morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-06
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we racked up 9 miles in just over 3 hours. Pretty quick for us. Must be a town at the end of those 9 miles! Franklin. NC. We remembered to set our clocks ahead this morning as we left the shelter. The 9 miles put us at Winding Stair Gap. At that point we needed to find a ride into town. After trying to hitch a ride for 15 minutes in the wrong direction, we realized we are idiots. So we crossed the road and stuck out the thumbs in the other direction. After about a half hour with no luck our spirits were low. On top of that it was beginning to drizzle. Just as all hope was lost, who pulls over to give us a ride? No other than out section-hiker buddy Short Trip! Talk about Trail Magic. This guy is a true tail angel and looks out for us thru-hikers whenever he can. After driving around town a bit, we got a room at the Microtel since it is within walking distance to everything. After getting settled in the room and a quick call with Bridget, we hit the Shoney's AYCE Buffett. I think we got our money's worth. When we sat down the waitress got our drinks and then told us she was taking a break so another waitress would have to take care of our bill. We assurred her that we would probably be around when her break ended. Sure enough, we were.Tomorrow we are taking a "zero" day to rest our muscles and let the weather blow through. All in all I'm feeling good but we are still trying to take it easy. A busy day of errands awaits tomorrow."Either get busy livin', or get busy dyin'" -- Shawshank Redemption
Date: 2003-04-07
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

A zero in Franklin! Ahhhhh.....Franklin, NC -- the most pedestrian un-friendly town I've ever seen. I've been walking around all morning doing errands (laundry, super market, etc.) and have not seen a sidewalk yet. Oh well, the town makes up for it with their hospitality. Everyone is really nice. While at the laundromat this morning, a guy found a .45 caliber bullet in the dryer. Don't see that every day!I'm sitting at the library now enjoying the internet access and chatting with the other thru hikers that always seem to hang out at the same places (librarys, AYCE buffetts, and cheap hotels). A trail angel (Beth Blue Jeep) at the library gave us some money for a nice dinner tonight. Her generosity is unbelievable and completely represents the type of people we have met on this trip. It looks like Pizza Hut tonight instead of Ramen. Thanks Beth Blue Jeep!!!!!!Looking forward to talking with Bridget and the family some more tonight. Also going to drink some beers and watch the NCAA finals. Congrats to the Beav who won the family pool.
Date: 2003-04-08
From: Franklin, NC

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: light rain

Got a ride to the trail from Dolores from NCH. We did 15.8 miles to the shelter which was full. I'm tenting up on a ridge.It rained all day today and I'm exhausted. it was the longest day yet and the rain made it tough. wesser tomorrow. thought it would take 3 but we are doing it in two days. i'm tired and wet. Hopefully my mp3 player will help me drift to sleep.The smokies are coming....
Date: 2003-04-09
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: NOC
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Another day on the trail with rain. Not only rain but hail! I woke up to the pitter patter of raindrops on the fly. I din't want to get out of the tent hoping the rain would let up. eventually it died to a mild drizzle so I packed up as fat as I could. Ate a cold breakfast of granola bars and Nestle Crunch--Breakfast of Champions? We did 11.5 miles through varied terrain. When the sun did make its brief appearance we were given amazing views of the Nantahalas and the Smokies which await us to the north. The day was filled with slipping and sliding down the trail. I fell on my ass and got covered in mud. Nice! after nearly 12 miles we walked down to the NOC,(Natahala Outdoor Center) in Wesser, NC. The place is an outdoor mecca with hiking, mtn. biking and worldclass whitewater sports all in one cool setting. We rolled in right at 5:00 so the place was kind of dead but it still seemed real cool. right away Sidewinder got to work on the options for lodging. $15 for the bunkhouse was the only option right at NOC. Mike found a cabin a mile up the road foe $50 bucks. we decidedit was worth the extra $10 a piece so we were on it. we got a ride up the road from 2 former through hikers Pack Mule and ??? Argggh Dam that short term memory. Anyway they were really cool and in a few minutes we were checking into the cabin. The place is quite interesting. It is like a mini house with a kitchen , full size frig, nad everything. the decor is right out of the mmovie Deerhunter. Speaking of movies, the place has a aTV/VCR and we got 2 free movie rentald with the cabin. there is no TV recption so we've got Road Trip and American Pie 2 on repeat.If you're wondering about booble. He decided to stayat the last shelter 1.0 miles short of NOC. He didn't feel like paying for lodging since we just crashed in Frankli for 2 days. understandable. he could have crashed here. the place is pretty big.Its raining tonight and there is rain/snow in the forcast for next 2 days. Should be an interesting hike to Fantana.can anyone say another zero.Today's quote compliments of the VCR on repeat..."But its your dog" Road Trip
Date: 2003-04-10
From: NOC

To: NOC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Let me check the mileage total for today. UMMM yeahAbout that, your total is zero. did you get the memo??? So for real we had a scheduled pick up at 9:50 this morning. Nobody showed by 10:30 so we walked the 0.5 miles down to the gas station where we checked in ( yes we checked in at a gas station) Apparently they forgot about us. we zoomed down to the NOC to meet booble who was waiting for about an hour. we got the weather forcastand it wasn't good 38 degreesand rain all day except in higher elevations where 4-6 inches of snow were expected. OK so another zero it is.We decided to crash at the hostel@NOC $15 and a pretty boring day. i did get to talk to Bridget and Mom amd Dad so that was reall y cool. so other than talkig to them the day was pretty boring until Paka Bear came back from Bryson city with beer! Owwwww!!! Nothing puts a smile on a thru hikers face like a cold beer. We walk again tomorrow!!"Sometimes you get shown the light in the strangest of places, if you look at it right"--GD
Date: 2003-04-11
From: NOC

To: Sassafrass Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Nice walk up from NOC today. we literally walked into the clouda. When we rolled into the shelter today we met up with Clete (now Flea), Coyote, and Runaway. They were all a couple of days ahead of us. Since they took a couple of days of zeros in Bryson City. Pretty cool we caught up to them. we'll all hike pretty much the same pace to Fontana so we should see everyone for a few days. We are taking it slow b/c the PO in Fontana doesn't open until Monday. Its going to be cold tonightand we're all packed into the shelter. It feels good to be on the trial again after the unexpected zero. "That there clark is an RV"   Christmas Vacation
Date: 2003-04-12
From: Sassafrass Shelter

To: Cody Gap
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: clear sky

What a fantastic day on the trail!! A lot of up and down today do I'm feeling it. the huge highlight of the day was walking down into Stecoah Gap and a cooler appeared before us. the trail magic was compliments of the Flintstones from Flint MI. The hooked up all the hikers with sodas water apples and donuts. What timing too because my food bag was getting low since we'll hit fontana tomorrow. the Flintstones hiked a portion of the trail last year and their son thru- hiked a few years ago. Thank You!! The other wonderful thingabout today -- the weather!! Sunny and 65 degrees all day. What a welcome change from the snow and rain of the last few days. There were a ton of people on the trail today since over 20 people were @ the shelter last night. The trail is crowded but I don't mind since the people are the best part. We are camped tonight about 9 miles from Fontana. should be a nice walk tomorrow since the forcast is calling for good weather again. Clete is camped with me Sidewinder and Booble tonight. Its good hiking with him again. Looking forward to relaxing tomorrow night in a hotel. Smokies on Monday!! "Weve got it simple cause we've got a band" Phish
Date: 2003-04-13
From: Cody Gap

To: Fontana village
Miles today: 9.0

We got moving early this morning to try to make Fontana for lunch. The food bag was empty so I was dreaming about food the entire hike down to Fontana. we could see Fontana Lake and the dam during most of the hike today. sometimes it felt like an oasis we would never reach. We made pretty good time heading down the trail today. When we got to the road crossing we chilled for a bit, basking in the sun with he flip flps on the feet. We talked to Foxy for a bit who was ahead of us but tookk some zeros the last2 days. we hopped in the shuttle and were transported to this really weird resort village. It looks like something straight out of the 1960's. We stopped at the outfitter for some supplies and the general store for ice cream.   We caught a little of the Master's before dinner. what a finish!!   After dinner I checked in with the parents and talked to Bridget. Its really hard to just talk on the phone when you miss someone so much. Its the hardest part of the trip harder than tha mountains, and the snow and rain. Hopefully it will get easier, but I'm not so sure.   tomorrow we will walk over Fontana Dam and head into the Smokies. 70 miles of hiking awaita us w/ no phones, food or beer along the way. Should be a good test and experience. Wish me luck.      Top 10 tihings I miss(besides Bridget, my family and friends.) 10. Take-out any kind. 9.Coffee 8.My jeep 7.Pork and cheese(Tony Luke's) 6.Movies   5.My CD collection 4.Cheesesteaks(Pat's) 3. Yuengling 2. TV   1. MY COUCH
Date: 2003-04-14
From: Fontana Dam Resort

To: Birch Spring Campsites
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: few clouds

I got up pretty early this morning but it took a while to get moving. I got to talk to Bridget again this morning. A nice bonus before heading into the woods for a week. I stuffed myself at the breakfast buffett abd then headed to the P.O. for my maildrop. I got packages from my parents and Bridget. Score. My friend Steve sent me some magazines too. Relix and Honest Tune -- some good reading for the Smokies. I sorted through my food and Easter candy and packed up my food bag. 12 pounds of food for 6 days. That is going to be a heavy pack! Should be enough to get me through the park.We eventually caught the shuttle at 2:00 and we were hiking by 2:30. We walked over4 Fontana Dam to enter the park. A very cool scene. The climb into the mountains was about 2000 feet over 4 miles. We climbed an observation tower on Shuckstack Mountain for some awesome views of the lake and dam below.We are just getting settled at the campsite. Dinner is going to taste good tonight. I hope the bears stay away."I didn't see you were right next to me, but I'm so glad you could make it."-WP
Date: 2003-04-15
From: Birch Spring Campsites

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Our longest day on the trail and perhaps the best yet. We hit the TN / NC border and we'll skirt it for quite a while. Best memory of the day was climbing Rocky Top with Sidewinder, Booble, and the Farmer. The 4 of us took lots of pictures and busted out our best version of John Denver's "Rocky Top". The trail was amazing today. Lots of wildflowers and grassy meadows."I wish I was on old Rocky Top down in the Tennessee hills, Ain't no smoggy smoke on Rocky Top, ain't no telephone bills"-John Denver
Date: 2003-04-16
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

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

A 17 mile day and a 13.5 back to back and I'm feeling it. Over 30 miles in 2 days is a lot for me. Most of the day was spent climbing Clingman's Dome - the highest point on the AT. So it should be all downhill from here, right?The Smokies are quite a contrast. We've hiked through meadows of wild flowers, dead forests and most recently a dense pine forest. I really felt sluggish today for the last few miles but I'm OK. Looks like some people are talking about doing 19 miles tomorrow. We'll see about that.Funniest thing of the day was the tourists at Clingman's Dome. There is a parking lot 0.5 miles from the observation tower. Everyone was complaining about the walk up the paved path! We walked down to the lot and back just for water and to use the real bathroom. I guess its just a matter of perspective. We're half way through the park!
Date: 2003-04-17
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Short day today. Called it quits at lunch because there is some nasty weather rolling in right now. We decided a dry shelter was too tempting to resist. More tourists at Newfound Gap made me laugh. We avoided the draw of Gatlinburg today but its going to be prettyt cold tonight. Hoping for better weather tomorrow. We would like to do some big miles. I'm craving a hot shower and some real food.Farmer ditched us today. Hoping to catch him by Hot Springs.
Date: 2003-04-18
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow! Our first 20 mile day and it was in the Smokies nonetheless. Definitely the toughest day on the trail. Not because of the mileage - just a tough day mentally. My pack was uncomfortable all day and I felt tired no matter how much I ate or drank.It poured last night but we were dry in the shelter. It was overcast and foggy all day creating true Smoky Mountains. I think the rain and bad weather put me in a bad mood. I haven't talked to the outside world since Monday and its wearing on me. I miss Bridget and the comforts of home. They say you have bad days on the trail -- this was my 1st.I do have a few things to be thankful for today. A turkey sandwich and granola bars from some Boy Scouts at lunch. Also a 20 mile day with no injuries. Life on the trail isn't so bad...Tomorrow we look forward to burgers and phone calls at Mountain Momma's. The Smokies are almost history.
Date: 2003-04-19
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: State Line Branch Campsites
Miles today: 9.3

Awesome day today. We woke up to sunshine and great temperatures. Me and Sidewinder took our time getting ready this morning. We chatted with Thor over breakfast who is a pretty laid back fella. On the way down to Davenport Gap, we stopped at a rock outcropping and watched hawks float around on the thermals risinf up the mountains.We got down to Davenport Gap (the end of the park) around 1:30 and met up with Booble who busted out early this morning. We walked down the road about 1.5 miles to Mountain Momma's Kuntry Store for some cheeseburgers, ice cream, and food to get us to Hot Springs. The cheeseburger was fantastic! I'd been dreaming about the burger for the past 2 days and it didn't dissapoint. I'd heard mixed reviews about the place but it gets 2 thumbs up from me. Momma herself shuttled us back to the trail for $1. Well worth it.We've officially lost Farmer. We thought the 20 mile day might allow us to catch him but no luck. He is hiking with Gazelle and I hope they are doing well -- they are both good people. Maybe we'll see them in Hot Springs.After getting back to the trail we hiked about a mile and set up camp next to a super cool stream. Dan and Karen are here too. We've been hiking the same pace as them for the past few days.What a refreshing day. Talking to Bridget and my parents was the best part. A short phone conversation can do so much for your spirits.
Date: 2003-04-24
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Moutain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After 2 glorious days off in town, its back on the trail! We walked out of town around 11 AM and then cruised over some pretty easy terrain for 11.0. Our town stay was pretty sweet. We rented a house/hostel with 6 bunks for the past 2 nights. I got a new ultralight backpack and some supplies at the Bluff Mountain Outfitters. Very cool people there helped me out. We ate and drank well at the Paddler's Pub. Guiness was on tap so I was a happy man!Farmer organized a BBQ at the house last night which was awesome. He fed hot dogs and beers to all the hikers coming into town. Needless to say they were excited.There were so many hikers in town the last 2 days it made for a very cool relaxed vibe. The town is so small the hikers literally take over the town. I got a nice haircut from a lady named Hazel. Actually the haircut was pretty bad but Hazel was nice. I asked for a buzz cut with a #2. Simple enough right? Well, I've got several bald spots and she chopped part on my beard that has been growing for over a month. I'm on the trail so apperances aren't really my main concern.Bridget is coming in a few weeks and I'm psyched! I'll see her between Erwin and Damascus. A nice reward for some tougth hiking. It feels good to be on the trail again. Rain is on the way so it may be a wet hike to Erwin.
Date: 2003-04-25
From: Spring Moutain Shelter

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: light rain

A nice walk today after waking up to rain coming in the shelter. I don't think anyone wanted to get out of there bag but we decided to roll out and head to the next shelter. Me, Sidewinder, Farmer, Thor, and Fur got to the shelter around 1:00. We built a big fire and waited for the T-storms. Well, its almost 7:00 and we are still enjoying blue skies. Fur's radio says the storms are coming tonight. We will be happy, warm, and dry in the shelter.Me and Sidewinder have decided to scale back the miles a bit because our bodies are starting to hurt. My knees are usually sore unless I take some Vitamin I (Ibuprofen). Hoipefully they will get better with time. I get to see Bridget in a week. Life is good."You don't need to be a weatherman to know which way the wind blows."-Bob Dylan
Date: 2003-04-26
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light rain

Perfect distance on the trail today. Lots of flat trails were good too. The trail was interesting and weird today. We walked through boulder fields, on forest roads, and past civil was gravesites. There were rumors of a diner 1.5 miles off the trail at the 11 mile mark tomorrow. We are planning to hit it for a late lunch.We passed the 300 mile mark today. Another milestone. We are at the shelter tonight with the normal crew -- Sidewinder, Farmer, Thor, Fur, Roman Around & Bluebird (aka the Springer Swinger).Looks like Booble pulled a 20 mile day yesterday so we might not catch him in Erwin.I'm trying to figure out plans for Bridget's visit next week. Can't wait to talk to her in Erwin to get the plans finalized. Looking forward to some good food tomorrow. Weather is suppossed to be nice tomorrow too. I've had enough overcast and drizzle for a while.
Date: 2003-04-27
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Sam's Gap
Miles today: 11.2

Our plan today was to walk the 11 miles to Sam's Gap and hit the diner for a late lunch. The diner was about 1.5 miles off the trail. We made it down to the Gap pretty quickly and got a hitch right away from a couple headed to Atlanta. At the diner we met up with Thor, Farmer and Bluebird.At that time we discussed the trail plan I devised at the last shelter. We hitch to Erwin and slackpack the 24.5 miles tomorrow into town. Slackpack means hiking with no backpack. The plan was approved by all and we started looking for a ride to town.Farmer and Thor got a hitch on the road right away. The rest of us got a ride from one of the lady's working at the diner. We all met in town at Miss Janet's House. The hostel was full but we stayed for dinner and to catch up with the rest of the hikers at the house.We got a ride over to the Super 8 and we are looking forward to a nice hike tomorrow. Hiking without my pack is going to be fun.
Date: 2003-04-28
From: Sam's Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 24.5
Weather: clear sky

We got picked up at 7:45 by Miss Janet. Thor and Farmer decided not to hike today. We hit the trail by 8:20 and ready for the 24.5 mile haul. It was weird but cool to be hiking with just a daypack.We hiked up Big Bald which was probably the best view of the trip. We got some really good photos. We hiked at a fairly good pace all day and the trail was not crowded at all (a nice change). A nice reward was waiting for me at the bottom of the hill. Sidewinder was sitting on the bridge for with an ice cold Mountain Dew -- oh yeah.We got an easy hitch into town and rewrded oursleves with some burrittos from Erwin Burrito (2 thumbs up) and some beers. Well deserved after 24.5 miles!
Date: 2003-04-29
From: Erwin, TN

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

A glorious zero day in Erwin. I woke up around 9:00 and headed over to the Huddle House for breakfast. Huddle House and Waffle House seem like the same place to me. I'll have to look deeper into that one. After watching Sportscenter and getting caught up on the Nets and Devils I walked over to Ms. Janet's Hostel. I spent the day taking care of the usual errands -- laundry, post office, groceries, etc. I also checked checked in with some peoiple via my cell phone which worked for the 1st time in a while.We ordered 7 pies from Pizza Hut for dinner. Farmer and Fur went to pick them up over a mile each way on foot. I talked to Bridget a few times on the phone and we finalized our plans for the weekend. We are going to Asheville to spend the weekend.Russ is coming up from Charlotte so its going to be a great weekend. I got to bed around 1:00 after watching a Cohen Brothers double feature -- Big Lewbowski and O Brother Where Art Thou. Movies are good. Back to the woods tomorrow.
Date: 2003-04-30
From: Carvers Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up to the smell of sausage and French Toast in the house. Mmmmmm. About 20 hikers were fed by Ms. Janet this morning. This lady is such a trail angel. After the fantastic breakfast I organized my gear and get ready for my 3 day hike.For the next 3 days I'm going to hike southbound so I can meet Bridget in Erwin on Friday. Sidewinder is going to walk SB too. Ms. Janet dropped us off at Carvers Gap and we started our SB trek. Sprout and Hopeful got dropped off with us too since they are doing a SB slackpack. We ate lunch at Roan Mountain Shelter and met Greenman, Mongoose, and Carrot Slayer. We met some of them a few days before at the hostel.It was a nice walk to the Clyde Smith Shelter through a dense pine forest. When I got to the shelter, Sidewinder had devised a plan to slack w/ Hopeful and Sprout so he is in town tonight. Even though it is raining I wanted to stay in the woods. I was missing the woods with the town stop and slack packing. I feel good but its weird hiking solo.Its raining pretty hard now so I'm glad I'm in the shelter. Its nice and cozy in my sleeping bag. I'm going to try for 21 miles tomorrow if the weather is nice and I'm feeling good. We'll see. Plans are always subject to change out here.