morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-01
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Bird Gap
Miles today: 12.0

Day Two. Last night it rained hard and the snore birds were out. There was an unknown hiker who never woke for the entire time I was there. I think he was sick. In the night I heard machine gun fire and it wasn't a dream.This morning is clear and cool. I walked alone and ran into a gentleman my age trail- named Usedacould. He still can, having walked the same hike as me yesterday. We walked out from a nice vista together chatting and getting to know each other. Nice guy. Later we were breaking for lunch and ran into a south bound hiker who turned out to be John of John and Lilly now trail-named Long Island Ice Tea (I am in favor of a re-name to "LIIT"). John is a class of 2006 hiker and we share many mutual friends so the conversation flowed. After this talk John decides to hike north back towards Neel's Gap with us. We camped off the trail after the turn off to the Woods Hole Shelter. It was a nice 12 mile day. I was feeling sore and happy to stop. We gathered much beautiful firewood and created a nice fire for warmth and conversation. We burned every stick we collected. Also had fun re-building and cleaning out the pit for a wonderful fire. We had a young man join us later and he is attempting to hike the trail in 100 Days. Funny thing is he's the second 100-day hiker we have met. I let him know the other was only a half day ahead and watched his competitive juices flow. Who knows, maybe they will form a rare friendship. A good time was had around a phat camp fire. John represented the class of 2006 very well. Thanks.
Date: 2008-03-02
From: Bird Gap

To: Corbin Horse Stamp
Miles today: 7.0

Day Three. Stiff muscles and some ibuprofen to start the day.We start the day with a morning fire from last night's coals and head out on another beautiful day. I hike with Usedacould and John. We climb up Blood Mountain and start to run into many day hikers on our way to Neel's Gap, where I get a shower, eat pizza and get a few things. We say goodbye to John and hike off together. Usedacould is talking about camping around where Kingfisher is in a few miles. We run into him at a spring and camp nearby. I camp in the same location I camped last year with Taken. It's a beautiful day with a nice sunset from our camp site. No fire tonight. I can't believe how stiff I am tonight. It's vitamin I time again. I'm in my tent now listening to the wind roar in the distance. Our camp is still. I ate the rest of my pizza for dinner. I've noticed the trees are beginning to bud. The trail is in good condition and water is plentiful. It's time to hike so get on out here! I was happy to meet John and am happy I got to spend time together. John, call me or send a message to me here so we can discuss plans for future hikes.
Date: 2008-03-03
From: Corbin Horse Stamp

To: Unicoi Gap (Helen)
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day Four.What a beautiful spot and morning. It's a perfect day to hike. It's grey and cloudy with a fresh breeze across the rolling Georgia mountains. I have decided to hike into Helen today. There has been talk of a big weather system moving in tonight. I start out with Usedacould and Kingfisher who I just met last night. Soon I find my pace and feel good so I take off, not seeing them or anyone else the rest of the day. The trail is familiar and challenging enough to be very enjoyable. I am noticing buds on the trees and small song birds. On the ups I am hot so de-layer, hiking in shorts and a short sleeve shirt with a hat to play around with. On breaks I add a wind shirt and hat. I have taken ibuprofen and it has enabled me to hike like I want to. Water is plentiful and sweet. I resort to my ipod to quicken my pace and arrive at Blue Mountain Shelter where I call for a ride into town. The ride says he's too busy so I decide to hitch. When I hang up I have a call waiting and answer, finding CB has called. The weird thing is, this is where CB and I first met last year and I was just thinking about that. Strange. I hike down to Unicoi Gap and get a ride after deciding to change out of my sun glasses. I arrive, get showered, do laundry and go to the Mexican restaurant, then to sleep. Thankfully it is raining and rains hard during the night.
Date: 2008-03-04
From: Unicoi Gap (Helen)

To: Helen
Miles today: 0.0

Day Five. My first zero.It was raining hard this morning and the thought of a zero became my reality. I am at the Helen Library updating the journal. Next I will walk to the grocery store and probably restock for four days, food enough to get me to Franklin. I think I will bypass Hiawassee. It is still raining and there are tornado warnings until 7 PM today. Maybe I'm conservative but I'm dry. Helen is dead but has all services. It's off season. I will update again at Ron Haven's place. Can't wait to hear some of his great country stories. For now I'm solo. Peace, Love and Bacon Grease.
Date: 2008-03-05
From: Helen

To: Addis Gap
Miles today: 11.0

Day Six- Unicoi Gap to Addis Gap. Tent. Nice Fire.Today starts out cool and breezy as I attempt to hitch back to the trail. I walk through town and get to the trail side of town where I change out of my sunglasses and get a ride with a nice local who takes me to the trailhead. There I run into Freestyle who I met on the first day. We hike for awhile and eventually find our own paces for the rest of the day. There are are a few challenging climbs today with nice views. The day is cool and I walk in shorts and short sleeve shirt and my cap when needed. The water is plentiful again today. When I get to Addis Gap (at least that's where I think I'm at)I set up camp and begin collecting fire wood. There's a fire pit which needs some adjustments and a good supply of downed wood so after dinner I have a nice fire with Freestyle, who had shown up awhile later. At dinner I discover I lost my spork. This disappoints me and I realize I will have to go into town. Freestyle is going to be picked up by friends so he can go home for a few days and make some equipment changes. I ask him if I can buy his spork since he's going into town and we make a deal. Thanks Freestyle and best wishes for a good hike. The stars are out and the wind calms down for a good camping night. I hear owls making their mating calls then voices of late arriving hikers at around 10PM. Later in the night when I take a little walk I find the stars are very bright and almost fall backwards as I gaze upwards into the black background and bright stars blinking behind the bare trees... It is a wonderful night.
Date: 2008-03-06
From: Addis Gap

To: Plumorchard Shelter.
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Day Seven. As I break camp and walk for about 20 minutes I realize I was at Sassafrass Gap last night because here's a sign for Addis Gap. So actually I hiked a mile less yesterday and a mile more today, I'm not going to change my journal it's only a mile whether I walk it today or yesterday. The day is beautiful, blue sky, cool with a fresh breeze. As I reach Dick's Gap there are five hikers ready to go into town. We get a hitch into town in a pick-up truck and I get in front. I have the driver take me to Daniel's Buffet where I fill up on fried chicken and a nice salad. Food has not been that big of a deal yet. As I am walking out of town I get a car pulling over and offering a ride back to the trail. Didn't even have to stick out my thumb. In fact I was intending on saying hello to Ron and Steve at the Hiawassee Inn but I couldn't refuse a ride. I forgot to tell the story about Freestyle's spork. After I asked him about the spork he calls a friend at an outfitter and asks how much his spork costs and his friend gives him a price of $2.49. Cool, and I get free delivery. Problem solved. Thanks again Freestyle(I think his new name should be Pricecheck.)So I'm back on the trail heading up. The afternoon is warmer but still wonderful. The weather report calls for rain tonight and tomorrow with a cold front coming with snow. Nice to know. I think I'll stay at Plumorchard, which turns out to be very nice and a great shelter to stay at when the weather turns bad.
Date: 2008-03-07
From: Plumorchard Shelter.

To: Here
Miles today: 0.0

Day Seven at Plumorchard Shelter Zero.It starts raining in the night. Hard. But the shelter keeps me dry. Morning is cold and raining. Red Rocket and Wanderer leave in the rain. I decide to see what happens. Breakfast turns into snack time turns into lunch. It's still raining and cold. The trail can be slippery when this wet. I am back in my bag to stay warm. No hurry to be wet and cold. The forest is peaceful with the steady rain and dripping. Sometimes I'm in a cloud and the lighting and mood changes. I am happy to be relatively warm and dry. This is the shelter with the alleged copperhead living in a stump. I would not let this influence your stay here. I saw no signs of a cooperhead while I was here. No mice either although I know there was mice because in the night they found the rolls of TP someone left and they chewed them up a bit. This site has very little or no fire wood. This is a wonderful shelter. That's right another weather related zero day. I'm soft. But I'm going to be dry when the cold comes tomorrow.
Date: 2008-03-08
From: Plumorchard Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day Nine, Plumorchard shelter to Carter Gap. Last night it was 54 at 3:30AM. This morning it's in the low thirties and dropping fast. As I get packed it starts to snow. I leave with my foul weather gear over a light layer and hike fast to warm-up. The snow begins to stick, at first to the forest floor but not the trail. As I hike into NC (finishing my first state) the trail is 3-4 inches deep and I see no foot steps. It's cold but beautiful and I am dry! About 7 1/2 miles out I see foot prints out and back from the Muskrat Shelter. I go in and find three thru-hikers in their tents inside the shelter. I give them the good news about staying dry by hiking. I get so cold when I am talking that I have to leave in order to warm up. Later on when they catch me, we hike on to Carters Gap Shelter where I stay. Two of the three (the twin brothers with new trail names of T-Man and Easy Skankn') went on hiking through the night (to stay warm) to Franklin (28 miles in the snow. Nice hike for the begining of a thru)The day was cold with snow driven sideways across the high ridges and gaps. The left side of my face was so cold I had to shield it with my mitten as I walked sideways. Most of the day was breath taking. As I entered camp and claimed my spot I started changing clothes and realized my fingers were so cold they were useless. I rushed through dinner and found the warmth of my bag.
Date: 2008-03-09
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Day Nine, Carter Gap to Franklin ( 16 miles). Last night was cold and windy. It's warming up and now 20. I pack and leave with extra layers on and heat up quickly. I find a flat rock (dust the snow off and sit on my foam pad) and change into my shorts and short sleeve shirt. I now have to move fast to warm up. See how I motivate myself. I just force myself to work hard and then I'm almost warm. The snow is beautiful, so pure so vividly white with sparkling crystals that look like so many diamonds, almost like a sparkling cloud from above. It's easy to get lost in thoughts that disappear and feel like a dream. The miles flow. The day begins to warm and some of the snow begins to melt. There is a little ice on the trail and all the creeks are full and lively. A few creeks are full over the rocks usually used for crossing - I manage to get across with dry shoes (thanks to skills aquired last year in the north woods). As the day warms, the snow slowly disappears and the brown leafy trail and landscape rolls down to where I stop and get picked up by Mr. Ron Haven. The ride is by way of a detour so Ron can show me where the body was discovered recently. I was looking forward to seeing Ron and listening to his wonderfully crafted stories about how things were when he was a young boy growing up locally. He could write a book. I am not disapointed with today's stories about the old country roads and the characters from yesterday. Plus I think Ron is very interesting and warm towards the hiker community in a way that makes him special to me (and many others). So here I am back in Franklin at The Budget Inn. Today was good and I am now clean and full.
Date: 2008-03-10
From: Franklin, NC

To: Same
Miles today: 0.0

Day Ten, zeroing at the Budget Inn.Today I rode to the trailhead with a nice group of thru's who were heading out. Ron and I drove over to a camp ground where he showed me little used trails which connected back to Standing Indian and other areas where you might want to get out in an emergency or if you wanted to take a different path along some beautiful creeks. The water was above the usual stepping stones so it would be a ford. We walked together and chatted easily. Again I had an excellent time talking to Ron. I will food shop for the next section which I think will take four days. It's a beautiful day. I also used part of the day to catch up on the computer which is at the Inn. Thank you all for your messages, they keep me happy. I send my love to all especially Lynne. Miss you babe.
Date: 2008-03-12
From: Wayah Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 13, Wayah Bald Shelter to NOC, 16 miles. This new shelter is great it even has a handicap accessible privy with a ramp and special hand grips. It's a cold morning with a nice breeze. The goal is NOC so I know I have my work cut out. I walk quickly finding a pace to warm then de-layer into my base hiking outfit. At Burningtown Gap, Apple has set up his huge dome tent with a wood burning stove and many camp chairs. Apple is a big time trail angel. When I step into his warm dome tent he welcomes you with a squirt of disinfectant lotion on your hand. He does try to keep his operation clean. Apple offered coffee, hot chocolate and hotdogs and cookies. It was hard to leave the comforts but there are miles to hike before dinner. As I hike I remember so many good times and see the areas where they took place. It's deja vu all over again. The trail is blanketed with leaves and the roots and rocks play hide and go seek with my feet. It's another perfect day in the forest. It's also a long day and towards the end my legs and feet are reminding me about a promised break. I reach the NOC at 6:40 and the restaurant closes at 7PM. How's that for timing? I used the entire day up to 20 minutes from my limit. A cheeseburger, fries and salad washed down with a beer satisfies my first need. Soon I am showered and laundered and ready for bed. I am in a bunkhouse with 8 beds with 6 hikers here. Tomorrow I hope to get breakfast then start the climb back up into the forest.
Date: 2008-03-13
From: NOC

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 14, NOC to Brown Fork Gap Shelter. After a nice ridgerunner breakfast at NOC I headed out beginning a day of hard hiking. It is an uphill grind for most of the beginning of the day. After a break at a rocky vista for lunch I continue up, reaching Sassafrass Gap Shelter then Cheoah Bald and a bunch of unnamed mountains (at least I don't know the names so I just call them Kick ass or Bitch Mountain.) After Stecoah Gap the climb went up and over a very steep mountain where the trail goes straight up. The leaves and steepness make it difficult to get traction. It's a long hard day and I am beat when I arrive at the shelter. Water, dinner, journal (no fire), plenty of talk then rest. This was another great day of hiking with Loafy, T-man, Easy Skank and Riley. Start hitched to Fontana to rest his knees. It's cool and windy and dark. Steady on is also here with Long Skirt hammocking down by the water.
Date: 2008-03-14
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

Day 15, Brown Fork Shelter to Fontana. Today my goal is to make Fontana as dry as possible. Last night was relatively warm and the mice did not chew any holes in my stuff, Loafy was not so lucky and had a few holes in his stuff. The day is cool and grey and looks like rain. It's cool enough for me to wear my rain jacket and hat with shorts of course. The grey skies produce wind which roars over the ridges and some light rain starts, which does not slow me down. The trail keeps me warm by throwing in several ups and a nice rolling terrain which eventually gives into a downward trek to Fontana. I stopped at Cable Gap Shelter for a lunch break. The Cable Gap Shelter is small, sleeping 6 hikers, and was built in the 1930's. It has a nice new wood roof that looks good on her. Eventually views of the lake and across into the Smokies begin to reward my efforts. There are a few slippery spots where the dirt and leaves have become wet and the trail steep but overall the trail is good and fast. I arrive in town see the guys. I get a shuttle to the lodge and get a room where I sort thru my laundry (everything is dirty.)I launder, shower, then I have a nice dinner and rest.
Date: 2008-03-15
From: Fontana

To: zero
Miles today: 0.0

Day 16, at Fontana Lodge. It rained last night and is raining today. The weather is moving in and I will rest today. Gatlinburg looks good for my next stop. Yesterday Lynne told me Flick left me a message on trail journals and I called him from trail world. Hopefully we will hike together in the week to come. The hike has been going well and I am in good health with no issues. Soon I will be trail hardened.Today was a difficult day because I had trouble with the computer at the outfitter. Tomorrow I will set out into the Smokies and into the high ridges.Peace to all....BW
Date: 2008-03-16
From: Fontana Dam

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 17, Fontana Dam to Spence Field Shelter.After breakfast I took the shuttle to the dam, filled out the permit for the GSMNP and walked across the dam up a road and into the forest. The day started cool then turned cold and went back and forth between the two, making it hard to get the right layering on. After a few changes I ended up wearing shorts, a short sleeve shirt and a warm cap. My first break was at the Mollies Ridge Shelter, getting a fire going in the fireplace. Later I had a quick stop at the Russell Field shelter, then I hiked on to the Spence Field Shelter. Most of the day was grey and windy - it looked like rain. A few times the sun peeked out. At Mollies Ridge, T and Easy caught me and we walked together to Russell. I finished the day alone, finding the shelter at Spence filled and overflowing with many tents being set up. There's a nice fire going in the shelter fireplace and I am sitting on a bench in front of it. One of the spring breakers is tending the fire. I have broken many medium branches into small sizes so they will fit into the fireplace and they are burning nicely. We have set wet branches next to the fire so they will dry for our next feeding of the flames. The spring breakers seem so young and inexperienced. They do have a lot of energy but don't seem comfortable in the shelter. Their nervous chatter at bed time gives them away. That's it for tonight, my bag is calling.The Smokies are so beautiful, I am really enjoying the hike thru them.
Date: 2008-03-18
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 19, Double Springs Gap Shelter to Newfound Road (Gatlinburg).Early in the morning before sun up many hikers get up in hopes of reaching Clingman's Dome for sun rise. The weather is not co-operating. There will be no sunrise today with the thick cloud cover. Later when I get going it is very windy and cold. The clouds blow by rushing over the mountain tops. I start out fully geared up with pack cover and foul weather gear on. It is wet. The moisture from the clouds is caught by the fir trees and the wetness rains down. At some places the wind sounds like jet engines roaring overhead. The trail climbs up reaching the side trail to the Dome. I can hardly see a short distance ahead and decide to walk on by passing the Dome. There is no view and it is very cold and windy. The trail goes up and over mountains and winds along a long ridge line through beautiful fir forest. Some of the trees are down, victims of the high wind. Luckily these blow downs have all been cleared and the walk is other-worldly.I hardly stop all day, continuing towards the Newfound Gap parking lot. When I reach the lot there are many tourists who appear frozen, some have wrapped whatever they can find around themselves trying to find some warmth. I change out of my muddy rain pants in the men's room then find I too am cold as my body cools down. As I decide to hitch, the first car pulls over and within minutes I am heading down the road towards town. As we drive past the visitors center to the park I see families with young children playing in the grassy fields. The sun is out and it is a nice day down here. The difference is incredible. I go to the KFC then get a room on the river with a fireplace and a spa tub. I will rest here tonight and may zero tomorrow since my knee aches and another weather system is forecast for tomorrow.
Date: 2008-03-19
From: Newfound Gap

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Day 20 at Gatlinburg. Zero day.I slept with the fireplace going all night and it is going this morning. First thing I do is catch up on my journal. I went to the outfitter and found a computer (stealth use). My laundry is done and I need to think about re-supply for the next section. My next goal will be Standing Bear Hostel, then Hot Springs. It's raining in town and I am wet. But I have a nice warm place to go to. Think I will head back to my room. I have some phone calls to make.
Date: 2008-03-20
From: Gatlinburg

To: Tri-Corner Knob
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: few clouds

Day 21.Last night I packed my bag and slept with the door to my balcony open with the fireplace going all night. This morning it was cold in my room but I was able to make it comfortable with the help of modern conveniences. On my way to the road I grabbed a cup of coffee and checked out of my room. Within minutes I was picked up and transported back to Newfound Gap. The difference in the climate up here and back in Gatlinburg is amazing. I thank my kind hosts and exit into the coldness. I run into several day hikers and then the trail is mine again. Some sections are iced over and I walk cautiously, stopping at the Icewater Shelter for break and lunch. I walked the icy path to and around Charlie's Bunion. The shady side was treacherous. I thought about doubling back but made it through slowly. The forest is covered in beautiful fresh white snow. It's on the trees, covering the ground, and most sections of the trail. Today is the perfect winter hike in the snow. Today is also the first day of spring and I am walking in an enchanted forest covered in snow with the deepest darkest blue sky peeking through the dark green fir trees. This is a highlight day. One to be cherished. After a while I feel like an expert on the snowy icy trail. I become friends with the slippery sections and by the end of the day I can move rather quickly with confidence (of course I always respect the mountain and trail). Along the way I run into Toad and T-man who I finish the day hiking with. The Tri-corner Shelter is full of mostly Thru-hikers. The tarp is pulled down and someone gives up on the fire in the fireplace. The shelter is cold and all get into their bags early. For some reason I don't sleep well.