morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-03-27
From: Beech Gap

To: Stealth campsite near Glassmine Gap
Miles today: 13.0

We hiked with Feng Shui and Single Malt as we headed out today. Much sunshine and trail more level, at first! The trail proceeded along a precariously narrow ridge with much courage required to traverse a deep, deep valley just over the edge--PHEW!! No falls today--thank God.As we got past the tricky part and the trail leveled we came to another magical trail magic site. Two past thruhikers named Flat Bread and Fish'nFred put out a big spread including cheese sandwiches melted over a hot, huge saw blade nestled over a fire--one of the innovations these trail angels put together.We climbed Albert Mountain--one hell of a climb!! Sleepy the Arab told us that this was just about the worst terrain we would encounter until PENNSYLVANIA--we were glad to here it. We had a long ardous day and were anxious to find a place to rest for the night and didn't have the strength to continue to the Rock Gap Shelter. Found a flat overlook site and tented there for the night--it turned out to be a nice place despite some sleet through the night. Howdy stopped by our, what we thought was a secret site, to consult with Enuff about his aching knee--no troubles that some Vitamin I(Ibuprophen) won't fix, he was glad to hear!
Date: 2006-03-28
From: Stealth campsite near Glassmine Gap

To: WindingStair Gap 
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Light rain and fog greeteed us in the AM but we felt good because we are heading to town today--Franklin, North Carolina. We fixed coffee in AM-gave us a charge for the morning trek to get over the gaps and mountains today. We also had some more trail magic today while crossing the stream near Wallace Gap. The waterfall area was filled with Capri Sun Packs floating tempting us to stop and have a cool drink--these trail angels are wonderful--such nice treasures unexpected but thrilling!!!We made our way to a pickup van service provided by Ron Haven and his crew right at the parking area where the trail ends. We met Single Malt and Conductor and said our farewells as they headed north and didn't stop for a town day like we did. A shower and some real food can't be far away for us, YEAH!YEAH!
Date: 2006-03-29
From: Wayah Bald

To: Winding Stair Gap-slack pack day
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Opportunity presented itself to cover ten miles of the trail in south bound direction today. Ron Haven, owner of the Sapphire Motel, offered to transport us to trail head(without the burden of packs)for the day and return us to motel to sleep in comfortable beds for the night and we could still cover some ground in mileage. A group of us, at least two busloads of pack weary thru-hikers took him up on the offer.It was an intense ten mile trek, at about 2.5 to 3 mile per hr, this is mighty fast if you consider we had been doing about 1.5-2 mph prior to this time. It was a great day with lots of sunshine and even some offers of whiskey along the way to celebrate Rasta Legs 29th birthday!!We did get a tour of the area from Ron on the way to the dropoff and even saw the cave that Eric Rudolph was supposed to be hiding out in, during the YEARS that the FBI was searching for him. We returned to town and had a ALL YOU CAN EAT(AYCE) Chinese buffet and lots of birthday cake for Rasta's birthday. A great day was had by all--42, Rasta Legs, Feng Shui, Moe, Tender, Gravy, Thumbs, Balue, Tator, Sundance, Poles, to name a few...
Date: 2006-03-30
From: Wayah Bald

To: Stealth campsite near Teleco Gap
Miles today: 0.0

We returned to the trail to be presented again with some trail magic at the trailhead of Wayah Bald by "River Wizard". He did a thruhikea couple yrs ago and the weather was so nasty on this day that he promised to return every year and provide some good magic for the thruhikers. He lives in Knoxville TN and travels each year to this same site faithfully to "spread the love". Too Much was lovin' the beer even though it was only 11am!!!Return to the trail with packs was a little difficult but we managed to make it a good distance before we tented for the night in a off the trail site. Our neighbors that night were Thelma and Louise and Tator. Baltimore Jack, Feng Shui as well as Kerry and Jody Foster also spent the night nearby in tents.Onto NOC--tomorrow for some more rest and YEAH--A SHOWER!!!
Date: 2006-03-31
From: Stealth campsite near Teleco Gap

To: NOC--Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

Another great day of fine weather, we can sense that spring is really coming. All kinds of wild flowers are popping up we also saw our first wild animal--a turkey and a turkey vulture.We arrived in a stop that is right along the trail and is also a huge outdoor, water camp activity-like center. It was quite frantic to feel the hordes of people gathering for the weekend for adventure races and boating along the Nantahala River. We had some real food at the restaurant and slept in a cabin for the night.The peace and silence of the wilderness was broken as the competitors for the adventure race planned their tactics above our heads while in their cleatted bike shoes--oh well!!On to some more miles and return to the contentment of the wilderness, tommorow.
Date: 2006-04-01
From: NOC--Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: Cheoah Bald
Miles today: 9.0

We left NOC after a big breakfast and some fine weather greeted us again for our return to the trail. This day brought a hard, hard climb almost all day but it's hard to complain when the belly is full of town food and the sun is shining.As we decided to push a little further then the shelter we eventually ended up on a magnificent pinnacle called Cheoah Bald. The weather was super and the night was clear and we thought it would be a great night for stargazing. As we were setting up the tent, a group of youngsters from a church group in Georgia was just arriving at the same destination!! It turned out not to be as novice a choice as we thought but we were very impressed with the group and their leaders. They were very mannerly, much aware of trail manners and their name is the Royal Rangers--so if you happen to have to share the trail with them, don't worry!This was also the day that Too Much tried out her new trail shoes after giving up the boots due to some initial problems(see photo). Happy to report that it feels good and "happy feet" are now in order. Enuff also now is sporting a knee brace for some extra support to better deal with those bustin' ups and downs!!
Date: 2006-04-02
From: Cheoah Bald

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We woke to a sunny day with "The Royal Rangers" close bye.Great vievs of the surrounding mountains.Lots of people hve tol us it is one of the best views on the AT. The day got wet as we went along but it was a lite rain that was intermittent.This section of the AT is somewhat dry but just in the nick of time some Trail Magic appeared in the form of Gatoraid at Stecoah gap.Thanks to Tank and Viking."Too much" is having it easier with the new shoes.We had intended to stop just after Cody Gap but couldnt find any water (guess the map was wrong).We ended up doing the 14 mi. but tomorrow is a town day and now a shorter walk.Stayed At a shelter with a good tent site.Had a great fire and lots of laughs.The night was interesting - but that is tomorrow's story.
Date: 2006-04-03
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Hike Inn-Fontana Dam
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

It rained heavily last night but we stayed dry in the shelter. Upon escending intto the gap we sighted Fontana Dam but still had to hike over ANOTHER hill to get to a pick-up point. One surprise on the hike was spying a huge black snake who didn't quite make it to the other side of the trail before we did!Many spring blossoms were sprouting up as we made our way to this distance of 162 miles from Springer. Nodding trilliums, painted trilliums and others we couldn't name were a welcome site as we made our way into this area. We decided to stay and do a "zero day" at the Inn to recuperate from the pounding of the recent miles. It was worth it! On to the Great Smoky Mts on the 5th.
Date: 2006-04-05
From: Hike Inn-Fontana Dam

To: Rusell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: broken clouds

Great Smoky Mts Natl Park(GSMNP) is now going to be our home for the next 6 or 7 days. Hikers must stay in shelters while in the park and other various rules must be followed here--which must thru hikers find restrictive! Bear fences remain on some of the shelters(see photo) and it really makes us feel so safe, NOT!The shelters get really, really full because we don't have the option to tent and this stay was no exception. We're TALKING 14 hikers in a space meant for 8!We met a young couple from Alaska, named "Ork and Bean", they drove 5,000 miles to hike 2,000!
Date: 2006-04-06
From: Rusell Field Shelter

To: Siler Bald Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Rain greeted us today as we planned to cover 15 miles and it turned out to be horrendous!! The trail was very narrow in places and with the rain and hail! it turned into a stream bed for those long gruelling miles. It was one of those hikes that really tried our fortiude and perserverance.We did get to the shelter after 9 hrs and we had to get into our sleeping bags just to warm up before we could even think of fixing dinner.
Date: 2006-04-07
From: Siler Bald Shelter

To: Mt. Collins Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: clear sky

This day we woke to nice weather and this was a great relief after the horror hike of yesterday. Today we climbed over Clingman's Dome, this is the highest point on the AT. It was a great day and this is what makes hiking the AT worth it.
Date: 2006-04-08
From: Mt. Collins Shelter

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Because of time constraints the next entries will be brief.Started with the possibility of bad weather and got what we expected. After New Found Gap wind and rain started. Much of this hike was on ridge line. Hail and cold rain.Long hard day but once we started we were committed to finishing.Decided to skip Gatlinburg
Date: 2006-04-10
From: Kosby Knob Shelter

To: Standing Bear Farm
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Leaving the GSMNP today.Not a bad thing. No more forced Shelter Camping.Met Billy Goat(father went to Duke Family Practice Residency just after me.) Got a little lost nearing SBF. Too Much slipped in the stream and I went in after her.Just feet got wet-very wet. Blisters getting worse.Thre Pm arrived. Beer and Pizza Feng Shey, Jodi Foster, Kerry, Conductor. Unusual Place. Verry free spirited.Curtis,the owner very hiker friendly.
Date: 2006-04-12
From: Near Brown Gap-Stealth Camping

To: Stealth site near 
Miles today: 10.0

Clouds still with us. Got to Browns Gap and met trail Angel-Apple-Good time for coffee and Pastries.Still problem with Too Much's feet. Later in the ay Max Patch. Spectacular view. Tr5ail magic 9Cookies from a group of elderly hikers out for the day)Met Michael angelo Silver Back and Holly. Nihgt at Pine forst .
Date: 2006-04-13
From: Roaring Fork SHelter

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We arrived in Hot Springs after a hard climb in very warm temps and Too much with hurting feet. It was a great relief, knowing that a mattress and shower were not far away!! We spent the next three days at "Elmer's" Sunnybank Inn with many of the hikers we started out with, around March 15th. Some of our trail friends around the dinner table at Elmer's included:Conductor, Single Malt, Feng Shui, 42,Rasta Legs---there are more but we can't bring all the names back--it's was great fun.We had a great time in the Springs and even had a massage at a day spa the day before we left. The Too Much foot troubles improved slowly and we left Hot Springs on Easter morning. A real Easter treat, Peeps, were devoured by Too Much--sent by Lauren, trail name--Tina Turner--what a sweet surprise!!!
Date: 2006-04-16
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Ridge above Allen Gap
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

We left Hot Springs with sunshine and full bellys. The climb out was tough and the hot temps made it "fun". We met a hiker named "Gut" at Spring Mt Shelter, where we stopped to get some water from the nearby spring. "Gut" comes by his name honestly--he started on the trail on March 5th but had to leave the trail for ten days to have surgery on his elbow--to return undeterred and follow the trail north!!
Date: 2006-04-17
From: Ridge above Allen Gap

To: Tentsite near Big Butt 
Miles today: 13.3

We went to sleep last night with the call of coyotes but it didn't keep us from sleeping well. Today we met a hiker named "Polecat" who decided to leave the trail to retirn home. He said that even though he was on the trail by himself he never felt alone because of the company of the other hikers and all the support they provided! We hiked with Sundance and Tator and some distant thunderstorms also greeted us today. The trail was interesting today with exposed rocks and some slim ledges. We have so much more daylight these days with the start of day light saving time that Enuff started reading a book he found at a shelter. It is so weird being in the tent at 8pm and trying to sleep till 7am or so!!!
Date: 2006-04-18
From: Tentsite near Big Butt 

To: High Rock tentsite
Miles today: 14.0

Today's hike started with fog and rain and we had to climb huge boulder steps which was a real challenge. We have been hiking and tenting with Tator and Sundance during this section of the trail--it has been a lot of fun with their company. We went over steps, called stiles(photos to follow) today for the first time. Many waterfalls and hills on todays hike were both beautiful and painful. We met Single Malt today and she is now with new blisters from the new shoes--this is a way too common problem out here--as Too Much can concur!!!
Date: 2006-04-19
From: High Rock tentsite

To: Bald Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: moderate rain

Todays hike was over Big and Little Balds--what vistas we had today. This is what hiking the AT is all about--you can't see these views unless you're out here!!! We ended up in the shelter tonight with lots of company from Tator, Sundance, Feng Shui, Single Malt, Birkenstock, Gut, and some of the fast guys--Rainbow Brite, Yosshi and Fortune Cookie--stopped by to give us a few laughs before they did a night hike to the next shelter--10 miles away!!!These hiking days are hard==the hardest thing we ever done in some ways==but it is a great life. It is especially fun because of all the kooky, fun hikers we have met. We will continue to keep you informed and we promise to try to be a little more detailed in the next entries--we hope!!
Date: 2006-04-20
From: Bald Mountain Shelter

To: Tent--stealth site Temple Hill Gap
Miles today: 14.4

The hiking today was much better then it had been, in terms of ups and downs. We made good mileage and spent the night tented on a "blue blaze" trail with Tator and Sundance, our most recent hiking buddies. Too much is still challenged by foot issues and hopes to get some improvement--soon, she hopes!!!Rain greeted us upon awakening and continued as we arrived at the gap into the town of Erwin, Tennessee. The warmer temps and rain have brought with them some gorgeous new flowers/spring blooms, including wild lillies of the valley, and many other flowers we can't id--and we are NOT willing to carry a book to help us with this task!! Even though we got soaked with this trek today we were driven forward with dreams of a real mattress and hot showers.We did get our first hitch into town today--Too much put out the thumb and a local firefighter driving past stopped to offer a ride in the back of his truck!! Our trail friends Tator and Sundance arrived at the road ahead of us but didn't get a hitch and boy were they jealous as we sped past them shleping in the rain on the highway leading to the hotel--trail magic isn't always equal.We did get to the Holiday Inn and had hot pizza in our room--with a hot tub--LIFE IS GOOD!!!!
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Erwin, TN

To: Deep Gap tentsite
Miles today: 15.0

Left Holiday Inn this morning after eating our way around town with at least two stops to have rootbeer floats. As if this was necessary, as the Holiday Inn Express in Erwin gave us a free pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream each day--once again we were convinced that LIFE IS GOOD!!The trail was essentially a stream bed today after all the recent rain and at one crossing we had to remove our boots and tred two feet of rushing water!! We found the trail to be immensely dense with vegetation and some really cool fungus(photo to follow, soon) was here. Too much had a close encounter with a Cooperhead snake today when it was crossing the trail and she tried to back up but fell when she caught her foot on rock. She can describe to you all the colors of the snake as she was momentarily eye to eye with it as she lay on the trail unable to lift herself up. The burden of the pack is enormous when you leave from town with days worth of food and you also have a full belly from the breakfast bar at the Holiday Inn!! No worries though--Enuff, that old snake wrangler that he is--scared him off with the shake of his treking poles--at least that is what we tell everybody!!!We hiked today with Feng Shui and Single Malt and arrived at a tentsite that was very small and we had to get real cozy-good thing we all can tolerate each others "hiker's smell", just kidding...
Date: 2006-04-24
From: Deep Gap tentsite

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Todays hike was like being in an enchanted forest--lots of cool looking trees, clinging green moss covering everything--but it was a hard day. Everyone perceived it to be a real challenge to put the miles in today. Too much actually had some kind of GI bug and it put a real crimp in her ability to hike today. The shelter site was like old home week with just about everybody here tonight.Tator, Sundance, Feng Shui, Jody Foster, the Aussies--Waltzing Matilda, Bluie and Veggiemate-on-Toast--Rosta Legs, Armsleeve, Krazy, Bravefriend and the dog Bailey--to name a few.We passed an orchard today and met a couple section hiking named Red Beard and Curley, out for five days. It is funny though, they have to carry almost the same amount of pack weight for five days that we carry for the thru hike--just an observation we made..
Date: 2006-04-25
From: Clyde Smith Shelter

To: Overmountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Started todays hike with some fatigue but some days are like that here on the AT. A small beagle greeted us as we headed out of the shelter site--it apparently wandered onto the trail--so the hikers who already have a dog,Bailey took her along with them. Several miles into the hike, a local Hostel owner, came onto the trail and rescued her. He didn't own the dog but had heard of her being lost on the trail so he was going to have her treated at a local Vet's office and try to find a home for her. It is amazing to see the kindness of people here on the AT--in so manY ways it is renewing our faith in humanity!!As we approached Hughes Gap we came upon another site that was just the opposite--someone had left a massive, dead, potbellied pig thrown on the side of the trail--you could smell that thing before you could see it!! The local Hostel owner we met, who rescued the pup, said we could chalk it up to being near "Bubba Ville" on this part of the trail...A steep climb followed after the Hughes Gap stop and it also began to rain heavily--a 3 mile uphill climb was a struggle but then the sun came out. We have a hiker out here on the trail named "Howdy" who looks errily like Jesus so we always say we are thanking "Howdy" for the good weather when the sun comes out to warm us up. Needless to say, we gave a shout out to "Howdy" for the sunshine-- a little trail humor to keep us going out here.Many more new spring blooms are now seen as we make our way up the trail and the weeks are passing since we started this trek. Our home for the night was a restored old barn that sleeps 20 plus hikers--this was a cool place to stay but we found in the morning that the mice were really the owners of the place. They ate holes in our trash bag--we were the lucky ones-- one hiker, Kilgore Trout-- had several pages of his journal eaten-apparently they didn't like his writing style--ha, ha.
Date: 2006-04-26
From: Overmountain Shelter

To: Mountain Harbour B&B AND HOSTEL 
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: moderate rain

Today was a rainy, windy day and Too much still was recovering from her GI bug so she was slow to start. The rain which had not stopped since the previous evening had slowed everybody today, in fact. We prepared for the hike today by protecting ourselves with our Packas--the combination pack cover and rain coat--and it worked great!! We saw some remarable cloud/fog formations today which made this hard hike a little easier. Also we passed a field where Longhorn cattle were grazing but the fog was so thick we could not actually see the Longhorn!!We did get to see our first siteing of Newts today(photos to follow) which was quite a thrill to us and our consistent hiking buddies--Tator, Sundance and Feng Shui. As the rain did not let up, we decided to stay at a B&B/Hostel tonight and was that ever the right decision. We ended up staying at a $100.00 a night B&B room as all of the other hikers on this rainy, rainy day also decided to stay here at Mountain Harbour--and there was literally no more room in the $15.00/Night Hostel section. Tator, Sundance and us shared the room which was huge and even had a hot tub so it worked out great and we had a seven course home cooked breakfast included with the price of the room--SWEET!!!It rained all night, so we were VERY, VERY happy about our decision to stay indoors and had the pleasure of listening to the raindrops from the comfort of our chushy, soft& warm mattresses!!!
Date: 2006-04-27
From: Mountain Harbour B&B AND HOSTEL 

To: Slide Hollow campsite
Miles today: 10.0

We walked to the trailhead from the wonderful B&B in the morning just as the sun came out--thank you, Howdy! As we moved on up the trail, we discovered huge mounds of household trash/ furnishings/ appliances discarded by the locals in this part of the forrest--a real "Bubba ville". Today was a nice change with sunshine, mild climbs and a fabulous waterfall. It was absolutely gorgeous and it can only be seen if you're willing to hike the AT--another reason we're super glad we are out here despite the challenges and hardships we sometimes face!! We camped at a site next to a stream that was so peaceful Enuff swears he never had such a great night's sleep in his life.Got to go for now,,more later!!
Date: 2006-05-11
From: knot maul branch shelter

To: chesnut knob shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

Our entries now will have to be shorter and more concise because we don't get to computers very often and this task is getting progressively harder!!!it was raining and very cold in this area around this very high shelter--4,400 ft and counting--many other hikers were sharing space with us--we're talking there were 22 hikers in this shelter that had a stated capacity of 8 hikers!!!we had a great time getting warm and staying dry together--we even had a grilled cheese sandwich made by 42 and Lush--on their tiny little alcohol stove--
Date: 2006-05-12
From: chesnut knob shelter

To: campsite near trail boss trail and the AT
Miles today: 18.0

hiked to tent site with fog, clouds and some rain still following us--42, Lush and Feng shui tented with us that evening--Sundance was off the trail having a little R&R with her hubby, Rob--this day was marked with more reasons to celebrate as we met Allen, a trail angel who provided us with cold fruit juice and good advise about our campsite that night--we also had to "blue blaze" that day as a bridge was out and we took the designated "high water trail"--an acceptable alternative to the white blazed trail--