morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Mt. Cammerer
Miles today: 15.7

Although only 15.7 AT trail miles, we really hiked almost 17!! And, I will admit, despite my reservations (at many times today), it was beyond worth it! Dirt knew of what he called a "secret shelter" and although I won't disclose its whereabouts because then it wouldn't be so secret anymore -- it is hands down the most beautiful place in the Smoky Mountains. But, I always tend to get ahead of myself, so back to the beginning of the day. I had a slooow start to the day. I was extremely dehydrated and could feel my clammy skin, I was having cramps in my calves, and an intense headache came on. So, knowing that I have to listen to my body instead of being hard headed -- and unlike at West Point, having nothing to prove to anyone -- I did what was smart and Truckin' and I took a nice long break to rehydrate and choke down as much potassium/energy/vitamins I could find in my loaded down pack. Within 30 minutes I was feeling a lot better; however, still worn out because the dehydration had taken a toll on my body and the aches and pains seemed to move around to different limbs with each changing hour. By the time we made our way to Cosby Knob Shelter for dinner I had had quite enough hiking for the day. But, the grand idea was to continue up the trail for another 3+ miles to see the sunrise at the "secret shelter". I waited until after dinner to disclose to the rest of the group that I would not be joining them on their mission. I knew my body had already taken a toll -- already we had hiked our highest mileage yet -- and I was worried about pushing myself too far. But, Dirt and the group would have none of it, even going as far as to carry my pack a ways away from the shelter so that I had little choice as to follow or sleep cold in my hiking clothes with no sleeping bag or food. And, as bad as I felt during those extra few miles, it seemed to erase itself as we summited our destination. The most beautiful sunset in all of the Smoky Mountains!! We took tons of pictures and when I post them you will be able to see a glimpse of the heavenly sight I saw. To make things even better, we were up for the sunrise as well (but that is for tomorrow's entry... ) A brutal day on my body, but a lift for my soul. I love this trail, I love this adventures, I love my life!
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Mt. Cammerer

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is my one month AT anniversary! Half of me is completely surprised that I have been out here this long, the other half is amazed at how much I have done in that amount of time. I know that the mileage is going to start increasing after Hot Springs (not that it hasn't increased already) but my body has adjusted and remained strong despite what I have put it through and I am confident that I can make my way into Virginia and then on to Maine :0) Like I said yesterday, we woke up to a gorgeous sunrise and took a hundred more pictures before crawling back into our sleeping bags for a couple more hours of sleep. When we did leave our precious spot, we climbed down all day into Davenport Gap and officially, out of the Great Smoky Mountains. Some are really happy to have the Smokies over with -- the weather was not always very forgiving and the mountains lived up to their name. Some days there were almost no views (I didn't get to see Charlie's Bunion for a second time!) and you just couldn't get out of the clouds. But, I am extremely grateful for the great weather we did come across and the opportunities we had to make the most those days. The Smoky Mountains will always have a fond place in my heart (sorry, Rosemary!). I am now staying at Standing Bear Hostel, another great treasure you can find along the trail. A bit rustic, but homey and just a great place to relax and recoup with great company. Marc and I were here two years ago and I am very happy to be back. Oh, and the food and shower are great. I have had a great chance to catch up on these trail journals! I am thinking we will zero here tomorrow, again. We are not in a rush to get to Hot Springs because Dave will be meeting us on Friday, but after Hot Springs the push will be on :0) Every day out here is a blessing.
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I can get used to this! Too bad I am so set on getting to Maine or I could get lost in this place. We were here all day with good company, washing clothes, playing horseshoes, eating lots of food, puzzles, cards... oh, and I witnessed my first ever human branding (but, that is a story that can only be told in pictures). Truckin', Dirt, Sauerkraut, and I started our endless game of Rummy. We are keeping score from here until Maine. Of course, this is the second time we have done this. Dirt made us restart the last score because I was so far ahead. Figures. As much as I love this place, I am anxious to get back on the trail. So, tomorrow we head out. Hot Springs is our next destination. And, I cannot wait to tell ya'll of all that happens in between! ... to Maine.
Date: 2008-04-09
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

It was extremely difficult to leave the hostel today and after finding many small things that still needed to be done: like forwarding a package filled with all kinds of really, really heavy things we found in our packs that we didn't want to carry anymore, haha and playing another couple games of horseshoes... we did manage to muster the courage to head back to the trail and the looming climb ahead of us. As it always is when you leave a "GAP" or "TOWN", you go up. Oh, I did forget to tell ya'll about the bed guest Sauerkraut and I had this morning... what do you know about the harmless, but HUGE wolf spider? Well, I can tell you that I don't like it in my bed and that it jumps. Funny, I found out that I can jump pretty darm far, as well -- like from the bed to the door. No worries, it was much more effective than any alarm. I was up and moving about after that -- shaking out every piece of my equipment hoping that none of my bedmate's brothers decided to get curious and make residence in my stuff. Not that I don't know that every night I sleep I have things creeping all over me, including spiders and mice and all kinds of other critters that mentioning would probably give me shivers... but what I don't know about, I don't mind! Ignorance is bliss and I am a heavy sleeper so as long as all the critters depart by sunrise then I am just fine. Mr. Wolf Spider, I do not like you in my bed. So, about hiking... that thing we tend to do 90% of our days out here. It was pretty tough today. Felt a little on the fatiqued side -- whether from too much sun laying around yesterday or not enough nutrients, who knows. But, we can't have great days every day. And, sometimes there just isn't an explanation to not feeling like you can hike a hundred miles (or 2000). I try to come up with one. I am always analyzing my intake of food and water compared to how I am feeling. I include rest time and previous mileage and a hundred other insignificant (or significant) details in my self analysis. But, when it comes down to it, my body tells me every day how it feels and my mind tells me whether it is a good day to push it or not. Today, my body felt like a slug and my mind was still back on that pizza I had eaten the day before :0) We are meeting a LOT of new people -- too many to keep naming because if I can barely keep track then I highly doubt that anyone else can. But, a lot of them have later start dates and this is also on my mind. Now that the Smoky Mountains are finished... Demascus, VA and the 400 mile mark is the next "hump" of sorts. Even on my worst of days this trail is my sanctuary.
Date: 2008-04-10
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Just a prelude: today was another one of those memorable, amazing days that just all around, ROCK. First leg of the day began with our ascent to Max Patch Summit! Of course, we had a beautiful day despite the calls for rain we had heard earlier in the week. The top of Max Patch is a huge bald (no trees, kids) with 360 degree views of the area including looking back on the Smoky Mountains and then north and east to "Maine" (of course, we couldn't really see Maine, but we have to keep the big goal always on our minds!!). It was beautiful. Another one of those places you just have to visit for yourself one day. But, after the climb up and the great views we just didn't feel like moving from the spot very fast. Not fast, at all, in fact. Like, 7 hours not fast! Today was a day that I had a lot of thinking to do and there was no place like this to do just that. It was a place that put things into perspective: where I had just come from and where I was going; the uncertainty of the path I was following; how much I would change on the trail. Sitting there looking around at everything that seemed so far away, yet knowing it was so close made me think about things in my life that sometimes feel equally as far away... not to mention that I KNOW Maine and home are over the horizon on either end, whether I can see them or not. It was an overwhelming experience for a person who has carried so much weight up these hills -- and not the kind of weight that I can measure on a scale. So, we spread our our sleeping bags and cooking gear and made quite a space for ourselves on the top of that mountains. We took in the sunshine and the scenery. We kept with good company. And, we saw the sun set over the Smoky Mountains and it really did feel more final: I am going to Maine and I am going to see this venture through, despite my fears of failure and despite my fears of what awaits me on the other end. But, to lighten the tone of this particular entry... I must tell you that this is not the end of our day. It would seem that hiking only so many miles just didn't feel so great in the big scheme of things and a lazy day on the top of an amazing summit although fulfilling, just didn't seem complete. So.... we hiked. Given that the sun had already set, this was done with the moon and the stars overhead. The terrain was not terribly difficult and the temperature was perfect as long as we kept moving :0) We hiked long into the night and arrived at a shelter right before midnight. I think I can get used to night hiking -- especially in the summer months when it will be too hot to do long miles during the day. As always, today was quite the adventure! I can't believe I get to wake up tomorrow and do this again.
Date: 2008-04-11
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: broken clouds

Well, after getting in so late last night I was pretty impressed by how fast we were able to get up and out of camp this morning. Ok, maybe not. But, considering that when we arrived at the shelter last night we did not have the best choices for spots to sleep (those were reserved hours before we arrived... you know, by the people who don't hike all night) and my spot being right along the back wall where the mice typically run, becoming a mice superhighway and still getting a good nights sleep can definitely qualify as impressive. As soon as I tightened the hood of my sleeping bag over my head I could feel the mice running from my feet up and over my head. I fell asleep to the sweet pitter patter of little mice feet scurrying along my back with the occasional acrobatic one that jumped straight from the beam above to land in my plush down sleeping bag. Too bad I was just too tired to care. So the morning came and off we went down the trail doing what we do best: walking. We could have made our way straight into town with plenty of time to spare but we stopped at a shelter some 3 miles out to sleep instead of spending money in town. I had a heavy heart going into town and didn't mind putting off the trip -- all I can say is that I came out here to find answers, to find peace, and to find my inner strength and maybe even a little direction. But, the thing I realized, is that the things I discover and the answers I seek aren't always the easy ones, they aren't always the happy ending, and they can be far from what I imagined. To come off this trail with the things I am searching for means that some tears have to be shed and some hard realizations have to be faced. I wish every day I could have a smile on my face... but today, I don't. However, I will keep walking this walk because even though some of these climbs are tough and my body and my heart ache I know that this is where I am supposed to be for now. There is always another sunrise to be seen... and despite my inner turmoil today, the beautiful day did not go unnoticed.
Date: 2008-04-12
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: overcast clouds

So, the AT actually goes directly through the quaint town of Hot Springs, NC. No worrying about getting a ride or walking for miles to get your mail and a meal, you can find all these things right off the trail itself. Go figure. So, we made our way into the town this morning and headed straight for food, of course. Accomodations soon followed and showers and laundry came soon after that. Town life is much like a check list of things to do. But, cool things for today besides, of course, Dave visiting (he is absolutely, THE BEST) include acquiring my hiking SKIRT (I feel like I am at West Point again where all I want to do is look like a girl!!), visiting downtown Asheville, NC, and being able to finally upload all the pictures I have onto my computer. (still posted on Facebook for now... ) Oh, I always forget to tell things in order. I forgot to tell you about the mouse traps we set out last night. If you are an animal rights activist or simply have a love for shelter mice (which are NOT the same as the ones you buy in the pet shop, I promise) then read no further. Again, read no further -- to all others who see shelter mice as pests or simply those that are curious: So, the shelter mice are quite a witty bunch. They tend to nibble on gear, terrorize hikers in their sleeping bags, and practice acrobatics across packs and food bags looking for just the right tasty treat. Holes in socks are not unusual either. So, Truckin' took it upon himself to fight back last night. I only played the role of trap mastermind. We set up food bait and I brilliantly decided that with the sun set we should have our headlamps shining on the bait. Meanwhile, Truckin' has spent the last few days practicing with his blow gun just waiting for an opportunity to show off his skills. And, in order to keep this rated G, let us just say that he is an excellent shot and my scheming has left the Deer Park Mountain Shelter mice population in mourning. Again, I apologize to any that are offended by our actions. But, in case you were wondering: Truckin' 1 Shelter Mice 0. Back to enjoying my day "off" in Hot Springs.
Date: 2008-04-13
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We were going to head back on the trail today, but Sauerkraut had special visitors again and we decided to hang back and let the guys head out. I am not feeling that great and Sauerkraut also seems to be coming down with a cold. I am sure it is the drastic changes in weather we have been having (they come with the elevation changes). We are staying at the Duckett House in a loft above the barn. Hopefully, we will make our way back to the trail first thing in the morning to catch up with the rest of the group. Happy Trails.
Date: 2008-04-14
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Tanyard Gap
Miles today: 5.9

Ugh, well let us just say that I am not feeling 100%! We made our way out as planned, but Sauerkraut and I quickly realized that hiking today was doing more harm than good. Lucky for us, 6 miles up the trail outside of Hot Springs we come across a road that heads right back into town... and so did we. It is definetely not where I want to be. But, the weather up in the higher elevations was worsening as we climbed higher and higher. We had already reached sleet and snow and could only see it getting worse. The weather, of course, is not what scared us back into town. By now we are certainly used to it -- rather, it was getting more sick than we already were. I was not too keen on having to take a week off up the trail because I didn't know when to call it quits when we were so close to town and a warm bunk to sleep in. So, back we went. I just hope it was the right decision. The more new people we meet with later starting times than ours the more antsy I get about the mileage we are covering. Well, I need some rest so this will be short today. Tomorrow is a new day. Good night and sweet dreams to all.
Date: 2008-04-19
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin, TN (Uncle Johnny's)
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

Today... we hiked down to Erwin, TN! Good and bad news. Let us get the bad out of the way. Bad news: We woke up to the pitter patter of rain on our sleeping bags -- mind you we did not set up our tent last night. Good news: We had a pretty impressive pack up time this morning getting out of camp :0) And the hike down into Erwin wasn't anything to complain about. It was mostly downhill which -- is not always that great. We walked into Uncle Johnny's hostel and a full house awaited us! Lots of hikers from the last month or so were in town to include Brush Strokes, Windjammer and Bearpaw, Barley and Rain, Auntie Mame and V8, Bananas, Coma and Rambo. There were also quite a few hikers we had not met before. But, the one hiker that mattered: Leaping Turtle, had in fact hiked the entire 27 miles yesterday to make it into Uncle Johnny's. Had we completed our night hike last night we would have arrived at 3 in the morning to find Leaping Turtle sleeping on a chair outside the hostel. Thank goodness for cozy fires and good company because I would have been devastated to have lost the wager after a 27 mile day... Speaking of good company, though -- the three section hikers that we met last night (Chris, Burt, and Peps) came into town and let us use their car to resupply and later, when we could not get in touch with Mr. Thompson (the gentleman we met on the trail earlier) and the hostel was full they became our trail angels. The great company, good laughs and wonderful conversations carried on into the evening. Another one of those memorable nights on the trail that linger on your mind because you know, at that moment, you were perfectly content. All of my anxieties and my worries just seemed to float away with the music and the laughter that surrounded us that night. I am truly blessed.
Date: 2008-04-20
From: Erwin, TN (Uncle Johnny's)

To: Erwin, TN (Uncle Johnny's)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Well, we made reservations yesterday for a cabin today so that we could zero. The last section was a little rough with us not feeling great so we decided to take it easy. The only problem: it seems like everyone in the hostel is sick!! We kind of locked ourselves away in our cabin working on food/plans/washing clothes/etc. I was able to get on the internet for a few minutes in between the rush (one computer for quite a few guests to share...). The hostel offers a slack pack option -- slack pack is where you carry only what you need for one day rather than a full backpack. The hostel shuttles you to a Gap 19 miles away and you spend the day walking south back to the hostel (which is right on the AT). Slack packing, particularly south bound, is something that some hikers strongly prefer not to do. They do not like the idea that they are not heading north or they do not like the fact that they are not carrying a full pack -- either way I feel like it is a personal decision. For me, it did not initially seem too beneficial (although there were definitely some positives) UNTIL we got a call from Mr. Thompson! He was out of town and could not get a hold of us to tell us earlier, but his offer was still open and he would return to town tomorrow afternoon. Well, we did not want to zero another day and we did want to spend time with Mr. Thompson and his wife so the 19 mile slack pack seemed like the most perfect solution! We could still put in some miles maybe build up some confidence for the big mile days we have ahead of us. 19 miles will be our longest single day mileage!
Date: 2008-04-21
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Erwin, TN (Uncle Johnny's)
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: overcast clouds

What a fun day! We started out from Iron Mountain Gap with a couple other hikers that were doing the same slack packing adventure. We made our way and I quickly re-realized one downside (or upside) to heading south. It is the same problem I came across when I climbed down from Wayah Bald to meet my brother. You pass lots and lots of people heading NORTH! These particular hikers are generally ones that we have met previously... so, we stop to talk. And then there are the ones we have never met before... so, introductions are necessary and we stop to talk. All in all I think we passed around 20 or so hikers and if you designate about 10 minutes per hiker the time adds up quickly! Next thing we knew we were getting a call from Mr. Thompson to make arrangements for the evening and we still had a lot of ground to cover. He called and asked if steak would be ok... I was baffled by the question. In fact, I was still baffled 10 minutes later. Of course steak would be ok!! I would eat a whole cow if you put it in front of me... but steak sounded amazing. And, we hiked as fast as our little hiking legs could go. We covered the 19 miles (plus stops to talk with other hikers) in 8 and a half hours. Given that a normal pace is 2 miles an hour it isn't too shabby. But, I also discovered a couple other things today. With or without a pack I really don't hike any faster. Going uphill still sucks and I still have to stop to catch my breath on occasion. However, going downhill without a heavy pack is a great improvement -- it decreases the amount of pounding that goes into your knees, ankles, feet, and hips. And, given that there was a fair amount of downhills today it was certainly nice not to have all that weight crushing down on my small frame... even if it was just for a day. Now, to the good stuff: The Thompson residence! Well, no one trail magic tops another -- it seems that they all have their special place. BUT, this one is certainly close to my heart. It is an experience that was bestowed on just Sauerkraut and I and we could not be more grateful. Mr. Thompson picked us up and took us to his home to meet his wife. Their home is beautiful and both of them were so welcoming and after looking at pictures and hearing them talk about their children and grandchildren it wasn't long before we felt like we were a part of the family. There was food waiting for us and it didn't stop coming for hours. We all talked long into the evening and even after showers, laundry, and even a little bit of internet time the pleasant conversation and laughter made me want to stay up all night! We each had our own room and bathroom and I had my best night's sleep yet. I only wished I could stay in bed longer! But, I could smell breakfast cooking in the morning and a hiker never passes up food... even for sleep :0) It wasn't long before we had to go our separate ways but not before they made our journey just a little more special than it already was.