morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-11
To: Bird List
Miles today: 0.0

* indicate first-ever sightings1. Dark-eyed Junco 3/13Springer MTN GA2. American Robin 3/14Hawk MTN GA3. White-breasted Nuthatch 3/14Hawk MTN GA4. *Hairy Woodpecker 3/14Hawk MTN GA5. Eastern Bluebird 3/14Sassafrass MTN GA6. Brown Creeper 3/14Sassafrass MTN GA7. Downy Woodpecker 3/14Sassafrass MTN GA8. Pileated Woodpecker 3/14Sassafrass MTN GA9. Tufted Titmouse 3/15Gooch MTN Shelter GA10. Carolina Chickadee 3/15Gooch MTN Shelter GA11. Yellow -bellied Sapsucker 3/15Gooch MTN GA12. American Crow 3/15Woody Gap GA13. *Hermit Thrush 3/17Neels Gap GA14. Northern Cardinal 3/17Neels Gap GA15. *Eastern Phoebe 3/18Blood MTN Cabins/Neels Gap GA16. Song Sparrow 3/18Bllod MTN Cabins/Neels Gap GA17. Rufus-sided (Eastern) Towhee 3/18Tesnatee MTN GA18. Blue Jay 3/20Helen GA19. House Sparrow 3/20 Helen GA20. Mallard 3/20Chattahoochee River, Helen GA21. Rock Dove 3/20Helen GA22. House Finch 3/20Helen GA23. Canada Goose 3/21GA 75, Helen GA24. Common Raven 3/21GA 75, Helen GA25. *Red-headed Woodpecker 3/21Tray MTN GA26. Carolina Wren 3/23Blueberry Patch Hostel, Hiawassee GA27. American Goldfinch 3/24Blueberry Patch Hostel, Hiawassee GA28. Northern Mockingbird 3/24Hiawassee GA29. Mourning Dove 3/24Hiawassee GA30. Red-bellied Woodpecker 3/25Blueberry Patch Hostel, Hiawassee GA31. *Blue-headed Vireo 3/26Deep Gap/Standing Indian MTN NC32. Brown Thrasher 3/29Franklin NC33. Belted Kingfisher 3/30Franklin NC34. European Starling 3/30 Franklin NC35. *Northern Rough-winged Swallow 4/02Nantahala Outdoor Center, Nantahala River NC36. *Broad-winged Hawk 4/04Fontana Dam Shelter, Fontana Dam NC37. Turkey Vulture 4/05Fontana Dam NC38. *Chipping Sparrow 4/05Fontana Dam NC39. *Eastern Meadowlark 4/08Shuckstack MTN Firetower, Great Smoky MTNs NP NC40. Northern (Yellow-shafted) Flicker 4/08Shuckstack MTN Firetower, Great Smoky MTNs NP NC41. Golden-crowned Kinglet 4/10Clingman's Dome, Great Smoky MTNs NP (Highest point on the AT) NC42. Common Grackle 4/10Gatlinburg TN43. *Black-and-white Warbler 4/16Davenport Gap, Gret Smoky MTNs NP TN44. Barn Swallow 4/16Pigeon River, I-40 overpass TN45. *Black-throated Green Warbler 4/17Snowbird MTN TN46. *Field Sparrow 4/18Max Patch TN47. *Hooded Warbler 4/19Roaring Fork Shelter TN48. Scarlet Tanager 4/19Bluff MTN NC49. *Worm-eating Warbler 4/19Garenflo Gap NC50. Ruby-throated Hummingbird 4/19Deer Park MTN Shelter NC51. American Coot 4/22French Broad River, Hot Springs NC52. Tree Swallow 4/22French Broad River, Hot Springs NC53. Kildeer 4/29Erwin TN54. *Ovenbird 5/03Greasy Creek Gap TN55. *Chestnut-sided Warbler 5/08Laurel Falls Downstream, TN56. *Black-throated Blue Warbler 5/09Vandeventer Shelter, TN57. *Rose-breasted Grosbeak 5/09Spring near Grindstaff Monument, TN58. Red-winged Blackbird 5/09Tenn. 91 Shady Valley, TN59. Wood Thrush 5/10Low Gap US 421, TN
Date: 2005-04-12
From: Clingman's Dome/Gatlinburg

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 3.4
Weather: light rain

A lucky hitch on a rainy day. There's no real reason we should have been picked up at all, but it wasn't long before we had our ride back up to Clingman's Dome. Jim and Susan from Cincinnati on vacation with their kids weren't even headed to Clingman's but they made the 22 mile trip just for us. The rain was worse and the wind was colder as we got out of the truck on top of the MTN. That truck was a sweet sight to wet hikers hoping a ride would present itself in the otherwise deserted parking lot. We hiked up the steep sidewalk back to the Trail, passing the observation tower now shrouded in cloud. Luckily the rain subsided for much of the 3.4 miles to Mt. Collins shelter where we stopped for the night. We even got a little blue sky and sunshine before it started raining again. It looks like it may rian through the night, but we are warm by the fire built by other hikers before we got here and "safe" behind the bear-fencing of this shelter. Happy to be back on the Trail despite the weather, with the gltiz of Gatlinburg behind us, slowing down again to our 2.0 mph days.Bird of the Day:Common Grackle
Date: 2005-04-13
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: light rain

Hiding away from the rain until it stopped this morning, we made it to the next shelter just before it started again for a surpriseingly dry day. Last night the storm drove the rain so hard against the shelter roof it was like sleeping in a snare drum. The night was as dark as any I have ever seen on the Trail, periodically rent into day by the lightning. A spectacular sight as I lay awake watching, and listening, glad to be secure in the shelter. It's raining now, great freezing sheets replete with snow, flakes as big as quarters.We hiked through the day in a misty cloud through Newfound Gap and an awful stomach ache. Ginger snaps apparently do not mix well with peanut butter. I worry at such times about what this time away from my routine at home is doing to my body. Our culinary options here are really limited to only the kinds of foods I would never eat at home. All the refined sugars and carbs, partially hydrogenated preservatives, and fats are tearing me up. I look forward to Elmer's organic vegetarian fare at the Sunnybank Inn in Hot Springs. I actually asked the kid at the front desk in the hotel back in G-brg if he knew of any places where we could get a salad. He looked me right in the eye and said, "I don't know nobody what eats salads." Fair enough, we had Mexican instead. Still, it's not like I've been couch-cruising these past few weeks so I should probably suck it up. Besides, as cold as it is now, I could probably use an extra layer Bird of the Day:Turkey Vulture
Date: 2005-04-14
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: clear sky

Another short day but sunny without all the rain. Saw the sunrise over the MTNs this morning from the our Shelter atop this MTN. Papa Bear tells us the forecast from his weather radio is for bright and clear skys all the way through to Thursday; we'll be well into Hot Springs by then. Papa Bear's really a neat guy. We met him back at Icewater and had a great time talking all evening. He Thru-hiked last year and came out for a month this year to hike from Newfound Gap to Damascus VA for a reunion at Trail Days of the friends who hiked with him in '04. It looks like he'll be camping at the same places we plan to as far as Hot Springs at least, and we both look forward to spending more time in his company. For now however, the first fire is out and Rigatortise is trying dilligently to light another one. We're already bundled up and ready for sleep, so I hope he doesn't need any more help gathering fire wood.Bird of the Day:American Goldfinch
Date: 2005-05-01
From: Low Gap

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: few clouds

The day began with the most bitter cold and persistent wind we have yet experienced on the Trail. Our night on the uneven terrane in Low Gap could at best be described as comical as we each awoke several times having slid dwon the slope, all scrunched up at the base of the tent. We got an early start as cold as it was, to warm up for a long day. It's always cold after a front passes through however, and the clouds soon cleared to reveal a sun shiney day. By noon the wind had died down to a cool breeze and Calicoe and I had a marvelous day for her last on the Trail. The views from Big Bald MTN were astounding, the geat wrinkled green sheet of the mountains rushing off as far as the eye could see in every direction. Once again the beauty of the wood was alive in the water as we crossed inumeral creeks and springs. One in particular stood out as it bubbled forth from a small depression just off the Trail. The water looked so appealing, we dipped our cups directly into the flow and drank straight from the MTN. Tonight we're camped on a more even ground, listening to the clear melodic whistlings of the Veeries. A bittersweet evening, but one I would not change. We'll say goodbye tomorrow but for the memory of this place, one we will not soon forget.Bird of the Day:Scarlet Tanager
Date: 2005-05-02
From: No Buissness Knob Shelter

To: Erwin TN, Ms. Janet's House
Miles today: 6.3

Ok, so I'm jumping ahead a little cause it's killer trying to keep up with this thing, the days fly by so fast. Calicoe had to go home today after having exhausted her funds. Such is the essence of section hiking I suppose, you can only go so far. Already it's not the same without her. Talking last night she said, "beginings are always scary, and endings are always sad, it's what you do in the middle that counts." We've had one hell of a good time in the middle I know, and while today is sad and tomorrow is daunting, I'll make the most of it so I have all kinds of stories to tell her when I see her at Trail Days in Damascus. Our last day hiking was a nice one for us though. Beautiful cool weather coming into town off the mountian. We got clear views of the Nolichucky river courseing along below us, the town in it's valley, the bridges over the water, the mountains of green cascading up to the horizon, a beautiful setting from which to bid-farewell. Hiking with the seasons as we did, we were first to greet the spring, counting wild flowers and birds all along the way. It was her idea to come out here and therefore my inspiration on the Trail. I'll miss my hiking buddy. I think I already do.Bird of the Day:Brown Creeper
Date: 2005-05-03
From: Erwin TN, Ms. Janet's House

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: clear sky

A short day out of Erwin. I did not intend to get out early but the shuttle to Iron MTN gap was at 11:30a, so away I went. Hiked the six miles to the first shelter on my last breakfast by Ms. Janet. That woman knows how to cook for the hiker crowd for sure, good food that sticks with you while you hike. I had wanted to spend the day catching up in my journal, and so I have here in the shelter. The tent went home with Calicoe so it's shelter-to-shelter from here on out. Not bad really with only 150 miles left to go, besides I can always sleep out under the stars on fair-weather nights. It's so quiet here all by myself. The silence is deafening when I stop walking and I really rather like it. Every little sound, I can hear every little creature, water, and leaves. The shelter is full now, and the silence gone away, but then tomorrow over Roan MTN. More quiet time in the clouds. Bird of the Day:Ovenbird, Greasy Creek Gap TN
Date: 2005-05-04
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: OverMTN Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Never before have I wanted for good company on this Trail, but now I start to understand what Rigatortise meant when he's "walking the "asshole" out of him." I've met with greater obscenity in the last 24 hours than I have in the rest of my time on the Trail combined. There have been a few, not many, but a select few Thru-hikers here who believe that the Trail unfurls before their feet only. Their attitudes lay thick in the air like an affliction, and it get's into my cloths, my hair, my mind. I thusly left the shelter this morning in haste, glad to be back hiking with not but the birds and my own imagination about my ears. The early hours of morning chill, helped the miles quickly by. I hardly felt it though as I labored over Roan MTN, the last to break 6,000 ft before New Hampshire, or so I've heard. It was good to be alone again, clearing my mind with vistas of MTNs and valleys. A beautiful day weatherwise. I stopped in at the OverMTN Shelter just before two this afternoon. Kind of a short day for the mileage hiked, but this is a special spot. The shelter made of a renovated old barn on a cusp of the valley, overlooking the MTNs to come. Unfortunately it seems, the company here will once again leave something to be desired. I think maybe, I just miss Calicoe, or perhaps I perfer the solitude.Bird of the Day:Killdeer
Date: 2005-05-05
From: OverMTN Shelter

To: Roan MTN TN
Miles today: 8.2

Spurred on by chilling winds, my friend Spoonman and I arose early from the OverMTN Shelter and struck out across the balds. Bad weather days are always good for pushing fast mileage, and today saw the most repressive wind and fog yet this season. The ascent out of OverMTN was a challening warm up for the climbs that were to come. The Trail courses along Houston Ridge and we watched from it's base as it disappeared into cloud climbing the MTN's spine. Made famous by the Longhorns that pasture upon it's peak, Houston Ridge awarded little through the fog; we could only guess that it's ruminoid inhabitants had sense enough to stay in the barn. The frosting of fog moisture frozen to my glasses only made the hike more interesting as we fought for footing against the wind. Once below tree-line however, the wind stopped and the fog lifted so abruptly as to leave us wondering whether we had not just imagined the recent crossing. The remaining mileage downhill dropped us out at a highway with a diner just down the line. Joined by a young lady named Lizard from Tuscon, it was a quick hitch before we were enjoying a much needed warm meal. Collaborating around the table there at "Buck's Place" country store, we soon formulated a plan to hike the next 24 miles to Dennis Cove tomorrow after a short rest-bit in the free hiker apartment above the diner. We had none of us tried for such a long day before, but all were eager to test our new hiker's legs on the relatively even looking terrane to come. We've had another meal since then and as this apartment full of hikers begins to quiet down for the evening, I'm excited to see what I can do.   Bird of the Day:Common Raven
Date: 2004-12-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I've recently decided to thru-hike the AT this coming year, and I feel it's absolutely the right decision. People ask me why.. and I say why not. I then often try to give a more socially acceptable answer by saying things like, oh.. well I'm doing this to learn things about myself, other people, my country, what I am capable of.. things that I could never learn in a classroom, or the discovery channel. Then, I've noticed, people will say something like.. "oh, well in that case go for it!" As if I wouldn't if they didn't approve. Some call me crazy, others look at me with disbelief, some say I'm stupid, but everyone is supportive in their own right and that means a great deal. Namely, all of my friends are incredibly supportive especially my parents, whom I feel as though I can toss the blame on for planting this seed in me that has grown to be a yearning for the trail. Thanks to all, and I hope you will enjoy keeping up with me along the way through this website.. stay tuned!
Date: 2004-12-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I'm an adventurer at heart. I love walking just to walk. I can't stand it when I don't get to see what's over the next hill or around the corner. I'm an artist. I see beauty in.. EVERYTHING... think about it. Every tree, path, and shadow I look at with an artists eye. I see color where there .. is no color .. I see stories where there are only rocks.. I see expression where there is only a stump. I'm one hell of an athlete.. or so I think. I love to reach that point of physical exertion where you think you can go no more.. and surpass it. It's what gets me high. I'll run, swim, climb, or walk 2,000 or more miles if I have to in order to get that. It's .. priceless.Maine.. watch it. I'm coming!
Date: 2004-12-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I recently.. as in 3 days ago.. finished up Fall semester. It's weird to be done with classes until next fall, but it feels great to know I'm setting my dream in action, knowing that in only a couple of months I will be starting my hike. My last couple of days at JMU I found myself taking in everything, realizing it would be quite a while before I could experience life as a college student again. I took in everything, the quad, the people, my friends, my books, and of course, the food. I remember 4 nights ago sitting on the steps of Wilson hall. It was 3am and I had a can of Dr. Pepper. I was wearing shorts, and a long sleeve t-shirt and it was 40 degrees. There was a large christmas tree that had been set up in the middle of the quad and I stared at it. Its twinkling lights put me in a daze and it hit me. This was a special moment. I was beginning to understand I would soon be ending my semester and beginning the first steps of my journey. I'm now at home, and working during the week and often weekends as well. I know I need to save up as much money as I can, because I know Ben & Jerry's is going to be awfully tempting once I get out on the trail. So far, so good. I feel like I'll be out on the trail in no time, and I can't wait. Though, I know a few weeks from now will be a bit of a mental challenge for me. All of my friends will be heading back to JMU to start their spring semester and I'll be at home working. But, I know in only a few short months it will all pay off and I'll be on the trip of my life. I can't wait!
Date: 2004-12-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Since returning home from fall semester I've been working, and am finding that I haven't much time to do anything. I've been pulling 15 hour days to make bank for my trip. It's not wearing on me yet, though I fear it will eventually take a lot out of me and I'll have to work shorter days.. not to mention I need time to finish planning my maildrops.. Mentally, I'm at a point where I'm feeling good with the amount of work I'm doing.. though, I absolutely can't wait for March to get here.. Much of my fear has dissipated and most of my emotions are those of excitement as I anxiously await my starting date of March, 13... Woke up this morning to about an inch of snow and 13 degree weather with a 20mph wind. whew.. COLD is all I can say. As most everything does.. it triggered thoughts of me on the trail and how I can't wait to get out there.. yet.. this time I pictured myself hiking in this weather.. I thought about how I could mentally get over the fact that I was freezing.. then I thought.. gee, it sure would be really nice if I don't have to deal with that cold of weather at all.. although, I'm sure I will.. so I'll get back to practicing that whole "mind over matter" thing. On another note.. I've been thinking artistically recently..   I have long ago decided upon taking a small sketch book along with me and was just realizing how amazing an experience this whole thru-hiking thing could be for me.. I'm hoping that I'll sketch up some insightful little ideas out there and then be able to take those sketches and turn them into a series of works that reflect my experience on the trail and tell a story (or many). I'm excited.. because I know that I can do this.. and though I'm afraid I can't get exactly what I'm thinking across in words.. I know I'm much better at it through drawing/painting. So, anyway.. since it will be a while before those finished pieces are complete.. obviously.. once I start my hike.. look forward to some sketches that I'll be mailing home to be put up here..
Date: 2005-01-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Been very busy with work and design stuff haven't found the time to update.. anyway, I bought a new pack (Go Lite Jam) and went ahead and got the prolite 3.. love them both. My fully loaded pack (with clothes, food, and water) weighs only 14.5 pounds and feels amazing on my back.. hardly even notice it.. Even jogged (yes jogged) a few miles with it on and it felt great the entire time.. Can't tell you how happy I am with it.. but we'll see how it holds up on the trail.. On another note my girlfriend bought my guidebook for me so I've done quite a bit of intense planning.. I've planned through Delware Water Gap, PA which is quite a ways.. so that has helped to get rid of some of the stress i've been dealing with also.. Well, i've got to get to sleep relatively soon.. and i've still got some work to do, so that's it for now..
Date: 2005-01-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Saw that someone was interested in my pack contents.. so here it is:Go Lite Jam: 1lb. 4oz (20 oz)5¢ x 8¢ Tarp: 7oz         *note can double as pack cover with rope and slip knotStakes (x6): 1.4ozGoLite 20 degree bag 1 lb. 13oz. (29oz)Therm-a-rest pro-lite 3 sleeping pad (20oz)Primus Yellowstone Techno Trail Stove: 6.4ozPrimus Butane Propane mix: 7.8 ozGSI hard anodized boiler set: 11oz.Nalgene 32oz bottle: 3.68oz (empty)                         :full: 37.28oz                        Potable Aqua: 1.5ozVictorinox Climber Knife: 1.3ozToothbrush: 0.4ozToothpaste: 1.0ozDental floss- 0.3ozToilet paper- 0.35ozDuct tape (3ft): 0.5ozWallet- 0.4ozSketchbook (w/pages from handbook)- 7.0ozPencil- 0.45ozFood bag (w/o food)- 0.5ozMatches: 0.3ozLexan Spoon- 0.25ozRope - 3.0ozPetzl Tikka: 2.0ozTotal: 125.53oz = 7.8 lbsClothes- Adidas soccer shorts: 3.3ozClimalite shirt: 3.4oz                (x2): 6.8oz1/4zip fleece: 7.8ozZyflex Thermal shirt: 7.0ozTights: 6.75ozHeadband: 2ozFrogg Toggs: 11.5ozLow hiking socks: 1.0oz                (x3): 3.0ozGloves: 1.7ozTotal: 49.85oz = 3.11 lbsFood- Mtn. House single meal: 2.9oz (x3) = 8.7ozAlbacore tuna (x3): 9ozPita bread: 4ozInstant oatmeal (x3): 3.6ozWater: 32ozTotal: 57.3oz = 3.58Clothes + Food: 107.15oz = 6.7 lbs.        Base pack weight: 125.53oz = 7.8 lbs. Pack weight w/ food, clothes & water: 232.68oz (14.54 lbs.) Note.. I'm still unsure about my camera situation.. thinking about purchasing a 35mm camera rather than a digital because I already have a digital.. it just has a lithium battery in it that I would be unable to recharge.. oh well. Depending on the camera I get it'll definitely add some weight.. I plan to put it in a small neoprene type case and attach it to my sternum strap. Also, I'm thinking about bringing along another long sleeve fleece which I'll probably end up doing. And, I've got some tyvek laying around.. I've just yet to cut it so that'll be added to my pack as well for use as a groundsheet.I'll also be carrying some extra goodies (snickers? gatorade mix?) i'm sure so that weight will be added. Oh, also as far as the food I have listed. this is just what I'm starting with.. I won't be using mountain house all the time.. only when it's available (cus it's so darn good)Anyway.. this is where I'm at now but no doubt I'll keep trying to change things around. Well, that's it for now. later
Date: 2005-01-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well I think I figured out my camera situation.. I remembered my sister got a Canon Elph for christmas a few years ago so I promptly IMed her to ask if she still had it.. She did and she said I can use it. So i'm psyched about that.. I looked at it's specs online and it weighs around 4 ounces.. pretty sure that's without the battery though.. anyway.. it's perfect for what I need.. now I just have to get a nice lightweight case for it and I'm debating on one of those small tripods. Certainly would be nice. Oh well, good to have that figured out. One less thing to worry about. Score! Well, looks like the Steelers might be making a come back, let me go cheer 'em on with my Pops! Later