morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-06
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: few clouds

I got some of the dates wrong in my entries but they are now updated. It is hard remembering dates on trail!!I had a great night's sleep in my tent. Apparently Ladybird and San Gabriel heard some noises at about 9pm but probably not enough to be a bear, more like a deer. I left early with San Gabriel as we knew we had two big climbs to do. We got to Tray Mountain at 1030 which was excellent time. My feet hurt so we had lunch. I had Philidephia cheese (St Moret for the French) and tortillas. I am slightly obsessed by this combination. It was a slight mistake to stop so early as we started back at 1pm, which is the hottest part of the day. People were trying to estimate the temperature and some thought low 80's (25-28 C?) and it was also quite humid. Although I had enough water, I found it hard going and the soles of my feet were sore. We met up with Lynm a lightweight videomaker who was interested in talking to San Gabriel with his 5,5 pound bag (he has hiked the PCT and CDT so is in the process of becoming a triple crowner- a person who has hiked all three of the major US long distance hikes). We then met a ridgerunner (someone who looks after the trail) who talked and talked and my feet were killing!! Then we met a HUNTER. He had a huge gun, a shotgun I think, on his back, and a revolver on his belt. I wanted to take a photo but I thought he might be offended. He told us that there was a massive black bear in the area. Gee, people don't make it easy for me!! I am staying at Deep Gap Shelter with Radio, San Gabriel and Lyn. Pincushion and Autobahn turned up a bit later. Autobahn brought a ceramic tea set with him with authentic oolong tea. He has a teapot and a large cup and a little cup for guests. I was a guest that night so I got two cups of lovely tea. Great way to end a tough day. Thanks Autobahn! Not very lightweight but very pleasant! He comes from Worms in Germany (love that name).
Date: 2010-05-09
From: Franklin, North Carolina

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: few clouds

I carried Lance Armstrong on my back all day today. To explain, I named my hiking poles a couple of days ago. They give me so much support up and down hills. One is Lance (Armstrong) because he never gives up and he beats the odds (read It's not about the bike and Every second counts for some great inspiration) and the other is Karno after Dean Karnazes, the ultramarathon runner because he runs miles and miles and did 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 states (read Ultramarathon Man to hear about his amazing feats and his 5% body fat). I like to think that each of these great men are with me every step of the way, helping where they can. Ron Haven (owner of the Budget Inn Motel where I stayed and quasi mayor of Franklin) dropped the hikers from his hotels to the trail this morning. As his converted yellow school bus was leaving me on the trail, I realised Lance was broken. The spring, which allows the pole to extend, was broken. I almost called Ron back to take me to the outfitter but I decided not to be a wuss. That's why I carried Lance on my back all day. I actually had to carry Karno as well because walking with one pole unbalanced me and made the opposite ankle roll. I do hope this doesn't bode ill for Lance in the Tour de France this year. Hiking was very hard today without my heroes. Hills and descents were almost impossible. Luckily tomorrow morning I pass by Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) that is a rafting center, which also has outfitter. I have a feeling that I'll need to purchase new poles, as they may not be able to fix my Austrian Kholas. We'll see. I hiked 20 miles from 1030am to 630pm and am staying at Cold Spring Shelter. The shelter is exactly on the trail (most are a few hundred yards away) and looks like a log cabin from Little House On The Prairie. There is a spring bubbling nearby. I brought broccoli and carrots from Franklin so it was a healthy dinner. I spoke to my mum this morning in Franklin so that was nice. She is joining me from Harper's Ferry for a month so I'm looking forward to the company. Tomorrow I plan to get to the NOC before lunch, to have something to eat there, buy some supplies and get my poles fixed/replaced...then I am faced with a big climb. I am going to ensure that I have enough food to get through the Great Smokie Mountains (the Smokies). This time I've made a menu so hopefully I'll not get too much. I have a trail name. A section hiker said "Hey, are you Alpine?" as he hadn't read my name correctly in a shelter register. The name stuck.... I am officially "Alpine"!
Date: 2010-05-10
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I had the best night ever on the trail. I slept all night with only one wakening. In the early morning something fell on my head. I sat up and said "F###, what the h### was that!". I couldn't help myself, it came out without thinking. In fact it was T-Rex's hiking poles. It didn't hurt by I got a big shock! Turns out a mouse made a nest in T-Rex's pack and spent the night transporting a tortilla to his pack. The mouse must have been upset when he realised his nest had disappeared. I rose early but could have slept in for longer. I had my coldest night on the trail so far, around freezing but my Valandre French Pyrenees bag kept me toasty. It has a cord around the collar called a Marie Antoinette because you look like your head is chopped off when inside it. Then it has another cord around your face. That's how you stay warm.The reason I left so early was FOOD! I was headed to the NOC and hoped to have a decadent lunch there. It was a long walk downhill and without poles it was harder but it showed me I can hike fine without poles. When I'd almost arrived at NOC, I passed a lady who looked like she was hiking up the trail for a short walk, perhaps her children were doing a rafting expedition? I said "hello" as I walked past, and she turned and said "You're not Kirstin are you?", I said "Um, yes". She has been following my journal and heard the slight Australian accent in my greeting! I don't know who was more amazed, myself or her! We met up again at the NOC outfitter and she introduced me to "Skink", her husband who is thru-hiking. She had been hiking up to meet him. Coincidences!I visited the outfitter and showed the boss my poles. In fact, Lance was not broken at all, I had just been twisting him incorrectly. Doh! I carried him for miles without realising. The outfitter was so nice helping me out.I ate a bowl of vegetable soup and a troutcake burger with extra fries at the River Cafe. It was the best food I've had in the States. The trout was locally fished. The seven mile climb out of NOC was hell after all that food. I made a new rule. No town food before hiking. Let's see how long that lasts...It started raining on the way up and I didn't up on my Goretex jacket. Big mistake, I got VERY cold. As soon as I got to the shelter, I stripped and got into my sleeping bag to warm up. It took about 45 minutes. Other big news, I met Warren Doyle. He is a hiker guide who is hiking for his 16th time. He has been just ahead of me the whole way so it was pleasing to meet him. He said I'd have no trouble finishing on time at the rate I'm hiking. He leads a pack of hikers every year who "slackpack" (ie only carry day bags).
Date: 2010-05-11
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Lodge
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I won't go into details about today as it wasn't a pleasant day. I didn't have dinner last night as I was too cold and I had that trout burger at the NOC so I wasn't too hungry. It was a bad idea. For breakkie I ate a rice krispie bar and the ham and cheese sandwich which was supposed to be my dinner. Througout the day I had a cookie or two and some other nibbles and a packet of 2 minute noodles (Ramen they are called here). It was not enough. I think this was the reason for my major bonk today (although I still managed 20 miles). Walking was not enjoyable and it was hard. On the way down to Fontana, I decided to stay at the lodge at Fontana Dam rather than the shelter (known as the Fontana Hilton due to its showers (wow!) and other amenities). I had not wanted to eat too much so that I'd have enough food to make it through the Smokies. When I arrived at the general store at Fontana, the lady said I looked like a sad little lost puppy. I was wrecked, hungry and sunburnt. So I have a nice hotel room, I've restocked my food, I'm doing laundry (in my towel and jacket) and I'll have a good healthy dinner at the lodge. Onwards to the Smokies! (as an aside, this lodge, it being out of tourist season) looks like the hotel from Psycho....no one here, two old people staring at me, hardly any light in the bedroom...I'm waiting to see Norman Bates in the lobby!)Food clarification: I see from my guestbook that some French friends are surprised at my choice of food generally on the trail. Normally I eat fairly healthily and certainly better than 95% of the population. Here, when restocking on food, the choice is not great. Lots of sweet, salty, fatty processed foods. Also, I need to carry foods which are either light or calorie intensive. However, as I learnt today, NOT ALL CALORIES ARE CREATED EQUALLY.Reception will probably be bad in the Smokies so it might be my last entry for a couple of days, we'll see.Alpine (Alpy to my mates)
Date: 2010-05-12
From: Fontana Dam Lodge

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a sleep in until about 730 when I decided I was hungry. Adhering to the new rule, I had plain buttermilk pancakes and a bowl of fruit. Nothing to rich. The pancakes were light and fluffy. The Americans seem to like them with bacon and sausage but I consider them sweet so would never eat meat with them. I took my time getting ready and went to the post office to send back some of my gear in order to lighten my load. At about 1030 I was back on the trail. I had decided to do a short day as my feet were still hurting me.Not much of interest took place. I saw a lovely deer with a little white tail and a few squirrels but although other people saw bears, I did not. What a pity....NOT! NEWSFLASH: In the middle of writing this entry, a black bear was spotted near our camp. Luckily I'm here with 5 big guys. One blew a whistle at it but the bear didn't care. We have a big cage around the shelter so I think we'll be protected. However I won't go to the loo during the night. The guys I am hiking with said it was a big one but it looked quite small to me. With regards the bear I mentioned near Blood Mountain which made me hike 22 miles on my second day, I was right to be scared. I heard along the hiker grape vine that Blood Mountain will be closed and the bear destroyed. It was already relocated once before and when humans threw rocks, it didn't react. Human safety comes first. A big g'day to my nephew Max who, at the age of 6 months, just came back from his first hiking trip in Malaysia.
Date: 2010-05-13
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Mt Collins Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I thought I was doing a 20 mile day today but only when I arrived at the shelter I realised it was actually a 22.7 mile day (plus an additional 0.5 miles to the shelter, but that was off the trail so does not count as AT miles). I didn't get walking as early as usual because the bear was spotted near the food bags (on the cables). I waited until other people got up to venture out of our cage. Hat Trick kindly accompanied me to the stream even thoguh he didn't need water to watch out for the bear. The hikers are so kind and always help out even though you bearly know each other.I left at 730 and within 10 minutes, I saw another bear. It was a bit smaller maybe an adolescent? I was careful to leave it room in case a mother was around but I was not scared by it, even though it was close. I think that I am developping some nerve! Not much to report today for a 23 mile day, I didn't suffer too much. I ate plenty all day including Lunch 1 at 11.45 and Lunch 2 at 2.30. I passed Clingman's Dome which is the highest point on the AT. This meant that I walked through clouds. Cool! And other news is that I'm over 200 miles, 10% there!I met some nice section hikers at the shelter including Chief, a fire chief from Florida, he offered me some money for a pizza and beer when I got into town, but I asked him to sign my guestbook instead. Encourgement is far more important to me than financial incentive!The Smokies have lovely views, 360 degrees of beautiful mountains. While you are walking, the surrounding vegetation is also very different from the other parts of the trail. Sometimes it is very humid with almost tropical looking plants and wildflowers such as particular orchids which only grow there. In other parts, there are majestic pine trees and you are filled with the intoxicating smell of pine. Nothing like those little triangles to freshen cars! I think there is a mini heatwave in the Smokies, as normally they can be quite cold. Although I don't know the exact temperatures, I believe it was about 25-30 degrees C during the day and around 5-10 degrees C at night. Toasty!
Date: 2010-05-14
From: Mt Collins Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 28.0
Weather: light rain

Alpine, the lean, mean hiking machine is back! This little phrase is a mantra I repeat to myself to keep walking and not give up. I didn't even need it today though! I was on fire! Got to Newfound Gap Road, which I think Bill Bryson describes in his book "A Walk in the Woods" about his experiences on the AT - after hiking up a huge hill, you arrive at a parking lot full of cars and people who've put no effort into getting there. I made use of the restrooms and laughed when a lady looked in disgust as there were no taps, only liquid hand sanitizer. I was stoked! Free hand sanitizer! I washed my socks and underwear and ate a Snickers bar.At the Gapm I met Warren Doyle again. We chatted about hiking and decided to hike a way together. He told me with my physical form that I could do 28 miles if I liked. So I decided to try!At Icewater Shelter, we spoke about the hiker who ODed a week ago and died at the shelter overnight. The tox report has not yet come out but the hiker register at the shelter says that it was alcohol poisoning that killed him. RIP.The day went by well and I enjoyed every minute of it. I had a good lunch of summer sausage, extra tasty cheese and tortillas and plenty of snacks throughout the afternoon. In the last 7 miles, I ran all the downhill and flat bits to avoid an impending thunderstorm. I made it just in time and after I had finished my powdered mashed potatoes and tuna, the tropical downpour started. But 28 miles, over a marathon in one day from 7 to 7!!! Woo hoo!!! Hiking machine.In terms of body size, my arms, which were never huge, are withering away, although I do have some triceps developing from using my poles where months at the gym never worked! My pants are slightly looser and perhaps my legs are more toned but there is no hugely noticable difference. I have a lovely farmer's tan (where my t-shirt stops) and a watch tan.
Date: 2010-05-15
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 25.8
Weather: light rain

I had a horrible night sleep as there was a person who sounded like they were dying every time they snored. Never have I heard someone be so noisy. All the other hikers were making noises of annoyance so it wasn't just me who couldn't sleep. I ate my oatmeal with cold water and I decided that I hate the taste so won't be eating it anymore. I'm sick of forcing it down every morning. A section hiker made me a peanut butter and jam (jelly in the US) pita sandwich, it was like breakfast in bed!I was so tired from my lack of sleep that 5 miles down the trail, I took out my sleeping mat and had a 30 minute nap. I was revived, so I quickly continued and exited the Smokies. I'd have to say that I didn't enjoy the Smokies as much as other people did. The views are great but I preferred the trail in Georgia. Plenty of water, nice spots to take naps and easy walking. It was a bit grey and drizzly in the Smokies so not quite so pleasant for naps in the middle of the day. As soon as I left the Smokies, from Davenport Gap to the I-40, it was beautiful with waterfalls and tropical vegetation. I went to Standing Bear Farm which is a hostel and resupply point which works on an honour system. I chose a few food items to get me to Hot Springs and a good lunch. Nothing too rich, just two muffins, some Doritos and a coke. Other people were having pizza but I have learnt my lesson on that one!On the way up the hill from Standing Bear Farm, I put my foot almost on a snake. It was a metre long black/grey snake which slithered away from my foot. I then threw a stick near it (not very nice I know but I wanted to see how long it was...long!!). Although I am afraid of lots of things, not snakes and spiders. As an Australian, you grow up with them so I don't care if I get near them.In the afternoon, the rain started and I considered backtracking to the last shelter. However I spotted a thru-hiker called Jon coming up the trail. He wears a "kilt" (my Dad is Scottish and I cannot call that a real kilt, it is more of a synthetic material skirt) while hiking. It's quite popular in the US apparently. Jon is really fast uphill so I struggled to follow him but I had to because I was scared of the thunder and lightening which had started. I didn't want to be struck down and left on the trail dead overnight before being discovered. It would be like an episode of CSI. Jon counted the number of seconds between flashes and roars of thunder. In the woods, I don't think that the situation was too dangerous but we were due to arrive shortly at Max Patch Bald. A bald is a top of a hill with no trees, only grass. Very dangerous to be out there during a lightening storm I imagine! Luckily the storm passed but I was too wet and sore from trying to keep up with Jon to take any photos of this iconic place on the AT. Oh well!A kid offered me some hot chocolate on the way down but I hurried onto the shelter to get warm and dry as soon as possible. I stayed with Papa Smurf, Tom from Savannah, Jon and two section hikers. My feet were in serious pain.
Date: 2010-05-16
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: moderate rain

I am now at 271 miles. I am not sure if the overall counter up the top is correct but I thought I would set that straight.I was very excited when I woke up this morning as I knew I was headed to Hot Springs, a well renowned trail town. To celebrate, I finished my peanut butter with some tortillas for breakfast. I've actually taken to eating peanut butter directly out of the jar. It is full of protein and energy so it's delicious even without bread.I headed out to the trail first but I could tell that Papa Smurf, Tom from Savannah (who might be now called Squid) and the two section hikers in the shelter would not be far behind. A town has a way of making people get up and hike faster! As I was first, it was my unofficial duty to get rid of all the cobwebs from the trail. During the night, spiders jump across the trail leaving sticky lines. They are slightly annoying to clear but they don't stick to your body too much and it's nice to know you are the first person to walk the path that morning. At about 3 miles (into my 18 mile day), my quadricep in my right leg was strained, probably because I overdid it in the last few days. Walking downhill because positive torture and each step gave me searing pain through my leg. Never have I had to go 13 miles in so much pain and never has 13 miles seemed so long. Against my preference not to take Ibuprofen while hiking, I took two to enable me to finish the day. The Vitamin I, as hikers call it, helped and I managed to hobble into Hot Springs. I had expected a much bigger town but it consists principally of a main street with a few businesses. Elmers is an old style homestead which welcomes hikers and is the most popular place to stay in town. However I like my time alone in towns so I got a room for 2 nights at the Alpine Court Motel (how could Alpine stay anywhere else!). I did laundry and met another Aussie thru-hiker from the Margaret River area and then I got a load of food to munch on in my room. Later, my fast hiking buddy, Ladybird, turned up. She had tried to catch me throughout the Smokies but was always one shelter behind. I invited her to stay with me and we chatted "girl talk" until midnight. There are not many solo ladies on the trail. Most women are either with their boyfriend-husband or with another girl so it was nice to have some female company.
Date: 2010-05-17
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

If Lee, Shink's wife is reading, can you please email me at parishealthyfoodie@yahoo.com ? I have been on the trail for 2 weeks today at 3pm! I took a zero day today in Hot Springs. As its name would suggest, a zero day is a day on which 0 miles are hiked. I needed this rest after the hard miles I went through in the Smokies. For breakfast, I went to the town's diner to experience some small town Americana. I had the special skillet, which had all kinds of breakfast foods, such as potatoes, meat, onions, mushrooms covered in cheese and with this came a big plate of scrambled eggs and toast. Of course I only managed to eat half the meal. I spent the morning at the library catching up on news (so annoying about the 4 year low of the euro! everything is so much more expensive) and updating my journal. I also visited Dollar General (a supermarket), Hillbilly Market (honestly that's its name) and the local outfitter to resupply.I decided also to send myself some food to Erwin, Tennessee which is 75 miles up the trail. The rest of the day was spent eating, drinking beer with other hikers and resting. As this is a short entry, here is a summary of a typical hiking day for me. I wake up at 615-630 when the sun rises. I pack my bag in the same way every day. Sleeping bag in plastic bag and tent go in first, then clothes in a plastic bag, then documents and toiletries bag, then food bag on top. In my side pockets, I put enough water to get me to the next source. In my bag belt pockets, I put my toothbrush and paste, antibacterial gel, sun cream, chapstick and camera. I either eat breakfast at the shelter or as I walk. At the first stream, I have a little wash by pouring water on my towel and wiping myself down. No soap and I try to wash away from water. I also wash my spare socks and underwear and attach them to a "clothesline" of rope to my pack to dry. Walk, walk, walk. My little guidebook lists places of interest, water and shelter locations.I have lunch between 1130 and 2pm. Usually I go to a shelter so that I can chat to people, fill up on water and use the privy. I wash again at lunchtime. Chafing and smelliness are caused by not washing so I try to keep clean. Walk, walk, walk. When I reach my intended shelter, I firstly put up my tent or reserve my place in the shelter. Then I go to the water for a final wash. I change my top for my thermal long sleeved sleeping top. Then I have my dinner. I hang my food bag including all scented products ie toothpaste, antibacterial gel, sun cream... I talk to my fellow hikers, write my journal and plan the next day's mileage.... then I hop into bed!