morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-09-20
From: Tom Floyd Wayside

To: Hog Back Mt
Miles today: 13.0

Well I got a pretty early start all things considered. I am not always the speediest one out of camp in the AM. Today I was fed and on the trail by 7:30. The climb continues up and out of Tom Floyd Wayside. By the time I got up to Possum's Rest I had to stop and zip off the bottom of my pants.I stopped a short ways after and filled out my permit. I laughed as I attached it to my pack and thought it's like they want you to fill out your own Toe Tag incase you get mauled by a bear. I am excited to see some bears. These are all black bears so there is very little to worry about they are not apex predators like the grizzley.The park has been really dry and I am glad that I went to Indian Pass Spring. As it was i was sucking my hydration dry and was empty going over South Marshall. There was to be a spring at Hog Wallow but I never found it. I saw a bunch or Antenna and radio towers on what I can only guess was Hog Back Mt.I saw my first bear of this trip not too far from Jenkins Gap but he was so quick I wqas not able to get a picture of it before it went bounding down off the ridge. I have a feeling I am going to see lot's of bear based on the amount of scatt that I have been seeing. I hope that I might be able to get some good pictures.At about 3:30 I went on down to the Gravel Springs Hut and cooked my early dinner. There was a NoBo there that went by the name of Blue. He said that he had been out since the 20th of March! I filled up on water and cooked a big meal and had a bunch of snacks as well. I was starting to get a small hot spot on one of my heals so I am trying to stay on top of that as well. By 5:00 I was stuffed and pushed on for another few miles.With full water I headed out and began the climb up to Little Hog Back and the Hang Glider launch site. I was able to find a good spot near where the ridge drops off quickly and rig the hammock so I can look out on the lights of Front Royal from my hammock. I am able to now see clearly the radio towers that I first saw from North Marshall. Back then they seemed so far way and so high up and now they are right there. I will pass by them in the AM on my way to Elk Wallow Wayside where I hope to get to early in the AM to get water and maybe a good cup of Hot Coco.
Date: 2008-09-21
From: Hog Back Mt

To: Byrds Nest #3
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I got a good start today and was up by 6:30. I was able to watch as the sun was just coming up and the last of the lights down in Front Royal were turning off. You could see a thick fog down inthe valley that was hidiing the river. The rest of the climb up over Hog Back was easy and nice in the early morning fog. As it was still very early I went up the road to the overlook and read all the signs. The signs as kind of fun to read. I figured I would push on to the Wayside and get a hot coffee. That was one of the reasons that I went with a cold breakfast today. There was very little traffic but as I sat at the wayside eating my Hashbrowns and drinking my Hot Coco the day hikers started to pull into the parking areas. I filled up on water and used the bathroom then headed out.The trail passed a bunch of big old oak trees. These were most likley big trees out in some old cow pasture back in the days before this was all turned into a NP. All the other trees around them were so much smaller you know they had been there long before any of the others. I kept my eyes out for more bears but didn't see any today. I still see lots of scat but that was about it.The trail today took me over Rt 211 and Thorton Gap. This is the start of the Central Section of the park. I am told that it is easier trail but also a higher elevation area. the climb out of the gap had me breathing pretty good. I passed by the Pass Mt Hut in favore of making more miles. I stopped at the Byrds Nest #3 to cook dinner. This Shelter is going to become an overnight stay area in about a month but right now by rules I am not to spend the night here. The reality is that I am pretty spent. I was able to get some water from a few day hikers who were passing though. the water here right now is turned off and I was out. I didn't get the miles i had wanted to do but I am really played out fro right now.I am really looking forward to an Ice Cold Coke tomorrow at lunch when I stop at one of the resort stops. Right now I have the place to myself and enjoyed a good hot meal and a nice fire in the fireplace drying out sweaty socks.
Date: 2008-03-05
From: Springer

To: hawk Mtn shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

First day on the trail! Mom dropped us off, if a bit reluctantly, at Springer and Dad and I stretched our legs for the first few miles. Since we reached the first shelter before dusk, Dad and i tested our stoves (mine worked great, Dad's...not so much!). We met Ruby Tuesday (Rob), Shepherd (jerimiah), view finder, then leslie, and Marry Poppins. Despite my lovely new sleeping bag, i didn't sleep!
Date: 2008-03-06
To: Gooch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

SASSAFRAS, a name that was frequently referred back to as the first official challenge of the trip. I, unlike many other hikers this year, unfortunately, do not remember the mountain. It was snowing and the only thing on my mind was the necessity to gain feeling in my fingers. Needless to say, the challenge was lost to me. Some of the guys at the shelter started my first trip fire and a few section hikers displayed the art of trail muffins made in a fry pan. The night was wet!
Date: 2008-03-07
From: Gooch Mtn Shelter

To: Dahlonega
Miles today: 1.4

We woke this morning to rain! Dad and i made a last minute decision to get a ride into town (i know... already?). We stayed at the super 8 motel and Esther came to visit us for about an hour before she headed down to Columbus. Ruby, View finder, and Marry Poppins stayed with us and i got the floor (which is where almost everyone ended up eventually anyway).
Date: 2008-03-08
From: Dahlonega

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

When we arrived back at Gooch Gap the snow had already started. I barely had time to put on my down jacket before my fingers had yet again frozen. I was almost about to cry when Marry Poppins saved the day by giving me a hand-warmer. My gloves apparently are the least useful gear investment! I thought the .4 to the shelter would never end and when we finally reached Woods Hole, Dad and i lacked both energy and motivation to do anything other than eat and curl up in our sleeping bags. Rambo came in later and saved my toes with a foot-warmer and then spent the night lying on the ground as the snow plowed in! I have learned that some of the most wonderful memories I have are of times when I was completely miserable! This night is a perfect example.
Date: 2008-03-09
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

Blue mountain was definitely exaggerated in levels of difficulty. Dad and i had our first real mountain top view after climbing ice covered rocks to the shelter.      I am certain that the southbound climb from Neels' Gap is more difficult. Neels' was a wonderful outfitter. Everyone was assisting and cordial. Pirate put in a few good movies and dad and i bunked up for the night.
Date: 2008-03-10
From: Neels Gap

To: Whitley Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Marry Poppins joined our group today. View finder headed out early. My blisters are now a quarter sized and two layers deep. Alpine set me up with a new pair of boots and we headed out around 1:30. The shelter is 1.2 off the trail but is one of my favorites (i hiked there two years ago with a group of friends from school). Because it is so far off the trail we were alone and i got around four hours of sleep despite the bear that was rummaging around behind the shelter.
Date: 2008-03-11
From: Whitley Gap Shelter

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: overcast clouds

The last time i was at Low Gap one of the worst storms of my life passed through. This time the weather was lovely and the company was even more enjoyable. We met Strides today. His pace is incredible and he'll probably be one of the first to summit. A new addition in the form of a privy greeted me and i was so excited that i didn't have to squat behind the sparse bushes.
Date: 2008-03-13
From: Blue Mtn Shelter

To: Trey Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 8.0

Very interesting day! Rocky Top was a superb climb and the stream that followed the trail was my first real sign of the existence of water on the trail (other than small springs). The days are getting easier and I am beginning to crave higher millage. Dad, however, is still huffing and puffing up hills. He stops every twenty some odd feet and takes excruciatingly deep breaths which he claims are to "prevent pneumonia"...I would have guessed they were due to a sedentary lifestyle and age, but if it makes him happy, pneumonia prevention it is!!!
Date: 2008-03-14
From: Trey Mtn Shelter

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

Ah, Kelly knob! this was my first officially challenging day. I thought the hill would never end and, to top off my misery, it rained. I waited at the top for Poppins and Dad for around 17 minutes (yes, i counted), and we enjoyed peanut butter and bagels before the wind and rain forced us to assent. Dad and I are running out of food. I can tell he's loosing weight and my shoulders aren't getting any fatter! Deep Gap shelter has a second story loft in which we stuffed seven people. I just realized that I have not talked about Barley and Rain, two wonderful hikers that have actually been at the majority of the shelters. They have amazing self dehydrated food and made their own tent!
Date: 2008-03-16
From: Hiawassee, The Blueberry Patch

To: Plumorchard Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: clear sky

Dad and i woke to a delicious breakfast and then headed to church where the youth group was leading the service. We enjoyed a pot luck lunch and then August dropped us off at the trail-head. We were so full that when we reached the first shelter, we spread out are mats ate a little more and did some yoga. Some boys from North Georgia Military College were occupying the third floor and had a lovely fire blazing. One of them made a bracelet out of 550 cord which i admired and he graciously gave it to my dad to give to me. I will wear it all the way to Maine. All in all a wonderful way to spend my last day in Georgia.
Date: 2008-03-17
From: Plumorchard Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter & NC
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Another climb i don't remember as well as everyone else! Supposedly it was a difficult climb but, again, it was raining and i tend to focus on little else than being WET! We did cross the border and broke for lunch at the famous tree but the wind finally cut through our coats and we flew to the shelter. I somehow got a rash today. It doesn't itch and is located on my hands everywhere except for where my pole straps cross the back. (Possibly caused by spores?)
Date: 2008-03-18
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter & NC

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Another day in the rain and we were all soaked. our clothes were set out on the line under the overhang but the rain managed to come down sideways. We caught back up with Ruby and I met Kota, Butters, and the wonderful Pips.
Date: 2008-03-19
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Our first zero and it happens to be in a shelter. It poured all day long and our full shelter spent the day playing cards and making room as a few stragglers came in drenched. Everything we had was wet including my T.P. (not good!). Cricket came in after dark and slept under the shelter and we managed to squeeze Hell On Bad Wheels or Texas in between the wall and Dad.
Date: 2008-03-20
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

Ha ha ha ha ha, this was a lovely morning. The rain from the day before turned to snow during the night and all of the soaked clothing on the lines froze so that it had to be folded and strapped to the outside of our packs. Butters stormed off in his shorts and Ruby hiked in his boxers. Texas picked up one shoe by the lace and both came into the air frozen together. I do believe this was the fastest i have ever packed up. The days get more interesting as the trip proceeds! Needless to say it was so cold and Standing Indian mtn was really easy because our focus was on our frozen boots/feet. Carter Gap shelter was surrounded by clothes lines and sleeping bags basking in what turned into a beautiful day.
Date: 2008-03-23
From: Franklin, NC

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

A lady that worked the front desk at the Microtel called her brother who then picked us up and took us to Easter Sunday Service. it was wonderful! Then Pips and her parents took us from Ron Haven's Inn back to the trail. On the shelter sign was a yellow peep which I determined should not be wasted and ate on site. Butters, Ruby, and Kota all greeted us and Kota and Butters and I explored the Boar Ruts. WATCH YOUR ACHILLES!
Date: 2008-03-24
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Cold Springs Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up having slept some the night before due to Butter's extreme talent in the art of spooning! It was snowing yet again but i got my first glimpse of a bald. Apple (big orange tent trail angel) made us hot dogs and tea. August, Poppins, and i set up one, two man tent in the corner of the shelter and all slept in it after a thrilling game of Cribidge.
Date: 2008-03-26
From: A,. Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: clear sky

Poppins, August and I hiked into NOC and bought a pint of Ben and Jerrys' before visiting the local cafe. The hostel there was really more designed for big groups out for the weekend on the river or camp kids so we slept in the common area after everyone had gone to bed.
Date: 2008-03-27
From: NOC

To: NOC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Unfortunately I woke up with congestion and a really bad headache so Poppins, August, Pips and I took a zero and a kitchen worker lent us his car to do a resupply a town away. A section hiker also let us borrow his portable DVD player and we watched "We Own the Night" before stretching out for another night under the long dining room tables.
Date: 2008-03-28
From: NOC

To: Cody Gap
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: light rain

We all hiked out and spent a while climbing the rocks out of NOC. Pips and I where hiking a little faster than Poppins and August and waited for them at the road crossing. They still needed a break so we headed for the shelter. Unfortunately the shelter was full of boy scouts and we found Butters sitting forlornly at the shelter sign. The unanimous decision was to hike on to Cody Gap. We arrived and before it began to rain I set up my tent for the first time and Pips and I put it to the test.
Date: 2008-03-29
From: Cody Gap

To: Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: light rain

With Butters close behind Pips and I headed into Fontana. We stuck up our thumbs and Pips and i debated whether or not to walk toward town while hoping for a hitch. No cars were going into town and I held my thumb up even as the cars zipped passed in the opposite direction. Finally, Pips was watching a car that pulled into the parking lot behind us and was debating whether or not to ask him for a ride when she realized he was talking to us. She hit me and I turned around and the man said "Well Hello Sauerkraut!". I didn't recognize him until i looked at the car and then ran toward my freshly shaved father. He had been in town for a day and was returning to the trail head to change the note he'd left and we'd somehow missed to say that he was there and had missed us. He had a room reserved at the lodge and Butters, Pips and I cozied up clean and full only to find out that our planned zero would have to wait because the dam was closing and the next day was our last chance to cross the Dam.
Date: 2008-03-31
From: Campsite 113

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Pips and I hiked the rest of the uphill into the Smokies and met back up with Butters who had decided not to strive quite so hard to make the Dome. We arrived at the Shelter in muggy weather to find it full. There was room for one more when i got there and i decided Pips (who was really tired) could use the spot. Pips who came in later decided otherwise and forced everyone to scoot over so that the two of us could fit. There turned out to be plenty of room and i enjoyed three dinners by the fire inside the shelter. i met leaping turtle and brush strokes and then the weather cleared up and i flew my tent like a kite to dry it out.
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: few clouds

Pips, Butters and i hiked to the first shelter ate and then decided at the last minute to pack everything back up and night hike in our pajamas to Clingmans in celebration of Butters' birthday! But...as soon as we left the shelter it down poured and we hiked with medal poles along the ridge to the next shelter laughing for the entire 1.8 miles. So far this is my favorite night on the trail!
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: clear sky

We ended up night hiking to Clingman's in the morning for the sunrise. Dirt, Truckin, Sampson, Pips, Butters and I had the most amazing view from the highest point on the trail. The wind was really moving and Dirt, who wears a kilt decided to lean over and Pips an i got the sunrise and a full moon all at once. We hiked down to Mt. Collins Shelter and Pips spent the day sunbathing while i lay fully covered just clad to bask in the heat. (i burn)
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: light rain

Dirt, Truckin, Pips and I hiked up Mt. Collins and into Newfound Gap where we got a hitch riding the 12 or so miles into Gatlinburg in the back seat of a pickup. My legs went numb as well as my face so when we had to jump out at the light i crippled for a bit before recovering and heading to the cafe for some pancakes and eggs.
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower
Miles today: 15.7

Gorgeous Day! The four of us stopped for lunch at Tri-Corner Knob Shelter and then hiked on to Cosby. Once there Dirt stole Pips' pack and started farther up the trail and we had no choice but to follow. After an extra 2.8 and then .6 side trail we reached the Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower (Secret Shelter). We arrived just in time to get pictures of the most perfect sun set and then stayed up playing rummy and roasting marshmallows over the jet boil.
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Mt. Cammerer Fire Tower

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We woke early to catch a lovely sunrise and then went back to sleep until late and didn't get out until nearly noon. It got quite warm by the time we hiked into Standing bear. We did our laundry in thier old fashioned tub and washboard and took a shower semi-outside.
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Pips, Truckin, Dirt and I spent the day doing more laundry, and playing horseshoes. In the evening some of the hikers had been drinking and Comatose decided to get a brand of the AT symbol on his calf. Pips and i had front row seats as Rambo took three different clothes handers from the fire to Como's leg. It slipped and melted his skin like plastic. I'll never forget the smell. Goodness, the things guys do! As morbid as it may sound, his idiocy was somewhat amusing.
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Ground Hog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I had to use the restroom when I woke early in the morning to find a very large wolf spider less than a foot from my face. I leaned over on Pips and whispered (not to wake anyone) that there was a spider in the bed. I have never seen anyone jump so far, so fast out of bed! i then of course had to move quickly as well because these particular spiders tend to jump in one's direction. It took us a while to get out of the hostel, as usual, but eventually Pips and i ditched Dirt and Truckin as they played horseshoes and headed for the shelter. They caught up, of course and we had a fire and the rest of the marshmallows before bed.
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Ground Hog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: overcast clouds

We hiked to Max Patch and it was so lovely stayed for seven hours to watch the sunset. Mala and his dog along with Bus Driver, Sunbeam and many others joined us in setting up our gypsy camp. After the sun had set, We night hiked two shelters up and squeezed in at around midnight. We left our food on the ground in front of the shelter the entire night and found out that the night after we stayed there, the shelter was visited by bears. We missed loosing all of our food by one night!
Date: 2008-04-11
From: Walnut Mtn Shelter

To: Deer Park Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: broken clouds

The hiking day itself was rather uneventful but that evening Truckin broke out his blow gun. It was time the Shelter mice faced their doom. Pips set two bates (peanut butter covered protein bars) on either end of the shelter and set a dim headlamp on both. A few hours later we hear a whooosh and sat up to see Truckin triumphant. He nailed it right in one ear, through the head and out the eye. I was feeling rather nervous at this point because earlier in the evening (not thinking he would actually kill the mouse) i told him that if he killed and cleaned one i'd eat it! (much more detail could be given to explain why i would say such a thing but would also require too much time and space) Fortunately for me, Trukin decided he didn't want to clean it!
Date: 2008-04-12
From: Deer Park Mtn Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: overcast clouds

We hiked into hot springs and I met the wonderful Grey Fox and AMAZING Mr. Parkay! (i may have been threatened into the capitalized word) Really they were wonderful and we stayed in a pretty little house by the river with the Brothers (Dirty Girl and Pilot), Dirt, Truckin, Mr. Parkay, Grey Fox, and Dragon Slayer. I also got to enjoy the Hot Springs that evening (hot tubs with mineral water).
Date: 2008-04-13
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Randomly my parents showed up and after hearing every hiker i passed tell me they were in town i found them at the outfitters. They treated me to pizza and we spent the day catching up! Pips and I stayed at the Ducket house that evening with No Car and Asthma Boy Barracus.
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: light rain

Pips and I hiked out of Hot Springs that morning but when we were 5.8 miles out we hit Tanyard Gap which crossed the road into town. I wasn't feeling well and neither was Pips as the snow and sleep began to come down we hitched back to town for one more night at the Ducket house.
Date: 2008-04-15
From: Hot Springs

To: Log Cabin Drive
Miles today: 9.4

Fat Chap gave Pips and I a ride back to the gap in the morning and we ate lunch at the fire tower. It was around six when we reached Allen Gap and a note sending us to free food down the road. Hercules and his wife cooked us Belgian waffles, pork stew and blackberry cobbler. It was a wonderful treat. We hiked on a couple of miles to Log Cabin Drive where we ignored the no trespassing sign to check out the creepy place. Darkness began to ascend and we hiked about a mile passed to cowboy camp under the stars.