morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-26
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tri corner Knog Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: moderate rain

Weather- Thunder storms (2)Hail, 54 - 66 degreesArrose this morning to a beautiful sunrise. Got to drink 2 cups of real perked coffee, provided by the family staying here from Chicago.   Packed up and out by 8:00.I walked the Narrows today. I had to skip Charlies Bunion, due to a T-storm. Didn't think it was to my advantage to be on an open ridge when lightening was present. The storm subsided and the most spectacular scene unwove before myu eyes. The narrows is a few mile stretch where you are walking on a high ridge between two sets of mountains, also becoming a water shed; where the rain falls to different rivers. Anyway, walking on the ridge and to my left is Tennesee and a the storm that prevented me from visiting charlies Bunion is still happening. The sky is thick with coulds and "smoke" spires were rising from the mountain range. And to my right is North Caroling, blue skies with some clouds, and a beautiful spring day. It was truly an awesome experience; storm to the left, spring to the right. And then some of the sun spilled over to the stormy side and I received a rainbow! What a gift.Further down the trail, after lunch, I was presented with another T-storm; this time I put on my rain gear and stood with my back to the wind as i was pelted with hail for about 5 minutes. The air was cold and walking/hiking kept my body warm. Arrived at the shelter around 5:00. Enter lauren and Jim, a young couple, the only other people at the shelter. They were on a training session for their SOBO (south bound) hike on the AT later this spring. It was a great evening, chatting "incessantly". Later in the evening 2 dudes from Chicago straggled into the shelter.What a wonderful day. Sunrise, rainbow, hail, and good company.Life is good!
Date: 2008-04-27
From: Tri corner Knog Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: light rain

Special things happen on Sundays. I awoke early and packed out by 8:00. the rain had already begun. Last night when the ridge Runner, Billie, was here, he turned his radio onto the Smokie Mt weather. It seems that the Smokies generates it's own weather system and it doesn't look or sound good for the next week. They are predicting lows in the 20's in the upper elevations. My mission was to get out of the Smokie Mt. weather vortex.We had a T-storm in the am. Rain presents itself and scenery no longer is a priority. rocks and roots become dangerous. Thje trail becomes a river. Dry socks become globs of wet yuck in your shoes, your feet slide around, moleskin and bandages become unafixed. Rain is a motivator.I stopped in at Cosby Knob Shelter and came across Stick, held up with bum knees. I ate lunch and left a very depressed Sticks. Shortly after I left, another T-storm gegan pelting cold rain on me for hours.enter Elgixin. I'm focused, intense, walking steadily and swift, concentraing, and meet up with this bearded gentleman. As I walk past, he strikeds up a conversation. A very fasinating young man. He pointed out flowers that I was missing as I rushed to my destination, and reminded me to slow down and stop and see the wild things. I'm not racing.I got to Davenport Gap @ 3:52. My butt was dragging and I had decieded that if I got there after 4:00, I would stay. But arriving 8 minutes early, I pushed on to Standing Bear Farm, out of the Smokie vortex. My steps became mechanical, but the beauty of the next 3.5 miles was striking. Magnolias, lillies of the valley, wild irises, dowgood and so many more. I regret not taking my camera out to take pictures of all, but I fear that camera and rain are not a good mix. I will just need to remember the day via pictures with my mind. I have to accept that I can't and won't remember everything, and just need to relax and live in the moment and live the experience. All too soon this dream will become history.Got to Standing Bear Farm around 6:00 pm with 18 miles on the day, only to be greeted by Soprite, Freckles, Papa Sarge, Topshelf, Jumpstarted, Powder river, Maverick and Rawhide. Id been following them from Franklin, always just a fes miles behind. Also met low Gear and Ohm. Wonderful, wonderful people.I showered and did my laundry in a wash tub with a wringer. The "pantry" at this place is stocked better than some of the stores we've visited. Everyghing is on the "honor system". Has a comunity kitchen with all the immenities of home. got access to the computer and read and sent messages to friends and family.I am rested, dry and have a whole new outlook. Being in the regulated Smokie area for 6 days was a challenge to keep up with family. I can't wait to call home as soon as I get a signal.Happy Birthday, my sweet baby girl.Life is so good!
Date: 2008-04-28
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Goundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: light rain

Could not draw myself away from the hostel. I was hehind in my journal writing, so I took time to catch up. chocolate donuts for breakfast.I had asked for directions out and must have gotten confused, because I ended up walking uphill in the wrong direction for about 1 mile before I called the hostel and figured I had walked in the wrong direction.By the way, before I left the histel, Aunt Mary, Newts aunt brought trail magic to the hostel. Bananas, oranges, chapstick, homeade blueberry muffins- I love it!The trail went up most of the first half of the day. After a mail drop, the load was heavier, but only 4 days worth.Camping in a shelter with Ohm, Maverick, Rawhide, Powder River and come Connetticut dude.Anoterh note, the bird sont that I have been trying to figure out is the Woodthrush, which has a beautiful and melodious song.13 mile day tomorrow. Hider midnight is 9:00. Lights out.Life is good.
Date: 2008-04-29
From: Goundhog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 13.1

Day 29 4/29/08Start Groundhog Creek ShelterFinish Walnut Mt ShelterDaily miles 13.1Total miles 258.6Last night was cold, 33 degrees cold. At 10:31pm the skies opened up along with the thunder and lightening followed by a sleet storm. We had started out with 6 in the shelter until one of the CT boys talked us into squeezing him in. His friend slept on the picnic table. But, when the storm came in we squeezed together so his buddy wouldn¢t get pelted with sleet all night.Shelters are actually colder than sleeping in your tent but, rain and tent makes for a heavier pack. So I try to sleep in the shelter if its going to rain or if I need to get an early start the next day. Evidence of the sleet storm was present along the trail today. Looks like it snowed.Max patch bald is one of these landmarks that you hear each AT hiker talk about. If conditions are right you can get a 360 degree view of North Carolina and the mountains scaled over the past days. The day was still recovering from the storms last night and I thought the bald would be socked with fog. When before my eyes the skies cleared and the sun came out delivering my 360 view. I am so blessed.The wind was cold up there at about 30mph. I have often referred to it as ¢Snot freezing cold¢. I took a movie on my camera of the 360 view. I was tempted to run with my arms out to my side singing a verse of the Sound Of Music.Met an older couple up on the bald who had hiked sections of the AT. They gave me a heads up of the upcoming attractions like ¢the Roller Coaster¢. And I thought it was going to get easier.We arrived at Roaring Forks shelter at noon for lunch. I met a couple hiking and his name is ZEKE! I took a picture of him and me.The afternoon was ¢up¢ and it seemed as if the shelter was moved north a few miles. When I arrived, Maverick, Rawhide and Ohm were staying in the shelter. It seems that there had been a threesome of young lads that holed up in the shelter for a few nights. They burned the register for fire and left a huge mess including evidence of drug paraphernalia. Everyone was kind of on edge wondering if we were going to have some trouble. The shelter is kind of an old run down shelter. I would not suggest staying there. The water source is quite far from the shelter. The air was so cold that we scrambled to eat, hang our bags and hit the sleeping bags by 7:30pm.Life is good + cold
Date: 2008-04-30
From: Walnut Mt. Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 30 4-30-08Start Walnut Mt shelterFinish Hot SpringsDaily miles 13.0Total miles 271.6Morning temp 33 degreesThe first word I heard out of Maverick¢s mouth this morning was ¢Bear¢! Usually when the air is so cold it takes more than one word to coax you out of your bag. But that one word pretty well set the scene of the mood this morning. There had been a big bag mess in front of the shelter by the three lads that contained rubbish that had been raided during the night. Then I heard about a blue (mine) bag that had been totally devoured. My Marshmallows Butterfinger candy bars were carefully sliced open with the wrappers left behind. Peanut Butter, Gatorade, and my last Kit Kat bar, all eaten. Ohm, Maverick and Rawhide¢s bags were also gone. I managed to gather up on Jif to go, a can of Underwood Roast beef and a can of Underwood canned Chicken. I had a cup of chi tea for breakfast and gave the PB to Ohm. I gathered the rubbish and placed it by the fire can. Packing up was not routine, just throwing my remaining belongings in my pack. I had lots of room without a food bag. We had 13 miles to go with no nourishment. To our favor, it was mostly downhill.The other excitement was that we ran into the three lads on our way to Hot Springs. They looked to have 1 tent, 1 sleeping bag, and 1 guitar which they said was broken. They also appeared to be covered with homemade tattoos as they were not very smooth looking tattoos. One character had both top and bottom teeth missing and two of them had pencils through their ears. They were pretty scary looking to say the least. The four of us kept together in a group. The spoke nicely to us and offered us food.We were exhausted before we even got into town. Now Gear and Jim left Mountain house dinners in the middle of the trail. But were almost in town and elected not to stay and cook. The first stop in town was the restaurant. We had tenderloins with salad, French fries and Mac and cheese with warm Pecan Pie and ice cream. Eating was no more of a problem than finding someplace to live taking a zero day tomorrow. I¢m staying at the Alpine Motel tonight. Life is better with a full belly.
Date: 2008-05-02
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

Day 32 5-2-08Start Hot SpringsFinish Spring Mountain shelterDaily miles 11Total miles 282.7Miles to go 1893.5It doesn¢t matter weather I¢m on the trail or off I get up at 6:30 am. I was on the trail at 8am. I began the day by walking along the French Broad River. I love to walk and listen to the water rushing. 1 12 hours of climbing and I was high above to town of Hot Springs. The morning climb reminded me of Devil¢s lake in Wisconsin Dells.The afternonn trail continued upwards and was a tough day. 85 degrees this afternoon. Looks like is going to be a warm night. Probably the first one since Ive been on the trail.Life is good. -Zeke
Date: 2008-05-03
From: Spring Mt. Shelter

To: Jerry's Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 33 5-3-08Start Spring Mt ShelterFinish Jerry¢s cabin ShelterDaily miles 15.4Total 298.1Miles left 1878.1Today started out easy. 3 miles downhill then the trail climbed until little Laurel Shelter where I ate lunch. It was windy and cold and by thee time I fetched water, cleaned my shelter and ate lunch 45 minutes had passed. I had reached the shelter by 1 pm. I didn¢t want to make camp and be cold all afternoon so I pressed on. 1100 feet later took me 1 1/2 hours to climb Camp Creek Bald, the trail turned awesome. The trail became easy and I could relax and walk. Did I mention that all the way up Mt Everest (camp Creek Bald) the winf blew at about 30 mph and it rained enough that I needed to keep my rain Jacket on. I don¢t like wearing my rain Jacket because I cook on the inside causing the inner part of the jacket to become wetter than the outer part of the jacket. But this time the jacket protected me from the winds. I was glad to have it.The guide book calls out Black Stack cliffs. Yeah. So? When you get there you are greeted by a sign that warns of exposed rock trail and offers the alternate blue blaze trail to be used in bad weather. As they have throughout my trip, the angels were watching over me. The winds calmed and there was no rain. I chose the rocky ridge also known as the white blaze trail, the official AT.Someone had written ¢hard¢ on the white blaze. I had my camera stowed because of the rainy weather but brught it out for the cliffs, and cliffs they were. The going was rough but the miles of cliffs was the most awersome part of the trip so far. Some portions of the trail required me to stow my poles and hang on to the rocks to get up or get down. Because the rain had cleared, you could see for miles. I was ¢Sky Walking¢ today. I thought to myself that perhaps this is was NH was like and it was confirmed by Zeher when I got to Jerry¢s cabin. I still had 3 miles to go when I finally descended from the cliffs, which were not difficult, but after the 12 miles before, my feet ankles and knees screamed at me to stop.When I hike uphill I sometimes ask myself why I am doing this. Then I come to a place Like Black Stack Cliffs and the answer is ever so apparent. Life is good
Date: 2008-05-04
From: Jerry's Cabin Shelter

To: Hog Back Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: few clouds

Day 34 5-4-08Start Jerry¢s cabin shelterFinish Hogback ridge ShelterDaily miles 14.7Total 312.8To go 1863.4Weather Low 43 high 74 partly sunnyOne mile down the trail brught me to Big Butt. Th map notations calls it a picture moment. I will note it as the 300 mile point. There is a boulder scramble which always slows me down. I have to chose my way, hoping to choose the rocks that do not wobble and find the path at the end of the rock scramble. I ended up turned south trying to locate the white blaze.Noon found me at the flint Mountain shelter. I had to filter water at the stream and as I was getting my filter out of my pack my sleeping bag started on a fast roll towards the stream. That one would have had me staying at Flint Mountain shelter, but I caught it!The last half of today was to be an ascent as I had planned it, from 2900 feet to 4200 feet. Climbs like these just intimidate me. Climbing is still very difficult for me. Just before the elevation started to rise I crossed a stream. And then I turned back. My feet were already screaming knowing the punishment I was about to put them through. So I turned back, took off my shoes and socks and had the most refreshing foot soak. In fact while my feet were in the freezing cold water I couldn¢t even feel them. However when I got them out they ached awfully. But as they started climbing I was much better off having soaked them. I arrived at camp at 6:30pm. The guys noticed that I didn¢t give my normal WA HOO when I arrived. I ate, hung my food and was in bed by 8pm. I almost forgot my Sunday Magic. Sundays always bring something special to my hike. Today would prove to be no different. Just before I started this morning a bird came and settled just before me. It sang me a beautiful song and rustled its black and white feathers. It wasn¢t until it turned towards me that I noticed it¢s beautiful rose colored breast that I recognized it was the Grosbeak. Now I know its song while I am walking through the woods. Life is good.
Date: 2008-05-05
From: Hog Back Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 10.1

Day 35 5/5/08Start Hogback Ridge ShelterFinish Bald Mt. ShelterDaily miles 10.1Total miles 322.9To go 1853.3Weather 47-77 sunnyI am the eagle. I live in high country in Rocky cathedrals that reach to the sky and all who believe in me share in the feeling, I feel when I fly. Come dance with the west wind and touch on the mountain tops. Sail on the canyons up to the sky and reach for the heavens and hope for the ______. All that we can be, not just what we are.Today was a celebration! The day started out uphill, quickly changing to gentle slopes and less walking. An easy day was planned because the last two days had my feet beat. I spent the day lallygagging as I call it. I wanted to enjoy the day had to offer. Spiritwalker asked how I could call a 10 mile day a stroll. We have come a long way. The afternoon started the climb to big Bald (1000 ft climb). I came to a gap across from the bald and saw it standing before me from above in the sky. I now knew I would be doing for the next few hours. As it was, I only climbed 45 minutes and I was on the bald. 360 degrees of the mountain I had climbed and those I would soon climb. Another one of those moments where I knew where I was supposed to be. I am the Eagle. I live in high courts. And just at that moment an eagle soars through the sky, gliding through the updrafts. Life is go good!Also, Thanks for the trail magic left on the trail going up to the bald! I had been craving sweet rolls. Cupcakes were just as good!
Date: 2008-05-06
From: Bald Mt. Shelter

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel
Miles today: 16.9

Day 36 5/6/08Start Bald Mt. ShelterFinish Uncle Johnny¢s Hostel, Erwin, TNDM 16.9TM 339.8To go 1836.4Weather 40 ¢ 76 sunnyThe weather has so much been in my favor. What a wonderful ride this has been so far.Arose this morning early so that I would put 17 miles in to town to get a food drop, shower and laundry. Got here in 4 days when I thought it would take me 6. I must be catching on to this hiking thing. The trail was a wonderful walk this day. It is still much like winter up in the mountains. The wildflowers and foliage have just started coming out. Most of the trees don¢t have leaves yet. Starting elevation this morning was 4100 ft. and tonight I set at 1700. I was surprised that this trip into town was so much down as walking into past towns. Much of the walk was up. Met P and Preacher. Two women going southbound and downhill. P stated that she thought we had 5 miles to go and it was mostly downhill. 45 minutes later we were still going uphill. A couple of days ago I met Peach and Fuzz from Michigan. I was going downhill. They were slack packing on the way up. Peaches asked me how much further they had to go uphill and I stated you can never believe anything said by someone going downhill. They¢re perspective is all different. We really don¢t remember the trail from an hour ago. If were going downhill life is good, so good that we¢ve blocked out the struggle of going uphill, Kind of like forgetting the pain of childbirth.The end of the day was tough. Actually the trail went down in a gentle way. It¢s just that I¢ve found once my feet pass the 14 mile mark they start to scream. I think ill limit the big days for a bit. Once I get out of Erwin the mission is to make it to Damascus, VA by May 17th. Trail days is a special hoopla put on by the town. Vendors of gear will be there but more so those who have passed me or behind me. And those who have decided to get off the trail will be there. Kind of like a Woodstock for hikers. I wasn¢t particularly anxious to attend while I was planning my hike, but then I never imagined that the hiker community would be as diverse and accepting as they are. Wonderful supportive people out for a thru ¢ section hike- or just residents of a town interested and supportive of the hikers. I am so blessed and life is so good.
Date: 2008-05-07
From: Uncle Johnny's Hostel

To: Curly Maple Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: few clouds

Day 37Weather- sunny-80 degrees Today was an internal struggle day. I'm noticing a pattern forming.One of the hardests parts of hiking this trail for me has been being away fron my family. 37 days of no hugs from loved ones and limited conversations on my cell have definately taken a toll on me at times. I've mentioned it before, but many family and friends think that it's the love for my family that will bring me home early. I hope that it is that love that will help me to complete this dream.So I get into town and try calling my family and received a lot of voicemail messages. It was the first time that I didn't get to talk to all, and I suddenly became lonely and went into melt down mode.I knew that hiking this trail would not be an easy feat. But I didn't know how often I would be dealing with missing my family. So I have my days walking through the woods, sobbing.I came to the mountains to hike the AT becauseit has been on my "to do" list for 35 years. If there are other reasons, I have yet to learned them. I remembering staying at the Blueberry Patach in Hiswasee, GA. Gary Poteat said that there were many lessons to learn from these mountains. Learning the lessons depend on whether we are open to recieve the lessons. I pray that I am open to receive them.Instead of the sadness I get from missing my family, I need to turn the emotion to the joy of loving such wonderful people. Perhaps the lesson is that the love we have in my family has no boundaries. I love each one of them more than I did when I left.Perhaps one of the lessons is "that which does not kill us, makes us strong"Or that life is very much like the mountains I've been living in. Sometimes you work really hard and are rewarded with a florious view; and sometimes you work really hard just to go down.Enough philosphy, I feel so fortunate to be here. I also know that I am exactly where I need to be.The stay at Uncle Johny's was short, but welcomed. I had initially intended on staying at the Nolichucky Gorge Campground, but changed plans because many of the hikers that I had been hiking with stayed there.Went to town for breakfast, did laundry and shopped for a new backpack. I broke my last one. The hipbelt seperated from the main brace of the pack. I am now the proud owner of a GoLite Quest pack. Same weight, but lots more room. More padding for the hips and shoulders and the weight distribution is great. The hike up from town was easy.Life is good- Tomorrow will be gooder!
Date: 2008-05-08
From: Curly Maple Gap Shelter

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Day 38-Weather- partly cloudy, L60- H70Today started my march uphill that will last 3-4 days. First it was the climb of Clingmans Dome that intimidated me; now it is the ascent of Roan Mt. Soon it will be the march to Damascus, VA.The first climb was tothe Beauty Spot, ascending 1400'. It was a nice spot, but I didn't think worthy of it's name.Then started the climb up Unaka Mt. ; another 700' climb.At first I thought there would be just 3 of us in the shelter. Shortly after I arrived, the skies opened up and it rained all night. Soon we had hikers standing in line, hoping to get into the shelter, built for 5. We managed to squeeze in 7 hikers. I stayed nice and driy inside the shelter.Life is good.
Date: 2008-05-09
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 39Weather- Rain L-51, H68Woke up to rain this morning. Steady, wet, cold rain. It was hard for me to motivate my buttout of bed. I amanged to eat and pack and be out by 8:30.I was in a funk while hiking today. Not much to inspire me as the fog moved in and I couldn't see any more than 15' in either direction.I walked unmotivated until I looked up and saw the sign for the shelter. I suppose that part of my funk was because I wanted to hike 15 miles and only hiked 8.8. Road Mt lies ahead of me. Tomorrows climb will be in excess of 2700'. My heart told me to keep going today, but my brain told me to eat well and sleep well tonight. Save the big climb for tomorrow.After tomorrows climb, the next challenge will be to get to Damascus by next Friday for Trail Days.The sun came out in the late afternoon. I washed clothes and got caught up on my chores.Tomorrow will be inspriring.Life is good.