morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-03-28
From: Brown Fork Shelter

To: Fontana Lodge
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day Twenty - Brown Fork Shelter to Fontana LodgeWow! Today was amazing! Really! Yes there was still snow and yes it was cold but the sky was clear, the sun was shining an everywhere we walked today had amazing views. I was the last one to leave the shelter this morning (with Quaker) and immediately we noticed how blue the sky was. Quaker is great to hike with and we end up having really cool conversations. I was supposed to just hike with him to the next shelter and then I was going to carry on to Fontana on my own. Thankfully I talked him into coming as well! When we got to NC28 there was a building with restrooms and a phone and for three dollars per person you can call for a shuttle. I felt kind of strange calling for a ride when I wasn't even sure where we were going (most places don't allow dogs) but when I called I found out that Fontana Lodge will let us stay and for cheap I was happy. When our chauffeur arrived he told us about the 900 acre resort we were about to stay at. The place is amazing it has beautiful cabins, timeshares and a hotel with fine dining. You can imagine what we looked like coming through snow and mud and how much we smell not having showered or even changed our clothes in a few days and yet here we were being dropped off at a luxury resort! When we booked a room we were upgraded to an amazing two bedroom cabin that is unbelievable! Right away I noticed the wrap around deck and when we opened the door we saw the leather furniture we both laughed. It seemed to good to be true! Because it was so late we didn't have time to clean up if we wanted to make it to the dining room on time so off we went as dirty, smelly thru-hikers to a fine dining place. The food was great, the service was excellent and the company was awesome (Quaker had asked SonDriven to join us). I forgot to mention that when we first arrived we spent a long time in the lodge before we even made it to our cabin because we kept bumping into hikers we knew. I was really surprised to see Wild Rain as I thought she was days ahead of me by now. She told me they had hiked back (something hikers NEVER do) twelve miles after being stuck at an overcrowded shelter for two days and had used up all I their fuel just to try to keep warm. I am so happy to be safe and warm tonight! I will very likely stay another night just to let the snow melt a little more. I am clean now and am wearing the only clean items I have left. It's late and laundry will have to wait till tomorrow. Good night!Trouble "There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle." Albert Einstein
Date: 2013-03-29
From: Fontana Lodge

To: Fontana Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day Twenty-one Fonatana LodgeIt is really hard to write about a zero day. Most of the day is spent doing chores and really isn't that interesting but I woke up this morning thankful for the warm bed, hot water tap and the hot meal that I knew I was going to inhale. We went up for breakfast and M80 arrived to place a take out order but joined us while we ate. My chores for the day were to sort out my resupply and mail some food ahead to Gatlinburg, do laundry, find someone to watch Melkie while I am in the Smokies and maybe find someone to split the cabin with tonight. Michael had dropped off a resupply box here for me after he left me on Springer Mountain so I had most of my resupply and all of Melkie's food. I just need to add junk food! Quaker left for The Hike Inn (where his resupply box was awaiting him). After sorting through my heavy box I headed down to do laundry and while I was there I met Bryan and Leah who live here and offered to take care of Melkie while I am in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (no pets are permitted in the backcountry of the park). What a huge relief! I am so glad that someone will take care of him and treat him like a pet as opposed to a kennel. After laundry I went to the post office to forward some food and then the general store to check out the snacks. While I was there I offered to split my cabin with another couple and then up to the lodge to update my journals. After taking the dog for a walk and making a few calls I ended up going back to the lodge for dinner and was joined by M 80 and Trooper (and Willow under the table). Awesome people! I am still loving it although snow really wasn't what I bargained for and I am a little nervous about this upcoming weeks in the Smokies. It's traditionally the coldest week for a thruhiker and I already know there will be snow. I won't have Melkie to keep me warm at night and I dread being cold. I am telling myself to suck it up for a week and that of all people hiking right now a Canadian should be able to deal with the snow. Besides its not really an adventure if everything goes as planned, right?Trouble"Doubt may be a poor encouragement to do anything, but it is a bad reason for doing nothing." George MacDonald
Date: 2013-03-31
From: Birch Spring Gap

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: light rain

Day Twenty-three -Birch Spring Gap to Russell Field ShelterToday should have been easy but it just wasn't. It had rained on and off during the night and we woke up to varying degrees of wet! I took off my extra tarp first thing to let my hammock air out a bit before I put it away. Although we got up early it was a slow morning. By the time we left the snowy, wet trail was a mess. It didn't get better, soon it was a muddy mess but it was warming up! All day long the trail kept switching from a mud swamp to a slushy waterside. The hills wouldn't even have been that bad if only the trail was clear and it went on forever! We had planned on stopping at the first shelter for lunch, it took most of the day to get that far. Fortunately the next shelter was only three miles away and sadly it took us three hours to get here. This place is awesome though! There is a fireplace here and sky light and two levels for sleeping. There was a ridge runner here and there were still spaces in the shelter so I had to stay inside. I chose a spot on top near the fireplace so I will be warm tonight. The people here are so funny, sitting in front of the fire singing songs. Pringle offered to hang people's wet socks by the fire, he actually touched all their dirty socks and when he saw my soaking wet shoes under my pack moved them by the fire to dry. Thu walker came in and says "It's like the 18th century all over again in here." We all laughed because it's true. someone is outside making tea and hot chocolate and bringing cup after cup (the same cup) in for the next person to have some. I didn't think I was going to like having to stay in a shelter but if they are all like this one with friendly, happy people then this week is going to be great! It's after 8pm (hikers midnight) and most people are already in bed for the night. Trouble"Somewhere on this earth there's a valley, A valley that's peaceful and fair,Where everyone's friendly and all quickly rally If danger or trouble come here.Where no one is selfish and no one is cruel and greed for wealth is unknown,Where no one's a genius, no one a fool,And only true kindness is shown.Earl V Shaffer in Wander's Quest
Date: 2013-04-01
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Day Twenty-four-Russell Field Shelter to Derrick Knob ShelterLast night was the first time I stayed in a shelter on the platform ( I've hung my hammock in the shelter the other times). The platform was hard but I stayed toasty warm near the fire. Carl the ridge runner said that there had been sixteen people and one dog (Willow M 80's service dog for diabetes) in the shelter last night. He also said that he has been doing this for eleven years and that this was the worst year for snow. Nice! We headed out and made it a mile before finding the same kind of trail as yesterday. Seriously the trail looked more like a water source at times and in fact I have taken water from sources that didn't look as good! Most of the day we walked through clouds and couldn't take any good pictures on the mountaintops but there was about a half hour where it was clearing and I took as many pictures as possible. I couldn't believe how the views improved my attitude! it made going up worthwhile! Then it started raining, just lightly but it was enough to make us wish we were closer to the shelter. Normally we stop wherever and whenever we want to, in the rain no one wants to stop. By the time we got here we were so hungry I ate a whole box of lemon spinach couscous and I could still eat! It's amazing how my eating habits have changed again in just a few days. Before I could hardly eat I was too hot, too tired and exhausted, now I can't get enough! It's cool when you get to the shelter it's like a reunion. There are people here I haven't seen in days and some that I saw last night. I love it! SonDriven had spent the day here so he had the fireplace going and offered to get us water (it was way down a steep hill). He is going to hike with us to Gatlinburg, he is normally a faster hiker but is low on food and we have lots. If I had been hiking by myself today I might have been miserable but Quaker and I have had the best conversations it makes up for the slow going and the wet trail. Earlier I had a major wipe out and got all muddy it was pretty funny! There was enough snow around to clean off so it was all good. Officially I have less than 2000 miles to go! Trouble"In this life we are all just walking up the mountain and we can sing as we climb or we can complain about our sore feet whichever we choose we still gotta do the hike. I decided a long time ago singing made a whole lot more sense."
Date: 2013-04-02
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

Day Twenty five - Derrick Knob Shelter to Double Spring Gap ShelterIt poured rain most of the night and then got real windy and cold. Amazingly we woke up to sunshine! The rain had eliminated most of the snow and the wind had reduced the mud pits, so things are looking up! After four packets of oatmeal (my appetite is ridiculous now) we packed up and out. Hobo and SonDriven hiked with us today and we got some really cool pictures on top of one of the mountains. At lunch I spread out my tarp and we sat and ate a cooked meal, was it ever good! Most of the time we are hiking through rhododendrons or oaks or rocky areas and sometimes balds (grassy patches) but after lunch today we went through this area that reminded me of home. Our surroundings suddenly changed to stately pines with mossy everywhere, it was beautiful! i wish we were allowed to camp there. I really wanted to get to Clingman's Dome today but because we are stuck to sleeping in shelters we didn't think we could make it before dark to the shelter two miles past so we stopped way early and still have three miles to get to Clingman's. Right now, SonDriven is starting a fire in the fireplace and the rest of us are setting up our sleeping bags, sorting out our food or changing into dry clothes. This must be what communal living is like and so far it's pretty good. Hiccup & Forge and Milestogo & Flash Gordon just arrived so the set up is starting all over again. TroubleI am using this quote tonight in honour of Milestogo.'The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep.' Robert Frost
Date: 2013-04-04
From: Newfound Gap

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 0.0

Day Twenty seven - GatlinburgThis place is like a mini Las Vegas. Pigeon Forge is the next town over with Dollywood but I think this is enough over the top for me. It's the total opposite of the trail and pretty hard to take after days of solitude. Don't get me wrong, I had a great day eating, roaming the strip, taking pictures of the craziness, testing whiskey samples and eating some more but it was enjoyable because of the company I was with and the other hikers we bumped into along the way. I don't know if hiking makes people giddy (maybe its the elevation gain) but again today we had some good laughs over the silliest things. Maybe three weeks of climbing mountains is all it takes to make us high on life again. I feel like a kid! All of my chores are done but I haven't been able to reach the couple that are taking care of Melkie, hopefully I can before I leave town in the morning. We went out for dinner at a place called Mellow Mushroom, the food was amazing and we had more laughs again. We got back to the hotel late and by the the I was finished making phone calls it was even later. September offered to help me get Melkie back if there are any problems and that is huge because she drove from Athens, GA to help us this week and it would mean doing the drive again next week. Thank you September! Good night from the strip!Confessions of a thruhiker: At mile 164 of the trail a thruhiker told me that she hasn't washed her clothes yet (I had washed mine five times by that point).Trouble' Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money'. Chief Wolfe Robe reciting Cree Indian prophecy
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Tricorner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.6

Day Twenty nine - Icewater Spring Shelter to Tricorner Knob ShelterWhat a day! I woke up to crazy cold this morning and really didn't want to get up. I hadn't slept well due to the snorchestra ( a term coined by Mallet referring to all snorers in the shelters) but when SonDriven brought my food bag from the bear cables it was time to get up. I packed up quickly and saved putting my cold wet clothes on for last. I only have one other set of clothes that I sleep in and it's not safe (hypothermia) to let both sets get wet. The worst is putting on frozen socks and shoes, luckily they were just cold and wet this morning. My gloves were frozen solid though, I guess they were too close to the entrance of the shelter. When we left I was so disappointed that it was overcast and foggy. Today was Charlie's Bunion day and I wanted good pictures. When we got there (it's a short side trail) it was still foggy and Hobo and I were the only ones that still wanted to go. We all ended up going and it got more slippery the closer we got to the edge. I felt guilty for making everyone come but the place was really cool even in the fog and we took some really neat pictures. Several miles later the sun came out and it was gorgeous! We stopped for lunch on a giant rock with an awesome view and then decided to split up for the afternoon. Whoever got to the next shelter first would decide if we would push on to the next one. When Quaker and I arrived at the shelter sign Hobo had left us a note saying they had moved on. I totally wanted to move on because this shelter was .4 miles off the trail and I didn't want to go extra but it was after 4pm and the next shelter was 5.2 miles away and I wasn't sure there was enough daylight (most of the trail was still snow covered and icy the other parts were like walking in a stream). We pushed on only stopping briefly at mile 218 to do a happy dance for making it 10% of the trail and made it to the shelter before sundown. Now I am trying to warm up on a hard platform in my top quilt. It's easy to stay warm while you hike but the minute you stop you start to get cold. Hobo was talking to the ridge runner that's here tonight and he said that they are still taking people off the mountains with hypothermia and frostbite and one guy might lose his fingers. I'm pretty thankful to alive and healthy and still enjoying this adventure. I'm going to hide under the blankets now and stay warm. Confessions of a thru hiker: In the same conversation about caffeine addictions a hiker says "I use my bandana (that he uses for everything else) to filter my coffee grounds, maybe I should just start sucking on it."Trouble"You are braver than you believe. Stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Tricorner Knob Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: broken clouds

Day Thirty- Tricorner Knob Shelter to Cosby Knob ShelterThis morning I woke up to sunshine and felt great! I wanted to get up and get moving like Hobo but didn't want to leave Quaker (he takes longer I'm the mornings). While I waited I chatted away with Billy the ridge runner. He thruhiked in 06 and was still using the same pack (and it didn't smell)! He said his regrets were not slowing down and enjoying the places he liked and not taking enough pictures. By the time he left he commissioned me to do a head count at the next shelter and write it in the log book for him. I guess we are staying there tonight. When we left it was absolutely beautiful out! The trail still has snow but I suspect by the end of the day it will be gone. I must be getting in better shape too because the ups didn't seem bad at all. For lunch we stopped at a cool little bald that had an emergency helicopter landing from years ago and an amazing view! I spread out my tarp took my shoes and socks off to dry out and laid down for a break. I should do this more often. While relaxing Great Legs (he got that name by wearing short shorts) stopped by and joined us on a tarp for a snack. This tarp is considered a luxury item, it's not "needed" on the trail but honestly I have used it every single day for either ground cover, a sleeping pad or as a tarp. I might just have to keep it when I get rid of my winter gear. Later we stopped for another mid afternoon snack on a little patch of sunshine in the woods and met Pop pop, Big Red and Yuper while we relaxed. It was a pretty leisurely day. We sauntered into the shelter and were welcomed by Tortor, Sunshine and Not Yet. Later while making dinner five section hikers arrived and now everyone is joking and carrying on. There are actually four girls here tonight! One of the girls Crazy Frog started on March 22 and is already here! She is my new hero! Supposedly there are more girls on the trail this year than ever but most nights I am still the only girl. The trail is still a mans world people! If you are a female and like to hike hurry up and get out here! I just found out that there is a really cool tower 2.9 miles away and I want to go stay in it but no one else is in so I'm staying. At some point on this trip I will stay in a fire tower! One of the section hikers brought in some honey whiskey and it's so good, I'm glad everyone shares here! He told us this awesome bear story that took place here at this shelter a few years ago. We are all drinking to Crazy Frog for her achievement. She is hiking for cancer and you can check out her progress at www.hikeforcancer.weble.com . Living the dream and loving every minute of it and by the way this is the most snow this area has had since 1993.Confessions of a thruhiker:"I wore my underwear as a bathing suit in the hot tub at the hotel and while I was in there all these kids came in. I felt awkward getting out."Trouble'I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.' John Muir
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Day Thirty One - Cosby Knob Shelter to Standing Bear FarmI didn't mention last night that there were two marines here last night with hand guns. They told us up front that they had the guns but it was kind of odd getting up to use the privy and seeing two guns sitting on the table. But anyway, it was gorgeous today! It was warm and the trail was dry, it was perfect! We left before 9am and when we got to the side trail for Mt Cammerer I dropped my pack and took off toward the the fire tower. Did it ever feel nice to hike with out a pack on. Quaker thought something might go missing and Beacon thought that a bear might take my pack but I wasn't worried at all. It was great! When we got there the views were amazing and the tower could have easily slept 16 just upstairs! What was I thinking! We sat out on the rocks in the sun and ate oranges that section hikers had given us. I called Bryan and Leah and I will be getting Melkie back on Thursday in Hot Springs! Finally we couldn't dawdle any longer and headed down the trail. After about an hour, we saw a familiar pack on the ground near some rocks, we called out to be polite (could have been a restroom break) and found Sondriven around the corner. It was a great spot there was a giant rock on the edge of the mountain so we took turns taking pictures on it and stopped for another snack break. While we were there we met several section hikers and heard another bear story. Then it was time to move on out of the smokies. We pushed on past some amazing waterfalls and under I-40 and then up a crazy steep hill (after six miles of down we complained about the first uphill we came to) and finally arrived at Standing Bear Farm. It's the place I was supposed to kennel Melkie and it is very cool here but I'm glad he didn't have to stay in a cage. Everything is set up on the honour system you write everything you take/use on an envelope and then pay when you leave. They have everything you need to resupply but the laundry is an old ringer washer. I ended up just washing few items in the shower and hanging them outside. The bunk house is packed and again I am the only girl but I think Sunshine (another girl) might be in the cabin. The place has a hippie/commune kind of feel to it (like an anything goes kind of place) but at the same time something about the place makes me feel uneasy. They have a really cool bottle wall in the shower though that has the Appalachian Trail logo in coloured bottles. Of course I took pictures!Confessions of a thruhiker:Said by a trail angel giving hikers a ride into town within thirty seconds of getting into the car "No offense but you guys really stink" as she rolls down all the windows.Trouble"You cannot lay down and bask in your success when you reach the top of that mountain, because there is another one beyond, and it might be higher and more rugged. And that's okay. As much as we enjoy reaching that mountaintop, the deeper satisfaction lies in the long, arduous journey itself." George Steffanos
Date: 2013-04-12
From: Hot Springs

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

Day Thirty Five - Hot SpringsIt's so hard to sleep comfortably inside now. I was so warm last night and I woke up way too early but I did get all off my online chores accomplished. We went out for an amazing breakfast and again I couldn't finish it. We also stopped at a Hiker Ministry place that was really a hang out place for hikers. It had wifi, a computer and a living room area with a flat screen and coffee and cookies. We asked them how this really nice place was supported and found out that they don't just take care of hikers but they have programs for teens and single mothers as well. I was impressed! Next stop was the outfitter and the Dollar General for junk food for later on. Today was an extremely relaxing day! The town of Hot Springs has a community dinner every Thursday and hikers are welcome. It was great and I got to hold a six week old baby! This is an awesome little town, it is so refreshing to come to a place where the community as a whole gets together and takes care of one another. On the trail everyone looks out for everyone else but when we come to town that's not how most towns work. This place is an exception! Everyone seems to know everyone here and there is such a strong sense of community. It's not a rich town financially but I think this place has all the things that money can't buy. I love it here!Confessions of a thruhiker:Obviously from a guy "It's funny I will be squatting to do my business and a hiker will pass by and we wave at one another."Trouble"Will I ever live long enough to 'pay forward' all the kindness shown to me?"   Hopeful GA>ME 2010I have only been on the trail a month and already I can relate to this more than anyone will ever know!