morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-06-20
To: Pinkham Notch to Wildcat Mountain Gondola
Miles today: 0.0

The last day of Spring. "Hike the Entire AT in One Day" Day. Mt. Washington ("Yes, but there's only one hill...") Road Race. What a lot going on! We picked a short climb up the Wildcats, just so Dr. Suuz could point out how far she has come in three short years...As a woman said at the dinner table the other night at Galehead Hut,"You know the AT is steep when you can reach out and touch it. You know it's REALLY steep when you don't have to reach out!" Amen, sister, amen!Did I mention the gorgeous weather?
Date: 2015-07-06
To: Speed Record Attempt
Miles today: 0.0

As both long distance hikers and long distance runners, it has been easy for us to get sucked into following world renowned ultra runner Scott Jurek¢s attempt to set a new speed record (that is, FKT or ¢fastest known time¢) for the trail. The final week before his 46 day, 11 hour, and 20 minute total time deadline has turned into a real nail biter, with badass New Hampshire and Maine making it tough to regain time he lost to early injuries.In the true spirit of ¢Hike Your Own Hike,¢ the intrepid N. Trovert, when reaching the AT at Troutville today on our way back home from his 50th high school reunion, was compelled to go after a speed record of his own.Although he was unable to set a new mark, N was successful in tying the existing speed record for running THE ENTIRE (width of the) APPALACHIAN TRAIL, completing the feat in just .26 second, and doing it completely unsupported! Not bad for an almost 68 year old man. Eat your heart out, Scott Jurek!!!
Date: 2012-03-07
To: 3,2,1,.......Blastoff!!!!!!!
Miles today: 0.0

It's finally here! Time to catch a plane to Georgia! Business sold - check, house sold - check, car sold - check. Dog and cats at foster homes - done. Yikes! What have we done? With so many endings, lots of room for new beginnings. LOTS of room. To each and everyone who has offered a helping hand, words of encouragement, a place to stow stuff, and a Bon Voyage, thank you! Time to take a walkA Herculean effortAtlas shrugs againHere we go!!!!!
Date: 2012-03-08
From: Springer Mountain

To: Justus Creek Campground
Miles today: 14.3

"We Have Liftoff!!"We had a great trip into Atlanta airport yesterday and got picked up by Leigh from "Hiker Hostel." I can't say enough good things about their service - airport pick up after a ride on the MARTA train to North Springs. Then a shuttle to Wal-Mart for those needing a few more supplies or dinner.   They also do a daily pickup at Woody Gap at 5 pm 20 miles up the trail for those ready for a break.Breakfast was yummy, and we were soon loaded up and on our way to the parking lot off Forest Service Road 42. The clouds were so low we drove through them on the way up. Four Army trucks were ahead, so it was comforting to know they were there if we went over the edge. At the parking lot, we all filed out - Mis-placed Moose, Paul, Emma, and Huff & Puff. Our bunk mates, Justin and Lettia, didn't make the shuttle. Justin was quite ill - I suggested the Trail name "Casper" do to his appearance this morning. They decided to spend another night at the hostel.We hit the trail, and the trail hit back. Thank you Puff and Jon for all the long hours on the Stairmaster!We climbed up to Springer Mt for the start. Met my first ridge runner - John. He promises to meet us again in Maine at Abol Bridge. Crossed fingers!The heavy mist from the morning cleared by noon, and we really started to move. Got to our planned stop, Hawk Mt shelter, by 2 pm and decided to push on. Mistake. Dragged in to Justus Creek at 5:40pm and hustled like crazy to set camp before the rain hit.   We decided to try be done every day before 4pm. Long day -good miles-glad to be started.Georgia has red dirtRoots, rocks, boulders and mudWe covered them all
Date: 2012-03-09
From: Justus Creek Campground

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

"A Rainy Night in Georgia!"Last night was a real frog choker. After getting snuggled into bed, the rain started. Our tent had not yet been tested, so here was the chance. I told Puff that if it got real bad to hang onto the tent poles. Soon the rain was so loud we had to yell to hear one another.   The wind was whipping, and the poles were grabbed. But you can only do that so long........   Finally things quieted down. Only a little water around the edges. I have much more faith going forward in how good a tent she is.Today was an easier day.Not easy, but easier. There are new camping restrictions this year for a five mile section that bear canisters are required for campers. To skip those five miles, we had to revise yesterday. Just as well, since as we passed Hawk Mt, the Army was practicing heavy machine gun and artillery fire, along with small arms intermixed. Man, is that LOUD.Not much wildlife so far. A chittering squirrel, a few robins, chickadees and juncos. I did look up in time to see a Pileated woodpecker flying between the leafless trees. It's definitely still winter here, but grass is greening up and buds are swelling on the branches.We hit the campground at 4pm. and found it quite full. Ended up camping on an older part of the Trail. It was nice to hear the gurgling water through the night. Again very tired.Balance can be learned.When to push and when to pull.Missteps can cause pain.
Date: 2012-03-10
From: Lance Creek

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: clear sky

It almost seems real now. For the first few days, I have had to remind myself that this is really happening. After so much planning, I have kind of played it in my mind how the Trail would be. Fun, but challenging. Today was short, but intense going over Blood Mt. The elevation changed 1325 ft in 2 miles.We are treating ourselves to bunks at Neel's Gap. A shout out for our first mail drop to Shipping Sherpa. THANKS for the Snicker's Bars!Showers, clean laundry, and a full food bag-what more can a gal ask for!?!Bunk house is full tonight- Camel, from our first day, Hawkeye, A Marine vet we met yesterday at Woody Gap, and the gentleman who camped next to us last night-need to find out his name. Baltimore Jack walked us thru the store-an amazing amount of merchandise. I got some new socks since the ones I'm wearing are getting pretty worn. Puff had them strip her pack-nothing taken out, but nicely rearranged and they replaced the chest strap she lost the 1st day. All is good!Pirate is making chili for dinner, and may score a hot breakfast in the am. After freezing last night, I'm looking forward to a good night's sleep!!!!!Three days on the trailOne blister to show for itOne guy flying home.(A bear ate all his food last night.....)
Date: 2012-03-11
From: Neel's Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

"Never quit on a bad day, and never waste a good day"Pirate made some yummy blueberry pancakes this morning. A shorter night with the time change. Almost a full bunk house-17 warm, snoring bodies all together. Someone's alarm went off at 5:45am. Woof.Another beautiful day with "MUDs" , meaning many ups and downs. Saw some sign of bear on the trail-fur and claw marks on tree trunks. The Bear Bag is hung FAR from the tent tonight. In camp with us is Camel, Paul who I suggested "Snorting Ox" after sharing a few nights in his vicinity, and a few others around the campfire. The "privys" in the woods are primitive, but more fun than digging a "cat hole. "Climbing out of a gap with a full food bag and fuel load was a new experience. We tried to eat the heaviest things for dinner. Trying to skip Hiawassee for a reapply, but may also depend on weather. Took a hot water bottle to bed tonight-heaven!Hope no one here tonight snores.......We hike up and down.The mountaintops are gorgeousThere are no flat spots.
Date: 2012-03-12
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cheese Factory Campsite
Miles today: 13.4

No Rain, No Pain, No MaineWoke up in a cloud this morning. The mist was so heavy Puff couldn't find the Bear Bag hung 30 yards away up the slope. We had a tough start-not much fun getting going with everything wet. A few miles in, legs loosened up and the hiking came easier. I'm becoming very familiar with elevation profiles. Part of today's trail is in the picture.We stopped for lunch at Blue Mt shelter, and were quickly joined by others-Paul and Emma who called it a day there and then. Next came a gentleman who said his trail name was Nak. I asked him where that came from. His answer, and I quote,"My real name is Ed."Today's trail took us through sections of rock piles with mossy downed trees. The footing was slick and treacherous. Paul said it reminded him of New Zealand. Hope some day to make that comparison.It was tough in the rain, and setting up camp in the rain is no picnic, especially if everything is already wet. Ok, I'm done whining.Camped tonight at the Cheese Factory campsite. Apparently in the mid 1800s this was the site of a dairy farm well known for its award-winning cheeses. Little is visible of that time, other than some foundation work around the water source and a road that I can easily imagine as a wagon trail. Forgot/was too lazy to hang the food bags in the pouring rain tonight. Of course I then spent the night listening for a bear. About 3am, between the raindrops, I decided after hearing 4 sniff/snorts to wake up Puff. I yelled out, "there's something out there! Throw out the food bags!". So put we tossed them into the rain. I later decided the sound I heard was Puff's feet shifting inside her sleeping bag. A long night..........
Date: 2012-03-13
From: Cheese Factory Campsite

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

Soggy tent this morning, but an intact Huff and Puff! Started the day uphill, like almost every day. We stopped at Tray Mt Shelter for a late breakfast and water. Runoff, who is a nurse in the military, was there talking to a section hiker. The gnats were terrible, but the company pleasant, so we stayed awhile. Tray Mt is second highest on GA. The tops of the mountains were just peeking above the cloud-filled valleys. Since my phone was going phooey, I used my other camera to get a picture, which I hope to post later. The end of the day found us at Deep Gap shelter. Just off the trail, by the water source was a gentleman who looked miserable. We stopped to make inquiry. His trail name is Bahala Na. I asked if it was Hindu. No, he replied, from New Guinea. He had sprained his ankle, but was out of food and needed to hike another 3 miles or so to hitch a ride into Hiawassee for more food. We were nearly out ourselves. I gave him some pain meds and left him some medical tape to tape up his ankle. Wish I had taken the time to learn more first aid.There were many people at the shelter drying out from yesterday's rain. We strung up a clothes line and emptied our packs. Runout showed up there along with Paul and Emma. A really nice hiker named Russell heard we were low on food and generously shared what he had since he is quitting tomorrow. Trail Magic! Tonight's sky was unbelievable. I have never seen the stars so bright! A good day!
Date: 2012-03-14
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

Leaving Deep Gap Shelter we were first on the trail, as is typical. Us old ladies start early and just keep on going! I had a bad feeling about skipping Hiawassee, but decided to just leave it be. Many of the folks we've been traveling with were headed there to resupply.As we passed the road into Hiawassee at Dick's Creek Gap, who should we see but Bahala Na all wrapped up in a sleeping bag. He said he made it into town for food resupply the night before (on a sprained ankle), but hitched back out since he couldn't afford to spend the night. Sheesh! This trail is hard enough without adding financial worries on top.We continued on into NC at Bly Gap. Boy, was I glad to see that sign to know the day's hike was over. Camped next to a spring with more bugs than should be possible. I dug out my bug net, but found out that good ole DEET did the trick. One other camper tonight-didn't really socialize , probably due to the bugs and exhaustion. One state down!
Date: 2012-03-15
From: Bly Gap

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

Early this morning we had a visitation of owls at the spring next to our tent. There must have been 3 or more hooting and screeching. What a sound!There were two more guys in the coin area when we woke up. Never heard them arrive.Headed uphill for quite a ways this morning. Much prettier day today. At first. Got to Standing Indian Shelter and stopped for water at the creek, when the thunder started. The trail went up another 750 ft from there. "Never go outside when it's thundering!" - I can hear my Mother's warning. We hung at the shelter with a hiker named "Cosmic John". He proceeded to entertain us with an explanation of how he keeps a cadence hiking without poles. God bless anyone who hikes without poles. I'd be dead three times over without mine.When a blue spot appeared overhead amongst the clouds we made a break for it. The trail so far in NC is a gentler grade than in GA. We scampered another 7.5 miles over standing Indian Mt to Carter Gap by 5:30pm. Longest day so far. A nice group was at the shelter to join. By the way, when we list a shelter, that means we are camping there. We haven't stayed IN a shelter yet. The mouse stories are too graphic.This shelter was pitched against a hill, so there was an understory where 2 people slept-called the dungeon. The main bunk space was creepy dark-don't exactly know how many were there. We camped under some rhododendron which made a nice screen. As I made my last nature call of the night in the woods, I heard a big crash. Puff had fallen off the shelter table while hanging her pack for the night. She was bruised and banged up mightily.We heard thunder for about 2 hrs before the storm struck. Big wind and rain, but we felt cozy in our spot. A good day.Shout out to the folks at New Trent! Huff is using the New Trent IMP500 to extend the life of her iPhone but somewhere along the trail, the charging cable got misplaced. Shipping Sherpa contacted New Trent and they came to the rescue, immediately sending out a replacement part for Huff to pick up at a mail drop. Awesome customer service! Check them out at www.NewTrent.com
Date: 2012-03-16
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

I love rhododendrons. Camping under them is good shelter. They provide shade while hiking. They usually let you know when you're near the summit of a mountain. They frequently mark water sources. In the morning, the leaves droop with dew. Some places they soar over 20 ft. high. Walking straight down the middle of the trail, they may brush both sides of your pack. They become the famed "green tunnel." All good.Puff was pretty sore from last night's fall. Her left leg was not at full strength. Too bad, 'cause 6.5 miles into the day we hit Albert Mt. A boulder scramble that goes straight up. She struggled up to the tower marking the top. Already there was Motown (because of the mix in her iPod), Birdman and Animal.We had been leap-frogging with Animal the whole morning. He first catches one's attention. Due to the fact he hikes carrying a 5 gallon plastic pail. "It's my sink, my wash bucket, my chair...". He also has a pan strapped to his pack. He was kind enough to show us his pay dirt, literally, filled with fragments of gold and rubies. I guess the first gold rush in the USA was in Georgia. Another fact learned on this journey.We passed 100 miles today! Planned on a shorter day to celebrate, but everyone walking by asked if we were going to the Trail Magic at Rock Gap. So, we extended the day from 7 to 12 miles. Yikes.At Rock Gap was a group of college students from Ohio Wesleyan University. They were spending Spring Break camping and hiking and decided on their last day to do trail magic. Awesome! Pigged out on a bagel, cookies, hummus, cheese. Missed out on the pizza that came earlier, but that was just fine.   They had a trail journal they asked people to sign that also posed 2 questions: What has been your most memorable experience so far, and, How have you experienced community on the trail. Hard questions. I'll carry them as I go along. In the meanwhile, THANKS!
Date: 2012-03-17
From: Rock Gap Selter

To: Winding Stair Gap/Franklin, NC
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we did a nero. (A near zero mileage day). We hit the highway just as two cars pulled in to the parking lot. I kinda got excited at our first chance to yogi a ride into town. But I also knew the shuttle to Ron Haven's motels should be showing up soon. LONG story short, the two cars were hikers getting ready to start at Springer Mt. that were setting up their drop boxes as they drove towards the beginning. Trail Magic? One guy actually knows my brother, and they offered to drive us into town. Awesome! Hey bro, hook me up so I can buy this guy a tank of gas and car wash for what we did to his back seat! Thanks to Megapixel and Tick-TockWe were dropped off at "The Budget Inn" run by Ron Haven. Ok place. Cleaned up and did laundry (woo hoo!). Then went to Outdoors76, the local outfitter. Got more socks ( ones I wouldn't spend the money on before we started ). Puff got a custom-made belt from 1" webbing. Too much weight loss, so her pants were falling down. Also got a new rain cover for her pack Got soaked in the last rainAsked there for the best place in town for a burger and a beer and got sent to "Mulligan's". Good recommendation! Got to see a leprechaun! Bought snacks at the "Hot Spot", a glorified gas station, and crashed for the night. Heavy thunderstorm tonight....good to be indoors, even if the springs are coming through the mattress. Nite!
Date: 2012-03-18
From: Winding Stair Gap/Franklin, NC

To: Wayah
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

Ron Haven himself drove the shuttle back to the trail this am. He is a tireless promoter of Franklin, and a wealth of trail knowledge.We got off with 4 other people, and we're quickly passed by all. That's pretty typical. We start early, walk late, and frequently end up in the same places as the people who pass us during the day. Another good weather day. Late in the day found us at the top of Wayah Bald in a handsome stone tower looking out over miles of mountains - from Clingman's Dome 28 miles to the north, back to Albert Mt. Gorgeous, but didn't photograph well. Only one other person in camp tonight - a German fellow named Rolf. Walked fast, said little. An especially pretty site to fetch water, but a bit of a walk from camp. Good day!
Date: 2012-03-19
From: Wayah Shelter

To: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: scattered clouds

A long day with many ups and downs, plus one major down to the Nantahala Gorge. One section is called "The Jump-off". Dropped the poles and bare handed it down the rocks. Even Puff's knees were screaming by the end of the day. Stopped short of NOC as it got too late in the day. We were the only ones at the site, except for strange sounds by the evening birds. Another beautiful campsite. The wildflowers are beginning to come out in full force. Ah, Spring.
Date: 2012-03-20
From: A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: broken clouds

NOC rocks! Thanks Shipping Sherpa for the Drop Box, the cookies, and the love! A beautiful complex with much going on-an outfitter, a excellent restaurant, a general store, bunk houses and rafting company. The red bud trees are in full bloom. Met back up with Runout, Rolf, Eric from on Wayah Tower, Motown and her crew. Kinda felt like a class reunion. It was hard to get back on the trail-especially since the next 7 miles was all up. And up. And up. Campsite was slanted- long night spent sliding down the tent floor. Need to work on that. Maybe some silicone on the Neo-Air. Loving the warm weather, but the bug bites are driving me a bit nuts.
Date: 2012-03-21
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cody Gap Campsite
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: few clouds

Rolled out early on a foggy morning. More up to start the day, ugh. I keep waiting for trail legs to kick in. Not yet. Trail magic in the form of cokes and cookies at Stecoah Gap at lunch time. Within a mile, we figured out why someone took pity. The trail went practically straight up. Literally. Someone said this was called "jacob's ladder". I called it hell the pitch has to be greater than 45 degrees. Wouldn't want to have a roofing job on that slope. Many hikers were going for Fontana Dam, which was a 20 mile day, but our knees were not up to that. Set up the tent and were joined by Magpie for the night. Nice to meet a new hiker. We all shared sore knee woes. Fontana Dam tomorrow!
Date: 2012-03-22
From: Cody Gap Campsite

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: broken clouds

Got going early to catch a shuttle to the "Hike Inn" and resupply in Robbinsville. We were considering taking a zero tomorrow to rest knees, but there is no price break for a second night's stay, so I think we'll move on tomorrow. More downhill to the dam. You can see it for miles, but many long switchbacks to finally get here. Nice restrooms in the marina parking lot. Said goodbye to Magpie - perhaps we'll meet again. Tomorrow - The Great Smokey Mts!
Date: 2012-03-23
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We got a ride back to the Marina this morning from Jeff. This included a lecture on bears, snakes, ticks, and feral hogs. Welcome to the Smokies. Puff was a bit ticked when I made him drop us off exactly where we stopped last night. She was pushing for the trail head which would have saved 2.8 milesTook me a mile to catch up with her.The trail up was well switch backed. We got to Shuckstack Mt. before the rain started. We hiked past our planned campsite to the first shelter. Inside was Ridge runner Karl. Karl urged us to continue to the next shelter 2.8 miles further. Us and 9 other people, since he was sure it was empty. Unnnnhuh.First time in a shelter. Good thing. Major thunderstorms. Shelters are good, but......Heard ruffed grouses beating the bushes all day long. Such a cool sound.Smokies are cool.
Date: 2012-03-24
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: broken clouds

Well, according to Puff, we've taken care of the change. Meaning we have 2 thousand miles to go - the first 184 don't really mean much. Tell that to my body!!               Puff.         HuffBlisters.      0.               5.Falls.         1.               6.Well, it was pretty day with great views from Rocky Top Mt. Beautiful! Another rainy night on the way.