morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-27
From: Woods Near Allen Gap

To: Flint Mountain
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Talk about some crazy weather in some wicked climbing. Well today was the day!I'm guessing I did about 4,000 feet in elevation over the course of the day. We also had sun, snow, sleet, wind, and rain. I think the temps ranged from below 30 this morning up to a high of 42 this afternoon. Of course me, in my ultimate wisdom wore shorts. Let me tell you what, I was cruising to keep warm! OK, I'll be honest, I brought no pants, just a pair of capilenes.The climbs were tough, but Hot Crotch, Lizard, and Angel caught up late afternoon, and the constant chatter as we climbed made the climbing a little easier. Hot Crotch and I moved ahead as poor Lizard and Angel fussed about miles hiked. One wanted to do less and the other more. I think the fussing continued a full 4 hours. As a matter of fact, I think it continues as I type this.I stopped in Jerry Cabin shelter for lunch. It was full of soaked, cold hikers. Everyone just sat on the platform chewing on bars and granola, and staring forlornly out into the sleet and rain. I think the slack packers looked the most dejected. Not only did they have no other warm, dry clothes, but they had come to the realization they were going no faster without their backpacks. Bummer...I'm at Flint Mountain shelter tonight. My tent is soaked from last night, and it is still raining and sleeting outside, so I chose the shelter option. A dude named Strider is over against the wall sawing some major logs.   Ugggghhhhhh.......... I also think I just heard some scurrying up under the platform.Ciao and Sweet Dreams
Date: 2005-04-29
From: Erwin, TN

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I was restless today, but I had things to get done. I've found I don't really enjoy zero days. I usually get everything done I need to do by around noon and then I get antsy. I did finally get to download some pictures, although some are a little fuzzy.I woke up around 5:30, and forced myself to stay put til a little after 6:00A. Miss Janet had said she would run a shuttle over here between 10A and 11A, but that was WAY too late. I had things to do and the PO opened at 8:30, so at 8:30 I threw on my rain jacket and headed off to walk the 4.5 miles in the rain from the hotel to the PO.I plodded along with my head down and thumb out...no luck. Shortly, I heard a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction and then slowing next to me. "Ya walkin in tha rain?" I looked up and flinched a little. Looking back was a pony tail in a pick-up truck dressed in complete camoflage. Oh lord, how do I politely refuse this ride. I opened my mouth, and instead of a polite refusal out came "I'm going to the PO." Damnit! "Get in" he said. To make a long story short, he took me back to the PO, waited on me to get my boxes, and then took me back to the hotel. He was a super nice guy, a local fella, and we discussed his 13 year old daughter, who he was clearly proud of, as we traveled along in the rain. I know, I know...hitch hiking is dangerous.I then ran all of my other errands, ie. outfitters for gators, grocery store, first lunch, snack, second lunch, and supper. I'm now back at the hotel, and getting ready to pack up to head out early in the morning. Hopefully the rain slacks up, but either way I'm ready to go. The next section will be a little tougher. I'll be out for seven days, and that is a heck of a lot of food to carry. I think my pack will be pushing between 35-40 pounds. Ha! Feather weight!Sleep tight.
Date: 2005-04-30
From: Erwin, TN

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I decided to come into Erwin, TN today to make sure I was able to get my packages from the PO. It just means when I go back out Saturday morning I will be out for 6-7 days to Kincora. That is a lot of food to carry and a heavy pack, but I think I'm in good enough shape now where it should not be an issue.I had planned on coming in alone, and passed by the shelter in the afternoon, but Angel ran down and told Lizard and Hotcroch who threw on their packs and flew to catch up with me. Let me tell you something, hitching out of Sam's Gap is not easy. Geezer finally ended up calling Miss Janet for me on his cell phone since mine had no signal. Meanwhile, about 8 other thru's came wandering down out of the woods looking miserable as it poured on their heads. Everyone gathered under a highway overpass and mulled around debating "go into Erwin or hike on in the rain.". I think all 8 came in, and are hiking back out in the rain this morning.I'm at the Holiday Inn Express. It's a decent hotel, but it's about 4.5 miles out of town. The issue is getting into town to the grocery store and PO. Miss Janet will shuttle (she is great), but that has to be done around her schedule, so you end up sitting around waiting on rides, and it burns up all your time on a day when you have so many things to get done.Gotta run.....well, hobble
Date: 2005-04-30
From: Erwin, TN

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: moderate rain

I will be headed back out shortly. I'll be out for about seven days before I resupply probably. My backpack is PACKED, and I can't get the bagels to fit.The skies are still very dreary and overcast, but I believe it is supposed to clear tonight, and leave us with decent weather until about Wednesday. I sure hope it's nice b/c at around 6000 feet the Roan Balds between here and Kincora are supposed to be beautiful.Ok...I think I'm jinxed. On every single climb today, the sky would clear, and as soon as I got to the top....bam! Socked in with fog and clouds. I've yet to climb a good bald where there were views. The balds are still cool in the fog, and I got some nice pictures of the trail leading off into the mist.I'm camped in a gap near a road tonight. Kong, Lizard, and Hotcrotch are also camped nearby. Sadly, Angel has left the trail. I hike slower than Lizard and Hotcrotch, but they appear to want to wait on me, although I told them a couple times to go ahead. They are both young and stubborn though (24 and 25), and when I told them they did not have to wait on me, Lizard of course said "Don't flatter yourself," and Hotcrotch would just say "We are taking a break." Oh well....I do have to admit the company is pleasant. Kong was already camped here, and is a nice kid from OH.Guess what...it's raining. Goodnight
Date: 2005-05-01
From: Spivey Gap

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel
Miles today: 11.2

Yes....I'm in Erwin again. I swear the lure of food has become so powerful.I started out this morning around seven thirty, and about 5 miles later Lizard and Hotcrotch came flying up as I was taking a break and checking my e-mail. No suprise the two youngsters had caught up with me.The hiking over the next eleven miles was a pleasure. There were climbs but they were now well within the ability of our new muscles and lungs, and we powered around the contours. At one point HC and Lizard stopped for a quick break, and I could see their momentary surprise at seeing me right on their heels after a stiff little climb. Ha! I'm getting faster. We came down the trail to a road running along the Nolichucky river, and looked across the street to see "Uncle Johnny's" hostel on the corner. It was literally 25 feet away. Time for a soda! The number one thing I crave the most when hiking.As we walked up on the porch, Johnny came out and told us to feel free to use his facilities. We walked around back to a series of neat, very well kept cabins, and a huge grassy area on which we immediately spread out our soaking wet tents to dry in the sun. It was a beautiful day, and this was one of the nicest hostels I'd seen to date!Johnny also told us there was a place that delivered pizza to the hostel. The PERFECT lunch. Kong was there, so we ordered 2 large and a medium pizza. It was all gone between the 4 of us in about 20 minutes. We then stretched out on the grass in the sun to study our maps and the climb straight up to Curley Maple shelter.Someone then announced a shuttle was heading into Erwin for excellent mexican food at 6PM, and here I am still at the hostel typing on my blackberry after a loaded pizza for lunch, mexican for dinner, and a pint of Ben and Jerry's for dessert.Tomorrow is a 17 miler, so I'll be leaving early. I checked my schedule, and I'm still right on target on my itinerary. Tomorrow will put me slightly ahead again. I hope it is as beautiful as today.Oh yeah.....Muddbutt, Mimi, Slick, and 50 Short made it into the hostel. It was great seeing them still on the trail since it seems like more are starting to leave the trail. I'm told about 50 percent are gone by Damascus, VA, which is only about two weeks away.Night all.
Date: 2005-05-02
From: Erwin, TN

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: few clouds

I finally made it out of Erwin today aroiund noon....after a very large breakfast of course. I caught a shuttle into town with Lizard and Kong. The breakfast consisted of a large rare ribeye, home fries, grits, toast, and two eggs. I was not full and hungry again an hour later. I will admit though, that I seriously felt that heart stopping breakfast climbing the 1,200 feet out of Erwin.Hotcrotch was sick and stayed back in Erwin, so our loosely joined group of four has gone from 4 to 2 in 3 days. The males are out and only the females are left. Hotcrotch said he will be hitting the trail again though when he feels better.It was a nice climb with the highlight being a bald mountain called "Beauty Spot.". Too bad it was so damn cold I could only stand on top in the wind for about 10 seconds! It was freakin freezin! The views were awesome though, and I did get a couple of quick photos.I finally made it to my intended campsite with Lizard following along only to find about 10 male thru-hikers partying in a campsite on the side of a fire road. Great. They had packed in beer and taken a zero. I recognized about half of them. I was invited to join but declined graciously. I grabbed water and headed out to find other camping.It' s around 9PM now, and has to already be below freezing! I can't even get warm in my damn down sleeping bag. It is May in the south. Where the hell is summer!Night night
Date: 2005-05-03
From: Deep Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

I discovered something interesting today. If you eat the largest double cheese burger you've ever seen, dripping with grease, large french fries, and 4 large Pepsi's, it makes it incredibly difficult to climb mountains. They can be climbed of course, but for the first hour or so anticipate doubling over to prevent the cramps. Walking in an L shape does make the hiking slightly more difficult.Today was not a difficult day. Let me tell you though, at 32 degrees this morning I was not a happy gal. Lizard flew by me as usual about an hour into the hike, and a couple of miles later I came across her snacking at a shelter. She does a lot of snacking while I just gorge myself whenever possible til I can't move.Lizard announced that 2.5 miles down the trail there was a road crossing at Iron Gap. If you hitched 4 miles east, there was supposed to be a small diner at a road crossing. Food! I was out of there!As we came into the gap, we saw Miss Janet's van dropping off thru-hikers to slack pack back to Erwin. They were all wearing halloween costumes, and I recognized about half, including Sunflower, Saxy Lady, and Syracuse Pete. I'm not sure what was up with the costumes, but it was a pretty scarey site....:-).Miss Janet pulled away before we could bum a ride to the diner, so we stuck out our thumbs. The first couple of cars went by before Lizard took off her scarey terminator sunglasses, and I threw myself in the road (kidding). A few short moments later a brand shiny new Escalade pulled over. Poor guy probably had never picked up grungy hikers before.We drug our giant dirty packs into the diner and sat out of the way in a corner so as not to offend the regulars. The food was AWESOME, and the waitress was super nice, offering to fill our water bottles. I also got a club sandwich to go for a dinner appetizer, and packed it away.We walked out front and stuck our thumbs out, and around the corner came Miss Janet's van. Now THAT is trail magic. She gave us a ride almost 5 miles in the opposite direction back to the trail head. Thanks Miss Janet, you are the BEST. Lizard whizzed off up the trail, not to be seen again til evening, and I wobbled along desperately trying to digest. Oh to be 25 again.I'm typing this in my tent as I freeze my arse off again. It is supposed to be freezing again tonight. WHERE IS THE SOUTHERN HEAT DAMNIT.Gggggood night.....bbbrrrrrrr.
Date: 2005-05-04
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Over Mountain
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: scattered clouds

It's cold again this morning, but not quite as cold as yesterday. Storm clouds are already heading in, but hopefully the drenching we are supposed to get Thursday, Friday, and Saturday will hold off til tomorrow. Right now the sky does not look too promising. I've got my fingers crossed though since I'm supposed to hit Roan Mountain today. It is the last 6,000 footer til Mt. Washington in NH, and supposedly one of the most beautiful spots on the AT. There are also supposed to be bathrooms with running water at the top for the tourists, which is always a real motivator when climbing.Roan Mountain kicked my butt! The climb of 2,000 feet over two miles was straight up, and at the top I was greeted by 50 degree temps and LOCKED bathrooms. It was so disheartening. Even being able to rinse off in ice cold sink water is....well, words just can't describe the sensation of getting even slightly clean.The climb over the bald mountains following Roan was the best part of the whole hike. Right now I'm camped in a field near Over Mountain. It looks like rain tonight, but that's alright. Tomorrow I need to do a lot of miles. I really want to get into Kincora. We will see how it goes since the climbing looks a little stiff again.Oh yeah.....Geezer, if you read this, I'm sorry you are leaving the trail, and it was a pleasure meeting you.Night all....
Date: 2005-05-05
From: Over Mountain

To: Somewhere in the woods
Miles today: 21.8

Lizard blew past me today and said she was heading for a shelter 23 miles up the trail. I hope she made it ok. I'm sure she did. I am currently camped in an excellent little campsite tucked away in a Rhododendron thicket. It is warmer. There is no wind, and the ground is level for a change. I was starting to get tired of balancing on the edge of my Thermorest so I would not roll down hill.I thought I was pretty secluded and far away from civilization, but I think I just heard a cow moo. At least I hope it was a cow. I don't think there are any moose this far south.I started hiking around 7:00A this morning. I think I hike a little slower than most b/c I have to stop and chat with any people I meet. Mile 14 was where I made dinner. There was a little meadow by a river and "Eastie" was sitting there snacking. He is a young hiker from NY state, and a nice young man. Oh my god, I'm getting old! I can't believe I typed "nice young man.". UghDinner dave me a ton of energy, and I flew the last seven miles down th trail. I will admit my tootsies are screaming as I type this though.I'm headed into the Kincora Hostel tomorrow. I have a food drop there, and I'm badly in need of a scrubbing for both me and my clothes. After that it's on to VA. Yes! I am actually geting ready to enter my 4th state. Gotta scoot. Getting up very early. I hear a pepsi calling my name. I've found that Pepsi's are my number one craving out here.Night
Date: 2005-05-06
From: Somewhere in the woods

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a PERFECT backpacking day. The temps were in the upper 60's lower 70's, the weather was beautiful, the views from Pond Flats and overlooking Lake Watauga were great, and finally to complete perfection, there was trail magic at the lake when I came down the mountain. I won't list what I ate, b/c I've been told I write about food too often, and I need to refocus.Days like today reaffirm why I'm out here. The relaxed feelings of freedom and simplicity with this type of long distance backpacking really have no equal. I'm finally getting conditioned, and I can turn my attentions from my aches and pains to everything surrounding me.Tonight I'm camped on top of a knob. On one side I'm overlooking an absolutely beautiful blue lake (Watauga). I hiked above it all afternoon. On the other side of the tent I can see out through the mountains, and watch the sun set right down between them. Today like so many others makes me realize how fortunate I am to be out here.Now, back to my immediate reality. This is for those considering their own hike. I may be fragile, but this is how my body is handling the hike. I've a very sore nose, which will hopefully heal within the next couple of days. I have a permanent right "clicky knee.". It appears something has come loose in the knee. I'm guessing it is a little piece of cartilage. The knee clicks for a couple of hours in the morning when I hike, but once warmed up it is alright.Both knees now get fluid on them and swell after steep downhills that last for more than a mile. I had thought the large knots were new muscles, but it appears I was mistaken.My feet hurt all the time, but it is now tolerable, although to watch me walk first thing in the morning, you would think me severely lame in both legs.My legs ache all night when I sleep, so I take 3 ibuprophen before going to sleep. It lasts til around midnight when the aches wake me up. I'm again guessing this is from the lactic acid build-up in my muscles, and possibly the tightening of my tendons and muscles around my knees.Despite all of these annoyances, I am still having a GREAT time!I'm off to eat and hit the sack. Night.
Date: 2005-05-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I knelt on my hands and knees staring at the pooling blood through spots dancing around the tears in my eyes. The thoughts slashing through my head consisted of "Thank god the nose dive into the log crushed my nose and not my teeth." "I'm ready for a desk and a computer at this point....and a Pepsi."It was not a good day. As I ran through the undergrowth looking for a potty spot (I'm modest and had thought I heard voices) my foot became entwined in a briar vine. I hopped a couple of times trying to regain my balance, but knew it was useless as the tumble began. I headed straight toward the only log within 100 ft., and knew with certainty that this was going to hurt.I pulled myself up off the ground with my head hanging between my knees just letting the blood pour. God my nose hurt! The string of profanity had started to subside and I was sitting feeling sorry for myself when I heard a very loud thrumming noise. I slowly raised my head and I swear no more than slightly arm's length in front of me was a vivid green humming bird hovering diectly in front of me facing me. It was amazing. I had seen them, but never this close. What had drawn it to me? There were no flowers, and I was in the middle of the woods. Maybe my brightly colored clothing? It hovered for maybe 3 seconds, darted off 5 yards, the whole time facing me, and finally disappeared. My nose still hurt, but what a cool distraction.I cleaned up as best I could, and was not too worried about the bloody clothes since I was going through a hostel in the afternoon where I could wash them. Man what a headache I had though. My nose was swollen for the rest of the hike, and my head was splitting. I think the swelling is just now starting to subside.I'm currently at the Kincora hostel. I got here around 1:30, and I'm planning on leaving first thing in the morning. The hostel is one of the "have to" traditions on the AT. It is very "homey" with bunks upstairs, and a private bedroom downstairs. The private bedroom is occupied, so I have my sleeping bag on the bunk, and my earplugs at the ready.I hear it is going into the 80's beginning tomorrow and I can't wait!Gotta run get some more ice and then hit the sack.
Date: 2005-05-08
From: Small Knob

To: Woods
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was fairly uneventful. I passed a shelter shortly after starting hiking this morning, and I swear I could hear the snoring a good 10 minutes before I passed by it. I'm glad I chose to camp about a half mile before the shelter.The hiking has been nice. I ran along the ridges all morning looking down into the valleys. A lot of little ups and downs, but certainly nothing like the mountains that GA, NC and TN threw at me. Some hikers call the first three states boot camp. If you can make it to VA (the promised land of lots of food and 20 mile days) you are in good shape.Then again though, there are the "VA Blues.". For some the hiking in VA becomes rather monotonous. VA is 25 percent of the trail I'm told, so the same views and hiking over and over can probably become rather tedious. I've hiked and worked in the Shenandoahs and loved the hiking in the past, so we will see how it goes. I've a feeling I'll love it again.Had lunch at Iron Mountain shelter with the local shelter tom cat. Pretty little cat that could not have been over a year old. I felt bad for the little guy since he was pretty thin, and gave him my entire turkey sausage. I was amazed he could eat the whole thing! I bought it while I was at Kincora, and knew the nasty thing would serve some purpose. I'm just glad I don't have to carry it anymore. No more turkey sausages for this gal.There were lots of section hikers out today heading up the trail as I was headed down. I, of course, had to stop and chat briefly with most all of them. I was really trying to recruit someone to go up and rescue the poor shelter cat. I think I had a taker in "Uncle Mike." He had just buried his own cat and seemed pretty eager when I told him how friendly the little guy was. He seemed like a good guy, and also gave me a can of coke, which of course raised him several notches in my opinion.I almost had another woman recruited, but as her husband listened to our conversation about poor shelter cat, he shook his head and announced maybe they were not going that far after all. Poor shelter cat.My favorite day hikers were the family of four. Mom was leading and yelled "Happy Mother's Day" at me (I must look older than I thought), followed by two sons, and struggling in the rear was Dad. Mom asked me if there was a good view much further, and I said there was an awesome view at the top. I think Dad wanted to throw a rock at me, and immediately announced the 2 hours allotted for this little excursion was up in 2 minutes. Mom turned and headed up the mountain, with the boys grinning behind her, and Dad telling me I would hear them behind me shortly. I never saw them again.I had dinner at the Double Springs Shelter and decided to do a few more miles for the evening. I should get into Damascus, VA late tomorrow....a day earlier than planned! Hot showers have a powerful pull on your feet. Those and icey cold PEPSI's!!!!It's late, and I've still yet to rub my feet, so goodnight