morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-22
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Hiawassee Inn
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: light rain

Big bad thru-hikers trekked all of 3.5 miles today. Whew! After an amusing stay at Deep Gap Shelter with a whole comedic group, we set out for Dick's Creek Gap. Once at the gap, carloads of other NOBO's were dropped off by various inns and hostels. We met B-Train again, along with Eye Forget, Red Socks, Lefty, Righty, Buoy, Bonzo & Rio, Melissa, Rainbow Brite, Skywalker, 2 Dogs, and more. Nice to put names with registry entries finally!Dave adn Nina were kind enough to not only give us a ride into Hiawassee, but to give us each an incredibly yummy peach pie. Dave and Nina--if you read this--thanks a million! It was great to meet you both--best of luck on your section hiking endeavors!Antonio and I mailed our journals to Allie and Joe for transcription (sorry about the late night scribbling) and hit McDonald's for a quick bite. We then went off to do laundry. Sign of Hiker Trash #46 --> You get excited about a large laundromat bathroom with soft soap and paper towels--and proceed to take a quick "bath". A mom with 2 young boys chatted with us. She was explaining to her 5 year old that we would be walking for 5 months. He thought about it for a minute and then said..."What happened to your car?" Haha! Out of the mouths of babes--it was hysterical!After laundry, we resupplied at Ingles and made some phone calls while we had signal. We also debated whether or not to stay in Hiawassee or get back tot he trail. We stayed. We're at the Hiawassee Inn, tenting on the yard with Ann (the gall from AZ). We had a nice hot shower and shave. Clean clothes and clean bodies at the same time.Sean, a NOBO hiker from Harrisburg, PA, is doing work-for-stay while his leg heals. He drove Ann, Antoino, and I to the Daniel's Steakhouse for the $7.50 AYCE buffet. Hello salad!!! I was so happy to see fresh veggies--mmmmm. BUT--the hot vegetable was brussel sprouts. EEEwwwww!!! I think I heard my mom and grandmother laughing all the way from VT. I hate brussell sprouts more than anything.We walked back to the Inn and are crashing for the night. Shuttle at 8:30am back to the trail--van smells like hikers. Yum!10 miles to NC!!!! We'll be there tomorrow...bring on the balds!
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Hiawassee Inn

To: Campsite near Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Cliff Notes version because I'm exhausted!Left Hiawassee Inn around 9am and were back on the trail by 9:45am. Met Mouse Police, Bullfrog, Rick, Estel, and Headbanger at Dick's Creek. Climbing ensued--today's motivation? The NC border! Reached the gnarled oak tree and NC around 1:30pm so we lounged around for lunch--ddrank a beer that Antonio carried. Mmmm...good.Every fly in NC welcomed us. First 2 miles--steep dang climb. Welcome to NC, my ass.Stopped briefly at Muskrat Creek Shelter and saw Chad, Cornbread, Ann, Bullfrog, Rick, and Mouse Police. Signed the register and went off to a great little campsite. Dinner, fire, bed. My left foot has a couple blisters and I'm beat--but all is good on the AT.One state down...13 to go.
Date: 2006-04-24
From: Campsite near Muskrat Creek Shelter

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

Going to bead earlier adn earlier. The 2 blisters on my left foot are ticking me off. And today--I got a lovely sunburn which has made me tired.We got a late start this morning but had a nice day of hiking. Long gradual climb up to the top of Standing Indian Mountain. I was introducted to switchbacks and here I thought these "switchback" things were urban legend.Antonio and I went to the summit (about 600 ft off the AT) for a nice long break and snack. The blue skies made for a fabulous view--71 degrees up there with a bit of a chilly 7mph wind.Antonio's hip muscle had been hurting a lot on the climb up but after a break, some stretching and a little massage--it went right back to normal.The afternoon hiking was mostly a 5 mile descent to Carter Gap. I bet all of the 2006 NOBO hiekrs were happy with this stretch of trail--especially after yesterday's brutal climb.I may be in the market for new boots. My feet have been aching like mad by mid-afternoon. A break and nice foot rub helps finish the day. They ache like I've been walking in high heels all day! Phooey!It's been great being out here...I can't imagine leaving or ever wanting to leave the trail. I do miss being in touch with people more regularly. I look forward to when I can check my email! Maybe Fontana Dam...until then, I thinking of y'all."We're not dead yet!"
Date: 2006-04-25
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Campsite past Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hit the trail around 8:30am, excited for Albert Mountain. We passed a slew of gaps on the way.Albert Mountain was a great climb--steep and fun and reminicent of the northern trails--complete with a few rock scrambles. Once we reached the summit, we spread out for lunch. The fire tower provided breathtaking 360* views and we were blessed with perfect conditions. Mouse Police, Ann, Rick, and Tom joined us after awhile. A couple of other section hikers paused briefly before continuing on.Lunch was okay--I have yet to find my "hiker appetite" and the cravings have yet to hit me. Strange, I seem to have less of an appetite than usual.The rest of the day was fairly easy--we stopped at Rock Gap Shelter to load up on H2O before setting off for a campsite.Right after the first part of a steep climb, we saw a metal glimmering in the light. Capri-Suns! An oasis set in the stream. Ahhh sweet, sweet trail magic. We each slurped one down and smiled. Thank you to whoever you are!We found a site soon after, set up camp, and had dinner. Fire God went around rebuilding ANOTHER fire pit.We're expecting rain and I'm so tired...
Date: 2006-04-26
From: Campsite past Rock Gap Shelter

To: Budget Inn, Franklin, NC
Miles today: 2.4
Weather: light rain

Headed in to Franklin to resupply. 1/2 mile walking on the raod and no takers for a hitch. Antonio needs to hike up his kilt. Suddenly, a short white bus stops and beckons us in, the one and only Ronnie Haven had found us. For no charge, he shuttled into Franklin (10 miles). Ronnie is an ex-pro wrestler that now runs a couple of motels in Franklin. The Budget Inn AND Ronnie are amazingly hiker-friendly.Witha forecast of horrible storms, we opted to stay for the day and night. It turned out to be a great decision. We met up with Becca and Adam again, as well as Franny Granny and some others. We spent the day lounging and at 4pm, loaded intothe short bus for shuttle to Ingles grocery and the outfitter.We resupplied, bought gaitors and a new H2O filter. My PUR Hiker finally bit the dust after 10 years.Also met 2 women (sisters), Linda and Jody. Linda is from Maine and it turns out she knows my Junior High Biology teacher who works in the same field. Again, the world is smaller.Went to an AYCE stteak buffet with Becca, Adam, and Antonio. The waitresses scared me, hit on Antonio, and offered too much personal info. When Adam broke the stall door in the bathroom, we left.Watched 4 episodes of Law & Order and went to sleep. Oh...got to check email for the first time. Thanks y'all for the encouragement! We miss you and think of you often!
Date: 2006-04-27
From: Budget Inn, Franklin, NC

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

16 miles! Yay us! Hiked all day with Becca and Adam--it was fun to share the trail with others. Usually Fire God and I are on our own. The trail today was relatively easy going with a few long climbs and descents. We hit the balds!Silar Bald wsa great--grassy and open. Perfect for rolling down hills...but we resisted. After Silar, we were off to Wayah Bald for lunch. My energy was about nil...dumb to not eat breakfast on the trail.Wayah Bald was great!!! An old stone observation tower provided more 360* views as we again had perfect conditions. I think Adam counted 7 layers of mountain ranges.Yeah...we stayed for over 2 hours. A couple with a young son chatted with us. The conversation was sparked by my kilt...turns out we share the same name so they recognized the clan tartan. Everyone we meet are amazing--it just keeps getting better.Finally, we departed and headed to Cold Spring Shelter. It was on, and I mean ON, the trail.Shortly after arriving, Fire God went to work on the firepit and we were joined by Josh and Cassie. It turns out they were stalking us. Well, they had been reading our shelter register entries and hoping to meet us. It was a nice compliment. A last, the "cool hikers" were united as one. Becca was dubbed "Grimace" after her appearance in the purple Feathered Friends bag. We had A LoT of laughs--all the way up til 11pm. This was the first campfire for the 4 of them and we made the most of it. We bonded almost instantly and quoted Monty Python most of the night (we need coconuts!). The comraderie tonight was great...It's time to sleep. We are off to N.O.C. tomorrow--nothing like a 6 mile descent. Blech."Jig Responsibly!" (An Adamism)
Date: 2006-04-28
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: N.O.C.
Miles today: 11.5

Trail magic is sometimes provided by fellow thru-hikers in the most amazing and unexpected ways.We left Cold Spring and hit Wesser Bald. All 6 of us were on a mission. Tackle the obnoxious descent into Nantahala Outdoor Center.It was 5 miles to Wesser Bald where we re-grouped for snack and lunch atop the observation tower. Again, the views were incredible. Far off in thedistance we could see Fontana Dam. Cassie set out followed by Grimace...and then the rest of us. A 2880' descent.I'd like to tell you it was easy going and gradual for all 5 miles. The truth is...it @#$!*( sucked! Brutal does cover it. Did I mention it !@#$*( sucked? ARGH! By the time we reached the N.O.C. (Nantahala Outdoor Center), my dogs were barking AND howling! Holy hell. Fire God's knee was bothering him and Josh messed up with quad muscle pretty bad.We all sat down at the River's Edge Restaurant for dinner (and no beer ). Yum! My portabello mushroom sandwich was divine! When the check came--Josh paid. He rended the rest of us speechless for a bit. A VERY kind and generous gesture from a new friend.It turned out a whole slew of thru-hikers were in NOC--most had taken a zero day. Don't blame them--it's a great place. We sat around by the river watching kayakers and other people, chatting with hikers and contemplating what to do for the night. It was decided when Josh returned wtih good and bad news. Bad news--we had to walk uphill. Good news--he rented a cabin for the 6 of us. WHO IS THIS GUY?And that's how I ended up on a cushy leather sofa, surrounded by new friends, witha comfy bed to sleep in for the night. Josh astounded us all with his kindness and we had another great evening sitting around carrying on. Gustank, Grimace, Prana, Rainbow Brite, TI-85, Josh, Cassie, Fire God, and I. Coconuts need to be purchased for grand shelter entrances. Watch for Cassie's book on thru-hiking entitled "F*CK!"I can't imagine this trip getting better or that we will meet more amazing people than we already have. The instant bond with others is indescribable and the idea it could be days, weeks, or months before seeing them again is a little sad. We've made a point to exchange contact info just in case.Tomorrow...we climb. And climb some more. 8.1 miles of up. Hell Yeah!
Date: 2006-04-29
From: N.O.C.

To: Sassafrass Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Is a 12:30pm start late? Oh come on! You expected us to leave the comfort of those bed adn that cabin in a hurry? As if. The six of us went to breakfast at the River's Edge--need fuel for that climb. LOTS of food on the table. LOTS. Pancakes, hash browns, french toast, bacon, omelets, biscuits, coffee. Josh and Cassie are taking a couple of days in Bryson City to meet up with their significant others. They did their damnedest to keep Grimace, TI-85, Fire God, and I with them. I'll miss them, but surely we'll all catch up in Hot Springs--or at the very least--Trail Days.Somehow Becca tore away around 11:15am, with Adam departing shortly after. Fire God and I...well, we left around 12:30pm. Slackers! Hard to leave NOC--especially with a long climb ahead.The forecast for rain wasn't promising but we set out. You know what? It wasn't a bad climb at all. We passed Buoy on the way up and chatted a bit. Then we passed 2 guys. I wondered aloud if it's more embarrassing to be passed by a girl...or a guy in a skirt? Or both a the same time?The shelter is desserted tonight. Eye Forget, Red Socks, and Bonzo were here when we arrived but they pressed on to Locust Cove Gap--apparently so did the other 16 NOBO's that left NOC. So we stayed. It's nice to have quiet time with just the two of us sometimes. We built a fire and made dinner. Gotta eat our food since a maildrop is waiting in Fontana Dam!Around 7:45pm, Sean (Jumpstart) came hauling ass in. He jsut did a 27 mile day. Psycho. Haha. He thought we were just ahead of him because I put the wrong date in my entry at Cold Spring. Whoops.The rain has arrived. Heard an owl. Then heard a bobcat. Then heard a sound like an owl being eaten by a bobcat. Wonder how everyone in their tents are doing? Nice cozy and dry in the shelter. We're sleepin' with the mice tonight.Two weeks on the trail! Still loving it and livin' the dream.Time to curl up, go to sleep, and pray that the nightmarish privy isn't housing anything man-eating.
Date: 2006-04-30
From: Sassafrass Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a shorter day than we originally hoped for. We decided to take an easy day today and stopped early. My feet are aching and my ankle is a little sore. His knee could use the rest too. So--by 3:30pm we were in for the night. We have the shelter to ourselves--great because the storms should be rolling in soon.We went up and over Cheoah Bald today. It would have been a great place to camp. A gentleman at the Stecoah Gap picnic area chatted with us a while and before leaving, gave us a big bag of BBQ Fritos, a Nutty Buddy, and 2 bananas. Yum! Those Fritos ROCKED!The climb out of Stecoah Gap was a steep one. I think about 850' gain in about 7/10 of a mile. Stopped 3/4 way up to get raincoat and pack cover...my calves knotted up instantly. I cursed my way up the rest of the freakin hill.Tomorrow we have 11.5 miles to Fontana Dam--and then it's time for the Smokies. Hell Yeah! I've loved the balds in NC, though they weren't exactly what I expected. We decided a few of them should be renamed from "bald" to "comb-over".Really hoping to meet up with Woodsy, Panama Rob, Sequoia, Turq, and whoever else as we trek through GSMNP. It would be great to see people we know...or...sorta know. Doubtful that we will hike in to Damascus for Trail Days but we are definitely going. Fine with me actually because I bet a whole herd of NOBO's will be leaving Damascus on foot--I'd rather avoid that kind of mass hiking frenzy.Wish I had a way to photocopy shelter registers. There is some dang funny stuff in them! I particularly enjoy the rants of "Muddy Shoes", the pictures that "Postcard" draws, and the Hasselhoff Hiking Tips--courtesy of the SOBO hikers, Bemis and Southpaw. (Yeah--I said SOBO...they left ME in August. Their tagline "4 Season Thru-hike". We saw them about 40 miles from Springer. Wonder if they are done yet? )We are a few miles behind the folks we were with the last few days as well as a bunch of others "not met yet". Seems everyone will be in Fontana Dam tomorrow for maildrops. It's "Operation Stink Up the Post Office: Bring Your B.O. to your P.O."No_Granola...the hot water and Nalgene thing has been a Godsend for achey muscles. I owe you a beer or something...my calves have knots the size of Rhode Island.It's raining...it's 7:45pm...I'm ready to crash for the night. Last night I didn't sleep very well--it was 45* when we woke up. I was a bit chilly but too lazy to get out of bed and put more clothes on.Hoping to be on the trail bright and early in the AM--would like to hit Fontana Dam around noon and have the rest of hte day to get stuff done. Like laundry. When you no longer notice how bad you smell--you smell really, really bad. Yea Haw!
Date: 2006-05-01
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Village
Miles today: 11.5

May Day! May Day! An early start put us at Fontana Dam around 2pm. It was a relatively easy day of hiking over fairly level terrain. The decent into Fontana was long but so much easier than the hellish one into NOC.My ankle is a little swollen and tired--I managed to twist it a couple of times today. The trails are 98% free of rocks but there are some sections where exposed roots will piss you off. Must be the NC Boy Scouts keep busy exposing them.It was a nice day so we had clear views of the dam as we hiked. Upon arriving in the Village, we met up with the "Pod People" (the 10 or so hikers we leap-frog with). They were all in for a 2 night stay and a zero day.Fire God and I picked up our maildrops, did laundry, and checked in to the Fontana Inn. There were 8 NOBOs squished in one room but we had ours all to ourselves...complete with a fireplace.We had cheeseburgers, curly fries, and beer for dinner--it hit the spot. After showers, we played pool with TI-85 and Grimace. TI-85 declared himself "Campion of All Sexes" when he beat each of us. Gastank bought graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows so later in the evening we lit a fire in the fireplace and made s'mores with Jumpstart, Grimace, TI-85, and Gastank. Life on the trail is so hard.Tomorrow we head into GSMNP with the Pod People. Here's hoping for bear sightings!
Date: 2006-05-02
From: Fontana Village

To: Fontana Hilton
Miles today: 1.1
Weather: light rain

1.1 miles! Holy Hell! We are cruising now! So...no GSMNP for us today. We decided to take a rest day day for my ankle and his knee. We got a late start this morning, needed to stop at the outfitter for a map and the post office to mail some extra clothes home. The shuttle dropped us off and we hiked an entire 1.1 miles to the Fontana Hilton--a luxurious 30-person shelter that looks out over the lake. Nicest shelter we've seen so far!Capt. Nemo is here along with John, Red Socks, Bigfoot, and some other guy I don't know. Guess it won't be a quiet night here. The rest day was good--really good. We are hoping for a 16 mile day tomorrow. It's a nice climb up into the Smokies but mostly ridgewalking when we get to elevation. Woo Hoo!We need to eat a lot. Our food bags weigh a metric ton. I discovered a King Size Snickers bar weighs .7 ounces more than my shirt. I think I should eat a Snickers every meal 'til they are gone. That and 2 pounds of gorp will get me through GSMNP. I just might turn into a peanut.Fun evening at the shelter w/ Capt. Nemo, Red Socks, Eye Forget, Cornhead, Bigfoot, and Bonzo (w/out Rio, his dog, for the Smokies). Cornhead and Bigfoot tried, unsuccessfully, to build a raft--I guess they were hoping to cross the mighty Fontana Lake. Alas, it was not meant to be.Bonzo and Rio are man and dog. They've only been apart 2 days since he got Rio at 7 weeks old. I feel sorry for Bonzo...it's clear he misses his dog and is anxious to get through the Smokies so they can reunite.BTW, this may be the "Hilton" but the water sucks! You have to filter tap water. I am SO calling Paris to complain.I now get to fall asleep to a bunch of guys belching, farting, and snoring. Ah. The sounds of nature.Ps. Fire God has found a way to combine Archie (his devil duck) and his headlamp to make a nice little trail lamp to write by. Hey, Spinelli...I think I need a bigger duck! Off to the Smokies manana!
Date: 2006-05-03
From: Fontana Hilton

To: Mollie's Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

We're in the Smokies! We're in the Smokies! A bit of a late start but all is good. It was a nice climb out of Fontana Dam. After last night's nasty weather, the bright sun and warmth was quite welcome. We had a nice lunch on the top of Shuckstack. I climbed the fire tower but it freaked me out a bit...no clue why.We ate 3 King Size Snickers today...damn hearty things! 510 calories each and no guilt! Yesterday's rest was nice but today I felt out of whack--like it was Day 1 on the trail. Tomorrow we'll hit 17 miles--can't wait for the ridgewalking--the Smokies are gorgeous!At Mollie's Ridge tonight with Mama's Boy, Cayenne, Bonzo, Eye Forget, Bigfoot, Cornhead, and an '04 thru-hiker. Nice bunch! To top it off--we have two wildlife technicians tenting outside. Two days ago there were 2 bears pestering the area. These guys came to protect us. Thanks to them, I'll probably never see a bear! The rangers have huge guns to shoot bean bags. I am NOT going out to pee in the middle of the night...don't want to be mistaken for a bear.Nice stone shelter with a fireplace inside and huge brown tarp to block wind and rain. Very cozy in here. Saw a deer when we first arrived--he wasn't shy and posed for pictures. Yay Wildlife!Listening to an owl off in the distance...sounds like a monkey. Fire God says, "It's the Monkey Owl". Of course it is.Time to sleep.Bonzo: "Was today a tough day or is it just me?"Eye Forget: "It's just you".It WAS a long day...
Date: 2006-05-04
From: Mollie's Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick's Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: moderate rain

I've got cans of Whoop-Ass designated for GSMNP map-makers and Wingfoot. Between the two, we still know nothing or the info is wrong. Registers are filled with gripes about the profiles and the elevation changes. Don't get me wrong--the hiking is great...it's just frustration of unreliable info is tiring.We passed Russell Field Shelter (scary) and Spence Field Shelter (beautiful) today. The whole area around Spence was gorgeaous w/ green grass and flowering trees in white. The haul up Rockey Top and Thunderhead was worth the views.As we ate lunch on Rockey Top, we saw eagles and other birds. Buoy came through, hauling a full pack and huffing and puffing. Usually he cruises by with his little daypack, full of smiles. Not today. Poor Buoy.After lunch, we headed out for Derrick's Knob. The gnats are wicked and unrelenting and eating me alive. I'm covered in bumps and bites...miserable bastards. At the shelter we met up with Faithwalker along with some weekend warriors--Crazy Caterpillar and his daughter Golden Butterfly as well as the husband and wife duo of Lady Jane and Sir Walter. Fire Got went about his business of firebuilding, which everyone appreciated.Trying to get to sleep early, but some folks are still talking. Golden Butterfly put my dirty sock liners on to get them dry. Yeah...she thought they were hers and said "God...I wondered why my feet stank so much". That's right. My feet STINK. Good night.