morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

I met some interesting thru-hikers at the shelter last night. Yellow Beard, an engineer from Albany, had gone off trail into Gatlinburg, TN a few days back and returned with a bottle of moonshine, which he passed around to all takers. Since I'd never had it before, I gave it a try and found that, for a 100-proof beverage, it was surprisingly smooth. Since Yellow Beard's beard was jet black, I asked him how he got his trail name. He said it was a guy thing but wouldn't elaborate, so I suspect it has something to do with urine. Then there was the female thru-hiker from Charlston, SC. She explained that at her send-off back home she told her friends that if she makes it all the way to Maine she expects them to be there to meet her and she'd, "See All You Bitches At Katahdin." Thus, her trail name, Saybak.I expected to feel yesterday's 20-miler in my legs today, but instead I was surprisingly fresh when I left the shelter this morning. That's when I realized that, since entering the Smokies, I'd eaten through five days of food, easily 10 pounds, and was thus carrying my lightest pack since Springer Mountain.There's been a lot of excitement among the Gang of Five about reaching the next trail town, Hot Springs, on Tuesday. Last night Matt was pouring over maps, determining the best pair of shelters to stay at the next two nights, almost as though he was plotting a military assault.Shortly after leaving Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we passed under interstate I-40, which connects Asheville, NC with Knoxville, TN. It was strangely disconcerting to hear the roar of traffic after having spent the last 19 days walking through mostly quiet woods.I stopped for lunch today at the Standing Bear Farm hostel, which brings you back in time a century or two. Chickens were running loose and laying eggs, which one enterprising thru-hiker from Maine used to supplement his diet. The laundry room contained two large basins for hand-washing clothes. And one cabin was filled with furniture from the 1800s. They did have plenty of food and drink, however, and I gorged myself on a cheeseburger, a chicken quesadilla, three slices of pizza, a cinnamon bun, two sodas, a large Gatorade, and a beer. Then I weighed myself on the scale they provide, presumably to get thru-hikers to buy more food. 196 pounds, the first time I've been under 200 in three decades and down 10 from Springer.
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: overcast clouds

While cooking dinner yesterday evening, I got into a conversation with a 62-year-old thru-hiker from Ohio named Boomer (think baby boomer). Turns out he's walking with two titanium knees. He left Springer Mountain in late March, has lost 20 pounds so far, and is still going strong.Speaking of knees, I've been pleasantly surprised with how mine have been holding up so far. With an eye toward this trip, I gave up running two years ago and scaled back on basketball, as I was having consistent pain in both patella tendons. Fortunately, this pain hasn't returned so far on the trip. Popping two Advil each morning may be helping as well.Last night I tented for the first time since Wayah Bald Shelter 10 days ago. Sleeping in shelters obviates setting up and breaking down a tent and avoids getting leaves and moisture on the tent's footprint (ground cloth). When I climbed into the tent after dinner, I smelled something utterly repulsive and immediately realized it was my feet, which surprised me, since I'd changed my socks just two days ago. A quick wash in the nearby stream allowed me to let them back in the tent.I believe I may have just used the world's smallest privy, a truly unique AT experience that I savored to the fullest. When seated, both knees were pressed against the door, and my size 14s were hanging out below it. The walls were just high enough to hide my midsection, from knees to belly button. I had a superb view of the nearby tents and was not the least bit worried that someone would accidentally walk in on me!I'm now sitting on the top of Max Patch, a quintessential Southern Appalachian bald. Aside from having a really cool name, its grass-covered summit has a fabulous, 360-degree view. It's motivated me to try panorama mode on my iPhone camera for the first time. This more than makes up for the stormy weather we had back on Clingmans Dome.Tomorrow we'll be in Hot Springs, where hot tubs await us. Kinetic's parents will be meeting him there and have reserved the tubs in advance. Matt, a member of the Gang of Five, had mapped out two relatively easy, 13-mile days that would have put us there by noon on Tuesday. However, coming down from Max Patch, the soles of my 10-day-old Brooks trail runners began to delaminate, so I decided to go longer today and arrive first thing in the morning to resolve the shoe issue. As a result, I had my longest day today, 23 miles, over three major peaks.I'm a bit concerned about my loss of weight, as I can't imagine how I'll be able to pack away more calories than I already am. I may have to take a zero in Hot Springs simply to get a few massive meals under my belt. I'll consult the AWOL guide, the Bible of the AT, to see if there are any AYCEs in town.
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: moderate rain

I tented out again last night at the Deer Park Mountain Shelter. Shortly after turning in for the night, it started to thunder and lightning, and there was a steady rain by morning. So for the second straight day, I packed up a drenched tent and footprint. But I didn't really care, because I WAS HEADING INTO HOT SPRINGS FOR THE DAY!! By pushing hard yesterday, I had an easy, 3-mile hike into town. For my pre-breakfast, I wolfed down the last of the 10 Snickers bars I'd eaten since yesterday and headed down the mountain.Correction from yesterday's post: the privy at Groundhog Creek Shelter is actually the world's second smallest; the smallest is in fact the one at Deer Park Mountain Shelter. Fortunately, the door, which didn't come close to closing, was facing away from the shelter.If yesterday's 23-mile hike proved I have my trail legs, today's breakfast at the Smoky Mountain Diner in Hot Springs confirmed I have my trail stomach. Per the recommendation of the clerk at the outfitter in town, I ordered the skillet platter, with a dinner plate-sized pancake as an appetizer. The platter is piled high with potatoes, ground beef, onions, peppers, and melted cheese and comes with another plate of eggs and toast. I suspect I'll be skipping my mid-morning snack, and possibly even lunch.There's lots to accomplish in town today: eat; buy a new sleeping for warmer conditions; send my sweat-inducing bag home; do something about my 11-day-old trail runners, which are already falling apart; eat; laundry; shower; eat; food resupply; hot tub; and eat.Lieutenant Dan texted me around noon that the Gang of Five had completed their 13-mile march from the Walnut Mountain Shelter and had just arrived in Hot Springs, where they were having lunch with Kinetic's parents. I stopped in to say hi before crossing the street to the outfitters to address my equipment issues. In 30 minutes, I had a new set of trail shoes and a sleeping bag for warmer weather, and had sent my old bag home. Then it was off to the Hot Springs Resort for an hour in the hot tub with the gang, which worked wonders on our sore legs. Thanks, John and Mary (Kinetic's parents)! I'm now sitting in front of the Wash Tub in my running tights and raincoat waiting for my clothes to dry. Just came back from dinner with the gang. It was like a mini reunion at the tavern with the "bubble" of 50 or so people I've met along the trail over the last week or two. Once again, the contrast between trail life and town life hit home. Everyone has showered, is well fed, and in great spirits. The gang plans to zero in Hot Springs tomorrow, while I, feeling rested and energetic from my nearo today, plan to head back out onto the AT toward the next trail town, Erwin, TN.
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Meadow above Sam's Gap
Miles today: 25.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I can't fully explain why I was so driven to make it to the trail magic at Sam's Gap today. I had plenty of food (too much, actually) in my pack from the resupply in Hot Springs. Perhaps it was the fact that I missed similar magic by a day back in Georgia. Or maybe it was the camaraderie I wanted to feel in sharing a massive pig-out with my fellow thru-hikers. Or it could have been just the challenge. But whatever the reason, I was driven. So when my wrist watch's alarm went off at 3:30 am, I sprang into action. A quick listen told me last night's rain had stopped, though the tent was still soaked, as it often is even on dry nights due do condensation. I quickly packed up, making extra sure I didn't leave anything behind in the pitch black, and hit the trail shortly after 4:00 am, headlamp blazing. I noticed occasional horizontal flashes of light, which I realized were the reflection of my headlamp on moist spider webs draped across the trail that I was slicing through with my face. At one point, the fog became so thick I could only see my feet directly below me. I was climbing Big Firescald Knob, which has an option to bypass the exposed summit in bad weather. I chose to stay on the AT and traverse the summit. After two hours of night hiking, the skies began to brighten just in time for me to make my way over ledges that required a bit of rock scrambling. The eight hours of daylight hiking was a blur. I kept checking my watch and map to determine whether I was on pace to get to Sam's gap by 3:00 pm. Eventually I did make it to Sam's, with an hour to spare. I was greeted by an older gentleman and member of the Appalachian Trail Angels, who guided me through the food line. It turns out many of these angels have extensive experience with the AT, and at least one has hiked its entire length. This is the ninth annual celebration of May Day magic at Sam's Gap, and 70 hikers benefited from it this year. Thanks, Appalachian Trail Angels!Two hours after the festivities ended and all the hosts and other hikers had left, I lay in the grass nursing a massive stomach ache. I don't know whether it was the hamburgers, chili dogs, potato chips, baked beans, cole slaw, donuts, or sodas that did it. Perhaps it was the combination of all of the above. In any case, I didn't leave the gap until 6:00, at which point I climbed a mile to the north to find a spot for my tent.
Date: 2014-05-02
From: Meadow above Sam's Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: clear sky

I paid for yesterday's exertion. Last night, my body decided to purge its GI tract from both ends. I'll spare you the details and just say it wasn't pretty. And although it wasn't a particularly cold night, I couldn't seem to stay warm, even when wearing several layers of clothing. Hikers began walking by my tent, which I'd pitched close to the trail, by 9:00 am, but I didn't make it out of my bag until 11:00. I felt like I have a massive hangover, despite not having had any alcohol for days. I planned to wait to break camp today until I finished at least one of my water bottles. The bottom line is the big mileage I did the last two days is totally unsustainable and will have me off the trail if I try to keep it up. I've learned my lesson the hard way.I lay in my tent feeling miserable until late afternoon considering my options. Since I was camped on top of a hill with no water source, and I was almost out of water, I knew I couldn't just stay put. One possibility was to hike the mile and a half south back to Sam's Gap and hitch or call for a shuttle into Erwin, TN. Or I could hike a half-mile south to the spring I'd passed yesterday to fill up and spend another night on the hill. I decided instead to hike north two miles to Low Gap, where there were tent sites by a spring.Those two miles were the toughest so far on the trip. I had nothing in the tank, literally, as the last time I'd eaten was at Sam's Gap more than 24 hours ago. I had to rest repeatedly on the slightest inclines, and finally crawled into Low Gap at 6:00, having taken almost an hour and a half to cover the two miles.I chose a spot to place my tent and lay on my back for several minutes tying to regain enough energy to set it up. R2, one of the half-dozen hikers at the gap when I arrived, came over and asked whether I need help. He then offered to fill my water bottles, which I gladly accepted. I set up my tent, ate a banana, and went to sleep at 7:30.It's never fun being sick, particularly when you're in the woods.
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Low Gap

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: clear sky

It was a cold night at Low Gap, so everyone broke camp and hit the trail early. R2, the hiker who'd filled my water bottles last night, came by my tent to check on me, which I really appreciated. Turns out I was feeling much better and was able to eat a big breakfast of oatmeal, fruit, and trail mix, making up for some of the calories I'd lost yesterday. The trail went up and over Big Bald, another grass-topped mountain similar to Max Patch several days ago. I had to stop a few times on the way up to catch my breath, but it was nothing like the struggle to get to Low Gap yesterday.I caught up with R2 at the Bald Mountain Shelter, where I cooked a rice dish for lunch in an attempt to regain more strength. Turns our R2 was hiking the AT last year when he got called home for a family emergency, so he picked up where he left off this year. A couple from Portland, OR, whom I'd met at Little Laurel Shelter three nights ago, showed up at the shelter shortly after I did. They had never camped out prior to starting the AT and were now over a month into their trip.I'm tenting tonight at Spivey Gap along with a handful of other hikers, including R2, Gambler, Archer, One, and Runny Nose. We had dinner together around the camp site, a highlight of my day. Gambler is hiking with R2 and is just that; he spent six weeks in Vegas this winter, lived for free, and left with money in his pocket. Archer was a national runner-up in archery and lives in Switzerland, where he and his wife run an aupair support group. One is a Paul Bunyan-type figure from Pennsylvania who does big mileage yet started smoking again while on the trail. Runny Nose is a tall, lanky German who teamed up in Georgia with One.I've been in touch by text with the Gang of Five, who I parted ways with in Hot Springs when they took a zero and I chose to move on. Turns out they've had trail magic twice since then. Tonight Medic will be at Bald Mountain Shelter, where I ate lunch today, and the rest of the gang is a bit farther back at Low Gap. Looks like we may be meeting up again in Erwin on Monday.
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 10.7

I slept well at Spivey Gap last night, partly because of the much flatter tent site than the night before at Low Gap, when I was up every hour hoisting myself back up to the high side of the tent. The general advice is not to switch out of your cold-weather bag before Damascus, VA, but I disregarded this warning and bought a 55-degree back in Hot Springs, which has improved things, as I'm no longer sweating all night in my 20-degree bag. I may have to avoid Roan High Knob Shelter, 30 miles ahead, which at 6200-feet is the highest on the AT and might get really cold at night.I hiked the 11 miles this morning down to Erwin, TN with Running Nose and One. Turns out the 62-year-old Running Nose is an accomplished climber, having scaled over half the 4000-meter peaks in the Alps, including the Matterhorn. He had to curtail his technical climbing after suffering a motorcycle accident six years ago, resulting in his losing part of a lung and strength in his left arm. Thus, his new goal is to hike the AT. At No Business Knob Shelter, half way into Erwin, One smoked his last cigarette and insisted that we double-time it into town so he could resupply.Once we hit the edge of town, One called Miss Janet, a renowned figure in Erwin for hauling thru-hikers around the widely dispersed town. She arrived in a long, white van that had more bumper stickers than a 60s VW Microbus, most of which espoused the virtues of the AT. After winding through town, picking up a few hikers here, and dropping off a few others there, Miss Janet delivered us to the Super 8, where One, Running Nose, and I arranged to share a room for the night.The usual order of business when arriving in town is to shower, do laundry, eat, and resupply. On the way to the laundromat, we stopped at a McDonalds where I spent $8, despite ordering off the dollar menu.Meanwhile, life at home continues. I called my daughter, Sonja, from the motel room to find out how her junior prom last night had gone. It was held in a hotel in Boston, and she said she had had a great time. I asked her to send me a few pictures, and they arrived by text on my phone a few minutes later.
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Erwin, TN

To: Unaka Mountain
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Unfortunately, Running Nose had to stay behind in Erwin for at least one more night due to what looks like a bad case of shin splints. They'd been bothering him for several days and got much worse on the hike yesterday down to Erwin. He agonized over his decision for several hours last night and this morning, but when Miss Janet dropped off One and me at the trailhead at noon, Running Nose stayed in the van for a ride to the walk-in medical center. Both One and I think he did the right thing.Because we started hiking so late today, we were forced to make the steep climb out of Erwin back up to the ridge in the hot midday sun. One and I leaped frogged two Arizonans, AZ and A-bear repeatedly during the afternoon and are now camping with them in a dense spruce forest atop the 5200-foot Unaka Mountain. I'm expecting the thick mat of pine needles under my tent to give me an extra comfortable sleep tonight.The highlight of the day was clearly the trail magic we received from Chong and Sheryl at Indian Grave Gap. Eight or so of us had just arrived at the gap where we'd stopped for a rest and to refill our water bottles. Within minutes, an SUV pulled up, and the driver, who turned out to be Chong, asked whether we'd seen a thru-hiker named Legs, a friend they had intended to shower with trail magic. Turns out I had met two thru-hikers by that name in just the last two days, but one was still in Erwin, and the other had left there yesterday. Chong and Sheryl considered their options and soon parked their vehicle, pulled out a cooler with beer and soda, and fired up a grill for cooking hot dogs. They also provided cookies, Doritos, bananas, and oranges. Since it's too heavy to carry, fresh fruit is a real treat for thru-hikers. We spent the next hour eating and talking and enjoying each other's company. Shawnagain, Mohawk, and Kevin Bacon, all in their twenties, reminded me of flower children from the '60s. Neon was also in his twenties, but the rest of us were all mid-40 or older. The age difference didn't matter in the slightest. Thanks for the unexpected trail magic, Chong and Sheryl!
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Unaka Mountain

To: Roan High Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: few clouds

Despite getting trail magic twice, today was a tough day on the trail. We started in the morning camped on top of Unaka mountain, and after 20 miles and many ups and downs under a hot sun, are now camped on top of Roan High Knob, site of the highest shelter on the AT at 6200 feet. Only one person, Hurricane, is actually sleeping in the shelter, as it's kind of sketchy with lots of dust and trash inside. Thus, there are a dozen or so tents scattered around the woods on this mountain's summit.The first trail magic was almost identical to yesterday's. It was late morning, and One and I had just arrived at Iron Mountain Gap and had stopped for a rest and a drink of water. Within two minutes, a white van, whose name we would later find out was Casper, pulled into the parking lot. A man in his late 60s jumped out and called across the road, asking if we wanted trail magic. Without hesitation, One and I jumped up and hustled to his van. The trail angel, Rob Bird, slid open Casper's side door to reveal a cooler with sodas, another with assorted junk food such as honey buns and yodels, and bags of oranges and apples. As we would find out, Rob is a highly-experienced angel, and he pulled out chairs from his van for us to sit on. It turns out Rob ran a hostel for many years along the AT in Dalton, MA. He moved south about 10 years ago and provides trail magic to grateful thru-hikers on an almost daily basis. Thanks, Rob!The second trail magic happened at Hughes Gap. Chong, still trying to track down his nephew, Legs, recognized me before I did him. He and Sheryl offered us hotdogs, donuts, Doritos and beer, which we gladly accepted. As we were stuffing our faces, who should pull up in her bumper sticker covered AT van but Miss Janet, the woman who shuttled us around Erwin the day before and later took Running Nose to the medical center. It was a mini reunion. We got a report that Running Nose indeed had shin splints and was resting up at her house for a few days.Just as we were leaving, another hiker who was hiking with Legs arrived and reported that Legs would be along shortly. So it looks like Chong finally succeeded in giving trail magic to his nephew. And One and I benefited twice in the process. Thanks, Chong and Sheryl!The final 4.5 miles out of Hughes Gap was a steady uphill climb, gaining 2000 to the summit of Roan High Knob in the hot afternoon sun. I was suffering mightily, while One seemed to get a burst of energy, perhaps from the Doritos he had eaten at Chong's trail magic. He walked away from me several times, and I was only able to catch him when he'd stop for a smoke.
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Roan High Knob Shelter

To: Mountain Harbour Hostel
Miles today: 15.8

Last night around the campfire, I met a family of five that goes by the trail name the von Trapp Family. The three kids, ages approximately eight to 14, are home-schooled and as happy and intelligent as any I've ever run across. The family is from Canada and is being sponsored to document their trip. I first spotted them in Hot Springs and again in Erwin, so I know they're making good time and should have no problem completing the trail before their six-month visa expires.All that was missing today was The Sound of Music, as we hiked along high, grassy ridges with spectacular views most of the day. We even had the von Trapp Family out there with us. The scenery rivaled that of any hike in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, including Franconia Ridge and the Presidential Range. On top of the last summit, we met two locals out for a day hike, Susan and Annacorinn, who enthusiastically pointed out the sites visible in every direction.In leaving Erwin three days ago, I moved to AT-5, the fifth of twenty-two maps of the entire trail. Today, at Doll Flats, we finally left North Carolina for good after having straddled the NC/TN border since entering the Smokies two weeks ago. We'll be in Tennessee for another five days or so before entering Virginia.The last few miles today involved a steep, rocky descent down to the Mountain Harbour Hostel. By the time One and I arrived in the late afternoon, all the beds were taken, so we're tenting with a bunch of other late arrivers in the hostel's tenting area. We did manage to get a shower and a shuttle into town for a dinner of burgers and milk shakes. After dinner, several of us, including myself, got buzz cuts. I'm hoping it will help me to cope with the near-record heat this region has been experiencing recently.