saw the dam today from the trail which was very cool. I am considering taking a zero day at Fontana but not sure yet. I will definatley go into town and spend the day. Only have a few miles to get to the dam tomorrow. More time to relax and get resupplied. Old Smoky went on to Fontana, but he is taking a zero day for sure, so I'll catch up with him there. The hiking in the last few days has been tough, but I can tell that I'm hiking much better now that my feet aren't as sore. I don't think..."ouch, pain, ouch" anymore. It has been a wonderful experience so far. Every turn you make is another view. Stopping along the trail to catch a view is the best part. Just another day on the AT.
Date: 2003-04-23
From: Cable Cap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

I made it to Fontana Dam. This was one of my goals to make here. Got to the visiters Center around 1:00 and called Jeff. I had called him at NOC to make sure I could reserve a bunk, and a ride into town. Jeff is really cool and has seen many hikers come and go. I was able to catch the lunchtime shuttle into town and stayed until 7:00pm. Got resupplied and did the regular chores hikers do in town. Caught up with Smokey and had dinner. The bunkhouse is called the "Fontana Hilton". It's just a small bunkhouse, but pretty cool. Still not sure if I am going to take a zero day tomorrow. I probably should to rest my body. Not planning on getting up early that's for sure. Last month I sectioned hike some of the Smokys, not sure if I will go and do that hike again. We'll see how I feel tomorrow.
Date: 2003-03-06
To: Gearing Up
Miles today: 0.0

What I great time I have had ¢gearing up¢ for the Appalachian Trail. It was time to get new equipment. It has improved tremendously over the last twenty years. So much lighter, much better designed. The folks at REI have be very patient with me. I returned two pair of boots over a two-month period and two backpacks after three months. I finally have good boots that fit properly and a backpack that I love. Things are finally coming together, but there is still much to do. I receive a food dehydrator at Christmas (thanks Amy) and have been dehydrating food continuously since then. I have found that fruit is especially good to dehydrate because I weighs almost nothing and has lots of carbos in the form of sugar. A sweet trail snack, but then, nothing will ever replace Snickers bars.My study is a disorganized mess, but I don¢t see a chance to finally organize before I end my employment. Still so much to do.
Date: 2003-03-07
To: To Get in Shape
Miles today: 0.0

I have been trying to get into better shape for this great adventure. I play squash two or three times a week (thanks Nat and Susan) and have been using a Stairmaster and rowing machine two times a week. However, nothing can get me in shape better than carrying a pack and doing some serious walking. Now that I have settled on a pack and boots, it is time to start spending more time walking about town with a loaded pack. In this town where few people walk I get many strange looks from drivers as they grind by in their SUVs.I hope to keep my total pack weight at no more than thirty pounds.
Date: 2003-03-15
To: Ten more days
Miles today: 0.0

I am a bit overwhelmed. So many friends have given me very nice farewell gifts, some are sentimental, and others will prove useful on the trail. In three days, I will attend my last faculty meeting - an emotional time for me, sad yet exciting for a new chapter in my life will begin. Ten more days and I will be on The Trail. I know I am over planning but that¢s my nature. I¢ve been dehydrating food since Thanksgiving and am fairly sure I have enough fruit and veggies for at least four months. I¢ve scheduled many food drops and will ask Cricket not to send packages until she hears from me. I suspect that the schedule I¢ve planned will not hold after a week or two.I loaded my pack with all my gear and four days of food. With two liters of water, the total weight was about 35 pounds. Tomorrow I will go through all my stuff to see if I can get the weight down to thirty pounds. After a year and a half of planning, I am down to the last ten days.
Date: 2003-03-25
From: Springer Mtn.

To: Hawk Mtn.
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

Left Judy with the car as it was towed off to Dalton, GA to be repaired. Can't think of a worse place for a vehicle to breakdown. Started at 1:00 P.M. for Katahdin. Walked through lovely Rhododendrun tunnels and an old oak/hemlock forests. Met no one on t he trail til I reached Hawk Mt. Shelter. The place was packed with about 50 people tenting and ten in the shelter. Met some nice folks--one fellow with a broken stove--I heated some water for him and then gave him some alcohol which he could use with a temporary homemade stove.
Date: 2003-03-26
From: Hawk Mtn.

To: Gooch Mtn.
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Not up to big miles today. Even the 7.1 miles to Gooch Mt Shelter was a stretch. Started at 9:00 AM arrived at 2:00. Very tired and there are signs of rain coming tonight. Went through more Rhododendron tunnels. Must be neat when they are in flower.
Date: 2003-03-27
From: Gooch Mtn.

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

This was a long hard hike with many elevation changes. In the saddlebacks there were heavy winds on the north side of the mountains. There was no wind, only the roar of the wind, in the treeline. About 20 people at Wood's Hole shelter. Good folks from all over the country and all walks of life: truck drivers, lawyers, and even teachers. The temperature is dropping fast. Glad I still have my cold weather clothes. I almost fell crossing a stream today but saved myself with my trekking poles. Thank you, Biology Department!!
Date: 2003-03-28
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 3.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Very light rain, lots of mist all the flowers were closed: Blood root, yellow violets, blue violets, Wake Robin Trillium. The hike to the top of Blood Mountain was not as hard as expected, the trip down from the summit was a bear. Very steep and hard on t he knees. The Walasi-Yi Center is well-stocked outfitters. Charged me $17 for a bunk and a shower. As a hostel, it's not much; certainly not like the nice hostels in the U.K. Most of the people I have been hiking with decided to rent a cabin at a campgrou nds down the road.Trail magic at Walasi-Yi ¢ Thanks, Dale America!
Date: 2003-03-30
From: Neel's Gap

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 37.5
Weather: broken clouds

Stopped in Helen to resupply, dry out and warm up.We have been hiking in snow...beautiful but slippery. The snow on the Rhododendruns hangs over the trail, forming an arch of green and white. I had to keep reminding myself that this is Georgia, at least it is north GA. Helen is a small town that has been made to look like a German-Swiss village. Quite cute, with many signs in German and English. Being a Sunday, the town closed early so we pigged out at a Wendy's being the only place we could find open. In the morning we stuffed ourselves at a Waffle House. Our group consists of Dreamwalker, Peter Pan, Kiwi, Coyote, Clete and Finch.We arranged a ride with a local outfitter ($3 each) and we were back on the trail by 10:00.Later in the day, I gave my ace bandage to a fellow who was having trouble with his left knee. He said it did wonders for him and he is still with us on the trail.To the north we can see the Smokies. On to Franklin to resupply and rest my feet. They are beat up...for the first time blisters are forming. Must buy moleskin and ace bandage.
Date: 2003-04-02
From: Hiawassee, GA

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

I reached Hiawassee around 11 a.m. - had a lot of trouble getting to town to pick up a mail drop. By 2:00, I was back on the trail. At the trailhead, we met Runaway from Dover, NH. We crossed into N.C. and after a few tough climbs, stayed at Standing Indian Shelter. The sky is clear and promises to be a cold night. Very tired and in my sleeping bag by 7:30. The wind is building up and I will sleep under the Rhodendrons.
Date: 2003-04-03
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Big Spring
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Standing Indian was a nice steady climb but Mt. Albert was a killer, as tough as anything in the White Mts. It looks like we may take a low mileage day and rest in Franklin, NC. My feet are beat up. The left one is swollen a bit and the right one has developed several blisters on the back of the heel. I am using up moleskin fast. My knees are ok.The view from Mt. Albert fire tower was extraordinary with a clear view of the Smokies. There was a forest fire to the east. More wildflowers - yellow violets, blood root and a few others I don't recognize.There is something meditative about the steady walking, breathing and silence of the forest. There are a few birds singing and no leaves on the trees. What a beautiful place to be.
Date: 2003-04-04
From: Big Spring

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Much of this day was an easy downhill with only one tough climb. Temperature is around 60F with a light breeze. Last night, however, the wind simply roared through the trees. Good hiking weather.Hitched a ride with a fellow from Russia who builds rock walls for homeowners. He could not believe that an old man (me!) would try to walk through the woods to Maine. Checked into the Franklin Motel after a mile walk from the highway - $40 for two.Franklin is not a hiker-friendly town...it is very spread out with few sidewalks. I think I walked about five miles in this town trying to find a post office, library, drugstore and supermarket. In all my walking I saw only one other person on foot and she seemed confused when I asked for directions to the town library. The librarian sent me to a drugstore that no longer exists. For a rest day, I have been doing a lot of walking! I still need to replace my ace bandage..
Date: 2003-04-05
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Thunder and lightening today, followed by a heavy downpour. By general agreement our group of six is going to have a zero day. This will be a good chance for my blisters to heal. By noon, the day is clearing and we are second guessing the wisdom of staying another day in this hiker-unfriendly town. A second group of hikers who came to Franklin before us are packing up to go. They are arranging a shuttle and I am tempted to tag along. However, my feet are asking for a chance to heal..
Date: 2003-04-06
From: Franklin, NC

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Kiwi, Peter Pan, Dreamwalker, Cracker, Runaway, Clete, Coyote and I got a ride from the nicest trail angels, Kathy Sherrard and Anne Allison. They are more than trail angels, they are saints. Not only did they drive us back to the trail at 7:30 a.m., but they also drove us around the spreadout town of Franklin, NC. The walk north from Franklin was wonderful. We walked through forests with wildflowers that were just starting to open. The sky was mostly overcast and the temperature was in the low 60s. Ideal hiking weather. We reached our first Bald at noon so we climbed to the top of Siler Bald and met Ribbit and a fellow we name "Wrong-way Mike" because he thought he was hiking to Katahdin when he actually was walking towards Springer. The view from Siler Bald was awsome. We could see for what seemed like hundreds of miles in every direction. The clouds were racing by while the sun broke through the clouds. It was hard to leave this special place. We pushed on to Wayah Bald (5340') and climbed an old firetower. By this time the cloud cover had lowered, the temperature had dropped and the view was mostly obscured. There were, however, 20 or 30 day trippers at the tower.We left quickly to try to get to Cold Spring Shelter before dark. While walking the crest to Cold Spring, the rain finally hit us... thunder and lightening surrounded us for a while. It was an exciting time. By the time we reached Cold Spring, the shelter was full and few good campsites were available. Tenting tonight may be rough. I am very tired. I am so happy to be here. Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful day.Finch
Date: 2003-04-07
From: Neel's Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I have been reading some wonderful trail journals of those hiking the AT. What a wonderful way for me, Cricket...an AT widow to stay in touch with Finch and his dream. I have read journals of Mississippi Mule, the Smith Family, Sunshine Man and today Roni, an Israeli hiking from Maine to Georgia...a sobo. I started reading from his last entry (about the point Finch must have met him) and read "previous" messages. His contact with the nobos was particularly interesting.I heard from Finch on Sunday (3/29) when he and some trail buddies had come down off the mountain to Helen, GA to get warm. They had been hiking in 3" of snow that fell that day. Then his fleece pants arrived in the mail on Thursday...no note. Got a call Friday and Saturday (4/4 & 4/5), h e is in Franklin, NC just past the 100 mile point. He needs more food as he heads into the Smokies where provisions are more difficult to come by. His knees are holding out but his feet have blisters. He was taking Saturday off to pamper his feet and, from what I've read in other journals, he was also sitting out some more rain. He has been hiking with some other folks and think he is really enjoying the comraderie of the trail. Because he has been hitting the sack early while on the trail, I have not yet received any new trail entries from him. So many friends and family have been asking about him, thought I would give this update to hold you until the next journal entries arrive."Cricket", Mrs. "Finch"F