morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-18
From: Log Cabin Drive

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: light rain

The trail started off like a lamb and roared like a lion before we were done.   We started toward the first shelter and it seemed like we were there so quickly. The the steepest, longer climb started. Huge boulder scrambles and it was hot. I drank water like no tomorrow! We had an all ladies shelter tonight with the three previously mentioned ladies from Australia, plus a fourth who's trail name is drop bear. Apparently a drop bear is a rogue koala that drops down on unsuspecting tourists. She was also hiking with an Aarn pack. We took a look at hers to see why the stay in mine keeps popping out, but her model was different. She encouraged me to write to Aarn, as they are interested in having AT thru hikers use their packs. I will do that once I get into Erwin. I didn't get a whole lot of sleep last night, so hoping to do better tonight. It was a hard - but good - day on the AT. "We are in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us." John Muir   "My First Summer in the Sierra"
Date: 2015-04-19
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Devil's Fork Gap
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, last night was pretty miserable. All that water I drank made me need to keep running to the potty all night. I also had those aches in my legs that I get occasionally. I tried to locate my Advil in the dark with no success. One issue with shelters is you try to consolidate your gear and hang your packs to keep them away from any mousies. This means things aren't always in their usual spots.   My most sincere apologies to my shelter mates as I got up repeatedly to move my legs and go potty while I was up. We packed out in rain gear and I felt yucky - just the way you feel after you take the red eye!   I told TS and NSC to go on ahead. Some hot tea, a pop tart and protein bar and I began to feel human. The first few miles were not the most fun, but then the rain slowed to a drizzle. Before I knew it, I had covered six miles to the next shelter. I was greeted with "we have a bed at a hostel for the night!" Thank goodness!!!! We had nearly three more miles to go and it started to pour. Then, despite the rain, there was Trail Magic. A bottle of water for TS and Bud Lights for NSC and me! It was also an easy hiking day - which we really needed - the trail dies provide.   Soon the shuttle arrived and we were at the Laurel Trading Post hostel. The accommodations were basic, but the folks here - from Shane, the shuttle driver, to his mom that does laundry and everything else but the cooking, to Mark the owner and cook. He made us a bacon, egg and cheese to die for. Looking forward to a great night of sleep and enjoying some chocolate-covered donuts and an ice cream sandwich. The hostel is on page 33 of AWOL's northbound guide. "All mountain landscapes hold stories: the ones we read, the ones we dream and the ones we create." George Michael Sinclair Kennedy
Date: 2015-04-20
From: Devil's Fork Gap

To: Devil's Fork Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Today we are taking a zero. NSC was really concerned about the violent storms predicted for later. She also got VERY little sleep last night due to a hiker in the upper bunk. He had a cold and was up (and unbelievably noisy) all night long. I was so tired that I slept through most of it - plus I had earplugs!!!   He also seemed completely oblivious to the fact that he inconvenienced everyone else, putting us at risk of illness and being so noisy - despite some comments from everyone staying there! HYOH shouldn't mean that you don't think of others. In fact, I was the only one still in bed at 7:30 when Tortoise Sal tried to get back into the bunkhouse, but the door was somehow locked. We had yummy breakfast sandwiches for breakfast with hash browns cooked in bacon grease. A huge indulgence, but wonderful. There is always a something to celebrate each day. "Those who do not complain are never pitied" Jane Austen   (With my apologies for my whiny journal today!)
Date: 2015-04-21
From: Devil's Fork Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: broken clouds

After one of Mark's calorie laden breakfasts at Laurel Trading Post, we were off.... Well almost.   After Mark dropped us off I realized that I left my water bladder at the store. TS and NSC headed up and I ate some trail magic (Easter candy) and played with some puppy dogs at the trailhead. Then he was back and I was over the stile and on my way. I had not seen any signs of bear activity, but may have seen a paw print in some mud. It was large and clawed. Sleep last night wasn't much better. A latecomer arrived and took forever to get situated. I have come to the conclusion that a night in a shelter or hostel is only as good as the most restless person makes it. Tortoise Sal went sleepless last night. It really took a toll on her. She stumbled mid way through the day and decided to cut her day short at a hostel near Sam's Gap. She will hopefully catch up to us tomorrow. There was a large section of trail that was cordoned off by barbed-wire fencing. I am wondering if we are in the area where some land for the trail was taken without consent. We had some Trail Magic at Sam's Gap courtesy of 2007 section hiker Megaphone and friends. Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, raw veggies, fruit, beer, soda and waters. The beer looked great, but we still had about 4 miles to go. The trail was steep out of the gap and then went through a beautiful meadow. We are camped near low gap with a large group of (younger) hikers. It was a great day in the AT. "All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking." Nietzsche "Still waiting for some." Katwalk
Date: 2015-04-22
From: Low Gap

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: clear sky

We didn't sleep overly well at Low Gap. It got very cold and we were on a bit of a slant. I also felt that I was "hanging 10" by using my derri re off my air mattress to stay balanced. I guess that would be hanging 2!We were up by 6:30 and heading toward Big Bald. It was incredibly windy. By the time we got to the top of the bald, we were hiking like crabs - sideways! No Spring Chicken had her pack cover on and I was afraid she would "sail" right off the mountain. My guess was that the gusts up there were about 45 mph. We later learned that wind gusts were above 30 way down in the valley and we were over 5000 feet up. There was a bit of an optical illusion at the top of the bald. It looks as if the next mountain (Big Stamp) is a huge up, but once you got farther along you realized that it wasn't. After the balds, the hike looked easier in AWOL than it actually was - or maybe it was just that we were tired from fighting to stay upright!! We stopped at a shelter for some lunch and started talking about getting off the mountain at Spivey Gap and then doing a longer hike tomorrow. We called for a shuttle from High Rocks and checked into the Mountain Inn.   We had some calorie-dense Italian dinners delivered and just chilled. A perfect day! Thank you for all the guest book comments. And for the clarification on my "mini palm trees!" Please don't worry if I fall behind on my journal...sometimes I don't have enough battery or a good enough signal. Gopher: If I was you, I'd think about skedaddlin' out of here. Winnie-the-Pooh: Why?Gopher: 'Cause it's Winds-day!
Date: 2015-04-23
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin, Tennessee
Miles today: 11.1

Since NSC and I skipped out early yesterday, we needed to get some miles made up today. After a big breakfast at the Mountain Inn, we skedaddled up the mountain. It was a picture perfect day to hike, only my phone didn't charge so no pictures today... We stopped briefly at the "No Business" shelter for a snack and to use the privy. Alas, there was no privy, which was pretty ironic considering the shelter name. We finally connected with Tortoise Sal, who got into Erwin ahead of us. We covered about 11 miles in 6 hours. Good time for two old ladies - or total badasses as "Not a Bear" called us! We did a quick stop for fuel and tent stakes at Uncle Johnny's. There is a lot of hiker activity going on here coordinated by Uncle Johnny and the folks here at the Mountain Inn. When we got back here there were signs welcoming "hill climbers" to Eastern Tennessee and a whole lot of food in a conference room. (Did I mention food?). We had just finished a huge lunch, but went to check it out anyway. It turns out it is a group of folks who race Model A's down hills. However, when the ladies learned we were hikers we hardly had to Yogi.   They kept offering us food!It was another great day! (And one month on the trail)
Date: 2015-04-24
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Indian Grave Gap 
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

We started out the day doing a 12 mile SOBO hike from Iron Mountain Gap to Indian Grave Gap. The weather forecast for tomorrow is looking nasty, so we thought we would do a shorter day from Indian Stamp into Erwin. That gives us a short day in bad weather. Mountain weather at this time is always a bit dicey. NSC and I hiked up to Unaka Mountain. It was absolutely amazing! I thought I had stepped through a looking glass and found myself in Maine. (If only!) It was like being in an enchanted Christmas Tree Forest. We also got to enjoy Beauty Spot - another amazing bald with 360 degree views. For all who have written me notes on my journal or sent email or texts - thank you. I especially want to thank my cousin Elizabeth, Patrick and my former Oracle Team, my daughter for the daily dose of cuteness, Nancy, Cherri, Billy, Gary and Di, Left Turn, BonBon, HOBO, Don's Brother, Hopeful and so many others. I am having a Great Adventure - and you are the wind beneath my wings!"The forest did not tolerate frailty or body or mind. Show your weakness, and it would consume you without hesitation."Tahir Shah "House of the Tiger King: The Quest for a Lost City"
Date: 2015-04-25
From: Indian Grave Gap

To: Erwin, Tennessee
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: overcast clouds

The weather was forecast for morning showers, followed by a clearing and then violent storms later in the day. NSC and I were hiking by 7:15 and wrapped up 8.4 miles in a light rain by 11:00. More than 2 mph, on a mostly kind trail. We stopped by Uncle Johnny's so NSC could get a quick repair to her pole wristband. We walked the mile or so back to the hotel and had some lunch from our food bags. We also need to get laundry done and our packs set up for tomorrow. Really fighting the need to nap! Tomorrow we have a long and tough day. We are hoping to do 15.9 miles in light rain over Roan Mountain - an elevation of over 6000 feet. Need to wrap up the chores and get to bed early. That mountain won't climb itself!"There are two kinds of people. Those who climb mountains and those who sit in the shadow of the mountains and critique the climbers." Richard Paul EvansI would also add that there are a third kind - the many people who do all they can to help the mountain climbers. Kat
Date: 2015-04-26
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Culver Gap
Miles today: 15.9

I woke up this morning with a bit of trepidation about the hike planned for today.   Ok, full disclosure, more than just a bit. Our plan was to get back on the trail at Iron Mountain Gap and hike to Carver Gap - just under 16 miles. But, there was this big, honking 6000 foot mountain to get over in between. We got some McBreakfast to go (following a Krispy Kreme at the hotel) and we were off. The day was fairly drizzly but the forecast was for better weather and we were fired up. We hiked a quick four miles and saw the sign for the Greasy Creek "Friendly" before we expected it. The weather improved for a bit and then the rain came down. We ducked into the Clyde Smith Shelter and had a quick snack. The rain slowed down a bit and we hiked on. We couldn't believe how quickly we reached Hughes Gap (9.1 miles). This was a bailout point if the weather turned really nasty. We pressed on. The climb up Roan was a steady - but not terribly steep - up on a rocky trail. We were grateful for the rocks as otherwise the trail would be mud!   Thank you, thank you for the trail maintainers. They had laid down a type of ground cloth that drained, plus gravel and the rocks to minimize erosion. They also did a great job diverting the rain runoff as the trail eod turn into a stream for awhile, and then the runoff would get sent over the side of the mountain. The shelter at the top of Roan Mountain is called Roan High Knob Shelter and is the highest shelter on the AT. (I must admit all these "knobs" bring to mind "Love Actually" - "here comes the Colin....and he has a b_g knob"). I will let you fill in the appropriate vowel. :-)The Greasy Creek Friendly is very friendly and a unique place. NSC and I are in a room in the house. Others staying here are folks we have seen before camping or at Laurel Valley - Philco, Run Forrest Run, Onward, Colt45 and his dad (Cruiser). Connie has a tuxedo cat named Thomas that made me more than a little homesick. "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities." J.K. Rowling. "Harry Potter and the Chamber if Secrets"
Date: 2015-04-27
From: Culver Gap

To: Mountain Harbour B&B
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a tough trail day. We got a ride back to the trail head and were off! It was cold and windy, but the SUN was shining. It was a day the trail cautioned us of the dangers of overconfidence. We started out up hill and that got us warmed up quickly. We had multiple balds (4!) and they were windy again. There was also a great deal more up today and much more rocky and difficult downs. It took us 9 hours - with a few rest stops - but we did it! We also passed through the Doll Flats, which is the northernmost section of the trail in North Carolina. We still need to do the Smokies, but for our fellow hikers it is two states down. Tonight we are at the incredible Mountain Harbour B & B. Looking forward to a great breakfast in the morning. Today's quote is via my good friend and former neighbor, Loretta "Life is a daring adventure or it is nothing", Helen Keller.
Date: 2015-04-28
To: FS Road 293
Miles today: 13.6

We had the most amazing breakfast this morning at the Mountain Harbour B&B. Mary is just an amazing cook. We feasted on an assortment of breakfast dishes that included fresh fruit, biscuits with homemade sausage gravy, a quiche, a polenta dish, some pierogies with mozzarella cheese and fresh tomato sauce, fresh tomatoes with snippets of basil, French toast with either maple syrup or pecans in honey, and fantastic blueberry muffins. I'm sure I've forgotten some of the wonderful dishes. I'll try to get a picture tomorrow morning at breakfast.Mary drove NSC, Philco, Forrest, Slingshot and me to the trail head. One of son's dogs, a Boston Terrier named Rosie, decided to jump in the car and sit on my lap. I think she knew I was a Massachusetts girl too! Mary and Terry also have a Boston mix named Robert and a Himalayan-looking kitty named Boo. I do love meeting trail dogs and other animals along the way. After all that food, I was glad that we started with a gentle trail. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the temperature was just perfect for hikers.   For much of the morning it really was "a walk in the woods." The trail got a bit more strenuous in the early afternoon and then passed through several lovely meadows. I had my third fall for the trip with just a couple of miles to go. No big damage, but I am icing my knee just in case. When we returned to Mountain Harbour we saw High Hills sitting with her husband plus Mofo and Pilgrim. She seemed as happy to see us as we were to see her. Thanks so much for the cold beer. It was wonderful! Tomorrow will be our 8th straight day of hiking with all but one in double digit mileage. It will be good to take a break to travel back to start the Smokies. I ?? the AT!"I like long walks, especially when taken by people who annoy me." Noel Coward
Date: 2015-04-29
From: FS Road 293

To: Dennis Cove Road
Miles today: 11.1

Mary's breakfast (again) surpassed expectations. This morning we had cantaloupe slices, pancakes, home fries, two different egg casseroles, Apple-filled croissants, and so much more. Look in my photos to see the spread!NSC and I moved into a smaller bedroom last night as Philco and Forrest reserved "our" room minutes ahead of us. It's a good thing, too, as Forrest would have been a bit cramped sleeping on this divan as you can see in the picture. We had a very gentle hike today, but despite the wonderful fuel from Mary's breakfast, we both hiked like we had lead-coated boots. We stopped briefly at a shelter for a snack and that got us moving better. The trail had beautiful waterfalls and views, but we were thinking forward to a zero tomorrow. We hiked 11.1 miles on the AT (plus .5 of road) and are in a cabin at the Black Bear Resort. We are happy to be with Forrest and Philco, plus Drop Bear and Beer Man, and High Hills, Mofo and Pilgrim. This may be the last time we see these folks as they will continue northward as we go back to Fontana. We will miss them all. Knees are doing great. The purple things on my knees are Chopat knee braces and they help provide support, especially on the downs. Thanks for the comments on my quote of the day. I really love quotes, so I did make a list of some that might be appropriate in advance. St. James would say that I have it in a spreadsheet somewhere. We had pizza (3rd night in a row) and cold beer. Life is good on the AT. "There is no better designer than nature." Alexander McQueen.
Date: 2015-04-30
From: Dennis Cove Road

To: Knoxville, Tennessee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today NSC's husband (another St James), picked us up at The Black Bear Resort and drove us to Knoxville, Tennessee. One of NSC's sisters graciously let us stay at her home. NSC's brother will fly into Knoxville tomorrow. En route to Knoxville we got haircuts!!!!!
Date: 2015-05-01
From: Knoxville, Tennessee

To: Knoxville, Tennessee
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a crazy-busy day - even with no hiking. I ordered two different size packs from Hyperlite Mountain Gear to replace my defective Aarn. I was hoping the smaller size would work, but it was a very tight fit. So I spent hours packing and repacking to test out the packs and then getting all my food sorted out. It will be a challenge starting the Smokies with a new pack, so please wish me luck! Tomorrow we will leave in the dark to get to Fontana. Thanks so much to Donna and Ken for their hospitality.
Date: 2015-05-02
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollie's Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: clear sky

We left in the dark at around 6 and were on our way to the Smokies after a quick, greasy and yummy breakfast at Hardee's. NSC's husband drove well on the infamous Dragon's Tail. There were curves and hairpin turns aplenty over about 11 miles - coincidentally about the same number of miles we hiked today!After a quick visit to the restroom at the "Fontana Hilton" we set off. Before we crossed the dam - one of the most famous erected by the TVA - we met two women who had camped right at the visitor center. They were covered with down feathers! It turns out that while they were cooking dinner, away from their campsite, that a bear trashed their tent and took off with their packs. They hiked out in the dark with whatever they could salvage.   We met a range runner who said they would likely close that camping area. We are in a shelter about 1000 feet higher and 6 miles away. Our food is hung on bear bags, suspended high above the ground. We hope that Smoky, Yogi and friends stay away. It was a good day of hiking. I really enjoyed NSC's brother, Chuck, who hiked his first day with us today. He says he brings good luck in the weather department, and we hope this spell of wonderful weather continues. The wildflowers were incredible. We saw a few Pink Ladies' Slippers - something I haven't seen since I was a child. It took us awhile to do 11.1 miles as it was mainly "up" - our shuttle driver in Erwin, Tom "10-K" - said that it was a day where you needed to go to your "happy place". Congratulations to another Kate (across the pond) on the birth of a little princess! I hope mom, dad and baby (and big brother) are all doing well. My apologies for the delayed postings. There is sporadic coverage in the Smokies, plus I had to conserve my battery life. "Walking is a daily experience and a lifetime journey." Maxine Bigby Cunningham.
Date: 2015-05-03
From: Mollie's Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

NSC and I got a good night of sleep - no bears to disturb us and a quiet (fairly snoreless) shelter.   One hiker said he saw a bear (or maybe a mother and two cubs) right next to his tent. The bear stories out here are a bit like "fish stories" that grow with each retelling We were a bit slow in getting out of camp. Chuck shared some green tea and we got ourselves packed up and ready to go. One challenge in a shelter is that you take what you need from your pack and then hang the pack. In the morning it can be a bit slow as you need to take everything out and repack it all. Today was another challenging trail day. The only consolation is that the younger crowd also is finding it tough. They don't always pass us by! It is odd to be in a different "bubble" of hikers. We no longer see familiar faces every evening. This group is quite a bit larger and louder - but very friendly!The wildflowers were spectacular today. There were (my favorite) violets, many trillium and carpets of Carolina Spring Beauties and Bluets. Tomorrow we have a longer day and we hike to Clingman's Dome - the highest point on the AT.   "Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing."   Barry Finlay "Kilimanjaro and Beyond".
Date: 2015-05-04
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was long and pretty tiring. The morning walk was beautiful. Fields and fields of wildflowers painted the landscape white as snow. Then, things started to get tough. After the climb to Clingman's the trail lost much of its beauty. We hiked and hiked through areas of stunted evergreens and large trees felled by the side of the road. We had been told about acid rain damage and I guess this was it. It was the only part of the AT so far that wasn't incredibly beautiful. Chuck thought it resembled the Flying Monkey Forest from the Wizard of Oz. I have enormous respect for folks from the Class of 15 who hiked through here in the rain and fog and cold. It was hard enough on a beautiful day. NSC' s brother got his trail name today. It is PQRST and is short for Paradoxical Quasi Reverse Superstition Technique. It basically says that instead of being negatively superstitious, if you believe in the reverse it will happen! Like having sunny skies in the Smokies. "Everything was everlastingly loose and responsive, it was all everywhere beyond the truth, beyond empty blue space. 'The mountains are mighty patient, Buddha Man', I said out loud, and took a drink." Jack Kerouac.