morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-03-22
From: Campsite

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Tent was on too much of a slope for a good night's sleep. Up and out of camp today at 8:30. A lot of climbing to the top of Blood Mt which is the highest point on the AT in GA. While it was a tough hike I felt strong and made it to the top for lunch. There is a shelter at the top which is on the National Register of Historical places - s neat stone building which is dark, damp and cold inside. After lunch it was a long steep down hill into Neel's Gap. At the outfitters at Neel's Gap they go through your pack to see if they can advise you on how to lighten your load. I had them go thru my pack and they didn't identify too many things. I sent a few things home to Becky (down to one pair of pants now!) and ditched my water filter which has worked fine for umpteen years and is balky now for Aquamira (a chemical treatment for water). I would have liked to lighten my pack more - good news is that I packed well, bad is I have to carry what I've got. The guy going thru my pack found the rock I had picked up on Springer and written Dylan's name on. He congradulated me on continuing the tradition of taking a rock from Springer to MA. He said I was only the 65th hiker thru todate with a rock.Spending the night at Goose Creek Cabins where I'm sharing a cabin with Ticker, a 68 year old hiker from southern GA. Had a shower which felt great and we're going out to dinner. They do laundry here for $5 per load - pick up and deliver.
Date: 2007-03-23
From: Neels Gap

To: White Oak Stamp
Miles today: 7.3

Had a good dinner last night and slept well. Ticker said I didn't snore! Keith, the owner of Goose Creek Cabins gave us a ride back to Neel's Gap. Since I started so late (10:30) I thought I might stop on top of Cowrock Mt for the night. Got there earlier than I expected so decided to push on. The going down into Testnatee Gap and back out did me in so I loaded up with water at Hogpen Gap and set up at a dry campsite at White Oak Stamp Gap. I thought this would be my first night camping alone and I was looking forward to it. It got up to 80 degrees today - too hot! Looks like we are going to miss rain for a few more days. This is like summer hiking (which I don't like due to the heat and bugs). Gnats are getting bad - limits your stopping time and makes sitting around camp not fun. I'm getting bitten rather often.Hiked a short while today with Cimmeraon - an 85 year old hiker from Pensacola, FL. Bearbag, his friend was hiking with him. He was struggling today but hikes at a steady pace.Well, it wasn't my first night along. Just before dinner Jay and his wife Auga (she is from Poleland and everyone calls her Hiking Pole)came in. Then AmTrac came rolling in. Jay and Auga are from Wisconsin while AmTrac is from Idaho. AmTrac is doing a section hike to Hot Springs then flies out to San Dieago where he starts a hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. AmTrac hiked the AT about 7 years ago.
Date: 2007-03-24
From: White Oak Stamp

To: Blue Mt Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I was on trail by 8:30 heading for Blue Mt Shelter. Most of the miles were fairly easy but it was very hot again today. Easily about 80 degrees. Wore down with the heat but made it to Blue Mt. Shelter at 4:15. Heard that Sandlewood, Cayhoga and Tina are behind me and hopefully they will make it to the Shelter. I'm already losing folks I have been hiking with. Some are ahead of me and some are behind. Jake, who was at the Hiker Hostel and started out with me got ahead of me then we met up at Neel's Gap. He laid up another day there due to sore knees and is now behind me. You have kinda of an elastic community out here.I screwed up my dinner last night - put too little water for the amount of rice. It stuck in my craw and I wasn't able to salvage it. Ended up throwing most of the dinner away. Lack of nutrition plus heat may have caused my struggle today.Being the weekend it is crowded at the shelter. I'm camping beside a group of Scouts doing a training hike for Philmont. AmTrac is also camping with me.
Date: 2007-03-25
From: Blue Mt Shelter

To: Tray Mt Shelter
Miles today: 7.7

Heading out to Tray Mt Shelter today. Even though it is a relatively short distance, I struggled all day getting here. We had some big up and downs but the heat is what did me in. Someone day hiking said today was suppose to set a record high temp. I can believe it! I left Blue Mt at 8:30 and did not get here until 5:00! I asked myself a couple of times today if I really wanted to do this - the answer kept coming back "Yes". It took me an hour to get up Tray Mt. When I got to the top one hiker, Smokestack, had a good thermometer and had a reading of 90 degrees! This on top of a 4000+ mountain.The view from the campsite beside the shelter was great. It is said that on a clear day you can see Atlanta. Got out of the tent to pee at 10:00 and view was like from an airplane at night - lights of the city in the distance and stars shining brightly. Beautiful!
Date: 2007-03-26
From: Tray Mt Shelter

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Set out with goal of making it to Dick's Creek Gap and heading into Hiawassee. As a backup I can stop at Deep Gap. Started out in fog and cool temps! The morning was fairly easy hiking but after lunch I hit Kelly Knob Mt. - a 965 feet gain in elevation in about a mile. Took me an hour to get up to the top. Rest of the way into Dick's Gap was OK but my legs were done by the time I got to the Gap. Had my first Trail Magic at Dick's Gap. Trail Magic is unexpected kindness from strangers. Just before the road was a cooler full of popsicles left by Kismet who had hike the Trail in '03. It was the best popsicle I have ever had!A shuttle from Cloud 9 hostel picked us up. Since they didn't have a single room I got at ride with them into town. I had to wait about a hour and a half to ride into town so didn't get to the hotel until 7:00. While waiting helped them catch trout which they were smoking for dinner. Caught 3 trout with one weighting about 3 lbs. How about that Mark!Room at Holiday Inn Express is my nicest campsite yet.
Date: 2007-03-27
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Nice day with 0 miles. Surprised how busy I kept myself restocking food, doing laundry, etc. Updating the journal took more time than I anticipated. Feel all rested and got to talk to all my family members. Went to dinner tonight at Bennett's Steak House. Went over by myself and ran into a thru-hiker family reunion. A bunch of hikers I have been meeting were in the restaurant and we had a great time catching up with how we were doing, how others that we had met were doing, etc. Ran into Jake, Ticker, Cayahoga, Tina, Jaybeard, Little Pony, Sandlewood and others.A number of hikers are staying at this motel. It's easy to spot each other. If they are wearing rain pants and jacket they are doing laundry. Everyone has Crocs, the camp shoe of choice (lite, comfortable and don't stink so far). If we're just in then we are walking a little tenderly on our feet - creates sort of a wobble. Also we are checking out the hiker box - a cardboard box where folks put extras (more oatmeals in a box than you need to get to Franklin so you leave the extras for others). I checked out this box before I went shopping and found out I didn't need to buy powdered milk for pudding mixes. I left two packets of oatmeal and 1/2 a jar of peanut butter. That's the way it works. Some say you can go a long way without buying anything, just hitting the hiker's box. Sort of limits you choices!I'm heading out tomorrow for Plumorhard Shelter which is only 4.5 miles in. I'll get a late start and an easy day. Should get to Franklin Sunday when, hopefully I can update this journal again.
Date: 2007-03-28
From: Hiawassee

To: Blue Ridge Gap
Miles today: 6.7

Caught a ride with Tina (now Rock Star), Cuyahoga and Bull Dog to Dick's Creek Gap. We started out with the intention of hiking to Plumorchard Shelter (4.6 mi.) but when we got there thought we could do more so pushed on to a campsite just past Blue Ridge Gap. I didn't have the energy or excitement this morning I anticipated. Sort of a malaise. Probably contact with non-trail world, email, etc. It was great talking to everyone. Easy to see how towns and hostels become like black holes to hikers - sucking them in and the hikers have a hard time escaping the gravitational pull. It has been great getting so many notes on my trail journal - thanks everyone for your thoughts, prayers and support. My malaise lifted after I got on the trail. Rock Star hiked on for some more miles.
Date: 2007-03-29
From: Blue Ridge Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

Out of campsite at 8:00 this morning. 2 miles to GA/NC border. Took a picture of me by the sign for Beth. The climb out of Blye Gap was hell - straight up! I made Muskrat Creek Shelter for lunch. Started raining and I hiked all afternoon in the rain and fog. I preferred it to the heat. When I got to Standing Indian Shelter it was full of people getting in out of the rain and trying to get warm. It cleared off about 6:30 (we discovered there was a privy there that no one had seen due to the fog). I had already set up my tent but folks starting moving out of the shelter into tents. Most people prefer to tent due to snoring, farting and mice. We are at a higher elevation (4,760')so the vegetation is more like I'm used to in the mountains.
Date: 2007-03-30
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

It was cold and wet at the shelter last night. The rain stopped but the fog/clouds came in. I had a lot of condensation on the inside of my tent but slept warm. Got on the trail at 8:10 with a 1.5 mile climb up Standing Indian Mountain. I did it in 50 minutes then had a long desent. I stopped at Carter Gap Shelter for lunch and then pushed on to Betty Creek Gap where I camped with Tinker, Bulldog, Rock Star, Cuyohoga, Sandalwood, Jujo and Bone. The Gap looked like an equipment store exploded with gear hung in trees and on bushes to dry from the wet conditions of last night.YouNdumb passed me today. He is the guy hiking big miles. His feet caused him to lay up in Hiawassee so I had passed him despite his big mileage days. He is hiking in his Crocs since his boots are too small. Sandlewood tried to get him to change his trail name but we all agreed the present one is a perfect fit.
Date: 2007-03-31
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

As we broke camp there was a debate as to where we could make it to Franklin, NC today (12.3 miles) and if we wanted to since they were have Trail Fest and there may be problems getting a room. We climbed out of camp up Big Butt Mt. - this is near Chunky Gal Trail, related? We then scrambled up Albert Mt. - a 500' gain in elevation over 0.3 mile! It was a great view but hazy. We all made good time and decided to go into Franklin. I was behind the rest of the crew and hitched a ride with a guy in a Miata. Got to ride the 11 miles into Frankin with the top down! Went to Haven's Budget Inn where they were cramming hikers into rooms. Tinker, Sandalwood, Bulldog and I decided to go to the Microtel.Over the last few days I have been hearing grouse who are in mating season. You hear the male call which is a very low "thump-thump-thump" - almost a subsonic sound. It sounds a little like when you hear your heartbeat in your carodic artery, only lower pitched. I flushed one grouse which about scared me to death.
Date: 2007-04-01
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Zero day in Franklin lazing around. Rock Star, Cuyohoga and JuJo moved to the Microtel today - too crowded and bad beds in the Budget Inn. Sandalwood, Tinker and I walked to Ingles for shopping and did laundry. Had a buffet lunch at Shoney's then visited an outfitters where I bought a bug headnet. Spending afternoon calling folks. Have not been able to get up with Jane Kimsey. We're all going to dinner together.
Date: 2007-04-02
From: Franklin, NC

To: Wine Spring
Miles today: 8.2

Got a shuttle from the motel at 8:30. The Nantahala Hiking Club provides free shuttles as a service. Tinker had to go to the PO to deal with a bounce box. It was 9:30 before we started hiking. Nice hike up to Siler Bald where we had lunch. My left little toe was bothering me and slowed me up. Great view from the top of Siler Bald. I struggled in the afternoon so only Cuyahoga and me at Wine Spring Campsite - the rest of the crew hiked on about 3 miles. I didn't have 3 miles in me. Cuyahoga's poison ivy really is bothering her. She may try and catch a ride back into Franklin from Wayah Bald tomorrow. Toe is first real pain issue I've had to deal with. Most folks have had blisters, hurt knees, ankles, etc. Someone asked a former thru-hiker when it stopped hurting. His reply, "About two weeks after you quit hiking."I finally got up with Jane Kimsey this morning. She was in the office preparing for a budget presentation at 8:30. This is my first year without a budget presentation in about 30 years!So what weighty issues go through the mind of a thru-hiker as they hike? For me, not much. My mind is so focused on the trail, maintaining an appropriate pace and wondering "When the hell are we going to summit this hill?" that I don't have much time to reflect. I have been around people almost all my non-hiking time so it is hard to reflect then also. Maybe as I get further along the hiking part will become automatic and I will have deep thoughts.
Date: 2007-04-03
From: Wine Spring

To: Tellico Gap
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Today I hit a wall. Left the campsite at 8:00 and hiked 1.9 miles to Wayah Bald. I struggled to put one foot in front of the other. Wasn't the terrain, I just didn't have any energy. I kept pushing on during the day and at about 11:00 got a little more energy. I felt like I was getting weaker - not stronger! I ended up in Tellico Gap at 5:15 with a not very good camping spot. The only level spot I could find is a gravel and grass parking area. No water so I will have to conserve.OK, had my pitty party and had dinner. Plus side is I'm finally camping by myself. Have 8 miles into NOC tomorrow where I plan to stay overnite. Three hikers reported seeing wolves at Wayah Bald yesterday (later pictures were posted on the internet and they were Huskies!) My wildlife sittings have been limited to birds and bugs. I got a bug headnet in Franklin and love it. Best $1.50 I've spent on this trip. My pants are getting real baggy. May have Becky mail me the size large that I have at home.
Date: 2007-04-04
From: Tellico Gap

To: Nantahala Outdoor Centerr
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: scattered clouds

After I put my journal away last night the mother of all thunder storms blew in. Many lightning strikes near me - it seemed like I was in the middle of the storm. Since I couldn't stake my tent well, water blew in around the netting at the bottom. I stayed dry on my pad but a lot got wet. The hike down into Natahala seemed longer than the advertised miles. At NOC ran into folks I had been hiking with - Tinker, Sandalwood, Rock Star and Cuyahoga. Got stuff dried out and got a shower. Off to get batteries for my headlamp and dinner. I'm staying in bunkhouses at NOC which are really nice.
Date: 2007-04-05
From: Nantahala Outdoor Centerr

To: Sassafrass Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Ate a real breakfast at the restaurant and began the long climb out of NOC - a 3,000' gain in elevation. Due to the climb I'm only planning on hiking 6.9 miles to Sassafrass Gap Shelter. Took my time but it still was a long climb. Weather turned cold - 35 degrees leaving NOC and 40 degrees as the high. Since hike began I have been looking for shade and a breeze. Today I'm looking for sun and no wind! Suppose to get down in the 20's tonight (25 degrees by my thermometer). Temp today good for hiking!
Date: 2007-04-06
From: Sassafrass Gap Shelter

To: Cody Gap
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Left camp this morning at 8:10 and climbed to the top of Cheaoh Bald - a 730 ft climb. Great views! Wanted to push past Brown Fork Shelter to give me a shot at making it into Fontana Saturday. Mileage seemed reasonable but some tough hiking. Temp in the 40's today but the wind was problematic. Had a goal of Stecoah Gap for lunch. Got there about 12:45. Two hikers from last year - Bare Bear (FL) and Jellybean (AZ) - had set up an RV as a trail magic station. Food, drink, candy and water. Really lifted my spirits. I had been thinking all morning long about ending my hike in Fontana. I have not had fun since Franklin. I find the going hard and I'm just not enjoying it. I said that if it stopped being fun, I'd stop. I'll take my zero day in Fontana to assess. I had an 800 ft climb coming out of Stecaoh Gap. All of us hiking it wondered if it would ever end. Very few switchbacks.I thought maybe I was pushing too hard despite relatively low mileage so maybe I'll cut back and get to Fontana Sunday. When I got to Brown Fork Gap shelter it was exposed to the wind so I decided to push on another 3 miles to Cody Gap. When I got the the gap was exposed but I found a campsite near the spring that was out of the wind. I was joined a little while later by 4 guys I had met the night before. Had a great dinner of Cajun dirty rice with pepperoni slices in it. Small snow shower during dinner which was fun! Last night it got down into the 20's. Suppose to be colder tonight. I slept in a shelter last night and was comfortable so not expecting any problems tonight my tent tonight - tents are warmer than shelters.
Date: 2007-04-07
From: Cody Gap

To: NC 28 
Miles today: 8.7

When I was at Stacoah Gap, Bare Bear said the weather forecast was calling for snow showers. When nature called during the night I was't too surprised to see some snow under the edge of my tent. As I stepped out of the tent snow slide off the tent onto the small of my back - burrr! I discovered it wasn't a snow shower but a full fledged snow! I went back to sleep and slept comfortably all night. The heavy winter sleeping bag I had hauled thru the heat of GA was like heaven the last two nights.When I got up there was about 2" of snow on the ground and the temp was 15. Since it was still snowing hard, I had a cold breakfast in the tent. Getting packed up in the fine blowing snow was a challenge. The steep hike from the campsite back up to the trail wasn't as slippery as I feared. The trail from Cody Gap to Cable Gap Shelter was fairly level. I loved hiking in the snow. After my thoughts yesterday about quiting, I couldn't think of missing this experience! It continued snowing until about noon but as I got lower in elevation the accumulation lessened. From Cable Gap Shelter there is an 840 ft climb over 2 miles. I realized again I don't like - and don't do well - climbing. I think to deal with the climb you have to go somewhere else in your mind. I don't - I'm stuck fighting the mountain and the mountain wins!Once I summited, it was a 3 mile downhill into Fontana. Due to the trail being so slippery, it was tough going. I'm staying at the Fontana Inn (really nice!) with my hiking buddies. I'm more stiff and sore today than any day since I've started. I'll have to see what tomorrow brings as I continue to assess whether to end my hike here. I thought today about starting up my consulting business and had some real excitement at the idea.
Date: 2007-04-08
From: NC 28 

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 1.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Today is a Nero day - not a zero but near. After dinner last night, a couple of beers, and fellowship with my friends I felt much recovered. I have decided to tackle the Smokies and see how I do. We decided to slackpack (hike without backpacks) a short section of the trail today so we won't have to do it tomorrow with packs. Very restful fun day which revived my spirits and body. Great Easter Day.
Date: 2007-04-09
From: Fontana Dam

To: Birch Spring Campsite
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Got my drop box when the PO opened at 8:30. Took a while to get organized and bounced a box to Davenport Gap. Finally got on the trail at 10:45. From the dam to Shuckshack Mt gained 2,300 ft. Actually wasn't too bad. Since we got a late start and with the climb we stopped at this campsite.Friends contemplating my hike worried about me expressed concerns about my encountering wildlife on the trail. Today I saw my first wild mammal on the trial - a squirrel! I have seen plenty of bugs and birds - including wild turkeys and grouse - but no wild mammals until today.Ticker stayed at the Inn sick. He was coughing and he couldn't breath well. Cuyahoga is hiking with me. Not sure where Rock Star and Sandlewood are - probably ahead.Felt good most of the day but got a cramp in my right calf. Looking forward to seeing if my physical maladies ease up.Bill Dobbins, my old Scoutmaster and neighbor died this past week. His funeral is today and I spent a lot of time fondly remembering Bill and his impact on the lives of so many young men in my hometown including me.
Date: 2007-04-11
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Decided to do a zero day and let my leg rest then hike back down to Fontana. Weather forecast for today is 100% rain, 25 mph wind with gust up to 45. Not a good day for hiking. I had the shelter to myself until about lunch. Shelter filling up as folks want to get out of the wind and rain. (now 1:30) Waterfall is in and claimed the slot beside me.When I get back to Fontana, I'm getting off the trail. Waterfall said Ticker went home - her diagnoses is that he has bronchitis. He said once he got it cleared up he'd get back on the trail. I'm not sure what I'm going to do but don't see me getting back on before the Directors' Association meeting. By 2:00 the shelter is overfull - folks are sliding over to make room. There is one reservation which hasn't shown up yet. Four spaces in each shelter are reserved for thru-hikers and regular reservations take priority. Thru-hikers can tent around the shelter but in this wind and rain no one wants to put up with tenting. These shelter reservation rules are for the Smokies only - everywhere else it's first come, first serve.It's now 8:30 and we've got 18 people in a 14 person shelter. This afternoon we had thunderstorms, heavy rain and hail. Right now its raining steady. Sure hope it clears out by morning! My quite day has been overrun with people seeking refuge from the weather.
Date: 2007-04-12
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Weather broke over night and we have a nice but windy day. Was in the mid-30's this morning. Last night I got up to pee which started a chair reaction of about a third of the shelter going. During all this activity a voice in the dark said, "The Pee Angel must have passed over." Hiked 11 miles out back to Fontana today. My friend Wayne Caldwell is coming to pick me up and I'll start working my way home.During the first part of the hike out I was certain I was coming back and continuing the hike. As the miles wore on and my calf was acting up, I was getting tired and my feet were hurting with the long downhill I wasn't as enthusiastic. I'll have time to assess and will let you follow that process on this journal.