morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-09
From: Lance Creek Campsite

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: scattered clouds

I awakened at 6 AM, but waited until 6:45 to get up. At 7 the hostel lights go on and I packed, charged my cell and Kindle Fire, and killed the next half hour waiting for the outfitter to open by chatting with new friends. With me at the hostel are Snow Frog, The Postman, Sarah, Chris and his wife Heather, Doc, Thru Walker, Steve and his son, Dan, Thistle and Beerdra.When the outfitter opened at 8:30, I headed over to do the two days of food resupply that I was too tired to do the evening before. I was anxious to get on the trail as today was going to be my first 11.5 mile day, so I moved quickly through the shop gathering a beef stick, 3 Clif bars and two bags of trail mix. Back at the hostel I finalized my pack and headed out at 9 AM onto the trail. Heather took my picture for me in front of the blaze on the wall of the only building through which the Appalachian trail goes, and I was off, climbing right away.Along the way I met two great ladies M&M (Marsha and Melanie) who were out doing a day hike. It looked like they were having a great time.I took a break at 10:30 on Wolf Laurel Top and sat in the sun and had a snack of cheese, beef stick, lpl and crackers.At 11:55 I stopped on the top of Cowrock Mountain for lunch. After almost an hour break I was on my way again, enjoying the warming sun and beautiful views of the valley.In Tesnatee Gap I came across trail magic and enjoyed some cool water but wasn't hungry due to my recent break.Wildcat Mountain pawed and scratched me the entire way up, but I tamed her and took a much needed break at the top. While resting, I met two fellows out for a day hike. We talked for a while and I enjoyed their company.While hiking in the afternoon, I thought about Doc's question to me the night before. He asked me to impart some thru-hiker wisdom that would help him get up the trail. I told him of the importance of finding the joy in each and every day. Some days it's tougher than others, but it's always there and it is important to recognize it, appreciate it, and be thankful for it.It was an emotional day for me as I've started to miss my family. I let the thoughts move through and react in whatever way came up....and keep walking. Always keep walking.For the last few miles of my first 11 mile day, I started to have trouble with the big toe on my right foot. When I got to Low Gap Shelter at 4:45 and tended to my feet I realized that I had forgotten to tape my big toes that morning. My 2003 hike left me with a callous on each big toe. When I hike, they bother me, so I tape them. I won't make that mistake again.Tent up, water gotten, dinner made, and it's 7 PM and time for bed. Only 7.3 miles tomorrow~J.
Date: 2013-03-10
From: Lance Creek Campsite

To: Blue Mountain Shelter, GA
Miles today: 7.3

I slept in this morning due to the daylight savings time change and didn't leave my campsite until 8:40 AM.At the top of the first hill I stopped to remove my coat and hiked in my lightweight fleece. When the trail turned onto the ridge and I walked with the morning sun at my side, I removed my neck gaitor, hat and gloves too. It was a beautiful morning for walking and I enjoyed every step of the way.My hike today would take me just 7.3 miles and I wanted a space in the shelter so I didn't have to pack out a wet tent from the anticipated rain that was due overnight.The day went quickly as I leapfrogged with Bobala, Doc, and Boon. There are quite a few great young kids on the trail and I'm enjoying their company.The final climb up Blue Mountain was a killer and I pushed the last few hundred feet. Luckily, I didn't have to collect water on the way up the hill. Doc and Boon were going into town and looking to unload some, and I was happy to claim it.The wind whipped over the mountain top all night, causing the blue tarp that had been placed over the opening to flap all night long.I had arrived at the shelter by 1PM, and immediately claimed my place in the shelter. By bed time I had been joined by Beerdra, Thistle, Thruwalker, and Roamin' with his pup Carly. Others were tenting close by.By 8 PM, we were all settled in for the night. Sleep came quickly for me.
Date: 2013-03-11
From: Blue Mountain Shelter, GA

To: Unicoi Gap then Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 2.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept soundly last night until 1:30 AM when a cold and shaking Carly awakened me. I lifted my sleeping bag, invited her in and there she stayed until we got up at 8AM.The morning was dark, cold and rainy. Visibility was only about 50 feet as I headed out on the trail for my quick 2.3 hike into Unicoi Gap where a number of us were going into Hiawassee to get out of the expected horrendous rain that was due this afternoon.By noon we were at the hotel. I'm showered, fed, resupplied, and ready to head out tomorrow morning at 8:30. The weather forecast is for sunny skies.
Date: 2013-03-12
From: Unicoi Gap then Hiawassee, GA

To: Trey Mountain Shelter, GA
Miles today: 5.7

I awakened in the hotel at 3AM and was unable to go back to sleep I turned on the TV and watched the absolute worst ABC newscasters that I had ever seen in my entire life. I made a list of things I will need when I get to a grocery store, updated my journal, then finally got in the shower at 5:45 AM. At 6:30 I went to the lobby to use the computer, then had an early breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuit, cinnamon bun and tea. Our shuttler was due at 8:30 AM and I hate to hike on a full stomach, so ate early to give it a chance to digest. I didn't want to pass up the great breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express.At 9 Thistle, Beerdra and I were deposited at Unicoi Gap and began the 1100 foot climb up Rocky Mountain. It took me just over an hour to get to the top. It was a cloudy, windy climb, but nothing like what I would hike into a mile or so up the ridge. I could hear the wind pick up and as I rounded the trail, I could see the trees shrewd shrouded in ice. The wind roared around me, but it was so beautiful that I had to stop to take a picture. I hoped that the pic would do the trail justice.After clicking the picture, a hiker approached from the other direction. Bent forward and leaning into the wind, as he passed by he yelled, The wind stops just around the bend". "Thanks", I hollered back over the roar of the wind, and indeed it did stop just a few hundred feet up the trail. As quickly as the weather had become violent, it became sunny and warm....and such is life on the Appalachian Trail.Home for the night was Trey Mountain Shelter, a smaller shelter on the windy side of the mountain. We arrived early as is was a lower mileage day and were fed, watered, and snuggled in our bags against the cold at still sunny, 7 PM. With me in the shelter was Tracks, Thistle and Beerdra. By 7:15 we were all sound asleep.
Date: 2013-03-13
From: Trey Mountain Shelter, GA

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 0.0

I slept so soundly last night that I didn't wake up to journal. I slept so soundly and comfortably that I didn't awaken when 2 hikers came in late, cooked and climbed into the shelter next to me. I awakened at 4:30 and went right back to sleep. I awakened at 7 when I would usually get up, but since the time change, 7 AM is still dark so I laid back down and rested for another half hour. By 8:35 I was fed, packed up and walking north. Ten years ago when I left Trey Mountain Shelter, I turned right instead of left and walked south for 10 minutes.I did not make the same mistake this time.As I walked today, I thought of my fellow 2003ers and with whom I had shared shelter space or campsites with those first few weeks. Leapyear, Twofiddy and Goldberry were all at Hawk Mountain Shelter with me. That is where I met Plugger, who returned home just 3 days later at Neel Gap to have hernia surgery. He turned from a thru-hiker to a section hiker in the blink of an eye. We have remained good friends for these last 10 years. At Gooch Mt Shelter I shared space with Slow Walker whom I had met the first day at Amicalola Lodge. At Low Gap I tented across from Dred and at Blue Mountain Shelter, I slept in the shelter for the first time and shared it with Two Step. It would seem that not only am I doing a 2013 thru-hike, but reliving my 2003 hike at the same time. Two for the price of one!Lunch was taken by a fallen tree, out of the wind and in the sun. I was joined by Roamin' and my favorite pup Carly who had gained some weight on her zero day yesterday in tow. I was happy to see that as she had gotten scarey skinny.On my shakedown hike last fall, I was saddened to see the lack of respect for the environment in general and the trail in particular. The fire pits at shelters between Front Royal and Harper's Ferry were filled with trash, cans and glass. It was a hint of things to come. Not only are the fire pits loaded with the remnants of partially burned trash, but the amount of trash in and around the shelters is horrific. At Gooch Mountain Shelter I carried out a Dreaming bottle and numerous pieces of candy wrappers. There were cigarette butts placed in the cracks between the boards for the length of the picnic table. But Blue Mountain Shelter takes the cake. Ladies, your tampon applicators no matter what pretty color they happen to be will NEVER be mistaken for wildflowers. If you are old enough to have your period then you are old enough to KNOW BETTER. Pack out your trash, it's YOUR responsibility!Tomorrow is my first zero day in 6 days. I'll resupply and rest for my push to Fontana Dam Village, NC.
Date: 2013-03-14
From: Hiawassee, GA

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I awakened very early and after a hearty Holiday Inn Express breakfast, busied myself with my upcoming 6-day plan to get to Fontana Dam.I needed mileage, destinations for the days, and food lists. Then the food had to be purchased and organized for my pack. I went through my bounce box one more time and took that to the P.O. to send ahead. I was able to downsize already and hope not to need it in a month or so.I stopped at the Burkhead, a very cute outfitter/tourist shop on the main street and purchased a small, new pocket knife that will replace my Leatherman Micra, lost yesterday after lunch Lunch is a Philly cheese steak and onion rings as I attempt to load as many calories into my body as possible in the 19 hours I have left in town. My body has started to change, I noticed it in the mirror this morning. My trunk is taunter and my triceps hurt. By the time I'm in short sleeves, they will no longer be flapping in the wind.My shuttle is arranged for the morning, to take me back to Docks Creek Gap. Rumor has it, it's uphill from here    ~J
Date: 2013-03-15
From: Dicks Creek Gap, GA

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter Shelter, NC
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

My shuttler Joyce picked me up at the hotel at 8 AM. I told her I was hummed because I was headed out with NO gloves. Apparently I had lost them sometime the day before, but didn't realize it until this morning. The only place open was Fred's (a Dollar Store/Big Lots type of place) and the only gloves they had were those rubber-on-one-side yard gloves, so I got a pair of stylin' neon green ones.At 8:30 AM I was headed up and out of Dicks Creek Gap. I struggled most of the day...really struggled. I was carrying 6 days of food so that I didn't have to stop in Franklin to resupply. I know better and did it anyway.This is what my day looked like:I started at 2,675 feet and climbed to 3,176 feet. Then I climbed down to 2,900 feet, followed closely by climbing up to 3,750. Then down to 3,165 and up to 3,460. I then climbed down to 3,078 where I had lunch and climbed to 3,840 where I left the beautiful state of Georgia and hiked into North Carolina who welcomed me by making me climb to 4,266 before sending me back down to 4,580 and the waiting Muscrat Creek Shelter. Whew. I don't talk a lot about mileage or elevation, but that gives you an idea of my daily ups and downs.While on Buzzard Knob, a beautiful, huge owl flew right in front of me and down off the ridge into the valley. It was silent and majestic...just what I needed to lift my spirit on a tougher than tough day. I saw it again 10 minutes later but not nearly as close as the first time.Later in the day I saw Razor, the Ridge Runner for the area and with him was a very handsome and friendly coon hound. The dog was just running the trails, enjoying the beautiful day like the rest of us. Razor was going to call the owner when he got off the mountain.Several times during the day I rubbed my jasper earrings, hoping for the power they promise, but in the end, I think it was the Honey Stinger that got me up that last hill.At 4:45 I arrived at the shelter. Fix and Foxy a young brother and sister from Bavaria were already there and had a welcoming, warming fire going.I collected water, made dinner and crashed. Tomorrow is a 12.8 mile day. I sure hope I have it in me!
Date: 2013-03-16
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter Shelter, NC

To: Carter Gap Shelter, NC
Miles today: 12.5

I was up and out this morning at 8:15 AM as I had 12.8 miles to go. North Carolina was kind those first few miles and I zipped along, enjoying the sunshine and milder temperatures. I think she felt badly for what I went through yesterday, and honestly, she should have.Lunch was taken early at 11 AM, at the blue blaze to Standing Indian Shelter. Not only was I hungry, I was feeling the affects of yesterday's trail and the added weight of my pack. I had now eaten a day's worth of the six days of food, but couldn't at all tell a difference. I ate my heavy cheese, pepperoni and crackers hoping to put a dent in the monster on my back.The remaining miles passed, I survived the last uphill to the shelter, chose a tent site in the rhododendrons, and prepared my bed for the night. The sun was shining brightly, but I had to add my jacket before heading down the hill for water. Coming back up the hill was exhausting in spite of the fact that I didn't have an ounce of weight on my back. The last two days have taken its toll on this hiker and my lesson has been learned.My dinner of Easy Mac and Cheese with tuna was made in the shelter with the company of Pound Puppy, Thistle, Tommy Hawk and his brother Goat, and Foxy and her brother Fritz. Many others are on the hill and in the gap doing their evening routine.After dinner I was able to speak to Jack for s short time. No matter how bad the day, if I can finish it with a call home, the day brightens. I also got a message that when Joyce dropped me off at Dicks Creek Gap, she went back into town later to check on my lost gloves. She spoke to Pam from the Buckhead Outfitters, thinking that was where I had left them. When Sue heard my glove story of woe, she gave Joyce a pair of fleece gloves to send to my next maildrop in Fontana Dam. And that, my friends, is why I love the trail and its community. Thank you, thank you!By 6 PM I was in my tent. I washed up, massaged my yappin' dogs and promptly fell asleep. As with most nights, I awaken in the middle of the night to journal. The wind is howling over the mountain tops and a small creature is chattering around my tent. Whatever it is, I hope it doesn't eat the pocket out of my Patagonia jacket left hanging in the tree above me. The freezer bag in which I prepared my dinner failed tonight, while in the pocket of my jacket...yuck. I didn't want to chance something chewing through my tent for it, so left it outside.Tomorrow may be another 12 mile day, or I may stop at 8.6. Either way, I'll be in Franklin on Monday and out of the forecasted rain.
Date: 2013-03-17
From: Carter Gap Shelter, NC

To: Long Branch Shelter, NC
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: few clouds

I slept well last night and was up and packing at 7:15 AM. I skipped breakfast and ate an Oh Yeah bar while I hiked. This amazing bar carries a whopping 28 grams of protein and tastes good too.Today we climbed the cruel Albert Mountain. I had to stop many times to catch my breath and rest my weary legs. At the top it was sunny, so I joined Mogli and her boyfriend, Charlotte and her boyfriend and Pound Puppy for lunch. In 2003 we were able to walk the tower to the top and enjoy the amazing view, but now the top tier is locked barring us access to what we thought would be our reward for a very difficult climb.1.3 miles later I arrived at the brand new Long Branch Shelter. I was beat and decided to stay put rather than go the 3.5 miles to the next shelter. It was early, so I started a nice fire to warm whatever hikers arrived for the night.Beerdra and Thistle arrived first, followed by Trail Lite, Gare Bear and his girlfriend Bear Snack. We had a really enjoyable afternoon and evening, and settled down for the night by 8 PM.Gare Bear and Bear Snack wanted to leave the shelter early to get to Winding Stair Gap by the 11 AM shuttle into Franklin. Everyone else was up early, excited by the prospect of town food and getting out of the rain.I left the shelter at 7:35 in full rain gear with the thought of steak and baked potatoes on my mind. At the trailhead (where the blue blazed trail to the shelter meets the white blazed Appalachian Trail) I stopped momentarily questioning from which way I had turned into the shelter the day before, then off I went, heading uphill into the fog. About a mile down the trail, I thought I recognized a fallen tree from the day before, but kept on hiking. A half mile further and my fears were confirmed.....I was walking south, not north! I had walked a mile and a half in the wrong direction and now had to turn around and hike back to the shelter, then walk in the right direction. My 7.3 mile day had just turned into a 10.3 mile day. Ouch.I hiked up behind Beerdra and Thistle who were very surprised to see me as I had left the shelter a full hour and a half before them. Oh well, I won't make that mistake again....this hike.We arrived at Winding Stair Gap and were soon collected by Ron Haven himself who shuttled us to his Sapphire Hotel, then collected us again at 4PM when he runs a shuttle bus around town, stopping at the P.O., Walmart, the outfitter and restaurants. Ron is a Town Commissioner, owner of 2 hotels in town and another in Hiawassee, and a one man Tourist Bureau for Franklin, NC.After chores and eating, we were deposited back at the Sapphire where I reconnected with Dixie Grits whom I hadn't seen in the past week. He hopes to hike out with us the day after tomorrow.I'm looking forward to my much deserved day off tomorrow~J
Date: 2013-03-18
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Yesterday while on Ron's shuttle bus around town, I replaced my lost Leatherman Micra with a heavier, but likable Gerber knife. Also purchased a new clip for my platypus hose. The one I had continually came apart, always leaving me hunting for my bite valve.I slept from 11:30 PM until 4 AM then journaled and watched TV for a bit, falling back to sleep around 5:30 AM.Dixie Grits and I had breakfast at a local restaurant then hit the Dollar Store for resupply.Lunch was at the Hardies, then I spent the next few hours soaking and icing my troublesome left knee. Knee problems are new to me, and it doesn't make me happy one bit. I spent so much time worrying about my feet, it never entered my mind that I would have knee problems. We'll see what the next few days....and mountains bring.At 3 PM we took the shuttle to the store for supplies and started packing up my pack as soon as I returned.Beerdra, Thistle, Dixie Grits and I had dinner at the Mexican restaurant across the street from the motel then everyone went their separate ways as we head out in the morning, back into the mountains we all love.My highpoint of the day came when I saw a hiker at the restaurant that I hadn't seen in days and thought that I might never see again. Thruwalker is a sweet young fellow that had trouble with his feet early on. He was carrying a 50 lb pack and wearing heavy boots instead of lighter trail runners. When I saw him last, he was in pain and he looked so sad. He had hiked into Low Gap Shelter and tented next to me. I felt the need to mother him and told him what I thought he should do. Ten days went by and I hadn't seen him until tonight. His face was happy, he was with new friends and he looked like a thru-hiker. We didn't have the chance to talk, but when he saw me, he said, "Journey!" and got up and gave me a big hug. Thruwalker, you made my day!
Date: 2013-03-19
From: Winding Stair Gap, NC

To: Siler Bald Shelter, NC
Miles today: 4.9
Weather: snow

The shuttle dropped us off at Winding Stair Gap at 11:40 AM, but the late hour didn't matter as we were only going 4.9 miles to the Silar Bald Shelter.It was a long up out of the gap but the shining sun and frequent switch backs made the cold hike enjoyable. In no time I was at the blue blaze to the trail. I sat in the sun and had something to eat, waiting for Beerdra and Thistle. A short time later we were at the small, older shelter. As the sun lowered in the sky and the temperatures followed suit, we prepared our meals, collected water and set up our beds in the shelter. The wind was coming from the rear of the shelter, so we felt secure in our comfort for the night.It was one of those rare nights that I got a phone signal, so I texted my good night to Jack and got on Facebook for a while. I had put up a picture of my place in the corner of the shelter, and was entertained for the next hour by the comments made by friends and family.Although Beerdra, Thistle and I were settled in by 7:30, it was almost an hour later before Alex, Cub, Grover and Atlas left there place in front of the warm fire and settled in for the night.We knew that the forecast was for very cold temps and wind, and the trail maintainers we had met on the way up the mountain had underscored that weather report too, and told us to stay warm.The night proved to be one of my most miserable nights ever on the trail....right up there with April 17th, 2003.
Date: 2013-03-21
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Yesterday continued:Soon after I hit the gap, Beerdra and Thistle arrived and we were whisked back to civilization and the warmth of the indoors. After a long shower and cranking up the heat in the room until it was a sauna, my body temp returned to normal. I had a headache from being dehydrated but it disappeared quickly when I drank lots of water as soon as I got back to my room. I hadn't had a drink since about 5 PM the night before.I slept well last night and continued to drink lots of water today.Today Grits, Beerdra, Thistle and I had lunch in the historic downtown. We visited the Scottish Museum, the outriggers and a cafe. On the way back to the hotel, I stopped and got ice for my left knee and spent a few hours this afternoon with it up.We got together tonight to plan for a 12-mile slack pack tomorrow and attempted to line up a shuttle to take us to Burnington Gap. We'll get the miles in, but return to the hotel when the temps dip into the single digits.