morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-03
From: Woody Gap

To: Woods Hole
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

I started out at Woody Gap today, but the weather was dodgy this morning.A terrible storm suddenly appeared before departure. The sky turned black, severe winds appeared, as well as lightning and tornado warnings. It died down quickly, so I headed out.It turned out to be a beautful day even with the rain early in the hike. When I reached Woods Hole, the weather turned freezing. Everyone was retiring earlier then usual just to get warm in their sleeping bags.The water source is quite far from the shelter...at least to us since we've been on our feet all day. Tomorrow we cross over Blood Mtn.
Date: 2006-04-04
From: Woods Hole

To: Blood Mountain
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: clear sky

I reached Blood Mtn. It got this name from the tails of the Creek and Cherokee Indians. According to legend, a battle between the two nations on the slopes of the mountain left so many dead and wounded that the ground ran red with blood. Despite the gory name, it had some beautiful vistas. Usually the trees will block the view, but they didn't here.I ran into a young couple I met at the Hiker Hostel. They were both teachers on spring break. I was wondering how they were doing since I knew they got caught in that bad storm.Since I already spent the day with the outfitter at Neels Gap, I continued hiking to get my 8 miles in. This was the first night that I would solo tent and was out of water. However, a hikers dog discovered a small pool of water....8 by 12 inches. I notices that there were several little creatures that looked like a salamander...about an inch long. I have't seen a salamander since I was a kid. Does anyone know if salamanders lay their eggs in water?Speaking of dogs....at first, I thought it would be fun to hike the trail with a dog but laterchanged my mind. Most people think their dogs can do no wrong. They walk over hikers sleeping bags, bark, beg for food, etc. and do their duty on the trail. The hikers should be cleaning up after their dogs but unfortunately, they are not.I found a great spot to camp on Cowrock Mtn. Before drifting off to sleep I heard someone come into the camp. It turned out to be Ben, who I met at the Hikers Hostel. It was good seeing him again. He only has 4 months to hike the Appalacian Trail and he is really pushing it. I Hope he is successful.
Date: 2006-04-05
From: Blood Mountain

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: broken clouds

I hiked to Low Gap Shelter today.I met Ranger Dawg on the trail. It sure is a small world...he and I knew so many of the same people from our careers. He was hiking with Model T. This is Model T's 5th thru hike...this one for charity. A penny a mile.Food is becoming a bigger discussion item. A lot of hikers have a food box delivered to the post office or to other designated locations. At the other end of the spectrum, others just buy what they need in towns. And others use a hybrid system of drop boxes and resupplying in the towns. It depends on how complicated or simple you want this to be.The most extreme case I have seen so far is two male hikes who were traveling together. They cooked 350 meals, dehyradated them, and are having them shipped along the way. They are the best feed hikers I know but I can't imagine the effort that went into the preparation!
Date: 2006-04-06
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm still trying to keep to the low mileage...believe me, this is not difficult except for the continuous flow of new people.Meeting new people is good but soon they too have moved past me. Everyone seems to pass me. First, the college kids pass me. Then gradually, the older hikers move past me too. But, that's all right. Slow and steady wins the race!Occasionally, you hear about someone being taken off the trail...usually for knee problems. I ran into a few folks at Neels Gap with braces on their legs and on crutches. I'm not sure home many have already left the trail.The weather has been nice, but the afternoons can be a bit hot. I reached Blue Mtn Shelter today. Some hikers went on into town but Tray Mtn is coming up and I want to reach its summit before going I go into town. I believe I would enjoy town more knowing that Tray Mtn is behind me.
Date: 2006-04-07
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Tray Mountain
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was tough.Backpacking for a few days or week can be tough but at least you can see the end. Hiking day after day can be grueling...there is no other word for it. But like the siren's song, the trail calls you back.The sun beat on us all day. Near the last mile of the trail the Boy Scouts (who we call Trail Angels) were setting up station to cook the hikers breakfast and lunch the next day. Since we were passing by early they were providing ice cold water....even though I didn't get anything to eat I don't feel like I missed out on anything because I wanted cold water more then anything thing else.Later, we had a bad storm. Everyone in tents complained that theirs leaked, but luckily, mine did not. This tent has been great...an REI quarter dome. The only drawback is that it weights 4 pounds. Even though its heavier then some it sure is reliable.
Date: 2006-04-08
From: Tray Mountain

To: Deer Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: light rain

I hiked down to Deep Gap Shelter todayEven though the road to town is only 3 miles away I decided to spend the night here so I could dry out my gear. I don't want to have any mildew problems.Right before sunset Stand by Me and Partner came into camp! I haven't seen them in days, so that was a pleasant suprise.I am cold, tired, filty dirty, smell like road kill, and hungry. But, I am going to sleep with a smile on my face. Town tomorrow!!
Date: 2006-04-09
From: Deer Gap Shelter

To: Hiawassee, Georgia
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: clear sky

I arrived in Hiawassee, Georgia around noon.I lucked out and a Trail Angel was at the trail head giving rides into town. They also left Trail Magic... soda and snacks! I decided to take a break from the wild for a night and stayed at the Hiawassee Inn. I would rate the Inn about 1/2 star, but it gets 5 stars for hospitality. Since us hikers have very few clothes, they provide a sweat suit to wear while you do your laundry. And yes my dear Red Hatters....I did bring some under garments with me but am reconsidering having one pair of panties versus two. After all...I can rinse them out every night and then put them on wet. That additional pair adds weight to my pack!I showered, did laundry, made phone calls, shopped, ate, and now I am ready to hit the trail again!If you need a massage, there is a 76 year old women with hands of steel and high energy. I hear she is absolutely wonderful and well worth the $35. Unfortunately I ran out of time!It's not about the miles but the smiles...
Date: 2006-04-10
From: Hiawassee, Georgia

To: Bly Gap
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

It was a good day hiking.Plum Orchard Gap Shelter was only 4 miles on the trail. Uncle Art was staying here, but I wanted to do more miles and cross into North Carolina. The Georgia Mountains have been tough. The go up and down, up and down. Seldom is there a switchback. It's time for a change and hiking into another state leaves you with a good sense of accomplishment.I passed the Georgia-North Carolina State Line at 6:00...yea!!I camped at Bly Gap with the two best feed hikers on the trail (who I mentioned earlier in this journal). Funny enough...they were both hungry for cheese and bread, both of which I had. I even shared some potato chips.It was a beautiful night...the moon was almost full and the stars shone bright.
Date: 2006-04-11
From: Bly Gap

To: Standing Indian Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

I want to go back to Georgia! I thought North Carolina would be a kinder and gentler state...at least for the first day of hiking!The nice thing is NC has Trail Angels...someone left water, which I desperately needed. They were also going to be cooking lunch but am too tired to stay. Lots of steep climbs, rocks and hot sun have pucked me out. I just want to go to bed.I decided to camp at Standing Indian Shelter which was right before the 1500 foot climb over Standing Indian Mtn. I am so tired and cold...I'm off to bed early tonight.
Date: 2006-04-12
From: Standing Indian Shelter

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: clear sky

Wow what a day!I started off early to get over the summit before it got too hot. Surprisingly, it was an easy climb...I didn't even realized that I reach the top! It was a cloudy morning which always makes for good hiking.I reached Carter Gap Shelter around 1:00. It seemed too early to stop and I felt good even though I reached my mileage limit. So, I thought I'd go another 3 miles and stay at Mooney Gap.However, when I reached there...no one was around! Unfortunately, the camp site was next to a service road. For safety reasons, I won't camp next to a road. So, I decided I'd go on a little further until I found another camp site.Hours and miles later...I was still hiking. I stopped and checked out a camp site call Bears Den. The name alone discouraged me and I continued on.Soon, I was climbing Albert Mtn, which is more like mountain climbing...hand over hand, grunting, sweating. I was out of water and I missed dinner. The sun was quickly going down. I finally made it over the mountain and hiked down the other side and ended up in Big Spring Shelter. I walked over 14 miles!I was so tired and there was room in the Shelter to sleep. I have this love hate relationship with shelters. Sleeping in a shelter means you put up with the mice, snoring, coughing, and whatever other noise hikers make. The only advantage is you don't have to deal with setting up or taking down a tent.I caught up with Stand by Me and Partner again. It is always good to see them. They were using the shelter for the first time. I was placed between them and CAT, who has been dealing with a cold, so there was lots of coughing.By 10:00 Partners Hover Craft (air mattress..the latest and greatest) over took my little mat. I started crowding CAT who only coughed more...poor thing. Anyway, I thought if I didn't get up and put up my tent I wouldn't get any sleep. They were amazed at how quiet I was and didn't even realize I left the shelter to sleep elsewhere.
Date: 2006-04-13
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Franklin
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: overcast clouds

On the way to Franklin, a miracle happened...I actually passed another hiker! That has not happened yet on this trip.I came to a rolling brook that looked like the perfect spot for an cold beer. Not long after that I came across Capri Sun juice laying in the stream...cold and wonderful. It was tempting to drink several of the containers buy you know there are other hikers behind you that would enjoy it just as much.I hitchhiked into town with another hiker and decided to stay at the Haven Hotel. The local town people are good with the hikers and willingly pick them up. The hotel is full but there isn't a car in the parking lot because the place is full of hikers. I got the last room.There are two beds in my room so if another hiker comes in and needs the bed I will split the cost of the room. Thru hikers are a close knit family even though we don't know each other well...but feels like we known each other for years. I put my rain gear on and headed to the laudry to wash clothes then I was off to an all you can eat buffet. The hikers appetite kicks in about two weeks into hiking, then you are starving all the time. Mine has not kicked in yet...most likely since I have a little more extra to get rid of.I think I will take a break from hiking tomorrow to go to rest and go to the outfitter.
Date: 2006-04-14
From: Franklin

To: ***Zero Day!
Miles today: 0.0

I decided to take a zero day and not hike.I went to the outfitters and picked up a new stove. The fuel my burner uses is not as common as other types. Also, I wanted to pick up some crocs. I had a no name brand that were hard as rocks and wanted something a little more comforatble for my feet in the evening.I went to a nice restraurant with Stand by Me, Partner, and Sweat Beast We had a great time and even enjoyed a bottle of wine. Sweat Beast and I first met in Hiawassee. His hikiing partner hurt himself and had to get off the trail and ended up having surgery. Sweat Beast went on but then blisters over took his feet. Hopefully they will mend in time to get back on the trail.
Date: 2006-04-15
From: Franklin

To: random camp site
Miles today: 10.5

I hit the trail after a great breakfast at a mom and pop restaurant.I thought I would go as far as the next shelter to see how I felt. It was only about 5 miles up. When I arrived there was greated by Easter Bunny! The local hiking group made up easter baskets for the hikers....what a great suprise. Needless to say I ate mine up for lunch. I felt good, so I continued hiking until I found a nice place to set up my tent.
Date: 2006-04-16
From: camp site

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: clear sky

I got up early after sleeping fairly well considering I had to rearrange my tent several times because no ground was level. By "slept well" I mean about 3 hours...that's actually a record for me on this trip.The trail was hot and dry and I can never seem to get enough water to drink. The temps are in the upper 80s, even at the higher elevations.I caught up with Stand by me and Partner again and hiked to Wesser Bald Shelter. I've been pushing it some on the miles. No blisters yet but my feet are extremely sore by nightfall. For the first time, I'm going to take advil to see if that will help.
Date: 2006-04-17
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: light rain

It was another good start again today.I slept better last night then ever on the trail! I also met a couple of section hikers last night. They are from Maine and wanted some warm weather....they sure got it because the sun is bright and just drains you while hiking.We've had great weather so far. A few storms but not much...mostly sun and very warm weather. I prefer cloudy, misty days but that is not in the forecast in the future. Hope this is not an idication for hot dry weather to come...that means not much water on the trail.Some hikers are worried about Pennsylvania since it's alwyas dry. I'm just concerned about today and can't think that far ahead.
Date: 2006-04-18
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Cove Gap Campground
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Yesterday I spent the day at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) in Wesser, North Carolina.The AT passess through the NOC, which is an outdoor adventure center that offers whitewater rafting and kayaking. You can rent a room or a bunk in the community house or just stay long enough to take a shower.Needless to say this is a hikers haven. Many hikers took a zero day here to relax and pig out since there are several restrauants. I shared a room with another thru hiker and the two women section hikers I met a few nights ago. I totally enjoyed the atmosphere, food, showers, and company.I did not take a zero day even though it was tempting. I headed out on the trail early that morning because I had to go from 1,740 elevation to 5,062 then back down to 3,690 for the night. I actually prefer going up the hills then down. The hills only make your heart and lungs stronger. The downs are rough on the knees and ankles.By the end of the day I was absolutly filty and sweaty....I am never sure what the purpose of taking a shower and doing laundry is for because by the end of the day, you can never tell I did it!
Date: 2006-04-19
From: Locust Cove Gap Campground

To: Yellow Creek Gap
Miles today: 10.7

It was another tough day of ups and downs.Since I've been pushing 10+ miles per day lately, my feet are sore at the end of the day. I got my first blister on my toe. Not big nor particulaly painful...but there all the same.I ran out of steam a bit early in the day and didn't make my campsite that I planned. Ended up camping solo. The group I was hiking with was concerned because I didn't make it to camp but knew that I would camp indepently if needed.
Date: 2006-04-20
From: Yellow Creek Gap

To: Fontona Dam
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I got up early and hiked to the camp site I was to spend the night at. It turned out it was only .9 miles away and not a tough climb...My hiking partners were happy to see me. A few stray dogs joined out group. We are now headed to Fontona Dam because a severe storm is coming in and the mountains is not the place to be.
Date: 2006-04-21
From: Fontona Dam

To: ***Zero Day!
Miles today: 0.0

I decided to take a zero day today. There is severe thunder and lightning storms and the mountains is no place to be. I arrived at the Hike Inn in Fontana Dam yesterday. Jeff and Nancy are the owners and they are both great people. They cater only to hikers now because they love us so much!!They also collect dogs and cats...a total of 10 which they saved. I told them about the two dogs that had been following the hikers. One dog had a collar and number, so we were able to call the owners. The other dog didn't have a collar and my guess is that he was just abandoned. I talked to the Park Ranger at Fontona Dam but he didn't seem to be interested in helping. There isn't an Animal Shelter in the area either! It sure is a sad ending for a great dog. Anyone interested out there??
Date: 2006-04-22
From: Fontona Dam

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

The worst of the storms passed by. It was rainy a bit this morning, but nothing severe...besides, we are all water proof!Today is the first day in the Great Smoky Mountains. I laid out a plan of 6 days and 5 nights to get through it, which means I'll be pushing the miles. The problem with the Smokies is you have to stay in a shelter. They do not allow tent camping because it is the most visited national park in America and they are trying to preserve it.There are 400 to 600 bears that reside in the park. Hopefully, I will get to see at least one of them!I had a surprise entering the park and ran into Fargo. I thought she was a day or two ahead of me but we managed to meet up again. We spent the morning hiking together, which keep our mind off the steep and steady climb for the next 3 days. Then, we will be at the highest point on the AT, Clingmans Dome.Fargo is 48 years old and retired. She was a computer salesperson and was on the phone with a client when 9/11 happened. She hung up the phone and immediately retired to explore life and doing the things she dreamed of.You develop friendships quickly on the trail. Some of these people you know better in an extremely short period of time then friendships you've had for years. But, I suppose that's always the case when you are far away from home and your fellow travelers are your only companions.
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: overcast clouds

This was a tough tough day for me. My feet and legs were killing me. But, it wasn't all bad because the trail was beautiful today. Little white wildflowers grew everywhere. It looked like snow covered the ground. It looked like somebody had planted these all for us. If they were poppies, you would think you were one the yellow brick road to the Land of Oz!The climb continued up. Occasionally, you would have a steep decline, but that only meant you'd have to go back up again. I was exhausted by the end of the day with no shelter in sight. It was late and the sun was going down.So, I decided to pitch my tent on the trail when Johnny Appleseed came upon me. He thought the shelter was less then .5 mile away and convinced me to move on, so I did. Would you believe the shelter was only .1 mile away!! I was so happy to see it. Thankfully Partner and Stand By Me saved me a spot on the lower level of the shelter. I was so tired I didn't bother to eat dinner or clean up.
Date: 2006-04-24
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Double Spring Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

It took me a long time to fall asleep last night. The pain in my feet and legs kept me awake for a good 2 hours but then finally, I settled down. When I did fall asleep someone told be I snored like a truck driver. I'm not really sure what that means, but suspect it was not a good thing!I always listen to my body and try not to take any pain relievers because they just mask the problem. By morning I felt good and had no pain. It always amazes me how the body repairs itself at night.Despite the good rest, tt was another bad day. I started out all right, but my energy level dropped quickly. I decided to call it a day early. I arrived at the shelter around 2 and decided to lounge for the day.I got water from the spring and washed my clothes, hair, and body. That was a chore because you can't actually wash at the spring because it will polllute the water. You have to haul the water to another location before washing.Washing clothes is a matter of putting your stuff into baggies full of water with a little camp suds, closing the bag, then squeeze repeatedly. You go through the same process with clean water to rinse. It's a long process, but after it was all done I felt like a million bucks.A chicken passed through camp...where did she come from?A Trail Angel also come by the shelter with homemade salsa and chips...it was out of this world. What a great day!
Date: 2006-04-25
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter 

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: scattered clouds

The weather turned cold and it started raining today. But, this isn't all bad. I acutally prefer hiking in these conditions rather than the hot sunny days that just beats down on you.I was feeling good after the little break yesterday. Stand By Me and Partner where out of energy and decided to go into town for night or two.I reached Clingmans Dome at 6,643 feet. The observation tower provides you a 360 degree view. But, I only took one picture because it was the same all around...clouds!! Three days of climbing for this? How can you not love it?I hiked down to Mt. Collins Shelter and took a break to decide if I'd take another short day or if I would continue on. I met a fellow hiker named Roll Tide for the first time. He retired from the Army Corps of Engineers in January and was doing a thru hike while his wife was working on a book for the Daughters of the American Revolution. His father had wanted to hike the AT with him but passed away. This made me think of my own father and how much I wish I could have shared my adventures with him...Some day hikers came by and said a big storm was moving in, so Roll Tide and I decided it was best to stay at the shelter. But, we were both kicking outselves in the butt because it only rained a short while, then the sun came out and lingered for a couple of hours. But in the end, we were glad we stayed...the dark clouds then came in and the skies opened up...