morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-03
From: Wallace Gap-Old US 64

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: light rain

Started:Wallace Gap Old US 64,12:40 pmFinish:Siler Bald Shelter 5:45 pmSleeping:ShelterMiles:6.8 MilesTotal Miles AT:110.3(w/approach trail)121.1It took forever to get started today.We were thanking God we'd zeroed in Franklin. Last night turned into tunderstorm alley for the hikers out on the trail. Timing is everything.It was Lonestar's Birthday today. We celebrated at the local pancake house called City Cafe. Mala showed up and it was off to the outfitters, the US Post Office & a Scotish Museum. I bought a MacDonald Clan embroidered crest to put on my back. So cool... We ended up getting back to the hotel after checkout. The manager wasn't to happy with us so we left the maids a little extra tip, as we should have. The manager seemed pleased about that.Mala, our favorite trail junkie, then took us to our drop off point on Old US 64. he offer to give us a 3.1 mile option to 'slack pack' to Winding Stair Gap US 64. Let me see...hike 3 miles with 45 pounds on my back OR hike without a pack...gee let me see, ah let me think about this. Okay, everyone reading my journal, guess what we did?We started up Winding stair and found a little Capri Sun trail magic in the local stream, took a photo and like the bear we haven't seen yet, went over the mountain and out into a parking lot in Winding Stair Gap to more trail magic from a Baptist Collegiate Ministry group. Students from Converse and Wofford College were there with Tracy Turner, from Spartanberg SC. Got a banana & Tootsie Pop. Then Lonstar & I got our packs from Mala & took off to finish our last 3.7 miles   Lonestar managed to injure her lower right shin today and she milked it for all it was worth. She started limping when she saw all the men at the shelter. Ha It's time for BLUEBIRD REPORTS:Let's talk Utility knifes. Before I left sweet Rodney bought me a Leatherman. Alpine, the outfitter dude says send that monster home and hands me a Swiss Army Mini, Ultralite Utility knife, about the size of my pinky finger. This comes down to a personal choice. The mini knife has been adaquate and the Leatherman is weighty, but hey I miss my cork screw!!! The temp has dropped and it has been announced that we have past the 1/20 of the way point on the AT. Lonestar is giving the Newsweek Carnel Knowledge Quiz to the entire shelter. We all failed.
Date: 2006-04-04
To: Journey (AT 2003)
Miles today: 0.0

Journey here....I've just put some of Bluebirds photos up. I have dial-up which takes FOREVER to load, so be patient, I'll do a few every day. Bluebird can fill in the names and descriptions when she has some down time after her hike.I spoke with Bluebird's significant other, Rod, this week. He misses her terribly, but is so very supportive of her adventure. I can tell you from experience, that the support of family and friends back home and the support from total strangers at Trail Journals is what will keep Bluebird moving north.Also, several times I have heard from Bluebird's mom, whom I have dubbed Momma Bird. I admire her love and affection for her baby bird.So, keep signing her guest book with your amazing good wishes and stay tuned...there's so much more to come~J.
Date: 2006-04-04
From: Haven Budget Inn

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: clear sky

Started:Siler Bald Sheter 9:00amFinish:Cold Spring Shelter 5:45pmSleeping:TentMiles:12.1 MilesTotal Miles AT:122.4 Miles(w/approach trail)133.2 MilesWe had a blast last night in the shelter, lots of laughter.Today was a long and difficult at times. Ran into our Baptist Trail Angels again...more goodies. One of the girls came running after us with an AT data book a hiker had left behind. We found it's owner at Cold Spring Shelter, Red Baron. He was a happy hiker.Another cold night, the first in my new tent. The shelter was full.The woods are beginning to come alive. A week ago most of the forest floors in GA and NC were a carpet of brown leaves. Today the sky was blue & cloudless. The sun shone down on small green shoots pushing their way up toward it's light & warmth. It looked like emerald jewels scattered everywhere. So pretty.Bluebird Reports:   Did I mention a WARM hat & gloves. Absolutely a must I have 2 pair of gloves and I don't regret it. I wear both when it's really cold...like tonight.
Date: 2006-04-05
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Started:Cold Spring Shelter 9:00amFinish: NOC Natahala Outdoor Center 5:45pmSleeping:HostelMiles:11.5 MilesTotal Miles AT:133.9 Miles(w/approach trail)142.7 MilesToday was rough. Miles of downhill hiking is hard on knees and feet, no matter what your age. Through the windging, the wincing & the whining I managed to take in the many wildflowers in bloom or ready to burst forth. I have begun to photograph a few for trail journal readers to identify.The NOC has a huge facility in NC but I would call it, 'Far from hiker friendly' No shuttle service, cabins and hostel bunk houses spread out and only accessable by walking with full packs. Room rate reasonable, but $1.00 extra for a towel. Closest hotel runs $60.00 a night. Woman's Bathroom has washer and dryer tha is not hooked up...had to sneak in men's room to do clothes.Bluebird Reports:When hiking the AT leave preconcieved ideas of privacy, modesty, manners and cleanliness behind. It weighs to much! Dorothy, out here, your not in Kansas anymore.   I will leave you now, as my body needs rest and they are talking white water rafting tomorrow.
Date: 2006-04-06
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Started:NOC Natahala Outdoor Center 10:30am Finished:Sassafras Gap Shelter Sleeping:ShelterMiles:6.9 MilesTotal Miles AT:140.8 Miles(w/approach trail)151.5 MilesYesterday it was the downhills, today the uphills. You start each day saying, "Sure, I think I can do a couple extra miles...but your body is laughing it's butt off at you...especially on the miles that are included in the decent into, and the ascent out of, the NOC. I believe this place was put here as some kind of evil ATC test. I mean, everyone's saying they had their can kicked. Now over the NOC hump, I set my automatic pilot toward Fontana with my goodie mail drop from Karen... thanks Karen. Ran into my first South bounders on the AT today. South Paw & Beamish. These guys are from the AT class of 2005. One started last July,the other in August. They are less than 140 miles short of their finished through hike. Very cool.Bunch of new folk at the shelter tonight. One Day, Stateline Jay...to name only a few. Bluebird reports:I am becoming a pack, weight loss junkie! I've got my pack down to 38 pound fully loaded (this includes fuel, food and water). Removing the things I can survive without, may in turn save my feet and/or knees from destuction.Today I talked to an outfitter at NOC that said I could go lighter in a down sleeping bag, but it maybe better to stay with my 15 degree Marmot synthetic bag, at least till I got through The Smokies, for the same reasons I bought the bag. When wet, synthetic bags will still insulate and keep you warm. Down bags do not...It is cold and wet in them there hills. I'm holding onto my Marmot.Somewhere tonight, in Washington, all my sisters are with our Mother, at a restaurant having dinner. They are celebrating Sara's 75th birthday. Kathy is giving her the scapebook she has worked on for more than a year.A huge effort filled with mom's history in pictures and pure burst of creativity. I'm so glad that I'm here, but how I wish I could be there tonight. Happy Birthday Mama.Your Bluebird
Date: 2006-04-07
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Stecoah Gap, NC 143
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: clear sky

Started:Sassafras Gap Shelter, 8:15amFinished:Stecoah Gap, NC 143, 1:00pmSleeping:LodgeMiles:6.7 MilesTotal Miles AT:147.5 Miles(w/approach trail)156.3 MilesWarmest night since I started. Stateline Jay says it was 56 degrees. Hey, I slept without gloves!The plan was to go to Brown Fork Shelter, but we were plucked off thqe mountain by our buddy Mala. He picked up severe weather warning coming in our direction & said he didn't want to see any hikers up on the knob with the threat of 60 mile an hour winds, hail & tornado warnings. So six of us came down to Fontana Lodge to grab a room for the night. Mala has offered to let us slack pack tomorrow to make up for a lost half day hiking. We plan to do 14 miles from where we left off and hike into Fontana. Even without the extra weight of our pack it will probably take eight hours. We had a great meal after picking up my mail at the post office. I asked the post office attendant for my package and she laughed. I was overwhelmed. I got my personal mail drop, mail from Rod, my ma's peanut butter chocolate pretzels (hikers loved them). Got a goodie box. I indulged myself with the Dove and Olay products...thanks Virginia! and ohhhhhhh I love Milano cookies. Bluebird Reports:Listen to locals when it comes to weather ups and downs in the mountains. I was told that if it's 50 degrees off the mountain it will be 5 to 8 degrees colder on the mountain. If it calls for 40 per cent chance of rain off the mountain add 25 per cent to get mountain percentages.We were informed that a fellow hiker, Phoenix (appox. age 56) died of a heart attack, while sleeping in a shelter,in the Smokie Mountains. My heart and prayers go out to the family & friends of our AT soul-mate. Yesteday I stopped and stood before a magnificiant, huge, fallen tree. It seemed sad, but also had the ability to hold my gaze. In death it held a rare beauty and meaning...like it's life had come full circle as it should. Moss grew upon it's resting frame. New life sprang from it's slow decay. You could see that, when it fell, it's roots were still holding tightly to life, to the earth and rock it had grown around to support it's massive size. I realised that no matter how big, strong or capable I am or how tightly I hold onto life, someday a mighty wind will come and call me home. I will fall and return to the earth, just like the tree. Giving back only a fraction of what this life has given me. Rest gently with the fallen trees, Phoenix.    I am to bed now. The bad weather is closing in, my prayers are with my fellow hikers up on the high places.As for my roomates Martin, Melatonin, Lonestar & Mala, goodnight.Bluebird out!   ------------------------------
Date: 2006-04-09
From: Fontana Dam, NC 28

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

Started:Fontana Dam NC 28, 10:30amFinished:Mollies Ridge Shelter, 6:30pmSleeping:ShelterMiles:12.4 MilesTotal Miles AT:173.9 Miles(w/approach trail)182.7 MilesToday was odd to say the least. I had my first meltdown that brought on a flood of tears. I felt angry, hurt & confused. Midlife sucks...I am finally in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Park runs along the TN and NC borders and the hike into the park was a killer. My feet still hurt and I'm in my sleeping bag. Big suprise when I got to Mollies...Creaky Bonze was there. I read her journal last year while preparing for my hike and we emailed back and forth for some time. I knew she was back on the trail this year. I started after her and didn't expect to see her 'til trail days in Damascus. We got our picture together, which is great. She having some problems with her one foot (planter facia) and is moving slowly. I have the same thing and it can be terribly painful.Bluebird Reports: I am really pleased with my choice of fuel and cooking bits and pieces. I purchased a Pepsi can, alcohol stove on ebay. It came with directions and fuel choices. It will work with 70% or 90% rubbing alcohol, but denatured alcohol is better as it does not leave a black residue on your cooking pot. I purchased a wind screen (very important) as it keeps the flame from blowing out. Very light weight too.Before I end, I want to once again thank folks for signing my journal and leaving notes of encouragemnt,etc. When you get this far on the trail the mental aspects start to over-shaddow the physical. I receive quite a number of emails at one time (I can only retrieve them when I get to a real phone). I want so badly to answer all of them. I appreciate them so much, but it's becoming difficult because of the number I recieve at one time. So, please try to understand if I don't always answer back. Thanks so much,Bluebird, somwhere on Top of Old Smoky   ------------------------------
Date: 2006-04-10
From: Mollie's Ridge Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: clear sky

Started:Mollies Ridge Shelter,8:30amFinished:Derrick Knob Shelter,6:15pmSleeping:ShelterMiles:11.7 MilesTotal Miles AT:185.6 Miles(w/approach trail)194.4 MilesOkay, my extremely sore body is telling me it's time to do some short milage days. Tomorrow I'm only planning to trek 7.4 miles. The Smoky Mountains are a bit different on the AT, in their amenities offered at shelters.So far NO privies. Your bathroom facility is the side of the ridge opposite the water sorce. This makes for interesting encounters...need I say more. I tend to sing loudly, "I'm here , I'm a girl and I'M HERE!" while doing my business. Hey it requires some creativity.The shelters are built in great locations with lovely surroundings and views. They have outside fire pits and fireplaces inside the three sided structures. Most of the bear cages that were on the shelters in the past have or are being removed. The shelter we are in tonight has a caged front.BLUEBIRD REPOTS: I've seen alot of people using a light weight tyvec sheet under their sleeping matress and bag when sleeping in the shelters. It is a great vapor and wind barrier, for added warmth. It can double as your tent ground cloth.It isthe beginning of my third week on the AT. Today we dropped below the 2000 mile mark, toward Katahdin. Have I really already walked almost 200 miles? YES I HAVE! Bluebird has a moment
Date: 2006-04-11
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

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

Started: Derrick Knob Shelter,10:00amFinished:Double Spring Gap Shelter,3:00pmSleeping:ShelterMiles:7.2 MilesTotal Miles AT:192.8 Miles(w/approach trail)201.6 MilesI woke up a moment ago and, while laying in my warm sleeping bag, listened to hikers beginning to move about in the course of their morning rituals. Each hiker, by now, seems to have found what works best for them, given the temperature upon waking, the distance they plan to hike that day, whether or not they prefer a hot breakfast or can't be bothered with their stoves this early in am.Right now Paul, who hiked in 1986 and is now hiking part of the AT with his son,is building a morning fire...what a guy.Before I pull myself from my toasty bed, I want to thank God for the unexpected warmth we are experiencing here in the Smoky Mountains. We heard stories of snow and freezing temperatures. It cold right now, but I can type this WITHOUT two pairs of gloves. Not so in GA.I made it a short day today, along with about five other hikers. Everyone needed the break. Tomorrow, however, they are talking 14.8 miles...ARE THEY CRAZY...Okay, I said I'd try, but I need to hitch into Gatlinburg for some extra food for lunches 'til I reach Standing Bear Hostel. So, I will hike 10.8 miles to the road, hitch in, hitch back and hike 3.0 miles to the next shelter. I THINK I'll check my headlamp batteries.Today we were greeted at the shelter by a South Bound thru hiker, Garfield & his new hiking buddy, Chan. Chan just been hiking around for the last three years. Oh blah dee, Oh blah dah, Life goes on Brah, la la how that life goes on.Bluebird Reports: Carrying a cell phone on the trail is a personal preference. Purist frown on it, but it can come in handy for making 'up front' reservations at hostels, etc. That is, if you can get a signal..."Can you hear me now"
Date: 2006-04-12
From: Double Spring Gap Shelter

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

Started:Double Spring Gap Shelter, 8:30amFinished:Icewater Spring Shelter,6:45pmSleeping:ShelterMiles:13.8 MilesTotal Miles AT:206.6 Miles(w/approach trail) 215.4 MilesLet's see, people I ran into today while hiking: Larry & Jim are locals that hike together regularly. Great guys that resembled the odd couple. Older fellows one of which appeared very conservative, the other white long hair with a beard. At the parking lot before Newfound Gap were our Trail Angels. At Newfound Gap I spoke to a family from Wisconsin. Abbey & Riley got chance to try on my pack and see how heavy it was.Yesterdays hike was the longest I've walked with a full pack. The last 2/10 mile felt like someone was taking a wooden paddle and smaking my feet with it.I don't think you ever ge used to the pains that come with hiking, you build up yur tolerence towards it.Bluebird Reports: I find that carbs are the things you need most when distance hiking. I am up to three packs of oatmeal in the morning with double Hershey's Hot Cocoa. The calories are now enough to last me till lunch without being completely fatigued. My lunches had to much protien so I have added Payday Candy Bars to my Beef Jerkey, Peanut Butter and Raw Almonds. I love it. I can eat myself silly and not gain a pound!
Date: 2006-04-13
From: Icewater Springs Shelter

To: Tricorner Shelter
Miles today: 12.6

Started:Icewater Springsr, 8:30amFinished:Tricorner Shelter,4:00pmSleeping:ShelterMiles:12.6 MilesTotal Miles AT:219.2 Miles(w/approach trail) 224.2 MilesAnother absolutely beautiful day in the Smoky Mtns. All the hikers are glad to see this window of good weather after GA. We heard horror stories of colder tempertures, but fortune is shining on us and by mid day we are hiking in shorts and short sleeves. Trying to decide how many miles to tackle tomorrow. I'll decide tomorrow.The batteries in camera died. Journey, my transcriber, will probably be thankful when she sees how many photos I've already taken.Bluebird Reports: Some hikers believe that putting garlic in your pack and food bag keeps the mice out...vampires too!Today I ran into a section hiker named Paul. He was handing out Hershey Bars. I got into the shelter and someone gave me a Take 5 Bar. Only on the trail can I eat like this. Someone said that, on an average, a thru hikerq burns anywhere from four to six thousand calories a day.
Date: 2006-04-14
From: Tricorner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: moderate rain

Started:Tricorner Shelter, 7:45amFinished:Standing Bear Hostel,6:00pmSleeping:HostelMiles:18.1 MilesTotal Miles AT:237.3 Miles(w/approach trail) 246.1 MilesWow, I'm already out of The Great Smoky National Park. I couldn't seem to stop today. I wanted to get to a phone and send out my journal entries for the past week. I assumed could take me to a drug store and post office on Saturday, but nooooo...I have decided to 0 tomorrow and get all my ducks in a row before heading towards Hot Springs.Lonestar has been trying to put extra miles in because she has to leave the trail for a graduation and wedding in Texas and wants to be able to catch up with all the folks we've been hiking with when she get back. It's possible, but will take some planning. She's heading out tomrrow so I won't be seeing her again for a while.Bluebird Reports: When coming down a steep decent, take your time and watch your footing.I fell, not once, bit twice today. The first time was on a decent. Gravity pulls you down a mountain quickly when you have a heavy pack on your back. You put the poles out in front of you to slow the momentum. When my right pole stuck and I kept going, my right foot caught the base of my treking pole and Bluebird was airborn. This, coupled with a wing malfunction, sent me head long (head first) into left side of the trail. Fortunately it was dirt, moss and gravelwith which my head collided, not rock or a 100 ft. drop. Scrap on my head and knee...first one since grade school.      The second incident was walking along a road looking for a white blaze to guide me under I 40. A patrol car that had pulled over a truck caught my eye and my right foot caught a pot hole and my treking poles went over here and my cell phone and camera went over there and I went down again, this time on my right side. This time there was litle bleeding involved. The truck driver was a sweetheart and gave me a cold bottle of spring water.Trail magic day today. Spoon Man was heading into North Carolina from Seattle and decided to do a little magic where the trail crossed the road. He was giving out Nutter Butter Cookies and Cold Pepsi. He hiked the trail and came up 187 miles short of finishing. Ran out of time. He plans to complete Maine this year. I believe he said he's heading up there this August. See you then Spoon Man!Oh, and thanks for Pointing me in the right direction.
Date: 2006-04-15
From: Standing Bear Hostel

To: Standing Bear Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Started:0 Day Standing Bear HostelFinished:0 Day Standing Bear HostelSleeping:HostelMiles:0 MilesTotal Miles AT:237.3 Miles(w/approach trail) 246.1 MilesThis was a good day for me to charge up. Unexpected fun at the local, fast water creek. We walked a mile into the woods to a swimming hole to a place Sprocket (a local)told us about. I jumped off bolders the size of large sheds into crystal clear, ice cold water. At first the water actually hurt my extremities and made it hard to breath, but after a few plunges it felt envigorating. Woohoo! Gals from the WWWBM "Wise, Wild Woman of Black Mountian" showed up. Mickey, Joan & Karen. Great time had by all. Can't wait to see the pictures, Mickey.I went out tonight for a pull pork sandwich with fries, some Sam Adams Boston Lager and one pint of Ben & Jerry's Napolian (half Cherries Garcia, half Fudge Brownie). Somebody stop me! My appetite, while long distance hiking, has become an entity unto its self. Said our good-byes to Lonestar this am. Read, napped, went swimming and ate, ate, ate. I hope I can move my legs tomorrow. Everytime I go to get up my muscles scream, but my mind and heart never even suggest that I quit.
Date: 2006-04-16
To: Journey (AT 2003)
Miles today: 0.0

OK, I can't stand it any longer, I'm in Bluebird journal withdraw! It's been 9 days since we've had an update on Bluebird's adventure.I called Rod, Bluebird's sweetie, last week to see if he had heard from her. He had and reported that she had spent several zeros in Fontana due to the horrendous storms in the area. I remember from our 3 months in the rain in 2003, just how scary and dangerous that can be, so I was happy to hear that she was safe and sound.Wireless phone service in Fontana was almost nonexistant, and Rod said that she was having some trouble with her pocketmail, so no journal updates were sent to me.Yesterday morning I was so disappointed to have missed 2 phone calls from Bluebird. On her messages left, she sounded strong and upbeat and promised to send lots of journals very soon.I spoke with Rod again last night and he reported that Bluebird had fallen twice on Friday, both times falling forward (I always hated to fall forward, it's much nicer to fall backward onto your pack!), the second time skinning her knees, so was planning to take today off to give herself a day to heal.Rod and I again talked about how important his support is to bluebird's success in this adventure and how unselfish it is for the one "left behind". I should have Jack call Rod and commiserate. Hang in there Rod, the Bluebird that returns to you will be forever changed for the positive.So......Happy Easter Bluebird, wherever you are. We send strength and good wishes to you as you hike north~J.