morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-09-11
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: broken clouds

Crossed into North Carolna today, and although we having been walking the ridgetops in GA, all of the mountains are suddenly taller. We were hoping to camp just over the border at Bly Gap, but the spring was dry so we had to keep going. The trail maintenance on the NC side was dramatically reduced from GA, and the steep and difficult climb up to Courthouse Bald was difficult to follow in a sea of white flowers that obscured the trail. By the time we got to the shelter we were exhausted. A southbounder named Steve was already in the shelter, and there wasn't room for the 5 northbounders who all happened to stop at the same place tonight.
Date: 2006-09-13
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: moderate rain

After many long and difficult days ina row, we slept in and took our time getting going for a short day today. Passed Mooney Gap, on of the wettest places in the US which receives 90+ inches of a rain a year. It was, appropriately, raining. Made the short but steep climb to Albert Mtn, which has a forestry tower with great views, but we were looking out into a cloud and couldnt see anything. We got to the shelter by 3 pm and had plenty of time to nap, read, etc. Amy and Tina had crossowrd puzzles with them which entertained us, but nonetheless we were all ready for bed by 8 pm!
Date: 2006-09-14
From: Big Spring Shelter

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

Today is our last day before going back to civilization for a long weekend, and the sun is finally out and penetrating the wet forest canopy. Stated early in order to reach the gap and Hwy 64 road crossing by 4 pm when our ride was meeting us. We had our fastest pace yet at 3 miles an hour, and stopped for our second pack-off break at Rock Gap. Took a side trail down the mountain to visit the Wasilik Poplar tree, the second largest in the US. Stopped for a long lunch at a viewpoint below Rocky Cove Knob, then got to our end destination an hour early. My cousin Andrew picked us up, handed us a cold beer, and drove us to Highlands, NC to see my grandparents and pick up a package of clean clothes that my Mom had sent. We went out to dinner, then to a hotel near the Asheville airport to spend the night and fly out the next morning for FL. Will return and start hiking again on Tuesday. Thanks to Andrew for keeping Grouper for the weekend!
Date: 2006-09-19
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Gap
Miles today: 5.9

Had to go to Tampa for the weekend, and arrived in Asheville last night. Awoke to rain. Ran errands then Andrew picked us up and drove us back to Franklin and the trailhead. We started hiking at 3:15 and ascended to Siler Bald. The weather had cleared, and it was beautiful. We dropped our packs and climbed to the summit with 360 views. Talked with some folks from Franlkin on the way down, one of which told us it was going to be really cold tonight, so we decided to keeep going down to the gap and get a ride into Franklin for the night. The people that picked us up were building a house at Nantahala Lake, and came to the gap to use the cell phone, and luckily picked us up. They gave us a driving tour of Franklin, and finally droppped us off at a motel. The dinner place they suggested was already closed, so we had to go to 'Prime Sirloin' which wasn't very good, but we are warm and dry, so no matter.
Date: 2006-09-20
From: Wayah Gap

To: Cold Springs Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

The motel owner who drove us back to the trail entertained us with numerous stories of the area, including tales of Eric Rudolph and the cult church he is a member of. We passed the cave where he was hiding out on the raod to the trail, and I was surprised how close to town it was and was right on the road, not hidden in the woods. We started hiking and had lunch on the grass in the sun at Wayah Blad, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, including Siler Bald where we were yesterday. Were joined there and at a later break by Papa Smurf who is on his way to Fontana. Delighful hiking today - clear, cool, crisp, and fall-like.We camped on the ridge above the shelter in a great small campsite with views of the lights on Franklin below. Went to bed early because it is cold outside!
Date: 2006-09-21
From: Cold Springs Shelter

To: Nantahala River
Miles today: 11.5

Hiked leisurely this morning and enjoyed beautiful views from every lookout, especially from Rocky Bald, which we climbed up to without our packs. Had lunch at Tellico Gap, and a couple from Atlanta showed up with their chocolate lab, Alexandria. We followed them up to Wesser Bald, and passed two "bear dogs" with radio collars on who are in training to hunt bears and run them across the path of hunters... We sat atop the observation tower for a long time and finally started our descent to the Nantahala. We decided to go ahead and go all the way instead of camping close to the NOC, and arranged for a lodge to pick us up at the trailhead at 7 pm. We had to hoof it to get down in time, but did stop briefly for beautiful views and photos at the "jump up." Awesome ridge hiking gave way to wet forests then dry forest. We arrived and made it in time to watch the season premier of Grey's Anatomy. Tired and our feet hurt from a long downhill, but happy to be here and have a zero day tomorrow!
Date: 2006-09-23
From: Nantahala River

To: Sassafras Gap 
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

Enjoyed a zero day and a half at the Nantahala, including a horseback ride and a kayaking trip down the river with Mom and my friend Schaap. It rained a lot, but that is to be expected in this temperate rain forest. Said by to Mom and Schaap and started hiking (by myself for the firts time)at about 3:15 on a long uphill climb out of the gorge. The afternoon started out fine with intermittent rain, but quickly got eerie as it was getting dark early. It was hard to tell where I was or how far I had to go, and if I would make it before it got dark. I felt like I was crawling uphill. Then I passed a rhododendron bush, and heard a loud snort right beside me. I froze and a large animal went running out of the back side of the bush. Grouper ran around and followed after it, but I never saw what it was. I'm just glad it didn't come running out at me! Finally made it to the shelter at 7:15, and it was getting dark quickly as a storm was rolling in. My cell phone worked from the shelter, and I found out that the storm system was a huge cold front that had been responsible for several deaths and flooding. So I set up my sleeping bag in the loft of the shelter thinking it would be dryer, and lighter since this shelter had windows out (nicest shelter yet). You should have seen me trying to get Grouper up the ladder to the loft with me, but he finally made it. Already heavy rain coming in bands, which is really loud on the tin roof right above me. Not psyched to be camping alone...
Date: 2006-09-24
From: Sassafras Gap 

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: light rain

I didnt sleep at all last night with the intense rain, thunder, and lightning. I packed up and started hiking in the rain. By the time I crossed Cheoah Bald I was soaked thru, and the sky wasn't lifting as I hoped after the front came through. I called my family to get a weather report, which was calling for more rain. I decided to go into Robbinsville from the next road crossing to dry out. Got a hotel room and washed the mud off of everything in the shower, then spread my stuff out to dry. Got to watch the second half of the Tampa Bay v. Carolina game, but Tampa lost in the last 6 seconds... Slightly depressed since my hike is turning out to be more of a tour of hotel rooms in small towns than an outdoor experience, but also glad to be inside since it has been raining all afternoon and evening.
Date: 2006-09-25
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Awoke to sunshine, although still cloudy over the mountains. Packed up and hitched a ride back to the trail. Had a great hike and passed a SOBO'er who was getting close to finishing his thru-hike. I stopped at the Cable Gap Shelter, where I had intended to spend the night, but it was only 4 pm so I decided to keep going after reading the shelter. Cornfed and Vega had stayed there, as well as Papa Smurf. Climbed Yellow Creek Mountain for the next 2 miles, then started the descent towrds Fontana Lake. My knees and my feet were a little sore, but it ws not as long a descent as the Nantahala. The sun was coming through the trees and making long shadows as I descended. When I got to the marina, the phones for a shuttle to Fontana Village were down from the storm, but luckily a couple were still fishing and she gave me a ride. Fontana Village reminds me of the resort from Dirty Dancing, and is is very spread out so difficult to get around without a car. I'm hoping Andrew can come pick me up tomorrow so that I canhang out in Asheville until Thursday instead of here. Happy to have completed the first section of my trip, on time before heading to Ohio for the weekend. Will be back on the trail on Monday, but thinking of jumping ahead to catch Cornfed and Vega and come back to the Smokies with my sister, Liz, later.
Date: 2006-05-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Bienvenidos a mi diario del Appalachian Trail! Que apasionante! Perhaps I'll try writing next year's section in Spanish, but for now: English. OK, so welcome to my journal. Hope it's helpful in some way. Precautions: This account is very disjointed and random, but so works my mind, especially on the trail with both its deprivations and awe-inspiring marvels. Enjoy!
Date: 2006-05-23
From: Springer

To: Justis Mt
Miles today: 12.2

Our first day on the AT!!! I just couldn't stop smiling and thanking God for His generosity for letting us do this! Dad went up from NPFS 42 parking lot up to Spring with us (.9 mi each way) and got our picture up with the famous plaque. There's so much poison ivy everywhere and huge centipedes. Trying to hang the bear bag was quite the ordeal, so we ended up just hanging it over a branch right in the middle of the trail! Weather was perfect--low 70s and sunny but lots of shade. Last night we stayed at a hotel in Dahlonega--such an adorable, antique sort of town. I think my feet are going to hurt tomorrow. Rocks on almost the whole trail today. Very well-marked and upkept so far.
Date: 2006-05-24
From: Justis Mt

To: Jarrad Gap
Miles today: 12.5

Our first rain, aka downpour! Happily, we had just stopped for lunch at Woody Gap and fixed our rain covers. I'm nervous about Blood Mtn tomorrow, but we'll have incentive b/c just after it is Walasi-Yi, where we get showers and food! Hopefully we'll be able to make it to White Oak Gap tomorrow night. It's so lovely hiking--it doesn't matter if you're drenched with sweat or rain, it's a comfy temperature, and there's plenty of water, and my feet only hurt vaguely! Just roasted marshmallows over Sterno--so good! Saw red salamanders and a frog today. The view over Big C-something Mtn (can't remember the name, but started w/a C) was spectacular and the clouds were just let up. We only saw a group of hikers getting out of their car at the parking lot; otherwise, no hikers--kind of weird, but I'm not complaining! No blisters so far except those from the Foothills trail that are slightly inflamed but not enough to merit moleskin. Hmm, already getting hungry so that I'm not ever full.....seems a little early for that! Getting chilly now: maybe 70 deg w/wind gusts.
Date: 2006-05-25
From: Jarrad Gap

To: White Oak Stamp
Miles today: 12.2

Lovely day w/an exciting stop for 2 hrs at Neels Gap! Very nice store, but food selection was quite overpriced. But we did get exciting new foods: combos, cookies, candy bars, pop-tarts, clif bars, and much much more! The climb out of Testanee Gap this afternoon was brutal! Very steep and rocky, way worse than Blood Mtn this morning. The whole trail so far has been very rocky w/lots of boulders on teh path, but there are some very nice, flat stretches of soft dirt trail. God is so good and provides for us always! --There were two springs close together where we needed water badly for the rest of the day and tonight as well. We didn't see any signs for the water, but just as we were turning back I suppose God nudged me a little farther and there was the tiny, but adequate little creek. We would've had no water for 7 more miles. I saw a rattlesnake today w/5 or 6 rattles, and I was exactly one step away from landing my boot on his body! I really can't believe how God keeps us so safe!! Signed my first register today at Blood Mtn, which was a nice, two-roomed shelter w/a nearby privy. Oh, and I was praying that the rain would stop just as we were preparing to stop for the night, and suddenly did! Well, I know one thing I'll get from this trip: gratefulness!! And also being constantly amazed at how generous and merciful God is. K, time for bed at 9:35.
Date: 2006-05-26
From: White Oak Stamp

To: just before Tray Gap
Miles today: 17.0

we're both worried about food--it looks as if we'll have bery little for the four 13-mile days ahead of us. But God will provide what we really need. At lunch we dried our clothes in the sun, which came out after a good rain this morning. At the Cheese Factory tentsites were a big group of older boy scouts--lots of people out since it's Memorial Day weekend. Camping on the ridge past the Cheese Factory for privacy. Sleep!
Date: 2006-05-27
From: just before Tray Gap

To: about a mile before Bly Gap
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Our first Trail Angels and Trail Magic! aka the grace of God! A couple of dayhikers we talked to, Monty and Nancy (who, as we learned, like to hike most weekends and follow bike races), offered us a ride into Hiawasee after we asked to buy from them their fig newtons! Pathetic, but we were a little desperate to have enough food. Soon we were in Ingles and departed w/many a cookie, muffin, fruit cup, and chocolate milk! Thank you Lord! We were going to stop at Bull Gap, but then decided to farther since it was only 4:30, but then couldn't find a campsite, then the tentsite we did come across was full. So, we're tenting about 2 feet from teh trail and dead tired! But we did get a signal on the cell and were able to talk to Dad for a bit. Bed time at 9:40
Date: 2006-05-28
From: about a mile before Bly Gap

To: Beech Gap
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: few clouds

Muy tired today. There were 3 climbs we weren't anticipating from the profile map, and they were steep! Crossed into NC today!! then stopped for a creek bath at Bly Gap. We had 4 snack breaks since we had so much food! Yes! Franklin is coming the day after tomorrow. Rocks were bad today, and it was worse since my ankles and left knee hurt already. Signed two more registers today. Also came across a strange guy in tight bike shorts mumbling to himself and looking quite creepy. Happily, he was going the other direction. So many bug bites, and those teeny black bugs that apparently die on contact with the human body--carcasses all over my face and arms and shirt! Tomorrow we pass the hundred-mile mark near Glassmine Gap! Exciting! Standing Indian climb wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be, very gradual and not steep. Called Dad there too.
Date: 2006-05-29
From: Beech Gap

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Definetly an easier day today! Mucho downhill. Albert Mtn was realy steep, but a great lookout tower on top and SO high! The metal was pretty rusty and rickety. At the shelter up the hill is an older lady who hikes the trail Springer-Fontana Dam every year and solo! Tired of being dirty--shower is coming soon! Hmm, ok, random thoughts after being out on teh trail for a week:1) It's much easier chore-wise to be at home (get and purify water, clean pots by hand, dig and bury your bathroom, etc)2) I'm getting used to having flies buzz around me all day 3) I feel like a dog in that I can tell if a person is "fresh" or has been on the trail for a while--by their smell! 4) I'm slightly used to everything being damp and stickyI'm never bored; sometimes I just sit and stare and think about nothing--how wonderful! I tripped so much today--it's so weird that that sort of thing is what bothers me so much out here....oh, and here's a basic itinerary of a typical day (though it varies slightly):6:30-7 Get up and pack up8   Leave (it always takes us 1.25 hours to get ready and leave)10   Snack12   Lunch/Snack2   Snack4   Snack7   Dinner9:45   Lights outI'm always thirsty at night but am afraid to drink much for fear of needing to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night! Only 3 1/2 miles to a shower!
Date: 2006-05-30
From: Rock Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

Nice short day. Here are we in our lovely motel room w/clean-ness and food! It took a good while (long enough to start to feel embarrassed), but we finally got picked up by a nice old couple along w/a guy from Wisconsin headed to the NOC. Got an extra shirt and a pillow at the thrift store here in Franklin. Sadly, after our Ingles run for ice cream and chocolate milk and fresh fruit for lunch, i wasn't even hungry just then.... Pizza Hut for dinner, and we finished off a whole medium along w/salads and desserts.
Date: 2006-05-31
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Licklog Gap
Miles today: 11.5

I love the name of this camping spot! Had to put up the tent in teh rain for the first time--what I dreaded most. The next few days' terrain looks pretty terrible judging from teh profile map (which is all we use). Everything is wet except our freshly laundered clothes safely nestled in our jumbo ziploc bags. Dinner was lotsa spaghetti w/veggies, swiss rolls, cookies, and triscuits. Sheesh! So full!!
Date: 2006-06-01
From: Licklog Gap

To: NOC
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

We're here clean and warm and safe at the NOC. The downhill coming here was excruciating!!!! It was threatening to rain teh whole time, but God held it off until we just reached the bottom! We got a "basecamp" room (very small, 2 bunks, but warm!). Showered, then went to the river front restaurant, where we ordered a black bean burger w/fries, and a "sherpa" (aka a humongous mound of rice, beans, and veggies covered w/cheese--the size of....let's say, a college dorm room refrigerator.) As hard as I tried, I just couldn't fit in the ice cream I had been drooling over earlier. Oh well, there's always tomorrow's breakfast! Such a blessing to have our own private heated room to dry everything out!
Date: 2006-06-02
From: NOC

To: a little after Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Thirsty! We missed the water for dinner, so we'll hafta wait til tomorrow mid-morning to have anything! So we had a dry dinner and tried not to think about gushing streams, Noah's ark, Niagara Falls, or the Aquafina factory.
Date: 2006-06-03
From: a little after Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana Hilton
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

This morning we walked for a bit to the wonderful water source. Saw only one person today, a woman thru-hiker just graduated from college who hopes to do it in 4 1/2 mos!! Easy terrain mostly, but very unpleasant rain near the end. We were gonna stay inside the Fontana shelter, but there's a huge and LOUD boy scout troop, so we tented. It was so cold that we cooked and ate dinner inside the heated bathroom! Mmm, eating cous-cous w/dehydrated veggies against the sound of flushing toilets. So glad we're tenting, I can hear those goobers all the way from down the hill. So it's been 12 days: feels longer, but it's also gone by fast--i can remember distinctly Dad dropping us off at Springer. Time for Sudoku!
Date: 2006-06-04
From: Fontana Hilton

To: Mollie Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Our first taste of Smoky Mtn action! Here at the shelter w/a group of 3 guys. I don't like the Smokies already b/c of inaccurate trail mileage markers and the tenting policy. It's SO much colder up here--hope I can sleep w/out turning blue. The visitor center was closed, so we couldn't buy the chocolate we were dreaming about the night before. Dinner was 6 (that's right, 6) servings of Stovetop stuffing w/dehydrated veggies. So unbelievably good! Those poor guys were jealous-they only had 4 measly servings of backpacking lasagna to split b/w them. Their attempts at splitting the portions up equally were amusing. Their names are Jeff, Tyler, and Wayne. They're funny, and clean-mouthed and good-humored--a great, unexpected blessing, especially since we're on the same shelter schedule. Yuck, here there's a "toilet area" (aka downhill spot of land strewn w/tp and sprinkled w/feces....mmmmm!) instead of a privy. We had hot lunch today at 2:30 to try and bear the icy winds! I'm already planning out all the food I'll eat in Gatlinburg! It's 7:45, and the shelter's already almost silent Saw a mouse or two, but no problems. We've seen at least 10 snakes, adn 2 were at least a yard long.
Date: 2006-06-05
From: Mollie Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: few clouds

Lovely day!!!! So sunny, and at lunch we spent 1 1/2 hours atop Rocky Top Mtn, just basking on the hot boulders in the beautiful sun. Plus, we got a signal and talked to Dad for a while too. At the shelter tonight is a huge family group of 12 that is taking up the whole shelter (which is preferable so us, since tents are warmer and more private). They're all talking really loud and....wouldn't you know it, standing directly outside the door of our tent. Oh well, just grin and bear it. Tomorrow is Clingman's Dome! Dinner was delish, but I could've eaten 10 times that much.
Date: 2006-06-06
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

In the tent again since the shelter will be full again (just waiting until it does fill all the way up, then we'll be justified tenting). Apparently, if we had been going 20 more miles north of our final destination in Hot Springs, we would've been considered thru-hikers in the Smokies, and thus allowed to set up tent even if the shelters weren't full. But we're close enough, I think. The older couple from last night is here again tonight. Lunch at Double Spring shelter, then Clingman's Dome with all its height, panoramic views and......cars. yuck! I felt so cruel as my thoughts immediately went to the "overweight people puffing from the short walk from parking lot to tower." Anyway, dinner was 2 ramens w/ veggies and hot cocoa that teh family group gave us. All I have left now is 1 Luna bar and fruit. It was much warmer today and sunny--I got burned a good bit b/w yesterday's lunch on Rocky TOp and today's exposed hiking. The tiny little bugs that stick to me make me looked diseased..... At night we sat around the campfire w/ the three funny guys and another group staying at the shelter. A lot of fun and laughs!
Date: 2006-06-07
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: broken clouds

In Gatlinburg!! I can't believe we're here already. It rained mucho last night--our tent was proven to be very un-waterproof! Easy hike, mostly downhill to the gap. We made a sign that said "Ride to Gatlinburg for 2, please " but no one stopped, so we finally called the hotel and they sent a shuttle for a goodly sized fee......Went to the outfitter "Happy Hiker" and the electrician shopping there gave us a ride to the grocery store! how nice, then a guy in the parking lot offered us a ride back! Crazy! I could only eat half my lunch from teh grocery store buffet (my stomach, it's...shrinking!!) Excited shopping produced many a little debbie, tortilla chip, fruit snack, and basic junk! Yay! Dinner: ate half a medium pizza all at once, then salad and 4 cookies. I still could eat several more cookies though......booked a taxi ride back for 3:30 tomorrow and also called Dad. Oh, by the by, we're styaing at the Grand Prix motel and they're so nice and accomodating for hikers and friendly!! Can't believe there's only 1 week left--we passed the 200 mile mark today!! Definetly have town gut now Sent our stove stuff home--we'll just have junk....I mean, dry dinners for the rest of the trip.