morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Gooch Gap

To: Woods Hole Shelter.
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light rain

Wet again. It rained all day. The trail was muddy and the 12 miles today would be a slog.I travelled in clouds throughout the day. The trail seemed to always be going up. But there were several climbs down as well.Waiting for a break in the rain that never came, I found a log to sit on and had some lunch. I only put on my rain jacket when I stop so I won't cool down as quickly and get cold. Despite the temperature and being wet, I get too hot while I'm hiking to wear a jacket.Along the trail I met a section hiker "Paul" from Scotland. His water filter wasn't functioning so I lent him mine and we got aqauinted while he filled his water bottles. By the time I reached Woods Hole Shelter, I was soaked to the bone and wanted to get dry, fed and warm. The entire area was mud and water. I stepped under the shelter overhang and first met "Rawhide and Maverick" from Oklahoma.They offered me a hot cup of coffee. I can't begin to tell you how much that cowboy brew of chest hair growing elixir, warmed me right up. We became instant friends. I learned they both had survived Cancer and a near death heart attack. They were best friends and this was their "Bucket List" adventure.Later when Freckles, Sprite, Pat and Springloaded arrived they too met Rawhide and Maverick as well. Our chemistry together was amazing. All of us so different but brought together for a reason? From then on we travelled together. Not in single file, we hiked our own hikes at our own pace. However, we would leap frog in the day and group in the evening. Rawhide later coined us the "Magnificent Seven". And that's who we were.I took a spot in the shelter as my tent was still wet and offered little protection from this heavy rainy night. I lent my down jacket to a woman named Freedom. She was not outfitted properly and was close to becoming hypothermic. She was a nice person and attempting to fulfil her dream. My right knee started hurting today. Years of abuse in the Army, a motorcycle accident and other neglect were starting to make itself known? To be expected I guess, but it was to early I thought to be happening.Tomorrow would be a short hike down to Neels Gap. The promise of a shower, hopefully real food and a chance to dry my gear made for a good nights sleep.Although it is only 7:00 p.m. it is late. Hiker Midnight is the term.Out here or in most any wilderness, the longer you are out, the more in rhythm with the earth you become. Up at dawn down at dusk.I am loving it. Thank you God.-Papa Sarge...
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Walasi-Yi Center at Neels Gap

To: Low Gap.
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Refreshed, resupplied, and now leaving this little oasis. I'm back on the trail at 9:00 a.m.Today consisted of several big climbs, I was treated to many mountainous views.Most of the day however was spent walking above the clouds. It's not everyday you can look down to the sky, but here it is becoming the norm. I am able to climb farther between momentary breathers. This is definitely a work out. But make no mistake, this is what I signed up for and I'm loving every minute of it.I rolled into Low Gap around 16:30 p.m. There was plenty of space so I pitched my tent. The remainder of the magnificent-seven showed up and we had our own tent city going on. There were a few other camps spread out in proximity.Did I mention I have been having a great time? Sometimes I feel like a kid again. I found this big vine hanging from a tall tree. It had Tarzan written all over it. I gave it a couple of good yanks to test it's strength. I Then backed up as far as I could to get a good running start. Next thing you know I was airborne, swinging out as far I could then back again, over and over. Man, that was fun!I bounced off the tree a couple of times, fell once or twice and somewhere in the process managed to cut my face. I was unaware of this until someone had mentioned it. Oh well, the price of having a good time.Today also had a pre-spring feel to it. A little warmer during the day and hints of sprouting greenery. Springloaded built another fire. We were all relaxed, laughing and having a great time. It seems like we are always laughing, everything is funny? In fact I can't remember when I laughed so much for so many days. My gut is killing me. I wish I could remember even one story to share? A remark, a look, some goofy attempt to do something? I am talking, down on the ground, sucking air, holding your gut from splitting laughter.I'm not sure what all has been ailing me, but this is the best medicine for it?We are playing just as hard at the end of the day as we are hiking during the day. These are truly good times.
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Low Gap

To: Rocky Mount.
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Awoke to heavy fog. We're not even in the Smoky's yet! Eventually the sun emerged.I took a few breaks along the way. Today was filled with steep climbs. I can feel my endurance building, however these mountains are still humbling. It's important to listen to your body. You can push it a little further when it starts whining, but don't ignore it. Most big mileage baggers I've met so far are beginning to pay the price. For many of us, this is a "dream of a life time". Why, would you want to rush it? The trail isn't going anywhere.The Magnificent Seven decided to pitch on the top ridge of Rocky Mount.It had just enough room to accommodate us all. Good bear bag hanging trees were getting a little scarce. Needless to say, the one we did use provided us with a good hour of challenge, laughter, challenge, laughter etc...At one point, Springloaded actually shimmied up a tree to un-snag the line. Later while still dealing with the same tree, Rawhide (all 6'-6" of him) held a broken sapling high above his head to snag the once again tangled line.Eventually, all bags were hung. What a day.Even after dark, when everyone was in their tents, you could still hear laughter.Today we also learned that "Freedom" whom had first walked with Sprite & Freckles for a while after Hawk Mountain Shelter, has left the trail.It is sad when you get to know someone and know the miles they have walked and mountains they have climbed but have decided to call it quits.It is sobering, as there are a multitude of reasons why and how you could be taken from the trail, we all live with the possibility. Good luck to you Freedom. It was a pleasure to meet you. Be proud of yourself, we are.Good night from the top of Rocky Mount.-Papa Sarge...
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Rocky Mount

To: Deep Gap Shelter.
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I Love being in the clouds.Not really keeping track of time. I am however generally up at 6:00ish.No alarm, it just happens that way. Most of us stir about the same time, so if one is moving the others are soon to follow.I have discovered that 2 bags of instant oatmeal for breakfast doesn't cut it.Four is more filling but still just doesn't seem to last long.Supplementing with Power or protein bars is becoming regular. But still the body fuel isn't lasting long with these daily climbs. I hiked alone all day. It was time to get lost in my thoughts for awhile.The fog was thick most of the day. There weren't really any views to see from any of the mountain tops.I came upon a few hunters. They were hunting wild boar with only dogs and knives. These dogs were massive Pit Bulls. I have seen many before, but none the size like these. I would compare the size of their heads to a bear.These creatures were the real deal. Bred to bring down big game. For several days I have noticed the side of the trail all tilled up. It's from the boars digging up grubs. They do more damage than 1000 treking poles ever could.I arrived at Deep Gap Shelter about 16:00. There I met "Sheppard" from Louisianna, and "Alaska" along with her dog Buddy. "Bama" was here also.I did my chores first. Set up my tent, located and filtered water for tonight & filled my pack bladder for tomorrow. Dinner comes after all else is done. Once I begin to have dinner though,I'm chillin and enjoying my down time. No more work for the rest of the night. I caught a glimpse of Alaska's dog "Buddy" peeing on another hikers pack. Although humorous, I had to keep an eye on him until he was in Alaska's tent for the night.Since arriving to camp, I have been hearing wild turkeys very close by and just out of sight. Eventually the rest of the gang arrived. Unfortunately Rawhide & Maverick had dropped back. They are encountering feet & knee issues. They are sorely missed.Tomorrow will be another "Nero" day. A Nero is a near zero mile day. It is only about 4 miles until we cross US 76 at Dicks Creek Gap. From there it is 11 miles west to Hiawassee for resupply. Trail Magic will prevail again.Freckle's Dad is coming back down to meet her. He will meet us again once we come down from the mountain. No hitch or long road walk to worry about tomorrow. Yowzir, blessed again!The chill in the air indicates it is cozy time. My sleeping bag awaits. The sun has dropped from the sky and it's time to drift off for the night.Real food and whatever awaits until tomorrow.Make no mistake, I'm loving it out here. But a cheeseburger and a pizza is sounding good right now. Good night.
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: few clouds

Woke up and looking forward to whatever the day may bring.Especially since it included a shower, laundry and most of all food!Did I mention I get hungry a little more often?Although short in miles, there were some big climbs and steep downs. We finally arrived at the foot of the mountain. Freckle's Dad was there waiting. We piled into the back of his pick up and he drove us to a little oasis called the Cloud 9 hostel. It had been awhile since I rode in the back of a truck like that. It felt great!Our original plan was to just shower, laundry, resupply and get right back on the trail. Buutttt, after chores Mark drove us into Hiawassee. We ate in a Mexican restaurant and had our fill of meaty, cheesy dishes and cold beer.Next stop was really amusing. We went to Ingles Grocery store for resupply.I was surprised how comical this turned out to be?After only a week, many mountains climbed and a few camp fires, being in the store was like being at Disney Land. Shopping took on a whole new dimension. It must be similar to when someone comes to America from a third world country for the first time and experiencescivilization. I can't remember when I enjoyed shopping for tuna this much.Every aisle was an experience.Mark drove us back, we thanked him and said our good-byes. What a great guy! Thanks to you too Freckles.Now, where do I start about the Cloud 9?It's set on a large property, with a main lodge type building. Inside there's some bedrooms, showers, laundry and a big living area to hang out in. There's a big kitchen and dining area as well. Downstairs is more bunk space.Outside there is a bunk house and hot tub. Although it sounds tempting, sharing a hot tub with others that have a multi-day funk going on, made it seem less appealing. Our friends Rawhide & Maverick showed up so we changed our plans and decided to stay. By that time all the bunks were taken. However, "Crutch" a previous thru-hiker who was friends and helping the owners, put us up in an RV up the hill. What a treat. Sprite, Freckles and I had our own private hostel.It overlooked the trout pond where our dinner came from and enjoyed a glider and hammock out front. A nice place to chill, enjoy wine and socialize with our friends in a relaxed setting. We went down and sat around a big camp fire with everyone. Although I had fresh smoked trout for dinner, I enjoyed the Gumbo that Sheppard had made. A tribute to his Lousianna heritage.I can't believe I'm hiking the AT and living like this! Unbelievable.This is the kind of place that can suck you in, and you would never want to leave. This is a welcome rest. However, I can't wait to get back on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Hiawassee

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

Had a great night's sleep. Sprite, Freckles & I packed up our gear, cleaned up the RV and headed down to the big hostel. Our little group sat down to a terrific breakfast that the girls had made. (thank you!)With our bellies full, it was time to get back to the trail. It was difficult to leave as the stay was exceptional. However, we were shuttled back to the trail head, expressed our sincere thanks and away we went.I have noticed that we, of the magnificent 7, have become a very tight group.We have become a small tribe. How did that happen? We all look out for each other and I feel protective of the others. I'm sure they feel the same.Today had many big climbs. Georgia has definitely been a real eye opener.I've taken many breaks throughout the day. It feels good to be out here. The sun feels good in the cool air. We all are spread out but meet up at breaks or leap frog during the day.Today was a big milestone. As I arrived at Bly Gap, there on a tree was a little wood sign with the letters NC/GA carved in it. I had just crossed into North Carolina! 1 state down, 13 to go. And yes, it felt gooooood!It seemed like a good place to pitch for the night. The ground had plenty of room for tents, but was on an incline. Totally flat ground is not always available. The only one it didn't matter to was Springloaded. He was hammocking.With us tonight was "Micro" and her father "Where's the Cat." How cool, I would love to be sharing this adventure with any of my daughters. As it turns out Micro had hiked about 1000 miles of the trail last year. And now she has returned. Way to go Micro! Alsaka & Buddy strolled in along with Zeke.Zeke is a lady from Wisconsin who has a spirit that won't quit. She is inspiration to everyone. We are in good company tonight, sharing this part of the trail together.After chores, we all walked a short way up the trail to the famous "crooked tree" that we have seen before in many a journal. We took turns setting up our cameras on "timer" then running back and posing for a group shot.This was a "Laurel & Hardy" event. How many times we ran back & forth from setting the camera, posing, & realizing it didn't work! Then run back to re do-it. Well, you get the idea.Several of us walked to the mountains edge and sat watching a beautiful sunset.What I'm feeling right now is, how great it feels to be alive! I'm enjoying every minute of every hour. This is special, this is... where I'm suppose to be.Rain is expected tonight. The temperature is dropping rapidly. It's cold.Hopefully, I'll stay dry? I know I'll stay warm. So from North Carolina, I switch my head lamp off and say good night.
Date: 2008-04-11
To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up for the first time in North Carolina.It was a cool & rainy day. Immediately after walking past the "crooked tree"the trail went straight up. You can't tell this from the pictures.It seemed like yesterday that Georgia didn't want you to forget her, so the last miles were real uphill "Ball busters". Not wanting to be out done, North Carolina presented it's own version of "Let's kick your ass". In addition, the weather was not favorable. The barometer on my watch continued to drop all day. I have come to rely heavily on this watch. It was a gift from my long time good friend Don Stauffer. It's accuracy paid off many times and enabled me to prepare for bad weather before it was too late. Thanks Don, I wore it every day in your honor.The rest of the day had steep climbs and rain. When I arrived at Standing Indian Shelter, there were 2 couples whom were finishing their section hike.The men were "Rear Guard" & "Caboose" the ladies names seemed to have escaped me for the moment. I recall they were all from Gainesville Florida.Since this was their last day on the trail, they shared bars of Dark Chocolate and other treats, Trail Magic again. The weather was extremely foul, I opted to sleep in the shelter. I finally had to leave the fire I was sitting by as the rain made it pointless.Later, a wicked storm hit. Thunder & lightning of Biblical proportions hammered down. Springloaded whom was hammocking came running into the shelter. I got up and helped him re-hang his hammock under the awning of the shelter and over the picnic table. Another comical moment. Eventually, he was back in the sack and all was good.I woke up a few times during the night. The flash of lightning illuminated the trees. I could still see them after it was dark again. It was a good feeling to be warm & dry and still able to feel the wind and moisture blowing. This was a good night to be in a shelter.
Date: 2008-04-12
To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning I was the first one up. I tried to be very quiet as I made breakfast. My hunger couldn't wait but I didn't want to wake the others. This is a draw back to staying in the shelter. You either are awakened too early by someone else or you are the one waking others. This a notch better however, than being the #$*!%?* who snores all night.The morning was still wet and rainy. The terrain was not as severe and eventually the weather cleared. So much in fact, that several of us stopped to enjoy a view from a mountain side vista. This was probably the clearest view of the surrounding mountains since the start.A few of us arrived at Betty Creek Gap together. There were some other hikers already set up in the immediate area, so we took a side trail looking for a secluded stealth tent site.Although it was cool, the sun was out and felt good. I took an immersion bath in a nearby creek. It kind of took my breath away, but was refreshing and much needed. Afterward I laid in an open field soaking up the warm sun and drying off.Before the sun set, we enjoyed our dinner while sitting around a fire together. Good people, good laughs, good times. The temperature was dropping down to the 30's tonight. Later, after going to sleep, we were all awakened by the yells and comotion from a near by camp site of section hikers. At first I thought someone was being murdered. I recalled noticing earler how unsecure their camp was while they were off some where? Apparently, a bear noticed too and came back for a midnight snack. Yuk-yuk-yuk, I guess they'll know better next time?Oh well, back to sleep. Tomorrow brings the promise of a hot shower and good food. The town of Franklin is the destination for tomorrow. BBQ, steak or fried chicken? It all sounds good.
Date: 2008-04-13
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Franklin NC
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

By now, a daily routine just happens, like breathing.Most everyone appears to have a morning and evening ritual. Even the way a pack is loaded has a specific order. This morning was cold. Everything was packed up except retrieving the hanging food bags. No big deal, another routine right? Fortunately however, Sprite just happened to be looking up. The large branch holding several bags snapped and crashed where she had been standing. Needless to say, "looking up" where bear bags are concerned, has also become part of a routine.At 4000 feet everything is brown. Bare trees and no foliage. You do get great views of the tops of clouds though. As each of us made our way downward to US 64 at Winding Stair Gap, everyone had the same thing in mind. FOOD, SHOWER, LAUNDRY.Wondering whether or not if we all had to hitch in to town, we spotted a little yellow bus that was parked nearby. What luck! It was none other than Ron Haven, local & legendary Trail Angel. It just so happens that Ron owns a little motel called the Budget Inn. Guess where we were going?Check in was a little sketchy. This is a small place with not a lot of rooms. I ended up sleeping on the floor while sharing a room with my good friends TopShelf & Springloaded. After we all showered, the room suffered "pack explosion." There was gear hung and spreadout everywhere to dry.This was a welcome rest for my knee. It has become annoying, even though I was once taught "pain is nice, pain is fun, pain... is your friend." As for blisters, fortunately, in my years of backpacking I know ahead of time where I will get them. Preventive "duct tape" maintenance has been reapplied and I'm good to go.By no coincidence, there just happened to be a a great BBQ restaurant nearby called CODY's. The ribs& chicken combo was primo! The 2 drafts of Amber Black wasn't bad either. The owner "Peter" hung a special sign in the entry way that all Hikers signed. Franklin is a welcome little Oasis. Afterward, we picked up some junk at the gas station and headed back to chill and hang out. It's times like these that makes it hard to believe you're actually hiking the AT. However, this is all part of hiking the AT. This is a great way to live!
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Franklin NC

To: Wayah Shelter.
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light snow

It seems no matter how hard you try, when packing up next to people who are sleeping, you just can't do it quietly?Topshelf & Springloaded decided to stay in bed and "Zero" today. (Zero = no miles) Was it because of too much beer last night or the snow today?At least they would be here when Maverick & Rawhide arrive. I sure do miss those Okies.Ron drove us back to the trailhead. So, Freckles, Sprite & myself made our way up the cold & snowy trail. It wasn't long before Freckles smiled a devlish grin and a snowball fight soon broke out.Along the way reaching a summit there was a fire tower. It was begging to be climbed, so I did. The view was overcast and the COLD wind was whipping.As usual, the climbs were many and steep. It snowed all day. Once we arrived at the "John Byrne" stone memorial tower we briefly went inside to get a break from the weather. We climbed up to the lookout but the fog and snow prevented any views.We moved on a little way to find a tent site. Sprite remembered reading about a new shelter somewhere so we hiked on until we found it.We gathered wood and made a quick fire to warm up. There was another gentleman named "Dawdy" whom was section hiking. He had a small fire going in the shelter to dry out his wet clothes. With no hot food either, he was in a critical situation, but survived. Skipping some details here, Freckles had a bon fire going despite the odds of the weather and the fact that she wasn't an eagle scout. (kind of a private joke.) However, never tell her that she can't do something. She'll make you eat your words and show you up in a heart beat. Not wanting to deal with a frozen tent in the morning, the shelter was a good place to be. The open side, faced a beautiful sunset. The temperature dropped below 20 degrees, I'm not sure how far? My down 15 degree bag was worth it's weight in gold tonight.Life is good.