morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-03-27
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up this morning to some more trail magic from Papa Hawk. Donuts and fruit! What a great way to start my day. Unplugged, Jam, and I officially entered the Smoky Mountains today. Had a tough uphill to start the day. We decided to have a early lunch before the rain came, and boy did it come.Reached Mollies Ridge Shelter totally drenched. The ridgerunner there urged us to push to the next shelter. This proved to be a good choice. Once at Russell Field, we met up with Moses, who stayed with us at Fontana Dam Shelter the previous night. We were somehow able to get a fire going with toilet paper, wet logs, and white gas. It was surprisingly effective in drying our clothes off.I'm not sure whether it was the smoke from the fire or the shelter itself, but we encountered quite a few mice. Usually they don't come out until after we all go to bed, but those little bastards could not wait. While attempting to warm up in my sleeping bag, one runs up to my heads before i bark at it and manage to scare it away. This should be a fun night.Tomorrow we plan on getting up a 5 because some pretty extreme whether is expected to hit the Smoky's around noon.
Date: 2009-03-28
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

Nathan, Unpugged, Jam, Moses, and I got up at 5 and were hiking by 6. Had about an hour or so where we had to use our headlamps. It was a lot of fun. Tackled a couple of tough climbs up Rocky Top and Thunderhead. Around 9 the rain and wind began to come. They showed no mercy to us. Being a true Mainer, I was out there in my rain jacket and shorts. Around 930 we made it to Derrick Knob Shelter where I received some strange looks for my attire. I assured everyone that this was summer weather in Maine.The 6 miles from Derrick Knob to Silers Bald Shelter was hard, made more difficult by the ever worsening weather conditions. Around noon time we finally reached our home for the night. We made a fire and did our best to dry out our gear and clothes.As the afternoon progressed, the condition went south. The rain fell harder and the wind blew fiercer. Many hikers passing through who got off to a late start were very jealous of us all warm and comfortable in our sleeping bags. There are advantages to planning ahead.On a side note, the shelter had no privy. These were by far the worst conditions I have ever experienced while shitting in the woods. It didn't help that I was on a steep incline and the wind decided to blow my TP half way down the hill. Oh yes, the good life!
Date: 2009-03-29
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: broken clouds

It was a very cold night. The wind that howled throughout the night seemed hurricane-like. When I woke up this morning all my wet gear was now frozen. All the food bags had frost on the outside of them and slush on the inside.It took me quite some time to get out of my sleeping bag. I made some hot oatmeal but had a difficult time putting on my wet hiking boots. Unplugged, Jam, and I finally got going around 9. Almost instantly, I felt my shin splints come back. Thank God! I was really missing them. They are just such a pleasure to hike with.Since I was hiking so slow with my shin splints, I arranged to have my cousin meet me at the Clingmans Dome parking lot so I wouldn't have to hike the additional 8 miles in pain. Little did I know at the time, that the road leading up the mountain was closed.I arrived at Clingmans around 11 and saw a beautiful view of white fog from the observation tower. I had a little snack and went to wait in the parking lot for my cousin. After about 30 minutes, I realized no other cars were there. A group of bikers came up and told me the road was blocked off. I ended up booking it down the mountain as snow began to come. Around 330 or 4 I finally reached Newfound Gap and met up with my cousin.For the last 4 days I had been putting my favorite Subway sandwich together in my head. Driving through Gatlinburg, we stopped at a Subway where I downed 2 footlongs. I guess hikers do eat a lot.We arrived in Knoxville around 6 and I went and resupplied. I plan on taking 1 or possibly 2 days off to let my shin splints heal. At the moment I am truly enjoying the luxuries that society is providing me with; hot shower, a table, a real bed mattress, and familiar faces.
Date: 2009-03-30
From: Newfound Gap

To: Sitting On My Butt!
Miles today: 0.0

I took my first zero today here at my cousin's house in Knoxville and boy was it glorious.I slept in late, had breakfast at an actual table, and didn't have to pack up my gear. I received a tour of Knoxville later in the day. I was very impressed with the city. It has a little bit of everything. For dinner, my cousin and his girlfriend took me out to eat. We went to a very unique restaurant that served delicious food.I have decided to take a zero day tomorrow. I know I need to get back out on the trail, but my shin still isn't feeling better. I'd rather rest now where I am not being charged to stay overnight than to have it cost me a fortune down the road.For a gear update, I have been actively looking to replace my tentarp with a hammock once the weather gets warmer. Thus far, they have been pricier than expected.
Date: 2009-03-31
From: Sitting On My Butt!

To: Sitting On My Butt Again!
Miles today: 0.0

I decided to take another zero today in Knoxville. My shins weren't feeling 100% yet. Had a great time seeing more of Knoxville and attending the "Blue Plate Special" at a local radio station. Tomorrow I intend to head back out on the trail. It will be tough leaving, as I have really enjoyed my stay here. Alas, all great things must come to and end. I feel that if I were to stay any longer, I wouldn't be able to leave.A big thanks to Nate and Kate who were kind enough to host me for 2 days. I can't thank them enough for all they did for me.
Date: 2009-04-01
From: Sitting On My Butt Again!

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Beautiful!Southern Appalachia finally showed up for work today. Prior to entering the Smoky Mountains, everyone had been telling me how beautiful they were. After 3 days of rain, a cloud of doubt was beginning to be cast over those claims. Thankfully, the Smokys' came through today.I woke up this morning around 630, packed up, and said my goodbyes to the conviences of modern society. I arrived at Newfound Gap around 10 and had a difficult time getting out of the car. After taking two straight zero days, I was beginning to get used to life before the trail.Once I got hiking though, it felt great to be back in the wild. Less than 30 minutes in, I met up with Prarie Dog, Angry Beaver, and Early Bear. The weather was absolutely amazing and my shins felt great. It was a pretty easy 15 miles to the shelter, but took me awhile because I was trying to take it slow.I arrived at the shelter around 545 and cooked some couscous for dinner.Tomorrow I plan on doing either a 15 or 25 mile day. We're see what the weather allows.One thing I've been thinking about a lot while hiking is what unites hikers. I've concluded that although we have different reasons for being out here, although we have different things motivating us, different levels of motivation, and different styles of hiking, for us thru-hikers, we are united by one common goal, reaching Katahdin. In the process of reaching this goal, we become like a family. We share our joy, our pain, and our misery. We celebrate when we reach a milestone and complain when we have our 100th straight day of rain. The experiences we encounter on our journey only brings us closer together.
Date: 2009-04-02
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I am totally exhausted. My back hurts, my calves ache, my feet sting, and my shins are throbbing. This was my first 25 mile day of the trip.I got off to a late start this morning, not leaving until 930. I had a fairly easy hike to Cosby Knob Shelter, where Angry Beaver, Prarie Dog, Early Bear, and I stopped for lunch.After lunch, we all pushed on to Davenport Gap Shelter. I arrived around 345, where I met up with Weather Guy. For some illogical reason, my brain told me to push on the additional 10.5 miles, even though rain, wind, and thunderstorms were supposed to come in around 7. My last 5 miles, over Snowbird Mt. completely defeated me. I experienced difficulty making forward progress. I finally arrived at the shelter around 830, after doing 30 minutes of night hiking.For dinner I feasted a cliff bar, coco puffs bar, snickers, and peppermint pattys. Healthy and nutritional? No. Delicious and satisfying? Absolutely.If I don't wake up tomorrow morning, consider this my farewell note. Hopefully I didn't destroy my body in the period of one day.
Date: 2009-04-03
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Deer Park Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I've reached a new level of exhaustion.I got an early start to the day, by my standards anyway. Was packed and ready to head out at 830, and immediately had my butt kicked. Yesterday must have taken more out of me than I thought. A couple of hours and beastly feasts later, I finally got my body moving back to normal speed.It was a very windy day, and nowhere was this more evident than at the top of Max Patch, a huge bald where early inhabitants used to graze sheep and cattle. The view up there was supposed to be spectacular, but with the fog, it didn't really blow me away. Actually, yes it did! I have never experienced such high winds in my life. On a side note, I set a new record for distance traveled by a snot rocket, at 20 feet. This was easily the highlight of my day.The last 5 miles, like yesterday, were flat out brutal. This seems to be a trend with long days, no matter the difficulty of the terrain.Tomorrow I plan on hiking an easy 3.1 into Hot Springs, where I will take a nero (near zero) day. Coming out of there, I'm looking to slow down a little until I reach Virginia.It's frustrating not to be able to hike toe miles I know I can. It's frustrating not to be able to catch up with the buddies I was hiking with. I believe most frustrating of all would be having to leave the trail because of shin splints. So, I have decided to take it easy for awhile.
Date: 2009-04-04
From: Deer Park Mt. Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: broken clouds

Greetings from Hot Springs, North Carolina!The town is named after the hot springs that flow into the northern end of town. During WWI, a prison was constructed on the spot for German prisoners of war. Many German-Americans enjoyed the springs so much that they stayed in the area after the war.I got up late today and had an easy 3 miles into town. Elmers hostel was full so I decided to resupply and consider my options. Early Bear showed up later in the late afternoon and we ended up splitting a room at the Alpine Court motel.For dinner, we ended up feasting at the local diner. Afterwards, we watched the final four games back at the motel.Overall, I really enjoyed my nero day. My body and brain got some much needed rest. Tomorrow I'm looking to do a nice easy 11 miles out of Hot Springs.
Date: 2009-04-05
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Springs Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

I woke up late again today and took my time packing up. I didn't end up leaving Hot Springs until 1230. Upon leaving town, I met a hiker named Leif E and we hiked off and on throughout the day.About a mile before the shelter we took a nice side trail and checked out a fire tower. On top of the tower we got our first views of Erwin, TN. When I arrived at the shelter, the bugs were bad. I cooked myself dinner and spent the rest of the night in the shelter, away from the nasty bugs.Not sure what my plans are for tomorrow, but hopefully the snow will decide not to come.
Date: 2009-04-06
From: Springs Mt. Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

This morning I got off to a late start, even by my standards. It was rather chilly so I wanted to wait for the sun to warm things up. When I did get all my stuff together, it was almost 10. This is a habit I really want to change. Hopefully when summertime rolls around, I'll be more moticated in the mornings.As I began hiking, the weather warmed up, as it always does. The first couple miles were quite enjoyable.At Allen's Gap, I spotted a sign for trail magic. Without thinking twice, I followed the directions to the house where I met up with Coach, Leif E, Maggie, and 2 Pounds. The couple doing the trail magic, FAL and Hercules, had both thru-hiked before. This ended up being the best trail magic yet. I had unbelievable Belgian waffles, delicious pork stew, homemade bread, apple crisp with walnts and ice cream, and 3 root beer floats...as a second breakfast.As a result of the unexpected treat, I arrived at Little Laurel much later than expected. After having a quick snack and long privy break, it was already past 4. When I left, the snow was already beginning to get bad. I decided to push on to the next shelter anyways. The almost 7 miles took me over an exposed ridgeline in what proved to be aweful conditions. Luckily I made it to Jerry Cabin shelter alright.At the shelter, some weekend hikers had put up a tarp and started a fire, which was a nice treat!
Date: 2009-04-07
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Well, the snow came and it wasn't just a dusting either. All told, the mountains got between 8-12 inches. The combination of the snow and cold helped factor into my decison to take a zero. Coach, Leif E, and Maggie followed suit. Being the only shelter with a fireplace between Hot Springs and Erwin made this an easy choice. We were also able to but the tarp off of the weekend hikers, who were kind enough to leave us 3 bags of food. I didn't end up getting out of my sleeping bag until 1130, only because I had to pee. Around 4, hikers began to show up. McBride, Ziggy, and Thing Mint were the first to make it here. Following them were Tekla, Mr. Green Tea, and MD3. When everyone arrived we spent an hour gathering and breaking enough wood to last us through the night. The fire and body heat of 13 hikers in a shelter that's only supposed to sleep 6, warmed Jerry Cabin up quite a bit. The crowded shelter should make for a fun night!
Date: 2009-04-08
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

I decided I should accomplish something today, so another zero was out of the question. I let the first round of chaoes run its course before I made my move. I got on the trail about 945 and immediately had to hike through snow drifts that were 12-14 inches deep in some places. After summiting Big Butt Mt. (which was a pain in the ass) Coach and I hiked together most of the way to Flint Mt. shelter, wehre we stopped for lunch with the rest of the crew.The 8-9 miles from Flint to Hogback were disgusting. The trail was porrly blazed and there was some tough climbs. Every 2 steps forward equaled 1 step backward. It seemed impossible at times to make forward progress. You just had to hope that you weren;t losing ground.It was about 5 before I finally reached my destination for the night. I hiked under 15 miles, but my muscles felt like I had done 25. At the shelter I met up with the 3 Amigos and Dusty, who were forced to tent in the snow last night because the shelter was packed.I can only hope that tomorrow is a little easier.
Date: 2009-04-09
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 10.1

Today was a fun day!Ziggy Stardust, Thin Mint, McBride, Leif E, and I were the last ones to leave the shelter. The first 3-4 miles were super easy. The sun wazs shinning and the weather was beautiful. At 12 we came upon an open meadow where we decided to take a 3 our lunch/nap break. Running low on food, I had 8 orange juice flavored Vitamin C pills. I would pay for this later in the day. After our nap, Jumper caught up with us. She is thru-hiking with her sister and is from Portland, Maine.We finally got going again a little after 3. Immediately my stomach began feeling the effects of my OD on Vitamin C. Let's just say, I barely had time to dig my 6 inch deep hole.I was able to catch back up with the group atop Big Bald, which offered 360 degree views. We descended from there to the shelter where nice Lenses, Jukebox Hero, and Double Vision were staying.I am still loving life out here in the wild. There's no pressure and no worries.
Date: 2009-04-10
From: Bald Mt. Shelter

To: Erwin, TN. (Uncle Johnny's)
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: light rain

We woke up this morning to a nice dose of rain and thunderstorms. We had originally planned to stealth camp a mile outside Erwin today, but quickly agreed that the wiser move would be to stay at Uncle Johnny's hostel. With the rain coming down so hard, we really pushed the pace. Ended up getting to No Business knob shelter a lot quicker than we expected. McBride, Ziggy, Thin Mint, Leif E, and I all anjoyed a nice lunch there. The sun also managed to join us, which was a welcomed surprise for our wet clothes.The 6 miles into Erwin were all down hill. We were all anxious so they went by tediously. Eventually though, as always, we reached town. Once we got settled in to our private cabin, we went out to eat at a Mexican reastaurant. I'll just say that I have never, ever been that full in my life. Luckily I had time to digest because Ziggy spent over 30 minutes taking care of his business in the bathroom.After dinner we all went back to the hostel where we played some cards and complained about how full we were feeling. I fell to sleep watching airplane and dreaming about my zero tomorrow.
Date: 2009-04-11
From: Erwin, TN. (Uncle Johnny's)

To: Erwin, TN. (Uncle Johnny's)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Another tough day. Woke up after an excellent nights sleep. For breakfast we had banana pancakes, bacon, eggs, and a bagel. Ziggy, on a dare from the rest of us, ate about 1/3 a stick of real butter. I guess you need to get the calories one way or the other.After breakfast the whole crew went into town to resupply. At the dollar store McBride bought a toy chainsaw and I a whiffle ball set to pack out of Erwin.For lunch, the 5 of us went to an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet with Indiana Toad and Chocolate Chipmunk. Dinner consisted of a spagetti feast.I look forward to Easter tomorrow, although it will be the first time I'm celebrating it without my family.
Date: 2009-04-12
From: Erwin, TN. (Uncle Johnny's)

To: Curly Maple Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: clear sky

Awoke this moring after my nice zero yesterday. McBride, Leif E, Ziggy, Thin Mint and I took our time this morning. Since it was Easter, we had cake and ice cream for breakfast.As we cleaned up the cabin, Leif E was outside hunting for easter eggs that Uncle Johnny had hid. Overall, I must say I really enjoyed my stay here. The hostel was very well run and Uncle Johnny is an awesome dude.Around noon, we hung out in front of the hostel for a couple hours before leaving Erwin. As I was heading out, I met up with Jared (Fireball), who I had intially started with but hadn't seen since Hiawassee, GA.Around 3, our group finally decided to leave. I had a tough climb out of Erwin, and ended up only going 4.2 miles to the first shelter out of town. Once there, Ziggy and I engaged in a nice game of whiffle ball. Also at the shelter were Chef, Mr. Right, and Plunger, all very nice people.I looking to do 21 miles tomorrow, possibly getting to Damscus by Friday or Saturday. There is supopsed to be some easy terrain after Dennis Cove, so we'll see how my body feels.
Date: 2009-04-13
From: Curly Maple Gap Shelter

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

I had a great day.I woke up around 730 and was able to hit the trail by 9. I experiecned a nice climb over the top of Unaka Mt. I had originally planned to have lunch at the next shelter, thinking it was only 8 miles away. I arrived there around 1 and though I had just been hiking slow today. It turns out that the shelter was actually 12.2, which was a huge boost. The whole day pretty much just flew by, even though I hiked by myself. I reached my destination for the night at about 5. I'm here tonight with Double Vision and Jukebox Hero, who are both from Tennessee. Tomorrow will be another long day. I will be going over Roan Mt, the last 6,000 foot peak until Mt. Washinton in New Hampshire.I hope the expected rain holds off!
Date: 2009-04-14
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Apple House Shelter
Miles today: 21.1

I woke up this morning to promising weather. It wasn't too cold when compared to the weather of last week. Eventually though, the rain came. Around 10 it turned into a downpour.I had a healthy climb over Roan Mt., where there was the foundation from the old Cloudland hotel. It was a very popular spot in the late 1800s and early 1900s before being torn down in 1915. It was demolished after loggers completely harvested the fir and spruce on the mountaintop.Climbing down Roan Mt. was quite enjoyable. The rain stopped and the sun finally came out. Around 2, I reached Overmountain shelter, which is an old barn once used as the backdrop for the movie "Winter People". I had lunch thre with Double Bags and Birches as the rain began to pick up again.The trail between Overmountain and Apple House shelter goes over a couple balds, where horses where hangning out. It was rather neat walking in the fog and rain and having horses appear out of nowhere. I heard that they allow these "wild" horses atop the mountain to eat the grass, allowing the mountain to stay bald.I arrived at Apple House shelter about 630, completely drenched. Also here are MD3, Cat In The Hat, Double Bags, Birches, James, and Z, who is from Romania.Tomorrow the plan is to push the 24 miles to the Kinkora hostel, which is only $4/night. My shins began to hurt at the end of the day, so we'll see how I feel in the morning.
Date: 2009-04-15
From: Apple House Shelter

To: Moreland Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a day of ups and downs today.Up: 2 hikers going into town offered to carry my trash out for me.Down: About a mile into my hike I realized that I had left my maps at the shelter and had to turn around.Up: The trail took me up into the green hills. I is what I imagine New Zealand must look like.Down: My shin splints came back in a big way.Up: The trail also took me along the river, whcih was absolutely beautiful.Down: My shin splints still hurt.Up: Z gave me some Ace bandages to wrap around my shins, which helped a lot.Down: The 9 miles between Mountaineer shelter and Moreland Gap shelter was longer and harder than expected.Down: Moreland Gap shelter is a bottomless bit of nothingness. I arrived there to discover the shelter has a northwest exposure, which allows it to get extra wet and cold during storms. Also, a dozen mousetraps were just lying around the shelter.Up: A bad day on the Appalachian Trail is still better than a good day at work.And that is how my day went.