morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-11
From: Amicola State Park

To: Springer Mt.
Miles today: 0.2
Weather: overcast clouds

greetings from springer mountain shelter. My pocket mail seems to have erased my last few entries to be sent, bummer. So i will do the best that i can to recreate that message. Matt dropped me off at Amicalola Falls State Park around 11am. I signed in at the visitors center as Hiker number 192 for the season(to start from AFSP) I didn't want to weigh my pack as I know it is much heavier than planned. However I am sure it is up there. I cant think yet of anything to drop, but I'll get a second opinion later on."If you are lucky enough to hike the AT, you are lucky enough."~found on GATC RIDGE RUNNERS SIGN... The hike up the falls was beautiful, but hard on my knees. It was mostly stairs, and boy did that make me fell really out of shape!(which I am but, that just solidified my thoughts.) Once I hit the approach trail it was more of the same. Lots of stoppage time to catch my breath. However around the halfway point I found my stride and was able to keep on trucking. I started hiking at noon and covered the 8.8 miles by 4 when I reached the top of springer mountain! I have already met some great folks, I am tenting out so I wont feel so bad about my gear explosion. I am going to try to readjust my pack for tomorrow. I am thinking it is going to be a long day. Maybe 13m to Justus Creek, though I will play it by ear. Even though there was a fire to warm me, since the sun went down its awfully chilly. A beautiful sunset on day one. I am off to my cozy tent in the woods.
Date: 2008-03-12
From: Sprinter Mt.

To: Hawk Mt Shelter
Miles today: 7.8

What a beautiful day on the trail. I got a late start today, hit the trail around 10:40 after packing up my tent and getting everything in order. It was pretty chilly last night on Springer, boy the wind was howling. Luckily my bag kept me nice and warm. I met many new NOBO's today. It sure seemed as though I was not the only one starting late today. I also caught up to "AT RED" and his dad "Serenity Rich." Red is 12, and I heard about him from a day hiker. I also met "J-Bird" and "Just JacK", JACK thru hiked last year and was out with Bird till Neels Gap. I also met up with a guy named "Shiloh," who is a Maineah. The hike wasn't that bed today, even had the chance to stop in a beautiful field near the logging road. It was so sunny, and warm... and thus a great place for a rest. Eventually Shiloh joined me for a rest. Two ARMY Rangers came to check on us, which was nice. One even came back with some treats. We both got a very large energy drink as well as a honey bun. My first taste of trail magic on my first official day. A big thanks to SGT. MITCHELL. Tonight I am enjoying the company of some great folks, and there is no place else I'd rather be. OH, Shiloh gave me my trail name today, SUN BEAM. Which I think will do just fine. Sun Beam
Date: 2008-03-13
From: Hawk Mt Shelter

To: Gooch Mt Shelter
Miles today: 7.3

The stars last night were amazing, plus I could see some city lights way off. It was a noisy night in the shelter, as I will have to use my earplugs tomorrow. We heard of some bad weather coming in tomorrow. SO now I am trying to think up some ideas. Today's hike was rough, left around 9:40a and got in around 4:30. That old SASSAFRASS MT. really kicked my butt. I hiked with Just Jack and J Bird a lot today, it was nice. The views on top of te big S were great! After Sasafrass, I hit anoter beastly climb, unsure of it's name, but man it went on forever. Plus from Hawk to Justus Creek there was no water for 6 miles. I knew this in advance, however the heat and the climbs were still rough. Boy, Justus Creek was a wonderful sight to see. I stopped to dunk my feet, snack, and wash my face... It was so beautiful and so great.-Sun Beam
Date: 2008-03-14
From: Gooch Mt Shelter

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

hOLY COW, A big day in the rain and miles. While it is still early, I am more than ready for bed. Woke up to beautiful sunshine, and the promise of rain. Headed out around 9:10a, beautiful day out smelled of pine shavings. Got sprinkles around 10, but it waited untill 11 to let loose. Rain and fog all day which reminded me of the tangled woods of Maine's coast. Although beautiful it was still rather chilly. Although the weather was not great, i decided to push on to the shelter 12m in. I stopped attop Big Cedar Mt for lunch under a spruce tree which sheilded the rain. J Bird, Just Jack, and Shiloh all joined me later on. The rest of the day was a rush to get where I was going by 6:30p. I was hurting by Jarrod Gap, so I stopped to take a break. "Cricket" was nice enough to give me some deer jerkey, that along with my mp3 player was all I needed to push on. The shelter only had 2 spots left, so I decided to put up my tent so someone else could sleep there. Might be a crazy night in the weather category, but I may have a chance to get into NEELS GAP tomorrow. It was a hard day but still loving every moment. Sun Beam
Date: 2008-03-15
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: light rain

My tarptent got a bit damp last night in the rain. When I woke up the first time I heard at least one barred owl outside hooting. I wish I had Steve here to sing back, "who cooks for you." It was beautiful, the wildlife sure has been limited, a few hawks, 2 butterflys, a few slugs, a snail or two, some knats, and the mice in the shelters. The second time I woke up after the great calm, there was a large rumble. BOOM, STORM CITY, the thunder was close as 3 1000's. I was just fine in my tent, eventually put my rain jacket over my head to stop the drops from hitting me. By 8am the sun was out, so I packed up as quickly as I could. Thus began my trek up Blood Mt.. Now I have heard many stories about this mountain, both good and bad. I found it to be fairly easy, got to the top and was able to see clouds below me. It was a very awesome sight to see. It was funny though because every picture I have ever seen of the shelter on Blood Mt. it's usually been foggy. Basically after I took a few pictures the fog rolled in. There were some brave eagle scouts who got to swim on the top last night in the rain. I felt bad for them, but they seemed to be in good spirits. I headed down the trail after a few more pictures. I knew the weather was supposed to turn for the worst, so I went as fast as I could. I even passed a few folks who usually fly by me. Just as I got to the road I started to hear the thunder. Boy was i happy to get to Mountain Crossings @ Neels when I did. I prayed that the hostel would not be full, so I would have a warm dry place to sleep. And to my luck there were several beds left. As I headed down to the hostel I stopped to weigh my pack... a whopping 45lbs! (which means I probably left amicola with about 50lbs... YEOWZA!*so much for trying to be light weight.) The hostel was amazing, it seems as though everyone is here to get out of this crazy storm. Yay, everyone is warm and happy. I even ate a huge portion of a pepperoni pizza and had a great cold mr. pibb. I am now bathed, dry, have clean and dry clothing, and a full belly. I even had my pack shaken down in the outfitter. I sent home 5 lbs of extra crap. I weighed my pack with 4 days of food and a liter of water.. and now it is in at 35 lbs. Much easier to carry! Oh yes big news on the poker front.. I got in the game with 4 others. It came down to the two rookie ladies (no eye deer and myself.) Guess what?!?! I WON!! Yup a yummy candy bar and a hat to keep the sun off my face. Very cool! Overall a great night at this hostel. I highly recommend it for a night in. I sure can't say enough about it!
Date: 2008-03-16
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

What a long crazy day it was! I woke up in the amazing hostel at 7 when Pirate turned the lights on. I got my life in order and then ate Pirates amazing breakfast of pancakes! While eating breakfast I talked to two former thru hikers out getting ready for the PCT. I always hear the greatest stories from former hikers. I also went to the outfitters to get my resupply of food and bought a new pack cover to keep my bag dry in the rain. As you know I am not really putting in the big miles. But having talked to several folks I know that no one has ever wished that they had hiked the AT faster... I am truly enjoying my "puttputt" hiking, and have really loved being able to stop when I want. Just hiking my own Hike I guess Anyway J. Bird and I left the wonderful Hostel around 10am. We walk the same pace up the hills, and I am a bit faster on the downhills. She is an amazing lady with a great energy and spirit. It is fun hiking with her and sharing breaks along the trail. I wasn't expecting to hike all the way to Low Gap shelter, but after a short day yesterday and a night in a comfy bed... I felt as though I needed to push on. On Cowrock Mtn. we met "Mother Nature" and "Mailman." They told us of some weather that might hit later in the week and then gave us some Yummy snickers! I love trail magic! We even got Mother Natures information in case we needed to get off the trail due to weather. Thanks a lot guys! The world is filled with amazing people, I truly enjoy the fact that many of them are associated with the AT! Loving life, Pain, and all!   Sun Beam
Date: 2008-03-20
From: Cloud 9 Hostel

To: Cloud 9 Hostel (zero day)
Miles today: 0.0

After a long morning on the couch, I got sucked into a nice zero day. Crutch said it's good to rest in the begining, so here I sit... one whole day of no hiking. I spent last night getting my groceries in order, and then stuffing my face at an amazing cinese all you can eat resturant with a bunch of the guys. Once back we all gathred around the big screen for some American Idol. It was really funny to have all these people who normally hang out in the woods watch such a show. Since the weather is rather cruddy there were 27 peple here last night so I slept on the couch. And that is where I hung out this morning. We hhit up a wonderful mongolian bbq AYCE for lunch, again i was very happy to be eating such a feast. So much food but I didnt have to make it, plus veggies and meat! J. Bird and Guns made it in today as well. They had a rough night up there on Tray Mt. Blowing snow and brrrness. Ii am glad I got down when I did, and happy they made it safely. J. Bird is going to get her knee checked out, hopefully all is well. The hostel is also a trout farm, so they were going to have a trout for dnner. Fran asked if anyone wanted to go fishing, of course I said "heck yes!" So Lucky and I went "fishing," it was great. I missed fishing, I used to go all the time at the cabin. Very cool will post some pictures. A great zero day for sure! Sun Beam
Date: 2008-03-21
From: Cloud 9 Hostel (zero day)

To: Bly Gap, NC!
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: clear sky

GREETINGS FROM NORTH CAROLINA! One state down only 12 to go. Tonight I actually pee'd in GA before I crawled into my tent for old times sake, haha. I'm very excited to say I have hiked the GA section of the AT. I got out of my cold frosty tent around 8 today. I was in no hurry to get hiking. I enjoyed some time with J. Bird before she left and lounged about. Crutch dropped Blyth and I off at the gap around 11:30. I stopped at Plum Orchard Shelter for lunch. I then moved on to the wonderful state of NC. I got a few new blisters today, I hope they heal soon. Love, Peace, & Happiness,   Sun Beam
Date: 2008-03-22
From: Bly Gap, NC!

To: Deep Gap, NC
Miles today: 6.8

So sometimes in life oppertunities come around that you just need to take. Today was that day for me (hence the mileage.) Great night sleep last night, was on the trail around 9ish. Had fun around the fire last night with a great group of folks. Bly Gap = tent city, it was awesome. Had a great start, it was fairly easy for a while. Then two tough/vicious climbs. I felt like I had to stop every 2 minutes. I started to get a bit frustraited, so I pulled out my mp3 player and listened to some tunes. Evetually I reached the top, shot a few photos, and later passed an amazing trail. The "Chunky Gal Trail" made me smile, who ever named it is genius. As the trail went on it got easier. Two wonderful folks from the Nantahala Hiking Club- The easter bunnies gave me a wonderful baggie filled with treats. They were so nice, so a huge thank you to them. Once I walked down towards Deep Gap I saw a blue tent, filled with yummy things to eat and drink. I was ushered in to fill up a plate, so I dropped my pack and stuffed my face. 2 hot dogs, a bunch of chips, and a soda later I was told about breakfast.And thus I had to stay! I had to pop my blister i have since named Bertha.A huge thanks to Tar Heel and Jackie... and all the other folks who made my day!Sun Beam
Date: 2008-03-23
From: Deep Gap, NC

To: Carter Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

Happy Easter! This has been one of my best Easters by far. Spent last night hanging around Popie, Shadow, and his wifes(sorry I frgot your name) glorious fire. Nothing like warmth and good company. Had a good night all comfy in my tent, so many folks decided to stay for breakfast we created our own mini tent city. As usual I was the last one to get out and take down my tent. It's all right though because a large number of folks had moved on when I got up to the tents. Oh my godness was this morning amazing. Baskets of candy, homeade breakfast breads, and snacks all over the tables. I put in my order for my omlet, which was full of all the goodness they had. Plus bacon, biscuits, hashbrown casserol, and a chai tea! Seriously spoiled I know. They told us not to be shy... and after I stuffed my face They made me a sandwhich full of yummy veggies to take with me. On top of all that amazingness, Healing Hands gave me the most relaxing shoulder and back massage. Talk about one spoiled Sun Beam. It was hard to leave those good folks. Another huge THANK YOU to the amazing folks who put on the 17th annual Easter breakfast for us hIkers. It was truly a special thing you did for us. Thanks- Tar Heel, The Cook, Repete, Di, Weatherman, Healing Hands, and anyone Else I forgot. After I left the Mecca of trail magic I headed up the hill to Standing Indian MOuntain. I took a blue blazed trail to the top and enjoyed a beautiful view of the mountains all to myself. I really thought a lot today about how lucky I am to be out here doing tis, and meeting all these amazing people. I can hike big mountains, and I get to do it every day! Eventually I had to come down, "you cant stay on mountain tops forever, eventually we must all come down." The rest of the hike was beautiful, had to cross many streams along the trail. Passed the old and sketchy shelter, sure glad they built a new one. Good company again tonight. Blyth became Bar Fight tonight, we were joking about some broken glass and thus her name. (for the record I dnt tink she will be in a bar fight.)Very excellent Easter! So happy- Sun Beam!
Date: 2008-03-24
From: Carter Gap Shelter 

To: Rock Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

What a wonderful day. Although last night was really chilly, I stayed pretty warm in my bag. Finally got up and moving at a decent time - 8:30. I hadto wear nearly all my clothing to stay warm. Usually I can wear my tee, my hoodie, and my zip off pants... today it was my capaline tights, my zip pants, long sleve sirt and my hoodie... plus my balaclava and mittens.. and I didn't overheat. The ground was beautiful, ground waterhadfrozen upward and made this beautiful frozen lace. I took a few pictures. Later on little white things started falling from the sky. I really love snow and it made walking tht much more excitng. I was was worried that the snow would block my view from the firetower. Luckily the snow cleared just in time for my climb up Albert Mt. I had an amazing view of the surrounding areas. Sadly a dark cloud was on the horizon, so after a snack I was on my way. I stopped off at a shelter and met up with 3 Cats and Sharky, we socialized bit and then Newt showedup and told us aout more cold weather... bummer. Other than the weather report, today was nice. The trail crossed a few creeks, and one even ran through a tree. I was able to eat a icicle to get water, as my water bladder was frozen most of the day. There are so many amazing places on this trail. Everyday there is always something new to see. And with that today I reached an amazing goal... 100 MILES!!! there was the number 100 created by rocks to mark the accomplismet. 3 Cats and Sharky waited for Bar Fight and myself at the 100. We took a ton of pictures and shared a snickers with bar fight to celebrate! I cant beleive I madeit.... ifI reach 200 I made the vow in te begining to cut my hair short... My new song. "If I could walk 100 miles than could walk 2065 more to be the girl who walked the entire AT..."Sun Beam
Date: 2008-03-25
From: 3/24 Rock Gap Shelter 

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: clear sky

Last night was another cold night, heard a rumor of 15*! However it seemed warmer than last night. Luckily when I pulled myself from my sleeping bag this morning the two Midwest fellas had a great little fire going. I would work on a task till my fingers got to cold, then hop over to th fire to get them warm again. I wanted to catch the 11a shuttle into Franklin, NC so I was a bit rushed. I was the last to leave because of the "layer situation." It's hard when its cold because you are in a constant temperature crunch. One moment you are freezing, the next you are over heating. Some days there is no happy medium. By the time I reached Wallace Gap I was ready to make my pants into shorts. I was not the only one having temp problems as Tuna Bag(07), had to change behind the park sign. I would have laughed real hard if a car had come up the road, sadly this was not the case. Right after Wallace Gap there was some incredible trail magic in the waterfall. CAPRISUNS! I stopped to take a few photos and drink the lone cherry flavored pouch that tried to float down stream. This was a huge bonus as my water bladder hose froze again last night. Huge THANKS to the mysterious trail angel! Eventually I reached Winding Stair Gap, the 4miles went really Fast... and low and behold a couple with yummy and very hot, hot cocoa! Barfight, Tuna Bag, and I drank it down fast while waiting for the shuttle. I have been so spoiled by the amazing trail magic this week!=) About 10minutes later Ron Haven and his hiker short bus rolled in. The heat was blasting and it made me happy. He took the lot of us back up to Wallace Gap to pick up a few more hikers, then off to Franklin. I ended up getting a room at      Ron's budget Inn, with Barfight. Many great folks showed up including Lucky. Sadly after an MRI, he found out he is done. I wish him nothing but the best. The rest of the day involved laundry, a gear explosion, a medium pepperoni pizza for $8, pigging out, and resupplying. What a lovely day! SUN BEAM
Date: 2008-03-26
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Whayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was a good day, woke up at the Budget Inn to my neighbors carrying on. Ate some cold yogurt and left- over pizza, oh the life! I then fought a bit with my pocketmail, eventually gave up and headed to the office to work on a computer. Ron came around 11 to give a bunch of us a ride back to the trail. Sadly Barfight stayed behind, I think she is planning on going home for a while. The crew of Aqua Maria, Eric, Slow Barbara, Brad, Aggy, and Bus Driver all set off up into the mountains. Needless to say we played a lot of leapfrog through out the day. To add more to the mix, Sharkey and 3 Cats joined into the fun. I stopped for a snack break around Seiler Bald shelter, it was so nice to sit in the sun for a change. I bet I was there for a good half an hour just soaking in the sun with my boots off. I was even able to hike in a short sleeve shirt, what! I had another nice rest on the actual bald. It was great! From there it was pretty much all up hill. From Whayah gap to Whayah Bald... so many ups! Eventually we came to a stone bathroom... and boom a beautiful stone tower with an amazing view. Aggy, brad, 3cats, and Sharkey were all there taking in the sights. We could see all the way to Albert Mt. Fire tower and even Standing Indian Mt.! I couldn't believe I had already bagged those... so many more to go. From that amazing view I was off to the new shelter. Oh what an amazing life!   Sun Beam
Date: 2008-03-27
From: Whayah Bald Shelter

To: Weiser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Wow, it was really warm last night! I slept really well, only woke up once and it was beautiful out. Everyone rolled out of camp fairly early, except Bus Driver, Aqua Maria, Eric, and myself. I felt pretty lazy and thus took my time lounging around. I ate a cocoa puff breakfast bar which was so yummy. All was well with life. I finally got out of camp around 10:30. The rest of the day was really off for me. At first it was okay, but after an hour I got into a funk. There were a lot of rough ups and my motivation was low. After a snack break I pulled out my mp3 player for the second time of the trip. It really helped me focus on hiking and my rhythm. I was able to make a good pace and zone out. I'm not sure what was up... but the music sure helped everything from the "Postal Service" to some "Steve Mcqueen" and then a bit of bluegrass to tie it all together. Eventually I took a break in a sunny field, taking off your boots and sitting down works wonders for me. After another climb I met up with Aggy, Brad, and Bus Driver for a lunch break at Cold Springs Shelter. I ate some pop-tarts and trail mix, added to it some wonderfully refreshing spring water. We laughed about the fun old graffiti in the shelter. After another break later on to sun the toes all was well for the push up to Weiser Bald. There was a sketchy fire tower up there where we had beautiful views of the area. Its the views that make hard days so worth it! We had a wonderful fire tonight, and now that I am toasty I am ready for bed.    Here is hoping tomorrow is a sunny bright day!Sun Beam
Date: 2008-03-28
From: Weiser Bald Shelter

To: Nanatahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was all about the downhill. Take the letter "V", and that is pretty much how it was heading to the NOC, tomorrow will be the steep part going out of the V... YIkes. The day started off with angry looking skies and the smell of rain. I decided to chance it and left my rain cover off. There were a lot of ups and downs over small peaks. Some offered up a few views of saturated skies while others showed off views of future climbs. With the threat of rain I pushed on. Several areas turned out to be what I call "mine fields." Places where you have to think of every foot placement, or how on Earth you are going to get down from the large chunk of rock you are. There were also several places where the trail was washed out. In these places you almost have to walk sideways. It was around this area where I was thinking this could be a crazy place to fall... and sure enough the next step was nearly the last. Thank goodness for my left pole, as it saved me. I continued on in my downhill journey to the Rufus Morgan Shelter. I got some water and signed the register before I went on. I was around the time I heard a train whistle that I started smelling fried food. I couldn't seem to walk fast enough. Boy I was getting hungry for a big ol' burger. Once I was down I literally found the closest restaurant and walked right on in for a yummy BACON CHEESE BURGER! i HAD no trouble finishing it up. Sometimes my hiker appetite is beastly. Needless to say my knee caps are a bit sore. So I joined "i trod" in getting a cheap room to rest them. It was here where met Kyonite and Sunkist. Both are from my hometown of Eau Claire, and better yet Sunkist went to the same high school as me. Holy cow, what a small, small world we live in. I joined them and a few others at the Pub to watch Wiscon get beat by Davidson. Tonight I a falling asleep to the sound of peepers outside my window. Life is good.Sun Beam