morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-03-05
From: Swag of the Blue Ridge

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: clear sky

Wonderfully clear last night- the stars were beautiful outside our tent. Makes getting up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night less painful.Ate a lot today. Kit Kat and fruit roll-up for breakfast, animal crackers and M&Ms for snack, cheese and pepperoni for second breakfast, lasagna for lunch, M&Ms for snack and couscous, beef and tomato for dinner with a Kit Kat for dessert.We walked a little too far today. We saw a sweet campsite at 2:30 and it seemed too early to stop so we walked to the next shelter. Going to do an easy day tomorrow.Father & Son section hikers here at the shelter. They made a nice fire and are tenting a short distance away.The shelter has a bottom floor and two lofts. We decided not to tent because there aren't any good spots and no one else is here. Hopefully no mice tonight!
Date: 2016-03-06
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

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

Fell asleep last night to the sounds of mice skittering and rain falling. We were dry and free from mouse visitors-they seemed to be in the lofts.Up and out and hiked out of Georgia and into North Carolina! Georgia doesn't believe in blazes- 20 to 30 minutes can go by without seeing one, but they do build switchbacks. North Carolina had lots of blazes but few switchbacks. This was the hardest and steepest 7 miles we have done so far. We got to a shelter early and put up our tent-these old legs weren't going any further.We saw two deer today running around one of the gaps. I tried to take a picture but they were too far away.Unlike last night when there was just us and a father-son hiking team, there are a lot of people here tonight.Thanks for all the messages in our guestbook. We read them and they give us much encouragement.
Date: 2016-03-07
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: broken clouds

Twenty people at the shelter last night. Most people tent, including us, because it's quieter and no mice. We had a fire and sat around chatting for awhile but by 8 everyone was in their sleeping bag and settling down. Beautiful clear night again but a bit nippy.Today's hike was so much better than yesterday's. Still a big climb but it was gradual and not straight up a mountain! The cold sides still have snow, slush and ice which can make the footing treacherous. I worry about falling off the steep side. The warm side of the mountain is sunny and the leaves are dry and crunch. The storm two weeks ago left a lot of blow downs that we had to maneuver around and under.Not all the leaves are dry, though! You might not think you'd have much use for an engineering degree on the trail, but we found this little marvel and snapped a picture. The humble rhododendron is seriously underestimated as a water delivery system!The two men we have been leapfrogging with for three days are staying here tonight. I am excited to learn more about his work with orphanages in Tanzania.We did long miles today because tomorrow will be short miles up a really steep mountain. My feet hurt just thinking about it
Date: 2016-03-08
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: few clouds

Nice night last evening with Ken, Gus, the two guys from U of Georgia, jelly ankles, cheetah, a.k. They built a fire and sat up late talking (8:30ish).We were awakened by dueling owls this morning. Their sounds were so sweet that it didn't even make you angry to be up so early.Most of today was a sweet walk in the woods. The middle section of Albert Mountain was tough- a rock scramble where your poles were a hindrance instead of a help. There was a fire tower at the top that made the harrowing (at least to me) climb worth it.The rest of the afternoon was the usual ups and downs. There appears to be a wild fire somewhat close by so paying attention to that situation. Excited to go to town tomorrow and take a shower! Six days hiking makes a person very stinky. Also looking forward to some good food and the chance to talk to our daughters.
Date: 2016-03-09
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night started great, our usual group at the shelter even though it was crowded and not a lot of tenting spots were available because of all the downed trees. The shelter has trees come down on it a few days before we started our hike. No one was hurt and the maintainers got the trees cut down and the shelter repaired quickly.As our group finished cooking and eating another group came in. We were hoping they would keep going but they didn't. They were loud and obnoxious and their conversation wasn't appropriate.Short walk into town today and then town chores begin! Showers, laundry, lunch at a local diner, good resupply box to open and grocery store to browse then a walk around charming Franklin. Met up with our group at the Lazy Hiker Brewery and food truck. Awesome food and company! Then off to get milkshakes before bed!!! People here are so polite and friendly Off to bed early-ish since we hike out tomorrow. Shrink, Jelly Ankles and Cheetah are taking a zero--I hope they catch up soon. Brian and Norbert, the U Georgia guys, are back to work. We tried to convince them to quit and join us but no luck It's sad when your trail family breaks up. Happy that Coco Ken is also hiking out in the morning. Forecast is for cool temps and rain so pray for our safety (and comfort)
Date: 2016-03-10
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wayah Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Last night was so much fun. Good food, great friends and some good sleep. Our motel was a dump but I got a hot shower and we had clean sheets Today was a really hard 11 mile hike. We added Ritz crackers to our pepperoni and cheese second breakfast-very tasty and we needed the extra calories. At the end of the first ten miles we met a trail angel! It was amazing to sit, have a cold juice and some lemon cookies.Then we climbed the Wayah Bald Tower. Amazingly beautiful views.Then a really long one mile down to the shelter. There aren't any level spots so we are sheltering tonight with a gentleman from Australia and a yo-yo hiker and his friend. Going to be a warmish night-hoping for no rain.
Date: 2016-03-11
From: Wayah Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night was interesting. There was Cocoa Ken, Journey Man, Ishamel then Optimist Dream, Baby Chick, and the boys (two 18 year olds, a 17 year old and a 16 year old) came along. Bolt had made a nice fire but the boys were adding big logs that overhung the fire pit and sparks were going everywhere. My daughter Courtney would NOT have approved. There were not any tenting spots left so we had to shelter last night. The guy from Australia can snore! Some sprinkles overnight but the shelter had a deep overhand and we stayed dry.The hike today was a comfortable 106, setting us up for an easy walk into NOC for cheeseburgers, a shower, and bed. We thought about skipping it but it's a brutal 8 mile climb out so resting before the climb seemed like a good idea.There were beautiful views form the Wesser Bald Tower. We walked right past it so after we got our tent set up I walked the one mile back and climbed the tower. The views were worth the extra 2 miles!Supposed to rain tonight so pray our tent doesn't leak.
Date: 2016-03-12
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Great night last evening with Cocoa Ken, Ishmael and Journeyman. Journeyman retired from the service and worked his way up to chief social worker for the Asheville VA. Upon retirement last year he was honored as the social worker of the year for North Carolina. Yesterday his wife called and he is the national social worker of the year! He will be getting off the trail and going to DC for the ceremony. We have had great talks at rest stops and evening camp.Today was an easy 5.9 into the NOC. It seemed longer than it was because we were so excited about the rumored amazing burgers. We split a huge basket of onion rings, each had a burger and a salad. I think I will gain 10 pounds hiking.We have a nice house that we are sharing with Journeyman. Everyone is showered and now going laundry. We all really stink!Going to try to get a shuttle back into the NOC for pizza It's really warm here and sunny. Great for relaxing but I hope it cools down for the steep 6 mile climb tomorrow.
Date: 2016-03-13
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 13.4

We really enjoyed last night with Journeyman. Our place was dated but clean and had a bathtub! Cocoa Ken missed out again- his place didn't have laundry and was kinda sketchy. The man has no luck We did not have good luck getting a shuttle so we were going to hitch to the NOC for dinner. As we were walking down our driveway I saw two guys at their truck so I asked if we could pay them to drive us the mile and a half. They graciously took us for free. As the driver got in the truck, beer in hand, he reassured me it was his first. Journeyman and Santa rode in the bed of the truck and I chatted with the driver in the cab.Good dinner- tater tots and a large pepperoni and sausage pizza. Santa saw a trail runner so he asked him for a ride back to the cabin. Interesting ride- Santa and I lay in the back of the truck with his bike and other worldly possessions while Journeyman sat up front.Hike was really hard today. Straight up and out of the NOC in the rain. We got to the first shelter (6.9 miles) at 12:30 and it was cold and rainy so we didn't want to stop. There was a tenting spot 3.7 miles further along so we were going to spend the night there. A long slog up and down the gaps got us to a lousy tenting spot. We saw Cocoa Ken there and decided to head to Stecoah Gap and a hostel three miles away.It was a terrible three miles, it felt like we would never get there. A southbound hiker, who was smoking a cigar as he hiked, warned us it would be a "gnarly hike".Came into the gap, saw Cocoa Ken and some trail magic! Someone had left fresh fruit and drinks in a cooler. Plus the hostel guy was waiting with his truck. Life is once again good (thought my feet still hurt).
Date: 2016-03-14
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana 28 Crossing
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night was amazing. For $33 each we had dinner (baked herbed chicken, roast potatoes, peas and corn, bread and a brownie), a cabin to sleep in and breakfast (scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage and juice) plus a ride to and from the trail.Today's climb was rough. We started with Jacob's Ladder- a mile climb straight up. Then we did a mini roller coaster of ups and downs. Knocked out our intended 9 miles by 12:30 so feeling fierce!Then as we were making lunch (couscous, chicken, mixed veggies and cheese) I hear the dreaded "we should reevaluate this plan", which always means more walking. It was early and there were thunderstorms forecasted but I did not want to walk another 5.5 miles It wasn't a hard hike but my feet and knees hurt. We got into Fontana, caught a shuttle to the resort and had dinner. Taking a zero day (no hiking) tomorrow to get ready to tackle the Smokies.Today was our first 14 mile day!Thank you to Mrs. Ross and Mrs. Anderson's classes for their emails, thoughtful questions and encouragement.
Date: 2016-03-15
From: Fontana 28 Crossing

To: Fontana 28 Crossing
Miles today: 0.0

First zero day!Walked off the trail and caught a shuttle into Fontana. We got a hotel room and a wonderful dinner. Anything that requires more than boiling water and a freezing bag has become gourmet.Took a hot bath and slept until 8:15 this morning then off to breakfast. We did our town chores- laundry, resupply and food. Took a nap then had chili cheese dogs for lunch. Talked to a bunch of hikers- there is a stomach bug going around. Tessla, the 16 year old, is pretty sick. We got our new tent and set it up; it's sweet.Off to dinner and dessert. One last sleep in a bed then off to the Smokies. Super excited! It was wonderful to rest my aching feet and sore knees, take two baths and have a shower plus eat some delicious food. Loved our first zero day *TRIGGER WARNING* Read this next part to yourself before reading it to your children. It contains mature and upsetting content. *TRIGGER WARNING*Our picture today is of Optimist Dreamer and Baby Chicken. He lost his dad to a stroke, one brother to an accident, one to cancer and his son was accidentally smothered by his mom and her boyfriend after a night of partying. We met him in a shelter where he was thinking about killing himself. He finished his southbound hike and is now hiking back to Maine (yo-yo hike). He and Baby Chicken met the first week of her hike and they are not hiking together. Her husband of 20 years and father of her four children has decided he doesn't want to be married any longer. Life is hard for many of the hikers we've met.
Date: 2016-03-16
From: Fontana 28 Crossing

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: few clouds

We had such a relaxing day and night in Fontana! I got to watch my favorite TV show, Fixer Upper, while rubbing Kelly's feet.Then it was up early, pack, have breakfast at the resort's restaurant, then catch the shuttle back to the marina.We walked across the Fontana Dam and into Smoky National Park. Hard climb to get us up to the ridge but then it was gentler ups and downs after that. We got to a shelter at 5:40 and decided to press on to the next one about three miles away. Happy we didn't have to use our headlamps!There are a bunch of college kids out section hiking for spring break. They are noisy and about to start a fire. All the thru hikers are in bed. We are a very boring group
Date: 2016-03-17
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

The section hikers kept up a fire and conversation last night that was peaceful to fall asleep to. We woke up excited for an easier hike today but it was hard. Other hikers were complaining about the elevation changes and how the book was deceiving so it wasn't just us. We had some beautiful views that made the long climbs worthwhile.I feel badly for Kelly because I am so slow. He is resisting my attempts to have him go ahead but I am not defeated.Tomorrow is Clingmans Dome-the highest point of the AT-and Saturday the forecast is for snow. Life is about to get exciting!
Date: 2016-03-18
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Quiet night in the shelter; very little snoring and no mice. Long climb at the beginning to Clingmans Dome and then a beautiful walk in the woods. We saw lots of pines and brooks and mist-covered trees. It looked like a Hansel and Gretel woods.We tried walking on our own today. It was a bit lonely and a little scary. In 30 years of hiking we have always stayed right behind each other. The problem is that I am a much slower hiker. Not sure how we are going to continue but it was an experiment.Lots of people at Newfound Gap. We missed the trail magic sandwiches but a nice lady gave us bottled water and many people wanted to talk about our endeavor.AK and Quick got a ride into Gatlinburg and hiked out twenty double cheeseburgers to share! We do love town food The big talk tonight is the weather system coming in. We won't be able to out-hike this one. We thought briefly about trying a 19.8 mile day tomorrow but that doesn't seem likely at this point in our hike. Just going to tough it out and be sure to stay warm. Prayers for safety much appreciated.
Date: 2016-03-19
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning the six section hikers decided to get up at 4:15 to hike out. The shelter inhabitants were not happy with them. They disturbed us and we were tenting. Today was a beautiful day. Well, it was overcast and very misty but the terrain was wonderful. We went the first twelve and decided to go farther. Three things determined this move: we did the twelve easily and early, the weather is getting very cold and we wanted to lose elevation, and I want a zero in Hot Springs. Things were great until the last two miles and they were hard, but we did it and hiked 19.8 miles!We decided to go back to hiking together even though I am slower than Kelly. We missed each other.In our tent listening to trail angels play music. They hiked in treats and hygiene items for the privy-norovirus going around. But it's 8:00 and they are still loud and we didn't get a shelter space. Usually we like to tent but it was a long day.Happy to be out hiking the mountains with the love of my life.
Date: 2016-03-20
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

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

We woke up to a frozen tent this morning but inside we were dry! It snowed and rained all night. Manhattan, a trail angel, came down to offer us thin mint cookies and dental floss. Packing up a frozen tent and good bag is hard on your fingers. We were happy that the weekend hikers had a fire going in the shelter so we could toast our hands before beginning our walk.It was a tough uphill in the snow this morning then the trail leveled out before going down in the rain as we lost elevation. I had my first fall. I am super careful on the slippery rocks and roots but stepped wrong on a stick and down I went. More scared than hurt- thank goodness.The walk in the middle of our hike was, in my opinion, the most beautiful so far. It was gently rolling next to and over a stream. The stream had lots of small rippling waterfalls and the leaves on the trees were starting to turn green. Then we went to a road walk to the I-40 overpass. A couple from Wisconsin stopped and asked to take our picture. They had just read A Walk in the Woods.Then I saw a steep rock staircase that was crumbling and knew this was where we would reenter the woods. We walked a mile to Standing Bear Farm where our resupply box(es) were waiting! Our girls sent us treats and meals We had asked them to send shorts earlier in the week when it was 80 degrees- the shorts were waiting for us on a day when we had snow, sleet and rain. And a special shout out to the Marcotte Family for the box of candy! Our hiker family- Cocoa Ken, AK, and Quick all had a snack feast with us.Standing Bear Farm is a quirky place but we are in a warm dry bed listening to a creek right outside our door while it rains outside. Life is good!
Date: 2016-03-21
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

A huge climb to the FAA facility on a bald in the middle of the woods. The view was magnificent.Santa had to stop to put on his wind gear, hat and gloves. It was really cold with snow and sleet pelting down on us.Then there was another huge climb to Max Patch. It was sooo windy that Santa almost lost his pack cover. Some awesome person left sodas at a post so Skittles stopped for a Pepsi and Santa and I split one.We climbed down towards the shelter and found a small boy scout troop from Florida already there. They got a small fire going and retreated to their tents because it was so cold. I hunkered down into my sleeping bag and warmed up and Santa brought me dinner AK and Quick came in a little later. They had stopped to rescue a couple who tried backpacking because the wife had read A Walk in the Woods. Their walk was not going well. It was a cold night but we were warm snuggled into our sleeping bags in a crowded shelter. We are planning a long walk into Hot Springs in the morning.
Date: 2016-03-22
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

The boy scouts were so respectful of the thru hikers. We tend to go to bed really early and they were really quiet.It was really cold but my beast of a sleeping bag kept me toasty warm. Gotta love a zero degree bag!I woke up and was ready to get Santa up- he said to wake him up at first light. Good thing I checked the time: it was 12:40. The moon was bright and the sky was cloudless.We got started today in our cold weather gear and then dropped a thousand feet in elevation. Yesterday we kept adding layers because of snow, sleet and wind and today we were losing layers because of warmth and sun.We wanted to get into Hot Springs so I could visit with a former colleague and have lunch plus do all our town chores. And I am getting a massage tomorrow. These old legs and feet need it.We are staying in a character-filled lodge that is billed as relaxing. We have a beautiful bathtub and a quilt-covered bed but no TV. It wouldn't be a problem but it's Tuesday and my favorite show is on. Oh well, we talked to the girls and my sister so all is good in our world. Off to sleep with pillows and a comfy mattress.
Date: 2016-03-23
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0

Relaxing night at the Laughing Heart Lodge and a yummy breakfast. Then I had an amazing massage- felt so relaxed that I fell asleep! We went to the outfitter and picked up our resupply boxes, sent a postcard to Tyler, went to Dollar General for our lunch supplies: cheese, pepperoni and crackers.We had lunch with Joan Battey, a colleague from Hastings and her husband. Great conversation and really good food. Hung out with other hiker swarming all over the three blocks that comprise Hot Springs. Met Cocoa Ken for dinner and saw AK, Butter, Wes, Large and others filling their bellies with town food before we hike out tomorrow.Going to rub Santa's feet and then get a good night's sleep in a comfy bed. We will be hiking five days before resupplying in Erwin, TN. Can't wait to see what his students have sent
Date: 2016-03-24
From: Hot Springs

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

Tough walk up a lot of hills today. It was hot and windy and we stopped after 11 miles. Looks like there is going to be a storm tonight. We have our tent well-staked and the rain fly is ready for the weather!It's always hard to leave town-good food, comfy bed, heat... I always believe the break will let me run up the mountains but that never seems to happen. I am always sluggish when we start the trek out of town. But I persevered and we made good time today. Most hikers headed on but we are staying out with Cocoa Ken. 15 tomorrow and the next day. We tried to figure out a way to get into town for Saturday night so could go to church on Sunday but it doesn't look like it's going to happen. We are hoping for a good enough internet connection to stream Pastor Derek's sermon when we get to Erwin.Terry asked what would I like to see for trail magic. Well, anything that I don't have to pack in is great and we've had hot dogs, sodas, snacks and fresh fruit so far. I think my favorite is the fresh fruit. It's so hard to pack fresh fruits and veggies that they are a wonderful treat. Though tomorrow we hear there is ice cream available not too far off the trail and I am pretty excited about that!