morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-01
From: Campsite

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: moderate rain

I'm hiking in light rain today, but it's kind of windy on the ridges. The views are grey, but it's kind of nice for a change. Besides, I'll take overcast skies over sun-burnt ears any day, and I'm happy to be walking without too much discomfort. I'm trying to keep my days down to ten miles or less, and I'm taking a break every hour to sit down and have a snack. Today's significant because I cross into state number two! WOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOO!!!!! And almost immediately, I'm forced to scramble strait up a mountain. Thank you, North Carolina... thank you very much. Georgia was tough because my body's out of shape, but also because of it's rollercoaster-like terrain. I seemed to be going either up or down, and there wasn't much in between. I heard that NC's got a lot of ridge walking. But so far ...that's not the case. I actually do get a good view right before lunch near Muskrat Creek Shelter. The sun tries to come over the next hour or so but can't compete with the clouds. I crawl into Standing Indian Shelter completely exhausted and ready to end the day. I've been anticipating the shelter tonight because I'm tired, but also because it's where I ended a weekend trip last October with my sister and her boss. Over the next two days, I'll be re-living our trip backwards from the opposite direction. I think it's pretty cool to see something familiar, but this time having arrived there on foot. Eagle and Aviator are here, along with a guy named Florida and two ultra-light hikers from Boston. The wind is blowing like crazy outside, and I've had to put all my layers to stay warm. The "Bostonians" arrive wearing tee shirts, shorts, and tennis shoes. They're trying to hang a food bag in the frigid wind, and yet they're laughing at the difficulty of the situation. I'd would certainly be pissed off and cold, so I don't know what their secret is. I have to admire how these two are so comfortable with such minimal gear. They must have hiked a lot before to know exactly what they need out here.The wind gets even stronger as the night continues, and tree parts pound our tin roof like hammers. All six of us sardines fill the three-walled structure to the max. Eagle and Aviator have wisely hung a tarp in front of them to block some of the wind.
Date: 2005-04-02
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Mooney Gap
Miles today: 12.2

Holy Crap!!! There's SNOW on the ground!!! Where did all this come from? I know it was cold last night, but Jeeez!!. The thermometer shows 22 degrees. My shoes and socks have completely frozen over, along with the water in my bladder. I never once considered that the gusting wind and rain last night could turn into this. That's what I get for growing up in South Carolina, I suppose.I really don't want to get out of my sleeping bag, and I don't want to strap ice blocks to my feet either. Eagle and Aviator are kind enough to spare some food because I'm not sure I'll have enough to make it into Franklin. Everyone else gets a head start, so I'm the last procrastinator to leave. I slip into every layer I've got and walk out into the frozen trail (This is going to be an interesting day). There's only an inch on the ground right now, but the footsteps before me are quickly dissapearing as I ascend Standing Indian.Eventually, I stop shaking and my fingers aren't as frigid. Temps are rising into the low thirties, but I don't know how much more snow is going to fall tonight. Should I call it a day at Carter Gap Shelter? It's definately a hard decision that involves some contemplation. I could potentially get snowed in here with very little food, or I could run into even more snow crossing Albert Mtn. A longer day would take me closer to town, but what will it do to my knees? I finally decide to push on and take the risk. About two miles from my destination, the day's light starts to wane and the snow is about five or six inches deep ...a really beautiful scene. I never imagined that this section could be so different from before. But to my great surprise, the wintery solitude I've been trekking suddenly changes. The next bend of trail reveals a huge tarp decorated with Christmas lights! Someone has driven up to this gap somehow and brought a complete base camp with them for the sole purpose of feeding us thru-hikers. I can't believe my eyes; Two minutes ago, I though I was the only living creature within miles. The whole thing's run by Fishin' Fred, Gatoraid, and a few others. They've set up a giant saw blade suspended over a fire that's cooking black bean burritos and coffee. Eagle and Aviator are also here. A Japanese man named Oriental Legs stops for some food, and a female hiker strolls in around dusk after a big day. Fishin' Fred decides to call her "Hard-Core Hiker." I wonder if she kept the name. Fred and Gatoraid have set up a large tent to house the willing, and I graciously accept it along with Eagle, Aviator, and Hard-Core. What a strange day.
Date: 2005-04-03
From: Mooney Gap

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

Man, each day is a new freakin' chapter. Everyone who ate the food last night definately paid the price! Our tent's zipper was constantly in motion as we made repeated trips to the privy. It actually broke off this morning from all the use. I don't know what was in those burritos, but it effected us all the same. Nonetheless, I feel that it was worth it to get a full belly and sleep in a wind-free shelter.Today's gorgeous! The view from Albert Mtn tells me that yesterday's "huge" snowstorm was merely a tease (how dissapointing). By mid-morning, trees are no longer white, and the melting snow's turning the trail into slush. While fetching water at Big Spring Shelter, I meet a hiker named Panoramic, and we talk for a little while. It's good to know that I'm not the only one who takes a while to break camp! He gives me some advice on the lower back pain I've been having lately. It looks like I haven't fully recovered from the lifting my last job required. I'm pretty sure it's a pinched nerve. Maybe I'll see a chiropractor if it gets any worse.The rest of the day includes some relatively easy hiking. I use my first blueblaze to check out a huge poplar tree. Apparently, it's the second tallest in the country. The extra footsteps aren't wasted, because it pretty much dwarfs all the other trees around, although it appears to be dead. Later, I come across yet another incident of trail magic. Someone's left fruit drinks below a piped spring ...these people are awesome! Panoramic and I hike together and engage in conversation all the way to the road leading into Franklin. He's sharing a motel room tonight with a hiker named Story and invites me to come. After a small wait, we get a hitch from a nice retired couple on the way back from church.I'm very stoked to take a hot shower and eat some real food tonight. There's a lot of hikers at the same hotel, and we all manage to get together for dinner at the local steak-house. Lets see, I can remember Panoramic, Story, Peanut and Ribeye... dangit, I know there's more. I'm not a social person so I don't pay too much attention to new faces, and I forget names easily.Notes on wildlife: So far this hike's produced mostly snails, but some salimanders, birds and tiny gnats as well.
Date: 2005-04-04
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I'm taking a much-needed zero today. It's Monday, so I can go to the P.O. to get my bouncebox! The day is spent licking my wounds and preparing to go out again. I take my time washing clothes, drying out my shoes and tarptent, resupplying, and going through my stuff. My back's really giving me discomfort, so I lay down as much as possible. I guess I'm starting to notice it more because my knees are feeling better. I think they're gonna heal just fine as long as I don't do anything stupid. Oh yeah, I meet Spoonman (who was with me at The Hiker Hostel). He loves peanut butter but keeps losing his spoons. Peanut (also from the hostel) wants to do social work after the trail. She's into rock climbing. Her hiking partner's called Spud. Ribeye helped build a sailboat last year ...pretty cool. Story, one of the most unique hiker's I've met, used to be a professional dominatrix. She's had an interesting life to say the least. Panoramic got his name from taking a dump in the woods that wasn't as private as he wished. Although safely off the trail, he happened to be within a U-shaped road when a car drove by slowly and got a clear view of his ass.
Date: 2005-04-05
From: Franklin, NC

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: clear sky

Today produced a rather late start for Panoramic, Story and I. While unloading from the motel shuttle, I found a camoflauged hat that desperately needs a home. It looks like no one wants it, so I'm taking it! It's ugly and hot, but atleast it keeps the sun off my head. When I ask my two new friends to pose for a picture, Story decides to show me her boobs ...no, I didn't studder (I told you she was unique). Story and I only make it to the first shelter as Panoramic puts it into high gear and surpassed us both. Peeps and Montana are here when we arrive. They're the kind of crazy bastards who do twenty-mile days. There's also a guy who brough along an assortment of electronic gadgets. He's even got a solar panel strapped to the top of his pack! He seems to rub me the wrong way for some unknown reason. I also think he didn't appreciate one of my jabs at religion (well, screw him). We all pitch our tents in the grassy clearing because the weather is good and the sky is clear.
Date: 2005-04-06
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Today begins with a dilemma. Do I want to be a purist? The detour to the shelter was an unnecessary half-mile journey. My map shows that it's actually part of a loop that returns back to the AT. So, do I take the way I came in or cut the corner and go out the other way? Like an idiot, I choose to take the way I came in. What a waste of time and energy. I thought I'd miss an incredible view and regret that I skipped a section of the Appalachian Trail. From now on, I'm not going to worry about hiking every inch of the official path.Today also brings another blessing of trail magic! A small group of friends from church have hiked from a near-by road to provide us with coolers of little debbies, sodas, toilet paper, and bibles. I'm suddenly confused as to which of the last two I should wipe my ass with (heh heh heh). They're very nice people and I enjoy all the questions they ask about my experiences out here. I can't help to feel a little famous and proud. But I try not to linger too long in case they decide to witness to me. After all, this is the bible-belt region in which I grew up, so I'm pretty tired of it by now. Therefore, I give them thanks and continue on my merry way.I've put in a decent day at around twelve miles. It makes me feel a little better about taking a zero and a nero back-to-back. Cold Spring Shelter is a welcomed sight, and I meet some more new people here. A retired man named Diesel is with his wife and their dog Harley. They inform me that their house is 600 ft off the trail in Suches, GA, and that we've literally passed behind their back yard at some point. They've started hiking north this year while taking their time and intending to go only as far as they feel like walking. Not often can someone drive back to their house and sleep in their own bed during a thru-hike. How cool is that?!To my surprise, Story shows up really late after I've cooked dinner and gone to bed. I never though that she'd make it this far. To be quite honest, I was hoping that she wouldn't. Story hikes slower than me (if can you believe that) and stop's a lot, which isn't a problem, except that she wants me to wait up for her all the time. I get the impression that she's needy and wants me to be her hiking partner. I know that her constant presence is gonna drive me crazy after a few days, so I'm gonna try to keep moving on if I can. Am I pure evil?
Date: 2005-04-09
From: Cheoah Bald

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: broken clouds

I finally have a blister on my heel...It's gotta be from the time my shoes froze solid about a week ago. If it weren't for that, I probably wouldn't have one. My outfitter did an excellent job at picking out the right shoe for me.A former thru-hiker named Hopeful is celebrating his birthday today at Stecoah Gap. Apparently, he throws a bash every year on this date, and I'm pretty lucky to be passing through right about now. The man has brought A LOT of food! Now I wish I hadn't heaten a half jar of peanut butter for breakfast, but OH WELL, I'll make some room down there. There's quite a few hikers here as well. It's a beautiful day to lay in the sun and be comfortable a while.So far I've seen Panoramic, Rebeard and Zen, Smoke and Mutt, Tank and Willow, Slaphappy (who passed me up on Cheoah yesterday), Bootleg, Sherlock and Circuit Rider, and Lobster Boy and Dark Helmet. Moonshadow is a former thru-hiker who's got a home-made pack (Cool!). I'm sure there's more. It's really hard to leave this place, but I've only hiked a few miles today and know I must get truckin'.The climb immediately after Stecoah Gap is torture on a full belly. I'd rather go to sleep. Or die. On the way to the shelter I meet Swamp Thing again. It turns out that he's friends with Ray Jardine (who's book taught me a lot about ultra-light hiking) and loves to sky-dive. And he tells good stories... What a cool guy. He's a very confident and likeable person needless to say. At the shelter, I meet some more new faces. Tomato Head is the first person I've seen whom sleeps in a hammock. He's also a Canadian, so that might explain it (heh heh heh). There's also a pair of weekenders out here, and half a dozen hikers I saw at the Gap today. There's a good vibe going on at the shelter tonight, and we have a campfire going. It's probably the warmest night I've experienced so far this spring.
Date: 2005-04-10
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Panoramic and I are some of the last to leave camp this morning (how predictable). Today is beautiful, dry and warm, but I'm feeling lethargic for some reason. My right knee has pretty much healed, but the left one's still not 100 percent, and my back is a constant annoyance as usual. And I have a headache (I know: whine, bitch and complain...) My goal is to make it to "The Hilton" tonight and get a hot shower! It must be a nice shelter to be named as such. The miles speed by like molasses. I'm tired of walking over this rollercoaster of dead leaves and bare trees with the sun in my eyes. However, Fontana lake is impressive through the trees as I spot the blue water and orange strip of eroded bank. It looks really far down and I think about how much more hiking will be required to get there. The dam is a surprising oddity when I finally see it through the trees. I come across a stream and decide to soak my shirt in it and wear it on my head to keep cool. Hey, it really works! As I descend, some green begins to appear as predicted, and trillium is blooming in three different colors. We finally drop down to a road that leads to some restrooms and a stand that holds registration pamphlets for the Smoky Mountain Park. The last white blaze before the road is on a telephone pole, and makes me laugh to myself. It IS on a tree, but not the same as the thousands of other's I've passed along the way. The fact that this is funny makes me realize that I've been in the woods way too long. Panoramic and I take a break and are quite thankful to have only one mile left before the shelter. I assume it's going to be easy because we're at water level now. But ofcourse, the trail is never this easy and we have to climb over a huge hill to get to the other side of the lake where the much anticipated shelter resides.The Hilton is new and spacious and lies right next to the lake (just to damn far away from the shower). If I was feeling better, I'd go take a swim out there right now. It's a long walk to the dam and to the shower for my frail and aching body, but it's well worth the effort to be fresh and clean. There's a phone there too so I can call home ...bonus!
Date: 2005-04-11
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Last night was warm, muggy, and I had a headache all night long. I hate when my sleeping bag's too hot but the air's too cool to go uncovered! Atleast I was clean. Someday I'll look on the bright side of things, but it's hard when I'm always bothered by some sort of physical ailment. I might have a lot more fun out here if things were different. I guess I'll just have to get used to it because I've got a long way to go. I meet a lot of new people here because this is the last stopping point before the Smokies and everyone has to resupply. Awol has tatoos all over his body and is a tatoo artist himself. His ear-rings are the kind that fit in his lobes and stretch them out, kind of like spokeless wheel rims supporting two tires. It's really weird at first sight but hey, whatever floats his boat is fine with me. Pied Piper is from PA and has written a book called Providence Vanished. The first time I saw him he was taking a really cheesy picture of himself looking at the sunset with his back to the camera and holding the book in hand for the viewer to see it's cover. I guess you'd just have to have been there to know what I mean. He's planned several book signings along the way up the trail. Although my first impression was that he's a total goofball, I really admire that he's talented and doing all this at such an early age. Firedog is obsessed with pot and references the plant approximately five times in every sentence. He's probably the biggest moron I've ever met. We'll see how long it takes him to run out of money and go home, sparing us all the burden of his presence. Hot Flash is here. I remember her from The Haven Inn of Franklin. I see that she's got a Henry Shires Tarptent, which is similar to the one I made! Smoke and Mutt are leaving early in the day because her parents are in town. From what I hear, Mutt isn't having a great time in the woods and could bail out soon. There's also a young couple who have got it made. They work seasonal jobs in different parts of the country. How cool is that! In the summer they work in Alaska while in the winter they work at a ski resort in the Rockies. I would love to do this someday.Fontana Village is so small that it's basically a gathering of several buildings. The place is completely dead this time of year. Today is a zero for me and many others too. A good few of us have pitched in to take a van into "town" for resupply and a post office run. Another reason I'm staying is because it's supposed to rain the next three days, and I want to time it just right so I get a good view on Clingman's Dome. My sister sent me the wrong piece of clothing last mail drop when I requested a rainjacket. So this is an excellent place to get the right one that will keep me dry throughout the unpredictable Smokies.
Date: 2005-04-12
From: Fontana Dam Shelter

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: light rain

Today is overcast and misting rain as expected. The trail isn't steep so I'm really enjoying myself for a change. I think yesterday's zero helped a lot. After a long climb, there are some gentle ups and downs, so I can see why the Smokies are so frequently visited by the public. There's subtle color changes that can only be appreciated in the rain. The earth is dark, quiet, and peaceful today. Mollies Ridge shelter is deserted, and I stop to fetch some spring water. I treat it even though it's coming from a pipe in the ground because of all the horse manure on the trail above. There's chain link fencing barricating the open side of the shelter, from bears I suppose. It feels like the scene of a mauling incident and I'm paranoid about getting attacked. It's kind of creepy to say the least. Circuit Rider and Sherlock stop in for a few minutes and go off again. They're wearing tee shirts and shorts and look pretty chilled. They obviously have balls of steel. I could stop here but it's still pretty early. So on I go into the cold rain once more. I finally call it a day at Spence Field Shelter. This is my longest day yet! I'm so proud. If I can do this, then my knees are in good shape. I finally have my trail legs! There's a good vibe at the shelter this evening. Wanderer is here, along with Spry, Slip'n'slide and Gi-Gi. They're all drying their boots off next to the fireplace which is built into the stone wall. Spry actually burns a hole in the side of his shoe by accident. He's from Jersey and arranged the flowers inside of buildings for a living. I remember him from the van ride yesterday. He's hiked the trail a few years ago. Slip'n'slide and Gi-Gi are a couple from England and Ireland, respectively. They're both air traffic controllers and travel whenever possible. The sun came out briefly when I arrived, but now that It's dark I can hear a thunderstorm slowly approaching from miles away. It sounds like a civil war battle going on a few mountains away. Spry and I step outside to check it out. The lighning is awesome, and every few seconds the silouette of some trees can be seen on the ridge behind the shelter. I take some pictures with a long exposure to try to catch the image, which doesn't work really well but it's a fun experiment anyways. Now that I'm warm, dry and cozy under my quilt the rain finally arrives. It's a great feeling to have a fire going while the rain pounds the roof over my head. In fact, this is the most comfortable night so far. What a good day!
Date: 2005-04-13
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

Today is rainy and cold, but Rocky top is enchanting in the fog. I love how everything dissolves into a grey haze. Since I can't see what lies in the distance, I'm forced to "feel" what's around me. The peak is rugged, and I can tell that the place is somewhat high but very exposed. Rhododendrons, short bushes, and tough grasses exist everywhere that rock croppings and the trail's path do not. And while walking through the woods, I again notice the subtle colors which are brought to light in the gloomy conditions. Beech trees add a touch of gold with their leaves, and their bark is smooth and varies in shades of light grey. Together, they radiate a bright, cheerful and warm feeling throughout the dampness all around. As my hike nears the end of the day, I reach some of the highest elevations so far on the trail, and it's really exiting, especially when I begin to see some fir trees (which is a sign of high altitude). The're so rare in the south and are always a pleasure to come across. One crest in particular rises abruptly and brings the trail up and over a knife edge. When I look to the left and right I see nothing but white below, and by the gusts of wind blowing across, I know that the slope must drop pretty far below me. I'm on top of the world baby!Double Spring Gap Shelter is yet another dry refuge from the day. We're packed like sardines this time, and everyone squeezes to make room for me. Spry, Pied Piper, Wanderer, Slip'n'Slide & Gi-Gi are already inside but haven't started a fire this time. Sherlock and Circuit Rider have tented outside because they obviously love being cold, damp, and miserable. It's good to see some of the same faces from last night. The company is very pleasant. Piper shares his music and lets me read his book for a while, but I'm too tired to get into it I guess. It was another long day for me. I wonder what Climgman's Dome will be like tomorrow! I hope the weather improves.