morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-31
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: Marble Spring Campsite
Miles today: 12.2

Another thunderstormy afternoon/evening. Even since the weather heated up, the thunder has started rolling. Every afternoon, around 3 or 5, it starts way off in the distance. Sometimes a storm hits, and sometimes they just skirt us, and leave us without even a drop of rain. It must be summer.
Date: 2007-06-03
From: John's Hollow Shelter

To: John's Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I must say, I really like this new style of hiking. We never make plans anymore. We just hike as far as we want to, when we want to. We woke up today and it was POURING out...so we decided to stay put. Another unnecessary zero day...why not? Nothing to lose, and we don't have to hike in the rain! I'm really glad I was able to get Maine out of my mind and just hike however I want to. All the stress I thought I was under is suddenly gone. I highly recommend concentrating on having fun as opposed to making Maine. Maine's just too far away to get worked up about it yet.
Date: 2007-06-09
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Imagine the following. I'm woken up in the tent. It's a sunny Saturday morning, and Crutch tells me that my custom made vegetarian potatoes are ready, and I should come eat before they get cold. Sleepy-eyed and still blinking, I walk towards the kitchen tent, and I'm handed a paper plate, and before I know what's happening Redneck puts a huge blueberry pancake on it. I stare at it in disbelief, and think to myself, "this must be what heaven's like."No, it's not a dream. That was what actually happened this past Saturday morning, during the huge trail magic shebang at Hog Camp Gap. A group of '99 thru-hikers, including Redneck Rye, Angus, Arrowhead, Yeti, Pop and many others I cannot remember, put on a weekend long party. This was the 8th consecutive year they've put this on. There were around 30 people there, 17 coolers, 5 coleman stoves, an endless supply of soda, beer, food (including VEGGIE BURGERS) and even a movie theater. Redneck Rye rigged up a 8x10' Tyvek + PVC movie screen, and had a projector hooked up to an invertor on his car battery. We watched parts of Blazing Saddles and Lion King's PCT movie, on the Appalachian Trail. Literally, I was sitting on one side of the trail, and the screen was on the other. It was unforgetable. So, we hiked in there on Friday afternoon, and didn't leave till Monday morning. It was very enjoyable. Bag o tricks showed up Saturday morning, and it was nice to spend time listening to his crazy stories (and he has plenty). It was all around an awesome time.
Date: 2007-07-15
To: Pennsylvania
Miles today: 0.0

I'm so sorry to everyone out there who keeps checking my journal, hoping to find new, exciting entries, and finding nothing. I really don't mean to neglect my journal, and I wish I didn't, but I haven't been in a library in months, and that's really the only place I can find time to update! Other than that, I can steal a few minutes on private computers (like now) to check my e-mail, but can't spend hours typing entries. Never fear, the journal shall be complete someday, in all its shining glory, but it probably will never be exactly current again. Near the end of August I'll have my computer back, and I will upload all the pictures, and enter all the entries. I'll try my best to get some in before then, though. Other than that, I'm doing well currently! I'm still loving the hike. My miles have dropped significantly. I'm actually averaging fewer miles per day now than I was when I first stepped off Springer! But it's hot, and knowing that I won't make Maine this year has made me slow way down, and made me enjoy my hike a lot more. I'll be actively hiking until July 20 or so, and then Crutch will get his truck and we'll take a break to take care of some business in Atlanta. We'll get back on trail after, but depending on how things go I might not make any more forward progress on the trail after that point. But we'll keep hiking until around August 15, as planned, and then take a break until next season. It's well past my bedtime, so I'm off, but I will try to update more as soon as I can!
Date: 2005-07-18
To: The Plan
Miles today: 0.0

The Plan is to celebrate New Years eve 2007 at the AT trailhead on Springer Mountain. The next morning I will head north on the AT and continue walking till I summit Katahdin. Then turn around and retrace my steps back to Springer mountain GA. before the end of 2007. This will be not only a personal challenge for me but I hope to do it as a fund raiser for yet some unknown charity. Year 2006 will be spent gear testing and training. Also during 2006 I hope to attend trails days.
Date: 2006-09-24
To: Hike Prep
Miles today: 0.0

I retired June 9, 2006 and am still in the planning stages of my hike. Since I am making a lot of my own gear and other things such as my daughter graduation from college in 2007, I have decided to put off my hike until January 1, 2008. This will also give me time to properly train and gear test the gear I am making. Hopefully my total pack weight for winter with 5 days supply of food, fuel and 1 day supply of water will exceed 30 lbs. Last year I completed a Ray-Way pack, but it looks like it will be to small to hold the bulky winter items since you do not wear or use them all the time. I recently finished a winter jacket using Green Pepper pattern #506 Skyline Jacket using 1.1 oz. ripstop and Prima Loft insulation. Currently I am almost finished with a pair of insulated pullover pants from a RainShed pattern #500 Pullover Rain pants using 1.1 oz. Ripstop and Prima Loft insulation. My cook set is a Pepsi can stove and pot stand similar to the one at trailquest.com. However the Wal-Mart grease pot they use has an top edge that is curled inward and is difficult to clean food particles out. I am currently trying to find two pots that can be stacked as in a double boiler with a tight fitting lid. One pot would be used for the main meal and the second pot would be used to heat water for a beverage.
Date: 2006-11-16
To: Hike Prep
Miles today: 0.0

I feel the Lord pulling me to do my hike next year instead of 2008. I have suspended making much of my gear and have bought most of it. I will be using the G4 pack by Gossemer Gear, the Contrail tarptent by Henry Shires (TarpTent), the REI Kilo 0 degree sleeping bag, Therma-rest prolite 3 pad, home made cook set with Pepsi can stove, home made winter pants and jacket, Marmot precip jacket, Sierra Designs Hurricane LT pants, and Katadyn Hiker water filter. This is not and all inclusive list. More to come. I will be celebrating New Years Eve (Dec. 31, 2006) on Springer Mountain. The next morning I will start my trek to Katahdin and back before the end of 2007.
Date: 2006-11-25
To: Hike Prep
Miles today: 0.0

After much thought and deliberation I have finally chosen a trail name. Henceforth I will be known as Santas Helper. The name comes from the fact that I have a white beard and when I go into town all the little kids think I am Santa Clause. However I have to be honest with them, so I tell them I am not Santa but I do help him a lot. Getting antsy to start the trail. Have been working out in our church weight room and walking the walking track with 32 lbs. Hoping to get over to Neals Gap next week to see if Winton can lighten my load. Currently my winter load is around 35 lbs. with 5 days supply of food and fuel and 2 qts. of water. I will have no mail drops or specific itinerary, only to finish the yoyo in the same calendar year. My journal update while on the trail will only be a summary of what has happened since the last update. This is to save time in town. My hard copy journal will have details of each day. Still plan to celebrate New Year's Eve on Springer Mountain at the trailhead. Still looking for transportation. Would like to arrive at the Amicalola Falls ranger station around 9:00AM December 31, 2006
Date: 2006-12-02
To: Hike Prep
Miles today: 0.0

Arrived by car at Mountain Crossings (Neals Gap) Wednesday Nov. 29, 2006 just before closing. Found Winton and Family had gone to Fla. on vacation. Spent the night in the bunkhouse. Next morning (Thursday Nov. 30, 2006) Nathan went over my pack. He found nothing of significance to lighten my pack. Total pack weight at approximately 38 lbs. Looked at some shoes and a belt pack. Purchased a water prooffood bag. Returned home.
Date: 2006-12-15
To: Hike Prep
Miles today: 0.0

Well it is Dec. 15, 2007. Two weeks from tomorrow I will be on my way to Amicalola Falls State Park. A friend and fellow TTA member, Brent, will take me to Amicalola Falls on Saturday Dec, 30, 2006. I will spend the night in the shelter behind the visitors center and register Sunday Morning Dec. 31, 2006. After registering I will hike the approach trail to Springer Mountain where I will celebrate New Years Eve. Bright and early the next morning (Jan. 1, 2007) I will head North on the A.T. I have no scheduled mail drops. The only time schedule is to finish the yoyo in the same calendar year (2007). Right now I am estimating to reach Neal's Gap on Jan. 3, 2007 and Hiawassee, Ga. on Jan. 6 or 7, 2007. These are only estimates at this time. I do not intend to push myself, so these estimates are only estimates. I am letting the Lord lead me in this effort as I feel him pulling me to do this hike this year instead the planned start of 2008. May God help us all to live in peace together.
Date: 2006-12-23
To: Hike Prep
Miles today: 0.0

Well one more week to go. Finished a blaze orange pack cover. More for the hunters than to keep the pack dry that pack covers usually don't do. Half way through making a head net for later on when I hit bug season. Pack weight is up to approx. 35 lbs. with 6 days food and fuel. Hip belt is 7.5 lbs. with two liters of water, camera and misc items. Going to try and get some of the weight down before I leave.
Date: 2006-12-29
To: Hike prep
Miles today: 0.0

Today is the last day at home. Tomorrow December 30, 2006 my friend Brent will drive me to Amicalola Falls State Park, where i will spend the night in the lodge and celebrate the start of my hike with a nice dinner. Sunday Decmeber 31, 2006 I will register at the visitors center and hike the approach trail to Springer Mountain, where I will celebrate New Years Eve. I understand there is going to be an alumni gathering of past thru hikers on New Years Eve. Also have been told about 5 hikers will be there to start hiking New Year Day.    As stated previously my hike will not only be a personal goal but also a benefit hike for charity. After much thought about many organizations I have chosen the Multi County Cancer Support Network of middle Tennessee and they have accepted. This group raises their own funds. They get no outside moneies from government or any other cancer group. They have monthly support meetings for cancer patients, transport them to and from cancer treatments, provide medical aids, pay utility bills, and many other support functions. This group is a very worthwhile endeavor and has helped many cancer patients survive this terribly disease. Any donations you wish to make would be greatly appreciated. My suggestion is to donate a certain amount for every tail mile I walk. The total mileage both ways will be 4,350 not including the 8.8 mile approach trail from Amicalola Falls State Park to the start of the A.T. at Springer Mountain, GA. This also does not include mileage walked to and from towns for resupply. Donations may be sent to:                                 MCCSN                                 P.O. Box 225                                 Winchester, TN> 37398For further information phone 1-800-497-4322.
Date: 2006-12-31
From: Amicalola Falls Ranger Station

To: Springer Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Dec. 31 2006 9:00AM - Registered at the visitors center. Pack weight 42 lbs. Ten lbs. more than I wanted to start with. Started the approach trail at 9:40 AM after meeting Frito, A hiker who retired from Frito Lay. Met Shadow and Numtoe his wife at top of the falls. Amicalola Falls is 479 Ft. high and is the highest falls east of the Mississippi. Rain rain rain all day long. Someone later said it rain 3". I think it was much more than that. Arrived at Springer Montain shelter around 5:30 PM.
Date: 2007-01-01
From: Springer Mountain

To: Stover Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: few clouds

Jan. 1, 2007 New Years Day - Got a late start at 2:30PM. Went back up to the trail head at Springer Mountain and signed the logbook under the rock in the metal box. Went back to the shelter and signed the shelter log. Hiked 2.5 miles to Stover Creek shelter. Arrived around 5:00PM. Spent the night in the shelter alone. Wind blew all night. Had a little bit of ice in my water bottle next morning. No shelter log.
Date: 2007-01-02
From: Stover Creek Shelter

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: clear sky

Jan. 2, 2007 - Late start again 11:40AM. Hiked 5.1 miles to Hawk Mountain shelter.   Arrived around 3:00PM and met Margie (Blue Vist). Wind was blowing pretty hard and shelter did not seem to be a good place to spend the night, so I set up the tent. Cold wind all night but I was comfy in my sleeping bag inside the tent. Signed shelter log.
Date: 2007-01-03
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: broken clouds

Jan. 3, 2007 - Started at 10:40AM heading for Gooch Gap shelter 7.3 miles. Another windy day but it was sunny for the first time. Arrived Gooch Gap shelter around 5:15PM. Margie was there. Three other hikers came in at after dark. Signed shelter log.
Date: 2007-01-04
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Jan 4, 2007 - Started at 8:40AM headed for Woody Gap 5 miles. Cloudy and foggy. About 1:00PM the sun came peeping out and back behind the clouds several times the rest of the day. Arrived Woody gap (Hwy 60) around 2:00PM, Started walking toward Suches Ga. Got a ride almost immediately. Called the hiker hostel where I am updating this log from.Summary:I am going slower than I had planned. Two factors are in play to slow me down. First is the pack weight, 10 lbs more than I want. Trying to work this out while I stay at the hostel today and tomorrow. Second is I am not as fit as I thought I was. This will come in time. Just have to take it easy until the trail legs kick in.
Date: 2007-01-06
From: Woody gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Jan. 6, 2007 - Slack packed from Woody gap to Neels Gap. Started at 7:45AM. Reached the foot of Blood Mountain at 11:45AM. Topped Blood Mountain at 12:50PM. Had Lunch and started for Neels Gap at 1:30pm. Reached Walasi-Yi Center at Neels Gap at 2:37PM. Weather was perfect for hiking. Sunny and temp. started out at 50 degrees F and went up to somewhere in the sixties. many day hikers along the way including a group boy scouts and cub scouts.
Date: 2007-01-07
From: Dalonega, Ga.

To: Dalonega, Ga.
Miles today: 0.0

January7, 2007 - Another zero day because of thunderstorm warnings. The hostel is great. You can see where I am staying by going to www.hikerhostel.com. Worked on my pack weight. Have cut it down considerably by using a bump box for things I may need but do not need at present.
Date: 2007-01-08
From: Neels Gap

To: Hogpen Gap
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: clear sky

Jan. 8, 2007 - Slack Packed form Neels Gap to Hogpen Gap. Temp was 38 degrees F at the start and finish. Wind was blowing around 20 to 30 MPH. Very blustery day. Started at 10:10AM and finished at 2:30PM. Met Hiker Nutt and leapfrogged with her to HogPen Gap where she went on and I waited for the shuttle back to the hostel.
Date: 2007-01-09
From: Hogpen Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Jan. 10, 2007 Hogpen Gap to Unicoi Gap. Started at 7:30AM, finished at 4:20PM. Well folks I did not have to wait for the Smokey's to see snow. Today was my first snow day. Snow started around 10:00AM and kept up the rest of the day. Temp. at the start was at 30 degrees F and I think it went lower during the day. The wind is still blowing around 20 to 30 MPH so the wind chill is way down there. Had to wear my fleece mittens and over mitts to keep my hands warm. Met Four Leaf Clover (Marta) going South Bound.
Date: 2007-01-10
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Swag of the Blue Ridge
Miles today: 9.0

Jan. 10, 2007 Leaving the Hiker Hostel today. Have trimmed my pack weight down to 34 lbs. Unicoi Gap to Swag of the Blue Ridge. Started at 9::30AM, finished at 5:00PM. Temp. at start was 28 degrees F. Wind still blowing hard. Frozen snow and ice everywhere making travel very difficult. Met Mark and Twain headed southbound just before Tray Mountain Shelter. His real name is Tom Sawyer. Passed up Tray Mountain Shelter as it was to early ro stop. Around 4:00PM start looking for a place to tent camp for the night. By 5:00PM I could not find a clear place off the trail, so I pitched my tent in the middle of the trail. Very cold all night but I was comfy in my sleeping bag. Hard to get up the next morning because of the cold. Water bottles half frozen. Finally got up had some hot chocolate and an oatmeal bar, packed up and left by 9:00AM
Date: 2007-01-11
From: Swag of the Blue Ridge

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Jan. 11, 2007 Swag of the Blue Ridge to Dicks Creek Gap. Started at 9:00AM, finished around 3:00PM Very cold and windy day again. Met Hiker Nutt again and hiked with her to Dicks Creek Gap. We then hitch hiked into Hiawassee, Ga. to the Holiday Inn Express. After checking in we went to McDonalds for something to eat. Later that evening Hiker Nutt's husband came in and we all went to dinner at Shoney's. Margie who I met a the Hiker Hostel was here also. She came in yesterday. By the way I highly recommend the Hiker Hostel (hikerhostel.com) for any hiker. They really go out of there way to make your stay enjoyable and the Hostel itself is a treasure to behold.
Date: 2007-01-12
From: Hiawassee, Ga.

To: Hiawassee, Ga.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

January 12, 2007 Holiday Inn Express in Hiawassee, Ga. Woke up with a pain in my right foot just above the arch. Went to a local doctor and was diagnosed with tendonitis. Got some new arch supports at Ingles. Will also wrap it in the morning.
Date: 2007-01-13
From: Dicks Creek

To: Bly Gsp
Miles today: 8.8

Jan. 13, 2007 Start - Disks Creek 9:00AM. Finished - Bly Gap 5:00PM. Left Holiday Inn in Hiawassee, Ga. Ryan shuttled me to the trailhead at Dicks Creek. Met Bald Eagle and crew at Cowart Gap. His crew was two other adults and some scouts. Approximately 5:00PM I stepped across the Georgia/North Carolina border. Day was partly sunny and very windy all day. Temperature was probably in the 50's. Foot is doing very well. The elastic bandage I have wrapped in is relieving the pain and I am hiking Ok now. A little vitamin I (ibuprofen) once a day also helps.
Date: 2007-01-14
From: Bly Gsp

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Jan. 14,2007 Start - Bly Gap 8:45AM. Finished - Standing Indian Shelter 4:20PM. Partly sunny and cold wind all day, Wind was blowing in the shelter so I pitched the tent. Slept well all night. A man and older boy came into the shelter just before dark. The man said he was a school principal. I think the boy was his son. It started to rain around 8:00PM and rained all night.
Date: 2007-01-16
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Jan. 16, 2007 Started - Carter Gap Shelter 8:00AM. Finished - Rock Gap Shelter - 5:30PM. Day started very windy and stopped after noon. Partly sunny but the temp. dropped all day. The climb up Albert Mountain is approximately 400 feet straight up. Half of the climb is stair steps and the other half is a rock scramble. The view from the top is fantastic. Arrived at Big Spring Shelter around 2:00PM. Filled water bottle signed log and moved on. Temp. dropped below freezing during the night. Kept my water bottle between my sleeping bag and the shelter wall.  It did not freeze. I was not cold during the night but I was not very comfortable either. Need to get another sleeping bag. The sleeping bag I have is rated as a zero degree bag but it does not seem to be so. Another milestone has been reached. I have now hiked over 100 miles.
Date: 2007-01-17
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: clear sky

Jan. 17, 2007 Started - Rock Gap Shelter 8:30AM. Finished - Winding Stair Gap 10:25AM. No shelter log. Below freezing when I started with a slight wind. After reaching Winding Stair Gap (US hwy 64) I hitched a ride with a sheriff of Ocala, Fl. He goes by the trail anme of Black Gap Runner. Many thanks to the Black Gap Runner for the ride into Franklin N.C. The wind on the hwy was very strong and very cold. Black Gap Runner let me off at the Pizza Hut in Franklin at 10:30AM. I waited until 11:00AM when they opened and had lunch. Walked up the road to the Three Eagles outfitter. Looked at some of his equipment and bought two cans of fuel for my new stove. Kevin the owner called the Haven Budget Inn where I will be staying because of some winter storm warnings.
Date: 2007-01-18
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Franklin, N.C.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

January 18, 2007 Taking it easy at the Haven Budget Inn in Franklin, N.C. Trying to set up some shuttles for some slack packing during the day as the nights are going to be in the low 20's. Looks like Sunday the 21st is out as they are predicting snow.
Date: 2007-01-19
From: Franklin, N.C.

To: Franklin, N.C.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

January 19, 2007 Another day off. Went to the outfitter and purchased a new sleeping bag, hand warmers and Gatorade mix. The new bag is a North Face Snowshoe, rated for zero degrees. It is filled with polargard Delta insulation. Went to Kmart and Ingles and bought some provisions. Had lunch at Subway. Scheduled a slack pack for tomorrow from Winding Stair Gap to Winespring.
Date: 2007-01-20
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wine Spring
Miles today: 8.2

Jam. 20,2007 Slack Pack Day. Started - Winding Stair Gap 7:50AM. Finished - Wine Spring 2:00PM. Met two ladies from Silva, N.C. headed for Siler;s Bald. The climb from Wayah Gap to Wine Spring is very long and steep, about a 60-degree incline all the way.
Date: 2007-01-21
From: Franklin, N.C.

To: Franklin, N.C.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

January 21, 2007 Went roller skating and shopping today. Tried to get my eye drop prescriptions refilled and have a problem. Was hoping to get back on the trail in the morning but it looks unlikely at this time. Hopefully I will get to Fontana Dam on or around the first of February. Fontana Dam is the start of the Smokies.
Date: 2007-01-22
From: Franklin, N.C.

To: Franklin, N.C.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Monday Jan. 22, 2007 Still in Franklin, N.C. at Haven's Budget Inn. Mailed packages to home, NOC, and Fontana. Went to Wal-Mart and still had trouble getting eye drop prescriptions refilled. Finally got them OK. Bought a trac phone. Had CD made of pictures in the camera. Had dinner at Papa's Pizza. They had a very good spaghetti dinner. Went back to the motel and updated journal with pictures. Made date with Bill to shuttle me to Wine Spring Bald at 7:30 AM tomorrow.
Date: 2007-01-24
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Wednesday Jan. 24,2007 Started Cold Spring shelter at 8:20AM. Finished NOC at 5:15PM. Day started below freezing but warmed up after noon. Very sunny allday and not much wind. The ground is frozen and crunched under my steps all day. My Gatorade was like a slushy all day. Water bottle was OK because I kept it between the shelter wall and my sleeping bag last night. Had dinner at the River's End Restaurant and spent the night in the NOC base camp bunkhouse.