morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-03-08
To: THREE DAYS TO GO!
Miles today: 0.0

THREE DAYS TO GO!I am wide-awake at 1:30 a.m. because I cannot sleep. I cannot stop looking at my North Face jacket I bought as my "graduation present" for completing the AT this September. My friend Nick Brinkley embroidered the Trail on the back of the jacket, then painted the state lines with textured craft paint. It looks amazing!
Date: 2012-03-10
To: And They Were Never Heard From Again
Miles today: 0.0

Awoke at 3:30 am PT to get ready for my cross-country trip. My friend Bill who lives nearby picked me up and took me to SFO. I tried leaving my room in my home in order, even doing the last of the laundry so my clothing, towels, and sheets would be clean upon my return.I have so very carefully packed my backpack into a laundry bag (and then another mesh bag around that), and I am praying that security does not open up my bag and toss it back on to the conveyor belts with the buckles and straps exposed. I used to work for an airline and if those things get caught, they get cut off. D'oh!Arrived at SFO before 5:00 am, but went to the wrong airline. However, I was in the security line exactly one hour before my flight. I noticed how many people are bad at airline travel and never seem to be prepared for moving through an airport. Interestingly enough, I will not have to be around people for very much longer, as I will be in the woods for six months.Flew from SFO to Denver, where I grabbed a Jamba Juice (my first meal of the day), and when I arrived back at my gate, we were ready for boarding. Flew to Atlanta, where I met up with Daniel. Took the MARTA from the airport to the end of the northernmost line, where we met Josh from Hiker Hostel. After a quick trip to Wal-Mart and Subway, we settled in at the Hostel.I brought too much food! I was used to being on the JMT with 10 days of provisions... not the AT where I would be in the next town in three days. I ended up donating much of my food to other hikers through the hikers' pantry downstairs. BUT, the pack "shakedown", as it is called, helped me shave 5 pounds and a full bag of groceries from my backpack.Afterwards, I took a photo with Daniel (it uploaded sideways), in preparation for our hike tomorrow. I am still buzzing with excitement, so even though I have been up all day and got very little rest, I hope I will sleep well tonight (we lose one hour with daylight savings, as well as the three hour time difference from flying east!).
Date: 2012-03-11
From: Hiker Hostel

To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Our Hiker Hostel hosts Josh and Leigh gave us rides to the top of Springer (almost), and we hiked the remaining .9 miles to the official start of the Trail.Hiked .2 extra to Long Creek Falls, a pretty little waterfall that reminded me of certain parts of Virginia, before arriving in camp at 1:30 pm. I was a little tired, but wished I had walked more.
Date: 2012-03-12
From: Hawk Mountain Shelter

To: Woody Gap
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I guess I am still learning the ways hikers relate to one another... I am wearing pink Crocs as camp shoes, which either delight some folks or totally turn them off.So many people hiking at the same time... I will be curious to see who stays on the Trail and who drops off, as the statistics hold out each year that a surprisinly large percentage of people quit in the next few days.
Date: 2012-03-14
From: Neel's Gap

To: Low Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: few clouds

According to Mr. Right, today was the most difficult day in Georgia from Neel's Gap to Low Gap Shelter.Did not pay attention to the signs and stopped sweating... that equals dehydration. So when I got to camp and filtered my water, I immediately "expressed" the water (the only nice way to say it). Unfortunately, I have not found the balance of food / nutrition that appeals to me, as my appetite changes COMPLETELY when I am on the Trail. Anything that seems interesting at home has no taste or flavor for me on the AT. This was true for the JMT, as well. This is a mystery to me... one that I will need to solve right away!
Date: 2012-03-16
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: US76-Dicks Creek Gap, GA
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Exit point from trail for Hiawasee, GA. Mr. Right and Plunger (NoBo GA-MA 2009) met me at the Gap JUST as I walked across the road and placed my pack on the ground.He had taken my average trail speed from the past few days and averaged out the time, guessing I would be at the gap by 5:30 pm. Having the ride into town really helped. It was great seeing both That night, we ate at a southern buffet (tilapia - fried and grilled, fried shrimp, fried chicken, etc. etc.). My appetite was not back, but I tried my best to eat a plate or two of food. Struggling with heartburn from the late dinner / early bed schedule in the woods.
Date: 2012-03-17
From: US76-Dicks Creek Gap, GA

To: Hiawassee
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Zero Day in Hiawasee, Georgia at the Hiawasee Budget Inn. "Trail magic" twice today, and off the Trail, but it is a good example of how folks can be nice to hikers. MamaBear and PapaBear from Atlanta have driven up to make hot dogs and hamburgers for the folks staying at the Inn... everyone is outside gathered around their little grill and enjoying the sense of community. And on the way back from the grocery store, a young couple with their Shar Pei mix dog "Jackson" stopped and offered me a short ride back to the motel.Trying to focus on hydration, electrolytes, and getting calories into my body, as I sorely depleted them when I was in the hills and ignoring the signals to EAT and DRINK.
Date: 2012-03-21
From: Wallace Gap

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 1.0
Weather: clear sky

NERO in Franklin.JUST as I exited the Trail, Heather from the local outfitters drove up and offered me a ride into town (>10 miles by foot). She even took me to my hiker hotel to drop off my pack, then over to Hardee's so I could get Country Ham Biscuits! What a great Trail Angel!!Taking a NERO day (nearly zero miles) in Franklin. Went to an All You Can Eat pizza buffet for lunch, then to the local grocery store to resupply for my breakfast, lunch, and dinners.Tonight, either Wendy's or SONIC for dinner... gotta pack in the calories (don't hate me because I carry a 40+ pound pack and hike over 10 miles each day... half of it uphill!!).
Date: 2012-03-22
From: Winding Stair Gap

To: Wine Spring Road campsite
Miles today: 8.2

Late start out of Franklin... took 11:00 am shuttle to Trail and started hiking at 11:45 am. Ended day at 6:00 pm at campsite.However, I purchased an inflating pillow (which packs to the size of a baseball) at Outdoor 76. That thing is really going to help me sleep better!
Date: 2012-03-23
From: Wine Spring Road campsite

To: Wesser Bald Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

Very rainy morning... slept in, listening to the rain on my tent. Finally got up and broke camp around 9:30 am (it takes an hour for me to wake up, get ready, and break camp) and started hiking at 10:30 am.Very very rainy day. Thank goodness I am drip-dry.Very interesting stone lookout at Wayah Bald. Unfortunately, the clouds obstructed every view.Hiked through to Wesser Bald Shelter, but when I arrived, 5 day-hikers had commandered the 8-person shelter, turning it into their cabana for the night. This is one of the reasons thru-hikers are possessive of the shelters. I did not need to stay inside it, but it would have been nice to set down my pack, unpack, have dinner, and set up my tent. However, they had slung a cabana hammock across the door, blocking entry. So, I just set up on the opposite side of the campground, where it would be quiet. Unfortunately, they were really loud, which is very inconsiderate at a campsite and one person (in order to hear his conversation) had to walk over toward my side of the campground to talk on his cellphone. Great. In the morning, they all had to yell at the person taking too long in the privy, which they left a mess as well.I hope the shelter mice pooped in their backpacks.
Date: 2012-03-24
From: Wesser Bald Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: broken clouds

After having to deal with the rude day-hikers who took over the shelter, we had thunder and lightning, with pouring rainfall, all night. However, I slept very well, because I love the sound of the rain. Got up this morning, packed up a wet tent, and headed for NOC, where I am staying in the hostel for the night for $18!! What a bargain.
Date: 2012-03-25
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Waiting for mail to arrive on Monday at NOC. So, I am taking a zero day and using it to go rafting in a solo "ducky" inflatabe raft on the Nantahala River. If I cannot hike today, I can still have an adventure to add to my list of Appalachian Trail memories!
Date: 2012-03-26
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

Stayed in my tent behind the shelter, because I need to avoid any viruses that the shelter mice might spread and I am also very sensitive to the fact that I snore and bother others. Today was a very challenging climb out of NOC from 1746 feet to 4710 (then down to 4400 at the shelter). Once I arrived at the top of the mountain, I was rewarded with a visit by a butterfly who landed on my wristwatch (a gift from a very kind donor).I started hiking later than usual at 10:30 am, after receiving some mail at the camp store. I arrived at the shelter around 5:00 pm, just in time to visit with the other hikers. I was even interviewed for Secrets' YouTube channel.Later, Shenanigans and Secrets made up a fire in the firepit... the trail maintainers (I am guessing) left a hacksaw which made cutting the deadwood much easier, allowing us to use larger logs than just fallen branches that can be broken by hand or under your foot. I tried to help by gathering smaller branches and twigs and keeping the fire going while they had their dinner.Stonekicker, Slim, Shenanigans, Secrets, Indiana, Freefall, and Doubleback all gathered around the fire, including Eric (no trail name yet), the bike tech from NOC who was trail running on his day off. He took the Bartram Trail up to the shelter, then would take the AT sobo back to NOC. Very nice time enjoying the company of other hikers.Afterwards, they all retired to the shelter, and I to my tent, where I had an AMAZING night's sleep (luckily, taking any blame away from me!).
Date: 2012-03-27
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Hog Back Gap
Miles today: 10.0

Hog Back Gap does not appear in AWOL's guide... it might appear on other maps. I estimated that I traveled 10 miles from Sassafras Gap to Hog Back Gap.I set up my tent just feet from the Trail... unfortunately, once I passed a certain point, I could not find any flat spaces. Finally, there was a low flat space next to a large fallen tree. I could hear a single hiker and then a couple pass by later... not sure where they ended up camping. But the next site would have been 30 minutes to an hour more (with my hiking speed).Again, slept like a baby. Finally got a system of sleeping on my side with two pillows (one inflating and one made out of memory foam shreds).
Date: 2012-03-28
From: Hog Back Gap

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked to Fontana Dam and took shuttle to Fontana Lodge. Very nice hotel with a fair hiker rate (considering the room is pleasant and the shower is amazing). No MSNBC, though, so I am missing my Maddow.Was able to get in a quick walk down the hill to the General Store where I bought a pack of baloney, stack of American Cheese singles, and a loaf of white bread. Cheap dinner! I will have a "real" breakfast tomorrow before heading back out on the Trail! They serve a Hillbilly Benedict, which is a biscuit, with fried eggs and a sausage patty, covered with sausage gravy. Truly Southern!
Date: 2012-03-29
From: Fontana Dam

To: Birch Spring Gap campsite
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

Left Fontana Lodge, crossing Fontana Dam into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the opposite side of the dam. The rain has been confusing... the sky was hazy around 4 pm, which made the view from Shuckstack fire tower harder to see. However, I stared to hear thunder soon thereafter, so I stopped at the closest campsite. The GSMNP will not let hikers camp anywhere but shelters and reservation-free campsites. Therefore, my day was only 7 miles. And, it did not rain. D'oh!
Date: 2012-03-30
From: Birch Spring Gap campsite

To: Spence Field Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Was able to complete 8 miles between 8:30 am and 1:30 pm. However, the rain started at 2:30 pm, so I stopped at the nearest shelter at 3:15, only completing 11 miles. Rain constantly throughout the night, with heavy winds. My tent was cozy and I slept very well, but I ended up packing a wet tent (which is a little heavier and can make the rest of my backpack wet).
Date: 2012-03-31
From: Spence Field Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Because of the heavy rain, I started later at 9:25 am. It takes me about an hour to wake up, pack up my backpack, and break down my tent. Hiked until 5:30 pm. Luckily, it rained after I arrived at camp, so I was able to set up my tent and have dinner before it got to heavy. I hiked downhill to the spring in order to get water, where it rained. I filtered my water as fast as possible and hurried back up the hill! It was nice spending time at this shelter, as I got to chat with DK (as in Donna Karan) and Brook. DK is the younger sister of Rat Bucket (Rat Bag, Rat Basket, Rat Bouquet... there were a few names tossed around). Rat Bucket is hiking faster, as he will be going to grad school on the West Coast. Originally, DK was going to hike for two weeks, but I think she enjoyed the experience so much, she stayed on. However her brother is on a set schedule and needed to go faster, so they split up and DK and Brook are hiking together. DK will hike to Harpers Ferry, and then complete the second half of her hike when she has more time.
Date: 2012-04-01
From: Silers Bald Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Got to meet Medicine Woman (who is a medic in real life and actually helped a poor hiker who dislocated her shoulder... yikes!!) today... she had heard about me on WhiteBlaze and from other hikers. Very fun to make a new friend. Great weather, but the GSMNP rules meant I had to stop at Mt. Collins, so I only got in 8.5 miles.
Date: 2012-04-02
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Newfound Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

Camped .5 miles off the Trail, so I am adding that mileage!! Again, lots of rain. Got up early and went to Newfound Gap, so I could catch the NOC shuttle into Gatlinburg. Met Adam, one of the NOC employees, who was the shuttle driver. He was from California, but outdoor sports, including fishing and climbing, brought him cross-country to Gatlinburg. Got a new "dry" compression sack, so I could compress down my tent and keep my pack dry.Gatlinburg is a ZOO... there is a Future Farmers of America state-wide conference, as well as spring break, so there are tons of teens, as well as families with kids EVERYWHERE.Tomorrow, back to the Trail and on to Hot Springs.
Date: 2012-04-03
From: Newfound Gap

To: Icewater Spring Shelter
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: broken clouds

Left Gatlinburg on the later shuttle... the 3:00 pm shuttle waited on two hikers (who had hitched up to the Trail earlier and did not call the outfitters to tell them they did not need the free ride, which I thought was really inconsiderate), but when they did not show up, we left at 3:30 pm. This delay, however, allowed us to miss the rain and hail storm from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Got on the Trail at 4:00 pm and hiked a short distance to the first shelter on the Trail.
Date: 2012-04-05
From: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: light rain

Yes, 18.4! I wanted to get across the border and into the hostel. It was full, so I camped on the farmhouse lawn. However, it was nice to see Trail friends and Shenanigans offered me two of her Mike's Hard Lemonades! Now THAT is "trail magic"!On the way to the farm, I passed airplane wreckage (not recent) in the hills. Slightly unnerving to think it happened so close to the Trail!
Date: 2012-04-06
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Getting my daily mileage up toward 15 miles-per-day... my daily goal for the rest of the trip. If I can maintain six 15's and one zero, or five 15's and two 7.5's, then I can make it to Katahdin by September 6th.Ran into Robo, who is now sporting a green and black striped pair of DirtyGirl Gaiters. His girlfriend bought them for him to match his new green and black trail runners.
Date: 2012-04-07
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Deer Park Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Since the shelter had no real water supply, I camped near the water supply across the Trail. Was not paying attention earlier today and got off the Trail... probably only hiked a half-mile, but it was uphill and really got me off my game, mentally. Luckily, I figured it out (it was an old driveway to a farmhouse) as the couple who lived there was returning from their walk up the hill. They were very helpful and explained I had missed a sharp switchback.
Date: 2012-04-08
From: Deer Park Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Arrived in Hot Springs, NC for my resupply, shower, laundry, and some great restaurant food. Country ham at the diner! Because of the gorgeous weather, I was going to stay outside, rather than at a hotel or hostel. But, I could not find a convenient tent site, so I stayed in a hotel (on the train tracks... kinda noisy throughout the night). I need to remember not to enjoy so much iced tea during my visits to town... I am wide awake ALL night from the caffeine.Waiting for a package to arrive on 04/09, and then will return to the Trail on Monday. Found a copy of AWOL's Appalachian Trail Guide and mailed it to Mom & Dad so they can follow my trip along the trail and see EXACTLY the same data I am viewing on each day.All in all, not a bad way to spend Easter Sunday!
Date: 2012-04-09
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Tanyard Gap "Saddle"
Miles today: 7.0

Waited for an important package from UPS at Bluff Mountain Outfitters until 3 pm... on the Trail at 3:15 and hiked as far as I could. Got a tent site on a "saddle" (a space above a gap, like a mini gap between hilltops, but a space below the crest of a hill). Made my first campfire! Speaking of Trail Magic, someone had broken up a bunch of twigs and branches and neatly stacked them beside the fire ring, so it made it easy to make a tiny fire.
Date: 2012-04-10
From: Tanyard Gap 

To:  Hemlock Hollow Hostel
Miles today: 10.0

Tented at Hemlock Hollow. Run by a couple from PA/NJ, married 50 years. Met Teflon and Sit-A-Bit, and saw SlingShot and Frenchy, too. Teflon tented, and SlingShot and Frenchy got a private cabin, so Sit-A-Bit got the bunkhouse all to himself!The cafe had limited hours, but the prices were fantastic and the food was terrific. Had a Philly/Jersey slaw dog and a cheeseburger for dinner. Her breakfast was less than $4, but included a huge homemade biscuit, hash browns, two eggs, and two slices of bacon. YUM. I shoulda ordered TWO!
Date: 2012-04-13
From: Low Gap campsite

To: No Business Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Camped just beyond the shelter in a single campsite. A school group took over the NBK shelter and they were LOUD, way past dark, yelling and laughing. Thank goodness for foam earplugs, but they can only do so much! On to Erwin tomorrow!
Date: 2012-04-14
From: No Business Knob Shelter

To: Uncle Johnny's
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it to Erwin... was going to tent, but decided to zero. And the private cabin rate was not that much more than the hostel rate, so I got a funky little cabin to myself, complete with a mini-fridge and a TV with a VCR. Yes, VCR, not DVD. They had a wide selection of older movies, so I watched "Under the Tuscan Sun" in the afternoon (always a fun escape movie) and "Out of Africa" at night (my first time seeing the film and I was blown away...).All you can eat pizza buffet at Pizza Plus was great! Got to hang out with Teflon over lunch and met MISS JANET at the buffet! Hitched a ride downtown, was going to see the Julia Roberts' Snow White movie, but it was no longer there (their website was out of date), so I walked to KFC and hit the buffet before returning "home" and watching the movie in my cabin.
Date: 2012-04-15
From: Uncle Johnny's

To: Uncle Johnny's
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Took a zero. Since it was Sunday, the shuttle schedule was different. Went to Huddle House with ConnectFour and Telfon. Then another Pizza Plus buffet lunch during the noon shuttle run. Secrets and Shenanigans arrived, so I got to go to dinner at Los Jalapenos (AMAZING FROZEN MARGARITAS) and Wal-Mart with them during the evening shuttle run.My cousin lives in East Tennessee, and had wanted to meet up. I told him that I would be at Uncle Johnny's for the weekend. Unfortunately, he drove over unannounced during the evening shuttle run, so I missed him completely, which was a shame. I hate the fact that my cell phone has such limited service. It is making it very difficult to communicate with friends and family on the Trail.When I got back to my cabin, I watched Erin Brockovich on the VCR and went to bed. Hiking tomorrow!
Date: 2012-04-16
From: Uncle Johnny's

To: Under the Powerline at Indian Grave Gap
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up, showered, packed, and said goodbye to my little cabin... but while I packed up, I listened to the first half of My Fair Lady on the VCR. That VCR was a hoot, and I loved having access to all those movies.Got on the Trail and hiked to Indian Grave Gap. Unfortunately, I passed the campsites in an effort to get to the water supply, so as I hiked up the hill, I just "gave up" and set up my tent under the powerlines. The crackle and buzz made for a restful sleep, but I am probably sterile now and can never have babies. (Mr. Right, GA-ME 2009, chided me on Facebook for the poor tenting choice.)Already missing Uncle Johnny's and Erwin. Spilled half my dinner while it was cooking and realized I was low on fuel. Why didn't I get fuel at Wal-Mart? Oh, right... frozen margaritas for dinner. D'oh.
Date: 2012-04-17
From: Under the Powerline at Indian Grave Gap

To: Greasy Creek Gap
Miles today: 15.2

Today was my sister's birthday... I tried calling and left a message when I was in Erwin, but missed her.Not a bad hiking day until it started raining. Luckily, the rain subsided with enough time to set up my tent and make dinner (still low on fuel, not sure what I am going to do, because Kincora is a week away). Realized there is a "friendly" (rather than a "hostel") at the bottom of the gap. I will check it out in the morning.18 hours of solid rain.