morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-14
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: moderate rain

Still slightly drizzling when I started on the trail but at least there wasn't high winds again. I was glad as my first big climb was Rocky Top and then Thunderhead Mountains. Too bad they were socked in with ,what else but,fog. :p. I have climbed this area before and have been blessed with beautiful views so I knew what I was missing. As I was summitting Brier Knob (whew!!) I was getting hot and it hadn't rained in the last hour or so so I took off my poncho and tucked it away. I rehoisted my backpack and snapped all the bells and whistles,took two or three steps and she opened and poured. Yeehawww. A few managed to break at Derrick Knob Shelter at the same time and as we were sitting there eating and the sun burst through the skylight windows in the ceiling and you never heard so many people simultaneously yell at one time in such a small space over such a short duration of time. HaHa. I mean the sun was bright about three seconds,YAY, and then gone again. We all laughed at the split moment of our enthusiasm to be followed by our disappointment of its disappearance. I hiked into Sams Gap,over Cold Spring Knob,down to Buckeye Gap in mud up to the ankles of my boots,spreading to the knees of my gaitors(boots/pants protectors),slipping,falling,nearly falling(almost as bad as falling),straddling the trail like a toddler that has filled its diaper.Yeah, you children know what I'm talking about.Got ya back. lol. I finally reach Silers Bald Shelter. Now these guys had a roaring fire burning inside the tarp enclosed shelter.After I set up my tent and I was very cold and wet. I went inside and they freely let me warm by the fire but the shelter was almost full to capacity. They were all cooking and eating in there also. Lord help us if 'em bears come a huntin'. This is my longest milage day yet and the mountains I climbed were humdingers. Heehee. After warming I went to my tent and cooked up some potatoes and called it a night. Night.
Date: 2009-04-15
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Clingman's Dome-Gatlinburg,Tn
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It got cold last night but I was as snug as a bug. Hot Feet was asking last night if anyone was going into Gatlinburg on Wednesday so I went in the shelter and found her and told her I was going in from Clingman's Dome if she wanted to go from there and she did. I also told her that Maddog and I would take her back to the trail on Thursday if she wanted.The hike out was simply amazing. A winter wonderland for sure. The rime ice had covered every branch,twig,flower stem and leaf. I was in awe as I meandered in the woods stopping to look at every different shape and form made by the ice. I took many pictures of this wonderment and cherished my hike to Clingman's Dome. Over Silers Bald,Welch Ridge,Jenkins Knob to Double Spring Gap Shelter I hiked. And guess who I saw at the shelter? Alright,it was Two Pack. Ha,he was days ahead of me but was held up because of weather he said. It was great to see him and yes he is still carrying two packs. Also Up and Adam was there and Ziggy who I have not met before. On I went enjoying the beautiful ice formations but no views of the mountains. On this part of the trail the ridge line runs the boundary of the state line of Tennessee and North Carolina. Going north you literally can put your left foot in Tennessee and your right foot in North Carolina. Cool huh? And had there been views one could see on the left the Tennessee Smoky Mountains and on the right the North Carolina Smoky Mountains. A hike well worth anyones time and energy in my humble opinion. I climbed the steep Mt. Buckley where the clouds were beginning to lift and nice views were taking form and then the highest point on the Applachian Trail Clingman's Dome at 6,643 ft. I didn't climb the tower because I was waiting on Hot Feet and I didn't want to miss her if she came by. Turns out she took a side trail down to the parking lot. Some other hikers let me in on this when they came out to the tower. That's okay though. I went down the ramp and as I was going a man asked,¢Are you Trekkngirl?¢¢I said yes,I am.¢He said,¢Michael is waiting for you at the parking lot.¢And as I neared the parking lot Michael was walking toward me. Cool! It wasn't long that Hot Feet emerged from the side trail that she had taken and off we went to Gatlinburg,TN. We took her by the Grand Prix and they had a vacancy available. Yay! Later we all went to a restaurant. Nice day. Thanks to all again who sign my journal. Your continued support means so much.
Date: 2009-04-16
From: Clingman's Dome-Gatlinburg,Tn

To: Clingman's Dome-Gatlinburg,TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Feels great to be warm,dry,full and clean again. It's also great to see Michael and Annie(his Jack Russell). Thanks so much Marti and Alicia for the strawberries,pears,Cliff Bars and my love note. :pThe Microtel Hotel is advertised in the Appalachian Pages as a certain rate and they doubled it on us because of a Bridge Tournament Convention was going on and also they don't have a laundry service. We even showed them the Pages ad but it didn't make a difference. Should have went to the Grand Prix like Hot Feet. Anyway we picked her up at The Happy Hiker Outfitter along with Trevor and Up&Adam who needed a ride to Newfound Gap.I did buy a food bag as I am going to send my bear can home with Michael. I am just trying to shed a few pounds anyway I can. We'll see how it goes. The sun was shining beautifully and the views were great. We made our picture at the TN/NC state line sign and the two guys were off. Then we took Hot Feet to Clingman's Dome parking where she picked up the trail. I was glad that Michael and I could play trail angels in return for so many that have come to my rescue on the trail so far. We went to the grocery store and I got supplies for the next leg of the hike. Michael had brought my box from home but I still needed a few things.Then we just chilled out the rest of the day. Even ordered pizza delivered. Ha hikers can be so lazy. But it sure was nice. Aaahhhh another shower.
Date: 2009-04-17
From: Clingman's Dome-Gatlinburg,TN

To: Clingman's Dome-Gatlinburg,Tn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I sent a mail drop of extra food I had left to Hot Springs where I hope will be my next stop. I am packing enough food for six to seven days to get me there. That extra food plus two liters of water has my pack weighing in at thirty-five pounds. Not too shabby,huh? And what is good is that day after day my pack will get lighter and lighter as I eat the food. I am sending home a few other items such as a fleece head band(didn't use it at all),a camera case for my Blackberry/Charger(just using a baggie now),balaclava(sp?)(never used),pack towel and wash cloth(only used once at Fontana Shelter). That's about all the changes I can think of. I did have to buy a belt at The Day Hiker tonight because my pants are getting very loose. I did get a few pictures uploaded but I had so many and the library computer here was so slow that I couldn't do them all.Well I am ready to be out of Gatlinburg and back on the trail tomorrow. These planned zero days were nice and needed,but I gotta be going now.
Date: 2009-04-18
From: Clingman's Dome-Gatlinburg,Tn

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: broken clouds

Trekknstick??? Navi? Phil? Surely you guys can do better than that! What about Trekknhottie or Trekkndoll? HaHa. Just kidding. These guys are already trying to rename me because my pants are getting a little loose and I had to buy a belt. What a nice day! Michael took me back to Clingman's Dome. It was really hard to say good-bye to him and Annie. But I started my return trip up the one half mile paved walkway to the tower. The day was clear so I went up the tower to check out the view. I could see for miles and miles. All the way back to Fontana Lake. Too cool! As I came off the ramp I started walking back to where I got off the trail and a couple of park workers were there emptying trash cans. They said I could get on the trail right here pointing to a sign that read Appalachian Trail. But I explained that I needed to restart where I stopped. ¢Yeah,no cheating,¢one of them said. ¢I haven't yet,¢I replied. This was the first day in weeks that I got to hike on a mostly dry trail. Yay! As I went over Mt.Love and Mt.Collins the trail was very rutted out and deep with huge trees blown down. The root system on some of the trees blew me away. Ha, no pun intended.As I passed the sign to Mt.Collins Shelter I realized that I passed the 200 mile mark. WooHoo!! Even though it took me a month to get here this is where I am and I feel good about the miles behind me. The trail here runs parallel with Clingman's Dome road and I could hear traffic passing all day. After Indiana Gap. And Mt.Mingus Ridge I was once again at Newfound Gap. I hadn't eaten since breakfast so I decided to take a shoes off,sit down and eat a good lunch break.This is the best! The sun was warm so I made my nest right in front of the dedication's rock wall. That was a Big Mistake. The place was packed with tourists and many seeing me in my odd choice in picnic areas came over and asked many,many questions. lol That was all well and good and I answered them as best I could but their biggest question was,Why? The best answer I could come up with is that I love to hike, I love being out here night after night,and eating at a different place most every night. Then they proceeded to take my picture like I was a bear standing on my hind legs posing for them. Funny people. I finished my break and headed on toward Ice Water Spring Shelter. The shelter was packed and the ground was filling up fast with tents. I claimed a tent spot with a great view of the mountains. I didn't know any of these hikers. All the ones I had been seeing have moved on while I was in Gatlinburg.But you never know what the trail will bring. I have less than 2000 miles to go.
Date: 2009-04-19
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: light rain

I forgot to mention last night that I enjoyed some Oriental Ramen Noodles with ground chuck. Yum.Thanks Michael. The rain held off until I started packing up this morning. Then it rained all day. It was a cold rain also. I didn't go up to Charlie's Bunion Lookout because it was beginning to get foggy. But I did get a picture of large deer. He was right on the trail and let me ease closer as he slowly moved down the trailside. I was sweetly talking to him in deer language. I'll show you guys the picture soon maybe. It was too rainy and too cold to even stop for a break. I went over Dry Sluice Gap,Porters Gap and Woolly Tops Lead. Bradleys View of course had no view for the fog.But the soft pine needles that had fallen on the trail made   a nice padding for the feet. I had done this part of the Smokies as a shakedown hike back in December so I knew that Peck's Corner Shelter was nearly one half mile off the trail. But I was so tired,wet and cold by the time I reached the sign that I decided to just stay here for the night. It was early afternoon when I got here but we had a fire in the shelter that knocked the chill off a little. Some here are Peeper and her husband,Sparkie(I was with these guys at the beginning of the Smokies),Magma Orphan(he was in Franklin when I was),Denali,Dustin,Carpenter,Just Mike,Windguard,Skywalker and many more. Some even came in real late just before the heavens opened and poured but they had to sleep on the shelter floor and the guy put his hammock up.
Date: 2009-04-20
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: light rain

The shelter stayed warm all night but it rain off and on and heavy at times. This was the first time I hung my new food bag. Remember I sent the bear can home with Michael. At first I wrapped it in a trash bag and put it at my feet in a dark space so no one would see it. I figured the smells and spills of food was already inside the shelter because people eat in there so what did it really matter. But before I went to sleep I got to feeling guilty. It would be my luck that this would be the night a bear missed breakfast and lunch and came looking for my bag of food because the other bags were out of his reach. Ha So I took it out into the rain and hung it with the other bags. This shelter had cables attached to the trees so all you do is lower a hook down to your bag,hook it on then hoist it high into the air and lock it in place so that it is dangling out of the reach of the bear. I did feel better about taking it out. Even though I could only record 12.9 miles for today I went 13.4 by the time I got back to the AT from Peck's Corner. I climbed over Mt.Sequoyah with the trees and rocks being covered with bright green moss and lichen.A really enchanted looking area. It wasn't raining when I started my hike this morning but after I took a break at Tri-Corner Knob Shelter it didn't stop the rest of the day. I did have to tend to a couple of blisters before I took off again. I guess being off two days in Gatlinburg and the wet weather caused them to appear again. While I was going over Mt.Guyot the sun came out just long enough for my to see my shadow in front of me. It scared me because I thought someone had come up right behind me. HaHaEvery now and then the wind would blow views of mountains into sight and going over Camel Hump Knob it started sleeting. It didn't last long though. And then to my surprise a rainbow covered the sky from end to end. It was beautiful. I didn't get a picture because it was still raining and I didn't think it would show up very well. That really made my day. It seemed like it took forever to get over Cosby Knob. The trail was very muddy and rocky. But I finally came upon the camp area I had planned to set up my tent. I didn't even go to the shelter. I could hear them laughing and talking but I was quiet tired after doing my chores and it was beginning to get dark.I drank to hot cups of broccoli soup for supper and tucked in.
Date: 2009-04-21
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

I had to answer a call of nature last night and the stars were shining brightly. Yes! Clear day today I thought. Ho Hum,it was raining when I awoke this morning. What was I thinking? But it didn't last long. The worst part was putting on the cold, wet clothes from yesterday. Burr and eekie-yukie at the same time. You just gotta do it though just be ready to move fast to warm them up. I did sleep with my three pairs of socks in my sleeping bag to help dry them out. The smell was nothing but atrocious. I didn't want to but I did want them dry by morning. And they almost were. I put duct tape on my blisters and off I went. As soon as I started up Sun Up Knob it started sleeting. You never know what you are going to get out here. Then the bigger climb Mt.Cammerer. The wind and sleet blew sharp against my face. I didn't go to the tower because I had been there twice before but the ones who did go were happy they did. It is built on an out cropping of huge rocks and shaped like an octagon if I remember correctly. Windows all around to see a 380 degree view. Really cool place to hike to and eat lunch and act like a lizard and just rock it. After Mt Cammerer the sun came out. The wind blew nicely a,d the views were stunning. I could see Snowbird Mt and Max Patch where I'll be going in the next day or so. I took a break at Davenport Gap Shelter. It is one of the few in the Smokies that still have a chain link gate on it to keep the bears out. I left there and was strolling along looking at the beautiful wild flowers and ¢Aaaaaiiiihhh,Oh Butter¢,a snake slithers across the trail in front of me. I did get a picture of him partially but he had gone into the grass by the time I'd gotten my camera out. All I know is that he was brown. I don't know what kind he was. I did notice that he didn't have a rattle on his tail. So I guess he wasn't a Rattler. :pThen I left the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Yay! It was sunny the first day I entered the park and the day I left it. But it was also sunny when I zeroed in Gatlinburg. So I would have had more sunny days if I had hiked those days. Oh well,I am through with them anyway. The hike from Davenport Gap to Pigeon River was wonderful. Everything was blooming nicely. The trees,grass and the wild flowers were awesome. I love the tiny wild Iris. They were so crisp in their purple ,yellow and white color. There was a cascading stream of water all the way down.The sound was mesmerizing. I followed the white blazes across the Pigeon River and under I40 as I did going southbound on my shakedown hike last fall. I arrived at Standing Bear Farm Hostel but all the bunks had been taken. So I was told I could set up my tent in the front yard for fifteen dollars. This is the same price as a bunk. Hmmmm? He also said it's not going to rain tonight. The price did include a shower with soap and towel.So I agreed. It is a very unique place to say the least. A big fire was built and a guy named Bones sang many songs. He was very good. I am in bed around 10:00.Wow that is so late for me.
Date: 2009-04-22
From: Standing Bear Farm Hostel

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

He said no rain!He said no rain! And I believed him. HaHaYes, it did rain. It started around three or four this morning. I think the party around the fire was going on last night until the rain started and ran them in. Ahhh to be young again. . At least it did stop raining before I packed up. Actually I waited an extra hour just to make sure it had quit. I just couldn't face it today. Wonder why? My tent was soppy wet though and I don't like carrying that extra water on my tent. It really makes it nearly twice as heavy. Also I am carrying some extra food. I had planned on buying a few things at Standing Bear Farm but a hiker named Stealth had a drop box here and he had too much food. He gave me some goooood stuff such as tuna,Cliff bars,dehydrated strawberries, blueberries,garlic,onions,and veggies. He had thru-hiked twice before so he knew about having good stuff. I went to pay for my rent on the front yard and he only charged me ten dollars. Yay! Maybe he gave me a discount because it rained. Today was a very long up to get over Snowbird Mountain. I just didn't feel well. No real reason why that I could put a finger on. Just the blahs I guess.But I finally got to the summit where the FAA Tower is and a bunch of hikers were taking a break so I joined them. I had planned to eat lunch here anyway because the views were incredible. The sun was nice to us today. I did take my tent out to let it dry in the sun and wind while I was there. Those hikers were going on to Max Patch tonight another ten miles. I just didn't have it in me. Also when I see Max Patch again I want to take the time to enjoy it weather permitting. On my shakedown hike last fall it was so windy and cold I couldn't stay up there long. Maybe tomorrow will be a nice day like today. Tomorrow Max Patch is mine!!   Going down the mountain was also very steep. I have a toe on my right foot that is very sore. The toenail is damaged now and the toenail will eventually come off. But until it does I'll have to treat it with ointment and keep it drained. I know that sounds gross but it is part of what happens out here. I do know to keep my nails filed down and I have done that but sometimes it happens anyway. I got to Ground Hog Creek Shelter and set up my tent.I also hung my socks and clothes up on tree limbs just to let them air out. Last night I put my socks in the stuff sack that I use for a pillow(usually filled with everything I'm not wearing)..Big Mistake!! lol   I had a great meal of Veggie Macaroni and cheese with ground chuck,onion,garlic and more veggies added. Yes,I did brush my teeth. HaThen to my amazement a young man came up with his twenty-one month old son. He (daddy) is named Horse and his son is named Rider. Too cute. He rides this kid(30 lbs) on the top of his backpack(45 lbs). He said Rider actually walked two of the eight miles here. Horse says he just loves to hike so he carries his son with him. They plan to be out here a week. Amazing in my opinion. It's not cold tonight and that feels good.
Date: 2009-04-23
From: Ground Hog Creek Shelter

To: Max Patch Summitt
Miles today: 6.4

It was a nice night last night and warm when I got up this morning. I did hang my food on the bear cables because there was a backpacker last night that got his pack and gear ripped up by a bear at the campsite near Max Patch. He had left his pack to hang his food and the bear got the pack while he was away. They associate the pack with having food in it. The hiker had to go back to Standing Bear Farm to get help to resupply his gear.Far Out!!!   Of course I started out going uphill and had to stop and take off the leg parts of my pants. They are convertible pants so they unzip and make shorts. Neat huh?I took a break at Brown Gap campsite. I stayed there on my shakedown last fall and remembered being a little skiddish about camping that close to the trail. It wouldn't bother me a bit now. I'm a gittin' tough! I stopped to get water before summitting Max Patch and Alamo Rose and her dog Haley were there. I met them along with Catfish when I got to Ground Creek Shelter yesterday. They were just taking a break there. But today Alamo Rose was sick and she was going to get a ride into Hot Springs to get some medicine. I had some cold tablets that I gave her.I hope it helps. It is very hard out here when you are well and much harder if you are sick. I hope she's better soon.And Haley is a great trail dog. I can get my canine loving. Sorry Annie. Max Patch is everything I wanted it to be. It is sunny but not hot,not too breezy and the views are incredible. I can see the Smoky Mountain Range,Mt.Sterling,Mt.Cammerer,Cosby Knob,Snowbird,Walnut Mt I'll climb tomorrow and Bluff Mt,on and on,   360* views of mountains after mountains. Lots of people are up here tonight. A whole new group of people. Kind of a tent city. Horse and Rider are here too. Horse had planned to go on to the next shelter but when he saw this place he decided to stay. I don't blame him. His son is doing great. Full of fun and laughs. The sunset was most beautiful. I can't wait to get the pics up for you all to see. Maybe in Hot Springs.Everyone is in there tent now listening to the wind lightly blowing and flapping the tent doors and sides. Also the sounds of crickets or tree frogs down in the valley can be heard up here. No one is cowboy camping. That means just sleep with a sleeping bag right under the stars. Guess there aren't any rough and tough cowboys here tonight. I hope I wake up for the sunrise on time in the morning. Nightie nite.