morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-19
From: Gatlinburg

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

After we had a nice breakfast at a pancake house,Steve from The Grand Prix Motel, shuttled us to Newfound Gap. I highly recommend his hotel and services. Very hiker friendly. With me at breakfast was Jane, Melinda, Hila, and 3-Day.Hila, our new hiker buddy from Isreal and did a stint as a soldier in their military. But she is funny, pretty and a jokester. She has a crush on George Clooney. all day we discuss my past relationship with George and her future relationship.    I feel I have not been describing the trail enough, as it has been tough at times, and I am pooped. Today was a gift from God. I was feeling great. The weather ws mild, clear and light wind. We were on ridgeswith views all day. Not one cloud. The Smokies are one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. We did 10.4 miles plus 3 tenths off trail to the shelter. Shelter has a privy, some don't. There is no bear cage on the front. We hang our food bags on cables about 20 feet off the ground. the trails here are well maintained. The had a bad ice and windstorm in April, which blew down all kinds of huge trees over the trail. It took a lot of man hours to clear the trail this year. All our walking today was along the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. When we stopped for a break, I sat in Tennessee and Jane and Hila sat in N.C. Lots of ups and downs, but the trail coils around and slabs up the sides of mountains and ridges. We walked from 9:30 Am to 7:15 pm today. It was one of the best hikes I have ever done. I am so grateful to be able to do this. Supper was an MRE, chicken parmesan. I put one in each of my resupply boxes. They are too heavey to carry a lot of them. Tomorrow is stovetop stuffing and a can of chcken. Breakfast is a bagel with peanut butter. I have turned Jane and Hila on to these. Hila told me I should sit on them to flatten them so they don't take up so much space. I also drink Gatorade for the energy it gives me.The highlight of the day was Charlies Bunion, which is an exposed rock outcropping which the trail goes around. We took pictures of each other, and a maintainer took pictures of me so I could be in a picture with the scenery behind me.
Date: 2007-05-20
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: clear sky

Hiked to Tri Corner Knob Shelter. We were supposed to have lunch here and go on to the next shelter which was 7.7 miles more. I decided not to travel on today. I might be able to do it but I would be late and not having a good time. I am just not ready for a 13 mile day. Jane and Hila went on. I told Jane if I fell to far behind, I would still get to Hot Springs on Friday and she could stay with Debbie and me, befor she drives home. Tonight at 6:45 there is no one in the shelter but me.   There are two men from San Diego, cowboy camping under the stars nearby. Their sleeping bags are next to the path to the privy as there are no tent sites here. One of them mentioned how he was disappointed in the lack of views because there are so many trees. He was suprised at all the trees. They are going south tomorrow.. Also something to note, My right knee is feeling a little tight. A soak in the Hot Springs might fix that. Lester and World wide mouth(Mat) came in at 7:30 pm. The did 21 miles and stopped at an AYCE (all you can eat) restaurant in Gatlinburg today. I'm impressed.
Date: 2007-05-21
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: clear sky

Had a bad night last night. This is the first time I have had a negative experience personally, with another hiker. Mat was sleeping in the shelter as was I. He got very upset with me during the night, because I snored. Now many many hikers snore. You get exhausted and you lay on your back and you might snore, right? In the middle of the night he kept pounding his boot on the floor which did mak me stop snoring temperarily. after this happened a few times, he became verbal, and ranted about not being able to sleep. We must have been 15 to 20 feet apart, so it is not like I was right next to him. I cannot tell you the language he used. Before dawn he packed up and left, saying if he couldn't sleep, he might as well hike in the dark. I really tried not to snore but there is not much I could do about it. When I told someone about it, the asked his name and they seemed familiar with him and said they thought he had issues. This is the first time anyone has ever upset me on the trail. The biggest percentage are so nice. Today was another beautiful hiking day. I am now hiking at my own pace. I am a day behind schedule but if I need to I will skip ahead to Hot Springs to meet Deb on Friday. Jane and Hila should be there also. I passed by the reckage of a plane that crashed into the side of the mountain in 1984. People here tonight so fare are Daryl and Becky, a wonderful father and daughter, section hiking together. A couple of fellas stopped by for water and one of them is being interviewed along the way by a Japanese TV crew, for a documentary. His name is Deep Swyg. He is really nice and you should check out his journal. Also Ben is here, he is hiking other trails in the park and is very knowledgeable.
Date: 2007-05-22
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

I left shelter at 7:45am. Becky and Daryl left a bit ahead of me. Ben left soon after me. Nice clear day again. It was downhill into Low Gap then uphill for a couple of miles. After a while I came to a side trail to Mt Cammara fire look out. I had heard nice things about it so I did the 1.2 mile round trip to see it. Georgus 360 degree views of the mountains. There had been a bear reported earlier, but I didn't see any sign of him. From there the trail went downhill for about 5.5 miles. One thing that surprises me is that you spend a lot of time hiking in horse manure. Horses are allowed on some of the AT and at certain campsites. As I was approaching Standing Bear Farm, Curtis the owner drove by and picked me up on the way into his place. I got my resupply box, picked out a bunk, showered (yay), did laundry. Pizza and soda for supper. About 10 or a dozen hikers here. I have met many in the last couple of days and we ended up here together. Lovely girl named Squirrel hiked 30 miles today to get here. Yikes!! The hiker network is passing the information about the incident with Mat. Daryl and Becky are here, and they said I have a small, womans' snore and not to worry about it. Big Swyg is here, Tony, Nate, Blue bird and others. Most are section hikers. We sat around a big campfire that Curtis got going for us. Standing Bear farm is well stocked for resupply. It is going to be tough to get to Hot Springs by Friday, but I'll get there one way or another. (It turns out, not the way I planned.) The hiker kitchen has a coffee maker a pizza oven, a microwave, gas grill, table and benches and chairs, assorted pots and pans. Had a huge pizza and spit it with Big Swyg.
Date: 2007-05-23
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 2.5
Weather: broken clouds

I gotup and started by 8:30. Had my usual peanut butter and bagel. Hiked uphill for about 2.5 miles. Big Swyg passed me. I went to step on a patch of root in the trail and my foot went out from under me. For the first time, my hiking poles didn't save me. I went down hard on me knee and my ankle twisted. I had been having some discomfort in my knee before, and I was worried what kind of damage I might have done. Everything worked, except I pulled something in my ankle and bummed my knee up a lttle more. The ankle took the worst of it. I didn't dare go further into the woods, in case things got worse. I hobbled back down to Standing Bear Farm. It took quite a while. If I tilted my ankleever so slightly the wrong way it would be painful, and the downhill direction made my knee hurt. I know, I should just stop whining and hike. But at least I wasn't fuffing and puffing. Picked out a bunk when I got to the farm. Curtis found a spot on his schedule where he could take me to Hot springs tomorrow. He knew I had to meet Debbie on Friday. For people running hostels, scheduling all the different shuttles for section hikers is a major part of an owners time. In between he takes his kids to school and back. His wife also is running out straight with keeping things running. I hobbled around, rested, ate some of my pack food for supper. More hikers cam in and filled the place. One couple broke up their relationship, she took off alone, he arranged for a ride to the bus station. Sad. I won't say more, to protect their privacy, but it is like a soap opera out here. 3-day cam in. In the afternoon a wild thunderstorm came through, bouncing lightening off the mountains. I love weather, when I am underccover. Charles and Tricia came in just as the rain started. They are a real nice couple. About *:30pm a bunch from LA arrived, quite wet and wanting room at the inn. They were fun. I have been reading and trying to figure out if Debbie should still come down. I tried to use the internet here, but it is dialup and I just didn't have the patience to wait it out. Party nex door at the cabin tonight, keeping all us hikers awake. Not a good thing.
Date: 2007-05-24
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Curtis shuttled me to Hot Springs, while he was on the way to Erwin to drop of the 3 Steves who will Hike back to his place. I got my room at the Creekside and made the rounds. Took about 25 minutes plus a stop to e-mail deb from Bluff Mountain Outfitters. Very small town. some of the other hikers are here. Wemade plans to get together at the pub for supper and brew. Jane and Hila were due in tomorrow, but showed up about 6 pm after an 18 mile day. What a long day for them. I talked to Deb and told her the basic problem and that Hot Springs was not the resort I thought it might be. If we spent more than two hours there, we would be bored. The room was less than desireable, and there were none other available. There is a wedding taking place this weekend, which has tied up all the rooms in town. The campground outside of town was not an option that Debbie or I would have enjoyed. I can't hike for a while until I'm not hobbling around any more. So we have cancelled that whole weekend get together. Jane and Hila and I shared the room, which was so stuffy we couldn't breath. There was an airconditioner, but it wasn't plugged into anything, and I couldn't find an outlet. There was no TV or phone, but there were two holes in the floor of the shower repaired with duct tape. Charming. All for 75 dollars.
Date: 2007-05-25
From: Hot Springs

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We all got up and headed out to the Smokey Mountain Diner for breakfast. Good food. Also there was Daryl and daughter Becky. While we were all talking and enjoying our breakfast, in walks Mat. He sat by himself and had some breakfast,and when he was done he came over and talked to Daryl, but not to any of the rest of us. I tried to catch his eye, wanted to break the ice and wish him well.He would not look at me. Jane said it was because he was embarrassed, by his behavior, previously. Maybe.Jane and I packed up Melinda's care, gave Hila some of our trail food to have and share with the other hikers. We left Hot Springs around 8:30 and headed for home. We drove straight through with stops for gas and food. Actually we found a couple of really nice diners. If you ever can, stop at the Whistle Stop Cafe, in Virginia, and the Readington Diner in New Jersey. Highly recommended by me. Jane dropped me off at about 1:15 am and headed home north of Boston. Now I am resting up and wondering if I can go back in the fall and continue on.
Date: 2007-05-30
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

I saw Dr. Jill yesterday. She suggested an air cast, and some exercises. Because of the bruising and swelling she feels I did pull something between my knee and ankle. We are going to see how much it improves and if not, get an MRI.Yesterday it wasn't too bad, but today it seems to be aching more. I did some leg lifts, maybe it was too much. But not to worry, it is much better than afterit first happened.To my friends who have messages in my guest book, thank you for your encouragement. Darlene, Elisa, Betty, Debbie, I can't thank you enough. I amtrying to figure how it might work out, trying to get back to the trail, but Ihave to rest my leg and let it heal, at least for a little while.
Date: 2008-02-19
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Old gray Mare has gone through some major changes since last years hike with myfriends Jane and Melinda from Mass. I move from Mass. to Tenn on Sept 10, 2007.I am on a mountain top in northeast Tenn. On a good day I can see Max Patch frommy front deck. It's about 12 miles as the crow flies. Jane and Melinda will be coming down in late APril and we will continue our hiking together, one a year.This years journey should go from Hot Springs to RT 19E about 40 miles north of Erwin. I know Jane will do it all, but Melinda and I have had some injury issues. But we've talked and will will go the distance this year.Just want you all to know I am still hiking.
Date: 2008-12-05
To: Planting seeds
Miles today: 0.0

Hiking the A.T. has been setting in the far back corner of my mind for several years. I have been doing day hikes in the Smokies for the last 15 years and have hiked short distances on the A.T. as it passes through GSMNP. But really the idea was planted when I read the book ¢A Walk Across America¢ by Peter Jenkins. Later I read three more of his books ¢The Walk West: A Walk Across America 2¢ , ¢The Road Unseen¢, and ¢Across China¢. The long distance walking seed was planted. Now that I have retired the time has come to make my attempt.One Stick
Date: 2009-01-12
To: Getting It Together
Miles today: 0.0

I have been busy aquiring gear and getting things around home to the point where my absence will have as little impact as possible. Having been putting in more miles of walking lately, I have noticed my boots are probably not going to work for me. They become too tight after about five miles so I have ordered a size bigger. That should wrap up the gear that I think I need for my hike. The starting date is getting closer and I am getting antsy.One Stick
Date: 2009-02-16
To: Final Plans
Miles today: 0.0

I have confirmed my start date and will be traveling to the Jasper, Ga area on the 22nd of February and will stay at home of my wife's cousin. She lives near Amicalola Falls State Park which will be very handy as a base for starting the trail. My wife and daughter will be going with me to see me off. Our plan is to drive up USFS Road 42 and hike up the one mile to the southern terminus on the 24th. There we will take the ceremonial pictures and sign the register.My daughter and I will then hike down the approach trail to the bottom of the falls were we will be picked up by my wife and her cousin. Then I will spend one last night with good food and a soft bed before being dropped off at the trail at USFS 42 on the morning of the 25th. All is well.One Stick
Date: 2009-02-24
From: USFS Road 42

To: Springer Mountain Terminus
Miles today: 1.0
Weather: overcast clouds

2-24-09 Tuesday I hiked from FS Rd 42 up to Springer Mtn. summit. I signed register while Diana and Melissa took photos. Diana, Melissa and Diana's cousin Carolyn went up with me. Melissa and I hiked down the approach trail to the bottom of Amicalola Falls. That was another 8 miles but it doesn¢t count as miles hiked. We went back to Carolyn¢s home for one last shower and a good night¢s sleep.
Date: 2009-02-25
From: Springer Mountain Terminus

To: Hawk Mtn
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: broken clouds

2-25-09 Wednesday I was on the trail at 9:15 at FS Rd 42. It started out as very nice trail with hemlock, pines and rhododendron. I arrived at Hawk Mtn. Shelter at 3:45. Screech and Robert were at the shelter. I tented because of only a 10% chance of rain. It started a light rain about an hour later. Good start.
Date: 2009-02-26
From: Hawk Mtn

To: Gooch Mtn.
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: broken clouds

2-26-09 Thursday I had 3 hard climbs today. I¢m tired. I'm staying at Gooch Mtn. Shelter. Robert is here tonight. I saw a lot of gray squirrels today. No views today due to fog. Three other guys came into shelter shortly before dark.
Date: 2009-02-27
From: Gooch Mtn.

To: Woods Hole Shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: moderate rain

2-27-09 Friday I was on the trail at 8:00 hiked 11 miles in the rain. I had to keep moving to stay warm. I¢m staying at Woods Hole Shelter with Debbie, Jerry, and Brian. No views again today, just lots of fog. Two other hikers came in late and tented in rain.
Date: 2009-02-28
From: Woods Hole Shelter

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: light rain

2-28-09 Saturday I hiked from Woods Hole Shelter to Neel¢s Gap. It rained lightly all day. Tonight I'm staying in Walasi-Yi Hostel. I went over Blood Mtn. today. I couldn¢t see anything the clouds were so thick. I had my first trail magic today as some Boy Scouts were serving chili and chocolate cookies. No views today. I hope to make Low Gap Shelter tomorrow.
Date: 2009-03-01
From: Neels Gap

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

3-01-09 Sunday The weather caused a change of plans. I took a zero at Walasi-Yi Hostel. A winter storm warning has been issued and the snow started about 2:00 p.m. Then came very strong winds. It blew all night. The hostel is full and they are using the overflow buildings. I had my pack gone through up at the outfitters building and sent 4 lb. home. I sent my water filter, MSR Shaker Jet stove, hunting knife, and most of my first aid kit home. They sold me some iodine water treatment, a puny little pocket knife, a bigger food bag, an alcohol stove and a bottle of alcohol. Winton Porter adjusted my pack and showed me how to load it properly. He was able to get my 25¢ wide 80¢long sleeping pad in the pack. Now the only thing left outside is my tent. The hostel is fun place. Pirate keeps it interesting and takes care of hikers needs. Shower, supper, bunk, and breakfast for 15 bucks.
Date: 2009-03-02
From: Neels Gap

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

3-02-09 Monday I left the hostel about 9 a.m. It was cold but sunny. Everything was coated with snow from the high winds. It was about 20 degrees but it eventually warmed up to 40 degrees. The wind lay in the afternoon. It was a beautiful day to hike. I made it to Low Gap Shelter. It turned very cold very fast after the sun went down. There are nine in the shelter that was made for seven and three tenting, including me. Happy birthday to me.
Date: 2009-03-03
From: Low Gap Shelter

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: clear sky

3-03-09 Tuesday It was 12 degrees when I crawled out of my tent this morning. Someone in the shelter said their thermometer showed eight. That was probably correct as mine is very small and hard to read. Time to try my new stove. I first set it on the frozen ground but it melted the ground on one side and tipped over spilling part of my water. Lesson learned. I got my fingers wet and they froze to the pan. Lesson learned. The new alcohol stove would not boil water because it could not overcome the low temps. Lesson learned. I had luke warm coffee and oats. When I finally got going I had no energy. I¢m just not eating enough calories. I struggled to Unicoi Gap and called the Hiawassee Inn for a shuttle to their motel. I need to get my bounce box at the post office and need REAL FOOD. Ron loaned me his van and I ate at Daniel¢s Steakhouse AYCE (all you can eat) restaurant. Buffet with drink and desert for less than 10 bucks. Tomorrow breakfast, P.O. and back to trail.
Date: 2009-03-04
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Sassafras Gap
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: scattered clouds

3-04-09 Wednesday I walked 34 mile to Hardee¢s and bought 2 sausage eggs for $2.22 and 2 cinnamon rolls. I ate one of each and kept the rest for lunch. I got my bounce box at the P.O. and bought a couple of items at Ingles. Ron offered to slack pack me from Unicoi gap to Dick¢s Creek Gap tomorrow, a distance of 16.6 miles, but I didn¢t feel I was ready for that kind of mileage yet and did not want to have to hurry that fast to get through that section of trail. I decided to split it into two days and come back to the motel. I left my bounce box at motel. I was dropped off at Unicoi Gap at 11 a.m. hiked until 5:30. Did 10.4 mi to Sassafras Gap, tented. Beautiful day. Good views.
Date: 2009-03-05
From: Sassafras Gap

To: Dicks Creek Gap
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: few clouds

3-05-09 Thursday I was up early and watched a beautiful sunrise to compliment the sunset last night. I ate a couple of pop tarts, packed the tent and sleeping gear. I was on the trail at 7:35. I called Ron at the motel from last ridge before dropping down toward Dicks Creek Gap. The van was there when I got to the road. I was back in town by 11:30. I did town stuff, ate, and rested.
Date: 2009-03-06
From: Dicks Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

3-06-09 FridayI was dropped off at trail at 8:45 and felt like my hiking legs were finally coming. I breezed along until I hit North Carolina. The trail started going straight up the mountain instead of switchbacks and slabbing. I was tired when I reached the shelter. I am at Muskrat Creek Shelter snug in my tent. There are 5 of us here tonight, Downhill, Rhino, Deuce, and one other guy but I forget His Name.
Date: 2009-03-07
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

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

3-7-09 Saturday I was packed up and on the trail at 8:45. The trail was generally good today. My feet are still sore from coming off Blue Mtn. the other day. The rocks were terrible, very sharp. If I can make 12 miles tomorrow it will set me up for 4 miles into town Monday. I¢m staying at Carter Gap Shelter with Downhill.
Date: 2009-03-08
From: Carter Gap Shelter

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 14.4

3-8-09 Sunday About 9:30 p.m. last night Downhill got up and went to the old shelter to sleep. I guess I was snoring too loudly. I was on the trail at 8:00. The trail was really good today. There were very few rocks, 50/50 woods and rhododendron with Mtn. Laurel Tunnels. I had one rough climb over Albert Mtn., hand over hand rock climbing for a short distance. It had a fire tower on top with 360 degree views, very beautiful. Tonight I¢m camped by myself (first time) on a ridge about 112 miles from Winding Stair Gap. Ron Haven will pick-me up at 9:00. Town day tomorrow.
Date: 2009-03-09
From: Stealth Camp

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 1.5
Weather: light rain

Monday 3-9-09 I had short hike to the road. Ron Haven picked me up at Winding Stair Gap and took me to Haven¢s Budget Inn in Franklin NC. I did the usual town stuff, shower, laundry, grocery shopping, and repackaging food. Ron Haven is a great guy. He does a lot for the hiking community. He along with Gary Poteat of the Blueberry Patch Hostel rescue hikers that are injured. I met Miss Janet, a well known hostel owner and trail angel, and visited with Armageddon, whom I had not seen since Neels Gap. Good town day.
Date: 2009-03-10
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 11.2

3-10-09 Tuesday I went to Hardees¢ for breakfast. I went to the Post Office and got a couple of things out of my bounce box and shipped my box to Gatlinburg TN. Met Baltimore Jack and Survivor Dave, both trail legends. Ron took me back to the trail. He and Baltimore Jack were going on to rescue a hiker that had hurt his leg after they dropped me and a couple of other hikers off at the trail. I got to the trail at 11:40. The highlight of day was Siler Bald. It was 0.4 mi. off the trail but worth the time and effort. I hiked over Wayah Bald so I could start out downhill tomorrow. I¢m tenting by myself again tonight.