morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-03-06
To: Moving
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Neither of us thought that the process of moving out of the rental house (that we dearly loved) would be so difficult...physically as well as mentally. So much sorting, discarding, recycling and reorganizing to get everything to storage lockers...yes, there are now three! It was physically demanding as we did most of the lifting ourselves with movers coming only to do the heavy furniture. Never, ever again! Phase 1 has ended.We have had four days to set up our resupply boxes at my son's house and they will be so happy to see us and our clutter gone tomorrow. Thinking through all the wants and needs and packing up light and nutritious meals has been a challenge but I think we are close to being done. Tomorrow ends phase 2 and while different, is every bit as stressful as phase 1!Making progress...slowly!
Date: 2016-03-16
To: soon!
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We have rented a car and are leaving for Atlanta in the morning. We are both very tired of trying to anticipate all the issues we will face and be prepared for them as that is impossible to do. Let it begin already! We are both a little concerned about our inability to walk and train with our packs these last two months since packing, moving and setting up the resupplies proved to be a tremendous amount of work! More than we anticipated. We both realize that our packs are heavier than we would like but we will go very slow the first few days and hopefully it will all come together!
Date: 2016-03-20
From: Springer Mountain

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was the day! We were picked up at the Holiday Inn at 8am by Ron Brown who provides a shuttle service to the trailhead at Springer mountain. He was fantastic and gave us advice and information regarding the first section of the trail. He is also a trail Angel who helps all hikers when he sees the need, not just to his customers. What a great guy!We started up the trail to Springer mountain to sign the register and take pictures. It was a cold day and the path was muddy and rocky but we made it without incident. Our packs are heavier than we wanted and our bodies felt it immediately. Most of the excess weight was food but that will change as we eat our way up the trail. After the decent from Springer, we continued north. Most people stay at Hawk Shelter the first night which is about 8 miles but we soon realized we would never make it that far! I think we made it about 5 miles and then found a flat camping area that we limped into. As we were putting up our tent, it started to snow and then hail! It is very cold and when the frozen rain stopped falling, we built a small fire and started to cook dinner. First support was spaghetti. When the hale started again, supper was only half done so we had to move everything to the vestibule of the tent finish cooking.We are now tucked into our beds at 7pm. It is so cold we have our jackets on inside our sleeping bags to keep warm. In addition, we have the water bottles tucked in also so they don't freeze. It was a an interesting first day.Most important thing I learned about today was "snot rockets". I hope I get better at it!"Take your time and you'll be fine." Ron Brown.
Date: 2016-03-21
From: Three Forks

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up to a winter wonderland. It was white every where you looked and temps in the mid twenties. We cooked a hot breakfast hoping that would warm us up a little. The temp only got up to the high 30's (according! to another hiker). Too cold!We did slightly better today but we have to go slow. Packs are just too heavy so we are going to have to adjust our resupply plan a little and send half the food up the trail so we are not carrying so much. It will work out.I have found that cooking in the vestibule works out great so long as I remember to fold back the tyvek...It is just a little hole! Don't have to worry about wind, rain or snow and we keep it ventilated and it helps to warm the tent."Hans" has been a great help and I know we are probably driving him crazy by going so slow but that is all we can do right now. He had made these beginning days so much easier!Every body part aches a little but no real injuries. Hopefully we will get stronger every day!Great Gramps is asleep every night by 7:30. First one down and the last one up!
Date: 2016-03-22
From: top of hightower gap

To: gooch gap shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Camped last night on the mountain between Hightower Gap and Horse Gap. Set up our tents and cooked dinner of chicken and rice. Pretty good! Sunset behind the ridge line was beautiful and a nice way to end the day. The morning was still cold but the sun was up and it was a beautiful day. We started strong and finished weak...seems to be a pattern! We climbed both Sasafrass and Justin mountain today and were able to fill up our water containers at Justin creek. It was beautiful and a lot of people gathered to relax and even soak their feet. One more reason to filter your water! Turned out we were trail angels today. Got to the top of Sasafrass mountain and there was a woman hanging onto a tree, said she was feeling light headed and blacking out. She asked for help and luckily we had a phone connection and called 911. They transferred us three times before they could figure out where we were. We gave them the coordinates off of the gps and they said they would come and get her. She settled on a log by the trail and "Hans" gave her some energy snack and she seemed better. She insisted that we continue and she promised to stay put until the rescuers arrived. Feeling a little weird but knowing there was nothing else we could do for her, we continued. We checked with other hikers as they passed us and they all stopped to make sure she was ok. I hope she didn't have to wait too long and that she is safe tonight.We are at Gooch Gap shelter tonight, not much of a signal for phones. I will post all of our entries when we can get a connection. Lots of people here and we were lucky to get a decent spot and set up our tents side by side. All the bear lines were full so "Hans" through a Rock over a tree limb and was successful the first try. Impressive! We have two bear canisters and hopefully they will be untouched tonight.Thanks for all the support we are receiving, it really helps through this beginning time of adjustment.
Date: 2016-03-23
From: gooch gap shelter

To: woody gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Last ones out of camp this morning and first ones to make camp tonight!It was a beautiful morning and after a breakfast of oatmeal and pancakes and the first cup of coffee in four days (thanks Ryden!) we started the first climb. I am sure it is easy for the younger folk but every joint creaked this morning and it was slow going. GreatGramps has good stamina and endurance but this fat old lady is slow! The weight of the pack is better but I am having trouble getting it cinched without cutting off the circulation to my colon and I get nauseated soon into the hike. Kept readjusting the belt and finally got it fairly comfortable and the rest of the day went better. Unfortunately the climb did not! Met our first trail angels and Great Gramps finally got the beer he was wishing for, while Hans and I had cold water. Missed out on the doughnuts cause we were too late but that is fine.Met our second trail angels at Woody Gap this afternoon and they were truly a blessing! These ladies had been here for three days feeding all who came through, they served 70 people yesterday! I felt so much better after I had something to eat and Gramps got a special cookie that they gave out to veterans only! I was so impressed and grateful to these women and I too will do the same for hikers on the PCT. My new goal in life!We decided to stay at Woody Gap and set up early and rest as there may be thunderstorms tomorrow! We may need every ounce of energy we have.
Date: 2016-03-24
From: woody gap

To: wood hole shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Off to a great start today, combed my hair for the first time in for days and managed to brush my teeth twice! Trail life is getting easier.Started hiking and we seemed to get into a better stride finally. We knew that the next few days would be tough with some difficult climbs ahead and we are still continuing to take things slowly although not necessarily by choice. Finding water had not been a problem so we don't need to add a lot of weight by carrying a lot at any one time. It was a beautiful day but as it progressed we knew there was a storm coming in and the hikers we met on the trail warned us. We made it as far as Woods Hole Shelter (which was full) and set up our tent in the campground in the cold and pouring rain. There was mud everywhere but mostly in the vestibule where we ended up doing our cooking. We got our tent up first (since it is integrated) and then helped hold the fly so Hans could get his tent up without getting the inside wet. He hiked down to the stream in the pouring rain to refill the water while I cooked his dinner first, then he dived into his tent and we didn't see him until morning. Great Gramps and I had supper and then climbed into our sleeping bags to stay warm. Gramps slept well but I had trouble as the wind howled in the trees and the rain splattered loudly on the tent. And in my mind's eye, I kept seeing the bears circling the tent waiting to get to the food that we kept in the tent as we didn't want to hang it in the rain. It was a long night.
Date: 2016-03-25
From: wood hole shelter

To: Neel Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We survived the night without any bear attacks but sadly not without rodents. Great Gramps left some sunflower seeds in the pocket of his Arcteryx jacket and this morning had a large hole that went right through the front. He now has duct tape sealing that up. In addition, the buckle broke on the waist band of his pack which made it more difficult to comfortably carry the load. But up to Blood Mountain we climbed and the views were spectacular! This is the highest point in Georgia and had a very cool stone shelter at the top. We can't decide which is harder, the climb or the descent. They are both painful!Tonight we are staying at the Blood Mountain Cabins were we showered, laundered our filthy wet and smelly clothes and washed the mud off all our gear. Feeling renewed!
Date: 2016-03-26
From: Neel Gap

To: tesnate gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Left blood mountain cabin this morning feeling pretty good. We stopped in the resupply site and sent the bear canisters home. Good riddance! The AT continued through the Mountain Crossing building and went immediately uphill...like it seems to first thing every morning. After about a half hour we had to ditch the jackets to stay cool, not because it was warm but rather we warmed up on the climb. We went over Levelland Mt and then onto Cowrock Mt. Beautiful views despite the fog and mist coming in along with some intermittent sprinkles. Met lots of hikers today and enjoyed talking to them, everyone is so friendly. There was a long, slow, rocky descent into Tesnatee Gap but we were treated to beer and soda by two trail angels when we finally got down off the Mountain. I had reached my limit of endurance by then but there was no where else to go but up ... Up Wildcat Mt which was awfully steep and long and continued on forever! Bless Hans, he went up first and came back to meet me and take my pack! The upcoming shelter was over a mile off trail and there was no way I could do that. We found a small level grassy spot at the top of the ascent and immediately pitched our tents, thankfully no one else had done so. By now it had started to rain but we managed to get the tents up without getting too muddy this time so I guess we are getting a little better at this. Cooked dinner and settled in for the night...
Date: 2016-03-27
From: tesnate gap

To: poplar gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

HAPPY EASTER! Woke to a morning of rain sprinkles and fog. Decided it was pretty cool weather to hike in except for the thunderstorm when we reached the top of today's mountain. The trail was muddy and slippery so we had to be careful. Not too many people on the trail but there sure are a lot of hikers at the campsite tonight and nobody seems to mind standing out in the rain and chatting! Except us ole folk! There seems to be a leak in Great Gramps sleeping pad and this could turn out to be a major problem and will be a priority when we get to town. Unfortunately, that is still a couple days out as we are deep in the middle of the woods! The hiking has been a challenge albeit an enjoyable one but the rain and mud are taking a toll. Hopefully, it will warm up soon!
Date: 2016-03-28
From: poplar gap

To: blue mountain shelter
Miles today: 50.2
Weather: light rain

Woke up to rain on the tent again this morning and it was hard getting going and packing up wet and muddy tents and clothes. We all started separately this morning, as soon as one of us was ready, we just started walking to try and stay warm. The weather slowly cleared and it turned out to be a beautiful sunny day. We were very low on water in the late morning and we came upon a small run off stream that crossed the trail. We created a little dam and filtered a couple off liters to get us through the day. The Katadyn water pump is great...Turned a muddy little pool into crystal clear water! The hike was not too difficult today but very rocky. Great Gramps climbed away and I had to gingerly pick my way up over the rocks with Hans getting stuck with the chore of "Farmor duty" making sure I did not go over the side of the cliff! He and Gramps take turns protecting me!We stopped early today at Blue Mountain Shelter which had a lovely campground. We are already settled in for the night and Gramps had no trouble falling asleep while it is still light! It is going to be a cold one but no rain! Yay!
Date: 2016-03-29
From: blue mountain shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: clear sky

Today was a crisp sunny day! After a cup of hottish coffee we packed up and headed out to Unicoi Gap. Lots of rocks going downhill and while it was not too bad, I took my first fall. Fortunately, it was not over the edge of a cliff and my head landed between a rock and a log so I was very fortunate. It is a reminder that one must pay attention all of the time! Gramps promised me a glass of wine tonight if I didn't fall again so that is my goal for today! Made it to Unicoi Gap and hitch hiked to Helen. Many thanks to trail angel Frank who believed it was safe to pick us up as we didn't look like terrorists!   He had a pickup truck and Hans and I were able to ride inside while Great Gramps and another hiker who came running when the truck stopped, rode in the truck bed. Helen is such a cool little town and we checked into the Best Western here and immediately showered and did laundry. Had a late lunch on the patio of Bidensee Restaurant -wonderful German food and Gramps now has a new beer- Erdinger Dunkle. This place is heaven. We will meet Carolynn here tomorrow and take our first zero day (no hiking). The old bones will be happy! Also going to get to an outdoor supply store and change out some equipment and rework our food resupply plan because what we are doing will not work in the future. Always a work in progress.
Date: 2016-03-30
From: Unicoi Gap

To: zero
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We are spending an extra night in Helen because of the storm that is moving through the area. I really appreciate the extra recovery time and I hope we can start strong on Friday morning. It may still be raining then but should clear up over the course of the day and then we should see a stretch of nice weather after that.We had to say goodby to our support team today which was difficult to do! I am not sure we are ready to be on our own yet and this a such a role reversal...The parents are the ones leaving home and will sink or swim! I miss you already Hans and really appreciate all that you did for us, I am not sure we would have made it this far without you! And Carolynn, thanks for your never-ending help and optimism, always showing us how tough and level headed you are, willing to go above and beyond to get us what we need. You two make a great couple!We will take one more shower and do one more load of laundry and then we will be ready. I hope!
Date: 2016-04-01
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Tray gap
Miles today: 5.0

Woke to a light rain today but it soon ended and we were lucky to have missed any of the predicted showers for the area. Miss Janet (she runs a shuttle service for hikers) picked up 7 of us hikers from the Best Western in Helen and drove us all to Unicoi Gap to pick up the trail where we left off. It was pretty crowded in her van but every one was in a good mood and ready to get back on the trail and start hiking again. She took our picture in the camp parking lot and then we set off for Rocky Mountain, our first climb of the day which was about a thousand feet. This was followed by Tray Mountain which was another fifteen hundred feet and our most aggressive day so far. We were hoping to make it to Tray Shelter but were about a quarter of a mile short before we found a place to set up camp. Great Gramps was having trouble with his foot today and was feeling the effects of the climb. We had enough water to make dinner and to get us through the night but we will have to stop at the shelter in the morning to resupply or we won't make it through the day. There were lot of bugs today so I decided to use my bug spray. When I unzipped the pocket on my belt, everything that had been in that pocket was gone! At first I thought I might have left it unzipped and things just fell out but then I remembered a homeless man at Unicoi Gap who seemed very out of place and was hanging around my pack while we had our picture taken. He was also asking me questions about my tracker device and acting weird. I think he took what he could in that short time and the only thing of any real value that I will miss is my headlamp. Another lesson learned the hard way. I am using Hans's sleeping mat for a few days while we wait on a replacement of the damaged one. It is very comfortable and now both Great Gramps and I will get a good night sleep. It is cool but not nearly as cold as it has been so things are getting better.
Date: 2016-04-02
From: Tray gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: light rain

The day started with temps about 38 degrees. We packed up and hiked the rest of the way to Tray Mountain Shelter to resupply our water. Made coffee and oatmeal and we were off to a great start. It remained cool throughout the day and the wind gusted and howled through the trees non stop. We kept our jackets on hoping it would warm up but it never did. We felt like the hike was going pretty well until we got to Kelly's Knob and then it was agony, straight uphill all the way with no switchbacks or breaks along the way. As far as I am concerned, this was the worst climb we have encountered and I understand why people quit. We finally made it to Low Gap Shelter, got our tent set up and made dinner inside the vestibule so the tent would warm up a bit. Checked the weather forecast and there are freeze warnings for tonight with wind gusts up to 60mph. Yikes! I am keeping my phone, gps tracker, battery recharger, water ( to keep from freezing) and clothes in my sleeping bag with me. It could be a long night! Hopefully we won't blow away!
Date: 2016-04-03
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It was 32 degrees this morning and very hard to get out off the sleeping bag but the wind had quieted and the sun was out and the day eventually warmed up. The trail was good to us today and while there were plenty of ups and downs, none were as excruciating as yesterday. Beautiful view from the Vista which most hikers just flew by without taking the time to enjoy.We stopped to chat with some families and day hikers along the way which was very enjoyable.Got into Dick's Gap and got a ride from Ron Haven (well known friend to hikers) up to the Top of Georgia hostel where we needed to pick up our resupply food package for the next week. This is our first experience at a hostel and it is interesting. Great Gramps is in the top bunk and I am below him and there are six others in this room of bunk beds. Fortunately, everyone's already showered which was my first concern as they came in off the trail and thinking it could be a rather fragrant night. Gramps is already trying to sleep but the lights are on and everyone is talking...again, it could be a long night!
Date: 2016-04-04
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Campsite west
Miles today: 7.0

I don't think hostels are for us. Top of Georgia was a really great place but sleeping in bunk beds with a room full of strangers was not fun. Surprisingly, it was pretty quiet without a lot of snoring or various other noises but it was hot. The mattresses had thick rubber covers and we used our sleeping bags on top and since it was a cold night, the windows were closed and a little heater was turned on in the corner. I roasted! There was no privacy with 7 men in the room so there was no way to strip down to cool off and I had a throbbing headache by morning. The youngsters were up by 6:30 packing up their stuff and going to breakfast and once again, Great Gramps and I were the last ones to get moving. We had a complimentary breakfast of coffee and a variety of muffins with honey butter and listened to a great pep talk by Sir-Packs-Alot, the owner off the hostel. We caught the shuttle back to Dick's Creek Gap and started our day. It was beautiful and warm and best of all, not too overly strenuous. There were ups and downs but they were all pretty gradual and there were switch backs. We hiked about 7 miles today and stopped at an unmarked campsite that had water for the night. We pitched our tent up on a knoll with a beautiful view and enjoyed the warm evening. This was our best camping spot yet and we were really happy cause it wasn't cold and freezing! Tomorrow we will make it to North Carolina!
Date: 2016-04-05
From: Campsite west

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: clear sky

We hiked a couple of fairly easy miles this morning and then came to a little sign on a tree stating that we were at the North Carolina border. We almost missed it! There was a beautiful camping area shortly thereafter and we took a break, shoes off, and celebrated with the other hikers. Every one was in really good spirits and we all felt like we were making progress. That was short lived cause Georgia has nothing on North Carolina in the way of mountains! The first climb was Couthouse Bald and it was straight up! There must have been a hundred steps up delineated by logs or rocks and it was a killer. Even the young kids were complaining! The views from the top were amazing! We stopped for the night at Muskrat Creek Shelter and have a beautiful spot down by the creek and it is so nice to have water so close by. We" cooked dinner and it was still warm enough for us to eat outside, sitting on a log by the creek. But the sun is going down now, it is cooling off quickly and we are bundled up in our sleeping bags nice and warm.