morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-25
From: Neels Gap

To: Hogpen Gap
Miles today: 6.9

Holy Hell. Of all the days my pig-headed self would decide to start. I guess it's fitting that I was headed for Hogpen Gap. Despite second and third attempts from my wise in-laws to "maybe give it a day or two to allow these storms to pass" I insisted that today was the day. Steve and Elaine dropped me off at Neels Gap around 1p.m. We took a few more photos, and I collected my hiking poles that I had forgotten in my rush last week. I set off through the passage way at Mountain Crossings, and I was immediately greeted by some snow flurries and gusts of wind. About 50 ft up the trail, I stopped to find my glove covers. I had to unpack the entire pack on the snow-covered picnic table. At the bottom, there they were. I decided to take a photo while I was at it. I pulled out the camera, the battery was dead. I dug for the backup battery, and replaced it. I picked up my four gloves that had blown off the table into the snow. Okay, now I was finally off!There were some steep ups with gentle flat stretches in between. There were a few places that seemed like they could be vistas. There was ice. Ugh. I had decided to ditch the Yak Tracks that morning. Bummer. And where was the warm southern spring? I encountered a group of ladies from Michigan. They had planned to spend a week in Virginia, but the snow storms had driven them southto Georgia. They were planning to stay at Whitney Gap Shelter, but that is 1.2 Miles off the trail, and I'm not the least bit interested in the extra mileage. I can't imagine that the conditions would be any better down there, but the company would have been nice. I waddled along slightly annoyed. The fact that my underwear kept slipping farther and farther down only seemed to exasperate matters. With so many layers on every surface of my body (four on the bottom half and two on my hands) I could only squirm, tug and pull so much until I finally gave up as they settled nicely under the curve of my butt.I finally settled in at Hogpen Gap. It was little more than a flattish area a few yards up from the GA 384 crossing. There's water a few hundred yards away, but water reservoir is basically frozen and useless. I used a little semi-frozen water to make a granola/instant milk slushy (my fuel is too cold to burn so no hot meal tonight). I dumped the rest water and put the reservoir in a plastic bag to put in my sleeping bag in hopes of using it tomorrow. My spirits aren't terribly high, but I think they call this "character building."
Date: 2013-03-26
From: Hogpen Gap

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The morning started tough. I had slept on and off all night, but with the howling winds, my tarp was constantly batting me in the head. The trees were creaking and knocking over my head, and all I could hope was that it wouldn't crash down on me. I finally got up around 7 a.m. and got my stuff together. The alcohol stove still wasn't working, so I ate a frozen cliff bar with no water. My boiled eggs were frozen solid and had exploded out of their shells. Once source of protein down. :/I had nothing to collect water in since I knew my reservoir would freeze. I remembered seeing a half-empty water bottle someone had thrown out alongside the road. That would be my most prized possession. I picked it up and tried to crush up as much of the ice inside that I could. I carried it down to the creek and got it half full. I drank it straight without treating it. Don't judge me. I'm living on the edge.As I crossed back across the street, a group of day hikers were heading my direction. They asked me to take their photo. I was so miserable, it was all I could do not to cry. They sensed my desperation and offered up another unused bottle of water, an apple and a banana. One in their group even offered to unlock their vehicle so I could warm up. I declined the offered, but thanked them for their kindness. It did more to lift my spirits than just about anything could. I walked into the woods and started to cry (A note to the reader: I am a crier. Happy, sad, angry, elated, tired, overwhelmed, etc. So please expect much crying in this journal). I carried my new water bottles strapped to my hip belt like pistols. I hoped (with success) that my body heat would keep them from freezing. My spirits were lifted, but I wouldn't go so far as to say I was enjoying myself. I had on every stitch of clothing, save a pair of underwear, that I had brought. Every now and then the sun would peek out as if to apologize and then rush back under the cover of clouds. I stopped at Low Gap Shelter to take a break and give the stove another try. Nope. Instead I ate a frozen babybel cheese and the banana. My fingers were frozen and my body temperature was dropping, so I pushed on. The last mile to the shelter was a tough bit; rocks, roots, snow and ice. It was such a juxtaposition from the previous miles which had been a bit more compassionate. There were four people at the shelter when I arrived, two of whom were getting the heck out of Dodge. They were opting for the warmth of a hotel room in Helen, GA. I envied them. Instead I started unpacking my bag and claiming my spot in the shelter. We squeezed 8 people in the shelter, and 2 more who came later were forced to tent outside. I felt so sorry for their poor, cold souls.On a high note, I figured out the problem with my stove the fuel was too cold. I tucked in my jacket under my armpit for a few minutes, and Voila! She burns like a champ! I had a hot meal of grossly under-cooked cheesy pasta with broccoli and dried tomatoes, and it was sooooo good!
Date: 2013-03-27
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Sassafras Gap Campsite
Miles today: 12.8

Last night was an interesting one. It was cold no doubt, but with the extra bodies, it didn't seem too bad. I only heard a mouse once, but I guess even they were deterred by the cold. I tossed and turned and twisted just the same. I had a sleeping bag, silk bag liner and a fitted bivy sack not to mention all the clothes, electronics, water bottles, first aid supplies, and of course myself crammed in the sleeping bad. Needless to say, it was full. At some point in the night, the zipper pull hit me in the eye, even as of this evening my vision is slightly blurry in that eye. Nice. When I finally did wake up, I was laying face up with the opening to the sleeping bag under my head. But I was warm, so I was happy!The sunrise was nothing short of spectacular. I blew Tom a kiss and felt a little sad that he wasn't there to see it with me. Again, I put on every layer of clothing, save the extra undies and my 'sleep/dry' clothes. Everyone hopped and danced around to stay warm. I tucked my fuel bottle back in the armpit and looked forward to some hot chocolate!Most everyone set off quickly, but I lingered to let the quiet settle in. Serenitina (a fellow hiker I've encountered almost everyday since I started) was holding back as well. Her name fits her well. She is such a positive, serene soul. I feel so 'right' each time I encounter her. We spoke for a few minutes, and then I set off as well. When I came upon Unicoi Gap, there were two trail angels shivering in the cold. They were handing out hot drinks, sausage biscuits, fruit, snacks, first aid supplies, candy. You name it. I took a sausage biscuit, an apple, some life savers, and a baggy of cheez its. Thank you, ladies, so much! I promise to pay it forward. A few steps up the trail there was a bag of beer. Trail magic was abound!The theme of the day seemed to be long, steep ups And long steep downs. The blue-bird sky gave way to beautiful vistas. The temperatures warmed, but I still had my 'temperature gauge' to keep track. I keep a handkerchief hanging off the chest strap to use to wipe my drippy nose. When the handkerchief is stiff, it's freezing. When it's limp, it's not freezing. It was stiff and limp on and off all day. I decided to stop at Sassafras Gap. My legs, head, heart and stamina were all a-go to continue on, but I have a small blister on my heel, and that little bastard is calling the shots. There was a group of four already at the site, and several more pulled in after me. Most seem to be hopping off tomorrow to spend the night in Hiawassee. I'm on the fence. My electronics could really use a charge. The cold has wiped out their batteries. And my feet could use a shorter day. It would be the last resupply option before Franklin, NC. So I think I know which way I'm leaning.
Date: 2013-03-28
From: Sassafras Gap Campsite

To: Hiawassee Budget Inn
Miles today: 6.3

It was another cold one last night. There wasn't much wind, but the ground frozen solid gave it away. I awoke at one point during the night to see the moon glowing through my tarp, but I didn't dare crawl out of the sleeping bag to look at it square on. I slept well, though. I hunkered down low in my bag and pulled the silk liner over my head. It worked!I got moving out of my tent around 7:30 and took my sweet time. A curious fellow wanted to talk gear (I'm the least interesting person to talk gear with), but it was too cold to stand still. I danced around and tried to stay interested in the conversation, but finally had to politely excuse myself for fear of losing my fingers to frostbite. I took the tarp down and hung it in the sunshine to dry up the ice crystals. At a little after 9, I set off. I stopped a mile later a Addis Gap to make a sock adjustment. I've been starting out in two pairs in the morning because my toes are so cold and my boots are frozen. As both warm up, they each demand their own space. I patched up the heel again. The blister has gotten slightly larger (still barely bigger than a pencil eraser), and I guess you could say that I'm paranoid. The trail conditions are interesting because one moment you are slipping and sliding in several inches of thick dark fudge-brownie colored mud. Then you round the corner and you have to negioate down an icy slope, around the next corner everything is frozen solid into place. At Powell Mountain, I decided to call and reserve a room at the Hiawasssee Budget Inn. I spent the next 2 miles as one could only describe as "mud skiing" down the mountain. It was steep, slicky and exhilarating. At one point one leg was kicked high in the air, arms with poles attched swinging wildly. I would have paid to watch me come down that hill. But I made it with mud only on my boots.I successfully hitch-hiked into Hiawasse. I barely had my thumb out 5 seconds before a truck topped the hill and gave me a lift. Tim dropped me at the hotel, and I went to check it. The kind proprietors hooked me up with a sweet room- jaccuzzi tub next to the king sized bed, lots of space, pure awesomeness. Chance of my water freezing tonight: zero. The only explanation I can give for the hook up is that when I stepped into the motel office I realized how muddy my boots were. I took them off and said "I would never walk in my momma's house with boots like these, so I certainly won't wear them in yours." Or maybe it was the only single room they had.I did my laundry, got to talk to Tom for a long time (my batteries were charged!), did some grocery shopping. The lady at Starbucks in Ingles hooked me up with some instant coffee packets, and a grocery store clerk went out of his way to help me when he saw my glazed stare. I have to say the kind folks in Georgia have humbled and amazed me with their kindness, generosity and willingness to help.   I finished my evening by speaking with the in-laws (they were feeling my pain as they had front row seats for the previous week's weather). 'Twas a good day!
Date: 2013-04-01
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap/ McColskey Residence
Miles today: 3.8

Late into the night I saw some lights reflecting off the trees and knew there were more people joining our site. Unfortunately, they were forced to camp out in the rain. I was awoke a few times by the hiker next to me. He got up a few times. I had slept with my head facing outwards, so my head was closer to his derriere than I would have liked. I felt the percussions of his toots as they shook the floor boards of the shelter. I crawled deeper in my bag looked forward to the night being over. At one point I awoke thinking there was a light shining in my eyes and realized that it was the moon. The storm had passed, and the sky was clear. I got up at 7 a.m., eager to get moving. My Aunt Betsy and Uncle John live near Franklin, NC, and they were coming to fetch me from Winding Stair Gap, less than a 4-mile hike away. The morning fog was burning off, and the bright morning sun cascaded through the water droplets hanging from the leaf-less twigs. I felt happy. I felt alive.The hike was a little more strenuous than I expected. I liked being the first on the trail, feeling I was the first to see the day. I heard a noise behind me, and was soon overtaken by Blissful, a ridge runner in VA. We leap-frogged each other all the way to Winding Stair Gap. I saw the road several miles before I reached it. It's line cut a severe pale scar through the trees. A deep green valley stood in contrast to the surrounding forests. I heard the truck engines straining, and I knew I was close. I emerged out on to the road, and I was again near civilization. I ate some cheezits and babybel cheese. I chatted with other hikers as they emerged from the woods. I saw Jay, Hammie, Pack-Rat, Storytime. I felt like I was seeing old friends. It was genuine happiness. Other cars were pulling up and depositing hikers.   I saw Nick and his beautiful Border Collie, Gus. I hadn't seen them since Neels Gap, two weeks before. Ron, a nice man from MA, had given some hikers a ride in and was now handing out sodas and beer to hikers. More trail magic! Most people seemed to zeroing in Franklin. Aunt Betsy and Uncle John pulled in, and we hugged a big, warm, long, happy hug. Back in the arms of family! They loaded my pack, and I peeled off my dirty, muddy outer layer. We popped into Franklin to pick up my drop box and grab a bite to eat. I downed a gooey grilled cheese sandwich, tomato soup, lemon bar, coffee and GIANT cup of cold water. Omigoodness, a full tummy. They brought me back to their house and made me feel as welcome as anyone could ever hope to feel. Thank you, Aunt Betsy and Uncle John. I'm not sure I'll ever want to leave.
Date: 2013-04-02
From: McColskey Residence

To: McColskey Residence
Miles today: 0.0

I had the most lovely zero day. I spent the day with Aunt Betsy & Uncle John. We visited Brevard, and I ate unlike I knew that I could. We chatted, and laughed and shared. I spoke with Tom and my Mom. My clothes are clean. My food stash restored. It's amazing how "at home" you can feel in a place that you've never really been before.
Date: 2013-04-03
From: McColskey Residence

To: Wine Spring Rd Stealth Camp 
Miles today: 8.2

Happy 9th Anniversary, Tom! My sweet Tom tried to send flowers, but they didn't arrive until after I left Aunt Betsy and Uncle John's. Poor guy I procrastinated in the morning, though I knew I needed to get back on the trail. It was such a cozy, comfortable place to be, especially compared to the conditions everyone has been facing on the AT. Finally after one more hearty breakfast and lunch, Aunt B and Uncle J deposited me back at Winding Stair Gap. We hugged, and I cried. We took a couple of photos, and just like that I was back on the trail.Within a few minutes I saw a pack with a pair of legs heading up the trail ahead of me. Initally I was just going to exchange some pleasantries and pass on by, but I realized the hiker was about my age, so I stopped to chat for a moment. Her name was Dreamer. We continued to chat as we worked out way up the hill. She was almost exactly my age, married, world traveller, taught English in Korea, out to reassert some self-reliance, AND we have the same curly hair. More than once as we were walking and talking, she would say something, and I would swing my head back to look at her and exclaim, "Me TOO!" the similarities were uncanny. we worked our way up to Silber Bald and toyed with the idea of stopping. But our legs were feeling good, and the temperature felt good so we pushed on. I hiked on ahead and found a semi-flat area a bit off the trail near Wine Spring Road, perfect for stealth camping. I set up my tarp, and a few minutes later, Dreamer appeared. She set up her tent, and we were set for the night. It's not supposed to rain tonight, but I can feel the cold setting in, and I can see my breath. Spring, where are you? An owl is hooting in the distance, but other than that the only sound I hear is the brook babbling next to me. I should make for a sound night's sleep.
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.0

I had a terrible dream last night and woke up in a panic. I dreamt that Tom had grown tired of my shenanigans and was leaving me. I was so relieved when I woke up. I wrote him an email immediately (he called soon after and assured me he had no such plans).I got up and went down to the tennis courts below. The sun was still hidden behind the hills, but its rays were dancing off the early morning clouds and mist. For the first time in weeks I did yoga. Id had such a routine yoga practice before I started the hike, but this is only the second time I'd practiced since I began my walk. I was stiff and tight, but it felt so good to link up with my body and breath. It took very, very little convincing from Dreamer to take a zero today. The NOC is hosting an AT Founders' Bridge Festival. There are vendors, gear specialist, a massage station (Greyson took fantastic care of my knees and ankles), a booth that raises funds and trains service dogs for vets (I went there to say hi, and the tears poured out of my eyes). The sun was shining, hikers were smiling. I ran into Little SAS, K2, _, and several others whom I I thought were long gone. I bought 2 more pairs of socks and a hat to keep the sun out of my eyes (LOVING IT!). I had made a deal with myself to only eat food out of my stash (to save money and cut down on weight). I discovered that the savoury Journey Bars are offically my least favorite snack. The taste is okay, but the texture is such that I keep thinking I'm eating a dog biscuit. Luckily they are all gone now. Now it's time to enjoy some of the music. Thanks NOC for a great, sunny zero day
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 10.1

Last night took an interesting twist. After we had danced our last dance to the Rye Holler Boys (local Bluegrass band playing at the NOC), Dreamer and I went back to our bunkhouse and crawled into our sleeping bags. There was a large group of boy scouts, some of whom were in the room directly below us. It was a ripe 10:45 pm, and everyone except them was trying to sleep. It sounded like they were tearing the place apart with their hands. I decided to go ask them to quiet down, and as I opened the door to our room there was another hiker standing there, extremely angry. Obviously, they had disturbed his sleep, too. We walked down to their door, and he pounded on it like an angry gorilla; not my choice of tactics, but whatever. We could hear the boys cursing and swearing, making boastful threats of that they were going to kick our f-ing a$$es. A second later, a scrawny 10 year old throws open the door, and the angry hiker next to me whips out a knife and waves it in the kid's face. I'm not sure who was more stunned, me or the kid. But I certainly know who was more afraid (not me). This was certainly not how I had seen this scene playing out. I think it was an extremely poor way to handle the situation, but it was effective. We didn't hear another peep.This morning, I woke up early, but made sure to avoidid the boy scout group. I didn't want there to be any confusion as to my involvement I the incident the night before. I went back down to the tennis courts and started my morning with a little yoga. I bid farewell to Dreamer, and proceeded to walk around the NOC trying to find my way out. It took a few laps, but finally I found the trail. For the next 7 miles, I climbed uphill, not just sort of uphill, but for real uphill. The trail seemed to follow a razor's edge, with vistas out over the Nantahala Gorge. The sun was so warm, it seemed impossible that only 2 days ago we were trudging through ice. I stopped briefly at Cheoah Bald. The view was phenomenal, but there were too many hikers. I pushed on. I'm not sure if it was the sun or dehydration, but I hit a wall around mile 8-9. I pushed on the this camp ground and claimed a spot. It seems to be filling up. I'm glad I got here early!
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Stealth Camp, Footbridge & Stream
Miles today: 14.6

Wow, did I sleep well last night! I'm not sure if it was the shear exhaustion or the pepto-bismol (trail food seems to give me terrible heartburn), but it was a phenomenal night's rest. I woke up around 6 am, when everyone started breaking camp. I layed around until 6:30 before I bothered to moved. The wind was still, and it was so remarkably easy to get everything packed up with out fear it would blow off the mountain. I set off about 7:45, taking my sweet time. I felt really strong, and even the downs weren't terribly daunting, though my right knee hurt a wee bit. I kept leap-frogging the same groups of people, and it annoyed me a bit. There just feels like there are too many people out here. The layover at the NOC really lumped everyone together. I look forward to the crowds spreading back out a bit. It was a warm one again. I spent most of the day in shorts and a T-shirt with a fleece on-hand for rest-stops and downhills. Just after Sweetwater Gap Rd, I saw someone standingup head at the side of the trail. As I got closer, I saw that it was Two Six. He asked if I was still headed northbound. I answered, yes. The poor guy guy had gotten turned around when he left the shelter two miles up the trail, and he had just hiked backwards on 2 of the gnarliest miles on that section of the trail. The guide book called it "Jacob's Ladder", and they had put it in "parentheses" which of course made it seem all the worse. Anywho, he would have to climb "Jacob's Ladder" for a second time adding 4 miles hard climbs aand decents to his day.The trail seemed to follow the sridge line, rarely skirting the peaks. If there was a large pile of rocks the trail would climb over and through them, rather than veer around. There were some really beautiful vistas.I stopped at Cody Gap for lunch. Catfish and his dog, Loulou, were there with two other southbounders. I went down to fetch some water, and I made my tuna/cheese tortilla wraps. Loulou was too quick for me and managed to swipe a healthy portion of tuna off my tortilla with her tongue Before I caught her. Oh well, a little dog slobber to add to trail grime.Initially I had planned to stop at Cable Gap shelter, but it was still early and I had cooked up a plan to get closer to Fontana Dam. I didn't want to get too close, because I knew I would cave and get a room at the lodge, and I really think I need to toughen up and tent more. Instead, I want to camp a few miles out, and maybe get in a morning swim before I pick up my mail drop tomorrow. At 162.2, I came across the perfect stream with a flat area alongside it, ideal to set up my tent. Another hiker, Unremarkable, was already here with a campfire going. It was just to inviting to pass up. So I've set up my tent, soaked me feet in the soothing water, and chatted with the other hikers passing by. I ate a huge amount of food, so I'm stuffed and happy