morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-03-04
From: Who knows??

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I had unbelievable trailmagic at Sheltowee's house and will head out again tomorrow. I'll start where I left off. Yes, I'll finish hiking the Smokies.I'll write more later. Just wanted to let you know that Sheltowee helped me scan some recent pictures so you can see what is was like out there. Enjoy!
Date: 2005-03-05
From: Newfound Gap

To: Pecks Corner
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

Again I find myself in the Smokies. Now why am I here??Well, after spending time with Chasing Amy in Gatlinburg and with Sheltowee and Waterfall in Maggie Valley, I decided that the only right thing to do was to continue where I left off. Which was a good thing because I don't think Sheltowee would have allowed me to jump ahead to Hot Springs anyway ; ) Time, rest and great conversations were just what I needed. Sheltowee and Waterfall, you rock!!! I am so thankful for your kindness and understanding, it truly means a lot to me. For those of you who don't know, Sheltowee hiked across the U.S. a few years ago and wrote a book about his journey. It's called "America one step at a time" and I just finished reading it. It's great!Anyway, Chasing Amy returned home for a while so I'm hiking by myself again. Eventhough we didn't actually hike much together we did shelter together and I really miss that. I'm writing this all by myself in a big dark empty shelter, boohoo!!!The hiking was actually not bad today. Most of the snow on the trail was nicely compacted by hikers that had come through in the last few days. After Charlie's Bunion I could definitely tell that most people hadn't gone any further but still there were plenty of footsteps to follow. The snow was becoming quite slippery and sloshy so my pace slowed down again and my shoes got wet but I made the distance I had wanted to do today. If I can do about twenty tomorrow then I'll be out of the Smokies!!! I have to mention that the views today were absolutely beautiful. It was very clear and there was enough snow left to give it that extra 'oompf'. I took many a picture and that's always a good thing.Unfortunately I was feeling a little sad again this afternoon. However, after reading Sheltowee's book I'm feeling much better. And the great dinner of homemade bread didn't hurt either.
Date: 2005-03-06
From: Pecks Corner

To: Davenport Gap
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

I'm so happy!!! I made it out of the Smokies!!! Today was gorgeous. Great weather, awesome vistas. The going was slow again though. Especially in the morning. Lots of climbing in the snow. I was lucky there had been one hiker before me so I could use his footsteps but it was still hard work. The first five miles took me about 3 1/2 hours. I really wanted to make it out of the snow and knew that the last 6 miles were easy downhill. So when I got to Cosby Knob shelter I decided to just go for it and risk some night hiking. Luckily I didn't need my headlamp much because I was almost flying those last miles.I'm very happy to be here. I'll probably stop by Standing Bear for a bite to eat tomorrow. It would also be nice to see some people again. I haven't seen anyone since yesterday morning.
Date: 2005-03-07
From: Davenport Gap

To: (Old) Roaring Fork shelter
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Yeehaw!!! I got my groove back!!! I'm hiking to Maine baby!!!Needless to say today was a very good day. Great weather in the morning. Hardly any snow. Hiked almost 22 miles and I'll be in Hot Springs tomorrow! Around noon I took a nice lunch break in the sun near a nice stream. I had planned to stop by Standing Bear hostel but missed their sign/rock so hiked on and started climbing. Was slighly bummed out about that because I really wanted to chat a bit. Then I decided to enjoy the sun instead and it was all good again. I met a bunch of people at Groundhog shelter and chatted with one of them. Probably longer than I should have because the next shelter was still over 10 miles away and it was already past 2:30. Oh well, maybe that new shelter was done yet. There was a good climb from Groundhog and then there was Max Patch. And wind and rain. Still some good views though.I tried to hurry down but the mud complicated matters. I slipped a few times but managed to save myself from a mudbath. The new shelter is far from being completed so I had to continue and hike in the dark to the old one. At first it wasn't too bad but then it started to be annoying and slow. The trail isn't as nice as last night. A lot more slippery roots and muddy stretches to make my life miserable. I am very happy to have made it to the shelter without any major falls. To my surprise I met another thru hiker (Ron). We chatted quite a bit. I'm afraid I kept him up past his bed time.Register entry of today:"In my quest to be like Barbie I've given up Snicker bars. I am now munching on freeze dried lettuce.Also, I've been hiking in heels these last few days. It was quite difficult in the snow and mud but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. I found that stuffing my bra with water filled ziplocs fills out my chest nicely. Luckily I have my pack to counterbalance. Oh man! This can't be happening... another tear in my pantyhose : ( "
Date: 2005-03-08
From: (Old) Roaring Fork shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: broken clouds

What a wonderful surprise this morning... snow again!!! Not that much of a surprise really because I'd been woken up by snowflakes flying in my face. Half the shelter floor was covered in snow. Ron's side was a little worse than mine. He got driven out of his sleeping bag and started packing. I lazied a little longer but started hiking before eight. It was gorgeous outside. Snow covering the rhododendrons (sp?) and the trees. And the trail of course. That was a little less fun. For the fourth day in a row I ended up with wet feet. My shoes really stink now.I got a bit chilled because of the cold wind and my wet back. I think they should make low hanging snow covered branches illegal. All that cold snow in my neck, brrr!!!Still made good time though. I didn't take any real breaks but did take a lot of pictures and made it into town by three. After a great shower I went to the P.O. to find out that it had closed ten minutes earlier. Oh well, there's always tomorrow. Now off to the laundromat I go...PS Ever had your hair freeze to the hood of your rainjacket? It's quite special.
Date: 2005-03-09
From: Hot Springs

To: Maggie Valley
Miles today: 0.0

After a great breakfast at Elmer's (boy, I love that place) Sheltowee picked me up again and I'm taking a zero at his house today. Free computer, laundry and good company. I'm so lucky!!!So I've just updated my journal from Newfound Gap to Hot Springs and the two missing days (2/28 & 3/1). I'm off to take another shower and finally do the laundry I was going to do yesterday but then found out the laundromat was closed. I did get to spend some time in the Hot Springs' hot springs with Turtle and Agua who presently work at Elmer's. Good times!Oh, and Belcher, thank you for the amazing package. I'm sure that the nailpolish will come in handy on the trail...Possibly heading out again tomorrow but if Chasing Amy decides to come back this way I'll wait another day for her.Thanks again to all of you who have signed my guestbook or otherwise have gotten in touch with me. You know it makes me happy!!!!
Date: 2005-03-10
From: Maggie Valley

To: Little Laurel Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

Around 7am there is a knock on my door. Oh man! I don't want to leave this comfy bed! But Sheltowee and I had agreed to an early departure so there I go. Big yaaaawn.After a scenic ride and some interesting songs about a French grandfather and a clothes dryer I get dropped off at Elmer's. First I head out for some good French toast at the diner and then I say goodbye to Elmer, Agua and Turtle. Off I go to the P.O. and the supermarket. On my way to the outfitter I chat some with a prospective thru hiker. He's going to be out on a short section hike next month. At the outfitter I'm looking for some kind of headband, something that just covers your ears and neck. On the CDT Spur gave me his extra to borrow and I miss it. Unfortunately they didn't have any. I did buy some triptease. It's strong thin reflecting rope. Good for tent lines and gaiter strings.I continue and walk a bit with a thru hiker who got injured at Neels Gap and jumped ahead for his maildrop. I leave him at the campground.After crossing the French broad river the climbing starts and continues for quite a bit. It's not too steep though and the weather is nice. It stays like that the whole day. Gentle ups and downs and good weather.At some point I hear music. Maybe a concert or just someone who turned the music on real loud. I don't know, but I enjoyed it.There are still some patches of snow on the trail but it doesn't slow me down. In fact I'm making pretty good time considering the late start. When I get to the first shelter I decide to push for the next one. The weather report said to expect rain and/or snow after midnight so I'd rather not set up my tent. I'm extremely surprised when I make it to this shelter right before dark. Nice!!!I'm toying with this idea of an aggressive hiking schedule so I can make it to Troutville right in time for my flight to Holland. I don't know though. The weather might still be a considerable factor. It would be convenient to get to Troutville. I'm sure there are airport shuttles available. It's so close to Roanoke.
Date: 2005-03-11
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Flint Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: light rain

Ladies and Gentlemen! What's behind door number three? What do you think? Snow of course. I don't really want to think about snow anymore, let alone write about it.I mean, I was hiking in old snow in the morning. In fresh snow in the afternoon. Snow was on the exposed ridgeline I was hiking on. I saw clouds filled with snow approaching. When I finally made it to the first shelter fresh snow started to come down. I was exhausted from the snowy morning. Slowy, snowy... Ever seen that movie Snowdogs? Anyway, the snow slowed down my progress and I wasn't going to make the planned 21.5 miles to Hogback ridge shelter. When I got to Flint Mtn shelter I was sick of the snow and decided to stay put. I shared the shelter with Tumbleweed who was keeping track of when snow came down and when not. Now, can we please stop talking about snow already?!
Date: 2005-03-12
From: Flint Mtn Shelter

To: Sam's Gap
Miles today: 11.2

I had a major emotional relapse today. It sucked. Whether it was the snow, the fatigue, the frustration, the hormones... I don't know. I just felt miserable.I leapfrogged with Tumbleweed to Sams Gap. He had decided to hitch into Erwin from there. I went back and forth on what to do. I like the idea of finishing a complete 'segment' but I wouldn't be able to make it to the next shelter and I didn't feel like camping. And like I said, I felt miserable. So I decided to go with Tumbleweed into Erwin, stay in a warm room, have a good nights' sleep and some good food. A nice lady picked us up and dropped us off at the motel (much to our disappointment Ms Janet's was closed). I took a hot bath and my tummy is feeling much better.Tomorrow I'll start on getting the last 30 miles to Erwin done and hopefully I'll 'officially' be in Erwin on Monday.
Date: 2005-03-13
From: Sam's Gap

To: No Business shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

I awake from a great sleep this morning and am ready to go hiking again. The motel manager takes me back up to Sams Gap and I start the climb up to Big Bald.The first part is nice and wooded without snow. The higher I get the more snow there is though and the going gets tough again. On the top it's more of a muddy mess but the views are pretty cool. Then it's down and up again and lots of snow to Big Bald shelter. Sometimes it's a little fuzzy where the trail goes but at least there are some ski tracks to follow. Ski tracks? Yep! How weird is that?Ron's footprints are by now two days old and hardly visible. The blazes help out a lot. I decide I want to get out of the snow and push on to No Business Knob shelter. The weather is great today so I want to get as far as possible. It's so nice to be able to hike in just a shirt and shorts.It's raining on and off now. But I'm in a nice and dry shelter so it's all good. My poor tent doesn't get much use these days. The last time I used it was at Flint Mtn shelter when I hung it from the beams to protect me from inblowing snow. I've got only 6.3 miles tomorrow till I'm officially in Erwin! A nice and easy day. I'm looking forward to developing my pictures.I'm now listening to very inspirational sappy love songs on Delilah. It's either that or Country. I might switch to Country soon.Oh no! A skunk is approaching the shelter! Help! Don't spray me!!!
Date: 2005-03-14
From: No Business shelter

To: Erwin
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: overcast clouds

During the night the skunk kept playing with this big trash compacter bag that was on the ground. I was thinking it was mice getting to my food but it sounded like a bigger animal. I got my headlamp and checked it out. It was the skunk allright. We respected each other's space however and no incidents were reported.This morning was foggy and damp. Like walking in a rainforest. The green moss was awesome. It was an easy six miles into town. I had a nice view over the Nolichucky river. Nothing picture worthy like the moss but still nice.I decided to walk the non-recommended route into town. Not recommended because of the little chance of getting a hitch. I wasn't in the mood for hitching though and this seemed shorter. A nice lady asked me where I was going and she pointed me towards a shorter route. It still took me over an hour to get to Miss Janet's but I ain't in no hurry. Plus I got to see the infamous nuclear plant. Miss Janet still wasn't home but a note said she'll be back this afternoon. So I dumped my pack and headed to the Erwin burrito company for lunch. Yum!!!Now I'll head to the library and the P.O. and dig up my film so I can drop it off at the store.I'm going back and forth on continuing or taking some time off. My moods on the trail are so up and down. It really isn't all that much fun. But then when I get to town I'm feeling better and want to get back on again. I'm such a basket case!
Date: 2005-03-19
From: Erwin

To: Erwin, TN (Miss Janet's House)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy Birthday to me!I'm not dead. I just got sucked into the Miss Janet vortex. I decided to help out with her event in Erwin. Baked the biggest pie I ever baked. It turned out pretty good.Tomorrow I'll start my hike to Kincora and when I get there I'm taking vacation from the trail for a while.I'll pick up the "thru" (hasn't really felt like one lately) hike in the end of April. I might post some of my camel riding adventures in the mean time. I'm certain you're all waiting to see an Apple Pie in the desert...I'm sure I'll have a great time hiking with the crowds and in better weather later in the year.Talk to you later!
Date: 2005-03-20
From: Erwin, TN (Miss Janet's House)

To: Cherry Gap shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: broken clouds

Cherry Gap shelter, 16.4 milesI made it out of Erwin!!!The weather was nice, the hiking was good. The trail was pretty torn up in the end of the day. Horses had done a lot of damage. Right before I got to Cherry Gap shelter I graciously slid down the trail until I landed on my butt. Just what I needed!I made it to the shelter right before dark and met three hikers there. So exciting!!! They were Boomerang (who also has a journal on this site) and Amy ("Katapult") & Will. Amy and Will were surprised to see me. They had been wanting to catch up to me and had been carrying apple pies. My five days off had given them the opportunity to catch up but unfortunately they weren't carrying the pies this time. Major bummer ; )Dinner was accompanied by talk about how Will and Amy had to reach into a privy to retrieve something important that had fallen in... ewww!!!Four people in one shelter. How unusual. I guess it's good practice for when I get back in May. Although the snoring might get me back to tenting very soon.
Date: 2005-03-21
From: Cherry Gap shelter

To: Roan High Knob shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

15.2 miles, Roan High Knob shelterThe three others are going to try to push to get to Overmountain shelter today. I'm not so sure. Pushing for miles when there's lots of climbing and snow on the trail just makes me frustrated. We're all worried that it might be cold on top of Roan though. And Will and Amy have some trailmagic lined up at Overmountain.There is indeed lots of climbing today and my mood isn't very cheery. I lack motivation to push on and feel very sluggish. Today is one of those days that a hiking partner would have made a world of difference.I think a lot about the great hiking partners I've had these last years. Good memories about the fun we had actually make me feel sad. I miss my buddies. I have nobody to converse with opera style. Or to make up pirate stories with. Or to play act an Indian couple with. Or to throw snowballs at. Or to share silly dam jokes with...Man, I'm frustrated and sad.I decide to stay at the Roan shelter because it's getting to late to push on and there is too much slippery snow and I've had enough of the hiking today. I'm looking forward to reading my book and escape from myself for a bit.Good night!
Date: 2005-03-22
From: Roan High Knob shelter

To: Apple House shelter
Miles today: 14.7

14.7 miles, Apple House shelterI had a good nights' sleep and start off in a better mood. It wasn't cold at all in the shelter last night and I liked being upstairs near the window. It was like I was in my own private cabin. There is even a snowman in the 'yard'. The descent towards Carvers Gap is quite slick but I manage not to fall down. I love my trekking poles!!! They've saved me many a time.At Carvers Gap I steal some tp from the restroom (uh oh...). To redeem myself I put the top of the garbage can (which had been left dangling to the side) back on so the ravens won't make a mess.I start climbing Round Bald and see Amy and Will come back down with two others. Now, when I see hikers walking back I always assume that something dramatic has happened. Luckily that wasn't the case here. They had simply decided to go to town with their friends and take a day off.After the Bold there was again lots of snow but the footsteps and orange trailmaintainer flags made it easy to stay on track. Two beers were waiting at Stan Murray shelter. Too bad I don't drink. I'm sure the next two hikers will be thrilled though.Climbing back up the next hill I had a great view looking back to Overmountain shelter. The big red barn was a nice contrast with the now dreary sky.The weather had been nice all morning and I had enjoyed great views but I could see the storm coming in and when I got to the Humps the wind and rain were blasting me. I had to lean into the wind to stay upright and there was very low visibility. The rain was almost horizontal. I was happy whenever a rock formation blocked some of the wind and I could relax a little. Eventhough these circumstances are tiring I also love it. My mind gets really focused. "Gotta get off this ridge". It's like survival instinct kicks in. Very cool.Well, I survived and breathed a lot easier when I entered the forest again. There was a long descent to Apple House shelter and I was seriously considering staying at the hostel on 19E. I could have hiked on but the weather seemed so unpredictable and I had no desire to camp in the rain. I even considered hitching back to Erwin. The lack of motivation I had yesterday was clearly still bothering me.When I got to Apple House shelter though there was a southbound section hiker and I decided to stay. I mean, I'd already stayed in Erwin five days, I couldn't wimp out now. And staying in the shelter meant I wouldn't have to camp in the rain and it would be free of charge. Plus I had company here.I figured it would be about 20 miles to Kincora tomorrow. Turns out it's over 24. Oh well, I can always stay at Moreland Gap and hike in the day after. Hiking with a lack of motivation is really sucky. I'm glad I made the decision to take off early. I know I shouldn't complain but I'm really bored and need hiking partners to keep me going and kick my ass whenever necessary.
Date: 2005-03-23
From: Apple House shelter

To: Kincora
Miles today: 24.3
Weather: clear sky

Uphill, downhill...I'm taking it slow in the morning and am pretty sure I won't make the 24 miles today. I leave around 8.15am after chatting with the section hiker and two others that had arrived last night. We talk about the intense thunder storm that woke us up from our slumber. Was I glad not to be camping!Uphill, downhill...When I take a short break at a stream a hiker approaches. I'm all surprised. A new hiker! Turns out it's Boomerang who had stayed at the hostel down the road and is now telling me how great it was, ugggh! Uphill, downhill...Having a hiker in front of me to chase gets me out of my lolly gagging mode though. I suddenly don't feel so sluggish anymore. It still amazes me how much of this hiking business is mental. We meet again at lunch and Boomerang is all psyched about getting to Kincora today. Two nights in a row in a hostel! I'm still not sure if I'll make it. I want to but I also don't want to frustrate myself by pushing to hard.Uphill, downhill...I remembered from last year that I got really frustrated in this stretch. There were a lot of small ups and downs and no rewards. Well, nothing had changed... I got frustrated all right! Uphill, downhill...The weather also turned on us again and it started thundering and raining. When it turned to hail I decided to pull out my raingear but five minutes later I had to take it off again because it was too warm and it had stopped hailing. The next rain I just let myself get rained on hoping I wouldn't get soaked.Uphill, downhill...FINALLY I made it to Moreland Gap shelter. I found Pinetree there. All set up. He had sought shelter from the rain and was taking it slow. He was amazed by the fact that I'd started at Apple House and was going on another six miles.Uphill, downhill...Yes, I decided to push on and get it over with ; )I surprised myself by getting to the hostel before dark. The long downhill definitely helped the hiking speed. At the hostel I met up with Tumbleweed, Boomerang and the great hostel owner Bob Peoples. He drove us to town to pick up pizza and some groceries. After food and shower, dressed in my comfy cotton pajamas (subject to ridicule by Bob the next couple of days) I felt very content. No more uphill, downhill for the next couple of weeks. And when I get back I get to hike with my mom and a zillion other hikers. Should be fun!'Cause despite all the difficulties I've been having lately hiking long trails really is fun. I'm just not in the mood to be alone this much right now.
Date: 2005-03-24
From: Erwin, TN (Miss Janet's House)

To: Kincora
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I made it into Kincora yesterday. I will tell you all about the hiking after I've edited my entries.I was just wondering if there's anybody out there who would like to host a weary hiker for two days or so. I'll be arriving in Roanoke by Greyhound on April first and my flight doesn't leave till April fourth.Okay, Bob from Kincora is waiting to take me on a grocery run...Contact me at applepie@pocketmail.comHave fun!!!!3/27/05Found someone to stay with. Thanks you guys!!!