morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-23
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

It was rainging when I got up this morning. I didn't want to get up and hike in this but I had to. It was a long, cold, and wet 7 miles to Sassafras Gap shelter. It was about 48 degrees when I got here at 1:15pm. I am looking to do about 12 miles tomorrow. That will put me at Cody Gap which is 10.6 miles from Fontana Dam. When I get to Fontana Dam I will have hiked 163 miles from Springer Mt. in 16 days. That's not bad considering the short days I have had. It is so beautiful up here. I am ready to get to the Smokies and get throught them so maybe the weather will get warmer. I plan to get to Damascus by the 15th of May. That is 24 days from now and hopefully I will be in Virginia. I am about 315 miles from there now.I'll go. Life is good on the AT. Praise God for the AT.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-04-23
From: Cable Gap shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: clear sky

Did a short 6.6 mile day. Pulled into Fontana Dam Hilton at about 1:20pm. Alison and I dropped Sparrow off 1.1 miles before the shelter. I will probably go only about 5 miles tomorrow. There are a lot of us here at the shelter so it is going to be crowded at the shelters in the Smokies. I was going to take a zero day tomorrow; but, Fontana was kind of a disappointment. Jay, Chaco, Blueberry, Pinot, Winging it, and Kerriden all are at the Fontana Inn. Wide Load is here and so is Mucktuck.Life is good on the AT where you live in the woods, walk the trails that only mountain goats should be on, and live for up to 7 to 10 days on what you can carry on your back. We may live like animals and smell like animals; but, we don't act like animals. Live life as if today was the last day. God loves you and all of the people on the ATGo diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-04-24
From: Fontana Dam

To: ?
Miles today: 11.3

Took an easy day today. I only hiked 11.3 miles. Came out of Fontana. Was not impressed with Fontana Resort. Not very hiker friendly. It is cold and rainy out. This shelter holds 14 but we have roughly 24 in here. Blueberry, Pinot, Winging it, Kerriden, Chaco, Sparrow, Capt. America, Chili Willi, Mr. Pumpy, Very Small Animal (from now on VSA), Grandpa Bear, just to name a few.It is supposed to rain tomorrow so it is going to be miserable. Was going to pick up something a little warmer at the outfitter in Fontana but they didn't have anything. I will just be cold a few more days. Gotta go. Praise the Lord for another wonderful day.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-04-25
From: ?

To: Derriick Knob shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

I did 11.7 miles today. Am 185.8 miles from Springer Mt. at Derrick Knob shelter IN THE SMOKIES. I am 271.5 miles from Damascus, VA. I am going to try to do 13.5 miles tomorrow. It has been cold and miserable all day. The wind is blowing hard. I walked in fog and mist: some of it was low clouds.Am cooking supper right now. It is about 4:00pm and I am ready to eat. Then I will lay down and sleep.I want to cross Clingmans Dome tomorrow. That would be a 2000ft evelation change from where I'm at right now. It is still cold but beginning to clear up. I am going to clean up now and lay down. This is something a body will have to experience for himself to know what it is like. Praise the Lord. Thank you God.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-04-26
From: Derriick Knob shelter

To: Mt. Collins shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

I am at Mt. Collins shelter. I did the 13.5 miles. I got here at 2:30pm. Not bad. Of course that is not counting the .5 mile to the shelter, and the .2 mile to the water and back (that I had to make twice). I am letting my water treatment drops mix and react while I write. I have to let the drops react for 5 minutes before I can add them to my water. Then after adding them to my water, it has to sit another 30 minutes.I climbed Clingmans Dome today. Evelation is 6643ft. I stayed on the AT so I did not go to top. I was only at about 6575ft. It was cold, and a cloud was covering the sumit when I got there so I decided not to go up. I can't remember the last time I saw the sun for any length of time. It has been cloudy and rainy since I started the trail. God knows what He is doing.I guess I'd better cook something for supper because my stomach is growling.I am so blessed by the Lord to have this opportunity.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-04-27
From: Mt. Collins shelter

To: Pecks Corner shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

I made it to Pecks Corner shelter at 3:30pm. There was a .5 mile side trail to get here. There was one leaving the shelter this morning so I walked an extra mile today. This shelter is at 5280ft so it is lower than the one last night. I am 50.7 miles from Fontana Dam and I only have 20.9 miles of the Smokies left. I have walked about 213.5 miles of the AT.It was such a beautiful day. The sun was out (Woo Hoo), and the views were just awesome. I don't know if anyone else is doing 14.9 miles or 7.5 miles today. I think Jay and Alison were going for a short day. I plan on doing 12.9 miles tomorrow.Alison, Winging It, Blueberry, Pinot, No Doubt, and McGuyver are here. Sparrow is on her way. It's 7:30pm and I am going to go. Praise God for such a wonderful day.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-04-28
From: Pecks Corner shelter

To: Cosby Knob shleter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: clear sky

Another great day on the AT. Feet are starting to hurt; but, I will live. I made it to Cosby Knob shelter. I made my 12.9 miles. Today was a strange day. Nothing seemed to match the book so mileage didn't feel right. I only need 8 more miles and I will be out of the Smokies. Beautiful views today. I have done about 227.1 miles of the AT (Woo Hoo). Am averaging 10 miles a day. Tomorrow is going to be another hard day. Most of it down hill. I am going to resupply at Mountain Mama's them move on. Am going to try and pitch a tent at Painter Branch so I can get to Hot Springs by Thursday. Need to make some miles.Praise God for this experience.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-04-29
From: Cosby Knob shleter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

Did 10.4 miles today. Stopped at Standing Bear Farm. Knee is starting to act up. I will make it alright though. After the 10.4 today I felt pretty good. Am going to a camp site past Max Patch Summit tomorrow. Expecting a tough day. Max Patch Summit is 4629ft. We are below 2000ft right now. 4.7 miles from here is Snowbird Mt. and it is 4263ft. 2.5 miles later Groundhog Creek shelter is at 2900ft. 6.2 miles later we hit Max Patch at 4629ft. A lot of ups and downs.Feeling good. Life is good. Live to walk. Walk to live. Praise God.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-04-30
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: 3 1/2 miles south of Roaring Fork shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

A perfect day in Paradise. We are camping about 3 1/2 miles south of Roaring Fork shelter. We did a little over 15 miles today. Left Standing Bear Farm about 9:00am. Climbed about 2700ft to the top of Snowbird Mt. Then we dropped 1300ft; then climbed 1729ft to Max Patch. Had the most beautiful views. Took 5 or 6 pictures. To get to Max Patch, we (the 3 snails)_walked in the cold and rain for at least 7 hours. When we got to the top, the rain stopped long enough for us to get pictures; then it started as we were leaving. It was about 50 degrees with a 5 to 10 mile-an-hour wind. We walked in the storm with lightening and thunder. It was something. First part of the day was hot and humid with total sun.We finally stopped and pitched tents about 7:45pm. Am so glad to be in the tent and drying out. I am tired and need to go to bed. Thank you Lord for this day.PS: The 3 snails are Alison Allen(Double A), Jay Broderick(Bluejay), and myself.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-05-01
From: 3 1/2 miles south of Roaring Fork shelter

To: ?
Miles today: 15.5

It was another beautiful day today. Sunny and warm this morning: stormy and wet this afternoon and evening. I am in my tent and this thing has got to go. It leaks. This is not a good thing. My sleeping bag is wet so it is going to be a long cold night. My money is beginning to worry me. I cannot afford to replace this stuff so I am basically out of luck. Hiked 15.5 miles today; some of it in wet socks. Am very tired. Did another cold dinner. I think that I am going to have to start walking all night if it rains so I can get to a shelter at morning time. I cannot let shelters dictate how far I am going to go for a day. Sometimes it is not far enough. Looks like no sleep tonight.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-05-02
From: ?

To: Hot Springs NC hiker hostel
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked 3.2 miles to the hiker hostel in Hot Springs NC this morning. Woke up last night and could not move my left knee. It was locked in position. I need to get treking poles. My one pole is not enough. Knee hurts but I will be alright. About 12 days out of Damascus now. We will hit there while Trail Days is going on. May stay. May not. Tent leaked bad last night. Am going to get rid of it. Will get a tarp. Was outside petting Stubby the cat. She has become quite a legend on the AT. If knee is still bothering me tomorrow, I will do a zero day. Don't want to but can't afford to blow out a knee. This is a nice place. We are going to split up tomorrow. We don't want to get on each others nerves. If I get ahead I will wait for them in Damascus. Am glad for a break and not being in the rain. Blessed are we that can do this. Praise God.Go diamondLive the dream Hike on
Date: 2003-05-03
From: Hot Springs NC hiker hostel

To: ?
Miles today: 19.6

I had a good day today. Came out of Hot Springs missing the crew. Bluejay zeroed out today. I think Double A was going to hike today, and Sparrow was going to leave at noon. I left at 10:30am. I hiked 11 miles to Spring Mt. shelter and it was full. I drank 3 1/2 liters of water in that 11 miles. I decided to push on because 1 1/2 miles further there was supposed to be a spring. Dry. I had to hike from 4:40pm till 8:15pm with 3/4 liter of water. 8.6 miles. I did 19.6 miles in 9 hours and 40 minutes today. Knee hurts a little but will see how it feels in the morning. May go for a 21 mile day tomorrow. Will let you know.I didn't think I was going to make it on that little bit of water; but, God took care of me.Was a little depressed about dropping a $100 for supplies; but, I need them. I called my sweetie from the shelter. That cheered me up and made my day. Well am tired and better go for now. Thank you Lord for a most wonderful day.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-05-04
From: ?

To: Flint Mt. shelter
Miles today: 12.6

Left at 9:00am this morning. Have gone 12.6 miles and am at Flint Mt. shelter. Want to hike somemore but told Sparrow that I would meet her here. Am cooking Lipton Rice right now. Have already eaten a can of Beenie Weenies. Crossed over 300 miles on the AT. Have finished my supper now and still waiting. I hope to do some hiking tonight. Would like to put in 15 more miles by morning. Then I could sleep for a few hours and get up and do it again. Gonna go.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-05-05
From: Flint Mt. shelter

To: ?
Miles today: 19.0

Well I did night hike and put in 19 miles. I started at 8:30pm and got here at 6:30am. It started storming just as soon as I got here.When I went over the Bald this morning at 5:00am, there was only about 5 feet of visability. When I got to the top of the bald it was so foggy that I could not find the blaze. I had lost it, and it was about 25 minutes before I found the blaze for the trail. The wind was blowing about 30 or 40 miles an hour. It felt like it was trying to lift me off the ground. The temperature was probably around 40 degrees, and the wind chill had to be in the 20's. I was beginning to get worried since I was cold, wet, and lost. I finally got to the shelter and was in my bag by 7:00am. I am so glad that my bag is rated for 15 degrees because it sure did save me this morning.It is now 1:30pm, and I have only slept for about 1 1/2 hours. Everyone comes in to get out of the weather, cook and then head back out. This has been the most extreme weather day so far for me. It has been the most incredible experience. I can't believe it; but, Nick from the UK just walked in. I haven't seen him in 2 weeks. He is way faster then I am. I hope everyone makes it ok. I may write more later. For now just Praise the Lord.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-05-06
From: ?

To: Erwin
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: moderate rain

I hiked 16.9 miles into Erwin today. I am s-o-o tired I got a motel. Had to have a bathtub to soak in. I am going to take a zero day tomorrow at Miss Janet's house. It is supposed to be a good hostel. She gave me a ride to the motel. Said that her brother is the sports editor for the Kilgore News Hearld (my mom worked there for years). What a small world.I met Nuts, Twigs, and Baltimore Jack today. Bought a calling card and am going to make some calls. I still have 118.5 miles to go to make Damascus. I am hoping to make it in 5 days. With the zero day herein Erwin, I should make Damascus around the 12th of May. I had better go. Life is most excellent. Praise God.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-05-07
From: Erwin

To: Miss Janet's house
Miles today: 0.0

Am taking a zero day at Miss Janet' house. She is a real nice lady. I still need to get the name of her brother in Kilgore so I can tell him I stayed here. WoodsDragon pulled in today. The weather has been pretty nice. It rained a little bit about 2:30pm. I will be kinda glad to get back on the trail though. Towns are a trap. It is hard to leave once you get here. I am going to pass through Damascus. That will just be another hiker trap.This is such a strange way to have been living for the past month. Life is so different out here. I don't think that you could ever find a better group of people than you find out here. Praise God for another beautiful day in the mountains and the trail towns.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-05-08
From: Miss Janet's house

To: ?
Miles today: 25.0

Well I left Miss Janet's house yesterday. She gave me a ride to the trail. I hiked 25 miles out of Erwin. I will not do 25 straight again. I am going to lay low at the shelter today. I've got a massive blister on my little toe and it is excruciating. I did not think it would ever end. I did it all in a night hike. May hike tonight but doubt it. Bye for now. Praise the Lord.PS: I am not hiking today.Go diamondLive the dream Hike on
Date: 2003-05-09
From: ?

To: Overmountian shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: broken clouds

Short day today. I only did 12.9 miles to the Overmountain shelter. Will probably do a short day tomorrow also. Will go to the Apple House shelter. This day was just awesome. I got so many great pictures. I took a break on the second Bald. Called my mother-in-law from about 5500ft on a mountain top in N.C. and rubbed it in.Am staying in a shelter that was an old barn. It is a really cool place. Awesome amount of room. Twigs, Nuts, and 2 Dog Night with Cade and Dillion just pulled in. I am sleeping in the loft tonight. I feel like I didn't get to do any miles today. I did 12.9 so it was a good day. Am used to doing 15 to 18 mile days now. Will probably only do 8.2 tomorrow. Dillion and Cade just came upstairs. They are pretty good dogs. Gotta go. Praise God.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-05-10
From: Overmountian shelter

To: Apple House shelter
Miles today: 8.2

Have done 8.2 miles today. That was all I was going to do; but, 2 Dog Night wants to night hike. She has never done a night hike. So we are going to hike tonight. We will probably do about 12 to 15 miles. When we stop tonight, we will be about 60 miles from Damascus. We will probably stop about 3 or 4 in the morning. Tomorrow morning we will do about 10 miles and resupply, do laundry, and rest. Beautiful day. Got some good pictures. This was one of God's most beautiful days. Praise God. Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-05-11
From: Apple House shelter

To: Laurel Creek
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Stopped at midnight. We were tired and the dogs were tired too. We were back up at 5:30am and back hiking at 6:30am. It was a long hard day. Probably the most mental day yet. The trail relocation wasn't so bad; but, nothing matched the book so never knew exactly where we were. We finally pulled into Laurel Creek, and it was a Godsend. Finally a shower, burger, and a bunk.Rest, glorious rest. Thank you Lofd for such a good day.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-05-12
From: Laurel Creek

To: Laurel Creek
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well we slackpacked 13 miles today. We had a great time. We just walked at a leisurely pace. No pressure, time limit, or hurry. It is easy when you don't have a pack or have to hurry to get a shelter spot. We walked down to Laurel Falls toward the end of the day. The falls were beautiful. After leaving the falls we went to a spot that is not in the book. It was a little trail that was kind-of hard to find. It was a steep downhill to the river. We came out at a small set of falls and a good swimming hole. Too cold to swim; but, it sure was beautiful. A good walk, a good friend, and beautiful scenery. What more could you ask for. Totally opposite from yesterday. Thank you Lord.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-05-13
From: Laurel Creek

To: Laurel Creek
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: few clouds

Slackpacked again today. We did 16 miles. It was another good day. Saw Strider. I haven't see him in a while. We were about 4 miles from the end of our hike. We saw him at the Vandeventer shetler. There were some good rocks behind the shelter so we climbed to the top of them and saw the most beautiful view of the Watauge Lake. We only stayed for about 30 minutes because we had to get to the road to catch our shuttle back to the lodge.We got to the shuttle and John said we had to wait on Sparrow. He told her to wait for him at the swimming area; but, she wasn't there. Some other hikers said she was getting worried and that she decided to walk the next 5 miles to us. We waited quite a while. John was getting worried; so, I hit the trail and ran: it took about twenty minutes to run 1 1/2 miles to the road. She wasn't there. John picked me up and we drove to the swimming area, and she wasn't there. John drove me to the gate just down from the rope swing and I ran about a mile in to look for her. I came across Liz(Constant Motion), and she said that the police gave Sparrow a ride back to the lodge. I had to go another 1 1/2 miles to meet up with John and let him know. He had dropped the others off in town so they could get something to eat. We picked them up and got back to the lodge at about 9:30pm. Everyone was give out. I did about 20.5 miles in all. Was exhasuted. Got in bed about 1:30am after eating, showering, and doing laundry. Thank God Sparrow was OK.It was a good day.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-05-14
From: Laurel Creek

To: Damascus
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: broken clouds

Well we slackpacked 21 miles into Damascus today. The terrain was good. We didn't have time to take many breaks because we wanted to get there before dark. John dropped us off at 10:15am and we got to Damascus at 7:30pm. 9 hours and 15 minutes. Not bad time for 21.8 miles. When we got to town, we started for the campsite about 1 mile from the AT. We got about 1/2 way there and Cade just laid down and wouldn't get up. The dogs were give out. An ex thru hiker was walking by, went back, got his car, and picked us up. He took us into town so we could get something to eat and then gave us a ride back to the campgound. We went to get our packs and 2 dogs' wasn't there. We finally located her pack about 10:00pm and set up camp. Overall a great day. I have done 458 miles of the AT. Making great friends and having a wonderful time. Thank you God for watching out for us.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-05-19
From: Damascus

To: anywhere but town
Miles today: 4.5

After 4 zero days in Damascus, I am glad to be on the trail again. We hiked about 4.5 miles today. We left town at 2:30pm and hiked until we came across some water. Went down a side trail and found a good campsite. Although we enjoyed Trail Days at Damascus, everyone was so glad to get out of town. Town is a trap that sucks the money and life force out of a hiker. Hiked with Jay (aka Bluejay: aka Jay Walkin) today. It was good to talk with him and hike with him for a while. Hiked with Nic-Nac today too. Am camping with her, her mom (Dormouse), and Mom's boyfriend; Slim Jim. Hotdawg and Stubby Cat are here also. Can't think of a better way to spend the time. Praise God for such a beautiful day.Go diamondLive the dreamHike on
Date: 2003-05-11
From: Springer Mountain, GA

To: Gooch Gap Shelter, GA
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: moderate rain

Cum Distance: 14.7 MDaily Mileage: 14.7 MDaily Average: 14.7 M/DThe first day out!!! Today started off wet. I was really very happy to have Dad drop me off. I only hope that he got back to Atlanta without getting stuck in the mud. He dropped me off at the parking lot at Springer. Later it started raining. Rather, it started pouring. There wer some neat things I saw today. I saw a deer, garter snake, and lots of salamanders. This evening I'm planning on writing my first poem. It's been a while, so I'll give it a shot. Oh... my gear has been working ok so far. I do need to find out if I can use my Exstream filter for a long distance. Tonight is when I determine how well my warm gear works. Poem, May 11THE OPENINGIt GapesIt Pullsand It OpensPatienceUpsDownsand It Opens
Date: 2003-05-12
From: Gooch Gap Shelter

To: Neels Gap, GA
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: few clouds

Cum Distance: 29.6 MDaily Mileage: 14.9 MDaily Average: 14.8 M/DToday was a great hike. We went up and over several ups and finished the long day by going up and over Blood Mountain. Tonight, we are at Walasi Yi Hostel. I've started hanging out with Tim, Butter (aka Jerid), Runt, and Lunchbox. Today I also took several good pictures on the way to and on top of Blood Mountain. I'm tired. Last night, I froze in my pancho liner. It's just not working. Tomorrow, I will get a new sleeping bag. I have yet to figure out which one I will get. So far, all the gear has been working well. I got a little dehydrated today. In the future, I'll have to be more careful.By the way, when I was writing this entry I was passing out because I was really tired.Poem, May 12(I wrote this while falling asleep in the hostel. It is inspired by my cold night in the pancho liner.)THE RESTING HOURTossing and TurningI search for sleep.When I come tofind it, it is fleeting.It's too cold. Mypancho is the screendoor which ventilatesmy feet.Shake. Wiggle. Shake.