morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-08-18
From: Secret Shelter

To: Inn at Long Trail
Miles today: 11.4

The temperature dropped big time last night giving Beekpr and myself a rather unrestful evening. When I got into my fleece liner for the night I put on my heavy wool socks and was fairly cozy for awhile, well, at least an hour or two. Around mid-night I woke up freezing and proceeded to put on more clothes from my clothes bag (my pillow) until it was the size of a softball and still I was cold. Sleep was very sporadic as I was trying to stay warm. Beekpr had to get out of his hammock for awhile and took a walk in the dark to try to warm up...it really was a cold night.We got up at 5:30 and packed up as fast as we could and was on the trail by 6:15 hiking fast in an effort to get warm. It wasn't until we were in the first half hour of the climb up Mt. Killington that we warmed up suficiently to remove our raincoats we were wearing to help keep us warm. The climb seemed to go quickly and before we knew it we were on the summit and moving along it's long ridge. We arrived at Cooper Lodge, a four sided shelter around 9:30 and stopped for a short break. Then began our long descent down the mountain that brought us out to Sherburn Pass and the end of the trail for us, completing just over 500 miles of hiking in 5 weeks. The only thing left was the half mile walk up the highway to the Inn at Long Trail and check into our room and take some badly needed showers.In reflection, it was great fun to be out on the trail again with Beekpr. The heat and humidity was oppressive at times and water was sometimes very hard to come by, especially in Pa., N.J., and N.Y., but like the seemingly constant rain of our 2003 hike it's all part of hiking the trail. I wouldn't have wanted to miss this for anything. As with the last time we hiked together, Beekpr and I met some very wonderful people hiking and giving trail magic. Santa, Big Foot, Jelly Bean and Bizby, God Speed and his son Aslan, vogue, Red Headed Step Child, Domino, Mother, and so many other hikers we met along the way will always be a big part of our hike. Most of all though was the success of Beekpr in completing his 2003 Appalachian Trail hike by finishing Pa.,N.J.,N.Y.,Conn.,and Mass., or about 400 miles to the summit of Mt. Graylock. He's a true 2000 miler and I couldn't be happier for my good hiking buddy.I'm sure we'll be finding ourselves once again on another hiking trail in the future together. It's funny how this long distance hiking thing gets into your blood, and I'll surely miss not being out there, but I'm gratful to have had the opportunity to be out once again on the A.T. with such a good friend. I also want to thank my wife for putting up with this obsession I have to put that pack on and head for the woods.To the Class of 2005 that we've met along the Trail, I wish you all great success and beautiful weather on your climb up Mt. Katahdin.
Date: 2005-01-20
To: Rocky
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hi all,My name is Rocky. I will be starting a dream of a life time on March 10 th when I fly to Georgia. Plan to begin the approach trail on March 11 th. I am excited to begin. My actual planning has been about a year. Time has crawled getting here but, seems to be picking up speed now.I'll begin to get into the meat of what has lead up to my hike next journal.Rocky
Date: 2005-03-09
To: Georgia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hi all,Here I am arriving at the day before I leave for Georgia. I can't believe the day is here. We had a major storm here in NH last night leaving 10 inches of snow. I was grateful it was last night and not when my plane was due for lift off. I am blessed with many awesome friends who went to dinner with me Sunday night and breakfast today for a send off. And lets not forget Babysteps who will be with me my first week. My friend JC is planning a week with me in July as well. I have been actively preparing for this hike for a couple years. I lost between 70 and 80 pounds. I've hiked 27 of the NH Whites. And this winter I was at the gym spinning away the miles. My friends Cathy, Jan, and Cora spent the winter with me in the gym, walking the roads, and climbing stairs. My husband spent his summer vacation climbing with me. I am the luckiest woman in the world.I am doing this hike to get in shape; Enjoy nature; Find inner peace and strength; And to trust in all bigger than me. See you out there, Rocky
Date: 2005-03-10
To: Amicalola Falls Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

What an awesome day. Baby Steps and I left Manchester, NH airport at 6:30 AM arriving in Atlanta, GA around 9:25 AM. We found our way to baggage claim and to the MARTA station easily. We rode the train to Indian Creek where 56s picked us up; and took us on a tour of Athens, GA. Lunch was at ¢Clocked¢ on Washington Street. Fantastic cheeseburger, salad, onion rings and waiter. Best service ever. The weather is bright sun and 40¢s. We went to the University of Georgia to do an hour presentation on hiking the Appalachian Trail. By the end of the presentation my voice was gone, but it went well. 56s and her husband to be gave us a ride to Amicalola Falls Lodge. We arrived at 8:00 PM. I checked in and went to the room to take something for my cold, soak in the tub, and call the muffin for the last time before starting the trail. Baby Steps is visiting with old trail mates. I¢ll connect with them tomorrow after some Z¢s. Nite all.
Date: 2005-03-11
From: Start

To: Springer Mountain
Miles today: 0.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Today I woke up in a bed that was soft and warm. One of the most comfortable beds ever. Ate a great breakfast. Signed in as a through hiker at Amicalola Falls visitor center we took all kinds of pictures. Enjoyed the arch and the falls then headed for the trail. Everyone has been awesome. Helpful at every turn. We hiked to the lodge (5 miles) and enjoyed lunch in the sun and 50 degree temps. Then joined the Approach trail to Springer Mountain (3782¢). I signed the trail register and enjoyed the view. The mountains went forever and there was one dam creating a small lake. The wind has really picked up and it¢s snowing a little. I high fived Baby Steps for bringing the snow from New Hampshire with us. Then we went on to Springer Mountain Shelter where we set up camp. Tent pitching was a little challenging because my fingers were so cold they didn¢t want to work. My potholder fell apart with dinner so I used rocks to hold the pot. It worked well. We had a small campfire and enjoyed the company of many. Gizmo was fun along with Wizard and Gazer. We had great laughs about the fan in the bathroom at Lenfoote. It is a self-dry toilet. I told everyone the toilet took care of a long dry spell. I bought Muffin a T shift at Lenfoote. They will mail it to him. Great day overall. Hope to be warm enough tonight.
Date: 2005-03-12
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mtn and Long Creek Falls 
Miles today: 7.4

Slept only briefly last night. It got down to 28 degrees. Did I say cold? My water and olive oil froze. I suffered¢¦smile. Breakfast and packing up camp went fast. The temps quickly rose into the 40¢s then to 65 degrees. Sunny beautiful day. We walked through the most beautiful forest. There were rhododendron (Rose bay), Laurel Mountain, and huge hemlocks. None were in bloom but the green was incredible. The moss was a rich yellow green. Holly grows like trees. Wizard measured a few trees!                Hemlock 12¢9¢ around                (Wooley Adelgid is killing hemlocks)                Poplar or Tulip tree 14¢ 9¢                National Champion Mountain Laurel 48¢        Gazer told a funny story about another hiker getting tick bites. I won¢t tell it here¢¦but it was funny. I¢ll be staying in Hawk Mountain Shelter tonight (3260¢). My first night in a shelter. We also took a side trip to Long Creek Falls (2740¢) 200ft to the falls. I took a picture, beautiful. My legs have been cramping and I have a few blisers. My camp shoes have been awesome. Wizard cut my comb in half to save weight. Gaze gave me a wire piece to fix my stove. They have booth been blessings to me. I believe they leave after tomorrow. Baby Steps has been a super friend. I am grateful for everything.
Date: 2005-03-13
From: Long Creek Falls

To: Sassafras and Justus Mtn.
Miles today: 7.3

I had the best nights sleep. I spent my first night in a shelter. I slept in all wool with boiled water in my nalgene bottle and tucked it by my feet. It was 48 degrees in the morning. It was such a comfortable night. Gazer, Baby Steps, Wizard, and I packed up, ate breakfast, and headed out. Vaper joined us frequently during the day. We hiked over Sassafras Mountain (3340¢) and Justus Mountain (3225¢). Lunch was at Justus Creek by the Boot Bridge. Then on to Gooch Mountain Shelter. This is the best shelter ever. It is like a bunkhouse with two levels. Two ladders to the second level. Pegs to hang stuff. A cooking area. Picnic table under the roof. And some barley soup in a gift tube Baby Steps and I are sharing. Today it got up to 77 degrees. So hot because I¢m not used to it. I was really working it climbing Sassafras. Gazer and wizard left us at the shelter to hike out. Gazer played his flute and I took a picture. Baby Steps cried when they left and I fought off the tears. These bugs are out called knats. To me they look like black flies. I was told they don¢t bite but one bit me. I part way washed some clothes today. And it¢s time to cook dinner. Rain predicted for tonight. Gazer gave me a bandanna, whistle, light, and potholder. Thank you Gazer!
Date: 2005-03-14
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Ramrock, Big Cedar, Granny Top, Burnett Field Mtn.
Miles today: 12.4

It poured rain most of the night. I was grateful to be in a shelter. My feet were touching the back of the shelter and still my hair was wet from the spray of the rain. Baby Steps and I ate breakfast and hit the trail. We awoke to the call of owls and I saw a really big one in the tree. The mist was thick or I would have taken a picture of the owl. The mist stayed until afternoon. Perfect cool weather for hiking. We hiked over Ramrock Mountain (3200¢), Big Cedar Mountain (3740¢), Granny Top Mountain (3395¢), Burnett Field Mountain (3480¢), and started up Blood Mountain to Slaughter Creek Campsite. Tonight is a tent night. There are no other through hikers here tonight. There were just two young boys at the next campsite. We saw an awesome sunset and I took a picture. It¢s windy. I heated a hot water bottle for my sleeping bag. Awesome day overall. My legs are warming up. I was pleased with the 12.4 miles. The Georgia trail is very different from New Hampshire. Much of it wraps around Mountains and it switchbacks. Moderate grades versus straight up in New Hampshire.
Date: 2005-03-15
From: Ramrock, Big Cedar, Granny Top, Burnett Field Mtn.

To: Blood Mtn, Levelland Mtn, Rock Spring Top
Miles today: 7.4

Today started out with hail as I was finishing packing my tent. Then it changed to snow as I climbed Blood Mountain (4461¢), The views were limited because of the weather. The hut was an awesome stone structure. Two men spent the night there and said that a resident skunk took some gorp during the night. I was glad I missed that occasion. Rumor spread that Vapor may have seen a bear during the night. It had bright eyes and climbed a tree. I bet it was. Vapor was at Woods Hole Shelter. I hiked on over Flatrock Gap, Balance Rock, and on to Neels Gap (Walasi-Yi Center). They helped me obtain a pack that fit my load and me better as well as rain gear. Snack food was bought. And I picked up my mail drop. I had a long frustrating attempt to call my muffin. I left messages by never did reach him. I even borrowed a cell phone to attempt to call him tonight but there was no signal. I know I buckled after saying I wouldn¢t use a cell phone. I was missing him too much and I would have used anything to just say hi. Baby Steps was so patient with my melt down. On a good note; I got to shower ¢ yes! It was awesome. We left later then I expected and hiked on over: Levelland Mountain (3942¢), Rock Spring top (3542¢) and Wolf Laurel top (3766¢). We stopped at Baggs Creek Gap and camped for the night. I can see city light on two sides of us. Funny to be in the mountains and see city life.         Finally the sounds of military are away from us. Over the last few days we could hear automatic gunfire, larger sounding bombs, and helicopters over heat at night. I think we are finally out of range of that. Night all.
Date: 2005-03-16
From: Blood Mtn, Levelland Mtn, Rock Spring Top

To: Cowrock Mtn, White Oak Stump, Poor Mtn, Sheep Rock
Miles today: 6.4

Today we hiked from Baggs Creek Gap to Low Gap shelter (3040¢). We went over Cowrock Mountain (3842¢), Wildcat Mountain (3420¢), White Oak Stump (3490¢), Poor Mountain (3650¢), and Sheep Rock Top (3575¢). I slept in my tent last night and it rained most of the night. I was comfortable most of the night. Hairball joined our campsite. Nice to meet her. The tempter today was 35 degrees with strong winds and rain. I hiked so slowly. Tonight I am in a primitive shelter with 11 other hikers. One other hiker helped me when my stove wasn¢t working well. That was so nice. I have my hot water bottle in my sleeping bag. Life is good.
Date: 2005-03-17
From: Cowrock Mtn, White Oak Stump, Poor Mtn, Sheep Rock

To: Blue Mtn
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: light snow

Today we hiked from Low Gap Shelter to Ulnicoi Gap. We hiked over Blue Mountain (4025¢). This morning we awoke to 28-degree tempters. It rained during the night but as we started hiking sleet, freezing rain, then snow began. By lunchtime the tempter was up in the 40¢s. The trail down from Cold Springs Gap and Chattahoochee Gap were mudslides. I decided to have my first night in a hotel. Baby Steps, Yellow Jacket, and I stayed in the Helendorf River Inn. We have a great room, very comfy. Then we ate at Wendy¢s and Bigg Daddy¢s ¢ both awesome. The shower was absolute fun. And I¢ve been able to wash some laundry. Calling home was the best. Love you all. Night.PS. The Georgia Trail Mountains have done an incredible job. There was all kinds of rock work done to build the trail up and manage water runoff to prevent erosion. The trails show all the hard work put into them. Also the water bars and few steps are well done. Thanks to everyone.
Date: 2005-03-18
From: Blue Mtn

To: Rocky Mtn, Tray Mtn
Miles today: 5.5

Today Baby Steps and I grabbed a shuttle from a grocery store in Helen to Unicoi Gap to begin hiking Rocky Mountain (3810¢). Baby Steps hiked with me until just over the crest where we said goodbye. I cried all the way down Rocky Mountain. I think I cried because I enjoyed her company so much. This last week has been the best. Thank you Baby Steps. After that I hiked up Tray Mountain (4960¢) sandwiched between Swamp Fox and Double Healer. There was a distance between us but It was comforting to know they were there. Vapor wrote in the journal on 3/17. I was surprised to see he is only a day a head of me. The day has been sunny and the air crisp. Ice was falling off the trees and there was 1-2 inches of ice on the trail. I met another hiker on the trail today from Gardiner, Maine. Nice to see how small the world is (Rocky is from Maine). Last night I got to speak to a friend and family. I miss everyone. I feel as though I am walking home. Night from Tray Mountain Shelter. (The shuttle service was hikeusa.biz).
Date: 2005-03-19
From: Rocky Mtn, Tray Mtn

To: Dicks Creek Gap, Round Top, Kelly Knob, Powell Mtn
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I went from Tray Mountain Shelter to Dicks Creek Gap. Hiking over Young Lich Knob (3800¢), Round Top (3960¢), Kelly knob (4275¢), past Deep Gap Shelter and over Powell Mountain (3850¢). Yellow Jacket hiked with me all day and Hair Ball joined us at the top of Kelly Knob. We all agreed Kelly Knob felt like it would never end. I had planned to camp at a water spot near Dicks Creek Gap with Swamp Fox and Double Healer but no one was around when I passed so I went in to Hiawassee with Yellow Jacket and Hairball. We stayed at the Holiday Inn and ate Mexican after showering. It was an awesome reward for my 10+ mile day. I called home and miss my family.
Date: 2005-03-20
From: Dicks Creek Gap, Round Top, Kelly Knob, Powell Mtn

To: Little Bald Knob, Buzzard Knob, Wheeler Knob
Miles today: 6.6

I left the Holiday Inn around 8:45-9:00 and was shuttled to Dick¢s Creek Gap. Hareball (correct spelling) and I hiked together today. We went over Little Bald Knob (3440¢), Buzzard Knob (3760¢), past Plum Orchard Gap Shelter (cute 3 level shelter), As Knob (3440¢), and Wheeler Knob (3560¢). After Wheeler Knob we stopped at a campsite on the left. We carried water from the shelter because we weren¢t sure of the water supply at the campsite. This was the best campsite! We started a fire in the fire pit.   Warm¢¦ Cooked dinner, enjoyed the evening sky. I watched the moon by the fire. It was so peaceful. During the day we saw Double Healer on the trail and some teens we had seen before but no other through hikers we knew. Yellow Jacket was off the trail this morning with drama.
Date: 2005-03-21
From: Little Bald Knob, Buzzard Knob, Wheeler Knob

To: Georgia-North Carolina border, Deep Gap
Miles today: 9.9

Today was an overcast day in the 50¢s. Hareball and I hiked together from the campsite before Rich Cove Gap. We passed the Georgia-North Carolina border. Ya! I took a picture of the old tree at Bly Gap. Past Muskrat Creek Shelter (4600¢), White Oak Stamp (4750¢), and Deep Gap (4340¢). We¢re spending the night at Standing Indian Shelter (4760¢) with two other hikers. It¢s a cool night. I¢m tucked in with my wool and hot water bottle. Night all.
Date: 2005-03-22
From: Georgia-North Carolina border, Deep Gap

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

What a day! Hareball and I both slept well at Standing Indian Shelter (4760¢). It was misting in the morning that turned to a steady light rain. We hiked to Carter Gap Shelter (4640¢) and arrived about two in the afternoon. We went to the shelter on the left, which is barely standing. Lots of rot and the building is sinking into the ground. We decided to set up our tents in the shelter because it leaks badly. Later we found out there is a new shelter 50¢ farther on the right. There are four people staying there. We have three here. Snuffulufagus is here in his bivy. I had my coffee as usual and am working on dinner. The rain is heavy now with thunder. I¢m glad to be dry.
Date: 2005-03-23
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Albert Mtn, Big Butt Mtn, Glassmine Mtn.
Miles today: 12.1

Today was an awesome day. It was raining lightly in the morning but it cleared early. I hiked from Carter Gap Shelter over Big Butt Mountain (4600¢) and Albert Mountain (5220¢). I skipped Big Spring Shelter because I thought I had enough leg strength and daylight left to reach Rock Gap Shelter. Hareball and I passed Glassmine Gap (4250¢) today which is just past the 100 mile point. We took pictures at a spot where we had lunch (Trail Magic), volunteers doing trail week, the Albert Mountain fire tower, one view, and the 100 mile mark. I loved visiting with everyone. The trail volunteers were fantastic. I was also pleased with the mileage today. I¢m cozy in my tent. Nite. Trail Angel in picture Terry GliddenJust an add on¢¦ I don¢t think I¢ve talked much about the pain. My poor feet have several blisters. One spot on the ball of my foot had a blister on a blister. I feel like I can write about it now that they are on the mend. Also my right knee hurt terrible for about a week. Especially when I was going downhill. The day that I went into the last town I hobbled the whole way. Hareball thought it could have been partly due to dehydration so I¢ve been drinking lots more. It is so much better. Then there is my lip. I had a cold when I came and my whole lip is now a scab from a whole lip cold sore. I look like hell. This is the end of suffrage!
Date: 2005-03-24
From: Albert Mtn, Big Butt Mtn, Glassmine Mtn.

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: clear sky

Today was a short, sunny hike from Rock Gap Shelter out to Winding Stair Gap and on to Franklin, NC. It took quite a while to get a lift into town but once here its been awesome. Buffet at Prime Sirloin Family Steak House, shower, laundry, grocery shopping, and calls to home.
Date: 2005-03-25
From: Franklin, NC

To: Winding Stair Gap, Siler Bald
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: clear sky

Today we were shuttled back to the trail from Franklin, arriving at 10 AM. Starting back at Winding Stair Gap. Double Healer and I climbed to the top of Siler Bald; what views! Then on toward Wayah Bald. We were all wiped from the extra load of food bought in town. So we stopped at Wine Spring. Good water source here on the left side of the trail. Four of us camped for the night at this spot. Beautiful sun set, bright pink. Today was a hard climbing day for me. Too much weight I think.
Date: 2005-03-26
From: Winding Stair Gap, Siler Bald

To: Wayah Bald
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

What a night! Full moon ¢ I opened my tent door and enjoyed watching as it lit up everything. This morning Double Healer, Hareball and I left Wine Spring. We hiked up to Wayah Bald (5340¢) where some trail angels from Nantahala Hiking Club gave us an apple, hard boiled colored egg, and some chocolate. It was an awesome Easter Surprise. I took a picture of the tower and one of the angels took a group shot for us. We hiked on. There was some hurricane damage to part of the trail where there was a detour. The detour was long and rough. Hareball¢s blister has eaten her entire heel and she will have to get off the trail to rest it. We are both teary over it. Another hiker lost one sandal and it is saving her heel for the long hike out. There are six of us in Cold Spring Shelter tonight. Four Women and two men, unusual on the trail. A light rain has begun.
Date: 2005-03-27
From: Wayah Bald

To: Wesser Bald, "The Jump-off", N.O.C
Miles today: 11.5

During the night four kids showed up at Cold Spring Shelter. Two made room inside and a couple tented. It was funny to see the kids apologize for coming in late (between 8-8:30 PM). On the trail we are in bed at 7:30 most nights. There was a woman named Creaky Bones who is hiking about six miles a day. It seems like she has tendentious in her ankle/foot. I told her about stretching but I do not think that was a favorite thing to do. There was also a hiking couple staying in the shelter. The man was named Newby. I did not catch her name. Double Healer and Hareball were the constants for me. Nice to have some consistent people around. Hareball was having trouble with a huge blister that covers her entire heel. Double Healer had arranged with Arthur who is a hiker and his wife Mary driving a shag van to take her to town. I saw the van at the road crossing and learned of their plans. I decided to hike on. Well¢¦Hareball arrived at the van and refused to go with them. She said, ¢she had walkin to do.¢ And I guess she was close behind me the whole day. I thought she was off to rest her heel. I was bummed thinking I wouldn¢t have her company for a while. I hiked over Copper Ridge Bald (5200¢) and Wesser Bald (4630¢). It was raining lightly with fog all morning. No view from Wesser Bald but I did take a picture of the tower. By afternoon the fog cleared and it was just cloudy. The views were pretty good from ¢the jump-off¢ (4000¢). I ate lunch at Wesser Bald Shelter. A hiker named Odd Job tried to convince me he was a south bounder hiking from Maine leaving at the end of January. I later figured out that was not possible. I made it to N.O.C. (Nantahala Outdoor Center) around 4:30 PM. I got checked in and headed for my bunk when I heard my name being called. It was Hareball. She just caught up. I showed her where to check in. We had a nice burger together for dinner and are enjoying a rainy night with lightening from inside. Smile.