morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 27 -- Good news! We made it through the night--all of us, including the mice and the ginormous spiders Wing-It! claimed were crawling across the roof. We leisurely got up, socializing while we ate. The excitement of going into town was felt by all. We got into Hot Springs (the Trail goes right through town) and went to Elmer's(Sunny Bank Inn).  Elmer's Sunny Bank InnWe filled up the last spots and immediately got our clothes together and went to the laundromat. Mouth shared his Mamma's rolls and Top Hat shared his cookies while we hung out waiting for our clothes. While we were there we met Lady Cluck, Toes andChef, and saw Foghorn, Sean andAustin, who had come in yesterday. Austin has shinsplints again and will be hanging around for a bit. Once laundry was done (and during to save time), showers were had by most before going across the street to the Diner for a long-thought-about burger and fries, and Grasshoppershared his Peanut Butter and Chocolate pie with me--wow, did I walk away full. I showered afterwards and hung out for hours in the back yard. The guys played frisbee, there was volleying, I lounged on the swing. Grasshopper'sfriends came to pick him up for a few days, so he'll be back on the trail later trying to catch up. We'll miss him! After a lot of lounging and playing, Wing-It! and I went for a walk to town and looked for a pay phone to call home. I talked to my mom for a while and towards the end of the conversation, I spot a rooster coming straight at me (see pictures). I know what to do about bears and mice and other animals on the trail, but I wasn't prepared to be attacked by this one!! :&gt Luckily, it swerved away from me and started pecking the ground 6 feet from me. Anyway, I tried to call Joe, my brother, then, knowing my 9-ball pool team was playing and hoping to say Hi to them, too, but didn't get an answer. When I returned to the hostel, we decided to get dinner and hang out at Paddler's Pub. I got myself full again, and while trying to get a pool game, tried to call Joe again, but to no avail. I was getting pretty tired, and was glad when we headed back. Some people stayed outside to hang out, but I needed to not be in the big group. I was bummed about not getting to talk to Joe; , but I also just needed some space, so I came in to journal. I know it's not the funniest, or most articulate, or creative thing to read, but it helps me reflect some on my days and I'm very glad I'm doing it...and hope I continue journaling after the trail on a regular basis.Video:
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Campsite about 0.9 mi. north of Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 28 -- The people at elmer's asked that we sign up for either breakfast or dinner while we stay and most of our group decided on breakfast, so I was up for that--breakfast at 8:30. It was sooo scrumptious...waffles with walnuts and wheat in them--fantastic granola and cantaloupe. Then Wing-It! , Mainiac and I packed up and moved our packs to the back porch while we went shopping. We started at the outfitter. I got a short-sleeved shirt (I've been getting pretty hot while hiking) and fuel. Then we went food shopping and took our stuff to the hostel. Mouth was there sharing his Momma's rolls, peanut butter, raisins, and we sat around talking for a while. Then I tried to call Joe again, but didn't get an answer. Maniac came to the store while I was on the pay phone and he and I played a couple games of 8 ball. He beat me both times, but I had fun. I miss it a lot.Playing 8 Ball with MainiacI walked to the outfitter with Mainiac and back with Hangman. Wing-It! then needed to go the outfitter and I started just waiting outside for her (didn't want to go in again--I didn't need to spend any more money in there) but then I walked across the street to sit, and hung out there for a while. Hangmanjoined me and then Wing-It!finished up and joined me. She and I decided then to meet everyone at the Hot Springs Spa for an hour in the hot tub--we ended up with 11 people! (Wing-It!, Fire, Stripe, Hangman, Austin, John and Jess [Stomp and Shuffle], Mainiac, Mouth ,Top Hat , and I.) It was crowded but we rotated frequently so no one person had to have a bad spot in the tub. It was fun and relaxing. Afterwards, we went across the street and had some dinner (I had a corn dog and potato salad) and then Wing-It! and I grabbed an ice cream cone. We finally headed into the woods to camp and ended up by the river with a campfire and s'mores and fun stories. We talked about how this group, as it is, probably wouldn't be together like this again for a while, because some of us have other commitments (family stuff/friend coming on the trail). Both guys are going to go ahead, starting today, to get to where they need to go faster, and then hopefully we'll end up in the same place after they're back on. Wing-It! and I will still be together and some of the guys will still be around, so that's good--but we've become a team and a family, and each person brings great and unique things to the group and are such great company that any person who is not present will be missed tremendously.Hiking out of Hot Springs
Date: 2008-04-11
From: Campsite about 0.9 mi. north of Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: broken clouds

Day 29 -- I woke up before everyone else, did some chores, and decided to sit by the river for a bit as people woke up. I journaled some, but mostly just sat. Two geese flew by a few feet above the water, closer to the other side, honking. As we were packing up, Hangman and Stripecame into camp. We headed out around 9:30 a.m. and ended up at the back of the pack again. The going was slow for several reasons--it was hot pretty early, straight up, heavy pack out of town, and Wing-It! realized she dropped her knife sometime yesterday. We made a "bathroom" stop and Mainiac caught up and hung out. We hiked trying to catch up with the guys for lunch but found T eating at a campsite and joined him. Mainiac joined us. We got to the Fire Tower trail but decided to pass it up because we didn't know how far it was and we just didn't have the energy to do any extra walking and we didn't have much water. We finally arrived at the shelter and were greeted by Stripeand Top Hat .Spring Mountain Shelter We decided to stick around because of forecasted thunderstorm. We are sharing the shelter with Ginken and No Eye Deer,Stomp and Shuffle, two other couples came by, and two section hikers, Tang and his friend (SOBO). Firewent ahead with Mouth to make it to Roan Mountain to hike with Mouth's boss. We're planning on meeting up with them after that.Video :
Date: 2008-04-12
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry's Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 30 -- Thunder rolled and it sprinkled a bit during breakfast, but the rest of the day was gorgeous. We flew down to the road in great time, and although we had previously decided not to, we walked the road to Hercules and Fal's house for a great meal of Belgian waffles, pork stew, homemade bread, and homemade apple a la mode. A very nice couple and very much appreciated hospitality. For the rest of the day Wing-It!and I hiked with Stripe and Hangman. Halfway up to the shelter we took our packs off and sat and chatted for a rest. When we got to the shelter, Yazzie, No Eye Deer, and Ginken were there, and soon after, Stomp and Shuffle(who had also partook in the trail magic meal) arrived.Stomp and ShuffleWe had originally planned to eat lunch there, but we were just starting to not feel stuffed to the gills. At the top of the mountain we and Yazzietook a side trail to a fire tower that we couldn't really climb--there was razor wire and stuff. The rest of the day we cruised. We came across a lot of cliff views (see pictures) and had a pretty ridge walk. I was very thankful for great weather today for all the views. Toze and Top Hatwere already at the shelter when we arrived. We left early this morning to have a good amount of time for our longer day, but we ended up stopping a ton to enjoy fellowship and views. It was great...very glad we did it. It reminded me of the quote that I think we all need to keep in mind: "Don't lose sight of your journey for the sake of your destination." ?Video:
Date: 2008-04-13
From: Jerry's Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

Day 31 -- It snowed on us all day and it was great. We got up late because a cold front had moved in last night and it was about 32 degrees when we left--pretty drastic change from the 70's and 80's the two days before. We climbed Big Butt to accumulate 300 miles on our journey thus far. At lunch at Flint Mountain Shelter everyone from the previous night plus Beatbox and Rocksteady were there. We took a nice hour lunch and headed out again. A few miles later we (Wing-It!,Stripe and I) crossed the road to Yonder ('07 NOBO) who gave us chips, fruit, and brats! Nice guy! It was still snowy and cold and we headed out when we were finished eating. We really enjoyed hiking with Stripe the last two days--great company, great pace. Today, though, Wing-It!and I did a lot of talking about girl stuff, so I'm not sure he'll want to tomorrow. :&gt (He was pretty excited to reach the shelter and see Top Hat and guys to talk to!) We passed a nice waterfall and a pretty view to the "west"--it was neat to see the snowing sky far out there. Wing-It! and Top Hat.Others at the shelter tonight were Larry and Doug, Slowstepper, the five of us, Ginken, No Eye Deer, and Karenand Lucas (who also camped the last two nights with us). "So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable." -Christopher Reeve
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light rain

Day 32 -- We had planned on getting up early, since we knew we were doing 20 today (to get close to Erwin for Wing It's dentist appointment), but it was COLD out and a heavy dusting of snow covered the ground. We finally got up and moving and all five of us (Wing It, Top Hat, Hangman, Stripe, and I) headed out together. The snow was pretty, and pretty slippery, but we soon got used to it. It snowed on us all day, more so than yesterday even. The morning went by quickly with everyone together and taking group breaks. We started out with the dogs, too (they were left at the shelter two nights ago and we are trying to lead them to town). Big Bald was a fantastic sight covered in snow and the view was practically not existent. We hurried off to Bald Mountain Shelter for lunch, which was pretty quick since we were so cold. We left Hangman behind at the shelter enjoying a hot lunch, hoping to see him later in the evening. The afternoon going wasn't too bad, just long, but with the four of us together, seemed better. We crossed a road where we had a snack with thoughts of only 4.9 miles to go. We really trucked through the last bit, around and around the slanted trail framed us (Rhododendrons). I took a digger in some mud (added character to my outfit!). I rounded the corner to find Stripe sitting down and we took a few minutes to rest and complain. Today was the second day in a row that we stopped to rest so close to our destination, but didn't even know it. We plow into camp to see Stomp and Shuffles, Fantasy Feet, and Maniac! We weren't expecting to see him because he was trying to get ahead. Turns out he hurt his knee and had to slow. Glad to see him but too bad it's under these circumstances.
Date: 2008-04-15
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Nolichucky River Bridge
Miles today: 6.3

Day 33 -- It was still chilly out, but it was NOT snowing on us, at least from the sky. The weather warmed up enough to melt the snow off all the trees, and where are we hiking? ...under the trees! ...so we got wet, but not too bad. It wasn't like yesterday when our hair and the guys' beards were white with snow. The hike today wasn't so bad, but could've been better. I should've done one of two things: 1. NOT looked at the day's profile, or 2. memorized it corectly. I like to psych myself up for climbs or know when it'll be an easy downhill, but when you think it's supposed to be a down and you have a long ascent, it rattles you a bit--but it's all good. We had gorgeous views of the Nolichucky River (see pictures) and its surrounding mountains on the way down, as well as the sun shining through and on snow covered evergreens or Rhododendron. We also had the brown dog with us because she followed us instead of staying with the other dog. When we got to the road we "leashed" her and walked over to Uncle Johnny's hoping to find some help for the dog. Sparing you the details, we ended up leaving both dogs (after Stomp and Shuffles arrived with the Blue Tick Hound) with their word that they'd take care of them. For a small fee Uncle Johnny drove us to Pizza Plus for an AYCE. While we were enjoying our pizza and salad, Lady Cluck, Butters, Beafbox, Rocksteady, and another hiker came in too. We called Super 8 to shuttle us from there and they took us to the dentist where Wing It got taken care of. Afterwards we did town stuff like laundry and food resupply. When we returned to the motel, the guys wanted to go eat dinner. I was pretty tired from walking all around town for other chores, I was hoping we weren't going far. McDonald's was closer, but a high school bus just pulled up and it was crowded. Next door to Huddle House we went, then back to McDonald's for ice cream for Wing It and Mainiac. Back at the motel, I got to hang out with Stomp and Shuffles some, which was nice. Sounds like we're looking at 16 miles tomorrow--more than I was looking at with a full pack, but I'm working on psyching myself up for it.
Date: 2008-04-17
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

Day 35 -- Wing It and I were up and out of our bags before everyone else except Columbus. Hangman let me use some of his filter lubricant this morning and it's working so much better now. We all started out together again, but separated pretty fast because paces varied. We pretty much cruised through the morning--some ups and downs, but nothing really big. We stopped for lunch a little earlier than planned because we came across Top Hat and Stripe hangin' and eating at a campsite, like yesterday. As soon as I sat down I noticed my pink Nalgene was gone--the strap broke and it fell off a few miles back it turns out. Kenoa and Leilani came by later with it. After lunch, we were all low on water and stopped at Clyde Smith Shelter. After getting the water I was feeling antsy, and also wanting a few minutes to myself, so I left Wing It, Hangman, and Stripe at the shelter eating. I'm not sure where the energy came from, but I sped through the next three miles. I had great views from some cliffs and flew down towards Hughes Gap, passing Leiloni and Kenoa. I crossed the road and was enjoying a granola bar when Stripe and Wing It pulled up. Wing It wanted to keep moving and Stripe sat with me for a bit. I was really looking forward to climbing Roan Mountain (2,245 feet in 3.3 miles), but even with the snack I wore out fast. As I was descending to Ash Gap to get water, I fell hard on my knee--drew blood, but I was fine. Earlier in the day I tripped over a root, too, and fell. The fall in the morning was just because I was looking up, but the one in the afternoon was from exhaustion. I knew I was close to the gap and that some of the others would be there, so I dusted myself off and kept going. When I got to Ash Gap I had to walk a million miles down a steep trail to get the water, but I got to sit while filtering and talk to Columbus, who was going to camp at the gap along with another guy. Chatting and resting, along with a bag of chocolate cookies, rejuvenated me and I headed up the mountain again. This last part was a lot of steep step-like hiking--I love it! Before I knew it I was at the top and cruised over towards the shelter on some almost level ground. About 0.2 before it, I walked through a bunch of smoke, which got me excited, knowing I was close. There I met Steak-n-Shake along with the crew and Kenoa and Leiloni. I tried some Mac-n-cheese (not a big fan usually, but thought I'd try it out here--not too bad), had some liquidy chocolate pudding, and hung out around the fire. Hangman didn't make it in tonight--we are hoping he's okay! We've been reading notes from Fire and Mouth and think we might cach up with them over the next few days. Yeah! I've missed them. Just as much, I've enjoyed the small group which is very conducive to getting to know people better (i.e. Hangman, Top Hat, and Stripe).I wore my new short-sleeved shirt today, all day, and my poor arms got so much more sun than they've seen in months--so burned! "I'll do my dreaming with my eyes wide open, and I'll do my looking back with my eyes closed." --Tony Arata
Date: 2008-04-18
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 14.7

Day 36 -- Wing It and I were the first ones out of the shelter hiking today--mark your calendar! ( :>) We're always last out!) Not even a half mile down the trail we come across a Hubba with Hangman's head sticking out. He had heard us talking on our way down the mountain. Turns out he night hiked and missed the shelter, but wasn't sure where he was, and set up camp on the side of the trail. Top Hat caught up with us and we hiked down to the road where we heard there were bathrooms. We were hoping there'd be running water, but no such luck. I hiked up Round Bald alone and had some great views (see pictures), caught up with Wing It a little way further and we descended to Stan Murray Shelter where we decided to go to the next one for lunch. I ended up alone again and at the top of my last hill before the shelter I met a church group from Michigan who shared some chocolates with me, and I chatted with them. Overmountain Shelter was a beautiful place to lunch. After lunch we flew up Little Hump and Mump Mountains and enjoyed a great view there, too. It was all downhill from there and the four of us (Top Hat, Stripe, Wing It, and I) cruised down to the shelter. Top Hat and Stripe walked out to the road to go to a nearby steakhouse. Today we found out we are still a day behind Mouth and Fire--I'm getting tired of "chasing" after them. I wish we'd just catch up already!I saw a chipmunk today--not seeing much wildlife other than humans and birds (and spiders and mice :>) ) on a regular basis.
Date: 2008-04-19
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

Day 37 -- I startled two turkeys while "using the woods" this morning when I first got up. Understandable, I guess :>). We got an early start as it started sprinkling. I was chilled at first and put on my rain jacket, but on the next hill I was peeling it off. This put me behind Wing It and Stripe, so I raced to catch up to them and the hill flew by. I was feeling frustrated this morning, I guess because I was having a hard time keeping up with them. Wing It stops and waits for me and I love her company, but I feel like I'm holding her back. Anyway, the rain subsided and the sky was a mix of blue and fluffy clouds and we looked back into the valley and the sun was shining down and there were dark clouds in the distance--gorgeous (see picture). A bit later we even saw a rainbow! She and I caught up to Stripe and Top Hat (Hangman didn't make it in last night) and cruised with them--past Jones Falls where there were people who appeared to be Boy Scouts and past Elk River, where we thought for a moment that we were going to have to ford it. Around that time people started talking about lunch and the next two miles to the shelter felt the longest. We lunched at the newish Mountaineer Falls Shelter with Columbus. After lunch Wing It hiked like she had a fire under her bum and I felt like I was running just to keep up. That went on for four-ish miles--we made great time but I was pooped. I felt like I was crawling the rest of the day until we summited the last mountain and were heading toward the gap where we thought the shelter was. At lunch we had read in the shelter register that Mouth, Fire, and Daddy Long Legs (Mouth's old boss) had stopped there that morning, which meant they could possibly be staying at the shelter where we were planning on staying. So, as we descended we were pretty anxious to find out if we had finally caught up. She and I were talking and we hear yelling and we make noise back. We book it down the hill--hugs all around and catching up by the fire. As Wing It and I go to get water (long descent) it starts raining and by the time we return they're all under the shelter and we're soaked and cold. All of us huddled under the shelter, cooked dinner and caught up. It finally stopped raining and we congregated around the fire for the rest of the evening--Wing It, Fire, Mouth, Top Hat, Columbus (in sleeping bag!), Daddy Long Legs, Ken, James, Ken and Jeff...yeah!"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." -Theodore Roosevelt
Date: 2008-04-20
From: Moreland Gap Shelter

To: Kincora Hiking Hostel--Dennis Cove Rd.
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: light rain

Day 38 -- Wing It waited for me this morning and we headed out together. We passed Columbus but didn't come across Daddy Long Legs, which the guys indicated might heppen. It sprinkled off and on and the leaves, roots, and rocks were slippery enough that each of us fell at least once. After our last major up of the day we were descending and Fire flies down the hill past us, followed shortly by Mouth--they've really upped their paces! We got to Dennis Cove Road, wet and cold and glad we weren't hiking anymore today. We turned up the road and headed towards Kincora Hiking Hostel. There were two men at one of the houses on the right that we passed and we said, "Good mornin!" They returned it and a minute later one of them, later introduced as Robert (Bob), said something like, "Come over here and I'll give you some honey." Though hesitant at first, mostly bacause it took a minute to comprehend what he said, we headed over. He cut a piece of honeycomb for each of us to eat--very pleasant fellow--and the best honey I've ever had.The guys were at the hostel when we arived, but not our hosts. There was a sign telling us to make ourselves at home, which we did, and Daddy Long Legs and his mom brought us back some BBQ for lunch. While the gang played Monopoly, I took some time for myself upstairs going through my maildrop, bounce box, and camera mail. I needed to get myself in order and I needed to have some low key time. Bob (host) came in and announced a town run so we ran and got groceries and dinner (McDonalds and Pizza--yeah for food you don't have to rehydrate!). While I was waiting at the grocery store I finally got a hold of Joe to catch up and got to talk to his girlfriend, Amanda, too! Yeah! I really miss talking to them. When I got back to the hostel, I got to talk to Mom and Mike for a bit--Yeah! Bob came in and gave us information and stories about the upcoming trail--what a great guy altogether. This has been a great place to rest up--I really needed it--mentally and physically.