morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-18
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

Rewind to last night. The evening was innocuous enough. After dinner a few of us gather in a circle to stare at the Trail TV (also known as a campfire). Campfire chatter runs the gamut; where people are from (Illinois, Germany, NY, PA, etc.), what they've seen (bears, critters and such), stories from home, hiking methods (barefoot, vibrams, shoes, boots) and such. One hiker, Buttons, is fond of saying "It's not about the miles it's about the smiles", which tends to give me a small twitch. There's a light wind blowing.I retire to my tent around 8:45 and notice the wind is picking up but think nothing of it. In my sleeping bag I sleep in shorts, socks, and t-shirt and have been comfortable for the past few nights. The wind continues to pick up and with it the temp falls considerably. Soon it's pitch dark, the wind is howling, and the temp has fallen to just above freezing, about 31 degrees. In my bag I get occasional shivers in my legs or torso, can feel the chill in my feet through my socks and know that I need more clothing plus the wind is a raging banshee outside. I'm stuck, I need more clothes but that would mean getting out of the meager warmth I've captured in my bag to fumble in the dark for additional threads. I lay fetal in my bag stuck between equally unappealing options until a final shiver shakes me into motion. I fumble for my headlight and grab my thermals and a second pair of socks and contort myself in my best attempt to don these clothes without leaving my mummy bag or otherwise exposing a patch of skin to the frigid air. The going is slow but I manage. I also dig into my pack for a pair of ear plugs to drown out the howling wind, which would otherwise give me a cozy feeling if I were sitting tucked in my house but not so much when I'm only separated by a thin sheet of nylon. With that I dive back down into my cocoon for the rest of the night.Fast forward to today. A lot of miles and I am foot weary at the end. We get into town, check into the motel and I immediately crash for a nap. I awake still gimpy and pop 3 advils. I look forward to a good nights sleep. My body needs to recover and I'm looking forward to a zero day two days from now at the NOC.
Date: 2010-04-19
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Walking along the trail I am constantly monitoring my systems and the thought conjures an image of an airplane cockpit, except instead of monitoring dials, buttons, switches, and readouts I monitor my body for any sign of 'hot spots'. Hot spots are the first sign of pain that if left untended can flare up into larger problems, and it's these problems that can end hikes. My 'systems' include my knees for any tenderness (downhills are especially hard on these), shins for possible shin splints, ankle weakness, any irritation on the feet or toes that might indicate the first sign of a blister, hips, and shoulders. Today I had 2 system alerts that kept my attention, the first a possible shin splint in my left shin, and the second a possible blister hot spot near the ball of my left foot. Not much I can do about the shin splint and I attribute it to possibly trying to pull too many big mile days before my legs are ready. My legs will continue to strengthen and I will continue to monitor this condition. The foot is a different story to which I attribute the pain to the different pair of socks I'm wearing today. I take precautions though, stopping to remove my shoe, let my foot dry out, and then applying duct tape over the spot. This is my first duct tape pre-treatment otherwise my shoes and feet have been problem free.Two shuttles depart Franklin today returning folks to the trail, one at 8:30a and the other at 11:00a. My buddies Hotfoot and Firefox take the 8:30 but I decide the night prior that I will take a little extra rest and opt for 11:00. The morning is relaxing with plenty of time to get gear together, grab breakfast and jot a few postcards. I dine at the Normandie Cafe for breakfast and am easily the youngest by at least 2 decades. The food is good though and the tab is a smart $4.25! Back on the trail, the day is nice with a couple of moderate climbs but I've seen worse. Once again there are many at the shelter, at least 15-20. I'm guessing things might thin out after the Smokies but who knows. For now it pays to get to a shelter early as camp sites fill up fast. Tomorrow is the first possibility of rain, 60% chance of showers, so will keep my rain gear nearby.
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was a good day, relaxing in every way, although I will admit to feeling eager about getting back on the trail. I don't feel as wiped as I did 2 days ago in Franklin, but it's because I felt so drained in Franklin that I decided today would be a zero. I have to listen to my body and remind myself of the many miles still ahead.The day unfolds leisurely as I join my friends Firefox and Hotfoot for breakfast. They are continuing on so I likely won't see them again. They are completely drained from boozing and chasing women all night and I'm amazed at their stamina! j/k ;-) I head back to the bunkhouse to do laundry; 2 pair of socks, 2 shirts, and 2 pair of shorts barely cover the bottom of the washer but this is a typical hiker load. Afterward I meander over by the river for a BBQ sandwich followed by 2 ice cream sandwiches; I jot off some post cards before reclining on a sunny bench by the boisterous Nantahala to watch the kayakers and fly fisherman ply their trade. The warm sun and cool breeze soon lulls me into a relaxing nap.Later I join a good group of fellow hikers enjoying a beer and some rambling conversation; included are Clothesline, Yahtzee, Bear, Lady Aqua, Team Josh, Cotton, and Goldilocks. Goldilocks is the only one I've seen since the beginning as she was there on night one at Hawk Mountain, and she will be completing her hike in a couple days at Fontana, NC. Such weighty topics include over or under the tree (only Clotheline went over besides me), do you crumple or fold your toilet paper (50/50 split), toilet paper roll over or under, and a few other worldly topics that go well with beer and Doritos.I grab a pizza for dinner and with that the hour is getting late so I go over my gear before retiring. I'm rested, resupplied, and ready to go. A good nights sleep would ice the cake before reuniting with the trail come morning.
Date: 2010-04-23
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

It sprinkled a bit during the night but only briefly. I slept so-so, waking a couple times to fight my sloped tent site and scooch my sleeping bag toward the uphill side of my temp. My attempts to maintain my position are as fruitful as the boy who tried to stick his finger in the dike. The moon is waxing and is noticeably brighter on cloudless nights through my tent. In the early morning hours 2 owls hold a conversation, loudly hoo-hooting back and forth.The day's hike is moderately challenging, in particular the last 3-4 miles with a long, strenuous uphill followed by an equally strenuous downhill. There's only 1 noteworthy view on the day, a ridgeline crest that allows a sweeping view of the mountains to the north, and then rotating south offers a view of the days destination, Fontana Lake.I only pass 1 hiker, a middle-aged fellow named Bill. The downhills are very hard on Bill's knees so he takes it real slow. We talk for a bit and he tells me that last year he biked from Venice Beach, CA to Bar Harbor, ME for his daughters wedding, the entire trip taking just 34 days. This reminds me of another conversation I had with a hiker named Bear who said he planned to canoe down the Mississippi next year. Though not every hiker has such big plans outside of the A.T., you do encounter more than an average number of people with big ideas, goals, and dreams.At Fontana Dam I call for my shuttle to The Hike Inn, my quarters for night. Waiting for the shuttle I take the opportunity to explore the dam and snap a few pics of the largest dam east of the Mississippi. Jeff and Nancy are the proprietors The Hike Inn and couldn't be nicer. Nancy promptly whisks my laundry off while I take a much needed power nap. Later I spend some time talking with Nancy and ask her about the inordinate number of motorcycles that pass in front of the Inn. She tells me that this stretch of road is part of The Dragon's Tail, well known among cyclists for its 112 hairpin turns over 11 miles, something of a carnival ride for all bikers and sports car enthusiasts. She adds that about 3 cyclists are airlifted out each week.We dine at a Mexican restaurant (Miles, Bandana Man, Lady Slipper, Seratina, and Ugly Tuna) before for heading to Ingles for resupply. Back at the Inn I call the family and enjoy talking with everyone. We make plans to meet in Hot Springs next week and I'm excited about soon seeing my family. Before heading to bed I talk with Jeff about his amazing arrowhead and artifact collection he has on display. He has hundreds, if not thousands of these artifacts and he's collected them all himself! I'd be excited if I found just one and here he has hundreds.Next up -- The Smokies!!
Date: 2010-04-25
From: Mollie's Ridge Shelter

To: Siler's Bald Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: scattered clouds

In the morning everything is clean and sparkly, pressure washed by the storm of the night before. The sun is peaking from behind a few scattered clouds and the day shows much promise.I hike along the ridgeline most of the day and am treated to some nice views but it's chilly and very windy on the ridgeline though so it's difficult to take in the views for more than a few minutes before the discomfort moves me on. At times the wind is so fierce that my pack acts as sail and I¢m buffeted around on the trail. Much of the trail in The Smokies runs along the TN/NC border but there¢s no signage and the demarcation isn't clear. I stand on Rocky Top at one point and know I must be in TN from the song. During the middle of my hike I have a close encounter of the slithering kind as I encounter my first snake, dark grey with a yellow stripe down the side, 18 inches long, right on the trail. I don¢t even notice him until my foot either lands on his tail or very near. We both perform a clumsy two-step, dancing around each other before parting ways. I try to snap a picture as he disappears in the leaves but his retreat is swift as he fades back into the undergrowth. Later in the hike, shielded from the winds, I pass through a long stretch of hilltop meadows covered with Spring Beauty and Trout Lilly, a nice treat from the savage and chill winds.
Date: 2010-04-26
From: Siler's Bald Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

I'll admit that the weather has been kind up to this point but after 3 days in The Smokies the thought has crossed my mind that a more appropriate name for our most visited National Park would be The Great Soaky Mountains. I don't mind hiking in the rain but add the cold and wind that are prevalent at the 5000-plus altitude of the The Smokies with a dash of poor visibility and it makes for one of those character building days.The highlight of this day was supposed to be a hike up Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the A.T. at 6,643 ft., and a treat of spectacular views but sadly that's not how it played out. The weather played the trump card and a long steady climb I stand atop Clingman's, summiting with Paul Bunyan, Scatters, and Squirrel, about as long as it takes to snap a picture before the biting wind and cold send me scurrying back down the mountain. The trail is wet, soggy, marshy, and very rocky all at the same time and these conditions force an accelerated pace intent on getting to the destination of a shelter rather than taking in a leisurely view of scenery that otherwise would have been very nice to slow down and enjoy.
Date: 2010-04-28
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Today carries a real feeling of accomplishment that doesn't really set in until I exit the northern boundary of The Smokies. I've had several milestones already on the hike; Neel's Gap, crossing into North Carolina, entering the Smokies -- but somehow adding everything up and getting THROUGH The Smokies feels like a much bigger accomplishment. Perhaps it has something to do with the incredibly challenging weather in SMNP and the element of not just hiking but surviving, or maybe just the geography with the lofty peaks, but I feel that I've finally begun to come of age as a hiker and even though there are still many (many, many) miles ahead I begin to feel trail-hardened and truly up to the task.They say The Smokies can be hit or miss, the weather and conditions can change so rapidly, and for me the tally, sadly, would have to register as a 'miss'. I was treated to some occasional nice views, fleeting moments here and there, but on the whole the conditions were just too severe and the honest truth is that I am glad to put The Smokies behind me. That said, today was a very comparatively leisurely 10 mile stroll (it sounds kind of funny saying that now but 10 miles is generally where I'm at by lunch) out of the Smokies, mostly downhill from the 5000-plus altitude I've lived at since last Saturday. The sun is shining brilliantly and as I descend from altitude the temps continue to rise and the foliage explodes around me. All of this gives me a merry feeling, especially after the frightful weather of the last 2 days, and I take it very easy, shedding my extra layers of warm clothing necessary at the start of the day as I enjoy the warmth, snapping a lot of photos and chatting with folks out for day hikes along the trails.My destination is The Standing Bear hostel, something of a legend on the trail, situated about 2.5 miles outside of the park. I cross under I-40 on the way and the sound of trucks and interstate traffic is jarring coming from the wilderness. The hostel itself is a cozy little farm with bunkhouse and cabin, kitchen, laundry, and a honor system pantry loaded with goodies. Curtis, the proprietor, invites to take any available bunk or a bed in the cabin. I glance at the bunkhouse and quickly decide that the extra $5 for the cabin is well worth it, offering a queen size bed, flannel sheets, pillow, and some degree of privacy. I intend to wash my clothes but adjust my plans when I find that the ¢washing machine¢ is in fact the combination of my strong left arm and an old timey washing board, so I wash only my dirtiest and most desperate items, my socks and shirt. I eat a microwave cheeseburger and chicken sandwich, Pepsi, and Snickers for dinner. There's a lot of merriment thought around the hostel, I think everyone is glad to be past The Smokes, and hikers (Paul Bunyan, Scatters, Squirrel, Powder, Hazard, Mr. Starbuck, Hand Me Down, and several others) stay up later than usual talking, enjoying a beer or 3, and each others company. All in all this was a very pleasant day.
Date: 2010-04-29
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: clear sky

This is a long day, putting in over 20 miles, and most of is climbing. In fact the first 5 miles out of Standing Bear Hostel is all uphill, and to make matters this is some of the most poorly maintained trail I been on yet with blow downs frequently obstructing the trail forcing a decision of over, under, or around. An occasional blow down is something I expect but the frequency here is bothersome making a difficult climb that much worse by constantly interrupting any kind of ¢climbing rhythm¢.Along the way I meet up with hiker Food Network, so named for his elaborate culinary skills on display at the shelters. He carries a number of spices, olive oil, garlic, onions, and other not-often-seen items that he uses to add panache to his meals. We walk and talk together for a while and the time and miles seem to pass quicker in this interim.I¢m pushing for another 20 mile day since I¢d like a relatively shorter day tomorrow (13 miles) into Hot Springs where I¢ll join my family for the first time since I set out on the trail a few weeks back. The highlight of the day¢s hike is the summit of Max Patch Bald, a grassy knoll offering a majestic 360 degree of the surrounding range. I summit with Paul Bunyan and Hand Me Down and the three of us shed our packs and kick back in the grass and sun for a snack. This is perhaps the most splendid view and this spot is an idyllic place to enjoy it ¢ no icy gale force winds, no wintery mix, and no small rocky promontory to detract from taking in this enjoyable moment.From the top of Max Patch the trail descends most of the way to the shelter. Boisterous streams and a variety of wild flowers serve as escort. The shelter itself is a bit ramshackle and as usual I opt for my tent. One thing that unnerves me a little bit is a large pile of fresh bear scat I notice next to the water source. Another hiker tells a story of a bear encounter at this shelter last year, and several signs posted as warnings all lend to a healthy dose of ¢bear-anoia¢. For the first time at a shelter I opt to hang my entire backpack, not just my food bag, from the bear cables. Several others hikers follow my lead in this case. The night proves uneventful bear-wise, although it is very windy.
Date: 2010-04-30
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

I¢ll admit to a great degree of excitement today coming into Hot Springs. Today my family is driving up from Atlanta and we¢ll spend the weekend together. I rise early, 5:50a, and hurriedly break down my camp. I think my fellow hikers are eager to get into town where many plan to take a zero day as most are also up around 6:00ish. I¢m on the trail by 6:50a, my earliest departure yet, and looking forward to putting this half-marathon distance behind me in as timely a fashion as possible. The trail is mostly downhill and this helps my pace. I make good time and the miles fly by, and I arrive in Hot Springs at 11:20a. A quick call reveals that the family is still a couple hours away but that¢s fine as it will give me time to rest, recover, enjoy a lunch and relax until they arrive.The family arrives around 2:00p and it¢s a joyful, all of them commenting on my new facial hair, as well the new growth on my head. We pile into the car and drive to nearby Marshall where our friends, Pete and Helen, graciously lend us the use of their apartment in this historic town. The apartment/loft is a wonderful space with spectacular views of the French Broad River and this is without a doubt some of the best trail magic I will likely receive on the trail, outside of the visit from my family.
Date: 2010-05-01
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a leisurely day spent with the family in Marshall and Hot Springs, NC, before taking them (by car) to Max Patch to enjoy the remarkable view. I¢m glad they came to visit and the impending separation tomorrow already weighs on me. The time has gone by far too quickly and tomorrow I will be back on the trail adjusting to life in the wilderness. No doubt tomorrow I¢ll walk in a funk as seeing them drive off in the car is akin to ripping my heart out of my chest, but for now I¢ll enjoy these precious moments of this evening and tomorrow morning.
Date: 2010-05-02
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I enjoy some of my old household routines with the family this morning on my last day in the loft before returning to the trail - kids watching a little morning TV, sleeping in, making pancakes. The time goes by too quickly as I get my gear together and clean up the house before piling into the car to return to the trail in Hot Springs at the point where I got off last Friday. I give and receive big hugs and kisses from each member of the family and my voice catches in my throat when I try to say goodbye. I'm glad I have my sunglasses on to hide the emotion flowing from my eyes, and with a final a wave we part ways again as I return to the trail and they to home.My legs and feet are stiff after 2 days off, reluctant to ease back into anything resembling a fluid motion, and it takes a couple miles before my body begins to reorient to its hiking rhythm. The climb out of Hot Springs is steep and the day is very warm making the hike out even more arduous. I meet up with Hand Me Down and we forge ahead together sharing the hike and conversations of our weekend activities. A couple miles out of Hot Springs provides some excitement when I come across two snakes in the middle of the trail coiled in a 'love embrace'. H.M.D. thinks they're corn snakes and I get a good video of the action before moving on. Since I'm only hiking 11 miles today I don't fill my Camel Back to the top and this turns out to be a mistake as the heat and hills force my thirst. I don't push too hard today and arrive at the shelter around 4:00p (after setting out from Hot Springs around 11:20a). Having heard rumors that it might rain during the night I opt to sleep in the shelter. Joining me in this cozy 5-person shelter are Road Runner, Wookie, Winging It, and Dennis (Hi Dennis' Mom!). Stopping at the shelter early is nice in that it gives me plenty of time to unwind, cook dinner, take care of camp chores, and relax. These are luxuries I don't always enjoy when I push bigger mileage days.