morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-03-17
From: Bird Gap

To: Goose Creek Cabins
Miles today: 4.0

      That moon didn't last long last night. Drizzled and rained all night so my already damp and wet stuff is even more so now. Nothing worse than packing up, or setting up in the rain. I dallied around, lying in my tent, hoping it would ease up just long enough to pull out. Heard everyone from the Wood's Hole Shelter going by. At least some of them must have had a easier start. I finally had to get up and pack the sopping mess in the rain. I put on damp clothes that would only get wetter.   I trailed all of the others, walking alone as usual almost all day. Near the end, I ran into a few girls on a short trip. One of them wanted to take my picture--not really representative of a "real" thru-hiker.   The going was tough--a lot of mud, rocks and roots. I tried to pick my way through the rough spots. Almost went over the edge once and I fell twice, scraping shins and elbows on one tumble and doing a full face-plant on another. I was on a downhill and I had a hard time getting up with the pack weight over my head and nothing to grab onto. Took a few choice words and twisting about to get upright again. Blood Mountain--good name! With Neel's Gap like a carrot on a stick, I plodded along. Eventually I ran into a hiker coming from uphill. He said he left 16 minutes ago so I knew I had at least a half hour yet downhill. I had already decided to go to Goose Creek Cabins, if they had an opening. When I got to Neel's Gap they were already packed. They called Goose Creek and I talked to Keith Bailey, the owner, and he said he had a cabin and would be up to get me in a bit. I was cold, wet, tired, sore and stinky. I haven't eaten anything since Thursday. In fact, I have all my food left except for four snickers and a couple handfulls of cashews, since starting at Springer. I bought some snacks and had a coffee with cream and sugar at the store and just looked around. They took my picture and I signed their register. I didn't get any cuter on the trail. Keith arrived before I finished my coffee and took me down the mountain to his picturesque place. He even has a trout pond with 2 pound rainbows but I've seen enough water for a while, unless it's hot and coming from a showerhead.   I got a small cabin--full bath, kitchenette, fireplace, heat. Rustic knotty pine--not fancy but sure looks great to me. Keith is really friendly and certianly made me feel welcome. I met Goldberry, another thru-hiker, in the office. She's staying here as well. I recognized her name from Trail Journals. First thing was to get out of these wet clothes and into the shower. A couple of cokes and some snacks then maybe a nap and I might be feeling better. I got some stuff for my boots and I may work on them tonight. The rest can wait til later.
Date: 2003-03-18
From: Goose Creek Cabins

To: Goose Creek Cabins (Zero Day)
Miles today: 0.0

      My one shin is scraped, swollen and very sore from that fall yesterday. Although they will do laundry here, I just rinsed a couple of things out in the sink. Drizzling and overcast all day. I went down to the lodge and the news wasn't good--for the weather or the war. They are predicting severe storms with flooding in the area over the next two days. I may just put a down payment on cabin #8 and live the rest of my life right here. While I was down there, a young woman caught a three pound trout on a cane pole using corn for bait. You can see a lot of fish cruising around the pond. I sat down in an easy chair near the fireplace and almost fell asleep.
Date: 2003-03-20
From: Goose Creek Cabins (Zero Day)

To: Goose Creek Cabins (Zero Day) (still)
Miles today: 0.0

Thursday:   Everything is finally dry. Put a couple of applications of Nikwax on my boots. Have to repair my pack cover with duct tape today to cover an abrasion and small holes from the falls. I'm trying to make it last a bit longer. Went to Neel's Gap again and just wandered around a bit. Compared to my cabin, the hostel is dark, dank and crowded. So glad I came here...........About dark I came down with fever and chills. I feel terrible--going to bed to see if I can sweat it out. Leaving in the morning regardless. Some new hikers came in--only name I recognized was Margie from Trailjournals but never got to talk to her. Man, I feel like crap.
Date: 2003-03-22
From: Past Hogpen Gap

To: Poplar Stamp Gap
Miles today: 6.0

Saturday:   Got kind of a late start. Need to get to Low Gap Shelter for water. I overdid it yesterday--I could feel it. Made it to shelter about 1:30, drew my water nad some bagel sandwiches. There are two injured guys laying up here--one with a knee and the other with an Achilles problem. Groovy, the guy with the problem knee, I met at the cabins earlier this week. The other guy (Devin) was running low on food, so I gave him a couple of bagels. I rested quite a while there, then decided to press on to find a place to camp. I finally found a nice spot and had started setting up when three others came to join me. I felt better after I ate today--but I almost have to force myself. It was windy here tonight--seems there is always wind. I was shivering with cold, so being the ideal host that I am, I crawled into my fleece and sleeping bag, not to be seen until morning.
Date: 2003-03-25
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Helen, GA
Miles today: 6.1

   Got up early hoping to make it into Hiawassee today to get some food and laundry done. When I got to Dick's Creek Gap, I tried to tidy up a bit and stuck out my thumb. Finally a truck stopped and I threw my gear in the back. Turned out my ride was going south through Helen. He travels from NC to GA frequently, and said Helen was nicer and cheaper--so to Helen I went. He dropped me off at the Helendorf River Inn and I got a nice room, even though I had to lug my pack up to the second floor. I took a shower, went across the street, and bought a burger at Wendy's. Then I went back and floated in the pool for an hour. As I was relaxing, a young hiker from Grand Rapids came down to the pool. Scott is doing big-mile days, has a few blisters to show for it, but is really wound up about being on the trail. He is hitching out in the morning to Unicoi. I called the outfitter to see about a shuttle, but they can't take me til Thursday. So, I guess I'll have to suffer another day in Helen.
Date: 2003-03-26
From: Helen, GA

To: Zero Mile Day
Miles today: 0.0

   Walked around town a bit: grocery store, library, pharmacy. Sent an email to let folks know I was alive. Did my laundry at the hotel and then soaked in the pool again. Got most of my stuff packed and ready to go for morning.   The Helendorf is a nice place, very friendly people and has the pool and laundry available. It was reasonable too--being the off season. But the restuarants in town were rather expensive and closed early. I tried to get a pizza delivered but they only do that on Friday and Saturday nights! The whole town is Bavarian architecture--everything looks the same. Can't tell a laundromat from a restaurant.
Date: 2003-03-27
From: Helen, GA

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 6.6

   Got the shuttle out of Helen to Dick's Crek Gap this morning. First person I run into was Scot, who had been in the room across from me the day before. That means that he went 16 miles in one day--that same distance took me two long, hard days. He was headed to the Blueberry Patch.      I walked alone as usual--saw a few people on the trail that I knew and a few I didn't.   Late afternoon I started looking for a camp site. Came across a couple guys set up at a spring. After looking around the immediate area, I found a flat spot big enough for my tent. They had a fire going up on a small rise to discourage the bugs. I went up there briefly to eat; then entombed myself in the tent to journal and relax.
Date: 2003-03-29
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Deep Gap (Franklin)
Miles today: 4.0

      Started out at a good pace for me. Then came into a lot of rocks. It rained during the night, so I had to pack up a wet tent again. Walked in light rain for a couple of hours, then the temp started dropping and the wind picked up. I was picking my way across the rocks when I met Little Bob with George, his dog. He said there was trail magic set up in Deep Gap--about a mile or so ahead. Seemed to take forever to get there. I'm having trouble with the shoulder straps on my pack. I couldn't seem to get it adjusted properly and my right arm kept going numb to the extent that I could hardly hold my pole. When I got to Deep Gap, I found Red Truck and his son, Green Truck,with a large tarp, chairs and food set up. They, Little Bob, Brown Trout and some of their spouses came here to camp for the weekend and share their magic with hikers coming through. I had heard about trail magic at other spots--learned that Brown Trout is routinely at Hogpen Gap--but have never been lucky enough to experience it before. I had a coke and a couple of hot dogs and stood by the fire to ward off the chill. Saw the Smiths (2/3 and 3/3), Baby Steps and Nothing Decent, Circuit Rider and Sherlock and several others at this oasis in the mountains on a cool, windy day. What great, friendly, generous people. Little Bob and his wife, Barbara, ran me into Franklin. Worked on the pack as I didn't want to have to buy a new one--it had been pretty good thus far.
Date: 2003-03-30
From: Deep Gap (Franklin)

To: Unknown Gap (Betty Creek? Mooney?)
Miles today: 12.6

   Woke up to cold and snow. Got a ride back up to Deep Gap, after dumping a lot of gear to pick up when I get back here. It was beautiful with all the snow on the trees. Footing was treacherous at times and I really had to watch my foot placement. Occasionally it cleared and the views were great. But later it was windy and snowing again.      Passed Carter Gap Shelter with the lighter pack and made better time and miles (the shoulder strap was okay). Found a protected spot to set up housekeeping on a thick layer of leaves for warmth. Everything is cold and damp tonight--had to change shirts and put on the fleece to warm up. This is the first cold weather I've had since Springer, although the dampness and wind often cause chilling. Some hot tea would be welcomed, but I left the stove, etc behind along with most of the food. Had tortillas, ham and cheese for supper. Crawling in the bag to keep warm. I have on all the clothes I brought.
Date: 2003-04-02
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Campsite past Wayah Bald
Miles today: 10.5

   I had packed last night. So in the morning I had time to go to Momma's restuarant for breakfast, half a block up the street. Good food and fast service. Ann Allison showed up at 8:30 to shuttle myself and another hiker up to Winding Stair in the back of her pick-up. She and her friend, Kathy Sherrard, are real trail angels. They shuttle and help out hikers in this area, accepting only token gas money in return. It was a perfect sunny day for hiking. Shade is still at a premium. Nice waterfalls today and several good spots to get water. The climb up Wayah at the end of the day got me--ran out of gas, but couldn't find a campsite. Very tired, I made it to this spot with just enough light to set up. It is very windy and cool, at over 5000 feet in elevation.
Date: 2003-04-04
From: Telico Gap

To: Bryson City, NC
Miles today: 7.1

   For a supposedly easy down to NOC, this turned into a long day. Stopped at Wesser Bald Shelter for a short break about noon. Went through a lot of water today due to the heat. Fell again going down the jump up but no major damage done. Felt greatly relieved when I finally past Rufus Morgan Shelter. The last mile or so seemed a lot longer--always does with a specific goal-oriented trudge. When I got into the NOC, dropped the pack and relaxed a bit with an ice cream bar. Tried calling for a ride into town from a number I found at a shelter. But due to a problem, he couldn't help out. I stuck out my thumb and within a few minutes was enroute to town and a motel, shower and dinner. At the Relax Inn, I cleaned up, grabbed something to eat and rinsed out a few things in the sink. After little sleep the past two nights, that bed is going to feel pretty darn good.
Date: 2003-04-05
From: Bryson City, NC

To: Stealth Campsite
Miles today: 4.5

   Awoke at 6am to the sounds of an incredible thunderstorm. A transistor exploded like a bomb just up the road. Went back to bed for a couple of hours. Things had quietted down, so I hitched back to NOC. Steep climb out of the gap there. With the late start, my intention was to just make it to the first shelter. But I never made it that far. By mid-afternoon the thunder was rumbling in the distance again and it had rained on and off. Found a tent site and set eveything up to withstand another storm. No sooner had I finished, than it rolled in. Glad I had the extra time, as it really poured intermittently all night.
Date: 2003-04-07
From: Sun Locust Cove Gap

To: Stealth Campsite
Miles today: 7.0

   Packed up between showers--everything is wet or damp. Put on wet clothes, trying to keep something dry to change into at day's end. Got water at Brown Fork Gap Shelter and continued on. Today was damp and humid with occasional light rain. It was just a trudge--no rest, no views, no interaction. Just tried to keep moving. Found a good tent site on the end of a ridge and off the trail a bit. Had a quick snack and got into the fleece and sleeping bag to warm up.
Date: 2003-04-09
From: Stealth Campsite (Zero Day)

To: Walker Gap?
Miles today: 7.0

   Trying to make a push to Fontana today but the slick conditions made the going tough. The sun actually came out for about two hours--almost blinded me. But soon it was raining again. I haven't seen any other hikers and I'm wondering where everyone is....probably warm and dry somewhere. My gear is a wet mess--hard to keep things dry.
Date: 2003-04-10
From: Walker Gap?

To: Bryson City, NC
Miles today: 3.0

   Finally made it to the highway. Ran into a hiker who told me the Hike Inn was packed--so that's where everyone is!! Called to Fontana Village but they are too expensive. I need to dry out everything, and to do some laundry. Talked to a guy in a motor home who was headed up to Bryson City but that's quite a ways away. I decided to take him up on his offer of a ride and worry about getting back later. The guy at the motel was surprised to see me again. Took a shower and went down to the library to email my sister (took my ID this time). Then I went over to the Chinese buffet and had a great, leisurely meal. Found the laundromat and dried out the sleeping bag and damp stuff while doing the wash. Walked back to the motel in the rain....it has rained everyday for a week!! Enough already! My right knee is aching today. The legs are taking a beating thus far, between the thrills and spills, bug bites and pounding of ups and downs.
Date: 2003-04-12
From: Fontana Hilton

To: Birch Spring Tentsite
Miles today: 5.6

   Got a late start from the Hilton considering less packing. The climb out of here more than lived up to its reputation. Met Roger, the Ridgerunner, at the trailhead. He asked me a few quick questions for a survey and wished me well. I told him that I probably wouldn't make it to the first shelter eleven miles away and that I would stay at the tentsite. He said he'd be staying there also. Every step taken today was uphill--it beat me up. I wore a brace on my knee and ibuprofen helps but it takes vast quantities. At least I'm able to sleep. Found a pretty level spot and set up the tent facing downwind. Just after I got here a couple, Wild Hair and Raincheck, came in . They are just hiking over the weekend but have hiked extensively in this area and on the AT. They got a nice fire going and we sat around talking til way after dark. It was a very enjoyable evening, friendly and relaxed. The wind is down and it's nice and warm in the tent tonight. Saw more hikers today than all last week.
Date: 2003-04-19
From: Gatlinburg (Zero Day)

To: Stealth Camp (Smokies)
Miles today: 8.0

   I hadn't planned on leaving town today. I went over to the little store to get some ice cream and a guy collared me and wanted to talk about hiking really bad. He and his wife and two kids were headed to Clingman's Dome and wanted to know if I knew the way. We went over to the motel and talked hiking while I packed. When he got to the parking area, he decided 'just for fun' to backtrack with me to the trail and meet the wife and kidlets, who would go on the walkway, on top. He wanted to try carrying the pack, so I loaded him up and we set out. By the time we got near the summit(one mile), he had gotten over his trail fever and found out it wasn't as much fun as he had hoped. I relieved him of his burden and hobbled off as he went to rejoin his family, stripped of his enthusiasm. I wasn't too wound up myself and kept asking myself what the heck I was doing limping down a mountain when I could be eating ice cream, watching the Braves on TV back in Gatlinburg. The next shelter was half a mile off the trail.....might as well have been 5 miles, as I wasn't going one step more than necessary. I labored on until between gaps I found a spot to stealth camp--a big no-no in the Smokies, but that was as far as I could go....
Date: 2003-04-20
From: Stealth Camp (Smokies)

To: Stealth Camp (Smokies) (Easter Sunday)
Miles today: 10.0

   I'm guessing on the mileage here--I have no idea where I am and I don't really care. Had to get up and pack at first light so the woods police wouldn't take me to hiker jail. If only I could be so lucky! Every step feels as though someone is pounding a nail into my knee. I wished now I hadn't dampened that guy's spirits yesterday. Maybe he would still be bopping along with this pack on his back, asking me a zillion more questions. A lot of rocks around Charlie's Bunion--slow going, trying to be careful. Nobody on the trail today, probably because it's Easter. No peeps for me....peanut butter on bagel and tuna...and two handfuls of vitamin I. Wished I had martinis and ham dinner at Duck Lake.
Date: 2003-04-21
From: Stealth Camp (Smokies) (Easter Sunday)

To: Stealth Camp (Smokies)
Miles today: 10.0

   Just got up and packed when all hell broke loose. Here in the Smokies you walk the ridgeline pretty much all the time. Pretty soon I had thunder and lightning crashing all around me and just a deluge of water. I was so drenched my boots squished when I walked and I had to empty out the sleeves of my parka when the water collected in the elbows. There was no escape so I just put my head down and limped on. After things quieted down, I stripped down buck naked and wrung as much water out as I could--then put the same stuff back on. I kept waiting for the girl scout troop to come around the bend at any moment. Needless to say, it was muddy and slippery all day. Even if it was crappy to be soaked, at least my gear was basically dry. I kept walking with my poles in the air, hoping to get zapped and put out of my misery. But no such luck. It was quite a light show from up here. I can tell when I'm getting tired. I begin tripping on things in the trail and swearing at obstacles or tricky spots. Thanks to the Creative Cursing Course I aced in college, I can put together some interesting combinations of off-colored words and phrases. One of these days I'm going to be rattling off a litany and be caught by someone. I kept thinking about cheeseburgers today. Usually when I'm walking, I'm on autopilot so the mind is free to go off on tangents. Today it went down cheeseburger road and wouldn't come back. Lettuce, mayonnaise and onions? Pickle or no pickle? Final consensus was a big juicy cheeseburger with grilled onions, salt and pepper--that's it. Well, that killed about an hour--lol. Wonder where I am?....there's a white blaze, I must be going the right way. Now what do I want with that burger?.....No views today--everything looks the same.
Date: 2003-04-22
From: Stealth Camp (Smokies)

To: Stealth Camp (Smokies) (Again!)
Miles today: 10.0

   Shhhh, don't tell anyone I'm here. I really wanted to make it to Davenport Shelter, but I just couldn't make it that far. These shelters are just spaced too far apart for people with limited ability (read that, me). I got to get out of this park, if it's the last thing I ever do.....Isn't there a song about that? Met a couple of day hikers near the end and tried not to sound too desperate when asking,"How far to...." Actually I've been here long enough not to believe anything anyone has to say about time, distance, terrain or weather. I ask and I listen but I don't put ant faith in anything they say. Tomorrow, once I am out of the park, I can slow down and relax and do as I please. This past week has been a rough one--not much reward for a whole lot of suffering. No sign or hint of any bears, boars or any other wildlife. I guess we did have two deer come into the shelter area one night, but that didn't do much for me. Some spots were very pretty, but I don't think I was in much of a mood to fully appreciate most of it. I'm way outside the loop, as far as knowing or seeing any hikers. I'll have to check out some shelter registers and see if anyone is still in the neighborhood. I've met some really nice, interesting and unusual people--I hope they are all doing better I am. Scott, from Grand Rapids, is probably in Front Royal by now, 1/3 is probably in Damascus, and I regret never having crossed paths with Ian (AWOL), and gosh only knows where the AT Boonies, Two Speeds, The Smith's and all the others are. That's what is so strange about this journey--everyone's trip is unique and their own.
Date: 2003-04-23
From: Stealth Camp (Smokies) (Again!)

To: Snowbird Mountain
Miles today: 11.0

   Made it through the Smokies today--what a relief--no more pressure to make it to shelters or find hidden camp sites. Walking down to the Pigeon River was beautiful--following small streams with crystal pools and small waterfalls. Crossed several times and saw some great campsites, where the sound of the water would have been a soothing lullaby. Unfortunately, I had to press on. Many beautiful flowers today. Tiny blue irises, a pink lady slipper, orange blossoms on bushes (azaleas?),and trees with purple/blue bell shaped flowers. Everything is finally blossoming and it was a great day to take in the little details. I even saw a cameleon scooting through the leaves. Add several owls hooting at each other and it was the best day of nature I have enjoyed.   The long climb up Snowbird took its toll on me--still struggling on those uphills. On top is a large communication tower--I was hoping that perhaps it was the mothership, but, alas, all it did was hum as I passed. If I had really pressed, I may have made the shelter before dark, but chose instead to set up camp up here. It is clear and still--probably will be cold tonight. I bypassed Mountain Momma's at Davenport Gap. Three miles for a cheeseburger just didn't seem like a good trade, even though it is such a famous landmark. I hate to miss some of these places that I've heard so much about, but no way would I trade the day I had for a burger. Imagine that!!