morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-27
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Tofurky's house, Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke up early this morning, forced on the frozen trail runners, which is quite awkward, ate 4 blueberry pop tarts, 2 at a time, and we were off for a big down, down to Hot Springs.I was preparing myself for a tough day. We knew we had a few good climbs to take on, but the day flew by with no problems. It started out kind of slow, due to lack of sleep last night, and my legs complained on the first climb. But, once I got them to shut up they were back in hiking form and ready to go. Hiking up hill in the snow does suck though. Just wanted to put that out there.Saw some actual wildlife today. Mice!! Two running around on the trail and one frozen solid to the trail. Swansons poked it and confirmed its frozen state.As we got lower in elevation the snow began to disappear and it was very exciting to see it gone completely, and get to hike in 60 degrees and sunny weather. That was the last few hours of our hike. It was so nice to be out of the snow and be able to see what you are hiking on. The snow hides a lot of objects on the trail so you never know if you are going to slip or trip over a rock or a root. Not that we don't do that normally when they are out in plain site. I am just against the snow at the moment.But there is no snow in Hot Springs which is awesome and when we came down into town there was a note on the information board addressed to Kurly and Swansons instructing us to go to Tofurky's house with a beautifully drawn map. So, we did what were told and headed towards her place--here we found another note to make ourselves at home and there were beers in the fridge and clean towels in the bathroom. There is nothing like hiking 18 miles and getting such a welcome reception and use of someone's house you've only known for a month.We are zeroing tomorrow, our feet are screaming for it, and we might even do a second zero if Turky wants to hike out with us Thursday. We shall see. But tomorrow its whole box of cereal for breakfast, laundry, internet, post office and all that great hiker nonsense.
Date: 2006-03-28
From: Tofurky's house, Hot Springs, NC

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

Best zero day so far! Even though its only our third and we've decided the other two don't count, because they were for medical reasons. So, today was our first real zero. So we had to do it right.We woke up early as usual and each had our own entire box of cereal. Me, Cookie Crisp and Swansons Captain Crunch Berries, while we watched Napoleon Dynamite. When we had each killed the cereal it was back to sleep until the movie ended.Then, it was time for town chores. Library for internet, outfitters for Swanson's new pole, post office for goodies and mail drops (thanks Christine, Dean and Rebekah!) and of course, laundry! During which time we found many a hiker and found out who is leaving when and where. Snake and Pebbles are heading out Thursday, which is most likely when we will head out, hopefully, along with Tofurky. Our extra zero is to wait for her so she can hike with us. We needed a good excuse!Went to dinner in Asheville and had some good times with our awesome hosts, Tofurky and Stewball. All and all a good rest for our feet and a good slacking about for us both. One more day here and we will be out in time to avoid the town vortex. Hot Springs is a great little place, but our feet get itchy without hiking! Right now they are just actually itchy--damn the wet feet for 3 days straight!
Date: 2006-03-29
From: Tofurky's house, Hot Springs, NC

To: Tofurky's house, Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Another great zero day! Our friends Bliss (Rob) and Chunky (Elaine) with their puppy, Cassidy arrived to hike with us for a few days. Waiting for Tofurky to return from her make up hike to go with us.
Date: 2006-03-30
From: Tofurky's house, Hot Springs, NC

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

Today, I officially learned how to relax. It may take awhile for it to really kick in, but I think I have the main idea.Great two zero days in Hot Springs. Thanks to Tofurky and Stewball, who let us move in with them for two days. We never actually went to the Hot Springs, but it was still a great time. Swansons and I made our very first lasagna for them last night and it came out pretty damn good if I do say so myself. The only problem with the last two days and with today is the bitter stomach ache I have been harboring. It doesn't seem to want to die away. Yet, I still have a hiker appetite, so its eat, then stomach ache, eat alot, more ache and repeat. I have to eat because I'm hungry, but my stomach just isn't happy with me at the moment. But, I am sure I haven't been using very good judgement. For example, this morning I had 4 blackberry pancakes, 4 chocolate chip cookies (thanks, Nancy!), 2 huge glasses of milk, a half a cup of coffee and on our way out of town we stopped and had chilly dogs. But, I only had one, since I wasn't feeling well--yeah, great logic.This morning of eating and bad stomach may have been why my hike started off so badly. Two friends of ours, Bliss and Chunky, who hiked the AT in 2003 came down to hike for a week with us from Hots Springs to Irwin, and they brought along their 6 month old puppy, Cassidy who pulled off her first day of hiking with a pack today. Although, right now she is passed out hard between Swansons and I in the shelter.We were excited to get hiking today, and really excited to have the three of them with us. Though my stomach did not share the same feelings.Our first climb out of Hot Springs to Lovers Leap, I thought I was going to pass out. I was instantly lightheaded, my stomach going nuts and my legs felt like lead. I was regretting that hot dog. But, after we got that climb over with and I worked some water into my system, I could feel myself returning to hiker status. I wasn't going to let myself get sick and have to turn back.The rest of the day was great. We took frequent breaks since Cassidy was new to this and it was warm out today. Swansons and I aren't used to stopping often on our hikes so it was a nice change of pace. Very relaxing. Taught me that I have to relax a little. It was nice to have such an easy mellow day after two days in town. It almost seems like your body just shuts its hiking mode off and it takes awhile to warm up.Saw two lizard today! So little wildlife sightings so lizards are a big deal to us. It is so warm and beautiful, hopefully, the little critters will all start making their way out.Got to the shelter to find Pebbles and Snake here. It was nice to see them again. We thought they might have hiked on. Full shelter tonight. Six bodies plus a dog. Nice and cozy. Hope tomorrow is as nice as today
Date: 2006-04-02
From: Hog Back Ridge Shelter

To: No Business Knob
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: few clouds

First off....Happy Birthday Mom, even though you'll be reading this after the fact. Second...we did our first 20 mile day with full packs today!! Woo Hoo!! Go Us!!! Incredible day today. Incredibly long and incredibly cool, and to top it off, at this very moment, we are having our very first thunderstorm!!We started the day off with trail magic! Leadfoot and his grandaughter had their ride waiting for them down the gap of I-26. Hannah's grandmother and mother were waiting there to pick them up and they gave Swansons, Chunky, Bliss and I apples and an apple never tasted so sweet. So we started the morning off on the right foot.Second breakfast was had shortly after, after one particularly steep climb. The four of us plus Snake lounged around in a field looking out on the mountains we had to climb yet that day. It is an awesome feeling to look out and see gigantic mountains that seem a lifetime away and know that in just a few short hours you will be on top of them, looking back on where you were that morning.And, we did just that.   Next thing we knew...well, it didn't happen that fast...there was a climb and then a steep jerk of a climb. But, there we were, on top of Big Bald, and it was just that Big and Bald. Through a camera, it looked like we were lounging on a beach with back packs. Incredible 360 degree view. You felt quite confident that you were on top of the world. We watched Snake walk down the trail away from the bald and he looked like a little bug with a pack.The day was beautiful, probably around 70 degrees and sunny. I rolled my short sleeves up over my shoulders to reveal a very distinct farmers tan, so now I have burned shoulders and tan arms.At lunch, the topic of discussion was whether or not we were all shooting for the 20 mile day leaving us with only 6 miles into Erwin the next day. Pebbles was sure of the fact and the rest of us were hopefull but we didn't want to push the puppy too far. But, we went for it.We got to Spivy Gap where there are campsites and water or 4.7 miles left to go of our 20 miler. Here we found Pebbles and Snake fueling up for the last push of the day. It was getting late, already 6 o'clock, but we all figured why not and fueled up on peanut butter and granola bars.Glad we went for it. They were relatively easy miles and we made it just as it ws getting really dark. We were all happy to find Cookie in the shelter. Sorry, Cookie if we woke you! We made dinner almost instantly. About 10 minutes after we all cleaned up, the storm blew through. Good excuse to call it a night! On to Erwin in the morning....the debate is on as to whether we hit McDonalds or Mexican first!! Tough choices...Tune in next time for result!!
Date: 2006-04-04
From: Erwin, Tennessee

To: Erwin, Tennessee
Miles today: 19.1

We cheated today! And it was a freakin' good time. Though some were opposed to its dirty ways. We (Swansons, Pebbles and I) decided that spending one night at Miss Janet's just wasn't enough. Who were we kidding, we needed more! So wonderful Miss Janet drove the three of us plus No Worries, Little Brother and Bushwacker to Iron Mountain Gap and we slack packed 19.1 miles back to Irwin, SOUTHBOUND! Some may say it's wrong, but it was fun and beautiful. There was some snow on the ground-we can't get away from it, and some peeps to be had! (Orangatan's grandmother sent him a mess load of peeps and they could be found hiding along the trail).We flew through the hike it seemed. Taking short breaks here and there and discovering a new love for Peter Pan honey roasted peanut butter. So good..We also saw our first snake today. Actually, I had to jump clear over him on the trail. Not sure what kind, but the definitely nonpoisonous kind. I was overly excited about the snake sighting, but we kept truckin on, and the best thing to happen all day was the loss of No Worries shoe. He is hiking along, next thing he knows his shoe (and gator) are stuck on a root and he is stepping forward a few steps in his sock. I've never seen someone's hiking boot come off in one clean shot like that. It looked like his foot had fallen off. We are so easily amused.We had to cross a little river today by the way of a log and it made me think of Dirty Dancing (thought you'd like that Mom). Pebbles opted to ford the creek, but the rest of us dingbats went for the log that was about 3 feet above the stream. Like I said,...easily amused..We got back to the bridge where Miss Janet was going to pick us up at about 7:30PM. We knew she wasn't coming till 8:00pm so we sat looking hungry and lost on the side of the road. We actually got offered a ride without even trying.   We must have looked really pathetic, or people around the AT are just that awesome. I think it's a combo of both.Miss Janet came and rescued us and it was off to Erwin burritos.   They were big and delicious...really..what more do you need to know. It is incredible here at Miss Janet's Place...I cannot believe how at home she makes us all feel. Actually, made me a little homesick.We capped the night off with Long Island Ice Teas and trail gossip around the kitchen table. I couldn't ask for life to be more simple or perfect. Tomorrow is pancakes, then we have to be pushin ourselves out of Erwin for good. No more being slackers. No more southbound slackpack adventures...it's time to get serious and eat some liptons in the dirt after a long day with 40 lbs. on the back.
Date: 2006-04-05
From: Erwin, Tennessee

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

Today was one of those days--when it rains it pours. They say things happen in 3's. Well, so far today, that is what went down. So (knock on wood) I should be good now. First thing that happened was this morning while we were all running around Miss Janet's trying to get it together before breakfast. I shoved the first few things in my pack and realized I never got around to fixing the tear--and now it had grown considerably. That was not a good way to get the morning started. I cursed alot and decided I didn't know how to sew well enough to fix it in time. Thank God for Swansons and his patience. He sat and did a quick patch up for me. Not 2 minutes after I calmed down from that incident did I realize my zipper on my pants was broken. I quickly downed another cup of coffee and tried not to be too pissy-and it worked for the most part. Miss Janet's house was too crazy to be able to stay in a bad mood. She made an awesome pancake breakfast with eggs and bacon and we all sat outside telling about our worst presents ever. Miss Janet's house is the greatest place to be, especially if you are feeling all down.The third and final crappy thing was my ankle twister. Now, I roll my ankles about a thousand times a week. Sometimes it hurts, sometimes it is no big deal. But today, was an eye opener. The kind of pain that brings tears to your eyes. I tried to sit and just let the pain die away but I knew I had to get up and walk it off. We had a big mountain to climb, last time over 6,000 feet before New Hampshire. So, I had to work it out. Poor Swansons thought we were going to have to get off the trail. But its feeling OK now. It's bruised, and slightly swollen...but it's not a trail breaker. I refuse to let it be. So my day was about busting things up.We are staying in the highest shelter on the AT tonight at 6285 feet. Roan ws an awesome but hard climb, especially with a heavy food bag.   It was a beautiful, slightly cold day. Perfect hiking weather. Huge rocks and lots of steep climbs which can seem to last forever. We even had a few trails covered with ice. Felt like we were right back in the Smokies. The last 3 miles were the longest 3 miles I have experienced yet....There was a rhododendrum garden at the top and the site of an old hotel that is no longer there.   All that remains is a chimney. Someone told me yesterday that it is bad luck to tear down a chimney. So now there is one on the AT. Who wants bad luck?I am back in my long underwear again after a good long week without wearing them. The top here is known to also be the coldest spot on the AT. But the shelter is an old cabin with a door! So we are getting a little more warmth.Nice full shelter tonight. There's a family of 4 upstairs and Bushwacker, No Worries, Little Brother, Swansons, Snake, Pebbles, Sparrowhawk an me downstairs. I hope our smell doesn't rise and wake the family!!
Date: 2006-04-08
From: Campsite

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 15.4

Rai, Rain, Rain. It is hard to get out of your sleeping bag when it's raining. It is hard to pack up your tent when it is raining, and it's hard to eat your poptarts in the rain, sitting on the ground where your tent was, the only dry spot.   But it was fun, it's never not.We survived the night, only a few drips inside the tent and falling asleep every other hour. Swansons is sick, but ready to get to Kincora and dry out. So the first part of the morning went kind of slow as we trudged up and down up and down and slid around on some mud.I spent the better half of the day trying to decide what would be more slippery to navigate, wet roots or wet rocks? Or mud slides? Is it worse during the rain or right after? Should I step on the root and slide or the rock? I think the roots are worse, it is a more unexpected fall and quicker. However, the rock falls hurt alot worse. This is what I thought about all day today. Never fell but I slipped a number of times and got saved by my lekis. I love those poles. Rain, rocks, roots mud and constant up then down. Our legs were burning by the time we got to Moreland Shelter for lunch. Then something kicked in inside of us and after a tuna, pepperoni, easy cheese and bagel sandwich we kicked out 6.1 miles in less than 2 hours and hit the road and Kincora Hostel just in time for the shuttle to town. Score!This hostel is so comfy and Pat and Bob are the sweetest people. You feel at home instantly. Groceries, showers, laundry done...with some chill time left over. Pebbles and her boyfriend are here, Snake, Sparrow Hawk, Sticker, Overflow, Tofurky, Swansons and I, and some of us are staying tomorrow to help Bob with some trail work. Then a little slack packing. Eggs in the morning, lugging concrete a mile and a half, slack packing 9 miles back to Kincora. Beats work anyday.
Date: 2006-04-09
From: Kincora Hostel

To: Kincora Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Today does not count as an actual zero day! I just wanted to make that clear. We, Swansons, Snake, Sparrowhawk, Sticker, Tofurky and I went and gave a little back to the trail that has given so much to us. Bob Peoples and his crew are awesome and we went and dug up some rocks for a new shelter. It was a great experience and we even got a patch for our packs. (Really, we all just did it for the patches). It felt good to help take care of something we have been calling home.This morning was awesome. We all woke up and cooked breakfast together. Scrambled eggs with peppers and onions, sausage and biscuits. It was great until I decided I didn't have enough food for breakfast and I wolfed down two berry poptarts. I regretted that as soon as we got into Bob's truck. Now I've never in my life gotten car sick, but the roads leaving Bob's are incredibly winding and within minutes both Tofurky and Snake were feeling sick. I soon followed with the nausea and we bought some tums and Gatorade to try and help it. They got better, I got worse. There were points during the day where I could ignore it. Especially when Sparrowhawk and I were unearthing a gigantic boulder with large pick axes. It took 4 of us to lift that pain in the butt but it's gonna look awesome behind the shelter. We were proud of our rock.The drive home in Bob's truck was the absolute worst. I felt like I was sick and on a merry-go-round, but I held it together. I kept holding on after we got back to Kincora, stole some Pepto from Overflow then in true thru-hiker fashion faught off the rediculous nausea with an entire pepperoni pizza and coke. I was still starving despite it all. And I thought I was going to die after eating it, but I feel so much better. Looks like all I needed was some greasy food...next time I'll ditch the tums and get a pizza.Packed house here tonight. So much food. Granite made chocolate chip muffins. Two Shoes made brownies and Mike made cake. Plus pizza, soda and ice cream--and we all wonder why our stomachs hurt on and off.Can't wait to get back on the trail tomorrow. Working with Bob was awesome. I loved seeing how things are done, but Damascus and a real lazy zero day awaits and we are ready for it.
Date: 2006-04-11
From: Campsite

To: Abingdon Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

I am feeling surprisingly good tonight despite how yesterday went and how today started off. I really feel as though I could have kept going despite my ankle's condition. Once it cooled off a bit hiking was alot easier.This morning however, sucked. Both Swansons and I felt very sluggish and groggy and getting into the hike was not an easy task. The first two hours we took multiple breaks, when usually we rarely take one before lunch.   The terrain is alot of little ups and downs and though it seems easy it starts to wear on the legs, especially when the morning sun is beating down on your already baked face. So, the morning was rough. But we got ourselves together. I took an Emer-gen-C and that seemed to restore me back to normal within a few hours.Flowers are starting to bloom everywhere, and it is getting more and more like Spring around us. It makes me think of "Bambi" when the owl calls the animals, twitterpated. The bugs are twitterpated and out in force, up noses and in ears. Snakes are finally making their way out and Sparrowhawk had a bear walk up on him while he ws making his dinner last night. Everything is twitterpated. We are no longer alone out here. I just can't wait for the leaves to come out so can get some shade from the sun. It's nice being so tan, but the sun is a killer up hills, makes your legs feel like lead.Tonight we are tenting in front of Abingdon Shelter with Sub zero, Mike (now, Doogie Howser), Restless, Twoshoes, Jaywalker and Preacher. We are all very excited about just 10 miles into Damascus tomorrow. Time for some good ol' fashion relaxation and food. I'm looking forward to a real meal, one with veggies, steak, potatoes, a salad and most likely dessert. I don't think I have been eating very well lately, what with all the massive amounts of sugar..eh..but sugar is good out here. All food tastes better out here...
Date: 2006-04-12
From: Abingdon Gap Shelter

To: Damascus, Virginia
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Virginia!! We finally made it today. Left nice and early this morning and fueled up with 4 pop tarts before take off. Freakin' pop tarts are amazing and so were the last 10 miles into Damascus..Smooth..A few short ups then nice easy downs.   We practically ran it.Crossing out of Tennessee was pretty cool. Can't say that I will miss it though. But we had some awesome times and met some cool people. Now, it's time to be in VA forever. 500 million something miles. I wonder if I will be as excited about it after a few hundred miles?Damascus is a cool little town. Spent some time at the Outfitters and got into it with a backpack and the salesman. A big hole in my pack led me to buying a new one that can take my punishment. A new Gregory Deva, put me in the poor house but it fits me beautifully and it can take my weight. I am by no means a light weight back packer but I'm getting lighter....Ditching a few clothes here and there.So, new pack for me, and new shoes for Swansons. We were going to stay at the Hostel "The Place" but while we were throwing money around at the Outfitter, Granite and Yeti found us and talked us into going to Abingdon and splitting a hotel room with them for a real bed. Of course, we were down with that!Everyone started rolling in as we packed up our stuff at The Place and got ready to go. Tofurky and Snake rolled in looking beat. We all had been doing big miles over the easy terrain to get in for zero days. I was sad not to be able to stay with our friends and chill, but a bed was calling.Holiday Inn Express, Cracker Barrel for dinner...no hot tub at this one but we have beer so we're living large.Everyone is icing up the limbs and relaxing. The place looks like our backpacks exploded...I can't believe we somehow fit all our stuff in our packs. Tomorrow is a nice zero day, got to do grocery shopping and send the beat up pack home. But, first, of course, a big breatkfast and lots of coffee!