morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-29
From: Beech Gap

To: USFS Road 67
Miles today: 9.1

OK, so now another day of challenges. I planned to go to Betty Creek Gap because it was only 7 or so miles and I fear pushing too hard and injuring myself like last year.So, on the way I met a man who said it was only 8 miles to some great trail magic...and he said it was service road 83. For some reason that didn't sound right, but who am I to challenge it.I got to Betty Creek Gap and just didn't like the layout, and the water was stagnant salamander still...so I decided I'd try to go another mile to the alleged trail magic. Upon arriving at road 83 I discovered that there was zero magic, but two other hikers there, one of whom was Silverback. He said it was about another 1.3 miles to USFS 67. I decided to go on and try it after filling up with some free flowing water along the trail.See, when I read something that says (cliffs) I thought that meant I would be looking at cliffs....NOT crawling across wet rocks along the face of it...there goes that darned acrophobia again!I managed to traverse the rest of it and just as I got to the road, I spotted a red bandana on a board that had the words Trail Magic...and was met by Silverback.Gatorade had a great setup for trail magic, a grill made from a huge saw, food galore. Two drinks, a quesadilla, and I was just stuffed. I told Gatorade that I was just at the end of my day and was looking for a place to pitch my tent. He introduced me to the Albert Arms, a huge multi-person tent set up just for late arrival hikers. In addition there was a privy he and Fishin' Fred had dug and set up. Luxury...being able to change clothes while standing in the tent....putting down my sleeping pad and sleeping bad without having to set up my tent. Then Flatbread and Skirt arrived. She came down to help with the trail magic, from Boston, and Skirt lives in Hot Springs I believe. Great 4 people with whom to spend an evening...PLUS homemade beef stew. That was all truly magic.
Date: 2006-03-30
From: USFS Road 67

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: clear sky

Oh my, blueberry pancakes and hot coffee in the morning, with an orange for take along food...what a start for a great day.Turns out that Skirt works for an outfitter, and she and Flatbread took my backpack apart, re-adjusted it and it fit so much better than it has. Sure wish the guy at REI had managed to do it right the first time.Then Albert Mountain. I was debating whether or not to go on the alternate trail, then decided that I just had to do the mountain. Again the acrophobia was kicking in big time, and was constantly with me. If the women had not adjusted the pack for me, I think it would have thrown me off balance while climbing. I am not a good climber, and the pack had been shifting before they fixed it. As it was I think it took the better part of an hour for me to do the climb....When I finished it I was so shocked that I made it that I forgot to take a photo, didn't even remember to get the scout leaders at the top to take one for me...what a bummer.Anyway, I decided then that I would be in Franklin this evening. I think a mistake because I've now bruised the left heel pretty badly....I'll take the next few days visiting with my friends the Coleys, and hope that it has time to rest before I get back out....accomplishment is a great thing.As I was approaching Old 64, I met up with a couple I had met earlier on the trail when they were day hiking....Lennie and Nancy. They were chatting with FDR, another through hiker. In the conversation I asked how much farther to 64, because I needed to hitch a ride to Franklin...they asked when I needed to be there...answer..before dark. These lovely people took us into Franklin, delivered us to the Haven Budget Inn in time for the kick off of the Hiker Bash (or Hiker Fest) and wouldn't even take gas money....more trail angels.Off to good food, visit and party and eat with other hikers....thanks Ron Havens, Solace, Crutch and all the others.
Date: 2006-03-31
From: Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Zero day doing washing, eating at the Saphire Motel with the rest of the hikers, met friends the Coleys for a good visit. They helped with errands, haircut, shopping, asian food for my cravings, sightseeing. Can't help but love good friends.
Date: 2006-04-02
From: WInding Stair Gap

To: NOC
Miles today: 27.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Early starts, tenting between shelters, late stops...didn't like this part of the trail last year...or this.NOC IS WONDERFUL. Staying in Hostel...met up with Nacho, Gorgin George and met Tybee Pete for the first time. Nacho's mom, Cindy, is here also.Bunk bed worksfor me....no one else in the room so actually a private room.
Date: 2006-04-03
From: NOC

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: light rain

OK, I have done a lot of places that I either skipped or used alternate trails for last year....but now, the dreaded entry into Stecoah Gap. This is where I ended my hike last year, right at Stecoah Gap.I confess my anxiety level has built up tremendously, dreading the hike from NOC to Brown Gap Shelter. It has had me in a state of anxiety. So...when Cindy, Nacho's mom, offered to yellowblaze me to Stecoah Gap and let me start right where it ended last year...I jumped on it. Now the purists among us might yell about that, but indeed....I did do that section last year, and didn't do it this year...but it is my hike. The relief was very short lived, because the climb out of Stecoah Gap was as bad as anticipated. While I don't like to see others suffer, it did my heart good to realize that much younger folks were also struggling with that direct climb. It was tough. I kept hearing the song "Jacob's Ladder" in my head.Tybee Pete just hustled up that hill ahead of me, making me doubt the truth of his statement of his age. When I finally got to the turn off for Brown Gap Shelter I looked at the sign and foolishly thought "gee, I can do another 6.5 miles". Mercy! That was not an easy day at all. Didn't think I'd make it to Cable Gap, but I did, pretty late. All the guys there did everything they could to make me feel welcome, set up and put up my food bag. Foot really tender, but working OK once I get going.
Date: 2006-04-04
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Resort
Miles today: 6.6

A two mile up to get out of the Cable Gap area, some rocks, but a pretty steady and even climb....then 4 miles + down hill. Many photos of Fontana Lake...but I didn't realize that the lake would taunt me the entire way down. Hike down, turn a corner, there is the lake in the distance....Hike down, turn a corner....well, you know....constantly. I wanted to hurry down the hill, but hurrying downhill has been a thing that has caused pain in the past, so I ambled down the hill. Seems like forever. I finally got to the parking lot, and the shuttle came just in time to keep me from walking all the way down to the Marina. Welcome relief.I checked into the resort and had a wonderful meal...and who should come in later, but Tybee Pete.
Date: 2006-04-06
From: Fontana Inn

To: Fontana Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Another wasted day...if you consider resting the foot a waste. It does seem to help to stay off it. More visiting. Met Circuit Rider who said that he calls that climb out of Stecoah Gap the "Jacob's Ladder". Hmmmm....Circuit Rider has done the entire AT several times, and encouraged me concerning the climb into the Smokey's. He said that if I could get up out of Stecoah Gap, I could get to Shuckstack easily. That is the next barrier I need to get past in my mind...the Smokeys.I took photos of flowers that just don't grow in Texas...yes, they are planted around the resort and grounds, but just beautiful, and the butterflies are abundant.After talking to other folks and comparing notes with their foot ailments, I've pretty much self-diagnosed myself as having plantar faciatis. The symptoms seem the same.One more day of rest until the storm goes by and the package arrives
Date: 2006-04-08
From: Fontana Inn

To: Birch Spring Tentsite
Miles today: 5.6

Gee, what a shock....just climb and climb and climb...and sure enough, Shuckstack was there....I didn't attempt to climb any of the tower, but did indeed take a photo when I finally got close to the top.It was a lovely day so I decided to stop at Birch Spring and put up my tent instead of trying to do the ten mile hike to Mollie Ridge Shelter.I pitched my tent, talking to Prairie Sky who was already there. It was toasty warm and dry, so I set up, then went to the food area to prepare some lunch...and the bottom dropped out. It is amazing how fast a tortilla will melt in a driving rain and small hail. I grabbed food, wet clothing and headed for the tent. Precip doesn't keep you particularly dry when the rain is a downpour. I didn't get out of the tent again until after 7PM. A last check of stakes, tie-downs, etc. When I got out again at 1am, the fog was so heavy I couldn't see 3 feet in front of me. At 5am I realized that the precipitation had stopped and that the moon was nearly full. The weather had passed, the water on the tent was frozen, and the sky was crystal clear. One of the marvels of nature. Very cold. These are the times when I'm glad I don't have a thermometer. I don't necessarily want to know how cold it is.
Date: 2006-04-09
From: Birch Spring Tentsite

To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: clear sky

I am glad I stayed at the campsite. After doing the hike today I realize I could not have made the last 300 yards during daylight hours had I continued on to Mollies Ridge. The ridge runner had warned me about this particular climb, and even others agreed it was tough.I made it early enough in the day today that I could hand and spread everything and get it dry. Sunny, warm, never would know that the night before was so darn cold. This is my first stay in a shelter since I started this year. I'm glad it was this one. The shelter was full, but since there were many fire-builders, the fireplace was well stoked. There was a large tarp over the front to keep the wind out, which was a blessing.Of all things, I looked up and there was Blue Bird. She was one of my main supporters last year, and I figured she had already gone ahead of me. What a great time to see her and get to visit with someone I had only exchanged e-mails with prior to this time.I am still having problems with the left foot...but mainly when I first stand up. Bad pain then, but after a few minutes, it is down to a dull ache, and when I'm hiking, it rarely bothers me. I continue to use the Ace ankle brace when it gets too bad. I think it bothers others more than me.
Date: 2006-04-10
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: clear sky

This shelter is good also....still no cages on the front, lots of bear cables, and a full moon. These re-built shelters have skylights, giving additional light in the shelter at night. Had some good visits with Fish and Piper today....a wonderful warm evening where we could sit around and talk while fixing food. Can't help but love it. I am taking stock of food and figuring when I have to get to Newfound Gap...I surely don't want to run out, and the hiker appetite has suddenly kicked in.I am so excited to be in the Smokeys. It was a goal to get through here and on to Erwin. Still far to go.
Date: 2006-04-11
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: clear sky

No, I'm not making a lot of progress, however the low mileage days may be helpful for the foot. Yes, it still hurts, but not while I'm hiking...only when I stop then get up on it from resting.Yeehah...RockyTop ....I tried to get phone service to bore family members with a rendition of the John Denver song....but fortunately for them, there was no service available. Then to Thunderhead Mountain....gosh such views, and a first view of Clingman....working right along.Tybee Pete and Buglar have decided to push on to Clingman tomorrow...I doubt they will do it, but you never know....the lure of getting into Gatlinburg with hot water, shower, flushing facilities and lovely food....that can put a lot of miles on feet.WIM syndrome is setting in..."Woe Is Me"....foot was hurting a lot today from all the rocky trails, turning ankles, etc....then I have to remind myself that I am already much farther than last year. Yep, God is good.
Date: 2006-03-09
To: Its 3AM and I'm leaving in 4 hours!
Miles today: 0.0

This is it. Tomorrow (I guess it is later today really, seeing as it's 3AM) I leave for one of the greatest adventures of my life, a pinnacle of the 22 years already past. My backpack is sitting in the kitchen, stuffed full of food and supplies, ready and willing to join me on this long walk. Might I take this opportunity to mention that 15 pounds of food takes up a hell of a lot of space. For a minute there I wasn't sure I'd be able to stuff it all in, and I'm still not sure if at any given moment on the AT my pack will not spontaneously explode, spewing fiery dehydrated debris and flaming cracker discs at unaware hikers behind me, while rocketing me off a cliffside. But I digress.Ok, a brief description of the man behind the journal. Moss Clark, a lover of Arcadia in Maine, a braver of the winterized Adirondack mountain gods, a drive-by-er of the Utah red rocks, a patronizer of Sydney's Three Wise Monkeys, and a dreamer with a mean pair of hiking boots, is a man of simple needs. He rubbed that golden lamp of a noggin he has between those bony shoulders, and !poof! out came the AT Genie, granting his wish to walk the AT. That wish shall be begin on March 11th, 2006, in memory of his brother, Woody, and end when the time is right (preferably in August, I have to finish my college degree sometime!). This is only the beginning folks.Today will be a whirlwind of packing, car rentals, Uncle John pickups, naps with my cheek pressed against the window, staring at farm animals, another nap, attempts at clever writing, another nap, pee break, looking at maps, more cows, oh look a horse, nap, finally we are there! Since I'm coming from NY, we (my mom, my Uncle John (he will accompany me on the Trail for two weeks), and myself, of course) are hoping to reach Virginia tomorrow, and be as close as possible to the Trail in Georgia by Friday night.And Saturday will be grand.Until we talk again,Cheers,Moss
Date: 2006-03-09
To: Me again!
Miles today: 0.0

Apparently I need three journal entries in order to get myself posted on the website, so this is number two. Some thoughts and concerns: Do I have the mental fortitude to do this thing, to hike the whole AT? Will I find my way along the Trail, or will I be even more confused in an already increasingly confusing world? Are there bars along the Trail? Will I pass out every time I lift my arm to wave to somebody after five days of heavy hiking? Can bears smell food through vacuum-sealed packages? Has there been any history of cannabalism along the trail?Can my water filter filter my own pee?Doesn't anybody else see anything wrong with the Pussycat Dolls song that goes "don'tcha wish your girlfriend was raw like me"?Perhaps I will find some answers to these questions as I explore this great footpath.Cheers!
Date: 2006-03-09
To: One more entry!
Miles today: 0.0

This is a brief spontaneous poem on the AT:Vast worlds of mistgreet me in the raintighten the straps on my packnever once thought to go backeach step stab of painI am in blissOn the AT, I hope to rekindle the inner poet lost somewhere in the drudgery of university-based learning and reunite with that which once was and still could be.The next entry most likely will be after I have hiked the AT a bit and shall be full the glory that is the AT!Cheers!
Date: 2006-03-20
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: snow

3-20-06Wesser Bald Shelter to Siler Bald Shelter17.9 milesThe world goes round...Sorry to keep you in suspense, but yes, I survived last night. "The Quiet One", as I have dubbed him, did not kill us in our sleep, but had he tried I would have been ready for him. I will admit this; I actually slept with the Grizz knife (Uncle John's name for it) at my hand at all points in the night, ready to leap into action. If I rolled over on my other side, the knife rolled over right with me, ready for action. Of course it was in its sheath, so as not to tear up my sleeping bag, but it was unclasped and ready to go. Call me neurotic, but this guy had creeped me out and I wanted to be prepared.At one point at around midnight, I woke up to "the Quiet One" getting out of his sleeping bag and thought, oh boy, this is it, you have to prove your worth now and defend yourself. So I quietly unzipped my sleeping bag, ready to jump up and defend myself and my sleeping uncle if necessary. But he just got up, walked away from the shelter, was gone for a bit, and then came back, smelling like cigarette smoke. I am one huge sigh of relief.It wasn't raining at first in the morning, but it soon turned to the worst weather possible on the trail. "Prime hypothermia weather," Uncle John had called it. A mixture of below freezing weather and rain made it very chilly if you weren't hiking, so it was very dangerous to just stand around. We just kept moving to keep warm. "The Quiet One" started earlier then we had, but we passed him within the hour and didn't see him for the rest of the day. Even for the nervousness surrounding his presence last night, he didn't look like he had any rain gear, so I felt bad for him and hoped he was alright. I didn't want to see anyone, no matter how creepy, get sick or hurt on the trail. But he was the only person we saw hiking all day, not one other living soul.As we hiked and reached higher elevations, the landscape took a surreal turn. Entire trees, shrubs, grasses, flowers completely encased in ice. Roots and rocks also, making our travel a very slippery one. We took very little breaks, due to the chill and the wet, and our legs were feeling it.But we did it, 17.9 miles extravaganza, a new record for team Moss and Uncle John. We got to the Wesser Bald shelter around at about 4:40PM and got the last two spots there, which we were very thankful for. Thru-hikers Got-to-Go and Little Engine were there along with another thru-hiker and a section-hiker. I had my Stove Top stuffing and tuna (the Zesty Lemon Pepper flavored Tuna), the perfect meal to end a cold and wet day. I am going to try to stay warm the best I can tonight, and am looking forward talking to Shanae and some hot food tomorrow.One of the most gorgeous things in the world:Rain on a tin roof.
Date: 2006-03-22
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)

To: Brown Fork Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

3-22-06Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) to Brown Fork Shelter16.00 milesThe rays of the sun were just beginning to creep into the room when I woke up at the NOC at around 6:30AM at the cabin to sounds Uncle John getting his breakfast ready. Slept like a rock last night; no dreams, just out from the moment I closed my eyes until when I opened them.Breakfast was crackers and peanut butter. I took my time getting ready; I was in no hurry to do that 7-mile uphill section anytime soon. Uncle John, wanting to shake the ants out of his pants on the trail left earlier than I; which was fine, I knew I'd eventually catch up to him. Little Engine stopped by with a Payday for me, which was awesome, and I finished getting ready, leaving around 7:30AM.The climb was steady and mostly all uphill, but not too bad because we had fresh legs from the rest we got yesterday. It was also a lot less dangerous then yesterday's death descent; the hills were less steep, the trail was dried out, and there were much less killer roots.The eye-catching environment today was the white prominent frost covering all the vegetation on top of the mountains. No snow on the ground, but everything else was stark white, covered in spiky frost. It was beautiful, like walking into another world. And as the sun progressed across the sky, the frost began to melt and flake down towards the earth and everywhere was the sound of cracking ice. When we got to the top of the highest peak that day, we could see that the sun had melted one side of the mountains, revealing green life, while the other side was still blanketed in white. Breath-taking....We crossed a major road today and then climbed a bastard of a steep mountain before coming down the other side and reaching the oddly designed Brown Fork Shelter. You have to hop over this huge log in order to actually get to the sleeping area of the shelter. Kind of dirty, too. Freefall joined us with his hammock; he has to set it up between two trees and get it perfectly tight, seems like it was kind of a pain in the ass.Today I realized I have the beginning of what they call "Hiker Hunger" syndrome. Today I ate more than usual and was still hungry. I had a big dinner of rice, beans, and salmon, and probably could have wolfed down another whole meal. I¢m afraid of what this will do to my bank account while in town and to my pack weight on the trail. Got to eat though, got to stay strong for the rest of the trail. Already cold and getting colder, so I am looking forward to Shanae's warm embrace.
Date: 2006-03-28
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: overcast clouds

3-28-06Mt. Collins Shelter to Tri-Corner Knob Shelter20.10 milesOperation "Smoke the Smokies"Day 3It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, actually, it just sucked...I got up and kind of lounged around in the morning. I had done twenty miles the day before so I figured I deserved my rest. By the time I ate, got water, packed up and started hiking, it was 8:45AM. But I was determined to have another big miles day, even with the late start.I made the climb up and then down very quickly into Newport Gap, where everyone else was catching a ride to Gatlinburg. To my delight, upon reaching the gap there was a pair of trail angels, Brad and Trailgirl. I housed down a glass of orange juice, two glasses of milk, and three wondrous Krispy Kreme donuts. Just the thing I needed for the big climb out of the gap.The trail was well graded and better packed down coming out of the gap than anywhere else I had already hiked in the Smokies. I think this section is well-used by day hikers. There were still lots of snow, ice, and slush to contend with, making hiking difficult, and the trail was much less welcoming after Charles Bunion. Even with the treacherous terrain, there were many rewards to today's hiking. I was actually ridge walked in many sections, which is where you just follow a thin trail that rests on top of an elevated part between mountains, with two steep cliff sides to either side of you. Also, there were many views of adjacent mountains and mountain ranges in the distance.The only other thru-hikers I ran into along the way were two girls, Saspirilla and Crumbs, who were resting on what was most likely the one and only dry spot along the Smokies AT. I pushed on past them and got to the next shelter. I took a ten minute break there, and it was around 4 PM when I decided to push on and do the 5.2 mile hike to the next shelter. After all, I was trying to Smoke the Smokies, was I not?Onward ho, through slush and snow. It wasn't too bad until I got to Mt.Chapman, the third of the three climbs I had since the last shelter. It was steep and I was tired, but my persistence paid off. Down once again, then a bit up, and I found myself at the Tri-Corner Knob Shelter.The shelter was already filled with people who had cooked and were in their sleeping bags, so I was the lone cook at the time. In the shelter already were Two Shoes, Sundancer, Restless, Bugs, a quiet guy, and a father and his two sons. I talked to Bugs for a little while because she knew some hikers I knew and was from my home state of New York. Refried beans and rice tonight, pumped some water, hit the sack.Much love to all who choose not to go quietly into the night.