morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-19
From: Cable Gap Shelter (tent)

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Refelctions on the first 19 Days:It is a little difficult to recap 19 days of hiking when so much and so little have already happened.After 19 days we are 163.5 miles up the Trail on the verge of entering the Smoky Mtns. From a strictly milage standpoint we are averaging just under 7 miles per day. Though this may not seem like much, we have taken two 0 days and 2 half days and a number of small days near the beginning. That being said, we have done a couple of 15+ days so we know we can.The emphasis so far has not been on the mileage. The body, and its acclimation has been my first priority - the miles will come.Speaking of the body, things seem pretty good so far. My knees feel decent some days better than others. But all in all they didn't melt down as had been my worst fear.The blisters, like the knees, are listed as day to day. Things were looking grim for a week or so, but have gotten progressively better. I remain vigilant however, as new hot spots are constantly emerging. Some, unfortunately, have not been as lucky as I and have already succumbed to various ailments of the knees and feet.My attitude on the Trail remains upbeat amidst the daily ups and downs. I have reached a comfortable equilibrium in and around camp and my hiking routines are ever more solidified.The hiking gets monotonous on occasion, but with spring coming the scenery is ever changing. We are always looking forward to the next milestone.Finally, I have met and remained with some excellent people. For me, the Trail is as much about the people as it is about the out of doors. Some may not approve of my attitude, but as they say "hike your own hike" and I willMuch love to all,"T"
Date: 2004-04-20
From: NC 28

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We are in the Smokies!!!We got a late start this morning after a good night's sleep at the Fontana Village. In order to make up time and avoid a very annoying 1.1 miles of ease up the Trail, Blue and I decided to slack pack it.Slack packing, though not technically cheating, is not looked upon too highly by trail purists. Basically, slackpacking is hiking without a pack. We had this wonderful woman drive our packs in a couple of miles up the Trail and we pretty much ran the section. I can't tell you how good it felt to hike without a pack. We were so sprightly and so quick. We definitely decided to try and slack pack more as the time goes on.After our slack pack, we headed into the Smokies and began the trudge up Shukstuck Mtn. It was our first big climb in a while so things were feeling a little strange.We summated Shukstack in a couple of hours and climbed up the Shukstack Fire Tower. It was a little rickety, but the view was amazing.The rest of the day was fairly uneventful, but we had a wonderful dinner at the Shelter with a great crew. i had dehydrated potatoes with gravy and dried beef. Re-constituted it was excellent.More hiking tomorrow.Till later, Much love to all"T"
Date: 2004-04-21
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

"Rock Top, You'll always be Home Sweet Home to Me, Rocky Top, Rocky Top !!"If all our calculations were correct, were were atop that famed mountain this very afternoon!The Smokies are truly beautiful and a welcome change from the drab scenery of Georgia. The park so named for the bluish haze that settles in the valleys. It is quite a sight to behold.We did a tough 12 today in anticipation of an even tougher 14 tomorrow.Blue and I made a costly miscalculation with our food and we are now racing to our re-supply in Gatlinburg. We're in no danger of going hungry, but our appetites have increased since our start and we need to start planning accordingly.The body feels pretty good with the exception of a fresh round of blisters - I will be happy as a clam when these things finally stabilize.We're staying in our first caged shelter tonight so even if the bears come they will be out of luck.Till LaterMuch Love to all"T"
Date: 2004-04-22
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

It's all down hill from here- or so they say.With our successful assault on the 6,643 ft. Clingman's Come, we have now climbed the highest mountain the AT has to offer.We left Derrick Knob at 8:30 after a semi-restless night listening to the rain pitter patter on the roof of the shelter. The early going was pretty easy with gentle ups and downs and plenty of good views of the hazy Smokies.We had lunch of nutella and peanut butter spoonfuls at Double Spring Gap and headed on toward Clingman's Dome. The minute we reached the base of the dome the going got tough.The sun was shining but the wind was blowing in furious gusts. The Trail up to the top was 2 hours of straight climb and with our skimpy lunch the hike was more of a slog.I will say, however, that 22 days into this journey I am much more accustomed to the climbs and anything other than Everest it seems to be cake.We got to the top at 3PM and the view was spectacular. We could see some of the peaks we'd climbed days before and the peaks of days in our future.We're getting up at the crack of dawn tomorrow morning to get a full day to relax in Gatlinburg. I plan on eating prime rib and drinking wine until I'm ill. I can't wait!Till later, Much love to all"T"
Date: 2004-04-24
From: Gatlinburg

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The Smoky Mountains just got breathtakingly gorgeous.After much futzing around in Gatlinburg, Java, Gefilter, Blue and I got a hitch from a wonderful older woman back to the Trailhead. It was quite amazing (and slightly interesting) that with a full (read heavy) pack I was getting back on the Trail. I had just left a town with endless food and drink just to go into the woods and walk for what can sometimes feel like eternity.Despite leaving comforts behind, we set out with a bounce in our steps back into the Smoky Mountains.We hadn't taken more than 50 steps when we were accosted by one of the many tourists enjoying the park by car. We answered the usual questions about thru hiking (what do you eat? Where do you sleep? and most importantly to them when was the last time you showered?). And then, feeling like minor celebs, we headed on.Newfound Gap splits the Smokies into distance halves but miles alone do not denote the two halves of the National Park. Somewhere after Silers Bald the entire vegetation changes from hardwood forests of beech and poplar to softwood alpine forests of pine. The change is stark and seemingly random. Either way, the views are better than ever.The highlight of today was definitely the view from the 5,300 ft. Charles Bunion. It turned out to be a somewhat precarious climb out to the Bunion and a long way down should there be a misstep but it was all very worth it.Java, Blue and I walked together most of the afternoon passing the easy terrain with various juvenile antics.We are now camped at Pecks Corner and just finished a wonderful chicken curry supplied by Safron's friend Rick. Thanks to Rick we're all satisfied.More Smokies tomorrow.This place is amazingMuch love to all,"T"
Date: 2004-04-25
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The Smokies are more and more memorable as the views got better.Blue, Sleep ninja and I set a hell of a pace over the easy terrain and pulled into camp around 3:30 PM. We were all pretty tired and after deciding not to put in any more miles we set up shop for the night.The biggest surprise of the evening was finding a fairly weighty copy of the New Testament in the bottom of my bag. It seems Blue and Ninja figured I needed a little more weight and threw it in my bag. I have since passed it on to Java and am hoping it will bounce around all the way to Maine.I'm just going to sleep now as the rain is beginning. I am hoping that our luck with the weather will continue.I feel great with the exception of the 1000 calorie squeeze cheese and macaroni that Blue and I consumed for dinner. It's all sitting like bricks at this point.Leaving the Smokies tomorrow.Much love to all. "T"
Date: 2004-04-26
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: moderate rain

Our luck with the weather ran out but we've ended up at the oasis nonetheless.We awoke this morning at 7:30 to the sound of pouring rain on the shelter roof. Though we briefly talked about a zero day, we knew we had Hot Springs in our future so we slowly stirred and hit the Trail.It was pouring.Blue, Sleep Ninja and I hiked the whole 11 miles in one fell swoop as the terrain was some of the most forgiving we've seen yet.By 10 AM the Trail had turned into a river and all hope of avoiding water had been lost. Our boots were soaked but we soldiered on.At about 2 we exited the Smokies to less fanfare than we entered and immediately crossed under I 40. I must say it was a strange feeling passing under an interstate highway after days in the woods, but indicative of how close we are to civilization.After I 40 it was 1 mile to Standing Bear hostel.This place is not to be believed. It is essentially a village of 4 buildings - all built by Curtis the owner. The bunkhouse was full, but we're sleeping on Curtis porch.There is a celler full of food and pizzas in the freezer. Everything is on the honor code which makes it all the more perfect.There are probably 25 of us here which is nice after being split up from so many for so long.Tomorrow we're doing 14 miles to a supposedly amazing Max Patch Bald.The Smokies are done, but have been the best part so far.Much love to all"T"
Date: 2004-04-27
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Stream after Max Patch
Miles today: 15.4

Leaving Standing Bear hostel was a sad affair after a great night of relaxing.We hit the Trail around 10 with a full day to Max Patch Bald ahead of us.We started fairly slow with omelets in our bellies, but picked it up as the day wore on. The hiking was tough in the morning as we gained 4,000 ft, but once up on the ridge things smoothed out considerably.The weather was gorgeous all day, but the wind was howling at altitude.The highlight of the day was definitely Max Patch Bald, a 369 acre grassy mountain. The 360 view was breathtaking despite the most powerful west winds deflecting off the heights peak.We had originally planned on staying atop the Bald, but the winds precluded any attempts at setting up camp. We pushed on another mile and found a sweet little tent site on the bank of a stream.We're planning another 15 miles tomorrow to get us within striking distance of Hot Springs.More LaterMuch love to all"T"
Date: 2004-04-28
From: Stream after Max Patch

To: Deer Park Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Another 15 miles puts us within 3 miles of Hot Springs and supposed paradise.Scoutmaster, Blue and I left our campsite early and began marching northward through the beautiful river valley.It's really amazing that Spring is now officially upon us. At lower elevations the trees have all bloomed and the amazing variety of wildflowers are in full force. The vegetation remains sparse at high elevations, but its now a matter of time before things really take a turn for green.Tomorrow is the 29th which marks my 25th year. I'm pretty excited about the b-day and about the fact that we'll be rolling into town on the very day.As I said before, the hiking was beautiful today, but a little on the warm side. I know this is something I'll have to get used to but slowly sliding into summer would be ideal.We rolled into camp around 4PM and I was totally exhausted. Its a zoo here as everyone has town on their minds.We'll hopefully get a cabin tomorrow with Java, Gefilter, Firecracker, Ninja and anyone else who's interested.It's a little sad that as Damascus VA approaches we have fewer days with Java Ninja and Firecracker and Gefilter. All are heading back to jobs and loved ones in a copule weeks and will be sorely missed.More tomorrow from Hot Springs.Much love to all"T"
Date: 2004-04-29
From: Deer Park Mtn. Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.4
Weather: broken clouds

As a newly minted member of the quarter century club, I figured it was an opportune time to hop back into civilization and celebrate.After a restful night sleep under clear skies we awoke at 6 hoping to get a jump on the crowds and a spot at the diner. Unfortunately, much to our chagrin, everyone had similar ideas, and by 6:30 camp was buzzing with eager and very hungry hikers.We packed up with an increasingly deft efficiency and headed down the mountain into town.Hot Springs is the perfect trail town. Aside from the requisite greasy spoon, assortment of other eateries, laundromat, housing options, and outfitter, the entire town exists on 3 blocks off Main St. There is nothing worse then traipsing around town on your days off, so having everything a stone's throw away is a godsend.We sat around a lot today consuming food the whole while. I have managed to eat the equivalent of 4 dinners today and still the stomach asks for more.It's great eating all the time, but I just don't know what I'll do when my hiking is over!I was greeted at the bar tonight with a rousing version of Happy Birthday which warmed the heart and set the tone for some serious merry-making.We ended up closing the bar at an early 10:30 and then headed back to our cabin for more beers and a fire.I hit the hay at 1:00 AM which is hours later than I've been up in the last month.Another day in paradise tomorrow.Much love to all"T"SHAMELESS REQUEST:::::::Extensively heartened by the wonderful packages I received on my b-day, I am now going to shamelessly ask for your generosity down the road.I can't tell you how nice it is to go to the Post office in town with lofty expectations of all that awaits-much like the joy of a child receiving mail, the Post Office represents to a hiker a veritable cornucopia of possibilities- where bills are not an option!If you find it in your heart to send goodies of any sort please feel free. Our expectations are low-we will be immeasurably happy.If you click on the tab labeled "Mail Drops" you will see a list of post offices I will be stopping in.The dates listed are my approx. arrival dates so a package sent 10 days prior will be sure to brighten the day.All packages can be sent with the label PLEASE HOLD FOR AT THRU HIKERGENERAL DELIVERYC/O jOSH AARONSONWHATEVER TOWN, ZIPTHANK YOU TO ALLEND OF SHAMELESS REQUEST !!
Date: 2004-04-30
From: Hot Springs

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well we took our first full 0 mile day today in the oasis of Hot Springs. It was a wonderfully sunny day and so a perfect day to do absolutly nothing.I got up at 9 and quickly ran to the P.O. to pick up the wonderful b-day package my mum sent me. It turns out that the package was at the local motel, but this minor confusion didn't make it any less perfect. My Mom knowing me so well had a box sent from Zabars in New York packed with plenty of bagels, lox, cream cheese, salami, and chocolates to go around. Needless to say everyone was thrilled.Next, Firecracker and I headed over to the famous Elmer's hostel to secure our spots. it's one of the toughest hostels to get space in as the large Victorian home is beautiful and Elmers vegeterian cooking is to die for. After a little cajoling I managed to get into the last room. It turns out it was a teeny room above the tool shed, but was more than adequate for my weary body.The rest of the day was consumed with eating and after a memorable meal at Elmer's we headed to the bar for a night cap or two.I got to bed at a reasonable hour after hanging our with the entire crew and was redy for more hiking in the morning!More tomorrow, Much love to all,"T"
Date: 2004-05-01
From: Hot Springs

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

After a glorious 0 day in Hot Springs we decided to do some hiking. However, there was one caveat; we wanted to stay in Hot Springs one more night. As it turned out we had a brilliant stroke of luck.Blowing Sunshine, a fellow thru-hiker of Java's from '01 decided to pay her a visit and happened to bring his Tacoma truck. The plan was to park his truck 14.7 miles up the trail at Allen Gap. We would then walk, packless, to the truck and drive back to Hot Springs. We would then stay the night and hitch out the next morning to the spot we picket up the truck the day before. Our plan worked excellently with one major exception.We set out at noon with Scoutmaster, Blue, Ninja, Saffron, Firecracker and Renee. Renee is a friend of ours from Carleton who was visiting on her lone day off from campaign work in Columbia S.C. We were all psyched to have her and she was estatic to get away from the working world. We hiked a decent assent out of town and then spent the rest of the day bouncing along the ridgeline bathed in warm sunlight. It turned out to be a great glimpse of Trail life for Renee and was truly excellent for us walking without the burden of our packs.The day turned decidely sour when we arrived at Allen Gap and found a note from Java telling us that Blowing Sunshin's truck has been stripped of all 4 wheels, his radio, his cell phone and a number of other personal effects. We were instructed to hitch on our own back to town and after 10 minutes of waiting that is exactly what we did.When we got back to town we all had dinner and decided that the truck had been an omen to resist the town of Hot Springs and hit the TrailMore laterMuch love to all"T"
Date: 2004-05-02
From: Allen Gap

To: Jenny Cabin Shelter (tent)
Miles today: 12.0

Our reprisal for 3 nights in Hot Springs was that we spent today in a cold torrential downpour of miserable proportions.Making matters all the more miserable were full packs of food and two and half days of blissful relaxation.On the bright side, Blue and I managed to rig the umbrellas to our packs keeping our heads and the better part of our torsos moderately dry. Our boots, on the other hand, were not so lucky and squishy feet became the theme of the day.The terrain was tough and, after lunch with 15 people packed into Little Laurel Shelter, we pulled into Jerry Cabin Shelter at 7 PM.I was too late to get a spot in the shelter and prepared myself for a rainy night in my tent.Scoutmaster helped me get out of the rain with the rainflap and in the process taught me the all important running hitch knot which, incidentally, has myriad uses in the woods.I will try and sleep now ever wary that every drop of rain chills me to the bone.Getting in shelters in the rain is ideal.More tomorrowWith love to all "T"
Date: 2004-05-03
From: Jenny Cabin Shelter (tent)

To: Flint Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 6.0

What started out a soggy ambitious day turned into a leisurly recoup day.We left Jerry Cabin Shelter at 8 AM after an excrutiatingly difficult time packing up amid fridged showers. We were all tired of the cold rain and set out with scowls on oour faces.The hiking was pretty uneventful until we hit Big Butt Bald. As if on cue, the mist cleared revealing a wide beautiful expanse. We snapped a couple of pics and headed on.We reached Flint Mtn. Shelter and had a hot lunch to warm our damp souls. Just as soon as we were ready to take off for another 8 miles we all decided to stay. It seemed slightly ludicris that we'd stop after 6 miles and only 1 PM, but the idea of starting a fire, drying our clothes and resting out the previous days rain won the day.As soon as we decided for good, a stiff hail began and we were all satisfied.The day turned out to be just what the doctor ordered and by the time we went to sleep at 9 PM all of our stuff was dry and we were mentally prepped to get up at 6:15 for the 19 miles ahead.More tomorrow,Much love to all"T"
Date: 2004-05-04
From: Flint Mtn. Shelter

To: Big Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.0

Today was an excellent day. We did our biggest mile day amid brilliant sunshine and the body feels good.We got up at 6:15 am and were on the Trail at 7. We knew we had 19 miles in front of us with some considerable uphills, so there was am impetus to move.Blue was a little slow to get out of camp so I left by myself and spent the first hour walking through the beautiful early morning. There really is something special about walking early in the morning. It is really one of the only times when the Trail is truly yours.Blue caught up with me shortly after I left and we continued North. As the hours flew by the scenery shifted and we were walking through green fields winding along the Tennessee / North Carolina border.Though the miles required today were big, we were taking our time with plently of breaks. Blue and I have taken to a strict regimen of an hour walking followed by a break for eating and resting. We figure the constant short breaks will keep legs feeling fresh.In the afternoon after a particularly tough stretch we came into a beautiful clearing and caught a glimpse of the rather large (and rather high) Big Bald Mountain. We joined Firecracker, Puck, Ninja, Saffron, Waya and Digger and all lamented the prospect of climbing the entire afternoon.The climb up Big Bald turned out to be a little less scary than it had appeared and the view from on high erased all memory of the slog.Big Bald provides one of the few opportunities for an entire 360 degree panorama from 5,000 ft. and on this sunny day the view was arresting.A bunch of us hung out for an hour and then pushed on toward the shelter. Amazingly the 10 person shelter was completely empty and so we all dropped our stuff and settled in for the evening.Tomorrow we'll do 17 miles into Erwin where burritos, ice cream and showers await.More laterMuch love to all"T"
Date: 2004-05-05
From: Big Bald Shelter

To: Erwin Tenn (motel)
Miles today: 17.0

I had a sound sleep last night in the Big Bald Shelter beneath our second full moon on the Trail.A note about warmth- I said above that I had a sound sleep at Big Bald. This is because after a month on the Trail, and incidentially just in time for summer, I have found the key to staying warm on cold cloudless nights. In the absence of a cold weather companion (which I do not have), the key to staying warm is sleeping with as little clothing as possible. In my case naked is the warmest. Quite counter-intuitive, the fewer clothes you wear, the less you compartmentalize your heat and the warmer you are. Though getting out of the bag can be an ordeal, it is definitely the way to go. End of note.Saffron's alarm went off at 6 AM and after 5 minutes struggling to put on my clothes inside my bag, I got out and started heating water for breakfast.It took an hour to get out of camp, but once on the Trail the lure of Erwin kept us chugging along. The terrain was georgeous, but I must say that I am looking forward to the grated ridgelines of VA to replace the constant ups and downs of the NC/TN portion. The legs are strong, but are eagerly awaiting bigger miles on flatter ground.The descent into Erwin was quick with 2,000 ft. of drop in just under 2 miles. It was amazing to watch the town materialize through the trees, but was tough on the knees and ankles the whole way down.We're staying at the Super 8 tonight and will be heading to an AAYCE joint on the edge of town. They better get cookin!Must get in the showerMore laterMuch love to all"T"