morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-03-28
From: Standing Indian shelter

To: Carter Gap shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: light rain

Last night we had some thunderstorms and heavy rains which ended around 5:30am. We were very grateful to have gotten a space in the shelter. As it so happened when we woke up, Ninja lay curled up on the gravel below a wet mess. A cold front is moving through with the rain so it was very cold when we started today and never seemed to warm up.After a quick meal of cereal, we continued northward through misting rain which soon turned to sleet mixed with snow. Most would consider this nasty weather and while not ideal, it has its positive points. For one the ground is nice and soft below your feet (a nice change when your feet have been hitting hard packed ground for numerous 10 mile days), also it was so peaceful. The snow coming down was beautiful and it was so quiet walking under the canopy of rhododendrons. We made it to Carter gap around 12:30, and we decided to stay here at the shelter and dry out. We had a yummy lunch of 4 cheese bow tie pasta, actually it was more like soup but still warm and delicious. Would have hiked further but when we stopped we got cold and our gloves were soaked. As I write this we are snug in our bags, and we share the shelter with Hellboy whom we met yesterday. Tomcat just got here and it looks as if we will have a full house again tonight. A few sectioners are also here w! ith a group of church youth boys. Nice group, but feel a little bad for them; didn't seem to prepare well for the weather. Well, it looks as if all are here for the night. Courtney, Sarah, and Dave are down at the old shelter, and Mr. Clean Jr. & Walt are camped outside the shelter. Huddling down for the night...catch you up on the morrow.
Date: 2005-03-30
From: Winding Stair Gap (Franklin, NC)

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

We've decided to take a zero day (in other words zero AT miles) here in Franklin to rest, recouperate, resupply, and do some much needed laundry. Our clothes were stank-you-very-much!!We're staying at the hiker-friendly Haven motel that provides a free shuttle service to-from the AT, laundry, outfitter store, and restaurants. Speaking of restaurants, the Prime Sirloin located within a short walk of the motel has an excellent and very affordable breakfast & lunch buffet. Tomorrow its back to the trail and walking off the many calories we inhaled while in Franklin. I think it might surprize many of the readers that we're kind of anxious to get back to the trail.On a side note, we had an interesting experience today as we walked to the grocery. We spotted another hiker with his pack checking in at another motel along the way. He turned towards us yelled something and waved enthusiastically at us. I guess the weird part was that we had no idea who this was, but they recognized us as fellow thru-hikers. If we'd been closer I would've attributed the instant recognition to the obvious & distinctive hiker stench, but we had showers before leaving the hotel.Tomorrow its back to the trail and it will be tough leaving the comforts that we've relished in while in Franklin. But as strange as it might sound to everyone, we're both anxious to get back to the peacefulness of the AT.
Date: 2005-03-31
From: Winding Stair Gap (Franklin, NC)

To: Campsite just north of Wayah Bald
Miles today: 10.5

We started the day with showers and breakfast at a bakery about a block from the motel. Priss had a wonderful cinnamon apple cake with sour cream frosting, and I (Bug) had a double chocolate chip muffin with tea. In hindsight I wish we'd went for the breakfast buffet again at Prime Sirloin.After breakfast we came back, finished packing, and were the last one's on Ron's short bus (check back later for picture) for a ride back to the trail.Today's hike wasn't too bad and we covered the miles quickly with lots of time for breaks. Most of the hike today was in the rain, but its not as bad as it sounds. Our gear keeps us dry, and since the views aren't as great we tend to cover lots of ground. The view from Wayah bald was breathtaking and we were thankful that the clouds parted long enough for a few pictures. We made camp around 4:30pm and had dinner with Tiny Dancer, Red, Mr. Clean Jr., Pilot, and Sara. Tonight I managed to royally screw up Velveeta mac & cheese...it tastes better when you drain the water without dumping the noodles all over the ground. I buried most of it, and we had our backup meal of broccoli & cheese soup. Tonight's sky looks clear so hopefully the bad weather is outta here.
Date: 2005-04-01
From: Campsite just north of Wayah Bald

To: Jump-up Lookout
Miles today: 12.7

Early this morning Priss got up to use the bathroom, but unfortunately she chose the wrong spot for nature's calling. Just as she got situated, she heard a noise to her left. Glancing back over her shoulder she noticed something coming closer. A combination of early morning fog & forgetting her glasses made it difficult to spot the bear coming towards her. It didn't take long after hearing it growl until she woke me up yelling!! The bear only wanted the Snickers bar in her side pants pocket. Hopefully by now you've all realized that this is a horrible APRIL FOOL'S JOKE. Seriously now, today we woke up to the pitter-patter of rain on our tarptent. It wasn't a downpour, but just enough to get the tarptent wet & add an extra few pounds of weight to our packs. Since it was a little chilly, we decided to packup and hit the trail running. We stopped about 45 minutes later for breakfast after we'd gotten our bodies warm.For the second day straight we hiked in the rain, but again the skies cleared late in the day with the promise of sunshine for tomorrow's hike. We had another great view from Wesser bald tower and even considered briefly the idea of camping on the tower. The severe winds were enough to convince us otherwise. We bypassed Wesser Bald shelter since it was packed and set our sights on finding a campsite 1-2 miles further down the trail. We had chicken & nut stir pot for dinner, and managed not to spill any of it! It tasted wonderful after a long day's hike. Tomorrow we will be at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, and we'll get real food again.
Date: 2005-04-03
From: Sassafras gap shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

We survived the snow storm last night, although with not much sleep. All that sweet tea at the NOC and our new platypus water bladders did Ms. Priss in. Three times in the night, Bug had to endure blasts of cold weather and snow as Priss ventured out into the weather for potty breaks.For those of you who don't know, a platypus bladder is a water bag that fits inside the backpack with a plastic hose and mouthpiece that runs outside and attaches to the pack strap for convenient consumption of water. A little hard to describe but very nice to have.The sun was shining with the promise of a beautiful day ahead, and we were stepping high (literally). The snow drifts were up to Priss's thighs at some points, but we were excited to have daylight and find the trail once more. sidenote: if any NC trail maintainers are reading this; the section of trail between NOC and Cheoh Bald desperately needs some blazes repainted. Less than 150 yards from where we camped for the night, we found the blue-blazed side trail to the shelter. We made our way down the trail to find 20 warm bodies packed into the shelter (usually holds 14). We saw many familiar faces there: Tomcat, Sowega, Mr. Clean, and Houdini to name a few. And met many new folks.After a breakfast of Apples & Cinnamon oatmeal found in the NOC hiker box, we headed up the trail towards Cheoah Bald. We still had a good climb ahead, but were renewed by the sun and knowing friends were close by. The views from Cheoah bald were amazing...clear skies, pure white snow, crisp clean air...ahhh. Its the type of place you daydream about when you're stuck inside an office.The remainder of the day was spent sloshing and sliding up & down the hillsides as the snow melted under the mid-day sun. The toughest climb of the day was out of Stecoah Gap. Creaky Bonze put it best when she said NC doesn't know the meaning of switchbacks. For 2.4 miles we climbed a trail straight up at an extremely steep grade.As we arrived at the shelter, Bug had begun to experience knee pain. Knee pain is pretty typical of long-distance hikers. The most common type of problem is inflammation of the ileo-tibial band. Pain is such a constant companion that some hikers consume enough vitamin I (ibuprofen) to give a horse an ulcer. We spent a very nice balmy evening with Cycle Hiker (carries an 18# bike), Houdini, Mr Clean (Jr and Sr), August, Snow Bunny, Hairball, and Popeye.Anyway,we're looking forward to a relaxing hike-free day in Fontana Dam, NC beginning tomorrow evening.
Date: 2005-04-04
From: Brown Fork Gap shelter

To: NC 28 (Fontana dam, NC)
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we got started before 8am hoping to cover the length of trail to Fontana Dam, NC in time to get our first maildrop. The trail into Fontana dam seemed longer than stated.   We could clearly see the lake and dam around 1:30pm, but we wouldn't get to the end of the trail until 3:30pm. The trails into town sometimes seem to tease a hungry & weary hiker. We're looking forward to some time off to rest and recouperate.
Date: 2005-04-05
From: NC 28 (Fontana dam, NC)

To: Fontana Dam visitors center
Miles today: 1.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We'd like to take a moment to thank everyone who has been so supportive of our hike. All of the emails, prayers, and notes of support help us make it through the difficult times. I'd also like to publicly thank our parents for helping with our maildrops. Bug's best friend Matthew deserves a huge thank you for serving as the webmaster for the trailjournals site and posts the journal entries as they are sent. From: NC 28To: Fontana dam visitors centerDistance: 1.4Slept: motelToday was intended as a rest day for us, but we realized that there was a short section of trail before we enter the Smokies. It took us about 45 minutes to slackpack (hiking without your heavy pack) the short section of trail.On Wednesday we will begin the section of trail that goes through Smoky Mountain National State park. It is during this 70+ mile stretch of trail that we will be on the highest peak along the AT, Clingmans dome at 6643 feet. The first 8 miles tomorrow are pretty much straight up to an altitude of 4500 feet. Oh boy!Tonight a fellow hiker, Poet, showed us some streches/excercises to help with the pains we've been experiencing. Also, Creaky Bones gave Bug a knee brace to help with the knee pain. These are but a few examples of the kindness & compassion that we've experienced on our trip thus far.
Date: 2005-04-06
From: Fontana Dam visitors center

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We got started on the trail today a little later than planned. We had a great ayce breakfast with bisquits, grits, bacon, sausage, eggs, home fries, and fresh fruit. We still had a few errands to run such as a stop at the PO, and getting some things from the store. A sidenote to my sis Christy: I saw my first gray squirrel today, he was massive and sure enough he was shaking his bushy tail. We caught the 11:00 shuttle to the trailhead, but didn't actually get there until about 12:30. We looked at the dam, and it was pretty impressive. For those who don't know, Fontana Dam is the highest dam in the Eastern US at 480'. Just beyond the dam, Bug and Ms. Priss entered Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail was no worse than any other tough section of the trail so far. However, when we made it to the top of Shuckstack, we had no desire to continue up the blue-blaze trail to the firetower. If you ever take a dayhike up there, I think it would be well worth the trip. We continued on to Mollies Ridge Shelter, and started to see beautiful little pink-tinged white wildflowers right around Birch Spring Gap. More than anything, this section of trail was long. It wasn't all that difficult, but the sun was shining and it pretty much zapped all the energy. When we were about 1 1/2 miles from the shelter, Ms. Priss could have sworn she heard laughing and voices, pots clanging. She got so excited as we rounded the switchback only to find more trail. Bug suggested that it was Molly laughing at us as we hiked huffing and puffing up the mountain. (The AT companion says that legend states the ridge is haunted by a Cherokee maiden who froze to death looking for a lost hunter.)We arrived to the shelter to find it full (we anticipated this), set up camp, and cooked dinner. The wind started picking up, so now here we are in the tent keeping nice and warm. After cataloguing some pictures we have taken, I imagine we will get some shut eye. We will try to post these pictures soon. Night!
Date: 2005-04-07
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

I don't think that one day has passed that some part of our bodies hasn't hurt. It's tough out here, day to day. I wouldn't change a thing though. Some of the views we get are phenomenal and can only be seen by hiking in 10+ miles. Today was pretty tough for both of us; Bug told me (Ms. Priss) that I had to do today's journal. We typically write about the good stuff, but today was pretty blah. Many people say that doing a thru-hike is only 10% physical, the rest is a mental game...they are right. I can't speak for Bug, but I was just in a funk. The terrain wasn't that bad and I felt pretty good physically, but I couldn't get motivated. The fact that it was hazy and rainy didn't much help either. We met the Preacher along the way who did a thru in '01, and he said a quick prayer for us. We finally got to the shelter around 4:30 and glory be, we managed a spot in the shelter, thanks to Burning Man and T-Bone. What great guys, we definately owe them some trail magic when we get to town. After a dinner of saffron rice with chipped beef we settled into our sleeping bags in the loft, while listening to KTR tell scary campfire stories.We met Tito, Mellow Yellow, and Mama Mellow yesterday, and come to find out Tito and Mellow Yellow work for REI in Atlanta. This is significant because Mellow was the first fellow we spoke with who had done a thru-hike on the AT. The day definately improved once we got to camp. I keep reminding myself of what Scarlet so famously said, "Tomorrow is another day." Just have to keep telling myself that on these funky days.BTW, anyone who feels so inclined, Bug and I are having cravings for Krispy Kreme donuts, anyone wanting to send them can have them mailed general delivery to Hot Springs, NC PO 28743   hold for thru hikers bryan and bethany love eta 4/13. If that's not possible feel free to check our maildrop list and send us any goodies. We aren't that picky, if there is one thing the trail has taught us thus far, it's to appreciate every little thing. =o)Well, I must say goodnite, we have quite a few miles ahead tomorrow.Ms. Priss
Date: 2005-04-08
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

We are both in a much better mood today. Ms. Priss's foot is bothering her a bit. Think it is primarily tenderfoot, and taking it a little slower. Hiked in to Clingman's Dome today. The weather forecast said that the rain would be clearing out and that we should be in for some beautiful sunny skies the next few days.As we approached Clingman's dome we got some gorgeous views, but when we got to the tower the fog had moved in and there wasn't much of a view. We cooked dinner there and spoke with some dayhikers who came up for the views. We still had four miles into Mt. Collins shelter, so we headed out around 5:30 and into the woods with beautiful weather. About 2 miles from Clingman's we heard whoops of joy as the sun came out. Bug and Ms. Priss didn't bother heading back up. We figure there is a road that leads up there and we can easily see it another time. The spruce thickets along the trail today have been beautiful, magical feeling almost, as in a fairytale. The heavy smells of the forest, the coolness as you step onto the soft needled floor. It was wonderful and just what we needed after yesterday. We rolled into the shelter right around 7:30 pm and just in time to dodge the last downpour. Both Mr. Cleans seemed happy to see us, and we saw Burning man and T-Bone as well.!   The shelter was pretty much empty and we enjoyed a nice spacious evening. Tomorrow it is on to Newfound Gap and we will get to meet Dad's buddy, David Mashburn.
Date: 2005-04-09
From: Mt. Collins shelter

To: Icewater Spring shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We had a little rain last night, but woke up to clear skies and sunlight cutting through the fog this morning. We were awakened at 12:15am by 4-5 section hikers who had reservations at Mt. Collins shelter. After making a comment "so much for reservations," they left and kept hiking. I guess they expected to have the shelter all to themselves. There was plenty of room in the shelter....oh well! We hiked at a quick pace towards Newfound gap since we were to meet an old college buddy of Priss's father to resupply. We have noticed a major change in the terrain since Clingman's dome yesterday. The first half of the park is mainly deciduous (spelling) trees (mostly oak & poplar), but the second half of park is mostly evergreens (spruce and hemlock). The smell of the evergreen forest reminds me of Christmas, and its almost strong enough to overpower the hiker stench we've all acquired.We made it to Newfound gap around 11:15 and met David who gave us a ride into Cherokee, NC. Our first stop was the buffet of course where we promptly loaded up on all the goodies we'd been missing while on the trail. We needed a few items to supplement the maildrop, so we headed across the street to a grocery and then to a hardware store to by denatured alcohol for our stove (www.advancedmountainproducts.com). Today we saw our first bear (see picture). Let's just say that we were terrified. Thanks again to David, our trail angel for taking good care of us!Freshly resupplied and fed, we were ready to hit the trail. It was getting late in the day so we hiked in to the first shelter beyond Newfound gap, Icewater spring. This shelter was rebuilt in the last several years and was one of the better shelters that we'd seen in the Smokies thus far. As the name would indicate, the shelter's water source was ice cold and tasted so good. We had mexican rice burritos with summer sausage mixed in. Yum!We've reunited with one of our hiking pals, Poet, at this shelter. We last saw her in Fontana when I (Bug) was having some knee pains. We spent some time talking about how much better we were doing after the suggested stretching excercises. We also met G, from Quebec, who is hiking until May then returning to work in the Canadian forestry industry
Date: 2005-04-10
From: Icewater spring shelter

To: Tri-corner knob shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

I'd love to say that today's hike was easy, and I guess it was from the hiking aspect. We spent most of the day walking the ridgelines which were only short ups and downs. The weather today was some of the best weather we've had on the trip, but mentally & emotionally I was unprepared for the memories today's walk would bestow upon me. In my introductory journal entry, I spoke of my love of the outdoors as I grew up on my grandparents/parents farm. This love was instilled primarily by my PaPa, the greatest man I have ever known. Hold on tight for I'll give you a glimpse into the mind of Bug for today we spent much of the day walking "together."The scenery on today's walk reminded me of the walks we would take together on his farm. As a kid hills seemed like mountains, and PaPa would refer to his hills as his "Blue Ridge" mountains. As I walked further I could remember the little things that made him so special to me:- The way he would whistle while he worked on tedious projects.- The time he let me drive on the highway when I was eleven.- The memory of him playing an old guitar.- His laugh.- The way he referred to everyone as "Cap".- Some of his favorite foods: sweet potatoes, molasses & biscuits, and collard greens.- Feeding the cows.- Him "figuring" (math) on pieces of scrap paper.- Tying twine to the fence as a "temporary" fix.- Pulling up weeds together- The time he fell on the electric fence (to keep the cows out of the blueberry bushes) and each tiny shock caused him to yell. I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I found it funny, but he too would later laugh at the incident.As God would have it, my PaPa was diagosed with Alzheimer's disease when I was twelve years old. We continued to share these experiences until he no longer was able to care for himself. His disease advanced at a rapid rate, and we continued to care for him in his home. It was tough to watch a man so highly regarded by everyone regress to childhood before my very eyes. Despite seeking out "experimental" treatments, eventually my mortal grandfather succomed to the reality that we all must someday face.When we buried my PaPa I buried a piece of my heart, and I guess my faith has been sinceforth shattered by the experience. I've tried to make sense of the whole experience, but I've never been able to. I'm hopeful that together with Bethany the AT experiences can mend my broken heart & find misplaced faith. Someday in heaven when PaPa and I reunite, I want him to be proud of the man I became.
Date: 2005-04-11
From: Tri-corner knob

To: Painter branch campsite
Miles today: 20.4

We had no idea when we woke up this morning that today would turn into our longest day thus far. I had hoped to get an early start out of the shelter today, but alas, Ms. Priss needs her beauty sleep. It was a pretty packed shelter last night, and made for difficult sleeping above the chorus of snoring. I'm sure this figured into our difficulties getting started this morning.We had a breakfast of cereal with granola and whole powdered milk. It sounds disgusting, and I consider myself a master negotiator to even get Priss to try it. Actually, it wasn't half bad. It could be because we are so hungry out here we would eat tree bark if asked to do so. After cleaning up, we didn't leave the shelter until 9:45 or so.Today's hike wasn't bad at all. Most of the hike from the shelter to Cosby Knob was either flat or small ups & downs. We broke for lunch at Cosby Knob and talked with Mama Mello, Jake Brake and Low Gear for awhile before continuing on. The remainder of the Smokie Mountain experience was pretty much an easy downhill to Davenport Gap. We made it to Davenport Gap shelter around 5pm. We said goodbye to Mello Yellow & Mama Mello. It is definitely worth noting that Mello Yello was the 1st person with whom we saught AT advice from. So it was an interesting twist of fate that we hiked with & camped with them through the Smokies. It is also worth noting that Mama Mello makes some pretty mean meals & snacks that she shared with all of us. It was downhill to the shelter, and we didn't want to have to climb back out the following morning so we continued on. We had planned to camp at a campsite just beyond Davenport Gap, but we were later joined by KTR and G who wanted to hike on as well. So with the encouragement of other hikers we continued on and eventually crossed under I-40. The next section of the trail was rather difficult, but we managed the climb back up the mountain. We made it to Standing Bear Hostel, but we decided not to stay the night since we were planning to take a few zero days in Hot Springs. Beyond Standing Bear is a difficult climb, which we made even more difficult by tackling it so late in the day and after we had already come so far. Tired and hungry and without any promise of the campsite, we decided to make camp on a semi-level spot that had previously been used as a campsite. Tonight, we had a double dinner of Ramen noodles with tuna plus mashed potatoes.