morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-13
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: light snow

Interesting fact: Last night the driver of our thumbed ride into Hiawassee said that this the area was where the Cherokee Indians lived and that the Trail of Tears went along the Hiawassee River.   Anywa,y when we unpacked our bags lat night, my tent was dripping wet. I hung it in the bathroom and it was dry in the morning. By the time we ate dinner, did the laundry, and resupplied our food bag it was already 11:00. In the morning we had the breakfast buffet at the hotel and got on the road to hitchhike back to the trail. After awhile a lady with 2 kids picked us up. First we dropped her kids off at the school then she drove 10 miles out of her way to Dicks Creek Gap. She has a brother that thru-hiked in 96, with the trail name Troll. She day hikes with him. Her trail name is Metaphor. There was a lot of climbing today and we also passed over into North Carolina around noon. Took pictures and left. Then we went another tenth of a mile to the famous tree and took pictures there too. Just after that I got a hip flexor injury while stepping up a steep part of the trail. Trekker is still having issues with his blister on his instep. So we both hobbled into Muskrat Creek shelter about 3:30. While putting up my tent another hiker came in to camp. I told him about my injury and it turns out he is a personal trainer. So he gave me an exercise to stretch it out. We'll see how I do tomorrow on my 1100 foot climb in 2 miles.
Date: 2013-03-14
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

Got up at 7:30 this morning and dressed for a cold climb from 4580 to 5498 ft. Trekker was ready about 20 seconds before me and he set out ahead of me. I got ready and reached the turnoff to get back on the trail but Trekker was already out of sight. So I took off after him. The walk was easy and I made good time. I did some of the leg stretches along the way and my hip felt pretty good. My only issue was that the tube for my water bladder mouth was frozen. So I went along until I finished that bottle. Then I stopped to pour more water from my bladder to my bottle. I just finished when Trooper caught up with me and said Trekker was behind me. So I had hiked about 2 hours trying to catch him. He had used another exit trail from the shelter and when I didn't. Trekker went back to the shelter found me gone and had to chase me. The whole day was sunny and beautiful. Around 12:30 the ice defrosted in my bladder tube and I was good to go. Today ice, hidden by some leaves, got me to fall. Then some ice on the other side of a big tree root got me again. But for the most part the trail was pretty smooth. Tomorrow we want to make Franklin. That means we need to go a record 15 miles.
Date: 2013-03-15
From: Carter Gap shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we got started the quickest ever! We were on the trail by 7:20. The trail was easy to walk and we made great time until we got past Betty Creek Gap. Then the trail went straight up. We actually were climbing rocks using handholds. Finally we reached the top of Albert Mountain and got a few pictures from the fire tower. The trail again became pretty easy but my legs were really tired by the time we reached Winding Stair Gap. We now are over 100 miles. Yeah!I would like to take the time now to thank all those people that have used the "SIGN" button on my trail journal. When I get into a town, like I am now in Franklin. it really makes me feel good to see so many people following my hike. Thanks again to everyone. I really am appreciative of your support. I also wanted to let people know that you can see my friend Trekker¢s side of the story by going to www.trailjournals.com/trekker2013 and checking out his journal. Now since most people reading work in a cubicle all day and have never hiked a trail like this before, I thought I would try to describe what you would see if you were with me. Mostly, the trail is either going up or down a knoll or mountain. You only get about 10 to 20 steps of level ground in what the trail calls a gap. The ups and downs can be tamed a lot, if the trail uses switchbacks. A switchback zigzags back and forth, gaining altitude to the top, in a raiser manner. The trail in Georgia just went straight up and down the knolls and mountains while so far the trail in North Carolina has used mostly switchbacks. The trail itself is full of obstacles and you cannot let your attention waiver for more than a second. It can be full of root runners, mud, ice, and mostly rocks. Today Trekker was walking in front of me early in the morning and he stepped on a downhill slanting left and slid into a 360. By using his hiking poles he was able to stay upright. It was, according to him, worth at least a 5. Mostly the ice that trips you is covered by leaves and catches you by surprise. Another dangerous obstacle is the little rock or tree root that is covered by leaves. My boots and poles have saved me from many a twisted ankle. At first I used to use the poles a lot for helping get up or down a hill, but that just gave me a sore back. Now I just use them as another leg on the ground for when I start to fall when I step unexpectedly on a rock or root or ice. The wind hits you whenever you are in a gap or crossing over the top of a mountain. It can also be constantly hitting you if you are on the west side of a mountain.The view is always changing. As you climb out of a gap you might hear the gurgling of a stream or mountain runoff nearby. Next, as you keep climbing, you hike through stands of trees without leaves. Then you might walk through long tunnels of green rhododendrons. When you start hearing the wind whistling through the trees you know you are near the summit.
Date: 2013-03-16
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

March 16Windy Stair Gap to Wayah Bald ShelterIn Franklin Trekker and I went out to eat at a Steak House. We each had 16 oz steaks with baked potatoes. Then we walked back to the Budget Inn where we did our laundry. But because I failed to press the start button we lost 45 minutes and couldn't do our resupply last night. In trying to get on the 9;00am shuttle, Trekker and I first walked to McDonalds, then to Engles and then just made the shuttle. On the shuttle were Dozer, Patriot, Owl, and Chigger. We walked with Patriot for about an hour. We learned he was under the ultimate pressure because he has a class of 4th graders charting his progress. Later on we ran into Fresh Grounds trail magic again. He remembered us from Woody Gap and we all had a fun conversation while I ate 2 hot dogs, soup, and hot chocolate. I weighed my pack there and knew I bought too much food when it was 33.6 pounds. Fresh Ground said the record weight was 63 lbs! After continuing on, we reached Wayah Bald where we met 4 hikers named Boot, Skunk Foot, Zambania Squirrel, and Weasel. The girl was carrying a 38 pound pack, the guys were in the 50s and 1 guy had the record at 63 lbs. They had started March 2. In camp we met up with Patriot, Ryan, Owl and Chigger. We all got along good together and had a good time. Finally a family just out for the weekend brought up some extra beers and offered them to us. It was a good day.
Date: 2013-03-17
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we got up with the intention of only going 10 miles to Wesser Bald shelter. So we unhurriedly got going by 8:30. About 9:20 I yelled up ahead to Trekker to stop at 9:30. He agreed and did, but somehow with my head down, I missed him. So about 9:40, thinking that he didn't stop, I took a 5 minute break, and then headed out after him. Then I got to thinking he might be behind me because I never saw him up ahead. Finally I reached Cold Spring Shelter. I put on my jacket and waited for about 30 min and still no sign of Trekker. Then along came 2 elderly couples on a day hike. Just when they were almost out of sight, I asked if they had a pen I could borrow. So I signed the shelter register saying I was Pilgrim looking for Trekker. Then, I set out hiking again. About 15 minutes later Trekker caught up with me. He had seen my register entry and knew I was ahead of him. All the way up to Wesser Bald we passed the 2 couples and then they would pass us when we took our breaks. At the top of Wesser Bald, Sweat came up from behind me and asked if I was Trekker or Pilgrim. Everyone that had read the register was trying to help. On the fire tower Sweat took our picture. We again saw the Weasel group and I got their picture. Going down the other side of Wesser Bald we caught up to Barbara. We had helped her find the Wayah Bald shelter only to find out her friends had gone on to the next shelter because they thought she was ahead of them. Looks like this is a common problem that lots of hikers have. So Trekker and I have agreed to stop at a every shelter and wait for the other and when we take breaks to put our packs in the middle of the trail. We arrived at Wesser Bald shelter around 1:30 and decided, since it may rain on Monday, that we should go all the way to NOC. This meant going an extra 6 miles from 4220 ft down to 1749. It was pretty hard. One time I had to turn around and face the into the mountain to club down a steep section. It was very precarious most of the way down. When we reached the A Rufus shelter, about 1 mile from the NOC, we found out that the NOC closes at 5:00 and it was now 5:08. The shelter was already full with 3 girls plus some guys. The camping spots around the shelter looked like they would be flooded if it rained. So we took off for NOC hoping for the best. When we arrived, all the hostels and cabins were closed for the night. We talked to a guy working in the kayak lessons and he said we could camp anywhere we could or hitch a ride into Bryson City. We chose Bryson City. I saw two other kayak people talking next to their cars, so I went over there to stand and hitch a ride. The guy finished talking to the other girl employee and asked why I was hitching. He ended up taking Trekker and I to Bryson City-a 15 mile drive. He drove right up to a nice hotel. So after a shower at the hotel, and a double Whopper with fries and a large chocolate shake at Burger King, we are finally at rest. Tomorrow we plan on taking a zero day. Storm or not. Then we will be climbing out of NOC on Tuesday.
Date: 2013-03-19
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Cove Gap 
Miles today: 10.3

Today started with an all you can eat breakfast at the Sleep Inn in Bryson City. By 7:30 am, we were walking the half mile back to the highway. We held our thumbs out as we went up the on-ramp. Then we walked to where cars on the freeway and cars coming in on the on ramp could see us and stop. Finally, around 8:00, two guys in a pickup truck stopped and took us in the trunk bed the first five miles. Then, an employee of NOC stopped for us and drove us directly to the trail. We visited the NOC Outfitter Store first. We ran into Patriot there.   We caught up with what he did during the rain and actually started out on the trail together. But he soon left us in the dust. This was one long 10 mile hike-that was uphill for 9 miles. Along the way we passed the Weasel group and they passed us too. We also we saw Chin Music who said he had heard of us. Then we pulled into Locust Cove Gap and met K Fox. A bit later, a mixed group of students on spring break from Towson College in Baltimore set up camp. Finally, a group of Boy Scouts with their parents, hailing from Florida, came in. Everyone at first was busy setting up camp and eating before dark, but finally I talked a little to each group before turning in for the night.Oh yeah! We learned an interesting fact from our driver into Bryson on Sunday. Before retiring and working for NOC he was a River and Stream Researcher. He said the incidence of Giardia was greater in the higher elevations than the lower elevations where people are present. It's because the rodents that carry the disease are more prevalent in the higher meadows
Date: 2013-03-20
From: Locust Cove Gap 

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Went up and down all day. We left camp by 7:30 while the college kids and Boy Scouts were all still asleep. Stopped to adjust Trekker¢s boot and a young couple named Stretch and Spider passed us. He was walking barefoot because his Achilles hurt with his trail runners on. By the way, it was about 35 degrees at the time!! Then a group of 3 hikers, Snowman, Can¢t Wait, and Not It, blew by us. Later we caught up with all of them at Brown Fork Gap Shelter. Later we were almost to our destination when we again met up with Gray Jay, who we had met on top of Alpert Mountain. She was hiking south with Bear Charmer to get in another section for Bear Charmer. She had already thru hiked once. She got the name Bear Charmer because she once sang to a bear and the bear left her unharmed. Later, we met a day hiker going south that looked like a leprechaun. He was an old guy with a long nicely combed beard down to the middle of his chest. He had on a green felt hat that really made him look the part. He stepped aside and with a twinkle in his eyes said ¢Have a good day¢. Tonight Northern, K Fox, Donnie, Detour, Chin Music, and Fireman are at camp with us
Date: 2013-03-21
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana 28 AT Crossing
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night it snowed, but we were both warm and cozy inside the shelter. We decided to get up late since we only had a 6 mile hike planned. It was about 22 degrees when we left. For the first time I did an entire hike with my fleece jacket on. I tried to use just the merino wool gloves but had to switch to my ski gloves. The trail had very few stretches with obstacles, so we made good time. We got to the parking area and called for a shuttle. A few minutes later, a pickup truck came for us and we hopped in back in the 28 degree weather. He dropped us off at the Fontana Lodge. We got our room, went down to the post office and picked up our food mail-drops then went back to the lodge for a juicy double Dam Burger, which is named after the dam nearby. Tomorrow we start the Smokies. We are very anxious about them. We looked up the forecast and we, for sure, will hit rain and maybe some snow. We have not had cell phone coverage now for 2 days.
Date: 2013-03-22
From: Fontana 28 AT Crossing

To: Mollies Ridge
Miles today: 12.2

We ate breakfast at Fontana Lodge. Waited for the 8:30 shuttle with Stretch, Spider, and Madison   Up the trail, about a mile, we visited the Fontana Hilton shelter. (It has showers). There we saw Northern, Donnie, Kyle, and Sarah. I asked Sarah if she had a trail name yet and she said no. When I first met Sarah I was at the NOC outfitter sitting in a chair next to the hiker box waiting for Trekker to finish his shopping. She started looking through the hiker box, picking out all the oatmeal packets. I introduced myself and she told me she finds oatmeal in these boxes. She explained she just warms up some water, pours it into the opened packet, and eats directly from the packet. No mess. So recalling that encounter I said I would name her ¢Oatmeal¢ if she liked it. She said, ¢That's kind of cute¢. And she accepted the name. Wow I just gave someone a trail name.   That was exciting. Then we started out again, our hike began by walking across the Fontana Dam. Just before entering the Smokies, we met a couple rangers that took our permits to cross their park. Along the way I was first hiking. About 5 ft from me was a deer who wasn't scared of me at all. Then we passed an older lady named Tracy McG who was doing pretty good with a heavy looking pack. Then we were passed by 3 unknown hikers. Then we passed Madison. At Mollies shelter we saw Chin Music who was just leaving for the next shelter   We spent the night with Madison, Tracy, Shaggy, and Rob.
Date: 2013-03-23
From: Mollies Ridge

To: Silers Bald shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we leisurely broke camp at 8:30 and stopped for breakfast at the next shelter. There we talked to a Ridge Runner (a guy that maintains the trail).   He recommended going over Clingmans during the rainstorm. He said if we waited until the next day the water would create ice overnight and we would have a terrible time. So we hoofed it to 1 extra shelter to reach Gatlinburg in 3 days instead of the planned 4 day trip. We pulled into Siler around 7:00. There also was Chin Music, Rob, Bean, and Shaggy.
Date: 2013-03-24
From: Silers Bald shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: snow

The whole night there was a rain storm outside our shelter. About 7:30 it began to drizzle. Around 1:00 it stopped altogether. The trail was a muddy quagmire leading up to Clingmans Dome. As we got higher up the mountain, we ran into a lot of ice. But it wasn't till we began to go down that the ice was a factor. Both Trekker and I hit the deck several times. If it wasn't for my trekking poles, I never would have made it down. It took us about 3 hours to go 3 miles. I was never so happy to see a muddy trail. But the mud continued on and on till we reached Newfound Gap. We took pictures at the gap and were lucky to be picked up by Wes and his 2 kids on vacation. He gave us a ride all the way into Gatlinburg. Since the hotel doesn't have a coin washer and dryer, we are now washing the mud off our clothes in the bath tub.
Date: 2013-03-28
From: Newfound Gap

To: Johnson City
Miles today: 0.0

March 25 thru March 28 Forced to stay in Gatlinburg. The road back up to Newfound Gap is closed due to a snow storm. All the other thru hikers are staying at the Grand Prix motel and are booked thru the storm. So Sunday we stayed at the Clarion for $114. Had free breakfast at the Clarion. The person who sat at our table was named Bad Landing Butch. He was the pilot for Alabama coach Bear Bryant and for Sabin. He flew a 9 passenger jet getting the coaches to recruit players for Alabama. We went over to the outfitter store and they said it was still going to storm in the upper elevations on Tuesday. So we tried to get into the Grand Prix but it was still booked. So we walked next door and took a room at motel 6 thru Tuesday night. Stuck in town for the duration: Rob, Ryan, John, Shaggy, Chin Music, Stretch and Spider, Patriot. This morning, Tuesday, got word that the trail could open up again on Friday. We decided that Fred would call his in-laws. They said we could stay. So we checked out of the Motel 6. While waiting at the outfitter store to be picked up, we saw Tracy. She said she was at Clingmans Dome Sunday at 5:00 PM. She saw all the tourists and was able to get a ride into Gatlinburg. Also saw K Fox, she got off at Spencefield shelter. We heard from Rob that Madison was coming down from Clingmans and called the rangers and they got her off.   She also herded off some boy scouts who had not listened to our warnings and kept going southbound up Clingmans. Trekker called his brother in law Ron and his wife Sandy. They were very kind to come all the way from Johnson City to get us. We stayed at Trekker's wife's parent¢s house Tuesday thru Thursday. All of Trekker's family was very nice - feeding us and providing us with a place to sleep. Wednesday Foster and Clarice drove us to 2 outfitter stores. Trekker bought some water repellent gloves and I bought a Sawyer water filtration system to replace my MSR one. I basically am saving about 19 ounces of weight. And with the Sawyer all I do is drop my Smart Bottle into the water and scoop up a liter of water, then screw the Sawyer filter onto it. Then I can start drinking right away from the bottle thru the little filter. In talking to Foster, I found it interesting that he was a master tile layer and that he was the foreman on the job that laid all of the tile for the Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. He also, for fun, crafted his own banjo. He is quite a craftsman. Thursday we all went over to Ron and Sandy's. There we all shot darts and played pool in their basement. Then after skipping lunch we all went to the Golden Coral for an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Date: 2013-03-29
From: Newfound Gap

To: Pecks Corner Shleter
Miles today: 10.4

Foster and Clarice dropped us off at 10:00 at Newfound Gap. The morning hike up out of the gap was a little icy. Every step was a little slippy-slidey Around noon it began to snow. We crossed ridge after ridge with gigantic drops on both sides of the trail. Lots of young hikers passed us but we finally reached our shelter around 4:00. The shelter had just enough room for Trekker and I. Lots of new faces have caught up to us. We decided to not cook dinner and just eat up all lunch that was left over from today's hike. It's now 5:00 and I'm ready for bed. .
Date: 2013-03-30
From: Pecks Corner Shleter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: broken clouds

Last night was a good time. All the people there knew all the people we had met earlier on the trail. We spent a good 2 hours talking about the people and the trail. In the morning we ate breakfast and were hiking by 9:00. It had snowed from early afternoon yesterday till about 5 this morning. So the early hike was through high drifts and brushing against pine tree branches bending down into the trail. We continually had snow going down our backs and crunched through snow on the trail. Finally the sun came out and we began to be pelted by snow melting off trees. Then in the afternoon the trail became full of puddles and running water. My shoes and socks became soaked and we continued to hike through it all. Just when our strength was going to ebb and we were within 3 miles of Crosby, the trail started to go back up again. Every step gained we slipped back a half step. Finally we sloshed into camp around 4:00. We quickly filtered our water for tonight's cooking and tomorrow's to carry. We cooked our dinners. A trail angel came in and gave us some hot chocolate and berry cookie bars. And we called it a day.
Date: 2013-03-31
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Green Corner Road
Miles today: 10.7

Short hike today. After one climb, the whole day was downhill and at lower elevations. The trail let us make good time. The trail grapevine had it that Fresh Ground would be at Davenport Gap and my stomach couldn't wait to get there. And sure enough, there he was! A lot of hikers were there and I got 3 hot dogs and a soda. Then we hiked over the next hill and stopped at Standing Bear to sleep and resupply. Since it was Easter, the owners asked us in for Easter dinner. We sat there for a while and talked about the trail, then left to finish our laundry. Later, in the hostel, Yard Sale and Mud Mouth (who are married) played and sang with Lucas's guitar. Lucas played and sang too. Smiles offered his rum to all. Then Northern and Javaman came in and, finally, Chin Music came in. Mud Mouth wanted a fire so we lit the wood burning heater. Northern then bought two 6 packs of PBR. (Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer). Everyone sat around and talked till 10:00. Way past my bedtime
Date: 2013-04-01
From: Green Corner Road

To: Roaring Fork shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We were up and on the trail by 9:00. The day was sunny early on but the temperature was always 50 degrees or less. The trail, once again, became dirt and leaves, with a little mud from last night¢s rain storm. The trail was pretty steep going up almost all day. Then we went over the summit of Max Patch. Up there, the wind was fierce and I stumbled several times from almost being blown over. We pulled into the shelter around 4:00 pm, had dinner and got into bed by 6:00. At the shelter were Northern, Smiley, Goat and Tommyhawk, (brothers from upstate New York), and Fix and Foxi (from Bavaria). We saw them at Fresh Grounds, and they stayed on the trail last night and had to put up with the rain.