morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-03-25
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Plumorchard Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

7am ¢ 7pm 52 low-87 highO¢my gosh what a long day. We walk so slow that a mile seems to go on for ever. The terrain was up hill all day. Sarah says she needs leg extensions for some of the steps we have to climb. We stop at a campsite next to the trail for our mid day lunch and to air out our feet. Sarah never complains and always is smiling but by the end of the day she was really dragging as we reached the shelter. There were two men at the shelter all though we didn¢t see anyone else all day. One man a thru hiker and the other a section hiker, his companion a small Pomeranian named Tiger. The section hiker gave us a 3 lb block of cheese that Sarah was very grateful for. Her appetite has not been good and cheese really hit the spot. Three other hikers arrived well after dark we never say who they where but they had very large tents by backpacker standards. I haven¢t walked normal since the second day out. I have heel blisters, stiff swollen feet and my knees are a little swollen.
Date: 2007-03-26
From: COLD Springs Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

7am-5:2557 low-67 highWere is everyone? Today we saw one section hiker and a day hiker going south. We stopped at muskrat shelter for lunch. While there we soaked our tired sore feet in the icy cold water of the trickling creek and washed up a bit. I peeled the tape off my blisters to inspect them. They don¢t look bad but they are still very sore. My knees are still swollen but don¢t hurt as much as yesterday. My feet can hardly fit into my boots. I have to lace them very loosely. Today was more up hill. At times the tops of our hiking pools are at ear level as we plunk them to the ground a reach a head to help hoist us up the steep trail. I rely on my poles to take the weight off my feet and knees. Boy this hiking is hard. We are the only ones at the shelter tonight although we set up our tents. The water is on the other side of the trail down a hill. Sitting in the shelter you can see the white toilet seat of the privy in full view. To bed early again, another long day tomorrow.
Date: 2007-03-27
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Big Springs Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: light rain

7am -5:4052 low-72 highWe have figured the reason we aren¢t seeing anyone is because they all went into Hiawasee or the Cloud Nine Hostel. We just kept shuffling along. I am tired although I feel pretty good a side from everything hurting and not getting much sleep. I think a rest day is in order. Especially after today. We climbed Albert Mtn. We thought we just might need ropes to help us up and over. Sarah says ¢now that was a good exercise.¢ While blue blazing looking for water, which we never found, I saw a rather large paw print thinking that¢s a big dog later to find out that 2 bears cubs and their mother had been sited in that area. At the shelter was Eagle a gentleman who is a triple crown and is now working on a yo yo. He started last March at Springer has been to Katadin, back to Springer and now working his way back to Maine. We crossed the 100 mile mark near Glassmine Gap so we stopped to take a picture of ourselves. The two of us are getting along very well together. In fact I think we are a very good match. I feel very fortunate to have met Sarah.
Date: 2007-03-28
From: Big Springs Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap/Franklin NC
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

7am-11:3052 low-72 highLooking at the elevation for todays walk looked like it was all down hill to Winding Stair an easy day. And it was until we got to Rock Gap and the climbing began once again. Just up from the road at Wasilik Poplar in a creek we found chilling in the creek trail magic in the form of Capri Sun fruit flavored drinks. Thank you it was the boost we needed to get us up the last hill before our well deserved R&R. We arrived at Winding Stair Gap along with Sailor another thru-hiker. We only had to wait about a half an hour before the shuttle from the Haven motel arrived to carry us into town. AT first thought when we reached the road I wasn¢t sure what to do-stick my thumb out? But we just sat in hopes someone would come along. At 4 pm the Haven runs a shuttle around town so we were able to get our resupply boxes at the post office. Jim, my husband arrived around 6:30 bringing me three new pairs of boots in three different sizes. I normally wear a size 7 1/5 but chose the size 9 in the Keen Targhee hiker boot. I sure hope they work out better than the REI light hiker that I started with. I have decided to give up my skirt for a pair of convertible pants. I love my skirt but my legs are getting sun burnt and bug bitten. I have changed out my 4 oz Kiss stove for a 1.5 oz Kiss stove and sending my cook pot home but keeping my mug with a lid I fashioned. This will save me 5 oz. I am also sending home at least 1 lb of clothing. The black flies have been really bad so I¢m going to carry bug spray as well as a small tube of body lube for my feet.
Date: 2007-03-29
From: Franklin NC

To: Franklin NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Franklin NC0 dayR&RToday a lot of the hikers we started out with are now arriving. It is good to see them. Today we ate and ate. my LGenV phone is working very well. Im getting goodservice so far. The battery life seems to be real goodtoo. Although i need to remember to take the batteryout or the phone gets turned on in my pack and runsthe battery dead. ive been able to check weather as we go along. THIS ISA VERY helpful feature.thank you to all who have made guest book entries.oh yeah i have a trail name. First it was Biker Chick.Then it was Biker Barbie. But I dont look like a chickor a Barbie. SO it became Biker Barb. Now everyonethinks i ride a motorcycle. SO TODAY we have alldecided it will be Bicycle Barb.I must end this so Dear Jim, my sweetie, can return home.Tomorrow back on the trail. All is well.
Date: 2007-03-31
From: Plumorchard Shelter

To: COLD Springs Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

48 low-65 high, 9:22-7:05AT 8:45 WE BOARDED Ron Havens yellow bus TO be shuttled back to the trail head. BY 9:22 We were back hiking. About mid morning we met up with Page and Andy a nice young couple we have been leap frogging since the start. Just at that moment we saw 3 big black wolves approaching us. We grouped together raised our poles high in the air and banged them together and yelled at them. Thank goodness they went away. It had us on our toes the rest of the day. Since we got a late start we planned to go only 10 miles to a campsite. But somehow we missed it and ended up walking 16 miles to Cold Springs shelter. There were at least 6 others there. My new boots are feeling pretty darn good. All is well.
Date: 2007-04-01
From: Low Gap Shelter

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

60 high-53 low9:20-1-40It was nice to sleep in this morning. It rained during the night and was warm and drizzly when we started out. We new todays hike was all up hill. At times we were walking along the jagged spine of the mountain. Up and up we climbed. The temp dropped to 53. The wind gusty at times and rainy. I had to walk fast to stay warm since I was soaked to the skin. When we first arrived\ at shelter I laid out my ground cloth on the top floor to claim my sleeping spot. But as the men hikers continued to arrive and encrouch upon me I had to leave and set up my tent in the rain. All the mud, wetness and potential snoring was just to much for me. So now I am sitting in my tent as it continues to rain. I think it helps to have grown up in the Pacific Northwest.All is wellBicycle Barb
Date: 2007-04-03
From: Fontana

To: Smokey Mountain National Park
Miles today: 0.0

All is going very well. We are in Fontana,heading into the smoky mountain national park in the morning. It's supposed to be COLD! So far we have only had one day and night of rain. The weather has been wonderful. The terrain is very strenuous. Mostly straight up and then straight down over and over again. We are hiking with a group of about 10 others now. But that number always changes. I have just finished off my 3rd pint of ice cream. How lucky I am. Bicycle Barb/Barbara Corley
Date: 2007-04-06
From: Smokey Mountain National Park

To: New Found Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

All day was a challenge with our clothing. Going up hill we'd get hot so the hat would come up off our ears, the sleeves pushed up and the jacket zippers unzipped. Going down hill the hat pulled back down over our ears. Zippers pulled up and arms covered. At times wed even have to stop to remove or put back on a piece of clothing. In this type of weather it is important to not over heat and get wet from sweat because hypothermia could ocurr. We reached the gap at 4pm where we were promised a ride by Knock Out and his sister that was to be there to pick him up to bring him into Gatlinburg. YEAH we don't have to hitch hike. I called ahead to the Grand Prix motel to reserve us a room.
Date: 2007-04-07
From: Gatlinburg

To: Rest Day
Miles today: 0.0

We are taking a zero day. There have been several hikers come in off the trail today. They had about 4 inches of snow and said it was really cold. Tonight is record breaking lows. I really tried to eat a lot today to the point of feeling sick. I think the pint of ben and jerrys was what broke the camels back. We have learned that we needed to make some adjustments to our trail food. We need to eat more nutrishous foods. I decided this when my poop started looking like a chocolate candy bar. It is important to go into town to eat when ever possible. Tomorrow back on the trail even though the morning will be very cold the weather is supposed to improve during the day. I guess we will try our thumb out on hitch hiking in the morning. Next resupply is Hot Springs.
Date: 2007-04-08
From: Rest Day

To: Pecks Corner shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

8:30-5:0013 low-35 highBy 7am we were out the door of the motel and walking down the street to the corner of hwy 441 for our first attempt to hitch hike back to New Found Gap. We stood with our thumbs out and a smile on our faces for about 20 min before a couple in a pick up stopped. We were loaded into the back of the truck for the 15 mile ride. The temp was 13 degrees by the time we reached the Gap. We walked all day in crunchy snow and slick ice. We stopped many times to enjoy the views on the clear cold day.
Date: 2007-04-09
From: Pecks Corner shelter

To: Cosby Corner shelter
Miles today: 12.9

7:20-5:1521 low-36 highAnother cold start with a trail covered in snow. It seems the day after a 0 day is always hard and yesterday was no exception. So this time out I added bagles and peanut butter to my daily diet. Today I do feel much better. We arrive to a full shelter only to hear there are 6 more coming and they have reservations. No one wants to have to tent so we make room for everyone. Im glad I have ear plugs.
Date: 2007-04-10
From: Cosby Corner shelter

To: Groundhog Creek shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: few clouds

7:30-7:1030 low-71 highYeah we are out of the smokies. The terrain really was not to bad it was just so darn cold and having to sleep in shelters with snoring men seemed to take a toll. As we descended down to I-40 the white blazes were not to be seen. We were confused as to where to go but with some searching we found our way. We had planned to stay at Standing Bear but Sarah was not to happy about having to pay to sleep in a room with snoring men so after eating a pizza we carried on for our longest day yet.
Date: 2007-04-11
From: Groundhog Creek shelter

To: WALNUT MTM shelter
Miles today: 13.1

7:15-2:00As we approached Brown Gap there was a sign Trail Angel ahead-cold drinks. I Didn't think much of it until I saw the blue tent. All of a sudden I was overwhelmed with emotion and started to cry-for joy? . I had to stop and compose myself before I could continue. We were to early for hot dogs but had a cold drink offered to us by Apple the trail angle. It was cold so cold we did not stay long. As the day continued it became crazy with wind and threat of rain. Crossing Max Patch where scenes from The Sound of Music were filmed, was crazy with a strong,gusty wind. It nearly blew us off our feet. We laughed and laughed. We made it to the shelter without rain. At the shelter was North Star a member of the womens hiker group. Soon Derrik a young man arrived. We all got our dinners cooked before the rain started. The wind blew the rain into the shelter although we did not get wet just damp. We sat for hours in our sleeping bags watching the waves of rain being blown up the hill.
Date: 2007-04-12
From: WALNUT MTM shelter

To: Hot Springs/Sunnybrook Inn-Elmers
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

7am-1:1540 low-72 highWe wake this morning dry to our amazement. We thought it was all down hill today but the trail took us up and down over and over again. As we approached town the view with the French Broad River snaking its way through town, Main street lined with shops and houses scattered about was very pastoral. The trail runs through town along the sidewalk. The AT symble engraved in the pavement. I choose to stay at Elmers and glad I did. The meals and hospitality where fabulous. I spent a good portion of my time there folding sheets and towels. It was my pleasure. Elmer has been running the Inn since the 70s and has seen many a hiker in that time. Sarah stayed at the Alpin motel. We made several trips to the outfitter. They had sufficient grocerys for resupply.
Date: 2007-04-13
From: Hot Springs/Sunnybrook Inn-Elmers

To: 0 Day
Miles today: 0.0

0 dayFor the first time since starting this trip I am free of blisters. Im feeling pretty darn good as a matter of fact. I slept really good last night. Tomorrow back on the trail for a sluggish start as all are after a 0 day. I really enjoyed my reat here.
Date: 2007-04-14
From: 0 Day

To: Spring mtm shelter
Miles today: 11.0

6:50-1:3052 low-65 highI met Sarah at the motel and then we were off walking down the sidewalk through town, across the river and then a step over the guard rail as the white blaze directed us. It didnt take long before our bodies were feeling the weight of our resuppy of food. It was supposed to rain all day but we made it to the shelter and got dinner in just in time. So the four of us here sit and wait until its dark enoungh to go to sleep.
Date: 2007-04-15
From: Spring mtm shelter

To: Jerry Cabin shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: moderate rain

7:30-5:1043 low-29 highWe wake to light rain and wind. John. Jeff, Sarah and I were the only ones in the shelter with no snoring. I start the day with shorts under my rain pants with a undershirt and a long sleeve shirt under my rain jacket, my buff and rain hat. At Allen Gap we are directed to a house near by for more trail magic. I FILL UP on belgin waffles and chocolate sunday. When we get going again its raining. As the day progresses the rain turns to sleet and then with elevation gain the temp drops and the sleet turns to snow and more snow with winds to top it off. Oh my gosh, thank goodness we had foot steps to follow. As the day progresses the conditions worsen. We finally arrive to a very crowed shelter but some how make room. Sarah arrived very cold and wet. A couple of us helped her get situated and changed out of wet clothes. I MADE HER HOT TEA and got her covered up for warmth. It was a very trying day.
Date: 2007-04-16
From: Jerry Cabin shelter

To: Hogback Ridge shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

8:30-6:1529 low-56 highWe got a late start because of the crowed conditions and it being so cold. We walked through snow all day at times through drifts of snow over 2 feet deep. There were many trees down over the trail. It was hard walk today. Sarah had a particular hard time. She does not eat enough I dont think. She really slows in the afternoon. Finally we arrive at the shelter and for the first time since 4-02 we set up our tents down the hill, out of the howling wind and sleep well.
Date: 2007-04-17
From: Hogback Ridge shelter

To: Spivey Gap campsite
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

6:57-5:3032 low-60 highWalked along old barbed fencing, through crumcy,then slushy driffs of snow, over wind whipped Big Bald, through goey, slippery muck and over under and around downed trees all day. We wanted to get the miles in today so our walk into Eriwn tomorrow would be easier. We decided to stay at the Stone Steps campsite nestled amongst the Hemlocks near a stream. Camped along with us are Slinky and Dog.
Date: 2007-04-18
From: Spivey Gap campsite

To: ERIWN TN / SUPER 8 Motel
Miles today: 11.3

6:24-11:3043 low-66 highSince its getting lighter earlier we decided to get up and get going earlier. It was a perfect day for a walk, cool and overcast. Sarah and I were walking along a ledge climbing up, talking about never seeing any wild life when I hear a rustle down in the revein. We look to see a mother bear and a cub run into a thickit. The mother stops and turns back to look as another cub run to catch up. The trail practically dumps you into Uncle Johnnys hostel as you come into Erwin. We decide to stay at the Super 8. THEY have a free shuttle to and from the trailhead. We are also taken by Miss Janets to pick up our mail drop. Later the motel drops us off at the laundrymat. After laundry we walk a bit up to Food Lion. With laundry, grocerys and ice cream in hand we set out across the parking lot for the 1 + miles back to the motel when a car pulls up and asks if we want a ride. WITH out thinking we hop in. IT TURNS OUT THE KIND DRIVER IS THE PASTOR--From the Methodist church.Tomorrow we are back on the trail. We have an over night with some friends of Sarahs atCarvers Gap then on to Hampton TN I will up date thenext time I get access to my email.All is well.Bicycle Barb
Date: 2007-04-19
From: ERIWN TN / SUPER 8 Motel

To: Curley Maple Gap shelter
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: light rain

10:15-12pm 56 low-56 high Its so wonderful when I get a good nights sleep. We hoped to sleep in but the internal alarm clock went off and we were up at 6:30. We leisurely moved about getting our things together thinking wed head back to the trail around noon but some found out the shuttle was leaving at 9am. We were dropped back off at Uncle Johnnys hostel to resume our hike. We walked with 5 other men about our age to the shelter. As we walked it began to rain. At the shelter was a man named Tabasco. I FIRST SAW HIM march 3rd near Woody Gap. I WAS ON A DAY HIKE here he was 30 lbs lighter, but still carring Id guess over 75 lbs. Tabasco sets out mouse traps during the night.We arrived around noon and sat and ate and talked about food all afternoon. Because of the rain we will sleep in the shelter.
Date: 2007-04-20
From: Curley Maple Gap shelter

To: Greasy CreekGap
Miles today: 19.1

6:55-6:4043 low-60 highLast night Tabasco caught 4 mice last night. The rain quit but the morning was cool and foggy when we started out. I made a wrong turn at Beauty Spot. And then again at USFS 230. We had planned to stop at Cherry Gap shelter but stopped there for lunch and carried on. We wanted to get as close to the base of Roan Mtn as possible since we were told it was a hard climb. We figured with the wrong turns we made and the trail mileage we got in 20 miles or more. We got as far as a campsite near the trail at Greasy Creek and just couldnt go any further. After our tents were set up we lit a fire and sat to enjoy it while we ate dinner. Today was a long day for sure. My feet hurt.
Date: 2007-04-21
From: Greasy CreekGap

To: Bakersville NC/Bicycle Inn
Miles today: 9.8

7:30-3:3043 low- 60 highIt took us all day to climb Roan Mtn. I believe today has been the hardest day so far. We were so glad we got most of the miles in yesterday. The thought of an additional 5 miles on top of what we ended up doing today would have been just to much There was more snow to trudge through and more downed trees to climb around. We climbed from 3080 ft to 6285 ft in about 3 miles over a very rocky/boulder like terrain. We planned to stay at the Roan High Knob shelter but somehow by passed it and ended up at Carvers Gap/Roan Mtn state park/Hwy261. Tomorrow we are to meet friends of Sarahs at 10am to go to there house for the night. I tried calling them to let them know we were a day early but did not reach them. So what to do? We decided to try to get a ride into the nearest town of Bakersville. After asking several people with no luck I was beginning to worry. Just then 6 young ladies working for Americorp came walking to the parking lot.I ran to them with my plea. Within minutes we were allpiled into a van heading down the mountain toBakersville. We stopped at a gas station to find out about moteland were directed to the Bicycle Inn. The young ladiestook us to the door step and then went on their way.The Bicycle Inn of all places. Its a B&B catering tobicyclists. It is a very unique place and we had goodconversation with the owners. We did pay $40 each to sleep on a bunk.
Date: 2007-04-22
From: Bakersville NC/Bicycle Inn

To: 0 Day-Spruce Pine/Peter & wife
Miles today: 0.0

Peter picked us up at 9am and brought us back to their house in Spruce Pine. We took a drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the area we will be walking over the next several days. Also a trip to Wal-Mart for some supplies and 2 pints of ice cream of which Ive eaten one and about to eat another. We were able to wash every piece of clothing due to a loan of house dresses. Im sending home about a pound of non essentials but gaining the weight of AT maps on loan from Peter. Hes Sending the rest of the maps to Jim to be put in my resupply boxes. We will be back on the trail where we left off by 7am in the morning. Next stop Kincora Hostel in Hampton TN. Then Damascus VA in about 6 days.
Date: 2007-04-25
From: Moreland House shelter

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We had planned to stay at Kincora Hostel where we had a resupply pick up but because Jim decided to come to see me at Damascus instead of Atkins Sarah and I we¢d push. It was 6.6 miles to the hostel and then another 10 miles after that. When we got to Kincora we showered and made a quick trip to the store thanks to the kind and generous bob Peoples. There were quite a few hikers there taking advantage of slackpacking.We continued on towards Laurel Falls walking along and down large boulders. I looked up from my step watching to greet another hiker and in that brief moment took my eyes of my feet and twisted my ankle. Thank goodness icy cold water was just ahead and I stopped to soak my ankle and then took large quantities of Ibuprofen and then wrapped my foot in an ace bandage and carried on. The walk today was beautiful but harder than we anticipated. As we approached Watauga Lake Sarah saw a bear. I was ahead of her and missed it. Sarah was also confronted by a vicious dog that was more of a scare than the bear.When I got to the shelter I took time to soak my ankle in the stream. It was quite swollen but really didn¢t hurt unless I stepped wrong.We had the shelter all to ourselves a real treat. Many of the shelter areas are not conducive to pitching a tent and we have gotten used to sleeping in the shelter although they are dirty, smelly, noisy, mostly crowed and then there¢s the mice.