morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-01-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

It has been almost 2 months since my last entry. Life is busy and there have been lots of bumps in my road, especially in the last 3-4 weeks. No need to go into details. Suffice it to say I am fully committed to 3/1/14 start date, have my plane ticket to fly to Atlanta on 2/27 and will spend 2 nights w/ my son in Atlanta (will pick up anything I need that I can't carry on the plane on 2/28), then my son will be driving me to Springer on Saturday, 3/1/14 AM.Still some gear to decide on, but at least I have what I felt were the big 4 - tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack - relatively lightweight (8-9# between those 4 items). People ask do I have a plan/ schedule - I try to explain I am starting on 3/1 and will return to work on 9/2/14. I will be prepared the best I can - w/gear and mentally and somewhat physically. That is it - I am totally flexible and will hopefully "bend w/ the wind" but not break. I will start hiking north from Springer on 3/1/14 (weather permitting), adjust my pace or take down time when safety/weather, my body/health, or other needs dictate. I hope to summit Mount Katahdin by 9/1/14, but I will feel that I am successful w/ my 1st step on Springer and add to the success w/each additional step. My AT "glass" will start to fill w/those steps and then I will never again feel it is empty. Make no mistake though, my intent is to fill that glass completely.Not all who wander are lost.
Date: 2014-02-27
To: On my way to Atlanta
Miles today: 0.0

I never realized how tough it would be making last minute decisions about what to take. Between yesterday, last night, and this morning, I tried to trim down my clothes and gear. Probably packed too much food to start. Total pack weight w/ food and water looks to be 36-37#. I left Albany, NY airport at 3 PM and am now at BWI airport waiting for my plane to Atlanta. I am carrying some of my gear in my ULA Circuit backpack - tent, sleeping bag, liner, sleeping pad, electronics (iPhone, Kindle, Olympus Tough TG2 camera, Anker external battery, spare AAA batteries, spare camera battery, recharging plug and wires), few basic meds - total weight I am carrying is about 10#. Rest of gear, clothes, food is in dufflebag I checked in and will pick up in Atlanta. Due to arrive in Atlanta at 8:30 PM where my son will pick me up. I plan on spending tonight and tomorrow night at his house, then he will drive me up to Springer Mtn Saturday morning. He is taking tomorrow off from work to spend time w/ me before I leave. Weather report looks good. I'm ready!!!Not all who wander are lost.
Date: 2014-03-01
From: Springer Mountain

To: Hawk Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 8.1

Signed in at Amicalola visitor center - hiker #166 - pack weight 43# (way too much food). 11:15 AM at Springer Mountain parking lot - 0.9 miles north of Springer Mtn. Hiked south to Springer Mtn and back to parking lot with my oldest son and his wife (who nicely rearranged his schedule to drive me to Springer). I then hoisted my pack and started nortth about 12:30 PM. I hiked the additional 7.2 miles to Hawk Mountain Shelter by 4:45 PM, finding about 2-3 dozen hikers already there. I set up my tent, relaxed, had sharp cheese and peanut butter crackers for dinner, then went to bed about 8 PM. Daytime temps today in mid 50's, dropped to about 30 at night.
Date: 2014-03-05
From: Neels Gap - Blood Mtn Cabins

To: Neels Gap - Blood Mtn Cabins
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

 Here now in Neels Gap, GA - 31.7 miles up the trail. Hiked about 8 miles/day for 1st 4 days. Last night and tonight staying in a cabin. A "Zero" day - to let my muscles recover some.
Date: 2014-03-06
From: Neels Gap - Blood Mtn Cabins

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

 Hiked 11.5 miles today - left Neels Gap at 9 AM and arrived at Low Gap Shelter at 4 PM. Quickly set up my tent and it started to snow. Hit my sleeping bag/ tent early - about 7 PM.
Date: 2014-03-08
From: Blue Mtn Shelter

To: Tray Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: clear sky

Started hiking at 9:30 AM from Blue Mtn Shelter. Weather warmer (high about 60) and sunny. Last night temp was down to about 35, tonight is only supposed to drop to about 45. Hiked 8.1 miles over 2 decent sized mountains to Tray Mtn Shelter - staying in shelter (lean-to) tonight w/ 4-6 other hikers - I'll see how it goes. Tomorrow I hope to hike 11 miles to Dick's Creek Gap and stay at new hostel (The Top of Georgia Hostel - just opened 3/1).
Date: 2014-03-09
From: Tray Mtn Shelter

To: Dick's Creek Gap - Top of Georgia Hostel
Miles today: 11.0

Hiked 11 miles today from Tray Mtn Shelter to Dicks Creek Gap today - started at 9:15 AM and got here at 3:30 PM - couple small mountains in between. Dick's Creek Gap is 69.6 miles from Springer.At Top of Georgia Hostel near Hiawassee tonight - just finished lasagna dinner. Soon to take a shower. Will have breakfast here in AM, then start hiking about 9 AM. Hope to hike 11.8 miles and cross GA/ NC border.Feels like I am starting to get my "trail legs" - we'll see how I do tomorrow - I'll be hitting more mountain elevation.
Date: 2014-03-10
From: Dick's Creek Gap - Top of Georgia Hostel

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: few clouds

Had breakfast at Top of Georgia Hostel at 7 AM - scrambled eggs, bacon, coffee cake, fruit salad. Then packed up and hiked 1/2 mile back to trail at Dick's Creek Gap. Started hiking up trail at about 9 AM and hiked 11.8 miles on AT to Muskrat Creek Shelter in North Carolina - got here about 5 PM. Sleeping in shelter again tonight. Crossed GA/ NC border about 2:30-3 PM, then had steepest climb yet up to Couthouse Bald - 800+ feet up over 1.3 miles distance. Set up sleeping pad and bag, cooked dinner (Ramen soup and half a brick of sharp cheese), then hung my bear bag. 4 other hikers in shelter w/ me and 3 hikers in tents. Was about 60-65 during the day, should drop to about 35 tonight. Tomorrow should be 65-70 and sunny - hope to hike another 12.5 miles.
Date: 2014-03-11
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Slept well last night in shelter. Up at 8 AM and had hot chocolate and oatmeal for breakfast. Packed up and left Muskrat Creek Shelter at 10 AM. Hiked 8 hrs/ 12.5 miles to Carter Gap Shelter. Having sharp cheese and beef summer sausage for supper now. Shelter is full w/ 7 hikers - I and another hiker will be sleeping on the ground under the overhang of the shelter. Prefer to not set up my tent as it is supposed to start raining after midnight and continue until about noon. Temp was 65-70 during day, to drop to about 45-50 tonight. Unsure of my plan tomorrow yet - have to check weather and map.
Date: 2014-03-12
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept fair last night - in sleeping bag on top of sleeping pad on ground under overhang in Carter Gap Shelter. Started raining about 2 AM w/ nighttime low of 40-45. Woke up at 7 AM, packed up, had pop tarts and cold "hot chocolate" for breakfast, then started hiking about 9 AM. Hiked over 1 decent mountain (Albert Mtn - 5250'). Hiked total of 12.2 miles to Rock Gap - got there by 3:15 PM in time to get a free shuttle into Franklin, NC. Staying at the Budget Inn, sharing a room w/ a fellow hiker named Dan - staying 2 nights and will take my 2nd "zero" tomorrow. About ready to go out to dinner. A lot of other hikers here - a lot will be staying 2 nights also.Critters so far - squirrels, few mice in shelters, hawks, various small birds, few salamanders, butterflies, and few other insects (non-biting).Walking speed - average now up to almost 2 mph. Steep uphill - 1 mph, moderate uphill - 1.5 mph, mild uphill - 2 mph, level - 2.5-3 mph, moderate downhill - 2 mph, steep downhill - 1.5 mph.
Date: 2014-03-13
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Stayed in Budget Inn in Franklin, NC last night and tonight - split the room w/ fellow hiker Dan. By normal standards the Budget Inn would be considered a real dive, but by hiker standards it is a Hilton. Last night did laundry and went out to dinner at an Italian restaurant, this AM went to breakfast at The Normandy (a small town diner) - had country ham, scrambled eggs, 2 pancakes, hot tea. Then we went shopping at Dollar General and Ingles grocery store to resupply. Snacked for lunch, then went out to Mulligan's for dinner - had BBQ pulled pork and mac and cheese.The Budget Inn, another hotel, a hiker hostel, and a free shuttle are all run by Ron Haven - definitely a friend to thru hikers. While at his Budget Inn there were 15-20 other thru-hikers there.Franklin, NC also seemed to be very hiker friendly.
Date: 2014-03-14
From: Rock Gap

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Up about 7 AM, took shower, had orange and 2 Carnation instant breakfasts to eat, then boarded shuttle at Budget Inn w/ other hikers. Got back to Rock Gap and started hiking about 10 AM. Hiked all day over 2 good sized mountains (Siler Bald @ 5014' and Wayah Bald @ 5342'), arriving at Wayah Bald Shelter about 6:30 PM. Lots of scenic views along the way - see pix from 3/14. Sleeping in shelter tonight. Cheese, beef sausage, and crackers for dinner.4 other hikers in shelter, 4 more in tents. Sunny all day, daytime highs 55-60, nighttime low about 35-40.
Date: 2014-03-15
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center)
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

12 Noon - 4.8 miles into a 16.5 mile day. Started at 9:30 AM from Wayah Bald Shelter, taking 10 min break at Cold Spring Shelter (in picture). Plan to stay in hostel at NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) tonight. 8 PM - Finally arrived at NOC at 7:30 PM after tough 2nd half of the day. L Achilles' tendon started to hurt on climb up to Copper Ridge Bald (5080'), got much worse on next climb up to Wesser Bald (4627'), although views were beautiful. 6.7 mile, 2878 foot descent into NOC was difficult, slow, and painful (L heel). When I got to NOC, Dan had gotten me a BLT sandwich from the restaurant ( closed at 7 PM) - thanks Dan. Went up to bunk room I was sharing w/ Dan and am eating my dinner now.
Date: 2014-03-16
From: NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center)

To: Fontana Dam Village Resort-Recovery Day #1
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Checked out of NOC about 11 AM and was able to find shuttle ride from NOC to Fontana Dam Village and checked into timeshare I had reserved here for 3/14-3/21 (3BR unit). Yesterday mid way thru hike I developed L Achilles tendonitis and hobbled thru last 6-8 miles. Would have held up, but had bunk reserved at NOC for last night and it was supposed to start raining after midnight and continue all day today.Arrived at timeshare at about 12 noon, picked up mail drop, unpacked, ate lunch (Ramen and Vienna sausages), took shower, and walked about 1/4 mile to laundry/ general store-doing laundry now. Unfortunately no laundry in timeshare unit.Plan on staying here 2-4 nights until Achilles tendonitis is better, then get shuttle back to NOC and resume hiking. But will listen to my body better and cut miles down to 8-12/ day for at least a few days.
Date: 2014-03-17
From: Fontana Dam Village Resort

To: Fontana Dam Village Resort-Recovery Day #2
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another zero day - L Achilles tendon feels only slightly better after staying in timeshare unit until about 3:30 PM - feel like I am going stir crazy. I know I need to take at least 1 more zero day tomorrow, hope I can get back on the trail by Wednesday. I am seeing quite a few fellow hikers checking into the lodge for a night, then hiking on.Walked/ hobbled from timeshare to Lodge about 3:30 PM, hanging out here for couple hours to use wireless and phone - no wireless or Verizon service in timeshare (about 1/4 mile away).
Date: 2014-03-18
From: Fontana Dam Village Resort

To: Fontana Dam Village Resort-Recovery Day #3
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Still at Fontana Village Resort. Seeing some of the hikers I was with hiking in today. Maybe I will catch up w/them later. Looks like I will be 4-5 days behind when I get back on the trail. Oh well, will just have to make more new friends. My L Achilles tendon feels 75-80% better today. Now I can walk w/ a normal gait w/out my pack and don't look lame. Plan on taking 1 more zero day tomorrow and get ride back south to NOC (already arranged) on Thursday, 3/20 AM - should then take 3 days to hike back north to Fontana Dam and on into the Smokies. So I hope to hike 6.7 - 12.7 miles/day over next week (69.5 miles in 1 week) and reach Gatlinburg, spend 1 night there, and resupply. If I can follow my tentative schedule, I should be thru the Great Smoky Mountain National Park by Saturday, 3/29/14 - that is a modest schedule of 103.5 miles over 10 days. Barring repeat injury, that should be w/in my limits. This AM I woke up w/ no electricity in my timeshare unit - it actually went out overnight - about 3 AM. When I got up at 7:30 AM, I called the front desk at the lodge and reported it - apparently it was isolated to a small area in the village where 2 transformer fuses had blown near my timeshare unit. The electric system at the resort dates to 1942 and the resort maintains the electric system itself. They sent maintenance up and had the electricity back up between 11-11:30 AM. The temp in my unit had dropped to about 60, so I decided to go down to the general store and pick up a few groceries - the maintenance staff were nice and gave me a ride to and from the store (1/4-1/2 mile each way). Not much else to report - still bored w/ waiting.I appreciate all the guestbook comments and well wishes.
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Fontana Dam Village Resort

To: Fontana Dam Village Resort-Recovery Day #4
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Last day of rest. Only mild pain left in L Achilles' tendon and have walked around about a mile today. Have a shuttle picking me up at 10 AM tomorrow to drive me back to NOC, then will hike 6.7 miles to 1st shelter north - should take about 4-5 hrs w/ breaks.
Date: 2014-03-20
From: NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center)

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

9 AM - Today is the day to resume my walk in the woods. My L Achilles' tendon feels 95% better. I am in the lobby of the Fontana Lodge waiting for my ride back to NOC - scheduled for 10 AM. Have plans for short hike of 6.7 miles, mostly uphill, to 1st shelter north of NOC. Weather is supposed to be mild - sunny w/ high 55-60.On separate note, I again want to thank everyone who has been signing my guest book for all the encouragement and well wishes. I also want to thank the Fontana Village Resort and staff for their help, hospitality, friendliness, and numerous rides during my 4 day stay here - this is another very trail friendly community.5 PM - Made it to Sassafras Gap Shelter by about 4:15 PM. Left NOC and started hiking about 11 AM. Took a 20 minute break at the overlook w/ the view above. Hiked up 3500 feet over 6+ miles. L Achilles is holding up OK - only slightly more sore - going to lay it on a bag of cold spring water in a couple minutes.Staying in the shelter w/ 7 other hikers. Shelter is 2 story and will hold 6 hikers on each level. Only a few tent sites here - shelter is built on side of hill and land is fairly steeply sloped. I see 4 tents set up, 2 directly behind shelter and 2 farther away.
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked 9.1 miles from Sassafras Gap Shelter to Brown Fork Gap Shelter. Started at 9:30 AM and got here about 5 PM. Stopped at Cheoah Bald for 1/2 hr break and took pictures, also stopped at Stecoah Gap for break - trail magic there - had can of coke, banana, and bag of chocolates. Had Knorr Pasta sides Pasta Alfredo for dinner and cup of hot tea. Staying in shelter again w/ 5 other hikers. Also 3 tents set up around shelter. Weather was nice today - sunny w/ high about 60. Should drop to about 35 tonight. Tomorrow is supposed to start dry, then 30% chance of showers starting mid morning and continuing thru the day.Not sure how far I will go tomorrow - 1st shelter is just over 6 miles, Fontana Dam is just over 12 miles. L Achilles' tendon still sore, seems no worse or better.Good night.
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked 12.7 miles from Brown Fork Gap Shelter to Fontana Shelter today. Started at 9 AM and got here at about 5:15 PM. Shelter is full (holds 20) and lots of hikers in tents. Leap Frog Cafe (trail magic) is here. I had a plate of spaghetti w/ meat sauce and a soda.Weather was good today - partly sunny w/ high about 60. L Achilles was worse today - think I need to come home for a few weeks and rest it. Can't see going thru Smokies as it is now.I'll see how it feels in AM.
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Home-Recuperation Day #1-Trip Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a shuttle ride from Fontana Resort Lodge to Knoxville where I had one-way car rental from Avis. Drove rental car (new VW beetle) 860 miles/13 hours from Knoxville to Schenectady, NY - up I-81 and I-88. Got home just after midnight.Plan on taking about 1 month off, then hope to return to the trail. Hopefully my tendonitis will resolve. Was planning on taking 1 1/2 - 2 weeks off from 4/13-4/24 when my mom is having surgery - hope I can get back to hiking about same time.Have other issues/ tasks to deal with as long as I am home, so I shouldn't get too bored. I did get on the scale this AM and found I had lost 15# in the 3 weeks I was on the trail.
Date: 2014-03-30
From: Home

To: Home-Recuperation Day #8
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

My L Achilles tendonitis seems to be resolving - 90-95% better. Have to deal w/ few work issues in the next 2 weeks.My mom is having her surgery on 4/16 and I wanted to be home for that anyways.Also, my youngest son graduates from medical school 5/18 and I wouldn't miss that.So here is my plan -1- On 4/22, I have scheduled a flight back to Knoxville, TN and will then get a shuttle back to the Fontana Dam and resume my hike from where I left off, starting w/ hiking thru the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 2- I will hike for about 3 weeks (4/23-5/14) and then pick up a rental car in Elizabethton, TN on Thursday, 5/15 and drive back home for the long weekend and my son's graduation. 3- On Monday, 5/19 or Tuesday, 5/20 I will drive back to Elizabethton and resume my hike again. My youngest son plans to join me on the trail for a week or so then and will drive down w/me.
Date: 2014-04-09
From: Home

To: Home-Recuperation Day #18
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Flying back to Knoxville 4/22 - flights already scheduled and should arrive at Knoxville, TN airport (TYS) about 9:30 AM, then shuttle to Fontana Dam (still have to arrange shuttle ride). Should be hiking into Smokies 4/23. Tendonitis is better - waiting until after my mom has her surgery on 4/16 and has few days to recover before I leave.I can't wait to get back on the trail - hope to reach north of Harpers Ferry, WV by end of June, then take 5 day break over July 4th weekend and fly out to California and see grandchildren, then do flip-flop and start south from Mt Katahdin about 7/8. Probably won't be able to complete thru-hike, but maybe 1200-1600 miles this year - that would be a nice accomplishment.
Date: 2014-04-10
From: Home

To: Home-Recuperation Day #19
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Repeat post from 4/9 ---Flying back to Knoxville 4/22 - flights already scheduled and should arrive at Knoxville, TN airport (TYS) about 9:30 AM, then shuttle to Fontana Dam (still have to arrange shuttle ride). Should be hiking into Smokies 4/23. Tendonitis is better - waiting until after my mom has her surgery on 4/16 and has few days to recover before I leave.I can't wait to get back on the trail - hope to reach north of Harpers Ferry, WV by end of June, then take 5 day break over July 4th weekend and fly out to California and see grandchildren, then do flip-flop and start south from Mt Katahdin about 7/8. Probably won't be able to complete thru-hike, but maybe 1200-1600 miles this year - that would be a nice accomplishment.
Date: 2014-04-19
From: Home

To: Home-Recuperation Day #28
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

My mom continues to recover, moved out of ICU to regular medical floor today.I called and arranged my shuttle ride (for 4/22) from Knoxville to Fontana Dam.Backpack is all packed w/7 days of food/supplies (base weight of about 22# + 14# food + 4# water + 1# fuel/denatured alcohol to start) for hike from Fontana Dam thru Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Hot Springs, NC. Weight should lighten 1-2#/day as I use food/supplies.
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Home

To: Home-Recuperation Day #30
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I'm all checked in for my flights to Knoxville early tomorrow morning and shuttle ride is arranged from Knoxville to Fontana Dam. Trying to pack my stuff so as to not check any bags - would hate to have to delay my hike if they lose my baggage (or if it does not make the connection).Few last minute errands today and will go to hospital to visit my mom.Can't wait to get back on the trail.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Home

To: Fontana Dam Shelter-Trip Back to Trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 3:30 AM to catch 5:30 AM flight out of Albany, connection thru Washington, DC (Reagan), then on to Knoxville airport - arrived there at 9:30 AM. Got shuttle ride from Knoxville airport to Fontana Dam, stopped at post office and general store, then went to shelter. Tired after early travel day - will go to bed early.
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Left Fontana Dam Shelter about 7:30 AM, crossed the Fontana Dam and entered the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hiked total of 11 miles to Mollies Ridge Shelter - arrived here about 4:15 PM. Many other hikers here - some day/ section hikers, but mostly thru hikers. It is a lot more crowded than it was a month ago. The shelter holds 14 and is full + there are at least 8 tents set up outside so far w/ additional hikers.Weather was perfect - high of 65 and not a cloud in the sky. Hiked many ups and downs - Fontana Dam is at 1700' elevation, hiked over Doe Knob @ 4520' elevation, shelter is at 4602' elevation. Stopped at lunchtime at Shuckstack Mountain and climbed up fire tower - great views.Achilles' tendon feels fine.
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: few clouds

Last night stayed in Mollies Ridge Shelter - crowded. As many hikers in tents as in the shelter - 28-30 total. Got up early and started hiking about 6:45 AM. Hiked from 6:45 AM to 4:45 PM w/ couple decent breaks w/ great views. Hiked total of 12 miles from Mollies Ridge Shelter to Derrick Knob Shelter - lots of steep ups and downs. Again shelter is full w/ lots of hikers in tents and tarps outside. I am in the shelter again tonight. Weather was great again today, mostly sunny w/ high about 65. Nighttime lows about 35-40.Still no trouble w/ my Achilles. Getting my trail legs back slowly.
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Started raining early this AM (after midnight), so I got late start. Had oatmeal and hot chocolate for breakfast, packed up, then sat around talking at shelter until 11:15 AM when the sun finally came out. I hoisted my backpack and started hiking, but the sunshine only lasted about 15-20 minutes before it clouded over and started to rain again. I hiked the next 4-5 hours in the rain, temp 45-50 on slick, muddy trails. Used my hiking poles, especially on the ups and downs, to keep from slipping and falling. Only hiked 5.5 miles to Silers Bald Shelter (got here about 3:30 PM) - again I got space in the shelter. 17 hikers in shelter and 5 more outside in tents. Had teriyaki rice and tuna for dinner. Drying my clothes and gear, getting ready for bed.