morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-01-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I just wanted to take the time tonight to thank my family for their support. When people ask my wife Laura how she can let me go away and do this for 6 months she responds by saying "why should I stop him" This is no small sacrifice on her part and it is greatly appreciated. It will be hard enough dealing with the daily process of getting from A to B each day, but knowing that she will be holding down the fort with the support of our families and friends alleviates some of the pressure. I also want to recognize my mother and father in the way they raised me and supported me as I grew up. I was exposed to camping at a very early age and look back to a lot great times in our mildew canvas tent and listening to songs being sung around the camp fire.
Date: 2014-02-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Well it's been a long time since my last entry - sounds like a confession - and I wanted to bring some of my friends and family up to date on my upcoming hike. I have answered a variety of questions and want to make sure everyone has the same information.I will be going north bound on the Appalachian Trail (AT) which starts in northern Georgia at Springer Mt. and goes through 14 states ending on Mt. Katahdin in northern Maine.The trail is marked throughout the trail with white blazes which are 2 inch by 6 inch painted marks on trees, posts and rocks and covers 2185.3 miles this year. I will be Thru Hiking which is one completes the entire trail in one try as opposed to Section Hikers who do it in parts.Many people have asked me why and I guess the main reasons are that I have always enjoyed the outdoors and the physical and mental challenge of the trail. I expect my mileage to vary, with 8-12 miles to start with and reach a peak of 15-20 miles. The miles on covers depends on the weather, condition of the trail, how much elevation has to be covered, water sources and how much food weight one is carrying. I will be carrying around 30 pounds excluding food and water which varies depending how much you take on when you resupply and how many days you have been out.One of the unique things about the trail is that hikers take on a "Trail Name".The hiker can give themselves the name or one can be given to them by the other hikers based upon one's physical attributes, what one says or does or some other event they may have been involved in. Normally I am obsessive compulsive and don't leave things to chance. However, I have decided to not give myself a trail name and let things happen as them may on the trail.If anyone wants they may click on "Guest Book" and leave a message or question which I will try to respond to as soon as I can. On the trail I will not always have a signal or power to post each day so please be patient.
Date: 2014-03-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Cannot believe what began as an idea over 2 years ago will become a reality in less than a week. Shipped most of my things to my cousin Kim in Winder, GA and they got there on Thursday. I've been checking off my things to do around the house list and its down to only a couple of things. We just finished tapping 443 trees in the sugar bush this week and with another days work all should be ready to go when the temperature warms up. Today we checked for vacuum leaks in the other sugar bush which has about 420 taps and that bush is just about ready to go also.Tomorrow we are having a family dinner with our children, grandchildren, parents, sisters and brothers as well as our nieces and nephews. My wife Laura has gone all out with 3 huge pans of Lasagna along with hot Italian bread and salad. I can't imagine it will be 5 to 6 months before I get to enjoy another one of her awesome meals.There are a few more things I need to pick up before flying out on Wednesday as well as getting a mail drop to the post office, but short of a N'oreaster that may come through Wednesday night I should be in Georgia before it passes through and do some final shopping on Thursday and hit the trail Friday morning. I am still hemming and hawing over clothing. I was prepared to pack a fleece pullover, but looking at the extended forecast it looks like it will be on the warm side and if there is any way I can lighten my load I will but not at the cost of being cold. Decisions, decisions, decisions.
Date: 2014-03-14
From: Amicola Falls State Park

To: Stover Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

Finally able to do entry. Thanks everyone for all of the support you are giving me. Rough week leading up to jump off. So wound up I couldn't eat all week. I actually thought I had the flu! My cousin Kim has been the best in helping me get started second to my wife Laura. I'll never be able to thank Kim enough. Friday morning we were on the road to Amicola Falls where the "Approach Trail"begins. This is an 8.8 mile trail which leads to the top of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi and includes 609 steps to the top of the falls. Needless to say given my condition it was a long day.I was number 421 for the year and after weighing my pack at 42 pounds Kim kicked me in the butt and I headed out. The day was sunny and breezy and the temp was about 45 but sometimes felt cooler wifh the wind. I left Amicola at 9 42 and got to Springer at 4 38 - almost 7 hours later! As I said I was pretty whippedand thought I was just going to go to the Springer shelter .2 miles away instead of Stover 2.8 miles away. Fortunately their was a younger guy there named Flynn from Cape Code who said it was all down hill and he was pushing on. Well given my oc for staying on task I tagged along. Well we pulled in at 6 15 beat as all $$$. Forced down half a sandwich and half a gatorade hung my bear bag and went to sleep.   Excited to see what tomorrow would bring.
Date: 2014-03-15
From: Stover Shelter

To: Justus Creek
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Woke at 7 with no bear disturbance to report and after a poptart breakfast was on the trail at 935. Not as early as I would like but it take's a lot to ge5 going.   Was hiking for hour and a half and started to think about eating when I pulled out to a dirt forest road and there was the FULL MOON ADVENTURES OUTFITERRS. These trail angels were providing trail magic and it couldn't have come at a better time. Well after a gatorade some chips an oarange and mini chocolate bars I took a couple of photos and with a greatful thanks was on my way. Nothing special happened the rest of the day and I made Justus Creek by 5 pm. Again was a sunny and breezy day which is great for hiking.   Weather report falls for rain tomorrow we'll see what happens. Again thanks everyone for ttheir patience and support. I will try to answer any questions you leave me as soon as I can. Internet comes and goes and once I start the day I don't like to stop because I don't know how long it will take me to get to the next site.
Date: 2014-03-16
From: Justus Creek

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up to rain at 5. Waited until 9 to avoid packing up wet tent. No such luck so packed up in the rain. Got to Gooch Gap where I got an offer of whiskey and soda. Boy did it taste good. Trail magic continued at Woody Gap with the Glen Loch Baptist Churchill providing cinnamon rolls chips and a drink. Short walk over Big Cedar Mt. made easier by a number of switchbacks. Long walk down to lance Creek and arrived at 5. Met Ryan and Matt active Army doing short section hike. Got to use their bear hang. Still not eating right. Had a Payday made some calls and lights out at 8. What a wet day! .
Date: 2014-03-16
From: Justus Creek

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 10.0

Woke up to rain at 5. Waited until 9 to avoid packing up wet tent. No such luck so packed up in the rain. Got to Gooch Gap where I got an offer of whiskey and soda. Boy did it taste good. Trail magic continued at Woody Gap with the Glen Loch Baptist Churchill providing cinnamon rolls chips and a drink. Short walk over Big Cedar Mt. made easier by a number of switchbacks. Long walk down to lance Creek and arrived at 5. Met Ryan and Matt active Army doing short section hike. Got to use their bear hang. Still not eating right. Had a Payday made some calls and lights out at 8. What a wet day! .
Date: 2014-03-17
From: Lance Creek

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 7.4

The plan was to just stop at Neels Gap and go on to Low Gap but with the continued rain it wasn't meant to be. Long day with no views. Trails well maintained with a number of switchbacks. Blood Mt. must be awesome on a clear day but not today. Took some photos of shelter and headed down to Neels Gap. I hadn't gone far when I took a step off a rock and felt a painful twinge in my right knee. All I could think is ARE YOU KIDDING ME! I babied it the rest of the way down and with that and being cold and soaking wet decided to st a5 5he hostel. I was the third person there and by the end of the night all 16 bunks were filled. I was able to shower and do laundry and got some hot dogs and a Barq's root beer. I dried out my tent and called Kris to wish him a Happy St. Patricks Day. I also called Laura and the kids were there for our Monday Night dinner. Went to bed around 8 as I want to get up early with the goal to use the Outfitters computer to journal, get a gear shake out and make Low Gap (11.5 mi.) Needless to say the computer didn't work and I did my own gear shake out and flgot down to 37 pounds. Rained on and off all day but by the time I got to Low Gap at 5 it had quit. Thank you God. Made some potatoes and had some jerky and got to bed around 8 after reviewing my plans for tomorrow.
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Low Gap

To: Cheese Factory camp site
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up again to rain. Was quite cool and windy thru the night and got goose bump shivers a number of times. Tons of people here. Got to finally do journal entries but it tore thru my battery power. Left in rain again at 917. Again good trails but no views. Did have a scare coming thru a rock scramble when a rock tipped on me and I almost fell down a steep embankment. It was a real adrenaline rush. Met Al and Carrie from Ind. She doing just a section with him and then she has to go back to work - on a cruise ship headed to the Caribbean. Got to Blue Mt. spring just in time to refill water bag. Got to Unicoi Gap at 215. 2 teachers I had met at the hostel were going to go to town for pizza then come back and hike onto Rocky Mt. to camp. I passed and got to Rocky at 330. It was at the very top and still quite cool and if the wind picked up it would be very cold. Decided to go to the Cheese Factory road campsite. Just before getting there I was passed by a young guy named "Young Gun" and said they were having a party there tonight to celebrate his friend "Crazy Horses" 28th birthday. Made by 5 and had dinner. A few more young kids came including Crazy Horse and they sat around their camp fire until 12 am. They were a good group of kids
Date: 2014-03-20
From: Cheese Factory camp site

To: Dick's Creek US 76
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Weather has finnaly broken and its a sunny blue sky day. Only problem is my battery is almost dead. Left at 1038 and trudged to the top of Tray Mt. where I met up with Crazy Horse, Young Gun and a girl called All Day. Took some pictures and headed out. Got over Kelly Knob which was tough and was at Deep Gap my original plan but it was only 230. I called the Budget Inn for a reservation and then headed down the mountain for US 76 another 3.6 mi. away. It was a real steep walk down and I had to go slow because my legs were tired and the knees were complaining. I finally made it down at 530 and met MC from Orlando. He was journaling while waiting to be picked up by the shuttle. There was a small picnic site so I pitched my tent hung my bear bag and called it a night.
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Dick's Creek US 76

To: Budget Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Was picked up around 930 and after dropping 3 others off at Unicoi Gap we got to the Budget Inn around 10. Its a clean and comfortable place. The first order of business was to hang my tent and fly to dry out so I could re - waterproof them. Next I got laundry started and then took a shower. The rest of the day involved shopping for resupply and lunch at Daniels steak house - an all you can eat buffet cor 8 dollars. Then back to reapply the water proofing and air out the sleeping bag. Wrapped up the evening cleaning gear and repacking the backpack. Alarm is set for 630 so I'll be ready cor the 9 am shuttle back to the trail. The goal for tomorrow is Bly Gap (9mi)?
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Budget Inn

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 630 with phone charged. Quick Subway sandwich and shuttled back to Dicks Creek. On trail by 920. Sky overcast to start but overall hazy in the 50s with a slight breeze. Court house bald tough with 800 foot climb. Passed out of Georgia into North Carolina at mile marker ( mm ) 78.5. Called Laura and Kim to give them an update. One state down and 13 to go! Wohooo! It calls for rain tonight and thru tomorrow. Had instant mashed potatoes and hung bear bag. Wet Dog found a side trail that went to Raven Rock and we all got some great pics of the mountains. Well it was an 11.8 mile day and I'm covering it quicker which is encouraging. Tomorrow is 12.5 miles to Carter Gap Shelter.
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Got packed up before rain started. Had quick breakfast of cheese and granola. Walked in the rain for a couple of hours then it became heavy fog where you could only see 25 yards or so. Standing Indian Mountain not too bad despite 1100 feet of elevation. . The trail maintainers did a great job using switchbacks. Ran out of water part way thru the day due leaky valve but made it to Carter Gap Shelter without any problems. I'm going to try staying in the shelter since I was here so early 3 pm another good day miles and time wise. It's going to be cold tonight and my back is a little tight. Hope it's better in the am. Eating better with potatoes, cheese and Pepperoni on the menu. Um um good!
Date: 2014-03-24
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Stealth Camp 110.1
Miles today: 16.2

This morning it was FREAKING COLD!!!! My water was froze so I packed up quickly and was hiking by 8. Plan was initially to go to Dock Gap Shelter but when I and Phil the plumber from PORTLAND Maine got there, there was a sign of trail magic 300 yards ahead. Not ones to pass up such an opportunity we didn't even drop our packs and made a beeline for the road. There a wonderful man by the trail name Tabasco was giving hot dogs, sodas, cookies and chips. Needless to say my hiker appetite is kicking in as I had 3 hot dogs 4 homemade peanut butter cookies and a soda. Tobasco thanks for everything and I will pay it forward. Not one to back track I decide to move on with Rain Pants, Mio and Jason to camp nar Winding Stair Gap. They were looking to go into Franklin because the weather reports were calling for cold temps and snow. We made it to mm 110.1 which made it a 16.1 mile day the longest yet! Forgot to mention Albert mountain with its tower. It was a really tough climb straight up Adirondack High Peaks style, but oh so worth the view. It was also where I passed the 100 mile mark. Well now were camped out on a beautiful creek and Rain Pants has a fire going. We sat around for a long time talking and drinking tea. It was a really nice night.
Date: 2014-03-25
From: Stealth Camp 110.1

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: snow

Woke up to 2 inches of snow covering everything! Couldn't decide whether to go to Franklin with the group or move on by myself. Thought hard about it and with the sky all blue decided to go for it. Half way up a strenuous climb up Siler Bald at mm 14 it began to snow. It wasn't bad at first but as I continued to climb it got heavier and the wind began to blow. Met up with Wet Dog, Chainsaw and a couple of others and we plodded our way up the hill. After what seemed like forever and was an 1100 foot limb I made it to the stone Siler Bald Fire tower which is suppose to have one of the greatest views, but all I had was blowing snow! I followed Jeff ? and Rock to the shelter which was full and meant I would have to pitch my tent in the driving snow. After getting this done it was off to get water .2 miles down the trail. This may not seem like much but when you are cold its far. After making it back inside the tent I made the best tasting Ramen Noodles I ever had! Along with some chips, Pepperoni, cheese and fruit baf I snuggled in as best as I could which would turn out to be a very loooooong night.
Date: 2014-03-26
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

Dang it got cold last night! It must have been 20 out and the wind blew around 25 mph all night long. I thought for sure a tree would be crashing down. Hardly slept at all trying to stay warm. Wet Dog tented next to me and we comiserated ttogether. Got up at 7 and packed up as quickly as possible. My boots were frozen solid and I had to beat on them to get them on! As soon as I was packed I lliterally jogged down the trail to warm my feet up and avoid frostbite. After 45 minutes I could feel my toes again. The sun was out and there were some nice views. Wet Dog caught up with me and we leap frogged the rest of the day. At Tellico Gap mm 129.2, Blue Deer and his girlfriend Stretch were doing trail magic with fruit, soda, brownie bites and chips. It gave me the boost I needed to do the remaining 7 miles to the NOC. Thanks to both of you for being there. Went over Wesser Bald which was a bit of a bear. Then it was a long steep down hill with some great views. Took advantage of the height and called my mother to wish her a Happy 81st Birthday and called my wife to wish her a Happy Anniversary. Got to NOC at 5 and after checking in went directly to the restaurant for a cheese burver, fries, salad and of course a beer. From there went to room I am shading with Wet Dog. It's a out 8 by 8 with bunk beds and a bench to sit on. There's another building next to us with shower and bathrooms. I took immediate advantage of the showed and was asleep by 9.
Date: 2014-03-27
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: NOC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

So many things to take care of, but started with the most important - breakfast. After that unrolled tent which was still wet from packing if up yesterday in the snow. After that did some post cards to Landon and Scarlet and Maize and to our local post master. Then we headed up the road about a mile to a "convenient store" to resupply our food for the upcoming days. Wet Dog sewed a rip in my bag - THANKS! After that it was laundry time and spent some time catching up on my journal entries. Back to the room to sort through the gear to get ready for tomorrow. Then to supper for a veggie penne pasta to carb up for the climb tomorrow. Got in touch with friends in Tennessee who plan on picking me up at Fontana Dam when I get there. Tomorrow is calling for rain but at least its ggoing to be a lot warmer - 50s. Oh well, we'll face tomorrow when it comes.
Date: 2014-03-28
From: NOC

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Left NOC at 730 with overcast skies. Huge climb over Swim Bald for an elevation gain of 3000 feet. Leap frogged with Indie and Big Dog most of am. Got a view of NOC from top of bald. Then had to climb over Cheoah Bald at 5062 feet. Rain started spitting mid morning and heavy fog joined in. Made Sassafras by w so decided to go further. Got to Locust Cove Gap around 3 and met a guy with trail name Blonde who gave us an orange. After talking it over with Wet Dog we decided to set up camp here. After a bit of work we finally got a fire started and set up our tents. Had some cheese and Pepperoni and then some Ramen NOODLES. Pit stop joined us around 5 and we sat around the fire talking until 730 then the rain started to fall so it was off to our tents for the night.
Date: 2014-03-29
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: moderate rain

Rain most of the night but let up around 7. Wet Dog and I packed up and were on trail by 830. Trail magic was at Stecoah Gap. White Water and his wife Mary had burgers, cinnamon rolls, bananas. I had soda but Wet Dog had a couple of PBRs. Jerry was there also. With a too full stomach if was time to tackle "Jacobs Ladder" which was a 700 ft. climb straight up! If was tough but not as difficult as Albert Mt. Rain and heavy fog soon piled in and stayed with us until we to Cable Gap. That made for a 11.6 mile day. Oh forgot about my nutcracker move where I went to step on a log when my foot suddenly went out from underneath me like a lords a leaping then I did 2 360s with my poles acting like helicopter props. Fortunately I was able to pull it together before crashing. Tomorrow we should get to Fontana Dam where I'll meet up with Nate. Oh yeah!!!
Date: 2014-03-30
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

Got up a 230 and thought it stopped raining but it had turned to snow! By 7 there were 3 inches on the ground. Was no hurry today as was headed for Fontana to hook up with Nate and Ashley. Got on trail at 945 and it was quite a climb out. Nice views but pics just don't do justice to what the eyes see. Walked with Wet Dog thru the day and trail got sloppier and sloppier. Had a couple of near falls but thank goodness for trek poles. Made it to rte 28 to wait for Nate. Jerry and Wet Dog are going to share a room in Fontana and head back out tomorrow. Walked down to marina and got a Margarita in a can and had the last of my Pepperoni and cheese while waiting. Well waited for a long time and no Nate. To make matters worse I had no cell service. I caught a ride into town where there was service and had a message from Nate he was at the dam. I then hopped into an over packed car and got a ride to the dam where I was able to hook up with Nate. What a sight for sorry eyes! Cool ride on the Dragon's Tail which is a long twisting road car and motorcycle enthusiasts speed through. Great dinner of spaghetti and meat sauce and salad and bread sticks. Watched University of Kentucky make final four which was cool given Ashley is a UK alumni. Turned in at 930 after shower. Boy does the bed feel good.