morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-03-07
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We left The Hiker Hostel after a wonderful breakfast and headed by car to the parking area at Big Stamp Gap USFS 42. The US Rangers gave wonderful printed directions at the entrance to Camp Merrill.The tops of the mountains in North Georgia were a winter wonoderland after the clouds and frost we noted on our drive in had frozen. The trees were coated with what I believe was "rime" - condensation or fog frozen on tree surfaces. All three of us - Currahee, Barbara - his spouse, and I slackpacked to the top of Springer. We did all the obligatory things - signed the register, took photos of the plaque, view, and white blaze 1 NOBO. We came back to the parking area.In the parking area before we started the journey north we meet a group from The GA ATC with some college men and women from Florida Atlantic doing service work by servicing the moldering privies at Springer and Stover Creek. Thanks for all that you do in keeping the AT the experience it is for so many.We set off down the trail in sunlight with the melting rime pelting us from time to time. The 1st days hike was wonderful through the forest of north Georgia and beautiful Three forks area. The last few days of rain has brought the creeks to higher levels. We arrived in the later part of the afternoon to tent at the Hawk Mountain Shelter.I could tell had not pitched my tent recently as it took longer than normal. We were among a group of about 20 tenting and several staying in the shelter.Great start to a much anticipated journey.
Date: 2011-03-08
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Once again a wonderful hiking day, but mountain-forecast.com is calling for heavy rain over night and into tomorrow, so we are planning to pull up early at Gooch Mountain Shelter. Today is also the first healthy climb over Sassafras Mountain, and we can get our asses kicked. IT was not as bad as our section hike we did in preparation a couple of years ago.Lots of signs of US Ranger training - simulated fire and convoys on the USFS roads as we passed. Hiking was once again very pleasant through the forests of north Georgia. we ran into quite a few SOBO section hikers. The trail relocation around the Justus Creek area seems to be complete. FYI - the footbridge at Justus Creek in many of the trail guides is really an easy rock hop.Pulled into Gooch Mountain Shelter early, and were the first to arrive. This shelter is a very good rain hangout since the shelter has a covered porch area, and the sleeping area has two decks. The upper deck is really quite well protected from the rain. We, of course, took the center two locations on the upper deck that should best protected from the coming rain.I am still doing so physical adjusting to the trail - hungry at night, but not during the day. I expect this will go on for the next several weeks. I have also had some slight nausia during the day when I am under the most physical stress. I trust this will pass.Shelter is full tonight with Murray, Torch, Chris, Patrick, and quite a number of Spring Breakers on section hikes. Not as many tenters tonight. When the rain came, they really came. Seems like 2 - 3 inches fell overnight. No rain, no Maine.
Date: 2011-03-09
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: heavy intensity rain

The heavy rains of last night at Gooch Mountain Shelter continued unabated during the day. The winds also have been 25+ mph. We tried waiting to see if the rain would die down, but it did not. The trail and weather helped with the decision making. We set out at about 10 AM into the storm with the plan to reach Woody Gap and decide as to next steps.Packed up in the rain and as soon as we jumped down from the upper deck our places were taken by the Spring Breakers from South Carolina. So off we set into the rain. Walked the 5+ miles in a downpour. The US Rangers were still active as we heard simulated fire in the distance and a few helicopters in the rain and wind. Climbed over Ramrock Mountain with no views in the rain, fog, and haze, and continued on into Woody Gap.In the Gap, we ran into a group camped out to stay dry and warm in the women's privy. Both Currahee and I were quite cold and wet. We checked with availability of spots at The Hiker Hostel - no spots at the Inn. Josh and Leigh could run a shuttle to Hotels in Dahlonega late in the afternoon. Our cold and wet bodies were beginning to have the early stages of hypothermia, so we looked for other options. Another trail lesson learned - we are ok with walking in the cold and wet as long as we are moving, but as soon as we stopped the early stages of hypothremia start.Josh and Leigh were again helpful with the name and number of a local shuttle driver who lives in Suches just a few miles from Woody Gap. A phone call brought Wes Wisson in about 15 minutes. By the time Wes arrived, we were joined by Northeaster. On the drive to the Quality Inn in Dahlonega, we learned Wes had been driving shuttles for 20 years, and was the Wes in Bryson's book. I look up more later.The Quality Inn is really hiker friendly, and we had a good evening. We arranged for a shuttle to Woody the next morning, and took a well needed shower. I really enjoyed the dinner at Moe's and clean clothes from the laundry next store to Moe's.The journey will continue on to Neels Gap tomorrow.
Date: 2011-03-10
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: light rain

Mrs. Wes picked us up at the appointed time, and after dropping Northeaster off at the Hiker Hostel, Currahee and I were on our way to Neels Gap by 9:30 AM. We set off in the wind and a light rain towards Blood Mountaain and Neels Gap.The day was a good hike in the cold and wind. We saw it all - rain, fog, sunshine (not very much), sleet, and snow. Wow - what a day. With the lessons from yesterday about being wet and cold, and keeping moving, we hiked all day with little in the way of breaks.Up and over Big Cedar Mountain, and again no views. The north and west side of the mountains were quite cold and windy. Sometimes in sun and sometimes in sleet and snow. By mid-day our elevation had increased, and sleet now was only snow. In Slaughter Gap, we met up with Moonshine and Rodney. They continued on as we talked once again with GA ATC maintainers and the group from Florida Atlantic that were servicing the moldering privies. There was no real views from Blood - only snow on the low, stunted trees at this elevation. We rolled into Neels Gap, and found that there was no room at the Hostel at Mountain Crossings, but we scored a room to share at Blood Mountain Cottages. On arriving at the Fox cottage, we found Moonshine and Rodney.After a hot shower, we shared a wonderful dinner of ramen and pizza supplied by Rodney. Trail magic....Mountain-forecast.com is projecting continuing light snow and rain, so we will seem what the morning brings.Our night brought news of the earth quake and tsunami in Japan. My prayers are with those affected.
Date: 2011-03-11
From: Neels Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The day dawned with light snow and a very, very cold wind. We decided to zero and do resupply. We are adjusting to the trail, and a zero day seems right. The plan evolves as the trail tells us what to do.I completed my resupply and a single item of new gear - a Sea to Summitt dry bag with eVent closure to keep clothes drier. The big event was my phone has died - I have a dead Droid. Mailed my dead Droid home since the next real Verizon store is Franklin, and I should be able to get it fixed or replaced by then and sent to me in Franklin. Off it goes via UPS.Rodney left early afternoon hoping to do some miles before days end. The three of us - Moonshine, Currahee, and I - remain and will get an early start tomorrow headed for Low Gap or Locust Stamp Gap in better weather.More information on the tsunami and earthquake. Much damage and destruction in Japan, and even some in Maui HA in an area I have visited. I have real concerns over the nuclear plsnt in Japan most affected by the quake and tsunami. It looks like Three Mile Island all over again - deva ju.
Date: 2011-03-12
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: clear sky

We got an early start at 7:30 AM and passed through the archway at Mountain Crossing heading north toward the next road crossing at Hogpen Gap. Moonshine got out before us at 7 AM in her way to Low Gap.The views from Wolf Laurel Top, Cowrock Mountain, and Wildcat Mountain were exceptional. We could see all the way from Blood Mountain on the South past Yonah Mountain near Helen to Currahee's namesack in the distant piedmont. What a day!!!On arriving at Hogpen Gap, we had lunch and talked with a group of cyclists doing one of the two 3 Gap 50 mile runs. The cyclists talked for a while with us - they were both from Florida - and they cyclists seem to have the same sort of comradarie as thru-hikers. It helped me recongnize something I am experiencing that I do not experience most days in the other world.At Low Gap Shelter. quite a crowd gathered - some of the same folks from Gooch Mountain Shelter - Torch, Murray, Chris, Moonshine, and others....and some new friends from Harrisburg PA who are hiking home. It was a good evening and good company. After learning about the threats to the Nuclear Plant in Japan, it is odd running into folks who live quite close to Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant - site of the US meltdown.Tomorrow, we plan to only go as far as Blue Mountain, since the Shelter or camp spots with water are at somewhat inconvenient distance for our current level of conditioning.Continue the quest.
Date: 2011-03-13
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: few clouds

The day dawns sunny and warm - feels like spring in north Georgia at least for a day. From our preparation hikes, this will be an easy day. Most of the trail through this section consists of easy uphill grades to gain elevation as you near Blue Mountain. The grades are on an old woods road that has stacked stone culverts from the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) building of this section. It would guess this is the original 1930's section of the AT through Georgia built by CCC.We are among the first into the Shelter along with Northeaster who caught up with us at Low Gap Shelter last evening. We setup camp and wait for the host of friends to follow. The shelter trail register reveals Mooonshine headed into Helen to meet up with friends. Moonshine pointed out some Trail Magic left at the Shelter by a GA ATC member - Tellico. Thanks Tellico, the orange was great.From Chattahoochee Gap on towards Blue Mountain, we had good views of Brasstown Bald Visitor Center Tower. Brasstown Bald is the highest point in Georgia. We had a wonderful sunset and after a good dinner at Blue Mountain Shelter. Our night was warm and the wind quiet - unusual here. Many of our hiker buddies will go into Helen towmorrow.
Date: 2011-03-14
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Steeltrap Gap
Miles today: 9.6

Left Blue Mountain Shelter early, and before Currahee. We seem to be falling into a style that suits us. I start out early Currahee catches me and passes or we meet at a place for lunch or snack. Currahee then leads to afternoon and I catch up.On the way over Blue Mountain, I was overtaken by the marathon runner and thru-hiker - Firefly, and later her significant other on their way down into Unicoi Gap. At Unicoi, I got to experience more Trail Magic courtesy of 2010 Thru-hikers - Mello Yello and Turtle. I believe you can find their journals from last year. Thanks for the drink and snack!!!This 9.6 mile day is a hard one - lots of ups and downs - Blue Mountain, Unicoi Gap, Rocky Mountain, Indian Grave Gap, Tray Mountain Gap, Tray Mountain, and then into Steeltrap Gap. The sun of morning agave way to a cloudy and hazy afternoon with few views.Tonight and tomorrow promise rain, and this will be a chance to see how well we pitch a tent and get to break camp in the rain. As the day ended we saw a bit of a sunset and an early evening moon. We complete camp setup and dinner, and are into bed just at the stroke if hiker midnight (dark).
Date: 2011-03-16
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiawassee has been an excellent trail town - good food, good lodging, good resupply. I replaced several gear items to beef up my ability to handle rain and keep clothing, food, and my sleeping system dry. I added two Sea to Summit dry bags with eVent.I spent the afternoon updating my journal bringing it up to date including photos. All journal entries from March 6th through March 15th are now up to date.Currahee and I planned for four days from Dicks Creek Gap to Winding Stairs Gap in North Carolina. The weather forecast is for four days of dry, warm weather. I am looking forward to celebrating three firsts during this four day period: completing the first state, crossing 5,000 feet elevation for the first time, and completing the first 100 miles of trail.Thanks to all of the support folks who have made this possible: my wife Jonnie, Currahee's wife Barbara, and our extended families.
Date: 2011-03-17
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

On St. Patrick's Day and after a wonderful breakfast at K&K Diner in Hiawassee, Currahee and I left Dick's Creek Gap and Barbara and Georgia behind.We stopped for a morning snack at Plum Orchard Shelter in a warm sun with a cloudless sky. We had views of the Hightower valley farms and the sounds of truck traffic in the valley. From time to time, we had views of Brasstown Bald. By early afternoon we had reached our first milestone: crossing from Georgia into North Carolina - one state down and 13 more to go.Just after this milestone, we reached Bly Gap and the end of Georgia ATC maintained trail. For the next 60 miles the Nantahala Hiking Club will handle trail maintenance.In Bly Gap, we meet Holly and Dori Dog who are section hiking. Also, in the Gap we set beneath Bly Gap's knarled oak and eat our lunch.After lunch we began the challenging climb of Courthouse Bald. It seems as if the North Carolina trail designers were letting us know the trail in North Carolina will have challenges too.After cresting Courthouse Bald we had some views of Standing Indian and Albert Mountains - challenges of the days ahead. Tired, we reached Muskrat Creek Shelter which we shared with Cayenne, Holly, and Dori Dog.
Date: 2011-03-18
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Beech Gap
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: few clouds

Another day dawns with sun and a cloudless sky. I am so blessed by this new day. Today's challenge is the climb up to our first 5,000 foot mountain. The climb is on an easy grade of a mountain road. We have seen fewer thru hikers then I have expected. Perhaps the season is still young.We crest Standing Indian in early afternoon. Currahee takes the side trail to the crest, but I rest at the trail junction and have my lunch of sausage, cheese, and Little Debbie's chocolate peanut butter wafers. Currahee reports a great view back to Brasstown Bald in Georgia.After an easy descent, we reach Beech Gap in the late afternoon. When we check the spring water source, we find it clogged with leaves. With a little hydraulic engineering to clear leaves and dam the water flow, voila and we have a spring. Later that evening, thru hiker Swift passes, a family of four sets up camp, and Patrick arrives. We last saw Patrick in Hiawassee, but we had hiked with him from Blue Mountain into Hiawassee.Another great day...let the journey continue.
Date: 2011-03-19
From: Beech Gap

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Another day dawns only slightly cloudy. I leave a few minutes before Currahee: a pattern we have evolved into to help me manage my impatience. I am followed for about 3 miles by a hunting dog with a radio controlled collar. He touches my hand several times as if to get me to pay attention to him. This continues until I meet a south bound hiker with a small dog; my follower now has a new leader. Currahee and I meet up with Swift holding court with a group of section hikers from Chattanooga who are south bound.After the section hikers leave, we learn that Swift is on his third thru hike. He completed thru hikes in 2009 and 2010. He freely shares his experiences with us.We leapfrog with Swift over the next several miles as we approach the final 400 feet over 0.3 miles up Albert Mountain's rocky slope. On reaching the crest, we are greeted with a view that extends from Rabun Bald east of Clayton in Georgia to Whiteside Mountain near Highland and Cashiers in North Carolina. We continue a short distance from Albert to the shelter at Big Spring. This shelter has more hikers camped at since Blue Mountain Shelter in Georgia. Nightfall finds us camping with a group of scouts on a south bound section hike as well as Patrick, NoCello, Radio Flyer, Red Riding Hood, and two women section hiking.I am looking forward to Winding Stairs Gap tomorrow and a visit to another trail town.
Date: 2011-03-20
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Winding Stairs Gap
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: overcast clouds

This day dawns cloudy and cold. Even though the calendar says winter should be over, this feels more like winter than spring.Todays hike should be relatively easy and proves to be. We make excellent time over the first 5 miles to Rock Gap Shelter. We cross another of those milestones....the first 100 miles are behind us. The ease of the trail gives me time to consider our progress since our start on Springer just a couple of weeks ago.I seem to be stronger and not as wiped out at days end - so I guess my strength and stamina have improved. I have ended this four day hike with only an emergency Ramen noodle meal and a chocolate bar - we were able to hike our planned distance and accurately predict our food needs. We have increased our speed from about 1.5 mph to 2 - 2.5 mph. Finally, on a more micro level, I am able to match my ascending speed to my aerobic capacity to keep from stopping, and I make better choices of foot placement to avoid hammering my feet and knees with rocks and branches.We met Perigrine at Rock Gap Shelter where we stopped for lunch. He hiked here from the Foothills Trail in South Carolina using the Bartram Trail for connection to the AT. Perigrine is a neighbor from Clemson South Carolina.We arrive 30 minutes or so before being picked by Barbara - thanks Barbara for your support.Jonnie sent my Droid back with Barbara and I can now use the Droid for journal entries. Hate to admit it, but my Droid problems were case of operator error.We are into the Budget Hotel in Franklin for today and tomorrow. Had a chance to meet Ron Haven, and his hotels here are hiker friendly as is his hotel in Hiawassee.We are here with Patrick and a recent arrival of Northeaster who we have not seen since Unicoi Gap in Georgia. Northeaster reported that Torch will be in tomorrow.Finally, we had a wonderful hiker town food fare at the Blue Ridge Steakhouse.
Date: 2011-03-21
From: Winding Stairs Gap

To: Winding Stairs Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I spent a zero (mileage) day in Franklin NC. I stayed at Ron Haven's Budget Hotel - a very hiker friendly place. With the help of Barbara or Mrs. Currahee - as she is becoming to be know as in the AT hiking community - we were transported around Franklin. We had breakfast at a wonderful bakery and over coffee completed journal and photo updates. The afternoon consisted of planning the next six days and resupply of food until we reach the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) in Wesser NC about 28 miles away. We plan to overnight at the NOC and then continue 30 more miles to Fontana Dam at the southern border of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP). We will rest one day in Fontana Village before entering GSMNP.In the evening we had a wonderful pizza and salad. As you now probably have guessed, trail towns are for laundry, showers, rest, resupply, and replenishing calories burned on the trail.I hope to update this journal at the NOC.
Date: 2011-03-22
From: Winding Stairs Gap

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Barbara took Currahee and I to a bakery and the coffee shop. The coffee was wonderful.We used the shuttle service run by Ron Haven. He left Franklin just after nine and we were under way from Winding Stairs Gap by about 9:30 am. The day consisted two long up hills: first to Siler Bald and then up Wayah Bald. In between we dropped down to Wayah Gap where we had lunch. We met several through hikers after cresting Wayah Bald.The tower at Wayah Bald is open again. In some ways the tower is strange with its paved wheel chair access.The view from Wayah Bald was spectacular with views of Albert Mountain, Standing Indian, and even Brasstown Bald in Georgia. The shelter is crowded tonight and we plan to move on to Wesser Bald Shelter tomorrow.
Date: 2011-03-23
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Currahee and I spent last evening in the Wayah Bald Shelter with six or seven others. I. certainly do not sleep as well in a shelter as in my tent. People snore, people get up in the. middle of the night, thee is not very much room to even roll over which makes it hard for a side sleeper. Last night the wind roared all night and was still roaring this morning. We were off and hiking about 9 am. The day was cloudy with intervals of sun usually brief - 5 minutes at a time at most. The last climb of the day was up Wesser Bald where there is a fire tower and in clear weather a view back to the Nantahala Mountains and ahead to into the GSMNP. Today, however, all we saw was fog. The good news was that it did not rain until I was cooking dinner. The tents were already set up, and we got a break in the rain to hang our food from the bear cables and get boots off, under cover, into my tent.My journal for the day is complete and I am looking forward to a good lunch and dinner at the NOC. We will resupply and laundry clothes and be off again early Friday with the 5 mile climb to Cheoah Bald. Enjoy the journey.
Date: 2011-03-24
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: clear sky

Overnight there was a hard rain, but we had chosen well the location for our tents and we stayed dry even through the hard rain and high winds. There was a large crowd of thru hikers and section hikers on spring break. Fortunately, the rains ended during the night and the wind dried the tent fly.I left about 9 am and headed toward the NOC. The trail into the NOC passes over the jump off with excellent. views of the Nantahala Valley and GSMNP beyond.I reached the NOC by 12:30 pm and had an excellent lunch. As we neared the valley floor - signs of spring became evident - buds on tree's and the first trail wild flowers.We resupplied and did laundry. Later we had a wonderful dinner and planned the crossing to Fontana. We expect a couple days of heavy rain to make the crossing interesting. We will leave in the morning after breakfast. Enjoy the journey.
Date: 2011-03-25
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: clear sky

We had a wonderful breakfast at River's End Restaurant with eggs and pancakes. Fuel for the long 6 mile climb today. We left NOC at about 9:45am and began the long 3,000 foot climb.We climbed steadily with views into the Nantahala Gorge. After we reached the Jump Up, we took pictures of the wonderful views of the Gorge, the ridges from Wayah and Wesser Balds and the distant ridges near Highlands and Cashiers. We could still hear the road and screams from the river guides training.We are at a very full shelter with light rain falling. Hope the rain does not get harder as we moved toward Fontana Dam and GSMNP. Enjoy the journey....