morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-24
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Franklin, North Carolina
Miles today: 15.9

Day: 11   Date: 3-24-06   Mileage: 15.9   Total: 106.6Two milestones were reached today. The first was hiking over 100 miles and the second was the most miles hiked in one day - so far.In the shelter last night there was: NEFFA, SUFFERING BASTARD, a weekender, Carl and myself. There were also eight people tenting. It was sooooooo cold last night. The last temperature I heard was 20 degrees - burrrrrr. It was snowing when we went to bed. We got about an inch of snow overnight. There were deer tracks close to the shelter when we got up this morning. I left the shelter at 8:10 a.m.I had my first experience with 'trail magic' today! Out in the middle of the woods there was a motor home set up with a campfire, tarp and chairs. They were giving out coffee, hot cocoa, pancakes and some snacks. It was very nice to have hot coffee in the middle of the woods. Then later in the day there was a stream with rocks and roots all around and everywhere you looked there was Capri Sun around the roots in the stream. It looked just like Christmas to me. What a great treat!!The motel I am in has 29 rooms - 21 of them are filled with hikers. Based on the weather channel we are supposed to get another 2 - 3 nights in the 20's, then warming to 30 degrees. WAHOO a heat wave! It is really hard to sleep when it is that cold.Everyone tells me I am from Michigan so I should be used to it. I have to tell them that in Michigan I sleep in a house with heat!I had a minute to check my messages. Thank you to all who have signed my trail journal. :o) I wish I could respond to each and every one of you, but it is just not possible right now. Thank you Vicki and Sarita for updating my journal.Well here it is almost 11:00 p.m. - way past a hikers bedtime. So I'd best get some rest.Oh, I forgot to tell everyone I had a great AYCE (All You Can Eat) for supper tonight.Good night Mr. Marposa********************Written log mailed by GG 3-30-06, received 4-7-06, entered 4-9-06 by Sarita for Gloria
Date: 2006-03-25
From: Franklin, North Carolina

To: Wayah Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.3

Day: 12   Date: 3-25-06   Mileage: 6.3   Total: 112.5What a day! I slept well last night in my room. I was able to watch a little television and went to bed at about 11:00 p.m.This morning I had to go re-supply, re-pack my food, mail a box to Fontana Dam and then get back out to the trail.I finally started hiking at 1:00 p.m. I had planned to stop at Seler Bald Shelter, but got there about 3:00 p.m. and decided it was too early to stop. Some other hikers I know were planning to camp about four miles from the shelter, so I decided to go on. It snowed all day and was getting windy. I found a place out of the wind and set up my tent. So here I am, stealth camping - by myself. My bear bag is hung and I have had supper. It is 6:00 p.m. and cold so I am in my tent. Besides, there is no one to talk to.I will not cook in the morning, as I will try to get an early start. I hope to stay in a shelter tomorrow. Then on to NOC (Nantahall Outdoor Center) the following day where I may stay in a hostel. I will just have to see how it goes.I passed a couple that was thru hiking with their two labs (Blue Belt and Lab Dad). They said the dogs slow them down, but were glad to have them along for the company. Nothing more for now.Good night Mr. Marposa********************Written log mailed by GG 3-30-06, received 4-7-06, entered 4-9-06 by Sarita for Gloria
Date: 2006-03-26
From: Wayah Gap Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: broken clouds

Day: 13   Date: 3-26-06   Mileage: 15.7   Total: 128.2What a night!!!! I do not really like camping alone - - but all went well.I slept pretty well for about 4 hours but then was awake on and off for the remainder of the night. The wind slowed down and there was some sleet. I had to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. When I got up the snow was real crunchy. Soooo - if a large animal (like a bear) was around I would have heard it. I did hear some snuffling a couple of times in the night - but I assume it was a skunk or a raccoon. During the night, when I was checking the time on my watch, I somehow set it forward 2 hours. So when I woke up my watch showed 7:45 a.m. So I packed up and left the site at what I thought was 8:30 a.m. I thought it was kind of dark for the time of day. I got to the Cold Spring Shelter at 2:30 p.m. (really 12:30 p.m.). I was debating about going on - but at 10 miles already I had decided to stay for the night. Then two hikers came in and long story short I realized my watch was off, so decided to go on.I got into Wesser Bald at about 4:00 p.m. It was a long day. Tomorrow I will go into NOC for a warm bed and good food. It is only about 5 miles away.There was snow all over the trail today and it was very cold when I started. Stupid me - that is what I get for going out to start the hike day at 6:30 a.m.!!! The day did turn out to be sunny. Then the trail turned to slush and mud. That was nasty! Slippery! Just not fun.Well, my noodle dinner is done, food is hung up and we are all sitting at the campfire. There are six or seven in the shelter and about five tenting.It is getting dark, so I have to put this away for the night.Good night Mr. Marposa********************Written log mailed by GG 3-30-06, received 4-7-06, entered 4-9-06 by Sarita for Gloria
Date: 2006-03-27
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: NOC (Nantahall Outdoor Center)
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: clear sky

Day: 14   Date: 3-27-06   Mileage: 5.6   Total: 133.8Got up this morning early and was on the trail by about 7:15 a.m. I did not get breakfast, as I wanted to get going. I got into NOC at about 10:00 a.m. I have checked into the hostel and have taken a shower. Now I am in the process of doing my laundry.Today is a beautiful day with a clear sky. Last night was another cold one. I'm not sure of the temperature but my water bottle was frozen solid!I cannot wait for some warmer nights!!!The NOC (Nantahall Outdoor Center) is kinda in the middle of nowhere. There is an outfitter, some cabins, a restaurant and a few other buildings. The hostel holds 66 people total in five buildings. It is very quiet, as I got in early. I understand that they are pretty full most nights.Tomorrow will be another rough day. Whenever we come down a mountain - we always have another big up. And tomorrow is ALL UP, about 3000 feet. ICK!!!I am sitting outside waiting for laundry to be done - in the sun - hearing the birds - sounds like spring.Supper is now done and I went to the community room to talk with the other hikers. There were about twelve of us at one table for dinner. I met some new hikers - Braun & Brains, a retired couple and another couple that I cannot remember their names. Also, there was PI, BEAR BELL, COYOTE BEC, GUMBO, LONSOME and also a couple of others that I cannot remember their names. Most of us are hoping to camp 10 miles up the trail. I hope it works out.I am glad for a warm room tonight! I can hear the peepers for the first time tonight.Best shut the light out now. It is late, 9:21 p.m.!! No one else is assigned to my room - but the walls are paper-thin and I can hear PI and Bear Bell talking in the next room.Two weeks down, WAHOO!!!! Good night Mr. Marposa********************Written log mailed by GG 3-30-06, received 4-7-06, entered 4-9-06 by Sarita for Gloria
Date: 2006-03-28
From: NOC (Nantahall Outdoor Center)

To: Locust Cove Gap Camp site (Stealth camping)
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day: 15   Date: 3-28-06   Mileage: 10.6   Total: 144.4It was nice sleeping in the hostel. Last night I was the only one in the room. There was heat and it was actually too warm in my sleeping bag. What a change!!!I got up this morning to go to the restaurant for breakfast at 7:00 a.m. and was on the trail by 8:15 a.m. I walked on and off all day with NEFFA, PI and BEAR BELL. We stopped at Sassafras Gap Shelter for lunch. Then went on for four more miles to set up camp. Sometimes the shelters are just not the right distance apart. By going the extra four miles we will go about 12 miles tomorrow, then will only have to hike six the next day which will get us into Fontana Dam.The weather report for today was predicting showers - but so far we have not had any rain. I hope our luck holds. The waitress at breakfast said showers the next three days then starting Friday warming up - maybe 70 to 80 degrees. BUT - that is NOT in the mountains! I really hope for the warmer weather through the Smokies. Most of the elevation through the Smokies is around 5000 feet. At that elevation it is cold. I have heard they have around a foot of snow still on the ground. Pray for warmer weather!!!!We got into camp today at 3:00 p.m. That was good considering the elevation changes we had to contend with. Right now our elevation is 3750 feet. We are hoping for a warmer night tonight.Another camper just came in, it is OLD REB. Also several of the hikers we had dinner with last night were going to try and make it here tonight. Beth bought me a Sudoka puzzle book. I usually will complete one or sometimes two each day! It's nice to have the entertainment.Well we really have a full house tonight. Here are COYOTE BEC, GUMBY, CRITTER RAILROAD and a father with his teenage daughter who are on spring break.It was nice to sit around and talk after dinner. But it is now 7:30 p.m. (midnight - hiker time) and everyone is getting ready for bed. I hope it is a good night for sleeping - not as cold as it has been.Good night Mr. Marposa********************Written log mailed by GG 3-30-06, received 4-7-06, entered 4-9-06 by Sarita for Gloria
Date: 2006-03-29
From: Locust Cove Gap Camp site (Stealth camping)

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: clear sky

Hey everyone,This is the last of the handwritten journals from GG, for now. I'm signing off till we get the next batch or we get a call from GG herself. I heard from Phil and Tobi that she spent some time with her youngest daughter (Tracey) this weekend (4-8-06), so Tracey may have some more information to share with us that we can log for the group. Until next time then, GG keep on writing and calling and we'll keep entering it for your readers.********************Day: 16   Date: 3-29-06   Mileage: 11.6   Total: 156.0This morning I was the last one out of the camp, except for dad and daughter and I left at 7:50 a.m. Everyone was up and around early today.Last night I slept the best ever, so far. I did not get gold until about 5:00 a.m. and I wasn't even wearing all of my clothes.Today we had one hill that really kicked by butt!!!! It went straight up about 600 feet and did not have any switchbacks. Right STRAIGHT UP!! That was a mighty slow walk.Tonight I am tenting, again. The shelter was pretty full. So far there are about 15 hikers here.It was a beautiful day. I hope the night is not too cold.Time to get supper around. Maybe later!********************Written log mailed by GG 3-30-06, received 4-7-06, entered 4-9-06 by Sarita for Gloria
Date: 2006-03-30
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Hilton (Shelter)
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

Day 17! Slept in the tent last night and was very comfy. I opened the vent in the top and did not have any condensation in teh morning. I didn't even have to wear all my night wear to stay warm.About 2:30 am a jet went over very low (I thought it was a jet because it was so loud). I kept waiting to hear a crash. About 3:30 am, 3 people came into camp yelling they were doing a practice search and rescue. Very nice, but did they have to do it at this time and wake everyone up???Left this morning about 7:30 and arrived at Fontana around 11:00. Called a shuttle to take us to Fontana Village for a mail pickup. I had mailed food and also had my bounce box. I emptied the box of what I needed and mailed everything else home. Now my pack is 8 to 10 lbs heavier! Ick!We still had an additional mile from where the shuttle took us. So, after all of our new organizing, we took the shuttle back and walked to the shelter.This shelter is the nicest by far. It is big-will sleep around 28 and still leaves floor space. It also has FLUSH toilets about 100 yards away. The call it the Fontana Hilton. Tomorrow we cross Fontana Dam where there is a Welcome Center that has free showers. So, I took a shower and put the dirty clothes back on. I still smell, but I feel clean.Tomorrow starts the Smokeys. I'm hoping we have some good weather. Currently we are at 1700 ft. Most of the Smokeys run 5000 ft. Also, we can only stay in the shelters while in the Smokeys. AND, non-thru hikers do not have priority to sleep in the shelters. We will molt likely tent - not fair if it is raining!Good night Mr. Marposa.-Entered by the flying (and Florida-tanned) fingers of Vicki.
Date: 2006-03-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Phil, I hope you don¢t mind ¢ I am going to go ahead and add your guest entry into GG (Gloria¢s) journal. I wanted to be sure everyone got to see it, and wasn¢t sure everyone reads the guest book entries. The information you explained here is exactly what Gloria told me on the phone last Monday. She said it was pretty funny while you were on your Acapulco trip as you were trying to incorporate the word Marposa into your daily discussions and the word kept popping up in the most unexpected places.Anyway you are exactly right, her sign-off each night: ¢Good night Mr. Marposa¢ is intended for you to let you know she is thinking about you.***************Entered by Sarita for GG***************Guest Entry Name: Phil "Mr. Marposa": I am thinking that "Mr. Marposa" is me, the husband. Long story though. Gloria and I were recently in Acapulco with another couple. While there, I looked up the word for "porpoise" in the dictionary. When we went to a restaurant that served seafood, I asked for Marposa (Porpoise). The waitress was stunned, and said they did not have Marposa. She finally caught on that it was a joke. After that, the whole thing was forgotten until we returned home. I then wrote sort of an anonymous letter to our friends that were with us on the trip. The letter was supposedly from our Hotel Manager there, and he was explaining to my buddy that he was no longer welcome at the Hotel since he had tried to smuggle beer to the pool area, which had not been bought at their poolside facilities. (Actually, I had bought the beer and a cooler at the neighboring store, but the guard blamed Ron because the cooler was sitting next to him, in the shade). I signed this letter "Polezia Marposa". "Polezia" is Italian for "Police". On a previous trip to Italy, I had looked up some phrases. One of them was "Chiamo la Polezia"..."Call the Police". I used that in a restaurant when the waitress was taking my order for food. She looked at me like I was stupid or something. Date: Mar 31 2006 6:34AM
Date: 2006-03-31
From: Fontana Hilton (Shelter)

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 18! Got up early this a.m. and was walking at 7a.m. This was a very long day - finished by 3:30pm.   Today was beautiful but rain was in the forecast. It was actually very warm-but I'm not complaining. At least no snow!   The snow that was just here melted, so the trail was muddy in places. It's amazing how different the Smokeys woods look. There's more grass and the underbrush isn't as thick and it's not as rocky.I was almost to the shelter and it started to sprinkle. I was going as fast as I could and made it before it started to rain harder. In the shelter is: CHOCHO, HINDSFEET, & BEAR BELL. This shelter has 2 levels and sleeps 14. There's also a fireplace and a chainlink fence across the front door. We've now eaten and hung our bear-bags. It started to pour and I still have to go to the bathroom. Man! I hope it stops soon...I've met some very AMAZING people on this adventure. Hinds Feet is going to Nigeria as a missionary. Railroad & Critter have joined the Peace Corps and will be going someplace when they are done. Cyote Bee & Gumby hiked 500 miles of the trail 17 years ago and had their 3-year old son with them in a stroller. After being out here, I can not imagine pushing a stroller. They then got bikes and rode the remainder of the way to Maine on them.At the top of our latest BIG climb there was a fire tower. I walked about half way up the tower to take a picture of Fontan Dam and Fontana Lake. I would be been much better if it was clear.Bedtime...Good night Mr. Marposa.
Date: 2006-04-01
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

Well I am on duty. This is Debbie. Sarita and Vicki had a busy week end coming up and we wanted to make sure everyone was updated!As GG writes....Day 19Another long day! When we got up it was very foggy. The fog did lift around 10 or 11, then turned into a sunny day. We had a lot of rain last night so the trail was muddy. But not running water in the trail. The shelter roof is metal so the rain was very loud. I slept well. The last 2 nights have not been as cold.Today at lunch, I was sitting with some hikers who had a thermometer. The temp was 85. It is now 6pm and is getting cooler. We may be in for a cooler night. Elevation is 5400 feet. Tonight we have Cho Cho, Hinds Feet, Beau Bill, Grey Eagle, 3 week end hikers and a ridge runner. Its been a long day and I am going to get ready for bed. Good Night Mr. Marposa
Date: 2006-04-02
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Ice Water Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: broken clouds

Day 202 good things today - went over 200 miles, yahoo!. And are over 1/2 way thru the Smokies! Got up early and was on the trail at 6:50. I can get out much earlier when I do not cook. The last couple days I have been having oatmeal with cream cookies for breakfast on the trail. Not the best but there is cereal and calories. I have also not been having a real lunch. I snack about every 2 hours. Snickers, Granola bar, Gorp, pop tarts, and jerky. It is hard to have a real lunch when the bread smashes.Today we had some sprinkles. It was predicted to rain this afternoon and evening. When it started to sprinkle I got out my rain gear and put my pack cover on. Never rained hard enough to use the rain protection. But you just never know! Th trail was very muddy and wet. There was also ice in places. Last week this area got 12 to 18 inches of snow. Most of it is melted but stil some patches left. I was glad to have my rain pants on to keep the mud off my legs. Today we put in a lot of miles. I walked into the shelter at 4:50pm, so a 10 hour day!When I walked into the parking lot of Newfound Gap, there was Trail Magic. Yea! I had 2 hot dogs and a coke. Boy was that nice. Thank you, Pete and Crash. Crash is a previous thru hiker and Pete plans a thru hike next year. Also we went over Clingamans Dome. Elevation 6643. We have been walking back and forth over the TN/NC line the past couple days. Tonight we have a full shelter and 4 camping. The weather is thunderstorms so I am glad to be in a shelter. There are 2 fathers and 5 little boys from Dayton, Ohio. It seems so funny to hear the kids running aroung playing. It is now 8pm(daylight savings time). Getting late for us hikers. But I cannot see sleep any time soon, with the kids. Still nice to relax.Until tomorrow! Good Night, Mr. Marposa
Date: 2006-04-03
From: Ice Water Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 21We had a bad storm last night. Thunder, lightening, rain and hail. It was also very windy. I was hoping we would not have a leaky roof. There were a few leaks, but not over me. We got a late start this morning, 9:30 when I was on the trail. We were not in a hurry as the plan was for only about 7 miles. Pecks Corner Shelter was .5 miles off the trail. I got to the turn at about 1pm and was trying to decide if I should go on to the next shelter 5.3 miles. It started to thunder and sprinkle. That made up my mind. I went right to the shelter. It did rain a bit and hailed. We have a full shelter tonight and 3 camping.Last night 2 of the campers, Lush and Snapper tented and everything got wet. They were going to build a fire and try to dry out. The people I hike with have named their packs. Mine is "Heavy Bitch'. Should be out of the Smokies in 2 more days. I'll be glad as the elevation will go down and should be warmer. The last few nights have not been as cold and I have not had to wear everything to bed. Time to get everything settled before bed.Good Night, Mr. Marposa.
Date: 2006-04-04
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: few clouds

Day 22Last night was another cold one. We had 20 people in a 12 person shelter. that helped it be warmer. Got up early - on the trail at 8. There was a lot of frost on the trees and they were all white. There were places on the trail that had ice and snow on it and it was very slippery. A lot of hikers fell today - including me. It was beautiful today. Walking along the crest. You could see 2 seasons; one side had white frosty trees and the other side sunny and no frost. When I got into the shelter today, Pete was here with Trail Magic. Fruit, candy bars, coke and BEER. Pabst - Phil's favorite. Amazing how good a PBR tastes when you have not had a beer for 3 weeks and there was no other choice. Pete sure is a nice guy to pack in the Trail Magic and then pack out all our trash!I'm so glad to be going out of the Smokies tomorrow. Lower elevation and not limited to staying only at shelters. We can camp again.A couple nights ago a hiker passed away in his sleep. I guess he just did not wake up. There is a man at our shelter tonight who was with him when he passed. Also the trail today was very rocky in places. The bottom of my feet feel bruised. Time to get ready to turn in,Good Night, Mr. Marposa.
Date: 2006-04-05
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

Day 23Today was a beautiful day.Last night was a bit cold but not as bad as some nights. This morning I was on the trail at 7:45. By 11:30 we were at the road hitching to Mountain Mama's for a cheeseburger.The trail was very nice today. We started with a pretty good up, then gentile down the rest of the day. It was pretty today and I have to say the most enjoyable day!I hiked most of the day with OZ Bee. He is 70 years old and from Hudsonville, MI. A very nice man.   Some of the others, ChoCho, HindsFeet, and Bear Bell stayed at Mountain Mama's, as they were waiting for a package that did not come in. We had a great night. This Hostel is the best. We are having a fire outside. There is beer in the stream and we are having a great time.OZ Bee and I went to Mountain Mama's for a cheeseburger. They do not hold a candle to the Marshall's Coach Burger!I talked with Tracy tonight and she and Payton are meeting me in Hot Springs for the week end. YEABest get ready for bed as will have 2 long hiking days to be there Friday night.I'm still glad I'm here!Good Night, Mr. Marposa