morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-03-16
From: Fontana Dam

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: scattered clouds

After a pleasant night at the Fontana Hilton, Hearts and I hiked to the visitor center at the Dam with great anticipation of a hot shower - a wonderful treat. We discovered a soda machine, and I promptly dropped in $1 of quarters for a coke, before we discovered sadly that the machine wouldn't take a dollar bill from Hearts, nor did we have any more quarters. (It is highly atypical for hikers to carry any change; it's heavy.) The air was gloriously free from rain, and the skies were clear & warm (for a welcome change). We dropped our Smokey Mountain hiking permits into the box as required and enjoyed our morning. We paused while crossing the dam to look around and were disconcerted to see running water down the face of the dam beginning halfway down, a leak. Before long Bushwacker passed us, and as we gained elevation the wind waxed strong and brisk. After this message, "I'm not going to try to keep up with the guys any more; these 16 mile days are too much for me," the voice recorder was neglected until the 20th. I walked 6 miles before laying down to nap, but instead rested and made cell phone calls; then relaxed, reclined, and propped my feet up. A ridge runner (an ATC employee) was counting hikers & taking (trail)names. He said that it was an easy "walk" to Spence Field, and he was right; it was three easy miles to the next shelter, then 3 more to the next, and 3 more to Spence Field. By keeping my own pace, resting as needed, and eating often, the 16 miles were very comfortable, but it was very nearly dark. Squire told me that his log seems to always end with "it is almost dark, and here comes Shakedown." The tourists were amazed when I removed my poncho because I hiked through the cold in nothing other than a very lightweight pair of shorts.[2010 more about those later.] While there was still a little light I reconnoitered for a place to sleep on the ground and found a slight depression that was level, comfy and well sheltered. A deer and fawn were grazing close to the shelter - surprisingly tame - allowed people within a foot or two before shying away. The Smokies are full of kids on Spring Break now, and the kids here building a campfire say that they are from Iowa. As we chat they tell me they are from Keosauqua, my parent's home town of 1070 people - talk about small world! They know my relatives, and I know the grandfather of one, Bob Pedrick. We are all AMAZED. Squire records that Chillie Mac, HalfBrew, and Memphis T. were all at the shelter that night, and that Loafy was in Fontana the previous night. I typically arrived at shelters late and slept outside consequently missing names and social gatherings. Most of my social group hiked that 16.5 miles ending at Spence Field Shelter.
Date: 2008-03-17
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Springs Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I awoke with a start due to moisture on my face and packed in a hurry, fearing rain, to discover only heavy fog; no rain, just heavy, wet fog. It had been windy all night, so my sleeping bag was still dry, and the wind continued all day. Watching wind gusts blast fog up & over the ridges was eerie and wonderful. Trees collected the fog and dripped incessantly. My best views in the Smokies were atop Rocky Top despite the fog.
Date: 2008-03-18
From: Double Springs Gap Shelter

To: Ice Water Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was equally foggy or worse, so the anticipated vistas from Clingmans Dome were replaced by more fog. Squire and I started together, but I realized that I needed to eat, so fell behind him. As we approached NewFound Gap we chatted with a couple of day hikers out in the fog. The fog was unrelenting and made hitchhiking from the parking lot into town seem hopeless; no one could see us. We had a huge surprise when car packed full of a family stopped; the driver offered us sausage biscuits and cokes which we gladly accepted and wolfed down. Soon after the family left, that couple of day hikers gave us a ride into Gatlinburg. Squire got out near the library, and the couple took me several more miles to the Food Lion at the edge of town. Any day that includes a resupply in town is wonderful. Luck was with me: the Food Lion had pints of Ben & Jerry's Mint Chocolate Chunk on closeout sale. The couple had said that the Gatlinburg Blue Line Trolley would take me back into town; the trolley ride was scenic, and I was able to eat my pint undisturbed except for the stares from one little kid. Squire was at the trolley transfer station; he had spent an hour updating his TrailJournal at the library and now needed to go to the Post Office to collect a mail drop; ironic that the Post Office is next to the Food Lion; if we had known, he would have saved some time & trouble. I was able to buy a postage stamp at a nearby bank and drop my credit card payment into the mail. (Because town stops are infrequent, forethought about payments is essential.) A town full of tourist traps fills me only with a desire to leave. The Red line trolley stop #10 was as close to the trail as public transportation went, so I resumed hitchhiking there. The warmth (65 degrees) and bright skies in Gatlinburg were intoxicating. (Regardless I wore my down coat to dry dampness out of it.) Of the people who gave me rides, the most unusual was a jolly mother with two kids; her husband was out hiking for the day, and they were all planning to hike tomorrow. Within 5 miles of Newfound Gap, daylight disappeared as we collided abruptly with that dense fog again. Newfound Gap has visitor services, and I availed myself of shelter in the bathroom while transferring my peanut butter, trail mix & chocolate chips into smaller, lighter containers. One patron told me to look for his pickup truck when I left; he and his wife were Trail Angels from Boone, NC and had a glorious bountiful selection of foods that they were giving out. Chicken burgers, fresh fruit (I had a banana), sodas (I had a Sprite), cookies, and candy bars. It was wonderful to start hiking with all those calories ready to burn, a big help on the hike to Icewater Spring Shelter.
Date: 2008-03-19
From: Ice Water Spring Shelter

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: light rain

Everyone else in my group had enough good sense to stay out of the weather, so I was ahead of everyone. Thunderstorms were forecast so I started early Wed morning out of Icewater to Peck shelter. Light rain developed with huge gusting winds and all that fog. I was drenched up to my crotch; that rain skirt is worthless; I'll send it back to Wilton and find Dry Ducks (brand) somewhere. I arrived early but had been so beat up by the wind and rain that I had no thought of continuing. There was already another couple in the shelter, Spock & Twiggy. Interesting that Spock loved to hunt & Twiggy is an artist, so they decided to hike the AT to enjoy an activity together. Afternoon several other hikers showed up including Drew and Wendy, a high school science teacher from Oak Ridge and his son Jake and father with 2 sons. We took turns trying to get a fire going given only wet wood to burn; the science teacher eventually succeeded. The rain abated for a bit towards evening and Spock & Twiggy left just before the downpours resumed. Pounding rain lasted all night long - until it turned to snow. We had an inch of snow, and it got really cold; ice was frozen hard. Everything in the shelter stayed dry, and my pants dried out by morning. However, our boots froze. Thank God I carried my sleeping bag and down coat inside my pack in a garbage bag. I slept warm & dry, comfy & cozy.when I walk at my own leisurely pace I stay pain free & comfy, especially if I take a nap mid-afternoon. When I push to stay up with people, it hurts.
Date: 2008-03-20
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: few clouds

I would have taken pictures if the cell phone batteries had not been nearly dead. [Note from 2010: a spare cell phone battery is a necessity.] Today's hike was gorgeous, just gorgeous because of all the snow; it was also a little risky because of all the ice, black ice, visible ice, invisible ice, sheets of ice, thick ice. In other words it was cold, especially crossing clearings in the wind, but the snow sculptures and the trees were just phenomenally beautiful. Once it finally cleared off a bit, there some good views of snow covered mountains in the distance. All in all a very impressive day. I stopped briefly at Tri-Corner Knob Shelter and saw about five people all day, more than expected; the Smokies is a popular location for Spring Break hikers. Tonight at Cosby Knob are thru-hikers Catfish (65-year-old from Shawnee Mission, KS), UstaCould, and a young couple, Drew and Wendy. Only ten miles to Standing Bear Hostel. Cynthia will be flying in to Ashville, so I'll try to meet her in Hot Springs.
Date: 2008-03-22
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Brown Gap vicinity
Miles today: 10.1

Everyone stopped at Standing Bear, and I couldn't bring myself to leave until all other outgoing hikers had gone about 2 pm. The day started early with inadequate cell phone signal. (A call to my sister was dropped five times before we finally gave up.) Then Curtis refused to consider a breakfast run into "town" and even refused a 6-pack bribe attempt. Fortunately Curtis sells eggs, and Catfish is a willing and talented cook. My omelet was wonderful - Thanks Catfish. Several hikers came through early without staying including Spruce and Toad. Spruce is one smiley guy and very enthusiastic; it is always a joy to see him. Squire and Spruce were off early around 10am (really late for them). Drew & Wendy tented overnight and also left sorta early. Curtis has two active little daughters who played in stream and ran hither and thither entertaining us marvelously. Start arrived and introduced himself to me for the fifth time, Memphis Tim for the third, and I met Ronan and Bald Thing. Around noon Bushwacker showed up as did Joshua, Josiah, and Loafy again; they spent the night on Mt. Cammerer, camped 6 tenths of a mile from the Trail at the foot of the firetower. They reported that it was a gorgeous night with wonderful stars - among the best sights so far. Eventually Riley and Halfbrew arrived too. The day of socializing was just so much fun, and Curtis is an enjoyable eccentric. It was quality time, well spent. I was really well fueled for departure by a fish sandwich, yogurt, a Snickers bar, and a coke. Although I left late, I still had hopes of joining the other hikers at Max Patch, but suffered a disaster: my pants fell from my backpack, and it was nearly a mile before I discovered them missing, so that added two miles to my day. While re-tracing my footsteps was unwelcome, there was substantial pleasure in walking without a load. DeJaVous - it was amusing to recognize places and remember events from last year's hike, my original shakedown cruise. I remembered sleeping at Brown's Gap and the two wonderful ladies there who gave me a quart of flavored water, very much appreciated during that drought (and drought seems impossible given so much rain this year.) Lots of calls wore my cell phone batteries down quickly, and after dark the wind picked up and temperature dropped. I found a depression to lie down for some sleep. By now I can see how people can become trail junkies and hostelers and trail angels, because there are certainly a lot of neat, neat people hiking the Trail, bright, motivated, social and interesting. Only casualty today was that I left my toothbrush behind, all loaded and ready to go. I spent $35 at Standing Bear plus #25 in town (includes two six packs of beer).
Date: 2010-02-08
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

So, I have decided that yes, I will get a trailjournal. (Have been convinced...) Anyway, this'll probably be the only pre-trail entry.I am READY. I have all my gear, my maildrop/food boxes are ready to be mailed to Georgia, and I am in the process of cleaning my house and organizing all gear to be left behind, etc... I am a 19 year old female, and am starting with a partner. We aren't planning to hike together for more than a couple weeks, but who knows? Maybe we'll hit it off an stick together for a bit. (Though I am a solo hiker at heart, I think.)I'm not planning on updating this journal very often. Maybe once every week or two, so if you don't hear from me, don't worry- I just haven't gotten to a computer yet! This is really just for a few whiteblazers to follow my trip and make sure I haven't fallen and died yet. I may ask my mother to update this from home whenever I call, but we'll see. Wish me luck!Also keep in mind, my trailname may change. If it does, I¢ll post the change. But don¢t go thinking I¢ve gone off trail if no one in Damascus has seen ¢ShLep¢ or ¢ShelterLeopard¢.
Date: 2010-02-09
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Thanks very much Ellie, Chris and Sasquatch! Only a couple hours and people are already responding.Sasquatch, I seriously considered it (though who knows where my reputation would be if you all got to tell of my travels? Just kidding!) Very sad that I'm missing the warmer, but I can't wait to start!And just to let everyone know, I'll be putting my "day" mileage on that little mileage counter as all miles travelled since the last update, but in my actual journal, I'll write Day X, miles today, X, etc... Not important, but to avoid confusion when people ask about my 70 mile days... (Which really will be all miles for the past week/days/whatnot)TIRED!PS: By the way, just thought I'd add, I kinda have two trailnames, ShelterLeopard (ShLep) and Quasar. But I'm known by Shlep because that's my user name on whiteblaze, though Quasar fits better. But we'll see what happens on the trail!
Date: 2010-02-10
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

One more entry to "validify" my account. Repost of the first entry, from now on, all entries will be at least something of substance!So, I have decided that yes, I will get a trailjournal. (Have been convinced...) Anyway, this'll probably be the only pre-trail entry.I am READY. I have all my gear, my maildrop/food boxes are ready to be mailed to Georgia, and I am in the process of cleaning my house and organizing all gear to be left behind, etc... I am a 19 year old female, and am starting with a partner. We aren't planning to hike together for more than a couple weeks, but who knows? Maybe we'll hit it off an stick together for a bit. (Though I am a solo hiker at heart, I think.)I'm not planning on updating this journal very often. Maybe once every week or two, so if you don't hear from me, don't worry- I just haven't gotten to a computer yet! This is really just for a few whiteblazers to follow my trip and make sure I haven't fallen and died yet. I may ask my mother to update this from home whenever I call, but we'll see. Wish me luck!Also keep in mind, my trailname may change. If it does, I¢ll post the change. But don¢t go thinking I¢ve gone off trail if no one in Damascus has seen ¢ShLep¢ or ¢ShelterLeopard¢.
Date: 2010-02-10
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

WOW. There is so much snow here now, and it shows no sign of stopping. We had a bigish snow this past weekend, and noe we've gotten another foot so far (just today), so we have plenty! It isn't supposed to stop for at least 12 hours and it ir BEAUTIFUL. This past weekend my little brother and I built snow forts/igloos, and today we worked on a large one together. We haven't hollowed it out yet, but so far, it is enormous! Hopefully I'll get some snow photos up before I hit the trail!-ShLep
Date: 2010-02-16
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Okay, so I'm in shock. I have three days to do everything I need to do. THREE DAYS!!! And I'll admit, I'm getting a little bit nervous.I just spent the long weekend in Lake Placid with family from Michigan and New Jersey, and spent the days snowshoeing, snowball fighting, in front of the fire, and watching the Olympics. Really, really, REALLY great short vacation, but now I'm back home, and I need to get everything together. I really shouldn't be on trailjournals at all right now, I have so much to do. There is SO MUCH SNOW here right now, I'm tempted to bring snowshoes to Georgia ng (large child's snowshoes- light, and they'll get the job done), but I don't think they're neccessary. There's only a total of three inches in Georgia right now... Maybe I'll bring 'em, and send them home after the Smokies. We'll see. Off to clean!PS- I know I said I wouldn't be on trailjournals very often, but I am getting hooked! I'll be rarely, rarely on when I'm hiking though. Only when I get to towns or hostels and actually remember how to operate a computer.
Date: 2010-03-04
From: Home

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 100.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hello hello! I'm finally updating (I'm terrible, and I told you I would be). I am now in Franklin, NC, and it is around day 14. I'll update for real tomorrow (with day by day updates) since I'm taking a ZERO day, no hiking, good food, warm bed, and all that. Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm not dead.I'm sore, exhausted, and really hungry but I'm still going! The snow here is VERY tiring, and the blisters that surround my feet are glorious. Yesterday was exhausting and freezing and I was sore, and we managed to cram 8 people into the 6 person shelter, but it just made it warmer and more comfortable. Real update tomorrow!Sleep, food.
Date: 2010-03-06
To: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

So, this'll be short. I'll update for real, later. I think.So this is, what, day 22? And mile, what, 210ish? I'm feelin' pretty good, but we did bust a gut to get out of the Smokies and into the dreaded Gatlinburg today, just to dry off. (All this trip, we were intent on avoiding Gatlinburg, and where are we? But it's cool- we're dry, FULL and happy). There was enough snow last night to be slightly worrisome. There was already 4-5 FOOT drifts in LOTS of places, bu there was just enough snow last night to completely obscure all footprints and the trail.And it turned out that a RIDGERUNENR, yes, an actual ridgerunner, could not find the trail and said hikers were not supposed to hike the trail near Clingmans Dome. Ugh? So, we (Me, Sonya aka Cygnet, and Subby) followed some helpful and informed section hikers on an 8 mile side trail to a parking lot, which was 6 miles from an actual road. As we descended, huge chunks of hard ice rained down from the trees and onto our heads, then halfway down, the snow melted and turned to rain. We arrived at the parking lot (to find at least 5 cars of day hikers), and attempted to call shuttles to get into Gatlingurg, or Davenport. No answer most places, finally got one person who (after fighting to hear each other on our phones) said it would be hours before he could come, and we were wet and shivering. So, we approached a couple people in the parking lot. Most didn't have room, etc, etc... Then we found a couple exchange students on their spring break who said they could take us to the road! (Instead of walking the six miles to the normal road). So, they fit the three of us and out soaking wet packs in with the three of them in their buick. And drove is ALL THE WAY to Gatlinburg. TRAIL MAGIC. We were so happy to have a ride just to the ROAD, and then they even took us to town! They were very interesting, and interested in us. Very cool people. (Tired, rambling, sorry). They did have to roll down the windows- guess we smelled pretty bad to roll down windows in the rain...Anyway, here we are, ready for a night of sleep, and on to Davenport Gap and Standing Bear Farm!!!
Date: 2010-03-07
From: Erwin, TN

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

ShLep is tired, and keeps promising to actually update her trail journal, but never ends up doing it!This is day 35 (mile marker 339.9), and I am taking my second (and quite unplanned) zero day at Uncle Johnny's Hostel in Erwin. I wasn't planning to take any zeros here, let alone TWO. But, I have an upset stomache, it is raining, and more importantly, everyone is leaving me. Everyone I have been hiking with steadily is now leaving. WHY??? Hurt knees, sick, unfinished business at home, boredom, mental stress, etc...   Cygnet is hopefully going to come back to the trail in a couple weeks with her golden retriever, but now I'm really on my own.As for me? Tomorrow, I'm off to the trail, yet again. Roan Mountain, Kincora, then on to Damascus, VA for Easter!So, the last couple days have looked like this:Day 25: Roaring Fork Shelter (15.4)I felt amazing- strong, able, and my whole body just felt good an healthy.Day 26: Deer Park Mtn. Shelter (14.8)Again, today I felt great- did fairly good miles (for me), and felt good, strong and healthy.Day 27: Hot Springs (3.2)Rolled into Hot Springs early in the morning and had breakfast right away at the Smoky Mountain Diner. Then I headed off (leaving Cygnet, Cuppa and Subby in the diner in food comas) to start my laundry, and got a room at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn (a hiker hostel). I use the term "hostel" loosely. There's no bunkroom at Elmer's, but everyone gets a room either to share with one other, or to stay in alone. A Victorian mansion, with soft beds and GREAT food.Day 28: Hot Springs (0)Spent the day enjoying the first of the SUNSHINE and spring, and spent the night at the Duckett House (just to change things up, and have a quiet room of my own)Day 29: Spring Mtn Shelter (11) TentedHeaded out of Hot Springs pretty late, because I spent a while talking to the other people at the B&B at breakfast. The day was beautiful, and the hike was good, but I was carrying SO much food, that my legs and back were pretty sore.Day 30: Jerry Cabin Shelter (15.4)SNOW, getting too tired to update much more!!!Day 31: Flint Mtn. Shelter (5.9)Made a short day, met some new people.Day 32: Bald Mtn. Shelter (18.9)Longer day, felt GREAT. Beautiful views, snow again.Day 33: Uncle Johnny's Hostel (16.9)Great hike, hiked very fast to get to Uncle J's while there were still available bunks, and met up again with Cygnet and Cuppa (after being seperated for a day and a half). Cool hostel and cool people.Day 34: Uncle Johnny's Hostel (0)So, I would have made this a more complete update, but I'm very tired, and there's a bit of distraction around here, so will update more in Damascus.
Date: 2010-03-08
From: Damascus, VA

To: Damascus, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Mile number 463!!! Week 5.5, still going. I'm a bit sore- the last couple days have been crazy- 24 miles, then 23, then 10 miles into Damascus today, by 9:30am (post office!!!). I'm sore, but I feel good.Okay, so far, about 75% of the people I've hiked with at all are off trail. The only ones left are; Me, Caken, Appletree (aka Appleseed and Branch), and Subby. People have been dropping out like crazy, in every town. There are a couple people who say they may come back, and we'll see. But I'm meeting new people, and I suppose that people are going to keep thinning out for a bit. Now that there's no snow, bitter cold (knock on wood) or terribly difficult terrain, I suppose the next thing to eliminate people will be monotony and boredom. I used to wake people up by shouting "Groundhog Day!" (from the movie, Groundhog Day, in which the day keeps repeating over and over and over), just because it sounded neat. But now, it's pretty true. We're in the area of fairly level terrain, the weather has eased up and become mild (even hot, sometimes), and soon people will feel tired of their routine.But, this last week has changed things up a bit (hostel hopping and a bit of flipflopping around). Just need to remember to keep it fresh, change things up!Sore, EXHAUSTED (got in late every night, and woke up this morning at 4:45 to get in to town on time- turned out to be no problem, got 10 miles done in under 3.5 hours), but good! Hopefully, more people will show up tonight, and we'll have some fun for Easter. (Dying eggs!)