morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-03-20
From: Rocky Mountain Campsite

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.7

The black flies are becoming more than just annoying today, more like hide-in-your-tent annoying. We met a group of older hikers on our way up Tray Mountain - Rainbow, No Trace and Unbreakable. They've already hiked 1,000+ miles on the Florida Trail this year and plan to thru hike the AT this summer. Wow! (See mom and dad? You could totally do this.) They were wearing bugnets and we thought that was pretty smart.We went to the top of Tray Mountain, and then down again, and then up again onto Kelly Knob - it felt like it would never end. We were sweating buckets because it's been so warm (almost 80 I think) and sunny. We have hardly hiked in the rain so far, and for that I am grateful!We made it to Deep Gap Shelter, and yet again it's a popular spot. The AT this time of year is certainly not for those wanting solitude, it's a pretty social endeavor. We've been hiking with Crackle, Sam and Drew the past few days, and we all are planning on a town trip to Hiawassee tomorrow. Shower and resupply time!
Date: 2012-03-21
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: scattered clouds

It feels like summer already! I'm sleeping better and better each night, although it gets quite muggy in my warm sleeping bag. Eric has given up completely on his and just sleeps in his silk liner.We got up about 6 this morning and hiked in the dark for a bit. We were trying to meet a shuttle at 9AM at Dick's Creek Gap to take us into town. It was foggy, and humid, and the hike was mostly downhill to the road. We met Crackle at the highway and came into town - him just to resupply and move on. Eric and I are staying the night (at the Budget Inn) to rest up and eat at the China Buffet. It's about 8PM now and we've already prepared for our next section of hiking - grocery shopping, dealing with the bounce box (thanks Bea!), laundry and shower. After dinner, Eric asked me "Don't you miss hiking?", so I think he's having a good time out here.Oh, I saw my first bear today! A cub on the side of the road, while shuttling into town. I've been keeping my eyes peeled and surprised it's taken me so long.We'll check in again in about a week, maybe at Fontana Dam, NC?
Date: 2012-03-22
From: Hiawassee, GA

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: light rain

The shuttle back to Dick's Creek Gap (to continue our hike where we left off) was at 9AM. By 9:15 Eric and I were huffing up a hillside, getting rained on. We checked the weather, and it's supposed to be rain the next couple of days. We were hiking in the clouds and fog as we went up and down, up and down all morning. At noon we reached our goal for the day: the Georgia/North Carolina border! Yay! 1 state down, 13 to go. We took some pictures and moved along. We're at Standing Indian Shelter with a familiar crew: San & Drew, Devyn & Kelly, Crackle, and some new folks - Michael, Sarah and Blue Fox. Turns out Sarah is from Syracuse, NY and her father was a professor at ESF, the same college Eric graduated from in 2007! She was pretty excited. Blue Fox was one of those names we've seen in the registers the past week and was always a day ahead of us. It was neat to finally catch up to him.We have a fire going, Kelly and Devyn are pretty great about getting one started as we arrive at camp. It's cooler tonight which feels nice. More later.Lauren
Date: 2012-03-23
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: moderate rain

Looks like our welcome into North Carolina is RAIN, and lots of it. It's getting chillier outside (probably more normal for this time of year) and today the sun didn't show itself at all. We hiked in the pouring rain off and on most of the day, leapfrogging Blue Fox until lunch.The whole crew stopped at Carter Gap shelter for some reprieve from the rain. If we sat there too long, we got cold, so we kept moving after a bite to eat. The terrain today was mostly even, and everyone agreed that it was one of the easier days of hiking. Rhododendron forests are everywhere! We walked in clouds all day, so I'm not sure about the views, but I bet they would have been great. Our only real climb of the day was Albert Mountain - and what a climb! Scrambling up, up, up rocks and stairs. A fire tower marked our first 100 miles on the trail thus far. Eric and I are at Big Springs Shelter tonight with Drew & Sam, Crackle, Michael, and a group of three and a dog section-hiking. We filled the shelter to the brim. No one wants to tent tonight because we all have wet everything from the rain last night.
Date: 2012-03-24
From: Big Springs Shelter

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: broken clouds

We woke up early this morning and packed up in the dark. We stayed dry in the shelter but we were packed in pretty tight. I far prefer staying in our tent but it was nice not having to deal with it being wet and carrying the extra weight. We hiked a quick 5.4 miles down to Rock gap where we saw a bus waiting. Lauren asked the driver how much it cost and he just said, "its free, shut up and get in". The driver was Ron Haven, a local politician and former hiker who owns a few hiker-friendly hotels in the area. He dropped us in Franklin where we started on getting our chores done. At a hotel we started our laundry and hung out in our raingear. While there we talked with a hiker, Lake, who is hiking the Eastern Continental Trail. He started in Key West and will end in Canada, the AT is just a portion of his hike! (http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=12694). Lake was staying in the hotel so he let us each get a shower in his room while the laundry finished.Afterwords we headed down the road to a restaurant where I grabbed a giant burger and Lauren got a half-chicken with mac-n-cheese. We then hauled our packs and full bellies up to the grocery store for a quick resupply. We wanted to get back to the trail that afternoon rather than stay in a hotel again so soon after Hiawasse. With the shuttle service done for the day we started hiking out of town with our thumbs out. It must have been over a mile on hot pavement before a couple in a truck stopped and picked us up. They said they were moving that day and needed a diversion. By the time we got back to the trail the sunny weather was over and some nasty clouds were moving in. We hopped out, put on our rain gear, and started moving. We went 7.4 more miles and got into the next shelter around 7:30. A long but productive day. The shelter was pretty full with a lot of new faces. We set up our tent, ate a dinner of random snacks, and fell asleep to the drizzle.
Date: 2012-03-25
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Packed it up about 8AM and hit the trail this morning. Eric and I both felt pretty sluggish all day. My legs felt like lead weights were attached. Maybe because we didn't eat dinner last night? (it was late and rainy when we got in to our camp).It's colder out now, it hardly got above 50 degrees, maybe we couldn't really warm up.It hardly rained today, which was great, and Eric and I were bundled up pretty much all day. We hiked up in elevation a lot in the morning, until we made it to Wayah Bald. Gorgeous views from a stone tower that was built as a viewing platform. We got to the shelter tonight and for once I feel like I've had enough for one day - I can't go any further tonight. My legs need to rest or we need to eat more, or something. Speaking of food, we haven't quite gotten our "hiker's appetite" yet, but we are definitely hungry. My stomach growls the instant I wake up and I want to snack all day long. Hot dinners have been wonderful at the end of the day. Sarah & Drew, and Michael AKA "Indy" just showed up at camp - we are on the same schedule it seems.
Date: 2012-03-26
From: Cold Springs Shelter

To: Grassy Gap Campsite
Miles today: 14.1

A chilly morning, but 30 minutes into our hiking day, we had peeled off all our layers. I felt rested and strong, unlike yesterday. It's sunny and it warmed up in the afternoon with a nice, cool breeze. Perfect for hiking!We made it to the Wesser Bald Observation Tower and climbed the stairs for a gorgeous view and a snack. North Carolina is a tough state to hike in, so far Georgia seems easy in comparison. We had a steep grade down from 4,000ft to 1,300ft, where we met the Nantahala River and the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Most people get their first drop box here. The outfitter there had the best Hiker Box with Clif Bars, powdered milk, a bag of pine nuts and pb&j with graham crackers. For friends and family that don't know, a Hiker Box is literally a box that outfitters, motels or any other service that comes in contact with lots of hikers sets out. Hikers leave what they don't need (gear and food) and take what they do. Kind of like take a penny, leave a penny. Basically, us hikers either get sick of the food we send ourselves, or send ourselves way too much food, and end up giving it away. Anyway, we love hiker boxes.After stocking up with food for the next 2 days at the small grocery (minimal options there) and eating an ice cream sandwich, we hiked on up to 3,200ft in no time. It was exhausting. We found an unmarked campsite near a stream and called it a day. Maybe we'll be camping by ourselves for the first time. For dinner tonight: box of stuffing mix with olive oil, pine nuts and spam added. You'd think we were eating thanksgiving dinner.
Date: 2012-03-27
From: Grassy Gap Campsite

To: Cody Gap Campsite
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: clear sky

We've managed to hike for nearly 2 weeks with no trail magic until today, when 3 different people offered us some goods. Trail magic is something a good samaritan offers to hikers in support of their travels. Today it was 2 gallons of good, clean water someone left on the trail for us, some Little Debbie snacks and coke, and a boy scout hiking to earn his backpacking merit badge gave us some jolly ranchers! These offerings helps the hikers out so much (we talk about it for weeks to other hikers). Having the support from others who just want to give back to the trail makes me glad to be a part of it. I need all the help I can get because North Carolina continues to be a challenge! My legs are used to Georgia grades and when the incline gets steep, I feel like I hit a brick wall, especially at the end of the day. It's all preparation for the next phase, though. The views from this section are more beautiful, though, I must say. We're doing well, and excited to get into Fontana Dam tomorrow for a little R&R. Eric is nursing a small blister, and mine seem to managing themselves. It's all good!
Date: 2012-03-28
From: Cody Gap Campsite

To: The Hike Inn
Miles today: 10.2

An early start this morning in anticipation of our stay at The Hike Inn - we were using our headlamps for a few minutes because the sun hadn't risen yet. About 30 minutes into our hike, we were both warmed up and moving at a fast clip. We had a few sharp rises to reach Black Gum Gap, our first view of Fontana Dam. I can't decide whether those who decided where the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina would go are vindictive for making the trail straight up hills or are thoughtful for bringing us to the best views of the surrounding areas.The last 3 miles of the day was a steep descent,and my knees are feeling it for the first time, really. By 11:30 we were done hiking for the day - finally we can relax! We're staying at a small hikers-only inn with StumpKicker, Superwolf, and Granbob. We were having a good time chatting on the porch before dinner. The owners Nancy and Jeff have run this service here for 20 years. Forget what I said about NOC having the best Hiker Box, The Hike Inn has the BEST Hiker Box. Instant Smores, Clif Bars, Pasta Sides (a cheap pasta dinner that is very popular), and bags and bags of delicious trail mix. We had dinner in town, our laundry is done, and satellite TV is on. We are trying to rest up while we can. We also got our first food drop that should last us through part of the smokies (Great Smoky Mountain National Park). That's what's up next! I've heard it can be very cold and very wet in that section, so we will see what it brings.
Date: 2012-03-29
From: The Hike Inn

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: light rain

This morning we got a talk from Jeff, the owner of the Hike Inn, about the special rules us thru-hikers need to follow when in the smokies. First, we get a free pass in the park and don't need reservations, which is nice. Next, we must stay in the shelters (we can't just pitch a tent anywhere we want like in the National Forest or wilderness. He says thru-hikers are at the "bottom of the totem pole". If a hiker shows up at a shelter with a reservation, we can be kicked out of the shelter and forced to tent directly next to the shelter. Then he proceeded to scare us with his bear, snake, feral pig, and lightening talk. Basically, respect and be aware of the wildlife, which are always good rules to follow.At 830 we entered the park. We climbed 2000ft immediately to Shuck Stack Tower. From there we have been following the ridges, and it's been kind of a nice walk. We met some section-hikers (just hiking the smokies section of the AT), and are staying a ta really nicely renovated stone shelter with bunks. The Flash from Kentucky, MoonBeam, Stephen from Germany and Caveman from Pennsylvania are here with us. They've been hiking somewhat together for a while now and they're a nice bunch! Stephen builds a great fire. Also, there is a Ridgerunner named Carl staying here tonight (he is basically a park ranger that patrols this area of the smokies).
Date: 2012-03-30
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

If you look at a map of the AT through the smokies, it runs mostly east, which seems wrong because we want to go NORTH, but this park is so special, I'm happy to be here.By 930AM, the Ridgrunner Carl, Eric and I made it to Rockyt Top (the very place the song "Rocky Top" was written about. At around 300PM, while stopped at Silers Bald Shelter for a rest,a storm rolled in, bringing with it cold wind and so much rain! We were hoping to get to the next shelter, only 2 miles away, but we waited out the weather it didn't improve much. Eric and Tim built a nice fire inside the shelter. These shelters have fireplaces inside! J-Bird, Gypsy Soul, Barefoot, NoKey, SeldomSeen, Fireweed and Ivanex are in the shelter tonight. It's packed. Eric and I both don't really like staying in shelters (the mice, spiders, people noises), but not having to pack up a wet tent in the morning will be nice. And I have to say, so far these shelters have no mice in them that I have seen. They're there apparently, but not obnoxious. The shelters here in the smokies are kept much cleaner than shelters outside the park. I think people are generally more careful about food and trash because of the threat of bears.
Date: 2012-03-31
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

Last night, about 1AM,a group of 3 hikers came into the shelter making a racket. Everyone was asleep of course, and were woken up. At 7AM, Eric and I snuck out of the shelter to make it to Clingman's Dome. Originally, we wanted to see the sunrise from there, but there was lots of rain overnight and the whole morning we were in the clouds and fog. There was no view whatsover from Clingman's (the highest point on the AT - 6,600ft in elevation). The forest around Clingman's was so unique, it seemed to change so suddenly. It was wet, foggy, and moss and lichen was growing on absolutely everything. The best part of the smokies so far.The fog cleared by 1PM and by 2PM we were in Gatlinburg (the craziest tourist town you've ever seen). Eric and I each ate a 12 inch pizza and drank a beer at the brewery, yum. Our appetites have really increased these past 2 days. My stomach growls in the middle of the night and it demands food immediately where days before I could put it off. While eating, a gentleman and his wife asked us if were were thru-hikers and then gave us a $20 bill to put toward our food bill! Before we could say anything they were gone. People are so generous!After stuffing ourselves, we shopped for groceries, and looked into a shuttle back to the trail at the local outfitter. At this point, a young guy started chatting with us about the AT and offered us a ride. He is a freshman Nutrition student at UT in Knoxville. Very nice guy, we talked about food mostly.As we approached Newfound Gap to resume hiking, we ran into some hikers we stayed with 2 nights back (Caveman, MoonBeam, and Stephen). They were going into Gatlinburg for the night. Clouds were starting to build and we were all predicting a storm. We had a moment where we thought we should have stayed in town - but something about the trail makes us want to push on. They probably felt sorry for us as we hiked on. Luckily we were all wrong - 3 miles later we arrived at the Icewater Springs Shelter dry, and it's turning out to be a nice night after all. Wendy, Peanut-Eater, Unbreakable, No Trace, Rainbow and a few others are all here. Cool night, but we are safe and dry in our bags.
Date: 2012-04-01
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Stealth Camp at Mt Camerrer
Miles today: 23.1

I forgot to mention that yesterday morning, before leaving early from the shelter, a woman named Fireweed suggested my trail name to be "Sprite", as in the mystical woodland nymph. She said it just came to her and she thought it fit me. After a little thought, I decided to stick with it. I also really like to drink Sprite, after all. Most everyone goes by a trail name out here, especially if they are thru-hikers. It's a tradition. Eric has yet to accept one, although he's thinking of "Snag" (because he once caught our bear rope badly in a tree before recovering it) or "Tailgate" (because when I hike in front he ends up literally a step and half behind me). We'll keep you all updated.Today was a big miles day. We wanted to get to the Mt. Camerrer tower because we were told that it is perfect for sleeping in and no one goes there. We are here now and let me tell you, it is spectacular. If I could load pictures right now I would post the most beautiful sunset I've ever seen! We left at 7AM and got some great views from Charlie's Bunion and Bradley's view of the sunrise. I saw some fog and clouds forming over the mountain tops, giving it the appearance of smoke. I have to think that's where the term "smokies" comes from. We climbed Mt. Sequoyah and Mt. Chapman before lunch and ate with Peanut-Eater at a shelter. He's a 60-something year-old man that has hiked the PCT and most of the CDT. He is fast, too, and plans on a 27-mile day today. wow. Clouds built in the afternoon and by 430 it rained, but not much. The sun came back out and we made it to the Camerrer tower. A great day!A quick injury report: Eric feels generally sore (a given for a long hike and hiking every single day!) but good and my left ankle is having issues. I thought it was my achilles tendon, and then my shin started to really hurt (both on my left leg), but my inside ankle is swollen, and it hurts. Tomorrow we're making it to Standing Bear Hostel where I plan to ice it and rest some. Blisters are like a distant memory, we don't even really think about them anymore.
Date: 2012-04-02
From: Stealth Camp at Mt Camerrer

To: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: clear sky

This morning we woke up to howling winds and we were completely socked in the fog. We left Mt Camerrer, and I hobbled down the hill the 7+ miles to Standing Bear Hostel. We exited the park, and are moving on to the next section! It's been a while since I've been able to update this journal, thanks for being patient! I make daily notes in my notebook and wait until I can get to town and transcribe them, one day at a time. I've been also waiting to upload our pictures, but you should see the computer I'm using now. It's outdated to say the least. This hostel is really neat, though. We wash our clothes by hand, using a washboard, there is a privy like at the shelters, and an outdoor kitchen. There is a small store here, and all of the transactions are on the honor system. You take what you want, and when you leave, you put cash in an envelope and leave it in a box. There were lots of hikers here earlier, but most people moved on to the next camp site. I for one am ready for a bed and a pillow for the night. I soaked my ankle in the stream for a while, and am hoping by tomorrow I will be ready to hike some more. It feels like shin splints, but my ankle is still swollen. hm. I want to say thanks for everyone's thoughts and prayers! We are having a great time with lots of challenges, but we're having fun and hope to accomplish a lot with this trip. Thanks for checking in, I try to update whenever I can! Also, Eric and I got our food drop here and thanks to Simon, Graham, Oliver and Laurel for your pictures. I saw there are extra m&ms and pop tarts in there. We'll eat them immediately!
Date: 2012-04-03
From: Standing Bear Farm - Hostel

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

Max Patch was the main attraction today, and we were hoping for good weather. In the morning, we descended into Brown Gap, where there was a Trail Angel, named Apple, set up with trail magic of cokes, oreos, chips and honey buns. Eric figures he consumed 800 calories in about 20 minutes (2 cokes, 3 bags of chips and half of a jumbo honey bun). I had a coke, some oreos and the other half of the honey bun. Our new hiking buddies (we keep running into them lately) Nutter Butter, Couch, Steamroller, and Shanti all show up and we are drunk with sugar, laughing and having a great time!We see the clouds moving in and the rumble of thunder off in the distance. Apple, the Trail Angel, tells us about someone who died last year from a lightening strike on Max Patch. It really is a risk because it's such a high bald with no trees and is very exposed. We all try to beat the bad weather. Eric and I summited and were off Max Patch right before the storm, as was Nutter Butter and Steamroller. Once we all got to the shelter, a few hikers said they were stuck on the other side of Max Patch, huddled on the ground to avoid the lightening. They weren't in danger, they were just being cautious, and they said it was a nice lightening show.We're staying in the shelter tonight. Eric and I claim to like tenting better, but maybe after staying in the shelters in the smokies it doesn't seem that bad. About my shin splints: Couch counseled me on how to manage them and told me they could turn into a stress fracture if I fail to take care of them. So tomorrow I will wrap my leg and I hope to get some rest in Hot Springs, NC soon.
Date: 2012-04-04
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn -- Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

I'm glad we sheltered last night because of the rain last night. Eric and I rolled out of camp at 8AM to climb Bluff Mountain, our big hill for the day. It's warm today, and mostly sunny. Our legs have really become familiar with going up hills. Don't get me wrong, we still sweat a lot. We must be getting our trail legs. I like to think so, anyway, but my shin splints aren't getting any better. I wrapped them today while hiking and iced them for a while when we got into Hot Springs this afternoon.Eric and I are staying at a highly rated (by hikers) bed and breakfast called Elmer's Sunnybank Inn. There's lots of history in this old Victorian house. We're planning a "zero" day tomorrow - our first day of no hiking! We got our drop box along with a surprise box from my dad, Kathi and Katie! The treats are welcomed (and half gone by now) and my new bracelet is gorgeous. I have such a great family - thanks guys!Lastly, Eric's trail name is now officially "snag". Whew, glad that's done. Now we just have to get used to introducing ourselves using our alias.