morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-10-14
From: Ashby Hollow

To: Blackburn Trail Center
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

We built a fire this morning so we could eat and not freeze. We knew we had to eat a good breakfast as we had to combat the remaining 10 miles of the rollercoaster. And what a hard day it was!!! This hike kicked our butts!!!! We met a couple fellows along the trail, "the chief" and "Christmas" The chief did most of the talking. He informed us that Christmas got his name 'cause he was slower than Christmas. We got so tickled. We chatted with them for a while. They told us to swing by the Bears Den Hostel on our way as we could get a cold soda there and they also had a hiker box. Which meant, guess what? Maybe some food!! Anyway.. there were a couple reprieves in between roller coaster humps where you could catch your breath and prepare yourself for the next climb. All of a sudden I hear a branches breaking and leaves crunching and lo and behold, guess what crosses the trail right before my eyes?!! A BEAR!! He seemed more afraid of me but I think I was still more afraid of him. He just crossed the trail and I never really got a good hard look at him! Man I was so excited. Tom was out of sight. He really wanted to see the bear more than anything. When Tom and I reconnected he asked me why I didn't get a picture!? You know I gave up seeing a bear so the camera was packed away!! I started carrying it again! and ofcoarse no more sightings. We arrived at the Blackburn Center late as this hike truly a challenge, especially after hiking in the Shenandoah's for the past week. We were excited to see that they had a bunk house with a woodburning stove!! YES, we could stay warm tonight and guess what else? This would be our last night on the trail because tomorrow we were heading into Harpers Ferry!! YEAH!! There were a lot of mixed feelings, very happy knowing that we are almost home and sad too 'cause my dream was about to end. Well at the bunk house was a fellow named Simon. Simon is from London and just as nice as he could be. We hit it off with him right away. The caretaker, "Trailboss" was not in and so we were not greeted upon arrival. Simon, had a fire going in the stove and we began cooking some dinner. Simon gave us some carrot soup and crackers and we gave him some hot cocoa and some coffee bags for the am. Around 8 o'clock that night Trailboss finally arrived and came over to the bunk house to apologize for not being here to greet us. He informed us that he would have some hot chili ready for us and a slide show by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club on trail maintenence. You know we were all excited about the hot chili. We stayed up and had good conversation with Simon. He came over to the U.S. to visit with some friends and check out the Appalachian Trail. He doesn't understand why anyone would want to hike such a rocky trail and be in pain day in and day out. He was such a neat guy!! Really interesting and just pleasant to be around.
Date: 2006-10-16
From: Harpers Ferry

To: WE ARE HOME
Miles today: 0.0

WE woke up in our own bed and had regular freshly ground coffee this morning after the sun was up and shining for some time!!! So was the journey everything I dreamed of? Let me just say it was MORE than what I had ever dreamed of!! It brought Tom and I closer together. I can't tell you what he got out of it, cause that would be up to him. But I will tell you it changed both of us, physically, mentally, and spiritually. I won't go all deep again. I will just say that I want to keep giving. I love to help people!! I want to thank all my friends, family and all the wonderful people we met along the trail for all of your support. Even if you didn't talk to us, see us or even think of us, your spirit was with us and helped us along the way. Much love to all!! Can't wait to get my pictures developed and on disk so that we may share them with all of you. PEACE AND LOVE!!
Date: 2006-03-13
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I first heard about the AT when I attended a backpacking class at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1993. I joined the Vulcan Trail Association and tried to backpack on the AT when ever I could get away from my BellSouth job. I retired three years ago, and NOW it is time to go. I have backpacked all over the Southeast and on the Pinhoti Trail(Alabama) a few times - which is supposed to eventally join the AT. According to the Alabama Conservation Magazine, many years ago, when the Appalachian Trail was completed, the southern end was placed in Georgia. However, the fact is that the southern end of the Appalachians is not in Georgia, but in Alabama! Anyone who has ever been to Mt. Cheaha, Little River Canyon, Oak Mountain, or even the Vulcan statue atop Red Mountain in Birmingham knows quite well that Alabama does indeed have mountains, and the time has come to connect those mountains to the AT. The Pinhoti Trail in Alabama would be connected with the AT with approximately 120 miles of trail in Alabama and 100 miles in Georgia.I have been replacing my old heavy gear with lightweight stuff. I am not going ultralight, but much lighter than in the past. I am trying to get use to no pockets on my internal pack. My external Dana had lots of pockets and I could fill them up. I also carried too much weight & things I didn't need.My husband Bill is very supportive of my new adventure and we are going to try to see each other every two to three weeks. We will spend the night at Amicalola Falls Lodge on March 25th and Bill will drop me off at Springer the morning of the 26h. to begin my journey.Well, let me go check my list again and again. I wake up during the night thinking about my list and if I have enough of the right gear for every possible situation. Oops, there I go again, wanting more stuff! See you on the trail March 26th, Bama
Date: 2006-03-19
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Bill and I are busy today preparing food supply boxes to mail ahead. It looks like a lot of food, but from all I have read I am going to be hungry all the time. It was fun buying all the food that I don't allow myself to eat at home. I hope to eat lots of fruit & veggies when I am in town to balance out all the sweets I have packed.We are leaving next Saturday (3-25) for Amicalola Falls Lodge, and then on to Springer Sunday morning.I am very excited, and wonder if everyone else is this anxious a few days before leaving. More later,
Date: 2006-03-26
From: Springer Mountain, Georgia 

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: clear sky

(Two pictures on page)After a great evening together, a wonderful dinner and sleep in a comfortable bed at Amicalola Falls State Park Lodge, Shirl (now officially "Bama") registered at the beginning of the Falls approach trail. I bought Shirl a Springer-to-Damascus bandana with trail information and a bear bell for the Smokies just for fun. The weigh-in was exciting as we had no idea what it would actually be. It was 38 pounds! Pretty much right on target. A couple of quick pictures at the Arch and we were off to FS Rd 42 and then on to the trailhead. The weather was beautiful - bright and cool at 32 degrees. We left my truck at the trailhead and headed up the 0.9 miles to the start at Springer.At the top, Bama signed the hiker log at 11:25 AM and after a few more pictures with Many Sleeps, the Ridge Runner, back down we went to the parking lot. A last farewell and off she went. As I was turning onto I-459 near Birmingham on my way back home, Bama called me from her cell phone to say that she had arrived at the Hawk Mountain shelter. She said the trail so far had been great and she had just set-up her tent and was getting settled in. One of the other thru-hikers there had brought a backpack banjo and he would entertain everyone tonight (his trail name is, of course, BanjoMan).Bill
Date: 2006-03-27
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: clear sky

(Two pictures on page) Bama, Pokey & Dancer packing up to leave Hawk Mountain.Bama made it to Woody Gap and was lucky to see Paul (Ole Man) who works for Josh & Leigh Saint owners of the Hiker Hostel drive up to the trailhead looking for hikers who wanted to stay a night at the hostel. He drives to the Gap every day at 5pm. She and a number of others wondered where they would stay for another cold night - and a chance of rain - and no AT shelter. Bama and Banjoman jumped in the truck and arrived at a new and beautiful log cabin hostel (www.hikerhostel.com). Ole Man and wife Jamie (Navigator) were very helpful looking at their packs to see what they didn't need. Ole man agreed to mail back a few things for Bama, and told her she was carrying too much water. Bama's load will be a few pounds less when she leaves tomorrow. Looks like it will be an evening of warmth, hot food, a shower and a nice bed. Tomorrow, on to Neels Gap.Bill Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega
Date: 2006-03-28
From: Woody Gap

To: Neel's Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Bama spent a great night at the hostel near Woody Gap - although she said it was much more like a bed & breakfast - very nice - and here I was almost feeling sorry for her in the cold and approaching rain . Everyone ordered Pizza and coke for dinner. After an early morning shuttle back to Woody Gap, she and the others set off for Neel's Gap over Blood Mountain. On the way she passed a rock outcropping with a beautiful view and remembered that she and I had hiked this way before. The early mist and drizzle cleared into a great day. After getting over Blood Mountain, the descent was quickly down to Neel's Gap and the Mountain Crossings (Walasi-Yi) Center and her first mail drop pick-up. Blood Mountain is a tough climb, but Bama said she thought the previous Sassafras Mountain climb was harder. THE TRAIL GOES RIGHT THROUGH THE BUILDING ON THE GRAVEL PATHThe Center (www.mountaincrossings.com) is the first major "civilization" after Springer and has all the stuff and facilities a hiker could ask for. There was even a Leki factory representative (Chris) there that gave Bama some new hiking tips for her poles. Many hikers decide to do a major re-pack and mail home things they unnecessarily brought. After settling into the hostel area (a co-ed communal sleeping room for about 16 hikers - bring your ear plugs!), she decided to order pizza instead of cooking her dinner outside (no indoor kitchen facilities). Pizza two nights in a row! Bama decided to put some of her trail food in the hiker box, so others can carry it up the trail. A hiker box is located at all hostels. You can either put food or other things in or take food or things out. So far the weather has been improving and getting warmer. Let's hope the winter is finally breaking.Tomorrow, on to Low Gap. Bill
Date: 2006-03-29
From: Neel's Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

At Whitley Gap, Bama met Wolf, a 4-time thru-hiker while she was waiting for Willow and Banjo Man to get water from the spring - very interesting. The three made it to Low Gap, in spite of the long haul from Testnatee. She and her group received their first Trail Magic from Myrtle and Bruce (Trapper) at Hog Pen Gap - Thanks guys!!! They enjoyed fruit, cookies, soft drinks and water. What a wonderful tradition for former thru-hikers and other friends of the AT to share little treasures with those who have committed to this journey.Bama said she stayed in the Low Gap shelter instead of her tent and enjoyed her best night's rest yet - she woke up refreshed and rarrin' to go. No bad mice problems in the shelter, but one guy had one rummage thru his food bag and run over his head. At this point, her band of fellow thru-hikers includes BanjoMan, Willow, Oly, Chill, Peter Rabbit, Flippy, Josie, Water Lady and Martin.Trail Note: If the Low Gap shelter is full, Bama said there were some really nice campsites not far beyond it. Also, cell phones do not work in Low Gap - reception from most spots on the trail has been excellent so far. I didn't get her report last night and had to wait until this morning.She's thinking about hiking past the Rocky Mountain shelter today and going on to Tray Mountain (about four more miles) to reduce the 15-mile hike tomorrow to Dick's Creek. Rain is expected from about lunchtime Friday to mid-day Saturday. If Bama can get there early, she might be able to get to a hotel in Hiawassee and avoid having to sleep in the approaching thunderstorms.You GO, girl!!Bill
Date: 2006-03-30
From: Low Gap 

To: Cheese Factory camp sites
Miles today: 13.0

Bama had lunch at Blue Mountain and met two Forest Rangers who were nice and talkative. Later she found out they were waiting for a bear cub that had been reported hanging around the shelter. She and three others made it past Rocky Mountain Shelter to the Cheese Factory camp sites - no, not the Cheesecake Factory of food overindulgence fame. I have no idea how it got the name and can't find it on any AT reference. The elevation net gains are getting more pronounced as they head to North Carolina and the gut-busting climbs of the Smokies. She's in her tent tonight, but the weather is good and no problems.Nighty-night at 8:00 PM and looking forward to the trek to Dick's Creek tomorrow and maybe a bath and a big meal if she can find a space at a hotel in Hiawassee or another stop-over in town - rain is expected tonight. Dick's Creek is near the famous (infamous?) Chattooga River where the movie "Deliverance" was filmed - Ding da ding ding ding.By some miracle the cell phone is still on its original charge from before Amicalola. Fortunately Bama has a disposable one-hour battery "zapper" if her on-board charge fails. I will take her charger when I meet her at Fontana Dam.Bill
Date: 2006-03-31
From: Cheese Factory campsites

To: Dick's Creek (Hiawassee, GA)
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Bama left the Cheese Factory campground early in the morning - drizzle and fog - first time things were all wet. At Tray Mountain, she stopped and had breakfast with Banjo Man and Gimpy and then left for Deep Gap. At Deep Creek, there was more trail magic, Mt. Dews in the creek and a bag of Nutty Buddys nearby, left by Trail Angel, Mike, and Belle the wonder puppy. Bama saw them later and thought the puppy was just too cute but didn't know Mike was the Angel - and he, of course, didn't mention it. Tough hike today - up and down. On to Hwy 76 and Hiawassee. Trail Angel Wanda Anderson picked up Bama, Banjo Man and Gimpy and took them into town. Wanda also stopped by the Blueberry Patch mail drop and went in to get Bama's food drop - whatta woman! Love those trail angels!On to the Holiday Inn Express (yeah, the trail doesn't have to be all about suffering) and a long tub soak, laundry and dinner - sandwiches at The Rose. Tomorrow, on to Muskrat Creek Shelter - about 11.6 miles - and finally in North Carolina.Bill
Date: 2006-04-01
From: Dick's Creek (Hiawassee, GA)

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Bama had a great night and R&R at the Holiday Inn Express in Hiawassee. The hotel shuttle took her, BanjoMan, Oly and Gimpy to the trail early this morning. Up they went toward Buzzard Knob at about 3,500 ft. arriving around lunch at Plum Orchard Gap Shelter (nice). Bama said the day was beautiful and they had missed the rain - in fact she had to use some sun screen. After Rich Knob, she finally passed into North Carolina (Yea!! A whole state behind her). Soon came the big climb up Brushy Mountain and Kitchen's Knob, at about 4,600 ft., and the Muskrat Creek Shelter. Bama said the shelter is really nice with a porch and a bench and a water source right behind it. Tonight they are running about 10 degrees lower than the Hiawassee forecast and it's getting chilly. A cold front is approaching with rain Sunday afternoon thru Monday and night time temperatures may drop into the upper 20s Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Bama may come off the trail at Franklin, NC to get out of the rain. But another great day!Tomorrow, near Standing Indian Shelter, the altitude will hit 5,000+ for the first time - huff, huff, huff.Bill Old Tree at Bly Gap - .2 North of the state line. Beautiful day!
Date: 2006-04-02
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter (2)
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: few clouds

Another good night in the shelter - only in the 40s - not too bad and no mouse problems. Bama is still more or less with the same three or four folks she's been traveling with. There are some other thru-hikers, week-enders and day hikers mixed in now and then. The morning was beautiful and so far good weather. The hike today wasn't as difficult as yesterday. A light rain did pass thru later, but Bama said they walked thru miles of rhododendron thickets or tunnels and that kept most of the rain off her - she said her boots didn't even get wet. She said the Carter Gap shelter (the new one) was very nice. When she called, there weren't but five other thru-hikers with her, so it wouldn't be crowded tonight. Tomorrow, she hopes to make the Standing Indian Campground near Rock Gap Shelter. It may not be open for the season yet, so she may go to the Haven Motel near Franklin, NC.Bill
Date: 2006-04-03
From: Carter Gap Shelter (2)

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

Bama said they had been lucky that the tornados had passed them by, but they got their share of thunderstorm which they sat out in the Carter Gap Shelter until about 9:00 AM. She left Carter Gap and headed for Rock Creek Shelter. She said it had been cooler and windier than usual with the cold front behind the storms. Bama reported a really weird weather event; at Big Spring Shelter, past Albert Mountain, it hailed on them, pea-sized, for several minutes, but there was no storm and no rain. Spooky!She was unable to contact me all day because the cell service was so spotty (She was finally able to reach me Tuesday morning). Monday evening, two newcomers, Gray Goose and One Foot, joined them. After reaching Rock Gap, there were thoughts of going to Franklin, NC and the Haven Motel which would have driven up the forest service road to get them, but Bama decided to stay in the shelter. Skunk did decide to go so she could get some new boots. She had been hiking in Crocs and I imagine that was getting old with the hills they were negotiating. Bama had an observation. You know the old saying about "listening to your body?" Well, she has learned that after about ten miles, her feet begin talking to her. Like restless kids in the back seat, they begin to whine, asking "How much further? Are we there yet." Bama said she cracked herself up walking down the trail thinking about it.Tomorrow, on to Wine Spring. I'm sure by now Bama wishes that was real wine in the spring!Bill
Date: 2006-04-04
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Campsite North of Wayah Bald, NC
Miles today: 14.2

Bama got a good start from Rock Creek Shelter this morning and it was another beautuful day. Toward lunch, she was concerned that she was running low on on TP and snacks (without either of which you can't make the journey) and her little bowl of oatmeal for breakfast wasn't a lot to run on. After making it down Winding Stairs Gap, what to her wondering eyes should appear but - TRAIL MAGIC! Not just any trail magic either. It was ten college students from the Converse College Ministry from Spartenburg, SC, her home town until she was 8 and their minister advisor, Larry Turner. They had huge boxes of everything she could dream of: toilet paper (yea!), supplies, cookies, candy, soft drinks, potato chips, and more. They said to take all she could carry. Bama stuffed her pockets and said she felt like a chipmunk, storing up for the winter. These kids do this every year and make several stops on the AT. This unasked for benevolence is one of the great uplifting benefits of the trail. Wow! Just when you are tired and hungry and lonely, up pops these treats for the mind and the stomach. A few miles past Winding Stair Gap, she met an interesting young man with the trail name Giggle Box. He was wearing a long overcoat & had no backpack. Several of the hikers who had seen him were wondering what he was doing on the trail, but he seemed to be having a good time.Bama had lunch at the approach to Siler Bald Gap with Banjoman, Martin and Peter Rabbit. She was soon on her way to Wine Spring Bald for camp.Later note: Bama decided to go an additonal 4 miles, so she would have less miles tomorrow to reach the NOC.Bill
Date: 2006-04-05
From: Campsite past Wayah Bald, NC

To:  NOC
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

Bama's cell phone finally gave out. She tried the little battery zapper and the phone went completely dead - Hmmmm. Luckily, Banjo Man is a great guy and let Bama use his phone to call me.About ten hikers made it to a campsite about four miles past Wine Spring and Bama had her first campfire of the trip. I know that was a treat.It will be a long haul today to Wesser and the NOC where Bama will pick up a mail drop - about 16 miles. She's got to be looking forward to R&R and a zero day at Fontana where I will cook her a steak with all the trimmings, and maybe, a glass of wine. Bill
Date: 2006-04-06
From: NOC

To: Brown Fork Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Bama DID have a long haul. She was determined to get to the NOC. She said that a woman will do just about anything for a hot bath and a cheeseburger! She got to the NOC about 6:30 PM and almost everything was closed. The one open restaurant was closing at 7:00 and she needed to check into the hostel first. Little did she know that after registration there another steep hill to climb to get there! She was really draggin' at this point. But she made it to the restaurant with about ten minutes to spare and met up with most of her trail mates. She had also caught up with several hikers that had started the trail a few days before her. Whatta woman!Then back up the hill to the hostel and an out-of-order phone and broken washer/dryer. Dang! She ended up doing her wash in the sink. At least the shower worked. The only phone that worked was all the way back down the hill - well, forget that! But all in all, a good day and the weather was great.Tomorrow, a tough, 3,000 ft climb straight up out of the Natahala Gorge to Brown Fork Gap Shelter onto the Fontana Hilton Shelter for Friday night. Friday and Saturday call for lots of rain and possible thunderstorms. The Cottage and fireplace at Fontana Village will look mighty good. Bama will catch up on her email and all the really nice guestbook entries many have left her.BillAdded note by Bama:I left the NOC at 9:15 Thursday morning heading straight up hill for 4 solid hours. I reached the Sassafrass Shelter at 1pm, and it was too early to call it a night. I decided to follow Martin on to Brown Fork Shelter. It was a very long day (16.1 miles). I thought about hitching into Robbinsville, but decided against it. I arrived at Brown Fork Shelter about 7:15pm & had just enough time to cook dinner & crawl into my sleeping bag. There were only 4 guys & me in the shelter: Martin, Identity Crisis, Fortune Cookie, and Lone Wolf, so we had plenty of room. Thanks Martin for hanging my bear bag, because I wasn't tall enough to reach the rafter. Also, for the water because I was too tired to go down the hill. We left the shelter early because a storm was arriving at Fontana sometime in the late evening. About half way between Brown Fork & Cable Gap Shelter, a group of about 20 Sierra Club members were working on the trail. They interviewed & photographed me for about 20 minutes - They were really interested in me because of my age. They were all "seniors," too. I told them I really appreciated their hard work.