morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-20
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 6.7

Last night was pretty cold. Had to get up and pee during the night. Yay for staying hydrated. There were some steep parts to today but it wasn't too bad. Brooke and Danielle's friend was going to bring food and more blankets because it's supposed to be cold tonight. Incredibly nice considering he's in Gatlinburg two hours away. It was very chilly today. We were planning a 14 mile day because the only road crossings were at mile 6 and 14 and it's 20 total to Fontana. Well we made it 6 miles to the first road by 2:45 and we had a climb called Jacob's Ladder ahead of us. We knew we weren't going to make it so we started calling around to see if there was anywhere we could stay. The Hike Inn had openings and our mail drops are there but they only allow two people per room at $75 per room. That's quite a bit. What I didn't realize is that they charge $20 for mail drops if you don't stay with them. While we were trying to figure out what to do, a lady pulled up to take us to the inn. When we'd call to inquire about open rooms they had called their shuttle despite being told we weren't sure what our plans were yet. So we took the ride. We still weren't sure if we were going to stay or not but when we got to the place we found out the shuttle was $50 if we didn't stay (we'd gone 5-6 miles tops). They would take us somewhere else like Fontana, but I believe that's only another couple of miles. That's entirely too much. So we were kinda stuck. We stayed. They shuttled us into town for dinner at McD and did our laundry. We stayed and talked to the older couple that owns the place. They're nice people, but I think they're charging way too much. Especially for mail drops and shuttles. Also considering the condition of the rooms was not good. The mail drops that Tori and I sent from Franklin aren't here anyway, we unfortunately found out later. I'm going to call the Fontana post office tomorrow and see if they will hold it there as we might be through town tomorrow. They're only open 11:45 to 3:45. Brooke and I are going back to the gap tomorrow to do the 14 miles to Fontana. Tori and Danielle are thinking about gettig a ride to Fontana to hang out at the shelter there known as the Fontana Hilton. It's the best shelter on the trail. I hear it has a solar shower (though still cold) and flushing toilets. Danielle hasn't made up her mind about whether she's going to hike or not. I'm worried we'll have to wait in Fontana for good weather in the Smokies. The next couple nights range from 0 to -13 with the wind chill on Clingman's Dome. I hate waiting around but maybe I'll get to see my sister this weekend. I've been eating without abandon but getting comments that I'm looking thinner. Every girls dream! Eat everything and still lose. Just take your food with you up and over every mountain you see. It's snowing now. I may hate taking days off but I hate being cold more, so no complaints here.
Date: 2013-03-27
From: Gatlinburg, TN

To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Brooke and Danielle's friend ended up bringing us to Gatlinburg to wait out some bad weather in the Smokies. A couple days of bad weather turned into 4 days of bad weather which turned into the trail actually being closed. A bit of snow or rain here in town is much worse on the mountain. Lots of hikers showed up in town because when the rangers closed the trail they actually went up and shuttled all the hikers down. There are some reports of thigh deep snow. I know if I'd gone, I'd be cold and miserable. The miles would be done though. It's been an interesting week off the trail, and Gatlinburg has been a lot of fun, I just wish I was here on vacation with money to spend. Byron (Brooke and Daniel's friend) has been incredibly nice playing house guest to four hikers. He had to drive two hours to pick us up and (quite understandably) doesn't want to make the drive back. The girls want to skip the Smokies because of the cold. I really really really didn't want to flip flop. But it seems as if I have no other choice. How am I going to get back here to hike this section? The only thing I can think of is that my mother can shuttle me on her spring break when she goes to visit my sister. But that's almost a whole day's driving out of the way for her. I feel terrible. I hate to be an inconvenience...but I also won't feel like I've actually hiked the whole trail if I just skip this section. I'm hating this situation. I want to be back out in the woods where things are so much simpler.
Date: 2013-03-28
From: Davenport Gap

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: few clouds

The winding the road back to the trail was miserable. Made me sick to my stomach. It was a long slow climb today. The miles were easy. The trail was a mess because of all the melting snow. Snowbird Mountain had a beautiful bald. The snow covered mountains in the distance were breathtaking. Saw Fresh Ground again this morning. He said not a single person came through yesterday. We told him about the Smokies. He had a scale and I weigh the same as the day I started. I'm sure the week in Gatlinburg didn't help! My pack is 53 pounds... I didn't want to spend another $30 to bounce my food forward so I'm carrying it all. I can't wait to send the winter stuff home. And I'll be feasting tonight because that pack is heaaaavy. We're planning two 13 mile days into Hot Springs. Met a guy at the shelter - "Disciple". He's hiking with his black lab, and surprisingly he's from Maine. More surprising is that he's from Auburn/Monmouth which is fairly close to where I live. He's been the first actually know where I'm from. Nice guy. It's only us four girls in the shelter so I set up my tent in the shelter in an effort to stay warmer.
Date: 2013-03-29
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: broken clouds

We slept in late today. Didn't get on the trail till almost 11:30. The terrain wasn't super hard but after we'd gone about a mile there was lots of snow. It was glorious going downhill but uphill felt like twice the work. Around 1:00 it started snowing and it hasn't stopped yet. I was so excited to go over Max Patch and there was barely enough visibility to see the white blazes. Coming down off the bald we thought we were following the trail but ended up some day hiker's camp site. We weren't far from the trail and they pointed us in the right direction. We stopped at the first shelter instead of pushing on to the second because we were cold and wet. My feet are frozen. Unfortunately that makes for an 18 mile day tomorrow. The girls are thinking no way but the only other roads we crossed were forest roads that are going to be inaccessible in the snow. It'll be a hellish day especially because my shoes and socks are soaked. What else can we do? The prospect of a hot bed is pushing me to make it. The problem is I know I could do it... but the girls? We'll see what tomorrow brings.I set up my tent in the shelter again because there was only Brooke, Danielle, and another man - Saber. I call him Alaska because that's where he's from. He's been doing 20+ right out of the gate. He said this isn't hiking for him, it's just walking. I wish it could be that easy for me. A bit later Tennessee Jones joined us. We were getting worried because Tori (Heartburns) should have been in front of him but he hadn't seen her. Not long before dark she came rolling in. She'd missed the trail coming off Max Patch and had ended up on a road that circled back to the beginning of the bald. Extra miles suck. Especially in a snow storm. If more people showed up and there wasn't enough room I would obviously take down my tent, but I'm glad I got lucky enough to set it up inside the shelter two nights in a row. It definitely makes a temperature difference.
Date: 2013-03-31
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

By 6:45 the girls were awake and talking. Someone turned on some music. Around 7 Brooke fell out of bed on me. Got up at 8 and packed but I forgot to wash my socks with the rest of my laundry the night before so I threw them in for quick wash. Putzed around and talked to the boys Feedbag, Truck Surfer, and Bilbo. I was still mad. Finally my laundry was done and I left for town a little before 10. The walk back sucked. I had to go into town to get another journal. Called mom before I headed back to the mountains. She was trying to hook me up with a ride next week so I can complete the missed miles, and she'll pick me up at the end of the Smokies. That way I might be able to go with her and spend a few days hanging out with my sister. It would be nice to see her for her birthday. I'd hate having three days off so soon. Before I left town Tori yelled goodbye from across the street. She decided to go home. I saw Brooke and Danielle in town. Don't know what their plan is, whether they're still going to go home or not.Was on the trail by 11. There were three and a half climbs today. They were all challenging. Met many day hikers and got the weather forecast. They were calling for rain starting at 3 and clear warm weather for the rest of the week. Stopped around 1 for lunch and Saber (Alaska) snuck past me. He's so fast. He stopped at the dam and we hung out for a bit. Saw Dirty Bird and Riverwind (?). They slack packed south today. The rain held off until 4 so I only had to hike in the rain for an hour. I powered up the last mountain as fast as I could, and was surprised to see Brooke and Daniel here when I showed up. They'd hitched in and done 6 miles for the day. They made it in just before the rain. Today was the first day I hiked in short sleeves and shorts. It was VERY warm coming out of Hot Springs. It got colder as I climbed and there was a cold breeze but it was welcome. Today was much more uphill then downhill. It usually is coming out of town. I was freezing when I got in because of the rain. The water source is terrible. Very shallow, and very very silty. Brooke let me borrow her water filter because I haven't gotten one, and am still using Aqua Mira. The privy is the worst I've seen yet. Three very small sides. No door. Naturally the opening faces the trail/shelter. I don't know why they always face that way. Feedbag came in about 30 minutes later and Grasshopper not long after. The other two California boys tented a few miles back. Later Otto, Ambassador, Little Engine, and her husband Timber also showed up. We fit seven into the five person shelter because of the rain. We're not actually that cramped, and will be warmer this way. I feasted again. Still trying to get that pack weight down. It was hell today. Since we left Davenport Gap my leg muscles have been burning much more than they usually do. Of course, I know why. I hope the forecast is right and it's clear tomorrow. The trail will be muddy already. 14 miles planned. Let's see if I can knock out some miles before I go back to the Smokies.
Date: 2013-04-01
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: scattered clouds

The unthinkable happened. I can hardly believe it myself. I was hot last night. I even took my jacket off. It was incredible. I loved every second of it. When I woke up the girls were completely packed. Everyone else was halfway there. I'm surprised the noise didn't wake me up sooner. I packed and left as soon as I could which was just before 10. Walked by myself for a few miles until I caught up to Feedbag. We hiked together for a while until we reached a big climb. He's faster than me uphill, as most people are. Got to the first shelter a little before 2. It had sprinkled on and off a few times. The weather forecast was clear but I was worried it was going to open up and really rain. I still have 6 miles to go. As I was trying to decide, it started sprinkling again so I gave up and unpacked. The girls decided to stay here too. Unfortunately going two shelters down only makes a 12 mile day. If I were to go on to the next campsite it turns into a 17 mile day and the last few miles are pretty steep uphill. The last thing I'd want to do. I'm kind of stuck mileage wise.Here tonight are the California boys (Feedbag, Truck Surfer, and Bilbo), Grasshopper, Otto, and Crush who I just met. All his gear is orange. Apparently he zeroed here. He thinks he had iodine poisoning. I understand that he was very sick but...he kind of was sick all over the place. Out of both ends. Yes it's as gross as it sounds.It sprinkled on and off a few times but never really developed. I should have moved on but that's hindsight for you. It's gotten much colder. I was in my sleeping bag for a while earlier and still cold. My back has really been hurting since Hot Springs. I guess I'm okay because it's just my lower back muscles and not my spine. It'll heal eventually.
Date: 2013-04-02
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: scattered clouds

It's official. Little Laurel Shelter is cursed. I was freezing all night. Woke up at 5 am to the sounds of someone being sick. Soon we were all awake. "You okay?" Someone asked. "It's not me." Answered Crush. "Then who is it?" "Feedbag." He thinks he got food poisoning. I'm praying it is not a bug going around. As inconvenient as it is to have vomit everywhere, I understand it's almost impossible to find your headlamp, get your shoes on, and find a nice off trail area when you wake up in the middle of the night like "Oh my god I'm going to be sick." Poor guy continued to be sick at 20 minute intervals till they left at 10. It was a cold morning he was shaking like a leaf. His two friends took most of the things out of his bag and they went 4 miles south to a hostel we passed yesterday. Brooke and Danielle were officially done with the trail after the cold night. They went back to the hostel also to try and get a ride to Asheville. Brooke says she'll be back when it's warmer.It took me forever to get out of my bag because it was so cold. Very late start today. White blazes have been few and far between. I was checking my book all day convinced I was lost. Many times I had to walk in a couple different directions to find the next blaze. At one point the trail went along a ridge for at least a mile. Much of it was rock hopping/climbing. It's much harder to tell where the trail goes on the rocks. There was still a good bit of snow on the top of the mountain and I fell on some ice. There were some awesome views on the ridge, but I hated pushing through the brush. In some places I had to cover my face with my arms and just push through. Stopped at the first shelter for lunch. Otto was there and a while later Crush and Grasshopper came through. We sat there an hour and a half. I love the socializing even though it meant less miles for today. I left first because I was freezing just sitting there, even in my jacket. I could see my breath all day. At one point the trail was on a gravel road for a mile and a half. It was glorious. I had service so I stopped to call mom. Apparently my sister is going to pick me up Saturday to go back to the Smokies. Mom is going to find me a zero degree bag and snow pants because I'm really worried about the cold. I heard its going to rain Thursday so I'm hoping to pull off two high mile days to get to a hostel Thursday night. Depends how early I can get going in the morning. I'm not hopeful. Got a big blister on my heel today. I can't complain because it doesn't hurt that badly. Here's hoping it stays that way. Band-aid and duct tape therapy tomorrow.
Date: 2013-04-03
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Devil's Fork Gap
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Grasshopper was stick all night. I knew it must be a bug and prayed I wouldn't get it. About 5 in the morning I joined him. By the time I got up, Otto had it too. We hung out for a while and went back to bed. It was not pretty. By 2 we decided to drag ourselves the 3 miles to Devil's Fork Gap and get a ride to Erwin. The terrain was easy, but it was so hard to hike. We were exhausted. The hostel was full so we called a shuttle and went to a Super 8. Our shuttle driver told us he's been driving sick people for two days. Apparently it's hit everyone pretty hard. Little Engine, Timber, Rooster, and another guy whose name I can't remember are at the hotel as well with the same thing. By the time we got to the hotel the worst of it was over. We're just drained. So glad to be in a bed tonight.
Date: 2013-04-04
From: Devil's Fork Gap

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: snow

Caught up with everyone back home. Was able to eat breakfast. I really want to stay another day but it's expensive. Plus that would make two 16 mile days to get back to Erwin by Saturday. My sister is going to pick me up to take me back the Smokies. The weather forecast is rain all day. I'm feeling better, but not 100%. Otto went to the clinic this morning because his side has been hurting. They hooked him up to IV's and think it could be his gallbladder or his appendix. Grasshopper and I grudgingly decided to go back to the trail. We got a ride from Miss Janet. It was cool to meet a woman I'd heard so much about. Grasshopper set up camp at the first flat spot he found. I wanted to go the 6 miles to the shelter. The rain sucked. As I walked, I realized I was watching icicles form on the trees. Then the rain turn to hail. It hailed for about two hours, stinging my hands. I feel like I'm being tested. Like walking 2,000 miles isn't good enough to earn the title "thru-hiker". I wish I would have stayed at the hotel. The plan was to walk slowly but I had to walk as fast as I could to stay warm. Finally made it to the shelter and met Azoo (a former zookeeper) and General Lee and Heavy Burden, two section hikers. It's supposed to rain all the way through till 7 tomorrow morning so I'm staying in the shelter. I've been in my bag for an hour but I just can't get warm. Tonight might be a night for the emergency blanket. At the very least I'll have two easier days into Erwin, and the weather is supposed to be nice. I'm so looking forward to tomorrow.
Date: 2013-04-05
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 15.8

Woke up this morning to what I thought was rain and later realized was just the ice melting off the trees. Stayed in my sleeping bag until everyone else had left because it was cold. Eventually I got up and put on my wet clothes. Left by 9:30.It might as well have been raining for all the water that was coming down. Fell twice early on. It was as foggy as it's ever been. Saw Shepard and Woodrow at one of the gaps. They'd just gotten dropped off. Caught up with General Lee, Heavy Burden, and Shepherd again later in the day. Hiked with Shepard on and off. As it warmed up, it started getting dangerous. Big chunks of ice and icicles started falling out of the trees. I've certainly got a few more bruises. Between the ice and the mud I was not having fun. Suddenly it was like someone turned on the sun. It became much brighter and the fog mostly burned off within the hour. Unfortunately, the added heat made for more falling ice. At one point I realized I was cringing every time the wind blew. Shepherd gave me an apple for lunch and things finally started to turn around. It tasted so good. I miss fruit.The first half of the day felt like all uphill but that meant the second half of the day was downhill. As we got to lower elevations the ice wasn't as bad, and had already fallen off the trees. Earlier there had been so much ice on the ground it looked like four inches of snow. General Lee and Heavy Burden planned to be here tonight but I think the ice slowed them down. Shepherd had planned to go to the next shelter but decided to stay. We tried to get pizza delivered but there wasn't enough cell service. I'm looking forward to pizza tomorrow.Last night I just couldn't warm up in my bag. I used two sets of hand warmers: the ones I always put in my jacket pockets, and another set between my socks and pants around my ankles. I still couldn't get warm so Azoo recommended a hot water bottle. I boiled the rest of my water and put the water bottle in my bag. It was amazing. Warmed me up so quickly. After I went to sleep I was a little chilly through the night but less than I thought I'd be. This morning when I woke up my ankle was really sore and when I looked, I realized the hand warmer had burned me! It actually formed a blister on my skin. I had it between my pants and socks because I know it's not supposed to go directly against your skin. I'm surprised it didn't wake me up in the night. Did I mention I feel like I'm being tested?
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Shepherd had this crazy (but awesome) idea to hitch into town, get pizza, drop our packs, hitch back out, slack pack back to Erwin, and get pizza again. I wasn't sure it would work, but it was certainly worth a try. The second car that drove by pulled into the parking lot. Could this be real? It was Grim from the Uncle Johnny's hostel. We told him about our plan and he convinced us that the road had very little traffic and we wouldn't be able to get back, so he took our packs to the hostel and we slack packed. It was awesome. I'm not sure if I wasn't used to hiking without a pack or what but I stumbled my way through the 11 miles. Fell hard once. Saw Shepard on and off all day. We finished in four hours. Almost three miles an hour! And there was trail magic at the end! A cooler of beer. Hell yes. About a mile outside of town I caught up to someone in front of me. As I got closer I thought, I recognize that pack..."Do my eyes deceive me?" I called out. Tori turned around. Apparently she'd spent a couple days in Asheville and decided she wasn't done hiking just yet. We met Mowgli and hooked up with Shepard at the hostel, and the four of us went to town and got pizza. They went back to the hostel and I walked to the movie theater. I was so pumped to see the movie Host! Turns out the theater only had two screens and was playing GI Joe and Jurassic Park. What a let down. So I walked to McD and sat there for three hours waiting for my sister. About 5 minutes before she showed up, Grasshopper came in. He'd rented a bike from the hostel. Because he didn't want to make the long ride back, he locked up the bike and my sister drove him. We hit the road and drove about an hour. In Asheville we pulled off to look for a hotel, but everywhere was either full or very very expensive. We went further down the road and found a place. My sister couldn't stand the smell of my socks and shoes. In her defense, even I think they smell awful. There's no coming back from being wet for days on end...twice. I'm sure her boyfriend didn't like it either but he was nice about it. I stayed up for a while at the hotel trying to update my journal but the internet shut off for some reason so I'm finally going to bed.