morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-02-23
To: AT Work Hike
Miles today: 0.0

I performed what will probably be my last AT work hike with the Roanoke AT Club. The next work hike is scheduled March 7, but I plan to leave for Springer Mountain on March 8. It has been a pleasure working with this group of dedicated volunteers to maintain and improve the 113 miles of the AT covered by the Roanoke AT Club. Work has included a major relocation and improvement around Pearisburg VA and bridge/step work on the heavily used McAfee Knob trail. Anyone hiking the AT, especially thru and section hikers should give back to the trail and perform maintenance. I am glad I had this experience.
Date: 2016-02-23
To: Preparation Hike
Miles today: 0.0

Clock is ticking, i.e., departure is within 3 weeks - March 9. I did a 12 mile preparation hike in snowy conditions on February 20. Hike was on North Mountain which was an old AT route connecting Dragons Tooth and Scorched Earth Gap, during the time period in which McAfee Knob was not part of the AT. I utilized my new pack, i.e., Osprey Exos 58, which weighs in around 2lbs. 6 oz. Pack was fully loaded with almost all my thru hike gear and weighed in at 24 lbs, including food and 2 liters of water. Very happy with performance. As a result I will not be carrying my Osprey Atmos 65 AG, which weighed in at almost 4 lbs. and instead carry Osprey Exos 58.Difficult hike not from a mileage perspective, but slogging through snow is tiring. I utilzed recently purchased Kahtoola Nanospikes. They were easy to get on, stayed on my shoes and gave the extra traction I needed. I plan to send ahead to Fontana Dam, in case I need them in the Smokies.Anxious to get started!
Date: 2016-03-02
To: Final Week
Miles today: 0.0

I depart Springer Mountain in one (1) week. All the preparation and training over the last two (2) years will be put to the test. My wife's brother and his wife contacted us and plan to meet us at Amicalola Falls Lodge on March 8. I am very appreciative of their kindness to see me off on this journey. We plan to drive to Springer Mountain parking lot and all walk the AT to Springer Mountain. I will get photos and sign in. We then take the AT back to the vehicle, I pick up my pack and begin the journey.
Date: 2016-03-07
To: Thank You
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I leave tomorrow with my wife and travel to Amicalola State Park Lodge with departure from Springer Mountain on Wednesday, March 9. Hard to believe the time is now! Saturday night we had a wonderful get together with Roanoke VA friends and neighbors. Thank you for your encouragement and support.A huge thank you to the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club (RATC) whose organized hikes were my introduction to the AT and drove my ambition to thru hike. Special call out out to RATC trail maintainers who work tremendous hours to maintain 113 miles of the AT in the Roanoke Valley. I enjoyed my time on the Monday trail work crew and have a high level of respect for this dedicated group. Thank you for words of encouragement and support from Facebook followers, Trail Journal followers and fellow participants of Appalachian Trail Institute. Last but not least thank you to my wife and family for their support and understanding as I planned and prepared for this journey over the last year. I could not have gotten to this stage without their support and encouragement. I love you and you will always be with me on my journey!
Date: 2016-03-08
To: Evening Before Departure
Miles today: 0.0

Spending the night at Amicalola State Park Lodge. My wife and I spent a wonderful evening with her brother and his wife who drove over from Nashville to see me off. Great accommodations and outstanding sunset view. Tomorrow we drive to Springer Mountain parking area. My wife and her brother and wife plan to walk with me to Springer Mountain, where I will sign in, get pictures and begin journey. I am very appreciative of their support. Special Thanks to hiking partner "Mountain Dew" for all your support and lessons learned as I prepared for thru hike. I was thru hiker #489 when I signed in at Amicalola State Park, busy year on the AT.
Date: 2016-03-09
From: Evening Before Departure

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I was thru hiker #489. Great send off with my wife Jill and her brother and sister in law walking the first 2 miles with me. Great weather in the 70's. Started around noon and arrived at Shelter at 4:15pm. So far so good. I cannot believe after 2 years of preparation I am actually doing an AT thru hike. Thanks for all the support and encouragement
Date: 2016-03-10
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 9.0

Spent first night tenting near Hawk Mountain Shelter. 20 tents and a full shelter. Hikers that stayed in Shelter had mice eat holes in packs. There is a US Army Ranger school nearby. During the night at least 4 Blackhawk helicopters flew over our tent site. We saw a platoon of Army Rangers carrying huge packs and weapons. They were very young and did not look happy.Hiked 9 miles today with a couple of climbs. Left at 9 am and arrived at campsite at 3:30 pm. Overall good day. Met up with Steve the Hiker from Appalachian Trail Institute. Plan is to hike 14 miles tomorrow to Neel Gap and spent the night in cabin with 4 other hikers. Shower,wash clothes and a meal
Date: 2016-03-11
From: Gooch Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Spent the night tenting at Gooch Gap. Gooch Shelter was full. Great camp site. It rained for about an hour around 10 pm. Heard owls and coyotes during the night. Got up at 6 am and hit the trail at 7 am with 3 hiking partners, "Steve the Hiker", "Volunteer Dave" and "Findland". Our goal was Neels Gap a distance of 14 miles. We climbed Blood Mountain 4400 feet. Staying at a cabin tonight at Neels Gap. Got a hot shower,laundry done and cold beer for $25, life is good. So far so good, feel good and no aches or pains. The training paid off. Thanks for all the suport and encouragement
Date: 2016-03-12
From: Neels Gap

To: Poplar Stamp Gap 
Miles today: 12.9

Left Blood Mountain cabins around 9 am. Walked through Neels Gap arch the only part of AT going through a building. Trail was non descript,but had steep climb up Wildcat Mountain. We were rewarded with trail magic twice today. Trail magic is random kindness usually pop, water and snacks. Thor AT thru hiker in 1996 and Glenrock Baptist Church provided hot dogs,chips and cold water and pop. Both came at a great time and was appreciated. Fixing dinner tonight my stove caught on fire. It was my fault I did not have stove screwed on tightly. I will need a new stove, lesson learned. Hiked with Steve the Hiker, Volunteer Dave, DC, great group to hike with. Plan to hike 8 miles to Unicoi Gap and shuttle into Helen GA.
Date: 2016-03-13
From: Poplar Stamp Gap 

To: Unicol Gap
Miles today: 8.3

Tented at Poplar Stamp Gap last night. It rained about 3 AM and I was dry except for a little water in the corner of my tent, probably based on my tent placement. However, we had to get up this morning in the rain which meant my tent got wet, which adds weight. It was good experience to take down tent and pack up in the rain, but it tests your mental fortitude. Once we got going it was actually enjoyable hiking in a light rain. It rained until approximately 10 AM.Utilized my Marmot Precip Jacket which performed well. It repelled rain, but also has good ventilation. Today would best be described in three words, i.e., Rain, Rocks and Roots. The trail had several sections that were very rocky and root covered, which coupled with the rain made it very slippery. You must focus each step and use your trekking poles for balance and stability. Hiked with same group, i.e., Steve the Hiker from Cleveland, Volunteer Dave from Houston TX and DC from Detroit MI. Great group of hiking partners. Our reward after 8 miles was a shuttle into Helen, GA. As we waited for shuttle every hiker was attempting to dry their tents, sleeping bags and clothing by standing in the parking lot letting the wind dry it. It must have been quite a sight for motorist driving past. We are sharing a room at a Best Western and will shower and do laundry. Also have restaurant food and cold beer, i.e., the simple pleasures. Helen, GA is a nice town with a German theme, i.e., all buildings have the Bavarian look. It reminded me of Frankenmuth MI. Met four 20 year olds at our campsite last night from Maine, North Carolina, Florida and Missouri. Nice group who were smoking "left handed cigarettes". They offered us but we declined. There are two distinct age groups on the trail, i.e., 20 and 60 year olds. Volunteer Dave showed his skills at hanging our food bags by using PCT method. You must hang your food bags to avoid bears from entering your camp or tent after they smell food. Tomorrow we will be shuttled back to Unicol Gap and hike over Tray Mountain with the plan to tent at Sassafras Gap or Deep Gap Shelter. I am enjoying this journey and do not have any physical issues, i.e., feet and legs OK. My training at Roanoke Kirk Family YMCA on Incline treadmill at 20 - 30 degree incline with a 20 pound has definitely helped me with the climbs.
Date: 2016-03-14
From: Unicol Gap

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 10.4

After a night at the Best Western in Helen GA.with breakfast buffet included the manager shuttled us back to Unicoi Gap. I have learned that when I see the word Gap in my AT guide it means a descent and a climb.Two climbs today, i.e.,Rocky Mountain 4017 elevation and Tray Mountain elevation 4430. Great views from both and a scent from the plants,trees and air that is hard to describe,but invigorating.We got to our campsite around 2:30,which is early but rain was expected. Sure enough it started to rain as we set up our tents and is still raining at 5:30.Waiting for it to stop so I can prepare dinner. I was able to fix my stove last night and bought super glue at the Dollar General Store to perform a repair on my glasses and sunglasses. You learn to improvise and fix your gear quickly.Tomorrow we hike to Top of Georgia Hostel. My first state,i.e., Georgia will be complete on Wednesday.Thanks for support and encouragement. I am hiking with a great group, average age 57.5.
Date: 2016-03-15
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 6.3

It rained a little last night,but tent performed well and everything is dry,Big Agnes UL Fly Creek 2 is working well. Also, have been sleeping in my silk sleeping bag liner and not using sleeping bag much. Highly recommend use of sleeping bag liner. It adds warmth,but most importantly it keeps your sleeping bag clean.Short hiking day, we arrived at Dick's Creek Gap at 11:20 AM after leaving camp at 8:25 AM. Big climb up Kelly Knob to start the day, 800 foot climb over 1 mile. It gets your heart pumping and warms you up. Georgia challenges you with its mountains and climbs. My cardio training definitely helps me to climb. Our destination was Dick's Creek Gap and a stay at Top of Georgia Hostel. Highly recommend this hostel. $25/night includes breakfast, computer, shower, laundry and shuttle into Hiawassee GA. We will eat and resupply in Hiawasse GA. We are about 9 miles from North Carolina line and will arrive in NC tomorrow. I will have completed my first state, i.e., Georgia.Weather so far has exceeded expectations, warm temps and not much rain. Keeping our fingers crossed that nice weather continues. Taking a "Nero" day at Top of Georgia, i.e., short hiking day. A "Zero" is taking the day off and hiking zero miles. A "Nero" day keeps mileage going, but lets your body rest. I need a little rest, especially take care of my little toe on my left foot which is rubbing. Nothing serious, but rest and a toe bandage will help. I have uploaded several photos which are listed at my journal site. Thanks for your encouragement and support. "Onward & Upward"
Date: 2016-03-16
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: few clouds

Left Top of Georgia Hostel this morning, highly recommend. They shuttled us to Dick's Creek Gap where we were treated to a Trail Magic breakfast of eggs,pancakes,bacon and ham. It was compliments of thru hiker Cheddar's parents. It was just what we needed for our climbs today.Highlight of day was leaving Georgia and entering North Carolina. One state complete. Camping at Muskrat Creek Shelter. Today was a difficult day hiking many ups and down.Still having issue with little toe on left foot. Jill is sending new shoes that are 1/2 size larger to me in Franklin NC, which is our next resupply.Plan to arrive Saturday
Date: 2016-03-17
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter 

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

Today had a little bit of everything, i.e., climbs,rocks,roots and level areas. The highlight was Standing Indian Mountain NC Elevation 5435. This is my highest elevation so far on journey. Outstanding view,that takes your breath away. I am so lucky to have the opportunity to enjoy this journey. Always learning,today my body let me know when I needed water or fuel (food), I would start to feel sluggish, so time to eat or drink. Still dealing with little toe on left foot. It is rubbing and I am using a toe bandage for protection. I will switch shoes in Franklin NC to a 1/2 size larger.Your foot expands when hiking these miles.Random Thoughts;Hiking poles are a must especially in downhill rocky areasTake it easy and listen to your bodyObserve other hikers and learnEverything has a placeBuff- great equipment as headband,sun protection or wind protectionBring ear plugs, others snoring
Date: 2016-03-18
From: Carter Gap Shelter 

To: Rock Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Left camp at 7:15 AM using headlamp. Easiest hiking day so far, i.e.,relatively flat.However,after 7 miles we climbed up to Albert Mountain Fire Tower, 400 feet climb .3 miles, extremely steep. But as usual after the trail challenges you it rewards you. In this case the view from the fire tower, elevation 5250 was spectacular. At Rock Gap we took a shuttle into Franklin NC,staying at Havens Budget Inn. Tomorrow we will be shuttled back to Rock Gap and hike 3.7 miles to Winding Stair Gap. We will shuttle back to Franklin and spend Saturday night at Havens Budget Inn. It feels great to shower,wash clothes and visit a Chinese Buffet. Tomorrow morning we are invited to breakfast at local Baptist church,more trail magic. Many great individuals provide service on the trail. I will upload more pictures tomorrow.
Date: 2016-03-19
From: Rock Gap Shelter 

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: light rain

Started the day at 7:15 AM with a pancake & bacon breakfast from the First Baptist Church in Franklin, NC. They picked us up from Hostel and brought us back. Another example of Trail Magic and the great people you meet on the trail. Today I "Slackpacked" this means I hiked without my full pack. We did a short 3.7 mile hike from Rock Gap to Winding Stair Gap and then were shuttled back to Franklin. This allows a "rest" day, but still add a few miles. I purchased a pair of Injinji socks to help with rubbing on little toe. Injinji socks cover each toe and provide extra protection from toes rubbing together. I wore them today and they worked!. You must take care of your feet. I wore a new pair of shoes that my wife Jill forwarded to me. They are 1/2 size larger. Special thanks to my Vice President of Logistics, Jill. Your feet expand on the trail. Plan to spend today enjoying some food and beer in Franklin NC, already identified a local micro brewery, i.e., Lazy Hiker Brewery. Also plan to watch IU Hoosiers play Kentucky at 5 PM. Go Hoosiers! Obtained our permit to hike through Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Anticipated entry date is March 27. The permit allows 8 days to hike through. Distance is 71 miles and hope to handle in 6 -7 days.Thanks again for your support and encouragement. It helps to provide that extra motivation.Weather is expected to be colder Sunday - Tuesday with lows in the 20's with possible snow flurries. I will have break out some cold weather gear. However, it is expected to warm up by Wednesday.
Date: 2016-03-20
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Bald Tower
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: few clouds

Another great start today with a pancake/bacon breakfast from the First Baptist Church in Franklin NC. They provide a free breakfast for all AT hikers March 15 - April 30. What a great group of individuals who genuinely seem happy to provide this service, I know thru hikers appreciate it. They also take your picture and mail it home to a loved one. Hiked 10.1 miles today in 4 hours, which is very quick for me. I must be getting my "hiking legs". Full disclosure I was able to "Slack Pack" again, i.e., hike without a full pack. Tomorrow it will be back to a full pack and I am sure I will slow down. As we finished today near Wayah Bald Tower(See Picture)it was starting to snow, wind picking up and temperature dropping. Coldest day so far. The next two (2)days are supposed to be colder, i.e., nighttime lows in the 20's. I am very comfortable hiking in a short sleeve and long sleeve shirt in these temperatures, but when you stop moving you must put a jacket and hat on immediately. Wayah is Cherokee for warrior. I included in photos section pictures of the trail today, i.e., some sections with many tree roots. I try to land each step on a level/flat surface, but sections with roots make it extremely difficult. You feel like you are "dancing" in order to avoid stepping on a root and attempting to land on flat surface. My new shoes help and little toe on left foot is healing. Everyone in the group is dealing with some level of discomfort, i.e., blisters, knees, ankles, etc. Remember the average age of this group! We are pleased with our pace!Our group has added another hiker "Alabama Guy" from Montgomery AL. He is 61, so average age of our group will be close to 60. Great group to hike with! The group works well together and hope we can maintain this group until Maine.We are 17 miles from the Nantahala Outdoor Center, NC which we should reach on Tuesday and then 28 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Our plan is to be at GSMNP by Friday, March 25.Random Thoughts;Soak feet in Epsom Salts at every opportunity, it helpsMany hikers switch from hiking boots to lightweight trail runners, primarily from a weight, comfort and drying out capabilities.Ron Havens and his group at Budget Inn, Franklin NC provide an invaluable shuttle service to hikers, big thumbs upMet the legendary "Baltimore Jack". He is a 9 time AT thru hikers and manages the Budget Inn Hostel in Franklin NC. What a wealth of information, seek him out!Franklin NC is a hiker friendly town, a must visit if you are hiking!Verizon is by far the preferred wireless provider, i.e., best signal on ATThanks again for support and encouragement, it helps! Special thanks to Jill for loving support/encouragement and logistics support.If you have sent me emails I attempt to answer as soon as possible, but do not always have service
Date: 2016-03-21
From: Wayah Bald Tower

To: Wesser Bald Shelter 
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light snow

Today was coldest day so far with temperatures around 25 when we started this morning with snow on the ground. The sun was out and it warmed up to the high 40's which is good hiking weather. However, when you stop you put on a layer to stay warm. Likewise when you climb and warm up you must be prepared to take a layer off. We had more outstanding views with Wesser Bald Tower the highlight. It afforded a 360 view and we could see the Great Smokey Mountains, which is our next milestone. Writing this while tucked into my sleeping bag in my tent. Expecting temps tonight in the mid to high twenties. I am warm and dry.
Date: 2016-03-22
From: Wesser Bald Shelter 

To: Grassy Gap 
Miles today: 8.3

Cold night, i.e., low twenties. Stayed warm in tent, but went to bed early. Another great weather day after morning cold burned off. Sunny, blue skies with temps in high 50's - low 60's. Big descent into Nantahala Outdoor Center 4000 feet to 1900 feet, with big climb out of Nantahala Outdoor Center 1900 feet to 5000 feet. We eat lunch and bought a few supplies at NOC. After lunch we hiked on to Grassy Gap and set up camp for night. Nantahala is Cherokee for noon day sun. It is in a gorge with mountains on either side. More climbing tomorrow, but glad we pushed on and completed part of climb
Date: 2016-03-23
From: Grassy Gap 

To: Stecoh Gap 
Miles today: 11.0

Full moon last with temperatures in the mid 40's. I slept without my rain fly on my tent, which gave me a view of full moon and stars. Great night! Volunteer Dave "cowboy camped", which is sleeping under the stars with no tent. Tough hiking day with 2000 foot climb followed by 2000 foot descent into Stecoh Gap. Hiking out of the Nantahala Outdoor Center is tough, give yourself plenty of time. Another day of incredible views of Nantahala Gorge and Cheoah Bald. Everyday I think the views cannot get better, but they continue to be incredible.Staying tonight at Cabin in the Woods. Donna, the host picked us up at Stecoh Gap. Great place to stay with showers,laundry,dinner and breakfast, highly recommend. I do well with the climbs, but descents are more difficult on my knees. I take the descents slowly. Little toe is better and legs feel good.Our group of five (5) gets along well.
Date: 2016-03-24
From: Stecoh Gap 

To: Fontana Dam Shelter 
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Longest hiking so far,15.2. We hiked longer today in order to reach Fontana Dam and stay ahead of rain showers. Day started with breakfast at Cabin in the Woods,i.e.,eggs,bacon,bagels,applesauce and biscuits/gravy. Donna is an outstanding host and Trail Angel,highly recommend. We faced "Jacobs Ladder" early, a 600 foot step climb over 1/2 mile. After this climb the trail had normal up and downs with 1000 foot descent into Fontana Dam. Mid morning I encountered a handwritten sign on the trail reading, "Rattlesnake Ahead", needless to say it got my attention. I did not see a snake, but did see one in the afternoon. Rain was predicted around 4 PM. Volunteer Dave and and I were running the last 1.2 miles in order to make it to shelter before it rained. We just made it. The Fontana Dam Shelter, also called the "Fontana Hilton" has room for 20 hikers and has hot showers, simple pleasures. I feel like I am getting my "hiker legs". Tomorrow will be our first "zero day",i.e., no hiking. It will be a Rest day as we enter the Smokies on Saturday. GSMNP contains 72 miles of the AT. Expect to complete in 6/7 days So glad I started my hike on March 9 instead of my original March 23 start date. We have been blessed with incredible hiking weather.Random Thoughts;Cardio workouts with weights in pack are necessary to handle climbs.Hiking with a group, instead of alone helps with expenses and loneliness Descents are more difficult for me than ascents, harder on knees. Many hikers use Cho Pat device to help
Date: 2016-03-25
From: Fontana Dam Shelter 

To: Fontana Dam Shelter 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Today was a "zero day", i.e., no hiking. It is my first zero day since March 9 start. Needed the rest as we prepare to enter Smoky Mountains tomorrow. SMNP has 72 miles including a huge climb to begin. We went into Bryson City NC to eat lunch and resupply. Trip was courtesy of Robert Hester, Volunteer Dave's brother. Another example of trail magic, thank you Robbie! We had our first ride in the back of a pickup truck last night,as we were shuttled from Shelter to Fontana Village Inn, it was raining during trip. All part of the AT experience.Included is a picture of our five person AT crew, average age 58.5. Great group, that has been an inspiration. Remember the old saying, "walk a mile for a Camel", Steve the Hiker walked 2 miles off trail to buy a couple of packages of Marlboro cigarettes. He really wanted them.Random Thoughts Plan climbs early in the morning, if possible. Hike smarter, not harder, i.e., plan.Most hikers prefer tenting vs. shelters, no mice,privacy and fear of NorovirusJournal entries may be delayed as I enter Smokies, coverage issues.Thanks for support and encouragement!