morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-01
From: Pushing Up Daisies

To: Vogel State Park
Miles today: 0.0

RR and I packed up early to get a start on the drive to the bus station. Heather and Wendy were very nice to offer to bring him. I wanted to make sure everything worked out for him. It was sad to see him go, as I had enjoyed hiking with him. We stopped at McDonald's before going to the bus station to eat breakfast. I think the hiker hunger is kicking in already! It was good to have someone else cook.After the bus station, we bummed around for awhile and eventually stopped at Neel's Gap. I spent some time trying to figure out my sleeping bag situation. I ended up ording a kelty light year from REI that will be shipped to me on the trail and will return the sub kilo when I return home after my hike.At Neel's Gap, I ran into Cornbread, Boudin, Silverback and Pakabear. I also ran into Wander Yonder and footslogger! I can't wait to catch up to them. What wonderful people.After figuring out the sleeping bag situation, Wendy offered a ride to four guys who were trying to hitch to town. Have you every seen 6 packs, 7 people and a dog (not to mention all of Wendy and Heather's storage containers) in one van? Made for an interesting ride.Tonight I am camping out with Heather and Wendy at Vogel State Park. I called my parents to let them know the change in plans. Got back to the campsite to find Wendy and Heather fending off a rabid skunk. It had tried to crawl under my tent that had been set out to dry. It was so sad. The poor creature could hardly move.Heather went and told someone, and the ranger came and put it out of it's misery. Sad, but at least it didn't spay up, otherwise I really would have smelled!
Date: 2003-04-02
From: Pushing Up Daisies

To: Jarrard Gap
Miles today: 8.9

   Woke up early to finish my jounals. I had been neglecting them. A group of birds must nothave likedz that I was being lazy, so they decided to buzz my tent. I jumped so high! Good thing I had a nylon ceiling above my head. Had a wonderful breakfast of fruit and cream, eggs and biscuits. Wendy is such a wonderful cook. We took our showers, packed up and did our laundry. We got to the trail later than I thought, but that was ok. We had decided to slack pack from Gooch Gap to Neel's Gap - about 15 miles.   We made good time to Woody Gap and Wendy (Heather's mom) had lunch waiting for us. Heather and I are getting a bad reputation for having help from Wendy. Oh well, such is life.    We packed up to make it to Neel's Gap. The hike up was so steep and it seemed as though the trail had been stretched out. We weren't going to make it before dark.   Heather tried to get a hold of her mom on her cell phone to let her know to meet us at Jarrard Gap. Everthing worked out in the end.   Tonight we are staying at Lake Winfred Scott National Recreation Area. There has been a truck going through the camping area and dropping fireworks next to the campers, so I am sleeping on the floor of the van tonight.   I feel like it has been a long day. The heat really sucked out my energy level.
Date: 2003-04-03
From: Pushing Up Daisies

To: Cowrock Mt.
Miles today: 10.1

We climbed back up to the trail from Lake Winfred Scott Rec. Area around 9:45 am to start the day. I didn't think we would meet up with any hikers until later in the day, but waiting right in the gap was Kodiak! I was hoping to see him and Sassy again.   We folowed the trail awhile when Heather noticed an Easter egg filled with candy! The Easter Bunny was out and about. We had fun looking for more eggs, but left them for other hikers.We got to Blood Mt. and enjoyed the view with the other hikers. I wish I could have sat up there forever. What a beautiful place to rest.   We hiked down to Neel's Gap and the Walasi-Yi Center-the first major place to resupply since starting. Heather and I went right for the Ben and Jerry's icecream. I used my pint of Chocolate Chip Cookie dough to sooth a nasty sunburn. Heather hat hers in just a few short minutes.   We packed up for an overnight on the trail, with plans to meet up with Heather's mom in the morning. Heather shared her wonderful backpacking food that her mom had packed for her. I think I am spoiled out here!   We went through almost all the meals Heather brought plus dessert. Too bad it was getting dark and needed to hang our food bad, otherwise we would have had popcorn as well.We watched the sunset from Cowrock Mt. with Jane and Ken, who are also there hiking. What a beautiful place.   Montana, Theat and their daughter are camped about a half mile back. It was good to meet them as I had been reading their online journal. I got a picture of their "sock tree", which they couldn't believe anybody would take a picture of.
Date: 2003-04-04
From: Pushing Up Daisies

To: Unicoi State Park
Miles today: 15.3

   Woke up to a beautiful sunrise that we could see from the tent. Got up, made breakfast, and started hiking to meet up with Wendy at Hog Pen Gap.   Heather had gone ahead to meet her mom. When I got there, Heather told me that she was hiking to Unicoi Gap, about 13 miles away. I knew that this was a fairly flat trail section, so I knew I could do it, so I said sure.   I pack up for a slack pack, and left before Heather. She caught up to me about 4 miles into the section at Low Gap Shelter where we stopped and had lunch.   During the hike today, I kept running into Wizard and Rebob, who I have seen for the last few days. Both are very fun to talk to. Also ran into Tank, Sumac and Al for the first time today. Always good to meet new people.   After the hike, we went to Helen to drop off Bluebird, who was having trouble with her knee. While there, we stopped at a stand that had boiled peanuts. I didn't get a chance to try them last year, so was glad to get the opportunity to do so today. They aren't too bad, really. They almost have the same consistency as beans.
Date: 2003-04-05
From: Pushing Up Daisies

To: Helen, GA
Miles today: 0.0

   Today started out a little rough. First, a thunderstorm had us racing to get stuff into the van so it didn't get wet. Then, I found myself trying to make different plans for how I was going to spend the day.   After we packed up, Wendy took me into Helen to find Bluebird. I ended up spliting the cost of a room with Bluebird, because there was no way I was going to hike in a thunder and lightning storm!   By 10:30am it was sunny! Oh well, I had already declaired it a zero day. Town chores, here I come! I finished my laundry and took a shower and then went out for pizza with Bluebird. Afterwards we walked around town. I was on a mission. I want to find a dress to hike in. Didn't find one that I liked.   As I walking back to my room, I heard my name being called. I turned around to find Kodiak's mom and dad smiling at me! That meant Sassy and Kodiak were in town. I found them and they offered a ride to the trail in the morning. Thanks to Kodiak's parents for the offer!   I went back to the room and packed up. I hefted my pack to see if I could handle it, but the question was if I wanted to. I took out my food bag and decided to lighten it a little. I was carrying too much food for the number of days I was hiking. I got the weight down to where I didn't mind Yahoo!I went and checked my email in the lobby and then went to bed.
Date: 2003-04-06
From: Pushing Up Daisies

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up early for the breakfast at the hotel and to get ready for my ride backto Unicoi Gap thanks to Kodiak's parents. When they arrived, they asked us if we were interested in a slack packing day. Of course we are! Bluebird, Kodiak, Sassy, Kodiak's mom and I all packed for a slack pack. When we were ready to go, Kodiak's dad couldn't be found. He showed up a few minutes later with two containers full of sausage and ham biscuts. Just what us hikers needed to fuel us up the first mountain.Most of the day I would see Bluebird when she stopped for a break but after the first climb, I never saw the others. I think Kodiak was in the lead coming in 2 hours before me.By the end of the day, I was having difficulty with the uphills I started to slow down a lot. I was hoping that they weren't worried about me, especially when it started to rain. I started to think that I wouldn't make it before dark. I made it at 5:30, well before dark. I had forgotten that we now have an extra hour of light! Yeah! I was welcomed by the sounds of cheering and my name which were very much appreciated. I had a tough day, really tough. Kodiak also remembers that section as being easier, and was tired.I was handed a bag of McDonald's cheeseburgers and some fries, which were just heavenly. I have never had a better meal in my life!Bluebird and I had decided during the hike that we were not going to hike another mile, as what had been the plan. We got a room at the Holiday Inn, which turned out to be a good decision because it started to pur soon after I arrived a the road crossing.We checked in , as did Kodiak and Sassy. We got settled into our room and then went to find some hot tea. That was when I found out that Radar(who I had met last year) was also checked in to a room! I was very happy to see him.A big group of us went over to Daniel's Steakhouse for the all-you-can-eat buffet. It was good. Maybe I shouldn't admit that I had two suppers. Oh well, I guess I can do that now and don't have to worry about gaining weight. It was so good! And I didn't feel guilty about eating all that food.
Date: 2003-04-07
To: Pushing Up Daisies
Miles today: 0.0

   Just letting everyone know that I am doing good. I am in Hiawassee today, heading back out to the trail in a few minutes! I have hiked about 67 miles so far and had two zero days! Ouch, gotta stop doing that! Tomorrow I hit my first State Line. Yahoo!   Rain is in the forcast for the next four days, so the trail is going to be real fun!   I will be sending my journal entries from Franklin, NC in a few days, so the real journal entries are coming soon!    Thanks for reading my journal and signing my guest book so far! Please keep the messages coming!   (PS - Pam (P-Mo's mom) I tried to send you an e-mail but couldn't get it through. Please e-mail me so I can get the correct address! Thanks!)
Date: 2003-04-07
From: Pushing Up Daisies

To: Plum Orchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Decided to do a short day after yesterday's death march. Ok, Ok, so it wasn't that bad, but it was very tiring. I took my time, enjoying the company of several hikers that we taking advantage of the road side picnic area at Dick's Creek Gap. I enjoyed talking to the other hikers, but don't have a lot of time to do so because I get into the shelters later than everyone else. I don't want to push myself too much at the beginning, as I know from experience that I will either hurt or maybe get off the trail. I don't want that to happen, but I already am starting to feel the pull of home. And I know that's because I have been pushing myself a little too hard.It was a nice day for hiking. It has cooled off after last week's heat wave which I am thankful for. Was also excited to hike because of the fog. I love hiking in the fog because of visibility, you can't see very far ahead. That always helps me with the climbs because I don't have to look at what's ahead since I can't see it anyway. If only I could learn that trick for when it isn't foggy.Tonight at the shelter are Bluebird, Fox, Heather(find me), Sven Saw and Looney (who are from MN), Radar, Stinger, and Jim and Justin (father and son) who are a joy to have around. There is another group that is tenting near by.Justin and his Dad Jim invited anybody who wanted to play cards to join them in a late night game of Rummy. Tank, Stinger and I joined them. It was neat playing cards by candlelight.
Date: 2003-04-08
From: Plum Orchard Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, NC Deep Gap
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

   I almost thought that I would be writing an I Quit entry today. I'll startat where I got off the trail today - Deep Gap, NC.   I am now sitting in Franklin, NC after itching my way down the trail. I have developed a rash all over my back, arms, and legs and I don't know what itis from. I got a ride into town from a 2001 thru hiking who is filming a documentary on the Appalachain Trail. He hopes to sell it to National Geographic. He pulled up to the parking lot at Deep Gap soon after I arrived.   I wash cold, wet (yes it rained again)and trying not to itch. He was mytrail angel in a very packed volvo. I amost cried, oh wait, I did cry! I wasso happy and thankful when he said that he could make room for me and my wetpack in the car.   I told Jim and Justin where I would be so that they could find me when theygot into town. I think Jim was worried about me, as I noticed he and his sonkept an eye on me and waited for me to catch up every few minutes or so. Ialso asked for a possible ride from Jim to Gainsville, GA if I decided to get off the trail.    At the hotel, I checked in, and signed the hiker book. I noticed a fewnames that I recognized but they were people I had never met before. I hadtalked to them on the women's hiker list! I decided to do something that wasout of character ; something I would usually never do. I knocked on their doorand introduced myself and meet four of the most awesome women I have met so faron the trail. Mud Butt, Bumpkin, Silver Lining and Hiker Biker Babe are justincredible people. I am honored to have met such strong willed women.   I told them about my troubles, about the possibility of getting off thetrail, and how I had been feeling the last few days. They sure did now how tomake me feel better. For the first time in the last few days, I truely Couldn't wait to get back on the trail.   I will be hiking with Bumpkin after a zero day tomorrow and we will catchup with the other ladies by the weekend.   Silver Lining has to be to the Nantahala Outdoor Center by Friday to meet with her husband and will continue on the Hiker Biker Babe. Mud Butt's mom iscoming to Franklin tomorrow, and will also be leaving tomorrow.   Bumpkin mentioned a clinic that was across the street and said I should goget my rash checked out. I think that is a good idea, which is the reason foranother zero day.
Date: 2003-04-09
From: Franklin, NC Deep Gap

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

   Got up at 8am,, just in time to go wish Silver Lining and Hiker BikerBabe a good hike. After that, Mud Butt's mom was soon there.   After Dixie saw my rash, she immediately packed me into her van and brought me to see the doctor. I got checked out ans was given meds for it.Yuck! Now I have to take prednizone and allegra for the next nine days. Thedocotr couldn't figure out what the cause was, so just gave me stuff for anallergic reaction. He said it could have been from food or even a new typeof detergent.   I got two doses of trail magic in the doctor's office. Dixie found outI didn't have health insurance and decided that she would pay for my visit.We then found out that thru-hikers get a 50% discount. Thank you!   Afterwards Dixie, Mud Butt and I went with Bumpkin to her presentation atthe Rotary Club. Bumpkin's host payed for all of us to eat at the meeting. How nice of him! Thank you!   Bumpkin is hiking for raising money to eradicate polio in children inother countries. Her 5 minute speech was to the point but with a lot of humor.   Afterwards we said goodbye to MudButt and her mom Mudbutt was going homeas she had broken her foot in two places. I had known this women for less than 24 hours and yet the tears were rolling down my face. I can't imaginewhat Bumpkin was feeling, as she was loosing her hiking partner. Mudbutt will be back on the trail in a month after she heals up. I can't wait to be able tohike with her! This was her dream for the last 3 years, and now this happens!Everything happens for a reason I guess. Mud Butt, we miss you!   Bumpkin did some calling around to some churches to see if there was any-available to pick us up for Wednesday night service. They called us back and told us that there was and that we could also join them for dinner that night!   We met many great people tonight and the service was interesting. I wasglad I had the opportunity to go.a
Date: 2003-04-10
From: Franklin, NC

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: moderate rain

   I skipped a twenty mile section from Deep Gap to Rock Gap that I will haveto make up later. I did get to hike a 3 mile section that I missed last yearthough. Nice Section.   I went and had breakfast at Shoney's with Pittsburg. He started sectionhiking in 1996 but had a new project this year called "slow hikes". He organized two groups to start off with lower mileage days. he was now checkingup on them.   Bumpkin and I left for the trail at 12:30 and were hiking by 1pm. Papa Bob had decided to stay at the hotel because of the weather. It was raining onthe way up to Rock Gap, but once we were hiking it turned to snow. Wow was itbeautiful.   We made it to the shelter by 5:30 and ate supper fast. It was getting cold. I decided to stay in the shelter and Bumpkin set up her tent. Sparky,Grizzly Alan, Shawn and Stinger were already bundled up in their sleeping bags,but were willing to make room in the shelter.   It has been a cold, wet, snowy day but it's been beautiful. Glad to be outhere.
Date: 2003-04-11
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

   I am currently camped on a not so flat campsite. I hope I don't slidearound too much tonight and knock over my center tent pole. There weren'tmany spots to put up a tent, but this seemed to be the flatest.   An early night in the sleeping bag again in an attempt to stay warm. It'sbeen very wet now for a week and all my gear clothes are damp. The dampness isseeping into everything. Tomorrow, I am hoping for a warm room at NOC -National Outdoor Center. It might be a possibility that we will be staying with a friend of Bumpkin's that lives nearby. That would be nice.   Today the hike was great with lots of walking through snow. There had tobe six inches on the top near Wayah Bald. Unfortunetely, there were no viewsfrom the Wayah Bald Tower. Too foggy.    Something I've been thinking about today - never take prenizone when you'rethru-hiking. It only makes you more hungry. Time to get warm.
Date: 2003-04-12
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

   What a change! Yesterday I was hiking through snow, and today is a warm and beautiful day. We were able to get some views today, which was anotherchange over the last few days.   I got up early, as I had been cold all night. 35 degrees in my tent. I let Bumpkin know that I was leaving - she wanted to stay in her warm bag.    I hiked a few miles before I ate breakfast, which made it even moreappreciated.   I hiked with Sparky for awhile, who is very interesting to talk to. She isinterested in a lot of the sames things I am. I hiked with Semi after lunch, which I enjoyed from the top of a firetower. I climbed up because I wanted tosee the views that had been hidden the last few days. Did I mention I am afraid of heights? I think I did pretty good getting myself to go up there.   Semi kept me going the rest of the way to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Iwasn't having a tough day but it was still nice to have the company. He told me that he was getting off the trail at Fontana Dam (2 1/2 days away) or afterthe Great Smoky National Park (another weeks worth of hiking). I tried to talkhim into staying, but he is really set on stopping. I wish we could have hiked more miles together.   Tonight, I am staying at the NOC in their "basecamp". I am looking forwardto the all-you-can-eat breakfast that they have on Sundays. Yum!
Date: 2003-04-13
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Cheoah Bald
Miles today: 8.1

   Yum! was right. Breakfast was great! I had three plates full of food. Icouldn't have had a breakfast.   Alert! Alert! My second elusive Redbread sighting! He was just pulling into the NOC as I was putting my pack on. It was good to see him again. (Pamand I will keep you posted on his whereabouts).   I went to look for Bumpkin who I just couldn't seem to find. But I did runinto Sassy and Kodiak and Semi-Sweet and Swamp Ass who all gave me some food!Yeah! Now I don't have too much more to buy to make it to Fontana Dam!   I ended up leaving NOC without finding Bumpkin. My plan was to hike to Cheoah Bald to be able to sleep until the stars and to watch the sunset. Abouthalf way up the mountain, which it must be added that it was seriously kickingmy behind, I ran into Bumpkin. Yeah! I told her my plans and asked if she wasgoing to stay at the shelter or come up to the bald.   I don't think she wanted to go that far, but she ended up coming to the bald. Lucky for me, it was as great a view as I said it was because I don'tthink Bumpkin liked the last mile, which seemed at times to be straight up. She got over that mile really fast, or at least seemed to. I was glad, becauseI was feeling kind of bad for suggesting such a crazy idea.   Up on the bald watching the sunset were Bumpkin, Sassy, Kodiak and Shankadelic. Just after sunset Tank and Stir Crazy came rolling in.   What a great day of hiking. Oh, I remember the climb up from NOC being much worse - even if it still kicked my butt.
Date: 2003-04-14
From: Cheoah Bald

To: Cody Gap
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: few clouds

   Did another short day today and took my time! I loved it! I love when Idon't feel rushed.   Got out of camp at 8:45 this morning and was at Cody Gap by 4:30. Not badconsidering I took lots of breaks today, not to mention another monster of aclimb from Stecoah Gap. When I stopped to rest, I had to turn around on the trail so my ankles didn't hurt-that's how steep the trail way!   While at Stecoah Gap, Hammock Hanger showed up with Hiker Biker Babe who was slacking to Fontana. HHB took off before Bumpkin cam back from filteringwater. (Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I had run into the trail legendHammock Hanger while at NOC! Thanks for the ride into Bryson City, HH).   Bumpkin had been having a rough time with the fact that Mud Butt isn't herewith her. I'm afraid Im not good at cheering people up, but I have been trying. She keeps saying she's not good company right now, but I think she is.I know she's having to deal with missing her hiking buddy. Mud Butt, I only met you once, but I can see why Bumpkin misses you. I can't wait until you areable to come back on the trail.   Tonight I am camped at Cody Gap with Bumpkin. During the day I met up withTank, Stir Crazy, Shank and a couple of guys from England while hiking.   Observation-why are the guys from England always fast hikers? They alwaysroom on past, and I never see them again!   On another note - I have been talking to Shank about dreading his hair. Hehad been thinking about doing it whin I mentioned that he would look good withdreads. So next time we get a chance, I am going to help him dread his hair. Should be fun!