morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-02-23
From: Hiawasee

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

The Poteats gave us a hearty breakfast of pancakes with homemade blueberry syrup, sausages, orange juice, tea or coffee, eggs and cheese biscuits and dropped us off at the trailhead. The Blueberry Patch is a great hostel- Gary is a former thru-hiker and they have a little mini-farm there.Today we are dead dog tired. We crossed into North Carolina at Bly Gap and decided to hike an additional 3 miles up to Beech Gap Campsite. We stopped for some photo ops at the tree marking the border and, since it was only 2, decided to hike on. The trail went immediately up and up and up. It seemed like a forced march the last hour over steep uphills followed by icy, narrow, rocky downhills. The most difficult part of the day though was that we lost track of Catalyst. She fell farther and farther behind so that we were convinced that she went back to Hiawasee. At dusk, 5:30, she dragged into Muskrat Shelter exhausted. We were glad to see her.The day was full of fantastic vistas, but it was cold, cold, cold and windy. The shelter had lots of graffiti but was protection from the wind. We just hung our bags on a string under a tin can for mice protection, but it was much too cold and we didn't see any mice. We went to sleep to the sound of coyote howling.
Date: 2009-02-24
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Beech Gap campsite
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: broken clouds

We woke up cold again. I have learned 2 good hints for staying warm. Change into dry clothes immediately when you arrive at camp and air out your sweaty ones (although airing is not a permanent substitution for actually washing the clothes). Also, get up out of your warm bag to pee at night if you need to- keeping a full bladder warm takes way too much energy. I always feel better afterward.Today we climbed Standing Indian Mountain, 5400 feet. The trail was icy and full of root and rock ankle twisting hazards. I think I was still tired from yesterday. The top of the mountain was a rhododendron tunnel, so we were robbed of a view. A short time later though, the low bushes broke out into a fantastic grassy area with the sun shining down and we threw off our packs and stretched out to soak up the sun before the 75 minute descent into Beech Gap campground.The rhododendrons are not in bloom of course, but I really admire their spunk. They have bright green leaves and seem to reach across the trail to each other. When it is cold or dark, they droop like they are sleeping, but when the sun hits them, they perk up and you can watch them rise up to meet the rays.We hadn't seen anyone on the trail for 2 days until 2 firemen from Orlando on a guys trip stopped through right at dusk. They camped a short ways away from our tents, but out of sight. The last sounds of the night were a huge fight between wild boars quite close. We found out later that the boars were just up the ridge from the firefighters....very close. We were warm in our sleeping bags although it was cold again.
Date: 2009-02-25
From: Beech Gap campsite

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

You gotta love a trail that climbs Big Butt Mountain and has a side trail called the Chunky Gal Trail. It's like this trail was calling to me. We had hoped to risk an indecency ticket by taking a picture of us mooning at the top of Big Butt, but we were just too tired to pull down our pants for no obvious reason. The big climb of the day was over Albert Mountain where it was so steep that we were basically crawling over the rocks. At the top of the mountain was a fire tower with amazing views.We found out that Catalyst is getting off the trail tomorrow, so we ended the day with a campfire and stories outside of the shelter. It was a great time....we'll miss her.In the corner of the shelter was a mouse castle. Catalyst swept up the floor but stayed away.   During the night, there was some mouse action. When dark came, the party began. Mice ran between the sleeping bags and in and out of backpacks. On a cold night, everyone cinches up their sleeping bag opening into a small breathing hole- we refer to it as a blowhole. Hot Chocolate felt some mousey whiskers on his face in that little opening and it kept him up for awhile. But, you can't blame the mouse for that. HC kept taking out the acorns that he was storing in his shoes!Another exciting moment was the large animal shuffling through the leaves- perhaps a possum, raccoon or skunk. No one got up to check.We decided that in town, you can tell thru-hikers because:they are eating at the All You Can Eat restaurants in their raincoats (while washing their clothes)they carry wallets made of ziploc baggiesthey are all wearing crocs or knock-off crocsthey hang out in the power bar sections of the grocery store
Date: 2009-02-26
From: Big Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We heard rain all night on the tin roof of the Mouse Castle and awoke to 40 degrees and mist. It was the first day above freezing so far this year. After a cup of instant breakfast, a cup of gruel (please, sir, may I have more?) and a quick gulp of "let's get going", we headed out for Winding Stair Gap and Haven's Budget Inn.Enroute, Catalyst and Hot Chocolate scared up about 6 wild turkeys headed for the woods, but we missed them. It got up to 60 probably and the last uphill stretch we were stripped down as far as we could decently go to keep cool.North Carolina has a somewhat different character (we sometimes wind around a hill instead of going over the top) and we've enjoyed a variety of trail texture. Today though, the thawing ground was a quagmire of mud, making footing very precarious. Once again, our payoff was the fantastic views from the top.We just finished eating at an All You Can Eat Chinese buffet (near Walmart)and are preparing for a soak in the tub.Gear that hasn't worked:Nalgene brand Cantene- the flexible plastic water bottles break along the heat sealed seams when frozen.Steripen Adventurer batteries are expensive and don't last- Catalyst's only last 3 liters.Favorite lunch: Chunks of cheese and summer sausage and tortillas with peanut butter
Date: 2009-02-27
From: Franklin, NC

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

Our first zero day- we were waiting for Hot Chocolate's trail shoes to arrive by mail and our bodies could use the rest.   So, we bought most of our food at Dollar General and we'll be on our way early tomorrow. It's rainy and the forecast is for more rain, then snow, but we'll never get there without getting wet.Franklin has a great historical district and some good restaurants, so we'll be doing some sightseeing now that we've heard Pres Obama's speech. We should be in the Smokey's by next weekend. Can't wait!
Date: 2009-02-28
From: Franklin, NC

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: moderate rain

We were happy to get going today after a zero day. Ron dropped us off at the trailhead and we went up, up, up out of Winding Stair Gap.. It was wet all day going from mist to downpour. We passed through birch forests and we're seeing lots of ferns.At the top of one of the hills was Wayah Bald and a stone tower. No view today. Yellow blazes marked the Bartram trail, a 75 mile historical trail named after a local explorer. A bald is a large high mountain meadow....origins unknown.Mycologists and ornithologists would love this time of year on the AT. Birds are ever present and the shelf mushroom are amazing. Today we saw little shelf mushrooms that look like drops of butter.Tuts from MA was at the shelter and amused us with his wry humor. Check out his You Tube journals. Snow forecast tomorrow.
Date: 2009-03-01
From: Wayah Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

It was cold and snowing all day as promosed in the forecast.   At least we weren't driving. The forlorn Rhododendron leaves hung heavy with snow and shivered in the wind. We stopped for lunch at Cold Spring Shelter, an old dark log structure with a tarp closure and assessed the situation. It was warmer to keep walking and not too slippery yet.At Burningtown Gap, there was a badly gouged area, proof of wild pigs. Not great camping, I'd bet.I'm going to digress to share with you some hiker insider knowledge about a scientific principle. I believe that the cavemen added to the pool of knowledge that led to Newtonian physics and even, yes, space travel. You guessed it- I'm referring to the snot rocket. If you depress one nostril and blow forcefully out of the other, your nasal mucuous is expressed with great energy and accuracy. If you are just learning, I encourage you to wear your raincoat the first few times. This time of year hikers are leaving a mucuous trail from Springer northward, equalled only by banana slugs. We went to bed early to keep warm after potatoes and cheese. Maybe it will warm up.
Date: 2009-03-02
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

We had a very cold night. It was about 0 degrees with lots of wind that kept blowing snow on top of our sleeping bags. Our shoes were so frozen that we hiked for 30 minutes before they softened up enough to flex. The water was frozen so we shared the fresh that I fetched all around in hot chocolate before we did a quick pack and headed the last 6 miles into NOC for lunch. We had to be careful due to the icy leaves covering the steep downhills, but it was clear and cold so we saw the snow covered Smoky Mtns only 30 miles away. We also went by an amazing cave probably home to some hibernating predators.We decided to stay at the hostel here again since temps will be about 0 again on the mountain. This area is beautiful with the whitewater river and rustic outfitter and restaurant. Rocky and Swamp Fox are here as well as Tuts and Hot Chocolate.
Date: 2009-03-03
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Grove Gap campsite
Miles today: 10.0

Tonight we're staying in a campsite. The word "campsite" is derived from Latin meaning "very cold place" and "where wild pigs cavort". We covered the icy ground with some leaves and crawled into our bags by 6, however conversing with others tenting nearby. Catalyst, thanks for the yummy potato/bean dinner and thanks to all of you writing in our guest book. I hope to answer individually when I get better service.Today, although cold, we saw an oak tree 15 feet in diameter surrounding 2 small birch trees. We also saw a squirrel hide in a hole in a tree and peer out at us. The woodpecker was seen and not heard. I change my clothes more often than a runway model. Well, I mostly interchange accessories- hat on, gloves on, add another hat, gloves off, jacket off, etc. All of them add to my fashion statement. Pictures soon.
Date: 2009-03-04
From: Locust Grove Gap campsite

To: Cable Gap shelter 
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: few clouds

We got up and left early, mainly to keep warm. We've only had one morning above freezing so far, but not too much precipitation.I got a glimpse of a secret world under the leaves today as a mouse scurried across the path in front of me and dived into a leaf pile. Completely disappeared. A short time later, my pole touched the corner of an enormous leaf pile next to an upturned tree trunk. I heard a menacing mammal hiss deep within the pile. I realized that there must be a labryinth of tunnels and chambers hidden from our view harboring the winter creatures.I fell today and I only mention it because of the absurdity. I had traversed icy rocks and danced over slippery roots only to slide off the trail in mud. My head was stopped by a fork in a downed tree. My surprised husband asked if I was okay. Let's see- my head is wedged between branches, my poles are scattered, I'm face-down in the mud and 10 miles from a road. Yes, I was fine but my finger suffered some bruising.We have established some camp chore routines. I imagine I get all the water because I am an Aquarius.
Date: 2009-03-05
From: Cable Gap shelter 

To: Fontana Hilton shelter
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: clear sky

Our early start paid off as we arrived in Fontana by 11am. We yogi-ed a ride the PO with Gene to pick up our food box. We dropped some $$ at the Pitstop on hotdogs and chips and got another ride back in the back of a pickup.This shelter is great- bathrooms and hot showers. The temps hit 60 and we zipped our pants into shorts and did some sightseeing at the Dam. Everything is closed, but the views are fantastic and no crowds yet.Tomorrow we enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We climb from 1775 to 4570 in 12.4 miles climbing Shuckstack Mtn. Shuckstack happens, I guess.
Date: 2009-03-06
From: Fontana Hilton shelter

To: Russell Field shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Today broke with the promise of sun but was soon replaced with cold mist. It's finally above freezing in the morning. We met the guy from Hike Inn for fuel and began the long climb up Shuckstack. Hurray- it only took 3 hours.We discovered why the Smokies are smoky- it's the cold mist that fills the valleys and rolls in and out. We hiked through deep snow and rain, even hail for a short time.We met a Ridge Runner who encouraged us to continue from Mollie's Ridge Shelter to Russell Field telling us that it was remodeled. Heh! It was a medieval dungeon, with a gate across the entry. During the night, something very large left it's lair from beneath the bunks to torment us. We're finally in the Smokies! It's all about the hike, not the shelters, although the stone buildings with tarps are substantial.
Date: 2009-03-07
From: Russell Field shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: broken clouds

It was hot today- I almost quit hiking from heat frustration. Not enough water for this Northerner.It was finally Spring, at least 70 degrees. We heard coyotes last night and a whole family howling nearby at 8:30 am. There were butterflies today, too.
Date: 2009-03-08
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap 
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: broken clouds

Today was the best hiking day yet, especially since it was Erin's birthday. It was overcast at first but followed up with sun and warmth. Woodpeckers woke us up and followed us all day. We began to see some pine forests- they smell great and there are needles instead of leaves on the trail. We caught our first glimpse of Clingman's Dome. As a matter of fact, there are lots of firsts this week- first visit to Tennessee, less than 2000 miles left to hike, Paul's longest hike and soon, 1/10th of the trail completed.We're drinking more water now- leaving camp with at least 2 liters each, cameling up each morning. My spork broke so we're sharing-taking turns. Yechhh.We ended the day with a campfire with good company- besides Hot Chocolate, there was Rail, Trail Hopper, Rocky and Swamp Fox, E and 3 college dorm supervisors on break.   Deer hung out around our camp like it was Wild Kingdom. Paul got up in the middle of the night and was paralyzed by the silhouette of a bear near the shelter- oops- just a dark stump.We're poised for a long climb tomorrow and thunderstorms tonight. In the meantime, it was warm lying in the grass after a short hike.
Date: 2009-03-09
From: Double Spring Gap 

To: Newfound Gap- Pigeon Forge
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: few clouds

The day didn't start very hopefully for the views from the highest mountain on the AT, but as soon as we got to the stone tower, the skies cleared and we had a fantastic 360 degree look around at the Smokies. Clingman's Dome I the highest mountain in Tennessee.Our elation was dimmed somewhat by hiking down the next 7.5 miles through ankle deep mud interrupted only by thick sheets of ice. The day warmed up though and we can't complain about the weather. We saw about 20 Spring Break hikers- all young men.We're staying at the Park Grove Inn in Pigeon Forge. Hot Chocolate is getting off here for a few days and Mirka met us at the Gap. We went out to Olive Garden for dinner and stocked up at Walmart.Our clothes were so filthy that the washer here really needs cleaning out. We wore our raincoats around while we washed everything.Some are wondering how we've stayed so healthy in spite of such poor hygiene. Here is what we do: take vitamins every day, drink lots of water, use hand sanitizer before preparing meals, double bag our food, brush our teeth, take ibuprofen if necessary, stop and change socks immediately if our feet hurt, take clothes off and on as necessary to prevent excessive sweating/cooling and take each step carefully.Here are some reasons why hiking early has worked for us: shelters are not full, no snakes, bears or bugs yet, water is readily available, you can view the mountains through the bare trees, no thunderstorms, off season rates in town, personal attention at hostels, it is possible to get to know a few people very well.
Date: 2009-03-10
From: Newfound Gap- Pigeon Forge

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We started the day with a pancake gorge with Hot Chocolate and Chech-mate in Pigeon Forge before hiking along a beautiful trail with many ahhhh moments. We had lunch at Icewater Spring Shelter and found ourselves at the top of a long ice chute. I used Nature's sled so I wouldn't fall and it only took 15 minutes for my pants to dry.Charlie's Bunion was a cool tor, best seen from the north. It really looks like a growth on a foot from that vantage point.We made a heartbreaking half mile walk downhill to the shelter from the AT knowing that we'd have to undo it in the morning. We were alone there until almost dark when E and 2 Spring Breakers joined us for the night.We soaked our tired dogs in the stream and soaked up the last vestiges of sunlight from the quiet valley. Paul claimed this our best day so far. We ended up packing out trash left by inconsiderate others. Note to those: We don't want it. Quit fouling our nests.Thanks, Rocky for returning my hat. I have a love/hate relationship with my OR prismatic warm red hat. It senses my conflict and has tried to disappear. The first time, it was discovered at the end of the day in GarageMan's clothes bag. Next, it dropped off my belt on the way to get water and was recovered by Hot Chocolate. This time, hopefully the last, it threw itself out of my pocket during a long. And arduous downhill. No more- I'm shortening the leash.
Date: 2009-03-11
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Our last full day in the Smoky's, the heaven's wept. Large, wet tears. Almost all day. I started the day by choking on some packaging hiding in my Instant Breakfast. That's just a little too much fiber methinks.Due to the rain and mist blowing through, my view was either the wet trail or GarageMan's backside. I was able to do some ankle-strengthening work by careening off of the rocks in the creekbed that was the trail.The mist was rather spooky. The forest looked like Mirkwood from the Hobbits, and once when a sign loomed ahead, I was sure it would say, "Turn Back, Dorothy" but it actually reported our miserably slow progress towards the shelter.We had to don our raingear, which, if it's breathable, has a bad case of halitosis. What does a thru-hiker wear under their raingear? No one's talking but it always smells bad. I'm sure that the Center for Communicable Diseases uses hiker raingear as incubators for exotic bacteria. Needless to say, we were wet inside from sweat and outside from rain by the time we got to the shelter.Jordon and Clay built a great fire using wet wood, a Vaseline impregnated cotton ball and infinite patience and the 7 of us had a warm sleep in the shelter.
Date: 2009-03-12
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Green Corner Rd---Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: overcast clouds

That first cold step out of bed was hard today, but Nature called and so did the trail, so we climbed down out of the Park, first through pine forests, then through the familiar oak and birch that leave deep piles of leaves on the trail hiding the ankle-twisting rocks and roots. We descended from 5000 feet to 1400 feet. When we left the National Park, there wasn't even a sign- just a road.The next few miles were very interesting. We descended into a gorge with a cascading creek, Pigeon Creek before crossing under I-40.   Then we immediately went up a long flight of stairs and through a still smoking forest fire.We decided to stay at Standing Bear Farm hostel had a box for us from Ron and our ankles needed the break, so we're staying here tonight.We met Graham, a SOBO thru- hiker who started on Sept 15. He expects to be done in 11 days.We feel like we've passed a major goal- the Smokeys, so we're hoping to increase our daily mileage and tent more often. We really liked the east side of the Park the best. The trail really was a chain of scenic overlooks and ridgewalks. They seemed to showcase some fabulous areas of the Park. When we stopped, we could hear waterfalls deep in the valleys. We hope to come back some time soon.
Date: 2009-03-13
From: Green Corner Rd---Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Forks Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a really long day- our toughest and longest yet. There was some really varied terrain though to help us on our way. Max Patch is an enormous high mountain bald. I understand that on warm days, the balds are filled with picnic-ing families and such, but it was only hikers today. Then we descended into the tropical feeling rhododendrons who are sporting their spring topnotches in preparation for Easter.A highlight today was meeting some guys from the Carolina Mountain Club who were clearing obstacles. The oldest was 84. These guys were up and down the trails all day with chainsaws and hoes. They shared water, advice and hard candy and we snapped a picture. One guy gave me a buckeye- shout out to Pop- he's from the buckeye state. I left my headlamp at Standing Bear Farm so I was bummed. SBF was a homey place- we rented a bed in the cabin over the creek. There was a washboard for doing laundry and a fairly well-stocked pantry for resupply.
Date: 2009-03-14
From: Roaring Forks Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: moderate rain

It rained during the night and on us all day off and on and we plenty glad to see the shelter although the trail was in good shape and not too tough.The first few miles out of the bottomlands around the beautiful Roaring Fork River felt like we were walking in a tropical maze. There is a bird that makes a staccato he-he-he sound that is in all the jungle movies and we just wound round and round spiraling up out of the ferns, mosses and rhododendrons.We met some local guys who were just getting up around 10:30 am and complaining about the difficult trail. Boo-hoo. They were really surprised to see us- oldsters in shorts in the cold rain who still looked fairly fresh at that hour.I spotted a huge white butt disappearing into the woods early on- no, not another hiker answering the call of Nature- but a white tailed deer. It was at least 5 feet tall. Also, later, I saw another creature- I thought it was a raccoon, but others claimed it was a skunk from my description- again, disappearing into the distance.Some of the day the visibility was down to about 20 feet. Fortunately, we walk very slowly, so we didn't have any problems. My nose might be running, but my feet are moving slower. Up in the balds, the trail markers are about 50 feet apart for safety in the fog. Even so, sometimes people get lost up there.