morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-02-28
To: Package arrival
Miles today: 0.0

Yipppppeeeeeeeeee!Our tent and Matt's trekking poles came in the mail today. After setting up the tent in the living room, we realized it's a little cozy but we'll be thanking ourselves on the trail for choosing one so light. A few dozen laps around the living room with the poles in hand had me itching to strap the pack on, face north and set a pace. 34 days to go.....
Date: 2007-04-02
From: 'Hiker Hostel' in Dahlonega, GA

To: Springer Mountain, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

ex·o·dus Pronunciation[ek-suh-duhs] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation ¢noun 1. a going out; a departure or emigration, usually of a large number of people The day has finally come! We handed in the keys to our apartment in Minneapolis, MN on Saturday, and spent Sunday & Monday in Milwaukee, WI. We had a great send off in both the Twin Cities and here in Milwaukee over the last few days. It was a lot of fun cheering the Brewers on to a 7-1 victory at opening day! We thank you all for your continued encouragement and support - tomorrow the journey begins...
Date: 2007-04-04
From: Springer Mountain, GA

To: Long Creek Falls
Miles today: 4.9

We started off in some fog but the day cleared up. It was a great feeling to see the plaque at the southern most point of the Appalacian Trail. It was an all down hill day but just what we wanted in order to slowly break in our legs. We stopped for lunch at the Stover Creek Mnt. Shelter and had our first taste of trail food...ummm. We decided to camp out at the falls about five miles in. It is a bit chilly once you stop moving.. lows in the 20's. It is amazing to finally be on the trail.. the white blaze! We look forward to the many miles of wilderness and adventure.
Date: 2007-04-05
From: Long Creek Falls

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today started off a little chilly - my watch read 45 degrees inside the tent which meant it was probably in the 30's outside. We stopped to take a break at the Hawk Mountain Shelter about mid-day, when about 100 soldiers in full fatigues & enormous guns came out of nowhere! The Appalachian Trail Guide we're using for reference went on to explain that Army Rangers from nearby Camp Merril use the mountainside to run practice operatives. Whew! In all it was a beautifully sunny day that brought us to Gooch Mountain Shelter. Nice to warm up by the camp fire with 'Backtrack', 'Rain Check' and other hikers as the sun went down. Still can't believe we're on the AT!
Date: 2007-04-06
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Blood Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Wow... what a day. It was a LOT of up hill and the wind is something else. They are saying that tonight is supposed to be a record low! Add here we are staying at the peak of Blood Mnt., 4445 feet. There is a cool little stone shelter here, supposedly the most visited spot on the Georgia section of the AT. Everyone that we have seen up here has passed right on by as Neels Gap (and a nice warm hostel)is just two miles down the mountain. We figured we would tough it out and set our tent up in the shelter to provide a little more warmth. The last couple of miles were tough but so far we are holding up well. The views are great!
Date: 2007-04-07
From: Blood Mountain Shelter

To: Walasi-yi Hostel, Neels Gap, GA
Miles today: 2.4
Weather: broken clouds

In the middle of the night, two other hikers wake us up scrambling for shelter as the winds on top of Blood Mountain are gusty and a nice cover of snow is falling. We wake up chilly; fingers and toes are rendered useless. As we pack up, a small bat flutters overhead reminding us that we're cramping his space. As we head down the mountain in a trail covered in snow, we decide to stop our day's hike at Neels Gap and stay at the hostel for fear of a repeat of the previous night. We stay in a small cabin a couple miles down the road, and are able to do laundry, thaw out, eat pizza (YUM!) and take a nap while watching 'The Shining,' of all movies. We take the hostel van into Blairsville, 11 miles south for dinner, and a trip to the grocery store. Matt is conscious of the fact the NCAA Men's Hockey Championship is taking place so we try to find a bar to watch a period. We find out that we're in a 'dry' county, so the effort is to no avail..As long as NoDak doesn't win we're happy!
Date: 2007-04-08
From: Walasi-yi Hostel, Neels Gap, GA

To: Poplar Stamp Gap
Miles today: 12.0

It was good to get back on the trail.. town seemed to be a whirlwind, too much to think about. We had some amazing views looking out over the endless mountains and the sun was out so hiking was comfortable. There are definately a lot of hikers out here but everyone is at there own pace so you really only see people at the shelters. We stopped down at Low Gap Shelter and had a sip of some Southern Comfort from a couple of section hikers from Florida... We decided to head another mile north and camp out. We built a nice little fire and ate a big dinner. The wind has died down but it is still cold. We are hoping to listen to a Braves game as we fade off to sleep.
Date: 2007-04-09
From: Poplar Stamp Gap

To: Tray Mountain shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was probably our most physically demanding day yet. What made it difficult was the combination of hiking 13.5 miles that included 2 1000-ft. ascents & 2 descents of equal elevation. We're starting to get trail saavy by being efficient at breaking camp quickly, and putting the miles on at a good pace. We are careful not to push too hard, and fortunatly we don't have any blisters on our feet (we've seen some doozies!) The aches are subsiding from a weeks worth of hiking, and the morning miles are ever-so inspiring. The views are beautiful and all around us - they will never get old.
Date: 2007-04-10
From: Tray Mountain shelter

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

We put in a good push this morning so we could enjoy a relaxing afternoon here in Hiawassee, GA. We need to resupply and we are both craving a nice cold pint of beer. We feel we deserve it! We both had a great night sleep; I think it is warming up a bit. The radio said 37 this morning but the hike down to the road was warm and sunny. We had to hitch in 11 miles to the town but right as we got to the road a guy who was dropping off some hikers offered to give us a lift... It didn't even feel like hitchhiking. We are off to an All You Can Eat buffet somewhere! We hope there is enough food to fill our starving stomaches.
Date: 2007-04-11
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Plumorchard Shelter
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: light rain

Today we took our time getting back to the trail, since it was a bit chilly, overcast, and raining all day. We hiked in to Plumorchard Shelter, a mere 4.3 miles, and took cover with a handful of other hikers doing the same. Hopefully the weather will pass...Even though it was raining, we were glad to get back on the trail as we were getting a little jumpy in town!
Date: 2007-04-13
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Today we had a good day that wasn't too demanding up-and-down wise, except for the Albert Mountain climb at the end. It was a pain to get up, and especially not something you look forward to at the end of a 14-mile day, but the view from atop the lookout tower was worth it even though it was a little foggy. We ended up pitching a tent inside the shelter by ourselves, and had good campfire conversation with 'Grovel,' a retired judge from Maine, 'Fuzzy Monkey,' and 'Flaxseed,' a 71-year-old retired physician attempting to hike the A.T...71 years old! And his phrase was, "It's a privelegde to be here." Quite humbling...
Date: 2007-04-14
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: broken clouds

We were going to try and press on and avoid coming into town but we stopped at Rock Gap Shelter for lunch and realized we were eating the next days rations! We can't seem to eat enough food. We went off the A.T. on a side trail that led to the largest Wasilik Poplar east of the Mississippi. Unfortunately it was dead but it was still an amazing sight. We also had our first experience with trail magic! We were hiking up a heck of a hill and we saw some shinny wrapper in a stream. At first we were a little annoyed that some idiot would dump their garbage right there but then we noticed they were CapriSuns!! Nice and chilled. It hit the spot. Looks like a snow storm is rolling into night. Its nice to be in a warm hotel room.
Date: 2007-04-15
From: Franklin

To: NONE
Miles today: 0.0

Today we took our first zero-mile day. The weather forecast called for a freeze advisory and a wind advisory with gusts up to 60-miles per hour. We've been glued to the weather channel, and this is the same system wreaking havoc on the Boston Marathon. So, the hotel at $30/night seemed like the more desireable alternative to pitching a tent or even being in a shelter. We would have uploaded a picture, but you could just as easily imagine two hikers sitting in a hotel room watchin T.V. all day...
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Franklin, NC

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Our longest day yet.. Our trail legs are kicking in. We set out from town around 9:30. It was a bit windy and chilly but once you get moving it is perfect temp. There were a bunch of trees down and snow on the ground from the storm that passed thru last night.. Glad we missed that one! Had some amazing views from Wayah Bald this afternoon. We could see Clingmans Dome in the Smokeys.. Covered in snow now but hopefully the temps will rise in the next week before we get there. We had my favorite trail meal, Mexican rice with cheddar cheese in tortillas... Our rations only allowed for two each, I think I could have eaten 5. We think about food all day long now, imagining going into towns and eating... umm.. food!
Date: 2007-04-17
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Campsite near N.O.C
Miles today: 14.2

The weather was amazing today.. Felt like summer! On the top of Wesser Bald there was an old tower we could climb up and it gave us more amazing views. The pictures just don't do it justice. It was a lot of down hill today. It wouldn't seem like it but they are almost harder than the ups. We did a little resupply at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. It was a great little outfitter on the river. We managed to sneak in "The Gorge" sandwich at the restaurant there. We have a big uphill climb tomorrow. We are camping part way up to make for an easier morning.
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Campsite near N.O.C

To: Brown Fork Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a lot of uphill climbs today so we are pretty tired. The last mile before the shelter was straight up! We are going to stay in the shelter tonight, as it looks like it might rain. It will be our first "offical" night as all other nights we have put our tent up inside of it for extra warmth. Tonight it is just the bags; hopefully the mice won't attack us! There are some new faces here: treework, hong kong fui, The wolverine to name a few.. The wolverine has named us the G.Q. Crew. He thinks we look like we jumped out of a hiker catalog cause our clothes are so clean.
Date: 2007-04-19
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We woke up early, which seems to be the case when staying in a shelter since when one person wakes up and russles things around, the whole shelter awakes. Didn't get the best night of sleep due to the snoring of 'Wolverine' (sorry Wolverine, we still love ya!) It was really cool to see the sun come out and break up a heavy fog in the valleys due to a night of rain. The day was a good hike that was mostly downhill and brought us to Fontana Dam at the base of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The Dam itself is an amazing structural feat in and of itself; apparently it's the second largest in the country behind the Hoover...Spent the night at a small, hiker-friendly Inn, and picked up a maildrop we sent ourselves and on other package full of goodies sent by Matt's Godmother. Surprisingly, we made it here the exact day we thought we would - right on track!
Date: 2007-04-20
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

Today we entered The Great Smokeys National Park. We couldn't have asked for a better day. We crossed over the second largest dam in the U.S. The fog was just rolling out as we started our assent into the Smokeys. We had more incredible vies from the top of Shuckstack Tower. The shelters here have fencing on the front so it looks like a big cage. A little intimidating, being that we are camping out tonight cause the shelter is full. The weather is supposed to be clear the next couple of days; something that is unheard of for the Smokeys so we are excited! Sunshine and miles of the A.T., we couldn't ask for much more!
Date: 2007-04-21
From: Russel Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: broken clouds

Today we had our longest day yet, taking advantage of the awesome weather in the Smokies while we can. The weather has been known to take a turn for the worse on a whim up here, and can often put a hiker in undesireable predicaments. We had great views from atop Rocky Top and the Thunderhead; we happened to be on Rocky Top with a couple of gents who graduated from Tennessee, who proceeded to sing the Tennessee song, 'Rocky Top' We snuck up on a deer and got it to pose for us near here. We landed at the shelter just 3 miles from Clingman's Dome, and our plan is to get up around 4 A.M. and hike in the dark to see the sunrise tomorrow, Earth Day. We'll see how it goes, keeping our fingers crossed for the weather to cooperate as it has been!
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Ice Water Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: clear sky

We set the alarm and got up at 4 AM so we could catch a sunrise over the highest point on the A.T., Clingmans Dome. We felt it would be fitting for Earth Day as well. Sven was convinced there was a bear outside the tent last night (it was really a deer, but it did sound big). We broke camp and started hiking at about 4:30. We used our head lamps as it was still pitch dark. The stars were absolutely amazing. We could see the Milkyway, it reminded me of laying on the dock at the cabin on summer nights. We made it up to the top of Clingmans Dome (6643ft) just before sunrise! It was beautiful. We will remember that one forever. There was still a little snow that high up. On the hike down we were able to see the aftermath of the storm that blew through about a week ago. There were HUNDREDS of large pine trees that were completely uprooted and tipped over. The scent of pine was just as impressive as the sights. Trail crews were still out cutting apart the trees that were laying over the trail. I have never seen anything like it. We came into a Gap/Road and took a break. A car pulled up and asked if we were thru-hikers.. The opened the trunk of there station wagon and told us to dig in! More trail magic. Cold cokes and Little Debbie Snacks! After will filled up we hiked a couple more miles and came to Newfound Gap. The gate way to the smokeys for those that have cars. The tourists come to see the sights and the thru-hikers! I don't know if they were staring cause they were curious or because we smelt so bad! Everyone had lots of questions and a few even asked if they could take our picture. We are kind of a big deal around here We bumped into Commander and Keep Moving again. Their section hiking had come to an end (it was great to meet you guys and we hope you get a chance to hop back on the trail!).
Date: 2007-04-23
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Today we got a late start, which was nice considering how early we got up yesterday. We had leftover 'trail magic' which consisted of muffins, banana bread, and orange juice. Afer a few days on the trail, anything not out of a rapper or mass produced tastes soooo good! A short hike brought us to Charlie's Bunion, where we rendez-vous-ed with, 'Hurty Gurty Man,' 'Willie Goat' & 'Trail Dancer,' 'Alpine Strider,' and 'The Band-Aid Kid.' The rock outcropping overlooked a valley where 'The Band-Aid Kid,' a bird aficianado of sorts, pointed out a Peregrine Falcon dive-bombind on a swallow - awesome! Definately the highlight of the day that brought us to a somewhat overcrowded shelter which sometimes is a problem in the Smokies where hikers must spend each night at (park regulations.) Pitched our tent on a small, sloped, tenting area, and managed to zonk out before dark anyways.
Date: 2007-04-24
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

We had a pretty easy hike today, and amazingly enough the weather was still beautiful! It started out pretty cloudy but we were excited because it allowed us to see what the Smokeys usually look like. We took a side trail out to Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower. There was actually a fire to look at too! We saw helicopters flying overhead going to dump water on it. We were able to get in a game of Eucher tonight too. We had to sit on the dirt floor of the shelter and use a rock as a table but we made due (t-bone and abby as you can guess we lost). Tomorrow we hike out of the park. We will be back!
Date: 2007-04-25
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Max Patch
Miles today: 16.9

Broke camp around 8:00 today and hiked the remaining 3 miles out of the G.S.M.N.P to the Standing Bear Hostel, where we were able to get 3 days worth of food and eat breakfast. Breakfast consisted of a frozen pizza that we INHALED at 9:45 A.M. Don't think either of us have eaten a pizza that early before! Left Standing Bear a little after 11:00 and climbed for over 1 1/2 hours, just the opposite of yesterday's descent. Stopped in the Groundhog Creek Shelter for water, snacks, and an hour with our boots off which is just heavenly around mid-day. We ended up at Max Patch, this huge, grassy knoll at 4,630 ft. with some more fantastic views. (I'm sure you guys are sick of reading about the awesome views, but there's no other way to describe what we get to see every day!) After taking down 2 packagas of Ramen each, and setting up our tent, we were able to watch the sunset. Being on top of Max Patch made me feel like Mel Gibson and a bunch of kilted Scotsman were going to charge yelling 'Freedom!' at any minute. Quite an enjoyable contrast in scenery compared to the previous forests - Uff-da's favorite place thus far, in fact. The night was capped off by catching 'The Grateful Dead Hour' on 88.8 FM out of Asheville - wooohooo!
Date: 2007-04-26
From: Max Patch

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Whew-we. I think we may have looked like two intoxicated bums as we stumbled into town. We got to Deer Park Shelter (3.2 miles from food, shower, beer and bed) and decided to go for it... Our feet ached but it was worth it. We found a place to stay, dropped our packs off and wobbled over to the pub for our first pitcher of beer. We had a little bit of rain as we hiked in but it actually felt nice as we work up quite a sweat climbing up and down.
Date: 2007-04-27
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

As we pushed hard yesterday hiking nearly 20 miles, we decided it would be a good time to give our bodies a rest so we took our second 'zero.' We spend the day doing errands, which included mailing out postcards & stuff we don't need home, getting some gear at the outfitter in town, and yes, spending 4 hours in the library updating our trailjournal.com site, as you may have noticed. We also tipped back a nice cold pint at the 'Paddler's Pub,' the only pub in town and first on the trail thus far, and going back for four helpings of spaghetti at the AYCE hiker dinner put on for the Hiker Festival in town this weekend. A relaxing day, but eager to get back on the trail...
Date: 2007-04-28
From: Hot Springs, NC

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

Our campsite was right by the railroad tracks last night, we were told that three trains went by blowing there wistles but we didn't hear a thing! The tent is starting to feel like home and we sleep better in that than a bed. We packed up our things today and headed to the "Trail Fest" going on in town. It wasn't to exciting but there were some 05'ers there cooking burgers and brats for trail magic so we filled up on that and headed back to the trail. It was a little rainy but after an hour or so it cleared up. We have been so lucky with the weather, we feel spoiled. It was great to get out of town but there were a lot of people with the same idea. We counted 17 tents pitched around the shelter area! We are hoping the crowds will spread out in the next few days.
Date: 2007-04-29
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

We wake up about 7 o'clock and break camp around 8. The first few miles of the hike are a lot like most other days; we work out the kinks, enjoy the sun coming up, think about how far we plan to hike & where we intend on taking breaks, etc. when around mile 3.7 we see a sign for Trail Magic. We follow the signs instructions, which take us into N.C. a few hundred yards (we've been straddling the N.C./Tenn border for days)and up a paved driveway. As we're taking off our boots on the front porch, a man comes out and introduces himself as 'Hercules,' looks each hiker in the eyes as he shakes hands and says, 'Welcome Home' with a smile. We walk in to a beautiful house and meet 'Fal' (Hercules' wife) before we are quickly seated at their kitchen table. On a whim, we pick what we'd like to drink off a menu, and within minutes each of us are muching on homemade belgian waffles smothered in butter & syrup, homemade muffins & homemade stew! When we are finished we have the option of 4-5 desserts; Uff-da and I opt for the brownie/ice cream w/ whipped cream & fudge. The whole time us hikers are grinning from ear to ear, looking at each other like, 'is this really happening?' We are all so gracious for having met Fal & Herculeus, who inform us that they've served about 400 hikers so far this season. As we make our way back to the trail, we are thankful for having met such kind people as these who taught us why they call it Trail Magic...
Date: 2007-04-30
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Spring, Camping along the trail
Miles today: 17.8

Another beautiful day in the mountains! We packed on some miles today and a few of them were tough uphills, a great workout but man they take it out of ya.. We stopped in at the Hogback Ridge Shelter to fill up on water and eat dinner and then decided to keep on keeping on. About two miles before the shelter we ran out of water and the sun was beating down on us. It was rather uncomfortable. It is always great to see the silver roofs of the shelters and you know you can kick off your boots and relax a bit. The crowds have started to spread out. People have the same idea we have and are camping along the trail at little camp sites like we are tonight. We figured the more miles we do today the easier it will be the next few days. Sven's knee and feet seem to be holding up great. Uff-da on the other hand had to walk the last mile or so in croc's cause of a heal blister. Hopefully its nothing a good night sleep can't cure!