morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-19
From: Duncannon

To: Peter's Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

Have met the first thru-hikers coming up from Georgia: Eric and Gentleman. Both started mid-February. It was a great trail and a great day to hike. Along the way met Carl/Coal Cracker whose wife is CASH(candyasssectionhiker). Yes, Coal Cracker, I did meet in Maine a group from Lebanon on my 2002 thru. I met them at Shaw's Boarding House, where I was staying. However, the meeting was entirely accidental. The group's presence in Monson, Me, had nothing to do with me. Neat you should remember. At Peter's Mountain shelter are Boxman, Drifter, and Southside. Good hiker conversation.
Date: 2010-04-20
From: Peter's Mountain Shelter

To: {A 325. Clark's Valley
Miles today: 6.1

Am camped at the Spring just South of PA 325. It was a beautiful day, but I was out of gas. Low energy day. Too much junk food, no electrolyte replacements, or a combination? There's a good spring nearby. No matter how much new gear I purchase, I still have the same old legs.
Date: 2010-04-21
From: {A 325. Clark's Valley

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Good that I rested early yesterday because this morning I was ready to tackle the mountains. An old mining road up served as tread. Perfectly accecptable. Excellent level trail to Rausch Gap. During my previous life as an Annville, PA, resident, these were my day-hiking grounds. It's good to be home. This morning there was a lot of military jet aircraft activity overhead. There are six men at this shelter tonight. I'm camped behind the privy.
Date: 2010-04-22
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: PA 72, Swatara Gap
Miles today: 6.0

Walked two road miles into Lickdale. I know, there's a tow-path, but the last time through, it was overgrown. Looks pretty clear this time. A warm, sunny, morning. Didn't even attempt to hitch. Ate lunch at Hess's. They do not have hiking main meals, but the Lickdale Campground General Store does. Staying at the gloriously clean Best Western.
Date: 2010-04-01
From: Amicalola Falls

To: Springer Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Up about 5.30am and went for a walk, going to be a beautiful day. Everyone was packing and weighing their packs. Mine is sitting at 42lbs - too heavy! Some of the stuff people are carrying is amazing, e.g. cans of spam, etc. Josh drove us to the Springer Mt carpark about 10am. After a short hike to the top of Springer it was back to our packs and we hit the trail. Feeling pretty good and made it to the first night shelter at Hawk Mt by about 3pm. Met an Australian couple there, Digby and Alison who happen to have the same Visa issues as me. Time for dinner and as I brought too much food, cooked the heaviest ingredients and left some in the hiker box. Can always stack up down the track. In bed by 7.30pm and needless to say, fell asleep instantly.
Date: 2010-04-02
From: Springer Mtn Shelter

To: Hawk Mtn Shelter	
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: clear sky

I got into a habit of starting early, 7.30am, pace myself with a reasonable distance for lunch, rest periods and continue till about 4.30pm, by which time I¢d be so exhausted and in automatic mode, set up my tent, filter water and prepare a tasty cuisine of pasta and dried peas. By 6pm I was ready to hit the sack, hoping that reading for a while would lull me into a deep sleep. I¢ve got to know some hikers, all walking at our own pace throughout the day, and meeting nightly at the wooden shelters. It¢s rather comforting to know that others are experiencing the same aches and pains, doing the same menial chores each day, viewing the same landscapes, taking shots of the same panoramic views, laying their weary bodies in the same location, and finally under the same illusion of wanting to reach Maine. During the day, it was good to be alone and in my own solitude, time to reflect ...
Date: 2010-04-03
From: Hawk Mt Shelter

To: Gootch Gap
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: broken clouds

Broke camp about 9am, felt great and was powering up the hills. Afterabout one hour, felt a familiar twinge of a blister starting and stopped to tape up. Am also getting pain under the sole and heel of my left foot. Problem I don't need right now! Stopped for lunch at Horsehead Gap and met up with Trashman and Onelife, who wanted to know what the two fingered salute meant in Australia. We walked together to Gooch Gap where we made camp for the night. As I still didn't have a train name, all during the afternoon they wouldn't let up until I had one. Various Aussie animals and slang were mooted and when someone tried to settle me with Skippy, I quickly decided on Boomer.Trashman is celebrating his 69th birthday on the trail and is putting me to shame with his speed and stamina. We sat around after having cooked dinner and chatted until about 8.30pm. Weather is still superb, but I have been warned it could change at any time. We are always high in the mountains and am not looking forward to bad weather.
Date: 2010-04-04
From: Gootch Gap

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: few clouds

Another beautiful day coming up. Hit the trail about 8am and told Onelife and Trashman to walk on ahead as my left foot is giving me quite a bit of pain. Caught up with them at Ram Rod Mt and again at Woody Gap, where a bunch of roadies came by. Turns out that this area is a mecca for road cyclists in the US. George Hincepie was nearby and does his training here. The rest of the day was very hot and involved two big climbs. Met up with my hiking companions at Wood Hole. I found out why Trashman is giving us hell even at 69 - he's an ex navy seal!! Met Freight Train.Weather so far has been fantastic, every day sunny and 70-80F.
Date: 2010-04-05
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Hogpen Gap
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: broken clouds

Well, what a day! During the night we could hear a bear in the undergrowth near our food bags. We all woke early and hit the trail about 7am. The idea was to climb Blood Mt before it got too hot and have breakfast at the hiker hostel at Neels Gap where we'll also resupply. Blood Mt is steep and hight at 4,450ft. The guys at the shelter had also been kept awake all night by a bear trying to get at their food bags - wonder if it was the same bear?We got to the hostel by 10.30am and were treated to pancakes and fruit salad - my first angel treat. Janet (the angel) runs the hostel, kindly treated my feet to an epsom salt bath - heaven!! Left Neels Gap after a trail magic lunch of hamburgers and headed for Hogpen Gap where we caught up with Trashman and Co. Laidback from Minnesota joined our little group. Stayed up to around 10pm talking.
Date: 2010-04-06
From: Hogpen Gap

To: Blue Mt Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: few clouds

Today was the hardest yet. We started off about 9am and almost immediately my foot was painful. A seasoned hiker diagnosed it as Planter Fasciitis, basically where the tendons underneath the sole of the foot become inflamed and excruciatingly tender. I spent most of the day walking with Freight Train as he too is carrying an injury. Made it into Blue Mt Shelter about 3.30pm and basically collapsed. After about 15 mins I noticed a girl with a parrot. Her name was Tolerance and her parrot was Freckles. She was walking the trail with a bird cage attached to the front of her pack!!After recovering somewhat, I treated some water and made dinner - chicken pasta with a cut up 'slim jim' - it's as good as it's ever going to be whilst hiking. In bed by 7.30pm as there's not much to do in the middle of the wilderness! Found my last sleeping pill - oh joy!!! Without it, I know my foot wouldn't allow a peaceful night.
Date: 2010-04-07
From: Blue Mt Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Another early start with breakfast on the go. What a delight - trail magic at Uni Coi Gap, of fruit and cookies. Unfortunately am in a world of pain again with my foot. Each step is agony and am afraid I won't be able to finish if this keeps up. To cap things off, am getting pain on the outside of my foot as am walking awkwardly trying to compensate for the pain. Got into camp about two hours after the others!!
Date: 2010-04-08
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Haiwassie
Miles today: 6.2

7am start, with a light drizzle, climbed over Kelly Knob which is about 4,000ft plus, and made Dick's Creek Gap by 10am. Gary Pateat, the hostel owner picked us up from the carpark and took us back to Blueberry Patch Hostel. I got the top bunk with about 1" ceiling clearance and Laidback and Onelife got to share.You really get to appreciate having a luxurious shower and look cleaned up before heading into town for an AYCE (all you can eat). Got to see some super sized locals at the buffet. In the afternoon, got a shuttle back to Neels Gap so that someone could advise me on my foot. Ended up buying some Keen's and proper orthotics. The Vasque boots I had were too narrow and didn't support or suit my foot type.Back into town and managed to borrow a laptop so I could Skype home. It was really good to see and talk to Krystyna again and catch up on what's happening back home and the kids.The old geezers gave us a lift back into the hostel and shouted "pull pig" for everyone.
Date: 2010-04-09
From: Hiawassie

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

Civilised start to the day after a huge and delicious breakfast at the hostel. Gary was a great host and kindly dropped us off at the trail by 10.30am. Foot is much better but decided to take it easy and hike with Freight Train as he is still injured. We originally planned to stop at Bly Gap but as everyone was feeling good, we pressed on to Muskrat Creek Shelter. I was really flying. But the trail out of the Gap was incredibly steep at 1000ft, so it was good to take long breaks whenever we could.Muskrat Creek is high at 4,600ft, with two very steep ascents and by the time we arrived at the shelter, everyone was exhausted. And as I write this at 7pm, it is COLD. I have every article of clothing on and am still freezing. I hope my sleeping bag can cut it.
Date: 2010-04-10
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

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

Bloody cold last night! After breakfast, we hit the trail at 8am. Had the best trail magic at Deep Gap - eggs, sausage, tomatoes, bacon and coffee with biscuits, and gave us juice, fruit and bars for the trail, even a beer if we wanted one!! As my foot was playing up again I decided to walk at my own pace over Standing Indian Mt at 5,500ft. Eventually caught up with Trashman and Co. Made camp about 4pm. Met Dilly Dally and Cubby who are honeymooning on the trail. Carter Gap is very high so it's going to be another cold, freezing night!
Date: 2010-04-11
From: Carters Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Restless night as my foot is still so painful, needed five pain killers to numb the pain just so that I could put it on the ground!! Desperately need to see a doctor, if I can make it to Franklin. The morning is crisp, around 60F. 8am start towards Albert Mt at 5,200ft which we made by 10am. The scenery was absolutely spectacular, despite my pain, I appreciated the views. Picked up two more hikers to join the group - Timber from Canada and Turtle Dove from Roanoke.
Date: 2010-04-12
From: Rock Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap, Franklin
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

On the go by 8am towards Winding Stair Gap and luckily caught the shuttle, driven by Ron Haven and taken into town to his Budget Inn for a hearty breakfast. Ahh! showers, beds, and a telephone to call home - some missed little luxuries we take for granted. After having showered and laundered, Ron drove us to the Walmart where we made an appointment for Freight Train and myself to see a foot and ankle specialist for the 13th. That out of the way, we made our way into Cody's that night to celebrate Trashman's 69th birthday.
Date: 2010-04-13
From: Winding Stair Gap, Franklin, NC

To: Franklin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Trashman and Co. left today, leaving Freight Train and myself sharing a room. When finally the day came to see the doctor, he diagnosed Plater Fascitis with a suspected stress fracture. He modified my orthotic inserts and put me on a course of steroids with an extra day's rest, without which the foot wouldn't heal as the hiking would only further exacerbate the condition. Spent the next two days taking the doctor's advice and limping around town. Met some interesting people, Hannah, who'd like to visit Australia next year, Gypsy Girl and saw again Man Dog. Good company. Visited the most amazing gem museam in Franklin and took in the town's speciaties, ie. coffee shops with internet and skype connections.
Date: 2010-04-14
From: Winding Stair Gap, Franklin, NC

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Obediently following the doctor's orders as I really want this foot to heal so that I can start enjoying the trail. It's horrible to have to suffer foot pain, as the AT is about walking, hiking, climbing, descending, shuffling, etc. and foot pain just doesn't allow much movement, let alone distance to be covered.More sitting around at cafe shops, reading, observing people, meeting ... this is hard work!
Date: 2010-04-15
From: Franklin

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Took the 8.30am shuttle in Rob Haven's bus. Checked out the usual good ol' boy stores. Nervous about walking on my foot but things went fairly well. Arrived at Wayah Shelter (5,300ft) a bit before Freight Train. The shelter was fairly crowded. Ol' Blue eyes carried four steaks with ice up from Franklin, so we had steaks tonight.
Date: 2010-04-16
From: Wayah Bald

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

First three miles was beautiful walking, slightly downhill and easy terrain. Came across Burning Hous Gap where I met a legend of the trail - Baltimore Jack. He walked the trail eight times!!! He was minding some trail magic and having a bourbon and coke at 8.30am. Didn't stay for trail magic (burgers and beer) but headed off to make Wesser Shelter. Absolutely beautiful scenery and views along the trail. Camped at Wessner and sat around after dinner talking to some section hikers. They were all keen rodies so most of the conversation was around bikes. One of them had a Glock .40 automatic which he let me hold and took a picture of me with it.Feet are still holding up, so fingers crossed.
Date: 2010-04-17
From: Wesser Bald

To: Nantahala (NOC)
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

Slept like a log last night. A beautiful day and magnificent views along the trail down into the NOC. There were some kayak trials on and the place was very crowded. Had lunch at the restaurant. Trout, salad and chips whashed down with a beer - very nice!Started for the NOC around 1pm, seven miles of constant and steep climbing. By far, the hardest of the trail. Too tired to go onto Cheoah Bald, so set up camp here. Feet still holding up.
Date: 2010-04-19
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Trekking along High Top Mt, I could see the welcoming sight of pale green water which I assumed must be Fontana Lake, with the hydroelectric dam standing at approx 480ft high. The trail crossed the lake on top of the dam. What a sight!Eventually got into Fontana Dam about 11.30am and spent the day taking it easy, regaining my strength, of course eating a sizeable hamburger with the lot at the restaurant and then continued to enjoy a lazy afternoon, restng my foot whenever possible. Some much needed laundry and then picked up a mail drop with five days worth of food for the Smokies. Mailed off all my journals to date to Krystyna and then walked down to the service station for a pizza before going to the shelter. We lucked out as they were just about to throw out all their hotdogs and as we entered the "Fontana Hilton" with 12 hotdogs and buns, obviously we were pretty popular. There are some public facilities nearby with showers, so I have just had a very, very long, hot shower and am feeling pretty good at the moment. Although the shelter is probably the best on the trail, I'm still tenting, don't like the shelter at all, must be the weird noises emanating from too many shapeless sleeping bags throughout the night!! Freght Train had a new tent shipped to him today so he is trying it out tonight for the first time. Trashman and Co took a zero day here so they are only one day ahead of us. We heard that Turtle Dove got off the trail at the NOC.Tomorrow - the Smokies!!
Date: 2010-04-20
From: Fontana Dam

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: light rain

Woke up to the unfamiliar sound of rain on the tent, great sound to listen to, but horrible to have to pack in when everything's wet. When all was ready, we were treated to some trail magic - cheeseburgers for breakfast, what else could one ask for! Had to finish it off with some iboprofen as I had a whopper of a headache. Think it must have been because of all the hot dogs consumed last night. You eat things you'd never consider palatable back home, but after the third week, all you think about is FOOD! Freight Train and I crossed the Fontana Spillway about 8.30am and entered the Smoky Mt National Park. What lay ahead was mind boggling - we were about to navigate 16 peaks above 6,000ft. On top of that, we were entering Tennessee, the third state on the trail. Almost immediately it started to rain, and continued to do so all day!! At first, I hiked in shorts and t-shirt but after a while the wind picked up and the temperature dropped significantly to warrant thermals and rain gear. We lunched at Mollies Ridge Shelter where about ten other hikers where huddling from the rain and wind. Met three grndmothers who seemed to be in their 70's hiking the trail.Freight Tain and I were feeling OK so we pushed onto Russell Field Shelter by which time it was bucketing down and we were forced to forego our tents and share the shelter with six others. The 'lodge' was really old wih a chain link bear fence and minimum comfort - should be an interesting night.
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.85
Weather: scattered clouds

Bad night, rotten sleep, residnet mice and believe it or not rats, and man-made noises and I really, really hate the shelters - but at least we were dry, as it rained most of the night. Unfortunately in the Smokey Mountains you have to stay in shelters as tenting is not allowed. The morning was clear but still very gusty, misty and bloody cold! Cold carnation instant breakfast was not that satisfying but gave me the boost to hit the trail by 8.30am. Made it to Derrick Knob Shelter for lunch and caught up with Bones & Sticks, a couple who were through hiking and Deja Thru, a girl from Boulder, Colorado doing her second thru hike. Originally, we had planned to stay at Silens Bald but with renewed energy and just wanting to get there, we pushed on to Double Spring Shelter, almost 17mls for the day and I was absolutely stuffed!! The shelter was much nicer than the previous one and needless to say, I slept like a log!
Date: 2010-04-22
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Ice Water Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

Absolutely freezing night but as I wore every possible piece of clothing, I stayed warm in my bag. The morning was of course freezing, with a fine white frost over everything, rather picturesque. Hit the trail at 8am heading for Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the AT at 6,643ft high. View was rather disappointing due to the amount of pollution, with big clumps of forest dying out because of acid rain.Caught up with Deja Thru around lunch time and hiked together to the Gatlinburg road crossing. The sight of hundreds of cars, tourists and congestion was also a dissappointing sight and found the last three miles up to Ice Water genuinely hard, especially with my foot playing up again. After a hot dinner and more ibuprofen, am feeling less uncomfortable and can appreciate the shelter's absolutely magnificent views across the Smokies. As I write this, I am watching the most breathtaking sunset, rendering the sky in all its red, gold and orange glow - just beautiful.As an aside - both the old geezers and Madness & Mayhem were at the shelter last night. M & M left early as Madness' knees were playing up and needed medical attention. Oh the joys of aging limbs! We keep missing Trashman & Co by half a day.
Date: 2010-04-23
From: Ice Water Spring Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: light rain

My first 20 plus mile day and boy, am I dog-tired and fatigued! We got an early start and met and hiked with Overloaded, a guy in his fifties from Madison, Winsconsin. Our small group originally planned to hike on for Tri-Corner Shelter, about 12.6mls, but we heard from a ridge runner that a front with storms was due tomorrow, so it was best to be out of the Smokies area by then. On top of that, Tri-Corner had bear warning signs everywhere and the smell wasn't that good either, so we did our first 20.3mls today!!!
Date: 2010-04-24
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Really paid for the big effort yesterday. Although sore and tired, we didn't experience the threatened storm, instead, it was very hot and humid. Even though it was predominantly downhill all day, it was still hard work and my stamina was running out again, as my foot was playing up. To live each day with constant pain is very debilitating and disheartening and takes away the pleasure and enjoyment of the hike, the views, the company and all else. It leaves you with too many unanswered questions that are best left alone. Hiked the rest of the day with Deja Thru and from time to time, with Freight Train. Since his ankle sprain has healed up, he's strength has returned and his pace has increased. No point in holding a good man down by a crippled foot.We arrived at Standing Bear Farm at about 12.30 and who should be there - but Trashman & Co. It was great to catch up again and hear their latest news. It was also Laid Back's birthday, so there'll be some partying going on tonight.I spent the afternoon resting my foot and snoozed in my comfy bunk. The evening saw us sitting around talking. Madness now has two knee braces and is off the trail for two days. Mayhem & Madness sold up their home and bought an RV and spent their time travelling around the country. Now that's a great retirement plan.The night brough with it pouring rain, thunder and lightning - thank God I wasn't tenting!!
Date: 2010-04-25
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

After listening to nature's commotion outside for most of the night, I finally woke up to a real blue funk, feeling homesick and missing Krystyna badly. On top of all this, my foot is giving me hell and am running out of ibuprofen. I used the farm phone and rang Krystyna - it was good to hear her voice and after speaking for some time, put things into perspective and started to feel better, more positive and looked forward to the trail again.