morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-08-11
From: Big Meadow Campground

To: Skyland
Miles today: 8.1

It stormed last night, lots of thunder and lightening and rained all night long. But by morning it was quiet. We couldn't resist the attraction of the lodge up the hill with real eggs and coffee. After a good breakfast, we packed up our wet tent and were off. There were some nice views and it was an easy trial. Then right before we got to Skyland Lodge a young black bear appeared on the trail in front of me. He was just taking his own sweet time walking the trail, so I followed at a distance taking some pictures. Relentless came up the trail and I pointed out the bear. About this time the bear decided to take a nap in the trail beside the trail and put on big paw on the trail itself. We watched him snooze for a bit, but he looked like he was in for a long rest, so we decided to walk closer to see if he might get up and go away. He got up alright but faced us and looked like he was going to stand his ground if we came any closer. There was no way to bushwhack around him so we went back to the skyline drive and walked the road to the lodge. We told a ranger about the bear because we thought he might be sick, but he said the bear was just tired and decided to take a nap. I guess this kind of bear behavior is not unusual around here. We have a little cabin room here and are drying out our gear. We will eat at the lodge tonight. We are getting kind of spoiled and soft with all these good meals and easy short miles, but it is fun to be pampered. Another reason for the easy days is that my shoulder is really in bad shape where my shoulder strap has made a big sore spot. i tried putting mole skin on it, but that didn't help. I don't know why after 900 miles it has started to make a sore there.
Date: 2003-08-12
From: Skyland

To: Luray
Miles today: 9.5

It was a pretty easy day even though we got off to a slow start because of taking time for breakfast ant the lodge. The views were really nice from the rocks and there were a lot of butterflies and flowers along the way. We met some other hikers, squeaky who is a south bound, thru hiker, Pee four and her husband who are going to flip flop and a section hiker with a huge pot on his back. At the gap, we met two AT hikers from last year, Tuna and Peanut. They had been out for a couple of days. They gave us a ride into Luray. I was so glad they did because it would have been a hard hitch if they hadn¢t been there. So now we have clean clothes and supplies for awhile and a good night¢s sleep. It stormed while I was at the laundry. I was glad not to be in the mountains.
Date: 2003-08-16
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter

To: Dick's Dome
Miles today: 9.9

We had twinkies and doughnuts for breakfast with our coffee on the front porch of the shelter. Then we hiked off for a busy day of walking, walking and more walking with lunch at Manassas Gap Shelter while we listened to the thunder in the distance. With all the gray clouds and noise, we expected a rain storm but were happy to only get a tiny sprinkle. We got to Dick's Dome about 5 PM, ate supper and set up the tent in the shelter. If it rains tonight we will be prepared. Yesterday we heard about the big blackout in New York, Ohio and Michigan. We heard it first from a day hiker on the trail and then read about it in one of the newspapers at the store in Linden. I called Kristen from the store. We are both interested to find out more about it but that will have to wait a few days. It is really strange going from instant 24 hour news to news once every three or four days unless we happen to come across someone who has been in town recently. Today we only saw 3 hikers. The shelter is nice and we weren't bothered by bugs at all. We couldn't believe it. Even though there is a creek out front and it is damp, no mosquitoes or flies. PS from the next morning-There was thunder and lightning all night long. As the storm went on, I was really grateful for the shelter and our decision to put the tent up inside.
Date: 2003-08-19
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Blackburn Hostel
Miles today: 7.9

What a great last night on the trail! We got to Blackburn Trail Center about 4:30 and met Sarah the caretaker. She gave us sodas and treats provided by a trail angel named Betty. We also met two Southbound hikers, Wheel and Bojangles. This is really a neat place! They have a bunkhouse for hikers, solar shower, and a screened in porch that goes around the front and sides of the caretakers' house. Hikers are welcome to use the porch which was really great since the day was hot and the bugs were bad. Outside, the hummingbirds were diving at each other trying to get a spot at the feeder that Sarah had placed by the porch. It was fun to watch them perch on the trees and the feeder. I'd never seen on sit still before. Sarah and her husband Bill made us a great spaghetti dinner complete with dessert. Another hiker doing a section southbound was also here. His trail name is Navigator, and he is from Cincinatti. It was the perfect way to end our trail experience with a good meal shared with great company.
Date: 2002-12-29
To: It's Time To Get Really Serious
Miles today: 0.0

Gary and I have been talking about hiking the AT ever since we got married in 1973, but then we got involved in jobs, kids and paying bills. Now we are retired, the kids are raised, Gary will turn 60 in June and I will be 56 in February. Time sure goes by quickly. It's now or never, we aren't getting any younger. We have been making plans for the hike for over a year now, getting gear together, reading trail journals, books, getting in shape, and hiking. Last summer we spent 21 days camping in the Badlands, Custer, Yellowstone, Glacier, etc. We used our backpacking tents and sleeping bags in the campgrounds and did a lot of hiking, but we didn't really hike overnight with a pack. Now we have the packs and we have been walking trails in the metro parks with about 20 lbs of gear. We hope to leave Springer around March 10th- It's time to get really serious now. We have to figure mail drops, dry food, decide what to put in the bounce box, what kid of rain gear to purchase, and work out a lot so that we can be ready for the rough trail ahead.We are also going to attend the PA Ruck January 24-26th to gain some words of wisdom from those who have already done what we hope to accomplish. Hope someone there can teach us to light our stove. "sigh"Beesknees
Date: 2003-01-16
To: First Steps on the AT in 2003
Miles today: 0.0

On Saturday, January 11, I took my first steps on the AT for 2003. I hiked the Pinnacle, a section in PA. Actually with the snow, I missed some of the AT and ended up hiking an access road till I hit the AT at what I thought was the pinnacle, but was just the pulpit. So in total I hiked almost 8 miles on the AT and access roads.The temps were in the mid 20's so it was perfect for testing out my cold weather hiking gear. I have to say everything worked out great. At first I was a little hot because of consistant up-hill hiking, but once the terrain was more flat and small ups and downs I became extremely comfortable. The only thing that bothered me were my gloves. I have a pair of the REI Elements, which are like a shell with light lining. They were great on, but when I took them off to attempt to heat some water for a snack (the matches did not work) they ended up being freezing cold when I put them back on. I'm looking into some fleece or wool liners.It was great to be outside on a sunny day with the snow on the ground. I was actually surprised to see a few other people out there too, taking in the views.I am starting to get really excited about my trip, but feel anxious at all the work and preparation still ahead of me.
Date: 2003-02-06
To: Anxiety
Miles today: 0.0

This past week I experienced a little anxiety over this trip. My request for a leave of absence from work was not granted, my wilderness first aid course was cancelled, and the rumors of my hike have made its way out to many people at work.Then I started to think about my preparations and if I am ready. Without the leave of absence I started wondering about money for insurance and the infamous year end bonus check (that really doesn't come until March). One of my friends gave me a great perspective on this. He said: "Money really doesn't matter. The riches you will find along the way, far out weigh any paycheck." That put things into perspective a little better.I came up with 5 different start dates, including changing to a southbound hike. As all my thoughts swirled in my head, I realized I always came back to March 22 as my start date. I seem to be most comfortable with it. Journey invited me to join their group, but I am just afraid I won't be ready yet. I still have to pack up and move out of my apartment plus get my food and drop boxes together.So March 22 is it. My start date. It feels so good to say that!After my small anxiety attack I read a few people's journal entries and I realized my problem is that I am not in trail mode. So many are talking about how they can't wait and want to be out on the trail now. They are not worried about supplies and whether or not they've dried enough food. They are in a total trail state of mind. I've decided I need to be there, to get outside more, to read more journals, to play with my gear more. I need to get into that state of mind and be excited about the trip, not worried.
Date: 2003-03-03
To: Mardi Gras Fun
Miles today: 0.0

Alot has happened lately. My last day of work was Thursday and I went out in style. My co-workers (and good friends) had ice cream sundaes and a awesome cake waiting for me, along with some great gifts. It never hit me that it was going to me my last day of work. I don't know if it has hit me yet. I was so busy Thursday packing everything up so I could make it to the airport in time to get to New Orleans for some Mardi Gras fun. What a way to celebrate your last day of work!!!!!!! A big thank you to all my co-workers and friends for a great send off. You are all awesome. Mardi Gras was fun - I wasn't there for Fat Tuesday, but I was there to see enough of the craziness and the colorful parades. I got lots of beads and I did nothing naughty to get them. I went with my best friends and it may be one of our last big weekends together. This year definitly marks alot of change for all of us. So as of today, I am done with work, I am done with school and I am soooo ready to finalize my AT plans and get out on the trail. Packing all my belongings and planning my supply drops and food are all on the agenda for this week. What is really cool is that today was my boyfriend's last day of work too. No, he is not hiking with me, instead he got a new job and was let go from his old one on the spot. Sooooo, I have lots of jobs for him to help me with :) He's gonna love me for that. Only 3 weeks to go! I can't wait!
Date: 2003-03-11
To: Hair Cut
Miles today: 0.0

This past week has been full of activity. I had my graduation dinner on Friday and got to see my classmates one last time before I leave. It was great to see them and to celebrate the completion of our MBA program. Congratulations to you guys!!!!I took a Wilderness First Aid course this weekend. I now know how to make a mean splint with a therma-rest! I know that is reassuring to my friends and family as well as all of the hikers out there.And Monday I got the infamous haircut. I had 10 inches taken off. My roommate wanted me go for the G.I. Jane look, but I just couldn't do it. I told her maybe after my graduation ceremony. The best thing about my haircut, aside the fact that it was free, was that it will go towards creating wigs for childern with cancer. The salon I went to participates in a program called Locks of Love, there are many salon's that participate nationwide. If you get 10+ inches cut off, your haircut is free. It takes many ponytails to make one wig, so if any of you are considering getting major inches cut off I encourage you to look into Locks of Love - www.locksoflove.comThe rest of this week will be dedicated to packing packing packing, and hopefully I can get my first few maildrops sent out.Oh, and I still don't have my tent!!!!! It was supposed to arrive today!
Date: 2003-03-22
To: Amicola Lodge
Miles today: 0.0

Ed and I flew out Friday after several tearful goodbyes to my friends and mom. I had absolutly no problems at the airport. We reached the lodge after midnight so we didn't see much during the steep uphill drive.We did a short dayhike Saturday and got to see the lodge on the hillside. It looked realy cool and is big for a state park lodge. On our hike we got to see Amicola Falls - Amicola is Cherokee for tumbling water. I wonder what the Cherokee word is for tumbling hiker??After a quick shopping trip for last minute stuff Ed and I sat on the porch at the lodge and watched the sunset while sharing a 40 of Miller Lite. How romantic!!! I ate my last real dinner at the lodge's AYCE dinner buffet. It was good and filled me up for my last real meal. Tomorrow begins my journey.
Date: 2003-03-27
From: Neel's Gap

To: Chattahoochee Gap
Miles today: 15.6

Today I failed my one mission and that was to leave Neel's Gap with a pack weighing no more than 35 pounds. It weighed in at 37. I guess those 9 packs of string cheese, box of pepperoni, bag of whoppers (the candy) and bag of fresh grapes didn't help the weight but they all taste soooo good.Switchback (aka Nathan) and I left Neel's Gap at 9am. Early in the morning we saw a a white tailed deer and it had a big tail, it was the largest wildlife I've seen yet. We had great weather again, it was windy at times which made stopping for views and snacks tough. We hit Tesnatee Gap (or as Katie called it TeNASTY Gap) by noon and that was almost 6 miles. We were flying. But around 2 I hit a slow slump and we still had 4+ miles to go before we set up camp. However I did get a second wind, and with Switchback saying we'll stop just a little further up, we ended up doing a 15 mile day!There are 6 of us up here on Chattahoochee Gap including myself, Switchback, Indiana Slim, Liz, Jason and another guy who's name I can never remember. It is an extremely windy spot and we are basically camped in a row down a narrow road like path. I cooked my first Ramen dinner and it was mighty tasty.As we cooked there was a beautiful purple and pink sunset over the mountains. Perfect ending to a long day.Tomorrow may be another 15 miles day as Switchback and I are trying to get to the next town - Hiawassee - by 12:30 since we have mail drops there and really don't want to wait around until Monday for them.I'm already pushing myself with thoughts of a chocolate milkshake from Dairy Queen, and the Holiday Inn Express is rumored to have a hot tub. Oh how my aching body will love that.Switchback just told me the skies look like they may let out some rain. So I'd better get my tent settled and get snuggled into bed for the night.
Date: 2003-03-28
From: Chattahoochee Gap

To: Addis Gap
Miles today: 15.2

Last night I had my best sleep despite the intense winds. I owe it to benadryl and perhaps the fact that I didn't have to listen to the rythmic snoring chorus that we had in the hostel the night before.I was up by 8am today in anticipation of another long day - 15.2 miles. As we were approaching Unicoi Gap (mile 4.4) I mentioned to Switchback that it would be nice if people in the parking lot had sodas, or milkshakes and cheeseburgers for us. And guess what, I got my first taste of trail magic. Dale America was there with soda and oreos. YUMMY! He was also firing up a grill to cook some hotdogs, but we couldn't wait around for those. But that snack of Sprite and Oreos hit the spot. Especially since right after Unicoi Gap was Rocky Mountain and that sucker seemed to go on forever. After Rocky Mountain Switchback and I hiked seperate for the rest of the day as he was flying and I was feeling slow. There were lots of uphills - little blips - and I tried to decide if I liked the short steep straight uphills better than the long gradual slow uphills. Right now I don't like either one, or downhills for that matter. Give me the flat stuff.During these many uphills I created a new game - rest only at the white blazes. Let's just say I lost that game.Switchback and I met up for lunch at the Tray Mountain Shelter and we met Groovey and Task Master.5 more grueling miles and I made it to Addis Gap where Switchback, Task Master and myself are camping. Switchback made a great fire and we ate and talked till 7:30. Tomorrow will be another early morning as we only have 5.5 miles to town, but that includes on bugger of a mountain. I hear Dairy Queen calling me.
Date: 2003-03-29
From: Addis Gap

To: Dick's Creek
Miles today: 5.4

I was up and moving by 7am. Can you believe it???? Most people know I don't get moving in the morning until 9. The first mile or so was up up up, but I was feeling good and we made it to Dick's Creek by 9:30 ish. We saw a few hunters along the way and I was wondering what is in season in Georgia right now, oh wait a minute it is Thru-hiker season - ha ha ha.A big thank you to Mac who was at the parking lot getting ready to leave when he saw us coming down the hill and waited to see if we needed a ride into town. Our easiest hitch yet. He gave us a tour of Hiawassee and took us to the post office and then to the Holiday Inn Express. I highly reccommend this hotel. $59 for a room with two beds - plus a couch, and they have a continental breakfast, hot tub and pool, and a laundry facility with complimentary detergent BONUS!We were at the Georgia Mountain Restaurant by 10:15 and enjoying the AYCE breakfast buffet for only $4.95. That hit the spot.By noon I was showered and off to the library where I am updating my journal right now. Hopefully tonight some of the others will join us and maybe we will go have a steak dinner!Tomorrow is going to be another zero day, although the library will be closed so I'm not sure what all there will be to do - Sleep, visit the grocery store who knows.I wanted to add in some definitions for those who may not understand some of my terminiology:AYCE - all you can eatZero Day - a rest day, no hiking Trail Magic - a gift on the trail whether it be a ride somewhere, sodas, food water, anything something unexpected and greatly appreciatedTrail Angel - someone who gives out trail magic
Date: 2003-04-02
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Wallace Gap
Miles today: 12.5

4/02/03Carter Gap Shelter to Wallace Gap - 12.5Today was another beautiful day. The weather was nice and the hike was easy. There was one tough mountain - Albert Mountain. I had to use my rock climbing 101 skills to get up some spots. The view was awesome. We could see what we have already hike and a litle of what's to come - The Smokies. We climbed a fire tower and saw even better views. We hit the 100 mile mark today, only a couple thousand to go. The end of our hike was a 1 mile road walk to Rainbow Springs Campground. That was probably the toughest part of the day, but I had a shower and pizza waiting for me.This campground is beautiful, its next to a creek and it was great to take a break and enjoy the water and sunshine. The next few days are supposed to beautiful weather wise and our group is going to continue to take it easy with the mileage.Waiting in line for the phone right now to send these entries off.Today is a little sad as Hobbit is getting off the trail. She was only out here to hike two weeks with Big Red, but we are all trying to convince her to come back and join us for as much as she can. She is a spunky person, always happy and upbeat and adds life to the group. We'll really miss her.
Date: 2003-04-03
From: Wallace Gap

To: campsite past Wayah Bald
Miles today: 13.6

Wallace Gap to Campsite past Wayah Bald - 13.6The balds are great. We first hit Siler Bald and stopped for lunch and some quick sunbathing. After an afternoon of easy hiking we hit Wayah Bald and saw spectacular views of what we hiked already. We could see Albert Mountain and Siler Bald in one direction. In the other direction we could see Clingman's Dome in the Smokies off in the distance. Awesome views.
Date: 2003-04-29
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 14.6

Today offered some spectacular hiking. After I got off of Roan Mountain, I climbed Round Bald. (I later learned how this part of the trail was re-routed and it is an amazing story). Round Bald offered awesome views of Roan Mountain, however Roan was getting cloud covered.I stopped for lunch at the Overmountain Shelter which is really a large red barn. It is by far the most scenic shelter I've stayed at yet and it offers some fabulous views. I ate and took a nap there and really didn't want to leave.I think I stayed there for about 2 hours before tackeling the Hump Mountains. The humps are both balds that are just absolutly beautiful and scenic and offer 360 views. The climbs were rough and long, but so rewarding and I felt awesome once I got to the top. Apparently there are long horn cattle up there to keep the grass cut, but I didn't get to see any of them, too windy.I liked climbing the humps because, unlike Roan Mountain, you could see where you were and how much you still had to climb. Road was totally forested and you had no clue where the top was. At the top Riff Raff was taking a break. I tried to hike with them down the humps but lost them until the Doll Flats, where I found them taking a break again. They are fun to hang out with and I really like their company and stories. They were hiking Roan Mountain yesterday too, but decided to hitch to town for lunch before tackeling Roan. They got to the top around 9pm, and then missed the shelter only to head over Round Bald all the way to the next shelter and they got there around midnight. At least there were two of them to keep each other company during the night hiking.When I got to the Apple House Shelter I decided that I wanted to hitch to town for a beer run since the road was only .5 miles away, but I wasn't going alone since the town of Roan Mountain is one of those places they warn you about. But noone was up for the beer run :( Maybe tomorrow????
Date: 2003-05-03
From: Dennis Cove (Kincora Hiking Hostel)

To: Hampton, Tn
Miles today: 0.0

I was very lucky that Bob was doing trail maintence today. He was going right through Hampton, Tn and was able to drop me off at Campbell's Restaurant where Ed was going to meet me. At 9am Ed and I were both at the restaurant. It was so awesome to see him. I think I talked his ear off with trail stories and I knew is was very tired from the long drive he had last night. He ended up getting only about 3 hours sleep.After breakfast we headed to Damascus, VA where I wanted to stop in at the outfitter and check out some summer gear. Of course when were get there, who is sitting outside the outfitter....Switchback. He always pops up in the towns. Anyway, turns out he did a 33 mile day and his feet were hurting a little so he was getting picked up Monday in Damascus. He'll be going home for 1 week.It was fun to introduce Ed to all my hiking friends. Now he can put names with faces.I also met Journey at the outfitter. That was exciting because we had been emailing alot before the trip. She had even invited me to start with her group on the 15th, but with moving out and everything I just wasn't ready. She seems to be doing well and enjoying the hike so far. I just wish I could have caught up and hiked with her. You never know.........Ed, Switchback, Charity and I had lunch at the SideTrack Cafe. Excellent pizza. There Switchback told us about the rope swing at Watuga Lake and the large woman in a confederate flag bikini. He somehow managed to get his picture taken with her, can't wait to see that one.After lunch, and the purchase of a new sleeping bag, Ed and I were on the road for a long 9 hour drive back home. We had a great drive telling stories and catching up. I'm not sure if this is good or bad yet, but it felt really good to be going home and to be around familiar people. I have all intentions of returning to the trail. Make that known!!!!!!!!!