morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-05
From: Hiker Inn

To: Hiker Inn
Miles today: 0.0

I don't know by which nasty little germ I got caught but it must be either an illiterate (because the bottle of my hand sanitizer reads:"kills 99,99 % of all germs") or one of the remaining 0.01 % who is immune against Purell. But Immodium, Alka Selzer, Fever reducer and sleep did their job and although I spent a considerable amount of time sitting in the bathroom and pooping the hell out of me it's better to go through this here than on the trail. Wouldn't it be a funny picture to see me jumping behind a tree every 200 yards, desperately trying to get rid of my pack and my pants before Montezumas revenge hits again? (Montezumas revenge in German is a common synonym for the runs, I don't know if it's also used in English). So you should know where I spent the half night yesterday. But in the morning I felt much better and could even think about eating again.So I enjoyed another sunny day sitting in the sun and planning the next couple of days. Now as my master sergeant (Pillgrim) is a day ahead and I'm on my own I have to pay more attention to the figures and maps.In the aftenoon I had a chance to take a look at Jeff's huge collection of artefacts. He collects since the age of seven and has found an unbelievable amount of stonemade arrowheads, fishing hooks made of bones, stoneknifes and everything the former inhabitants of this country have produced to make hunting and fishing easier. It's a through all centuries and goes back to the earliest days as hords of nomads populated this continent. It doesn't only look like a museum, it is one. And he even shows all he has found because he simply hasn't enough space to do. It was really amazing to see this and to talk with him about his passion. Jeff and his wife Nancy are so nice people. They try to help you with everthing they can and made my stay a real rest. That's exactly what a hiker want's to have. Even as I plan to leave I will wait until tomorrow morning to decide definately. I want to be sure that everything is fine before I enter the Smokeys. Nuts
Date: 2006-03-06
From: Hiker Inn

To: Hiker Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I thought everything was ok, but at night the fever came back. But fortunately the diarrhoea has stopped and my stomach has calmed down. So I think it was just the last uproar until it's finally over. Tomorrow one of two things will definately happen. Either I'm back on the trail or I will see a doctor. As hiking is the less expensive alternative I think it will be the better one ;-) The weatherforcast doesn't sound bad and I want to be back out in the fresh air. If I stay another one or two days I probably would gain back all of my hardly achieved weight loss. I haven't stepped on a scale yet, but my clothes tell me that there must be a certain loss. If all works out as I've planned it (which isn't very likely, a plans on the trail are almost doomed to end in the trash can) I will have my next zero day 10 to 12 days from now in Hot Springs. A long way to go, but I should have had enough rest to do it. Keep your fingers crossed. It will take a while to send my next entry (no phones in the Smokeys), so don't worry. Nuts
Date: 2006-03-07
From: Hiker Inn

To: Russel Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: few clouds

I'm back! It was hard to leave Nancy's and Jeff's friendly place and I could have spend easily another week there, but a hike without hiking isn't really a hike, isn't it? I love the trail in the Smokeys and it was love at first sight. The trail is so well graded that the climb from 1700 ft to 4500 ft felt like a cakewalk. There are much more switchbacks so it's not that exhausting as it was so often in Georgia and other parts of North Carolina. Somebody must held his protecting hand over me (weatherwise) because it's the same as it was almost the whole hike until now: Clear blue sky, temperatures in the 50's and dry. I hope it's not the wrong department wich protects me as I had very little to do with the guys in the upper floor in the past years. (but if it were the little red eyed guys the weather would probably only be snow and thunderstorms).I'm here with Andrew and Matt, who started a great fire in the shelter (there's a chimney in here) and L.B, a young girl from Tennessee which I met at The Hike Inn yesterday. She will only hike to Erwin because she is like me suffering under time restrictions. I felt great today and hope that my body has killed all the nasty little intruders. The next days will show if that is really the case. But so far your fingercrossing must have helped. Thank's for the encouraging guest book entries and emails you have sent me. It's nice to know that people are interested in my wellbeeing and even if it doesn't cure the sickness it makes it a lot easier to bear. Nuts
Date: 2006-03-08
From: Russel Field Shelter

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

It's pretty windy at this shelter. Even as the entrance is covered with a tarp this big sheet of plastic makes awfull noises when the wind blows trough. But at least I'm not alone at this shelter. As I was ready with eating a big group of students from Florida arrived. I've seen them yesterday and today but they stayed at another shelter. They wanted to stay at a campsite tonight, but some of their group didn't feel good and so they decided to stay here. They have only a week and are hiking through the Smokeys.The trail wasn't that well graded today than yesterday. Maybe this depends if the part of the trail is open for horseriding. Today reminded me at hiking in Georgia and the parts of NC I hiked before I reached Fontana. But the views were beautiful and I spent almost an hour on top of Thunderhead. Tomorrow I will climb Clingmans Dome. I hope the weather holds up, as it got windy and cloudly in the afternoon. The stars are out tonight, but the wind is howling like a hungry wolfe. Let's see what the morning brings. At least I won't have to go to work and that is more than most people can say. Better slow hiking than fast working ;-)Nuts
Date: 2006-03-09
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was Clingmans Domes Day. The view was fantastic, but the mountain itself isn't very impressive. The uphill was well graded but sometimes the wind was so strong I thought it would blow me from the ridge. On the downhill there was quite a lot of snow and ice. Sometimes it was pretty dangerous either slipping at the icey rocks or breaking through the wet snow, but as always my poles were my live insurance.As I was approaching Newfound Gap I wasn't very far away from hitching a ride into Gatlinburg. He thought of a warm bed and a AYCE buffet at Shoney's was very attractive. And if somebody has asked me if I wanted a ride I couldnKt have resisted. But nobody asked and so I defeated my weaker self and made it the last 3 miles to the shelter where I at least can se the lights from Gatlinburg. There could I be now. Instead I'm here at the windies shelter I've ever been. The plastic tarp at the entrance sounds like somebody firing a canon. And it seems the wind will never stop. But at least I have some company. L.B. is with me and we had a nice conversation. We are alone at this allegedly so heavily used shelter and it's good to have somebody to talk to. I hope the shelter will be still there tomorrow morning. "Gone with the wind" would make a nice trail name but it's really not necessary to make every experience. Nuts
Date: 2006-03-10
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

I can't believe it. After yesterdays furious storm and rain in the night we woke up at 6.40 to see a typical Smokey sunrise. The fog was rising up from the valley and it almost looked like real smoke. The sky was as blue as it could get and as I arrived at Charlies Bunion arround 8.50 it was such a georgeous view, I almost can't describe it. Hiking today was one of the most beautifull experiences I ever had so far. Even the big two mountains, Mt. Sequoyah and Mt. Chapman, both over 6000 ft, weren't too bad. The ascents were well graded and the views from the ridges were so fantastic, it almost looked like I could see the whole state of Tennessee from up there.I arrived at the shelter at 4.20 pm and had plenty of time to dry my clothes in the sun, to eat and to start a fire in the shelters fireplace, and that all before it got dark. The days are getting longer now and that's a good thing. It's short before 7.00 pm now and not even dark. As tomorrow will be my first 18 miles day I will go to bed early and get up at 6.30. I want to make it to Standing Bear Farm. This means I'm out of the Smokeys tomorrow. 5 days is not bad and if my plan holds up I will be in Hot Springs at Monday in the aftenoon.Today I have to share the shelter only with a few mice. They are hiding under the roof but I can hear them and even have seen one of them. And there is no wind tonight. Will be a warm night.Nuts
Date: 2006-03-11
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I got up at 6.30 and it was yet so warm that I didn't even had to wear a jacket. As a long day layed ahead I left at 7.30. After the first 5 miles which were a bit difficult to hike because of the snow and ice on the trail it was all only downhill until I reached Newfound Gap. The last two miles to Standing Bear Farm were a bit annoying because there was the Interstate to cross and it took quite a bit of time to do. Afterwards there were some steep stairs to climb but on the top my first real trail magic waited for me: root beer and little debbies. 20 minutes later I reached the hostel. It was like coming to paradise. This place is a real refuge for hikers. L.B. was there and two other guys, Jeff and Sprocket. Jeff told me that they would go to Newport to the WalMart. Sprocket wanted to cook a meal for dinner and invited us to eat with him. So we had a real feast tonight. Pork loin, pasta, shrimp sauce with herbs and vegetables and a fantastic white wine. Aftewards we sat arround the fire, drinking beer and Moonshine with strawberrys in it. That really rocked. It was the perfect end for a long and tiring day and I really enjoyed the conversation. That's the perfect way to learn something about people and the country.Nuts
Date: 2006-03-13
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Not one of my biggest mileage days so far. It was hard to leave this friendly hostel and I had a really great conversation with the guys there. But my body also felt weak and my right knee gave me problems. But what's the rush. I don't have to push. It's so nice to arrive early at a shelter and to have enough time to cook, build a nice fire and hang out in the sun. There are thunderstorms anounced for the night and a cold front is supposed to come through. But I will believe it not earlier than I see it.Tonight I'm here with a group of 8 christian hikers with their minister and his wife. They are both probaly 35 and it was a somewhat strange expierience to be drawn in a conversation about Jesus and how he gave his live to save us (yes, me too). The conversation ended with the decent hint that everybody who don't believe will burn in hell at the end of all days and nobody knows when this day will come (hey, it could come in seconds, so better hurry up and be prepared). It's incredible to see how much stuff this guys carry. One of them has the biggest pack I have ever seen. He even carrys a full size bible. Nothimg to say about carrying a bibbe but there are lightweight versions out there. But to each his own and I should not forget that I'm in the Bible Belt. Asides from this the group is really nice and treat each other and me with great respect. They are very polite and try to do everything to make me part of their group. So tonight I'm under special protection and a little thunderstorm shouldn't do me any harm. Nuts
Date: 2006-03-14
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

The most amazing expierience today was climbing Max Patch. It was so windy up there, I had to use both hiking poles to help me getting not blown down. The view from the top was awesome. 360 degree pure joy for the eyes. The Smokeys in the distance looked so friendly as they were as I hiked through. On the descent I met a hiker sitting under a tree taking a break. His name was Cotton Joe and he has hiked the trail last year. We talked almost 45 minutes and it was a real pleasure to meet this guy. This is what the trail is about. Not only hiking but meeting interesting people and talk to them.As I reached the shelter I amost wished I had hiked on. The oldest shelter I have ever seen and the water source was almost 0.5 miles away and all steep downhill. It took me almost 40 minutes to get my water and get back to the shelter. As I started to cook my dinner two guys I met the night before showed up and so I was at least not alone. We talked almost until 9.00 and it was a really nice company to have. Temperatures dropped down to 29 degree so it was supposed to be a pretty cold night. In fact one of the coldest nights I've ever had because it was not only cold but also windy.Nuts
Date: 2006-03-15
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: few clouds

To many impressions to describe. I've met so many people today and talking to them was interesting as always. Just to name a few: Dragonslayer (2004), Garlicman (2004), Elmer Hall, owner of the Sunnybank Inn, two Southbounders, Soutpall and Beamas, who started in August last year, one of them studied Germanistics in Germany, Mrs. Gorp, a fellow thruhiker who could not get a room at Elmers, because it was full up to the roof. I bought me some Crocks at Bluff Mountain Outfitters and had a big burger and a piece of apple cake at the Smokey Mountains Diner, bought some stuff at the local resupply store (nice place, they call it Hillybilly Market). Elmer's is a place you can't describe because words wouldn't tell the truth. So you will have to wait for the pictures to see for yourself. The house is 160 years old and stuffed with antiques. They have several salons, one of them the hat room with all kinds of music instruments in it. Absolutely unique. Unfortunately I could not get a room in the house itself because so many people had made reservations for the night. So I'm sitting in a small attic above the room they store all their garden tools, but hey, a bed is a bed, and it's only for the night.I should speed up a little as hostel space seems hard to get this days. Now the saison has finally started. And today, at the Ides of March, it's one month that my hike has started. So one third already lays behind me. Funny how the time wents by even if you don't notice it while on the trail. Next town stop will be Erwin where I hope to take 2 days of at Miss Janet's house (if there is some room left for me sluggish trudge). Should be there by Monday at latest. Nuts
Date: 2006-03-16
From: Hot Springs

To: Campsite Deep Gap
Miles today: 12.7

Today Nuts died. I stabbed him from behind on the trail and before he even could say "boo" he was gone. Actually this was a mercyfull deed as he was yet weak because nobody used him and he probably would not have seen the next week anyway. So I decided it would be better to spare him a slow and painfull end. One minute he was a weak but existing trailname and once of a sudden he was just a pile of meaningless letters. He wasn't very old. In fact he has celebrated his 30 (days) birthday not too long ago. I burried him under a tree besides the trail and covered his grave with leaves so nobody will ever find his remains. May he rest in peace.I decided to do as I should have done from the beginning. A self given trailname is not the right way to do. I should simply wait until someone gives me a name that fits. Most people called me Bruno anyway. Maybe because Nuts sounds somewhat strange. And whenever people asked me for my trailname and I had to say "I'm Nuts" I haven't had a good feeling. So I will call myself with my firstname until the right name is given to me. And if not this won't be the end of the world.I'm tenting today and it is so nice to sit by my own fire and looking up to the stars. I got a late start because I met so many people and talked to them a few minutes. So I left town at 12.30. A better hiking day is almost impossible to imagine. As the first shelter was only 11 miles and yet occupied with some beer drinking day hikers I decided to hike on until I find a good spot to pitch my tent. I cant tell you how much fun it is to stay where ever you want and to build a fire whenever you want. That's freedom! The last month has been one of the best in quite a long time. And even if one third is yet over there are still almost 60 days left to enjoy. And that's what I will try to do.Bruno
Date: 2006-03-17
From: Campsite Deep Gap

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: light rain

Had a few drizzles at night but otherwise I was warm and cozy in my tent. Got a late start as usual and was at Allen Gap at 10.00. There was a sign put up from 99 thrukikers Fal and Hercules that invited hikers to their nearby home and offered free breakfast for thruhikers. I had belgian waffles, coffee, coke, a burrito filled with eggs and sausage, a homemade stew and fresh baked bread. Man that was absolutely georgeous! We had a nice talk and I left way to late at 12.30. As I felt good today I decided not to stay at the first shelter after Allen Gap as it wasn't later than 3.00. So I pushed on and made it to the next shelter arround 06.00 pm. There was a nice ridgewalk with a lot of rockclimbing over Big Firescald Knob and it was nice to see something else than only woods, roots and leaves. As it is supposed to be in the low 20's tonight I decided to pitch my tent again as I think that's warmer than to stay in the shelter. And the nightly pee session is so much easier and nobody feels disturbed. Bruno
Date: 2006-03-18
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Today I got lost again. It hasn't happened quite a long time and maybe it was time again. I hiked deep in thoughts and reached a nice meadow on Big But. A little path crossed the meadow and it looked as the trail so I followed it and crossed the meadow. On the other side there was no whithe blaze but the path went on through the bushes so I decided to hike on until I would find the first white blaze. The trail got rough and overgrown and lead through a big rhododendron thicken. Finally I got suspicious and pulled out my map. Looking at the sun I figured that I was hiking in the wrong direction. This trail was called Squibb Creek Trail and would have led me to the middle of nowhere. Maybe this has to happen from time to time just to remind me to look for white blazes especially where the trail changes directions.Today we are nine people at the shelter, amongst them Jolly Green Giant, Bone Pac, and a girl who has studied Germanistics in Marburg/Germany. After talking to her for a while in English she asked me if I am from Germany and as I sayed yes she started to talk in German. I was quite impressed how good her German was and it was funny to hear me talking German again after quite a long while I've only spoken in English. I pitched my tent again as I noticed yesterday that temperatures inside of my tent are 10 degree higher than outside. Asides from that I can snore, fart and smoke and nobody gets upset when I have to go out for my nightly peeing session. My tent is my castle ;-) Bruno
Date: 2006-03-19
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Campsite at Spivey Gap
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: broken clouds

Today was the first time I had to use my knee brace. It was on a downhill as my left knee started to make problems. It hurt really bad and every step felt as somebody stabbed my knee with a knife. So I decided to try the brace and was glad I had carried it. I almost thought about starting at the next O-limping games and it took 15 minutes until it got much better. I think the cold nights the last couple of days weren't the best for my bones and I'm really happy that I can rest for two days in Erwin. So far my body has held up better than expected and I don't want to have to quit because I pay not enough attention to what my body tells me.I did a bit more miles than usual today to make it to Erwin at noon tomorrow. That would mean I will have to leave at least at 7.30 and that's always the hardest part for me. Today I left at 9.30 although I woke up at 6.40. It won't take long until people call me the "nine to five" hiker. Almost as if I would be a Union organized hiker who isn't allowed to start earlier than 9.00. I will work on that. Maybe it will work when it gets warmer. It's so cosy to lay in a warm bag when it's below 30 outside. Bruno
Date: 2006-03-20
From: Campsite at Spivey Gap

To: Erwin
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

This was one of the few days I had a really early start. Had a nice fire at my campsite tonight and arround 8.30 a voice behind me sayed: "Hey, it's Jolly Green Giant". I was to surprised to be scared and he told me the reason for beeing behind me was he wanted to go to a cafe at Sams Gap but found out it was closed because of sunday. On his way he was picked up by Miss Janet and she took him to service where they had a huge lunch. So he did a little night hike to reach at least the last shelter before Erwin.I awoke at 5.40 and was packed and ready to go at 7.30. It was a bit warmer than the last days but as I reached No Bussines Knob Shelter it started to snow. The snow turned to sleet and then to rain and so it changed back and forth until I came down to Erwin. I crossed the bridge over the river and went hiked down the street until a car came down the other direction and stopped in front of me. The women in the car opened the window and sayed: "Hey, you're on the wrong road". It wasn't hard to tell who she was because a sticker was on her mirror showing the sign with the green hiker. I hopped into the car and introduced myself. We started to talk and she told me there were to other German hikers out there. Ne of them called Nuts, the other one Gargamel. As you know Nuts was my trailname until some days ago and Gargamel is my username on Whiteblaze.net. So I told her that all this Germans are the same guy. As we reached her place guess who I found sitting on the couch. Pillgri! m. I also met Garry, a hiker I saw a few days ago at a shelter with his dog, Mrs. Gorp and Jolly Green Giant.Later we went to a local Hamburger place where I had the biggest burger in my whole life. Miss Janet took pictures of us eating this monsters. If she gives me the pictures I will upload them. As we ordered them the waitress eyes almost popped out. "Do you guys know how big they are?" Miss Janet sayed: "Don't worry, they are hikers." Jolly Green Giant and me finished our burgers and Pillgrim and Garry ordered a doggy bag. Later one of the locals congratulated us for finishing the whole thing. Describing Miss Janet's place needs a own entry. I will do this probably in the next two days because I'm staying here at least until Wednesday. Hiking in this weather isn't fun and as I told you my ankles and joints need a good rest. Bruno
Date: 2006-03-26
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Erwin
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

Slackpacked today. It's nice to carry only a small bag and it was a good test if my knees would give me any problems. I took Fabian with me (MJ's dog) and he was so excited to be on the trail. There were about 3 inches of snow on the ground but it was almost relieving for my feet not to step on rocks or roots and it gave my knee the cushion they needed. Shortly after Curley Maple Gap Shelter the snow was almost melted away and the last 3 miles back to the bridge were a completely different hike than the first 3 miles. My knees did well, at least while hiking but in the evening they started to hurt and looked a bit swollen. MJ picked me up at the bridge so I don't had to hitch me a ride back into town. Bruno