morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-07-14
From: Monson, ME

To: Mt. Katahdin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Sorry for not updating in awhile, but it's hard to find a place that offers internet access up here! Anyhow, since VT, we've entered the Whites and they were pretty tough. Some of those climbs required us to pull ourselves up huge, steep rocks because our legs couldn't reach the rocks. The Croo's in the Huts were amazing (we stayed in Galehead, Lakes of the Clouds, Madison, and Carter)and they treated us very well, contrary to what Mr. Hungry and Stumbles told us. Well, the only day of good views we had were atop Mt. Washington, the place where they have the world's worst weather and highest recorded wind speed, but this only lasted for about 5 hours. That's right, we only had 5 hours of good views in the Whites. Oh! Sharptooth and Liquid caught up with us there and have been running with us ever since. If all goes according to plan, we should be summiting together too. When we crossed into ME, the weather turned bad very quickly and Liquid, Jon Wood (now Slick Wood) ended up running across the exposed summit of Mt. Success and didn't stop until we reached Carlo Col Shelter because the thunder/lightning was very active and popping like crazy. The day we went into Andover, ME it finally stopped raining, which didn't last too long. Oh! We did get our first view above treeline when we were on the Bigelows and man was it nice...kinda makes the trip worth it when you get a view. Now, we're in Monson, ME and about to start the 100 Mile Wilderness. We plan on being at Katahdin Stream Campgrounds in 4 days and summiting on Saturday. Luckily, Yeti, Stovie, and Fester will be there to join us at the sign, but due to some injuries, Kanati won't be able to be there. Well, time to hike. A little nervous about these big miles, but I know we've got this!!!! Onward to Katahdin!!!!!!!!!!
Date: 2008-04-02
To: Damascus, VA - Trail Days 2008
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I am busy pulling all my camping gear out of closets and the garage. The only thing I have to buy is fuel. Last September I bought a lot of food to use when we were going to backpack in N.C, but we ended up staying at the Cabin.Bill will come see me in Fontana, so I am going to skip to Neel's Gap so I will be on time to spend a couple of days with him. I am going real slow this time because I haven't had time to backpack this year. I have done a lot of walking, but not carrying the pack. I am so excited to be on the trail again, and especially going back thru the Smokies. I have worked out an itinerary so I will be in Damascus for Trail Days. Bill and I will spend 5 days in Damascus enjoying Trail Days, and riding our bikes on the Virginia Creeper. I can't wait to see everyone! I will miss Old Drum, Mapman & Robin, Jellybean, and the others that will be on the PCT this year. I had plans to go with them, but decided this wasn't the year. I will be happy to be on the AT in 2008, but maybe the PCT in 2009? Who knows what tomorrow may bring...
Date: 2008-04-03
To: Damascus, VA - Hiking to Trail Days 2008
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I have been packing for 4 different locations today, and that isn't easy!(1) Backpack(2) Weekend at Goose Creek Cabins(3) Weekend at Fontana Village(4) Trail Days in DamascusMy garden is weeded, and will be fine until I return the end of May. I will missseeing a lot of my flowers bloom, but there will be other Spring times.
Date: 2008-04-04
To: Goose Creek Cabins - Neel's Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Arrived at Goose Creek Cabins at 3pm today and met Keith, the owner - very nice and friendly. He gave us the key to cabin #1 and we were pleased. Bill couldn't wait to build a fire in the Franklin Stove after dinner. After we checked in, we went to the office and enjoyed talking to a few hikers and hearing their experiences on the trail. We walked around the property and saw that there were many cabin choices and Keith hopes to expand even further. Later, all the thru-hikers staying at Goose Creek and Bill and I went to dinner at Pappy's Riverside Restaurant. Who was there: Stubby & Sparky (couple from NH), Micro, House the Cat, Alaska, Fussy Mary, Xanadu, and Red Red Rose and SQLcraft.The rain was pretty fierce at times during dinner and I'm happy I'm not hitting the trail tomorrow morning. Tomorrow Bill and I will do some sightseeing (I want to show him the facility at Neel's Gap) and we'll probably drive into nearby Blairsville. Tomorrow afternoon there will be a whole new crew of thru-hikers to meet at Goose Creek.The fire is nice, the rain sounds good and the water sounds from the creek beside the cabin is adding to the charm.
Date: 2008-04-05
To: Goose Creek Cabins
Miles today: 0.0

We ate breakfast in our cabin this morning with a roaring fire (thanks, Bill) and then went up to Neel's Gap to check out who was there and do some browsing. They had the backpack displayed that a bear had gotten into a couple of weeks ago - not as bad as we thought, but it's said the shoes hanging on it received the most damage.Bill had not been to Neel's gap before so I took him on a tour of the downstairs hostel where I stayed in 2006. We met Shepherd (Ron Bailey), Streak and Julio.We took a tour of nearby Blairsville and checked out some of the shops and restaurants. Later we visited some of the people in the campground and walked around the premises. We met thru-hikers, Freedom, from Kentucky and Rawhide & Maverick, from Oklahoma. Later, after getting the ol' pack squared away for tomorrow, Bill and I went to dinner with Red Red Rose (Kay) & SQLcraft (Patrick) to Cook's Country Restaurant. Enjoyed lots of great conversation!It's now 47*, drizzling and we're having our last fire and time together for a while until Fontana.
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Neel's Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: scattered clouds

After a wet couple of days at Goose Creek cabins, the weather was supposed to be clear and cool this morning, but Bama and I ended up with overcast, fog and a light mist - still not too bad to hit the trail. I dropped Bama off at Neel¢s¢ Gap about 7:30am, took a couple of pictures; we said our goodbyes and off she went. PS: I like the building sign that's behind us in the photo: "It ain't about the miles; it's all about the smiles!"I heard from her at Noon, about the same time I drove into the driveway at home. She said the first four miles were pretty easy ¢ so far so good. She sounded like she was getting back into the rhythm of hiking with a full pack. The climb up to Tesnatee Gap (also called Test Nasty) and on to up to Hogpen Gap was a different story ¢ big climbs ¢ and the trail was very muddy.A while later I got another call since she wasn¢t sure she could get a cell signal from Low Gap Shelter (couldn¢t in 2006). Bama had seen a number of weekenders, families and day hikers. She also spent some time hiking and talking with thru-hikers, Shepherd (we met Saturday at Neel¢s Gap) and Beardo. The weather had cleared up and turned very pretty. All was good except for clouds of biting and annoying gnats that the warm day must have stirred up.Bill
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Cheese Factory Campsite
Miles today: 13.0

Bama left Low Gap Shelter this morning after a great night and called me once she could get a signal. She arrived at the shelter early yesterday and quickly got back into the routine. There were already a number of other hikers tenting. She thought she had the shelter to herself, until late in the afternoon, a hiker called Daudy (Pennsylvania Dutch for Grandpa) came in. A little later, Freedom arrived. Her hiking buds, Rawhide & Maverick, decided to tent.All in all, Bama said there were probably 50 tents in the area, more than she had ever seen at one time. The rain held up some from moving on and there was a bunch waiting over at Neel¢s Gap which accounted for the back-up. There were also some Boy Scouts in the mix. She said the hikers walking by the shelter going to get water and to the privy looked like a parade! She also spoke with Pat, a guy from Scotland named Paul, Rest Stop, and a group of three girls, Zeke, Sprint and Freckles. There were too many others to remember.She had one little chuckle this morning. She put in her ear plugs last night and this morning when she got up, one was missing and she couldn't find it. Somewhere she thought, a shelter mouse must now have a little pink foam pillow to sleep on. Bama said the pack is not nearly so heavy feeling this morning as yesterday. That¢s good news. The bad news is the trail is really muddy ¢ reminds her of ¢Vermud¢ ¢ what they called Vermont in ¢06. She said she¢s not sure how far she¢s going today ¢ depends. She¢s not in the hurry she was in ¢06 and is going to enjoy herself without the stress of getting to Katahdin on time. Others she met along the way: Silvan, North, Yorkie (from Yorkshire, UK) First Time & Again, Paul, Daudy and Shepherd. She reached the Cheese Factory campsite about 3:45 and plenty of time to set up her tent. A good day and good mileage.Bill
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Cheese Factory Campsite

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Bama had a really nice evening. Shepherd kept a fire going into the night which was nice and everyone sat around and talked. There were some section hikers and also Paul and Julio and his hiking partner. When she got up today, there were still low clouds and a very light mist which meant packing a wet tent, oh well.Bama said she had breakfast in bed and loved it. She also loves her Hubba tent; it has a large fly and she made her coffee and oatmeal from her sleeping bag and under the fly. Since there were a lot of tents together and not a lot of privacy, she waited until she got to Trey Mountain Shelter to call me. Alaska and her dog, Buddy were there (we met her at Goose Creek Cabins). Alaska is hiking for Juvenile Diabetes and Buddy is "hiking" (yes, he has a pack) for an animal adoption charity (I think).Bama is really having fun and not minding the loss of pressure to "get north" at all. The lunch break today was at Sassafras Gap with Paul, Silvan and Shepherd. Silvan is hiking on to Hiawassee with Paul who will be returning to his professor job teaching biology in Edinburgh - spring break is over. The trail had been pretty even all day until Kelly Knob which was a reminder of some of the really tough climbs yet to come (1,000 vertical feet in one mile).She arrived at Deep Gap Shelter and quickly set to drying out her tent and fly. It had been cool and overcast all day and she was really glad to see the sun come out about 2:00. Hawk & Hummingbird (got married at Amicalola Falls and hiking the trail for their honeymoon) were there taking a break. She seems to have the shelter by herself tonight; Shepherd, Alaska & Buddy, Papa Sarge, Sprite, Freckles, Top Shelf (formally Pat)& Springloaded (formally Joe), are tenting.Tomorrow will be a short hop to Dicks Creek Gap and a shuttle into Hiawassee for a long day of washing, resting, re-supplying and some real food! Bill
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Bama had another great night and got up early to make the short hike to Dicks Creek Gap to get her short 1.5 mile shuttle to Cloud 9 Hostel near Hiawassee. Others who were there: Shepherd, Alaska & dog Buddy, Sprite (Maine) & Freckles, Joe and Top Shelf (formerly Pat). She arrived at Dicks Creek at 9:00 or so and Laura was there with the shuttle, right on time. Bama was just in time, too, to see Sparky & Stubby's shuttle arrive to put them back on the trail. Nice to see them again. She also saw Yorky.She said Cloud 9 was very nice and she's glad she stopped. She got a bunk in the girls sleeping area. There's a trout stream where folks were fishing, a large campfire area with chairs set up for all the hikers and full facilities. Whoo hoo! Laura & Fran even offer clean clothes for hikers to wear while everything else in in the wash - what service! This is one of those places she and I will want to visit in the future.This afternoon Bama will soak up some sun, enjoy the day and later go into Hiawassee to re-supply. Laura lived in the same town as Shepherd (New Iberia, LA)for a couple of years and she was thrilled to meet him. He volunteered to go to the store and buy all the fixin's to make a pot of gumbo for the whole group tonight - I am so jealous - everybody's excited. Late update: Bama got her shopping done in Hiawassee. Dinner was Shepherd's wonderful gumbo - Yum! Thanks for the Trail Magic, Shepherd! There are now about 20-something hikers at Cloud 9 and as of 7:30 pm ET and the ones not exhausted from the trail are gathering around the big campfire area.Bill
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Bama got a pretty late start today. There was a big breakfast and well, you know, don't want to waste or rush that. Had a pretty good time at Cloud 9 and especially enjoyed talking with Crutch who had also finished the AT in '06.She's glad to be back out and will head toward the GA/NC state border today - not sure where she'll stop. I remember very well her making the NC border milestone in '06; it was quite the moment.Starting the climb into the 4,000+ elevations now that Bama has crossed into NC - will soon be hitting 5,220 feet at Albert Mountain fire tower. Arrived at 4:00 and settling in at Muskrat Creek and making preps for water, dinner and sleep. Today she met Mother Nature & Margaret who were GA AT trail maintainers and they had a really great chat. She also talked with Rock & Roll, Patience (formerly Julio), Aboman, Thor and Rick, a section hiker. Tonight at the shelter is Aboman, Patience and Rick and there are 8-10 hikers in tents nearby.Bama says the hills are getting tougher but the oncoming rain, storms and possible snow (!) this weekend is reason enough to kick some hikin' butt and get to Franklin before all hell breaks loose. In 2006, she went over 90 days on the trail before she ever got rained on.Bill
Date: 2008-04-11
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Happy Anniversary, Robin (Coatrack) and Todd!!!Bama got back on the trail about 8:00 this morning. She had a good night's rest; there were only three in the shelter. Today will be a lot more big hills and rain and storms are moving into the region. She's not sure how far she'll get, so destinations are sketchy. Got a call from just past Standing Indian Shelter during the lunch break. It's been foggy and overcast all day, but starting to burn off. The storms aren't due until mid to late afternoon - should have time to make a shelter. Along the way she's seen Hawk & Hummingbird, Aboman and Daudy.Bama reached the Carter Gap Shelter and has plenty of time to settle in. This will make the third time she's stayed in this shelter and it rained! In 2006, a nearby tornado killed a number of people in Tennessee; I hope it's not like that this year. So far, she's met Nicole (FL), Aboman (VA), Thor (CT), section hikers Roman & Joe (S.C), Raggedy Andy and Darlebusha from Israel. Everyone but Nicole stayed at the shelter.Bill
Date: 2008-04-12
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

As predicted, it was a rainy night, but the storms weren't too bad. Everyone is waiting until the showers end this morning to head out. No one likes to start out in the rain.Some folks will do a hard day into Franklin, NC, others will hold up at Rock Gap Shelter and head into Franklin tomorrow for re-supply, a clean bed, showers and real meals. Albert Mountain (the highest climb so far) is between them and Franklin. Bama wants to check out the blue blaze around Albert Mountain since there won't be a view, and she has hiked over the mountain in 2006 & 2007. She will be thinking about her hiking friends Lipstick & IPLod when she is in this area, and will miss their company.More later.Bill
Date: 2008-04-13
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: clear sky

Bama spent a rather chilly and windy night at Rock Gap. The shelter proved adequate so no biggie, and was joined by Rock & Roll. Bama has not reported any mouse issues and in fact, says she has not see or heard any since she started the hike. That's nice. Nothing like having mice run over your face in the middle of the night . . . maybe it's the cool weather. Hawk & Hummingbird decided to continue on up the trail to tent and asked Bama to wake them up when she hiked by so they could share the shuttle with her.This morning she did the short hike to Winding Stairs Gap to meet Ron Haven and the shuttle to Franklin. Ron's a real "Friend of the Trail." At the trail head she met Skipper who is completing his SOBO and headed south. He started from Katahdin in July and needs to get to Springer by this July to officially complete in the 12-month's allotment for thruhikers.Ron was there on time and agreed to wait 15 minutes for the honeymoon couple to arrive. They were up when Bama went by, but still had to pack up their tent. Ron took the three to his motel to check in. Bama's room had a wonderful king-size bed, TV, microwave, etc. Ah, the wonders and delights of the "trail town!" Next is a hot bath, clean clothes and a trip to McDonald's for a belated breakfast. All day to goof off - whoopie!Big trail town day - laundry, shopping, meetings folks: Ohm, Peregrine, Jinny (the Wrens - thru hiked in'91), Joe, Alaska & Buddy, Micro & House the Cat, and others. Hawk & Hummingbird asked if Bama wanted to join the group for dinner and she was happy to go. Others there were Bluebell, sisters Ellen & Lynn, Ohm & Peregrine, Strider and Burrass. Great time, good folks. Bama is settled in and enjoying TV and a heated room.Bill
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Bama spent a zero day in Franklin avoiding the rain and chance of snow. Regardless of the ominous forecast all day, nothing much really happened. Nice to spend some time relaxing, working on the computer, going to the thrift store and outfitters, meeting and talking with too many folks to list here - some new, some old. Ron's shuttle bus was filled to capacity on most trips around town.Tomorrow, back to the trail on what is predicted to be a cold start. Wednesday morning is supposed to be even colder.Bill
Date: 2008-04-15
From: Wayah Bald

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

Bama got a late start with the shuttle to Wayah Bald, but was glad to be hiking again. The plan was to get to the NOC tonight, but what's the rush? Bama said this has been one of the most beautiful days she's hiked - warm, bright and clear. She met a number of folks on the trail and has had a great day.Made it to Wesser Bald Shelter. Life is good!Bill
Date: 2008-04-16
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: clear sky

It was a very cold night at Wesser Bald - so cold the water froze in Bama's hydration bag. Using some trail ingenuity, she was able to get a decent night's sleep by using her rain fly and sleeping bag in the shelter to block the wind. Before bedtime, she enjoyed a camp fire with Papa sarge, Freckles, Sprite and Newt.This morning she was up early and left at 7:15 to make the short hike down to the NOC. It is a beautiful, clear morning and will be almost 70* today. Wonderful!More later.Bill
Date: 2008-04-17
From: NOC

To: Cheoah Bald
Miles today: 8.2

Bama shared her room last night with the Maryland sisters (Ace & Jinx) and spent a lot of time with Dutch, a woman originally from the Netherlands. They and about 15 other folks had a roaring big breakfast at the NOC restaurant and got a relaxed start out of the Nantahala Gorge - which is no easy hike (a vertical elevation gain of approximately 2,600 feet).She made it to Cheoah Bald and will be tenting with Dutch, Silvan and Sojo. Earlier she met Wolf Hound from Dothan, AL and has the same birthday and birth year as Bama - what are the odds? He's an accomplished hiker and done the PCT and the Pinhoti Trail, too.Tomorrow I will drive up to meet her near Robbinsville and we will drive to Fontana Village to the lodge for the weekend.The weather has been cool at nights, but absolutely spectacular during the day. Beautiful sunset on Cheoah Bald!
Date: 2008-04-18
From: Cheoah Bald

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I arrived at Stecoah Gap about Noon and Bama, Dutch and Silvan were there waiting at the picnic table. I dug out some cold drinks and snacks and Bama introduced everyone. Soon Mudslide and his Australian cattle dog Gypsy came down and trail and there were more drinks and introductions - all really nice people.Bama and I left the others to finish their hike to Fontana and we were soon checked into the lodge. The Fontana Village now has new, local owners and several million dollars have been spent remodeling and redecorating. The restaurant is more upscale and there is a nice new wine bar that also has many craft beers. The manager said that the village was the second largest employer in the county and depends greatly on off-season hikers and motorcycle and sports car clubs who come to ride the Tail of the Dragon, an immensely curvy and dangerous portion of Highway 28. The summer tourist season alone isn't enough to maintain the village business.We walked around the village and had lunch at the grille and met some more hikers. One couple, Johnny Millwater and his wife, Debbie, are thru-hiking and I found out he is a professional stand-up comic who has played nights here in Birmingham. We had a great chat about old-time comedians. Bama talked with another thru-hiker named Worldwide that she and Lipstick had met last year. We also stopped and talked with the Jersey Sisters whom Bama had met on the trail earlier and we had a great time getting to know each other.Before long, we saw Stubby & Sparky who had hiked in and we joined them later for a wonderful dinner and great evening. They had bounced some town clothes to change into and rented a golf cart for getting around - quite the handsome couple! The day had been beautiful, just one of those spring days you dream about and the pink dogwoods are the prettiest we have even seen.Bill
Date: 2008-04-19
From: Fontana Village

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 0.0

Zero in Fontana, lots to see and do. Bama & I had a quick breakfast and she started the usual zero chores, sorting what she had and choosing things I had brought up with me. There was the usual laundry and since it was raining off and on, might as well spend it inside. Later, we saw the Jersey Sisters and talked with them again.By the time we got to the laundry at the general store in the village, the weather had cleared considerably. We saw Dutch and Silvan again and also Wolf Hound, whom Bama had met before (the hiker from Dothan who has her same birthday). We had a great time talking and cutting up.Later on, Bama & I took Dutch and Stubby & Sparky down to the Fontana Dam and Marina area so they could do some of the trail they had skipped over when they arrived. The weather had turned beautiful again and the Honda 2000 car club (maybe 20-30 cars?) was having a blast tempting fate on the Tail of the Dragon. When we got back, we all had happy hour on the big patio area of the Lodge overlooking the pool.That evening, Bama & I had dinner with Dutch, Silvan, Wolf Hound and Red Red Rose & Pat whom we had met earlier at Goose Creek Cabins. Another great day & evening.Bill