morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-22
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

Left Blue Mountain shelter at 9:10 AM and arrived at Tray Mountain shelter about 5:00 PM, including a detour.I hiked down from Blue Mountain shelter to Unicoi Gap. There, I met OFF(One Foot Forward) who did the AT throughike in 2003. He was doing a weeklong hike with his mother, Golaughingly, who is throughhiking this year. Golaughingly had strained her knee and was in Helen, and OFF was dong Trail Magic (drinks and snacks)on the AT just before Unicoi Gap. I decided to heed Bicycle Barb's admonition to 'go into town to eat every chance that you get'. OFF gave me a ride into Helen. I had the breakfast buffet at the Farmer's Market Cafe. It was excellent. After going to the local market for a few more groceries, I hitch-hiked back to the Trail. Got two quick rides, a partial way with a group of four hikers that were going to Tesnatee Gap, and then back to Unicoi Gap, with a local man (in his Mercedes) who was going to his Grandson's wedding in Hiawassee.Got back on the AT abou 1:00 PM and went up and down two high, and tough mountains (including Tray Mountain). Encountered two ladies, a Mother and Daughter from Dallas, Texas, who were doing Trail Magic at the Old Cheese Factory site. I got fruit from them (apples and bananas). Nancy, please note -- I ate fruit on the Trail. After the fruit and some powerade, I hiked on in to the Tray Mountain shelter.About 14 people here tonight.After a week of hiking, I've changed my mind about the challenge of the Trail. Before I departed, I thought that doing the AT is 80% mental and 20% physical. I now believe that it is 80% physical and 80% mental!
Date: 2008-03-23
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dick's Creek
Miles today: 11.0

 Left Tray Mountain Shelter about 9:40 AM and arrived at Dick's Creek (the last road crossing in Georgia.I was having lunch at Addis Gap with Wild Bill, sitting there against a log. I saw two people coming down the Trail and they looked familiar. Through hikers? No, our friends Larry Kloet and Nancy Wylie from Atlanta! What a surprise in the middle of 'nowhere'. They were doing a test hike for an upcoming hike with the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club. It was a delight to see them.I hiked on to Dick's Creek separately, and waited until Nancy and Larry and Wild Bill got there. Nancy and Larry gave Wild Bill and me a ride into Hiawassee and we split a room at the Hiawassee Inn. It is run by Sam and Ron, two interesting guys. They cater to through-hikers. They did our laundry for a small fee.A word about Wild Bill. The kids (those young guys in their 20's) named him Wild Bill, which is the opposite of his nature, since he's not wild. He's about 10 years older than I am and going on the AT for a test hike this year. He started a throughhike last year, but had tremendous foot pain (like Plantar Fascitus). He got off the Trail after about two weeks. He did some things to ease his foot pain and is on the Trail for a two-week trial. If all goes well (and it seems to be), he will go home, wrap up his affairs and return to where he left off to through-hike. He and I do not hike together, but seem to wind up in the same camping place each night. He is a congenial person and it works well to share a room with him.At dinner time, they gave us the keys to their van, and we, along with Gentleman Jack, Willow, Jessie and Jill (?)and Colby (named after the cheese) went to Daniels Steak House for a buffet dinner. We also met Wolf and Little Phillie there.Sadly, we learned that Catwoman08 has gone home. She said that she was hurting all over.Again a good day, as I'm fed, showered and have clean clothes! Life is good!
Date: 2008-03-24
From: Dick's Creek

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Walking Out of Georgia Hike!I had breakfast at the Hiawassee Inn (in Sam and Ron's kitchen) with the other hikers, went to the Post Office to mail some stuff home and went to Ingle's grocery resupply.Sam took Wild Bill and me back to the AT and we got to Dick's Creek about 11:00.I started hiking and got to the Georgia-North Carolina border about 5:00 PM. I was met there by a two-person welcome commmittee - T-Bone and Tye-Dye. They took my picture there. We all went on about another .1 miles to Bly Gap and campled out there. About six of us there, including T-Bone and Tye-Dye, Cameron, Wild Bill, Kanoa and Leilani and Wild Bill.Very cold weather is predicted tonight.
Date: 2008-03-25
From: Bly Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

Left Bly Gap at 10:20 AM and arrived at Standing Indian Shelter about 4:30 PM.It was really cold last night. My water in my water bottle froze. The condensation on the inside of my tent was frozen crystals!. It was slow walking today, as my left knee hurts. It seems that I've developed Hiker's Knee. It hurts when I hike downhill. Many hikers seem to have a similar affliction, particularly on the left knee, for some reason. My right knee is fine.Met two cordial people today, Pipper and his Dad, Mr. Burns. Mr. Burns (named after a character on the Simpsons), worked, until about a week ago, at the Pentagon. He coordinated a program for the Government, overseeing the mult-nation Joint User's Group for the C-130J Program, which I was involved in when I was at Lockheed Martin. It turned out that we knew a number of people in common!
Date: 2008-03-26
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

My longest day yet 14.4 miles!Left Standing Indian Shelter about 10:00 AM and arrived at Big Spring Shelter about 6:30 PM, a long day of hiking.Fairly easy grades except that I did go over two 5000 feet summits, Standing Indian and Albert Mountain.Just before Albert Mountain, three guys, Fishing Freddie, Gatoraid and Fat Chap did Trail Magic, including hot dogs, orangeade and Little Debbie cakes. A great energy boost before going up the very steep Albert Mountain.I arrived at Big Spring Shelter to see a number of folks that I know. Physically, I'm tired but feel good, and strong. Folks there: Tye Dye, T-Bone, Pipper and Mr. Burns, Kanoa & Leilani, Radar, Wild Bill, Willow and Gentleman Jack.
Date: 2008-03-27
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap (then to Franklin)
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Left Big Spring Shelter at 10:00 AM, arrived at Winding Stair Gap, at Highway 64, at 2:30 PM. Got shuttle ride into town with hikig buddy, Bill, and we are sharing a room at the Sapphire Motel in Franklin, North Carolina, tonight.Zero Day tomorrow!
Date: 2008-03-28
From: Franklin, North Carolina

To: Franklin, North Carolina
Miles today: 0.0

I'm taking a Zero Day today, a day with no hiking on the AT that is. This is my first Zero Day on the Trail. Since starting out on March 16th, I've hiked every day on the AT for 12 days.I shared a room last night with Wild Bill. He left this morning to go back on the Trail, as he is meeting his son at the Nantahala Outdoor Center on Sunday. It feels very strange not to be hiking today. I feel like I'm a loose ends. I've checked e-mail, updated my journal, read and talked with other through-hikers. There is a Hiker Bash today and tomorrow here at the motel, with food and music.Nancy is coming up tonight for the weekend, and I'm very excited about seeing her. We will day-hike tomorrow, and then we'll be her for the Hiker party tomorrow afternoon, and then she'll drop me off on Sunday morning for me to continue.It feels very strange to be in town. I actually miss not getting back on the Trail today. However, today is a rest day (my left hiker knee is getting better).
Date: 2008-03-29
From: Franklin, North Carolina

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: light rain

A Slack-Pack Day.Nancy came in from Atlanta last night. Hurrah!There was a big Hiker Bash here at the Sapphire Motel last night, hosted by the owner, Ron DeHaven. We had about 100 through hikers here, with food, music and even comedy. A fine get-together for the hikers.Today, Nancy and I got a ride out to Wayah Gap this morning with Smokestack and Mother Nature. We hiked Southward to Winding Stair Gap, where I left off on Thursday, with light packs (hence the term Slack-Pack). It was a great day to hike, cool with off and on rain. We got to Winding Stair Gap about 3:45. We hitchhiked back to Franklin with a pleasant young couple from Putnam County, Georgia, Randy and Candace. They were headed to his sister's house and went out of their way to bring us back to the moetl.Then, we got back in time for the continuation of the Hiker Bash, with more food and music. We made a quick run to the grocery store for resupply of groceries, to the laundromat and a quick trip to Wal-Mart for a knee brace.This time in town gives me a chance to catch up on e-mail and my Journal. Unfortunately, the AT is not wireless!   I have a cell phone, but it seldom has coverage in the wilderness. Fortunately, the motel here in Franklin, North Carolina has computer access. The town visits also give me a chance to renew any supplies (like food!) that I need.I'm glad to be in town, but I'll be glad to get back on the Trail tomorrow!Tomorrow morning, Nancy will take me to Wayah Gap to continue my Northward journey on the AT, and she'll head home. It has been great with her here!
Date: 2008-03-30
From: Wayah Gap

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

After packing up and a quick McDonald's breakfast, Nancy drove me up to Wayah Gap, where we had done the section from Wayah Gap south to Winding Stair Gap the day before. From there, Nancy headed South to home and I headed North on the AT.I hike 9.9 miles to Cold Spring Shelter. I had met Turtleback and Hair Bear on the Trail. At the shelter were Lotus and Thinker, Eric (aka Gnome) and Chair. We had a pleasant supper together. Even though it looked like, and felt like rain, I camped out.
Date: 2008-03-31
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Lightly rained last night. I awoke about 7:30 and went back to sleep until 8:00 (hoping sun would come up and dry things out). It stopped raining but tent and sleeping bag are wet)Hiked a fairly long way for me, about 11.5 miles.Pretty uneventful hike, except that, it seems like my Hiker's Knee is gone! I still feel twinges when I go downhill, but not much. Most of the folks stopped early at the A. Rufus Morgan Shelter, but I hiked a bit further, since my stuff was wet, and I figured it would rain that night. Got a room in Motel at NOC. Went down to the restaurant and had supper with Gentleman Jack, Willow and Southpaw. Also say Old Turtle and Retread earlier in the restaurant. Got all my stuff out in the motel room to dry and had a wonderful shower!
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light rain

After great breakfast at NOC, (eggs, grits, sausage, coffee), I packed and left at 10:00 AM. Much climb today(climbing out of Nantahala River basin). Buds in trees look like they are ready to pop open for Spring! It's a hot day today - the first day that I've hiked in short sleeves.I met two guys, Woody and Rick, who are hiking from NOC to Fontana. Really nice guys, ministers from Mississippi and North Carolina respectively. Our paths crossed several times and we we all on Cheoh Bald about 5:00 PM, and had spectacular views!They stayed on Cheoh Bald and I went on to Locust Cove Gap, where I camped with Greyhound. Got my tent up, and started cooking dinner and it thunderstormed. So, Iwent into my tent much earlier than I wanted.
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Cody Gap
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: clear sky

Camped in a Cloud!Last night it thunderstormed and then a cloud settled in, as we were at a lower altitude. It was damp and humid all night long.Still foggy and rainy when I got up this morning.Got up and packed all and headed out. The two ministers, Rick and Woody passed me and then I later passed them. Great people to see on the Trail.We all ended up, with some other folks (Dr. Zaius & Lora, Walka-Walka, Mius Thirty and Mondo, at Cody Gap, which was actually up on ridge.
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: few clouds

After a good start, began a long climb and went over Clingman's Dome, at 6643 feet, it is the highest point on the Appalachian Trail.I also passed the 200 mile mark today!Got into the shelter and had some of the same folks, Bilge Rat, Pusher, Pyro and Q and a new guy, Berf, along with a couple of week-long hikers from Minnesota, Katie and John. I took their picture in the shelter
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: New Found Gap (then to Gatlinburg)
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: broken clouds

Just about everybody got up and out of the Shelter early today. Even me, as I left at 9:30 AM! Not early, but early for me.I hiked to Newfound Gap and hung out there a few minutes. Talked to Berf and Greyhound and then hitched a ride into town with a very pleasant family, the Rupperts, who are vacationing in Gatlinburg this week. The husband and wife and the three children (10-11ish) were delightful. I took their picture and they took mine, as they dropped me off in Gatlinburg. I am always pleased and delighted with how nice so many people are.Tonight, I'm staying at the Grand Prix Motel. Steve, one of the owners, is very hiker-friendly. My daughter, Shannon, will come down this evening from Knoxville and we'll have dinner together!!
Date: 2008-04-08
From: New Found Gap (then to Gatlinburg)

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Stayed in Grand Prixe motel last night. After a restless night (it's getting less comfortable sleeping in a bed rather than a sleeping bag), I went to the Post Office and to the grocery store. I took the Trolley system, which is cheap (50 cents), but takes forever.I finally started hitchhiking about 12:30. Took a few minutes, but a family from North Augusta, GA, Danny, Sherry and Carly (their son) gave me a ride. I got back to Newfound Gap and, after taking their picture, took off on the AT at 1:45, a late start. I met Colonel coming South on the Trail; he as headed back into Gatlinburg.I went to the first shelter, Ice Water Springs, and say Retread and Old Turtle there. They invited me to stay, but I wanted to get to the next one.I walked fast, but made a slight detour to Charlie's Bunion. It was spectacular from there. There were hawks sailing on the currents BELOW me.Anyway, I got to Peck's Corned shelter about 7:15 PM. Rainfly, Hell-on-Bad-Wheels, Pack Animal and four section hikers, Alex, Jeff, Sarah and Kristen, were there. Nice shelter.
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Cosy Knob Shelter

To: Green Corner Road (Standing Bear Farm)
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Left 8:35 AM, Arrived 2:15 PM.It was a hot day today.I arrived at Standing Bear Farm about 2:15 and stayed for the night. It is a very interesting and laid back place. The store is open and is on the honor system, you just keep track and pay when you leave. I slept in a queen-size bed in a cabin with Berf, Pops and Thumper.
Date: 2008-04-11
From: Green Corner Road (Standing Bear Farm)

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: broken clouds

Left Standing Bear Farm at 9:30, arrived at the Shelter at abotu 2:15. I had planned to hike further, but when I got to the shelter, Berf, Pops and Kennekuk were there and said violent thunderstorms were expected. Since I was tired anyway, I stayed. Had a pleasant afternoon. It never did storm, but I appreciated the rest.
Date: 2008-04-12
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained some last night and thunderstormed this morning, but then was cold and gray (but dry). Apparently, mice were quite active last night, but they didn't damage or get into my packLeft 8:45 AM, arrived at Walnut Mountain Shelter about 4:50. Hiked with Pops from about 3 miles from Groundhog to Walnut Mountain shelter. He and I hike about the same pace.Berf is here in the Shelter; Kennekuk is in his tent up above the Shelter. I'm staying in my tent for the first time since I entered the Smokies. In the Smokies, you have to stay in the Shelters, unless they are full. Most of the Shelters have been very comfortable, but I miss staying in my tent.
Date: 2008-04-13
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs, North Carolina
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

A Bear Ate My Lunch!Literally. After a cold, windy night (in my tent), I awoke about 7:15 AM. I got up and went to the Shelter; Pops was the only one there. I asked him where my food bag was, since he and I had hung each of ours from the same limb with a rope. I thought that he had taken them down. He hadn't. Apparently, during the night, a bear, we presume, climbed up the tree and knocked the bags down, and made of with them.   We looked all around and found the remains of his, but never found a trace of mine. I didn't have a lot of food in it, but did have my titanium cooking pot.So, we had no food. Some passing thru-hikers gave us some snacks, but they didn't have much themselves. We left on our hike about 8:45 AM. Fortunately, Hot Springs was only 13 or so miles away, so we would be able to get more food when we got there.About 6.5 miles (about halfway) into the hike, we found some 'Trail Magic) that some Trail Angel had left. It was a big tupperware tub with zip-lock bags filled with snacks (M&M's, energy bars, crackers, etc.) and Gatorade. That became a fine lunch!Anyway, hiked on into Hot Springs on this cold, gray day, with occassional snow flurries. We got into town about 3:45.   We checked with Elmer's (a hiker-friendly bed-and-breakfast). Elmer's was full for the night, so we signed up to be there tomorrow night, then we went an rented a cabin by the creek.After shower and relaxing, we met other thru-hikers (Leaping Turtle, Windjammer, Bear Paw, Hell-On-Bad-Wheels and Dr. Zaius and Laura) at the Paddler's Pub. (We were amazed that such a small town in NC had a Pub, that was open on Sunday night). We had great beer (Oatmeal Porter for me) and I had a fine plate of hot wings.Again, after a shower, a good meal and good companionship, life is good!
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Hot Springs, North Carolina

To: Hot Springs, North Carolina
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

This is Zero Day for me, meaning no miles hiked on the AT. This is the second one I've taken (the other was in Franklin, NC) since I departed on March 16th.This is a rest day and catch up day for me.   I picked up a couple of packages from the Post Office (thanks, Myra and Edna!), got a new food bag and cooking pot and fuel from the local Outfitter, Bluff Mountain Outfitters), and had a terrific, huge breakfast at Smoky Mountain Diner.Got clothes washed and shopped for groceries at the small market in town.There are lots of thru-hikers in town. I've met many new ones and see many that I already knew. The thru-hikers have a great sense of community!Pops and I checked out of the cabins and went to stay at Elmer's.   Pops and I had signed up for Elmer's for today, as soon as we got in yesterday. Elmer had written the wrong day down, and when we got here about 10:00 AM this morning, he didn't have rooms for us. After some scrambling, he found a solution. I have a room, filled with antiques, that he doesn't usually rent to thru-hikers. I suppose I look trustworthy enought to rent me this special room.Elmer's is a very interesting place. It is a huge old house, that was built in approximately 1846, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a beautiful place, filled with antiques and books and Oriental art.   My room is very comfortable, with it's own sitting area. Myra says this a must-stay place and I can see why.Tomorrow, it's back on the AT for me. My daughter, Shannon, is planning to come down from Knoxville tomorrow and hike with me a couple of days, and then get a shuttle back to Hot Springs. I'm very much looking forward to her hiking with me.
Date: 2008-04-15
From: Hot Springs, North Carolina

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today, Shannon (my middle daughter) came down to Hot Springs from Knoxvile to hike with me a couple of days. After breakfast at Elmer's, we got on the Trail about 11:00 AM. A lot of uphill out of Hot Springs.About six miles in, we saw my friend, Pops, on the side of the Trail, sitting against a tree. He said he had pulled a muscle in his leg, and was going to stay for the night.Shannon and I got to the Shelter area about 5:30 PM and had supper and got settled in. A bunch of people we know were there, including Hell-On-Bad Wheels and Retread and Old Turtle.
Date: 2008-04-16
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Hemlock Hollow Cabins
Miles today: 5.3

Shan and I got on the Trail about 10:30, after a casual morning. Pleasant day for hiking and we had a short day.We came across a sign for Trail Magic at one of the highways.   We walked down the highway to a house, of Hercules & FAL (Free at last), former thruhikers (1999?). They provided Belgian Waffles, a tasty Pork Stew and huge Ice Cream Sundaes. Afterwards, they hosted a conversation about life after death and why we should believe the Christian way. It was not in your face, and they were polite, but that was definitely the point of the 'Trail Magic'.We left and contined on to Hemlock Hollow Cabins. Fred and Hattie there are so nice and helpful. Hell-On-Bad-Wheels also came in; he had busted his hydration bladder. Fred shuttled us in to Hot Springs to get Shannon's car; Hell On Bad Wheels came with us to the outfitter. He kept saying "I blew out my bladder'. Shan, and I and other people laughed and made remarks like "I hope his kidneys and liver are okay).We all drove back to Hemlock Hollow and had a pleasant evening. Mississippi Mule was also there in the Hostel. Shannon and I had the Bear Den cabin to ourselves.
Date: 2008-04-17
From: Hemlock Hollow Cabins

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

After a nice breakfast (and coffee) with Fred and Hattie, Shannon drove Hell On Bad Wheels and me back to the AT. We got on the Trail about 9:50.I'm trying to up my mileage each day, so I decided to do 16 miles today. I moved along pretty well (Hell On Bad Wheels was behind me) and got to the Shelter about 6:30 PM. Very tired
Date: 2008-04-18
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

Started out about 8:45 AM.After about 3 miles, had a nice surprise: Trail Magic. I saw a bunch of folks I know sitting on the side of the road crossing. There was a woman there cooking something on a grill. It was the legendary 'Miss Janet' of Erwin, TN, doing Trail Magic. She was cooking grilled egg and cheese sandwiches and had juice and coffee. She was extremely interesting and so hospitable to all of us.Fat Chap (from previous Albert Mountain Trail Magic) was there also. What a great surprise.I got to Low Gap about 6:30. I camped there and thought I would be by myself. I was pleased when Brad and Aggie and Kyanite and Sunkist came and camped there also.It was threatening rain and I got set up and in my tent early (7:30ish).