morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-09
From: Peck's Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Word of the Day: HorsesThe Great Smoky Mountains are one of very few places that allow horses to share the trail with hikers. I was not sure of how I felt about that... what would I do on a steep section if horses approached? Well, today I found out. Up came four riders with two pack horses. With chain saws! They were trail maintainers for the area. I grabbed onto a tree and let them pass.Now usually, I do a Red Hat Celebration Kazoo "too de doo" whenever I see a trail maintainer. But, I was busy hanging onto the tree and did not get a chance. After they passed, I couldn't help but notice that there were no more nasty blowdowns. Only sawdust and clear trail... Of course there was also the tell-tale signs of horses, poop in the trail. But which would you rather climb over, a huge blowdown or a little bit of poop? I'm definitely for horses on this part of the trail! Thanks to trail maintainers everywhere!Trail Characters of the Day: August and DragginAugust is one of three African American hikers I have met so far. He is ex-military and hikes in combat boots and camouflage. He makes big miles too. Oh, and he carries a chess set to challenge some unsuspecting hiker in the shelter each night.Draggin is a fortyish former school teacher from Massachusetts. He has hiked a good bit of the AT up north, but the south is new to him. He was also in the blizzard of April 2nd and turned back. (Update: Draggin summited Katahdin on September 14th)
Date: 2005-04-10
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

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

Word of the Day:WorkWhat an evil word that is! I don't mean work like climbing up a mountain. I mean work like a job... Dorothy and Toto were following the yellow brick road, I mean the white blaze trail, when the Wicked Witch Work kidnapped Toto! It seems his retirement was not actually ready yet, and he had to head back to work. So joining Dorothy will be her son. I'm not sure if he is Scarecrow, Tin Man, or Cowardly Lion. But Toto will return this summer, when he escapes from the Wicked Witch Work. Character of the Day: Curtis and MariaThese are the owners of the Standing Bear Hostel. They are wonderful! The hostel offers a bunk, shower, laundry, phone, and on the weekend, a ride to the best Mexican food on the trail. Thanks!
Date: 2005-04-11
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Campsite past Max Patch
Miles today: 14.1

Word of the Day: Max PatchI never thought I could do this 14+ miles. It was all up! But Draggin and Blue Eyes kept on encouraging me to do it. Today there would be views from Max Patch. Tomorrow there would not, as rain was forecast. So, on I went. The views were worth it! I can't even describe it, you have to see for yourself.Character of the Day: Blue EyesThis young man has red hair and the most beautiful blue eyes you ever saw. He is from Massachusetts. He and Draggin made this day worth while.
Date: 2005-04-12
From: Campsite past Max Patch

To: Hot Springs, NC 
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: light rain

Word of the day: Green Everything in the part of North Carolina is green. You know what makes everything green? Can you say rain? It was cool and rained off and on all day. I hiked with more power than I have ever felt. But it was mostly down, except for Bluff Mountain. So I did my longest day ever, just to get into Hot Springs. Met Hairball and Rocky at the last shelter and we crawled into town looking like wet hens. The first sign we saw said "Cody House Hiker Hostel". We opened the door, found a fire in the fireplace, clean bunks, and a warm, cozy feeling. We knew we were home for the night. Sign said to choose a bed, leave your stuff, then check in at the outfitters. Well, it was closed, so we figured we'd pay in the morning. About that time, the owner checked in and we told him we'd see him next day. Trail Characters of the Day: Gray Walrus and PathfinderThese are a couple of older hikers (my age) who have been around off and on since Fontana. They hike together and don't say much. But when we ran into them in Hot Springs, they were really fun guys.
Date: 2005-04-13
From: Hot Springs, NC (Elmer's Hostel)

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

Today is my one month anniversary. I have been on the trail for exactly one month. Decided to take a zero to celebrate. I am healthy, happy, and still enjoying my hike. This is a great experience. Hikers are the best people. Hot Springs is a great town. Today is a great day! So, on to Erwin...
Date: 2005-04-14
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Word of the day: budgetSince I left Hot Springs, I've been thinking about different kinds of hiking budgets and the hikers in each group. (1) Low budget hikers are usually young. They stop at a shelter before town, get in early, take care of business, grab a bite to eat at a fast food (usually dollar menu), then head out without spending too much. Krazy Katie and Radio are very successful at this. If I had to bet on two people to be at Katahdin in the fall, Krazy Katie and Radio are the ones I'd bet on. Some low budget hikers will work for stay in town. (2) Middle budget hikers may be young or not. (I'm a middle budget hiker) We stay at hostels or share a motel room to keep prices down. We eat at All You Can Eat restaurants, or other medium price restaurants. We want some comfort, but not at the expense of our hike.(3) High budget young hikers walk fast, then spend several days in town. They eat and drink well. One hiker referred to them as "a floating frat party". They may not have enough to last to Katahdin, but they have fun now.(4) High budget older hikers take their time. They stay in single hotel rooms, or bed and breakfasts. They eat where ever they want. They may rent a car for a few days to go sightseeing. Trail Characters of the Day: Marshmellow and ColoradoThis young couple from Colorado started out together in late February. Colorado walks a lot faster than Marshmellow. Marshmellow is about 100 lbs soaking wet, but carries a 45 lb pack! Colorado got to camp fairly early. It was dark before Marshmellow got in. After she cooked dinner, she pulled out a bag of marshmellows to roast. We climbed out of bed to join in the fun. It is one of my favorite nights on the trail so far! (Update: Marshmellow and Colorado are still on the trail heading toward Katahdin)
Date: 2005-04-15
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Word of the Day: couplesIn Hot Springs it seemed like everyone was part of a couple. Hot Springs is a favorite place for meeting loved ones on the trail. There are lots of different kinds of couples on the trail. There are couples that plan and start the trail together. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, it all depends on pace and willingness to work together. There are couples that meet on the trail. These tend to walk at about the same pace, otherwise, they probably wouldn't couple up. There are the older married couples who have been together for years and enjoy hiking together. Then there are the couples who have half on the trail and half at home. I am part of one of these. While I hike, my other half is back in Texas. August's other half is in California. Phoenix's other half is in Arizona (go figure!) Hopeful Hiker's other half is in North Carolina, so it was easy for her to meet him in Hot Springs. Today I climbed an amazing new part of the AT. There is a "foul weather blue blaze" which is the old AT. Then there is the new "fair weather white blaze" which is about a mile of rock climbing over scenic views. I wish my other half could have seen it. It is indescribable. Trail Characters of the Day: Captain Chaos and Sowega (by the way, these are not a couple!)Captain Chaos is a recent high school graduate from Tennessee. He has hiked a lot of the AT since it is in his backyard, as he says. He has a keen sense of humor and is fun. I had heard about him, but enjoyed first meeting him in Hot Springs. (Update: Chaos got off the trail in Virginia)Sowega is a student from SOuth WEst GA. Girls, most guys look pretty scruffy after a month on the trail. But Sowega is the best looking thing out here! Kind of a cross between Tom Selleck and Tom Cruise.  (Update: Sowega is still hiking toward Katahdin)
Date: 2005-04-16
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

Word of the Day: difficultMy mother asked me to describe how difficult this hiking is, so here goes. Suppose you had a job where every day you got up, then climbed stairs of all the high rise buildings in some major city. You climbed, and climbed, but never new what floor you were on. When your reached the top, you would climb back down and go to the next high rise. Once in a while there would be a big tree covering the stairs. Sometimes the steps would be covered in mud, snow, and ice. Then, there would be rocks that made it fun, too. Everyday you would do this. That would be easier than this. It is not a "Walk in the Woods". Trail Characters of the Day: B-Money, Jukebox, and Spice RackThis trio of twenty-somethings is another fun group. They are fast! B-Money and Jukebox are cute little blonds who sing all the time. Spice Rack is their male counterpart who carries a bunch of spices to improve the taste of camp food.
Date: 2005-04-17
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Sam's Gap
Miles today: 2.4

Word of the Day: scaredIn case you have not noticed, the sound of my last two entries has been a little melancholy. I decided yesterday that I was feeling sad because I was exhausted, so I would cut back to fewer miles and hours. Today would be a short, easy 10 mile day. Rocky and I even talked about having lunch at the diner down from the road crossing about 2.4 miles. Shortly before I got to the road crossing, my left arm went numb. I couldn't hold my hiking stick. So I switched and carried both in my right arm. Then I started to have pains in my upper left chest. I was scared! I decided that I would slowly get to the road crossing and get a ride into town. When Sowega came up behind me, I told him that I was going to town. He asked what was wrong and I told him. He took off! By the time I got down to the road, he had knocked on a door, gotten a phone, and called Miss Janet's to arrange a ride. I felt better as soon as I took off my pack and sat down. But I went to Miss Janet's and promised to see a doctor tomorrow.Trail Characters of the Day:Fat Chap and Miss Janet (not a couple!)Fat Chap just happened to be at Miss Janet's when the call came in. He had a car and volunteered to pick me up. We had met back at Fontana. Fat Chap is not a hiker. He is a trail character. He loves the AT and the community, and drives from trail town to trail town to enjoy it.Miss Janet is a legend on the AT. Her hostel is the place people head to in Erwin. She shuttles, cooks, and generally mothers her hikersShe is an amazing woman.
Date: 2005-04-18
From: Erwin

To: Erwin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Word of the Day: NormalWent to the doctor and then to the hospital for a chest xray and EKG. Results: normal! It seems that my Golite pack was too heavy (should be about 25 and was pushing 30) so I had a nerve pinched in my shoulder. That was what caused my problems. The doctor said I was good to go! I plan to slack pack the 24 miles I missed into Erwin in two days, then hike on north.Trail Characters of the day: Lojac and Chef BoyardeeLojac is a young hiker from New York. He got his name because his mother sent a location device with him, in case he got lost. He mailed it home.(Update:Lojac hiked for a while with Skylarke, then on by himself to the end.)Chef Boyardee is an older (40-50 something) hiker who has huge food maildrops. Apparently, he cooks big meals on the trail. I sat in amazement as he went through his maildrop. How can he carry all that?
Date: 2005-04-19
From: Spivey Gap

To: Nolichucky River
Miles today: 11.3

Word of the Day: Freedom HikeThis is Miss Janet's term for slack packing (hiking without a pack, or with a light pack) Today I decided to do the northern part of what I missed. It was shorter and easier than the other part. I felt great! No pain. No sadness. I was ready to go, and go I did! I reached the river about 4:00 and visited with a few hikers over at Uncle Johnny's hostel. (The other hostel in town) Trail Character of the day: Bramble and RestlessBramble is a 30ish hiker in a kilt. He hikes for Cancer. He has been known to carry his dog on his shoulders for miles. He is quite a character. (Update: Bramble got off the trail after a terrible wreck a few days later)Restless I met last year at Neel's Gap where he was working. This year he is here in Erwin for a week or so shuttling hikers and helping out. He drove me up to the trailhead today so I could do my freedom hike. He also suggested that I take a side trip of about five minutes up to Joe Lewis' property, a pleasant field that once held a home.
Date: 2005-04-20
From: Sams Gap

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

Word of the Day: backpackSince my Golite Gust packed too full was giving me a pinched nerve (which we thought might be heart symptoms), I purchased a new pack. I now own four backpacks. First, I have my good old REI internal frame. It weighs over 5 lbs. Second, I have my Mountainsmith Chimera. This is a first class pack, but unfortunately, it never fit properly and was uncomfortable. I discovered in being fit for a pack this week, that I am a short torso. I am tall, but it is all in my legs! So, for this hike I purchased my third pack, the Golite Gust. It has no frame and should carry up to 30 lbs. I found that over 25 it was uncomfortable. With five or six days food, I am pushing 30. Off to the outfitters in Johnson City, TN we went to find the perfect pack for me. I wanted the beautiful purple Osprey Ariel (remember, I am a Red Hat!), but alas, it was too big. After trying five or six different kinds of packs, I settled on a grey Osprey Atmos 50. It has air vents on the back to keep my back cool. It is tight and I have to carry my tent and pad on the outside. But it fits well and should solve my problem. My hike today was very comfortable with my new pack.Character of the day:Wandering BullWow! This kid started on April 3rd and is already up with me! He is averaging over 20 miles a day! Amazing! But, I like my hike slower. (Update: Wandering Bull summited Katahdin on July 27th, the first of any of my hiking buddies.)
Date: 2005-04-21
From: Nolichucky Bridge, Erwin

To: Curley Maple Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Word of the day: vortexPretty much everyone describes Erwin as a "vortex". It is a wonderful town that sucks you in, and you don't want to leave. But leave you must, if you are to finish the trail. So it was, that this morning I packed up and left Erwin. No one is allowed to skip Miss Janet's breakfast, so it was after 10:30 when I started out. The first thing after the bridge is a walk down the river. Then cross the RR tracks, but first stop, look, and listen for the trains. I didn't have to look or listen very hard, as there was a huge freight train rumbling in front of me. After the train, I followed the trail more or less along the river to George's Nolichucky campground. It would have been a nice place to camp, had I not stayed at Miss Janet's. Then comes the usual climb out of town... When I arrived at the shelter, I planned on just staying for lunch. But after waiting for the Professor, I decided to just make it a short day and camp here.Character of the day: ProfessorJohn, the Professor, is a grad student from Georgia. He is just starting his hike, as he just finished the semester. Now he is gathering information for his master's thesis. Smart guy that he is, he managed to get an education grant to help pay for his hike! He started the day without a trail name, but I dubbed him "Professor". He is carrying a heavy pack that will, no doubt, cut weight soon.
Date: 2005-04-22
From: Curley Maple Gap Shelter

To: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Word of the day: HailWe knew that we were expecting rain today. But it was supposed to be in the late afternoon. Oh, well... Luckily, I crossed the open bald Beauty Spot in clear weather. Several others who got later starts were not so lucky. By 1:00 I was in the midst of a huge thunderstorm, on top of Unaka Mountain. It is covered with forestation, so I hiked on, thankful for every tall pine, and short rhododendron. About 3:30 I reached the shelter, and found room. I pealed off my wet clothes, ate a warm meal, crawled into my sleeping bag and shivered for a couple of hours. Finally, I managed to get warm. Other hikers arrived until there was no more room in the shelter, and they had to tent. Pretty much everyone went into the same ritual, undress, change, eat, then crawl into sleeping bags. About 10:30 the hail came! Now no one wants to be in a tent in the hail. Lights went on everywhere. But there was nothing to do, except wait. Fortunately, it did not last long and no one suffered tent damage. So, we went back to sleep.Characters of the day:Raindrop and TrainI met this young couple in town. They are recent newlyweds who decided they wanted to hike. Train is tall, dark, and thin; Raindrop is short, blond, and tiny. Both are very quiet for hikers. Raindrop has not been feeling well, and the weather does not help. Hope both (raindrop and the weather) get better soon. (Update: Raindrop and Train hiked on, summiting Katahdin on September 21st)
Date: 2005-04-23
From: Cherry Gap Shelter

To: Iron Mtn Gap
Miles today: 2.7

Word of the day: DecisionMy plans were to hike to Damascus to meet my husband around May 1st. The weather is sleeting, with promise of snow. No one is moving in the shelter. After studying the guidebook, I realize that I am close to a road crossing. I can get back to Erwin, warm and dry, before the snow hits. But it will mean that I can not hike to Damascus in time. What should I do? I really want to hike the 459 miles from Springer to Damascus... but I want to be warm and dry...So I make the big decision. I hike to the road and catch a ride to town.Character of the day: unnamed hunterThere is not a soul on the Iron Mtn road. It is raining, sleeting, and very cold. So I walk. How far can it be to the main road? Just when I had just about given up hope, up drives a truck. A young hunter had been out, found nothing, and was headed home. He offers me a ride to town. (Understand that folks around here are used to hikers and think nothing of offering rides!) He moves his gun from the seat, unloads, assures me that he won't hurt me, and I get in. Half an hour later, I am back at Miss Janet's.
Date: 2005-04-24
From: Erwin

To: Erwin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Word of the day: snowWhen my son was young he made up a poem:   April showers bring May flowers,   But April snow has got to go!We used to have snow the first week or so of April when we lived in NJ. But I never remember having snow this late in the month! Today, it snowed like crazy! I walked to church in the snow, then back again. In town last night it seemed like everyone was here. Hikers from Sam's Gap, Spivey Gap, Nolichucky Bridge, Indian Gap, Iron Mtn Gap, and up to Carver's Gap all had poured into town to escape the weather. Talk about a vortex! The Holiday Inn and Super 8 were all full of hikers hanging out in the lobbies. Dorothy, Toto, and T2 were at the Super8, as was Snowman and Icicle. Toto and T2 were just in for the weekend and asked if I wanted to share Dorothy's room when the left. I did. Character of the day: ToastToast is the new trail name for Butterfly Moon's boyfriend Rich. He came up from Georgia to hike with her for a couple of weeks. He needs to get his truck to Damascus so it will be there when he gets there. Knowing that I can't hike to Damascus in time to meet my husband, I agree to drive his truck for him after the weather clears. (Amazing how things turn out, isn't it!)
Date: 2005-04-25
From: Erwin

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Word of the day: Red HatsToday is Red Hat Day! Yes, the official birthday of the Red Hat Society! Today, I drive Icicle to Johnson City to catch a bus, so she can return to England (via Atlanta airport). Her bus does not leave until after 3:00 so we decide to just hang out a while in Johnson City. At a local book store, we discover a group of Red Hats celebrating! I share my story with them, purchase a new Red Hat book, and thoroughly enjoy the afternoon. Then, I drop Icicle off, and head to Damascus. I am several days early, but plan to welcome hikers to Damascus, and say my goodbyes to those I miss. I check into the Mount Rogers Outfitters Hostel where I have a private room. I pick up my mail drops. Then I try to call my husband and let him know what is happening. NO CELL SERVICE! So, tomorrow, I'll find a pay phone and call him. Won't he be surprised! (unless he reads it here first...)Character of the day: Hell BoyHell Boy is one of those fast hikers that you never really get time to meet. We have said hello on two previous occasions. Once in the Great Smoky Mountains, and once near Standing Bear Farm. Today he was surprised to find that I was here in Damascus and asked if I wanted to share a pizza. I'm glad I said yes (even though I'm not especially fond of pizza). He is trying to finish in August so he can start college this fall. He has a tennis scholarship and plans to become a professional tennis player. He is an impressive young man and I know he will do well at whatever he attempts. Good luck Hell Boy. (Update: Hellboy summited with his brother on July 31st)
Date: 2005-04-28
From: Damascus

To: Damascus
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Word of the day: friendlyDamascus is called the "friendliest town on the AT". I loved Hot Springs and Erwin, but I have to agree about Damascus. The librarian sent me over to meet the Red Hat Society group (Damascus Mad Hatters) at the Senior Citizen Center. There I met Sparkles who hiked in 1991. She invited me back for lunch at the center today. Then she offered to lend me a bicycle and shuttle me up to White Mountain so I can ride the Virginia Creeper Trail. To rent a bicycle and shuttle would have cost me an extra $20 at any of the many bicycle shuttles in town, so Sparkles really saved me. I am having a ball catching the hikers as they come into town. They all have the same "how did you get here so fast" look on their faces. It is priceless! It is great to see the people I have been missing. Tonight one family in town is having a big lasagna dinner for all the hikers here. Talk about friendly!Character of the day: Num TumThis is a beautiful young lady from Washington. She hikes quite fast and I never had the opportunity to meet her before. She is staying at Dave's Mount Rogers Outfitter's hostel too. Most of the young male hikers are smitten by her. Most wish they could keep up with her!