morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-04-06
From: NOC

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 13.4

Today is day 13 (Wednesday). We covered 13.4 miles today. It was quite the climb out of The NOC. The weather was nice but a bit chilly. The storm is coming in tonight with 100% chance of rain and also bringing temps in the teens. With all that we got a bunk at a local hostel for $20. So Trotter left the NOC earlier then I did as I wanted to have breakfast. I had three slices of French toast (or, lost bread, as we call it in Louisiana) and two cups of coffee. Yesterday, someone asked me if I had named my pack. My answer was no but during my hike today... I gave it a lot of thought and she now has a name . "GEETSIE". My family will understand but for those who don't , here is the explanation.My Mom, Margaret, AKA: Geetsie, is 86 years old. 7 years ago she suffered a stroke and has resided in an Assisted Living since that time. She is in a wheelchair and has a very difficult time communicating. Some days her words and sentences are clear but for the most part we spend a lot of time guessing what she is trying to say. My 5 brothers and their wives all live close and tend to her needs. I am the only one who lives out of state (Virginia). She also has some wonderful sitters.. And I joke with one, Doris who has become my Moms best friend. And I have begun to call her the sister I never had.Ok.. I digress .. So back to naming my pack ... GEETSIE. My Mom... And I say all of this with love, Is as stubborn as they come. If you don't tend to her, call her, include her, etc...she is letting you know about it. Every time I go home her immediate request is for me to take her riding. Put her in the car and just ride... She points in the direction she wants me to drive... And we just look at the crops growing, the flowers in the yards, we pull into our relatives driveways... If they are home, they come out and visit her while she sits in the car.So, I thought of my pack and said... I need my pack.. It supports me, has everything I need Just like my Mom did for me growing up... Supported me and provided for me. And, she loves to go with me... Everywhere, when I visit her. And there it was... The perfect pack name::: GEETSIE. I asked Trotter to name her pack. And she came up with a great one!! She named her pack, Tiny House. She made me laugh out loud with that one.
Date: 2016-04-07
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Fontana Dam, NC
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: few clouds

Today is day 14 (Thursday). We covered 14 miles today. Last night it STORMED! I was so happy to be in a hostel. After a nice breakfast with Ms. Donna (runs the hostel) we were shuttled to the trail head. It started with a climb.. Up Jacobs Ladder. But, all in all, the 14 miles was not too bad. Trotter and I started off together but ultimately hiked our own hike. I saw some hikers that I keep bumping into every other day or so. But the treat was meeting a young guy with a trail name of, Monkey. And guess what... He too is from Louisiana. So of course we chatted and he knows where Bunkie is... He graduated from LSU and will start medical school this year. We talked football... Louisiana food...etc. He said he got his trail name (Monkey) because he got his food bag stuck in a tree and he had to climb to retrieve his food! The next big section of the hike is the Great Smokey Mountains. To be honest... They scare me a bit. The weather, their remoteness and the climbs. But, I'll stick to my mindset of.... One day, one step at a time. Health wise... I feel good. No issues as of this moment. A big shout out to Chrissy for her unbelievable support and encouragement... She rocks. My brothers, their families, my cousins, Aunts, Uncles, old coworkers and... New and old friends...have followed my journal. Thanks to all of you. I see all of your comments and I love reading the words. I have also enjoyed writing as it helps me replay my day and again it will be my diary for this journey.
Date: 2016-04-08
From: Fontana Dam, NC

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is day 15 (Friday). We covered 15.7 miles today. We are currently at mile marker 180.4. I struggled with heading out this morning but with Trotter's encouragement... We headed out of Fontana Dam at 9. We actually entered the Great Smoky Mountains around 10:30. It was a tough climb for the first 12 miles. It started snowing around 2 pm and continued for an hour. In the Smoky Mountains you are required to sleep in the shelters.... Unless full. If they are full you can tent. The shelters are three sided, stone, dirt floor, but two levels of "platform " space. Tonight we are in Russell Field Shelter. As soon as you make it to the shelter you do all of your chores. Empty backpack, get everything you need ... Set up your sleeping area, repack what you are not going to use and hang your pack on a nail. Then you find the water source.. Purify your water for the night and the beginning of your hike the next day. Then you eat....NOT IN THE SHELTER (due to the mice). After eating... You hang your food bag and all your trash in the tree. Some shelters have cables set up like a pully system. Tonight it will dip into the teens so I have on: Two shirts, a down jacket, a buff, skull cap, long johns, socks and down socks over that. My water filter (mini swayer) is also in my sleeping bag with me so that it does not freeze. Now... You might be wondering (because I am)... Is all of this fun? Or why do this?? Well, all I can say is.... Yes and no... But right now.., on this day... Yes, I am enjoying this journey. In a week ... I might not, but I'll cross that bridge when I get there. Trotter is on the bottom platform and I am on the top next to the park ranger. So he is filling me in on day to day activities. He spends 5 days in the park.. Hiking from shelter to shelter .. Sleeping in a different one each night. Then he is back home for two days.
Date: 2016-04-09
From: Russell Field Shelter

To: Siler Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is day 16. We did 14.6 and we are at mile marker 195. About a week ago I started my journal entry with... We kicked ass. Well today, the Smokey Mountains kick my ass... Big time. After a not so good night of freezing sleep with both guys sleeping on either side of me... Snoring up a storm... We left the shelter around 8 a.m. The temperature was in the teens and the winds were blowing like crazy. There were a lot of climbs today. I am not liking the smokey mountains. Mostly because I am so cold. There were some beautiful views but short lived as I wanted out of the wind. We are in Siler shelter. There are roughly 20 folks here for the night.
Date: 2016-04-10
From: Siler Shelter

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

Ohhhhh... Where to begin. Another cold night in the shelter. And OMG can those hikers snore! Anyway we were packed and ready to start our 12.1 mile walk to Newfound Gap. The trail was covered in snow and ICE. All was going well until I followed the wrong trail for about .5 miles before I realized I need to turn around. As I did I picked up my pace and before I knew it I had tripped and did a face plant on a rock (see pic in photos). When I realized my face was bleeding I grab snow and kept it pressed to the bridge of my nose. After regrouping ... Saying several very colorful words and expressions.. I started back up to correct my mistake. Only to see Trotter and 2 other hikers making the same mistake. One of those hikers was , Southpaw. He looked at my injury and immediately started some additional first aid. Since we could not get the bleeding to stop he took out his super glue and applied it to the gash. And it worked. Trotter was his nurse and she was instructed to blow on the glue... Which she later told me... She had not brushed her teeth and she was hoping I did not mind. After all that ... Which by the way happened right at Clingmans Dome . I woill not have fond memories of that location. Off we went with 8 more miles to hike before we reached Newfound Gap where we planned on hitching a ride to Gatlinburg for the night. I took off.. My pride and face bruised... I was making it to that parking lot. Some 3 hours later I found myself about 1/2 mile from the parking lot. I saw two ladies out for a day hike. I immediately asked if they were going to Gatlinburg... Which is a 30 minute drive from the trail head. When they said YES... I asked for a ride into town. Without hesitation they said yes. Now there are two more trail Angels.... Cynthia and Linda.! Thanks ladies you are the best. Trotter was a going to catch her own ride when she made it to the gap. Something we had already discussed. Anyway... My trail Angels gave me grapes and drove me all the way to my hotel. So very kind. Trotter caught a ride with a guy driving a pick up truck. She jumped in the back and half the way down his truck caught on fire!! After addressing that issue... He drove her into town and dropped her about .5 from the hotel. She called and we both laughed saying what a crazy day I will add that when I fell I was also saying to myself... I'm going home.. This sucks... Who's idea was this, etc. but after a shower and a great hamburger and knowing that tomorrow will be a zero day. I'm good. I'll rest tomorrow and start again on Tuesday.
Date: 2016-04-11
From: Newfound Gap

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a zero day. No hiking. Rest, washing clothes, eating, grocery shopping, hitch hiking (to and from grocery). With my black eye and bad haircut I thought ... Heck, I would not even pick "me" up. But, it all worked out and I secured two rides. Trotter on the other hand rode the trolley. I did not because I started my chores before the trolley started operating for the day. I ate three very big meals today knowing that the next three days will be tuna fish and protein bars. Oh, and summer sausage. It is 100% chance of rain tomorrow... Oh well.. Life goes on and so does the hike. We have a free shuttle leaving the outdoor center at 10 a.m. They will drop us at Newfound Gap and we will walk for 10.2 miles to the first shelter. We are still in the Smoky Mountains.. And that is the rule... Stay in a shelter or tent right next door. I will post whenever I have cell service. Oh, my face is pretty bruised... And yes, I have a black eye. Several friends have said I should come up with some amazing story as to how it happened.... Like, I fought off a bear, getting into a scuffle over sleeping space in a shelter or saving Trotter as she was falling off a cliff. Bottom line... I fell like a big klutz. Trotter has moved her super glue from the repair kit to the first aid kit.
Date: 2016-04-12
From: Newfound Gap

To: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a very tough day for me. I was feeling a bit off when I started my hike (11 a.m.) but thought it would pass. Well, it did not pass and I was sick all day. I could not keep water or food down..... I was determined to make it 15.1 miles so I could set myself up to get out of the Smoky Mountains by Wednesday. When I arrived at the shelter (6:00 p.m.) it was full with at least 40 people in and around the shelter. I could not even find a tent shot.   I saw Monkey (the young man from Louisiana) and he said, "hey, I am up the trail about 300 yards on a flat spot and there is room for a few tents. So, I gathered my water and headed up the trail. PERFECT! I set up tent, hung my bear bag and got went to bed! I was exhausted. Two other folks joined the "out of bounds camping spot." Trotter stopped at Pecks Corner Shelter which was a few miles behind me. I am hoping we reconnect in a day or two. As for the views in the Smoky Mountains - - I saw NONE.... there was so much cloud cover, etc... that all I could see was the trail.
Date: 2016-04-13
From: Tri Corner Knob Shelter

To: Mile marker 240.6
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

After a good nigh of rest I was up and out of my camping spot at 8 a.m. I woke at 6:30 and ate some cheese and summer sausage as a test to see if I could keep it and some water down - - before I started hiking. Success!! I was the first one out, of the 4 who slept at the "out of bounds" camping spot. The views today were wonderful. I finally was able to see part of the Smoky Mountains. But in all honesty... I was so ready to leave the park...that I was on a mission to make my mileage. When I was close to the I-40 (which the AT crosses) I contacted Tricia, a friend of Chrissy's, who has a sister that lives near (about 30 minutes from the crossing). And once again - - TRAIL ANGELS ---out of no where... appear. Don and Maureen picked me up at the crossing, brought me into town (Newport, TN), where we had a great Mexican meal and I am now at their house for the night!! Washing clothes, etc.... What a treat. Tomorrow Don will take me back to the trail head where I will start again. BUT....not until we have a good breakfast. OHHHH, the kindness of strangers. THANKS DON and MAUREEN (and Tricia).Trotter is making her way and again I hope to reconnect with her in a day or two. I also ran into a friend of Southpaw, the man who helped me with my face injury, and she said that he was injured and will be off the trail for a few days recovering from a foot issue. I am often asked, "are you having fun." The answer is - - sometimes yes and sometimes no. But I am enjoying the total experience. And this is my walk - - regardless of how far I make it - - I know that it is worth all of the energy, planning and (yes) the pain.   I do hope to make it all the way but I have had a few conversations with myself -- - and accepted that however far I make it... is just fine. Tomorrow I look forward to being back on the trail and heading North. Thanks again for all of the support.
Date: 2016-04-14
From: Mile marker 240.6

To: roaring fork shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is day 21 (Thursday). I covered 15.1 miles and I am currently at mile marker 255.7. After a wonderful evening at Trail Angels, Don and Maureen's home...plus breakfast with Don, who then drove me back to the trail head where they picked me up (yesterday)..I started my hike at 8:45 a.m. Quite the up hill climb but being out the Smoky Mountains is such a big boast for me. The hiking day was PERFECT. I was a little concerned about water but as I came down one of the last big climbs (snowbird mountain) I saw what looked like trail magic waiting. Once again let me explain what happens to a thru hiker when they see...trail magic. Your step quickens, you hope they don't leave before you get there, you hope it is pizza, coke, beer, cookies, pop tarts, honey buns. I arrive and there sat 2014 thru hiker Weeze and his girlfriend Nicole and their dog Charlie. There were 8 pizzas, beer, coke, honey buns, chips and chairs to sit. Wow...PERFECT. I had pizza, coke, a honey bun and took a bag of chips to go. It was even special hanging out a bit with their dog, Charlie. Made me miss Sammi.From there I climbed up Max Patch summit. What a view (google it))I stopped at 4 p.m. today and set up my tent and 30 minutes later, Monkey (from Louisiana) showed up. It is always nice to see him.All my chores are done and it is 6:30 and I'll start getting ready for bed. I also spend time reading and reviewing my map each night. Trying to set myself up for good resupply days.It was a great day to hike. Thanks to all the trail Angels who have helped me get this far.CHRISSY... THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU... you are the best with your support...and love... I march forward..
Date: 2016-04-15
From: roaring fork shelter

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 18.0

Today is day 22 (Friday). I covered 18 miles today and I am now in Hot Spring, NC. Just so you know...I'll go in and out of TN and NC for quite some time. I was up and out of camp at 7:45 a.m. I was planning on hiking 14 today but ended up doing 18 so I could make it into town. I secured a bunk ($20) at the Laughing Hostel. It has all that I need. A bunk, a shower and very nice folks. I'll take a zero day tomorrow as the town is having a Hiker Bash weekend. Lots of vendors, etc... I am having some trouble with loading pictures but when I figure it out I'll be sure to add some to each entry.I heard from Trotter and she is about 1.5 days behind me but she is on her way. We might see each other while I am in Hot Springs.When I got to town, I walked to the washateria to wash clothes... I then walk about the corner to the community center to have a spaghetti dinner, salad, drink, brownie...all for $6. And it was GREAT. Again..I'll zero tomorrow... and that will be my third zero since I started three weeks ago. Even though my stat thing says differently... I can't seem to figure out how to correct it. But, my feet will enjoy the break....as will I. Several of the other hikers are doing zero's as well to enjoy the celebration in town. Thanks again for following along.And again... Chrissy you rock...
Date: 2016-04-16
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: The Laughing Heart Hostel
Miles today: 0.51
Weather: clear sky

I am at the hostel and will be here again tonight. Prior to going to bed the guy next to me said - - are you are light sleeper (YES I AM).... because I snore and it is LOUD..people always complain. I just looked at him and said, Please tell me you are kidding!!! Well it is 5:30 a.m. and I have given up on sleeping. I struggled all night to get sleep...I had ear plugs, I pulled my sleeping bag over my head... I cursed him under my breath... NOTHING worked. Here is the good news: I am having a delightful cup of coffee. There is a diner, about 100 yards away, that opens at 6 a.m.!! And even better news is - -tonight I will be sleeping, at the hostel, but in a private room ...with a door!! Oh, the simple things in life. (Thanks Chrissy). Today I will enjoy you zero day...and check out all of the happenings in Hot Springs, NC. Here is another hostel funny: There is a rack of clothes, shirts, pants, that you can borrow. The reason is most folks arrive with all dirty clothes (as I did) and in order to wash you obviously need something clean to wear while you are in town washing clothes. I picked out a cool t-shirt and shorts. Again - -the simple simple things in life that we sometimes don't think about. The guys at this hostel are awesome. Tie, who hiked the trail is one of the caretakers,.... she is awesome. Her partner is Solo and he too is a through hiker. If you are reading this and you are a thru hiker.... I would recommend this place. OK, off to the diner and the fun for the day. And.... hopefully off my 55 year old feet. I have been fortunate with blisters... Only a few hot spots and all else is good. My legs have felt fine, my right shoulder continues to bug me, my hip sometimes ask, "what the heck are you doing to me" - - I attribute all of this to wear and tear from previous activities. That sounds good anyway. Thanks again for the support. I do love hearing from everyone.Shot out to ALL OF THE GUYS/GALS from my work (previous life) that are following me. You guys stay safe out there...I think of you often... especially when a plane is overhead ... I worry about you guys and hope that you have been upgraded on that flight - - while I cover 2 miles per hour! And, those nice hotels - - ENJOY that Shout out to Juls a through hiker I met about a week ago. You are doing well, keep trucking, maybe we will cross paths again. If not, keep me posted via text. You are rock solid!!
Date: 2016-04-17
From: The Laughing Heart Hostel

To: little laurel shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

Today is Sunday, day 24. I covered 19.6 miles (8.5 hours). I am currently at mile marker 293.3, little laurel shelter. Trotter made it to Hot Springs yesterday and she was able to get a room at a small hotel. I was in the hostel. This morning we had breakfast together and I left from there to start my hike. Trotter had some errands and chores to do so she was leaving around 11. Hot Springs was a cool little town. It was nice spending the day there. I met, Hobby, he is 85, served in the Korean War and now volunteers in the park service maintaining trails. I also met, Back Scratch and Can Do. They are a couple from Hawaii. Can Do is from Taiwan. She told me that if she can complete the trail she will be the first one from her country to do so. When they hit the halfway mark they plan on trying to get a little coverage about her quest.   I saw only one other hiker today. It was a bit odd. But when I made it to the shelter ...there are 6 others here. I have set up my tent as I don't like sleeping in the shelters. Too much snoring and too many mice. Today I listened to music as I hiked. This was a first. I was lucky to catch a good country station (sorry Suzanna H) on my San Disk. There are so many flowers starting to cover the forest floor. I have enjoyed watching Spring happen before my eyes.
Date: 2016-04-19
From: Rector Road

To: whistling gap 
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Tuesday, day 26. 19.4 miles covered currently at mile marker 328.8. Stayed at Hiker Paradise last night. As I mentioned earlier it was perfect. This morning the rooster began his wake up call at 4:30. At around 5, blackie, the cat jumped in my bunk and kept butting her head into mine... Asking me to pay her some attention. Of course I did even though I am more of a dog person. I was up and drinking coffee around 6 and was on the trail by 7. It was a beautiful day. There was some cloud cover so that helped keep the temperature down a bit. The first 6 miles of the hike were... You guessed it.... UP HILL! I saw one southbound hiker, Tumbling Bear, from Mississippi. She is 70 and spends a few days on the trail then heads back home. I caught up to 3 north bound hikers and we all had the same destination in mind. Whistling Gap. We shared conversation while gathering water for the camp site. All are very nice.. 2 guys.. One from Maine in his 70's. One from Kentucky ... I'm guessing 62 (ish). And one women who is only out for a few days. She said she is testing it to see if it might be something she would like to do. I had good cell service most of the day so I was able to call several of my friends and family members. And of course ... My Mom (Geetsie). With her limited speech she is still able to ask... "Where are you now?" Before Starting the trail, I put a map of the AT on her wall so she can see it from her chair. My family moves a little arrow pointing to my last location each time they visit. That way she can watch the progress. So today we talked about the arrow moving up... Ever so slowly. I did hear from Trotter today. She is currently sending the night in the same hostel I was in last night. So, she is one day behind me. I'm sure we will reconnect a bit later. Several people have asked about any wildlife that I have seen. I have not really seen any except I have seen several owls. They are quite interesting. Their movements are very deliberate ... Slow wing flaps, landing ever so gently on a branch and then they watch me walk. I can see their heads turning and following my movement. Pretty cool.My big climb today was to Bald Mountain. When I saw it from the distance I was thinking... Gosh I sure hope I don't have to climb up there!!! Well, I did and it provided quite the views. I'm in my tent right now ... Blogging.. And there is one serious wood pecker out there. I sure hope he moves to another tree or sleeps through the night!! Oh my... Now there are two wood peckers. Good night!