morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-03-12
From: Bly Gap

To: Beech Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Weather:High/Low - 40 (day got colder)Today's Hike:Bly Gap to Beech Gap - 12.1 milesThe first climb today was a dozzie. In fact, I liked it so much I did it twice. I was all the way up our first steep climb when I realized that I had left my crocs at camp. After shouting out some choice words to myself I stopped for a moment contemplating my choices; forward on and leave the crocs OR drop my pack and go back and get them. Cindi was already ahead of me and had no idea what was going on, but I knew she should be expecting me to show up any minute. Still, I decided to drop my pack and go back. Thirty minutes later she was standing near the summit of whatever mountain we were climbing cursing my name saying I gave her a heart attack. Oops......did I do that?We spent most of our first day in NC climbing. We reached Standing Indian Shelter around 2pm and decided to press on. The guidebook indicated a campsite and water at the next summit.The trail between the shelter and the summit was very rocky and rough on my feet. The leaves were so thick along the trail in some places that I couldn't see the trail (or the rocks....or the tree stems...) underneath which resulted in rolling ankles and a string a curse words several times.We reached the summit around 4pm, and started following the blue blazes to the water/campsite but we weren't having much luck with finding the water. It was 2.9 miles to the next campsite. We were both done for the day, but we needed water for dinner so after much resistance we decided to press on; it should only take 2 hours. We reached Beech Gap just before 6pm, and we were both completely wiped out. I looked at Cindi, "Never Again". We both nodded. An hour later I was in the tent and ready for bed.
Date: 2009-03-13
From: Beech Gap

To: Big Spring Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Weather:It rained all day.Today's Hike:Beech Gap to Big Spring Shelter - 10.0 milesToday was our first day of hiking in the rain; light rain but constant. My rain gear held up well. It's was hot though; I need to wear fewer layers underneath so I don't sweat so much.The hike itself was easy until we reached Bear Gap. Then I rock scrambled up Albert Mountain. We met up with the Tag Team (Tagless & Tag-Along) about halfway and we stuck together to the shelter. Right now we're all sitting around in the shelter talking about food, weather, and the local wildlife. There's been a bear reported in the area that has taken peoples packs and "shows no fear of humans." We've all been on the lookout. Lefty says he heard the coyotes at standing Indian last night and Cindi has been hearing the Screech Owls.Due to the rain, Cindi and I are both going to brave the shelter tonight. Lefty is giving us some pointers on how to deal with the permanent residents (the mice). I want to put the tent up in the shelter to block the wind......but I'm getting some strong objections from my shelter mates so I'll refrain. Tomorrow's going to be a tough day; 12.8 miles to the shelter. Hope I sleep well.
Date: 2009-03-14
From: Big Spring Shelter

To: US 64/Franklin, NC
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light intensity drizzle

Weather:It rained all day again (and all night).Today's Hike:Big Spring Shelter to US 64 - 9.1 milesI slept OK last night. Lefty didn't snore to bad and the local residents were fairly calm. I woke up with Cindi practically on top of me, and I was confused thinking that I had moved into her space during the night. Apparently, the roof started leaking at about 3am and Cindi was awakened by a stream of water hitting her face, so she moved over to stay dry.The local residents left us both presents; both my shoes were filled with acorns this morning & Cindi found some acorns in her pack. Thanks for the gifts, but we don't want to carry the extra weight The rain was still pounding down this morning, so we decided to take our time getting out of the shelter and onto the trail. After discussing our options we decided to try and make it to Siler Bald Shelter 12.8 miles away, and bypass the stop over in Franklin, NC. By the time we reached Rock Gap Shelter 5.3 miles from our starting point our packs were soaked, water was seeping through both our rain jackets, and some of our stuff in our packs was getting wet. We still were going to press on. Two hours after leaving Rock Gap Shelter we reached US 64 which leads to Franklin. As we started to cross the highway an AT shuttle pulled up. We were the only hikers there - cold and wet. So we decided that it was fait and we headed into town to get dry.We are staying at the Sapphire Inn, one of the many places run by Ron Haven and he's taking good care of us. I have showered and eaten almost an entire cheese pizza. My wet stuff is hanging around the room to dry; it looks like a bomb went off in here. Tomorrow we'll be doing laundry and I may be buying a new rain jacket.
Date: 2009-03-15
From: US 64/Franklin, NC

To: Franklin, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

Weather: Rain all dayToday's Hike: Franklin, NC - 0.0 milesThe rain continued today so we stayed in town. We did laundry over at the Budget Inn and met finally the Packadivas who were also there doing laundry. We had been hearing about them from the Tag Team. We didn't talk to much, but they seem really funny. Hopefully we'll run into them more out on the trail.We went into town to resupply. No luck on finding new rain jackets. Hopefully the next town will have a better outfitter.
Date: 2009-03-17
From: Wayah Shelter

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

Weather:Sunny, no rain.Today's Hike:Wayah Shelter to Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) - 16.3 milesToday was a tough one. The orginal plan was to hike to Wesser Shelter, 10.6 miles North of our starting point. After hiking for about 2 hours we reached Buringtown Gap where there was a sign indicating that there was a trail angel ahead in an orange dome. We rounded the corner and there was this massive Mountain Hardwear dome tent with a big sign across the outside that read "AT Trail Angel". Inside was a trail angel named Apple (who worked for IBM - LOL) who was serving hot coffee, hot chocolate, cookies, and fresh fruit. Yum! One cup of coffee/hot chocolate, three dozen cookies, and one apple later Cindi transformed into the energizer bunny (a first since the start of the hike), and we were both ready to make the 750 ft. climb to Cold Mountain Shelter.From Cold Mountain Shelter shelter we made our way to Wesser Shelter, arriving there at 3pm. After taking a 30 minute break, the Tag Team showed up and made a call to NOC to find out if rooms were available and to also find out what the latest check-in time was. After finding out that rooms were available and we could check in at anytime we made reservations & the four of us (Tag Team, Cindi, & myself) began our 3,000 ft. decent over 5.7 miles. It was tough, especially on the knees. Cindi & the Tag Team kept a similar pace, and I started falling behind around mile 14.5.As I was walking down the mountain I was thinking that it would be really nice if the restaurant at NOC had a veggie burger and ice cold beer. I reached NOC about 30 minutes behind everyone else and Cindi ran out of restuarant and yelled across the way that my vegan burger just came out and there was an ice cold beer waiting for me. Heaven. Meanwhile the rest of the crew had downed their first beer and were already half-way through their dinner. Time for me to catch up.Over dinner The Tag Team & Cindi gave me my trail name: Katch-up. Katch-up because 1) I had used about a half a bottle of ketchup with my dinner, and 2) I'm usually somewhere behind Cindi catching up to her throughout the day. Now it was time to finalize Cindi's Trail Name.
Date: 2009-03-18
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Weather: Sunny, No RainToday's Hike: Nantahala Outdoor Center - 0.0 milesAfter hiking 16.3 miles the day before there was no way that either one of us were going to make the treacherous climb out of NOC, so we zeroed with the Tag Team.Today was a day that zero days are made of; relaxation, beer, laundry,and warm showers. Most of the crew we've been hiking with camedown the mountain by lunch time. Around this time Cindi haddiscovered that the NOC general store sold Fat Tire beer - her favorite -and she hadn't had one in years. She was so excited she bought two.The afternoon was spent sitting by the riverside chatting with Tag Team and the Packadivas, brainstorming ideas for Cindi's trail name. Given that Cindi and I were a hiking team, it seemed only fitting to name her something that paired her well with my trail name. Aftermuch debate we settled on Ms. Muster. Ms. Muster because she orders me around..... So, that's it, we are offically Katchup & Ms. Muster aka the Condiments.
Date: 2009-03-19
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Cheoah Bald
Miles today: 8.1

Weather:Sunny and cool throughout the day.Evening rain shower and frost.Today's Hike:NOC to Cheoah Bald - 8.1 milesToday's hike was a straight up climb from NOC (1723 ft) to Cheoah Bald (5062 ft). I did well. I can tell that I'm starting to build my "trail legs."Right now I'm sitting on top of Cheoah Bald with Cindi, the Tag Team, Auggie Doggie and the Smith Machine, and the only word that comes to mind is "wow". The view is 275 degrees of amazing vistas. I can't wait for the sun to set. It should be beautiful.
Date: 2009-03-20
From: Cheoah Bald

To: Cody's Gap
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

Weather:Partly cloudy, no rain.Today's Hike:Cheoah Bald to Cody's Gap - 10.7 milesLast night we had hoped to see the sunset from the top of the bald, but a light rainstorm ushered us into our tents at around 6pm. Around 7:30, the only water hitting the tent fly was was the water falling from the trees above. I stepped out to dry off the tarp, hoping to still see the sunset. Instead I stepped out into a cloud. The entire bald was a shade of mist, spectacular in it's own right. Around 11pm, Cindi and I both woke from a have dazed slumber and stepped out of the tent and were welcomed by the view of a clear sky and stars so bright that the looked like dancing fireflies.When we woke in the morning, the temperture had dropped tremendously. The thermometers on our packs read 25 degrees. The tent and the forest floor we covered in stingingly cold, but glistening ice crystals. The sun was rising in the east, filling the sky with beautiful shades of orange, pink, and purple. It was a perfect reminder of a reason why life on the trail is so rewarding.Trail life is amazing simple, yet never boring. Each day presents new challenges, new surprises , and new rewards. But to understand trail life I think you must first understand trail people. I think there is this assumption held by many non-trail hikers that those who walk the trail are dirty, smelly, patchoulli wearing, pot smoking hippies. Although this may be true for some hikers, overall, it is far from reality. We have both been amazed at the diversity of people that are on the trail. Doctors, lawyers, civil engineers, retirees from a variety of backgrounds, war veterians, students, father daughter/son teams.... the list goes on. There are only 2 things all AT hikers have in common; (1) we are all eccentric in our unique way - the more ecentric you are the more memoriable you'll be. Like the person we've collectively named go-go gaitors girl or the famous Minnesota Smith whose very mention of his name makes many cringe in their boots. (2) we all share the same crazy inner impulse to hike 2,175 miles from Georgia to Maine.
Date: 2009-03-28
From: Gatlinburg

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

Weather:Overcast and raining.Today¢s Hike:Newfound Gap to Peck's Shelter - 10.4 milesMuster and I departed Gatlinburg, TN on this morning by way of Davidson's Taxi Service, and picked up the trail where we left off at Newfound Gap. The weather was typical of the Smokies; overcast and raining. The rain continued throughout the day and turned is currently turning into an overnight thunderstorm over night. We¢re seeping in the shelter with Spokes, Nice Lenses, and few other section hikers.
Date: 2009-03-29
From: Pecks Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Weather:Wind, rain, and snowToday¢s Hike:Pecks Shelter to Cosby Knob Shelter ¢ 13.3 milesWhen I woke up this morning, the rain had passed and the sun was trying to peek its head out,. I caught a few glimpses of the vistas I had been missing as I hiked by which was nice, but for the most part I was hiking through a blanket of fog. By noon, the sun was completely gone and the wind and rain returned. By early evening, the rain was turning into snow. I hope I don¢t freeze my ass off tonight.
Date: 2009-03-30
From: Cosby Knob Shelter

To: Painters Branch Campsite
Miles today: 12.2

Weather:Sunny and cold. Warmed up throughout the day.Today¢s Hike:Cosby Knob Shelter to Painters Branch Campsite - 12.2 milesI awoke this morning to 33 degree weather. Snow had blanketed all of the trees on the mountain, but the trail had somehow remained untouched. That¢s a phenomenon that still perplexes me. Muster and I layered up and began our descent down and out of GSMNP. As we made our way down the snow began to disappear and the sun was finally making its way through the clouds. By noon, we had shed our layers and were sweating in shorts and a t-shirt. As we left GSMNP behind us, I felt a sense of relief, but I was also semi-disappointed at not seeing a single black bear, coyote, salamander or any other form of wildlife. I saw plenty of their poop.....but never saw them. Bummer.
Date: 2009-03-31
From: Painters Branch Campsite

To: Campsite
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

Weather:Overcast with some light evening rain.Today¢s Hike:Painters Branch Campsite to Stream Campsite (miles marker 257.2) - 17.4 milesA month into our long journey and I¢m feeling great. Physically I¢m getting stronger and I have more stamina. Mentally I¢m fairing well also, but am struggling with hitting a wall everyday around mid-afternoon. I just want a nap, but my body is ready to keep walking. This afternoon, I hit this wall at the foot of Max Patch Bald. According to the 2008 Thru-Hiker Companion, Max Patch is an old homestead and logging camp that was originally forested, but early inhabitants cleared the mountain top to graze sheep and cattle. The summit also has been used as a landing strip for small planes. In 1982, the U.S. Forest Service purchased the 392-acre grassy-top mountain for the AT and now uses mowing and controlled burns to maintain the balds appearance. The wide summit, at 4,629 feet, offers panoramic views of the Smokies to the South and a glimpse of Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi to the east.The views from the summit were spectacular. It was overcast and we could see rain in the distance. We took off our packs and sat back to enjoy the view for a few moments. After about 15 minutes we got up, feeling slightly recharged and started to head North. As we re-started our hike, the wind picked up and before we knew it we were fighting against 60 mph winds. We literally had to lean into the wind just to make sure we didn't fall over. I couldn't stop laughing. Muster, would occasionally turn around to see how I was doing, and she to was laughing. It was insane. I could picture those guys from the weather channel standing out in hurricanes struggling to stay upright. In the moment, I was trying to do the same but with 30 pounds on my back. It was by far the most insanely crazy but most fun experience I had yet on the trail. To cool. It was just the recharge I needed to hike another 7 miles to complete out 17.4 mile day.
Date: 2009-04-01
From: Campsite

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Weather:Nice, no rain.Today¢s Hike:Stream Campsite @ mile 257.2 to Hot Springs, NC ¢ 14.8 milesLast night as I tried to fall asleep Muster and I started talking about the trail, trail life and what hiking the trail teaches you. When you're out here, almost nothing is within your control. You can't control where the trail takes you, you can't control the weather, you can't control all the loud owls and other wildlife that scream throughout the night keeping you awake. The only thing you can control is your attitude. If you accept what is and just see what is presented to you for what it is then the days hike is a new challenge and nothing more. If you get mad at some aspect of it, your day is rotten. The same principle is applied to life in the "real world." I remember talking about acceptance of what is in life as it applied to the "real world" before coming out here. It's so easy to know and talk about acceptance and entirely other thing to actually practice it. Out here you don't have much of a choice but to practice acceptance. If you don't you won't enjoy the journey, and you won't gain anything from your experience. I think this is why so many people quit. They come out expecting a joyful walk in the woods. What you get is a new relationship with Mother Nature, with yourself, and with those that you choose to travel with.After breakfast I packed up my pack and hiked 15 miles into the town of Hot Springs, NC. Muster and I are staying at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn, a Bed and Breakfast that caters to AT Hikers. The house is really neat - an old Victorian style home built in the late 1800's. They cook only vegetarian meals, and we had the pleasure of having a current AT thru-hiker, Tekla, who is trained as a culinary chef cook us the most amazing dinner.
Date: 2009-04-02
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Weather:Partly cloudy, no rain.Today¢s Hike:Hot Springs, NC - 0.0 milesToday I spent the day resting and preparing for the next 5-6 days of hiking. In my preparation for the week, I stopped by the local outfitter, Bluff Mountain. They had a scale, so Muster and I both weighed ourselves to see how much weight we've lost. Muster has lost 20 pounds and looks fantastic! I have lost.....6lbs. Are you kidding me? Six pounds? That's it? Muster attributes it to the fact that I always am about to eat something, am eating something, or have just finished eating something. Oh well, I still have 1800 miles to go¢¦..hopefully I¢ll lose another six pounds by Katadhin.
Date: 2009-04-04
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry's Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: few clouds

After a windy, chilly Friday evening we were back on the trail by 8:25 am the next morning. The quicker we got moving, the quicker we would warm up. About 4 miles after leaving Spring Shelter we came to a parking lot. According to our guide there was a gas station 1.7 miles east of the trail. The thought of a cold Coke was quite tempting. After a short debate we decided not to walk the extra miles given we already had 15.4 miles mapped out for the day. So, we pushed on until we hit a sign about 50 yards ahead of our previous debate. The sign read "Trail Magic" And provided directions to a location 350 yards east where we would find cokes, juices, waffles, vegetarian chili, and an array of desserts. We looked at each other, "Lets do it", and we turned east. When we reached the end of a steep driveway we saw some fellow thru-hikers coming down, and they informed us that it would be wonderful. We made our way up the driveway and were greeted by a beautiful log cabin and Heidi; a Golden Retriever/Poodle mix who wanted nothing more then to play fetch. A post on the top of the porch wore an AT sign, and the porch was lined with backpacks, trekking poles, and hiking boots lending assurance we were entering into a thru-hikers domain. Fal, a thru-hiker in 2000 quickly came out to greet us. After exchaging introductions and removing our packs and shoes we entered the cabin to find several other fellow thru-hikers, and Fals husband, Hercules, who also thru-hiked in 2000. Hercules greeted us with a menu of drink options, chili's (vegetarian or meat), and a 10 day weather forcast. After requesting a Coke, we joined the rest of the hikers and were quickly served our first course, a giant Belgium waffle, and it was delicious! Our second course of vegetarian chili soon followed. As we both lapped up the last spoonfuls of the fantastic mixtures of diced zuccini, mixed beans, tomato's and other yummy veggies we were given a list of desert choices; gingerbread and baked apple upside-down cake with ice cream, apple crumb cake with ice cream, brownie sundae, or a fully loaded banana split. Decsions, decsions. We decided to share a brownie hot fudge sundae. Yummy!A little over an hour later we gave many thanks to our gracious trail angels, and with overfull bellies we departed on our way. The rest of the day was long and warm. We remained full until late that evening when we reached camp at 8:15pm.
Date: 2009-04-06
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Day 36Weather:Rain in the morning. Afternoon ¢ evening snow storm.Today¢s Hike:Hogback Ridge Shelter to Bald Mtn. Shelter - 10.6 milesThe forecast for Monday & Tuesday called for rain, so when the rain began to sputter against the fly of the tent at 3am it wasn't too much of a surprise. The rain stopped by the morning, providing a chance to get packed up without getting soaked. The temperature dropped overnight, and the sky looked like rain, just as predicted. So I dressed appropriately, and started the northward journey to Maine at 9:25am.About an hour after taking off, we crossed under a highway leading to nowhere. When we reached the other side I could hear the rain hitting the unleaved tree branches above, and quickly realized that the usual wet rain was now freezing rain. ¢Crap, it's gonna snow¢, I thought aload. As we continued northward and upward the freezing rain transitioned into a snowstorm. We were at least 5.5 miles (2.5 hours) from the next shelter. We had no choice but to make it there. If we were to stay where we were we chanced getting snowed into our tent. Bad situation. If we continued to the shelter we would have more protection from the weather, and would be that much closer to making it to Erwin, TN. So onward and upward we went. The wind and snow fell harder and we pressed harder. After about an hour of hiking we came to a bald. Crap. Hugh winds, snow, and an open mountaintop. It's going to be a bad version of hiking over Max Patch. And I was right, except here the wind was worse. Occasionally I could look forward and would catch glimpses of Muster hanging onto post markers so that she wouldn't fall over. Most of the time I was faced down and turned against the wind so that the snow wouldn't cut into by eyes, and I to was trying not to let the wind knock me over. It was awful. I wanted off the bald. After trekking in open for about 30 minutes we made it back into the forest and a little relief set in. At least underneath the bare trees there was some protection from the wind. However, this brought a new challenge. The entire ground was covered in snow, except for the trail which was completely untouched, muddy, and slick. I was able to avoid the first few slippery spots by watching Muster slip and slide (but never falling). I missed a spot however and went crashing down on my left side. Crap, now I'm covered in snow and mud. Luckily we arrived at the shelter shortly there after. Luckier yet that this isthe nicest shelter we've seen since Walnut shelter 65 miles back.We've tied a tent fly across the front of the bottom platform to help block the wind and drifting snow, and we've tied the tent itself width wise cutting the bottom platform in half and boxing ourselves in. I also ate a hot bowl of soup and poured boiling water into my Nalgene bottle and stuck it in my sleeping bag to help keep warm. Hope that the storm passes overnight. Regardless, it's 17 miles to Erwin where there's a Holiday Inn Express and a hot tub. I plan on being there tomorrow night.