morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-03-30
From: Neel's Gap, GA

To: Blue Mtn. Shelter, GA
Miles today: 17.8

I got little sleep in the hostel for some reason and ended up getting up at 4:30AM so that I could take off at first light. Got a strong start to the day and covered some good miles. The weather was beautiful and I hiked decent miles into the Blue Mtn. Shelter. I ran into Fire Dog, Bill & Noonin midway and they went to Blue, too. A family of three (a Georgia judge, his wife and his 13yo daughter) joined us and Fire Dog built a killer fire. It was a pretty much perfect day and we got a good night's sleep. My feet ached a lot on the soles and toes, but my leg muscles felt pretty good.
Date: 2005-03-31
From: Blue Mtn. Shelter, GA

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: heavy intensity rain

It drizzled most of the day, but I pushed to get into Hiawassee so I could dry out a little of the dampness from the shelter that was in my bag. Lots of time to think while you're hiking, which is both good and bad. In a day, I go from quitting, to continuing, to quitting again and back. You play all the scenarios over and over in your mind, but it's mostly and exercise to reduce boredon. With the cloudy days, there's been little scenery to look at and all you see is the 5 feet in front of you on the trail. Slept at Mull's Motel (a tired, old place). Dried everything out well, at least.
Date: 2005-04-01
From: Hiawassee, GA

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter, NC
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: moderate rain

Had TWO Egg McMuffins for breakfast in town before starting at noon. The forecast was for rain, with HEAVY thunderstorms likely late in the day. Why was I going out anyway? I dunno. I need to get some miles behind me. The poor guy who gave me a ride to the trailhead in Dick's Gap was rearended by an older woman when he stopped for a turning car. A bad omen? I hiked a nice day into Muskrat Creek Shelter, leaving Georgia behind me,with only a little foot pain and no leg pain to speak of. Two Boy Scouts and Fathers were there and we were joined by Matty & Summer, ER, Oriental Legs (a 68 YO Asian guy who is finishing the second half of his thruhike) and one other guy, along with Arie, a young girl thruhiking alone.
Date: 2005-04-02
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter, NC

To: Just before Mt. Albert, NC
Miles today: 18.3

It rained heavy thru the night, but at least we were inside. In the morning - the Bad News, Snow had begun-welcome to North Carolina (this might impact our moving here some day). Matty & Summer tried to get me to join them off-trail in Franklin with a ride from the Scout families, but I opted to continue and put up some more miles. BIG MISTAKE! It snowed all day and I logged some solid miles nonetheless (the only bright spot of the day), came across a "Trail Magic" sight at around 4:30 operated by three occasional hikers (Barry, Gatorade and Fishing Fred)just shy of Albert Mtn. They were giving away Bean Burrittos, drinks and offering use of their big tent for the night. Sounded much better than going to Big Spring Shelter and unknown conditions so I stayed Woke up with the runs in the middle of the night, made THREE freezing trips to the privy and was suffering big-time. At least I was warm. Oh, and I also lost a contact lens while cleaning up. Was afraid I had contracted Giardia from drinking the spring water unfiltered earlier in the day, but later found out that several of us had the same thing. So I guess the food was the culprit, and while it caused quite a lot of discomfort, I got through it. A lesson learned about food on the trail.
Date: 2005-04-03
From: Just before Albert Mtn., NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Woke up early and got going with no breakfast, since I was afraid it would run right through me, and moved on with the goal of Franklin for a dry-out, warm up rest night in a bed. I did have one "emergency" trail toilet experience where I literally had to drop-trou and let fly right there where I was. Sorry to be so graphic, but that's the kind of experience it was. It was still cold, but as the elevations got lower, it warmed up and I made the road by 1:00. Got a ride from a nice, elderly couple to town and the hotel, where I met some other thruhikers and basked in the sun while our stuff dried out. Hard to imagine I had been suffering so much only hours before. Called Patty and began to firm up our first meeting in Fontana Dam in about 4 days. THIS will be the high point of my trip thus far, seeing Patty. Had a big all-you-can-eat buffet dinner tonight, and knock on wood, so far it's staying in me. The Goal is NOC on Tuesday eve, and Fontana Dam on Thurs. I can do this...maybe?
Date: 2005-04-04
From: Franklin, NC

To: Wesser Bald Mtn., NC
Miles today: 20.1

Had a nice all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet in Franklin and then hopped the shuttle bus back to the trail. A beautiful day for hiking and I got into a nice rhythm early. Lots of people were staying an extra day, but why miss such a perfect hiking day. Finally getting some nice views with clear skies! Broke my pole and took a mild fall in a rocky area. After being used to hiking with poles, it's inconvenient to do without. Cold Spring Shelter was full, so I just kept on walking until dusk and found a site near the top of Wesser Bald Mtn. My first day over 20 miles! Hung the hammock, ate dinner (with the handle for my pot, since my spork went AWOL...), hung my bear-bag (food) and had a nice restful nights sleep.
Date: 2005-04-05
From: Wesser Bald Mtn., NC

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), NC
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: clear sky

Got up early on Tuesday and had an easy morning hike into the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), where I got a hostel room for the night. Was able to get my hiking pole fixed at the outfitter, had a nice chicken salad sandwhich at the river's edge. Considered an afternoon whitewater trip, but wanted to relax in the sun and rest my body. My feet are still a little tender, but legs are holding up. Washed a few clothes and hung them in the sun to dry. River water was FREEZING cold...couldn't even hang my feet in! I ALMOST missed dinner, as the restaurant closed at 7:00 (not like NY...). After some sweet-talking and coaxing, they made me up a burger plate and a Blackberry Cobbler to tide me over. Spoke to Patty before bedtime and finalized plans to meet in Fontana on Thursday mid-day. I'll also take Friday off to visit with her, do laundry and rest the legs. It was warm all evening and I had to sleep in my fleece bag liner on top of the bed with the window open - too hot in the down bag. This weather is all over the map...you really have to be layered for days AND nights! Up
Date: 2005-04-06
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), NC

To: Cable Gap Shelter, NC
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Up and Out early Wednesday heading towards Fontana. A long uphill climb out of the NOC (3500' over 8 miles) with a magnificent vista back onto the NOC from Cheoh Bald Mtn. Met a hiker named Mala hiking with his black lab along with a nice couple from Tupper Lake, NY (near Big Wolf!). Water got a little tight during the middle of the day, so I had to drink judiciously. I hadn't filled my 2-liter bladder, since there was so much uphill (weight). Probably should have had it half full at least. Some very steep sections with no switchbacks were grueling and left me huffing and puffing. My leg feels OK, but I wonder if the circulation is keeping my muscles from getting enough oxygen. Either that or I need more conditioning! I considered hiking all the way to Fontana for a 30 mile day, but stopped in Cable Gap Shelter, leaving me only 7 miles in the morning. I know Patty will be early and I want to see her ASAP! Spent the night in shelter with Louisville, Cap'n Crunch, Colonel Forbush and others, bud didn't sleep very well.
Date: 2005-04-07
From: Damascus, VA

To: Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: light rain

Time to go meet my sweetheart in Fontana! Up and out early, with Crunch and Forbush right behind me. We walked hard together and made it to Fontana in just over 2 hours. They went into the village for supplies, while I stayed on the trail to the famous "Fontana Hilton" shelter. Then onto the Dam visitor center to wait for Patty. It was a dreary morning, but the sight of the little white Neon rental car arriving in the lot made my heart flutter. I was so happy to see Patty, I couldn't speak for about a minute, just choked on words. She had given some of the other guys I stayed in the shelter with a ride to town and was delayed a few minutes. To her surprise, they knew me, so it was fun for her to know I was in the vicinity. We drove around, got settled at the Inn and just soaked up each others company.
Date: 2005-04-08
From: Fontana Dam, NC

To: Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Today Patty and I went into Bryson City NC doing laundry, getting supplies, and touring the area. We're both out early tomorrow, Patty back to NY and me into the Great Smokey Mountains! Next planned rendezvous with Patty will probably be about 2.5 weeks in Damascus, VA. Just over 2000 miles left to go!
Date: 2005-04-09
From: Fontana Dam, NC

To: Derrick Knob Shelter, NC
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I thought it would be easier to say goodbye to Patty at Fontana Dam (after having done it at Springer on Day One), but I was wrong. Every step away from her in the early morning darkness was painful and heart-wrenching. After a long uphill hike out of the gap, I could look back at the morning mist settled in the valley. It was a surreal view and added even further to the mystery of why I am doing this trip. I'm anxious about getting through the Smoky Mtns. after having snow once already. The Smokies are famous for sudden Spring snows, and I've already had my "fun" in the snow, thank you very much. Put in a strong mileage day after such an early start and ended up at Derrick Knob Shelter, my longest mile day yet! And I got cell reception so that I could call Patty, overall a banner day. I'm almost a third of the way through the Smokies after the first day.
Date: 2005-04-10
From: Derrick Knob Shelter, NC

To: Icewater Spring Shelter, NC
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Didn't sleep too well in the Hammock last night. The evening was pleasant, but there was a strong, gusty breeze that kept flappng the fly so loud I couldn't sleep. I finally took the fly off, but then it was much colder and damp. I've got to figure out a way to make the hammock work for me under less-than-ideal conditions, which is most of the time, I'm afraid. Played cat-and-mouse with a guy named Jeff from DC, who was section hiking. He'd pass me, then I'd pass him... back and forth all day, until he quit early. I started to run out of steam mid-day. Not sure if I'm getting enough protein in my diet to keep the muscles well-nourished. I've lost about 7 pounds since the start of the hike. Carbs are good for the energy bursts, but the protein gives the stamina to keep hiking uphill for long stretches. The weather continued to be nice through the Smokies (knock wood), although a little cloud (smoky!) at times. I was a bit disappointed with the view from Clingman's Dome (the highest point on the AT) and the tourists who drove up there to see nothing special. I made it to Newfound Gap by 5:00 (cross road that goes to Gatlinsburg, TN) and rested a bit for the long, uphill burst to the shelter. The competition of passing four other hikers to make it into the shelter and get a space was my big motivator. After passing each one, I'd push even harder to get the next one. Just like Club Racing!
Date: 2005-04-11
From: Icewater Spring Shelter, NC

To: Standing Bear Hostel, TN
Miles today: 30.0
Weather: clear sky

Tues. April 11th - Pulled a, are you ready, THIRTY mile day today! I didn't get on-trail until almost 8AM, but the second half of the Smokies was a little flatter, with more downhill towards the end. I found and returned a pair of Crocs (sandals) on the trail to a very grateful NOBO named Freedom. Passed Cap'n Crunch and Colonel Forbush just before Davenport Gap (they looked to see if I had flames coming off the back of my pack) and they were astounded I caught them so quickly. I kept thinking of the shower, bed, real food and that kept me pushing. The folks who run the shelter are very nice and accommodating, but the place wasn't the Hilton. Re-provisioning wasn't what I had hoped for, but at least I've got some food to get me into Hot Springs. It's supposed to rain the next two days, but I can handle that. I may have to take a zero-day in Hot Springs to have a Spa treatment in the springs and a massage for the weary body. Every so often you need a little luxury in tyour life. Still no trail name...
Date: 2005-04-12
From: Standing Bear Hostel, TN

To: Walnut Mtn Shelter, NC
Miles today: 22.5

Tues 4/12-Had a nice, leisurely start to the day at Standing Bear Farm in Davenport Gap. Shuttled down to the convenience store for an ham/egg/cheese sandwich, updated my online journal, then on trail by about 10:00. SOme steep, long climbs early on for the first few miles, then leveled off. Played cat-and-mouse with a section hiker from Quebec named "G", but like Jeff in the Smokies, every time he stopped for a smoke, I passed him and finally lost him. What's up with this smoking and hiking thing. Such a paradox. Anyway, it rained off-and-on all day, hard at times. I used my umbrella for the first time while hiking, rather than my rain gear. It was nice when it was warm at the low altitudes, but when the cold wind came up higher in the mtns., it was chilly and hard to hike. Plus, I slipped once or twice since I was unable to use the poles for stability. Not sure about the umbrella, although it is nice to have when going out in the middle of the night to pee. Pulled into Roaring Fork Shelter about 5:30 and it was full. Some guy was being mediced-out for a severe burn on his foot from spilling boiling water on it. Ouch! Kept on for about another 3 miles and unexpectedly came upon Walnut Mtn. Shelter, where they squeezed me in as the last person. Thank goodness, as it rained like cats and dogs during the night. I would've been soaked again in the hammock, likely. Had dinner as it got dark and then went to bed at the usual 8:30.
Date: 2005-04-13
From: Walnut Mtn. Shelter, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: light rain

First one up, third one out (Oriental Legs and Senor Clean beat me out. O.L. sleeps ready-to-hike and just goes!). I got underway about 7:20 and passed them both by 8:30. Got a pretty good nights sleep and felt good. The weather was foggy, but seemed to be clearing.. Put a good push on and made it into Hot Springs by noon. Checked in at the Duckett House B&B, a beautiful, old, restored charming house run by two guys. Did my laundry there, showered and then went into town for errands and a late lunch. It started to rain in the afternoon (glad to have the umbrella with me...) and just got heavier. So glad not to be on the trail tonight, with possible flurries in the mtns. I ended up pretty much alone in the house all evening with the cats and dog, watching the Yankees beat the Sox on TV. Three others from Walnut Mtn. came in and stayed there too (Bug, Miss Priss and Mr. CLean Jr.) so we had some nice conversations.
Date: 2005-04-14
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Taking a zero today! We had a KILLER breakfast at the DH. One of the guys (Brian) is a chef at the Bridge St. Inn in town and made fresh biscuits, pan omelettes and hash browns. It's beautiful and sunny, so I probably should be hiking, but the forecast had been iffy and then projected good for five days starting Friday. That and a nice rest should get me into Erwin pretty easily. I may go to the Spa in Hot Springs where they pump hot mineral water into Hot Tubs, and you can also get massages inexpensively. Sounds like just the tonic for these weary bones.Trail life isn't bad all the time...
Date: 2005-04-15
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Little Laurel Shelter, NC
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Rather than start out extra early, I stayed at the B&B for my final gourmet breakfast and then hit the trail at about 10:00. The weather was great again and the long climb out of town went pretty smoothly (after a days rest...). The terrain wasn't too bad after the initial climb and I was able to put in a strong hiking day. A couple named Fal and Hercules (trail names) hosted a "Trail Magic" at their home near a road crossing at about the 16 mile mark, offering soup, biscuits and ice cream cake to hikers. It was a nice break in the day and actually served as my dinner (since I made it into the shelter late). Stayed in the Little Laurel Shelter with Vinnie, Tool Man, and Grandpa, a nice number of people. Tool Man and Grandpa played the guitar and it made for a relaxing evening as the sun went down. My usual 8:30 bedtime....
Date: 2005-04-16
From: Little Laurel Shelter

To: Just beyond Sam's Gap, NC
Miles today: 24.5

Got a good start and was on the trail by 7:15. I've stopped making a hot breakfast or tea, as it takes too much time to get going when I do. I'd rather eat a breakfast bar and get going, then have a snack later in the morning. I called Patty later in the morning when I discovered a cell signal on a high ridge. It was a nice surprise to hear her voice, but only made me miss her more. Yet another beautiful day...I'm getting spoiled, and I know there is more bad hiking weather in my future. It's inevitable. Caught up with Cap'n Crunch and Colonel Forbin at the Flint Mtn. Shelter at lunchtime. They hike fast, but fewer miles per day than I do, so I usually catch up to them quickly after I take a day off. They started a day before me, and their combined ages are probably the same as mine alone, but they are nice to talk and hike with. I got BRUTALIZED in the afternoon by Sugarloaf Mtn. and the knob that it was connected to. Constant uphill, followed by more uphill, followed by still more uphill. It left me tired, wrung out, discouraged and sore. No way to end the day, on top of getting to Hogback Ridge Shelter to find it was full and overflowing, with a very social group who had been together since the start (they started about 2 weeks before I did). Met a guy from the next town (Northport) named Gray Walrus, but didn't have much chance to talk, as I decided to move on. When it's crowded and social/cliquish like that, it's more of a frat party than a hiking stop. And it makes it hard to get out in the morning due to everyone getting ready at the same time. I pushed on 4 miles to Sam's Gap and then about a mile beyond found a solo campsite and set up there just before dark (total 24.5 miles). Had a freeze-dried Beef Stroganoff dinner, which tasted great and filled me up nicely. Push for Erwin tomorrow.
Date: 2005-04-17
From: Just Beyond Sam's Gap, TN

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The first real good nights sleep I had in my hammock. Maybe I'm finally getting used to it. Got up about 6:30 and was on the trail about 7:45. Fairly early on my ankles started bothering me (even though I stretched before I started hiking). I think it was the tendon running up the shin, the one that Curt Schilling had sewn to his skin in the World Series. I don't think I'll go that far to finish the trail. Weather still excellent (although chilly early and late in the elevations) and I took a couple of breaks during the day to take my boots and sox off to rub my feet. Three days since I've had a shower and I'm beginning to ripen. Some of these guys brag they haven't had a shower in a week, like it's a badge to be proud of. Sorry, I don't really enjoy smelling bad, even if it's for a reason. I hung in with my ankles and made it into Erwin about 6PM. Called the famous "Miss Janet's Hostel" and whoever answered said there was room, so I hitchhiked over there. Found out it was full, so Janet took me to a nearby Motel instead when she returned. Even offered to shuttle me around in the morning if I needed to get supplies. I was kinda glad as some of the people there were kind of annoying and I probably wouldn't have enjoyed being stuck in close quarters with them, even for one night. I'm planning on leaving in the morning to begin the 120 mile trek to Damascus VA, which should take me about 5-7 days, depending on weather and how I hold up. Patty and I will meet there on the 25th, so if I push on past there, I'll have to have her pick me up and bring me back to stay there. Want to keep the mile tally up as much as possible. Damascus will be 20% of the way to Maine...I wish it were 80%, as tired and sore as I feel tonight. I need to get provisions in the morning and then, depending on how I feel, will get started late. Or, if needed, I may take a day off again to rest the ankles, although I'd prefer not to. We'll see what the morning brings, but for now, it's good to have a full belly and smell good again.
Date: 2005-04-18
From: Erwin, TN

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

So what's up with this? Same place one more day, but more miles? As I was getting ready to leave this morning, a group of four other guys were going to "slack pack" up the trail and then come back to Erwin to sleep (get a car ride to a road crossing down the trail and hike back). This means another night of "town food" rather than "trail food", and a comfortable bed. Both desirable concepts. So I figured, what the heck...check it out! We went up to Iron Mountain where there is a road crossing, so I got a 19 mile day in, but carried only a day pack with food/water/jacket for the day. It was nice not to have the baby walrus on my back all day, and I was able to cover quite a few miles, even though I didn't get started until noon. I actually sat under a tree in a field on a bald peak for a few minutes and soaked in the views. It really was a nice way to hike for a change, but I wouldn't want to do it every day. Some might call it "cheating" because you don't have your full pack, but I'm not that much of a purist. I still walked the distance, so it counts. Tomorrow, back to Iron Mountain to start up where we left off. One day closer to Damascus VA, my next "major" destination. Probably will get there Friday/Saturday...
Date: 2005-04-19
From: Iron Mountain Gap

To: Overmountain Shelter, TN
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I'm going to enter my journals online daily from here on, and go back (when I have time) to separate them by days so that my statistics will make sense. This site calculates the miles, off-days, etc for you if you enter them, so I'll give it a try...Left the comfort of Erwin TN today, said Goodbye to Vinnie and Tool Man, who I shared a hotel room with. Had a McD's Big Breakfast before leaving town to give me the stamina for the day ahead. Sure does help starting with a full stomach, rather than just a bowl of oatmeal or an energy/breakfast bar. The Dr. Scholls insoles I bought seemed to help my feet some, and my ankles felt much better today. Maybe the slack-pack day yesterday gave them a break. I debated stopping at the Roan Mtn. shelter (5PM), where I met VisionQuest who was trying to coax me to stay . She's a black woman hiking alone, and I think she was hoping for the company. I told her that McGuyver and Just Passing Through (Father/Son Scoutmaster/Eagle Scout) were right behind me and would be staying there. I went on to Overmountain Shelter, an old, abandoned barn with magnificent valley views. It was a longer, harder hike than I anticipated (the map elevations are very innacurate and hard to decipher) and I got in just before dark. Room for 20 people, so it was easy to find a spot.Feet felt better than they have in some time, but still tender/swollen. Had a freeze-dried Beef Stroganoff dinner that was delicious.