morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-28
From: Low Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: light rain

Well, we survived the night of storms! The trees blew around like crazy and there was lots of rain and lightning that started around midnight. It was so cool to watch from my tent. More big thunder storms hit again around 230 as we had heard they would. Thankfully they stopped by the time we woke up with no major damage either.The ramps were plentiful today, Milo showed us which plants to pick that were like wild onions. We picked a bunch for a ramp feast tonight. About 10 miles in we hit trail magic! Buttercup and Red Oak (NOBO 2010) surprised us with hot dogs, baked beans, hummus, tortillas, brownies, beer/pop, and homemade hooch! Rocky, Laugh Track, and Bootlegger were there about an hour and already a bit tipsy. We filled up, I had 2 beers and they talked me into hitching to Erwin with them that night. A guy named Clinton stopped and fit the 4 of us into his 2 door cavalier, with packs! He told us the ghost town is more like 2 abandoned houses so I was sad, yet glad we didn't walk there and find out on our own. We walked into town from where he dropped us, this is the biggest town yet but is real spread out. Got some beer and tried to find a stealth spot to camp so we don't have to spend money on hotels (they add up so quickly)! We sat down on a grassy area we thought might be good and started playing cards. About 30 minutes later a guy driving by stopped and told us we should be careful drinking since we were in between the police station and sheriffs house! "bombing territory" So much for our awesome stealth spot! Then he said 'I don't mind, I'm drinking too,' and holds up a beer can in a paper bag. I love the south! We asked him where to stay and he said he would take us down to the river. So we got in his car and we drove past some baseball fields where some kids were playing. He stopped so we could watch and we saw a nice spot behind some bushes in the outfield near the railroad yard, he drove his car into the grass and we set up! He was awesome, he told us stories, had his son and dog with him, he even called us 'yinz guys' and we all laughed, he's not even from Pittsburgh! We watched some baseball for a while and ate nachos, then went to bed. What a great, eventful day.
Date: 2011-04-29
From: Erwin, TN

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke early to get to the library by 8am as the Companion says...turns out not to open til 10am so I wondered down to Huddle House for breakfast. Bootlegger, Rocky, and Laugh Track came by too, food was good and service was great. Went to the library for a few hours to update journal and I had a comment from Cowgirl's mother- I read her journal in order to help plan my trip! What are the odds her mom reads mine Little Bird called to tell me they got in and had a room. We met up and ate at you know where...Pizza Hut. Had 2 salads and half a medium pizza. We were walking to the grocery store and a lady picked us up, waited while we shopped, then took us all the way to the hotel AND gave us a container of fresh farm strwberries! I was debating on staying another night or getting back on the trail with Rocky and Laugh Track. After much debate, I decided to stay, I still want to go to the outfitters for a map for my co workers and they are on the other side of town and close in an hour. At the hotel we were harassed by the employee for having too many people in the room- we were just hanging out, not staying, but he was a jag-off about it so Spins told him she hasn't staying and to not charge her. He of course made a huge deal, the cops were called, they supported us and we all walked 3 miles BACK into town to camp near the train tracks. Mile, Last Minute, Bootlegger, Little Bird, Spins, and I all set up and hung out. I ate the rest of my pizza, it was a nice night, Bootlegger also made some hooch (sugar, yeast, apple cider)!
Date: 2011-01-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I plan to start a north bound AT hike March 16, 2011. I'll fly to Atlanta the day before & stay at the Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega, GA. In 2009, my daughter and I had a great stay there during our 4 day Georgia AT Hike. I've had March 2011 on my calendar for quite a while. Can't believe my thru hike countdown can now be calculated in mere weeks.
Date: 2011-01-04
To: Getting Back into Backpacking
Miles today: 0.0

About 3 years ago my daughter, Laura, asked me to take her backpacking. It had been a long time since I had backpacked;my backpacking gear was way out of date. I had backpacked (before kids) in Georgia, Virginia & North Carolina, as well as, Rocky Mt. National Park and my favorite --- Glacier National Park (Montana). In response to my daughter¢s request, I dusted off my OLD backpack, googled womens backpacking, discovered Wildside Adventures and signed up for an intro to backpacking weekend & several backpacking trips. Wildside gave me the jump-start I needed to learn about the latest gear, etc. Laura & I went on backpacking trips in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Georgia. Laura suggested that I plan an AT Thru Hike. She knew this had been a life long dream. It took my daughter¢s encouragement & challenge for me to plan this hike.
Date: 2011-01-10
To: Introduction to the Appalachian Trail
Miles today: 0.0

My father was a Boy Scout leader extraordinare and my 3 brothers are Eagle Scouts. We grew up on a farm in Milledgeville, Georgia. The Scout troop went on monthly camp outs in our ¢woods¢ on our farm. I was an unofficial tagalong Boy Scout for many of their hikes & camp outs. My family¢s favorite summer vacation spot was Smokemont Campground in Smoky Mountains National Park. When I was 6 years old, my father asked me if I wanted to hike up to Mt. Leconte with the boys, spend the night (in a tent) and hike back the next day. Did I ever!!! I was thrilled and surprised not to be left behind at the campground with my Mom and younger brother. About 2/3 of the way up the Boulevard Trail (8.8 mile hike), I remember feeling tired & ready to be there, But I was also determined not to be the lightweight of the group so I kept moving along. I found renewed energy when Daddy found a balsam stick, carved one ring around the stick showing I had achieved 5 miles of hiking and handed me my first hiking pole. He told me that the AT went all the way to Maine and was over 2000 miles long.
Date: 2011-01-11
To: CJL
Miles today: 0.0

During the summers, I attended a spectacular girls camp (CJL) on Lookout Mountain in Northwest Georgia. At CJL, I learned outdoor skills like wood chopping, lashing, 14 man fire & my specialty, the 2 man water boiling contest, as well as; archery, horseback riding, canoeing, saiing, arts & crafts, etc. CJL (Camp Juliette Low) is a thriving private camp which has been around since 1921. (www.cjl.org) Later I became a C.I.T. & then a Counselor; made lifelong friends and learned from CJL how to be a ¢can do¢ person. Recently, Causey (my friend & first CJL counselor) contacted me to see how my planning is going and hopes to visit me on the trail!!
Date: 2011-01-13
To: Physical Prep
Miles today: 0.0

I enjoy working out at my heath club where I swim and enjoy group classes (spinning, weight lifting, etc.). I also go on daily walks with my golden retriever & french bulldog ¢ we¢re lucky to have a regional park with a lake and trails right behind our house. Most weekends this Fall I was busy traveling to watch my daughter¢s college soccer team (PITT Panthers) which has been lots of fun, but the travel left very few open weekends for backpacking. However I was able to fit in an enjoyable Fall orienteering/backpacking weekend trip to Roaring Plains in WV (adjacent to Dolly Sods) with my friend Jane & the Washington Women Outdoors. My husband, Mike, the dogs and I enjoy hiking on nearby trails & the AT (within an hour¢s drive). We plan on doing lots of winter hiking so I can develop some trail fitness.
Date: 2011-01-17
To: Hiking on the Maryland AT
Miles today: 0.0

This past week Mike, the dogs & I went hiking twice on the Maryland AT; an out and back hike -Weaverton Road to Ed Garvey Shelter and Reno Monument Road to I70 Footbridge.   I also went on my first hike with the Maryland Trail Dames ¢ out and back hike- Gathland State park to Ed Garvey Shelter. I enjoyed hiking with the Dames and am pleased to meet so many local women hikers. At the shelter we used camp stoves to prepare tea & cocoa, had lunch and then sampled a variety of desserts that completely covered the picnic table. This group knows how to feast!!! The trail conditions were very good considering the recent snowfall ¢ the snow was dry and not too deep. I was amazed by the number of hikers and backpackers we met each day.During my hike with the Maryland Trail Dames, I met Rose, who also plans to thru hike and amazingly she plans on starting her hike the same date as me!! We had a great time talking gear and AT prep. After our hike Rose showed me her LightHeart tent. I have been thinking about getting a UL one-man tent or tarp tent and had narrowed my choice down to a few choices ¢ the Lightheart being high on my list. I have a Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 man tent, which I love, but I¢d like to lighten my load. I was thrilled to get a first hand look at the LightHeart tent ¢ a terrific option for one person and gear plus maybe a dog (in my case possibly my golden retriever might join me for a few nights or a week here and there).   Meeting Rose reinforced my excitement for my AT hike & the fun of meeting other thru hikers along the way.
Date: 2011-02-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The weather in Maryland has slowed down my hiking a bit, but it¢s starting to warm up a little so I hope to go hiking later this week. I don¢t mind the snow; it¢s the ice I try to avoid. In the mean time I¢ve been cross-country skiing and going on some short hikes. I hiked last week on the C&O canal portion of the MD AT. It was slow going since the middle of the trail was a sheet of ice, but the sides were still slushy snow offering a safe route. While hiking on the C&O, I was feeling rugged being out in the elements when all of a sudden I heard a splash from the Potomac River. It was a solo kayaker paddling upstream to play in the rapids, dipping his bow into the rapid and popping up in the air. Made my little walk in the snow seem tame. Seeing the kayaker enjoying himself in that frigid water reminded me to embrace these winter conditions & enjoy the season.
Date: 2011-02-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

During the winter, we¢ve been doing training hikes on the AT in Maryland. In December, Mike and I hiked Old Ragg (Shenandoah Park in VA) and hit some steep icy stretches which was unnerving. After dealing with that unexpected ice, I decided to order Kahtoola Microspikes (recommended on www.whiteblaze.net/). I didn¢t want to put my thru hike in jeopardy by getting injured on a training hike. Even though I knew we wouldn¢t need these often in Maryland, I figured they would be priceless when needed. That has proven to be true. A couple of weeks ago when we were hiking on South Mt. (MD AT), we hit some long stretches of ice and deep snow so we got a chance to try them out. We slipped on our microspikes (very easy to put on & off) and it was like magic. All of the sudden we were gliding, not nervous about falling and were able to make good progress. We would have shortened our hike significantly without the microspikes. I got these for training not for my thru hike & hope I won¢t need them on the thru; though I know Spring snow/ice is a possibility in the Smokies. The past few days, we've had a brief warming trend so it¢s been great hiking with just a light fleece. The winter hikes offer numerous 360 degrees views (since the trees are leafless) and I love the snowy landscapes. (I grew up in middle Georgia so I¢m still easily wowed by snow.)
Date: 2011-03-15
To: Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I flew from Baltimore to Atlanta where Josh from the Hiker Hostel picked up a van full of people: Angie & Mike (Wisconsin), Snowman & Escargot (Oklahoma), Bob (New Mexico) and Claude (MN). We stopped by Walmart for supplies and Subway meals to go. Bunks at Hiker Hostel were comfy and everyone turned in for an early evening.
Date: 2011-03-16
From: Springer Mountain

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

This morning, Hiker Hostel (Leigh) served a scrumptious breakfast of pancakes, srambled eggs, oatmeal, grits, etc. Before leaving for Springer, we all weighed our packs on the porch scale. There were some heavy packs. However Claude & I had the lowest weighing packs at 26 and 25 pounds (3 days food & 1 liter of water). I was pretty happy to start with that. Hiker Hostel dropped us off at the Springer parking lot where we all hiked south .9 miles to reach Springer Mountain then turned around and started hiking North. I hiked a little with Winkle & Ranger Bob (Blairsville, GA) and really enjoyed meeting them both. The weather was spectacular (warm but pleasant breeze) and water was plentiful; a 5 star day and wonderful start on the AT. We had a HUGE group at Hawk Mountain Shelter - about 40 tents/hammocks. It was a cold evening, but my Western Mountaineering sleeping bag kept me warm enough.
Date: 2011-03-17
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

It took me longer to get going this morning than I had planned, so I'll have to improve on camp breakdown. I started hiking at 9:30 AM. Today's hike was MUCH harder than yesterdays- longer and steeper and water was hard to come by, plus later in the day it was hot (but no rain for us yet so I'll take the heat). I experienced my first trail magic today!! Someone left ICE COLD jugs of water under a shady tree at the base of Sassafras Mountain. It saved me big time as I was completely out of water having gotten used to the abundant water yesterday, I didn't plan so well today - lesson learned. I'm back at the Hiker Hostel tonight as Woody Gap is only a few miles from the HH.
Date: 2011-03-18
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: clear sky

Had another delicious breakfast (french toast this time) at Hiker Hostel then was shuttled to Woody Gap to resume the hike. Hiked most of the day with Winkle, Bob and Wayne. They set a perfect pace insuring that we'd get to our destination while still allowing time to take a leisurely lunch. Enjoyed numerous spectacular wrap around wide angle views of the blue Georgia mountains. We were greeted with trail magic at the Blood Mountain Shelter- really good homemade brownies, bags of trail mix for resupplying hikers bags and precious jugs of ice cold water. One Dad and son hauled the "magic" 2 miles up to the top of Blood Mountain for the benefit of hikers...amazing and much appreciated. We ended our hike at Neels Gap where I was able to resupply buying 4 days of meals at Mountain Crossings Walasi-Yi outfitter. I managed to snag the next to last bunk at the Mountain Crossings Hostel. "Pirate" the hostel caretaker & legend made us a delicious cheese grits/sausage casserole. I love being in Georgia!! Paula Deen could not have whipped up a better cassereole.
Date: 2011-03-19
From: Neels Gap

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

Started the day with Pirates' pancakes and a swig of milk. I met up with Winkle, Bob, Greg & Candy for lunch on Wolf Laurel which had a gorgeous wide open view, including a view of Cowrock Mountain. The day was filled with ridge walks offering views on both sides of the trail. Soon after our lunch stop, some teenagers came bouncing down the trail announcing that there was trail magic 3 miles ahead at Hogpen Gap. That put a spring in my step, especially since I was dehydrated on this sweltering day and had mostly just sipped gatorade for my lunch. When we got to the base of Wildcat Mountain, our last obstacle to trail magic at Hogpen Gap, we met Gordon (a well known supporter of hikers) who handed me a gatorade. That was just the energy fix I needed to get up a very steep Wildcat Mt. Soon we reached Hogpen Gap where we feasted on hotdogs, chips and drinks. The hotdog picnic was provided by a church from Carrollton, Ga who is in their 4th year of providing trail magic. As if that wasn't enough magic for one day, down the trail there were kids (under the supervision of two fathers) handing out apples. I set up my tent at Low Gap Shelter very tired after a long hot day.
Date: 2011-03-20
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's hike was relatively easy. The terrain was gentler and there was a constant breeze all day. The views were pleasant but not as spectacular as previous days. I met a group of hikers from Georgia College in Milledgeville Georgia (where I grew up). At the end of the day Winkle, Bob and Candy invited me to join them for pizza and to spend the night at Candy's home in Blairsville, GA.
Date: 2011-03-21
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Tray Mountain Road
Miles today: 4.4

Today I slackpacked (took a light load - just items needed for the day) with Winkle, Bob and Candy. We hiked North to South (Tray Mountain Road to Unicoi Gap). It was fun seeing all the hikers I'd been hiking with headed north. I met Cimmaron who is an 88 year old thru Hiker, Boy Scout leader who chose his name from Cimmaron, New Mexico the location of Philmont Ranch. I spent another night with Candy and Frank and am most appreciative of their hospitality. Tomorrow I head back to the trail with a full pack.
Date: 2011-03-22
From: Tray Mountain Road

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked up Tray Mountain which was steep but manageable. Had lunch with Bob, Snowman, Escargot, Moss and Model T. Felt strong climbing Kelly Knob, a very steep challenging climb. Talked with Cimarron, a most inspirig 88 year old thru hiker. Camping at Deep Gap.
Date: 2011-03-24
From: Plum Orchard

To: Muskrat Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: broken clouds

Today was cold all day long. After 2 hours of hiking we reached the GA-NC line.   North Carolina immediately greeted us with tough steep climbs. Even the young hikers were groaning and whining about today's tough hike. The shelter dwellers (the fast hikers who reached the shelter first) built a roaring fire, which was enjoyed by all. It was a very cold night. My 20 degree warmed me up, but it was a night when I would have preferred a 10 or 0 degree bag.
Date: 2011-03-25
From: Muskrat Shelter

To: Carter Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

Today¢s hike started out with the usual ups and downs. In the late afternoon I hit a 3-mile stretch that was gently graded - like a walk in a park -what a relaxing way to end the day. Most downhill sections are steep and often have roots and rocks to contend with. I set up my tent, made dinner and hung my bear bag (bag of food hung in a tree to keep the bears from devouring your food) and waited for the predicted rain.
Date: 2011-03-26
From: Carter Gap

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: moderate rain

It rained during the night and was still raining as I broke camp. I got up early, as I knew the rain would slow my progress. I began my hike at 7:30am. It rained hard all morning as I plodded along. The trail soon resembled a small stream. At 11:30am I heard someone invite me to dine on blueberry pancakes. Fishing Fred was cooking pancakes to order. This was the most unexpected trail magic yet as I thought I was all alone deep in the wilderness. The pancakes and an apple "to go" were just the boost I needed to climb Mt. Albert, a short but steep & slick rocky climb. There was a fire tower atop Mt. Albert, which on a clear day must offer a spectacular view, but it was just a big white cloud for me. Around 3pm the rain suddenly stopped which gave me just enough time to finish my hike, set up my tent (shelter was full), get dinner and hang my bear bag before the downpour resumed at 7pm and lasted all night long - quite a thunderstorm. I managed to stay dry in my sleeping bag. I've been very impressed with my LightHeart Tent's performance during this 48-hour period of rain.
Date: 2011-03-27
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: broken clouds

I hit the trail early (7AM) and hiked the 3.6 miles to Winding Stair Gap where I met the 9AM hiker shuttle to the Budget Inn in Franklin, NC. The Budget Inn is one of three hotels which caters to hikers; all the hotels are owned by Ron Haven, a long time supporter to AT hikers. There are hikers all over town drying out wet gear and taking a break. I washed and dried everything and hosed down my tent & trail runners (shoes which look like running shoes but have more support like a hiking boot). In the afternoon Ron drove us around town in his minibus stopping at all 3 hotels to pick up hikers. We stopped by an outfitter, Walmart & Ingles (grocery store) to allow us to resupply. I joined Turtlefeet for lunch & dinner. We had to rely on fast food as most of the restaurants here are closed on Sundays. This is a great trail town, a place to rest and re-energize.
Date: 2011-03-28
From: Winding Stair Gap

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

Took Ron Haven's shuttle back to the AT where I met Winkle. Greg, Candy and Bob dropped off Winkle. Bob hopes to return to the trail soon. Bob brought me a bag of milky ways and a mini light - sweet. Winkle and I cruised through the first half of our hike and enjoyed hiking through tree-like stands of rhododendron. The second part of the hike was mostly straight up which slowed our progress considerably.
Date: 2011-03-29
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

After a few hours of hiking we were greeted with trail magic. Grits (2009 through hiker) from Thomasville, Georgia served us hamburgers, chips and soda. Our hike today offered a number of scenic views. We are sleeping tonight in a shelter which we are quite grateful for as there is a 90 percent chance of rain overnight.
Date: 2011-03-30
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: moderate rain

We had an intense thunderstorm last night and were very happy to wake up dry and warm in the shelter. During our morning hike, we saw nice views of mountains and clouds at the Jumpoff. We got to NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) at 12:30 just in time for lunch at the River's End Cafe. I had some of their fresh herb bread mmmmmm. We're staying here overnight in one of the lodge rooms. Mike and I used to kayak at NOC with Cyn, Chuck, Clemenzi and Brad so it's especially nice spending time here and thinking of the fun times we've had here.
Date: 2011-03-31
From: NOC

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: broken clouds

Started the day with a Mountain Laurel breakfast (2 eggs and a short stack of pancakes) at the River's End cafe. It provided just the fuel I needed for our steepest hike yet (elevation increase of 2968 feet). I felt really strong today; maybe I'm developing trail legs!! We had a nice lunch break today with a view of the mountains and the Nantahala River. We arrived at the shelter at 2:30 just in time to nab 3 bunk spots. (Bob returned to the trail today and its great having him back!) Our shelter is a double decker and there are 20 of us in here and about 15 tents set up. The prediction is for snow tonight......brrrrr. It's going to be a cold night.
Date: 2011-04-01
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Cody Gap Tent Site
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We only got a light dusting of snow. Started the day with a climb up to Cheoah Bald which offered scenic views on both sides of the ridge. The trees were encrusted in white (ice/snow mix?) and looked like trees found on a ski slope. Had lunch at Stecoah Gap at a picnic table. It was so cold we ate fast and resumed hiking just to keep warm.   Next we had a tough climb up Jacob's ladder. (Kids, it was like that climb we took in Maine - no switchbacks, just straight up the mountain - only this time I was carrying a 30 pound pack.) We set up our tents at Cody Gap where we met Mouse Bait, Shark and Torch. Torch made us a blazing fire.