morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-04-11
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Helen
Miles today: 32.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This is a week all put together in one journal. The weather cleared and hiking was wonderful. Had to get through the bear cannister area since I elected to not carry my 2.5 pound cannister. It appears that the area between Jarrard Gap and Blood Mountain is being watched closely for hikers without the cannisters. I hear the fines are steep. Made it to Blood Mountain but boy was I exhausted. Many times it has been hard to find water and when you do find it, its just a trickle, while other times there is an abundance. I have found myself sitting there thinking, "who in their right mind would drink from that?". But I do.. once I try to swallow and feel how parched my throat is. I carry 3 liters but climbing those hills and mountains really drive me to drink much of the supply I carry.My days are filled with many ups and downs... many ups and downs. Some are more steep than others. I move slow uphill but seem to make better time going down. I catch and pass those who passed me on the way up.   I'm still hacking and coughing, my bronchitis doesn't seem any better. There isn't much to see while hiking but every now and then there are some beautiful sites from the mountain tops. I just stand there and feel glad I am able to climb there to see such beauty. My feet, legs, knees, and hips are all doing great considering the sedentary life I had over the past several years. The days have been warm and sunny and the nights have been cool to cold. A couple of nites I had to wear my balaclava and down jacket in my sleeping bag. A few nights ago we stopped at Bagg Creek Gap, just below Cowrock Mountain. It was very windy and cold. In the morning the rest of the hikers had found that their food was taken from a bear(s). No one heard anything probably because of the wind. My dog didn't bark either. Since I had just picked up my mail drop at Neels Gap, I offered up some of my meals to hold over until the next town (Helen). I keep my food in my tent in double bagged OpSaks. I stopped at the outfitters at Neels Gap, you have to walk right through the building in order to stay on the AT. What a cool old building, I heard it was built in 1936-37. I picked up a spoon - I lost my spoon and fork along the way.Helen is a small town amongst the many hills of GA. The town looks like bavarian alpine town. Tubing seems to be popular on the Chattahoochee River that flows through it. Many bikers come through here also. I saw some of the neatest bikes. Suppose to have severe thunderstorms this afternoon into the night with large hail. I will head out tomorrow morning. I have to go buy food now since this was not a planned mail drop.
Date: 2013-04-12
From: Helen

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 10.4

The thunderstorm was incredibly loud with an active light show. I am glad I was indoors and not in a tent like my friends. My dog was spooked. Apparently the gusts were so strong, many homes lost their rooftops. Heading out shortly and plan for a long day instead of 3-4 hours. I believe my body is able to take on the extra distance without injury.
Date: 2013-04-13
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Plumorchard Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

Sassafras is at 3500 ft and within the first 2 miles the elevation climbed to 4191. Lots of ups and downs ending at 3165. Lots of water today that was easy to find. I saw other hikers today but only spoke briefly as they passed me. I believe my uphill climb is getting stronger and faster. My back kills me at the end of the day ... But only when I move. Feet, arms, and legs still feeling pretty good. Here's a note I received from a friend that experienced assistance from the Wounded Warrior Project:"Mary, Well, I think what you are doing is so cool, as I mentioned. Not manypeople know what's going on over there and sometimes I think they don't evencare to know, like we're some kind of suckers volunteering for the military,or contractors over there for the money. Many of us didn't do it for eitherbut just did it to take care of each other or to settle a score. Sure themoney is nice as a contractor, but the risks are very big as I suddenlyfound out on August 3rd, 2010 when insurgents attacked our position and camethrough the wire shooting on the northeast side of KAF (Kandahar Air Field)right next to where I was working. Anyway, I rolled my dice and lost but mypoint is that when I was med-evac'd to Landstuhl, Germany a lady showed upfrom Wounded Warrior project and was so very nice to me, brought me a sweatjacket, some socks and underwear, and a phone card, I nearly cried (actuallyI think I did cry but don't tell anyone). I was all messed up and this ladywas like the nicest person in the world to me and sat with me and just hungout for a while. Aside from doctors and nurses, she was the first person Ispoke with who reassured me that things would indeed get better. So I want you to know that when I say I appreciate what you are doing, Ireally mean I appreciate what you are doing and it makes a HUGE differenceto the men and women in the field."Let's keep this project rolling. Your spare change can really make a difference to someone. The link to give is listed below..Thank you.
Date: 2013-04-14
From: Plumorchard Gap Shelter

To: near Deep Gap
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: light rain

Hard to get up this morning. But once I was able to make it to my knees I was fine. Still not as hungry as I usually am. My dog isn't hungry either.   We do drink about 4-5L /day between us. The day was gorgeous - bright, sunny and cool to warm. I get chilly when I stop for water. Probably from my sweat and the cool breezes. The highest elevation today is 4669. Ended up camping about .5 miles from Standing Indian Shelter - elevation 4560. Pretty uneventful - just walking through the woods. Many wonderful birds singing. Sometimes I think they follow me. Their chirp never seems to fade. I hope I get cell service soon. It would be nice to call home and talk to family and friends. My best sleep is right after I set up camp. I clean myself up a bit and stretch out for an hour to hour and a half snooze. It's awesome after a strenuous climb. Lots of woodpeckers today.
Date: 2013-04-15
From: near Deep Gap

To: Betty Creek Gap
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Light rain throughout the night. Started out at 4560 ft. The highest climb in this section is 5498 ft at Standing Indian Mountain summit. Nice view. Many PUDS but it always seems the uphill is dominant. End at 4300 ft. Betty Gap Creek. Bugs are out now. Had some kind of wormy things all over the outside of my tent. The mornings are cool to cold (slept with my down jacket on) by 10 it's hot and my long sleeve shirt is soaked with sweat. I seem to have a following with small fly bugs. They love to hover around me. I guess my sponge baths aren't doing too well. Hoping for a real shower within the next few days. I don't really want to go into Franklin NC. There's a waterfall coming up tomorrow. I'll try that first. As usual about 14-15 people passed me. 3 were SoBo. Several we're slack packers and 1 or 2 were out for the weekend or something. I may have to rethink my strategy and allow for slack packing through the tougher climbs.
Date: 2013-04-16
From: Betty Creek Gap

To: Near Swinging Lick Gap
Miles today: 12.4

Dry night with lots of wind. Slept well. Got up and made oatmeal and hot tea. Doggie still not eating much. Very long day today as we walked past Rock Gap shelter and on to Winding Stair Gap. A short distance from WSG there was water that I could wash really well with. Cold water but so refreshing. Set up camp near a stream. Still coughing alot.
Date: 2013-04-17
From: Just before Swinging Lick Gap

To: Licklog Gap
Miles today: 12.1

Oh so sore this morning. Slow moving but eventually my back eased up and allowed me to get to my knees. What a beautiful morning. Felt like fall. Crisp, bright, sunny. It later turned to overcast. Passed a couple shelters today (Siler Bald and Wayah Bald) This was a very beautiful and scenic day. I can't wait to post pictures. There was a cool looking old stone tower that was part of Wilson Lick Ranger Station. Highest elevation today was 5342. Ended at 4440.
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Licklog Gap

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center-Hot Springs
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

RAIN RAIN RAIN RAIN RAIN. Walked all day in the rain. Carried the pooch part of the way. Stopped at Cold Spring Shelter and Wesser Bald Shelter for small breaks from the rain. But as I got to them, wouldn't you know it.... it would stop raining. Drank water and continued on.   Ate at A. Rufus Morgan Shelter - Then crossed a few streams and footbridges before reaching the NOC. Had a mail drop here. Cold wet cranky and tired. All pet cabins/rooms taken. Showered... ahhhhhhhh. Warmth. Put on my cold wet frogg toggs until my clothes came out of the dryer. HOT from the dryer ooooooooo soo good.I was offered a ride to Hot Springs NC. Since I planned to skip the Smokys anyway due to all the problems (landslide, 2ft snow, ice falling and hitting hikers, norovirus)I took the offer. Within a couple of hours I was in a warm soft bed after another hot shower. Stayed at the Iron Horse Station. What a cool little town. I bought a short sleeved AT shirt at the outfitters... my summer stuff isn't being sent until after Damascus. But I really need a short sleeve now. As far as the Smokys goes... it is mandatory to stay in the shelters. I cringe when I think about that.. they are dirty and have rodents running all around. These mice jump on top of you and try to get into your pack while you sleep... not to mention having to squeeze between a couple of neanderthals with sleep apnea. Not appealing, doesn't feel safe, and I would not be able to sleep. Sorry if I have disappointed anyone for not being a purist.
Date: 2013-04-19
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

When leaving Hot Springs you have to cross the bridge over French Broad River and then climb down the embankment to catch the trail along the river. This was a very nice morning hike - a bit chilly but invigorating. My cough is really really bad now. I think when I get to Hemlock Hollow I will see what I can do to get rid of this cough once and for all. Today was one of those days when you walk back and forth on the trail as if you are in the bank line. It was very beautiful to see Hot Springs and the river from different elevations. I passed Lovers Leap and a couple unmarked campsites with fantastic views. Snacked at Pump Gap in the shade on an large fallen tree. Met several people today... 50/50, Dons Brother, Peppercorn and Cruzer, Quaker, shindig, and loophole. I get a bit 'pet'urbed when dog owners let their big dogs run freely out of their sight. They seem to find my little one. When I pick her up, the dogs jump up on me to get to her. There are leash laws for a reason. Sat by a pond for a few moments wondering if I should set up camp and jump in. But then some long long haired guys walked by heading to an abandoned bus out in the middle of a field. They asked me if I liked food. I hesitated then answered with "yes, I eat occasionally." They point to another small trail that leads west into some trees. They go on to say that if I were to walk about a half mile... maybe a mile, I would see a blue tarp and under that tarp is a free food kitchen. I politely thanked them and bolted. I had to get far away from them and the free food kitchen. Suddenly I had a burst of energy that would take me 3-4 extra miles. I passed a stream, Tanyard Gap (AT crosses Hwy US25/70), the Rich Mountain Lookout Tower, and Hurricane Gap. I stealthed near Spring Mountain Shelter. As I lay back I think... Hmmm free food under a tarp out in the middle of nowhere...must be good stuff. I will pass Hemlock Hollow tomorrow... I may take a few days off the trail.
Date: 2013-04-21
From: Hemlock Hollow

To: Cabin
Miles today: 0.0

I arrived at the cabin and greeted Seamus and Zeus, a 4 year old(?) Westie and a 4 month old Chihuahua/Yorkie mix. They were so glad to see Fizzgig. They romped and ran around the yard chasing each other. I unloaded a few items and headed for the shower.   It had been days since my last hot shower. Oh it was great to use pretty smelling shampoo and conditioner. Dove soap¢¦. Ahhh. Stuff with scents!!! I put on deodorant and perfume, the first since I started my adventure. The smell of pit juice vs. B.O. was wonderful. I began to dance around the living room to the kitchen singing.. I feel pretty oh so pretty¢¦. Is that from the Sound of Music or Westside Story or something? I searched for a quick bite and headed to bed after taking some cough syrup. I zonked out until the next day.
Date: 2013-04-23
From: Cabin

To: AT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I am feeling better but I am still coughing. I decided I needed to make some adjustments to my original plan since I am bound and determined to get to Katahdin THIS year. My allergies to molds and mildews are going to persist throughout the rest of Spring - or until the fallen leaves and ground dry out completely. (could be months with all the rain we are having) Sleeping night after night on the ground has certainly prevented recovery. So my new plan, which will require flexibility, is to bring my SUV with my bike back to TN. I can plan out long hikes and short hikes each day and put the bike at the trailhead I plan to finish at, then drive the SUV to my starting trailhead. I will then hike back to my bike, then bike back to my SUV. I have a basket on the front that I use for Fizzgig. If it isn¢t possible to do it that way, I could use a shuttle or I will need to backtrack my hike for the day and go to the other end of the section and hike in and back out the next day. The purpose of bringing the SUV is to sleep in it, off the ground away from the molds and mildews. I will still do overnights but not like I have been doing (weeks at a time) until I lose this cough completely. I will have to do more in the long run but it is worth it to be able to have a healthy hike. I suppose I will be able to offer other hikers an opportunity to slack pack too since we are heading the same way. There are many options. For instance, if 4 hikers get involved, hiker A could drive ahead and meet everyone later that day after they finish hiking. This would be possible because hiker A would be using a zero day. Then the next day someone else could take their zero day, etc. We will no doubt have some overnights as the trail isn¢t that flexible all the time. I love the overnights. That fresh air all night long is the best!!!! I leave tomorrow.
Date: 2013-04-24
To: AT
Miles today: 0.0

I got a late start. I was supposed to go to Stoughton, MA to meet my friend¢s daughter who would touch up my shaved head, since it has grown out quite a bit. Wanted to get something done that will let it start to look like a girl¢s hair cut. The gray actually looks pretty good. I didn¢t get there on time because I was asked to drop someone off in Brockton, MA on my way. What a hoot driving down with my newly made friend. It was a lot of fun!! I did an overnight (a few hours) at Charleton, MA rest area on I90. Heading back the same way... I84 to I81. Just after leaving CT and getting into NY I blew bearings on the driver¢s front. I called Johns Auto in Dansbury, CT - 8 miles away. Walt came, towed me back, evaluated, ordered the parts and installed them ¢ all within 3 hours. What great customer service!!! He even put air in my bicycle tires, and topped off all my fluids for free. Back on the road again¢¦..Next morning: I stopped in Shenandoah to do Skyline Drive. It was free today and tomorrow. YAY!! Stopped several times to walk around and took a short bike ride. I spent the night in Waynesboro, VA. Got up early and got into Erwin by noon. Walked the Erwin Linear Trail and took pictures of geese, buzzards and turtles.
Date: 2013-04-27
From: Hemlock Hollow

To: Devil Fork Gap
Miles today: 18.0

Got dropped off at Hemlock Hollow by an outfitter in Erwin. We hiked a long day finally arriving at Devil Fork Gap where I stealthed nearby. It was nice to be back on the trail again. I missed it. Today we had some good hiking, with plenty of water. A couple spots were tough but Fizzgig and I got through it. Ate dinner and slept early.
Date: 2013-04-28
From: Devil Fork Gap

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

The first mile was good and then the trail began to ascend almost 1000ft over 3 miles. Many streams and good sites to see. Really tired today. My big toe nail is starting to pop up on the inside. I clipped it off since it isn't holding on to anything. I will probably use duck tape to hold the rest of it in place when I hike.
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Sometimes its hard to remember what I did and what I saw if I don't make a note in my small notebook right away. Keeping these journals up to date is time consuming with posting pictures. Not a user friendly tool. Well at least for me. It has been difficult to keep up because of no signal. I haven't been able to check in with family and friends either - and they get really worried.Descended quite a bit today. Had to clip more of my toe nail off so it wouldn't dig into me. Had a fantastic view of Nolichucky River and Bridge. Sleep very soundly.
Date: 2013-04-30
To: Carvers Gap
Miles today: 12.6

I parked my SUV on USFS 230 near Indian Grave Gap. The same outfitter picked me up and dropped me off at the trailhead in Erwin. I immediately began my hike heading for Indian Grave Gap. I ran into Loophole. He asked if I would give him a ride to Carver's Gap since I had a vehicle. Once we got to my vehicle I drove him to Carver' Gap where he met up with some friends and planned to camp at Overmountain shelter that evening. Shortly after arriving at Carver's Gap, Jim and Laura arrived to begin their trail magic. Last year their son finished a thru hike. He started on April 4th and ended on August 8th. He left the trail 3 different times for a week each time. They brought enough food to feed an Army. Italian sausages to make subs, fried peppers and onions, beans, chips, soda, beer, raw vegies, candy, fruit, and these amazing treats. I forget what they called them but they had caramel, peanut butter and rice krispies with chocolate frosting on top. MMmmmmMet many hikers and saw many others I already knew. They must have fed over 40 hikers passing through at varying times. Most stopped in, ate and continued on. But a fun bunch hung out, drank beer, chatted, laughed and stayed the night at Carver's Gap. I decided to stay too. I finally met some really cool people on the trail.
Date: 2013-05-01
From: Carvers Gap

To: Grassy Bald
Miles today: 16.0

As the morning rose at Carver's Gap I quickly made breakfast and coffee and hurried on my way to try and catch part of the sunrise along the Balds. This morning was a short hike only 4.2 miles in and back out. But the beauty I saw made me sit and enjoy the wonders of nature before me. I posted pictures of this morning¢s hike when I updated my journal last weekend. I was amazed at the natural beauty of the landscape and how the weather accentuated it as I watched the clouds move back and forth across Round Bald as I gazed from Jane¢s Bald. Here is where I caught up with Berkley. He had packed up and climbed to see the complete sunrise. I am sorry I missed the early part of it.On my way back I ran into Spoon and Honey Mom, Honey Badger, Puffy, Bootless, Tie Die, Surfer Dude, and Caboose on the trail. Caboose looked like she was in extreme pain by the way she was limping. I admire those that keep plugging away, however slow, even when the pain is so great. Headed back to where I left off yesterday, at Indian Grave Gap. I locked my bike up on Red Fork Rd (FS230) a short distance from Iron Mountain Gap and drove to where I parked yesterday.   I hiked 11.8 miles through the Beauty Spot Gap and Unaka Mountain to Iron Mountain Gap. I walked downhill to my bike then I biked back to my vehicle and did a solar shower. I slept at Carvers Gap again. (bathrooms).
Date: 2013-05-02
From: Grassy Bald

To: Carvers Gap
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Today I met up with Honey Badger and Honey Mom in Elk Park. I took HB to the P.O. to pick up a mail drop and after lunch, dropped her at the Dollar General to shop for supplements for her mail drop. I then drove HM back to her car at Iron Mountain Gap. She came up to join her daughter for a few days. Lunch was great and the company was fantastic!! I wish HM could¢ve stayed longer. I forgot to leave my bike at Carvers Gap so I had to drive back and leave it there so I could hike back to it from Iron Mountain Gap. That was a hard hike today. My feet were sore and it seemed I walked uphill allllll day. It was almost dark when I finished. All I had to do was coast down the road to my vehicle. That was nice. I had my bike lights on and a flasher in the rear for safety. I didn¢t pass any cars and no one passed me. Perfect!! I slept hard.
Date: 2013-05-03
From: Carvers Gap

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Parked my bike on a FS road kinda near¢¦but not really¢¦ Overmountain Shelter. Then I drove back to Elk Park. I walked to Overmountain Shelter and skipped the 2 miles to reach Grassy Bald from the other direction. I figured walking back to my vehicle would make up for it. Bike ride back to Elk Park was somewhat strenuous at times but was easier not wearing my Keens I wore my Vibrams. Fizzgig loves the ride. On some of the hills I wished she was bigger and could pull me up. Another long day. I am beat!! Slept at the Visitor Center at the Roan Mountain Park a few miles away.
Date: 2013-05-04
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: near Upper Laurel Fork
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: light rain

Parked my car at Dennis Cove on USFS 50 and got a ride back to Elk Park where I began my journey towards Jones Falls and Mountaineer Falls. I love waterfalls and could relax beside them all day and journal if I had a signal. I snacked at one and had lunch at the other then on to Upper Laurel Fork. I contemplated a night at the nearby Hostel (about .5 miles away) but decided to stealth a short ways down USFS 293 near an unnamed waterfall. I am tired. I think I need to eat more but I¢m just not that hungry at times. I drink a lot of water / flavored water. I received a few emails from friends that asked what do I eat out here. Here is a typical day for me:I prepared my meals ahead of time. I eat a variety of foods. I use only freeze dried fruit, vegetables and meats. It took a few weeks of measuring out each recipe and packaging up the meals in gallon freezer bags. I also ordered single serving packets from Minimus.Chicken Stir Fry        1 pkt oil 12 C chicken1/4 t gr. ginger2 T onion        1 C rice14 C green beans12 C carrots2-3 pkts soy sauceAt Home: Bag chicken separately in sandwich zip lock. Then bag onions, beans, and carrots in a sandwich zip lock. Bag ginger separately in small baggie.At Camp: Prepare rice accordingly. Add 1 C near boiling water to chicken bag and place in koozy 20 minutes to rehydrate. Also add 1.5 cups water to vegies to rehydrate. Next: Put oil in frying pan. When oil is hot, dump in drained chicken and sprinkle ginger on it. Stir fry until well browned. Dump in onions, carrots, and beans. Stir fry for about 3 minutes. Add soy sauce and stir 1 minute. Serve on rice with soy sauce. Pretty easy.
Date: 2013-05-05
From: near Upper Laurel Fork

To: Dennis Cove
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: moderate rain

Made my way to Dennis Cove early today and was glad to just relax. The hill was tough but I felt strong today. Stayed at Braemer Castle Hostel. Met quite a few hikers. Alex (Hostel Mgr) is a blast!!   He is very knowledgeable about the area and the AT in general. Slept well. Did my daily routine of physical therapy¢¦ the alphabet with my feet. Works like a charm.If you google Braemer Castle you can read about it.