morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-11-07
From: Nolichucky Bridge, Erwin, TN

To: River Rd, Unaka Springs Rd, Erwin, TN
Miles today: 10.7

We decided to treat ourselves to a sleep-in because it was raining and the temperature is dropping again. We made it until 8am, sigh! Steve and Roxann took us to an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. For the first time in my life, the buffet is actually worth it.We drove the little gray truck to Pisgah National Forest. Blueberry and I used to hike here a lot before the kiddies came. It's as beautiful as I remember. We had an easy hike of 11 miles. We started at 2pm and got to Erwin by 6pm. We amused ourselves today by imagining a book and then a movie. The girls casted everyone. This is according to them. Emma Thompson would play me. They couldn't think of young enough Chinese actresses so they said unknowns would have to be discovered. Ryan Gosling for their brother Boots and Emma Watson for their big sister Whoops and the Hagrid actor (Robbie Coltrane) for Blueberry. Anyone who has helped us or hikers they liked were also casted. You might not like the results but they are open to changes. It went on like this for hours with lots of serious debate. We have made days fly with conversations like this though usually it's more like "would you rather be a rat or a fly and why?" We passed a shelter during the day and three young men were deeply asleep. Either the cold rain or beer in Erwin did them in. We just quietly passed by. Steve picked us up at the Nolichucky Bridge in Erwin. Roxann made a huge delicious dinner. Her youngest son and his new bride joined us. Again the house was filled with storytelling and laughter. We are so spoiled right now I don't know how we can leave. Steve has cold beer waiting in the car and Dr. Enufs for the girls. We get hugs and cheers. It's been remarkable. I keep telling them they need to start a hostel and or shuttling service. Steve and Badonk spend hours planning our hikes. Big miles tomorrow since our packs are back after that. So a happy good night to all of you out there. Do something new and challenging as soon as you can! It will restore your soul.
Date: 2013-11-08
From: Sams Gap, US 23, I-26

To: Spivey Gap, US 19W
Miles today: 13.4

So today's discussion was again the movie. In a call from home, Blueberry said it was interesting to note that most people were cast with Harry Potter characters. Lord of the Flame assumed Morgan Freeman would be casted to play him, but LOTF, wouldn't Dumbledore be more like it? --without the beard he will look younger. He is the wise one. But the longest discussion today centered around dreams, as in aspirations. As most you probably know by now hiking the AT was a lifelong dream of my. Mostly I wanted to be a mom and spend a lot of time with my kids. The girls want to hear from all of you out there. What was or is your ultimate dream and/or bucket list. We'd like to know. My next one is visiting the Galapagos Islands. Cub wants to be a famous, "but not too famous," writer. Badonkadonk wants to be a baker and own a bakery. How about? Maybe we will get some ideas!It was a chilly 22 degrees this morning, 40 by the time we started out of Johnson City at 8:30am. We hiked on frozen leaves and solid mud. It was frost-bite kind of cold in the shade but tolerable in the sun. Big Bald Mt had a gorgeous 360 view of the mountains with occasional arctic blasts. The hikers we met validated our feelings of just wanting to be done. We know it will get colder. The cold zaps our energy. We want to pull out huge miles but the days are shorter and colder. We slip a lot on the frosty leaves and also spend precious time putting clothes on and the pulling them off again. Our legs are weary and we just want to be home. I miss blueberry so much it hurts my heart. He had to talk me through a crying jag today. We are no where near giving up because we are so close. We just want to finish and get warm. Thank goodness Steve and Roxann took us in. They fattened us up and let us warmly rest. We have been hugged, loved and cared for. It is hard to leave. We felt guilty today when our fellow hikers told us about their frozen boots and water bottles. That will be u tomorrow as we set out into the cold. Wish us luck. Entertain us and tell us your dreams, please Note: To write to us you can always click on "Sign Guess book" link on the left or just click here:Sign My Guess Book
Date: 2013-11-09
From: Spivey Gap, US 19W

To: Shy of Rector Laurel Rd, TN
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It was with weepy eyes and heavy hearts we left our friends. They stuffed us full at an all you can eat breakfast buffet. We ate for such a long time that lunch came out! Before we left last night we stopped by the dreaded Walmart. We need to resupply our food. We also wanted to buy a few exquisite thank you gifts and knowing Walmart's penchant for the unique we found them. When we got home with our singing Christmas tree and other items the girls excitedly handed them out. Then Steve and his daughter Rachel got out surprises for us....Headbands that will protect our ears and a TWO POUND Snickers candy bar! It was a celebratory fun night like Chanukah/Christmas. We also weighed ourselves and our bags. We all gained weight at their house. I'm carrying a 39lb bag, heavy with food and water. Badonkadonk's is 29 lbs and Cubs is 20 lbs. we are leaving fat and spoiled!I had a really nice conversation with the daughter of the man, Terry Scott, who inspired this dream of mine. If you've read this blog you'll remember he was a Vietnam vet who found peace in the woods so he took my brother and I and other kids hiking and camping. He's the person that first showed me the AT. He passed away 13 years ago this month. I think about him daily. I think that you always carry a piece of that special person who is gone in your heart. It's like they live on a bit, especially as I tell stories about Terry to my kids. During this journey I've had so much time to think and reconnect to the past. Things become very clear out here when you have the time and lack of interruptions to just think. We have loved everyone's dreams/bucket list answers. It's been entertaining and fun. It's giving us new ideas, haha! If peace and time are what you want, Lorna, come walk the AT with Nancy! I yearned for calm and now I have it. Time slows down on the AT. Your focus narrows and you can hardly remember all the stuff you felt obligated to when at home. It is incredibly freeing. My dad on the other hand says he's fulfilled his bucket list. I bet my mom has some ideas to keep him going. Though I think it must be peaceful to know you've attained your dreams. We are huddled together in the tent on a big pile of soft leaves. We slip on the leaves all day but at night they are wonderfully soft and insulating. We can hear little creatures scurrying all around the tent. Hopefully they don't decide we would be warm to join and chew their way in. We can hear dogs barking and some gun shots. It's pitch black out but only 7:15pm so I don't know if hunters are out so late. We didn't hang our bear bag of food because we are too cold. Will let you know in the morning if we regret that decision! I'm absolutely not advocating anyone follow this lazy choice! Having our full bags back on has tuckered us out. I'll probably dream about bears tonight. Good night all.
Date: 2013-11-10
From: Shy of Rector Laurel Rd, TN

To: Jones Meadow by Whiterock Cliff, NC
Miles today: 12.8

We were lazy girls, rising at 9:30am! The cold makes us hibernate like bears. We took 2 hours to leave so we ended up hiking in the dark with headlamps....over rocks and ledges that were the most dramatic since we flipped. Halfway through we got too tired so we set up a tent just passed White Cliffs, about a mile before the fire tower. We were trying to make it to Laurel shelter but gave up about 2 to 3 miles before that. The night before we were able to build a nice fire. We cooked our veggie burgers over the open flame. We found a soft leafy spot by water to camp at. One advantage of all these leaves is soft ground. The disadvantage is trying to hike uphill or on narrow ledges without slipping. We actually do slip all day. We are so afraid of going over a ledge. I doubt we'd get killed but we'd probably be injured. I'm not sure how far we'd slide. The ledges are about a foot to two feet wide. They conveniently slope from years of wear and water. They don't drop off into an abyss but do have long downward slopes into bowl-like basins. I suppose the trees might stop our fall but not too gently! The pretty leaves are almost entirely gone. Now we have depressing stick branches everywhere. Sometimes a tree has white silvery bark and it contrasts starkly with the brilliant blue winter sky. That always stirs me and I can find real beauty in it. The brown leaves are so thick they cover our shoes and are often up to the girls' knees! The crunching sound is so loud we can't even talk over it and hear each other. If we play music, a new addition to our hiking that I didn't allow at the beginning, we have to play it fairly loud to even hear it. I guess I caved on the music because we have talked about everything we can think of several times over. Cub is also practicing her prayers for her Bat Mitzvah. Hopefully she learns all of her Hebrew while she walks. We still have hours of talking and laughing to do and of course the rare arguing. We get along remarkably well considering I'm with a teen and preteen. I'm actually pleasantly surprised. I think the girls really see me as a person now. I'm still the mom they've had to count on, I still correct them when needed and still give out lots of hugs and kisses. They are just such easy going girls. I call them "my Buddhas". They have a calm peace about them, especially out here. I can't imagine better hiking partners. Probably part of the reason I'm not as sad to finish as many of the NOBOs I've seen is because we get to go home together whereas they are usually parting from their hiker family. We are really wanting to be home. The cold and lack of stuff to look at is getting us homesick. Wish us good weather and we can make it. If it gets too bad we will just have to come home.
Date: 2013-11-11
From: Jones Meadow by Whiterock Cliff, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: few clouds

I was so cold last night. And "peaceful Buddha" girl - I jinxed her and myself - couldn't sleep so she sighed loudly and banged into me with her thrashing every time she woke up. She decided if she was miserable then mom had to be too. This is Badonkadonk I'm talking about. Cub snored happily through the night. It's remarkable how easily she adjusted to her cast. It will be cut off this Friday! We are so happy that she can finish with her arm free! Did you know you cannot lick stuff off of your fingers when your arm is entrapped in a elbow high cast?!We drank lots of energy mix at 6am when we called the attempted sleep time quits. Maybe that oversleeping yesterday did us in. It's remarkable how many miles you can go if you get up early. Surprisingly sunrise wasn't until 7:20am. We got up and out because we wanted to get to Hot Springs. We hiked about 23 miles today. It included many very steep ups. My calves are still burning. It was worth it. This town is very friendly and sweet to walk through. We ate an amazing meal and then got an hour in the hot spring water. Relaxed, clean and happy we returned to the adorable HEATED cabin by the river. We each have our own bunk bed so that will be delightful.We aren't sure what we will do tomorrow. Everyone is telling us a huge storm is coming in all along the AT area. It's supposed to rain and snow. We will decide in the morning. We had hoped to get to the north entrance of the Smokies by Thursday. Whoops!, my oldest daughter is picking us up there and rushing us back to Tampa for the cast removal and my niece's wedding. We promised a year ago we'd be back for it since we absolutely thought we'd be done by now. The broken arm slowed us down but amazingly did not end our journey. Cub doesn't even seem to notice it. Her adaption to it has been remarkable to see. I told her I loved her tenacity and she gave me a huge smile. She said it's helped her as a writer and a person to experience a handicap. She always blows me away with her observations and comments. Kids really do help you redefine the world. I'm so glad I've gotten to share my life with four funny, entertaining and wise kids. I am certainly blessed. Off for a much needed good night sleep. Good night All!
Date: 2013-11-12
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0

And Badonkadonk writes:Looking at the forecast for today it was not looking good. There was a high probability of rain and really cold weather maybe even snow. We decided last night to sleep in today and get a good look at the weather when we wake up we were going to debate whether to hike on today or stay. When we woke up it was really grey and raining a little bit. We decided it would be best not to hike in the cold rain. So we took a zero today. We went to breakfast at this little diner in town. Cubby got this huge veggie skillet thing. It was ginormous! While at the diner, it really started pouring and we were happy not to be hiking. On the way back to our cabin we stopped at the outfitters to see if CoMomdo and Cubby could find a warm jacket/sweater thing so that they are not as cold at night. We also got a bunch of AT stickers for Cubby's room and other little things. After, we had to walk all the way to the Hot Springs Resort office to get this paper thing saying we were staying another night. Mom was frustrated because it was raining and cold and we had to walk a ways to get this thing that we didn't really need. When we finally got back to our warm cozy cabin we all got into our sleeping bags and just laid in bed either reading, sleeping, eating, listening to music, or journaling/blogging. It felt really good to just do nothing all day and rest for awhile. The only thing that got us up was if we had to go to the bathroom. Unfortunately we have to go outside and use the public restrooms. But we are happy to be able to stay in a warm place for at least one more night.
Date: 2013-11-16
From: Tampa

To: Thonotosassa
Miles today: 0.0

Recently (as of 11/5/13) Updated Statistics for 2013 2000 milers:Looks like a tough year for thru-hikers. Of the 2700 Northbound hikers leaving Springer mountain and attempting to thru-hike to Katahdin, only 323 (12%) have completed the 2186 mile journey so far. Only 18 Southbound hikers have completed the Maine to Georgia trek. Not sure how many set out this way yet.AND in the great tradition of the Flip Floppers, 91 flip floppers registered at Harpers Ferry West Virginia this year. Cub, Badonkadonk, and me were the 34th, 35th, and 36th to register. So far 19 (21%) of us floppers have finished. Wow we are a successful bunch! We're "wishing and hoping and thinking and praying and planning and dreaming" and singing and HIKING so that this number will go up by at least three in the next few weeks.Only 240 miles to go! And thanks to all who are cheering us on.
Date: 2013-11-23
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Stecoah Gap, just past TN143
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained all night and most of the am. We didn't start hiking until 11:30am. Our shelter was so tiny and open but it kept us dry. The mice also stayed away from us and the water flowed rapidly in the little stream right by us. We heard from other hikers that tonight is going to be in the teens. We tried to call a shuttler to pick us up so we could get to a hostel. I guess because the main season is over they aren't available. We were so bummed. We were thinking about heat and showers but staying out won't be too bad. We've been through worse. We found that sleeping on top of our silver emergency blanket really keeps us warmer. We also got some hand warmers and we are diggin those. Clevergirl and Dumptruck, we went down Jacobs Ladder. We remember you telling us about that and Charlie's Bunion. Both were gorgeous. We are so glad we got to go down Jacobs Ladder. It was very steep and slippery but must have been an air sucking up!It was sad to rush the Smokies but we are getting so cold. I've hiked them before and I know we will be back. The girls really want to see it in the spring or summer. Also it was completely foggy so we had no views. It does bother me to rush the end but we have to. We will make notes about the places we know we need to do again. Sometimes being a thru hiker has its drawbacks. We took so much time playing and enjoying the sites in the beginning now we've gotten too far into the Winter. The broken arm and family obligations also added to our schedule. We are tenting 13 miles from the Nantahala Outdoor Center. We plan to just hike in tomorrow and then meet the grandparents. We are very eager to see them again. They slack packed us in Massachusetts and we haven't seen them since the broken arm. The girls are excited to spend time with them and get spoiled! Once again family and friends continue to help us make this journey a success. It's like my whole life, I've always been so loved and supported. I couldn't have done or gotten through the things I have without such gracious, generous and giving people. Thanks all! You make life so rich for us.
Date: 2013-11-26
From: Sapphire Inn

To: Outfitters, Mexican Food and Cinema
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: heavy snow

Because of the freezing rain we decided to head to Franklin and hole up. We wanted to get Grandma and Grandpa on the road and out of here before the snow starts. You cannot imagine how wonderful it was to see them. They've added to the girls' loving stories and memories of their special grandparents. We are so lucky to have them in our lives. This morning at breakfast we were surprised by early Chanukah presents. The girls were thrilled to receive athletic jackets. Seeing them in different clothing is weird. We wear the same thing everyday. In fact we are currently out and about in our pajamas today. We only have one set of stinky hiking clothing an sleeping clothing. I received gloriously yummy perfumed lotion. Oh to be girlie again. We were so sad to see Grandma and Grandpa go. We had so many laughs and happy moments. This morning Grandpa regaled us with lawyer jokes. Last night I was talking our waitress into hiking the AT. She has wanted to do it so I was just encouraging her. Grandpa cracked me up when he jokingly said,"Congratulations! You've convinced another person to waste half a year of their lives!" He meant it lightheartedly. He and Grandma are so amazed that we have beaten the odds and made it so far. They are proud of us. We really love them and are so thankful that they have shared their lives with us. Were off to see Thor and hopefully Hunger Games. We hope we can fit both movies in plus get some sleep. We have our fingers crossed that we will be able to hike tomorrow. We have 3 SOBO guys next door at the hotel and they want to slack pack the same section. If the rain stops and turns into snow we can do it. Plus my sweetie Blueberry and Grammie are coming to get us tomorrow to take us to Nashville for a family Thnaksgivacah. (Thanksgiving and Chanukah are on the same day. Last occurrence was 1888). We can't wait to eat all that yummy home cooked food!
Date: 2013-11-27
From: Franklin, NC

To: Nashville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Last night I spoke to a shuttler from the local Outfitters. He was taking 3 Texas SOBO hikers up to hike today. I asked for his advice about going up into the mts to hike today. He absolutely thought we should avoid hiking. When the pros give that kind of advice we listen. The weather looked better than we thought but who knows how the mts would be. It is really windy and in the twenties. So we had a good sleep in and sluggified ourselves and watched tv. The maid came so we headed out in the snow to a sushi restaurant. It was delicious. By the time we finished Blueberry and Grammie arrived to load us up in the car bound for Nashville and good times! Hope we can sit still for 5 hours.
Date: 2013-12-01
From: Wayah Gap

To: Wallace Gap
Miles today: 8.6

Ohhhhh! Our aching stomachs! We ate and we ate and we ate. I believe the whole family was trying to fatten us up for the grand finale. The rest and the food have given us the super strength we need to finish this grand adventure. The AT never stops playing a mind game with you. Most people think that because we are so close we would have no doubts about finishing. This isn't how we are feeling. In one way it's hard to think about leaving the trail and resuming our regular lives. Yet we have gotten so cold we have lost our fun factor. We can no longer swim or take long breaks. There are not many critters or flowers to look at. The leaves are brown and fill the path. The crunching sound of smashing leaves fill our brains and drown out each other's voices. There are so few hikers and rarely any SOBOs. The AT family support is gone. No one to look forward to catching up with. There is so little trail magic or locals to talk to. It's culturally just very different. My feet are protesting loudly. They are trying not to go on. The adventurous excitement is gone. The one redeeming positive it the views. Since the bushes and trees are winterized we can see long distances. The mountains have varying shades of blue as they ripple one behind the other. The rivers we crossed and the icicles we see are always beautiful and give us pause. I do feel like I need to soak it all up. We just hiked 9 miles today because we had to drive back to the trail from Nashville. We got on the AT about 1:45 at Wayah Gap. We got off at Wallace Gap around 4:30. Grammie is so worried about us being in the cold that she has generously offered to drop us off on the trail each day and pick us up after we hike. Again the support of our family means so much. My sister and brother-in-law gave us pep talks and took such good care of us while we recuperated a bit in their home. My niece made us sculpey clay flip flops. Blueberry stocked us with marshmallow fluff and Nutella. And Whoops got us Georgia pecans and pralines. We were all set to continue camping but now Grammie has arrived. I think she wants to keep an eye on us to make sure we get home soon. She said that her son, Blueberry, is so lonely she's doing it for him. He needs his family to return home. We will be under 100 miles tomorrow. It's inconceivable that we three actually have made it this far when so many stronger, more outdoorsy, fit people have quit, were injured or even died. There is just a huge mental element we were able to handle. I think largely because we had each other. We were also very lucky and had so much support from home. This week will be emotional and I will probably spend a lot of time reflecting on this journey and what it has given to me and also to the girls.