morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-01-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The New Year Begins.    I began 2005 in the best way possible for a thruhiker wannabe. On the last day of 2004 I left the Amicalola Visitor center with a 28 lb pack, walked through the Arch and did the Aproach trail in 5 hours. Not great but I was happy with it with the amount of prep I have done. When I got to the top, took a picture of the Plaque and then wandered down to the shelter. One of the first people I ran up on was the one and only Lone Wolf. Spent the afternoon with several hikers whose names I recognized from Whiteblaze. Wacocelt (Alpha) was there starting his nobo attempt. Heidi from Trailjournals.com arrived just after dark. Backyard Boogie had came up the trail just before me. Hog on Ice had a great little homemade candle lantern that ran on olive oil, pretty impressive. Goon brought up about 2 lbs of brownies that last 2.3 minutes. Later in the evening Stumpnocker and Hippie long Stockings showed up. It was like being at a hikers woodstock. Sloe Toe and his boys brought a ton of food up, I could not believe how much. Bratwurst, Beer, pastries, chips&dip , candy.Good food, great stories and fantastic people. More fun than I could have hoped for. Torch arrived for the last day of his Sobo hike and the party. The term I heard him say was a little happy and a little sad at the same time. The next morning had a great breakfast complete with juice that Sloe toe and boys supplied. Saw Wacocelt, Heidi, and two more that I didn't get the names start their thruhike. It was hard not to leave with them. Packed up and hiked down the mountain to my car. Just under 5 hours, nice slow easy pace. Two beautiful days of weather, not a normal day in Jan. for sure.. Drove home and crashed for 10 hours.. Oh Yea I'm fired up Now... Paladin
Date: 2005-02-25
To: Springer
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hello everyone, just a note to say that this in the final entry before I start on the trail.. I have had a great time my last week at home. Family and friends and good food. A little golf with my Son and watching my grandsons play sports. Now to the business at hand. We leave tomorrow AM. for the State Park, spend the night and then start early Sunday 27th Feb as planned. There will probably about one week lag time for the entries because of the mail to my transcriber (Sister) who will then post the journal. See you up trail,,, Paladin
Date: 2005-02-26
To: The Start
Miles today: 0.0

Hello Everyone, One of the best days of my life, drove to The visitor centerand did all the things that thruhikers do. I signed in weighed the pack (see photo) then drove to the FS 42 parking lot. Most of my family hiked to the springer summit with me. My mom who is 72 hiked up in 25 minutes and was not even breathing hard! The support that everyone has given me is Amazing, My son and future daughter in law drove from Paris Island SC to see me off. My parents rode 400 miles to be there. Thanks everyone, Tommy for driving them, Allison and Dave great job on the photos already. Melissa hope school is going great.Tomorrow, It begins!!!!   The Paladin GA/Me 05
Date: 2005-02-27
From: Spring Mt.

To: Hawk Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.6

I had a nice easy day. The trail was a lot of downhill. I walked with Cindy and Barb for a little while, but was mostly by myself. I decided to stop early because of bad weather moving in and the miles to the next shelter were also a factor. The people at this shelter were: Ross from Maryland, Train from Virginia and Cindy & Barb from Florida to name a few and there were also a bunch of spring breakers. It rained most of the night which made the decision to stay the right one.                                    Paladin-Ga.-Me.-05
Date: 2005-02-28
From: Hawk Mt. Shelter

To: Gouch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.3

Another short day. Hiked about 4 hours, stopped for lunch and didn't leave. Weather was steady drixxle, sky obscured, visibility less than 1/4 mile in fog and rain. The rain stopped about dark. Tomorrow should be better. I plan to try a 12 mile day tomorrow so we have a 5 o'clock wake up call with the alarm guy.   No wildlife today. Even the birds were walking. Hikers today were: Train, Lady Hawk, Ross, Kid again and loads of Florida spring breakers. The shelter is loaded with people--having loads of fun. Yogied my first stuff today--A jar of instant coffee--Life is good!                                       Paladin Ga-Me.-05
Date: 2005-03-01
From: Goose Gap Shelter

To: Neel's Gap (Hostell)
Miles today: 15.6

Very long tough day. I started hiking over an hour before daylight, using my headlamp. Weather was good until sunrise, then it started snowing. Mountain obscured--almost whiteout conditions and "cold" @ 16 degrees with 25 mph winds on Blood Mtn. The 12 mile day would have left me at "Woods Hole" with snow still falling , so I hiked all the way to Neel's Gap--15.6 miles. The snow and ice on Blood Mtn. made it very difficult. Hikers today: Train, Ross, Kid Again, and a pair of newlyweds.   A hot shower and pizza made it all better! See Ya--Paladin                                                          Ga.-Me.-05
Date: 2005-03-02
From: Neel's Gap (Hostell)

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

Great day--Weather clear, cold. Started late but made it into Low Gap Shelter about 4:30. Made dinner of noodles and tuna with snacks.   Hiker at the shelter was Senor Nobs Shorts, which is Ross' new trail name. I'm tired so I'm turning in a 6:15.                                       Paladin--Ga-Me-05
Date: 2005-03-03
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Rocky Mountain Campsite
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: few clouds

Weather is cold, clear with lots of wind. Stopped in at Blue Mountain Shelter for lunch and then hiked down into Union Gap. Took a short break in the gap and then hiked up to the top of Rocky Mountain to the campsite.    Spent the night alone. Clear night, lots of stars out. Had chili and cocoa for dinner and I'm going to bed.                                    Paladin-Ga-Me-05
Date: 2005-03-04
From: Rocky Mountain Campsite

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

Very tough day hiking. Lots of tough climbs--Tray Mtn, Kelly's Knob. Got to the shelter early about 4:00. Met three hikers from Florida, Steve, Janis, and Melissa. Very nice people who built a great fire and had a good evening talking and drinking coffee. Just myself and one other hiker in the shelter. His name is Alan, 19, from Jackson, MS. I soon will be asleep.                                           Paladin-Ga-Me-05
Date: 2005-03-05
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel
Miles today: 3.5

Slept late. Got up and made a bacon, egg, and cheese omelet. Then an easy walk downhill to Ga. 76 at Dick's Creek Gap. A very nice man who was sitting in the parking lot gave me a ride to the Blueberry Patch. His name was Tater. He through hiked in 2000. Senior Nobs and the Noname Newlyweds here tonight   So many nice people out here. The patch is a must stop place. Tomorrow morning we get pancakes for breakfast and then more adventure.                                       Paladin-Ga-Me-05
Date: 2005-03-06
From: Blueberry Patch Hostel

To: Muskrat Creek shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

The day started with Gary and Lennie Podeat's pancake breakfast. Good food and then a ride back to the trail for free. Started hiking about 10:00. Good trails, fairly easy hiking. Had lunch at the Ga/NC state line. Then the trail went very steep. Straight up out of "Bly Gap". Pretty tired when I got to Muskrat Creek Shelter about 4:30. Had a nice fire and chatted for a while. In bed by 8:00. Hikers with me today were: the no-name newlyweds (Kirk and Lisa), Senor Nobs and some Spring Break kids. One state down--13 to go!                                    Paladin Ga/Me 05
Date: 2005-03-07
From: Muskrat Creek shelter

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

First half of the day was beautiful. Good trails with some long climbs. Started hiking about 8:15 and made good time. Started raining on us about 1:30 and rained on us until we reached the shelter. Im the shelter about 5:00, dry and listening to the rain until bedtime about 7:30. Still hiking with the same family, Kirk, Lisa and Senor Nobs. The Spring Break kids are trailing along, but will leave soon.
Date: 2005-03-08
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

The big thing of the day was we went over our first 100 miles of the trail. That may not sound like a lot but in these mountains--it is!. we awoke to a winter wonderland of 24 degrees with snow and ice. Good hiking, the snow gave some traction and cushioned our feet from the roots and rocks. Hiking with the same people. Having fun and hanging out. Train is slack packing and is still just keeping up with us. Maybe one day he will leave that motel and see the real trail.                                       Paladin Ga-Me-05
Date: 2005-03-09
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Burnington Gap
Miles today: 18.4

   Long tough day. Weather was clear and cold. Crossed "Siler Bald", "Wayah Bald". Lots of ups and downs, hard hiking. Some great views and lots of snow to walk through. Decided to try for "Cold Spring Shelter" because of weather forecast and poor camping with the snowpack. As we were coming into Burnington Gap, we found Mr. Apple and his dome setup. The man is amazing, What trail magic! He fed us hotdogs and hot chocolate and we slept inside with heat!! I love his heater!! Same family for today, Kirk, Lisa and Senor Nobs.                                       Paladin Ga-Me-05
Date: 2005-03-10
From: Burnington Gap

To: Wesser, NC NOC
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

 We reluctantly left the dome about 8:30 am. The ground was covered with snow and I left the first tracks on the trail for the day. High elevations, lots of snow. The weather was clear most of the day. Stopped at Wesser Bald and climbed the fire tower and had lunch. You could see the Smokies and for miles in any direction. The view was unbelievable! We almost ran into Wesser, NC and the N.O.C. Hot showers, a famous Wesser burger and laundry. I think I will do short miles tomorrow and let the old bones rest. Some heel pain today but I feel myself getting stronger every day. Life is good!Paladin Ga-Me-05PS--Hiking with the same people.(My group)
Date: 2005-03-11
From: Wesser, NC NOC

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

   Woke up early, another hot shower and then went back down the hill to the River's End for breakfast . Having coffee, listening to Hip Hop on the kitchen radio. Weather clear and cool so far. Started hiking about 10:30. Decided to do a short day to let the body recover some. The climb out of Wesser goes from 1550 feet to 4750 feet at the shelter. Thats a lot of ups!! The snow started about 13:30 so I had to hike in blasting snow and high winds for about 2 hours.   In the shelter tonight, Overhill, another thru hiker, and Will, from Atlanta. My group stayed in NOC for another day. They will probably catch me in a couple of days or at least by Fontana.    Temperature cold at 25 degees and snowing tonight. The weather at 5000 feet is a lot different than it is at 1500 feet!                     Paladin Ga-Me-05
Date: 2005-03-12
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Another beautiful weather day. About 32 degrees when we woke up, but the sunrise was very pretty. I made pancakes and bacon for breakfast to give me some energy for the climb over Cheoah Bald which is over 5000 ft. high.   Not much, just a lot of ups and downs. Decided to quit early since I am exactly on my schedule yesterday and today--149.9 miles in 14 days. Averaging 10.7 miles per day with no zero days. I have to pick up the miles, but this terrain has been very tough.   4:00 oclock and so far I am the only one at the shelter. Hope my buddies make it but 16 miles from NOC to here is a killer day.    The clan made it about 16:30. Kirk, Lisa, Senor Nobs, and a couple more.                                       Paladin Ga-Me-05
Date: 2005-03-13
From: Brown Fork Shelter

To: Fontana Hilton Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light rain

Started hiking early around 07:15. We got hot showers this afternoon so we were motivated. Got to NC 28 and "Moonpie" (Ga/Me 04) was doing trail magic at the marina. Salad, chicken, chips and beer, it was fabulous!   Got to the shelter about 14:30 and Moonpie gave us a ride to the showers. She was sooo... helpful. Senor Nobs went to town again.   In the shelter tonight: Kirk, Lisa, and a section hiker named Charlie. Thunderstorms rolled through during the night. Tomorrow--the Smokies!!                                          Paladin Ga-Me-05
Date: 2005-03-14
From: Fontana Hilton Shelter

To: Mollie's Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

We left the shelter about 9:30, Kirk had to pick up their mail drop and we wanted to get a group picture at the Dam. Started into the Smokies about 10:15 and the climb went uphill at a lot of elevation gain in the first 4 miles. Had some great views from Shuck Stack fire tower. A lot of uphill with the heavier pack. (more food). Weather stayed nice and I got to the shelter about 4pm. In the shelter tonight: Senor Nobs, Kirk, Lisa, and Charlie a section hiker doing the Smokies again.                              Paladin Ga-Me-05
Date: 2005-03-15
From: Mollie's Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

   Today just gave me out. I started running out of energy about the 9 mile marker. Started having pain in both heels so I just decided to stay at the shelter. The big thing for today, crossing Rocky Top Mt. from the song by the same name. Forecast is for bad weather tonight and my feet have been wet all day from the slush and water. In the shelter tonight: Charlie and the trail --icon--Hippy Longstockings. Tomorrow rain and snow!                                    Paladin Ga-Me-05
Date: 2005-03-16
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light snow

   Late start this morning. Raining outside and foggy. Finally made myself leave after a fun night talking with Hippy about her trail adventures, but had to go. The trip up and over Clingman's Dome would have been better with ice skates but I made good time. Rain and snow and freezing temps made for a tough hike after I got wet early. Got into Mt. Collins Shelter about 6:30 pm and got into my bag to warm up. Most of my stuff except for the bag is wet.                                             Paladin Ga-Me-05
Date: 2005-03-17
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: light rain

The Smokies did not beat me but the weather did send me off the mountains. Another 3 inches of snow in the high trails plus still wet clothing said, --go to town! Hippy had mentioned the night before about sharing the cost of a room so now it really sounded like a good idea.    Just before I got to New Found Gap, I met a ridgerunner who told me that Hippy was just ahead of me and wanted to go to Gatlinburg. I caught up with her at the Gap and it took about 25 minutes to get a ride and " all you can eat buffet" at Shoney's. Hot shower and all is right with the world again. Made phone calls and went to sleep in a real bed.                                          PALADIN gA-mE-05PS Went over the 200 mile mark today!!
Date: 2005-03-18
From: Gatlinburg

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 20: Hard to leave the motel but the weather was too good to let go to waste. Got back to the trail at 11:00 after an early lunch we picked up at the Happy Hiker Outfitters. Hippy bought some fuel and I bought an extra pair of socks.    Charlie's Bunion was great. A sign up there says to control your kids, but Hippy was climbing all over the rocks. Got some great pictures! With the late start, could not make the next shelter by night so we decided to stay here.   In the shelter: Hippy Longstockings and three section hikers.                                    Paladin Ga-Me-05
Date: 2005-03-19
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Stealth Campsite
Miles today: 15.7

Day 21: In the Smokies, you have to stay at the shelters and if they are full, the hikers have to give up space in the shelter and camp next to the shelters. We decided that since the shelter was full (Saturday night), we would stay at this great little place that we found. It had the best view and it was warmer than the shelter.We had it all to ourselves and we got to see a beautiful sunset and hope for a great sunrise!                                       Paladin Ga-Me-05
Date: 2005-03-20
From: Stealth Campsite

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 22: Left our little hideaway about 7:30 and hiked back to the AT. Flew off the mountain and made the hostel about 11:45. Laundry done, shower done, life is good.      Have to go through gear and food. Pack is too heavy, as always. It's a constant battle.                                          Paladin Ga-Me-05
Date: 2005-03-21
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

To: Old Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

Day 23: Big day. Started about 8:15. Hiked up and over Snowbird , then Max Patch. Max Patch is a popular place with lots of traffic. Its a big, bald, very windy place, but it has good views.I made it into Old Roaring Fork Shelter about 6:30pm. Very nice shelter which I had all to myself. I didn't see many people today. Hippy passed me about 1:30 and I saw a bunch of scouts on Max Patch. Other than that, I was alone all day. Good weather with lots of wind.Paladin Ga-Me-05
Date: 2005-03-22
From: Old Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Elmer's Hot Springs
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 24: Out of the shelter about 8:00am after a big pancake and bacon breakfast. I have to make myself eat sometime. Not much appetite yet. I hiked pretty fast and did the 15 miles by 2:30pm. Good trails, but did'nt see anyone else for almost 24 hours. Where are the crowds? I plan to take my first zero day tomorrow.   I will get some more insoles to help with the heel pain and try some other gear to try and lose some pack weight. I love Elmer's Bed and Breakfast. I plan to sleep late and be lazy tomorrow.                                 Paladin Ga-Me-05
Date: 2005-03-23
From: Elmer's Hot Springs

To: Elmer's Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Day 25: Yes, my first zero day after 24 days. Not bad for an old man. I had a great breakfast, then spent most of the day at the Bluff Mountain Outfitters hangin out with the one and only Baltimore Jack.(Legend)   After dinner, went to the Paddlers Rib to chat with other hikers in town. In town tonight: Train, Corduroy, Heidi, Feather, and 4 more that I didn't hear names for. Baltimore Jack joined us and gave us lots of advice for the trail. Lots of fun and laughter.                                    Paladin Ga-Me-05
Date: 2005-03-24
From: Elmer's Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountaln Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 26.   Late leaving Hot Springs because I had to wait for the outfitterto open so I could get a couple of things. As slways a hard climb out of town but a real pretty part of the trail with a nice spot by a pond to take a break.The eleven miles seemed harder but maybe I got soft taking a zeroday. In the shelter tonight:Four Cheese,Mark and a section hiker fromAshville. Paladin GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-03-25
From: Spring Mountaln Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Day 27 Good early start and hiking fast until Allen Gap whereFal and hercules were doing trail magic.Hot soup,cold juice andice cream pie!! We ate and then waddled on back to the trail,much slower now for the climb up and over Rich Mountain.I seem to be running out of energy in the afternoon and slowing down.I am going to change my diet to include more carbs at the nextre-supply.The Superfeet seem to be helping with the heel painand the miles are gradually going up! Paladin GA-ME-05P.S. In the shelter tonight: Four Cheese and Mark are here withme.
Date: 2005-03-26
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

Day 28.I left the shelter about 8:15. Four Cheese and Mark had already left so I didn't have to watch them fly by me. The younger hikers hike much faster but we end up at the same place most days. Milestone: I went over the 300 miles mark on the A.T. I am getting there! The Gaps and Mountains names seem to run together but other things stand out. Today I passed the grave of the Shelton Brothers who were killed in the Civil War. They were from N.C.. A neat day overall. In the shelter tonight: Four Cheese, Mark, a teacher,Tater, from Charlotte, and myself.   Paladin GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-03-27
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light rain

Day 29.HAPPY EASTER!!I decided to try for my first 20+ miles today and made it. Rain and fog with high winds made the trip over Big Bald Mountain interesting.I could only see about forty yards, but after that it was a lot of downhill to the shelter. Whatever the name of the mountains, one by one, they fall to the sword of the "PALADIN". Tomorrow -Ms.Janet's and showers. It started raining just as I reached the shelter.Glad I didn't tent tonight!!! In the shelter tonight:Four Cheese,Mark,Tater from Charlotte,and myself. A nice group of guys.         Paladin GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-03-28
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Ms. Janet's
Miles today: 6.3

DAY 30.  Short day hiking into town. Rained all night and rained all the way to town. Had to walk an extra mile before we got a ride to Ms.Janet's. Wet and cold but we made it. I cannot say enough about Ms.Janet,super lady,who drove us around town and treated us too good. The place is full (almost)but this is a must stay place for a hike on this part of the A.T. Tomorrow--a good waffle breakfast and back on the trail. I am a little homesick. Maybe because it's Easter and I miss you guys.Paladin GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-03-29
From: Ms. Janet's

To: I ndian Grave GAP
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: clear sky

Day 31    Easy day,decided to get picked up and spend one more night at Ms.Janet's. I have a couple more things to do--get a phone card and send the photos for the journal. This will give my body some time for recovery.      More real food and another shower! Love Ms.Janet's.                                     Paladin Ga-Me-05
Date: 2005-03-30
From: I ndian Grave Gap

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: broken clouds

Day 32.   Hey,three easy days in a row and I feel much better. Evenafter three easy days, I am only one day behind my original schedule.Tomorrow, Four Cheese and I plan to crank out some good miles tostay a little ahead of the herd that just hit Irwin,TN.   The weather forecast is predicting rain for the next few days so I see plenty of "wet" in our future.   Today we crossed Beauty Spot Gap and Unaka Moutain. They say UnakaMT. looks kind of like spring. It is green and real pretty up there.                                    See ya!                                             Paladin GA-ME-05
Date: 2005-03-31
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan High Knob Shelter 
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

Day 33:    I didn't do as many miles as I had planned. Roan Moutain was alittle tougher than I had expected. I am by myself in this restored fire warden's cabin. This shelter is the highest on the AT at 6285 feet.   Its going to be cold and rainy all day tomorrow. Sounds like fun!                                     Paladin   GA-ME-05