morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-03-03
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Helen
Miles today: 9.4

Note from Mom: As I am transcribing Downhills journal I see that she did not include the story about how she got her trail name, so I will tell it as I recall from our phone conversation. She was hiking along and was getting very cold and knew she should get off the trail. She could see through the trees down to the next road crossing. She saw there was a car there and could see some backpackers talking to the driver. She was afraid they would drive off before they saw her. She was already running down the hill to try and stay warm, (she runs down mountains anyway) but she sprinted that last bit to the road scared to death they'd drive off before she could get to them. The trail angels were actually there to see if any hikers needed to get out of the weather, and were offering rides to Neels Gap. They asked if Jessica had a trail name yet.   She said "no, not yet". They said "it should be Runs Downhill". She said "oh yeah, that rolls right off the tongue." So they said "we'll just call you Downhill then". And thus she was dubbed.. I'm just glad they didn't shorten it to Runs... An interesting note. The spot she got her trail name is the exact spot where she gave her first trail magic during our trip last year. (75 Unicoi Gap)Downhill: Right now I am in a cabin with Charles, Lance, Nick and Johnathon. After such a cold night last night we all decided to split a room in Helen. The plan was to hitch into town and meet up at the visitors center. When we woke up our stuff was frozen and we could barely get our shoes on because they were so icy. We all hiked fast and met a couple named Linda and Dwayne who were doing trail magic at Unicoi gap.They gave us fruit and juice and offered a ride to town. We were trying to figure out the cheapest place to stay in this tourist trap town and they offered to let us stay in their cabin. They live in an RV and have a day use cabin that we are sleeping in. They cooked us dinner too. It has been awesome. I'm too tired to journal any more tonight.
Date: 2009-03-04
From: Helen

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: few clouds

We all woke up a little late today after a great night sleep in the cabin. Breakfast was cold cereal with fresh fruit, which wa a great change from oatmeal or energy bars. WE didn't hit the trial until about 10:00, but I still made it to the shelter by 5:00, and the others arrived a little before me. It was a beautiful hiking day and there were a few good climbs to make it interesting. I passed the cheese factory site, which is the campsite that my mom and I did trail magic at last year. It was so weird to go passed it as a thru hiker this time. There were some nice views today and I had lunch on tip of Tray Mountain with Charles and Lance. When I got to the shelter the others from the cabin were there, along with two spring breakers who were at Neels and Low Gap shelter. This shelter is nice. It's two stories, which we haven't seen in a while. Two other thru-hikers arrived later, but one chose to tent outside even though there is room. He's going a yo-yo hike. Even though there is much more room downstairs, there are more of us upstairs because it should be warmer. We also had a fire tonight, which was very nice. Oh, our trial angels gave me a trail name. I am Downhill now. I run down hills. I am sad because our little group is splitting up tomorrow. Nick and Jonathon are leaving and Lance is not stopping in Hiawasse because he got food in Helen. I have a mail drop at the Blueberry Patch. Charles also has to go into town to bounce a box forward at the post office. Not sure if he's staying at the same hostel as me.
Date: 2009-03-05
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Blueberry Patch 
Miles today: 3.5

Note from Mom:   Downhill called before noon today and had arrived at the Blueberry Patch Hostel. She hadn't planned to stay the night, but when she got there she found it to comfortable to leave.. And the promise of blueberry pancakes for breakfast was just to much to pass up. She lost her friends Lance and Charles, but hopes to meet back up with them in the next few days. She also said that she did mail her journal so I should be able to update soon. She's doing great and not having any major issues at all. The weather is perfect. Too bad she's not hiking.. :-)Downhill: Day 8. I slept pretty well last night, for a night on the trail anyways. My idea of a good nights sleep has been changed. since I have been out here.   I didn't get cold last night and was the last to wake up. Two of the spring break hikers caught a mouse with a mousetrap that they found in the previous shelter. The hike this morning was way to short to be fulfilling and I got to the road a little after 10:00. I said goodbye to Jonathon and Nick, and agreed to call Lance (his new trail name is Mrs. Buttersworth) in Franklin. Charles had reception and arranged a ride for us. I am at the Blueberry Patch and he went to a hotel in town. He offered to let me have his other bed if I wanted to take a zero day tomorrow, but I think I will keep hiking This hostel is great and I would highly recommend it to anyone planning a thru-hike. Gary is very nice and even did my laundry for me. I am a little lonely because there are no other hikers here, but I'm looking forward to a snore-free night. One hiker came for his mail, but decided to stay in town. Some of the faster March 1st hikers have started to catch me. It makes me feel slow. 20 minutes later: I just talked to Charles on the phone and his offer sounds very tempting. I'll sleep on it and decide in the morning. I'm worried that the 'mileage monster' is affecting me already, but it's frustrating being passed by people who started three days after I did.   At the same time, I'm out here to enjoy myself, and hiking/running 20+ mile days and getting to camp after dark every day doesn't really sound like a lot of fun. This is supposed to be a 'vacation'. I think my competitive nature does not help.
Date: 2009-03-06
From: Blueberry Patch 

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I decided not to take a zero day today, after all. Breakfast was awesome. They made me the best pancakes ever with fresh fruit and orange juice. I also slept amazing in my nice warm bed with nobody snoring and no mice at my feet. I got started at a little before ten. Most of the day was a surprise since I already sent my Georgia stuff (including maps) home at Hiawasse, but the trail was pretty moderate. It was good hiking weather, but a little cloudy. That was fine with me as long as it doesn't rain. I hit the border after lunch. It felt great to be out of Georgia. One down, thirteen to go. As soon as I got into North Carolina the trail went straight up. It was more what I was expecting from the AT. There were lots of places I could tell the trail had be re-routed. I got to the shelter about 4:30. Richard, or One Stick, arrived after I did and two spring breakers that I have seen several times were here when I got here. One Stick is tenting outside again. Another thru-hiker named Deuce showed up later. He was at the hostel for about five minutes to get his maildrop. His friends stayed in Hiawasse to take a zero because one of them messed up his knees. Things like that make me feel better about going slow.I'm glad I left today, but I kind of miss Charles and Lance. The people here (on the AT) are cool I guess, but I really don't feel like I have a 'trail family'. Some people seem cliquish and they talk shit about other hikers, which was something I was trying to get away from.
Date: 2009-03-07
From: Muscrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night Deuce said he was going to leave when the sun came up but he was still asleep when I left at 8:30. I actually got out of my sleeping bag earlier than usual because it wasn't freezing. My sad excuse for a bear bag was still there in the monring so I made some oatmeal. My rope is too short so I may have to get a new one. This mornings hike wasn't too bad. North Carolina seeems a bit rockier than Georgia, and the trail is covered with leaves that hide the smaller rocks (well, in some parts the whole trail is full of rocks). That makes it hard to live up to my name because I don't want to twist my ankle while running downhill. Still made decent time (for me). I met up with One Stick, who left before me, after four miles. He was drying his tent out, and I stopped for a break. We met some weekend/section hikers who are now camped near the shelter. One was wearing a kilt that looked cooler than Walkabout's, although probaby less efficent for hiking. I climbed a few more hills/mountains and realized that all of the rocks are starting to hurt my toes. I'm going to try and get some painkillers soon.Side note- the mice in these shelters are crazy sometimes! I think they are plotting something as I write this. Anyways, today turned out to be a beautiful hiking day. It was sunny and warm and I hiked in just my short sleeved shirt. It wasn't humid either. It reminded me of hiking back home. I got to the shelter pretty early, just a little after four. My feet hurt and I didn't want to keep going to the next shelter so I stopped here. There are actually two shelters here. The old one looks pretty pathetic. One Stick and I are in the new one and the only other people around are 5 weekenders. Deuce took a shortcut and the spring break guys left. Walkabout and his crew are about a day and a half ahead. Wish I could keep up but I don't htink that's realistic. I'm assuming Lance is ahead still but he isn't in the register. Charles is still behind me. I think the mice are on the roof now too. They aren't usually THIS bad. I realize now that there is no way I will be in Hot Springs by March 19th to meet my mom. I'm going to call her in Franklin and tell her to get a place near Gatlinburg instead, because I will probably be somewhere between Fontana Dam and Gatlinburg. I'm still not sure what I'm going to do once I get to Franklin. I could probably make it by tomorrow, but I don't want to have to deal with getting a room that late and can't really afford one by myself anyway. I'll probably go into town the next day. Not sure if I'll spend the night or take a zero or what. Hopefully I'll find Lance. On another note, my alcohol stove has been having issues and I finally got it to work. The lid wasn't staying on and I had to put a sock on top of it so the lid didn't come off. Grr. One Stick is snoring. I hope the good weather holds out at least until I get to Franklin. Last I heard it was supposed to.
Date: 2009-03-08
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Got a really late start today. Didn't leave until almost 10:00. Last night I ended up sleeping in the old shelter because One Stick snored. The highlight of the day was probably climbing Albert Mountain. There was a watch tower at the top but it wasn't open. Deuce and another thru-hiker are here along with some weekenders and a family down the hill. We had a fire tonight.   I'm really tired.
Date: 2009-03-09
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, N.C.
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: clear sky

Update by Mom: Downhill called today and is in Franklin at Haven's Budget Inn. Her and another hiker are splitting a room. They ate at an all you can eat buffet for lunch and then pizza for dinner. They plan on hiking out in the morning. I'm not sure which shelters she stayed at, so I can't update the mileage correctly. She did mail a weeks worth of journal, but it hasn't arrived yet. As soon as it does I'll update this site with her words for a change. She's still having lots of fun and meeting lots of interesting people, some more colorful than others I take it. Downhill: I decided to split a room with Hunter tonight. Apparently that is his real name and he doesn't have a trail name yet. I guess there was a time change at some point in the last few days so I left camp at 9:00 and thought it was 8:00. Deuce left first. He didn't even stop in town and he is trying to do 20 mile days now so I probably won't see him again. I made it to Winding Stair at about 10:00. Ended up hitching a ride to town with Hunter. An old war veteran picked up up. He seemed nice. It didn't take as long as I thought it would to get a ride. After getting settled in, we went to the Mexican Buffet. They didn't have any cheese enchiladas at the buffet but they brought me some. Miss Janet picked us up and dropped us off. We also ran into two other hikers there who I haven't met before. When Miss Janet brought us back we stopped by her hostel and she gave me a bandana. My other one never made it out of Helen. This one is cooler though because it has a skull on it and it's black. Miss Janet also let us borrow some town clothes so we didn't have to wear our rain gear while we did laundry. She is really nice. Armageddon is staying there. Blondie and his friends were here last night but left this morning with Bushwacker, who I had heard about but hadn't met until today. Apparently some others are coming into town today. I hope Charles is one of them.   Never did see Lance. I tried to call him but he didn't answer. I don't think he is still in town. I raided the hiker boxes so I didn't have to buy food. We are going to order a pizza for dinner and Miss Janet is having breakfast at the hostel. I'll probably take the 9:30 shuttle back to the trail tomorrow. Stil don't want a zero day. Maybe at the N.O.C.
Date: 2009-03-10
From: Franklin, N.C.

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Charles came into Franklin after I wrote the last entry along with a bunch of people I haven't met before. Blondie and his friend from England ended up coming back because Blondie is hurt.   I hope he gets better soon.   Charles, Hunter and I had pizza and then walked to McDonalds later. I slept well last night and woke up at 7:00. Got packed and found out I am missing one sock. Miss Janet made breakfast. It was really good. The shuttle left at nine-ish with me, Charles, Hunter and a South bound hiker. I ended up hiking with Charles all day and Hunter for most of it. Made pretty good time. I got to see some of the first balds. There was a tower on one of them. I made it to camp really early, at like three. I roasted some of Charles' jelly beans. I'm considering roasting granola later. Dinner for tonight and tomorrow is potatoes because I didn't go shopping in town. I just raided hiker boxes. I ate all the Snickers before I left town though. Apparently Charles put a lipton side in the box after I raided it but oh well.   I got a cool bandana from Miss Janet. It's red and it has a skull on it. The shelter is nice because it's new so there aren't holes or anything and it has a pretty view. The water source is kinda far though. I think I'm going to do 15 miles tomorrow. Guess I"m going to get back to roasting jelly beans or something because it's still only seven and not dark yet.
Date: 2009-03-12
From: Rufus Morgan Shelter

To: N.O.C
Miles today: 0.8

I fell asleep before I wrote anything yesterday. Some other thru hikers showed up at Wayah shelter near dark. They were Hungry, Sores, C-zar and C-car's dog, Atlas. C-zar bought biscuits in town and we made short and curly's. To make them you wrap a biscuit around a stick and roast it over a fire. They were a nice addition to my dinner of instant mashed potatoes. Yesterday we hiked in a loose group for most of the day but I couldn't really keep Sores' pace without running (uphill). After about 4 miles there was some amazing trail magic. Some trail angels set up a huge dome tent every year and have tons of stuff for hikers. We all stayed for like an hour. Took another lunch a few hours later and got to the shelter that was about 10 miles away at a little after 3:00, so we kept on going. We arrived at Rufus Morgan Shelter at about 6:00 and my legs were pretty sore. It's really the first time they have been like that. Most of the others went the extra mile to the N.O.C. to stealth camp but I decided to stay in the shelter and go into N.O.C. early. I thought it might rain, which it still hasn't and I don't like getting into a town/resupply after a long hiking day. When I got here this morning I got my mail at the outfitters and inquired about rafting/kayaking. Apparently this river is dam controlled and they are working on the dam or something, so there was no rafting. I had a great lunch and shower.
Date: 2009-03-13
From: N.O.C

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

Day 16: Pretty short hiking day. I only did about 7 miles, mostly uphill. There are a bunch of people at the shelter and I think I'm going to hike with some of them for a while. It rained a little bit in the afternoon but we were already at the shelter except two guys who I haven't met before. A bunch of us played cards for a while and Duece had to teach me the games. Charles bought the cards in N.O.C. Oh yeah, and we talked Deuce into eating a grub.
Date: 2009-03-14
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: moderate rain

Day 17   I was planning on stopping for lunch but ended up staying at Brown Fork Shelter. Starbucks, Cabot and Blondie are here from last night. We played cards for a while. Everyone else from the shelter went on except Hungry and Chili who hitch hiked ahead. A bunch of new people showed up. All of us are going to be holed up at the Fontana Hilton tomorrow.
Date: 2009-03-15
From: Brown Fork Shelter

To: Fontana Hilton
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: mist

Day 18 Here at the Hilton with Cabot, Sharptooth, Blondie, Sir Long Legs, Left Toe, Wizard, Lightning and some section hikers. Everyone was slow getting up today because of the weather but it ended up just sprinkling mostly. Had lunch at the last shelter with Cabot. After seeing Wizard's hot lunch I decided to cook the rest of my oatmeal to go with my regular lunch since I had too much food and a mail drop tomorrow. The hike was okay today. I hiked alone since Starbucks took off before me. He didn't even stop for lunch and I haven't seen him since because he stayed in town. When I got here Cabot, Wizard and Left Toe were here already. We had decided to go to Fontana Village for town food when Southside showed up with two trail angels who had bags of food. Apparently the town had already closed anyway so they saved us disappointment too. one of the trail angels had thru hiked before and knew exactly what to bring. There was tons of fresh fruit and chocolate and cookies and candy. It was great. Blondie, Sir Long Legs and Sharptooth showed up when we were almost done. Later, Sharptooth suggested going for a swim in the lake since the showers weren't working and Cabot and I joined him. He even had soap. We stayed up late playing riddle games. It was a fun day.
Date: 2009-03-17
From: Fontana Hilton

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: few clouds

I ended up taking a zero day yesterday. Six of us got a ride into Fontana Village. I ended up laying across everyone's lap in the back seat and Lightning was in the trunk, but it sure beat walking! The only things that were open were the laundromat, hotel, gas station and post office. I got my mail and had nachos for breakfast at the gas station. I ended up walking back with Stink in the rain because we couldn't get a hitch. We picked up our permits because I had forgot he didn't get in until 11:00 at night and didn't get his. I was planning on leaving but it was already late and the first shelter was over 10 miles away. Also, it was raining and supposed to clear up the next day, and they finally turned the showers on, so I decided to leave early the next day. We played fun games like Never have I Ever and Ultralight Scrabble (courtesy of Stink). A bunch of us went swimming again and then showered. Sharptooth's parents showed up with food that night which was a nice surprise. I ended up staying up kind of late talking to Cabot. I got a pretty decent start this morning at about 8:30. There was a bit of very foggy road walking before the trail started in the Smokies. I went over the dam but couldn't see anything. As soon as I hit the actual trail I got above the fog and hiked in the best hiking weather ever. Today was such a beautiful day. I caught up to Cabot and had a mid morning snack with him on an old fire tower. The view was amazing. I hiked with him for the rest of the day. The trail went uphill for a long time but wasn't too steep or rocky. We had lunch at a trail crossing with Left Toe and Wizard. Sharptooth and Stink caught up to us and rested for a while. We saw deer for the first time. The hike after that was kind of muddy. Stopped again at the first shelter where Stink was almost attacked by a chipmunk. The shelters here are nice. Passed another one after a little over an hour and Sharptooth pulled me up a bear cable. He stayed at that shelter to try to kill a bear because there are a lot of them there, apparently. We took bets on who will win. I bet on Sharptooth. We are all worried though. I am at Spence Field with Cabot, Starbucks, Wizard, Stink, Left Toe and a bunch of spring breakers/section hikers. Cabot had a surprise when he opened a bottom compartment of his backpack and found three dead baby mice. Apparently the mouse that made a nest out of his shorts a few days ago had babies in his pack.
Date: 2009-03-18
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 25.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Entry by Mom: I met Downhill, Wizard, Left Toe and Cabot at the road crossing at Newfound Gap at about 11:30 at night. They decided the hot tub and cabin were worth pulling a 25 mile day for. Crazy kids. We'll have to wait for her to mail the next edition...
Date: 2009-03-19
From: Newfound Gap

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Entry by Mom: Picked up Deuce at the Greymore hotel and then later Lightning, Blondie, Sir Long Legs and Sharptooth at the Happy Hiker and took them all back up to the cabin I had rented. Today she turned 19 and enjoyed a great zero day.
Date: 2009-03-20
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tri Corner Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 23   It's been a hectic last few days so I haven't written in my journal in a while. On the 18th I did a 25+ mile day with Cabot, Wizard and Left Toe so I could get to Gatlinburg for my birthday on the 19th. Hiked alone or with Cabot for most of the day. We all had dinner on top of Clingman's Dome and watched the sunset. It was really cool. We night hiked together for the last 8 miles and got to Newfound Gap at 11:30 where my mom was waiting. My birthday was great. The cabin was much better than I thought it was going to be and I got to sleep in a real bed. My mom cooked for us. We had breakfast and went into town to take care of business. When we got back I opened my presents and we played pool, air hockey and chess and got in the hot tub while my mom went to get more hikers. Deuce, Blondie, Sir Long Legs, Lightning and Sharp Tooth came. We all had a great time. It was a much better birthday than I as hoping for. Got an earlier start than expected today. It was cold but the hike was really pretty. Charlie's Bunyon was really cool.
Date: 2009-03-25
From: Tri Corner Shelter

To: Sunny Bank Inn, Hot Springs
Miles today: 51.5
Weather: light rain

Day 28      Sorry for not updating in a while. After Tri-Corner, I tried to camp in a fire tower with Cabot and got a ticket. Soares, Hungry, Bushwacker and Chili Mac showed up as we were getting tickets, but they didn't get any. Everyone had to night hike. I could have stayed at the next shelter but I was mad at the Smokies. I camped with Cabot near Blondie and Soares' group just outside the Smokies. Ended up wasting most of the next day and only getting six miles in. The day after that wasn't very good. I just felt like crap. Yesterday was okay. I hiked with Long Legs most of the day and made pretty good time to Hot Springs. I'm taking a zero day today with Blondie, Long Legs, Wizard and Cabot. We are going to the hot springs later.