morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-09-08
From: West Branch of Pleasant River

To: Carl A. Newhall Lean-to
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 1789/8s: West Branch of Pleasant Riverf: Carl A. Newhall Lean-tom: 5.2w: am sun, pm thunderstorms and hailYardsale, Uberhiker and I began hiking at a reasonable hour and we made it tothe Gulf Hagas trail pretty quickly. Gulf Hagas is a feature that I have beenhearing about for a long time and I was interested in hiking this side trail. So Yardsale and I parted ways with Uberhiker and set off down the GHT. Within the first quarter mile of the 5.2 mile loop there were two amazingwaterfalls. We decided we would swim after we had hiked the loop so we keptwalking. The spectacular nature of the trail unfortunately went downhill afterless than a mile and, after a short wading trip upsteam in between giant canyonwalls and a suprise visit from Red Blaze, we felt like we had seen all there was to see. So we took the short-cut trail to the other side of the loop andfinished it off early. We went back to the larger of the two waterfalls and Iswam below and behind the falls. The water was so cold that I would get an "ice cream headache" when I stayed under for more than a couple of seconds.We spent quite a bit of time in the Gulf Hagas area and, thus, did not arrive at the next shelter until around four in the afternoon. Thunder was roaring in the distance and we decided to eat dinner at the shelter before moving on so that we could see what the weather was going to do. While thunderstorms seemed even more eminant after dinner than before, the shelter was also pretty crowded, so we moved on. The rain arrived less than five minutes after we left the shelter. Rain itself would not have been much of a problem, but this was accompanied by a great deal of lightning that seemed very close as we walked up the mountain. We decided that we were flirting a bit too heavily with disaster so we ran back to the shelter. On the way, hail pellets bombarded us, stinging our heads and arms. The four British guys and one American woman were nice enough to squeeze us into the shelter for the night. We talked with the British guy for a while before going to sleep.
Date: 2005-09-09
From: Carl A. Newhall Lean-to

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: light rain

Day 1799/9s: Carl A. Newhall Lean-tof: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-tom: 18.9w: niceYardsale and I started the day with the idea that we would either make upyesterday's lost miles entirely today or today and tomorrow. We had a few moremountains to get over before we reached easier terrain, so we didn't know whatkind of time we might make.The mountains early in the day were tough but the temperture was cool which made the climbing nice. I waited for Yardsale on top of White Cap Mountain after a couple hours of walking. While waiting I looked at Katahdin in the distance. The mountain is definately getting closer but I still find it strange to be looking at the end of the hike from such a distance. Yardsale didn't have this problem though since Katahdin was covered in clouds when he arrived at the top of White Cap.That afternoon we took a break at East Branch Lean-to and decided that we coulddo the big miles today to make up for yesterday. A particularly curious redsquirrel occupied the area around the lean-to and it made attempts at our foodbags several times. Startling the squirrel only made it angry and it would yell at any assailant from behind a nearby tree.The rest of the miles were easy and we made it into the shelter well beforedark. Two sobo hikers were there along with Cyclehiker. Yardsale and I wentfor a swim in pool below a nice sized cascading waterfall. The falls weredirectly in front of the shelter and the water was nice. I found a small leechon the tip of my index finger but otherwise had a nice swim. I built a fire and cooked dinner. Everyone else went to sleep pretty early, but I wathed the dying embers of the fire for a while and thought about life before going to sleep.
Date: 2005-09-10
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to

To: Logging Road
Miles today: 13.7

Day 1809/10s: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-tof: Logging Roadm: 13.7w: cool and sunnyI woke up before sunrise this morning and was unable to get back to sleep. So Iread for a while and ate breakfast. Then, after everyone else woke up, I fellback asleep. I eventually awoke and ate some more food.The hiking today was particularly easy with absolutely no climbing andrelatively smooth terrain. We hiked at a pace of three miles an hour withlittle effort and made it to Antlers campsite by lunch. Just before the campsite, I met Captain Patagonia and he stopped for lunch withus. Through talking to him I was able to find out about some people behind uswhich was pretty neat. Were it earlier in the trip, I would be excited thatsome of these people would be catching up, but that is probably not the casesince we have an estimated five days before we reach the top of Mt. Katahdin andthe journey ends.Yardsale and I had made plans to stop at White House Landing for dinner. Wetold Captain Patagonia of our plans and of tales of a one-pound cheeseburger,but he had miles to hike and was unable to join us.We stopped a couple more times throughout the day at waterfronts. This sectionof Maine has plenty of ponds and lakes and they are all quite beautiful. Fromone of today's ponds, we were able to gain a very large and impressive view ofMt. Katahdin. We tried to spy the famous sign on top or any hikers standing onthe summit, but I suppose we wern't that close. Still, it is fun and odd toimagine who might be atop that mountain completing their epic journey while wegaze at the magnificance of God's creation from a distant lake shore.We arrived at the dock across the lake from White House Landing late in theafternoon and just in time to be early for dinner. After applying one shorthonk to the air horn, we waited for a boat to come pick us up. Draggin', Jewlesand Dead Animal were relaxed at a picnic table on the shore and we chatted withthem until dinner. I ordered a deluxe cheeseburger and Yardsale had the regular, but each includedone pound of lean beef. The owners of the establishment provided some fresh cherry tomatos and cucumbersalong with sliced zuchini bread as an appitizer while the burgers were beingcooked. The burger was so large that I had to eat it with a fork and knife, butafter I completed it I was still able to eat a quarter of Jewles's burger. Iwas not too full afterward (which was a good thing) but my appetite wassatisfied. We were dropped off on the other side of the lake with enoughdaylight to walk a mile back to the trail and to the nearest lakeside campsitewe could find. The campsite was lovely and I ate brownies (courtasy of Jewles)by the shore before going to sleep.
Date: 2005-09-11
From: Logging Road

To: Rainbow Stream Lean-to
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

Day 1819/11s: Logging Roadf: Rainbow Stream Lean-tom: 15.9w: cool, clearI woke up pretty early and sat by the pond in my sleeping bag watching the sunrise over the mountains and smoke rise off of the water's surface. I read for awhile and ate breakfast before Yardsale and I began hiking.The first five miles to Nahmakanta Lake went by quickly and we took a snackbreak by the shore. A BLM worker told us all about the area - the trail upahead, the decline in tourism due to increasing gas prices and the mysteriousmoterboat that was for some reason beached on the shore right next to us.We moved on but ended up stopping at the lake one more time at a different sandybeach. Yardsale swam briefly in the lake and I sat on the shore. Draggin',Jeweles and Dead Animal caught up to us here and we all moved along to the nextshelter. Here, Yardsale and I breaked again for quite a while after the othersmoved on. Pac-Man showed up and we all started hiking together.We all stopped at a boulder on top of Nesuntabunt Mountain and tried climbing itfor a while. Yardsale eventually succeeded on the boulder problem and was gladto have done so. We all walked together toward our destination in the now late afternoon. Istopped to swim in a river while the others went on. The swimming hole wasn'tas deep as I thought it would be so my swim turned into a wade, but it was stillrefreshing. I everyone from the day at the shelter and Yardsale and I started aroaring fire. Jeweles and Draggin' set up a buffett of food that they wanted toshare which included crackers, pepperoni, a couple types of cheese and brownies. The extra food was a great treat and we all sat around the fire for quite awhile before everyone retired. I went to sleep to the sounds of many micerunning along the shelter ceiling.
Date: 2005-09-12
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Hurd Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: few clouds

Day 1829/12s: Rainbow Stream Lean-tof: Hurd Brook Lean-tom: 11.5w: warm, sunnyA warm front moved in during the night and I woke up several times to wigglefurther and further out of my sleeping bag. When I finally did get up, Inoticed that mice had made their way into my food bag and had taken bites out ofmy bagels. This is the first time mice have successfully reached my food and Iwasn't too happy. But today also marked my sixth month on the AT and for that Iwas happy.Yardsale and I were the last people to leave the shelter and we walked prettyslowly throughout the morning. We stopped at the dam on Rainbow Lake and swamin the cool, clear water while looking up at Mount Katahdin. The swim wasincredibly refreshing and enjoyable and it made me excited about the rest of theday. We hiked on to Rainbow Springs campsite where we filled up on water and tookanother break. There we met Dandylion and Livestrong who were planning onclimbing Katahdin the same day as us. We talked with them for a while beforemoving on to some afternoon bouldering. We played on this one boulder problemfor a while before climbing up to Rainbow Ledges. We caught back up withLivestrong and Dandylion at the top of the climb and we all sat by the view ofKatahdin for a while. The other two left and Yardsale and I read up there for awhile before moving on to the shelter. At the shelter we met Cooker Hiker's friend, Northern Herrior, and we built afire. The fire was nice and everyone hung out for a while. I red people'ssentimental register entries before going to sleep under the stars.NOTE: This will be the last time I will be able to update my journal before Ihike up Mount Katahdin and, thus, complete this amazing journey. I hope to havemany more pictures on this journal in the near future, including the ubiquitous"summit photo". Thank you all for following along and for keeping me in yourthoughts and prayers. The LORD has blessed this journey in outstanding ways andI would not have made it one step if it were not for His amazing grace. Pleasestay tuned for more photos, new journal entries and other exciting new features.
Date: 2005-09-15
To: Uhh...
Miles today: 0.0

I climbed up Mt. Katahdin yesterday and, thus, finished my hike. The experience was and is an undescribable mix of emotions. I tried to send an update a few days ago, but was unable to do so. And I am now rushed to write this message. So I will just say that I am safe and that God is good and that I'll have much more to come in the near future.
Date: 2005-03-13
From: springer mountain (Big Stamp Gap usfs road 42)

To: hawk mtn shelter
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: clear sky

my 1st night in a 3 sided shelter. it had a loft. it was full, and also had great company. p.s before getting to springer we picked up 3 hikers, cindy, john, and kevin. i started making friends already.
Date: 2005-03-14
From: hawk mtn shelter

To: woody gap, ga
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: overcast clouds

a good hike. i was going to stay @ the gooch mtn shelter, but changed my mind. i wanted to sleep in a bed, however when i arrived at the hiker hostel it was filled to the max. i ended up sleeping on the floor. i also got rid of some pounds off my pack.
Date: 2005-03-15
From: woody gap, ga

To: Wood's Hole Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: light rain

TuesdayDeparture time: 8:15, return time 12:45.Difficulty: 2Trail conditions good.Met along the way: RUNAWAY, MOTHER GOOSE, HOPEFUL HIKER, WALKING /GHOST - JUST JUSTIN.I develop my Trail Name: VisionQuest.NOBO/NorthboundSOBO/Southbound
Date: 2005-03-16
From: woods Hole Shelter

To: Goose Creek (Walasi-Yi Center)
Miles today: 4.3

WednesdayStayed Blood Mtn Goose CreekNeels Gap 32-40 degreesAKA Creek and Cherokee Indians found mountain rocks covered in blood. Highest point in Georgia. Many large rocks to climb over. Raining and very cold. Foggy. Goose Creek was great. 7 people: Mothergoose, Red Hat, Hopeful Hiker, LongHaul, Runaway, Ah Youth
Date: 2005-03-17
From: Neel's Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light snow

ThursdayLow Gap Shelter.Temp: 20Distance hiker 10 Snowing/cold - 31 degrees.Leaving Neels Gap. Hiked 10 mikes to Low Gap. Met this guy from Germany hiking on the A.T. for 4 weeks. Knicker pants on. Using only fire for cooking and boiling water & drying his clothes. The from Germany guy (sp?) Fokke Fokrana. It was awesome to see someone like that. Just Jim would not let no one else in shelter. Hopeful Hiker (Henry) slept under the shelter. It was snowing/very cold. I felt sorry for him.
Date: 2005-03-19
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Helendorf Hotel
Miles today: 6.5

Saturday.Helendorf HotelWoke up @ 0600. Had breakfast @ Huddle House. um um good!!!! Walked to Becky¢s supermarket gourmet store. Pd $5.00 shuttle to Unicoi Gap - Tray Mountain shelter. Trail magic / Trail angel / pumpkin bread / Little Debbies, apples. A nice gift. I was the first one here. It was a nice experience. PIVY 17 Hikers. Very cold night. I wished someone was on the side of me to help keep me warm. However, I did survive.
Date: 2005-03-20
From: Helendorf Hotel

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Palm SundayTray Mtn Shelter to Dicks Creek GapTemp 60Blueberry Patch Hostel, 1st package sent by Andy.Woke up very cold. No one wanted to get up. It was a very slow day. I feel this is one of the best things I have ever done - hiking the Appalachian Trail. It has been a wonderful experience. It brought tears to my eyes. I also felt very lonely. I miss my home. I met ¢Satan¢ Thru-hiked 1999. Vernon offered me a ride from Dick¢s Gap - HWY76. Hiawassee, GA is a very friendly town. Stayed at the Holiday Inn. Went by the Blueberry Patch, a magical place. Very neat place. Stayed with Skylark, Nube, Turtle. Got my package from Andy. They put a c(sp. ?) in the box. Called Pam, Peggy, Andy, Mother, KGB, E. Williams, Sister.
Date: 2005-03-21
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Hiawassee,GA (my 1st 0 day)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Monday0 DayMet w/E. WilliamsStayed @Mull¢s Motel. Sent my tent with E. W. to reduce my weight. It was good seeing a high school friend. We ate at a Mexican restaurant. I was not ready for a¢0¢ day.
Date: 2005-03-22
From: Dicks Creek Gap

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

TuesdayStarted hiking with 2 poles.Hiked 11.6 miles.Started@ 0630 @ Dicks Creek Gap. It was dark (I was scared), I found a trail of GORP on the Trail. It was good. I made it to Plumorchard Gap Shelter. The best ever. It was 3 levels, neat and clean. Hiking alone can be scary. It was cold, wet, ice falling, windy, foggy. I was concerned. Saw 7 day hikers leaving because the weather was bad. I MADE IT TO NORTH CAROLINA. A wonderful experience. I was happy. Finally at Muskrat shelter Skylark / Turtle had their tents inside the shelter. The mood quickly changed. 9 hikers inside the shelter. Jacob on the table under 12 food bags (Bear Bait). Very wet/damp all night. Back started to hurt. Rats (heard), also a dead one.
Date: 2005-03-23
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: broken clouds

NOTE: VisionQuest has acquired a transcriber (AC). We are trying to figure this all out. Undoubtedly there will be gaps in communication, misspellings, hand writing analysis, etc., but later editing is always a possibility! Mileage isn¢t accurate, at this point.WednesdayHeard a rat under the shelter just gnawing away. Got a late start at 0822. I started feeling sick (nauseous). No rain. No bear cable in this state of N.C. My first experience hanging the Bear Bag proof. Double Healer / Fulro gave me a 200 course on the subject. Red made a nice fire (wears hearing aide in both ears). Paper Boy, Red, Skylark, Turtle, Double Healer. Talking around the fire @ Carter Gap. It was very cold and miserable in the shelter, only 4 people. Heard two wild animals chasing each other under the shelter (skunk or wild cat). Still have a fear of mice crawling across my face/bag.
Date: 2005-03-24
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Haven Hotel, Franklin, N.C.
Miles today: 15.9

ThursdayHiking started at about 8:00, a bright sunny day. I decided to hike 16 miles today. I¢m feeling normal today. Drinking plenty of water. I was getting very hungry. Skylark was having a wonderful lunch (Tuna fish, cheese & crackers). It looked good. I ate an apple. Heading towards Fat Albert Mt, I saw a sign ¢Trail Magic,¢ a huge tent/R.V. Barry had burritos, coffee/sodas, Trail mix, and great company. It brought tears to my eyes. Barry also worked at VisionQuest. Fat Albert was not that BAD. An awesome view. Finally @ Winding Stair Gap - Franklin, N.C. I set my BUTT down to hitch hike. A van pulls up (1 minute), out comes ¢Cotton Joe¢/Senator, Mother Natural & Father Time (Thru-hiked 1998), gave me a free ride to Franklin/Trail Magic. Met up with Skylark, Turtle, Red. Met up w/Butterfly Moon, L.H. & Nu-B. Ate @ China Buffet. Washed clothes. Did not sleep well.
Date: 2005-03-25
From: Haven Hotel, Franklin, N.C.

To: Wayah Gap
Miles today: 5.8

FridayStarted 0600, ended 0950, hiked alone.Trail magic Ann a ride back to Franklin, N.C. Walked to pick up care package from Stephanie. A wonderful letter. It made me cry. Went to the Outfitter¢s store (overpriced). Took a long nap. Had Wendy¢s. Turtle announced he was out of the race. I did not know what to say.
Date: 2005-03-26
From: Wayah Gap

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

SaturdayHiked 15.7 milesWesser Gap to Wayah Bald stone observation tower. Trail Magic (Easter bag). Breath taking views. NC/TN Border. I was so lonely. I met Hair Ball, Rocky & Double Healer. Trail Magic (Pepsi). Cold spring for lunch. I knew it had mice (It was true). Body was aching the last 3 miles. I had to take breaks. Wesser Bald was spectacular. I climbed the Fire Tower. Made it to Wesser shelter with 4 other people. Hooray! Met Adam/Jessica.
Date: 2005-03-27
From: Wayah Bald

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Easter SundayNo mouse problems (heard owl mating call). It rained like cats & dogs. Looks like rain. I was very lonely. I suggested to stay w/Butterfly Moon and Longhaul. (Plus it was Easter)... I called K.G.B. The Trail was very wet and slippery. NOC was a spectacular place. Nestled in the Valley of the Mountains. While checking out the place, ran into Double Healer, Art, Mary. Longhaul offered me to stay with them and also offered to pay for our rooms. Of course, I accepted. Saw kayak racing. Had a wonderful cheeseburger. Took a shower without soap. Had wonderful company. Longhaul also treated for dinner. I met a family from Ingle, TN. Went to bed around 10:00 p.m. It was the best sleep I¢ve gotten since I got on the Trail. Thank you, Longhaul + Magic Trail. The cabin was great!
Date: 2005-03-28
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: snow

MondayMost rested. Had pancakes & bacon. The Cosby kids, Longhaul, Butterfly Moon for breakfast (P.S. had Hazelnut coffee). Went back to the cabin. Took a long hot shower & nap. Got on the Trail at 1:45 p.m. I¢m always scared when I¢m alone. Half way thru it started to get cold (COLD), windy, foggy. The last mile my fingers were frozen. I started to cry because I was so cold. I made it to the shelter at 6:15 p.m. Had cheese & crackers with beef jerky. I shivered in my sleeping bag. Did not sleep well. 8 people in the shelter.
Date: 2005-03-29
From: Sassafras 

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

TuesdayWoke up not rested. I was 2nd to last to leave the shelter. A beautiful sunrise. Cheoa Bald was a spectacular view of the Smokies. I made a few phone calls. Stecoah Gap. Saw Mary waiting for her husband. KGB updated my E-mail. Unnamed cliffs were very difficult. Shin splints started hurting for the first time. Last one to arrive at the shelter. Best sleep in the shelter.
Date: 2005-03-30
From: Cable Gap

To: Fontana Dam, NC / Great Smoky. Natl. Park
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: broken clouds

WednesdayLast at the shelter. Saw something brown coming down the hill. I thought it was a bear cub. It was Buster Brown the DOG. He hiked with me all day (great company). TVA police know the owner. Fontana Dam was wonderful. Hitched to Fontana Village. Stayed with Terry & Gerry Cox, an OPRAH moment. Very nice people. Excellent friendship.
Date: 2005-03-31
To: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

ThursdayHiked 10.6 miles.Terry fixed a gourmet breakfast. Drove back to Fontana Dam. It was humid. First time I hiked only in a sports bra. Very hot. Mollies Ridge Shelter was nice (stove). Nu-B & Skylark were there. Day hikers.
Date: 2005-04-01
From: Mollies Ridge Shelter

To: Siler's Bald
Miles today: 17.2

FridaySiler¢s Bald ShelterRain, ice rain, high winds attempting to blow me down with 40 pounds on my back. It rained all day. I missed Rocky Top because of the rain. I hiked all day until dusk. Got water, cooked at dusk. My water filter did not work correctly. One following hiker asked what ¢VisionQuest¢ meant. It was cold & wet. during the night I attempted to pee in my Nalgene bottled but missed. My sleeping bag got urine on it!
Date: 2005-04-02
From: Siler's Bald

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: moderate rain

SaturdaySNOW, SNOW.It snowed at least one foot and is still snowing. Five thru-hikers and 3 section hikers decided to hike to Clingman¢s Dome, 4 miles. However it was the hardest hike ever. The section hikers needed socks to keep their hands warm and duct tape their pants to keep snow out of their tennis shoes. It was very dangerous. I was the last one. The wind & snow were blowing in my face, and I could not see. After arriving at Clingman¢s Dome, I met up with Amanda (Marshmallow & Robdro (?)). We started hiking down Clingman's Dome road to Newfound Gap. After walking about an hour, we saw the snow plow trucks and park rangers (3 car). I had tears in my eyes. Come to find out the road was closed at the visitor center, 20 miles down the road. The Greenville Hiking came over as planned. However, the road was closed. After the interview with rangers, they drove thru-hikers to the Happy Hiker in Gatlinburg, TN. I called my sister/my hero. We went to Wal-Mart for food.
Date: 2005-04-03
From: Gatlinburg,TN

To: Greeneville, TN (2nd 0 day
Miles today: 0.0

SundayIt was a zero day, because Clingman¢s Dome road was closed due to severe snow, at least 3 feet. Attempted to rest and dry out. Met the Hiking Club at 100, did not hike. Came home, took a nap, went to Applebee¢s Restaurant. My sister has been great.
Date: 2005-04-04
To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: overcast clouds

MondaySlept in. Talked to Skylark, who stated that Clingman¢s Dome road was opening at 1200. Drove to Peggy¢s house, picked up extra hiking/trekking pole. Picked up Nu-B & Skylark. Upon arriving to Newfound Gap the traffic was thick, and the parking lot full. Hitched a ride to Clingman¢s Dome, hiked back to Newfound Gap. Snow, wet, slippery rocks. Drove Skylark & Nu-B to Food City. I drove back to Greenville. Had to pack up my backpack until 1:00. Very tired. I need strength.