morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-01
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Bartram campsite
Miles today: 12.0

4/1/03 Bartram campsite elevation 5,200 ft. 12 miles today. Good day of backpacking. Temperature was about 60 degrees, sunny, but really windy. We made it to camp about 5:15 or so, set up our tent, and ate a little dinner. We hauled up the mountain this afternoon. Wow what a climb to this elevation. It was straight uphill for about the last 2 miles. But so much warmer, we just soaked it all up! Even our shoes dried out a little bit. Hooray!! But we neglected some hotspots and ended up with a big blister. We should have known better. But I didn't earn my name by always doing things the right way! We figured tonight about 2 more days of hiking till the NOC or Byron City. I can't wait for a hot shower and a fatty pizza. Extra everything! The views today were spectacular! But I felt like we were walking in pure bear country. All of the rhodo tunnels, streams, man I was just waiting for one to poke its big head and pop me a good one in the head. I noticed that back at Standing Indian Mtn. a ranger had posted a sign warning packers of a bear who was quote "not afraid of humans and has been known to steal packs". How reassuring is that!?! Yeah that sent my adrenal glands into overload. I'm sure if you took a close look, just that sign alone, my eyes dilate for about 3 days. But that's all part of the business my friend. I'm invading in their neighborhood, not the other way around. But on that bear note, we should be entering the Smokies very soon. I am excited for that. But first and foremost NOC here we come.
Date: 2003-04-02
From: Bartram campsite

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: clear sky

4/2/03 13 miles today to Wesser Bald Shelter...good mileage!So here it is 3:00 a.m.....and I can't sleep much tonight. Even though it has been a long day of hiking, I can't seem to sleep well. Plus my hips are a bit sore. I had to get up to use the bathroom. So it may be a while before I go back to sleep. All in all it was a good day for hiking....75 degrees, mostly sunny. We have been hiking the last 2 days and camping at night with a father and daughter from the UK. They are originally from Scotland and sweet as can be. She has just recently finished high school, has some time off, and so they came to the states just to hike the AT. Goodness and I thought I was taking a leap. But they are a great team together. I do wish sometimes when I see them that I could be with my family. But hopefully I will see them soon. I will be able to talk with them in a couple of hours. I plan on calling the minute I reach the NOC.
Date: 2003-04-03
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Wessor, NC (NOC)
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: clear sky

4/3/03 5.6 miles to Wessor, NC (NOC) Townie!So the walk into town was not as easy as expected. Not only was it downhill the entire way but there were so many areas that we had to slide down on our rear! But we pulled in about 11:00 a.m. Immediately walked over to the NOC restaurant, sat our packs on the porch, and had a FATTY BACON CHEESEBURGER WITH FRIES and sweet tea!! I can't bellieve they actually served us though. We looked like a walking tornado. We smelled like a garbage can, but they have to be used to that because the majority of their business is from thru-hikers. Anyway so we checked in, got a HOT shower, washed our clothes, and went down to the resort area for some fun in the sun. 78 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. We sat by the river with our trail friends Greg, Soynut, Verity, Carnethy (?), Bob, Scuba Man, Wanderer. Had a little Ben and Jerry's ice cream, watched kayakers and a few white water rafters float by and all is well. Also called home and talked with Andy, Mom, and Dad. I love calling home to tell my family about all my adventures! Oh yeah, I also called work to let them know where I was along the trail. So I hope you got that message guys. But all is wonderful here. So excited for the Smokies! That ought to be an interesting run!
Date: 2003-04-04
From: Wessor, NC (NOC)

To: Wessor, NC (NOC)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

4/4/03 Still at NOC for our zero day.Enjoyed our stay here at the NOC. We hung out at the river, took an excellent 3 hour nap, ate some more good food at the restaurant, and even had breakfast with SlowWalker. Getting ready to head off tomorrow towards Fontana Dam. Well Dimple Rock got some new trailrunners today. So jealous! I might have to look into that after the Smokies! Oh yeah, I also weighed my pack today at the Outfitters. It came to 25 lbs! That's fabulous, but that was without water so it should weigh around 27-28! But regardless, that is outstanding. This afternoon has been so relaxing, and I met some more great prople. I did get a weather report though and doesn't look too promising. Who knew more rain for the next 5 days. But the temperatures are still great so that's no problem. Every day is a new and exciting adventure, and I'm looking forward to this week.
Date: 2003-04-05
From: Wessor, NC (NOC)

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: moderate rain

4/5/03 7.0 miles to Sassafras GapHey everyone look up, no, no I mean straight up! Cause that's where I'm headed. Holy moly, a long way up that mountain top. All day was hiking upward. Granted I would prefer upward to downward but someone needed to throw me a plateau. But after all was said and done, I sat with a smile on my face, and a wonderful feeling of accomplishment filled me with warmth. It's amazing how much I can take with me after the day is done. Not only have I taken on a new sense of strength, but I'm slowly coming to terms with my own confidence. It's almost as though I'm building a small wall of brick to create my wall of confidence while in turn tearing down brick by brick my old wall of fear. Although I do know that there are going to be times that I will be tested on my new abilities to be strong, but I'm looking forward to it.
Date: 2003-04-06
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Cable Gap shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

4/6/03 15.2 miles to Cable Gap shelterDestination anywhere to rest my little legs. Rumble, rumble, rumble, the rain gods are looking down on us today. The day started off nice, sunny, a little on the warmer side. We pulled into Stecoah Gap, about 6.5 miles, to lunch around 12:30 or 1:00. And who knew, a trailangel. His name was Ox, a former thru-hiker, who blessed us with some great treats. A lovely Sierramist cola, donut, Oreo cookies, an orange, great laughs with 2-Speeds, Gazer, Dimple Rock, and Cakalaki! Great laughs, let me tell ya. Eventually Rockie, Ben, and Tyler came down the hill to join us. But at about the time they arrived, a crack of thunder was out in the distance. So Dimple Rock and I excused ourselves and quickly hit the trail! We got to the unnamed cliffs just in time for the storm. Lots of rain, hail, and lightning. So I officially went ahead and named that area of cliffs....oh, oh, oh, go, go, go, oh crap cliffs! But to back track a bit, earlier in the day, we had all collectively decided to only hike about 9 miles to Cody Gap. But by the time we got there, 4:30 or so, it was a mud ball. So we sat on an old tree log with Ben and Tyler, looked over a profile map of the upcoming trail, had a chocolate Powerbar, and headed on 3 more miles to Cable Gap shelter. We arrived soaking wet, cold, and hungry as all get out!! We greeted all the folks hanging out at the shelter in their nice, warm sleeping bags, asked if there was any room for us in the sheter and immediately got a look from the "land of crazy." So we sighed a bit, looked at each other, set down our packs, and found a small spot to tent. I made some rice for dinner, a Baby Ruth with peanut butter for dessert, a high quality glass of fresh spring water. My peds are beat and it's time for bed. Ben did come up to talk with Dimple Rock and I after dinner. He offered us a beer that they hiked in all day but I was just too tired to enjoy it. So I laid down to call it a night, fell asleep to the sound of rain and thunder. It was a great feeling to be warm in my tent, warm socks, and a full belly. Off tomorrow to Fontanta Dam. Hopefully, I can get a warm shower.
Date: 2003-04-07
From: Cable Gap shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: light rain

4/7/03 Fontana Dam 5.5 milesNice short walk this morning to Fontana Dam. Yes, it rained all night but luckily our tent kept us dry and warm. We decided to sleep in until about 9:00 or so, and realized when we finally got up that almost everyone had already left early that morning. For whatever reason, maybe just straight up hunger, I was in a bad mood. So once we started hiking I finally got to the point where I just had to stop and cry. I was tired, hungry, and had no other reason for crying. It lasted for a couple minutes. I then stopped and truly I was so much better. I guess I just had to have a moment right then and right there on the trail. So as I somewhat reflect on that moment now, I guess I had no other way to express those emotions but to cry a little. It happens to the best of us! Eventually we did reach the marina at the Dam and picked up the shuttle that checked us in at the hotel. Had lunch with Rockie and Gazer, had a hot shower, and lots of R & R. So I was talking with Dimple Rock and her knee is so swollen tonight so we will have to take a zero day, but the weather forecast looks even worse for tomorrow so we need to stay just for that reason alone.
Date: 2003-04-08
From: Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

4/8/03 Fontana Dam Zero DaySo this is zero day number 2,600,000,000 and oh well to that. Having a good day just hanging out, checked my email, anc called Lakeview to check in and tell them I'm still alive. It has rained so hard all day and I'm so glad we are here. Unfortunately, we can only eat at one restaurant here but the food is okay! It's just an arm and a leg to get a meal. Not too conducive for a hiker's budget! But we hung out with our friends Gazer, Rockie, Charity, Ben and Tyler! Good people, great laughs. We did watch the college basketball finals-felt sorry for KU. But they almost won, oh so close. Hopefully the forecast will be better for tomorrow.
Date: 2003-04-09
From: Fontana Dam

To: Mollies Ridge 
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: overcast clouds

4/9/03 Destination Mollies Ridge 12.3 miles off to the Great Smoky Mountains.Took off a little late today, probably around 11:00. We caught the shuttle back to the marina where we got picked up-of course don't want to miss any white blazes. So the sun poked through the clouds as we started to cross the Fontana Dam and into the park. We did stop off at the Fontana Hilton shelter to check out the scene and man it was classic. Huge, with restrooms just about 100 yards away. Life would be great at that shelter. I do have to interrupt to tell you a funny story about that particular restroom event. So we did stop off one last time at the Hilton restrooms before hitting the trail. And so I'm in the stall and hear Dimple Rock say, "Hey you know this is the weirdest looking stall I have ever seen." So after she is done, I went to check out what she was talking about. And I'll be stunned, surely enough there was a stall that looked exactly like a man's urinal. So I seriously laughed my buns off for the next 1/2 hour because Dimple Rock just squatted over a urinal. And yes, we were in the women's restroom. Maybe it was a "you had to be there moment", but it sure was a hysterical moment. So moving on, we reach the start of the trail eventually and we are greeted by an AT caretaker. He informed us of some of the etiquette of the Smoky's shelters and bear safety. But mainly he just let us know that the shelters were starting to get full and we needed to be aware that there may not be any room. So we head off toward Mollies Ridge shelter. It was a heck of a climb from the elevation of 1775 to 4570 feet. Wow what a climb but to make things a bit difficult, it started to rain mid afternoon. So we made it to the shelter a little late, cold, wet, and quite tired. A gentleman had to help me take off my shoes and gaiters because I was so fatigued and cold I could barley move my fingers. I immediately got into my sleeping bag to warm up and that's when the storm really hit. It rained all night long as the temps dropped. I know that snow is our forecast so we shall see.
Date: 2003-04-10
From: Mollies Ridge 

To: Mollies Ridge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

4/10/03 forced Zero day at Mollies Ridge shelterDestination-my warm quarters. I woke up this morning around 4:00 a.m. to see about 3 inches of snow on the ground. The snow is blowing in sideways with the winds approximately 20-30 miles an hour. Some of the snow has blown into the shelter so I hope to just hang out here to see if the weather calms down. Most of the people in the shelter have taken off for the next shelter 2.5 miles away. Not smart if you ask me. Not only do you have to blaze the fresh ice and snow but who knows if there is any room at the next shelter. It was if nobody's either coming or leaving. So right about now I'm scared, want to turn around to go back to Fontana Dam but that's not possible right now. Feeling trapped anyone?? So here we sit shivering to keep warm, eating fruit roll-ups and looking at the thru-hikers handbook to guess our destination tomorrow. Although this afternoon, Ben Tyler, Rockie and Charity arrive freezing, soaking wet from spending the night at the campsite about 5 miles away. So at least we have got great company during some hard times of cold, miserable weather. So it's a little boring to sit in a sleeping bag all day, but it's better than being out in that weather. I really hope tomorrow is better.
Date: 2003-04-11
From: Mollies Ridge

To: Spence Field 
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: overcast clouds

4/11/03 Destination-not as far as you would like...only 5.4 miles to Spence Field shelter.So we left this morning from Mollies and the weather has gotten worse. It has snowed 12 inches with drifts over 2 feet. Of course, we were the first two to set out and had to blaze the trail. Not fun. It was so hard. We are cold, wet, tired, hungry, and not having fun today. It is a bit hard to be within any positive realm with conditions like this. The trail sucks. Dimple Rock is having a really crappy day and we haven't seen the sun in over 2 days. Only made it 5.5 miles to Spence shelter. It was as though we just walked 10-15 miles. I only wish! We had delusional dreams of trying to go that far especially to Siler's Bald shelter but forget about it! How sad! Now I'm scared! I'm really cold and tired. Hungry as all hell, blood sugar has got to be so low, can't really think straight. But I do know that if the weather doesn't clear up soon I'm gonna cry. So on that note, I'll just have another fruit roll-up and for whatever reason just eating those things brightens my mood. Maybe it's because it reminds me of home. Ahh the warmth and safety of home....what I wouldn't give for that right about now. Once again Rockie and Charity join us for the night at the shelter. And Blip as well, our first sit down introduction with Blip. She's too cool. Seems sweet and so content with herself in this situation. So we get an updated weather report from Charity's internet phone source. Looks better and better at the moment. Possibly in the 50's with sunny skies. Oh can't wait to see that orange ball of warmth in the sky again. And on another note, Rockie has come in today limping in pain. This doesn't look good. Maybe a bruised heel, have no idea right now? No physical signs yet. But luckily some day-hikers have shown up and guess what, another sign of trailmagic. Yes they are all nurses too. 3 critical care nurses out for a crazy day-hike and overnight stay in this weather. Crazy if you ask me. So the plan is that Rockie and Charity will take off with the nurses in the morning and blue blaze down off the mountain to where they parked their cars. Almost feel a little jealous that they get to leave this misery of weather, but "must push on, must push on!!" So we have to bundle up for the night and a lot of praying for our well-being both physically and mentally. "Oh Lord, pleaselet me make it through the night. I'm cold, wet, hungry, and exhausted. Please I need some strength."
Date: 2003-04-12
From: Spence Field 

To: Siler's Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: clear sky

4/12/03 Destination Siler's Bald Shelter 11.8 milesSo the sun finally poked it's head out from over the horizon and a few clouds in the sky. Cold as all sin still but soon to warm up. Took off early, totally ice and snow all over the trail, so hard for hiking! But as the day went on, the snow started to melt but it wasn't till we crossed Rocky Top Mtn. and Thunderhead. So all the downhills were slick and I had already fallen 4 times prior to noon. Not one of my funniest times but I finally made it to the shelter....BUT with one small ordeal. So we were about 3 miles out from the shelter. And by this time, the trail is so muddy, crappy, and soaking wet that I hit a rock, slipped, fell over to my right and busted my elbow. I felt it all the way up my arm and into my clavicle. I truly thought that was it, I've broken my arm! I cried like a baby for about 5 minutes and then realized that nothing was broken but I took a beating. So I was a bit upset, just wanted the day to end, and, finally, saw the shelter on the left. Two-Speeds and Blip were there hanging out and I put down my pack, walked away from the shelter, shed a few more tears, came back, and all was ok. I felt so much better that friendly faces were there to greet me along with a campfire. So I hung out at the fire, talked with a few dayhikers, and had some noodles for dinner. We all hung out in the shelter where the fire was, played the name game for about an hour, and I fell asleep for about 3 hours. I was a bit worried throughout the night about how we are getting to Gatlinburg...hitching, are there gonne be people there? What are we gonna do? I don't know, but I should trust that God will provide me with what I need! And so it is.
Date: 2003-04-13
From: Siler's Bald Shelter

To: Clingmans Dome Tower
Miles today: 4.6

4/13/03 Destination Clingman's Dome Tower 4.6 miles to the hotel in Gatlinburg!And off we went to the Dome. One of the dayhikers, Dave, said he will give us a ride to town and thank goodness. I felt so much better knowing that we had a ride once this hike was over today. So we headed off early and it was a better hike than yesterday. The trail was still a bit frozen so not as merry. We climbed to the top of the Dome, and we were greeted by hundreds of people walking around the area, cars parked everywhere. It was awesome! Lots of activity especially when you are not expecting to see much of anything. So Dave drove us down to town and it was like a miracle. We checked in at the Grand Prix motel, called in a pizza, and life is good! Called mom and dad, told them our adventures, and they couldn't even believe it. If only we would have had the video camera then some crazy times! But we have to zero it tomorrow to resupply, clean up, and a mental day! We want to get back on trail in good spirits so we need some time away. But all is well, ah yeah, and I finally got some new kicks for the trail. Real shoes, so excited! Can't wait to break these bad boys in! So time to party here in town!
Date: 2003-04-14
From: Clingmans Dome Tower

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

4/14/03 Zero day in Gatlinburg, TN at the Grand Prix MotelHad a great time all day long. We hung out with Charity, Rockie, Two-Speeds, and Justin for the majority of the day. Walked down to catch the trolley to the library where we checked our trailjournals and signed in the book! Thank you to everyone who is sending me messages. They always make me smile! I did find out that Yogi, friend from Kansas, is planning on hiking the PCT again, leaving in 10 days. I'm so excited for you Yogi! But I'll get back to that! So as the day goes on, we all took a trip to the post office for a box, and across the street to get groceries! Man, what a trip to the grocery store. So you can tell that our appetite has increased. Our food bags weigh 10 lbs. but who cares. It's worth it for now. Technically, we are overcompensating for our last venture of 5 days out in the snowstorm. But after our trip to get food, we were hungry so we took the trolley to NoWayJose's Mexican Cantina for a big burrito and margarita. Tasted like a million dollars, of course, and I could feel my legs from the alcohol. But to make it even better, we walked out of the restaurant and who walks by but Carnathy Bob and Verity. So we talked with them and made plans for dinner at the Brewery. So we met with them later that night...me, Dimple Rock, Charity, Rockie, Two-Speeds, Justin, Carnathy Bob, and Verity. So we had some dinner and I'll be damned if they didn't have Karoke that night. So Two-Speeds and Charity placed an order for "I Got You Babe" by Sonny and Cher and sang their hearts out. If only I had my camera! It was a great moment, laughed so hard! But guys you did a great job but keep you day jobs of hiking! So we headed back to the hotel to call Yogi to find out more about her trip! It was so great to talk with her. I was so ecstatic that my voice was shaking with excitement! I wanted to tell every single thing I could but of course that's not possible. It was a great moment for me because for that short period of time I knew that she understood exactly where I was "standing." All the AT moments, people, and magic that has come together. If only this would last forever. But for now, I live only in the present moment. Truly I look forward to telling her more of all the magic I shall experience.
Date: 2003-04-15
From: Gatlinburg

To: Mt. Collins 
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: few clouds

4/15/03 Mt. Collins 3.7 milesWhat a magical day! We didn't even start hiking today until 3:20 p.m. First we hung out with Charity, Rockie, Dimple Rock, Two-Speeds, and Justin attempting to figure out how exactly we were getting back to Clingman's Dome parking lot since we missed the shuttle. So we all went out to lunch at KFC and stopped in at the Happy Hiker one last time for fuel. So we stepped out of town to hitch and within 5 minutes we had a ride from Kim who was too sweet for driving us all the way up. So I hope you are reading this Kim...YOU ROCK! Oh and hope you received the postcard from us (which I'll mail off soon). But we got up to the top, took some pictures, and talked with about a million people who were inquiring about our journey. I loved it, just telling them about this trip and all the things still in store for us is a great feeling! So we all took off down the trail for a fabulous short hike to the shelter. Today we saw one dead mole, a bunny rabbit, and two grazing deer. Finally at least some wildlife exists. We haven't seen anything except for Two-Speeds "free-range chickens." It's gonna be a great night too. We have plans for a fire later and I'm sure lots of good laughs! Life is good here for me on the AT.