morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-04
From: Springer Mountain

To: Justis Creek
Miles today: 13.4

First full day on the AT. Mistake #1: not bringing sunscreen - my ears and neck are burned!. Last night was one for the books. The temps dropped to 35 and the wind picked up with full force. My best guesstimate is 40 mph winds all night, continuously, no let-up. It remained strong all day today, 20-25 mph perhaps, with relief only on the leeward side of a mountain. The sun warmed the air but I never changed out of my silk underwear and fleece pants. I did shed my parka after four hours, but kept it wrapped around me to be able to utilize the hood to keep my head warm. Today's hike started simply with a cruise downhill and on flat terrain for at least the first five miles. I recall only three moderate climbs. However, before the day ended there were to be negotiated three more climbs, all of a serious nature. The 700-foot climb to Sassafras mountain at 3340' was the most challenging for me, although the 500-foot elevation change to Justis Mountain peak was nothing to laugh at! Correspondingly, the descents were somewhat difficult also. But I made it and in pretty good shape too. While making the ascents I seldom look upward to see my destination. I notice I'm not the only one keeping my eyes peeled to the ground, looking down and sideways only with just a momentary peek upwards on occasion. It keeps me from feeling defeated as I climb and before I know it, I'm at the top. I defined three possible destinations for stopping today: one at 7.6 miles, one at 13.4 miles, and one at 14.5 miles. I chose 13.4 at 5 p.m., having started at 9 a.m. This is a lovely site, lower in elevation so I'm out of the wind, and I will go into slumber to the lilting lullaby of the stream 10 feet away.Thru-hikers here this evening whom I have met are EZ Does It, starting his fourth consecutive thru, Melanie and her beautiful dog Murphy, Leslie and Eric, and Rhody. There's not much socializing taking place. Most are sore and stiff from a long first day. I'm pleased to say I'm feeling no aches and pains; these Access bars are miraculous!! My trimmed-down boots seem to be ok, no bruising yet. A dehydrated rice and squash dish followed by nuts and trail mix for protein, and peppermint tea completed my evening. Although it took me a fair amount of time, I got my bear bag hung - the best I've ever done; I'm so pleased with myself!Emotionally, I'm doing very well. Assuredly, there is going to be a learning curve, a period of time to get into a routine. I do not look forward to my first rainy day: setting up, taking down, filtering water, and doing other chores in a downpour won't be a lovely sight. But I've been blessed with two beautiful sunny hiking days and will take everything one day at a time, just as I am forced to climb each mountain one at a time.It's a happy thing to be alive.It's a happier thing to be alive and healthy.It's the happiest thing to be alive, healthy and hiking!
Date: 2004-04-05
From: Justis Creek

To: Jarrad Gap
Miles today: 11.7

This is not a good evening. Some time today I pulled a ligament in my right knee. The downhills are ultra-painful and I'm in tears fearing it might be just enough to knock me off the trail before I even get started. I don't feel as though I've overdone anything, it just started aching. Camping with me tonight are Francis and Joe, Steve and Angie. Three out of the four are wearing knee braces for this very thing and I talked with one other person on the trail who was saying his knee was hurting in the exact same spot. Tomorrow is a steep climb, Blood Mountain, and a long, long descent. At the 30.7 mile is Neel's Gap and I might have to take a day off for healing. I only pray healing does occur and I can continue. I'm devastated but I guess it's not the end of the world. We'll see what the next 75 miles bring and decide from there.The bear bag is hung but I burned my supper while trying to get the task done. Then we all moved our tents to a lower, more sheltered area to avoid the wind, and now my bear bag is a mere 50 feet away Oh - I ate the supper anyway!It's early but I'm calling it quits for the night. I'm depressed and thinking this might be the biggest most embarrassing farce in my life yet. Let's see what the 'morrow brings. Enough for tonight.
Date: 2004-04-06
From: Jarrad Gap

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: clear sky

Happy 91st Birthday Mildred! I am writing from the summit of Blood Mountain. At 4461' it is the highest mountain in Georgia. The climb was minimal in difficulty. I started the day very tentatively and slowly. We are talking a turtle pace; we are talking a walk in the park hand-in-hand with a lover never wanting the day to end pace; we are talking slower than molasses in January pace; we are talking SLOW! I lavished the knee with Melaleuca oil and massage through the night and took plenty of time to stretch properly this morning. It paid off. So far, I'm pain-free! The 2-1/2 mile descent may well prove to be a different story however. It is only noon and I've decided to stop in Neel's Gap after only 5.4 miles. So I'm in no hurry to descend from this glorious mountaintop. I was briefly interviewed by a gentleman with a video camera up here, planning a PBS documentary. He started by asking if I was through hiking. My response: "No, I've just started!". He meant, of course, thru-hiking. DUH! Time to write some more thank you's. I'll descend to civilization in time for supper ....and indeed I have. It is 5:30. I'm bunked down in a hostel by the name of Walasi-Yi Center. The AT actually passes directly through the building, the white blaze is on the building. My purchases: sunscreen, sunhat, knee brace, carbiner clip, an apple, chocolate chip muffin, and a noodle dinner. But the best part of this stop: a shower!The 2-1/2 mile descent off Blood Mountain reminded me of my injury. It was a wise choice to end my hike early today. If I'm cautious this will not become worse forcing me off the trail. I just met the Navigator. Two days on the trail and her foot is in a cast - tibia stress fracture. Her husband will continue solo and she is going to meet up with him at trailheads, bringing goodies for all hikers and becoming what traditionally is known as a trail angel. She promised to watch for me I followed Fran, Joe, Steve and Angie all day; they were about ten minutes ahead of me. They kept me smiling as I could hear their infectious laughter all the way up and down Blood Mountain. I was blessed by their good humor.Here this evening: Leslie and Eric, the laughing foursome, Rob, Dave and Lindsay, and Andante. I knew Andante and I would cross paths as he's a professional bassist from Maine. His journal on this site caught my attention before I departed. We shared shop-talk and he showed me some features on my new little Pentax Optio S camera. Three of us are carrying this same little gem. We are all crashing at 8 p.m. on soft beds. Ahhhhhh!
Date: 2004-04-07
From: Neel's Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

This will be brief tonight as it is late and I'm writing by a headlamp with weak batteries. I putzed along at a tortoise pace today, pampering the right knee and leg. There is pain, but not as bad as when it first hit. The healing will not be a miraculous overnight event, unfortunately. I forced myself to stop briefly every couple hours and I wore the brace on the downhills.Midday I caught up with Rob, Robby, Bob, Leslie, Eric, and Hippie resting and lunching at Hog Pen Gap. I wasn't too far behind them even at my slow crawl. At Low Gap Shelter they decided to continue on a short distance and invited me onward. But Andante was here and I really wanted to visit with him some more. Also, if I get off at the 51-mile point to go to Blueberry Patch tomorrow night, tomorrow is only a 9-mile hike. No sense pushing it any more tonight.A darling family from south of Atlanta is here and I am blessed by their presence. Destiny (real name) started calling me Music Mistress. Hmmmm - we'll see.Scarfed down a spaghetti supper from my dehydrated stock and concluded my evening with Melaleuca tea, and a hot wrap around my knee. I'm praying for healing and soon. Everything is perfect except for the knee. Oh - and the fact I'm sleeping on a slope tonight and rolling downhill. If it wasn't for my tent, they'd find me in the creek tomorrow - argh!!!9 p.m. "hiker midnight"
Date: 2004-04-09
From: Blueberry Patch Hostel

To: Deep Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: broken clouds

The hostel was exclusively mine to enjoy last night. Early in the evening I consumed what I thought was hot cocoa from the hikers' grab box. It must have been a coffee concoction, however, because I was sleepless until after 1 a.m. Being all alone I was able to make some late-night phone calls into central time zone and had a marvelous visit with my transcriber and dear friend Ann. (BTW: I'm still waiting for that pizza delivery! Because it didn't arrive within 15" is it now free?) Once I fell asleep I slept soundly until sunrise. I passed up the traditional pancake breakfast because of the inefficiency of my Access bars on a full stomach. Perhaps it gave Lennie a morning break as I was the only one there. Here at Blueberry Patch I picked up my drop box. Having forgotten how much food I had packed I was lamenting the weight I was going to have to carry. However, Gary offered to mail ahead my extras. So now I have two boxes awaiting me in Franklin! Lennie sent me off with clean laundry and Gary sent me away with a prayer and a blessing. Kinder, more loving folks you'll never find. I highly recommend the Blueberry Patch to all who pass through.So it was off to Unicoi Gap where I ended yesterday's hike. I was relieved to hear from Gary words of encouragement. I wasn't in danger of not completing my hike in six months because of my slowed pace. He assured me 10 miles a day is a very good pace. My intent for today was eight miles but Rob ahead of me and Robbie behind me were headed to Deep Gap. With no one at Addis Gap and only 4:30 p.m. I decided to charge ahead 2.6 miles to the shelter. It's a good thing I didn't know dead ahead awaited a 45-minute climb! It was great fun, very much a challenge, especially at the end of the day, but we all made it in good form. Here tonight: Julia and Kirk, Phil, Dennis, Rob, Robbie and Yours Truly. It's a quiet cool night. Last night's soft bed was lovely, but it feels great to be sleeping outdoors again. And, true to form, I'm in my tent sliding downhill, this time towards my feet. Don't these mountains have any flat spots??
Date: 2004-04-10
From: Deep Gap Shelter

To: Plumorchard Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

As much as I want to forge ahead, I'm calling it quits early, 3 p.m. There is rain in the forecast and I thought the shelter was a good choice. I'm pooped tonight .. not feeling 100% either. It was another fairly sleepless night just passed, adding to my fatigue. Supper didn't go down well, still plenty leftover. Perhaps later it will taste better. It's going to be a full six days to Franklin instead of the five I had hoped. Better not take any longer - I'm running low on TP! So far Bones and 42 (yes .. from HHGTTG!) have landed and I'm hearing voices coming down the path, meaning we will have a bit more company before the night is ended. I'm really feeling punk. Enough for now.
Date: 2004-04-11
From: Plumorchard Shelter

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

In residence for the night: Phoenix and Morningstar, Rob, Robbie, Blue Steel, Bones, 42, Julia and Kirk.T'was a great day! a marvelous day! a nearly painless day! Truly, I'm quite at peace at the moment. Only 24 miles to Franklin and it looks as though I will make it in my hoped-for 4/5 days. Whoopie! The day's hike started in rain this morning after a terrible sleepless night. I laid down about 4 p.m. and got up at 6 p.m. just long enough to bury the remainder of my supper and hang my bear bag. Then I was down again. The cause for feeling ill? Unknown. But I arose feeling fine and was ready to celebrate Easter on the trail. At 11:05 I crossed the GA/NC border and stopped long enough for a picture and a few vocal snippets of the Halleluia Chorus. I figured about 10 a.m. central time many of my church families were in service; I want you all to know I was raising my voice in praise with you. And about the time you were pushing yourselves away from the holiday table, I was busting butt climbing to 4520'. Yowsers! What a welcome to NC. It is very chilly tonight, rain has stopped at 7:15. Blue Steel is going to hang my bag with his tonight. Thanks John! I'm finding it interesting to sit back and listen to my younger fellow hikers in conversation. They are quite entertaining. And now it's time to end the day. Water is filtered and I should see an early start in the morning. I hope for 11-12 miles tomorrow and another 12 on Tuesday. I look forward to my first zero day in Franklin Wednesday. G'nite all from State #2.
Date: 2004-04-12
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: moderate rain

Sharing space with me tonight are Southern Man, Half Moon, Syl, Garcia, Julia and Kirk, Steve, and T-Bot (think I have all those names correct).I arrived at 5 p.m. after a brief trail mix snack layover at Carter Gap Shelter and two climbs up the fire tower on Albert Mountain. The first was for the climb, the second for a Kodak moment thanks to a fellow hiker down below. Albert climb was a blast, a real rock scramble that reminded me of the Superior Hiking Trail. Last night's shelter experience was better than the first. It was a wise choice too as it blew and rained all night. The temps dropped to just under "a bit chilly!". I escaped the chatter of the shelter this morning and relished the quiet of the woods. And boy, are they peaceful. Aside from the occasional bird song, the only sound has been the rhythmic squeaking of my leather boots, reminescent of the lulling squeak of a rocking chair as I rocked my babies to sleep so many years ago. However, today's wilderness noise was a bit different. Today was splish-splash-splosh, plop-plop as I sloshed through my first real rain and wet trail conditions. I chose to pitch my tent in the rain tonight as I've discovered I like the solitude and privacy of my tent. It's always reassuring to have others in close proximity though. I am planning only 9.1 miles to Winding Stair Gap and a ride to Franklin tomorrow. Good timing - I'll need to dry out. It is early still with not much to do except stand and freeze in the shelter, I'm tucked away in my bag and ready for some zzz's. With everything wet it'll be a nasty start in the morning, but the day will be short.
Date: 2004-04-14
From: Haven Motel - Franklin, NC

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day in Franklin, NC, but even the zero days are interesting. Here's a tale that is not trail-related, it could have happened anywhere. But this, too, is part of my AT experience and indeed this is my journal of six months of my life. So I include it and share it with all of you.10:30 a.m. I head to the office to check availability of a lift to the library. Exiting the hotel office is a middle-aged woman, shivering and in tears. I ask if I can help her. "I'm homeless and freezing. I've been walking since 8:00 this morning looking for a place to stay but everything is booked." I invited her to my motel room to warm up. Through the Yellow Pages I located the number of the local social services, and after some description of the scenario, secured a 1 p.m. appointment for her. She refused my offer of a hot shower and my desire to buy her a hot breakfast. We looked through the local paper she was carrying for an apartment and possible work. She seemed quite fearful and shed more tears. After doing all I could to assure her things would work out through social services, I asked if she needed a hug. It was welcomed and warmly received. Thirty minutes later she said she needed to go for a walk, her nerves were getting the better of her. She refused my company. I asked if she'd be returning and promised her a warm room for the night if she needed it. As she was leaving she looked at me and said I had given her more than she had thought possible and initiated a warm sincere embrace. With tears in her eyes and a thank you she left.On the way to the library shortly thereafter, I told the driver (owner of the motel) about the encounter. Long story short: I described her, we saw her walking and he identified her as a drug addict/prostitute. He also said many individuals had tried to help her, himself included, but to no avail. She had stolen from some of those very people. In all honesty, I wasn't surprised. I had my camera and my monies in my pocket and did a visual check as we were sitting in my room to make certain there was nothing of value in view. I also gave her no money, instead offered to buy her a meal. Total naivete wasn't my downfall, thank goodness. But I always wonder about such random occurrences. I question the reason why I'm placed in a particular spot of time when I fail to recognize any obvious benefit from the encounter. I can't save the world with a hug. Very assuredly, I didn't save her from her tortures with a hug either. I can only hope that for a moment she felt someone cared; maybe momentarily she felt the love of God through my touch. For my part, I am filled with empathy and have added another name to my prayer list. And I thank God for the opportunity to do one kind deed.
Date: 2004-04-15
From: Haven Motel - Franklin, NC

To: Campsite up the trail
Miles today: 10.5

We all agree it's good to be back on the trail. We were happy to have missed the 3" snowfall (all except Bones) and rejoiced in the beautiful sunny weather given to us for today's hike. Before I continue, let me extol my immense praise for Ronnie Haven at the Haven Motel. Hikers, this is THE place to stay in Franklin. His generosity and commitment to serving the hiking community is unmatched! What a jewel!!T'was a full van to return hikers to the trail this morning, so full we packed our backpacks in the rear of a second pickup and still were at an overflowing capacity. I tooled a few blocks to the post office early to mail my bounce box: next drop Fontana Dam, followed by Gatlinburg, TN.10 a.m. I stepped upon the AT once again for session #2, the second 100 miles. Leapfrogging through the day and all settling in tonight in close proximity are Leslie/Eric, Phoenix/Morningstar, Robbie, Hippie, SunDog, Mr.T/Flint, Chill Out, and ... me. We negotiated one fairly long climb, about an hour of continuous 30-35% incline, but the view from Wayah Bald was so worth it. The vista is a 360-degree panoramic giving us a view of where we had been and our first glimpse of the Great Smoky Mountains, including Clingman's Dome, our highest climb in the park, yet to come. After an hour or so of gawking, making photo memories, and chatting with other "tourists" up for the view, we started the .4 mile descent to the campsites from where I presently am writing.A simple meal eaten out of a simple pot while sitting on a log in the middle of this glorious creation, watching a stunning sunset --- well friends, it truly doesn't get much better! I am so blessed to be here sharing this space with these warm endearing intelligent adventurous souls (even if I am old enough to be their Mom!). Forecast said temps are to be in the 20s tonight. Time to tuck myself deep into my bag, say my prayers and move into dreamland. Nite all.
Date: 2004-04-18
From: Campsite after NOC

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

Wow! What a great day. I made up the lost mileage from yesterday and I ended the day pain free! Had a couple challenging climbs, especially this final 2.4 miles. Two firsts today. I was following two gentlemen down into Stecoah Gap when I saw them stop and wait for me to reach them. Then I saw why. Across the trail was lying a 5' black snake, about 1 1/2" in diameter. These two men weren't sure if I'd be afraid and spooked by it or not. So they waited for me to get there, be forewarned, and then passed by. And that, folks, is true Trail Magic! The second "first" is I nearly ran out of water. These same two gentlemen and I had information saying there was a water source at Stecoah Gap. We searched for 15 minutes and then gave up. I figured my remaining cup could last the 2.4 miles to the shelter. What I didn't know was the 2.4 miles was all up at a 45 degree incline! Phew, what a climb. But - no pain - so it was great fun!! I was hoping my cast of characters with whom I've been hiking would be here but the register indicates they've moved 6 miles further up the trail. I'll see them in Fontana Dam tomorrow I'm sure. Meanwhile, I'm rooming with a delightful gentleman by the name of Chasqui, the Inca Indian name for runner: the tribal person who literally runs messages through the forests from one village to another. We've had a most enjoyable visit and are mutually thrilled the other is here!The hiker appetite has struck. Tonight was a two-meal dish. Guess the fact that my last full meal was at the NOC yesterday noon might have something to do with that. Nonetheless, it was a full pot of food that disappeared very quickly!Way past hiker midnight (9 p.m.). The sun is set, the woods are dark, the bear bag is hung, the water filtered, all is well with my world. Pleasant dreams!
Date: 2004-04-19
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam Village
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

HAPPY 47th TODDY!Earliest start yet: 8:06, but I lost a lot of time descending to 1820' into Fontana Dam. This locale isn't a true town; instead it's a resort with a post office. But the accommodation for the evening is sufficient and the company extraordinary. Roommates for the night: Polly the nurse; Tara, waiting for her boots to arrive; Debbie with an arm cast after ligament surgery; Java on her second hike; and her sister Angela. Once again, I've caught up with the crowd, most of whom are staying in the Inn up the hill. Bone Spur, April Showers, Myst, Flashback and Chasqui are in attendance also. I finally caught up with and met Saffron from Minneapolis, with whom I exchanged e-mails shortly before I left Rochester. Baby Blue and T are new acquaintances as well. The circle is enlarging.Great hiking day. I am a purist. At a rock scramble, one jog of the trail went over the top about 20 feet, another jog went down and around. I took the latter but upon looking backwards noticed the white blazes directed the hiker over the top. So I had to retrace my steps and follow the blazes! I also make certain when I step off the trail I re-enter at the same spot. Such is the perfectionist in me.The descent was hard on the knee, but my slow tempo prevented any inflammation so I ended the day pretty much pain free again. I saw the strangest thing today. Suspended from a thin branch by a thread approximately 30 feet in the air was a circular conflagration the size of a small soccer ball. Difficult to tell from my vantage point, but it had the appearance of a bee hive. However, there was a bird sitting atop and entering the structure, so I'm ignorant about a true identification. Today I was enthralled with the number and variety of butterflies. I was able to get within six inches of a black swallowtail and believe I got a nice close-up photo of same. My final 30-foot descent was highlighted by my second encounter with a black snake. This one, too, was stretched across the trail directly in front of me. A brief pause for a Kodak moment, another shiver up my spine, and I scooted past to end my day's hike.My box was at the post office as expected. Laundry duty, a shower, an all-you-can-eat salad bar, a phone call to my son in New York City, and it's lights out. A great day to be alive.