morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-13
From: Wesser Bald shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked 6 miles in the NOC, of course, it took longer than I thought it would!! I stayed in Wesser Bald shelter last night. I was tempted to pitch my tent but I'm glad I didn't because it poured rain. I prayed to God not to let the mice run across me or it might be the straw that sends me home. I guess he listened because I had no mouse encounters. They were there, they just didn't bother me!!I met Don and Ryan (father and son) who were section hiking. I was grateful when they showed up because I was afraid I was going to be by myself. Had lunch with them today at the NOC. Sorry to hear your hike was cut short. Hope your're better Ryan. Sending prayers for a safe journey home. Pleased to make your acquaintance!!
Date: 2009-04-14
From: NOC

To: Sassafras Gap shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: moderate rain

Left NOC this morning in the pouring rain. I could have taken a 0 day but NOC doesn't really cater to hikers. There is very little resupply and no internet available. It is just a bunk with a mattress and no linens or towels for a shower. The hike out is a 3000 ft climb in 6 miles. It was probably the longest climbing day so far. It was lots of 60-70 degree inclines straight up (no switchbacks) I hiked without rain gear on and just got wet. The rain didn't bother me as much today. I think it was probably because it was not windy.Now at the shelter. It is colder. I thought the sun was going to come out but it was just a tease.I got a place in the shelter. I pray for no mice again. This really is no fun. My attitude is better but I still don't think I want to do this much longer. It will be OK!
Date: 2009-04-16
From: Brown Fork shelter

To: Hike Inn
Miles today: 12.0

I wanted to walk past Brown fork so I wouldn't have as far to wald to Fontana Dam (Hike Inn). Check in time is 4:00 and I was afraid I wouldn't make it. Got moving at 8:15 and got to the parking lot for pick-up about 4:10. I started seeing Fontana Lake and Dam about 5 miles out. It was kind of a tease because it seemed like you could just walk down the mountain and be there. But NO!!! It was back and forth and around the mountain too many times to count! It was a beautiful day. No fog or clouds even in the morning and temp was perfect. And I still want to go home! I did feel a calmness this morning because the decision to go home was made. I just don't want to do this anymore.
Date: 2009-04-17
From: Hike Inn

To: Hike Inn
Miles today: 0.0

I'm taking a 0 today. My body is wore out. Mostly my feet need a break. I weighed this am and have only lost 8 lbs. I thought if I had lost a bunch, I might be more open to continue. I have decided to hike to Gatlinburg and come off the trail there. Mostly just because it will be easier. From here it would mean an expensive shuttle to Waynesboro to catch a bus. Gatlinburg will be closer to home and I think I can talk someone into driving down to get me. So unless God gives me the desire to continue past Gatlinburg, I only have about 4 or 5 days of hiking left. Yeh!!!
Date: 2009-04-18
From: Hike Inn

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well I changed my plans. I decided to call it quits. Since Gatlinburg didn't have a bus station either, I decided to shuttle to Waynesville NC to catch a bus home. I think it was a good decision because after the day I left, it was suppose to rain for the next 3-4 days. No thanks!! Thanks to Jeff of the Hike Inn for providing the shuttle service. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have done part of this hike. It is an experience that I will never forget and never regret. I may or may not continue my hike as a section hike, I haven't decided.Thanks to all those who followed my story and sent many words of encouragement.
Date: 2009-03-12
To: Hike Preparations
Miles today: 0.0

June 24, 2008 seems a long time ago, and yet, it seems like yesterday. It was that day it became apparent that I would undertake a hike on the Appalachian Trail. The physical training has been enjoyable and demanding. Walking 5 to 9 miles daily, weight training 3 to 4 times a week and research has accounted for 4 hours of my day without exception. I have done test hikes to evaluate my condition and my equipment. I have read books, journals and articles. I have had discussions with seasoned hikers about equipment and all aspects of extended hiking. I have given much thought to nutrition, adversity and life on the trail. All this I have done to enhance my chances of successfully hiking the A.T.. I have always maintained that preparation was the key to success. As I write this, about a week before my departure for Springer Mountain, I can't think of anything that has not been considered in by preparations.
Date: 2009-03-15
To: Manifest
Miles today: 0.0

ManifestBackpack: Gregory Z-55L 3800 and CoverTent: eureka single, tent pad, sleeping padSleeping bag: North Face Mountain O degree snowshowStove: MSR, 2 bottles, 1 spoon, l potPlatypus: 2 liter Water Bottle: 1 liter1 Ipod Shuttle- Music1 combo radio, recorder, mp3 audio books- Sanza 2501 SPOT- Satellite Personal Tracker1 Kodak EasyShare M10931S Digital Camera1 Nextel Cell Phone1 Solio Solar Battery Charger1 Bandanna1 Towel1 Personal Hygiene (Toothpaste, toothbrush, nail clipper, razor2 packs Bio sanitary wipes10 hand warmers, feet warmers1 compass1 First Aid kit( aspirin, gauze, bandaid)1 knife/ Tool1 pocket knife Swiss type1 hat1 beanie1 reading glasses1 sunglasses1 shorts1 Red Head zip off convertible pants/shorts1 Thermal Top/ Bottom1 rain suit1 north face Denali shell/ fleece2 shorts2 shirts Poly2 socks liner and smart wool1 Thermal socks2 pair shoes Brooks running shoes, Brooks Trance 81 partial roll duct tape1 Thru-hike handbook 2009 edition1 Dictionary- pocket size1 Writing Journal1 BookFood1 lb instant coffee2 lb beef jerky4 oz dehydrated pineapple3 lb protein supplement2 lb noodle Romanoff1/2 lb Freeze dried cut beans2 oz. salt/pepper3 lb emergency energy bars1 package iodine water treatment1 package electrolyte pills3 pack gum
Date: 2009-03-17
To: Journal Writing
Miles today: 0.0

Many of my friends have asked if I intended to write a journal while on the A.T. Certainly a detailed account of my hike will be a useful document to have. This journal may be something my grandchildren may enjoy reading one day. This journal will also keep my friends and others informed of my progress. I hope to write journal entries daily. Every effort will be made not to bore those interested enough to read these entries. My focus will be on my perceptions of conditions and events rather than a dry description of various aspects of life on the A.T. A detailed account of conditions, events, and other mundane matters will be recorded for future reference, however, they will not be posted on the web site. I should mention that some of my writing will be different. I will have more to say on this subject at a later date. The web site will display all the photographs I take while on the trail. There will be a delay from the time the photo was made until its posting date. I will send the camera clip by mail at predetermined resupply points. My best guess is that a two week lag will exist between the date of the photo and the posting date. I freely admit that I'm not a photographer. Aware that photos can be equally boring as poorly written journal notes, I will exercise discretion regarding subject matter for photo opportunities. A satellite tracking devise will precisely mark my location at least daily if not more often. This will be available by link on the web. I have seen my test hike displayed on a Google map and I was very impressed. Time and GPS location was superimposed on a terrain map. I'm reasonably sure this is the same devise they use to track Moose. I'm equally certain the wife is watching the discovery channel more than I thought. I'm hopeful that for those interested in my journey, I will be able to convey my experiences on the A.T. in a manner that is enjoyable to read.
Date: 2009-03-22
From: Valparaiso, Fl

To: Amicalola Falls Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

Rob and I got to Amicalola Falls Lodge Saturday, March 22,09. We had a nice buffet at the lodge. Rob piled his plate high with all his favorites. He ate until he couldn't hold any more. He is excited about getting on the trail Monday morning.LindaSunday was a leisurely day of walking the park and last minute shopping. That evening it was a different story. We were too late for dinner at the lodge dining hall. Linda temporarily lost the truck keys. The camera Linda had purchased late last year would not focus and finally there was precious little hot water. Not exactly the way I imagined our last night before my hike. However, we managed to deal with all the gremlins.
Date: 2009-03-23
From: Springer Mountain

To: Justus Creek
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Rob actually started at the AT Approach Trail. That is an extra 8.8 miles to Springer Mountain. But, officially you start the AT at Springer Mountain. Miles calculated will be from Springer Mountain. LindaWe woke at 6AM and started preparing for my departure. I stayed until Linda had breakfast at 7:15. I said my goodbye around 8:15 and the journey began. I made Springer Summit around 12:00 noon. There was a crowd of hikers gathered. I used my SPOT to send a signal to mark my beginning and off I went. I hoped to reach Gooch shelter some 15 miles along the trail. I made good time for the first 10 miles. The afternoon section was inclined and I had forgotten to eat lunch at Springer. I literally ran out of energy around 3:00pm. Worse yet, I passed the last stream around 2:30. I consumed an energy bar and washed it down with water unaware the liter of water was all I would have until I made camp. Around 4:00pm I started rationing the remaining half liter of water. By 6:00 my mouth was dry and all I could allow myself was a mouthful. The last few miles were difficult and thirst was my constant companion. A little after 7:00 I came to Justus Creek where a camp was set beside the creek. I crossed the footbridge and could not resist the temptation to stop and pitch my tent next to a babbling clear creek. I fixed dinner, coffee and a protein drink. Night had already set in and I drank coffee and listened to the sound of fast moving water cascading over stones. Later that night I laid on my back and gazed at the stars through naked walnut trees. All is well this night and the days hardships are forgotten.
Date: 2009-03-24
From: Justus Creek

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

I did not hear from Rob today. He sent a spot at Woody Gap and he finished with a spot at Woods Hole Shelter. LindaThe alarm went off at 6AM. I made coffee and lingered around camp preparing for the day's hike. It was peaceful, quiet except for the sounds from the creek. I wanted to go, I wanted to stay. At 7:30 I saddled up to begin the days journey. I was mindful of yesterdays mistakes and vowed that would not happen again. I had hoped to reach the shelter at Blood Mountain but weather is moving in and I think at best to stop my hike at Woods Hole Shelter 1.7 mile from the Blood Mountain shelter. There is a creek at the Woods Hole Shelter. There must be 16 people at this shelter. My hike stopped at 3:45. This gave me the opportunity to write in my journal and do some upper body exercises. It will soon be dark.
Date: 2009-03-25
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light rain

I did not hear from Rob today. It has been raining in his area. LindaThe rains came as predicted around 3AM. it stopped long enough to break camp. As I walked a light rain began. It alternated between light, heavy, drizzle and mist all day. I cam across two large deer near the summit at Blood Mountain. they stood there and posed; my camera was packed away to keep it dry. When I reached the summit the rain was heavy with a strong wind. It would be beautiful on a sunny day. I reached Neels Cap around 11AM. There is a supply house there and the trail goes through the building. There were a lot of people there, of every sort. Most of them were characters seasoned crusty hikers. As I drank my coffee and considered my purchases, I overheard a National Forest Ranger discussing a resent bear problem. Bears had been seen at the Blood Mountain Shelter. Worst was the March 18,2009bear encounter at a campsite where the bear stole the campers food. The crusty old hiker, a local no doubt, was of the opinion that the bear had figured how to defeat the campers suspended bear bag. About six miles up the trail there wa a sign warning hikers of the recent bear activity. I hiked on to the shelter at Low Gap. It was 6:30 when I started setting up camp. Virtually everything I have is soaked. The pack rain cover leaves something to be desired. Too wet, cold, tired to cook supper. A cup of coffee, dried fruit, a slice of beef jerky. The rains have returned.
Date: 2009-03-26
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

It is 6:30AM and the rain has not stopped. My tent is leaking. I will not break camp today. It rained all day, finally at 2:45 I got out of my tent to stretch my legs. I have boiled water virtually all day. The rain now is a light rain sometimes just a drizzle.
Date: 2009-03-27
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: moderate rain

Rob called me on the phone today. He was using a motel phone. He said he was wet to the bone. His tent leaked and everything was wet. He decided to get off the trail for a day and dry everything. He spent the night in a motel. He will get back on the trail tomorrow. He was in Helen, GA. Linda6:30AM, for now the rain has stopped. I broke camp and started my hike. I had my rain suit on. The physical exercise coupled with the clothing under the rain suit caused me to start sweating. I took the rain suit off and within a mile the rain came. I had sweated so much that my cloths were already wet. Let it rain, everything is already wet. I reached Blue Mt Shelter at 12:25, several of the hikers were discussing leaving the trail and going to Helen, GA. to spend the night. I decided this was the smart thing to do. The rain was moderate to heavy and I feared my sleeping bag would be wet. Not Good. Yellow Cab picked 3 of us up at Unicoi Gap at 2Pm. All of us stayed at Best G or something close to that name. The desk clerk helped me reach Linda on the phone. My cell phone has no service in this region. The clerk dryed my clothes. I went to Betty's grocery store and partially re-supplied. It is still raining. My shoes, boots, wallet, books and other items are being dryed by the room heater.
Date: 2009-03-28
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Sassafras Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

I did not hear from Rob today. It is still raining in his area. LindaIt is 6:45 AM. The rain is just a drizzle. Suzie, another hiker, wants to hitch hike back to the trail. There is not much traffic and with three hikers I'm not convinced we will have much success finding a ride. I went next door to a gas station to get coffee and asked a friendly sales clerk if she know anyone that might want to make a few bucks transporting the three of us 8 miles back to Unicoi Gap. A man from Pensacola beach was there to trout fish the weekend and said he would carry us back to the trail.He did and would not accept money from us. We arrived at the trail around 10:20 AM. Rain began to fall at 1:30 and stopped around 3:30. Encountered a group of "Trail Angels" near the summit of Tray Mountain. They were college kids from Ohio State and University of Georgia. They passed out beer, hot dogs, candy bars, little Debbie cakes and cokes. They were under a MSR tent. These kids are former hikers and just wanted to return a favor they had received when they hiked the trail the year before. Great kids and a pleasure to meet them. We hiked to Sassafras Gap arriving there at 4:30 PM. At 7:30PM the rains started again,this time severe weather. The trail has been awful. Mud, wet rock and water puddles have made travel treacherous. The forecast is for rain to end tonight.
Date: 2009-03-29
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

I am going to try and link you to the google map that I am using for tracking his spots. I will update the journal when he can communicate with me. He has no cell coverage. Copy and paste this link into your browser. http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=111189257387145171432.000465d32599855f04112&ll=34.880298,-83.620033&spn=1.820485,3.47168&t=p&z=97AM- Opened my tent and saw the sky red behind a distant mountain. What a beautiful sight. Four days of rain has depressed me, that coupled with the poor trail conditions and the equipment malfunctions have pushed my mindset to a very negative view. Today, looks promising and I have placed my camera in my hip strap pocket. I will take as many pictures as I can. Broke camp at 8:45 and looked forward to seeing my shadow and having a good day of hiking. At 11:22 I saw a sign directing hikers off the trail to see a vista. I followed the side trail for 70 yards and came to a bluff with a grand view. Took several pictures and deployed(charged) my solar battery charger while I ate lunch. It consisted of a snickers bar with a cup of water and a protein drink in the sun looking at a spectacular view. This made my day and lifted my spirits. If only I had not cut my finger with my knife, it would have been perfect. I reached Plumorchard Gap Shelter at 4:30, made camp and spoke with several of the other hikers. They had a fire, so I cooked supper in the fire pit.
Date: 2009-03-30
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Awoke at 6AM. One of the hikers in the shelter snored all night. At 4:30AM at least one if not two Owls started hooting and continued for the better part of an hour. Needless to say I didn't sleep well. It was fairly cold, 40 degrees my thermometer indicated. I had a cup of coffee, enjoyed the moment and started preparations for the days hike. I left camp overdressed. Two hours later I removed some of my clothing and at 11:00 removed even more. At 11:45 I crossed into North Carolina. I had a snack on a large boulder with a great view. I forgot to take a picture. Today's objective was to reach Standing Indian Shelter. I arrived there at 5PM. I took a picture of a Park Ranger notice about bears. Two hours later i saw a fresh bear track cross the AT. It got my attention. The sun shined all day. I took a picture of ice near the top of Standing Indian Mountain. There was a fire at the shelter so again I cooked supper old time style. It was great. I had beef jerky, noodles, green beans, dried fruit, protein drink coffee and a snickers bar for dessert. I'm stuffed, kings don't eat this good. The sun is setting against blue distant mountains, with a creamy sky. I'm surrounded by mountains. All is well in my world this day. I'm sitting on the ground leaning against a large tree watching the light fade. I should note that my hip strap can't be adjusted small enough to keep from rubbing my hips. The skin is gone on both hips and something must be done. I plan to leave the trail and seek help in Franklin N.C. An outfitter is located there. I'll also need provisions as well as tent repairs.
Date: 2009-03-31
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I awoke at 6 AM to a cold windy morning. Had coffee and broke camp Left the shelter at 8:06, one of the hikers said rain was expected around 11AM. My hikeplan was to travel to Big Spring Shelter approx. 14.5 miles north. I figured the afternoon hike would be a rain hike. I made great time all morning. I took a lot of pictures that were spectacular. Around 12:50 the gip sores were so painful I had to stop and apply gauze on both hips. I didn't stop for lunch, fearful rain would set in. I reached the base of Mt Albert at 3PM and to my surprize there were two trail angels set up on the trail passing out soft drinks. I declined the cokes and said I would love a cup of coffee. They made a pot of coffee and fixed me a grilled cheese sandwich. These were great guys. One was from Michigan, the other from Jacksonville, Fl. I took my cup of coffee and started my assent of Mt. Albert. I reached the top of the Mountain at 4 PM. The last 200yds were a hand and foot climb. The view was breath taking. I lingered at the summit for 30 minutes or more. The shelter was less than .6 miles from the summit so I had plenty of time. I reached the shelter at 5:00 and made camp. I didn't see the sun all day, but it didn't start raining until I had set up my tent. Tomorrow I will travel to Franklin, NC for food and medical supplies. Something must be done about this backpack. I can't hike with this pack wearing away by flesh on the hip bones. I suspect I'll need a smaller size. I'm sure I've lost several pounds. My pants belt is on the last motch. I need to increae my caloric intake to hike aggressively. The afternoon hike is different because my energy level is low. I've ad a great day and a nice hike. All is well in my world this day.
Date: 2009-04-01
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: overcast clouds

The trail angels I visited with yesterday indicated Ron Shuttle would pick up hikers at Rock Gap at 9:30 AM. From this shelter it is approx 5.4 miles. I decided to start my hike at 7AM. The forecast was for rain and it did rain starting at 3AM. At 6:45 my pack was on and off I went in pitch darkness with a moderate rain. The terrain was very muddy and slippery. I nearly fell a dozen times. As the skies grew light I could see the path well enough to increase my pace. I reached the pick up spot at8:45 and waited until 9:45 for Ron to arrive. The rain had stopped. Ron is a real character, he talked the entire time we were on the bus, 35 min as I recall. Checked in to the Budget Inn " Ron's Budget Inn" and waited until 11:30 for the room to be ready. Around 3PM Janet the hostel manager carried three of us to the outfitters, grocery and pharmacy. I should mention Miss Janet is another character, every bit equal to Ron. While I milled around the parking lot waiting for my room Miss Janet noted my appearance and asked if I had a trail name. I said I went by Mr. Holloway. Miss Janet said with my rain suit, stubble white beard, beanie and sun glasses I looked just like Captain Gordon on the frozen fish sticks box. She persisted in trying to give me Capt Gordon as my trail name. I said she was killing me. As we talked and kidded each other I broke out my pipe for a smoke and she went ballistic. I was Capt Gordon. The matter had been settled. So, in Franklin NC, Miss Janet has to my dismay named me Capt Gordon and I will always be Capt. Gordon to her. Later that day, after we had completed our shopping I called Miss Janet and said Capt Gordon needed a ride back to the Inn. She said she would be there in five minutes. She was and asked if the outfitter was able to make the adjustment to my backpack. I told her no but that I would deal with the problem. What I had for supper would make any dietitian cringe. Let's just say my sugar level is off the scale. The weather forecast for tomorrow is rain, hearing rain starting at lunch and lasting over night. I'm bathed, shaven, rested and ready to resume my hike.