morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-04-21
From: NOC

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to rain this morning after a fitful night's sleep. Whatever I had for dinner did not agree with me. I was in the bunkhouse, alone thankfully, and the women's bathroom was in a separate building a bit of a dash if necessary. After the cold sweats passed I was ok.I took a shower (yea!), had breakfast and headed out about 9:20. It wasn't raining, just humid. Within about 15 minutes I was sweating and huffing. Last night definitely took it's toll. The day got better even though Fling, No Worries and Shoka all passed me like I was standing still.Great views from JumpUp to enjoy with lunch - love that peanut butter and Ritz crackers.I could see the gorge and layers and layers of mountains. It's only 4400 feet but climbed up from 1780 today. Good thing I like a physical challenge cause today was one.The wild azaleas are starting. Also a beautiful plant with tiny yellow bell shaped flowers. I'm enchanted by the forest.Short 7 mile day.   I'm not in a hurry to reach Fontana cause I can't pick up my drop till Monday.Arrived at the shelter, cleaned up in the stream and laid down to start reading 'Water for Elephants' which I downloaded with my Kindle app - too cool!I could have taken a nap but decided to be social. Verbal was at the shelter, he had taken a zero to nurse his sprayed ankle. A couple from Michigan stopped by to eat and moved on to the next tent site.   Patrick also stopped by to eat; he is the one who gave me the Flying Fish at the NOC.We ended up with 8 folks at the shelter - 2 guys snoring to beat the band!
Date: 2011-04-22
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Good Friday started with rain. When I woke up I could see the cloud blowing through the shelter. That wad neat in a strange way.Rain feels appropriate for today. I associate death with rain.The rain tapered off and I was wiling about 8:15 or so. Definitely walking in the clouds. Another hearing/feeling type of day. Dreamy and mystical. Very soothing.I startled a turkey; a big boy, almost to my chest in height and very round. He took off over Cheoah Bald in full flight and was lost quickly to my view due to the cloud. That wad a steep climb, still doable.At the road crossing for Stecoah Verbal decided to Yellow blaze to Fontana do he could his drop and catch his friends. He was lucky and caught a hitch in less than 10 minutes.This was the start if Jacobs Ladder. This is also where I decided today would be called the AT Tim Conway Shuffle day. That's the only way I made it up that STEEP climb.Made it to the shelter early. The 3 guys from Sassafras were there finishing lunch as were the couple from Michigan. They all left and Sunshine, from Austin, showed up with her dog Tessie. The didn't stay either. It was early buy my stomach was still not settled. I cleaned up in the creek and laid down to read again. I like this Kindle app!Trek came through; he has previously thru-hiked and is giving it another go. Hr moved on, too. Later another guy came in and set up his tent.Did a lot of talking to God today about how I wished I had been raised with a religion that encouraged a personal relationship with Him. Maybe I would have avoided some it the mistakes I made. The point is I do have a relationship with Him now and I'm blessed.Different other thoughts swirling through me head today - nothing serious - just sifting through the junk.Hike on! Scribbles
Date: 2011-04-23
From: Brown Fork Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Hilton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Set out about 8:20 this morning after another night battling with my stomach. Hope this goes away.The birds were singing and it was clear and perfect this morning with some amazing views of those layered mountains to the East. First time in a few days I felt I was walking North. The wildflowers are really out and the rain has the trees greening at warp speed. The fiddleheads if yesterday are lush ferns today.Made good time: Cody Gap by 9:50 and Cable Gap by 11:10.I decided to eat lighter today, snacks instead of a long stop for lunch to make better time.The weather wad great, only a few spots where I was doing the TC Shuffle. Most of the hike wad along the ridge and I could see the lake and dam about 6 miles before arriving.Had one of those wonderful perfect timing moment, rounded a corner and could hear the sound of cascading water. Beautiful waterfall with cool, clear water!The decent into Fontana is long but pretty. Very lush right now.Made it in and tool the shuttle from AT 28 to town; had a pulled pork sandwich and dies which wad so yummy! Tomorrow I will go back and hike the 1.1 miles I missed. Also do laundry. Suppose to be a sunrise service, too, that I would like to attend.Verbal, Humdinger, Chef, and Monster are in the shelter. Couple of other guys I don't know. Trek, Billy and another couple are in tents. Good crowd.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-04-24
From: Fontana Hilton

To: Fontana Hlton
Miles today: 1.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Happy Easter Sunday! I hope everyone had a glorious day. I got up for the Sunrise service. It was on the hill right above the shelter, overlooking the lake with the mountains on the other side. The preacher, Gloria, was delightful keeping the promise of Easter; the community of Christians in the songs and prayers without being heavy. Brad, the guitar player, did an excellent job. Those clear notes ringing in the cool moutain air were beautiful. Small group of 6 people. A gentleman from Michigan who was a kayaker; a couple who were there from Cumming to p/u their son Billy whom I met my first day on the Trail, and a woman with her mother-in-law who were there to remininse about when the father had hikes the mountains with his sons and the boy scouts. The sky was gorgeous with the sun coming up behind the mountains all pinks, purples and mauves.What a wonderous site God has brought to us.It was a beautiful sunrise and a nice service. I was teary as usual. Just being in that amazing place for the service; remembering what Jesus did for me! Praise God!I received some great Trail Magic after the service: Preacher Gloria agreed to drive me to town so I could do my laundry and, I planned to walk back to the shelter however the shuttle came by and picked me up for free.When I got back to the shelter I was the only one there so it was a quiet afternoon. I caught up on my journal, dried my socks in the sun, pulled out the things I wanted to mail home and ate a huge bag of pistachios with dried fruit that someone had left in the Trail box.Later in the afternoon I hiked the 1.1 miles I missed yesterday when we took the shuttle from AT 28 to town. Obviously I had to hike 2.2 miles cause I had to walk back to where I should have started and then hike in. On the way out who should come hiking in but Strider - great to see him- I was starting to worry that something had happened to him. Shortly behind him was Grasshopper. We chatted for a few minutes then I took off for my hike and met a great woman from Australia, Possum. When I got back I decided to move from the Shelter to my tent; Strider, Grasshopper, Trek, Possum and a few other were tenting. We sat around to chat, fixed dinner and made plans for the Smokies which we enter tomorrow. Yea!Hike On! Scribbles
Date: 2011-04-25
From: Fontana Hlton

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

It was humid over night, very different from what the weather has been. It took me a while to figure out if I got inside the bag liner I wouldn't stick to the bag...duh! That helped. Still, I woke earlier than ususal so I downloaded another book to the iPhone Kindle app and answered some gmails.I had arranged for the shuttle to pick me up at 8:30 so I could get my maildrop from the PO. We ended up with 5 people on the shuttle. Time wise I did well with getting the drop and getting on the Trail about 9:35.I made a lunch stop at Birch Gap however beautiful the spot was the bugs were so bad I wasn't there but about 10 minutes. Later in the afternoon I took long break with Possum and gained enough energy to press on for the next shelter.Met the Tennessee RidgeRunner today.Saw lots of trillim and field of other beautiful wildflowers. Also chimpmunks and squirrels. There are hundreds of baby crickets all over. Someone thought they were jumping spiders...hum. Anyways, they jump on the drive leaves when I walk through and sound like popcorn.The Smokies are beautiful and lush. Some very interesting areas that almost have a park like feel because there is very little underbrush and huge tall trees with wildflowers and ground cover.In these lower elevations the leaves are out so limited views.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-04-27
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: broken clouds

Crossed the 200 mile mark today. Yippee! and climbed Clingman's Dome in the mist, clouds and wind.It was windy, windy, windy last night. I didn't sleep much. SAAS coughed a lot.Today was long but so good. I felt like it was probably my best hiking day to date. I got out about 8:25 after a hot coco and oatmeal. There was a huge doe in the clearing right by the Trail as I headed out. The woods was deep, mossy and those huge evergreen treats so quiet.The hike to Clingman's was interesting. Windy and walking in the clouds with no views. At one point, high up, it was very windy and a huge blast came through with ice pellets. I quickly got behind the one tree to put on my rain jacket and pack cover. When I got to CD there was not another human being there. Very strange. I walked up the observation ramp to the deck because 'it's just something you have to do'. When I came down I had a snack and headed back to the Trail where I met 2 guys and then a family of 4.At one point today I stopped, closed my eyes and just stood there to feel/smell and hear the woods: humid air; dark, rich fertile soil; birdsong to the west; wind to the east; moisture dripping of leaves; feels old yet new with flowers coming in, trees budding and brambles leafing out.Saw some small white flowers in the protected areas on the climb up CD. Later saw the yellow flowers opening - they look like tiny tiger lilies. Also trees that look like a dogwood canopy except the flowers are clusters and the leaf is fuzzy - they smell wonderful.I took a picture of tiny moss blooming with tiny flowers on a downed log. Must have seen a dozen snails of all sizes.Had lunch in the deep forest on an old log - special spot.Coming out of Indian Gap there were 2 hog bridges. I couldn't figure out what they were protecting since all around appeared to be the same. Apparently there is a beech forest being protected.It started raining since I got to the shelter. This is suppose to be a huge storm and the coldest night yet. I'm warm and dry in my sleeping bag. My iPhone has lost all power and I can't figure out the charger. Bean and Hummingbird came in later and spent the night. The were section hiking for Spring break. Thanks for the sunflower seeds Trail Magic!Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-04-28
From: Icewater Spring Shelter

To: TriCorner
Miles today: 13.8

Today is Day 22 and the first day of my 4th week on the Trail. Hard to believe I've been out here 3 weeks yet it feels so normal. It is amazing the way my body had synced with the the sunrise and sunset. I'm up with the bird song and ready to sleep when it gets dark.So, I figured out my charger problem. User ERROR...duh! I hate that stupid bumper around the iPhone. 'nuff saidThe problem is by the time I figured out the problem I had lost all of the power.So public apology to my sweet daughter, Danielle! I told her I would be at Max Patch on Saturday and have no way to get in touch to tell her I won't be there till Sunday.Sunny and chilly this morning. Out early and done with Charles Bunion by 8:20. That and 2 pictures was all I got out of the charger cause I screwed up!I really hate it when I do stupid things and I especially hate it when I do stupid things that cause other people inconvenience. Again, so sorry Danie!I was bonking today cause I don't have enough snacks. Really dragging so I was taking extra breaks and nibbling on the few things I had. Still made it to the shelter by 15:30.Cooler in the afternoon and when I got to the shelter the 6 Gentlemen from Kentucky were there (not their names, I gave that to them because they were very nice). They gave me some snacks as well as a package of tuna creations and one of chicken! Thanks so much for that Trail Magic. Engineer, Slo Go'en, Data and another couple showed up.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-04-29
From: Tri Corner

To: Davenport Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: few clouds

Cold early start today.Last night was pleasant. I fell asleep listening to the folks talking and laughing out by the fire. It was a cold night but I was comfortable with my down coat and my cap on. At some point I took off the coat and was fine.When I started out this morning I had my down jacket on along with cap and gloves. It took quit a while to warm up but eventually was able to shed everything except my cap.The sun came out and was gorgeous - when it hit my head it felt like a blessing for which I was grateful. Beautiful SE views along the ridge - when I look back at what I've walked it blows my mind to KNOW I've walked all that way.Life Lesson from yesterday: the weight of snacks is worth more than bonking!!Today was an entirely different day with enough sleep and food.Good day! Lot's of birdsong this morning with a slight breeze. The sun was filtering through the mist like in the movies when they are trying to depict heaven. I found the tiniest pinecone - it was barely half the size of my little finger fingernail and from a huge spruce tree. I'm sure it was blown down by the winds.It got really warm in the afternoon in the lower elevations. Dappled sunlight thru the trees was pretty on the rocks. Walking on those rocks was a bit tough on the ankles. Mine were definitely talking to me!I took the .6m walk to the Cammerer lookout tower for lunch. Definitely glad I did. Neat old masonry foundation with octagon structure built in 1939 by the CCC. Named after Arno B Cammerer who helped create the GSMNP and served as director of the National Park Services. I enjoyed sitting up there all by myself with a 360 view eating my tuna creation on corn tortillas. When I was descending 5 people, who had arrived on horseback, were walking up and then an older couple were walking down the access trail. I was fortunate to have had it to myself!It was all downhill, literally, after that.Davenport Gap shelter still has heavy fence across the front with a gate and latch. It was rather intimidating and I was glad when Slo'Go'en and Two-Thirty showed up. I did my best to 'wash' my hair with water from the stream - 4 bottles later it at least felt better.Out of the Smokies tomorrow!They were beautiful and I had some good memories from my childhood hiking and playing in the Pigeon River.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-04-30
From: Davenport Gap Shelter

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, my aim today was to get to Standing Bear Hostel so I could charge my phone enough to contact Danielle. It was not to be. Not because I didn't make it to Standing Bear, that I did, but because there was no phone signal once I got there. I was able to grab a nice cold shower - felt wonderful - and resupply with a few things to make the rest of the walk to Hot Springs.I misread the directions to Standing Bear and therefore walked parted of the Trail 3 times! Can't say I was a particularly happy hiker again due to my error. Oh well...Out of Standing Bear it was an almost 5 mile hike uphill. The pizza I had for lunch was talking to me but it certainly helped me make it all the way. The bald where the FAA tower is situated would have been a good resting spot except the bugs were out in full force so I hi-stepped on down, literally, as the Trail was a fairly steady downhill. Met up with MouseHole and Matchstick, Engineer and another couple. We all ended up at Groudhog Creek Shelter. So nice to be back in my tent!!!Walked along the Little Pigeon River some in the afternoon. It's still pretty and brought back some fun childhood memories of rock hopping with my brothers.Still Blessed!Hike On!Scribbles
Date: 2011-05-01
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Unnamed Road Bed
Miles today: 17.7

Hot Springs and Garry tomorrow! Yippee!!It was so nice to be back in my tent last night. I slept well. I went to bed early and was listening to a group talking out by the fire when I fell asleep. The next time I woke was to discover I must have let in some bug(s) when I got up to 'nature's call' during the night because something had feasted on my neck. I have about 7 bug bites that ITCH like crazy. Luckily, one of the guys who was staying in the shelter, from AT&T, had some after bite wipes which he gave me. Those helped tremendously - Thanks!I made great time today. By 8:42 I was at Brown Fork and still hoping I might see Danie on Max Patch. I got a text from her a while later that they had just gotten home..oh well, that Trail Magic was great for the folks who were there.It was a beautiful day with light wind, birdsong and acres of trillium in every color from white to varigated to pink to magenta.After Max Patch the day was like walking in a park. Easy terrain, beautiful hardwood, rhodo, flowers, wide trail, creek crossing, waterfalls - just totally enjoyable. I saw 2 new wildflowers: purple flowers with a leaf that looks like parsley and the 6 leafed umbrella looking plant has a pretty white flower.I did get power so I could take pictures again today: fence with flowers entering Max Patch; stairs up to MP; bluebird house on MP and fence leaving MP; also, trillium in deep crimson.I think I crossed at least a dozen streams/brooks/creeks in the afternoon - definitely was well hydrated. I loved hearing the sound of the flowing water and the birdsong. There was one beautiful waterfall - could get close to it to get a picture - I thought to myself it is just for God and His forest creatures.I took a snack break at a campsite clearing then met 2 women and their puppy, Aiden, at the Roaring Fork Shelter, which is where I was originally planning to stop for the day. It was way to early, to small and directly on the Trail. I walked about another 5 miles and stealth camped on an old dirt road bed.The climb up Walnut and Bluff Mountains was fairly slow with some very steep parts. I made it! And, I'm less than 10 miles from Hot Springs. Should be there before lunch time tomorrow.Definitely looking forward to seeing my Sweetie!Hike On!Scribbles
Date: 2011-05-02
From: Unnamed Road Bed

To: Hot Springs - Duckett House B&B
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Arrived at the Duckett House around 10:45. Very neat old house on a beautiful piece of property on the river. Quiet. Nice.I had a nice hike in this morning. Got up really early cause I couldn't sleep. I was excited to get to town. I was walking with the rising sun. Saw the wild orange azaleas, wild magnolias smelling wonderful, beautiful old hardwoods and some mountain laurel starting to bloom - delightful!I passed several other stealth campers - everyone is happy to be out of the shelters in the Smokies.I walked in to town after dropping my stuff at the Duckett House so I could get something for my bug bites. Also go a Gatorade and some yogurt! Yummy. As I'm walking who should I meet up with but Mr. Natural doing some work for stay at Elmer's. At the outfitters I met up with Fling and No Worries; Possum and her friend also came in - they were headed for Asheville, Nashville and Memphis before she returns on the 9th. I then got an apple from the Hillbilly Market and some misc stuff from Dollar General. When I got back to Duckett I cleaned up which did feel really good and waited on Garry so I could get clean clothes.He came in around 3PM; we immediately went to town and I had ice cream then we went across the street to Rock Bottom and had some beers with the crew. Ended up at the diner for a Philly Chicken Sandwich and then back to Duckett for an early evening.Staying Put for 2 Zeros!Scribbles
Date: 2011-05-03
From: Hot Springs - Duckett House B&B

To: Hot Springs - Duckett House B&B
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Zero day in Hot Springs! It was nice to wake up with my Sweetie and relax all day. We had a lazy morning. Frank fixed us a great breakfast with eggs, pancakes and hash browns. I did some Trail Journal updates and then we headed to town.Thanks to everyone who has signed my Trail Journal! It is so fun to read all the comments, inspirations and encouragements. I also love hearing what is happening in your life. Siobhan, Cori and Katja, please put your email addresses in the next time you post a comment so I can reply to you individually! I cherish all the entries please keep them coming.I did all the things that needed to be done except resupply in town: got a padded envelope for my new Kindle; bought a skort and sleeveless top; super glue to fix my glasses; batteries for my headlamp and a card for my Mother for Mother's Day.Saw MouseHole and Matchstick on the way to get their packs weighed - think they are headed out today. Also Slo' Go'en showed me his new saw so he can clear Trail obstructions and cut up the wood for fires at the shelters.We had lunch at the Iron Horse, good food, and went back to Duckett for the afternoon. Danie and Chris came in the late afternoon so we met them for beers at RockBottom then went to Iron Horse for dinner. Nice evening till the rain came which apparently was causing blow downs in Black Mountain. Chris kept getting calls so they cut the night a little short and returned so he could help with cleanup. It was wonderful to see them and several hikers recognized her from Max Patch and the Trail Magic on Saturday. Go Mama D!It rained most of the night and is much cooler this morning with some threatening clouds hanging over town.Staying Put One More Day!Scribbles
Date: 2011-05-04
From: Hot Springs - Duckett House B&B

To: Hot Springs - Duckett House B&B
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Another zero day with my Sweetie in Hot Springs. Rained overnight, so nice to be inside and just listening...knowing I don't have to be out in it. Most of the hikers I know who have been in town are hiking out today. It's ok, I'll be joining the throng tomorrow.Since we'd eaten at all the places in Hot Springs, on a whim, we drove to Marshall and ate at the French Broad Deli. Honestly, we should have stayed in Hot Springs...lol. I did my resupply and then we went to the hot spring for a soak. Very relaxing. We ended up in #5 tub which has a great view of the river. It really was nice, quiet and peaceful. I had a foot massage after that was amazing. I would highly recommend both a soak and foot massage and I also recommend making a reservation - they are buzier than they appear.Saw Strider on the way back from dinner. His Mom is coming in town tomorrow.I head back out tomorrow. The Trail is calling yet, at the same time, it's hard to tell Garry bye again.Hike on!Scribbles