morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-03-31
From: Blue Mountain Shelter

To: Addis Gap
Miles today: 13.0

Still really cold in the morning. Moo made hot chocolate - divine, helped thaw us out a bit. Day warmed pretty quickly and by time we left the shelter it was a balmy 30 degrees. Beautiful climb up Tray Mtn. Moo pulled ahead and by the time 42 joined him at the top he was starting to make lunch (what a husband!). The view was amazing on all sides. Decided to hike to Addis Gap and camp there. Ran into the 4 wisemen (Peter Pan, Kiwi, Finch, & Dreamwalker), and although they were faster than us, they left signs along the way. Finally arrived at Addis Gap and per Peter Pan's suggestion camped right next to spring, even though another 1/2 mile to walk. Beautiful, worth the extra hike. Cold night, but not as cold as the night before, and the sky was amazing. The nearby stream sounded wonderful, although 42 heard some scurrying around the tent . . . .
Date: 2003-04-01
From: Addis Gap

To: Hiawassee/Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: clear sky

Woke up to the sun shining in our valley at Addis Gap. Cool at first but warmed up quickly. Condensation on tent so Moo hung the tent and fly up on a clothesline. Don't think we mentioned this earlier, but at Low Gap Shelter, we lost a tent stake -- it was fine b/c we had an extra one (yeah, extra weight) but we spent a lot of time looking for it. Then this morning at Addis Gap, after the next time we used our tent, when putting the tent away, we realized we had all the stakes -- turns out we must not have used all the stakes at Low Gap and never actually lost one.It always seems to take us a while in the morning, but finally we were on our way to Hiawassee (and to our first zero day, meaning a day off of hiking, woo hoo!). Right away we had to climb Kelly's Knob, a pretty steep uphill but beautiful. Later met a really nice couple who were day hikers who offered to give us a ride from the trailhead to Hiawassee if we were still there when they got back. They said the rest of the hike to the trailhead was all downhill. They lied. Many, MANY puds (pointless ups & downs), but finally we got to the trailhead at Dick's Creek Gap. Moo started thumbing for a ride just as a car pulled into the parking lot to drop off a thru-hiker (Peeps), and we got a ride the 11 miles to town with Pastor Phil.Stayed at the Hiawassee Inn. Showered, which was wonderful! Went to the Chinese restaurant next door. Moo got his glove sown up (it had ripped the first time he wore it) at the dry cleaners nearby. Moo must have turned on the charm, b/c the women working there, Cathy & Joanie, didn't even charge him. They were really nice, and Cathy even offered to drive us to the movie theater about 20 minutes away (we wound up not going). Went to the laundromat and washed everything. Sat around in rain gear while waiting for laundry, talking to a section hiker (Bruce) and a local couple. Then on to Ingles supermarket to load up on 9 days worth of food for our next time out -- that's a ton of food! About 27 pounds, which we'd have to carry. As we walked back to the hotel w/ a backpack filled w/ laundry and food, experienced more southern hospitality as a guy pulled over to ask if we needed a ride -- so nice (although we were almost there and didn't need one). Had a gourmet meal from Subway for dinner.
Date: 2003-04-02
From: Hiawassee

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Our first zero day! Slept in. Aaah. Gorgeous day. Went to the local library to start our online journal and check email. Several hikers at the library so we each got only 2 hours on the computer. When we were done, we sat outside the libe basking in the sun, deciding where to go next, when a woman coming out the libe asked us if we were hikers. We said yes, and she asked if we needed a ride (gotta love that attitude :-). We took her up on her offer and asked her to drop us off at a restaurant. She told us that her husband often gave hikers rides and that she wanted to but never knew who was safe. She decided we were OK because we had a woman with us and she figured that Moo wouldn't attack her because 42 was there. Moo assured her that even if 42 were not there, he still wouldn't attack her.We went to the Front Porch Restaurant. The night before at a gas station, Moo had asked if there was anywhere to get pizza, and he met the guy who makes pizza at the Front Porch, who told us to come by the next day. So we did. When we got there, that guy, David, was there. Pizza wasn't on the menu, but Moo asked David if we could have pizza and David said sure. It was good -- not NY pizza, but tasty anyway. [Aside: There was another hiker couple in the restaurant, Dan & Karen. We didn't know them at the time, but about a week later we met them, and they said "hey, you're that couple who got pizza even though it wasn't on the menu!" Turns out they wanted pizza and were really bummed it wasn't on the menu, and they couldn't understand how we got pizza.]David was interested in our hike and offered to give us a ride back to the trail the next day, which we accepted. We agreed to meet at our hotel at 8:45am.After lunch we took care of more errands, which took up most of the afternoon. Went back to hotel to relax & ran into Groovy, a thru-hiker we had met at REI in Atlanta. 42 made tons of gorp for the hike. Got chinese food again, then packed up. Talked to folks at home.   Next day heading out for 8 nights, 9 days in woods . . . a bit nervous b/c that will be our longest time out so far, and our bags are heavy w/ all the food. But excited for it.
Date: 2003-04-04
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

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

Good morning!! Jelly packs survived the night, despite 42's claims of scurrying mice throughout the night. Moo did not hear these furry critters, but did recall waking up during a windy moment to the sound of something scratching or sliding along the top of the tent. In the morning, Moo (from outside the tent) said to 42 (inside the tent), "Did it sound like this?" 42 responded in the affirmative and asked how Moo had captured the mouse, which turned out to be nothing more than the tent tie-down straps flapping against the tent in the wind. Mystery solved, but not mouse stew for supper.We awoke that morning in a misty, ridgeline fog -- we had been anticipating another sunny day (hell, what do weathermen know anyway? -- glad you bagged that career TC). Moo boiled up some H2O for hot chocolate (the kind with the little marshmellows -- mmmmm). Packed up and hit the trail by about 10 am. Despite our 10 to 12 hours per night of sleep and approx 7 to 8 am wakeups, we still can't seem to get out of camp any earlier than 9:30 or 10 am. Who cares? We're on vacation!!Hiked the 6.4 miles to the summit of Standing Indian Mountain -- great climb, but unfortunately no view other than a white curtain of mist and fog -- no problem, the views are generally spectacular from anywhere along the trail and sometimes we see 'em and other times we use our imaginations. Enjoyed lunch and the lovely dafodils planted on top -- great photo of 42 by the flowers.Came down off the summit and unsuccessfully blue blazed for a seemingly nonexistent water source for 42. No problem, Moo shared his Kool Aid water (he'd experimented @ Muskrat Creek Shelter the day before and added some berry blast unsweetened (oops) drink mix to his H2O. Interesting taste. May need to add some sugar next time and cut down on the amount.Hiked on down to Beech Gap, got water and ran into Pete from Montpelier, VT -- nice guy, retired from the federal government on a Monday and was on a southbound bus for Springer Mtn on Tuesday -- hiking home and then some.Made our way to Carter Gap Shelter, where we were reunited with Tom for Short & Seneca Lou. The Healer was there as well. Looked like serious rain ahead. We squeezed into the shelter -- about 6 of us, including Peeps, who was the hiker getting dropped off @ Dick's Creek Gap in a car that took us into Hiawassee a couple days earlier. Peeps is an interested fellow -- nice guy, who hikes approx 4 hours per day in the morning, then hangs out at shelters reading books and eating uncooked Ramen noodles.Before bed, we of course dined on Lipton dinners -- found a very tasty new dish -- Teriyaki Noodles -- mmmm, good. Highly recommend to all thru hikers.Moo & 42 tested out the earplugs they bought in Hiawassee -- not a bad time to do it either, considering we were sandwiched between TFS and Healer. Worked like a charm -- come and get us, 1/2 day Hank -- we are so ready for you!!!
Date: 2003-04-06
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Good morning AT day 12!!! Got a bit of a late start this morning -- 11:30 am -- we don't get it -- maybe the time change -- spring ahead -- maybe only getting 11, instead of our regular 12, hours of sleep -- who knows?Left so late that Blaze & Face had already returned from their shower "attempt" at Standing Indian Campground -- closed for a few more weeks. Then, Tom for Short and Seneca Lou appeared, having already hiked nearly 5.5 miles from the last shelter -- we finally got our morning program in gear and strolled the 0.1 miles down to Rock Gap -- a start, but not really.Because we were intrigued by the 0.5 mile blue blaze down into the valley to see the famous Wasalik Poplar tree -- evidently the 2nd oldest yellow poplar in the world -- Moo made the trek down, while 42 chilled with the packs -- interesting, kind of -- more like an extra mile on Moo's already tired legs and feet -- When Moo returned to the Gap, TFS & SL were getting a ride to Franklin for some R&R with TFS's brother & Dan & Karen had appeared -- we had met them @ the Front Porch -- pizza joint in Hiawassee.So -- finally hit the trail at about 12:30 or 1pm -- hiked for awhile until we had a wonderful PB&(Hardee's)J lunch on a quaint wooden-plank bridge over a waterfalling stream -- be careful when taking photos from the falls -- they may be slippery -- love those LEKI trekking poles.Hiked on through the rhododendron forests and eventually hit the blue blazed loop trail around Siler Bald to the Siler Bald Shelter. About 1/2 a mile to go when the thunder started to rumble louder and louder. Ran into Healer and the 3 of us emerged upon a full shelter with a fun cast of characters -- Runaway (an 18-year-old NH woman, recent HS grad, who look about 14 -- great trail name), Coyote, Clete, Cracker, Trucker, Brian (Ohio hammock guy) & Amble.Rain held up and we set up our tent on a nice, grassy field -- attempting to position it away from the anticipated flow of the torrential downpours to come.Enjoyed some dinner and a great camp fire and good conversation before the rains came -- made it to the tent just in time, as the sky opened up and we fell asleep to the sounds of the crazy rains on our tent. Turns out we did OK -- b/c we and our equipment stayed dry.
Date: 2003-04-07
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Campsite a couple miles past Cold Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

42 woke up very relieved we hadn't washed away in the rain or been eaten by a bear. Still raining! Had to pack up tent in the rain, meaning that it wouldn't be very fun to tent again that night b/c the tent would be wet (and of course we wound up using the tent that night). Just about the last ones to leave the shelter, of course. Went in search of the Siler Bald. Moo was on a mission to find the Bald and went up a long blue blaze trail (not part of the AT) to try to find it. 42 decided to wait and see if Moo found it before hiking up there w/ her pack in the rain (and she took that opportunity to "keep" track of things). Moo came back w/o having found it, or maybe it was just too foggy for him to see the bald. We got back on the white blazed trail and shortly thereafter stumbled across it.The AT joined up with another trail, the Bartram Trail, for a couple of miles. The Bartram Trail is nicely maintained, and out of nowhere we saw a stone house, which turned out to be a public restroom -- talk about trail magic! We made use of it (too much info?), then went on our merry way to check out the stone fire tower on top of Wayah Bald. Would have been a great view, but of course it was totally foggy. Still very neat being surrounded by all the mist.Somewhere around Licklog Gap we had lunch, a gourmet feast of PB&J (the J was compliments of Hardees). Moo dined partially a la fresca (too much info again?). After lunch we felt pretty strong so decided to go past the next shelter and wound up having our longest hike ever -- 14 miles! Decided to camp at campsite next to trail in the cold springs area. Had to dry off our tent -- not easy to do b/c it was still misty out, but we made the best of it. Had a very delicious meal of teriyaki noodles, hung the bear food, then tried to go to bed. As soon as we closed our eyes, we heard a buzzing noise from a bug trapped somewhere in the tent. We looked but didn't see it anywhere. It must have been in between the tent and the fly and should have been able to get out, but it didn't . . . it just kept on buzzing . . . and buzzing and buzzing and driving Moo crazy. He started pounding on the tent walls and anywhere else the bug could be, but the buzzing just kept on going. 42 suggested we just put in ear plugs (which we had bought after experiencing 1/2 day Hank's snoring at Blue Mtn. shelter!), which we did. They drowned out the buzzing, although Moo claims he still heard it. Moo, the next morning: "We showed that bug -- we're not afraid to use earplugs."
Date: 2003-04-08
From: Cold Spring

To: Wesser/NOC
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: light rain

So much for our plan to be in the woods for 8 nights in a row! We got to NOC and couldn't resist coming off the trail. And after carrying around all that food . . . but I'm getting ahead.We woke up at our campsite at Cold Srping on the early side, w/ grand plans of hiking 17 miles. Got up and ready quickly for us -- even w/ having to deal w/ a wet tent, we were ready to start hiking at 9:00. We decided to hike about 10 miles to NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) in Wesser for lunch, then hike 7 more after lunch. The hike was gorgeous, although misty. Some neat rock-scrambly type areas, and some great views as we rose above the couds. Then the downhill climb to the Nantahala River began. And continued. And kept on going. Our feet started pounding, and by the time we got down to the NOC, we were seriously thinking of coming off the trail not just for lunch but to rest our feet for the night. The rain coming down harder and harder helped persuade us to do just that.Checked out the outfitters, got lunch, and rented a private room. Washed everything, even our rain gear, and 42 went to take a shower. When she got back to the room, Moo had strung rope all over the room and had equipment hanging everywhere to dry out -- the tent, the fly, sleeping bags, rain jackets, stuff sacks, rain pants, it was hilarious. We put our wash in the dryer at 6:30, so we'd be ready to go to dinner around 7:00, with plenty of time to eat before the restaurant closed at 8:00. At 7:00, the clothing was still wet so we put in the last of our quarters. At 7:30, we realized the dryer was broken and our clothing was still wet -- we really had washed everything and had nothing to wear to dinner, and time was ticking! 42, in a towel using the public phone in the hall, tried to reach the hotel people but kept getting answering machines. She called the restaurant but they had already turned off the grill. She told them what the problem was and they said to bring the clothing there, b/c they had quarters and there was another laundry room nearby. So 42 and Moo put on their wet rain gear (and only their wet rain gear), loaded up a back pack w/ the wet laundry, and headed to the restaurant. The people there were terrific -- they gave us quarters for the laundry and even though the grill was off, got together some soup and veggie chilli for us. We went to the laundry room where the dryer worked and ate there.Went back to the room and massaged each others feet. Very tempted to take a zero day the next day, b/c our feet still hurt (esp. Moo!), and b/c it's so beautiful here and we could catch up on our online journal and relax. Hadn't really decided when we went to bed, but decided to make up our minds in the morning.
Date: 2003-04-09
From: Wesser/NOC

To: Wesser/NOC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Decided to stay! Our second zero day on the trail, and they are a wonderful thing. Raining in the morning so we ate in the room (Moo made "porridge" on the terrace). Then rallied to the restaurant for lunch -- our 3rd meal at that restaurant in less than 24 hours. Went to the office and used the computer to update our online journal, but the connection was lousy and it was kind of frustrating -- the only times we've been stressed while on the trail have been dealing w/ the internet! Mom's birthday -- had a wonderful talk with her (happy birthday mom!). Went back to the room, relaxed, then back to the restaurant (our 4th time) for dinner. Ate w/ Sleepy Floyd, who made it to NOC that day. Moo realized that when he left the computer earlier, he left a Nalgene bottle there -- he got a bit obsessed w/ trying to get it back, then finally had to accept the fact that he couldn't get it back until the next day. He was bummed b/c he wanted to get a really early start on the trail the next morning, and waiting for the office to open meant we wouldn't get going until after 8:00 am. 42 wasn't quite as disappointed -- she pointed out that we've never gotten a start that early, what are the chances of it happening tomorrow? Anyway, realizing there was nothing we could do about it, we went back to room, packed up, and to bed. Wonderful day at the NOC, a great place!
Date: 2003-04-10
From: Wesser/NOC

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

After our zero day, we had big plans of hiking about 16 miles. Had some oatmeal for breakfast, then went to pick up the Nalgene bottle. We heard there might be snow, but figured it wouldn't be as bad as what we had already been through, so we headed out to the trail at about 9:30.The hike up from the valley was tough, all uphill for the first 8 miles. After the first 4 miles or so, the snow began. It was beautiful at first, so pristine and not cold at all because we were moving. Then it began falling harder and accumulating, then it morphed into a sleet-like pelting substance that made hiking hard. Not much fun then. Our plans for a big 16-mile day quickly changed, and we decided to stop at the first shelter, only 7 miles in, to reassess. When we got there, there were already some people there who had also decided to alter their plans, and we decided to hang out there untill the next day, even though it was only 1:30. Got bunk space on the second level of the shelter and changed into dry clothes.Then Brian arrived w/ news that a hiker a mile up the trail had a broken ankle. Brian, Dan, and Moo went to go help him -- others had already gone on to get help, but they wanted to see what they could do to keep him company & assist him out there in the snow. Brian and Dan left, and Moo whipped up some hot water to give the guy hot chocolate, then he headed out. Turns out the guy was not a mile away but 2 miles away. The guy, Scamp, was a section hiker who was on his 2nd day, and he fell and broke his ankle -- he had hurt his other ankle in the same area of the trail the year before, and also had gotten Lyme disease, bad karma! He was appreciative of the guys going to help him, he had been sitting there since 11:00 am. Finally help arrived in the form of a bunch of guys in camo on ATVs, and Moo & the others returned to the shelter.Back in the shelter, while all that excitement was going on, 42 was holed up in the sleeping bag for a while (it's a lot colder to sit still than to move around), but finally the call of nature rallied her. Then she talked to Arthur and Spice Bag for a while, moving around, trying to keep warm, waiting for news of Moo & the others. After Moo returned, 42 made dinner. Then Goat and George showed up -- good, more body heat in the shelter. Talked to them for a bit, then to bed. Some major snorers in the shelter! Put in ear plugs, but for some reason Moo took his out so his sleep wasn't all that restful. Neither was 42's given the cold, but we cuddled up to thwart the weather.
Date: 2003-04-11
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: overcast clouds

We thought there would be another foot of snow on the ground when we woke up, but turned out the weather report was wrong (shocking) and there were only about 3 or 4 inches from the day before. Our plan as we hit the trail was to hike from the shelter to Cable Gap Shelter. We had some more uphill to do as we went over Cheoah Bald (which Moo had hiked the day before, twice, while helping out Scamp) -- probably great views, but all we saw was mist. We did see the ATV tracks from the rescue vehicles from the day before. Then some downhill, which was kind of tricky b/c of the snow & mud. We stopped in at the first shelter for lunch, and Arthur and Amble arrived shortly after us. They decided to call it a day there, but we wanted to get to the next shelter -- it was pretty cold out, and it was more comfortable to keep on walking than to stay still in the shelter. The lower in elevation we got, the less snow there was on the ground, and eventually it turned into a pretty nice day. As we approached the next shelter, the sun even started coming out. The sun's arrival, coupled w/ the fact that the next shelter was full, spurred us to keep on hiking -- Fontana Dam, and a hotel bed, was only 4.5 miles away! We started climbing again (of course), to be rewarded by a great view of Fontana Lake in the distance. The trail took us to the west as the sun was sinking into the horizon, and we saw a beautiful sunset that turned the landscape pink. Then we had a major descent into the Fontana Dam area -- we got to the point where we preferred ascents to descents! Finally, we came to a road that, according to the book, should have taken us into town, but it looked pretty deserted. Our instinct to keep on going was right and we came to a parking lot that had a message board instructing hikers about a $1 shuttle, and there was a free phone right there. We called and the resort sent a shuttle right away. Now that's service!LaVonda showed up a few minutes later and we went to the resort and got a room. They had our bounce box waiting for us, which was nice. We were too late for dinner so snacked on vending machine stuff, then showered up (always a treat) and went to bed. Ahh.
Date: 2003-04-12
From: Fontana Dam

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Another lovely zero day! They really are wonderful, reasons in and of themselves to hike the trail. We slept in (nothing like the sleep you get in a pitch black hotel room), finally got up, put on our clean clothing from the bounce box, got our laundry together (even though we had just done it, everything was stinky again), and walked to the laundromat. There ran into Sticks, a guy who had passed us the previous day when he hiked the 28 miles from NOC to Fontana in one day, and he gave us some meals his sister, a chef, had prepared for him. Then went to the post office to get our mail drop. The post office was only open for 2 hours, so we had to do a quick turn around to get our bounce box ready to mail before the PO closed. Lots of hikers milling around outside the post office going through their mail drops. Lots of food being passed around -- people sending mail drops often add extra stuff (Mom, thanks for the lemon lulu, everyone loved it!). Saw Blaze & Face, Goat, and others. Finished up laundry, sent out bounce box. Re-provisioned at the store. Moo asked Jade, who worked at the store, to help us out w/ our unactivated phone card, and she was glad to help out (so nice!). Got lunch at the restaurant, met some nice section hikers. Then went to the resort's internet (by the our, not free), which of course frustrated us but allowed us to get updated a bit. Dinner at the same restaurant, then relaxed and to bed for a good night sleep before hitting trail the next day.