morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-03-03
From: Woody Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

A Gift of Sun from GeorgiaCookies are nice but sunshine is better, as far as Trail Magic goes that is. We finished up the 12.3 miles to Woody Gap pretty well, though I was quite tired. We were planning to just do the 7 or so from Hawk Mountain Shelter to Gooch Gap Shelter, but the thought of another frigid night on the trail when a warm bed was close by was motivation. I felt pretty good to Gooch Gap, which was about 8 miles. The next 2 were tougher though, largely I think because I was getting low on fuel. I had half a Snickers bar in my pocket, so I decided to challenge my coordination with the walk and eat. Much to my surprise, I didn't fall and have the candy bar shoved up my nose! I guess I am more coordinated then I thought! The Snickers really helped and the last two miles weren't bad. We were almost to the road at Woody Gap when we saw a blue and white cooler sitting along the side the trail. Of course "Trail Magic" came to mind when we saw that. So we quickened our pace, opened the cooler to see what awaited us. Five empty natty light beer cans, half a bottle of margarita mix, and an empty bottle of tequila. Yeah, I'd pretty much take a sunny day over that for trail magic any day.So we arrived at Woody Gap, mildly disappointed but hopeful for the warm meal and bed awaiting us at the Hiker Hostel. So we sat on the stone wall, and up came the wind. Ferociously. Spoonie Love, Stick, Sci Fi, Cat Toy and Rocky came up soon. We greeted one another, joked and complained about the bitter cold, and waited some more. 5:30 rolled around, and we expected to see someone from the Hostel drive up presently. 5:40. BRRR. Stick and Sci Fi decided to hitch down and "send someone back for us." 5:50. A red pickup pulling a horse trailer pulls up, driven by a petite brunette who smiled and waved. We were a little confused as to why Lea from the Hostel would be driving that, but knowing that the Suburban had encountered some vehicular damage the previous day, we thought it possible.So all five of us hoisted our packs, and started walking towards the truck. The woman rolled down her window and smiled friendly at us. That's when we realized that despite our hopes, it was not Lea. Oops! Can you imagine what that nice woman was thinking watching five dirty hungry hikers walking towards her!Lea did finally come, and we piled into her little sedan. Stick and Sci Fi were showered and clean, comtemplating dinner. I wondered if they really did 'send' back that shuttle!After pizza for dinner and a warm shower and bed to sleep in, we were all rejuvenated and ready to hit the trail again this morning. It was a chilly and windy hike to the climb to Blood Mtn. But, as we ascended the wind calmed and the haze burned away to blue sky. What a day for Blood Mountain! Now I am sitting in the sun on a beautiful rocky overlook, gazing back at Springer. 2.4 miles into Neels Gap, sun shining. This is what it is all about!Danger
Date: 2005-03-04
From: Neels Gap

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

Longest Day YetLast night was spent at the Walasi Yi Hostel at Neels Gap.  It was completely full, with almost too many hikers all in one place.  I couldn't believe that there were so many out this early in the season.  Sadly enough, there were already several people talking about going home.  We took the shuttle run by the Hostel into town for our first AYCE (all you can eat) buffet.  I remembered with great clarity the culinary achievements of the South that we experienced last time.Unfortunately, I think they added an extra something special, and Gravity has been sick with food poisoning all day.  We are a day's walk (~8 miles) from the road at Unicoi Gap, but that may be where are aiming tomorrow.  I hope beyond hope that he was able to get it all out though, and will be feeling better tomorrow.The 10.5 miles today were the hardest so far; lots of ups and downs.  The feet started hurting today, so I took out the 3/4 length orthotics.  Both Gravity and I decided to send our full length orthotics back to the sports medicine people in Boulder for modifications.  We estimate at least three weeks until we get them back.  Today was the third consecutive day of pushing the miles beyond what we planned.  We were both really feeling it, and poor Gravity even more so with how he is feeling.  I really think maybe we should go into Helen at Unicoi Gap tomorrow, but I am conflicted since we suspect town food did this to him.  I guess it is a hard lesson to learn, but buffets in small southern towns are a hiker health hazard.  Hopefully this won't stick with him though like it did with me last time.  I really do think it was that AYCE in Hiawassee that got me in 2001.Now though, I am just happy to be warm and cozy in Low Gap Shelter with Stick, Spoonie-Love, Sci Fi, Rockey, Cat Toy and of course Gravity.  Staring out at the glowing embers of the fire in the fading twilight.  I am hoping for a full and restful nights sleep.  The last few haven't been so much so, and on top of todays hike, I am feeling it.  Let's pray and keep our fingers crossed that Gravity wakes up feeling worlds better than he is now.Danger
Date: 2005-03-05
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap (Helen)
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Bavaria in Georgia?After the tough night last night, Gravity and I decided it would be best to go in to Helen for showers and laundry.  So, we did the 7.2 miles to Blue Mountain Shelter, which weren't too bad.  Although my feet started hurting yesterday, so I decided to take out the 3/4 length insoles.  It seems better without them, but I really, really hope the full lengths come back soon, and properly modified.  The feet do seem to reset after a 15 minute break or so, but they seem to have about three miles at a time before they need a break.  Gravity slept well last night and woke up feeling 100% better.  Thank Gawd!  I was really worried about him.It was a good crew at Blue Mountain Shelter.  Several were staying, but many were pushing on.  We would have stayed, even though it was only early afternoon when we go there.  But, Unicoi Gap and Helen were just two miles down the trail.  So we got a full 9 miles in plus a (another) night in town.The two Canadian girls, Cat Toy and Rocky went ahead since Cat Toy needed to go to the outfitters for new shoes.The other five of us followed a bit later.  We expected to have to take turns hitching in two at a time.  So we were hanging around thumbing it, figuring two or three would take the first ride and the rest the next one.  Several vehicles passed.  One double cab pickup passed but then we saw them turn around.  They were kayakers who often hitch back to their shuttlers and figured they should return the ride karma.  All 5 of us piled into that truck.  Can you believe it, a ride for 5 people??  I couldn't believe it!So we wandered around this bizarre Bavaria-land in Georgia, ate, did laundry, and now are settling down for the evening.  Did I mention what Helen, GA is like?  Helen is basically like a Bavarian Disneyland in Ga.  Fewer than 300 people actually live here, but over 30,000 visit every year.  All of the buildings are like ginger bread houses.There are Clydesdale driven buggies toting chups (sic) wearing tourists.  How do people even know about this place?  I don't really know if pictures or words can capture the weirdness.Anyway, another good day on the AT.  I am looking forward to more than one night at a time in the woods.  Between the arctic nights and Gravity's stomach rebellion we have been in town every other night.  One night and two days to Hiawassee, then three or four days to Franklin.  That will be a little better.  Just hoping the weather holds out.  We got some sprinkles this morning, but it cleared up and turned into another cool but beautiful day.  More of this weather please!Danger
Date: 2005-03-07
From: Addis Gap

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Zero Number OneThe 5.3 from Addis Gap to Dick's Creek Gap wasn't too bad.  I was *so* glad to do Kelly Knob first thing in the morning rather than last thing in the afternoon.  My feet felt pretty good for the first three or so miles.  The descent off of Kelly Knob, the down to the gap is so long.  We took a break when I was ready for one though; sat on a log enjoying the warm sun and shared a couple of bars.  The feet did reset pretty well, but by the time we reached the road they were singing a glass breaking song.  It felt so very good to take my pack off and sit in the grass for a little while.We were both feeling a little down and somewhat apprehensive because we thought we might have lost the gang.  But as we were nearing the road, we noticed a note on the sign post!  Spoonie, Stick, SciFi and the girls were waiting for us in town!  HOORAY!!!  I know we might not make it all the way to Maine together, but this is a great group, and we're just having so much fun together, I would have been sad to lose them.So, we hitched a ride into town, excited to find everyone.  By the way, this was the most cush ride yet.  It looked as if the gold Lexus SUV was going to drive right by, most likely accelerating upon seeing us.  But just past the pull out to the trailhead parking, it slowed and pulled off.  Shocked, we grabbed our packs and poles and ran to meet it.  It was a very friendly couple of retired educators, looking at mountain property.  They were torn between retiring to the beach or the mountains.  The wife clearly preferred the mountains, but the husband was really struggling with the decision.  They were very friendly and talkative and thought what we were doing is wonderful.  They took us right to the front door of the Holiday Inn.So into the hotel we stomped, eager to find the Gang.  Sadness!  They were not there and had not checked in.  We didn't know what to do because we didn't want to check in only to find they'd checked in to another hotel.  So we decided to hoist our packs and set out to look for them.  Judgement clouded by Town Daze and hunger, and patience at it's end, this decision ended up leading to an exercise in frustration.  After some stern short tempered words we decided to return to the Holiday Inn, get a room, some lunch and just hope to find the gang.  So we turned and walked through the endless Ingles Grocery parking lot, through the Dill's grocery lot, 'short cut' through the 1/10 mile of pricker bushes.  Cussed extravagantly.  Cut up the steep embankment between the Dills and the Holiday Inn, and back to the hotel.After showering, having lunch and returning to the hotel, we saw Rocky at the computer using the internet in the lobby.  Rocky!  The gang has checked in, and they were in the room adjoining ours!!!  Reunited!!Danger
Date: 2005-03-08
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

 Woke up this morning to freezing rain blowing side ways. Went to the lobby to put a dent in the exceptional continental breakfast offered by the hotel. Devoured coffee, grits and a cinamon roll. Still freezing and blowing side ways. Decided to request late check out so as to delay our exposure to the elements. It looked like the sun was trying to peek through, but the sleet over came it. No one wanted to actually choose to go out into that. Well, Gravity felt compelled to, but the other six voices of reason talked him back to sanity. So here we are, enjoying a luxurious Hero day at the Holiday Inn. We even have a jacuzzi tub, which each one of us has enjoyed at least once. Ohhh, yeahhh, This is the life!!!
Date: 2005-03-09
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

One down and thirteen to go!After putting another, albeit less significant, dent in the Holiday Inn continental breakfast, we packed up and stuck out our thumbs.  Stick, Spoonie and the girls were ahead of us and got a ride pretty quickly.  SciFi was behind us, and it took us a bit longer.  We did finally get a ride with a friendly young dentist.  He was only able to take us 3/4 of the way up though, so he wouldn't be late for work.  He dropped us off at what seemed a random location, but wouldn't you know it the person's property that we were hitching from was a local shuttle driver.  She was pulling out of her driveway, and upon seeing her we all felt a bit guilty and embarrased for loitering on her property.  She rolled her window down and asked if we were heading up to the trailhead. After answering affirmative, she said "Well hold on and let me see if I can get the VW started up."  So we got a ride the rest of the way in a restored VW bus.It was a relatively difficult day in terms of terrain, and my feet were really hurting.  We finally stopped and Tom concocted a set (ed: orthotics I guess!) up with mole foam that did a wonderful job in relieving the pressure.  The exciting part of the day was finishing our first state, we are now done with Georgia and in North Carolina.  Woo hoo!  We got to a very crowded Muskrat Creek Shelter around 3:30.  After setting up the tent we had mac-n-cheese for dinner and socialized a bit.  I felt a little left out because the gang got there sooner and were all in the shelter, but there was no room for us.  Oh well.  I was happy for a relatively quiet night with just Tom in the tent, but when I heard the laughter from the shelter I did feel a little like I was missing out.  I am always so surprised when I realize just how social I can be.  It did turn out that we had a better night in the tent though.  They were packed in there like sardines, and no one got a very good night's sleep.Danger
Date: 2005-03-10
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Carver Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: clear sky

We went to sleep pretty early.  I was pretty beat from our 11.6 miles, and I was out shortly after dark.  I woke up around 3am to what I thought was the sound of rain.  It ended up blowing and snowing the rest of the night.  I was relieved when we woke up around 6:30 to clear skies.  It was a pretty cold start this morning, but the sun blazed strong all day.We had a hot lunch on top of Standing Indian Mountain, and it was spectacular.  It was so warm, no wind blowing and the views were expansive.  Another day to live for on the AT.Just before the climb to Standing Indian, we took a break with the gang.  Stick ended up getting sick this morning and Spoonie's eye's were the puffiest they have been.  She has been having some sort of allergic reaction since she's been on the trail and waking up with swollen eyes.  She also had a sore throat.  With Stick and Spoonie sick, and after the very bad night last night they really wanted to go in to town.  I guess there was a connector trail to Standing Indian campground where they planned to get a ride into Franklin.  Tom and I could neither stomach nor justify yet another night in town after just one night on trail.  So, we decided to push on.Spoonie was making noise about going home.  I sure hope that another warm bed and meal encourage her to keep at it.  So, the kids are all in town tonight, and we are at Carver Gap Shelter.  Sharing the shelter with 4 other thru-hikers:  Sean, Michael, Dave and Brett/Easy.  I am hoping tonight is warmer than last night was.  I think it will be, since we are in the shelter with lots of body heat and not camped on the ground, heating up the snow!  There is supposed to be some nasty weather rolling in tonight though; blowing snow, sleet and freezing rain.  If that is what we wake up to I think it will be a shelter day tomorrow.  Hopefully we will wake up to another clear morning thouh...Danger
Date: 2005-03-11
From: Carver Gap Shelter

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Over the 100 mile mark!Brrr.  Brrr.  Had a reasonably warm night in Carter Gap Shelter last night.  After some discussion over who owed whom a yogurt dipped granola bar, we got our earliest start yet:  7:45.  It was cold but clear this morning, which was a big relief for me because snow and sleet predicted for today.  The weather stayed clear and crisp all morning, and we had wonderful views from Albert Mountain.  Although, as we ate our lunch on the summit by the fire tower, the wind picked up and clouds were moving in.My feet held up pretty well for this morning.  We were surprised to find ourselves 1/2 way done with the miles for the day at 11:00 am.  Nice not to have time pressure though.  The feet gave me more trouble the second half of the day on the very long descent from Albert down to Rock Gap Shelter.  Also the weather became irrational to psychotic around 1pm.  It went from partly cloudy with sun mostly shining to snow and hail blowing fiercely sidways.  We bundled up, put on pack covers and trudged onwards.  About 15 minutes later as we began a climb, the sun came out and the snow was gone as quickly as it came.  Of course we were all bundled up so with the sun coming out and the climb we promptly began to sweat.  It stayed sunny with some flurries all the way to the shelter.  It looks now though that the cloud has settled over us and is giving us all she's got.  The wind keeps changing direction and the snow is blowing hard.  Presently, right into the shelter.  I will not be surprised if we all wake up covered in snow...but just 3.8 into Franklin so, all should be good in the morning.  I had an idea to push the 3.8 yet this afternoon.  While I would be greatful to be in a warm bed right now, I don't think my feet could have made it.  Tomorrow will be a nero though, and I am looking forward to it!Danger
Date: 2005-03-13
From: Franklin

To: Campsite
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

After a great day in Franklin, Gravity and I are back on the trail. This is our first night out camping all alone, without anyone else around. A big thunderstorm has rolled in, and we are lying here slightly paranoid in our new tent since it hasn't been rain tested until now. So far it is holding up.We had a gorgeous day for Siler Bald and Wayah Bald today. The warmest day yet, but I guess that brought the rain. Hopefully it will pass over tonight and be nice and clear in the morning. We have 11.5 mi to Wesser planned for tomorrow. No dead trees, but I think I remember a firetower from which there will be views for miles...hope we stay dry tonight!DangerP.S.  Feet are doing better...
Date: 2005-03-16
From: NOC

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: snow

The GangGood night last night warm and cozy listening to the rain on the cabin "roof".  I was looking forward to sleeping in with the short day planned.  Unfortunately sometime around 5:45 am the people in the room above us decided to put on their boots, and clunk around on the creaky floor boards for an hour.  Naturally, since this was a rare morning in which sleeping in was a possibility, I was wide awake at the crack of dawn.  The clunking up above didn't help, but at least breakfast was available at 7:30.  Nothing like a yummy breakfast following a hot shower.It was still cloudy, cool and dripping as Gravity and I walked down towards the restaurant.  All was quiet in the misty morning when we noticed four figures emerging from across the road.  Then we heard excited shouts:  "Gravity!  Danger!  Yay!!!  It was the rest of the Gang:  Spoonie, Stick, Humpty and FT.  Very exciting to see them again!  We all had breakfast together, with lots of laughter and catching up.  We're back on the same schedule now, and it looks like we'll be going through the Smokies together.The climb out of NOC was a bear, and the fog and cold drizzle didn't help.  As far as rainy days go though, it really wasn't that bad.  We reached the shelter a little after 1pm, and both Gravity and I were happy for the short day.  Had an early dinner, and been enjoying talking and joking with the group here at Sassafras.  Stick has really been fighting a cold ot the flu, and he decided to turn back and spend a warm night at the NOC.  I think he'll catch us in Gatlinburg though.Been looking out at a shroud of fog all afternoon.  I am thankful that we haven't had this foggy wet weather till now though.  Supposed to be a bit worse tonight and tomorrow, but clearer on Friday.Happy to be back with most of the gang, thankful for another short day tomorrow, and still loving every minute of it.  I will however, be happy for Spring!Danger
Date: 2005-03-20
From: Fontana Village

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: broken clouds

On Top of Old SmokeyThe climb out of Fontana, up Shuckstack yesterday wan't bad at all. It started out a bit overcast but the sun won out to give us an afternoon of blue sky. We planned to do 11.5 to Mollie's Ridge Shelter, but we arrived there to somewhat of a scene. There was a boyscout group, some spring breakers and several other thruhikers. No room at the inn, and it seemed like the makings for a less than quiet evening. That last steep push up to Mollie's did tire me out, but after a good long break, we were thinking more seriously about pushing 2.5 more to the next shelter. Stick, SciFi and Turtle had already pushed on. Spoonie and Humpty were behind us. We've been worried about Humpty though because he has been having severe pain in a muscle where an old combat wound has opened back up. I tell you, Humpty must be hurting ten times more than the rest of us. Now that is truly stoic. I admire that he has even come this far...After a few minutes Spoonie showed up and a little while after that Humpty did. We all decided to push on. I swear that the 2.5 was at least 3, which at the end of an already long day felt like a lot. Fortunately, Russell Field Shelter wasn't the scene that Mollies was, at least not when we got there. I was so tired, more sore and tired than I have been yet. It was just about the longest day we've done yet and boy did I feel it. We were sure that we were the last ones in, but people kept pulling in by the two's. Finally, everyone had cooked and eaten dinner and settled down into their bags for the night when a school group of 6 showed up, at 8pm! So, we all scooted over and squished together to make room. This of course riled everyone back up, and it took a while for things to quiet back down enough to go to sleep. Not my idea of peace and tranquility. As a matter of fact, in general the past week or so has felt very busy. Tons of thru-hikers, spring breakers and weekenders, all competing for shelter space and tent sites. I really don't like the feeling of competition for resources. That feeling was supposed to be left behind when we hit the trail, and I have some resentment encountering it out here now.Danger
Date: 2005-03-21
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Another beautiful day again today.  Unfortunately, the terrain was very difficult and my mind and muscles were very fatigued.  The miles just did not come easy today.  We had to decide between 9.2 and 14.7 miles today.  Despite the beautiful weather today and forecast for rain tomorrow, there was no way I could go more than 9.  At least everyone else seems to be feeling the same way.  We figured that we would rather take our time and enjoy the park than to push the bodies and the miles only to zero  at some cheap motel in town.  So today we are enjoying the clear sky and the warm sun.  Everyone has been spending their afternoon on the grass just relaxing in the gift of this day.  Things could be worse.  Hopefully the weather won't be too bad tomorrow.  It's too bad that in the Smokies you are restricted to camping at the shelters.  You are stuck with either super short or pretty long days, which I am finding extremely frustrating.  On the one hand I want to take out time to enjoy the park but I also feel some urgency to get through the park away from the restrictions.  Sigh.... guess you just have to take the good with the bad.Danger