morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-17
From: Butch the Trail Cat

To: Stover Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: overcast clouds

It has been a momentus day of new beginnings. I started with the sign in followed by the pack weigh in (more later). I'm about #425 heading north this yearI did the Springer 1.8 rt hike w/o pack and then returned to the parking area to pick up The Beast. He is not New hiking partner--it's the pack!For over one year, I've planned this hike, carefully counting pounds. Imagine my horror when it weighed in at a whopping 45 lbs. So it's name is The Beast until we can trim it's huge weight.The first night's stay at the shelter has been great, meeting lots of very nice people. On tomorrow with fello hiker Rethlnker--great guy from TN.Thought for the day: Many people have given me much support for this hike. So to those two knees that whined a little today ---shut up!
Date: 2008-03-18
From: Stover Creek Shelter 

To: Justus Creek 
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

So day 2 began with the eagerness of 3 new thrus taking off early thinking about grand accomplishments for the day. We aimed for an 11 mile day only because that was where water and tent camping was available.Robustly, we shot over Hawk and Sassafras mtns in good time. We had only Justus Mtn. to complete to finish a great day. After struggling up a tough climb and thinking that a little downhill into camp by the creek was ahead, we faced a steep second round with another uphill.That's when The Beast (see yesterday) teamed up with the legs to drain me of all energy. I struggled into camp to find my hiking buddies, Rethinker and Longwe Tru not especially happy with our earlier decision to do 11 miles. Needless to say, we decided to scale back our plans for tomorrow to more modest expectations.All is well as we shoot for Neel's Gap on Thursday pm. The Beast may be examined thoroughly for bloat then.Heavy rain is predicted for tomorrow so all bets may be off. May be a good gear test day!Wish for early spring in GA
Date: 2008-03-19
From: Justus Creek 

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: moderate rain

We knew that it would come, just not so soon. We started today in a cloud and finished in a monsoon. Tents were set up in heavy rain and there is now a 2" puddle in the right foot area of my tent. I think there are tadpoles too. I think I saw animals pairing off in twos and heading for a boat looking structueRethinker & I are stealth camping near Woody Gap. Another thru, White Lightning, has joined us.We have an ambitious hike of 11 miles tomorrow to Neel's Gap & showers/bed/laundry. Wahoo!! I told Rethinker and Longwe Tru this morning that I thought that I had pitched my tent over a dead animal last night only to discover that it was my shirt. They've been kind but wary when I get near!The emails have been great . Thanks so much! I'll try to respond soon.
Date: 2008-03-20
From: Woody Gap

To: Jarrard Gap
Miles today: 5.6

Just after posting my journal last night, Mother Nature got another laugh in with a full night of 50-60 mph winds and some ice. I think the tadpoles living in the tent earlier did not see the morning.The weather kept me in the tent til late morning and ended my plans for Neel's Gap and some rejuvination of several types. Tomorrow it will be.I have a beautiful view of Blood Mtn which I will climb in the morning. Solo camping tonight.The civilized world will be grateful for the shower that i'll get tomorrow.Thought For the Day: I despise the wind.
Date: 2008-03-21
From: Jarrard Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

A nice hike today up Blood Mtn. with super views. The downside was the two miles of knee crushing downhill into Neels Gap and the center there.The Beast had a quick diet and weight loss with some heavier equipment replaced by lighter. I've complained about him but we both know who's to blame.Staying tonight at a hiker cabin in order to clean up after the soaking on Wednesday. The foul smelling body needed help too.Had hoped to have cell/internet service but no luck. Be patient family/friends. I'll find a way to get back to you soon.Had pizza tonight for supper which beats trail food. Trail meals aren't bad but just can't match the calories burnt.Thought For the Day: Lewis Black (comic)is right about weather forecasters
Date: 2008-03-22
From: Neels Gap

To: Hogpen Gap
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: scattered clouds

One of the best hiking days yet! Even though I got a late start out of Neels (shuttle, resupply, etc.), I still made it to where I needed to be. Weather promises to be good again. The snow talked about for Tuesday has been dropped. My closing comments from yesterday seem to be confirmed.I'm camping with a couple of nice kids from CT tonight. Doing their thru hike before college.In the last three days I've met 4 of the better known hikers of AT fame. Baltimore Jack, Mathewski, Fat Chap, & Malla (sp). All are nice guys and a couple have shared some very valuable information. Thanks.My good friend Debbie pointed out today that I had a couple of punctuation errors on past entries. Never was my strong suit but trying to enter this stuff on a 2" x 3" screen while laying on my back in a tent is enough to make you near sighted for life. She just likes pulling my leg!All body parts seem to be continuing to operate well so nothing else to report. Nightey night.
Date: 2008-03-23
From: Hogpen Gap

To: Blue Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Georgia gave us its best weather for hiking today. A cold night gave way to a sunny mild day.The legs and body are coming around and making each day more fun and productive.Solo hiked again today which is just fine. It's nice to see people at night though. Tomorrow brings several challenging climbs.A little trail reality:When you're in the real world (that's you), you can generally remember where you got a scratch, a scrape, or a bruise. Not here. I've got several with no idea where I got them. In fact, I can't even remember where I lost that finger.......Now that's silly, of course I remember where ! Only the ring finger that doesn't begin to have the provocative impact of the big boy next to him. Oh, okay friends and family, just a little of my sick humor. All digits are accounted for and in reasonable shape. See you next time.
Date: 2008-03-24
From: Blue Mountain Shelter 

To: Tray Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: overcast clouds

A tough day today over 2 large mtns but with great folks tonight on this very cold mtn.--20 degrees tonight.We're all shooting for a long day tomorrow so that we can hit Hiawassee for a room, shower, good food, and laundry.An overnight revelation : (WARNING: THIS COULD BE CONSIDERED DISGUSTING BY SOME!) Right, Crabby, they're not going to read on!!?? You were warned.Last night's cold temperatures had me completely enclosed in my bag, including my head. That was when Mr. Funk showed up. You know him--body odor. Now we're not talking about that little whiff that you get after some yard work. This is serious eye-watering aroma. Fermented.Now some of are thinking that a guy like me who likes people shouldn't be announcing this. Had to, it was bothering me. Besides, the trip to town will take care of all that and I'll be as good as new (for aday or two).So just so you don't think that I'm completely whacked out: The mountains will soon display a wide variety of sweet smelling wildflowers that will sweeten the mtn air.Heed the warnings in the future :-)
Date: 2008-03-25
From: Tray Mountain Shelter 

To: Hiawassee, Ga
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

A demanding day for sure. We covered 11 tough miles with difficult ups and downs.The best part is Bob (NC), Aaron(Boston), Paul (OH) and I are at the Holiday Inn freshly washed and full from a pig out at a local steak house. No guilt calorie ingestation is great!!The body seems to be responding well to all of the abuse. The Beast and I are even trying to work as a team.We'll have a short trail day tomorrow to allow for resupply, a good night's sleep, and more food in the morning. On the horizon,, we cross over into NC on Thursday. Everyone is pumped. I'll say something about entering the Ole North State since those who know me are aware that the T__ H__l State doesn't work for me! Go NCSU Wolfpack! Yes, I know that they stink.Reality Check:Mr. Funk (3/24) was washed away today but his ugly self is waiting out there on a mountain to spend more time with me. Anybody ready to pay me a visit?
Date: 2008-03-26
From: Hiawassee, Ga

To: Plum Orchard Shelter 
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: broken clouds

The weather and all combined today for a great roll into camp at aninteresting shelter. Plum Orchard was air lifted in by helicopter. Very remote as most are but tucked away back in the forest.I'm here with Bob, Chuey (was Aaron), Orange Dust, Greenwood,Colby(WI), G-Town, Striker, & Tracer.Our individual crossings of the NC border tomorrow may break many of us up due to desires to make certain destinations.Lost my $1 glasses today and I'm bummed. Good thing the AT blazes on the trees are pretty big, huh?
Date: 2008-03-27
From: Plum Orchard Shelter 

To: Standing Indian Shelter 
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

The longest day so far--12 miles. All of last night's gang made the trip from the shelter to this tent site near the shelter. Babbling brook right next to the tent and everything!The next 2 days are mapped out to get us into Franklin, NC early Sunday morning for resupply. There is a hiker bash there on Sunday so some of us may try to make it and take in some burgers and brews. Might even make that a zero.Night Thought :Sleeping next to a creek is great except what running water makes you want to do all night. Not fun in a tent..
Date: 2008-03-28
From: Standing Indian Shelter 

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Twas a big day of hiking crossing over one of the more significant peaks in NC. Unfortunately the weather wasn't cooperating and there were no views. The entire day was about FOG!Generally the same group tonight less Bob (now named No Car). Also , Chewey was mispelled yesterday. Three other guys came in later but don't recall names.Tomorrow will be tough as we cross Albert Mtn., very steep. With some extra miles, we'll be able to go into Franklin for a nero on Sunday.Some bizarre happenings last night and this morning. Couldn't find my fork after dinner and figured that it was to be eating with fingers tonight. My mother will say that I did that quite well as an infant but here in camp eating mashed potatoes didn't sound good. I crawled into my bag to discover later that I was laying on the water resevoir which flooded part of the tent. Got up this morning, found the fork, and nestled in the bottom of the pack next to my Springer stone were the $1 reading glasses (awol since Hiawassee).Soon, I hope, everything will have its permanent place. Til then, it's hide and seek.
Date: 2008-03-29
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Winding StaIr Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

The first 100 miles on the trail passed today w/o celebration as my crew moved with purpose to the intersection with Highway 64 at Winding Stairs Gap. Once there, we found no campsite and, standing in the rain, we decided to hitch into Franklin.We reached Franklin's Sapphire Motel in the back of a pickup truck and camped out on the front lawn. Many thanks to Ron Havens and his staff for incredible hospitality. They are truly the best of the trail angels.Imagine yourself, after 2 weeks in the woods, sleeping 75 feet from a busy street and getting a good night's sleep. The trail does crazy things.
Date: 2008-03-30
From: Winding StaIr Gap

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The long-awaited zero that promised to give us resupply and rejuvenation opportunity was everything that we wanted. My brother Bruce came from the coast of NC to visit with Chewey, Colby and me. Not only was the visit a great day for us but he hauled us all over the area as we prepared to get back on the trail on Monday. Thanks, Bro, for the great time and special visit.The transition from trail cmaping to hotel luxury was an interesting adjustment but we managed to make it work! We plan a half day in town and then back to the trail in the afternoon. We'll be looking forward to the 3-day trip to the Nantahala Outdoor Center where many folks have boxes waiting.
Date: 2008-03-31
From: Franklin, NC

To: Siler Bald Shelter 
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: overcast clouds

The "C Croo" (Crabby, Chewey, and Colby) ended a great zero in Franklin with Bro Bruce with his giving us a hitch out to Winding Stair Gap. Thanks, Bruce, for everything!We made our way up to the shelter and set up tents. Then another crew rolled in and the dynamics changed. Unfortunately the personalities of just A couple can change a lot. I retreated to the tent and ate cold foods for dinner.Mother Nature punished me later for my antisocial ways by dropping a storm on us for the night. Very little sleep. Fortunately, I heard this morning that the other group was shooting for a camp beyond ours for tomorrow. I happily wished them a great hike.
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Siler Bald Shelter 

To: Cold Spring Shelter 
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

Our plan today was to cut the distance from the shelter to NOC in half. We were successful but it kicked our butts pretty good. The highlight of the day was the overlook at Wayah Bald. Had lunch there and I even scored some trail magic in the way of a cup of white wine from some tourists from Orlando--yum!Tonight, let me set the stage for our sleeping accomodations. This shelter is very old and is built on the side of a mtn.For me, a tenter with a horrendous snore, I needed to find site to set up. For you at home, imagine climbing up on your roof and setting up your tent. Just as you're laying down to get a feel for this precarious situation, a violent thunderstorm rolls in. So here I lay, knowing that one false roll in the night could have me floating in the creek 200' down the mtn.So you may be thinking that I'm truly miserable--nope. Because Mother Nature can play this April Fools' joke only one time a year! I hope the boys in the shelter sleep well.
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Cold Spring Shelter 

To: Wesser Bald Shelter 
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: light rain

I could tell you about my nice hike over Wesser Bald or our plan to slow up so as not to get to Fontana on Sunday before the PO opens. But I won't cause you'll enjoy this more.Back to last night :You'll recall that I was perched in my tent on a bad slope eating inside during a thunderstorm . As the sleepless night went on, everything in the tent shifted to the bottom 1/3. Then I felt the 4 little feet running across my bag. I snapped on my headlight to be faced with a mouse hellbt on getting to my food. I chased the little varment around the tent until he found the quarter size hole that he created to get in. Needless to say, I had no trust that he wouldn't return so I guarded the entry point for the rest of the night.Lessons Learned :1. Take a little extra time looking around for tent spots before settling for one on a cliff (they were there !)2. Get out of the tent, get wet if necessary but get the food out unless you want critters coming in.3. If Butch the Trail Cat mentions he wants to go on the hike, consider it!Score :Mother Nature -- 2Crabby----------- 0
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Wesser Bald Shelter 

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center 
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: light rain

This was a relatively short day down a steady downhill to the NOC. Chewey & I are staying at a hiker place and enjoying the shower/laundry. Rain for the last few days brings out Mr. Funk.On a sad but optimistic note, the "C Croo" said goodbye to our friend, Colby. He has been plagued with knee problems for some time. He was advised by several hikers to catch a ride to Hiawassee to recuperate for a couple of weeks. A young woman, Motorbutt (NH) did that and has salvaged her hike. We will miss him but hope thathis rejuvination will have him back with us somewhere along the trail.Lasting Impacts:The infamous "mouse incident" carried over to last night. Dutifully, I hung my food and sweet smelling toiletries and climbed peacefully into my bag. As I began to fade out, I discovered a small bag of nuts. We all know who likes nuts! Warm in my bag, I decided that the nuts tucked away in my bag close to My body would keep the vermin away. All night I checked on them. It worked. So my new hiking theory is that even the smell of cashews cannot be detected by a mouse when camouflaged by Mr. Funk.
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center 

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

It was a rainy day combined with a long uphill climb out of the gorge. The weather was so bad that most folks stopped short of plans and are here tonight. The shelter is full, I'm in the tent, and it's raining hard.I haven't thanked many of you recently for the emails, calls, and other expressions of support. They are all so appreciated and I regret that I'm unable to reply to everyone.I received an inquiry recently from someone asking about my relationship of late with The Beast (3/18). Actually, since his modest weight loss, we are getting along okay. In fact, we spend the day sometimes making fun of Mr. Funk.I'll share with you one of the Beast's not-so-funny jokes:Beast : What's grey, black & blue and drives people away?Crabby: I don't knowBeast : Your three shirts after Mr. Funk has gotten hold of them.Crabby: HaHa Very funny. Don't talk to me anymore!
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter 

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

Howdy folks,I hope it's beautiful wherever you are because it isn't here. We're in the second straight night of frog gagging rains. Today's hike was a series of tough ups and downs aggravated by wet and slippery trails. We're on the second of three legs into Fontana. Some of the same group that i've seen for a few days are in the shelter while I slog it out here in the tent (snoring, you know)You may have wondered about the lack of pictures so far. I sent a pic card home from Neels Gap of the first 30 miles. Unfortunately, someone with the postal service wanted the card and removed it from the envelope. Unless the system is completely corrupt, the card I sent yesterday will be faithfully entered by Andrea and we'll have photos with the entries. Enough said about the postal service.Wildlife Viewed To Date:Several varieties of songbirdsA grey squirrelHawks & buzzardsSeveral hikers that smell really wild (this writer included )1 nasty little #*%& white mouse!(close up)
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter 

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

The second fall could have been choreographed by the 3 stooges. Crossing a log at the end of the day, I caught a boot on a limb and did a face plant, pack & all--a 9 on the fall meter.Body Part Inventory:Legs--Not bad with knees sore but not injured Arms/hands --Okay with the thumb slicing of a couple of weeks ago healing nicely.Feet--Great except for the toenail about to fall off (ugly)Head--No change. Still the same vast wasteland it has always been.
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Fontana Dam Shelter 

To: Fontana Dam Shelter 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Except for total lack of cell coverage, the zero day in Fontana Village was exactly what it was designed to be. Resupply, laundry, rest, and real (good) food. We're back at the Fontana Hilton (shelter) tonight looking ahead to our start of the Smokies tomorrow. The weather today and tonight is incredible, a far cry from what has been the case in the previous days. We hope it holds through the 7 days of the Smokies.Because there is not a good resupply option, we will carry 7 days of food. The weight for that food is significant compared to the norm.Some trail rumor has it that bears have been more troublesome than normal this year. Of course, you know what the symbol for the Smokies is and my record to date with other woodland mammals. I'm tempted to not shower at the dam in the morning so that Mr. Funk might play a role in scaring them off. However, another probable 10 days w/o some degree of cleanliness has me wanting to take my chances with the bears. I'd like to leave my house to..........PS It was so good to see John (Thumper), A hiker friend from my hometown a couple of nights ago.
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Fontana Dam Shelter 

To: Mollie's Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

We bid Fontana a farewell this morning after waking to the sounds of wild turkeys and loons on the lake.We enjoyed our stay here tremendously.Our hike into the eastern Smokies was very tough since we were leaving the low altitude of the lake. It took until late afternoon to get here and, fortunately for me the shelter was full. By rule, tenting isn't allowed unless the shelter is full.We have made our plans (Chewey & I) for getting through the Smokies. We will have a short hike tomorrow in order to attack a tough climb in the morning on Thursday. That should still get us out in 7 days (food supply). Chewy gave me a pair of ear plugs yesterday. Now, you have already figured out, I guess, that my snoring resembles a chain saw in really bad need of a tune-up. In other words, it isn't me who needs the plugs. Truthfully, since the "night of the mouse", I've developed this paranoia that has me hearing crawling creatures outside the tent. It doesn't help with sleep accumulation. So the plan is to pop in the plugs the next time I imagine the rodent assault being formed. I'm never going to Disney World again!!
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Mollie's Ridge Shelter 

To: Spence Field Shelter 
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Our little group of six (Chewy,Tracer, Strider, New Song, Mustang Sally& me) made the short jump over to the second shelter in order to get a good position for tomorrow's 12 mile very tough hike. Two days into the Smokies, I'm finding things not much different than other areas . The next few days should change that.The weather forecast for Friday thru Monday is all wet with a possibility of a mix on Monday. The Newfound Gap into Gatlinburg connection has been discussed as a bailout if things get too miserable.In May, I'm leaving the trail to participate in my bro/his fiance's Betsy's wedding. It will be a nice event and great break for me. It has occurred to me that I can't totally "leave" the trail. So with th thinking thatat, I'm I should be able to forego the tux and just wear hiking garb (clean, of course). I'm sure that Betsy wii receive this well because most brides-to-be are laid back just weeks before the big event.........Okay, jUst a little more trail humor spun from too many miles of solo hiking. I'll wear the tux.
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Spence Field Shelter 

To: Siler's Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

The steep 6 mile series of climbs that we had been dreading was not really so bad as anticipated. The last six were about the same considering the fatigue factor.The shelter tonight is packed with about 8 thru hikers and another 20 circuit hikers.. It's fairly easy to pick out the 2 types. Circuit hikers are clean, talk gear stuff, and have all the little extras, like camp stools. We, on the other hand, have the haggard look, our packs are heavy, and we don't waste alot of effort.Fairly severe weather predictions have caused our group of six to decide to spend one additional day in the Smokies.We have named the non- thru hikers "lite packers" for just that reason. They fly by you on the trail and have that fresh look. No ill will is intended on our part. Of course, it must be nice to have a car a day or so away, just in case.