morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-10
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Easter morning brought news of a tragic accident. A 73 year old thru hiker, Rodger Lyons, slipped in the snow and mud high in the Smokies. His head hit a rock and he died. There were tears and silence as Ron from the Budget Inn broke the news to the 23 of us he was driving to the trail head. We had just come from a Easter hikers breakfast sponsored by the Baptist Church. This news sticks to me today with each step I take. Jed had to take a zero day in Franklin. His ankle was to painful to walk on. Jesse's Girls started, but I put so many miles in today, I don't know where she is. Son-Dance and I hiked awhile. We bumped into two cowboys on horses who stopped to chat. They had a big muddy dog who nearly got run over by some lady driving up to the fire tower. Robert, the younger of the two, I think he was in his 50,s offered us watermelon whiskey from a leather, ornately tooled canteen. Freshly made he said . Son-Dance had a oz in his water bottle cap. He said it was smooooooth! One of these cowboys said to me, "you think your tough enough to get to Maine?". Son-Dance answered in his best south Maryland drawl, "this here is one tough broad!". Thank-you Son-Dance!We got to Wayah (Cherokee for wolf) Bald fire tower 5,342 ftafter a really steep climb. The view was amazing. We were in the center of a ring of mountains on top of more mountains. You can drive up there and another fellow offered us wine. What's up with all this trying to get thru hikers drunk?? When we hit the last 4 miles, someone had put out colorful, plastic Easter eggs filled with candy. It was so funny to see them on rocks and in bushes. People are amazing. I just can't get over the thought and effort put in by these trail angels. A troop of boy scouts is camping here. Otter ran the last mile to try to beat them so we could have tent spaces. I wish all hikers in front of me and behind safe travels. I am grateful for each step north. To "B" continued...
Date: 2009-04-11
From: Cold Spring Shelter

To: Nanahala River
Miles today: 11.6

Rain again last night and a very foggy, drizzle filled long day. The trail was very muddy and slippery. I hiked mostly by myself today but heard people talking behind me all day. The down hill to Nantahala lasted forever. As I got deeper into the valley everything became greener and lush, spring time . Flowering trees and beautiful birds, streams flowing. .The Nantahala hostel is very inexpensive, no sheets or pillows, cinder block rooms with bunk beds, a heater on high and a fan for ventilation in each room. . Community bathrooms and laundry. The room assigned to me had bottom bunks occupied by two young women who had their gear and food out every where. Only a top bunk remained and it was sweltering in there. At that moment my tent seemed a better choice. I do believe in the "hiker experience".as Otter says but honestly, I was dreaming of a bath, sheets and pillow. I saw Paul (Son-Dance), he and his wife Kathie were my roomates in Hiawassee. Paul and I decided to share a room at the Nantahala Inn. Good move it is beautiful here. Cedar planks give the room a great smell and it is very comfortable. . We had dinner at the Riverside Cafe with Flatlander and Otter. A vegan berger for me followed by a brownie sunday!! The topic of conversation was mice running across your face and in and out of your backpack in the shelters while you sleep. Funny, the conversation at the table next to us was the same! Also, the first week or so of the hike everyone was talking about gear. Now, everyone is talking about miles and time to Maine. Calculations fly around the table. 4, 5, 6, 7 months to Maine. Hikers logging legendary miles get named. It is easy to get caught up in the mile game and I need to keep reminding myself why I am hiking and take my time when I need to.   Paul's last words as he sank into bed were, "why can't they build shelters like this"?. To "B" continued
Date: 2009-04-14
From: Nanahala River

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Took a zero today. I was pretty tired and my legs were vibrating from the down hill into town which was 4600- 1700 feet over 6.5 miles. The NOC is a great place to take a zero and we watched the kayaks playing in the stage 3 rapids. You can do a guided rafting tour or rent a "ducky" which is a short kayak and play on the river yourself. My son and I camped and paddled 100 miles of the Allagash River a few years ago. It was one of the best trips ever. If I wasn't so tired I would love to be out there. I will be back!It rained hard again today and I had a wonderful slacker sleep. Hitched into town to eat at the River Side Cafe. This guy on a cell phone in a black truck picked us up. On our hitch back to our room 2 hours later don't you know--the same guy was driving by in our direction still on the cell phone. We laughed as he picked us up again. What are the chances of that? And...when he dropped us off the guy working in the room next door happened to be his friend! So he stayed and chatted awhile! Hey Sharon!! Say hi to Erik for me! The only book I have right now is my 2009 Thru-Hikers' Companion. When I get into camp I usually set up, cook, chat a few, sometimes there is a fire. Then I'm in my sleeping bag by 8:30-9:00pm writting in my journal and looking at the miles for the next day. Walking is usually silent, not thinking about much. Sometimes I get into a humming rythmn with my pace and think I'm composing the next new hot beat. My mind is really quite, no worries just one step at a time looking at the trail and woods, up and down, crap, more up and down, crap, a big up and down, oh well, that's how it goes, forget about the crap... sometimes after so many miles wondering were the heck the shelter is, just around the corner--up the hill again!! Do I have enough water, should I stop and snack..loosen the waist band, tighten the shoulder straps, loosen the chest strap on the pack and reverse it all again.. .where's the best log to pee behind (a big issue for us ladies out here!) No ah-ha moments yet, just know I should "B" here.   Back on the trail tomorrow. Heading to the Smokies. To "B" continued...
Date: 2009-04-15
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Locust Cove Gap
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: broken clouds

The day started out with a bang. As Son-Dance and I left the NOC and set foot on the AT he suddenly dropped like a ton of cement screaming and clutching his ankle. He had stepped on a rock that rolled on the rail road ties we were crossing. Son-Dance had told me he has bad ankles to begin with and had foot surgery not to long ago. I though he had broken his ankle, it was a sprain. He took Advil, went back to the NOC outfitters and got a ankle brace. He has continued on with me but I do not know what toll his ankle will pay continuing to walk on it. I don't know how he continued to walk. It was a clear beautiful day and the views were spectacular. Again mountains on top of mountains. I really like that the trees have no leaves on them yet. You can see the forest floor clearly and enjoy the shape of the trees. I check out the design of downed trees as they criss cross the ground. I really fell in love with trees since reading The Wild Tree's, a true story about the search for the worlds largest redwood.Tonight we are camped with Laura and Skipping Stone, Blue, Matt, Symphony, and two section hikers. Flatlander text me. He and Otter will be at the Dam tomorrow. They are one day ahead. I have not heard new of Jed or Ethie. To "B" continued...
Date: 2009-04-16
From: Locust Cove Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: clear sky

Short, sunny day and good thing. I am really not feeling well.Matt, a young man from Ct.hiked with me most of the day. He did not feel well also. The dam is huge and you could see it miles before you got there. It was a tease. Everytime I turned a corner and started heading down hill I thought, NOW I'm there. Nope..My mail drop was the envy of all. Zubie, you really know how to do it! Perfect in all ways, weight, content, happiness!!With laundry done I hit the pool at the Fontana Resort for some rays and relaxation and hopes of feeling better. Late afternoon I took the shuttle back to the "Fontana Hilton" Shelter and set my tent up for the night. It seemed to be a night and morning of discussions and decisions for many hikers at the "Hilton". There were tears, support and understanding for young and older alike. This coming together of the hiker community brings a family of support protection and friendship from those you have never met. It is one of the most amazing experiences of this hike. The nightly checking in...where is so and so, have you seen a certain hiker?, how is everyone before and after doing? What to watch out for. The daily news report of the trail and the weather report! My cough had gotten worse, my ankle and shin is hurting at every step even with Advil. I called Nancy at the Hiker's Inn and she picked me up. I'm going to take a zero or two. I need to rest. To "B" continued...
Date: 2009-04-25
From: Fontana Dam

To: Philly
Miles today: 0.0

Just a note to let you all know what's up. My friend Beth who lives in Asheville, NC picked me up from the Hiker's Inn at Fontana Dam. It was pouring rain and cold that day. I was so grateful to see her I cryed. I know I am a resilant person, but it is so intense to feel trail emotions. I need to take time to heal my foot which is hurting at every step and also, Beth had an agenda to fatten me up. I looked at those facts but still did not want to leaVe. I loved being in Asheville but as the days went on my ankle was not getting better. For me, it seems, the longer I am away from the trail, the more I yearn to be back on it. I tell myself to be realistic about this injury...and that is proving to be very hard for me. I want to go into denial but get reminded every time I walk down steps. And that's without a pack. I decided to fly to Philly and spend recovery time with my Beloved "A" who I was missing and also just by coincidence had extra tickets for a few Dead shows. Yes, 5th row center last night- Hempstead, Long Island with all the middle aged Dead Heads dressed in tie-dyed shirts. Too funny! Great show, always a happening. "A" says he feels like he is back on tour...   It's really weird coming off the trail and being swept into noisy city life with scores of people walking the streets at all hours. Beloved "A" lives in Center City and it is a circus here at night. I was so angry at first, feeling and acting like a kid wanting to run away but not knowing where to go. Refusing to accept that I was not back on the trail... I've gotten calls, text messages and guest book entries--thank you!-- from my trail friends and support people. Today I spoke to Sparky and Otter who were in Hot Springs. I so wanted to be there with them. The x-rays of my foot and ankle were normal. Tendonitis was the diagnosis and the young doctor in the emergency room was so excited that I had been attempting a thru-hike. He told me all about his hiking experiences when he was in medical school and introduced me to the ER staff as a "serious hiker".   I am wondering if this tendonitis was from my ankle high hiking boots. The edge of the tongue of my boot was rubbing exactly where it hurts. So ever optimistic me, I bought low boots and I'm resting so I get a chance to use them! Soon :-) I'm going to give it one solid week before I make a decision. The doc thinks I'm going to need more time than that...we shall see. To "B" continued... And I hope I don't have to go to plan B...
Date: 2009-05-02
From: Philly

To: Philly to Fontana
Miles today: 11.5

Ok, time to leave Philly. My ankle is much better and I am ging to slowly start hiking the Smokies next week. Let's see how it goes....Sparky is my trail angel, thank you!, picking me up at the airport and dropping me where I left off. Its been action packed here. Beloved "A" and I woke to drizzle on our faces and the sound of rain drops in his bedroom! I got really confused at first, thought I was in my tent, jumped into my lime green crocs and my feet got instantly wet in about 3 inches of water! Ceiling plaster was all over the carpeting, water dripping from the stucco, wet down the steps, into the kitchen, dripping from the cabinets...dripping into clothing closets, water filling the tub!...I ran down to the door women who told me it was all under control! What?? Not in our apartment! We were going to need Noah's arc soon! The water main above our apartment had burst! I can't believe we slept through that but now we had to jump into action and move everything out of the wet. Easier to move a tent...we laughed, pouring water out of the soup bowls as we emptied the kitchen. It was so absurd. Soon a sound like being in a airplane filled the apartment. Sound of industrial fans drying the place out. We moved into the living room. Ok, truth can be stranger than fiction. The next morning a painting fell off the wall and onto us as we slept on the floor in the living room! Time to go I say. "A" can't get time off from work yet...I keep telling him he needs to leave with me before the ceiling falls. Heed the messenger! His apartment is giving him a strong message, or maybe its for me. Hummmm....! I up dated the milage to Fontana Dam. Hopefully I will be adding many more miles...To "B" continued...
Date: 2009-05-12
From: Philly to Fontana

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 40.1
Weather: clear sky

This journal entry has been delayed, in part because I would really like to go into denial!I talked to myself the whole time I hiked from Fontana to Gatlinburg. I realized,quickly that my ankle and foot were not all better. Then there was theweather...pouring rain, thunder-lightening and hail- fog, on and off all day and night. Late afternoons into night were especially hairy with high winds and horizontal rain. I later heard that the rainfall this spring makes 2009 the wetest spring in four years. The southern drought is ending! The last pack of thru hikers had passed me about one week ago and the section I was hiking was pretty empty. No problems getting space in the shelter! I did not see people all day and at night only one or two. No bears-even they did not want to get soaked! My mind started to worry about the lack of people I was seeing. The slippery conditions lead to a few falls and bruises. Nothing too intense, but...I allowed what if's to enter. I had always said it was the physical that would be my challenge, now it was the mental as well. This hike is really a growth experience.   It was a long 40 plus miles, with me angry at myself for not being totally honest about my ankle before I went back to Fontana.So strong was my desire to thru hike. I had set this time aside and my spirt was so hooked into completing this hike.   Who was I to "B" now? Beloved "A" met me in Gatlinburg for Mother's Day. I am going to take a long rest and hopefully see you all in August-in the Whites.Going to a yoga retreat in Cali for a few-that should be enough distance to keep me off the trail! LOL!. Then stay with friends out there-get on the road bike and heal this darn ankle and foot!!If you are a women over 50 or if any of you know women over 50 who have attempted a thru hike or completed one-please, sign in to my journal.I would love to contact you at a later date and hear abour your experiences. To "B" continued...
Date: 2009-07-23
From: Yosemite Valley

To: Muir Trail
Miles today: 0.0

Hi Gang! I've been hanging out on the west coast with friends and family. Doing some car camping up the coast, beach and redwoods into Oregon also hiking and biking. With my ankle fully rehabed, I am going to head to Yosemite and start North to South on the Muir Trail next week. To "B" continued!!
Date: 2009-01-01
To: HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Miles today: 0.0

HAPPY NEW YEAR!Welcome to my 2009 trail journal...Today...after working for abt 5 hours...i head West to Montgomery Bell State Park (Burns, TN) to meet up with my hiking pals from Clarksville chapter of the TN TRAILS ASSOCIATION.We're gonna hike the East loop of the Montgomery Bell perimeter trail (approx. 7 miles)        I arrived @ the park visitor center @ 10a.m.  A few hikers already here...no one i knew.About 10:15a.m. Suva "DragonFly" Bastin & "Jumpin'Jack" Bastin arrived along with Merri "Spunky" Hinton, & husband Wayne. "Bionic Bob" Lyon & "Wade "Too Tall" Winters...all members of the Clarksville TTA chapter.J.R."Model T" Tate didnt make it this year...still battling some eye problems.This has become my tradition to hike on New Years Day each year with this group of friends.As I'm walking around & greeting fellow hikers...I run upon a familiar face...i've not seen here before...its CRAIG OWENSBY!a former NewsChannel 5 reporter!He now works for the Nashville planning commissionIt's Sunny & abt 25 degrees now....Let's hike!We head out on the Eastern loop...approx. 7 miles...hike...hike..hike...we stop by the recently renovated Wildcat shelter...for a short rest..they've put in a new wooden floor here & taken out the badly deteriorating wire-mesh bunks...(GOOD MOVE!)we hike on...by the streams...over streams...that run thru-out the park.I talk with "Too Tall" & "Bionic Bob" most of the first leg of the hike.we make our way over the maintenance road & then back into the woods & past the Golf course...I walk with Suva & Jack's daughter (forgot her name) & her dog out for a nice walk/hike today.(she lives in Elijay,Georgia)the group catches up & we stop by the LAKE for LUNCH!All the hikers bring out their NEW YEAR's offerings...BLACK-EYED PEAS...mashed potatoes,corn bread, sour kraut, shrimp, corn cakes, & all kinds of desserts...including "D-bird's" peanut butter chocolate fudge...yuuuuuuuuuuummy!"D-bird" didnt make it this year either she said it was too cold!the 3 members of the "Model T Crew" that made the hike today "DragonFly,TooTall & Me, Jaybird")get our ANNUAL PHOTO taken together...As things wrap up i have to find a "tree"...so, i say "GOODBYE" to the group...& head up the trail...I finish @ the parking lot...back @ the visitors center @ 2pm.Good hike...a GREAT way to start the NEW YEAR!7 + miles todayLater in the year (May 2nd)..."Jigsaw","Model-T", "DAKS", & I plan to head NOBO from Harpers Ferry,WV on the Appalachian Trail...hiking approx. 150 miles in 13 days.Hope you can follow along!see ya'll UP the trail!
Date: 2009-02-05
To: Beaman Park-Joelton,TN
Miles today: 0.0

Thur.Feb.5th...After a full day @ work (NewsChannel 5/WTVF-TV in Nashville,TN) I decide to take a DAY-HIKE on the way home (to Springfield,TN).I take the scenic, backroads route to BEAMAN PARK in Joelton,TN.This park (known by us that use it as "Nashville's BEST kept secret because of the lack of people)is named for Alvin G. Beaman, a Nashville business leader for years...(known for Beaman Bottling Co. & Beaman Car dealerships, etc,.etc.)I park in the Creekside Trailhead parking lot...grab my Leki hiking poles,(1 of them just RE-furbed thanks to my bud, "Bungalow Bill @ Cumberland Transit) a bottle of water, put on my wool cap & gloves (its 31 degrees & Sunny with a light wind)& my Vasque Sundowner MX-2 boots (which need a good cleaning & some new polish wouldnt hurt...but i'm afraid if i scrape the dirt & mud off them...they'd fall apart!...hehehehehe ;0)Hiking @ a brisk pace by the creekside...Henry Creek/Little Marrowbone Creek.Its been well below freezing for the last few days...so the creek is FROZEN in most places...which makes some pretty pictures...but, I forgot my digital camera....DARN!About a half mile into the hike I come upon the Sedge Hill side trail...which leads up to the brand new Nature Center....I hike up, up, up...to the brand new facility,....Just as I arrive...to investigate IF the trail continues past the Nature Center(it doesn't)...someone steps out of the back of the center...We converse for a few minutes he tells me the economy is so bad that they arent able to staff the Nature Center...(very sad)I travel back down to the main trail...& finish the loop up the hill onto the Ridgetop Trail (2.2 miles one way).In the middle of Winter...all things are brown & gray & dead looking...no sightings of wildlife...a few birds in the dead brush as i scoot by them on my quick hike pace.I get to the end of the Ridgetop Trail & sit for about 5 minutes & sip some H2O....then I head back...Back via the Ridgetop Trail....then to the backside of the Henry Hollow loop & back to the Creekside Trail parking lot & to my car: "Silver Bullet".Heading home...good hike...will try to get on the bicycle tomorrow for a few miles...                                                      6.8 miles todaysee ya'll UP the trail!
Date: 2009-02-20
To: BICYCLE RIDE!
Miles today: 0.0

Feb. 20 2009HAPPY HOODIE HOO DAY!What better way to spend a WINTER afternoon in near FREEZING temps than to jump on the BICYCLE & RIDE 15 miles @ approx 16 mph average speeds...(Wind Chill probably made the temps near 25 or so)I just rode the roadways near my home...since i havent had my bicycle (2005 TREK MADONE 5.2SL) tuned up for the riding season yet. (which starts in APRIL).Riding helps my hiking & hiking helps my bicycle riding...since i need to lose some POUND-age...any excercise helps the cause...hehehehehehe ;0).I plan (along with "Jigsaw", "Model-T" & "DAKS") to hit the Appalachian Trail for 2 weeks in May heading NOBO from Harpers Ferry,WV travelling to Swatara Gap, PA....approx 150 miles in 2 weeks of hiking....it'll be FUN!can't wait...see ya'll UP the trail!
Date: 2009-04-01
To: Bells Bend Park
Miles today: 0.0

April 1, 2009:HAPPY APRIL FOOL's DAY!No fooling....i went for a hike today....why not...it was Sunny & in the Upper 60s...the skies were blue & only a slight wind....After a full day @ work...i headed over to West Nashville to BELLS BEND PARK off Old Hickory Blvd (right on the Cumberland River).This is one of Nashville's Newest Parks & a well kept secret as not too many people are aware of the park & so not many users yet.I arrive about 1:45pm...put on my Vasque boots (which are slowly falling apart),don my BACKPACK...with about 20 lbs of stuff in it...just to get used to carrying a little load on my back,...get my Leki hiking poles & i'm off...I take a right as soon as i hit the trail & go around a small picnic area....a couple laughing & having fun on this beautiful Spring day...i continue on...I dont see any signs or Blazes...have I gotten lost?I loop around...follow the cleared pathway...no BLAZES...I continue to circle for about a mile & then....I come back to the parking lot...hey, theres my car!..."Silver Bullet"This time...i hit the trail & take a LEFT!i travel along & see the Nature/Welcome Center....I grab a brochure/map so that i might be better prepared....hmmmmmmm....not much help.I travel on....the trail or path is not marked (or BLAZED) here either....in fact the trail is just a wide swath that maybe a bush-hog came thru & made out of this large overgrown field of briers & weeds...never-the-less....i hike on...as best I can....i try to decifer where I am from the very small mapon the brochure....they really need blazes or cairns out here....no markers anywhere.I travel on the perimeter of the p[roperty....then i walk along some gravel trail for a bit (maybe half mile or so)...then by the Cumberland River....I stop to view the river for a few minutes...& listen to the birds & a few rabbits scurrying thru the nearby brush...i hike on...along the river & then back onto the path...grass path...up, up & turn & theres the home stretch...i see the Welcome center in the far off distance...coming close to the parking lot....Nice hike on a very nice Spring Day!Approx. 6 miles today.As I continue to prep for my upcoming annual 2-week section hike on the APPALACHIAN TRAIL with "Jigsaw" & "Model-T" (May 1-14)...I will day hike the area parks & get some CYCLING in too...to get the legs in shape.See Ya'll Up the trail!