morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-03-11
From: Gooch Mountain Shelter

To: Lance Creek
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

Weather again today was perfect. Sunny, in 70's, a 3 to 1 day according to Long Shorts. You start the day in 3 layers and get down to one as the day and your body heat up. Had my 1st trail magic. We hiked into Woody Gap and Loose Ends was there with oranges, apples and folding padded chairs. I knew I would miss chairs on the trail and like magic on the 3rd day, there was a comfortable chair! Thanks Loose Ends. Got into Lance Creek Campsite around 5. There must be about 30 of us here tonight. Hard place for a woman to find a place to pee. Space is tight, lots of tents, steep slopes to climb to hide behind a tree. That is life on the trail. Expecting rain tonight.David Bidler, Toretto, Moose, and First Gear, you have prepared me so well for this hike. I think of you all many times a day!
Date: 2014-03-13
From: Neel Gap

To: Wolf Laurel Top
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: clear sky

What a fabulous day. Woke up in our cabin with light snow on the ground, cold wind, but bright blue sky. Maverick had to wait for a mail drop at Mountain Crossings and Go Heavy was being picked up at noonish, so Maverick, 80 Dollar, Trooper, and I decided to take a nero day (short mileage) and head for Wolf Laurel campsite. What a gem. We are at the top of a mountain with gorgeous views of surrounding mountains. With us is Stone Bear, Blue Jay whose journal I have followed on trailjournals, Max, Madeline, and Tim. Maverick built a fire, no easy feat after yesterday's rain. We all sat around the fire watching the sun set, getting acquainted, laughing, enjoying each other's company and the beauty around us. The cold wind from this morning has died down. Wearing all my camp layers to bed with temperatures around freezing tonight. Looking at tackling a 15 mile day tomorrow. May stop earlier depending how we all feel. Am carrying full food bag again after getting a resupply mail drop at Neels Gap so pack is back up to around 30 lbs. The water source on the trail was a trickle, so Maverick used his pump which works real well in just a small pool of water to purify water for 80 Dollar and me who have Sawyer squeezes. Hiker midnight. Goodnight
Date: 2014-03-14
From: Wolf Laurel Top

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Awoke to a beautiful sunrise at the top of a mountain. Low last night was 26, but I stayed toasty in my sleeping bag. Hiked by myself until I caught up with Maverick who left camp in the middle of the night because of noisy neighbors, the cold and inability to sleep. His knees are killing him and he is moving slowly. Came upon trail magic at Tesnatee Gap. Had a coke, Doritos, Cheetos and sat in a chair! Thank you King Tut and J Griff. Was sunny and back in the low 60's today. Perfect hiking weather. Lots of hikers here tonight, maybe 40, a tent city by AT standards. Two are from ME, Thin Mint from Bangor and Fresh from Lewiston. I forgot to thank Trooper. Three days ago I stopped at a gap with trail magic and realized I had only one of my crocks. They hang off of my pack. I flinched for a moment, then thought maybe someone would find it. I certainly was not going to retrace my steps, since I had no idea how far back on the trail I lost it. Before I moved on, Trooper came around the corner carrying my crock he had found. Kindnesses like that happen all the time on the trail. It is 7:30. In my tent for the night. Just need to be horizontal. My body is holding up really well. No blisters, just usual aches and pains that seem to move around depending upon the day, but nothing bad at all. Too tired to sit by the fire tonight. Another great day on the AT.
Date: 2014-03-16
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Started to rain during the night as forecasted. So nice to be in the shelter out of the rain rather than in my tent. Much easier to pack up when it doesn't include a wet tent. Packed up and headed out at 8:30. A number of the hikers last night had booked a shuttle and hotel room in Hiawassee with a forecast of all day rain. I had decided to wait until today and see how I felt after hiking the 2.4 miles to the gap. It poured the whole way with slippery wet rocks and leaves. Two hikers passed me and said they had heard there was going to be trail magic at the gap. Sure enough, a Baptist Church was serving up hotdogs, chips, brownies and fruit. They were also offering free rides into town. Since I knew I was due for a zero day, was soaked and a bed and shower sounded good, I made plans with Anna to get a room at the Holiday Inn Express. I got into the car with my pack, but left my hiking poles behind!!!! Last time I do that! Fortunately, my poles got dropped off at the hotel on a later shuttle. Thank you trail angels. I tried to give them a donation, but they would not accept one. Have been doing town "chores": laundry in hotel guest laundry, small resupply at grocery store just around the corner, reorganizing my food bag and backpack. I'm still tweaking where to put things, for easiest access. I carry my home on my back, so it takes a little time on the trail to figure it all out. I brought a book thinking I'd have time to read early on while doing lower miles. Well, the last few days I've packed it, I've called it "stupid book." I'm not reading it, it takes space and weighs a few ounces, so today it went in the waste basket at the hotel. Oh well. I obsessed over gloves before I left for the trail. I finally settled on a pair for in camp which I am very happy with. Have a light weight pair, plus smartwool liners for hiking. Wore both hiking pairs today. My hands stayed warm, but gloves were soaked and heavy wet. I washed them and lost one in the laundry (not on the trail mind you, in the laundry room) just like losing socks! Lesson learned, I stressed way to much before the hike. Now on the trail and down a glove, I'll just wear a pair of wool socks over the remaining pair. You just figure out how to make do, get by and stay safe. It's all part of the adventure. Maverick at the hotel tonight too. He caught up. His knees are a little better. Clean, shaven, rejuvenated, and ready to get back on the trail tomorrow morning. The Rock is also staying in our room tonight. He just booked a shuttle for us for 9:30 am. Will have breakfast at hotel and be on our way.
Date: 2014-03-19
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Wahoo! Said goodbye to GA and hello to NC today! Started out foggy, but burned off by afternoon for some welcome sunshine. Few muddy sections, but for the most part, trail was dry. Started day with terrific breakfast at the hostel of eggs, sausage, pancakes and hash browns. Thank you Gary and Lennie for an awesome stay at The blueberry Patch. Here tonight around the fire. Always damp and cold at night, so fire is great. Have to gather up downed limbs. Am in a hikers bubble with Tatanka, Sits in Chair, Lady Slipper (formally Anna), The Rock, Listener, Trudge, Rachel and Dan. Looks like we will hike together until Franklin, NC. Met Listener at Dick Creeks Shelter when he gave up his prime loft spot to this old lady. Then the next day he showed up at the Blueberry Patch. Has been with us since. Body is tired, but day was good. Traps are burning by end of day. I know David. It's about posture. Also taking to much food. Taking that on as a challenge. Going to be much better at next resupply to take enough, but not too much. Not doing well "keeping pencil between my shoulder blades," but using lacross ball for deep friction massage. Shorter day tomorrow after long hike today.Hiker's midnight. Goodnight.
Date: 2014-03-20
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Took our time getting out of camp this morning, since planned a short hiking day. Made hot breakfast of 2 instant oatmeal packages with lots of trail mix mixed in, and coffee.Hike today was very gentle ups and downs. Legs weary after long day yesterday. At shelter before 2:00. Chores done: tent set up, hiking clothes hanging out to dry on tree branch (sweaty), water purified, Awol guide consulted, torn glove sewn with thread from my Mercy Hosp travel kit Trail magic today was a trash receptor at one of the gaps. It's always great if you can unload your garbage before getting to town. LEFT my crocs at camp!!!!! I'm a mother. Spent 20 years asking my kids if they had everything, and I don't check to make sure I do when I leave camp!! Lesson learned. The Rock and Anna left camp after me. They spotted my crocs and Rock carried them until he caught up to me. In return I gave The Rock My Mountain House beef stroganoff, his favorite meal. Thank you so much The Rock and Anna. Dinner time soon. Having Mountain House spaghetti and meatballs tonight. Then fire time before bed. Marcia, Listener is an editor of Sarasota Magazine!
Date: 2014-03-21
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

Late yesterday afternoon, MacGuyver found a still warm doe recently killed by an assumed coyote. He field dressed it, and he and Boucher carried it miles to the shelter. Last night was not a hotdog roast, but an amazing venison roast! I passed on it and Takanta says I need to fess up to that. Just about everyone around the fire had some, either off a stick like toasting a marshmallow or from the leg later in the evening, after it smoked for hours on a home made spit. The story is already legend down the trail. B Man, Jo Cool, Rhythm, Safety and Koda came in late. Have been in camp on and off with Koda, a handsome and well tempered Alaskan Malamute. He and I stopped at a stream and cameled some water together today.B Man says Blue is off the trail again, sick this time. Hoping to meet up with him soon. Texted Maverick. He is not too far behind, so should see him in Franklin if not before. Today was a perfect hiking day. Sun was shining, everything in camp this am was dry. Set out at 9:00 with one significant climb up Standing Indian Mountain, then gentle up and downs. Here tonight with The Rock, Anna, Listener, Takanta, Sits in Chair, Fire Walker, Shark, Dan, Trudge, and Rachel. Sleeping in the shelter tonight after last 2 nights in my tent. Nice to shake it up a little. Slept well last night. Legs felt good today and less burning of traps. Have kept a blister bandaid on my big toe hot spot from a couple of days ago, and that is working well. Balls of feet burn some, but okay on lower mileage days. Knees and back doing well. Gearing up for a 12 mile day tomorrow. Will be long. Must "flinch forward."
Date: 2014-03-22
From: Carter Gap Shelter

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

Fabulous day today. Passed the 100 mile mark! Hiked up Albert Mountain to a fire tower. Waiting for me there were 3 of my best hiking buddies, Maverick, Anna, and The Rock. We had smelled smoke during the day and heard helicopters overhead. When we climbed the fire tower we could see smoke. As we walked on, I tried to imagine what my survival strategy would be to escape a forest fire and decided there wasn't one. It was a little unnerving, but since I did not hear further activity in the air, I'd decided things were probably okay. Later we found out it was a controlled burn. We had not received any forewarning. Oh well, just another day in the woods. I hiked to the shelter where I spent the night with Tatanka, Sits in Chair, Anna, The Rock, Shark, Trudge, Ray Charles, Dan, Indy, New Heights, Bee Line, Day Tripper, and Hand Me Down. Hand Me Down thru-hiked last year and knows my niece, First Gear, and Greenlite.We could see the road from the shelter, it was so close.   Day Tripper's mom met him there for his resupply. At Tatanka's request, his mom graciously went into Franklin and returned with beer and hamburgers. Trail magic at the shelter! It was a fun night. Pot smoking on the trail is common and there was no shortage of it last night. This old lady stuck with a beer and burger, but a good time was had by all, in front of a fire of course. Thanks Hand Me Down and your mom. My body felt better today with the longer hike, then it did yesterday on a shorter mileage day. Go figure. I think I'm starting to get my hiker legs and my lungs are adjusting too. I'm not as winded going up these mountains at elevations between 4,000 and 5,000 ft as I was initially. My shoulders still scream at me after a long day on the trail. My traps burn and my clavicles are tender from the pressure of the shoulder straps. I just repeat my mantra, "pain is inevitable, suffering is optional." Thanks David for the mindset. Short hike into Franklin tomorrow where I will stay for my first zero (no hiking day).
Date: 2014-03-23
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: light rain

Got my tent packed up just before the rain started. Ate and loaded up my backpack under the shelter before heading out in a now steady rain to hike to the gap for a ride into Franklin. Taking a nero day today and my 1st zero tomorrow. Tatanka's wife/Sits in Chair's mom was picking them up at 11:00. They offered me a ride, so I hiked with them to the gap. We had heard a rumor on the trail that the Budget Inn had bedbugs, so no one wanted to stay there regardless. Funny, we're out in the woods with all kinds of critters and bugs, but no one wanted anything to do with the possibility of bed bugs! Have a room for 2 nights at the Comfort Inn. I'm by myself tonight (what a luxury). Maverick has a room here too, and we are going to share my room tomorrow night to keep the cost down. Tatanka and Sits in Chair are here also. Lots of hikers in town. Finally, caught up to Blue! I have known Blue since he was a little kid. He and his brother and mom lived on our street in Cumberland, ME and both the boys were friends with my son, Moose. They have kept in contact all these years and Moose hiked a few hundred miles with Blue in 2011. Blue and his mom, Randine, now live in Asheville, NC. I've been in touch with them, knowing that I would see them at some point. Well, Blue is in Franklin and Randine drove here from Asheville today. It was a fun reunion. Randine took Blue, Jo Cool and me out to lunch, then to the grocery store for resupply, and back to the Comfort Inn. Randine offered to take me to her home for my zero, but I'd already made my reservation here. Asheville is even closer to Hot Springs, so she will take me off the trail and put me up then instead. I've already asked her to book a massage for me. Randine, it was great to see you, and thank you so much for today's trail magic.Anna has decided to get off the trail. I was able to hook her up with a ride from Randine to Asheville where she is taking a bus home to MA. Will miss you Anna!I am sitting in my hotel room watching NCAA March Madness, drinking a beer and eating Doritos with Maverick. My laundry is done, I've showered and shaved. Life doesn't get much better than this. Tomorrow, I'm hoping to get to the outfitter to pick up a few things, and eat food that has not been freeze dried, dehydrated, smoked, or need purifying. Maybe even something green! Actually had some veggies yesterday and a salad with mixed greens. Oh, the simple pleasures of life. There is a daily breakfast hiker feed at one of the churches in town. Will try to hit that tomorrow before heading back to the trail. There is some rain/snow coming in Tuesday, but as of now, my plan is to hike on Tuesday. Will watch the forecast and be smart about it though.
Date: 2014-03-25
From: Winding Stair Gap - Franklin NC

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: snow

I am writing this entry 2 days after this hike, sitting out in the sun on the little deck off my room in a cabin. Two days ago I was in survival mode. There was no journaling that night. The night of my zero day, I knew the forecast for the following day called for a high of 48 degrees, a low of 19, rain locally, and snow in the mountains. This mind you, is the temperature in Franklin, not in the mountains. Maverick and I had decided we did not want to take a second zero day. The predicted morning rain had stopped by the time we got up, so I called for a shuttle ride to the gap, and we were there by 9:00.There was a dusting of snow on the ground and Maverick was all excited. He is from Alabama, and rarely sees snow. We took lots of pictures and headed up the mountain. It was generally overcast, but the sun reassuringly poked through the clouds briefly from time to time. The dusting of snow at the gap was 2 inches plus higher up. By early afternoon, it started to snow, and the temperature was dropping. We were within a mile of the shelter, and my fingers were getting really cold, the wind was picking up, and all I wanted to do was get to the shelter. I squeezed in, not wanting to pitch a tent on such a cold night. Already there were Boucher, Swamp Donkey, Dumpster, Donali, James and Schroomer. Coming in right behind me was Dusty. I immediately got out of my wet clothes (you sweat under rain/wind gear regardless of how cold it is) and got into my sleeping bag. There I stayed, but for 2 cold trips out of the shelter to pee. My fleece was too wet to put in my sleeping bag, so I left it hanging over my backpack. It was not long before it was frozen stiff. I knew I wouldn't be wearing that the next day! The mood in the shelter was upbeat. Some of us were warmer then others, but we were all safe and warm enough. I was toasty as long as I stayed buried in my mummy bag with all my dry camp clothes. Sorry, Monica. I Didn't even brush my teeth that night, much less floss. I ate salami and cheese on a tortilla, the same thing I'd had for lunch.It was going to be a long night with all of us in our sleeping bags by 4:00 in the afternoon. I had a nightmare that night and in my sleep started crying out, "Help me!" I woke everyone up of course, scared them all half to death, not knowing what the heck was going on. I finally woke up, apologized, and assured them I was okay. We all had a good laugh in the morning. They said if I'd yelled "fire" instead of "help," they'd all have coming running (for the warmth). It was a 3rd degree flinch kind of day, but I was prepared. It is days like this on the AT they makes it such an incredible experience. David Bidler, you have taught me so well.
Date: 2014-03-26
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

What a night it was. The temperature was in the single digits with wind gusts of 25 MPH. There were 9 of us crammed into a shelter for 6. Maverick started in his hammock because the shelter was full, but it was not safe for him to be outside, so we made room for him. We were packed in like sardines, in spooning mode to accommodate everyone and their gear. I have a sleeping bag and liner that are good to zero degrees, so I was warm in my bag. It was too cold and snowy to build a fire or cook. Everyone was at the shelter by mid afternoon, and we all just hunkered down in our sleeping bags. It's the only way to stay warm. Fortunately, there was a tarp covering the shelter which provided some protection against the wind. This morning I got up to frozen boots and socks. I had foot warmers, so I stuck them on my dry pair of socks and jammed my feet into the boots with great difficulty. My feet were freezing. I walked .2 miles to the water source and made some oatmeal. My feet started to thaw as I moved around, so I decided it was safe to get on the trail. I didn't leave the shelter until 10:45. The forecast was for high of 48 and sunny today. With rain forecast for tomorrow, I hoofed it to this shelter, so only need to go 6 miles tomorrow to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Coming out at Tellico Gap just before the last climb of the day, trail magic was waiting. It gives you such a lift when you are tired and hungry. Bardo and Bluedeer, a young couple planning a thru-hike next year, were there with soda and beer, hotdogs, chips, all kinds of sweets, and a couple of chairs. I grabbed a chair and had my dinner there at 3:30 in the afternoon. Thank you so much Bardo and Bluedeer. Tonight the temperature is supposed to be in the 20's. Like last night, I'm in my sleeping bag along with my hiking clothes so they will be dry and warm in the morning, a liter of water so it will not be frozen, my isobutane so my stove will work, and my water filter so it will not freeze. Very crowded! Getting cold. Sun about to go down. Going to drag myself out of my bag to pee and call it a night. I am here tonight with section hikers Tracy and her dog Brock, Pat and his dog Sophie, Jim and John.
Date: 2014-03-27
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: clear sky

The weather was better than forecast. I was packed up and on the trail before 9:00. It was a long descent. All the young guys in my hiker bubble did a 17 mile day yesterday to get to the Nantahala Outdoor Center (a resort with white water rafting and kayaking the AT goes right through) to avoid another cold night. My 10.8 miles yesterday was plenty for me. Portions of the descent were rocky, snowy and icy and I was glad I had my trail runner Yaktrac for traction, and fresh legs. Thanks David for telling me to bring them. I got here shortly after 12 and went to the restaurant with B Man, Jo Cool, Blonde, MacGuyver, Forest and Jason. Had a yummy cheeseburger, beer and salad. I'm in a room in a large cabin for the night. Laundry is done. Quiet in cabin. There will probably be hikers coming in later tonight. It never did rain today. Actually became warm and sunny, around 60 after a cold start. I sat at the river and enjoyed the warmth of the sun after the past 2 cold nights while I waited to get into my room. Early to bed tonight. I have a long tough ascent tomorrow.