morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-10
From: Beautiful Day

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Pulling off fairly early today, only 2:30. Still, I've managed 11.5 mi in 6 hours today.I did my best Ruby Tuesday impersonation this morning, falling down twice and putting a 30 degree bend in my left pole. It still bears weight though,and I'll swap it out in Franklin, NC if possible.I've holed up for the night at the Low Gap Shelter. With me already are Speed Turtle, Cannibal and Leslie, now going by Viewfinder. Aunt Mame, V-8, Bananas and Josh were planning on stopping in later this afternnon. I'm trying to get Josh to go by the trailname of "Schroedinger" in refernece to the tattoo on his arm, Schroedinger's Equation. Turns out Josh just finished his doctorate in Theoretical Quantum Mechanics, or some such.I remain unnamed.Today was a beautiful bit of hiking. For once, the trail went along the ridgeline instead of going up and down every single mountain along the way. Even got my first bit of Trail Magic today. At the Hog Pen Gap, an old married couple had set up a canopy and were giving away fresh fruit, cookies, soda and water.When I was growing up in Garber, we had real trees in our yard. Not like the little decorative trees at the house in Gibson City, but real, purposeful trees. There were certain parts of that backyard where it almost felt like I was surrounded by an entire forest. For the first time today, at certain points along the way, I honestly felt like a kid again.
Date: 2008-03-11
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

I have never, in all my 5 days of experience, been so happy to reach a shelter at the end of the day! Fifteen miles today, over some of the roughest terrain so far.I had a good early start at Low Gap this morning, but started to slow down near Unicoi Gap. If it hadn't been for meeting up with Ken and having someone to help push me along, I wouldn't have made it this far tonight.We have a full house here at Tray Mtn shelter already with more expected to roll in later. So far, it's myself, Ken, Speed Turtle, Viewfinder, Hair Bear, some guy, some other guy, and three other guys.   I've met the last three guys the previous two days and still can't remember their names.Speaking of, I have an Official Trail Name now. From here on out, I will be known as "CAV", in reference to my unit patch sewn on my pack.Thanks, ma.(Mom's note..there are a few days that I don't have mileage for, so the total miles on the log is not really correct...my book says Tray Mtn Shelter is 56 miles from the starting point...plus that one day that he took a long detour, I estimate about 70 miles walked so far)
Date: 2008-03-13
From: Hiawasee

To: Muskrat Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Good day today. First border crossing from Georgia into North Carolina. First impression is that North Carolina blows. Constant climbing for a straight hour. Then a short decline, followed by more climbing.I overnighted at the Hiawasee Inn with Speed Turtle, Viewfinder, Adam and Thorny. Thorny is one of the "some other guys" I didn't know at Tray Mtn. Cool guy. He and Turtle stayed in town, the rest of us continued on to Muskrat Shelter.Adam has a trailname now.."Scout". Viewfinder came up with it because of the handkerchief he wears around his neck. I seconded it because I've been relying on him for map reading for the last two days.We met up with Ken, a kid named Sam and 2 locals at the shelter. Ken remains trail nameless. The locals gave us candy and pointed us towards the site of a plane wreck a little ways off the trail.I feel more confident each day out here, as a natural rhythm has started to establish itself. I wake up around 8 and pack out by 8:30. Generally speaking, I can hike 7 or 8 hours without more than a few breaks. Most of the time I hike alone, although yesterday a line of 5 of us had banded together on our way into town. Once arrived at a shelter, I gratefully drop my pack. I'm surprised by how quickly I've become accustomed to the pack weight. With it and my poles, I move steadily and sure-footed. Without them, I shuffle along like a crippled hunchback, my right leg dragging behind me like dead wood. The first thing that must be unpacked is the sleeping bag, to call dibs on one's spot in the shelter. For the first hour or so, I write in this journal or read my book while my aching joints and sore muscles argue amongst themselves.Around 5:30 or so, it's time to start thinking about dinner. It takes only a few minutes to boil water for ramen, pasta or whatever else is on the menu. It was fun tonight, being with the same group as the last few days, to see everybody puttering around the shelter on their own personal timetable.Inevitably, someone collects wood for a campfire, which everyone gathers around. The talk turns to pounds and ounces, tenths of miles and a kind of disbelief that we're all out here doing this. No one lasts longer than 9 o'clock--hiker's midnight. The next day, at least so far, the cycle repeats.
Date: 2008-03-14
From: Muskrat Shelter

To: Carter Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

No fire tonight, and very little light to write by. It's been raining since 11:30 am and is expected to continue through tomorrow. Still, I've managed to stay drier and warmer that the last time it rained. With me tonight at Carter Gap Sheler are Viewfinder, Scout, Ken and Sam. Also, I was surprised to hear strange voices coming from the floorboards whien I arrived. Apparently, this shelter has a basement, currently occupied by 4 Asian slack packers. (ed. note--"weekend hikers")Claire and Bass, the couple from the shelter last night have not been spotted all day. They claimed to be heading for this shelter though, and promised to share their pudding with us.I really hope they make it.UPDATE: They did make it! No one has brought up the subject of pudding yet, but it is early still. In an effort to stave off boredom earlier, I read aloud for nearly an hour from Sir Ernest Sheckleton's account of his disastorous 1914 Antarctic expedition. The rain continues...
Date: 2008-03-17
From: Carter Gap

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Happy St. Patrick's Day! I know that I have not written in a few days, but nothing very interesting has happened. Got caught on a mountaintop during a lightning storm, in fog so thick I couldn't see more than 3 ft. around...You know, same ol' same ol'Progress has been slow for the last few days. Saturday, 3/15 was a day of increasingly violent rainstorms, including thunder, lightning and hail. Our little group planned to wait it out at Big Spring shelter, but it showed no signs of letting up. Ken and Scout chose to push on. Viewfinder and I chose to stay behind with Thorny and Cookie, who also sought shelter from the storm.Sunday the 16th was a short hike into Franklin, NC for resupply and a warm, dry bed. I got my first maildrop from back home. which included a few extras: Girl Scout cookies and cherry M&M's. They're nice people, my folks.After getting dropped off back at the trailhead this morning, I was ready for a pit stop after only a few hours. Somewhere in the last few days, I've pulled a muscle in my right calf. It isn't a serious injury, but enough to slow me down some.I'm a few days from the Nantahala Outdoor Center and my food situtation is such that there's no need to rush. I decided to stay a the Siler Bald shelter for the night and what was supposed to be a 16 mile day ended closer to 5.
Date: 2008-03-19
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Eighteen miles yesterday to make up for the short day the day before. Somewhere along the way, all the pain and tenderness transferred from my right calf to my left knee, my usual troublemaker. It's still sore today, but at least it's the old familiar dull ache.Viewfinder and I made it to the Nantahala Outdoor Center this morning, just moments before the rain rolled in. Happened to bump into Thorny, who had arrived yesterday and was taking the day off. (This pen is starting to die on me too. I'll have to steal another soon)While everyone intends to head out tomorrow, I planning on spending an extra day here and renting a kayak. There's supposed to be some whitewater rapids that even a newbie like me can handle and I'm looking forward to giving it a shot.Rather that worrying about grinding out miles to reach Katahdin before my deadline, I've decided to take things slower and enjoy the scenery along the way. A day on the river here, a day or two in Gatlinburg next week, even though I've heard it called a "God-forsaken tourist trap". Even a few days off sightseeing in Washington DC, assuming I ever make it to the far side of Virginia. After all, whatever I don't see this year just gives me an excuse to come back again some other time.
Date: 2008-03-21
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Brown Fork Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

And now the cheese stands alone. I hiked for 16 miles from the NOL to Brown Fork shelter without running across any member of my "group".I intended to take a short day, but there was a group of 20-some college spring breakers at the first shelter. They all seemed nice, but it was too large a crowd for me to hang around with. Now, only 12 miles from Fontana Dam, I'm in danger of having to burn the whole weekend waiting for the post office to open.I gotta start planning these mail drops better.Taking a day off yesterday to do some whitewater kayaking was wonderful. Kinda annoying though, that the only blisters I've had the entire time are on my fingers from flipping the paddle. (ed. note--see the photos--they are nasty!) That said, the next river I come across had better have more than just one Class III rapid. Enough of this beginner stuff.
Date: 2008-03-22
From: Brown Fork Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The Fontana Dam shelter is one of the biggest on the whole trail and here it's practically deserted. Glo-worm is here, along with a new section hiker, David. Josh is also here, under the name Bear Trap, but he's set his tent up off to the side.I'm stuck here till Monday when the post office opens up. Not a terrible place to be holed up, all things considered. I plan on catching the morning shuttle into the village tomorrow for the Easter brunch buffet.I feel like writing more, but there isn't much to say. I hiked all day today without seeing anyone in between last night's shelter and tonight's. There was some Trail Magic along the way...someone had spread Easter eggs along the last mile or so. I didn't take those, but I did take a copy of an Appalachian history book with $2 tucked inside for the shuttle. I just finished Sir Ernest Sheckleton's expedition account the other day, so this new book will help me kill time tomorrow if nothing else.Mom's note...having a issue with the mileage tracker--it is hard to keep track when he doesn't write everyday. For those following along at home, 162.6 miles so far from Springer Mtn.
Date: 2008-03-24
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russell Field
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light snow

Great Smoky National Park gave me a *warm* welcome today. It started snowing as soon as I passed the "You are now entering..." sign and hasn't let up since. I know my mother likes to criticize my hand writing, but she will forgive me here, I hope. My fingers, they are frozen...One of the nice things about GSNP is due to the high tourist traffic in the summer, the shelters are all no more that 5 miles apart. I stopped earlier at Mollie Ridge, intending to stay for the night. Once the ice melted out of my beard, though, I decided that pushing on to Russell Field wouldn't be too bad.All in all, 13 miles in only 5 1/2 hours. Not too shabby. I got a late start this morning after hitting the post office in Fontana Dam, then fixing the modem at the outfitter's so I could check my email..All those years of Army training finally paid off.The lady driving the shuttle thought I was Canandian because of my accent. I'm sure Ive' been called worse in the past, but the specifics escape me.
Date: 2008-03-25
From: Russell Field

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My drinking tube froze solid last night. In order to have access to fresh water, I took a cue from the Shackleton book I just finished.I packed my titanium mug full of loose snow, then strapped it to my chest straps so that my body heat might melt it. The end result, 4 hours later, was a few tablespoons and a leaf. Hardly worth the effort in the long run, but I still felt rather proud of myself. I suppose I should note that, by that point, it was close to 50 degrees out, and all the snow had pretty much melted. Luckily, I didn't run into anyone along the way and have to explain why I had a cup full of snow hanging off my shirt.It's interesting that this far north, thru hikers are already the exception rather than the rule. I've met only one other since entering the Smokies, a very enthusiastic gentlemen by the name of Baker. The other dozen or so have been folks out for only a few days. Some of them have never heard of the concept of thru-hiking. The AT in the Smokies criss-crosses dozens of other trails and not all of us are headed in the same direction.A few regard me with some kind of awe or admiration. (seriously, mom, Don't laugh)"Get out of the way, honey" I heard a mother tell her son today. "Let the thru hiker pass"My favorites are the ones whose eyes light up when I mention it. "Dude" they say, "I've always wanted to do that!" Then they quiz me about my pack weight and how the trip's been so far, and whether I'm enjoying it as much as I'd thought. It's fun and gratifying to know I'm living out other people's dream in addition to my own.
Date: 2008-03-28
From: Gatlinburg

To: Peck's Corner
Miles today: 0.0

"Welcome to Calhoun's, home of America's best ribs and proud supplier of Smoky Mtn micro-brewed beers!" "yeah, I'd like to try the Cherokee Red Ale""I'm sorry sir, we're out of the red ale" "Alright, fine, Gimme a plate of the half rack ribs and--""I'm sorry sir, we're all out of ribs"So, long story short, I'm glad to be out of Gatlinburg. I'm almost out of the Smokies altogether, another couple days at most. There's a crowd tonight at this shelter, Peck's Corner, and most of them are new to me. The Limestones are here, as is Major Miles. Other than that, there's Avalanche, Driftwood, Collins, and a few others whose names I haven't caught.They say that after the Smokies, the break-in period is over. I think my conditioning has come along pretty well. I didn't get started till noon today and still knocked out 12 miles by 5:00. Hopefully the 20 mile days will start coming soon.
Date: 2008-03-29
From: Peck's Corner

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Forgot to mention yesterday that I passed over 213 miles--10% of the whole trail. It's all downhill from here!!Rain on and off throughout the day, supposed to continue all weekend. I'm about 4 or 5 days out from Hot Springs, my next chance to re-supply and do laundry. Really looking forward to that.Most of the same group here tonight as yesterday...nice folks.
Date: 2008-03-31
From: Peck's Corner

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

3/31 MorningGreat night last night. Made it out of the Smokies and spent the night at the Standing Bear Hostel with Beavis, Dog-boy, Major, Rabbit-foot, Avalance and the Limestones. HIGHLY recommend this place to anyone else making the hike.Did my laundry last night with an old-school washboard and wringer. I think I was doing it right for the most part. Heck of a workout for the forearms though.I'm going to try to knock out the 30 odd miles to Hot Springs in the next two days. See if I'm actually as well conditioned as I think or whether it is false confidence brought on by the last few easy days. There's a shelter only 2 miles outside town. If I make it there Tuesday night, I can stroll into town Wednesday morning and have plenty of time to take care of some business and still move on that afternoon.
Date: 2008-03-31
From: Peck's Corner

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

3/31 NightI was never a good athlete. Never played baseball, never played basketball. There's a reason they made me a lineman in football. I cannot throw. I hate throwing a line to hang my food bag. I spent half an hour trying to toss a line over a branch using my water bottle as a counterweight. Then, once I had successfully wedged the bottle so far into the crook of the tree that it wouldn't budge, I spent half an hour trying to chuck my hiking pole up to knock it loose. After that, I had to climb a rhododndren bush to retrieve my pole.Eventually, I did get the food bag hung and I'll be buying a new Nalgene in Hot Springs.Same crowd here at Roaring Fork shelter as last night, as well as Driftwood, Tom Collins and Jared. Good crowd.
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: other side of Hot Springs
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: broken clouds

Several reason to celebrate today. I passed the 300 mile mark while hiking 21.3 miles today, 1% of the total trail. I avoided serious injury once again, despite taking another chunk of skin out of my left knee on my 4th total fall. And tomorrow morning will mark my first whole month out here. I think it's safe to say I've beaten most predictions about how long I'd last out here..Hot Springs was a heck of a good time. I was making great time on Tuesday and ended up reaching town that afternoon, despite my plan to hide out on the outskirts. By coincidence, Avalanche, Collins, Driftwood and Jared were all staying at the same hotel as me. Jared is also ex-Army, Avalanche is former Air Force, so we all bored the other two with our stories over the course of many beers.Cold rain stopped me short yesterday at the first shelter outside of town. I got some of the best sleep I've had this entire time, as I hit the sack at 5:30 to avoid listening to the one other occupant's stories.Part of the reason I did so many miles today was a desire to put some distance between myself and that guy. I've been unable to shake him since the day before Easter. Thanks to the unusually high concentrations of spring breakers, I'm in my tent tonight for the first time since Day 3.
Date: 2008-04-07
From: other side of Hot Springs

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Here's surprising news--biscuits and gravy followed immediately by a pint of chocolate caramel ice cream is not a great idea. Add a pot of coffee and you're just asking for trouble.I love taking zero days. I'm in Erwin TN at Uncle Johnny's hostel. I was finally able to post some consistently big days, 21.3, 20 and 17 to get here. Earned a day off. It's nice to know that I can hit some big miles if I need to, but I'm not planning on doing 20's back to back like that anytime soon.I'm thinking of taking another day here tomorrow and do some whitewater kayaking again. That guy that I was trying to outrun hitched into town and beat me here, but made an ass of himself and got kicked out this morning. If I can't stay ahead of him, maybe I can stay behind.The best part of stopping in town is catching up with everyone again. Avalance, Beavis, Major, Glo-worm, Viewfinder, Dog-boy and Rabbit's-foot are all here. The Pain Train, Collins, Driftwood and Jared ought to be here tomorrow. Even met a few new folks--Wrongway, Meltdown, Bald Thing and Ronin. I'm in good company.A decision has been made. Somewhere along the way out here, I've become a bit of a purist in terms of not slack-packing or blue blazing. Halfway through the Shenendoahs, though, there's a place where you can rent a canoe and paddle to Harper's Ferry and cut a few days off from hiking that stretch. I plan on doing that so I can take some time in DC without falling behind on the trail. Of course, I still have to hike several hundred miles to get to that point first, though!(Mom's note: Can't get the total miles to work correctly in the counter above--by my guide book, Erwin is 338.7 total miles (for those of you keeping track at home!) There are also a few short video clips to watch which are fun--click on the sidebar, there is a pull down menu from there...First day of spring is my favorite!!
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Erwin, TN

To: Curly Maple Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Accomplished almost nothing today, other than finally dragging myself out of Erwin, TN. I'd been there since Sunday afternoon, and while the people were nice and the town was lovely, it was long past due for me to hit the trail again.Not that I got far. I had planned to meet Avalanche and the Pain Train at a campsite 11 miles up, but stopped here at Curly Maple Gap shelter instead, only 5 miles in. I don't know if I'm coming down with something, or the long stay in town made me soft, but I had zero energy this afternoon. Hopefully I'll feel better in the morning, and should be able to catch my friends in a day or two.Peak-Ax is here also, having gotten an even later start than I. He's off gathering firewood right now, that should provide the evening's entertainment.
Date: 2008-04-11
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

The good news is it was only laziness, and not disease, which slowed me down the other day. I ground out another 1% day to catch up with Avalanche and the Pain Train at Clyde Smith Shelter, and we stuck together for 15 miles today over the Roan Mtn., the last 6,000+ ft peak until New England. Hell of a climb...I do not miss it.Overmountain Shelter, where we are tonight, is an old red barn with the very best view from any shelter so far. We stopped short here only because it was supposed to rain this evening, and although the rain has not come, no one regrets it.As I write this, Peak-Ax has just caught up to us, despite his bad blisters. I should also mention that Hobo Dave is here, although we're all doing our best to ignore him.Somehow, I severely underbudgeted for food when I left Erwin. I have about 2 1/2 days of food left, while still at least 5 days away from Damascus. Luckily, the rest of this group was planning on resupplying in Hampton, TN, 2 days from here, so I'll stop there and load back up. Two of everything!
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

The whole crew is hiding out today at the Kincora bunkhouse outside of Hampton, TN. The weather, which had been good all week, turned to crap yesterday afternoon. It alternated between rain, snow, sleet, and hail all night, sometimes doing several at the same time. No need to be out in that kind of mess.By "the whole crew" I mean the Pain Train, Avalanche, Peak-Ax, POW & TLC, and the Limestones, in addition to a few others. Mostly everyone who's been keeping the same pace as me. As a matter of fact, Avalanche and I were offically inducted into the Pain Train last night. Unfortunately, this is a dry county, so we couldn't celebrate properly.Damascus, VA is 50 miles away, a major milestone. We've covered almost 1/5 of the trail already, but it still looks like nearly nothing on the overview map.Addendum: Completely packed house tonight. Close to 30 people in a bunkhouse that sleeps 22. The snow continues outside though, and the owner isn't turning anyone away because he's worried about them becoming hypothermic out in the shelters.A few of us who had the comfort of nice warm beds last night have moved into the common room so that the cold, wet, late arrivals can have a place to sleep. If lucky, I'll have some floor space to call my own tonight.Additional Addendum: Did not get any floor space.