morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-04-14
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Helen, Ga
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Stayed up pretty late last night doing maintenance on my blog. Fixed two days that were actually one, fixed mileage, named and journaled each picture, added more pictures, added pictures to correct dates, blogged the last two days, etc... So scout around a little if you want. Send me a text if I need to fixed something else. I tend to be terrible at tenses, I go from past, to present, to future tense all in the same paragraph. Auto correct messes me up sometimes too! So taking a few days off as I wait for my son-in-law, James, to come pick up Tundra and take her back to Virginia. James is a real life saver, I don't know what I would have done if he couldn't have come. Then Monday, my daughter, Janet (and possibly James), will take her the rest of the way to Maryland. My knees will certainly appreciate the rest. Took Tundra out at 9:00 for quick walk. Then ate breakfast at the Hotel's buffet. We then walked to the city park and walked leisurely throughout. Tundra smelled every tree, shrub, flower, rock, and you name it, until she had her fill! Met Knobby's husband walking by the park. He called me by my name, not trail name, I was surprised and a little confused at how he knew my name, then he introduced himself and I was immediately releaved. We had a nice chat and after taking the dog back to hotel, we walked back down town and grabbed a bite to eat at a barbecue place, right on the water. It was nice swapping stories back and forth. What a beautiful day it was, I am glad the weather is good for Knobby and her grandson. I'm missing the trail already and can't wait to be back on the trail again (cue music). Resting in room now, will walk again later!
Date: 2017-04-15
From: Helen, Ga

To: Rocky Mountain Top
Miles today: 1.4
Weather: light rain

Had to check out of my room at Quality Inn, in Helen, by noon. Then spent the day wandering around Helen with Tundra. We were waiting for James, my son-in-law, to pick up Tundra for me. Got a ride with Knobbies husband to Unicoi Gap thinking it would save James some time but it didn't. After Tundra was picked up at 5:30 I headed up the trail. Rocky Mountain was tough and it took me until 7pm to get to the top. I decided to pitch my tent and call it a night. I was a little freaked out because I was all alone. I missed Tundra. I missed my solar lantern. I missed Knobby. I was in my tent by 7:30 ready to sleep. I kept hearing something sniffing about my tent. Then I'm snuggled deep in my sleeping bag when all of a sudden a bright light flooded my tent. My mind went to "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", when Richard Draffus was sitting in his truck and this bright light shines down from the sky. I couldn't look at first, scared half out of my mind. Finally I look up and my phone, which was in the upper, corner pocket of the tent was getting a message that I had an update and was shining oh so brightly. I can laugh now but it was pretty scary at the time. I woke up on and off all night.
Date: 2017-04-16
From: Rocky Mountain Top

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 9.0

Got up at 7:30 and on the trail by 8am. Woke to a very foggy morning. Prayed and sang for the first hour. It is Easter Sunday! I walked a long time trying to reach Tray Mountain Shelter for lunch. It was slow going then I stopped on the trail to rest and look at Guide again when Bananas came along. We talked for a minute and he informed me I was past Tray Mountain shelter. We started walking together, after a little while Rachelle came along and the three of us walked all the way to Sassafras Gap. I walked very slow and they were very gracious to wait for me, over and over again. I did my biggest day so far 9 miles. Long day, going to sleep!
Date: 2017-04-17
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: light rain

Woke up today at 7am, but didn't head out until 8:30. Not sure where the time went. Took me a little over an hour to hike up Kelly Knob. It was a tough start to the day! I told Bananas and Rachelle to go on ahead without me. It took me 6 hours to go the 6 miles to Dicks Creek Gap and they hiked it in half that time. Powell Mountain wasn't horrible but seemed unending. Then there was Snake Mountain, not bad at all but I was getting tired by then. When I got to Dicks Creek Gap who just happened to be there but my buddy, Ron, who Knobby and I met back at Cooper Gap, and several times since then. He gave me a free ride into Hiawassee. Knobby hiked with her grandson over the weekend to Dicks Creek Gap, while I was resting my knees and waiting for Tundra to be picked up. Then I started a day later than them and hiked through today and joined her at the Budget Inn. I got a much needed shower, did laundry, then Knobby and I went to Daniel's Steak House for dinner! It was delicious, just what the doctor ordered! On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at Ingles Grocery Store for supplies. It'll be about 5 days before we hit another town. While waiting for Knobby to finish her shopping I was watching cars come and go. I noticed that one car came and just sat there. People stopped and chatted with the elderly ladies (maybe in their 70's). So when Knobby came out of the store, she came over and sat down beside me and I asked her, "Should I go over and asked those 2 ladies if they're going in our direction?" She didn't object so over I went. I explained that we were 2 old broads hiking the AT, and inquired if they were going our way, as we were pooped out, and had groceries to cart. Also, I asked if they were waiting for someone. They responded, " No, we aren't waiting for anyone, we just come up here and sit in the parking lot to watch people!" They then gave us a ride! Thank you, Jo Ann and Fay! We got back to the hotel and worked on getting our packs repacked and ready for tomorrow We'll be leaving tomorrow morning, at 9am, on the hotel's shuttle to Dicks Creek Gap, to continue on up the trail. Weather prediction has rain throughout the week. Hope it blows over!
Date: 2017-04-18
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Plumorchard Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: light rain

Woke up in the hotel and had until 9:30 before the shuttle left to take us back to the trail. So went to laundry room and dried a shirt I hand washed in the sink, as it was overlooked when I did my laundry yesterday. While waiting I popped into the small Outfitters at the Budget Inn. I wanted to up grade my poncho to a water proof jacket. I found one and put my poncho in the hickers box. Hiker boxes are at every hotel, hostel, etc., to give and take equipment and food as needed. I always peruse through the box and today I found a small tarp perfect for my tent entryway. We arrived at Dick's Creek Gap at 10:00 and headed north. We weren't on the trail a half hour before the rain started in, I was mighty happy in my new light weight rain jacket! It was a delightful leisurely day, not too demanding and we were only going 4 1/2 miles due to the late start. We arrived at Plumorchard at around 2:30. I was ecstatic because it was to be my first shelter experience. The shelter was new and accommodated up to14 people, we ended up with 11 for the night. It's a three story building, closed in on three sides. I stayed on the third floor because shelters are notorious for their mice, and I wanted to be the last stop for them. I can't say I slept very well between listening for mice and hearing a chorus of snoring. Met several new hikers around my age. Dynamite, a 71 year old lady, who is small in stature but big in character. She is in great shape, very into yoga and hiking. She hangs with the Gipper, an older man, with bad knees. Lucky Stars (from Texas) is a woman a little younger than me who might be looking for husband number four! Then there's PAM (Protector for all Mankind), a 55 year old lady who came by her name because she has left the trail to help fellow hikers in need a few times. It was a fun night even though no one could get a fire started, due to all the rain. Went to bed early. Got up at 6:00 and on the trail early!
Date: 2017-04-19
From: Plumorchard Shelter

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Knobby and I got up early because the younger hikers all wanted to get an early start to their day and I was sleeping on the third floor with them. So to keep from switching places with anyone I just got up early with them. Knobby and I left for the trail around 7:15, the others early risers were still at the shelter for hours. Pam caught up with us and we hiked for quite a while together. Then on a long, steady incline Knobby had to rest and told us to go on. Pam and I hiked on crossing the Ga/NC border and on through the next two mountains. It was like North Carolina telling us "Take that you Yankees". Sharp Top and Courthouse Bald were by far harder than Blood Mountain! Just before the shelter we came to a spring and Pam suggested we soak our feet as we got our water! It was refreshing and very cold, my feet were numb within minutes! We arrived at Muskrat Creek Shelter around 4:00 greeted by Dynamite, the Gripper, and Lucky Stars (who chose to tent camp, evidently she didn't get any sleep the night before either), and a new guy named Jeff. It was like coming home and Pam and I claimed the last three spots, as it only slept 6. We told Knobby we'd save a spot for her if we made it in time. Shortly after we got there another guy came in, saw there were no openings and tented with Lucky Stars. I was happy to see Knobby and she arrived to everyone cheering for her! Everyone got in bed fairly early, like 7:30. It would turn out to be another restless night for me. Luckily, no mice made any appearances either shelter nights.
Date: 2017-04-20
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Beech Gap
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept in until 7:30, everyone was tired from the lack of sleep for two nights, on the trail by 8:40. It was a long day but steady day. We had a nice easy hike all morning and Knobby and I stayed close together. Standing Indian Mountain ended up not being as challenging to climb as we had first feared. But the day was long. As we were on the descent my knees started really bothering me. We hiked on for two an a half more miles before we finally found our camp spot at Beech Gap. I was in a great deal of pain as I set up my tent and made dinner. Lucky Stars came over when she arrived and ate with us. Knobby got the bear bag rope ready and after we ate Lucky Stars and I hung the bags. Just as I got to my tent it started raining! Phew! I was so glad to be snug in my sleeping bag as the rain came down! I slept somewhat restless that night as I decided to rub my aching legs down with Ben Gay that night and all I could think about was "I just basted myself for the Bears". Earlier that day or the day before I heard a story about a guy who went to sleep with coconut sun tanning oil on and a bear ripped open his tent to get at the yummy treat. The bear didn't hurt the guy but the authorities had to put the bear down but they got the wrong bear so they had to find and shoot the right bear. So because some idiot wore sun tanning lotion to bed two bears died! I was feeling like quite the "idiot" that night. Next morning I read the Ben Gay tube it said vanishing scent! I wonder...
Date: 2017-04-21
From: Beech Gap

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: broken clouds

In the morning, we found out that Pam, Dyamite and the Gipper also stayed at Beech Gap only on the other side. They all took off early because that were doing a 12+ mile day. Knobby and I decided to hike to just before Albert Mountain, knowing it would be a hard mountain to get over. When we got up our tents were wet. We hung them up while we packed away everything else but still ended up packing them away wet. Ugh! The day wasn't too hard but my knees are a constant struggle. I been taking Aleve and about 8 vitamins a day to help. I've learned to use my hiking poles to lower myself down over steps and such to ease the pounding of descents. Also, if I bend my knees slightly while walking it helps a little.For two days now we've hiked through the burned forest that happened last summer. It's so sad to see all the chard trees. You can still smell the burned wood. We stopped at Carter Gap Shelter for lunch it was nice. It's a new structure but only sleeps 8. Loved the broom someone made. We are passed several times a day but none so cute as a group of boys (8-11 years old), they call themselves the Green Brier Patch kids. They were adorable! Traveling at about 3 miles an hour, they marched right by us. Later in the day it started to rain and we caught up to them as they were getting on rain gear. We got ours out and on too and they were gone! As we came into Betty Creek Gap we could hear them long before we saw them. They were having a blast exploring the creek and forest. We set about getting our tents up in a cute little Mountain Laurel grove. As soon as my tent was up I laid in it for awhile just too tired and achy to care I was on hard ground. Then I blew up mattress pad and got sleeping bag situated, took some Aleve and laid down. I almost fell asleep but got dinner in me fast and then crashed by 4 pm. Slept all night as the rain came down!
Date: 2017-04-22
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: light rain

We got up at 6:30 with the sun. Packed up quickly and got right on the trail by 7:20. We had an easy start as the trail meandered through the forest and around mountain sides. We got to Albert Mountain base by 10:40 and spent the next 1 1/2 hours climbing .3 miles up to 5250' summit. To say it was hard would be an understatement. It was mountain climbing, not mountain hiking. Several parts had us throwing our hiking poles forward as we pushed or pulled ourselves over boulders. It was a challenge for us "mature" ladies for sure! When we reached the top there was a Fire Tower. It was very tall. I climbed three flights up but the wind was so strong and I was so scared I couldn't go the last flight. I took pictures and scurried down. Knobby ate lunch while I climbed then we started the 6.1 mile descent to Rock Gap. Shortly after leaving the fire tower we came to the 100 mile marker, marked by someone with stones in the shape of 100! We took pictures then hiked fast. We covered 2 miles in the first hour but then we had to slow down. I phoned the Budget Inn and made arrangements for pick up at Rock Gap at 5:00. We had 3 1/2 hours to do 4.1 miles. As the clock ticked down we scurried to get there but my left knee was screaming, then my right foot was shooting pain, then my left heel's Plantar Fasciitis flared up! I was a hot mess! I prayed over and over for God to give me strength, determination and perseverance as I hobbled step by step down the mountain. I cried hysterically and uncontrollably several times but then scolded myself (out loud, mind you) to get a grip because I couldn't see the trail with tears in my eyes. I taped up my knee with athletic tape to give it more stability and strength. I grunted and moaned a lot as the pain was almost unbearable but continued on. I prayed for God to send me an angel to help me. At two different times guys offered to carry my back pack down the rest of the way but I turned them down. I was thinking unless you are carrying me with it, it really doesn't help me because my pack wasn't bothering me in the least. Finally, the last 500 feet I allowed a guy to carry it. Knobby even asked if I wanted to stay at the Long Branch shelter as we were passing it but I said no let's keep going. I knew I had to get down off the mountain and quick because I was out of food, toilet paper, baby wipes, clean clothes and longed for a shower and any food not dehydrated. Well after 3 1/2 long, excruciating hours I finally made it down with 4 minutes to spare. I told Knobby "See, I knew we could do it). I had to joke or break down sobbing, I chose the former. We had a van full of 6 smelly hikers, it was quite a trip! Got to our rooms and collapsed, then we ordered pizza and got showers. Will go to Angel Urgent Care tomorrow. Maybe this is the angel he chose to send???
Date: 2017-04-23
From: Rock Gap

To: Budget Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

It was so good to sleep in doors as the rain has been non stop here! Slept in until 8:30 which was wonderful! When I got up I immediately took my laundry to the laundry room and got it started so I could get dressed for the day. Usually while doing laundry hikers wear their rain gear but I have an extra pair of shorts now that I put on with my rain coat. You can see a thru-hiker a mile away and sometimes smell them too! When I went back to switch my clothes to the dryer, my neighbor next door (also a hiker) noticed I was limping and asked if he could take a look. He told me he was a doctor and I said let me switch my laundry around first, so I could think about it, as it was a little odd. Knobby and I agreed he must be a chiropractor so when I came back I let him take a look. He adjusted it and it really did help. Thank you Lord for having our paths cross! I decided that my Air Force boots might be hurting my feet, actually I think someone else mentioned it to me yesterday. So I went on the Budget Inn shuttle to the Outfitters Store and bought a new pair of boots. Hopefully my feet pain will magically disappear! Also got new trekking poles as I've been using broken poles for two weeks now and have blisters on my thumbs as a result. Occasionally my poles would giggle loose, unlock and collapse while I was hiking. That could seriously be a hazard on the mountain terrain we hike on. Then the shuttle dropped a few of us off at a diner for lunch. I joined Dynamite and Grippers for hamburgers. We walked back to the Budget Inn but we stopped in at a smaller Outfitters Store and I bought a new knee brace. The Chiropractor recommended a certain kind and I'm trying everything I can to insure I don't go home! Hope the new gear helps! Came back to room and laid out wet tent and gear so it could dry. At 4:00 the shuttle made its daily run to Walmart for food and stuff. I bought five days worth of food but I'm not super happy with my choices. Good thing I will get another resupply box at the next stop.Came back to room and started packing everything up, food, tent, clean clothes, etc... Haven't really rested my leg much today so now I sit with a cold water blader on knee and foot. Well, it's late and I must get to bed. Had fun talking to my granddaughter, Kaitlyn, my sister and all my children (except Jessica, as she's not where there's cell service). Next time I hope to do less running around and more face-timing with grand babies! Love and miss you all!
Date: 2017-04-24
From: Budget Inn

To: Budget Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another day off! Knobby and I, went to breakfast with Dynamite and Gipper. As we were eating and watching the weather we all decided to take another day off, as it was going to rain all day again. We will leave at 9am on the shuttle back to Rock Gap and continue our journey.After breakfast, I went to the Outfitters Store and got a UPS box to mail some stuff home. While there I asked if they had a scale so I could weigh my backpack. They did. I also bought another food bag, this one water proof, a buff, and sock liners. Then went back to room and filled box. Walked back to the Outfitters, this time with my fully loaded backpack, and mailed my box. I then weighed myself, my pack, and my fanny pack. I was pretty excited as I've lost another 10lbs, 20lbs total since January, and I've gotten my backpack weight down to 26.8lbs. I started with a 40lb pack. My fanny pack weighs 3.4lbs. I will be carrying about 4lbs. of water. So, pack will weigh 30.8 with 2 liters of water.Walked to post office and mailed a letter, then walked to the "Mixer" and had a coke and ate a taco. Went back to room and got to talk to Jessica. Then the 4 of us went to dinner at the Hiker's Brewery. I had texted Pam earlier and asked her where she was, and as we were sitting there she called me and asked where we were. Then 5 minutes later Pam and Lucky Stars walked in. We had a fun time playing catch up and then we went outside to order food from a food truck. Got a couple good pictures of all of us. Hope we see them again on down the line but they're 11 miles ahead of us so time will tell. We walked back to the hotel and are ready for bed. Hope my knee and foot don't give me trouble tomorrow.
Date: 2017-04-25
From: Rock Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, I didn't get very far today. Instead of going to clinic today, I decided to test out my new boots and poles and see if they would be enough. They weren't. Woke up around 7:30, got a shower, packed up, took shuttle to Rock Gap. There are two exits for Franklin, Rock Gap and Winding Stair Gap. Between the two gaps there is a 3.7 mile stretch. So I knew I could try out my rested knees and feet to see how they'd do without being stranded if things went south. There was about a mile of up, a mile of straight, and then a mile of down. I managed the first two ok but I definitely struggled a lot on the down. So as I was hiking I was running scenarios through my head. Do I go home? Do I try to go to the VA clinic here in Franklin? Do I go to Angel Care Urgent Clinic? Do I go to the ER at the hospital? Should I go to the hostel? Back to Budget Inn? Well, after I got to Winding Stair Gap, Betty Crocker and Butter Bear, two women, around 30-40, I met while hiking today had a ride with close family friends (of Betty's) and were just getting backpacks in the trunk of the car. They saw me and asked if I had a ride and when I said I didn't the 71 year old lady, who was driving, said come on we'll give you a ride to town. Then we all went out to eat at "Boilers Steakhouse", which was awesome! The two ladies that drove from Ashville to help out Betty Crocker were so sweet, and one of them paid for all of us. Then they took me to the Budget Hotel. The hotel was full but they had room in the hostel across the street, so that is where I am for the night. Butter Bear will be here later too but is running errands with Betty Crocker right now. I called the Foot Clinic and the VA clinic when I got here, both were closed but will go to one of them tomorrow.
Date: 2017-04-26
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Franklin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It is with a heavy heart that I have to say goodbye to the AT for now. I am going to fly home Friday and rest and recuperate and possibly return after Memorial Day. During that time I will try and see a few specialist to determine if my left knee needs surgery, a new brace or just rest. Pretty certain my right foot has a stress fracture and I think it just needs time to heal. I will go back to my podiatrist and have him make a mold of my foot for better Plantar F. inserts. If I don't make it back this year then I'll try next year. Thanks to all of you who read my blog and sent encouraging words. I will miss the AT.