morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-03-02
From: Hawk Mt Shelter

To: Gooch Gap
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night I climbed nto the shelter at 11 p.m. because Iwas getting wet in my tent. I guess it was just condensation. The weather today was pretty good. The sun came out for a little at the start of the day, but it was cloudy most of the day. Played leapfrog all day with everyone. Climbed Sassafrass Mountain, our first real climb. Not as bad as I expected. We descended into Cooper GAp and tons of hikers were sitting around. Someone has left sodas, but they were all gone.Climbed Justus and Phyllis Mountains after. They were pretty tough. Met most everyone again at Justus Creek. Arrived at the Gooch Mountain Shelter at 2 p.m. Couple of folks there. We decided to keep moving. Made it to the turn off to the old Gooch shelter. Climbed the .2 miles up and found a small dingy shelter. Bumpkin and her son were with us. We decided to hike the .3 down to the campsite. Pretty much the whole crew was there. Supposedly today was a tough day, but I'm feeling good, so I am happy about that.We could have gone further today, but no point. Just gonna wear ourselves down. Tomorrow on to Woodshole Shelter.
Date: 2013-03-12
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We needed a monster breakfast this morning to send us up the long climb from Unicoi Gap and Carroll made sure we had all the energy we needed with bowls of hot beef stew topped with two eggs! George dropped us off and we labored on in the wind and cold, laughing and moaning as small chunks of ice blowing off the trees pelted us and occassionally ended up down our necks. We lunched out of the wind in Tray Mountain shelter and kept on to Deep Gap. We enjoyed the company of Bean and two of the young hot shots we had met at Gooch Gap. For dinner we were delighted to barter a packet of hot chocolate for 8 thin mint Girl Scout cookies. Bedtime came early again because of the wind. Spring will come some day, I hope.
Date: 2003-03-03
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Woodshole Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: few clouds

Last night was cold! We were all camped in the gap and the wind was whipping ghrough. Emily Capes who also has a journal was singing while her friend was playing guitar around the fire. It was a fun time. This morning we woke up to very cold temps. Red and I were the only ones who cooked breakfast. While we were packing everyone else hit the Trail - I guess they were cold! By the time Red and I got water we were about an hour behind the group.The day was glorious - sunny, cool, with a nip in the air. We started catching people and found Dog, Shoe and Wench. We all walked to Woody Gap together. When we got to the road, our jaws dropped - Anna and SwallowTail were there with Trail Magic! They made me try a Moon Pie, Since I have never been to the South before. Also had cookies, 100 Grand and a water. There was one sausage biscuit from McDonald's left, and we split it four ways. So greasy and good.We finally got up and started walking. Had a stiff climb up Big Cedar Mountain. Couple small ones over Granny Top and Burnett Field. We caught our first real views today and they were awsome. Later in the day we could clearly see Bood Mountian. Red, JEnny, Subman, Pringles and I walked together for a couple hours and took lots of breaks. It got pretty hot and felt like Spring - birds singing, bugs crawling. We decided to stop at this shelter which is 1/2 mile fof the Trail. The water was pretty shotty. Most of the crowd we have been with is here. Erin and Meta, Heater and ANdy, Red, Dog, Shoe, Subman, Wench, Pringles, Bumpkin and Sniper. Cooked some tasty Ramen noodles tonight. Everyone's got too much food with Neels Gap tomorrow. There was a great sunset behind the shelter and wer were in awe. It's geting real cold now. Great day today. Tomorrow a bed and a shower and food!
Date: 2013-03-13
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: light snow

We were tired this morning after a long day yesterday, but were looking forward to trail magic at Dick's Creek Gap, just 3.6 miles into the morning. It wasn't long before we met George headed toward us as he waited to give us a great treat. He had tenderlion biscuits, coffee, fruit and Snickers bars for us in his car. We had a wonderful time resting in his nice warm car and celebrating our 42nd wedding anniversary. Awesome!!! We arrived early at the shelter and took our time setting up and relaxing before evening chores. Dinner was a pleasant time with Clever Girl, Appolo, Dumptruck, Granite, Broken Pack and others. It's interesting to learn that so many of the young hikers have traveled the world and experienced things we've only read about.   It was a frigid night and we later learned that it was about 16 degrees out. I love my warm bag!
Date: 2003-03-04
From: Woodshole Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a short day, but we all planned it that way. Last night was chilly, byt not too bad. First night in a shelter on this trip, and surprisingly, no mice!I awoke at 5:45 a.m. to find Erin and Mette packing up. Erin gained the trail name Earlyrise, which is pretty appropriate. Mette's name is Denmark, because that is where she is from. Jenny's new name is Dimples. Subman gave her the name Brown eyes, and someone else proposed the name Gem. I'm glad she took Dimples; it suits her well.We walked the half mile back to the AT and began climbing Blood Mountain. We had to stop, de-layer, and get water at Slaughter Gap. Climb up Blood ws long, but gradual. We were treated to another glorious day. When Red, Dimples and I go to the top, we were met by 5 Aline, a group of five hikers including Emily and Julia Capes, both trail journalists. Their trail names are spec and Slick Rock. They have three friends with them. We all posed for pics at the top and near the shelter. I led the charge down Blood, which was steep and rocky in places. After a long climb, we emerged onto the road and got to Neels Gap, Walasi-Yi Center. It's our first milestone. Winton, who owns the hostel, and Stone had a birthday today, as did Red so there was a big BBQ. It was awesome. They musta fed 40 hikers or more. Burgers with cheese and fixins. So good. I had Cornbread go through my pack today. He thru-hiked in '98. Bd news was he could barely find anything to get rid of of. Good news was I had nothing to send home and nothing to buy. Some people dumped as much as 15-20 pounds! I think Red went from 50 to 24 pounds. Dimples also lost a lot. She bought new boots and a small pack. I ended up gaining a sponge to clean my pot and lost a pack towel, seam grip and a little candle. Honestly, I coulda thrown down some loot to buy some hi-tech lighter stuff, but who wants to do that. I'd rather spend $$ on food. Cornbread kept congratulating me on having a nice well-thought out pack and gear. He thought I had all the right stuff - who knew. I took a shower today and it was amazing. Also did laundry. Well, the hostel is full of good folks tonight. Liteshoe is off the Trail for five days for work, so we may never see her again. Jan, it was awesome hiking with you. Andy and Heather and some others are down at the cabins. Subman and Pringles moved on. Sub's on a tight budget. Finally met Bearkat today - great guy. Well, I am getting tired and I just got handed a New Castle, my favorite brew. I don't know how they got them, since it is a dry county, but I'm not complaining. Life is great. Only thing is Red's Achilles are in bad shape. They told her to take a few days off. Tomorrow we must decide what to do. I want to do 11 miles. So we might have to split up until Hiawassee - we'll see.
Date: 2013-03-14
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

We had a tough time this morning because we couldn't keep our water from freezing. We had iced coffee slushies until they froze solid and the platypus was useless all day.   I forgot that we could put the whole platy under our jackets, so we trudged on, thirsty, until we hit a small sign on a tree that informed us we had crossed into North Carolina!!! Celebration ensued (Rich took a nap and I ate a bar or two.) Lunch at Muskrat Creek shelter was so cold that we were glad to get moving again, but the trail down to Deep Gap wasn't what we were looking forward to; it was steep and icy and we were surprised when a young guy came flying past, running downhill without any sticks. The young are truly immortal. The climb up to Standing Indian was easy and we found many of our friends tenting there, just out of the wind. At dinner we learned that we were enjoying the company of a Konnarock Crew leader, a Maine ATC worker and a former ATC employee. I think this trail gets into your blood and it's hard to return to a normal life.
Date: 2003-03-05
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I awoke feeling tired, lazy and somewhat depressed. I stuck my head out of the hostel, and it was drizzling and so foggy I couldn't see the mountains surrounding the place. Everyone started stirring about 7:30 and I was reluctantly packing up. Red decided to to take a day off to heal her blisters so it was difficult to leave her there. We plan to meet in Hiawassee on SAturday. I waited until 8:30 when the store opened. Boubht a new boot lace since mine is flimsy. Also bought four more ounces of fuel and a ruby red grapefruit juice. As we were heading out the shelter the fog lifted and out came nice day number 4 in a row!Dimples and I started the climb out of the gap and soon had to take our rain gear off. We both felt kinda lazy for the first hour or so. Afte about 4 miles we stopped at a blue-blaze and realized this would be the only water we'd see until the shelter. We climbed down the trail to find a trickle of stream water My scoop cup has been coming in handy. As we were filtering, Bearkat, Wench and Hot Dog stopped. We snacked for a while before moving on. Dimples and I walked alone pretty much all day. We had good conversation and it was such a pleasant day. I lead on the uphill climbs and she leads going downhill. He had one pointless down-up-down from Tesnatee Gap to Hogpen Gap. I love the names here in Georgia. Today's hike was pretty tough but I'm starting to feel better. My legs are getting strong - so watch out, I'll be primed for big days soon. We arrived at 3:45 at the shelter. Slow Ride, Braveheart, Pat and Michael were here when we arrived. Dog, Wench and Kat came in at 4:30. They always bring the party. We were all cooking and I actually think I'm getting my hiker appetite. I ate my noodles and two other peoples' as well.Me, Dimples, Slowride, Michael, Braveheart, Kat, Dog and Wench in the shelter. Andy and Heather are here tenting as are Slickrock, Frigidair and Oopoo. Two of the people in their crew stayed back to heal up. Tonight's probably the warmest it has been - its in the 40's so I'll enjoy not freezing. Tomorrow Dimples and I are gonna try 15 miles into Tray Mountain so we'll see. If we can do that, we'll be in town Friday afternoon. We named this guy Underpants tonight. BAsically, everyone has a trail name at this point. It's hard to keep up.I'm still in shock that I'm doing this. It feels like some weird vacation. I have to keep reminding myself that I'm really walking to Maine. This has been the longest I've backpacked. Five days. So I'm definitely learning. It's still sinking in. So far, it's been a blast. Everyone has been talking about bears tonite. Three years ago a bear attacked a hiker in this shelter. Once again we have crowd so we should be able to find off the bears. About ten people just pulled in. It's been dark for about one hour.
Date: 2013-03-15
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.3

Today's walk was really pretty and all was going well until Rich decided he had caught a cold. We took it easy and enjoyed the beauty and relative warmth all day. We passed Broken Pack beside the trail, having a mental crisis. I hope he works through it; he's a relally nice kid. We didn't push on as did many of the others we had spent the night with and stopped at Betty Creek Gap. The tenting was under rhododendron trees and the walk down to the creek was easy and very rewarding because it is one of the prettiest creeks we have seen. In warmer weather I would have taken a dip, for sure. We met Johhny Walker who wanted a ride with us into town tomorrow, but I warned him that we were leaving at 7am. Broken Pack arrived and we chatted for an hour or so. He is only 19 and has wanted to do this trail for 3 years and needs to finish in early August because he starts college. Best of Luck to him!
Date: 2003-03-06
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Tray Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We were treated to the most unbelievable thunder and lightening storm last night. Thankfully, we were in the shelter. There were lots of folks tenting around who all say they stayed reasonably dry. I've never heard thunder crack as much as last night. All eight of us raised out of bags at 1:30 and watch dumfoundedly. The rain stopped conveniently at 7 a.m. just in time to rise and get moving.Dimples, Michael and I were all shooting for Tray Mountain shelter so we decided to walk together. The first four miles were completely flat, which was a nice way to start a pace. We made five miles easily and then ran into the rocks and little ups and downs that don't make the the profile maps. By the time we got to Blue Mountain shelter we were all wiped - with another 7.7 to go. Early riser and Denmark were there as well as Pat and her dog and Ray and Marshall. Hotdog, Wench and Bearkat pulled in soon after. The shelte had a nice view in front, but I could see that it gets real cold up there.Finally the three of us got up the momentum to keep giong. We had a real steep down going into Unicoi Gap. When we got down Marshall had gotten a ride to town - his knees were bothering him. Underpants was also there. Ray, Michael, Dimples and I hiked the rest of the day together. We named Michael Grunt because he makes bear noises when he climbs. Ray is still nameless.WE had a big climb up Rocky Mountain straight out of the Gap. I was starting to think we would not make it. Once we reached the top it went straight down once again to Indian Grave Gap. From there, you guessed it, it was a climb up Tray Mountain. Ray was gonna camp at Cheese Factory Campsite but decided to push on with us. There was a strange couple there and he didn't want to stay. The climb up Tray was long and it took all we had. The top had some of the best views we've seen so far. We descended down Try and then were greeted by a .2 side trail. Well, we pulled our first 15 miles and it felt pretty good. But I am tired. We're gonna try to go into Hiawassee tomorrow. That AYCE is calling my name. We have nine in the shelter tonite. A tight squeeze. Should help us stay warm.
Date: 2013-03-16
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Our plans were to leave this morning at 7, but it was still pitch dark as we tried to pack up without disturbing any of the other campers, meaning that we were a bit late starting. Johnny Walker didn't show up, so we walked down the trail in near darkness, trying not to trip over any of the little obstacles that are more visible when there is daylight. We stopped often to appreciate the changing sky as the sun rose and soon found ourselves at the base of the rock climb up Albert Mountain. I remember the fear i felt as I made this approach 9 years ago, but the blowing snow then made the climb seem not too terrible. Today the air was calm and we could see the fire tower at the top looming like an alien invader with spidery legs. Dirtdog and I laughed at our awkwardness in scrambling up the rocks, but were glad there weren't high winds to make us feel like we were being torn from the surface. The walk along the backside of the mountain was lovely and we continued on to the Rock Creek Shelter for lunch. This seemed like such a dark and damp location so were ate quickly and walked on, perhaps motivated by the thought of town food and a real pillow! We kept passing and being passed by a group of guys, old college buddies, doing a section. The comeraderie among hikers is so special as we teased and encouraged each other along the miles. It seemed to take forever to reach US 64, but we made it right about 2:00 to be greeted by trail angels with drinks and soft chairs to rest our feet. As we waited to meet George and Carroll several folks pulled off to offer rides into town. The kindness sometimes is overwhelming. George and Carroll persuaded us to forego Franklin tonight and return to Blairesville with them for a monster dinner of ribs, showers, laundry and a soft bed. Are we ever spoiled!!!
Date: 2013-03-17
From: Wayah Bald

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: snow

This was the best days ever on the trail. We began with a long drive into the middle of the wilderness to find the parking area at Wayah Bald where George and Carroll dropped us off to slack back to Franklin. We were only on the trail for a few minutes when we met Gray Jay, an ALDHA advocate and friend of Hammock Hanger. I had heard her name many times over the years and was delighted to meet her. Perhaps we'll attend the next Gathering in October. We met Fresh Ground set up to provide hikers with amazing trail magic at the Wayah Crest Picnic Area and spent nearly an hour listenening to his life experiences and goals. He is a really special man and offers so much more than treats to the hikers. We look forward to meeting him again at Davenport Gap just north of the Smokies and hope that he decides to follow our "bubble" all the way to Maine. The rest of the day went at a slow pace because we had to stop and chat with all the folks we met passing us northbound to share the good news of Fresh Ground's proximity. We walked a while with the parents of Clever Girl's best friend who had driven up from Atlanta to share some time with them in Franklin. They offered us a ride into town, but we soon saw George hiking up the trail to meet us again. He and Carroll shuttled us to Haven's Budget Inn and we said goodby to them for the last time. They have given us an incredible start on this journey and they will never know how much this has meant to us. We will miss them so much. Food was a high priority and we supped at Mulligans and indulged in a couple of beers to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and spent an hour lounging in bed, but just couldn't quite give up on the idea of ice cream. Intending to walk down to the Hot Spot we met Ron Haven in the parking lot and he immediately offered to drive us to Dairy Queen for delicious blizzards. Ron then drove us "home" via a scenic route and entertained with stories of early times in the area and some of the more colorful local characters. He is truly a boon to this community. Tomorrow will be a zero to rest and let Rich shake his cold (and to let the predicted storms pass through.)
Date: 2003-03-08
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: plum orchard shelter
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Dimples and I hitched outta town and got two interesting rides. I'm a little skeptical about hitching now...The first woman picked us up and told us once we were in the car that she could only take us a mile or so out of town. Hmm, now we wondered why she bothered picking us up. So minutes (like 2) later we are abandoned on the side of the road, now neither in Hiawassee or at the Trail. We got picked up right away (helps hitching with a woman) and had a scary ride back with a colorful character. He dropped us at the top of the hill where the AT crosses and told us "Deliverance" was filmed right near here. He let us ou and said "Ya'll have a good hike now". Nothing like getting the wits scared out of you before heading back into the woods. We met Space Monkey at the gap. He was not going into town. We also met Mimi and Jeff who were hitching down to the BlueBerry Patch for fruit. Diesel was waiting there for the rest of 5 Alive. Sounds like most people are behind us. We hiked a pretty tough 4.3 miles here. Shelter is huge. Triple decker. There are about 15 of us. We have a huge blazing fire. Town kinda messed with my head. I was excited when we got there yesteday, but today I was jumpy and anxious to leave. IT was hard to get back into the flow of things. I am excited about getting to North Carolina tomorrow. Georgia has been tough! Today was gorgeous but I have been down for the first time. I guess I've been on a high for a week. Here's to tomorrow.
Date: 2013-03-19
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: NOC
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

Nick from Outdoor 76 shuttled us to Wayah Bald and we took off again on our northward journey. The walking wasn't too hard and the weather was warming so, when we reached Tellico Gap, we stripped off a few layers and lunched with prayerwalker and Broken Pack. It was a huff and puff up to Wesser Bald and DirtDog wasn't at all interested in going up the observation tower. In fact, he had decided that the profile looked easy enough to aim for NOC today. I had to laugh to myself as he learned that there is no flat on the AT and that a profile line that just barely wiggles is probably a rocky ridgeline. We were tired and foot-sore by the time we rocketed past the Rufus Morgan Shelter to complete the last mile down to the road, racing time to arrive before 6 o'clock. Unfortunately, I hadn't taken the time to study the Guide and read that NOC services closed at 5pm. We ran into a couple of guys who were waiting for a shuttle to a Bryson City motel and made reservations to do the same after we ordered a burger at the River's End Restaurant. I've been looking forward to their excellent burgers for a long time! We slept well at the Ridgetop Motel- hot showers and a full belly will do that to you.
Date: 2003-03-09
From: Plum orchard shelter

To: standing indian shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Today we crossed into North Carolina. It was kinda anti-climatic. We all took pictures byt he sign that says GA/NC. N. Carolina greeted us with a steep climb up sharp top and a couple of others. I have developed a bad blister on my heal. Hopefully it will heal soon. I soaked my feet in a creek, and it felt real good. Another glorious weather day. We have been so lucky. Walked with Grunt, Dimples, Ray (whose name is Flick) Redsteak and Squirts all day. Tonight at the shelter is Mimi, James, Subman, Joe, Space Monkey, Grunt, Dimples and I. The sun is going down around us as are the         . A southbounder named Gizmo stopped here awhile ago. He has been on the Trail for nine months and is a week from finishing. I picked his brain about everything. It's weird for me to accept that this is my life for the next five months. The most I had hiked was four days, and I have now surpassed that by five days. Time to hit the hay.
Date: 2013-03-20
From: NOC

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.3

We were returned to the trail just as the outfitters opened so we picked up our resupply and sorted through it on the bench outside, giving leftovers to Broken Pack and a friend of his. We were heading up by 9:15, not too late at all. The day was freezing cold again and it took us about 4 hours to make it to the Sassafras Gap shelter for lunch climbing 3000 ft. We weren't looking forward to climbing another 500 feet, but Cheoa Bald was so worth it. When we arrived the "lawn" was covered with hikers lying in the sun. The air at ground level was amazingly warm and we stripped off jackets and hats to better appreciate the gift Mother Nature had given us. Reluctantly, we had to continue on to the gap because weather was expected later this evening, rain or snow or both. We had carried an extra dinner so that we didn't have to share, but it got too cold to sit and eat, so we just prepared a quick meal and tucked into our sleeping bags. By 9:30 it was snowing, but I was comfortably warm, except for my face. DirtDog didn't use a few of the tricks for eeking out a few more degrees of warmth and was cold all night.