morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-03-18
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a slow start which we all enjoyed. The gang had all tented away from the shelter so we could get some sleep away from the party. It rained during the night so I got to impress everyone with the tent drying magic of the "Sham-Wow"(thanks Brian).My knee continued to bother me today so I just tried to take it very easy. Turns out that Klarity is a yoga instructor and hypnotherapist so we did some yoga in the morning and she gave me a little hypnosis session this evening. I thought that I would have lost a lot of the gang today because of my slow pace but it turns out most of us came here.Had a beautiful evening at the shelter here with a good fire and lots of laughs. Really have met a great group of people and am having a great time. Know that we will all spread out eventually (nature of the trail) but I've been having one of the best times of my life so far. Christian, my French-Canadian friend from Montreal continues to have me practice my French and entertainsed us all tonigth with his nose whistle (Yup, a nose whistle! Laugh if you want but he bought it in the USA). Right before sunset (aka hiker midnight) a man walked out of the woods, handed us a "National Enquirer" for the fire and a box of tea and then turned around and left. Must have been a mountian man., ... a little creepy! Real glad I never watched "Deliverance" before I came on the trip because apparently it's set aorund here.Oh and about the trail name...I'm thinking I'll probably change it. Kind of enjoyed it as it made me feel like a bad ass hiker chic (can fight off the bears with my "two fists). But upon consideration today, feel like it makes me sound like a bit of a booze-hound (which I'm not) or there might be some strange hidden meaning to the phrase that I am unaware of (from some of the boys snickering). I know there are much worse names, but I'm not sure if I'm gonna take it.Well off to read a little and head to bed! (Christian lent me "Les Adventures d"Alice aupays de maervielles," so will see how I do with that!
Date: 2010-03-19
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Tray Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: clear sky

The morning and sunrise was beautiful at Blue Mountain Shelter. Apparently the shelter mice were pretty active during the night and some even chewed through Big Dipper's tent in order to get at an empty hot cocoa packet. Started the day doing some yoga with Klarity and Christian. Not sure if it's the yoga, hynotherapy or taping up my leg but my knee felt a bit better! So really relieved about that!The day was gorgeous today - blue skies and up to 70 degrees. A couple miles into the day we were greated with some trail magic at Unicoi Gap from former thru-hikers Nature and Bronco. Geek and B-man from St Patty's Day party also turned up while we were there. Had an orange soda, snickers bar, bag of doritos and an apple - was fabulous (and yes my hiker appetite is beginning to kick up). Had a great day of short milage so we all took our time. Had a long lunch at the cheese(cake) factory where Christian shared a block of cheddar he'd been carrying along for the occasion so that was a tast surprise!Shelter was fun tonight, sat out on the rocks and watched the sun set (from the wrong direction) and then had another sweet campfire. Met anther few nice guys tonight. Al and James from the Isle of Man and Da (from ?). Sure people will be breezing by me though - gonna be another sort day to the next shelter tomorrow and then on to Hiawassee.About my trail name - a couple of theoptions have been thrown out there - "Red Lobster" and "Freckles" but unfortunately "Two Fist" seems to be sticking. Not a big deal, here have been worse names so we'll see...
Date: 2010-03-20
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: few clouds

Woke up early this morning and went out to the rocks to watch the sun rise. Was the first one out there but a few members of the crew (guess we are known as the "Gooch Crew") came out to watch it as well. Got an early start down Tray Mountain in the morning and, oh holy blowdowns! Kept thinking I might have lost the trail and had to navigate many downed tree trunks and through tangles of branches. I can't even imagine how tough it must have been for people who started a month ago in the snow.Ended up flipflopping alot of the day with Powernap and Kentucky. We were blessed with another day of 70 degree weather and sunshine so took a nice longlunch again where we aired our feet out to dry and laid in the sun (as my grandmother would say "I wonder what the poor people are doing"). It is so great to be able to do something you love everyday particularly when the weather cooperates.That being said, you really have to enjoy climbing up and down mountains because that is what you do - all day long and it can be tough! Kelly's Knob was a particularly tough climb today but we made it through. I've found that I enjoy the uphills more than downhills. Knee continues to be slightly sore but managable! Quite a few people seem to be having knee pain so that makes me feel slightly better. Guess we all just have our aches and pains to deal with along the way.Shelter wasn't too full tonight. In addition to the crew, Flu and Tick, a couple of cool local Georgian boys and Erin ("on the loose") are here. Tomorrow morning it's off to Hiawassee for some shower, laundry and food! Been about 5 days since the last shower so it's about time. Luckily everyone is in the same grimey boat so it's not a big deal. I have begun to notice that some day hikers I pass smell like soap so little afraid as to how it is on their end!
Date: 2010-03-21
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Blueberry Patch Hostel
Miles today: 3.5

Got an early start this morning, packed up, ate breakfast, and headed out for a short 3.5 miles to Dick's Creek Gap with Kentucky and Powernap. When we got to the road crosing we were greeted with trail magic by Mad Dog and Pilgrim ('06) who gave us a coke and an orange and then Pilgrim gave us a ride to the Blueberry Patch Hostel in Hiawassee, GA.It's been a great stay here and we were reunited with some trail friends - RafiC (from Puerto Rico) and Caribu and his service dog Yolo. Have just spent the day relaxing and getting cleaned up so feeling fresh once again. Our hosts Gary and Lenny are lovely and extremely hospitable to hikers passing through, Went out to a Mexican restaurant for dinner which was tasy, but my appetite hadn't grown as much as I'd thought. Mexican restaurant -1, Kelly -0! Well, its thunderstorming outside so delighted to be sleeping indoors tonight!
Date: 2010-03-22
From: Blueberry Patch Hostel

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light snow

Well there were big thunderstorms last night so we were sure glad to be in the Blueberry Patch Hostel. I can't say enough nice things about Gary and Lenni who run the hostel - they truly are trail angels in every sense of the word! Had a delicious breakfast there and then back on the trail for an easy day to the first shelter.Met Ace(Megan) and Turtle(Jocelyn) who had spent the night at the Holiday Inn in Hiawassee. Apparently there were about 60 hikers who got off in Hiawassee yesterday. Snowed a bit this morning and was like a winter wonderland. Arrived at the first shelter and it was only about noon. There was a fire going there so had some lunch and hung out for a couple hours. But since it was so early, the weather was cold and was feeling good, we decided to press on. Crossed my first state line into North Carolina (woo-hoo!).The snow was starting to kick up so we set up camp at Bly Gap and it has continued to snow all evening. We got a mini fire going, had some hot dinner (there I nearly burned my hand off trying to light my stove),plus about 4 candy bars, hung our bear bags in a tree, and have hunckered down for the night. Snow is completely covering the bottom of my tent and continuing so hopefully condensation won't be too much of a problem overnight. Have also stuck my water bottle in my sleeping bag overnight so it won't freeze. And not looking forward to putting my wet boots on tomorrow which will be frozen blocks of ice - oh well! Time to head into my sleeping bag for the night.P.S. Have got the trail name "Red Lobster" and it seems to be sticking and be original so guess I'll just go with that. Of course I pronounce it "Red Lobst-ah" cos think my Boston Twang gives it that little something extra - don't you agree?
Date: 2010-03-23
From: Bly Gap

To: Muscrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: few clouds

Brr...it was cold this morning in our tents. I laid in bed til prbably 9 hoping that the sun would come out and melt some of the snow off my tent but it never came and I had been holding out on going to the bathroom since about 2AM so I eventually just sucked it up and got out of bed. It was a tough morning - frozen fingers, rain clothes, boots and toes. It was too cold to cook breakfast or stand around so I packed up my frozen gear, grapped a Clif bar and hit the trail to warm up. It's amazing how just moving warms up your body.Ended up hiking alot of the morning with Kappy (formerly Kentucky) and Marcelles. It was a little cold and miserable to begin with, but eventually even tho we were gaining elevation, it started warming up slowly. Walking through the rhodedendrums in the snow was pretty beautiful. At one stage we saw evidence that the powernap had passed before us (like a snow angel but in the shape of a hiker taking a nap).Shortly before reaching the shelter met up with many of the Gooch crew and as Christian said we "were at war with the trees!" Ice chunks falling down from the trees and pelting us in the head. It wasn't too bad though. We got to the shelter early and decided to hang out. The weather improved so we dryed out our tents and wet froze gear, eating lots of food and having a good fire at the minute. Sharing the shelter with Hiker X ('96), Blue Sky, Scat and Achilles. Well, off to enjoy the fire!Almost forgot to mention, over the last few days we have passed many ppl backtracking to Hiawassee becuase either everything they own has gotten wet or frozen (or both!), Heard tonight that Battlestation (who was with us the last few days and whose sleeping bag was 45 degrees with holes) stayed in this shelter last night and literally almost froze to death so he went back. Hope he is doing okay! Can't mess with mountain weather!
Date: 2010-03-24
From: Muscrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

Wow, what a difference a day can make! From yesterday morning where I thought my fingers and toes might fall off from the cold to hiking in 70 degree weather in shorts and in a tee shirt trying not to get a sunburn.Today was the kind of day that you couldn't help but love hiking. THe sun was shining, sky was blue, walked through rhodedendruns and mountain laurel tunnels, up and down mountains with long ranging views of mountains on both sides. Hiked by myself for a lot of the day but it was actually quite loveley. You know no matter where you are o the trail, there are always people a few minutes in front of - or behind you. So I had a great time enjoying the day, singing to myself, takig a nice long lunch break in a clearing. I swear at one point a bird was even following me up along the trail - it was something out of a disney movie.I'm learning quite a few interesting things out here as well. The Crusher attempted to teach me the nose flute (which I failed miserably at!). Also had a Titanic-esque moment the other day when Powernap and Kappy were attempting to teach me how to snot rocket (yes, it is just as disgusting as it sounds, and I have not been able to successfully do it!). Been working on improving my bear bagging techniques with some slipknots. Powernap was teaching me(he's a former Lobster-man from Maine). And have been doing yoga with Klarity as well - it's a great way to begin or end the day! Well have obviously also improved some of my camping/backpacking skills too I hope but figured it might be interesting to hear some of the random things. That is if anyone ever reads this journal. Ha! Goodnight!
Date: 2010-03-25
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: light rain

Sleepy is how I would describe myself today. Was slow moving getting started this morning, after my break for lunch and I am in bed right now writing this at 6:30. And it is fabulous!Well I won't write much tonight so will just give a few highlights of the day. Weather was nice - cooler and sprinkling, but as Klarity said they were just "rain kisses." The real rain started right when we arrived at the shelter which was very convenient! Also had a pretty big climb up Albert Mountain which was pretty cool and got the adrenalin pumping. Biggest highlight of the day was that we passed the 100 mile mark! Well it wasn't actually marked but the Crusher and I took a picture where we thought it was.Also of note is my appetite. I've eaten through my entire food bag - again! I eat all day long and my body still wants more. Enjoying eating lots of candy bars and nuts though. My Aunt Nancy made me some trail mix before I left (thanks Aunt Nancy!) and I blew through the whole thing in about 3 days! And that is in addition to my meals, my other snacks, bars and cheese(bringing a big block of cheddar is key!). Well off to go to bed to dream of pizza again. Off to Franklin tomorrow.
Date: 2010-03-26
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: overcast clouds

My appetite has foiled me again! While I ate through the entire contents of my food bag and came to town very hungry, the town food has once again won. We ordered in some delicious pizza while doing our showers and laundry. Ron Haven (a great friend to hikers!)then took us on his magic schoolbus to the outfitters, Walmart and supermarket to do our resupplying. I bought food to last me the next six days (which is a lot to carry - silly move!) or so to Fontana Dam. Also bought an extra layer for the upcoming Smokies which sound chilly! While most people tend to shed weight from their packs, I just keep adding more! Had a great meal out at Cody's Roadhouse tonight with the remaining Gooch crew. We had delicious salad, steak and potatoes, the biggest beer I've ever seen in my life and - yes, even ice cream. everything I've been thinking about the last few days but more than my little stomach can yet handle...yup, Cody's won!Highlight of the day - had my first hitchhike in the back of a pickup truck. In fact, it was nine of us plus packs so was pretty cramped but still had the coolness factor!Have had a couple of questions regarding trail lingo that I've been using but have not explained. When I say that I'm taking a "nero" day it means a "near zero" day. A "zero" day is when you take a day off and don't walk any trail miles. A "nero" day (like I am taking today) is when you take a short hiking day and relax the rest of it. Also, when I mention that I "leapfrog" with people during the day it just means that we might pass each eacg other back and forth during the day. For example, I might pull ahead of someone while walking, but when I stop to take a break or fill my water bottles, they might pass by me again (and so on). Well off to sleep in my cozy motel bed tonight!
Date: 2010-03-27
From: Franklin, NC

To: Wine Spring Campsite
Miles today: 8.0

I really wish I would write my journal entries during the day - when I am having a great time and thinking of loads of interesting things to write versus being chilly in my tent and wanting to go to sleep. So I'll keep thing short tonight.Day started off great. A shuttle came and picked us up at the Budget Inn Motel and we were treated to a lovely breakfast by the wonderful folks at the First Baptist Church. Took care of a few town chores (and sent some pics home you might have a chance to look at!). Got a ride back to the trail from Solace - who shuttled about 12 of us back to the trail in a big van rocking some Shania Twain). Day was beautiful and highlight of the day was a great long lunch on top of Siler Bald. The last couple miles of the ay were pretty tough as my knees and feet were definitely feeling my overstuffed food bag. Will try never to attempt a 6 day resupply again! It's a hiker quandry - you always want good food to eat but carrying too muchmakes you miserable. Still looking for the sweet spot!Well, that's all I'll write this eve as am quite cooold! This campsite is at about 5,300 ft. so it's a little chilly. Thunderstorms predicted for tomorrow so hoping they hold off til we're packed up! There were also signs up saying there is a bear in the area "mugging" hikers of their food so we were sure to cook and hang all our food away from our tents! Goodnight all!
Date: 2010-03-28
From: Wine Spring Campsite

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: moderate rain

Well the morning got off to a slightly miserable start. During the middle of the night my tent stake for my vestibule (the area of you tent that sticks out a little so you can store stuff) came undone and was whipping against my tent like a blowing fan in the wind. So was searching around in the dark for my lost stake a couple times but got it sorted eventually. Rain also started during the night, but I slept like a baby and didn't stir til about 8:30. Of course packing up in the rain was slow as usual and had some blister maintenance to attend to and had the unpleasant surprise that one of my boot ended up outside the vestibule overnight and was filled with water...awesome!D-squared packed up about the same speed as me so the two of us set off into the rain about 10:30. Was a pleasant morning and afternoon despite and after a short day got to the shelter about 2:30 (which was full of people from the day before who decided not to hike.). Luckily set up my tent just before the real thunder and lightening show began.So just hanging in my Hubba while the storm continues outside (did I mention every time we tent it's like an ad for MSR). Weather is a bit nasty - going from thunder and lightening to light rain to pouring rain to hail! Luckily (fingers crossed!), my tent seems to be doing a good job on keeping me dry (aside from bits of mud splashing up into my face occasionally. Well, I'm gonna hunker down, read a bit and get some sleep. The girls (Klarity and Marcelle), D-squared and I are gonna attempt to rock it into NOC tomorrow.
Date: 2010-03-29
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: light rain

Well it started off as another cold, wet morning. My fingers were frozen attempting to pack up and everything I own is wet and covered in mud. Got a message from my dad that there were tornados in the area last night so that explains the hail! Anyways had a quick poptart breakfast and began to haul it as I knew I had quite a few miles I wanted to get through early (and walking warms you right up!).Generally up until this point I had been gauging my speed from my watch. I notice that I generally walk about 2 miles an hour. So I was surprised to find that I had walked 6 miles by 11, when I had only left at 9! Hiked different parts of the day with Luke, Tatoo and Disciple and a large part of the day on my own. Made it to NOC around 2 and was busy doing my hike chores (i.e. - shower, laundry, etc.). Reunited with Powernap and the Crusher as they had been a bit ahead so was delighted to see them.Went for a nice meal with the Gooch Crew and spent the evening hanging with hiker buds. As someone said "we eat, sleep, and loiter!" I kind of like that one! Played a game of "Pigs" this eve with Playboy, Trooper, Homeward, Molasses, Powernap and the Crusher. Somehow I managed to win both games even though I still don't understand it. Beginners luck I suppose!
Date: 2010-03-30
From: Wantahala Outdoor Cener

To: Cheoah Bald
Miles today: 8.1

Today was a great day to be on the trail. Spent the morning hanging out with the hikers at the NOC and attempting to dry and pack my gear. The weather was beautiful (sunny and 50s/60s) and looks to remain that way for the rest of the week here.Hiked most of the day with Powernap and at one point we found a hanging branch to swing on ad boy was it fun! Sounds childish, I know, but life out here is a lot simpler in a good way. Sometimes it feels like you're reclaiming back some of that fun you had running around as a kid. Took a long break with some of the crew at a look-out point called "The Jump-Up." Was a beautiful day for hiking but a seriously uphill 8 miles out of the NOC.Arrived at the shelter around 4 and we were all feeling pretty good and the weather was great so we decided to climb another 1.5 to camp on top of the bald. Joined here tonight by Scat, Achilles, Pyro, Beans, Rummy, Nesta, Beaver Chief and many more. We all cooked dinner, watched the sun set, had a fire and watched the full moon come out. All in all, a fantastic day on the trail.One of the bet things about being on the trail is the people. It is a much more social experience than people would assume. There are people from all over the country (and world - many Germans and English), all ages and walks of life. But we are all called here for our own reasons and all the pretenses of normal society are gone. It is just simple and natural to be yourself and have fun together. I don't think I've ever laughed more in my life (though that might possibly be due to the Crusher - my traveling comedian French-Canadian friend). It really is a wonderful place out here - particularly on the clear, sunny days like today! Now only 2,000 more miles to go ...
Date: 2010-03-31
From: Cheoah Bald

To: Cody Gap
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

Well today was tough! Deceptively from the elevation profile and map thought it would be an easy one - but no-sir-y! Thought I was feeling pretty good and getting stronger, but just goes to show you don't get ahead of yourself cos the trail will surely knock you on your ass!Wasn't a complete uphill struggle of a day (aside from that one blast of a climb!) and had some good times with the crew. We even had a nice long lunch break in a gap, sang some songs (yes, we do a lot of singing out here - today's selection ("dream a little dream of me"), and Klarity treated us all to a mini toe reading (like palm reading but with your toes!) Was great fun!Off to Fontana Village tomorrow before the start of the Smokies. Seriously considering taking a zero day but at the same time don't want to say goodbye to the crew just yet. Will see how things pan out. Also really looking forward to the showers at the visitors centre as I look like a kid that's been running around in mud for days. I just seem to attract it - what can say! Warm weather has also continued (checked my thermometer at 85 degrees today and sunny) so will be nice to wash some of the grime off. And yes, the bugs have arrived. Til tomorrow!