morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-03-15
From: Dicks Creek Gap (Blueberry Patch)

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter 
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: light rain

Let me just say that staying at the Blueberry Patch is a sure way to raise spirits. Didn't think it was vastly different then any other hostel (except for Gary and Lennie being supurb people) until this morning's breakfast! The magical bell rang at 8:30 and we filed into their new back addition to their house. A beautiful room with a table set for 8 hungry hiker's, real plates, actual silverware, each setting with a glass of OJ and a mug waiting to be turned over for a morning shot of caffinee!And you know it is only to get better when Gary pulls out a plate of cheese biscuits from the warming oven! His wife comes in with two huge plates of the lightest pancakes I have ever gorged myself with. And of course there was the blueberry syrup to add on top.That breakfast kept us going all day and we decided to hike an extra 3 miles. We came across our first state line - so long Georgia! Went by the old gnarled oak tree, I must say, I was expecting a little more. But cool none the less and took Thin Mint's pic by the tree. Excited to see our first bald, which, after we had a MASSIVE climb up to it, turned out not to be a bald. I think we will soon set a few ground rules here for the AT, first one being: if it is not a bald then don't call it one! Many more rules to follow as well as "The 6 ideals of a thru-hiker" (Based off of a former co-worker's email).
Date: 2003-03-16
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter 

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

Storms last night left water at the bottom of our hung food bags and we now know Thin Mint's boots can easily store 3 inches of water. Although under the tent vestible, some how a stream of water was able to flood her boots while keeping the outsides perfectly dry!Hike was easy although misting all day and we got to the shelter just before it really began raining. First night we are spending actually "in" a shelter. Two people are already asleep by 1800 and one is already snoring!
Date: 2003-03-17
From: Carter Gap Shelter 

To: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: overcast clouds

So we did it we went past the 100 mile mark,three miles past to be exact which means we're 1/21 of the way there! Ok that may not sound very impressive but to us it means alot. It was an okay day, a little too much rain for it to be nice. But it was a fun climb up Mt. Albert, I actually had to toss my poles up the rocks to use my hands to pull me up. It was a nice view even with all the fog. It started raining pretty hard after the stop at the top & didn't stop until we got to the shelter. This is our second night in a shelter and last time went okay so we'll see about tonight. So we've been meaning to thank everyone who has signed the guest book. Unfortunately, we have not been able to read them ourselves but my mom has been kind enough to give us email updates. We will be able to read them at some future date when we get to a library with internet access. Thanks again for following our little adventure & feel free to email us at sendfood@pocketmail.com.
Date: 2003-03-18
From: Rock Gap Shelter

To: Wayah Bald
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow where to start with today...I can't say what was the most fun or biggest surprise. So i guess i'll just tell it in the order it happened. I'm not sure if we mentioned it eariler or not but today we were meeting Andy, who avid journal readers, may remember we met on our approach to Springer Mt. & spent the next few nights with before he got off for personal reasons. Anyways, we planned an incredibly laid back morning of "last ones out of the shelter" & a lazy 4 miles to the road crossing where we were meeting Andy & his folks at noon. Well, we got there a bit early, 10 to be exact, and as i already had my heart set on pizza (see Mr. & Mrs. White we were going to sneak into town with you all :) ) we hitched into town. I should mention here that going to town is a tramatic experience for a hiker. Our world moves at a 2 mph pace, 2.5 mph if we're really trying, and here we jump out of a pickup at the edge of busy intersection only to find the food we've been dreaming of is on the other corner & there are no crosswalks or even sidewalks. It's a little like "Through-hiker Frogger". We quickly ran through a groce!ry store & off to my pizza & breadsticks, i have to say the 'sticks are the key here. The people were great at the pizza place and even told us to get our packs out of the rain and into the restaurant! So now back to the trail full & happy. Hitching out of town seems to be harder, i guess there we could be homeless townies & at the trail we're just the crazy people trying to walk to Maine. Back at the trail Andy & his very sweet parents are waiting with snacks and soda. The real kicker here is that these incredibly nice people just drove 5 hr.s to see us and spread trail magic to others even thought Andy is unable to start up with us again! I have to say we've met a lot of nice people so far but the time we spent at the Blueberry Patch with Gary & Lennie and the time this afternoon with the Whites helped our spirits so much (of course both of these things are connected with food which never seems to hurt). Anyway we spent about 4 hr.s in town & with the Whites but we hop!ing to go a little further. That little further turned into a lot further, from a sugar high we think. We got up to the second bald just as it was getting dark and noticed a building - bathrooms?! We then proceded to walk on a paved path about 0.3 miles to a very castle looking old stone building, very cool looking but we were unable to stop due to needing to find a camp spot. Moments later we found ourselves stumbling around the forest in the dark, rain & fog looking for where this campsite was supposed to be. We're warm & dry now snuggled into our tent on what may posibly be the fire pit of this site but hey, it's flat & dry-ish and i don't have to worry about that until morning.
Date: 2003-03-19
From: Wayah Bald

To: NOC
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Biggest mile day as of yet! Woke up to a small thunderstorm but strong winds. Did not want to get out of the tent (which as it turns out was not on the fire pit)! Neither did the two groups camping at the same campsite but we finaly left camp at 10:00. Decided to try to get to NOC (an outdoor center & outfitter right by the trail), in hopes to dry off and get a good meal.As we got closer and dropped around 4000 feet in elevation we could tell it had rained less and was warmer at these lower elevations. Arrived at NOC at 5:20 pm to find out everything closes at 5:00. Luckly, the kayakers working at the NOC gave us a lift into town (as well as freshly baked cookies). Bryson City provided us with good food and a place to dry out tent and clothes!
Date: 2003-03-20
From: NOC

To: Sassafras Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: light rain

We got up this morning to a dry tent, dry soft bed, running water & rain outside. It took some will power to pack everything up & hitch back to the trail. But we did and when we got to the N.O.C. just about everyone we had ever met on the trail or hiked with was there. Not only that but we were able to pick our mail drops(i'd underline the "S" if i knew how)! The Whites had once again given us some trail magic & left us a box of sodas and treats- thank you! And (i'd underline that too) mom put treats in our food box. And (triple underline!) Amy (& Eric) sent vaccum sealed us homemade cookies! Thank you so much for the cookies & other munchies...we needed them today. Today was 7 miles uphill the entire time, gaining around 4000 feet elevation, the same amount we lost yesterday. We were planning on pushing on past the shelter & camping somewhere over the next (faux) bald. But there turned out to be not that many people staying at the shelter & it is supposed to rain to!night. Well, the cookies are all gone so i guess it's time for bed. Staying at the shelter tonight is Rock Hound, 5'r, Live wire, Braveheart, Fixy (who hiked the PCT & the CO & NM parts of the CDT) and Boenda K'que (it's Swahila (sp?).No bear cables so we all had to hang food bags, Rock Hound did an exceptional job with his. Although only hanging 7-8 feet off of the ground he proved his hang capable to foil a bear by actually playing the roll of the bruin - great entertainment for us all!
Date: 2003-03-21
From: Sassafras Gap Shelter

To: Walker Gap 
Miles today: 18.0

2 weeks on the trail & the first day of spring! We woke up to an unbelievable site - SUN! In the past week we have had a total of 34 seconds of sunshine, hence, this brightened everyone's morning, infact, pictures were even taken of the sunrise!We woke at a very early 6:30 and were happy to be last out of camp. Both of us felt a little like hiking sloths today and early on we assended one of the toughest climbs we have yet encountered. Much of the former (changed around 1990,from what we hear) AT went straight up and down mountains with little to no switchbacks built in. Climbing out of this gap was definitely part of a section that has never been rerouted!The trail leveled off and we made it to the first shelter, 9 miles, by 12:15. Hiked an additional 6 miles to the Cable Gap Shelter which was an older shelter built by the CCC. We broke for a great dinner and decided for a "Post dinner hike". We knew Rock Hound was a little ahead of us so we were a little concerned that we would accidently trip over his hung bear bag!We were surprised by the intial monsterous climb from the shelter with many more minor peaks to summit prior to decending into Walker Gap. No other hikers up here and considering we can see the dam and Fontana being only 2.7 miles down hill I bet they couldn't resist getting into town.Saw some amazing views of the sunset along the last ridge. Cannot wait to get into the Smokies tomorrow. We also found out we are only a few miles behind Trail Frog - we haven't seen her since Neel's Gap and maybe we can catch her along the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2003-03-22
From: Walker Gap 

To: Molly Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

If you look at the miles we did today it reads around 15, not bad considering this is the day everyone (everyone meaning me & all the people i try to convince) dreads. The Smoky Mountains have a scarey stigma & i believe it comes from the climb into them - 8 miles up hill starting at the Fontana Dam. So it really wasn't all that bad and now i'm looking for another part of the trail to occupy my fears for the next few weeks (Clingmans comes to mind).I should explain that we do owe thanks to the all you can eat breakfast we snuck into town for. Last night we went another 3 miles past the shelter in hopes of grabbing a breakfast before the climb. It worked! We made into the village with 1/2 hr of breakfast time left. The only place in town open this season was the nice hotel's restaurant but they didn't seem to be fazed when Fiver, Rock Hound, Live Wire, Fixy, 3 Sock & i came pouring in, they even restocked the buffet - which we cleaned out at least twice. The waiter was so nice and brought us anything we wanted, he even told us about some showers & suanas that we could use free of charge. It was so nice!The only downer of the day was that the signs put up by the Nat'l Park appear to be old and have inaccurate miles on them...ie this shelter was farther then 2.5 miles from the last sign - which is frustrating when you're tired & hungery. Plus we didn't trust the sign here saying that the next shelter is only 2.2 miles away, especially when someone crossed that out and wrote 3.2 over it. Staying at the shelter is Fixy (who we had a nice dinner with) & a whole bunch of people we haven't met. Hopefully Fiver and Rock Hound made it out of Fontana.
Date: 2003-03-23
From: Molly Ridge Shelter

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Tonight is first hand experience with the infamous Smoky "bear proof" shelters. These are 3 sided shelters, the same as most, but they have an extra feature of a chainlink fence across the 4th "open" side to keep out bears. So far so good no bears with thumbs (to open the door) have shown up. Overall today was a good day beautiful weather, great views, we caught Trailfrog while Rock Hound and Fiver caught us. We feel abnormally tired for the miles we did but this Smoky Mountain thing isn't a cake walk. I'm definately looking forward to a zero day in Hot Springs... it's funny i think of it like a weekend day or a vacation day but isn't everyday out here a vacation day?!Staying at the shelter is Fiver, Rock Hound, Team Spud (Home Fry & Hashbrown) & one other yet to be determined man.We hiked up to the ridge line which is the border of NC and TN - into our 3rd state but not quite out of our 2nd. Today we also summitted the famous mountain "Rocky Top", I (3 Sock), didn't know the lyrics to the song so just kept repeating the words "Rocky Top" as we climbed the mountain - some may find that annoying but Thin Mint is still with me!
Date: 2003-03-24
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Icewater Spring Shelter 
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

As I told Thin Mint, today was a magical day. Woke up to a cold morning and we were NOT the last ones out (although we were the last through-hikers out). An easy 2 miles to the next shelter where we saw Fiver taking a break. We sat along with him and I spotted a small deer walking about 60 feet behind Fiver and Thin Mint!Day continued with a nice stroll up Clingmans Dome - the AT goes 0.1 miles from the summit yet is still the highest point of the AT. We hiked to the summit and the only people present were us two and Fiver and Rock Hound. No crowds due to the road up Clingmans being closed. There is a great tower on top of the mountain where Rock Hound exhibied his rock climbing abilities - I'm sure the Park Service would be thilled to see their facilities being utilized to the fullest!Great hike down Clingmans, and we were looking forward to potential trail-magic at Newfound Gap (road leads down to the "wonderful" town of Gatlinburg). I climbed up the hill to the gap and the site was unbelievable... 150 shining cars, traffic whizzing by me, tourists walking in all directions; "Where is Thin Mint?!" Finally I spot her in the parking lot talking to a woman with the hatch of her SUV open - translation - Trail Magic! Apparently Thin Mint went through the same shock as I did and found Mrs. Hotdog (Trail Angel - Wife of Hotdog) waving at her as she stood in classic deer caught in headlights pose. After my 2 Cokes, 3 cookie packets, 8 small donuts, a banana, and an apple (over 1000 calories in 15 minutes), we meandered our way up 3 miles to the shelter. My stomach could have felt better (wonder why?) but my legs loved the calories. Note: Thin Mint was also not shy about accepting trail magic.Shelter pretty much full when in walks Andy White - he has tracked us down and ready to hike some miles! Evening ended with a great story from Rock Hound. Today was one of the best days on the trail as of yet and I cannot wait to spend many more great days hiking the trail with my lovely girl...
Date: 2003-03-25
From: Icewater Spring Shelter 

To: Cosby Knob
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: clear sky

We're beat... the grade was too easy and we made it to the 13 mile shelter way to early. So here we are at the 20.5 mile shelter. But it was all worth it because tomorrow we get real food, ie. things that haven't been freeze dried or dehydrated. By pushing on we were able to stay with Fiver & Rock Hound which is obviously a plus. Afterburn & Rabbit are here at the shelter too, as well as some weekenders.
Date: 2003-03-26
From: Cosby Knob

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

So this wasn't a record mile day but how often do you get to sit around and email by candle light waiting for your pizza to show up. Standing Bear Farm is a pretty interesting place, it seems that the owners are just slowly building a really nice little camp / shelter area here. He, Curtis, has expanded from just a bunkhouse to a cabin, couple of showers, outdoor laundry, internet access, cooking center (with microwave, 'frig & cooktop). It has an amazingly homey feel to it that is so wonderful for us hikers.Well the guys just came back with the pizza & as much as i like writing on this tiny little keyboard, it's pizza!Pizza done, continue writting: Day started by cruising 8 miles mostly downhill to Davenport Gap - so long smokies, you've been wonderful! Afterburner, Fiver, and Rock Hound decided to follow us 1.3 miles down the road - where we needed to pick up our next mail drop. They didn't do the extra miles for companionship - they too knew of the "huge hamburgers" that are sold at Mountain Mama's! After bellies were full with burgers, grilled cheese, fries, and soda we meandered our way along a beautiful stream to Standing Bear.Another great night with Fiver, Rock Hound, Afterburner also Sandle & Stranger.
Date: 2003-03-27
From: Standing Bear Farm

To: Roaring Fork Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: clear sky

Today was one of those days that i had been dreading. It wasn't an especially difficult day, terain wise and we have hiked longer miles but i was beat. I started out the day dead tired on a 4 mile climb which was the smaller of the climbs today. I think i was more mentally exhausted than anything.I'm (and i think everyone is in the same boat) doing much better after food and getting all warm in my sleeping bag. The best part of the day has to be our contest. We (Rock Hound, Fiver, Afterburner, 3 Sock & i) have decided that we are lacking of holidays or birthdays to celebrate, so we created Happy Hot Springs Day (or Tommyknocker Liberation Day, for no good reason). We will be getting into the town of Hot Springs, NC tomorrow and feel the need to celebrate. All day while hiking Rock Hound & 3 Sock worked on their stories for the concept (or purpose) of HHSD. Both were hilarious and had us crying from laughing so hard. I think that the one thing that we (thru hikers) have the hardest time conveying to our friends & family back home is how much of a community we are apart of here on the trail. We may spend only one night at a shelter with someone or you may spend weeks hiking with them. You become close quicker than expected because you share the same aches & problems, carvings & annoyances. But above all you walk & walk & walk.....(Next entry may make very little sense due to the abundance of beer to be drunken for HHSD).Staying at the shelter is Fiver, Rock Hound, Afterburner & Alex ( who was nice enough to laugh along with our stories even thought no one in their right mind would find them funny except the 5 of us).
Date: 2003-03-28
From: Roaring Fork Shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC (Elmer's Sunnydale Inn)
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

Maybe it was the thought of real food, or showers or just the spirit of Happy Hot Springs Day. But we all flew down the trail. By 10:30 this morning 3 Sock & i had hiked over 8 miles and we hadn't gotten up early or anything. By 1:30 we were decending upon the town of Hot Springs, which the AT goes directly through. We knew that the house/hostel we were to be staying at was supposed to be historically impressive. But neither of us expected the house to be this nice. The house is great tons of books, a music room with instruments to be played at will and plenty of space to hangout. The best part is yet to come, homemade organic vegitarian dinners and breakfasts. Tonight we're going out for BEER & bluegrass at the pub...i'm so excited.
Date: 2003-03-29
From: Hot Springs, NC (Elmer's Sunnydale Inn)

To: Hot Springs 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Currently enjoying a great zero day in Hot Springs, sitting in a reading room beginning to smell the aromas from the kitchen - cannot wait until the dinner bell! Seems nobody can sleep in and hikers all seemed to wake before 7:00 this morning. However, we had a great breakfast at the diner then were able to sneak in another few hours of sleep - hey, it's OUR zero day. It felt great to be indoors as the chilly rain came in this morning. Supposed to get a little colder and stay rainy tomorrow - that will certainly make it tough to depart from this great place tomorrow.Needless to say - the festivities for "Happy Hot Springs Day" were great and involved a plethora of beer consumption!Keep thinking that we've moved too quickly the past few days into Hot Springs so may take it a little easier into Erwin, just don't wish to leave the great people we've been hiking with.I'm glad I don't live in a cube...
Date: 2003-03-30
From: Hot Springs 

To: Spring Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light snow

Woke up in a nice toasty bed at Elmer's, looked out the window and saw 2 inches of snow. We took our time getting out of the comfy bed but when the breakfast bell rang we hurried to the dining room. We were treated to an incredible breakfast: scambled eggs/tofu, home made grits, whole grain biscuits, and granola cereal that may have been the best cereal ever!Didn't even think twice about leaving, we knew the trail was calling for us. We packed up and headed for the mountains with more snowfall forcasted. Breaking trail through a foot of snow was Fiver, Thin Mint and Afterburner. Arrived at the shelter and made room for 2 late comers - the "extras" definitely made for an uncomfortable night for Thin Mint.
Date: 2003-03-31
From: Spring Mountain Shelter 

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter 
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

COLD NIGHT! Woke up to a frosty morning, Rock Hound singing his one hit wonder, "Cold Boots", not many words to the song except "Cold Boots"! Trudged along in foot deep snow (at least the snow has stopped). We climbed many hills today and I think I can best translate this experience as follows:Imagine hiking 4 miles through snow to the summit of the best potential sleding hill with your 30+ pound sled. Upon reaching the peak you then decide that rather then to sled down the other side of the mountain you now choose to simply carry your heavy bulky sled down to the valley.Repeat.Repeat.Repeat.Arrived at a full shelter so we camped, I was able to clear a spot through all of the snow - a very nice spot if I may say so - hopefully others will enjoy. Totally frozen before bed but warmed up nicely in the tent.
Date: 2003-04-01
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter 

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter 
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: few clouds

Upon sunrise we discovered it to be a much warmer day, thermometer registered 32 degrees oppposed to something in the low 20's. Left camp late but met up with everyone at the next shelter 6 miles down the trail. Sun felt great so we took a nice lunch break - boots and socks off, feet warming up!Trail opened up after lunch, finally no more snow covered trail, no post-holing, no following up another's too small steps up a hill! For the most part the trail was wet but clear, with a few slushy areas this afternoon on the last mountain.Upon reaching the shelter we were debating hiking another 2.5 miles to a restaurant, probably better we didn't considering how muddy we were! Fiver carried on but Sandles, Beefstick, Tree, Rock Hound, and Afterburner stuck around. Once again Fixy finds us out in the woods and decides to spend the night camped behind the shelter.No longer frozen and shivering before bed! Rock Hound once again treats us to a story!